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NIVERSITY IMES
May 22, 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
Issue 214.17
2017 Commencement at Cal State LA
This year over 4700 graduates participated in commencement ceremonies at Cal State LA Erron Franklin Copy Editor
It’s been a bright and warm few days of commencement services at Cal State LA and in Southern California. However, family and friends made it out to the Billie Jean King Sports Complex to support graduates during the 2017 commencement ceremonies. The University has over 240,000 alumni worldwide and that number just grew by an additional 6000 people who are expected to earn degrees this year. 4700 participated in commencement. Every year the university confers degrees on candidates and although routine and expected it’s the personal stories of those students who single handedly or with the support of another, strived, sacrificed and succeeded that take center stage.
J. Emilio Flores
Graduation cap reading "I'm Finally Here"
Robin Stacy Wolvek earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and is also a scholar who earned membership in PSI CHI, the International Honor Society in Psychology. Although impressive, her road to success might just top her success in academia.
Erron Franklin
Graduates stop and pose for a picture following NSS Commencement.
She’s overcome challenges and defied many odds. On graduation day she took to social media to share her story. “Without getting too personal and too cheesy,” she writes. “I put myself through college after being legally orphaned at 14, then emancipated, living on my own and working three jobs at the age of 17.” During his address to graduates at commencement, University Presedent William Covino stated that, “Through you the world will see the (Continued to Page 2)
J. Aaron Delgado
Chair of the Academic Senate, Veena Prabhu
POLITICS
NEWS Page 2 --
"Online Arrangement Ends in Assault"
J. Aaron Delgado
Faculty entering together for Commencement
FEATURE Page 3 --
"Call for Impeachment"
Page 7 --
"Good Journalism Rewarded"
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University Times
May 22, 2017
NEWS
Online Arrangement Ends in Assault a friend and stay connected, keep a clear mind, and ask personal questions.
A Female student was sexually assaulted by an online acquaintance
By following each of the core safety tips mentioned by the University Police, individuals can ensure that they are both vigilant and aware of any attempts to take advantage or infringe on their safety. This means remaining sober, notifying friends of where you're planning to be, and understanding exactly who you are meeting. The details of the situation are the most critical to the safety of all individuals.
Kyle Frizol Intern On Monday, May 15 at 11:45PM, a student was sexually assaulted in parking lot 7 on campus. She reported that she was meeting the suspect at the parking lot, and was forced into his car and assaulted. The victim described the background of this encounter, indicating that she had met the male online and was meeting him for the first time in person. However when they met, he was nothing like he had portrayed himself as, and she fell victim to his attack. The suspect was profiled by the victim as being a male Latino in his 20s, 5-feet-6 inches tall, and approximately 200 pounds with brown hair, eyes, and beard. The man was (Continued from Page 1) character, fierce drive, and intellect that define Cal State LA students.” Those words underscore all of the effort and dedication that Robin Stacy Wolvek and her story represent. Student success often depends on the support of those friends who are chasing the same goals and doubly so, those who are willing to support you until the very end. We stumbled upon two friends now college graduates, validating each other on a job
J. Aaron Delgado
Tinder is one of the many popular mobile dating apps
wearing a grey sweatshirt and had a dark colored pair of shorts on. He was reported as driving a grey two door sports well done. Salvador Perez, now holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from Cal State LA. On commencement day his short exchange with fellow grad Jasmine Medina warmed our hearts. “After so many ups and downs we finally did it! I met this girl years ago and she defines beauty and brains! So proud of us and we can finally say we did it,” said Perez.
sedan, and is still on the loose today. The Cal State LA University Police specifically noted a
few core fundamental safety strategies to follow: trust your gut instinct, meet in a public place for your first meeting, tell
The recent assault on campus serves as stern reminder to students that safety should never be taken for granted, and to practice safe habits and exercises when meeting new people. More preparation is always better to the latter when it comes the safety of all students and individuals who are meeting new people, especially through online dating websites.
“We did it after all the years the tears and stress. No more all nighters and Starbucks,” Medina replied. Perez, whose cap read “this degree took 1650 starbucks runs,” wa quick to reply with “I don’t know about no more starbucks.” For Brittany Alamillo, the first in her family to graduate from college, graduation day was about a huge milestone on a journey everlasting. She and her fiance, Tyler, were high school sweethearts, this was the second time they earned a diploma together. A year from now they’ll be tying the knot. “The countdown has finally come to an end, much like this chapter in our lives. Tyler,
J. Emilio Flores
Graduation Cap with Homer Simpson from The Simpsons
there's no way I could ever put into words how grateful I am for you. My support system, my late night paper editor, my tutor, my inspiration, and so
much more,” wrote Alamillo. The entire ceremony was moving and inspirational. Provost Lynn Mahoney, who sits looking out at the graduates challenges anyone to watch a Cal State LA graduation without shedding a tear. “Our students work so hard to get here and are so profoundly grateful for the opportunities afforded by a college degree and their families so joyful that our commencements are profoundly moving and inspirational,” said Provost Mahoney. Precisely like the story we mentioned above. This is the first graduation following Cal State LA’s switch back to the semester system. However, there is nothing more or less special but Provost Mahoney Says, “I think they are all equally wonderful—but maybe these students having “survived” conversion deserve a special recognition.
3 POLITICS University Times
May 22, 2017
Call for Impeachment Talk of impeachment lingers in Washington following Comey Memo and Trump's meeting with Russian officials Miguel Arriola Intern On Tuesday, May 16, top US national security advisor, H.R. McMaster commented on last week’s controversial Oval Office meeting with high level Russian officials saying, “In the context of that discussion, what the president discussed with the foreign minister was wholly appropriate to that conversation and is consistent with the routine sharing of information between the president and any leaders with whom he’s engaged.” The Washington Post notes that since presidential powers include broad authority to deem information to be declassified so, President Trump’s revealing of information to the Russians is not likely to be illegal. Still, the disclosure regarding possible Islamic State plans to blow up airliners by detonating a bomb in a laptop is being described by some as a leak, at least partly due to the fact that it was made to Russian officials. McMaster said the president did not know about the source of the intelligence and was not briefed on the subject matter. He explains that the disclosure was made in the context of discussing ISIS as a transnational terrorist organization and reminds the press that a Russian airliner was destroyed in October 2015 leaving 200 people dead. While he states that no sources or methods were compromised, concerns have been voiced that the revelation could put delicate intelligence sources at risk, with some even speculating on who the potentially endangered source might be. A potentially more damaging issue for the Trump Administration is the abrupt dismissal of former FBI Director James Comey, apparently over his involvement in investigating the Trump teams connections to the Russian government. This has largely been seen as an effort by Trump to obstruct that investigation. This view was reinforced on May 16 by a New York Times report which cited a memo written by Mr. Comey. The unclassified memo that The New York Times did not see, was read to a reporter by one of Comey’s associates. In it Comey writes that he was
asked in February by Donald Trump to stop the investigation into his former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Trump reportedly told Comey, “I hope you can let this go.” Trump is also said to have discussed with Comey the possibility of imprisoning journalists that report leaked information. Mr. Comey wrote the memo shortly after this meeting and informed senior FBI officials of its existence. The White House denies the allegations in the memo while also on Tuesday, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Jason Chaffetz, called on the FBI to hand over all “memoranda, notes, summaries, and recordings” regarding conversations between Trump and Comey. It may be likely that this particular issue will feature prominently if any future impeachment process were to happen. This idea of impeachment is now a possibility given that as of Wednesday, May 17, Texas Democrat Al Green became the first congressman to call for such an action from the floor of the House of Representatives. “I rise today Mr. Speaker to call for the impeachment of the President of the United States of America for obstruction of justice,” said Green. Three Republican congress members; Carlos Curbelo, Justin Amash, and Walter Jones, have also voiced that Trump may have committed an impeachable offense.
Gage Skidmore
Donald Trump speaking with supporters at a campaign rally in Phoenix, Arizona
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May 22, 2017
University Times
POLITICS
LA County Runoff Results LA backs charter schools, a re-worked police disciplinary program, and a new female city council member Ani Nalbandian Copy Editor Less than one in ten voters in Los Angeles showed up to the polls this past week to decide on runoff elections and ballot measures. Approximately 215 thousand voters in total cast
their ballots for Tuesday’s election.
The election included: An LA City Council race, an LA school board race, and a measure regarding the LAPD’s disciplinary system. Voters in Canoga Park received a letter from the ‘California Voter Awareness Project,’ which indicated which homes in their neighborhood had voted in Tuesday’s election. This form of voter shaming has been completely denied by a Political Action Committee in San Diego with the same
UN I V E R S I T Y T IMES
Editor-in-Chief Marrian Zhou
Managing Editor Ricky Rodas Production Manager Hector Cruz
Web Editor Carlos Gomez Copy Editors Ani Nalbandian Erron Franklin Photo Editor J. Aaron Delgado Business/ Advertising Manager Jim Munson
Distributors Xavier Jones Marcus Escobar Staff Reporters Marcela Valdivia Photographers J. Aaron Delgado Cara Gonzales Juan J. Palma J. Emilio Flores Gage Skidmore Carlos Gomez Kelly Gonez Erron Franklin Thomas Rodas
address marked on the letter.
People who received the letters, such as Bobbie Chasen, posted on Facebook, “It’s a document that shows when you voted for elections and when you did not vote. It exposes your neighbors’ voting information, names and addresses as well. When I read it I became very angry and felt violated.” One of the most contentiously debated ballot measures was Charter Amendment C, which affords officers the opportunity to choose an allcivilian review panel during disciplinary proceedings. Measure C was supported by Mayor Eric Garcetti and the LA City Council. It also won the support of LA county, passing with an impressive 57 percent of the vote. For LA City Council, District 7 for Northeast San Fernando Valley, a hotly contested seat was won by Monica Rodriguez. Rodriguez, who was running against Planning Director Karo Torossian, fills the seat of Felipe Fuentes, who stepped down from his position to take a lobbying job in Sacramento. The 15-person
Juan J. Palma
Los Angeles City Hall
City Council consists of only one other woman, Nury Martinez, who introduced Rodriguez during her victory speech. Martinez said that she had been “waiting for this moment for four years.”
Interns Eunjong Kim Miguel Arriola Alfredo Gutierrez Kyle Frizol
The LA Unified School District had elections for two district seats, which involved $14 million of outside spending. The rhetoric surrounding the races were primarily overrun with charter school debate. The elections would determine the majority ideology of the LA Unified School Board regarding charter schools.
Advertising Assistant Journalism 3910 TA Alberto Perez Robert Elsworth Faculty Adviser Suzanne Regan 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.
Kelly Gonez
Kelly Fitzpatrick Gonez won LAUSD District 6
Letters to the editor should include an address, telephone number and identification. Letters may be edited for grammar and length. University Times display and classified advertising should not be construed as the endorsement or investigation of commercial enterprises of ventures. University Times reserves the right to reject any advertising. University Times is published every Monday.
Para La Onda:
Copyright 2017 University Times. All Rights Reserved. Cal State University, Los Angeles 5151 State University Dr. - KH C3098 LA, Ca, 90032 Office 323.343.4215 Advertising 323.343.4270
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In Council District 1, incumbent Gil Cedillo won against Joe Bray-Ali with over 70 percent of the vote. BrayAli received major backlash before the election regarding racist online comments and supporting the burning and desecration of the American flag. In a Facebook post BrayAli wrote, "Let people burn the flag all they want, let them put it in their avant-garde art videos smeared in poo. Let them destroy it. In the U.S. the flag is not the state. The people are the state."
Jefa de Redacción: Claudia Landeros Editores: Lissette Flores Eduardo Ramos
Consejero de la Facultad: Pablo Baler
LAUSD District 4 was a race between charter school proponent, Nick Melvoin, and incumbent Steve Zimmer. The other LAUSD race for District six was between charter school supporter Kelly Fitzpatrick-Gonez and Imelda Padilla. Melvoin and Fitzpatrick-Gonez both won their seats, setting an unexpected precedent for the school district. The LA Unified School District has taken a hard shift towards charter schools.
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5 FEATURE
University Times
May 22, 2017
Success Stories Continue in Grad School Ethan Villarama received a Bachelor of Science in Physics at the age of only sixteen years-old after enrolling in the Early Entrance program. He will be attending UC San Diego in the fall to pursue a doctoral degree in physics. After concluding his doctoral program, he wants to become a scientist. His involvement in Minority Opportunities in Research (MORE) programs, internships, research, and experiments has shaped him into a successful student throughout his educational career.
Graduates embark upon new journey at prestigious universities Marcela Valdivia Staff Reporter It is the most anticipated time of the year, where nationwide, countless graduation candidates wait for the day to move their tassel from the right, to the left. After years of exams, papers, presentations, and projects, Cal State LA students finally walk across the big stage to receive their degrees. Students have left a mark on the Cal State LA campus, as they embark on successful journeys after graduation. “One of my long term goals was to finish my bachelor’s degree,” said Fabiola Covarrubias, Communication Studies major. “I feel that I have accomplished something in life and I am looking forward to what the next chapter will be. It is a very happy moment for my family and myself.” Andreína Thielen Martin earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science
J. Emilio Flores
Graduate holding their Diploma at CSULA Commencement
and a minor in Spanish in the University’s Honors College program. After years at Cal State LA, she was able to build a foundation to educate others about food. She will be attending Cornell University to obtain a Master's Degree in Public Health with a specialization in Food Systems for Global Health in fall 2017. Her career goal is to teach at the university level and enlighten students. “I take with me a wealth of
knowledge, particularly in the natural and social sciences. Although my graduate program at Cornell University is not research based, I hope to one day continue onto a Ph.D. in order to combine my love for academia, research and community work. Cornell University may sound intimidating, but I know everything I learned while at Cal State LA will serve as an excellent foundation,” said Martin.
José Omar Castellón obtained a Master of Science degree in Chemistry after developing a deep interest in scientific research. He will continue his studies at UCLA’s Molecular Biology Interdepartmental Ph.D. Program this fall after receiving the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. His career aspirations are to work in the biosciences or pharmaceutical industry. Marrian Zhou obtained a double major in Communication Studies and Music. She served as Editorin-Chief and Managing Editor
of the University Times where she was able to showcase her talent for writing. She will be attending Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism with the goal of becoming a foreign correspondent. Cal State LA has shaped her into becoming a professional in the field she aspires to be in. “Be careful with all your sources and find a really good lawyer who can guide you through the gray area in press law. Also, never be scared to stand up for what is right. The Class of 2017, after years of dedication will go out into the world to pursue their greatest aspiration and continue to make their families’ proud,” said Zhou. The Class of 2017 crosses the stage with a multitude of career aspirations to conquer after graduation. “Graduating college was my goal ever since I can remember to make both of my parents proud. Now that I am finally going to pursue this goal I feel like I have done something good for myself and my future,” said Paola Lopez, Communication Studies major and Spanish minor.
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May 22, 2017
University Times
TEMAS GENERALES Último miércoles de mayo, día mundial de la esclerosis múltiple “Mi enfermedad es como yo, insistente, testaruda y delicada”
TEMAS GENERALES México, entre los tres países donde más periodistas son asesinados y aseguraba que en México
El precio por denunciar no existía la libertad de el crimen y la prensa porque el crimen organizado y los gobiernos corrupción Por Eduardo Ramos De acuerdo con el periódico universitario La Jornada, de la UNAM en México, cientos de periodistas y fotógrafos realizaron el martes 16 de mayo, marchas, plantones y mítines. Algunos suspendieron sus labores en 11 entidades de la República para exigir justicia por el asesinato de Javier Valdez Cárdenas, corresponsal de La Jornada en Sinaloa y editor del semanario Ríodoce. El hecho fue perpetrado el pasado lunes 15 de Mayo en Culiacán, cuando un grupo de hombres le disparó a Valdez Cárdenas a unas cuadras del semanario. Con este, ya son cinco periodistas ultimados en lo que va del año. Durante las movilizaciones, los reporteros y comunicadores no dejaron de corear las consignas “nos están matando” y “ni uno más”. Las protestas se llevaron a cabo en Guerrero, Morelos, el Estado de México, Hidalgo, Aguascalientes, Jalisco, Colima y Nayarit. Javier Valdez Cárdenas tenía 50 años, estaba casado y era padre de una hija. Era uno de los reporteros que más y mejor había contado la violencia del narcotráfico en Sinaloa. Por medio de su trabajo, Valdez denunciaba la complicidad de los políticos con el narcotráfico
corruptos imponen el silencio a punta de bala o con dinero. Su trabajo en Ríodoce tuvo sus frutos, en el 2011 se le fue otorgado el Premio Moors Cabot, el cual entrega la Universidad de Columbia. Ese mismo año, también se le dio el Premio Internacional a la Libertad de Prensa, que otorga el Comité para la Protección de Periodistas (CPJ, por sus siglas en inglés). "Donde yo trabajo, Culiacán, en el estado de Sinaloa, México, es peligroso estar vivo, y hacer periodismo es caminar sobre una línea invisible trazada por los malos, que están en el narcotráfico y en el gobierno, en un campo sembrado de explosivos", dijo, "esto es lo que la mayoría del país vive. Uno debe protegerse de todo y de todos, y no parece haber opciones ni salvación, y a menudo no hay nadie a quien acudir". Dijo Valdez en un pequeño discurso en la primer premiación del 2011.
Hay tantos padecimientos conocidos y extraños que sufren muchas personas alrededor del mundo que cuando los escuchamos nos parecen tan raros como incomprensibles. La esclerosis múltiple (EM) es “una enfermedad crónica y autoinmune que ataca el sistema nervioso que afecta la mielina y la materia blanca del cerebro y de la médula espinal”. En palabras coloquiales, la mielina actúa como la cubierta de un cable eléctrico que son los conductos nerviosos y permite controlar la velocidad y la eficiencia de los impulsos nerviosos para que el cuerpo realice movimientos suaves, controlados y coordinados. Los problemas que produce esta anomalía son: debilidad muscular, pérdida del equilibrio y coordinación, problemas de la vista y dificultades para memorizar y pensar, entre otros varios síntomas. Las causas de la EM son desconocidas, la comunidad médica tiene varias teorías al respecto pero ninguna ha sido comprobada, lo que sí es cierto es que no hay cura. Los pacientes tienen que aprender a vivir con la enfermedad. Imelda, una paciente de 34 años, fue diagnosticada con EM en septiembre de 2014.
UT laonda.newspaper@gmail.com LAONDACSULA
Imelda comenta que ha sido muy difícil física y emocionalmente lidiar con esta enfermedad y que cada que los doctores le dan una mala noticia siente que se derrumba, pero ante eso también llega la esperanza porque nuevos tratamientos siguen surgiendo
y eso le da optimismo. “cada mañana al abrir los ojos pienso en cómo será mi día. Si me siento bien, hago mis cosas como siempre, pero si me siento mal, se me interrumpe todo y simplemente no puedo hacer nada. Es muy difícil” Expresa Imelda. Para ella es una lucha diaria no poder atender bien a sus dos hijos pequeños porque en ocasiones la parálisis de sus brazos no le permite ni abrazarlos. “Esta enfermedad es muy impredecible, con episodios muy difíciles y también con breves momentos de estabilidad, donde parece que no tengo nada.” La estabilidad del paciente depende de ambas partes, los doctores vigilan el avance de la EM y proporcionan los tratamientos adecuados, pero los pacientes requieres atenderse también, cambiar hábitos alimenticios, hacer ejercicio y mantenerse optimistas lo más posible, con una buena salud mental.
Fotografía. Crédito: http://www.webconsultas.com
TEMAS GENERALES
Univisión Upfront 2017-2018 La cadena televisiva da a conocer sus próximas programaciones
En marzo pasado cuando acribillaron a la periodista Miroslava Breach escribió, Marcela Valdivia "Que nos maten a todos, si esa es la condena de muerte El pasado martes 16 de mayo, por reportar este infierno. Univisión Communications Otras de sus citas conocidas Inc. presentó Upfront 2017eran “No al silencio”, “La 2018 en el Lyric Theatre de lucha diaria por cubrir el la ciudad de Nueva York, con narco, es como suministrar el tema “Proof of Passion.” El Upfront es un evento que pastillas contra el olvido".
Contáctanos en:
CSULA La Onda
Por Claudia Landeros
Desde entonces ha pasado por varios tratamientos que, si bien la han ayudado a mantenerse estable, le han perjudicado su salud en otras áreas. Por el tipo de EM que Imelda tiene, fue candidata a participar en un estudio de la universidad del sur de California (USC), en el que aparte de ella, solo cuatro personas más fueron aceptadas en el área de Los Ángeles. Imelda está recibiendo un tratamiento nuevo que está en prueba. Por todo un año, médicos de la universidad le han estado monitoreando el avance de la enfermedad. Lamentablemente, las recaídas han sido más frecuentes en los últimos meses y pronto tendrá que comenzar con un medicamento nuevo.
se realiza cada año con el propósito de dar a conocer las futuras programaciones de la cadena televisiva. Celebridades de la empresa como, Giselle Blondet, Lili Estefan, Karla Martínez, Raúl De Molina, y muchos más se hicieron presentes la alfombra azul para Upfront 2017-2018. El evento fue muy animado
y abrió con una presentación musical de la joven cantante Becky G. Algunas de las programaciones que continuarán este año por Univisión son “Pequeños gigantes”. Este programa está diseñado para descubrir talentos infantiles en Estados Unidos. También habrá otra temporada de la competencia de baile “Mira quién baila”. Otra competencia busca talentos que ha tenido mucho éxito y que continua es “La banda”. Además, se espera una segunda parte de la serie “El Chapo”. Un nuevo programa que se estrena este año 2017 es “La reina de la canción” que busca la próxima gran estrella del genero regional mexicano. Además de “El último dragón” que es una serie épica cargada
de drama, criminales persecución.
y
Durante el evento también se dio a conocer una nueva telenovela llamada “Papá a toda madre” protagonizada por Sebastián Rulli. La telenovela promete ser una comedia divertida para personas de todas las edades. Otra telenovela que anuncio Univisión es “Mi marido tiene familia” que protagonizan Zuria Vega y Daniel Arenas. La encargada de cerrar el evento fue la cantante colombiana Shakira, quien tuvo una actuación estupenda interpretando sus mayores éxitos. La cantante puso a todo los presentes a bailar y de esa manera concluyó la celebración de Univisión Upfront 2017-2018
7 FEATURE
May 22, 2017
University Times
Good Journalism Rewarded
award, and I worked hard to get my grades up. English is not my primary language, so there was a language barrier that I had to surpass. In LA, there’s Hollywood and other broadcasting stations, and I came over her to learn more about professional journalism”
Two Journalism majors become first students selected to receive 8-Ball Scholarship at Cal State LA Carlos Gomez Web Editor On Friday, May 19, representatives from the 8-Ball Welfare Foundation hosted a scholarship award ceremony at the University Times newsroom. Receiving these awards were two journalism students, Minjeong Shin and newly appointed Editor-inChief of University Times, Erron Franklin, who were both selected by scholarship committee. According to their website, “The 8-Ball Welfare Foundation was founded in 1954 by the Greater Los Angeles Press Club after the falling of the original Los Angeles Daily News. This closing left many journalists out of a job, and needing money to help them get back on their feet. Funded through donations from big Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe, the 8-Ball Foundation gave journalists money to continue
Erron spoke with the those in attendance about his plans following graduation next year. “I’ll be applying for graduate in fall,” said Franklin. “I hope to attend one of the top graduate journalism programs in the nation but I do have my heart set on a certain school in New York.”
Carlos Gomez
Back Row L->R: Prof. Clarke, Prof. Beaupre, Bob Tarlau, Prof. Cox and Dr. Ramirez Front L->R: Minjeong Shin and Erron Franklin
to pay for their expenses.”
Bob Tarlau, a broadcast journalist and Chairman/ Treasurer of the 8-Ball Foundation, spoke about the awards. “The overall mission is to help journalists in temporary financial problems. In the 70’s we started to give grants to student, and this year we gave $1500 per school. It gives me a great feeling to help out these students who may not have financial
problems but can always use more money for tuition, books, and supplies,” Tarlau said. “There’s a lot of satisfaction with this volunteer work that I do. When you’ve been in the business for a long time, you find great satisfaction in giving back to those who will continue this practice.”
Apart from the recipients, several faculty members from the Department of Television, Film and Media Studies (TVF)
made an appearance to show their support for the students. Among them were journalism professors Tony Cox and John Beaupre, and Chair of the TVF department, Dr. John Ramirez. Minjeong, a student from Korea, was one of the first recipients of the 8-Ball Scholarship along with Erron. She expressed her emotions after receiving the award. “I really didn’t know there were only two people getting this
Professor Michael Clarke, Head of the Scholarship Committee for TVF, talked about his role in bringing the scholarship to Cal State LA. “It’s important to support journalism students as well as important to build ties outside in the professional field. They have a historic mission to assist young and aspiring journalists in the Los Angeles area.” The University Times congratulates both of these two stellar journalism students as they continue to grow in this noble profession. For more information about the 8-Ball Foundation, visit www.8ballfoundation.com
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University Times
May 22, 2017
FEATURE
Sweet Treats During Finals Week
family called her Conchita [a type of pan dulce]; when we got conchitas we could always giggle, and she always made a cup of coffee as a kid,” Tejada said. “She always used to give me a pan and we’d talk over coffee and dip our conchas. For me it’s more than just a connection to food, it a connection to family, and I’ve talked to a lot of people and a lot of people agree.”
The Chicanx/Latinx student resource center hosts “Cafecito con pan” study break for finals week Ricky Rodas Managing Editor Many different ethnic groups call the United States of America home, and each of them has a unique culture that they celebrate. While tensions between some of these groups have made it hard to accept one another’s differences, trying another culture’s food is often the gateway for conversation and reconciliation. On Wednesday, May 17, The Chicanx/Latinx student resource center at the Cross Cultural Center (CCC) held a “Cafecito Con Pan” study break in their office to provide students with a tasty treat and a sweet introduction to Latinx culture. The CCC’s and Chicanx/Latinx student resource center coordinator, Laura Tejeda, detailed why they chose to provide pan dulce - which means “sweet bread” in English - for students during finals week. “We had a series called “Cafecito con Chisme” where we invited people to come and have conversations and
Thomas Rodas
Pan Dulce is a popular treat among Chicanx
partake in Gansitos [Mexican snack cake] and Mexican snacks, Latinx snacks that we folks really like,” Tejeda said. “Since we know that finals week is really crazy, we wanted to provide the snacks without the conversation; if they want to have the conversation in here while they study they can, they can also just come in here and study and grab a piece of pan [bread] all throughout the
day just to brighten up their day.” The pan dulces were bought from Castillo Bakery, a family owned Mexican “panaderia” in Pico Rivera. Tejeda said they aim to support family owned businesses in areas like Castillo bakery that are undergoing gentrification. Tejada, who is of Mexican descent, also talked about the
sweet memories she has made while eating pan dulce with family. “For me it means a lot; I know it sounds funny, but I’m actually emotional [right now] because my grandmother and I used to bond over food in general but pan dulce specifically. My grandmother’s name was Concepcion, so my whole
Students like Kinesiology major Violet Reyes agree with Tejada’s sentiment, and view cafecito con pan dulce (coffee and sweet bread) as a cultural staple. Reyes, a MexicanAmerican, shared a story of bonding over these treats with her grandma in Mexico. “I would go to Mexico to visit my grandma- she lives in a village where there’s little to no electricity- [and] so she had an actual clay oven, and would get this clay pot and you would boil the cinnamon or coffee, and it would taste way better,” Reyes said. “I remember that there would be the embers of the fire, and you could see everything lighting up; it would be seven, eight at night and you could see all the stars because there’s little to no light pollution there.” Reyes liked that the Latinx/ Chicanx student resource center was offering pan dulce because “other people from the different backgrounds get to see a ‘new’ culture that isn’t there’s.”