Spring Week 13 Issue 214.13

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April 24, 2017

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Issue 214.13

Covino Gets a Passing Grade

Covino’s first review as President is complete and Chancellor White is confident in Cal State LA’s future under his leadership Erron Franklin Copy Editor President Covino’s threeyear review is now complete.

He earned the confidence of Chancellor Timothy White and the Board of Trustees, as stated in a memo from the Office of the Chancellor. All CSU presidents undergo a review every three years, this is a first for Covino since being appointed as the President of Cal State LA in 2013.

The formal and comprehensive review process began in the Fall of 2016. The intent of the review is not only to evaluate the University President, but to also keep both the Chancellor and the

Board of Trustees apprised of progress. This gives the board and the Chancellor a better understanding of the institution's strategic plan and how they can provide support.

For this review, Chancellor White invited input from the campus community at large and welcomed the feedback from what he described as the stakeholders.

“I personally read every letter received and thoroughly considered the varied points of view. From that effort, I developed a comprehensive summary of the input for the board of review,” said Chancellor White.

Later adding, “I also wrote my own evaluation, informed not only by the campus and community input, but by my visits to campus and interactions in the normal course of business with leadership, faculty, students, alumni and staff at CSULA.” Cal State LA experienced quite a few controversial events in the past year, the

one concerning President Covino directly would be the vote of “No Confidence”

by Associated Students Inc. (ASI) Board of Executives on mismanagement and safety concerns, which called for Covino’s resignation.

evaluation process,” said Hakobian. “I hope someone with sufficient political and financial means can intervene before he sacrifices the future of more students for the advancement of his fabulous personal image and career.”

Former ASI President Ejmin Hakobian, who led the Board last year, now a Cal State La Alumnus, was very critical of Covino and believes that he participated in unjust practices. In a written statement, Hakobian addressed his grievances after being excluded from the audit of Cal State LA and evaluation of the University President.

Some students credit Covino with taking a bold step in the area of mental health and wellness. “Mrs. Covino has done a great job with mind matters. From the third floor meditation room to the puppies on campus, it's clear she cares about students well being,” said Luis Chica, fourth year, Kinesiology major. The Mind Matter initiative was started by the President and First Lady to assist student with mental health issues related to school.

“...CSU trustees - are clueless as to what is really going on at Cal State LA. I saw it as my duty to educate the Chancellor's office about the unlawful actions and injustice that is being done on our campus but they made it clear they are not interested to learn about the truth by excluding me from the CSULA's audit and our esteemed supreme leader's

In a written statement to the University Times regarding his recent review, President Covino said, “The Chancellor and the Board of Trustees expressed their full support and confidence in our direction and priorities, and appreciation for our achievements.” Later

adding, “My overall goal over the last three years has been to develop consensus, enthusiasm, and support for building a bright future for Cal State LA. To this end, the campus community created a Strategic Plan which describes that future, and which will be guiding our priorities and plans in the years to come.”

The information and conversations that took place during the closed door session with Covino, Chancellor White, and the Board of Trustees will not be disclosed due to laws regarding disclosure of information concerning CSU employee evaluations.

Chancellor White is vowing to remain attentive to the future of the university. “I will continue to hold an annual conference with President Covino as I do with all twentythree presidents.”

Covino’s next is evaluation period is in the year 2019.

TedxCalStateLA Speakers discuss body positivity, emerging technologies and suicide prevention Ani Nalbandian Staff Reporter On Friday, April 21, the first ever TedxCalStateLA was hosted at the U-SU Theater.

Seven speakers from diverse educational backgrounds spoke about their areas of expertise which included body positivity, suicide counseling and Hispanic character driven children’s books.

Organizer of the event, Sydney Abril Torres who is the Campus Involvement Coordinator at the Center for Student Involvement called the event a “success.” “I think the event went really well, as an event planner there are always things that I single out to criticize, but overall

Ani Nalbandian

Sydney Torres, organizer of the TedxCalState LA

we were very satisfied with the event”, Torres continued.

The first speaker at the event was Angela Aguirre,

a published poet who consistently contributes to the Huffington Post, and was honored by Senator Anthony Portantino as one of the ten

Women of the Year for 2017.

She focused her talk on the struggles of ADHD sufferers, laying out a list of nine fears of an ADHD sufferer.

FEATURE

FEATURE Page 5 --

"Latino Thought Makers Host Cheech Marin"

Dylan Gunaratne, the second speaker in the series, is an undergraduate Television, (Continued to Page 2)

NEWS Page 6 --

"A Look into the Diaries of a Femme"

Page 4 --

"Cal State LA Hosts 2017 Presidential Debate"

2

University Times

April 24, 2017

OPINION

Rhetoric or Right-Wing Revolution?

Some believe the Trump presidency is part of a right-wing revolution Miguel Arriola Intern The sweeping agenda of the Trump Administration and the acrimonious divisions that have been exposed in American politics have led some to wonder about the current social paradigm in the United States.

In an interview that aired on April 12, the award-winning investigative journalist, Allan Nairn, told Democracy Now that he believes the Trump Presidency is part of a right-wing revolution.

This revolution “has captured control up to this moment, of the Presidency, the House, part of the Senate, and now the Supreme Court.”

“If they abolish the legislative filibuster in the Senate, which they may, then they will have total absolute control of all branches of government, and will enter a radically new phase beyond anything that’s happened so far because there will be absolutely no constraints on what they can do,” said Nairn.

This may indeed be a serious concern if one considers several of the policies, positions, and statements that have come from the Trump Administration in the short time it has been in power.

According to Nairn, “Trump brought in a coalition of broadly rightist elements: racists, neo-fascists, the Republican establishment, the Koch brothers, oligarchs-all sorts of elements with their own very well defined agendas for radical change in the US.”

He explained that some points of those agendas did clash. However, in his assessment, they agreed on 80% of the things and they were moving forward with their plans, repealing restrictions on pollution, police forces, and criminal liabilities for corporations.

Additionally, he noted Steve Bannon’s aims to dismantle the administrative state as revolutionary and said that it must be stopped. If it is not stopped, government departments across the board like the EPA could be severely damaged and protections for the poor, women, and protesters could be rolled back.

Nairn believed things can be prevented from continuing in this direction. “History is moving at a much faster pace now.

Events have

sped up. Bigger change is possible faster than it was before”, said Nairn. “So it is conceivable that if there is enough resistance from the streets, if there is enough activism within the many corners of the system where concessions can be won...it might be possible to reverse some of these revolutionary steps from the right.”

If this is a revolution, then it is not complete. It has not been on scale of some larger twentieth century revolutions such as Mexico, Russia, China, and Iran. It is a gradual revolution which is still limited in scope. It is more akin, in its limited effects, to revolutionary changes such as those of the Civil Rights era and the New Deal, which were changes that have been lasted decades.

Many of the Trump Administration’s goals have

been blocked or hampered and most of the gains made by the right are still reversible in the next few years. There is still some manner of democracy in the US. Therefore it may be premature to definitively call this a revolution although it may indeed be one. Like other revolutions, this one is not made up of a monolithic group of people but rather competing agendas that converge at some points.

Should Nairn be correct in his assessment of the current state of American politics, then now is indeed the time to resist unpalatable social, political, and economic changes.

Organization, protest, and the halls of power are the venues through which we should surge to prevent a relapse into some of the social problems that we had already made steps to remedy.

Facebook

President Donald Trump participates in the 2017 Joint Winter meeting

(Continued from Page 1) Film & Media Studies major who works as a Creative Service Department intern at FOX. He spoke about his experiences with suicide prevention. “You realize after volunteering on suicide crisis line, that people just want to be heard. The hard thing is really forcing yourself to truly listen - this imbalance and struggle is a clash we spend our entire lives trying to figure out.”

magic. There were also two musical performances during the event in the form of guitar and piano/drums pieces.

A Huffington Post contributing poet, Yesika Salgado, gave an empowering talk on body positivity. She knows today that she is a “fly, fat brown girl”, but explained how at one time she “hadn’t asked myself to love myself.”

Salgado told the University Times that, “We always return to poetry in order to There were also multiple reassure ourselves that we artistic performances. A are not alone. I feel that if I spoken word artist, Thea share my story enough, it’s Winkler, gave the TedX not only going to help other audience a taste of her word young girls, but I’m am able

to reach back to my old self and assure that we are ok.”

Patty Rodriguez, a bilingual children’s book publisher, spoke about the near non-existent children’s book market. She started writing children’s books for Lil Libros in order to provide more options for children in Spanish-speaking households.

Rajshejar Patil’s talk was titled, “Counseling, The Emoji Generation.”

A globally emerging application, Patil explained his work creating the teen counseling platform, Snap Counselors.

Walter Thompson Hernandez, a doctoral student at the University of California, Los Angeles, discussed his work as a journalist.

Sydney Torres, who organized the event, outlined the processing for bringing TedX to Cal State LA. “You apply for the license and once you get the license, you can host a TedX event.

The ‘X’ means independently organized, and then you [organizer] decide what comes after the ‘X’. For us, it’s CalStateLA, which comes pretty naturally because we are at a university.”

“When we started looking at speakers, we first decided we wanted to define what ‘pushing boundaries’ meant to us,” said Torres. “We wrote down all the definitions and then we thought of topics that were pushing boundaries at Cal State LA and our local community.

From those topics, we wrote down every single person in our community that can talk about these topics.”

In an effort to put on the next best show, Sydney is asking for audience members to submit assessments of the event.

University Times

3 NEWS

April 24, 2017

Cal State LA is Down To Earth

The kinesiology and exercise science club also took part in the festivities and hosted pushups, burpees, and planking contests to raise awareness about fitness and healthy living.

8th Annual Earth Day Celebration held in main walkway Ricky Rodas Managing Editor

“We were approached

by ASI to put together [an] environmental and physical wellness fair here on campus.

The planning process was really seeing how we could bring awareness and make it fun at the same time,” the club’s faculty advisor Kristine Hsieh said. “We have a food truck that’s out and a DJ, so the planning process was really collaborative. Our goal is just to promote physical awareness as a part of a healthy lifestyle.”

On Thursday April 20, Associated Students Incorporated (ASI) hosted their 8th Annual Earth Day Celebration at the main walkway on campus. ASI Environmental Affairs Commissioner, Sonia Lotfabadi, talked about the process putting the celebration together.

“We [ASI Environmental Policy Committee] started about a couple months ago and started reaching out to whoever’s on this campus wanting to participate to support our planet. It was just about seeing who has the passion to getting involved,” Loftabadi said. “There’s such a crisis going on right now with an attack on our environment with our new head of EPA Scott Pruitt so it’s really important for us to be out here and to inform other students

Ricky Rodas

Organizations set up along the main walkway to inform students on Earth Day

what’s going on globally with our environment.”

environmental class set up these booths.

The event featured booths meant to draw awareness to environmental issues, and attendees were treated to free food and fun, health-centered activities. Dr. Theresa Yugar’s

Undergraduate Business Management major Chris Ding volunteered because he wanted to help educate fellow students about ecofriendly efforts. “We have the

responsibility to encourage people to participate in protecting our planet,” Ding said. “We should push this awareness to a higher level; some people think global warming is not an issue, and it is.”

This year’s Earth Day Celebration brought in a sizeable crowd. Most students gravitated towards the fitness contests and the free food provided by a food truck.

Other highlights included an art booth put together by the Art Department and a hydrogen-powered Hyundai Tucson displayed by Cal State LA’s hydrogen station.

4

April 24, 2017

University Times

NEWS

Cal State LA Hosts 2017 Presidential Debate Candidates for ASI Executive Positions Discuss Important Campus Issues

stances on school policies and addressing student concerns.

Eight candidates in total were present at the debate. These included the candidates for President, Marcial Romero and David Anthony Karambelas Zitser; VP for Finance, Aaron Staff Reporter Castaneda; Vice President for Administration, Lavernis Last Tuesday, Cal State LA Martin and David Garcia; Vice hosted an officially recognized President for External Affairs Presidential Debate. Except and Advancement, Marcos this one didn’t involve Trump. Montes; Vice President for Instead, students running Academic Governance, for various executive ASI Neyda Umana; and Secretary positions battled it out on Treasurer, Jazmin Ortiz. the issues, providing their

UN I V E R S I T Y T IMES

Editor-in-Chief Marrian Zhou Managing Editor Ricky Rodas

Staff Reporters Anthony Karambelas Janice Peregrina Marcela Valdivia Mimi Li

Production Manager Hector Cruz

Illustrators Valerie Lesser

Web Editor Carlos Gomez

Photographers J. Aaron Delgado Cara Gonzales Juan J. Palma Thomas Rodas Anthony Karembales Ani Nalbandian Ricky Rodas

Copy Editors Ani Nalbandian Erron Franklin Business/ Advertising Manager Jim Munson

Interns Eunjong Kim Miguel Arriola Advertising Assistant Alfredo Gutierrez Alberto Perez David Czinner Sylvia Valdez Faculty Adviser Kyle Frizol Suzanne Regan Photo Editor Distributors J. Aaron Delgado Xavier Jones Sarely Perez Journalism 3910 TA Robert Elsworth

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.

Moderated by the ASI Election and Orientation Commissioner, Elizabeth Lechtholz-Zey, each candidate was asked specific questions related to their applied position.

At the end of the debate, four questions were taken from the audience, primarily focused on how the candidates would improve certain elements of student life.

While the Finance candidate was asked about issues he had related to the ASI budget, the Academic Governance Candidate was prompted to discuss her views on shared governance within ASI. Aaron Castaneda stated that student's money should be used for students and not for faculty/staff. He proposed that less money be devoted to ASI administration, and instead be used for student programs and services.

“This is the students’ money.

You guys paid out of pocket to pay for it and it should not come at the expense to pay for employees,” Castaneda said.

Regarding shared governance, the candidate for VP of Academic Governance stated her intention to keep students well represented on ASI committees. Neyda Umana wants to keep ASI executives accountable by having all members be in direct communication with the student body, asking them for their opinions.

“But not only that, but creating a double pathway.

We’re not only getting information from students, but we’re letting them know what’s going on in these committees.

We’re letting them know what problems and solutions were trying to resolve, and we’re getting that student input, so that our position on the student committees are actually the student voice,” Umana said.

The candidate for External Affairs and Advancement, Marcos Montes, was asked to share his experience related to lobbying. Before serving at

Anthony Karambelas

ASI Presidential Candidates

ASI, Montes interned through the office of California State Senator Bill Dodd, giving him a hands-on experience with the state Capitol. Never one to keep knowledge to himself, Montes quickly revived the ASI Lobby Corps group, and in turn, welcomed several new students into the family. This past year, Montes has guided new members through the complex world of conversing with representatives.

“I was able to provide a Lobby Corps clinic, which was very convenient in making sure students were trained all the way from making sure who their meeting, knowing their alma mater, what they stand for, and anything from best strategies, best practices, or things you should not do when you’re meeting with elected officials,” Montes said.

The two presidential candidates were first asked what conflict-resolution tactics they would employ if issues should arise during their time in office. Romero proposed that the board as a whole deliberate before making decisions. Zitser, drawing from his two-year involvement with ASI, noted that inter-

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executive discord has been a major problem within student government. He expressed his firm belief in stopping issues as soon as they arise.

“Nipping things at the bud, I believe, would be the best thing to stopping conflict.

And if they escalate to high, then stopping it right there and cutting it out,” Zitser said.

Many members of the Political Science Association attended the debate, including the president, Sofia Lopez. One student asked the candidates if more services could be offered at night. Even though many students take night classes, evening hours on campus are almost always dead.

Zitser and Romero both agreed on this issue, promising to provide more late-night services through ASI. Zitser proposed that ASI student office hours be extended to encompass evening hours.

Romero proposed that latenight activities and services be reintroduced by ASI. “Last semester, during the final weeks of the semester, I saw David personally handing out snacks, little fun games for students to take a break during night classes. I’d like to see that more,” Romero said. To keep students engaged at the debate, a raffle was conducted for Magic Mountain and Speed Zone tickets.

Stay tuned to cast your vote.

Polls open on Monday, April 24 and last through through Wednesday, April 26. You can vote either online or at a voting party polling location.

On Monday, polling will be conducted at the U-SU Plaza from 12-4p. On Tuesday, it will be near King Hall from 12-4p, and on Wednesday, voting will take place near the Eagle Statue from 12-4p.

Election results will be announced on April 27 from 4-5:30p at the UniversityStudent Union.

5 FEATURE

University Times

April 24, 2017

Latino Thought Makers Host Cheech Marin Cheech Marin Talks Life and Career at Cal State LA

This is not Cheech’s first visit to Cal State LA as he appeared in Fall Semester 2017 for artist and master printmaker Richard Duardo’s gallery featured in the Fine Arts Gallery. Before stepping onto the stage and learning about the legendary Latino himself, President William Covino and Dr. Rennie B. Schoepflin, Dean from the College of Arts & Letters, welcomed Rick Najera, Cheech Marin, and the audience to Cal State LA.

J. Aaron Delgado Photo Editor Cal State LA is a campus that welcomes diverse students who come from different walks of life. Whether it be alumni or students, those who have been given an opportunity by Cal State LA to succeed, often give back to the campus by inviting guest speakers to enlighten youthful minds.

On Monday April 17, Cal State LA & Latino Thought Makers welcomed famed actor, musician, and humanitarian Richard “Cheech” Marin for a conversation in front of guests in the Luckman theater which was hosted by Rick Najera.

Latino Thought Makers at Cal State LA is sponsored by the College of Arts & Letters with Rick Najera, who is an award winning screenwriter, director, actor, and national speaker featured in the “Top 12 in Diversity” by the L.A. Times and “100 Most Influential in America” by Hispanic Business.

Host of Latino Thought Makers Rick Najera envisioned the live series showcasing the success of many Latinos in the media as well as an inside look into their lives. “I really felt that Latinos were the solution,

J. Aaron Delgado

Cheech Marin (left) with host Rick Najera (right)

not the problem,” Najera said.

“We need to start showing Latinos who we are and the best way to do this is telling their own stories.”

Najera further reinforces his statement by bringing up the topic of the media antagonizing Latinos which he feels is untrue and additionally tells the narrative that Latinos are the problem - when really they are not.

Despite there being around two million undocumented people in California, Najera further supports that the state is the 8th largest economy in the world, which he believes

that the undocumented have helped contribute to this work.

“Latino Thought Makers is about building bridges between us [Latinos] and the audience” Najera said.

Najera has interviewed many celebrities on Latino Thought Makers such as Edward James Olmos, who is a Cal State LA alumnus, Luis Guzman, and Myrka Dellanos. Having worked with him before on the play “Latinologues”, Najera wanted to shine a light and celebrate the life of Cheech Marin, who is very known for his acting roles in “Cheech and Chong”, at Cal State LA’s Luckman Theater.

Once the conversation started, it was all laughs with Cheech and Rick as they discussed the birth of an icon.

Cheech Marin was born in South Central Los Angeles until he met Tommy Chong, his partner in the comedy duo, in Vancouver as a political refugee. It was until they migrated back to Los Angeles when their album in the entertainment industry went gold.

than it was before due to the situation with Hispanics and the political climate regarding immigration, undocumented citizens, deportation, or anyone affected by any of the current events happening.

Marin feels that those who are able to participate in elections and voting opportunities to not let those opportunities go. “If we fall asleep and we don’t participate in this system or we don’t vote then anything can happen,” Marin said “Greed, egotism, and hate can come into our system.”

Rick Najera adds onto Cheech’s response by referring to a study by Harvard which found that the meaning of life is loving people and relationships. “If you have good relationships with each other, you will last longer, live longer and life will be much better,” Najera said “We need that sense of community”

Marin and Chong were nominated for four Grammy awards and won a Grammy award in 1973 for Best Comedy Recording in their album titled Los Cochinos.

Though Cheech mentioned that the journey was not so simple, the duo had to jump from location to location to get gigs; certain venues offered good pay while others offered them exposure for their work.

Najera then turns the question to Marin by asking him what his meaning of life is and what he looks back on throughout his journey. Marin answered with helping others, as he’s seen how many people have been left homeless and adds we need to be the people to initiate the help, ultimately meaning living in solidarity with each other rather than against each other.

As the film “Born in East LA” reaches its 30th anniversary this year, Cheech feels that the film is much more relevant now

“If we help the situation then that situation gets better,” Marin responded.

Freeing the Spirit from Stressors Mind Matters Initiative hosts spiritual speaker on mindfulness Janice Peregrina Staff Reporter Deadlines for final projects and exams are coming up quickly. With less than a month to go in the semester, it is easy to be overwhelmed with responsibilities. The Mind Matters initiative, introduced by President and First Lady Covino over three years ago, has made an effort to assist students with the mental challenges they might face while attending school.

President Covino introduced Brenda Salgado, director of the Nepantla Center for Healing and Renewal in the San Francisco Bay area, to present on the principles of mindfulness and how they

can help through the trials of everyday living.

Brenda Salgado is a practitioner of traditional and spiritual medicine. She has a bachelor’s degree in both biology and psychology from San Francisco State University. Salgado is a Nicaraguan indigena, and was able to translate her practices of mindfulness in the US. She honored her grandparents as being the key introductory figures to these traditional practices. “For us it’s not a practice, it’s a way of being,” Salgado explained.

Her knowledge is shared both at the center and in her firstever book, titled “Real World Mindfulness for Beginners: Navigate Daily Life One Practice at a Time.”

Salgado’s lecture was dedicated to explaining in detail some concepts of the book. The audience, which was made up of both students

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and faculty of Cal State LA, were invited to participate in the exercises Salgado introduced.

The first exercise was a practice in gratitude.

“Gratitude is such good medicine energetically,” she explained. “It elevates our mood and fills us with joy.”

She had everyone pair up and share one thing they were grateful for, one thing they wanted released, and one thing they wanted to receive.

Salgado insisted on groupings because community “create[s] the energetic shifts where those things start to come true to us.”

On the subject of keeping ground in stressful situations, Salgado mentioned the physical aspects of mindfulness at her center, and how important they are to keeping centered. Forward Stance, which involves standing at a “60-40” stance on the balls of your feet rather than the heels, focuses on keeping a strong presence physically in the world.

Audience members once again paired up and switched between the two stances, while the other partner gently pushed them to try and knock them down. Forward Stance kept a stronger footing, and Salgado stressed that the stance is important to keep when faced with stressful situations.

Perhaps the most important teaching from her book were the concepts of “BE DO HAVE” compared to “DO HAVE BE.” Salgado lamented that we have been “acculturated” to produce,

Cara Gonzales

Brenda Salgado speaking at the Mind Matters Lecture

to “do,” in order to achieve happiness. She believes this goes against the very focus of being human.

“We’re human beings, not human doings,” Salgado commented. Rather than feeling like we must do something, such as working toward a promotion, to be and feel a certain way, Salgado challenged the audience to instead ask themselves who they want to be, to do things that will work toward that goal, in order to have that which they desire. This teaching switched the focus on working on goals extrinsically; it is not as healthy working on intrinsic goals of the self.

Salgado closed her lecture by having audience members give both themselves and their peers positive affirmations, and held a brief Q&A session for those who wanted more clarification on her messages.

Covino then surprised everyone by announcing that those who left their name and email would receive a free copy of Salgado’s book.

With stressful times underway, Salgado’s presentation was a beacon of spiritual light.

For more information on the Nepantla Center for Healing and Renewal, visit nepantlacounseling.com.

6

April 24, 2017

University Times

FEATURE

A Look into the Diaries of a Femme Fierce, femme performers speak truth to power to the many heartaches, love, and hope that comes with being femme.

Mimi Li Staff Reporter What is femme and how do self-identified femmes experience the world around them? The show, Diaries of a Femme, explores what it means to be a femme, for there is no one way to be femme. Performers voiced their experiences around topics that were present in the many areas of their lives, such as gender roles and expectations, double standards, queer identities, sexual assault, family, and religion. The event was hosted by the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center with the help of the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department, the Graphics Department, Las Lunas Locas, and Amairani Noriega.

It was held last Friday night at the University-Student Union Theater.

Thomas Rodas

The Performers Taking A Bow After The Show

The show featured 12 selfidentified femmes performing

poetry, song, and dance. As Latino/a, Asian, Black, and White femmes, some spoke

on their past experiences while others drew inspiration from the experiences of

others. While their majors ranged from Mechanical (Continued to Page 16)

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April 24, 2017

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7

ASUNTOS GENERALES

Un nuevo noticiero se estrena en Univisión ARTÍCULO DE OPINIÓN

¿Estás en la carrera de español? No dejes de leer este artículo Entérate qué se dice en los pasillos Por Claudia Landeros Conversando con algunos profesores y compañeros de la carrera de español, me doy cuenta que el departamento de lenguas modernas está pasando por una muy seria crisis de recursos financieros y escases de profesores. Esto último nos afecta directamente a los estudiantes de español porque el cuerpo docente de la carrera es muy limitado.

Lamentablemente, es una situación que ha empeorado con la ida de algunos docentes en los últimos años. Los lugares han quedado vacíos y no se han contratado nuevos profesores para cubrir esas vacantes.

Como ustedes bien saben, la carrera se divide en tres áreas principales: lingüística, literatura peninsular y literatura latinoamericana.

De estas tres, solo literatura latinoamericana tiene tres profesores para cubrir las diferentes subdivisiones, las otras dos cuentan con uno o dos maestros, pero para el próximo año escolar será un docente menos. Es un secreto a voces que un profesor más se retira, y el problema no es ese, el problema radica en la vacante que se queda.

Con la ida de la Dra. Dumitrescu, se tuvo que modificar el área de lingüística porque no hay quien cubra las clases que ella daba.

Eso significa que nos están limitando la enseñanza y solo nos dan un mínimo de lo que debería de ser la carrera. ¿Eso pasará con el área de Peninsular cuando otro profesor se vaya? ¿Seguirán haciendo recortes al programa? ¿Qué futuro

Edición Digital California promete ser un éxito total Por Marcela Valdivia

El pasado 17 de abril, Univisión 34 de Los Ángeles, le dio la bienvenida a Edición Digital California.

El noticiero, conducido por la joven Yarel Ramos, es una forma completamente distinta le espera al departamento de dar las noticias al público de español? ¿Qué futuro Hispano. nos espera a nosotros los El programa dura solo media estudiantes? hora, pero cubre noticias Los directamente perjudicados somos los alumnos. No es posible que los profesores existentes se multipliquen y vayan más allá de sus capacidades con el fin de cubrir todas las áreas que la carrera exige. La situación es muy crítica, el nivel de la carrera de español está bajando. Muchos de los compañeros ya habrán notado ciertas deficiencias y seguramente han discutido sobre el tema. Creo firmemente que es tiempo de pensar en soluciones y dejar de buscar culpables. Sin temor, debemos de alzar la voz por nuestro futuro como estudiantes y como profesionistas.

locales, de entretenimiento, de moda, de deportes y otros.

El noticiero es digital en el sentido que incorpora a las redes sociales para que el público interactúe al instante utilizando #EdicionDigitalCA. “Las redes representan un rol muy importante porque sirven como una nueva plataforma para compartir la información,” expreso Yarel Ramos.

Esta nueva forma de hacer noticias tiene un sentido creativo, sin dejar de presentar las noticias de manera rápida y eficiente. Además, el noticiero también es transmitido en vivo

por un “web streaming” para que el público lo pueda ver desde los teléfonos celulares, las tabletas y las computadoras en univisionca.com.

“El programa es dinámico, rápido, está conectado digitalmente, es divertido y siempre informativo” expresó Yarel Ramos.

Las ciudades de Fresno, Bakersfield, el área de la Bahía, Sacramento y Los Ángeles pueden sintonizar el programa. Edición Digital California es transmitido de lunes a viernes a las 12:30PM por el canal 34.

Fotografía. Crédito: univision.com

TEMAS INTERNACIONALES

Disturbios en protesta opositora en Venezuela

De entrada, necesitamos más profesores. Sabemos que el departamento de español envió una solicitud explicita a la oficina central pidiendo la contratación de más maestros.

Solicitud que fue negada. Imágenes que dan la Si las cosas siguen así, es fácil imaginar el peor de los vuelta al mundo escenarios, que la carrera de español desaparezca. Yo como Por Eduardo Ramos estudiante, no quiero ser el Las manifestaciones en producto de una carrera sin Venezuela iniciaron tras crédito, de un departamento sentencias del Tribunal mediocre ni mucho menos de Supremo de Justicia en las que adjudicó las competencias un sistema que me degrada por se del parlamento Legislativo ser estudiante de la carrera de y retiró la inmunidad de español. Como si esta tuviera los diputados, despertando protesta diplomática menos validez de cualquier una internacional que lo obligó a otra que se ofrece en el campus. dar marcha atrás días después.

Parte de esta universidad se sostiene por las colegiaturas que nosotros pagamos.

Estamos en nuestro derecho de exigir un departamento de español completo y capaz de formarnos como profesionistas de calidad. Definitivamente, hay mucho por hacer.

Hasta la fecha, ha habido más de 6 protestas en lo que va del mes, siendo la última el pasado miércoles 19 de

abril. Dentro de las diferentes manifestaciones ha habido algunos sucesos que vale la pena recalcar.

Primero, en una protesta inicial, diputados opositores fueron rociados con gas pimienta. El grupo era liderado por el presidente del parlamento Julio Borges y por el gobernador y dos veces candidato presidencial Henrique Capriles. Luego, dentro de las protestas, un joven de 17 años resultó herido de bala en la cabeza, al ser alcanzado por disparos de un grupo de hombres en moto que también lanzaron bombas lacrimógenas contra una concentración opositora, según testigos. El último acontecimiento está

relacionado con una mujer que se detuvo en frente de un vehículo de asalto, conocido como tanqueta. La fotografía de la mujer enfrentando a la tanqueta dio la vuelta al mundo, pues la imagen recuerda a la tomada por el periodista Jeff Widener, cuyo nombre fue "El hombre del tanque", símbolo de las protestas de la plaza de Tiananmen (China) en 1989 y candidata al premio Pulitzer.

La llamada "la madre de todas las marchas", es una oposición que exige elecciones generales y respeto al parlamento, el cual es único en los poderes públicos que este controla. Las protestas hasta hoy han dejado cinco muertos, decenas de heridos y más de 200 detenidos.

Contáctanos en:

UT CSULA La Onda

laonda.newspaper@gmail.com LAONDACSULA

Fotografía. Crédito: http://notitotal.com

8

University Times

April 24, 2017

FEATURE

The Annual American Communities Program Fellows Share Research The culmination of research was the theme of “The Humanities & American Cultures Stakes and Specificities.”

Marcela Valdivia Staff Reporter On Monday April 17, the American Communities Program (ACP) held a symposium where current ACP Fellows discussed their research on the theme of “The Humanities & American Cultures Stakes and Specificities.”

The American Communities Program is a non-profit organization jointly funded

by Cal State LA and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The focus of the program is promoting humanities-based inquiry to engage faculty, staff, and the communities in teaching and learning through innovative research.

Maria Karafilis, Director of the American Communities Program, The UT-CSULA_4C-Summer-April presented the

culmination of research from the 2016-2017 ACP Fellows: Dr. Priscilla Leiva, Dr.Andrew Knighton, and Dr. Jose Anguiano. “We are dedicated to examining the formation of individual and communal identities in America,” said Dr. Maria Karafilis.

the stadium emerged, the Christopher’s opposed the idea, so the expansion of the stadium was built around their home.

As the expansion of the stadium continued, more decks were built on top of other established decks making Griffith Stadium a paradise for the neighborhood.

By examining the history of Griffith Stadium, Dr. Priscilla Leiva has taken into perspective political, economic, and cultural aspects in historical sites of struggle.

Dr. Priscilla Leiva, Chicana/o and Latina/o Cultural Studies and History Professor, shared her research on “The People’s Field: Race and Belonging in the City and Beyond.” She opened her presentation with a story about the Christopher's, an African American family that owned a house directly behind the right field pavilion of Griffith Stadium in Washington D.C.

“Stadiums are in fact racial arenas that are not only windows to the city, but they are actually critical sites of racial formations for whites and communities of color,” said Dr. Priscilla Leiva.

“I start with the Christopher's’ to think about a shared history of Griffith Stadium in Washington D.C.; a history in which African Americans claimed ownership and belonging to the stadium located in a mixed class black neighborhood,” said Dr. Priscilla Leiva.

Griffith Stadium, a desegregated stadium, was built by African American laborers and visited by white residents in a predominantly African American population.

11, 2017 AD plans copy copy.pdf 1 4/11/17 When to expand

Dr. Andrew Knighton, English Professor, shared his research about “Taking Thomas McGrath out of Baton Rouge.” He spoke about the New Criticism movement in literary theory during the 1930s and 1940s. New critics considered this movement as the most influential in American literature studies that highly focused on a critical engagement on the format and structure of poems.

3:12 PM

“A poem is understood as a structural object in a context of isolated unity defined by tensions and by the way literary devices resolve those tensions. In other words, the reader of poetry should analyze the poems’ materiality, that is the architecture that holds it together, figuring out how the words work, and how they are arranged makes meaning,” said Dr. Knighton.

Dr. Andrew Knighton played the poem “Odes for the American Dead in Asia” for the attendees to listen to the delivery. The monotone style in the delivery of the poem was completely intentional from the poet. “McGrath didn't want the subjectivity of the poet's’ voice to distract from the listener’s appreciation of the formal and structural features of the poem,” said Dr. Andrew Knighton.

Dr. Jose Anguiano, Chicana/o and Latina/o Cultural Studies and Honors College Professor, shared his research about “Listening to the audience of ‘The Art Laboe Connection.’”

Art Laboe’s obsession for radio emerged since his childhood and he pursed his passion at Stanford University in radio engineering. By the1950s he moved to Los Angeles and

created his own innovated radio program by taking dedication requests from people.

His radio station airs six nights a week for over thirty hours, known as “Oldies But Goodies.” Art Laboe’s theme for his radio show includes a collective and interpersonal connection. Fans utilize social media, especially Facebook, to engage with the radio show and express their dedications.

“The Facebook page itself then is a valuable digital archive of how fans engage on the show and pour their heart into the dedication ritual,” said Dr. Jose Anguiano.

At the age of ninety-one, Art Laboe continues to impact the media industry with his talent by bringing a closer connection within the public.

“I would say Art Laboe is one of LA’s iconic voices,” expressed Dr. Jose Anguiano.

The American Communities Program will hold another symposium next year for the 2017-2018 academic school year with new ACP Fellows that will conduct research on the theme of civility.

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April 24, 2017

University Times

Gender, Sexuality, and Equality Research Takes Main Stage 13th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Conference on Genders and Sexualities

students conducted on gender stretched beyond the traditional conversation between male and female and included individuals who have undergone sexuallytransformative surgeries and have consequently identified with a gender that was completely different from their time of birth.

Kyle Frizol Intern On Wednesday, Cal State LA hosted its 13th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Conference on Genders and Sexualities. The conference included the tradition of promoting and presenting student submitted research on a plethora of topics, including gender, sexuality, feminism, and queer identities.

Students from all majors spoke on topics that were both important and close to their hearts. A group of students focused on the social impacts of oppressed feminism.

They presented research that supported the theory that long-term lack of equality in workplaces throughout the country has resulted in industries lacking the innovation and productivity that others countries outside of

A student noted that through studying friends that had undergone gender changes in both their body chemistry, and emotionally in a psychologically focused manner, these individuals not only interacted differently with others, but also interacted differently in social environments such as parties.

Twitter

Dr. Monique Morris (center) with scholars from Cal State LA's Pan African Studies & Black Student Union

the United States enjoy today.

For students attending Cal State LA, the research that they undertake still holds the same level of credibility and

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expectations when it comes to quality, especially when presented at an event such as this. Though studying the various behaviors associated with gender and sexuality can

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University Times

Cafecito Con Chisme sheds light on the underrepresentation of Latinx and Chicanx on television

April 24, 2017

Not Your Maid Latin folks.

“They’re either a ‘hot’ maid or the other maid. “Why can’t we see the Latin women who work ten hours a day and come home to their families?” a student asked. “And for men, they’re sexualized as the ‘Latin lover’or the criminal.”

One actor who was brought into the conversation was Michael Peńa.

Sylvia Valdez Intern Last Tuesday, the Chicanx Lantix Student Resource Center hosted a one-hour event in latina representations on television over snacks and coffee. The event brought to light harsh and real statistics about the entertainment industry.

The limited, 30-student chat quickly filled the flagstudded room. Flags of Latin countries decorated the room nicely. Many felt at home with the Mexican inspired artwork along the wall. Before the conversation began, there was a discussion about confidentiality.

Individuals who shared their stories shall remain nameless for protection purposes.

“In 2006, only 11,000 Latinos are working in the Entertainment Industry,” the host stated. Though 11,000 may seem like a handful, according to Brian Latimer from NBC NEWS, “While less than 27 percent of series

FEATURE

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Peńa, think back to David Ayer’s End of Watch. Peńa co-starred with Jake Gyllenhaal, as two officers patrolling of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The crime drama’s representation of Peńa was honorary.

Juan J. Palma

Golden Eagles share their opinion on Latina representation on television

regulars in broadcast television were from underrepresentation racial or ethnic groups, the number edges up to almost 30 percent for series on streaming services like, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime,” drawn from the article titled, Latinos in Hollywood: Few Roles, Frequent Stereotypes, New Study Finds.

The consensus in the room was clear as everyone nodded.

As the host clicked to the next slide, the topic of stereotypes began. There were four images on the monitor, all of which were Latin women in two types of outfits: a sexy maid and the plain maid. The discussion brought on the stereotypes of

Sofia Vergara was also discussed. The characteristic that is exaggerated is her Colombian accent. There was a solid line on her accent.

Some students believe that it was a bit on the annoying side because the audience know people don’t normally speak that loudly, and on the other hand, some students believe that it was an empowering component - Colombian pride.

One student mentioned the film Four Brothers.

Directed by John Singleton and starring Mark Wahlberg, Tyrese Gibson, and Garrett

Hedlund. The action-crimedrama, casted Sophia Vergara as “Sofi.” The reason this film was introduced in the conversation, was because one student argued that her accent is not as predominant in the film versus her accent on Modern Family.

The conversation switched gears to the beloved Netflix - the original series era.

Students are noticing more diversity when it comes to Latin representation. Many suggested shows that are underappreciated. One Day at a Time, was one example that had many nodded in agreement.

The opening theme, “This Is It” is performed by the one and only Gloria Estefan. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the show, it’s a sitcom that “follows three generations of the same Cuban-American family living in the same house: a newly divorced former military mother, her teenage daughter and tween son, and her oldschool mother,” as described on IMDB. Overall, this “Cafecito Con Chisme” was enlightening and comforting to know that the underrepresentation of Latinx and Chicanx was brought into the light in an effort to make a change.

April 24, 2017

University Times

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12

University Times

April 24, 2017

ELECTION CANDIDATES CA NDIDATES FOR PR ESIDENT M A RCI A L ROM ERO I, Marcial Romero, intend to run for President of ASI to better serve my school, my community, and most importantly my peers.

DAV I D Z ITSER

ASI's purpose as an organization is the empowerment of students to actively seek out change for the Cal State LA community. That is done by giving students a seat at the "table" and an opportunity to share their voices on certain topics. ASI's role is filling the committees with students and making sure that there is student representation on those committees. However, it is difficult to do such a task due to either lack of interest in the topics being discussed or lack of time from students to actively participate within those committees. In order to remedy that problem, my team and I plan on establishing a network among ASI, clubs, and the departments.

During my time as the Natural & Social Science (NSS) College Representative, my co-representative and I formed the NSS Club Council as way to test out this medium as a possible way for clubs and ASI to work together directly as well as giving clubs an opportunity to collaborate among themselves. The council offered a way for the NSS representatives to identify students who are already actively involved while also have an indirect connection with the NSS students by establishing a chain starting with the NSS students. Those students would talk about issues with club members who would then bring up those problems to their club leaders.

Those club leaders can then bring up those problems to their college representatives at the club council meetings and the college representatives can then take it to the dean who can create the necessary change to the college to then remedy that problem. As ASI President, I plan on applying this club council formula to all of the colleges and aid our college representatives in the formation of their own club councils. With that said, I also plan on bringing the academic senate closer to ASI in order to have better student input in academic policies. In conclusion, with the position of President of the Associated Students Inc., I will make sure that the students' seat at the table is filled.

• CANDIDATES FOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADMINISTR ATION •

DAV ID G A RCI A

It is an amazing honor to be a student at Cal State LA. This university has the privilege to have excellent students who strive for success and an excellent education. Evidently, CSULA has the potential to transform students into outstanding members of society.

During the 2016-2017 school year I have been honored with the privilege and service to represent students as the Representative for the College of Natural & Social Sciences. I know the importance of representing, advocating for, and outreaching CSULA students. It is essential for students to be well-represented and have an effective voice in A.S.I. I am seeking to be elected as the VP of Administration, in order to ensure that student's rights and benefits are being advocated for at the Student Government. I will work with all the A.S.I. members to guarantee that Cal State LA students are being represented effectively. In addition, it is my priority to work effectively and successfully with all A.S.I. Commissioners to provide the most beneficial initiatives for the Cal State LA community. I will work extremely hard to be an effective voice of the students and provide the most beneficial resources and initiatives.

L AV ER N IS M A RTIN

Associated Students Incorporated not only holds a unique position in my heart but also in the hearts of the students. It is integral to understand that we are not only there to represent the students but also advocate in a time that often times feels like things are always going against us. I have undeniably in my four years at CSULA, experienced growth but also witnessed the change of the University itself. I believe that not only as a university but also as a united student body we have become collectively stronger. I pledge to acknowledge our dispositions and continue to unify the student body by not only following the guidelines and procedures listed in the job descriptions, but to further engage the students of our our campus through the voice of ASI. We are a diverse campus and I desire to examine that uniqueness that we as students of CSULA bring to the table and ignite a flame within our students to allow our uniqueness as a university to thrive and become a model for others to follow. I want to challenge students to believe that though we may come from different backgrounds or may often have not always felt a desire to get to where we are now we trail blazers in our uniquesss and it is through our proclivities that we as Golden Eagles soar. Service. Observation. Achievement. Representation. I intend to embrace our uniqueness and leave a legacy that is attested to being "Passionately devoted to allowing students voices to S.O.A.R"

• CANDIDATE FOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE •

A A RON CA STA N EDA

My name is Aaron Castaneda and I am running for Vice President of Finance. My major is Business Administration with an option in Finance. I was appointed to Vice President of Finance at the beginning of the Spring semester, and now I'm looking to be elected to my first full term. I have prioritized maintaining transparency and helping student organizations thrive. I have learned all the finance policies of ASI and have become well versed in financial legal policies as well. During my short time in ASI, I have come across some issues I would like to change next year. These issues include appropriation of funds and the diversion of priorities. My priority will be to advocate for all students of Cal State LA so that the funds reach as many students as possible. I will continue to work on providing transparency to all student body members. Lastly, I am determined to push ASI to focus on larger budget issues and proper allocation of funds to campus problems in a more efficient manner.

April 24, 2017

University Times

13

• CANDIDATES FOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC GOVERNANCE •

EL ISE DA NG

As Vice President of Academic Governance, I will make sure that there is student representation on all committees that discuss policy and programs that concern students. I will also make sure that all business that's discussed on these committees are properly reported to myself and other student leaders during Shared Governance meetings so that we can all share our opinion about policies and such before they are passed. I will also ask the same from the Academic Senators and make sure that they are attending their meetings so that there will be accountability for policies that are being passed. Putting more effort into ensuring that there are multiple student opinions going into a policy, will make new policy passed more favorable to students. My plan for new policy next year is to improve campus climate. I want the campus to feel more inclusive and to provide as many resources as it can for its students. This is all for the sake of improving our university's four-year graduation rate. I am currently serving as one of three Undergraduate Academic Senators so I am already familiar with the policy being discussed in Academic Senate and its committees.

Having experience with creating and discussing academic policy allows me to effectively and efficiently perform the duties of Vice President of Academic Governance. I hope you all will consider me for this position. Thank you.

N EY DA U M A NA

Born and raised in Los Angeles, I've been blessed to experience the rich diversity and culture our various communities have to offer.

This influenced the values I hold dear both in my personal and professional life, which inspire compassion, understanding, and an admiration for people from all walks of life. This is a golden characteristic that Los Angeles carries, and one that Cal State Los Angeles powerfully reflects. I'm here to say that Cal State Los Angeles is dear to me. I'm here, running for Vice President of Academic Governance to pledge my commitment to this amazing and unique university. Surrounded by hardworking students that left me in awe at their accomplishments since the first semester I attended, it's these students that drive me to provide the pro-active representation they deserve. With my experience in human resources and leadership, I'm positive that I can serve as a productive leader and ensure our students feel supported, empowered, and above all that their voices are heard by their student government. It's my current work within the A.S.I. Lobby Corps where I exemplify my determination and commitment to use all resources available to me to inform students about issues that affect them directly, brainstorming innovative ways to reach out and collaborate with students from all parts of campus. Should I obtain this position, I pledge to work diligently to improve relationships between students, A.S.I., and the university administration, because as my experience living in Los Angeles has taught me, we are stronger united.

• CANDIDATE FOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND ADVANCEMENT •

M A RCOS MON T E S I am an extremely proud to consider Cal State LA home. This university has the ability to take students that come from working backgrounds and turn us into successful professionals, as well as positive contributors to our society. Cal State LA students are some of the best students in the country because we have to balance jobs, school work and family responsibilities all while we make sure we get that degree. During the 2016-2017 school year I have been honored with the privilege and service to represent you as VP for External Affairs and Advancement.

I am seeking re-election to continue representing the students of Cal State LA at CSSA Board, CSU Board of Trustees, LA City Council, and the state legislature. I will work tirelessly to ensure that student's rights and benefits are being advocated for. I will continue to fight for an affordable, accessible, and quality education for us and for future generations. In an era of resistance, I will make sure that groups who are marginalized and oppressed are empowered to stand up for their values and beliefs. It is important to provide support and aid to vulnerable communities who are currently being attacked. At Cal State LA we should celebrate our diversity, our service, our activism and our inclusion. My promise to Cal State LA students is to continue valuing student activism and advocacy, political participation, civic engagement, and public service. I respectfully ask you to re-elect me as your VP for External Affairs and Advancement.

• CANDIDATE FOR SECRETARY/TREASURER •

JA Z M IN ORTIZ The challenge for us today is not valuing communication and not focusing on how to improve the school's organization to provide/continue programs with the school's funds. To being, my name is Jazmin Ortiz and I am a junior running for the position of Treasurer/Secretary. As we face real life presidential problems and hardship keeping our country together I want to remind everyone that CSULA is open for all national and international students. I want to prove that perfectly handling the school's budget and administration, we can continue amazing programs and create new ones that will benefit all majors. With this, I want to have perfect communication not only with each board member, but as whole. I have twelve mandatory task, but one common goal, teamwork all the way for a better student community. I got the skills to pay the bills, vote for Jazmin for Treasure, common it's free!

• CANDIDATE FOR COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE: COLLEGE OF ARTS & LETTERS •

J E SUS MOR A

Whether I get elected or not, I'd like to mention how excited I am to run for office and hope to learn something new through this experience. I'm currently in my second year and have already held a position on executive board for my fraternity (Phi Sigma Kappa), also I was recently opposed VP of new member education for IFC (Interfraternity Conference). Being a first generation college student has always been an incentive for me to strive for success and never give up on my goals. Growing up as the middle child of a single mother with nine kids taught me independence and self-discipline. By coaching a youth team and starting my own club, I acquired leadership skills and have learned how to set by example. I hope to use my knowledge and experiences to speak as a whole for the student body of the of Arts and Letters college.

• CANDIDATE FOR COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE: CHARTER COLLEGE OF EDUCATION •

K EN YA PIN EDA As a student within the Charter College of Education, it is my mission to help provide my fellow students with the best quality experience at California State University Los Angeles that I can. I aspire to do this in the following ways: by advocating for the rights of students, planning and executing relevant and important events, and by working closely with CCOE clubs to help them flourish and grow. In my current and future time as the CCOE representative I do and will collaborate with faculty, administrators, staff, CCOE students, and community members to represent the student body and empower the voices of students to ensure that they continue to have a seat at the table.

14

University Times

April 24, 2017

CANDIDATES FOR COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE: COLLEGE OF NATUR AL & SOCIAL SCIENCES

BR A N D ON L I U

I welcome the opportunity to represent as the College of Natural and Social Sciences Representative. In this position, I would try improve ASI's communication with the College of NSS. Additionally, I would be interested in contributing to event coordination, as I have experience with other on-campus student organizations such as the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club. As an NSS student myself, I face many problems that I feel could be alleviated by solution-oriented policies. For example, professors of large classes often have insufficient office hours and this could be alleviated by factoring class size into office hours length. I believe that my interest in representing the College of NSS will allow me to put my best effort into solving problems ultimately for the students.

DEBOR A H A SCENCION

As the Representative for the College of NSS; I will represent, advocate for, and empower CSULA students. It is my priority to help and assist with the individual needs and concerns of the students. In addition, I will work to provide the best services for the students and guide them towards a successful college career. I will constantly work with the Dean of NSS, NSS faculty, A.S.I. Board, and CSULA administration to represent our students and provide them with the tools and resources they need to have an excellent education.

Furthermore, I will assist and provide an effective guidance to all the clubs and organizations under the College of NSS. It's my priority to actively seek out the opinions, needs, and desires of the student body at large. The students in the College of NSS will have a voice and be represented at the Student Government in Cal State LA.

L A ICA TOL EN TINO My name is Laica Tolentino, and I am currently a second year Biochemistry major. Steve Backley once said, "There are three types of people in this world. Firstly, there are people who make things happen. Then there are people who watch things happen. Lastly, there are people who ask, what happened? Which do you want to be?" And I am choosing to be one of the people who makes things happen. As the College of Natural and Social Sciences Representative, I will do my best to promote and increase participation and involvement within my college. Not only that, I also want to increase the awareness of other colleges towards the activities of the College of Natural and Social Sciences. I will be the voice and the ears of my fellow students, to listen to them and speak for them as timely as possible.

L I LY NGU Y EN My name is Lily Nguyen and I am running for the position of Natural and Social Sciences College Representative. I am passionate about helping people and want to represent the best interests of the students within my college. If elected, the main issues I want to address are the problems regarding advisement and the absence of social activities for students on campus. If elected, I will do my best to advocate for the students to make sure that their experience at Cal State LA is memorable.

• CANDIDATE FOR UNDERGR ADUATE ACADEMIC SENATORS •

JACQU ELY N ACOSTA

Hello! My name is Jacquelyn Acosta and I'm a first year student here at Cal State La. I am running for the position of Undergraduate Academic Senator because I'd like to have a chance to be involved and associate with my fellow peers at CSULA. I know I can make a positive impact in ASI and CSULA. I would be an asset to student government because I'm hardworking, professional, and leader who will do everything in her power to represent the students of Cal State LA. I want to bridge the gap between the students and their school and ensure that the student's educational expectations are met. I will also take the necessary measures to reach out to the students and make their voices heard. I'd love to have the honor to take part in the Senate and represent the Undergraduate students of Cal State LA.

• CANDIDATES FOR COMMUNITY AFFAIRS REP-AT-LARGE •

NAT H A N L EE

Cal State LA serves diverse groups with differing interests and traits. However, community-building here is challenging, many students unaware how many resources are at their fingertips in greater Los Angeles. There's much work in making our community better, and we deserve the right to open access for free thought, learning, and opinion to flow, and the ability to link and connect outside and campus organizations. We must harness the differences that identify us and empower relationships with agencies outside of campus.

Individuals must be able to fully flourish, take advantage of resources, celebrate common interests and have their voices heard. I possess courage to fully enable opportunities in personal and professional matters entailing the community. I firmly believe my enthusiasm and energy best suits providing and presenting more opportunities to improve our community to its greatest potential.

Y E S SEN I A V I L L ACORTA

It is my honor to apply for the Community Affairs Representative-at-Large position. It is a significant position, since it is the link of communication for the University Council of Clubs and Organizations to increase the campus involvement for the better of the students. My interest in serving as the Community Affairs Representative-at-Large begins from my work on campus to encourage and educate students in voting registration and voting. I represent Campus Vote Project, a nonpartisan non-profit organization that works to reduce barriers to student voting. If elected, I promise to create a solid ground of communication for problems affecting the Los Angeles and California State University of Los Angeles community.

• CANDIDATE FOR CAMPUS AFFAIRS REP-AT-LARGE •

JOSH UA S A L A Z A R I'm Joshua Salazar and I want to be your next Campus Affairs Rep-at-large. I am currently a senior in the Charter College of Education studying to be an elementary teacher. For the past three years, I have been merely a student. I have gone to class and went home. I did not attend any events on or off campus, I was only focused on myself, my degree, my career. At the time, it seemed like the only thing that mattered. I looked around and saw that I was not alone, much of the student body was doing the exact same thing. I look back now and see nothing behind me. No experiences, no memories, nothing to connect me to the campus, to the community. I want to reach the students here at Cal State LA and let them know to stop and take a moment to take it all in.

A S SO C I AT E D S T U D E N TS, I N C .

• W W W.C A L S TAT E L A . E DU /A S I / E L EC T I O N S

April 24, 2017

15 FEATURE

University Times

Mez-merizing Mezcla music director and founder Pablo Menendez visits Cal State LA David Czinner Intern On Monday April 17, Cal State LA students were in for a treat when musician Pablo Menendez and director David Sandoval came as invited guests to a documentary screening. The film is a biography that discusses the life of Pablo Menendez, the director and founder of the Cuban music group “Mezcla.”

The biography focused on Menendez’s life story and musical background. Menendez went to Cuba in the early 60s and has lived there since 1966 where he was active as a music director and guitarist.

He is the son of blues and jazz vocalist Barbara Dane.

Menendez has a varied mix of interesting musical influences such as Jazz, Blues, Rock and Cuban styles.

“Mezcla” has been around for over 25 years, and the group has evolved and reshaped its sound numerous times throughout the years.

The group has performed with iconic names such as Chucho Valdes, Roy Hargrove and Carlos Santana to name a few. The word “Mezcla” means “mixture” in Spanish, which accurately captures the aim of the group; to mix and develop a variety of styles in fresh creative ways.

Cal State LA

The flyer for film screening

Having a musician of Menendez’s caliber talk to students and student musicians was quite a treat.

Several students from the Afro Latin Ensemble were asked to perform for the audience, not knowing that Menendez would step in and jam with them. One of the trickiest

things when playing Cuban music is the style. Many believe that Cuban music is “Latin Jazz” but there are numerous differences. One of the main and most important is visible in an element that both Cuban and Jazz styles share; improvisation.

“The main difference is the vocabulary of soloing” commented Luis Caceres, a senior Music Education Major, and Baritone Saxophonist in the Afro

GRAND OPENING

American Music and director of the M.M. in Afro Latin Music. “I met Pablo through David Sandoval maybe 15 years ago,” commented Dr. DeCastro. “Throughout the years he has visited CSULA at least three times and performed with our students”.

Both Sandoval and Menendez have a friend and colleague at Cal State LA, Dr. Paul De Castro, Professor of Jazz Studies and Latin

One of the greatest personal struggles that faces musicians and artists of all sorts is whether or not they should continue their artistic endeavours. For musicians working with Cuban and Latin American styles, it’s a particular challenge because the styles are underappreciated. Yet they are important not just because of the art, but because of the history.

The University Club

A CELEBRATION OF OUR RETURN TO CAL STATE LA

Monday April 24 — Thursday April 27

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11:00am

MONDAY - THURSDAY FRIDAY 11AM - 3PM 11AM - 2PM

TREATS | GIFTS |RAFFLE | GRAND

Latin Ensemble. “You do not have your typical II V one licks like in jazz. A lot of musicians know that the core of cuban music is rhythm and without that you have nothing. So I really try my best to emphasize that rhythm in my soloing when it comes to cuban music.”

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Latin American music is intertwined with as much complexity and richness as is Jazz. When asked about that artistic dilemma. If you do music from your heart and what you believe in going to be appreciated one way or another” commented Menendez. “Never give up your heart and your music; humanity at some point will have monuments for those people that were able to do that."

16

University Times

FEATURE

Monday 24

ASI General Election Voting 9:00am Online via GET

Introduction to Time Management Presentation

Tuesday 25

B&E Now N' Later 2:30pm Salazar Hall Quad

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Reception

3:00pm Alhambra Room, 3rd Floor, University-Student Union

11:00am Eat Healthy, Be Active JFK Memorial Library, First Floor, 3:15pm Palmer Wing, R1039 Student Health Center, 2nd Floor, Room 213 Piano/Brahms

Event

7:30pm Music Hall

On Campus Credit Union Grand Opening 11am Golden Eagle Building, Third Floor

April 24, 2017

Crafting a Competitive Fulbright ETA Application 3:15pm King Hall D1053

Wednesday 26

Democracy in Action series 11:30am Golden Eagle Ballrooms 1&2

Denim Day

12:00pm U-SU, 1st Floor, U-SU Theatre Box Office

Information Session

2:30pm San Gabriel Room 313, University-Student Union

Introduction to Taking Notes Presentation 3:00pm 1039

Take Back the Night 6:00pm U-SU Plaza

Cinco de Mayo, La Verdad: 5:00pm U-SU Plaza

Music Faculty Artist Recita

Friday 28

NSS' Club Council Meeting

Civic Engagement Forum

Eagles Care Apri

Raising Awareness of Wrongful Convictions

11:00am Biological Sciences 159 11:00am U-SU Plaza

The Red Tent

3:15pm U-SU, 3rd Floor, Alhambra Alternative Break 2018 Room

Optional Practical Training JFK Memorial Library, First Floor, Palmer Wing, Room Workshop 3:30pm Golden Eagle Building, Room 218 A

Thursday 27

7:45am Golden Eagle Ballroom

7:45am Golden Eagle Building, 3rd Floor, Golden Eagle Ballroom

Introduction to Taking Tests Presentation

ASI General Election 2:00pm Results Announcement JFK Memorial Library, First Floor, Palmer Wing, Room Party 4:00pm U-SU Plaza

1039

5:00pm Golden Eagle Building, 3rd Floor, Golden Eagle Ballroom

6:00pm

Black April: Journey From The Fall

Spring Dance Concert

Honors Convocation: NSS Spring Dance Concert

7:30pm Cal state LA-State Playhouse

7:30pm Cal State LA-State Playhouse

7:30pm Music Hall

Made by Eunjong Kim

(Continued from Page 6) Engineering to Public Health to Theater Arts, they were united in voicing their struggles as femmes living in a patriarchal world.

As the show began, Cross Cultural Centers Program Coordinator Alejandro Muro informed the audience that the show may contain triggers and that they could leave at any time if they are uncomfortable with topics in the show. The performers, who are sitting hidden in the audience and spread out from each other, began to speak one by one, finishing each other’s sentences.

“Trigger warnings were created to give warnings amongst topics that create flashbacks of time when you experience trauma, and the tears keep falling because we know what it feels like to be inferior,” said one performer after another. “We only are traumatized because we live in a world where rape culture is in existence.”

The word ‘femme,’ whose roots merged from queer and feminist communities, was then defined by the cast in unison: “I believe that femme

is reserved for any type of person. There are femmes of all sexes, orientations, sizes, colors, etcetera. The only thing I believe to embrace the identity is just that: Embracing the identity and consciously performing femininity.”

The first half of the show highlighted common issues that femmes face, such as gender roles and expectations and sexual assault. Cross Cultural Centers Program Coordinator Nyehla Irsheid, who was the director and stage manager for the show, also performed in it.

She performed two pieces alongside two cast members, one of which dealt with sexual assault from an uncle.

While this was not her own experience, she wrote it based on a true story.

Speaking in front of a backdrop of a bed with a hidden figure in the shadows, Irsheid played a girl who was sexually assaulted one night by her uncle. It was suspenseful, especially when Irsheid recounted one sexual advance after another, building up to the assault. She described the eerie feelings that femmes often face when

being sexually harassed.

me, as she does now.”

“7:05pm, I hear Uncle Tony call for me, reminding me to finish up the chores mother left for me,” said Irsheid. “I hate when mother leaves.

Although I love Uncle Tony, I can’t help but feel uneasy when it is just him and I alone in this house – so quiet, so close, so late, so I keep my distance and try my best to stay busy, keeping my hands occupied…”

While the show covered many topics that were disheartening, some performers presented lighthearted and fun topics.

Osvaldo Aries, a queer Los Angeles-based actor, gave the audience a lesson on the history of high heels and how to wear them, entering the stage dancing to Beyonce’s Formation. Bonnie Vo sang calm, inspiring songs such as Florence and the Machine’s Shake It Out, while Davona Watson danced in the spotlight.

Queerness, family, and religion were brought up during the second half of the show. In her story, Love the Way I Do, Cynthia Guardado recalled the feelings of shame as she grows up making out with other girls, and later on in life being shamed by her religious mother for her sexual orientation.

“She shames me,” said Guardado. “She tells me she needed religious counseling to deal with my abnormality, as if religion could offer true acceptance. She tells me that i’m confused, that it’s not normal to love the way I do … She thinks I don’t believe in God. I tell her I do. I just don’t believe in the God created by a man to shame

The event concluded with a Q&A session that expanded the understanding of the meaning of femme. Several audience members, inspired by the show, agreed that bringing the show to other schools and communities would benefit society.

“Diaries of a Femme was an amazing show that touched upon several injustices women and LGBTQ faces,” said Angela Navata, a Psychology major and Women’s Studies minor.

“I was personally touched by the piece about the stories of sexual abuse of women and

the LGBTQ folks. The piece contains great vivid imagery and strong emotional appeal.”

Navata, who is involved in the Psychology Department’s Multicultural Research Lab, emphasized with the stories being told relating to gender roles and expectations. This gender binary, she said, is “the core problem” that creates many limitations for women and LGBTQ folks.

Communication major Erick Brigham did not believe that he lived in a patriarchal society up until he attended this event. Though he grew up with his mother and his sister, he said that as a man, he could never feel what his mother and sister went through.

“I couldn’t relate entirely until I started thinking about my little sister and how she might be idolized or sexualized under a male patriarchy, because in my head, I would think there is no patriarchy, but I started going deeper and I’m like, oh my goodness, there is,” said Brigham.