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February 27, 2017
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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
New bill to freeze tuition at California public colleges
The Student Protection Act, if passed, will stop tuition increases for CSUs and California Community Colleges until 2020. Mimi Li Staff Reporter
AB 393, titled the Student Protection Act, was introduced by California Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton) on February 9. It is sponsored by the California Faculty Association (CFA), a union representing over 27,000 faculty members across CSU campuses. Citing the increasingly high
rates of student debt and the cost of living, homelessness in the CSU student population, and the educational pursuits of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students as reasons for the proposed tuition freeze, the bill would prohibit tuition increases in the CSUs and California Community Colleges and freeze the cost of tuition to its amount charged as of Dec. 31, 2016 until 2020. It would also urge the UC Regents to adopt similar policies. Last November, the CSU Board of Trustees announced a potential systemwide tuition increase of five percent to cover the CSU budget deficit. In response, many students from Students for Quality Education, a statewide student grassroots organization, protested the proposed tuition
Issue 214.06
hike outside the Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach with tombstone-like signs, claiming they were the “Walking Debt.” The vote on the item was postponed until March 2017. Assemblywoman QuirkSilva, held a press conference last Tuesday at Cal State Sacramento alongside CSU faculty and students who supported the bill. The press conference was live streamed on Quirk-Silva’s Facebook page, and the video is still available for viewing. “This moratorium will give students and their families a peace of mind that the already high cost of higher education will be capped for the near future as the legislature works on long-term funding solutions for the three (Continued to Page 4)
California State Assembly
A Night in New Orleans
Mardi Gras goers sway the night away Carlos Gomez Web Editor On Thursday, Feb. 23, the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) hosted Cal State LA’s annual Mardi Gras celebration in the University Student Union (U-SU), featuring a live swamp tour, live music, and free food. Mardi Gras was first celebrated by French explorers in Louisiana in 1699. The celebrations back then involved street parties and big dinners, which are very similar to the way Mardi Gras is celebrated today across the world today. Mardi Gras was outlawed when the Spanish took over New Orleans, but was reinstated in 1812 when Louisiana became a part of the United States. At the event, students were greeted with balloons and decorations in traditional Mardi Gras colors: yellow, green, and purple. Jasmine Salgado, Community and
Major Events Assistant, spoke about her view of the event. “We do this event because it’s a long tradition, as well as the largest event on campus. CSI has a lot of free events, which students don’t know about, but we encourage everyone
NEWS
featured iconic dishes such as jambalaya and gumbo. In addition to the meal, Cal State LA’s very own band “The Overtones” entertained the audience with hits such as “Santeria”, “Are You Gonna Be My Girl”, and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”. While playing their rendition of the popular song “Hey Ya” by Outkast, students got out of their seats to dance in the middle of the room, providing an even friendlier environment for everyone. High energy echoed throughout the event, especially at the highly acclaimed swamp tour, where students were given the opportunity to get up close and personal with creatures that are usually not seen in California. Some of the creatures on display were a python, an iguana, and an Cara Gonzales The animal trainer is holding a barn owl in the Swamp Tour alligator. to come and relax from all everyone. One memorable “It was nice to walk into a the studying they do,” said performer was a man walking place with such an interactive Salgado. on stilts. environment, I got to meet new people and fun,” Throughout the U-SU, Students had the Said David Ortiz, have a first year people in festive costumes opportunity to experience biology major who amazed walked around, bringing New Orleans cuisine in the (Continued to Page 2) smiles and entertainment to Los Angeles Room, which
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
FEATURE Page 3 --
"Growing Threats of Deportation"
Sharon Quirk-Silva
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"Challenging the Views of Beauty"
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"Performing Arts Initiative places Students..."
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University Times
February 27, 2017
NEWS
The Task of our Lifetime
Dr. Jeffrey Bennett Addresses Global Warming Conceptions Kyle Frizol Intern
Earth, a single planet whose inhabitants is approaching eight billion people, is nothing short of a miracle of infinitely statistical proportions. The odds of finding life in the universe is vastly miniscule, nonetheless discovering human life. Regardless, this reality exists, and each of these nearly eight billion humans experience this consequential reality every single day. Today, the single most controversial scientific trend throughout the world is global warming, or climate change for those that do not believe in the bindingrealities of the former label. As humans quickly approach a population sum of eight billion individual lives, the planet is beginning to react to the actions and activities that each human participates in on a daily basis. Whether operating a gas-powered vehicle, using traditional electricity and coal utilities, or operating factories and plants through oil and coal consumption, the effects of each activity directly and indirectly reflect the growing rate at which the planet is warming. This deeplycontroversial scientific discovery is thus commonly named global warming, and more recently climate change. For many individuals, the thought of human beings having any influence on the earth’s climate patterns is nothing more than an offensive and narcissistic inclination that human beings have any effect at all on such a massive planet. Though initially this thought process does warrant an understanding of the nature of which this defense is made, there is a lack of any reasoning for an alternate explanation for the trend. To clear up the current
development of the global warming controversy, it is important to understand that there has been consistent scientific research and support throughout decades of independent investigations, university research, privately-funded study, scientific publication, and trend analysis that all points towards the same conclusion; that global warming does in fact exist and our current actions are speeding up the rate at which the earth warms exponentially faster and more consistently than ever before in recorded history. In other words, the actions that each and every human being makes while within earth’s atmosphere is directly impacting the bottom line of the planet’s overall climate. Moving beyond the skepticism of such a phenomenon existing, one can begin to study and research the existing conclusions and deductions drawn from decades of data and hundreds of independent studies that all point towards the same understanding. Take easily recognizable organizations such as NASA, Tesla, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science for example. Within each’s indepth research, accessible and approachable information is provided to anybody willing to look. Beyond the influence-able realm that organizations have on funding massive research projects, many individuals in the scientific community have provided their own independent research that lends a hand to addressing and demystifying the phenomena. Dr. Jeffrey Bennett, an astrophysicist and educator, has researched global warming trends for many years, publishing his own book, A Global Warming Primer, which condenses the scientific data that has been accumulated for decades into a palatable source of information. In his recent global warming tour, Bennett took time to address the skepticism
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Dr. Jeffrey Bennett discussing the consequences of global warming
that is associated with climate change.
Specifically, he notes that, “Models reflect knowledge that the sun isn’t responsible for increasing temperature – However we can be very confident that the result of all global warming is contributed to human activity.” The approach to overcoming the disconnection from the true gravity of global warming’s impeding effects on the planet, Bennett suggests relevance in the form of events that are occurring today, around each of us. Whether consciously aware of these events or not, the notion still remains that inefficient management of resources and harmful and dated methods of energy sustenance is actively damaging the planet. According to Bennett, “Over the last 800k years, interglacial effects have separated ice ages, resulted in large 20-30 degree (F) temperature spikes.” Thus, naturally the planet does in fact have cycles in which the climate shifts over time, but always recovers. However, even if the planet is experiencing interglacial, or warming periods between the glacial period that had occurred previous to human inhabitants, the rate at which the planet is increasing is vastly different to that of all previous interglacial periods. As a result, the notion that the planet’s current warming period is purely natural cannot be valid, as all past data pointed to the conclusion that temperature change is consistent, and therefore does not spike. However, as NASA recorded, the rapid effects of increasing CO2 levels has resulted in temperature increases at nearly 10 times the normal ice-age-recovery warming rate.
(Continued from Page 1) by the tour. Some students heard about Monday - Thursday Friday 7:30am - 8:00pm 7:30am - 12:30pm the event and came along with his friends to check it out. “Having an engaging environment really made this event much more fun,” Said Fernando Martinez, a first year Chemistry major. Monday - Thursday Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm 7:30am - 2:00pm To add a little flavor to
Beyond the statistics, the reality of such a phenomenon is existent throughout the planet today. Notably, both Bennett and NASA have concluded that, “the evidence of rapid climate change is compelling”. As arctic ice-caps and sea ice continues to melt, ocean levels increase, at a rate that is nearly double that of the last century. In the last decade, according to NASA, global sea level rose nearly 14 inches in the last decade alone. A century ago, sea level had only increased by 6.7 inches. Consequently, the increased sea level rise that exists globally today means that tropical storms and other dangerous cells will become even more damaging and intrusive. For low sealevel habitations such as Florida, Haiti, Louisiana, and California, this can result in entire cities becoming submerged. Bennett notes, “…Melting of ice will cause sea level to increase by 1-meter by year 2100, and may increase to as much as 6-meters in certain areas.” Alongside increasing sea levels, ocean acidification, or the increased damaging content of CO2 and other gasses is resulting in the destruction of ecosystems and coral reefs that are home to millions of fish and other life. Beyond the immediate destruction of these crucial habitats, these consequences will affect humans. Bennett explained, “…Increased oceanic acidification can result in deaths to coral reefs, increasing acidity in oceans, could kill off fish, and result in the starving of an estimated 1 billion people worldwide.” the event, several student organizations sold mocktails, cocktails without alcohol, to fundraise and compete for a $150 prize. Each drink was $1 and featured each organization's own twist to appease to Mardi Gras goers. Andrew Beltran, Golden Eagle Radio’s Social Media Executive, was one of the “bartenders” for
Even forests and rainforests are being affected. Today, nearly a third of the world’s natural forest population has been destroyed, a result in man’s desire for increased production and access to key materials in production such as Palm oil, which is an essential ingredient in hundreds of massively distributed products worldwide. Alongside global warming, the negligent effects of human’s inability to realize the immediate and long-term effects of their actions is physically noticeable throughout the planet today. The solution, (which is composed of many smaller solutions), lies in human’s decision to move onto sustainable energy solutions, such as those that Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, is actively harnessing and developing. By investing in wind and solar technology, humans have the ability to slow down and completely rid themselves of their CO2 emissions, whilst also becoming more efficient in the process. Furthermore, the efficiency of creating a federally supported “carbon tax” means that individuals who refuse to move towards more energy efficient and sustainable solution options must pay a fee that accurately reflects the true cost of using CO2 releasing materials. Thus, the carbon tax will attempt to steer individuals away from continuing to perform harmful actions on the planet through gas-powered vehicles, and traditional energy-harnessing solutions such as electricity. Though global warming will not end anytime soon, the negative effects that are currently being experienced today can be slowed down and eventually reversed. According to a combined conclusion by dozens of scientific researchers, the effects of global warming will continue to exist for decades. The decision to slow down harmful release of CO2 through inefficient energy consumption, and rather move towards solar and wind technology means that humans have the ability to turn the train around before the effects of global warming become too burdensome and the green-house effect becomes a run-away effect, resulting in the loss of habitable life on the only identified planet in the entire known galaxy. The risk is very real. Golden Eagle Radio, talked about his drink. “Golden Eagle Radio is selling a Pina Royale, which features strawberry, pineapple, and cherry juice.” Students who purchased a drink were able to vote for their favorite drink via stickers, which they placed on a paper with their organization’s name on it.
3 NEWS
University Times
February 27, 2017
Growing Threats of Deportation Student fear grow as Trump takes further action on immigration
Assemblymembers from across California have introduced HR 20, a bill which encourages students to apply for the Dream Act.
Ani Nalbandian Staff Reporter
Jose Medina, a Representative of Riverside said in a statement, “…the current political climate has deterred our students from even applying. My colleagues and I introduced HR 20 to declare our unwavering support for our Dreamers, and to encourage them to pursue the promise of a higher education.”
Cal State LA held its second Democracy in Action event on Tuesday which focused on immigration and refugees. At a University with a student population that identifies as over 50 percent Hispanic, many people are praising the administration and the school for providing these platforms to discuss immigrant rights. Concurrent to the event was Homeland Security Secretary, John F. Kelly’s approval of guidelines for the deportation of undocumented migrants which has many students worried about their future. The guidelines give authority to federal agents to more aggressively deport undocumented persons. “Students on campus are afraid of what President Trump could do to their families. It’s hard enough to go to school and work but it’s even harder when adding the stress of the threat of deportation,” said Carlos Flores, a sophomore
Juan J. Palma
Communications major. President Covino released a statement regarding the growing fears of deportation amongst students and faculty. “If approached by federal, state or local authorities on campus and asked to provide documentation of immigration status, students, faculty and staff are advised to immediately call the Department of Public Safety for further guidance. Public Safety will act as a liaison with requesting authorities and work with others on campus to provide assistance.”
Aminah Bakeer Abdul Jabbaar Ph.D. takes the floor
At the event Professor Aminah Bakeer AbdulJabbaar opened the panel, welcoming Muslim students by saying “asalam alekum.” Professor Alejandra Marchevsky laid out the statistics of deportations, explaining that people deported are primarily family breadwinners. Professor Chor Swang Ngin overviewed refugee and asylum status seeker legalese and went over historic classifications of each based on countries and nationalities.
These Representatives want to stress that the applicants for the financial aid are not shared with federal government agencies. The California Dream Act is not related to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. If you would like to submit an application, they are due by March 2.
During the Q&A portion of the event, students asked the panel about the legalities of becoming a sanctuary campus and if it would make any concrete change. They also discussed policing and the intimidation of multiple There will be an upcoming police jurisdictions Cal State Know Your Rights Workshop LA falls under. on March 11 and another As a result of these Democracy in Action event changes in federal policy, held on March 21. If you many students are foregoing would like to attend any other the California Dream Act workshops and events that applications. From last will discuss undocumented year there has been an immigrant rights, please visit approximate drop of 40 http://www.calstatela.edu/ percent in applications. postelection/events.
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February 27, 2017
University Times
FEATURE
2017 Jean Burden Poetry Series
Nationally recognized poet, Daniel Borzutzky, serves as distinguished reader. Erron Franklin Copy Editor
On Thursday evening the College of Arts and Letters hosted the annual Jean Burden Poetry Series in conjunction with the Center for Contemporary Poetry and Poetics. The featured reader for the evening was poet Daniel Borzutsky, author
of “The Performance of Becoming Human,” which won the 2016 National Book Award for poetry. The event included both a pre and post reception where attendees were able to meet the author, purchase copies of his book and have them autographed. The series was created for Burden who died in 2008 at the age of 93. “This series, one of the longest running and most prestigious in the U.S., was established in 1986 by friends of the late
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Editor-in-Chief Ricky Rodas
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Web Editors Carlos Gomez Copy Editors Erron Franklin Alfredo Gutierrez Kelly Vasquez Business/ Advertising Manager Jim Munson
Interns Kyle Frizol Sylvia Valdez David Czinner Miguel Arriola Oscar Alanis Newsroom Assistant Kelly Vasquez Illustrators Valerie Lesser Contributors Malerie Wilkins Katrina Garcia
Photographers J. Aaron Delgado Juan J. Palma Cara Gonzalez Advertising Assistant Thomas Rodas Alberto Perez Erron Franklin Louis Ayala Faculty Adviser Alejandro Muro Suzanne Regan Social Media Distributors Correspondent Xavier Jones Matthew Gonzalez Lorena Ramirez Photo Editor Staff Reporters J. Aaron Delgado Ani Nalbandian Anthony Karambelas Journalism 3910 TA Janice Peregrina Robert Ellsworth Mimi Li 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.
Jean Burden to honor her achievements as a poet, essayist, editor, teacher and scholar.” The evening was opened with a welcome from the Dean of Art and Letters, Dr. Rennie B. Schoepflin. The Dean then introduced, Dr. Lauri Ramey, Professor of English and Director of the Presidentially Chartered Center for Contemporary Poetry and Poetics. Dr. Ramey had the distinct privilege of introducing the events distinguished reader. “I find some of his most interesting writing to occur in his metalinguistic engagements. The editorial moments of stepping outside of language. Confronting language and demanding that language account for and reconfigure itself,” said Dr. Ramey. “Jean Burden would be proud to know that the 33rd annual Jean Burden Poet for 2017 is Daniel Borzutsky. Please join me in welcoming him this evening.” Borzutsky took to the stage and read from a number of his different projects. He
(Continued from Page 1) segments - CSUs, UCs, and CCCs of our higher education system,” said Quirk-Silva, who has been an educator for over 30 years and a graduate of Fullerton College and Cal State Fullerton. Though the CSU Board of Trustees vote on the proposed tuition increase will occur before the bill will be voted on in the legislature, Quirk-Silva says that in the event that the trustees vote to increase tuition, she would go back and work with the CSU on the matter. The proposed increase of 5 percent would amount to an additional $270 in tuition. To students such as Isaiah De La Cruz, a sophomore student at Cal State East Bay studying business and philosophy, an
Erron Franklin
also read from a portion of one of his unpublished series from a book entitled “Lake Michigan” which is about a prison camp on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago. The distinguished poet was gracious and thankful for the opportunity and honor. “Thanks very much to the poetry center and everybody involved in bringing me here. And, especially thanks to everybody in the audience and all the students who have come tonight. I am really appreciative and honored additional $270 in fees would be an extreme hardship to bear -- He already works three jobs as a full-time student and hardly has time to take care of his daughter. “$270 may not sound like much to a legislator or a trustee with a six-figure salary, but to a student in the CSU system, $270 is more than you can imagine,” says De La Cruz, pointing to the additional expenses that students pay for, such as food, rent, and textbooks. “Tuition has been too high for too long, and it’s time we stop putting the burden on students.” “According to CSU systemwide data, three out of four CSU students today work more than 20 hours per
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Poet Daniel Borzutzky
to be here with you,” said Borzutsky.
The mission of the center is to present activities and events to promote the full range of poetic voices from diverse cultural backgrounds and approaches to the genre, promoting appreciation and understanding of contemporary poetry and poetics in a wide array of forms and styles, encouraging research and preservation in contemporary poetry and poetics and stimulating the creation of new poetry. week,” the bill states. CFA Associate Vice President and Cal State Sacramento Sociology Professor Dr. Kevin Wehr also notices the negative impact that tuition increases have had on his students and their educational goals over the years. “Every fee increase and every tuition hike means that our students have to take on extra shifts at work, they have to work longer hours, sometimes they even have to taken on additional forms of employment,” says Wehr. “I’ve even had students who have had to leave the university because of tuition increases that were not offset by financial aid.” When asked by an audience member on the financial impact of the bill on the CSU budget, Quirk-Silva states that the legislature is working with the governor concerning budget shortfalls. “We will continue to look at the numbers very closely but we know that in order to make this investment, we have to give up something else,” said Quirk-Silva. “We haven’t looked at the numbers to know what we might have to give up but we do know that investing in education is a focal in this bill and we will do everything we can so that investment moves forward.” The bill will be assigned to the Education Committee of the California State Assembly, as well as to the Appropriations Committee to analyze costs. Quirk-Silva hopes to gain bipartisan support of the bill so it can be approved by the end of the legislative session on Sep. 15.
5 FEATURE
University Times
February 27, 2017
Challenging the views of beauty “Nalgona Positivity Pride” leads workshop in the decolonize your body series J. Aaron Delgado Managing Editor Photo Editor Gloria Lucas, the founder and director of body positive project “Nalgona Positivity Pride” (NPP), led the decolonize your body series on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the University Student Union. The NPP project is a XicanaBrown Indigenous project that focuses on intersectional body positivity; eating disorder awareness and cultural affirmation. The NPP is a small business that is very active on social media, holding workshops and talks on various campuses, as well as support groups. The word “nalgona” means “big butt” in the Spanish language, which Lucas uses as an inspirational term, urging participants of NPP to reclaim their bodies and to accept their bodies no
J. Aaron Delgado
matter the size. NPP’s goals set the tone for those looking to decolonize their body. Before starting the official workshop and talk, the group had to agree to certain ground rules in order to provide a space of acceptance and
J. Aaron Delgado
Gloria Lucas listening to audience responses
openness amongst each other. The first agreement: each person is to be supportive of each other’s learning process and healing journey. The group also had to avoid mentioning numbers, diet and health tips, and describing people’s bodies. Self-love is imperative toward the agreement because it should always come first when in each person’s healing journey. The group is encouraged to challenge the way they define beauty and value since it’s important to view these characteristics in different ways other than the norm. Lastly, the most important agreement is to keep everything confidential within the group. Everyone signed their name in the air to agree to the group’s terms. These agreements correspond to eating disorders as they can happen to anyone and in various forms. NPP considers eating disorders to be all types of dysfunctional relationships with food because it is a manifestation that can happen to anyone, meaning everybody is prone to it. The disorder can seriously change the brain chemistry or their eating habits; bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and anorexia nervosa are common examples of eating disorders. In order to decolonize your body the group in the workshop had to understand the roots of colonialism and time period when Christopher Columbus discovered the “new world” or America. Lucas introduced
Gloria Lucas speaking to the guests
the definition of colonialism as “the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.” The effects of colonialism, in accordance with the definition, brought upon the military conquest of acquiring more land and work to capture or assimilate the native people in their indigenous land which can result in forced relocation to another remote land. Lucas discussed how depictions of military gifting indigenous people blankets and other trinkets but it was seen as a front of passing on epidemic diseases from Europe. Other effects included religious suppression, resource theft, family disruption, slavery, and sexual exploitation. These things lead to a snowball effect timeline that progresses from the start of the European conquest of indigenous lands. This then shifts to a bigger paradigm that involves the genocide of the native people through disease, war, and environmental degradation. Food & medicine change and religious indoctrination were also among the second paradigm. The timeline then rolls over to the biggest snowball in the timeline where systemic oppression, environmentally racism, poverty, state brutality, and modern day colonialism.
Lucas introduced historical trauma that revolves around the idea of intergenerational psychosocial impacts that resulted from the devastations of previous colonial suppression within a specific group that share a specific identity or affiliation. Symptoms of historical trauma include biological problems such as depression, psychic numbing, anger, self-destructive behavior. Another symptom includes more behavioral actions such as identification with the deceased and re-enacting affliction within one’s own life. Historical trauma is a biological concept that can be passed down generation to generation is it has affected the lives of ancestors. Lucas goes on to explain the phenomenon of historical trauma. “A lot of us have indigenous and black ancestry,” Lucas said “Their unresolved grief is our grief.” With the historical trauma breeds post traumatic slave syndrome, which Dr. Joy Degruy defines as “a condition that exists as a consequence of multi generational oppression of Africans and their descendants resulting from centuries of chattel slavery…A form of slavery which was predicated on the belief that African Americans were inherently/genetically inferior to whites.” The workshop closed by exposing what the white thin CIS industrial complex which is the shared business and communal fabrication of the conviction that the ultimate standard of beauty and health is influenced by those that are heterosexual, cisgender, light skin, and thin. Lucas demonstrates this with examples of modern advertisements and mediums, such as films and magazine covers featuring people are light skin, thin, and heterosexual. The workshop challenges these norms and see subjects that don’t fit the average as beautiful, such as themselves.
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Attendees raising their hands when asked about different scenarios
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February 27, 2017
University Times
FEATURE
Dr. Nancy McQueen awarded 2017 Clare Booth Luce Scholarship Dr. Nancy McQueen to represent Cal State LA at the HERS Institute Marcela Valdivia Staff Reporter Dr. Nancy McQueen, Professor of Microbiology and Associate Dean of the College of Natural and Social Sciences (NSS), will attend the Higher Education Resources Services (HERS) Institute at Byrn Mawr College in Pennsylvania in July after being awarded with the 2017 Clare Booth Luce Scholarship. “I want to thank the Dean of NSS, Dr. Pamela ScottJohnson for nominating and supporting me through the application process. Two of the Deans at Cal State LA, Dr. Pamela Scott Johnson, Dean of NSS and Dr. Emily Allen, Dean of ECST, have both attended the HERS Institute as has Dr. Jianyu Dong, Associate Dean of ECST, and I know they all felt it was an invaluable experience,” expressed Dr. McQueen. Dr. Nancy McQueen was
one of the sixty women across the United States selected to become a part of the HERS Institute for the HERS Luce Program for Women in STEM Leadership. She was extremely excited to be one of the six women awarded with the 2017 Clare Booth Luce Scholarship because all her expenses for attending the institute are completely covered. “I feel very lucky to be one of the six to receive the scholarship and I look forward to meeting and spending two weeks with women who are all in leadership positions in higher education. In addition to getting training to help me expand and improve my leadership skills, spending the time with these other women will allow me to develop friendships and a support network or sounding board to help me navigate issues that I must deal with in my position at the University,” said Dr. McQueen. Dr. McQueen has been a member of the Cal State LA family since 1989 when she became an Assistant Professor. She received her
Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the UCLA Medical School in 1986. She later also received her postdoctoral in Biology in 1989 at the Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope. Her research focuses on the structure and function of Sendai virus proteins. The HERS Institute focuses on further developing the leadership skills of academic women in higher education. The experiences at the institute will make women feel more confident in their skills, knowledge, and abilities. Throughout an intensive twoweek program, women will gain vast insights to advance in the STEM community. This program will also offer a great opportunity for networking and mentoring through encouragement from women in STEM. “Even though I am in this position [Associate Dean of NSS], I have had little to no leadership training, so this training will help me to be a better leader in my current job and possibly allow me to aspire to a higher position in the future,” said Dr.
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McQueen. “Having peers and mentors who have experience dealing with some of the same problems that I might face and who can give me guidance on both what, and maybe more importantly, what not to do should be invaluable in helping me to address the problems in a way that is in the best interests of everyone in the University.” Dr. McQueen highly encourages women in the STEM fields to follow their career despite the difficulties they may encounter. As a woman with firsthand experience undergoing a path in STEM, she knows the circumstances women encounter throughout their life with family and children. However, nothing should stop women from reaching their goals because everything is possible to reach the top of their careers. “Find your passion, follow it, and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. It is possible to have a career in STEM and not have to sacrifice having a personal life with family and children,” said Dr. McQueen. “When I first became a professor, only one other woman faculty member in the department was married and had children. Now many women faculty are married and have children. It's not easy, but with the right spouse and network of supportive colleagues, you can do it.” When Dr. Nancy McQueen concludes her journey at the HERS Institute she wishes to bring vast knowledge and learning experiences to Cal State LA for students to succeed and become inspire
Dr. Nancy McQueen
of what the STEM fields have to offer for women. “I hope to bring back new ideas on how we can best serve the needs and contribute to the successes of our students and what I, as a leader, can do to help move the agenda of student success forward,” said McQueen. Dr. Nancy McQueen will represent Cal State LA at the HERS Institute and hopes to make a grand impact on other women attending. “I hope to be able to share some of the lessons that I have learned as a leader at Cal State LA and to help mentor some of the less experienced leaders at the institute,” said McQueen. Dr. Nancy McQueen wanted to thank the College of Natural and Social Sciences for having the confidence in her endeavors in being Associate Dean of the College of Natural and Social Sciences. “I believe that the faculty, staff, and students in this college are all outstanding and I look forward to the chance to continue to work with everyone one of you and I hope that I can make a useful to contribution to your successes,” said Dr. McQueen. Among other awards throughout Dr. McQueen's career include a Cal State LA Outstanding Professor Award, Biotechnology Faculty a research Award from the CSU, and a Cal State LA Distinguished Women's Award.
7 FEATURE
February 27, 2017
University Times
Nutrition News by the Student Dietetic Association Who is the SDA? Malerie Wilkins Contributor Cal State LA’s Student Dietetic Association (SDA) is a student organization comprised of students in the Nutritional Science Department. Our school has three nutrition programs: an undergraduate Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science, and a coordinated
program which includes both a master’s degree and a yearlong, full-time internship. Students that complete this internship are eligible to become registered dietitians. Cal State LA is the only public university in California to have a Coordinated Dietetic Program. The most common question nutritional science students are asked is, “Are you going to be a nutritionist?” We dislike this question because
the term “nutritionist” is essentially meaningless; there is no definition of what a title of “nutritionist” entails. A registered dietitian (RD), on the other hand, has completed years of coursework at an accredited university, a 1,200 hour internship, has passed a national board exam, and usually holds a master’s degree. The path to become an RD is extremely difficult and strenuous. On top of taking challenging science courses as students, we must
do service learning hours for several of our classes, be involved in extracurricular activities, be well-rounded with experience in the field, and serve our community; all while holding competitive GPAs simply to be considered for a dietetic internship. The internships are competitive and, on average, only half of the applicants that apply each year get accepted.
referrals for pot, and if a student is caught in possession or under the influence of the drug or alcohol then they are still in violation of their housing contract, even though it is decriminalized in California, a student can and will be disciplined for violation.
high, but in actuality, these referrals are mostly given when students have parties in their dorm rooms, and students are in groups of five or more committing acts of underage drinking.
Classes in nutrition teach us the evidence-based science
of nutrition. In a world where you can Google your health and nutrition questions, it is important to know which sources have content that adheres to strict scientific guidelines. If there are any specific questions or topics you would like us to cover, please email the editors, Kristina Garcia and Heather Snow at cslaeatatorial@ gmail.com. The SDA wishes you all a productive and healthy semester!
Liquor Referrals AA okay
Drinking on campus affects students on campus various ways Malerie Wilkins Contributor According to the Cal State LA clery report last year, 266 students were given liquor law referrals and 265 of those students were caught drinking in the dorms on campus. Drinking and college may seem like they go hand in hand, but when a student is consuming underage, or is belligerently drunk, it can actually lead towards a negative path in someone’s
academic career.
Rick Wall, Chief Police and Director of Public Safety at Cal State LA has clarified the procedure of what happens and what it means when a student is caught drinking on campus. “These liquor law referrals are referred to judicial affairs where they handle administrative violations of the housing contract. We generally only get involved when we receive a call from the Resident Assistant in a case of a medical issue or if a student is drunk.” The consequences remain the same as the liquor law
An anonymous student that lives in the dorm talks about how it is living in housing on campus, “Sometimes I just try to tune out the obnoxious noise coming from students who don’t know how to respect noise level, I don’t think I can take it much longer.” These numbers may seem
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“I never really thought about how much drinking can affect a college student’s academic career, because it seems like an innocent thing to do,” said Melanie Alysi, an art major at Cal State LA. While drinking, alcohol may seem like a college tradition, it would be ideal to consider a positive transformation for the binge drinking college culture, and more exposure on this issue
can create awareness of how alcoholic behavior can affect the success of an academic career. Although liquor referrals don’t stay on a permanent record, it can still lead to excessive counseling and regulation from student conduct for disruptive behavior. Maria Minella, a 20-yearold art major at CSULA, shares her thoughts on what it would be like if she got caught underage drinking at a party. “I can’t imagine getting kicked out of school for being drunk at a party in the dorm. It sounds like a nightmare,” said Minella.
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February 27, 2017
University Times
LUGARES DE INTERÉS
Vacaciones de primavera 2017 EL CLIMA
La tormenta del año
Los niveles de sequía bajan en todo el estado
territorio del estado se encuentra en sequía, en contraste con el 94 por ciento que se había declarado el año pasado.
Por Lissette Flores Si bien, al término del 2016 se estipulaba que la sequía Hoy por hoy, California continuaría hasta este año, goza de más tranquilidad favorablemente las cosas para ya que el reporte muestra California han cambiado. que la fase más extrema ha terminado. Los únicos que Todavía a inicios de febrero siguen afectados son los se consideraba que las lluvias condados de Santa Bárbara, de esta temporada no serían Ventura y la parte extrema del suficientes para saciar el sureste del estado. agostamiento de agua del estado. Sin embargo, la Aunque continúan siendo tormenta del fin de semana áreas secas, Santa Bárbara del día del presidente cambió y Ventura fueron de las el panorama para todo el zonas más beneficiadas estado. por las lluvias debido a que descendieron de fase Los últimos reportes “excepcional” a “severa”. del 2016 de U.S. Drought Inclusive, en Santa Bárbara, Monitor, agencia federal dos estaciones de monitoreo que estudia los niveles de registraron más de 8 pulgadas agua y sequedad, indicaban de lluvia. que los niveles de sequía en California se encontraban en Según los datos, la mitad un 41 por ciento. No obstante, del estado ha dejado atrás la tras la poderosa tormenta de sequía y solo una pequeña febrero los niveles bajaron parte del territorio sigue considerablemente hasta el 4 siendo severa, información por ciento. muy importante porque por cinco años consecutivos el De acuerdo a los datos estado había padecido de presentados por el monitor, “sequía excepcional”. solo el 17 por ciento del
La isla Catalina es el mejor lugar para vacacionar Por Marcela Valdivia Las tan ansiadas vacaciones de primavera están a solo un mes de llegar y muchos utilizan esta semana para descansar de la universidad y salir de viaje. No todos escogen destinos lejanos y muchos optan por lugares locales. Precisamente, uno de los más visitados en el sur de California es la isla Catalina. Esta se encuentra en la ciudad de Ávalon, a tan solo veintidós millas al suroeste de Los Ángeles. Para llegar a la isla es necesario tomar un barco desde los puertos de Dana Point, Long Beach o San
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Como la isla es conocida por ser una zona turista del sur de California, cuenta con una gran variedad de hoteles, restaurantes y actividades para entretenerse. Entre los atractivos más popular, está la tirolesa o “zip lining’, que cuenta con cinco cables distintos de hasta 600 pies de altura y más de mil pies de distancia. Otra atracción muy solicitad es el “parasailing”, donde las personas puede sentir que vuelan a una altura de hasta 800 pies, y desde las alturas las personas podrán observar la magnitud de la isla. También hay actividades en el mar como bucear y
remar en kayak. El tour más visitado es el del casino Ballroom de la isla Catalina; este cuenta con unas arquitecturas esplendorosas y murales de arte fascinantes. También se pueden rentar carros de golf para recorrer la isla y presenciar la grandeza del mar. Al hacer el recorrido, las personas pueden visitar el jardín botánico y otros lugares escondidos de la isla. Es muy importante hacer reservaciones con tiempo para el hotel y algunas actividades porque se pueden agotar para las fechas de vacaciones de primavera. Esta solo es una opción a dónde los viajeros pueden ir a vacacionar. Para más información y detalles sobre lo que ofrece la Isla Catalina pueden visitar el sitio web www.visitcatalinaisland.com
Fotografía. Crédito: http://nerdtravelguides.com
ASUNTOS NACIONALES
Donald Trump retira protección para estudiantes transgénero era guidance”, como se le conocía a esta orden, no presentó "un extenso análisis jurídico" de cómo su posición estaba en acuerdo con el Título IX, el cual Por Eduardo Ramos protege a los estudiantes cualquier género en El miércoles pasado, la de contra de cualquier tipo de administración de Donald discriminación. Trump retiró protecciones federales, otorgadas durante Esta decisión ha desatado la administración de controversia grupos Obama, a los estudiantes de derechos en civiles, los transgénero en las escuelas cuales denuncian el retiro públicas. Las protecciones, de protecciones como un entre otras cosas, permitían ataque por motivos políticos, a los estudiantes usar que ponen en peligro a los baños e instalaciones transgénero y siembra correspondientes con su niños confusión sobre el papel identidad de género. del gobierno federal en cumplir los derechos En una declaración hacer civiles. Keisling, conjunta por parte del directora Mara ejecutiva Departamento de Justicia centro nacional para del la y el Departamento de igualdad transgénero, Educación, se manifestó que opinó que, "Esto es un el gobierno federal regresa vil ataque contra cientos el poder a los estados para de miles de estudiantes que estos individualmente que simplemente quieren y apoyados por las escuelas expresar su verdadero yo locales, decidan si otorgan y desean ser tratados con algún tipo de protección a dignidad en sus escuelas" la comunidad transgénero. La administración de su parte, la secretaria Trump dijo que la “Obama- dePor educación, Betsy DeVos,
Todo quedará en manos de los gobiernos estatales
Comparación de sequía en California de diciembre 27, 2016 a febrero 21, 2017. Fotografía. Crédito: www.droughtmonitor.unl.edu
Pedro. El costo por persona es de $73.50 por viaje redondo. Sin embargo, si cumples años la semana de las vacaciones de primavera el viaje en barco es completamente gratis.
no está del todo de acuerdo con la decisión tomada por el presidente Trump. Fuentes cercanas a ella aseguran que fue única y exclusivamente decisión de él y nada tuvo que ver ella con el cambio. Según las mismas fuentes, DeVos le recordó al presidente Trump, que ambos públicamente habían prometido proteger a todos los estudiantes durante su campaña. Además, la secretaria de educación expresó su preocupación porque algunas personas podrían interpretar la acción como si los estudiantes transgénero no tuvieran ningún tipo de protección, dando lugar a todo tipo de abusos, acosos, y discriminación. Aunque DeVos reiteró su posición de continuar su labor para proteger a todos los estudiantes y asegurar que cuenten con el derecho de aprender y prosperar en un ambiente seguro y de confianza, los opositores señalan que “La ley censura la discriminación, pero el nuevo gobierno le hace una invitación.”
February 27, 2017
University Times
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February 27, 2017
University Times
OPINION
Are Academic Societies Worth Joining? is networking worth the cost of joining an honors society? Miguel Arriola Intern It seems likely that many students who encounter some sort of academic honor society might wonder whether or not it’s worth joining. After all, joining does require time and effort in terms of learning about its benefits and taking advantage of them. Plus, there are fees. Assuming one already has enough to do and or doesn’t have much spending cash, even if only in the short term, why make the commitment of spare time and resources? Well, if one looks at one organization called the Golden Key International Honor Society, the picture may be a bit mixed. Joining requires a one time payment of around 95 dollars. On the positive side, the logo on the website indicates the organization’s 40 year history with the founding year of 1977. Members are said to perform over 200 thousand hours of community service around the world annually and are described as, “… making plans and changing lives…” in leadership roles. Networking opportunities abound, and these can lead to internships and career building jobs. The organization claims it is
J. Aaron Delgado
the largest collegiate honor society. At the same time, it boasts some measure of exclusivity in that membership is initiated only through invitation for the top 15 percent of students. Twelve million undergraduate and graduate students have been recognized for intellectual achievements, and the organization has given out 10 million dollars worth of scholarships. Additionally, members receive offers for discounts on various products and services including things like admission to museums, event tickets, and even Valentine’s Day flower orders. These things sound good. Academic recognition, networking, traveling opportunities, and even
An invitation to The National Society of Leadership and Success
discounts? Still though, is it worth it? Do these things really materialize? Certainly one’s inbox does receive numerous emails with announcements and discounts. However, a cursory online search of opinions on the usefulness of joining Golden Key reveals that many believe the organization to be less than useful for promoting their academic or professional careers. In some cases it is suspected of being an outright scam. On Reddit, many people have written that they did not find membership to be particularly bountiful in terms of growth opportunities and that one is better off trying to get jobs or internships on their own. Others said it is useful in cases where one needs to acquire more extra-curricular
activities. How active a given local branch is varies from place to place, with some places hosting more functions and networking opportunities than others. When opinions are positive, they usually indicate that members excel within the society based on the time they invest in participating in its functions. Membership in an academic honor society can indeed be very useful in developing an academic or professional career. Like the Career Center and ASI’s fledgling program Life After College, the aim of these societies is to connect students with growth opportunities and likeminded individuals who are able to open doors for those with the academic ability to
step through them. The fees that are required may be of a one time nature, or they may be in the form of yearly dues of around 50 dollars as in the case of Phi Alpha Theta, the History Department’s own honor society here at CSULA. Either way, the amount of money needed is generally not too much if one is not counting every last penny. As mentioned, there is certainly a wide variation of experiences regarding Golden Key ranging from success to disappointment. In the end however, it seems that whether or not a given student finds joining an academic honor society useful depends in large part on how much time and effort the student puts into participating in events and following up on announcements and opportunities. This depends on that person’s personal situation. In some cases, the person may be putting nearly as much time into participating in society functions as he or she would be in a regular job or internship. This can make it less worth it for some students. However, even if one doesn’t intend to dedicate much time to society events and functions, being a member is unlikely to hurt one’s chances, and every little bit helps when it comes to academic and professional success. The one time that it does work for a given student could be the only time that is necessary for he or she to get ahead in life.
Stepping Out of the Box and Into the Mixer if you’re not twenty-one, or maybe drinking’s not your thing, or maybe you’re more introverted so maybe you don’t wanna go to something like that, right? And I think it’s important to meet in a sober space, to kind of just be a person.”
Gender and Sexualities initiate Queer Mingle to encourage community within student body Janice Peregrina Staff Reporter I don’t know what I was thinking when I heard “queer mixer.” Maybe just some talking over the famous Cal State LA pink lemonade? Then I walked in and found tables arranged around the Los Angeles Room in speed dating style, with a paper sign on each tabletop arranging them by zodiac sign. Somewhat embarrassed, I took a seat at the Pisces table and ate some of the refreshments. The Gender and Sexualities branch of the Cross Cultural Centers always seems to put out very interesting, out-of-the-box events, and this one turned out to be no exception. The full title of the event was “It’s Not Tindr, It’s not Grindr: It’s Queer Mingle.” The name of the event was sort of a testament to how truly disconnected connecting with people over those well-known apps can be. Alejandro Muro, coordinator for the Gender and Sexualities Center at the CCC, introduced the event.
Alejandro Muro
“The reason this event came up is because a lot of us were talking about how we don’t really have spaces to meet other queer folks or allies at the university and outside the university, right? So we hope that this space might not only help you meet a romantic interest but also friends, and ally-ships and just have a space to relax and hang out and enjoy this afternoon” Queer Mingle was a nopressure, welcoming event that encouraged connecting with people in person in a judgement free environment. I was sold on the simple take on meeting people, especially for the queer
Intense discussions about Beyonce
community, because there aren’t many places for them to meet that aren’t centered around alcohol. I spoke with Muro about this to see what they had to say. “In LGBT history, bars have always been kind of like, not always, but like a space of resistance. So anything about Stonewall, like the Stonewall riots...things like that. But I do think that like there should still be like options for folks,” they said. Muro didn’t want to knock meeting romantic interests at bars, however. They added, “so yeah, if you wanna go to a bar, have fun, whatever. But what about when you’re just at school, or relaxing, or
The event began with a huge icebreaker. Everyone had to get in the middle of the room, dance to the Rihanna songs being projected on screens around the room. Awkward dancing on my part ensued, but I was having fun. Then, at the stop of the music, I had to grab someone I didn’t know, and discuss whether or not Beyoncé got robbed at the Grammys. I hadn’t watched the Grammys. I hardly listen to Beyoncé or Adele. Still, I was able to hold a conversation with my person without any long silences. I got the idea then that talking to everyone wasn’t going to be as hard as I thought. I don’t know if it was the openness of the event or just how nice everyone was, but the rest of the event made me feel like we needed more things like this on campus, and not just as a way to meet people and make friends. As I was shuffled around the room by Alejandro’s prompts, answering fun questions such as “what are you most passionate about?”, “if you could have dinner with
someone, living or dead, who would it be?”, and “name three things you would bring with you on a deserted island,” I felt like the mixer would be a great way to hone your public speaking and networking skills. Meeting people at parties and conferences can be so intimidating sometimes, and the layout of semi-forcing you to answer prompts quickly felt like good practice, especially for introverted people like myself. The last part of the event was to get with some people you particularly connected with to work on a craft together. Paper handouts with a picture of a blank mask were passed around, along with markers. We had to design “the mask we show the world.” This was the most personal part of the mingle, as it was a self-reflection where I had to think about what it is that I feel people see in me the most. Definitely a mind trip. I thoroughly enjoyed attending the Queer Mingle, and would definitely go to a similar event and would recommend anyone to attend as well. As listed on the Facebook event page, Queer Mingle ultimately was “to make friends and build a stronger community on our campus,” and I truly felt that there.
11 OPINION
February 27, 2017
University Times
The President’s Musicians
You got the gig and it’s for the President of your school. No pressure.
The pressure for me was in preparing the appropriate music. Coming up with a tasteful set list was a task in itself. “I played at one of the Welcoming New Faculty parties, and I also played on the day of Halloween,” remarked Jean Luc Piriou, a talented vocalist, songwriter, and student in the B.M. Commercial music program. “I liked it very much. I enjoy performing my music to an invested audience and I am very used to playing intimate settings.”
David Czinner Intern When people discuss famous albums, compositions and songs, many immediately think of the producer, performer, composer or writer of the work. Yet frequently, it's forgotten by many, including musicians, that one of the most important considerations during the creative process is the audience. Music has to be meaningful, moving, and inspiring to audience members in order to obtain the prestigious label known as “Art”. It is also often forgotten that the status of the audience adds to the recognition of the artist and their work. For example, 13-year-old Jazz piano prodigy Joey Alexander has not only released two albums at an extremely young age, he has a resume that includes
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performances at the White House, Rose Hall at the Lincoln Center and several tours to places like Israel and Canada. Rarely do opportunities arise to perform
for special audiences, such as our university president William Covino, his wife Dr. Debbie Covino and guests hosted in their private home. When first approached with this opportunity by Dr. John Kennedy, professor in the
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The band's instrument set up
The Cal State LA Jazz Ensemble
music department, I was honored to be considered. I later learned that some of my peers had been hand-picked as well to perform for the president and his wife. “Dr. James Ford recommended me when he was asked for student musicians to represent the jazz department,” recalled Jenny Hughes, a recent Cal State LA alumna, jazz pianist, and composer. Marvin Paez, a senior graduate student in the M.M. Afro Latin Music program, bassist and composer, was not only asked to perform, but given additional responsibility as a bandleader. “I got the first gig from Dr. Kennedy, who asked me if I can play for a gig and come up with musicians.” One of the most important aspects when deciding to have live music is the setting. I was chosen to play for several occasions, the most recent of which was the President and his wife hosting the Mind Matters working group.
Hughes’s instrument of choice creates a liberty that is sometimes intimidating. “If I'm alone, super pressure. With a trio or bigger group piece of cake” she commented on playing solo versus being part of a band.” Paez’s instrument of choice, the upright and electric bass, sounds beautiful by itself but is most often heard in a group setting. “The performance was not too bad. I wasn't really nervous because I was playing with musicians I know.” Many argue that it stands for itself and exists only for itself. Many believe that name recognition of an artist reflects their talents and abilities. Venue operators often think that artists could and should be able to perform or present their art regardless of time and place. After preparing and selecting appropriate music, becoming informed on who the audience is comprised of and finally performing at the President’s home, I’ve found that the selection and rehearsal process, the audience members and setting are all interweaved and connected, creating a very specific, unique once in a lifetime musical experience. Not to mention, the gigs also compensated very well.
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The Cal State LA jazz ensemble playing at the student union plaza
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February 27, 2017
University Times
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
What’s cooler than being cool? Ice cold Cross Cultural Centers screens film highlighting the success of black hockey players Ricky Rodas Managing Editor Black athletes who play hockey are rarely talked about, but do exist and excel. For this reason, they are the subject of Soul on Ice, a 2015 sports documentary directed by Canadian filmmaker Damon Kwame Mason. The filmmaker was invited to speak at the screening at the U-SU Theatre by Cross Cultural Centers and Pan African Studies Prof. Aminah Bakeer Abdul-Jabbaar. “We needed to make sure we were lifting up films from the African Diaspora,” AbdulJabbaar said. “We want to show that black people make films about everything.” Cross Cultural Centers (CCC) director Frederick Smith collaborated with Prof. Abdul-Jabbaar on the event, their goal being to highlight black filmmakers and their unique creations. Smith said the idea was suggested by Abdul-Jabbar, who had met Mason and saw Soul on Ice. “It all started with a casual conversation, ‘what do you
think about black people and hockey’, and [I] never thought about it [before], but I’m always thinking about what are experiences and memories that we can create… we thought about it, we collaborated on it, and we just made it happen.” Many of Abdul-Jabbar’s students came out to watch the film, and were witness to a tale about the past, present, and future of Black hockey. Soul on Ice begins with Mason speaking about his love for Hockey, which he grew up playing as a young kid in Toronto, Canada. Even though he had and still has great passion for the sport, as a black youth playing predominantly with white players, he felt as though it wasn’t for him.
It wasn’t until his thirties that Mason began learning about the rich lineage of black hockey, dating all the way back to 1894 with the emergence of the Colored Hockey league based in the Canadian Province of Nova Scotia. Goalies from Colored Hockey league teams such as the Dartmouth Jubilees and the Halifax Eurekas were the first to block pucks with their feet, a rule later adopted by the NHL. The Colored Hockey League was eventually
Thomas Rodas
forced to disband after being displaced by railroad plans in their local area, but Hockey legend Herbert Carnegie carried on the tradition the league had built. Born in 1919 to Jamaican Parents, Carnegie grew up in Toronto, Canada where he grew up excelling in Canada’s favorite past time. Carnegie was making a name for himself as one of the premier talents in the semi-pro Quebec Provincial League when He caught the attention of Conn Smythe, owner of NHL team the Toronto Maple Leafs. Smythe allegedly said that he would add Carnegie to his team if he were white, or if he could paint him white. Carnegie did not make it
The title of the film, "Soul on Ice: Past, Present, and Future"
to the NHL, but his legacy continues on to this day.
Willie O’ree was the second black hockey player to make a break for the NHL, and succeeded though great obstacles were passed his way. In one game, O’ree was hit in the face with a hockey puck, which permanently blinded him in one way. He told no one except for his sister, and continued to excel in the NFL with limited eyesight from 1957 to 1979. From there, a wave of black athletes such as Georges Laraque, Val James and Hall of Famer Grant Fuhr slid onto the ice and fascinated NHL crowds with their talent,
skills, and skin color. Many fans would shout racist taunts at all of these men, horrified by the sight of a black hockey player. In Willie O’ree’s case, fans would throw chicken wings and watermelon at him to distract him. Although the pressure and the strain was hard for many of these black athletes, their endurance paved the way for young upstarts like Jayden Lindo, whose NHL draft story was featured heavily in the documentary. All in all, attendees enjoyed a a thorough telling of a history of individuals not circulated in mainstream culture, giving a voice to everyone from different ethnic backgrounds who love hockey.
February 27, 2017
13 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT University Times
Performing Arts Initiative Places Student Actors Alongside Professionals
Performance Salon gives students the experience of staged readings alongside industry actors
then we did it, I was just like wow, I forgot how good this was,” she said.
Anthony Karambelas Staff Reporter Ever dreamed of working alongside experienced actors? If so, Cal State LA’s Performance Salon (PS) is a dream come true. Started this past fall by theater arts professor, Dr. Theresa Larkin, PS provides students with the special opportunity to perform staged readings alongside professional actors. Last semester, Dr. Larkin drew from numerous classics sources, such as William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” and Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman”. Cast across age, gender, ethnicity and race, Larkin adapts each of these pieces so as to be read in a multicultural context. When plays are in the public domain, Dr. Larkin also adapts pieces through a modern day lens. “We are doing two readings of Ibsen’s “An Enemy Of The People” in this exact manner. The first reading is set in the actual time of the late 1880’s and the second reading is set in current day Flint, Michigan,” said Dr. Larkin. Dr. Larkin hopes that by exposing students to classic dramatic literature, they will develop an appreciation for the artistic depth and complex characterization found in these plays. However, the most unique benefit in her opinion, is the provision of professional actors, which she says, “elevates the playing level of both the
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rehearsal and performance for our students.” Evea Gornall, a theater student who participated in the Performance Salon last semester, noted how the experience of working with professional actors made her more attuned to the demands of the professional stage. Playing the Woman in “Death of a Salesman”, she recounted her experiences with the professionals. “It’s helpful noticing what
The flyer for Macbeth Performance Salon
it is that this person is doing differently that is making them so good, that is drawing me in. Like I’m in this performance, and I’m still on the edge of my seat listening to the pros,” said Gornall. “I study them, while we’re on stage. Like the eye contact thing. That’s something that I noticed a lot of them we’re doing, so I thought I should try doing that, too.”
In staged readings, actors typically do not memorize their lines and operate within
a limited rehearsal period. Gornall did not think this detracted at all from the quality of the production. She found that staged readings exposed her to many more plays than long and tedious full blown productions. “It’s a great way to read plays that you haven’t read before or aren’t familiar with or haven’t read in a long time. Because I had read “Death of a Salesman” a long time ago - I knew the premise of it, but I’d forgotten about it. And
But there is one exception to Gornall’s preference for staged readings. “If it’s a show that I’m really passionate about, that I really love, then I want to do the full on production, so I can really ‘unpack’ it,” she said. In addition to “Salesman”, Gornall also performed in “Homeless”, a compilation of monologues written by PS students. During the performance, Gornall read a monologue written by one of her peers, Amelia Gonzalez. Gonzalez, who performed in a PS adaptation of “The Persians” by Aeschylus, noted immediately how difficult it was. “You are given very little direction, you are reading straight through it, and you have to constantly be paying attention to how the cast is reading so you can match their tone and emotions,” she said. Overall, she thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and would “definitely choose to participate again.” Gonzalez pointed out that after every PS reading, there is a talkback, in which audience members can ask the actors questions about the rehearsal process or performance itself. Above all, PS shows students that classic literature is not as impenetrable as they may think. “PS helps students recognize that what is relevant today was also being explored hundreds, if not thousands of years ago.” Their upcoming staged reading of Macbeth, premieres March 4, in the Arena Theater. Free admission for all and refreshments to be provided.
From the Barrio to The Smithsonian
Fine Arts Exhibition features iconic work from Frank Romero Sylvia Valdez Intern
Frank Romero, is an East Los Angeles native, who expressed an era though paintings. Frank grew up in Boyle Heights during the 1940’s. According to the Smithonian,“[He] grew up on the culturally mixed, middle-class Los Angeles community and was well into his career by the time he developed consciousness of
being a Latino artist.”
fought for civil rights.
As an active member of the Chicano civil rights movement, he gained highlevel profile status as a member of the Chicano artist’s group “Los Four.” Artists Frank Romero, Carlos Almaraz, Beto de la Rocha, Gilbert Lujan and Judith Hernandez, collectively known as Los Four, are the founding fathers of the "East Los" School of Painting.
Frank pays homage to the LA Times journalist and key chronicler of the Chicano civil rights movement. Salazar finished covering the Chicano Moratorium of 1970, an important day in U.S history. “The Eas Los Angeles moratorium was the largest anti-Vietnam War demonstration by any minority group in the United States, including AfricanAmericans,” Mario T. Garcia from National Catholic Reporter reports. As Salazar stepped into “The Silver Dollar Cafe,” to take a break, a tear gas projectile was shot
A well known painting by Romero is titled, The Death of Ruben Salazar. Finished in 1986, the painting depicts an uphill battle being
into the cafe, killing Salazar. He suffered a head injury that instantly killed him.
the SAAM, Smithsonian American Art Museum, a prestige honor.
Frank Romero’s painting demonstrates boldly, the incident of that day. His technique shouts loud and proud with traditional Chicano colors. The strokes of paint leave a heavy trace of pigment. The contrasting colors are anything but muted.
In an oral history interview that can be found on the Smithsonian’s website, Romero said, “In my studio I have to deal with my own devils, and I wrestle with my own concerns and dreams and fears.”
Romero’s work takes us back to the nonconformist East Los Angeles community, A time when the Chicano movement violently erupted. The painting along with his work can be found at
The Cal State LA graduates work is on display at Cal State LA’s Fine Arts building. The exhibit will be showing now until March 10th. Exhibit hours are Monday through Friday 12 to 5p.m (Pictures continued to Page 14)
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February 27, 2017
University Times
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT (Continued from Page 13.)
J. Aaron Delgado
A neon light art piece by Frank Romero
J. Aaron Delgado
Frank Romero's artistic take on a human skeleton
J. Aaron Delgado
The halls from the Fine Arts Gallery are filled with paintings and other artwork
J. Aaron Delgado
Hand crafted art lays on the table for an up close look
15 SPORTS
February 27, 2017
University Times
Golden Eagles Dominate on the tennis court
29th ranked Cal State LA nearly sweeps Holy Names
With the dominating performance over Holy Names, Cal State LA advances to a record of 6-2. The Golden Eagles are currently ranked at No. 29 in the nation by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.
Oscar Alanis Intern It was Faculty, Friends and Family Day at Cal State LA, and the Golden Eagles women’s tennis team cruised to victory over Holy Names University Eagles. In a match that took place at the Cal State LA Tennis Complex, the Golden Eagles nearly completed a sweep over the visiting team, 8-1. The Golden Eagles started the day off hot as the No.1 doubles team of Nozomi Matsuoka and Kayleigh Hall easily won 8-1. Their performance was followed by two 8-4 victories by the No.3 team of Iris Raileanu and Pyper Brown and the No.2 team of Elizaveta Sokolova and Luciana Di Laura. After sweeping Holy Names in doubles, Cal State
In addition to witnessing the win over Holy Names, fans were also treated to pizza. And, head coach Sandy Kriezel, surprised her team and others in attendance by dying her hair purple in support of her players stepping out of their comfort zones. The Golden Eagles cheered loudly for their coach. J. Aaron Delgado
LA did not disappoint in singles matches. Raileanu was the first to finish her match and won at No. 4 singles 6-0 and 6-0. She was followed by No.2 Hall who won her match at 6-1, 6-1. Then No.6 Brown finished
her sets at 6-3, 6-3. No. 5 Di Laura ended up winning 6-2, 6-2 and No.3 Sokolova won 6-1 and 6-2. In the last match of the day, the Golden Eagles only loss came at the expense of
Iris Raileanu
Matsuoka who was in a battle of the No.1 singles. The senior out of Saitama, Japan won the first set at 6-2, but dropped the second set 2-6 setting up a third. Matsuoka ended up losing the tiebreaker 10-4.
Next up for the women’s tennis team is a match against the UC San Diego Tritons at the Cal State LA Tennis Complex beginning at 11 a.m. on Feb 25. The Golden Eagles have another home game coming up on Mar. 3 at 2 p.m. versus Cal State Northridge Matadors.
Golden Eagles Settle For Split In San Bernardino
Cal State LA's baseball team had a tremendous start to Saturday's doubleheader against Cal State San Bernardino, but the ending wasn't as good. Cal State Athletics Contributor The Golden Eagles rolled to a 10-0 in the opener at Fiscalini Field, but allowed the final six runs in a 6-3 loss to the Coyotes in the nightcap. Cal State LA (95, 2-2 CCAA) wound up splitting the four-game series with the Coyotes (2-10, 2-2 CCAA). Sean Watkins and Greg Humbert got the Golden Eagles off to a promising start in the opening inning of the opener. Watkins belted a two-out, two-run home run to give the Golden Eagles a 2-0 lead and Humbert, pitching for the first time since the final game of the 2015 season, pitched a scoreless bottom of the inning. Humbert missed the entire 2016 season with an injury and was making his first appearance on the mound this season. He allowed one hit and faced the minimum three batters after picking a
runner off first. Freshman Saxon Andross took it from there, tossing seven shutout innings to get his first win. He allowed only three hits, walked three and struck out two in his best outing of the season. Watkins finished up on the mound, making his 2017 pitching debut. He completed the shutout with a scoreless ninth inning. Cal State LA collected 19 hits in the opener and didn't commit an error. Watkins was 4-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBI, Andrew Hermanson was 4-for-5 with one run and three RBI, Christian Broussard, Jr. was 3-for-5 with three runs scored and one RBI. Nathan Navarreteand Drew Seelman each had two hits for the Golden Eagles and Anthony Ayala completed the scoring with a solo home run in the ninth, his first home run of the season. After Watkins' first-inning blast made it 2-0, the Golden Eagles added three more in the third. Navarrete singled in the first run, Broussard drove in a run with a groundout and Hermanson doubled in the third to make it 5-0. Hermanson picked up a runscoring single in the fifth to
Cara Gonzales
extend the lead to 6-0 and a two-run double by Tommy Pincin highlighted a three-run seventh inning to make it 9-0. Ayala's first home run of the season finished the scoring. Cal State LA jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the nightcap, but Cal State San Bernardino
scored three times in the fourth and added three in the fifth to earn the split. Garrett Dean drew a basesloaded walk to force in a run in the first inning and a solo home run by Watkins made it 2-0 in the third. Navarrete drove in the third run with a groundout. Justin Davis
Tommy Pincin batting at the plate
pitched 4 2/3 innings for the Golden Eagles, while George Alamillo didn't allow a hit and struck out two over the final 1 1/3 inning. Cal State LA will return to action on Thursday with a road game at Cal State Dominguez Hills
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February 27, 2017
University Times
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City of Orgs Featuring NSS' Club Council Meeting 11:00am Choosing a Major, Noon Tunes Biological Sciences159 12:00pm, U-SU Plaza Charting a Career Academic QUTIPOC Thursdays 3:00pm International 12:00pm Success Seminar U-SU, 3rd Floor, U-SU, 2nd Floor, Student Forum 3:00pm Room 214 Golden Eagle Building
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San Gabriel Room 1:00pm International Office
Gender & Sexuality Resource Center Casa 0101 Presents Student Veteran Employment Workshops 3:15pm U-Lead: Diversity 3:00pmKing Hall C2092 U-SU Theatre 3:15pm Cafecito con Chisme U-SU, 3rd Floor, 3:15pm Student Montebello Room Organization U-SU, 2nd Floor, Chicanx/Latinx Charter College of Advisor Forum Student Resource Center Education Spring 3:15pm Optional Practical Meet and Greet U-SU, 3rd Floor Training Workshop 5:00pm Board Room King Hall Quad Area 3:30pm International Office The (Soul) 323 Night Market The Other Slavery Music of Justice 5:00pm U-SU Plaza 6:00pm 6:00pm Candide U-SU Theatre U-SU Theatre 7:30pm Cal State LA-State Playhouse
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Invitational
8:00am, Cerritos College
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Asia and the World-Politics
10:00am U-SU Theatre
DIY Crafty Friday
12:00pm U-SU, 3rd Floor, Alhambra Room
CPR Certification Training
6:00pm Los Angeles Room 308 ABC, U-SU
Candide
7:30pm Cal State LA-State Playhouse
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Challenging yourself for Success Corporate Night gives students the oppurtunity to network with various businesses Kelly Ann Vasquez News Room Assistant On Saturday February 25th, Cal State LA hosted the Hispanic Business Society’s (HBS) event Corporate Night. This event is no stranger to the Cal State LA campus at all. In fact it has been a tradition for many years. It may have been absent a few, but it is certainly back and stronger than ever thanks to the Hispanic Business Society Class of 2016-2017. The HBS of Cal State LA was founded in 1982 and is extremely proud of being one of the most active student organizations on campus. The primary objective of HBS is to grant academic, career, and social support to their members. They offer an atmosphere where students can gather and share common goals, while supplying practical information about networking and social skills. Students from various cultural backgrounds and academic disciplines are what make’s HBS succeed. HBS is committed to social justice by actively volunteering and promoting community service involvement. They have been a five-time recipient of the “Outstanding
Facebook - Cal State LA
Students socializing and networking with businesses from various industries
Scholarship Program by a Student Organization” from the Student Leader Awards hosted by Cal Sate LA due to HBS funding 100 percent of all scholarships awarded to their membership through fundraising! The Corporate Night theme for the 2017 year was “Challenge Yourself for Success”. At the event, students had the great opportunity to partake in a day full of networking with diverse businesses from an array of industries.
They also could become exposed to an assortment of information, opportunities, and wisdom that comes with this experience. The Keynote speaker for the event was Council Member of South Gate, Jorge Morales. He shared his life story and how difficult it was immigrating here as a teen with his family. His three most important pieces of advice to students was to find your why; as in why you do what you do, be open to changing your mindset because our biggest bullies are ourselves and to
set goals for ourselves. HBS also invited four panelists to the event; Milton Galeas, Mihiri Tillakaratne, Mark L. Canevari, and Albert Rivera. The panelists answered many questions regarding success and what it means to them, the obstacles they have faced, and the importance of networking. They also offered advice to the students who attended. Advice such as “Set realistic, attainable and practical goals”, “Empower someone every single day”, or “Follow your passion no matter how difficult it
is.”, and most importantly “Belive in yourself.” Albert Rivera closed the panel with a wonderful quote from his high school teacher saying, “Will you look back on your life saying this is what I could've done or this is what I have accomplished?” No matter what race or ethnicity you are, Corporate Night had great advice for any young student trying to make a name for themselves out in the big world.