UT
NIVERSITY IMES
February 12, 2018
www.csulauniversitytimes.com
C A L I F O R N I A S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y, L O S A N G E L E S
Issue 216.04
Are the Feds spying on your Financial Aid? (Turn upside down for answer)
YES Read on Page 3.
Answer:
LOCAL NEWS
Page 7 --
"LA City Council Honors Black Journalists"
LA ONDA
Page 6 -"Empresa pierde mรกs de 90 empleados por culpa de ICE"
HEALTH
Page 8 --
"Snacking the Right Way"
2
February 12, 2018
University Times
Jittery Markets
stumbled significantly in 2018.
As Bond yields increase, U.S. stock markets continue to fall.
“If the economy gets much stronger, it could touch off inflation, which has been mysteriously missing for the nine years of the postcrisis recovery,” said CNN Money reporter Matt Egan. “That could force the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates faster than planned.”
Kyle Frizol Chief Copy Editor When news of the U.S. economy’s quarterly earnings exceeding estimates surfaced last week, financial markets throughout the world reacted, many in negative ways. On Friday, Feb. 2, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) fell 600 points, signalling uneasiness that snowballed at the opening of last Monday’s trading and continued throughout the week. Amid various insights from financial managers and investment firms, the general consensus is that the stock’s crash is the result of anticipated interest rate increases, steady growth in corporate profits and bond yields becoming more attractive. As New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ opened for trade
NEWS
Then, last Thursday DJI experienced its second 1,000 point loss at closing. These losses wiped all gains for Dow Jones in 2018. Beyond the United States, China’s market slipped 5 percent last Friday, closely followed by Hong Kong and Japan with 3 percent losses.
Wang Naishui
A trader on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.
last Monday, DJI began to free fall to a 1,600 point loss, the largest in recorded history according to CNN Money. By closing, the DJI had recovered
to a 1,175 point loss, which greatly exceeded its previous largest single-day loss. This is the first time that the US Financial markets have
Counselors Unlock
True Potential Tony Morrow has one goal for the students of Fallbrook High School— graduate ready for what comes next. With his guidance, young scholars and families put their plans for the future into action.
Bond yields in the U.S. continue to spike, which is causing investors to consider lower risk investments compared to stocks. As investments are pulled out of the NYSE and NASDAQ and are replaced in current short and long-term bonds, the stock market is taking large hits close to home for DJI and other major indexes.
director at PAAMCO, a investment management solutions firm, explained her standpoint for current and future investments in the near future: “If I have to choose bonds or equities, with interest rates going up, bonds just got more attractive,” she said. According to Reuters, following Thursday’s stock drops, S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial have confirmed that they are in correction territory, which is a 10 percent drop from their peak price last month. The uncertainty of the U.S. financial market has Wall Street scrambling to piece together if this is a natural cycle or a warning of a larger trend. However, there is no definitive answer and only time will tell. “The dust hasn’t settled yet, and I think both buyers and sellers are trying to figure out what this market really wants to do,” said Jonathan Corpina, senior managing partner for Meridian Equity Partners in New York.
Alexandra Coupe, associate
Azusa Pacific’s School of Education prepares graduates like Tony to see and cultivate the potential in every student. Qualified educators are needed as never before to help meet a growing shortage in California. Start your degree or credential in education, and become the next great teacher, counselor, or administrator who transforms lives.
Programs available online and at
6
locations throughout Southern California
Now enrolling for three start dates throughout the year. Apply by April 4 and join us this summer! apu.edu/education
Fallbrook High School, College and Career Counselor: Tony Morrow ’11, M.A.Ed. ’12
School of Education 21660
3 NEWS
University Times
February 12, 2018
Spying on Student Aid Department of Education proposes plan to put financial aid onto debit cards. Ricky Rodas Investigative Reporter The U.S Department of Education will soon begin testing a Federal Student Aid Payment Card pilot program, a move that would drastically alter the way student aid is dispersed. The program was announced in a notice published in the Federal Business Opportunities web portal in January, and will be piloted with a select amount of schools. According to the web portal, the purpose of the debit card will be, “to facilitate FSA loan refunds, along with other funds, originated by participating schools.” "This overhaul is long overdue," said Secretary DeVos. "Students and their families should be treated like the valued customers they are and should have access to the tools needed for success. Today's announcement is a significant first step in our commitment to improving the experiences students, parents and borrowers have with FSA and in bringing federal student aid programs into the 21st century." DeVos appointed Dr. A. Wayne Johnson as chief operating officer of the Department's office of Federal Student Aid (FSA). In an interview with Inside Higher ED, Johnson said, “We will have controls.” The
Department
of
Education is currently looking for a contractor to help implement the program. According to the web portal, the pilot is expected to be implemented by late Spring 2018. As of now, financial aid and loans are disbursed directly to universities and colleges and then given to students. Multiple news outlets such as BuzzFeed news have reported that the card would restrict what students spend federal dollars on.
"Think of the FAFSA: there is no reason completing it can't be simpler and more consumer-friendly. Unfortunately, it's anything but."
According to BuzzFeed news, the card program would essentially allow the Department of Education to function as a bank. That means that they would oversee the usage of their federal aid money. Students like Rafael Martinez, aviation administration major, feel that the program is a bad idea and would lead to a decrease in financial aid for students: “It would be a bad idea because the government is going to give us the card, and whatever the government gives us they monitor, so they’re going to see what we’re spending our money on,” said Martinez. Martinez says that students need the extra money for basic necessities such as travel funds to commute to school: “We are still in college; it’s not only books to come to college, you have to commute. It’s a hard commute for some people. There are a lot more expenses that come with college and university, but they don’t see that; that extra money is for us to get help, because a lot of us are going to end up being broke.”
Tom Williams
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.
4
University Times
February 12, 2018
NEWS
Major Overturns to Marijuana Convictions As San Francisco County prepares to review marijuana charges, thousands are expected to overturn. Jordan Hansen Contributing Writer San Francisco District Attorney, George Gascón, has announced that over 3,000
misdemeanor marijuana convictions in San Francisco county will be overturned. The statement from the District Attorney’s (DA) office given on Jan. 31st also announced that nearly 5,000 felony marijuana convictions will be reviewed, with many offenses expected to be reduced to misdemeanors. The decision was made in response to the passing of California Proposition 64 in Nov. 2016, which legalized the use of recreational marijuana
UN I V E R S I T Y T IMES
Editor-in-Chief Erron Franklin
Faculty Adviser Pablo Baler
Staff Reporters Anthony Karambeles Mike Nelson
Multimedia Journalist Managing Editor- Print Michael Griego J. Aaron Delgado Photographers Managing Editor- Web Aileen Espita Carlos Gomez Thomas Rodas Joshua Mejia Production Manager Camille Jessie Hector Cruz Brian Delgado Allen Flores Chief Copy Editor Kyle Frizol Contributing Writers Ashlee Navarec News Editor Yamani Wallace Richard Molina Melorie Cruz Photo Editor Cara Gonzales Advertising Representatives Alberto Perez Daisy Villalobos
Newsroom Assistant Connie Garcia Distribution Daisy Villalobos J. Aaron Delgado
Investigative Reporter Ricky Rodas 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.
Weed Finder.
for those over 21 years of age. The announcement is likely to have a far-reaching impact on minority groups, who have traditionally been overrepresented in marijuana-related crime figures. According to the San Francisco Cannabis Equity Report, African-Americans accounted for roughly 50 percent of all cannabis arrests made in the city between 2010 and 2017, despite only making up 6 percent of the population. The District Attorney hopes that the decision will amend these racial inequalities. “San Francisco is once again taking the lead to undo the damage that this country’s disastrous, failed drug war has had on our nation and on communities of color in particular,” said Gascón. Gascón also said that all misdemeanor marijuana convictions which dated back to 1975 will be automatically
rescinded, with no action required on the part of the offender. This goes beyond requirements set out in Prop. 64, which only allowed anyone convicted of marijuana-related offenses in California to apply for a review of their conviction. According to Gascón, the decision to automatically overturn convictions will benefit those who do not have access to an attorney; a group likely to be represented by members of mostly impoverished minority communities. “While this relief is already available pursuant to Proposition 64 for anyone with a conviction, it requires that they know it is available and to retain an attorney to file the expungement paperwork,” he said. “A criminal conviction can be a barrier to employment, housing and other benefits; so instead of waiting for the community to take action, we’re taking action
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 2018 University Times. All Rights Reserved. Cal State University, Los Angeles 5151 State University Dr. - KH C3098 LA, Ca, 90032 Office 323.343.4215 Advertising 323.343.4270
www.csulauniversitytimes.com calstatela.ut@gmail.com Calstatelaut facebook.com/CsulaUT Calstatelaut
Jefa de Redacción: Claudia Landeros Editores: Lissette Flores Eduardo Ramos
Consejero de la Facultad: Pablo Baler
for the community.” Under the new guidelines, felony convictions will be subject to automatic review and may be reclassified as misdemeanor offenses on the condition that the original conviction did not include certain aggravating factors. The DA’s Office also indicated that anyone currently serving a sentence for a marijuanarelated offense could be released, provided there is no risk to public safety. LA Superior Court Judge, Joel Lofton, spoke to the University Times. He believes that automatically overturning marijuana convictions will benefit those on probation or parole the most, rather than those currently imprisoned: “Overturning convictions will have the greatest impact on taking people off the rolls of probation and parole,” he said. “It will also help with allowing people convicted of marijuana related offences to rid themselves of the stigma and encumbrances of those convictions; difficulties in obtaining student loans, voting and employment, for instance.” Judge Lofton additionally stated his belief that other counties will soon begin to automatically overturn marijuana convictions. However, Los Angeles County DA, Jackie Lacey, maintains that those convicted in LA County will still have to proactively appeal the conviction. “There were 40,000 felony convictions involving marijuana since 1993,” she said. “We cannot determine at this time how many of these cases involve people who no longer require their criminal records to be stricken.”
5 NEWS
University Times
February 12, 2018
Divulging a Decade’s Harassment CA Legislature reveals 10 years worth of records on sexual harassment cases.
"I believed then and I still believe that the complaint was motivated by the former staff member's anger over being terminated."
Ashlee Navarec Contributing Writer On Friday, Feb 2, the California Legislature publically released the records of eighteen cases of alleged sexual harassment. 72nd District Assemblyman, Travis Allen, state Senators Robert Hertzberg and Tony Mendoza, and 62nd District Assemblywoman, Autumn Burke, were all included in the completed investigations, some of which have been hidden for over a decade. Former Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra, who resigned in Nov., 2017 for facing sexual harassment allegations from multiple women, is included as well. Twelve senior staff members were also accused of sexual misconduct. Since 2006, more than “six dozen complaints were recorded by the two legislative houses. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission defines sexual harassment as, “Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature…” The State Assembly’s employee handbook defines sexual harassment in almost the exact same way, yet the allegations continue. These records contain explicit details in regards to the investigations in the legislative district offices throughout the State of California. In 2013, Allen, a Republican candidate for governor, was accused by an anonymous female staff member, on multiple instances, of inappropriate contact. Hertzberg, known as the “Huggy Bear” in political circles, was accused (Continued from Page 10) more rhythmically and then I started to sing. The first time I tried to sing, you know when you get done with something and you know it wasn’t good and you have people kind of shying away from you and trying not to look at you disdainfully. That’s what happened, and it turns out I was singing out of tune,” said Harjo. Though Harjo’s music and poetry are closely inspired by her familial ties, her personal identity remains one of unusual conflict. “My dad’s family was very upset when he married my mom because they had Indian oil money, they were principal chiefs. And they had status and were educated. So, that comes to a kind of collision in me because of those things,” said Harjo. Regardless, the Muskogee Nation, to which Harjo belongs, remains supportive of her work. She feels comforted that people at least know her, which is more than she can say about several academic voices writing on Native American culture. Still, not everyone agrees with her work. “There’s always going to be people who think that women should stay in the kitchen. Well, I still write poetry in the kitchen. My last song I’ve been working on, I wrote in the kitchen table,” said Harjo. Currently, Harjo is working on a musical that will show Southeastern native people as part of the story of
Autumn Burke
Assemblywoman Burke at the Inglewood Unified School District JLAC Hearing
by a woman who felt unsafe with his overly affectionate embraces, and who then filed a complaint in 2015. The Senate document states that Hertzberg “pulled the employee close to him and began to dance with her.” In a written statement provided by the LA Times, he claimed to hug people as a way of forming a relationship. “It’s never meant as anything other than a gesture of warmth and humanity,” wrote Hertzberg. “This instance, a settled matter from several years ago involves a single hug with a family member of someone I knew, and I’m sorry to her and anyone else who may have ever felt my hugs unwelcome.” An investigation regarding Hertzberg’s actions began shortly after Linda Halderman, Republican and Assemblywoman of Fresno, filed a complaint against the Senator’s embraces. Halderman, who served from 2010 to 2012, said “Huggy Bear” had continuously made her feel uncomfortable during repeated hugging. In addition, Tony Mendoza is also jazz and blues. She expect to finish this Spring. Recently, she helped start a mentorship program for young women of her tribe ages fifteen through twentyfive in the arts. Harjo concluded her Q&A session by providing advice for aspiring writers and artists. “Unplug and write. Listen. It’s always good to go and hear what other people are doing. If you’re a poet, go to art shows, go to musical events. I think it’s good to have a focus and areas of study,” she said. “Even if you’re not an artist, just keeping a notebook or something so that you have a place for your spirit to express itself. If you’re worried somebody’s going to get it, you can burn it or bury it.” Upon leaving McDermott’s class, Harjo was quickly whisked off to lunch with such distinguished company as President William Covino, Dean Rennie Schoepflin of the College of Arts and Letters and Cross Cultural Centers director Frederick Smith. Harjo impressed her compliments upon Covino for the campus’ incredible diversity, which she contrasted from the demographic of a white-dominated Knoxville, Tennessee, where she teaches English. Later in the day, Harjo delivered a moving reading and saxophone performance to a packed room in the Golden Eagle Ballroom. Afterward, she generously signed copies of her work for attendees.
under current investigation regarding unwanted advances toward three former female subordinates. Although he is currently on a leave of absence from the Senate, in a previous statement made in Dec., 2017, Mendoza affirmed that he, “will vigorously defend himself to clear his name.” Denying the accusations, Mendoza has remained critical of the Senate’s investigation procedures. The present investigations of Mendoza and Hertzberg are being handled by an outside law firm. In a so-called “after hours” conversation, Assemblywoman
Autumn Burke was accused of having an inappropriate conversation detailing an anal-sex experience with Capitol office staff. Burke claimed the complaint was later made by a very displeased, former staff member. The complaints were finally given to The LA Times 94 days after the legislative attorneys initially refused to do so. The original complaints and documents verifying the completion of each investigation were the only parts that were made public. In addition to excluding all names of the accusers and witnesses, lawmakers refused to divulge any other records related to the cases.
6
February 12, 2018
University Times
INMIGRACIÓN
Empresa pierde más de 90 empleados por culpa de ICE TEMAS GENERALES
Accidente mortal
Los dos trenes, de carga y de pasajeros, después del choque fatal. Crédito de fotografía: Tribune News Service
Sucedió en Carolina del Sur Por Yeraldín Estrada El pasado domingo, 4 de febrero, un tren de carga y otro de pasajeros chocaron cerca de Columbia, Carolina del Sur. El desafortunado accidente dejó dos muertos y más de setenta personas heridas. El tren de pasajeros llevaba un total de 139 pasajeros. Según se informó, la colisión ocurrió alrededor de las 2:45 de la madrugada. El conductor y la persona a bordo de la locomotora del tren Amtrak, perdieron la vida. Las personas que resultaron heridas, en su mayoría, tuvieron lesiones menores. Solo tres personas están en estado crítico. El tren de la compañía de Amtrak, había partido de Nueva York y tenía como destino la ciudad de Miami.
El trágico choque ocurrió debido a que la locomotora y algunos de los vagones del tren que llevaba a los pasajeros se salieron de las vías provocando la colisión. Uno de los pasajeros declaró que mientras muchos de ellos dormían ocurrió la desgracia y que creyó que iba a morir. Este tipo de accidente ferroviario es el tercero que sucede en la compañía Amtrak durante el año del 2018. Hace unas semanas un tren que llevaba varios congresistas republicanos a un retiro del partido, chocó contra un camión en Virginia quitándole la vida a uno de los pasajeros y dejando gravemente heridas a dos personas. Por su parte, el presidente de Amtrak, Richard Anderson, responsabilizó a CSX, pues afirmó que el sistema de señalación es operado por el tren de carga.
Contáctanos en:
UT CSULA La Onda
laonda.newspaper@gmail.com LAONDACSULA
Ciudad de Fowler, California Por Claudia Landeros Las redadas para cazar inmigrantes en los centros de trabajo por parte de los agentes de Servicios de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE por sus siglas en inglés) han provocado desde hace mucho tiempo que trabajadores indocumentados abandonen sus trabajos por temor a ser arrestados y deportados. Con las nuevas políticas del gobierno de Trump, estas medidas de seguridad se han reforzado y muchas nóminas de empresas están siendo auditadas para verificar que no haya gente trabajando ilegalmente; son las llamadas “auditorias de empleados”. Ahora le tocó a la empresa Bee Sweat Citrus, localizada al norte de California, en la ciudad de Fowler. La semana pasada, tras el aviso de ICE de que realizaría una inspección a la empresa, varios trabajadores comenzaron a renunciar y otros muchos simplemente ya no regresaron. Solo en esa semana la empresa registró un gran número de bajas, de 40 en los primeros días, subió a 90. ICE está acorralando cada vez más a las empresas y a los trabajadores. El vocero de Bee Sweat Citrus, Stan Santos, comentó: "Nos preocupa porque estamos a media temporada de cosecha. Hay empleados aquí que han
En plena jornada: un empleado de la empresa Bee Sweat Citrus. Crédito de fotografía: Facebook
estado hasta por 20 años. Han dado su trabajo, su esfuerzo para el éxito del negocio y para la estabilidad económica de estas comunidades". También agregó: "Ellos no saben qué hacer. Así es que varios se fueron, renunciaron". No es la primera vez que esta empresa pasa por una inspección en sus nóminas; hace cinco años otra auditoria le hizo perder alrededor de 150 empleados. Estas medidas afectan a todos directamente, incluso a los consumidores de cítricos, porque ninguna empresa se va a arriesgar a sembrar sus tierras si no tiene trabajadores, y si no hay producto local que se distribuya en los mercados, habrá que traerlo de otros
lados y eso implica un precio más alto. Según los representantes de ICE, estas medidas no son nuevas y es su obligación asegurarse que los empleadores no contraten a personas indocumentadas. Activistas y trabajadores aseguran que estas auditorías a las empresas, sumadas a las redadas sorpresivas que se hacen con frecuencia en diferentes puntos de control, no son otra cosa que el contraataque del gobierno de Trump a California por favorecer leyes como la SB 54 que prohíbe a agencias estatales y locales interrogar o detener a personas respecto a su estatus migratorio.
TEMAS NACIONALES
Jóvenes colombianos en contra del machismo Una campaña para contribuir a la igualdad de género Por Eduardo Ramos Cuando se habla de las cosas que empañan nuestra sociedad, uno de los temas más delicados a tratar es la discriminación. Existen tantas formas diferentes de discriminar que resulta difícil nombrar todas y cada una de las circunstancias en las que se emplea. El trato desigual a cualquier persona o grupo de personas que luzca o actúe diferente a lo que se cree es normativo en la sociedad ha sido el motivo para que desde hace siglos se hayan cometido todo tipo de injusticias. De ahí surge la desigualdad; de las ideas erróneas y del empeño de muchos en encontrar diferencias entre las personas.
Ideas de superioridad que han conducido a una injustificada desigualdad entre hombres y mujeres. El machismo, ha sido una forma de control y sometimiento contra las mujeres que afortunadamente, cada vez más ha ido perdiendo terreno, sobre todo en las nuevas generaciones. En Colombia, por ejemplo, jóvenes, de alrededor de 16 años, han tomado la iniciativa de terminar con la desigualdad de género contra las mujeres; algo muy poco común, pero digno de admirar, por ser varones y por ser tan jóvenes. “Machismo es que, después de comer, la hija tenga que lavar los platos mientras el hermano sale a jugar fútbol” es como Luis Daniel, un colombiano de 16 años, define a esta realidad que se repite en muchas familias de su país. Luis Daniel está convencido que el machismo comienza en la casa y que terminar con él sólo será posible con la participación de
los jóvenes. "Somos la nueva generación y no debemos tener una actitud pasiva ante el machismo. Cuando tengamos una familia ese cambio se verá reflejado en nuestros hogares y con nuestros hijos.” Con motivos de la lucha a favor de la equidad de género, a principios de este mes, se llevó a cabo una charla denominada "La igualdad de género también es con los hombres", realizada dentro del “Hay Festival de Cartagena”. Allí, jóvenes menores de 18 años, procedentes de distintas partes del país, hablaron de cómo reducir la distancia entre los géneros y cómo erradicar las actitudes machistas de su vida cotidiana. Es de aplaudirse todo el esfuerzo realizado por los jóvenes colombianos. Están iniciando un cambio dentro de una cultura donde desmontar la desigualdad y la discriminación es muy difícil debido a la necedad heredada desde antiguas generaciones.
7 CULTURE
February 12, 2018
University Times
Treasure Hunt The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center presents a documentary on tragedy in the LGBTQ community. Adriana Sanchez Contributing Writer On Feb. 5, the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center showed the documentary, Treasure: From Tragedy to Trans Justice, Mapping a Detroit Story. Directed by Dream Hampton. The film shines light on the brutal murder of Shelley “Treasure” Hilliard and the impact she made on her local transgender community. Hilliard was a nineteen year old black trans woman. She made a living doing sex work in the “survival economy” of Detroit when she was caught one night at a Motel 6 in possession of marijuana. The
arresting officers threatened to place her in a men’s facility if she did not cooperate to locate her dealer. The plan worked, the dealer was arrested, and in the process, the police -- despite confidentiality policy-revealed her identity as the informant. As retaliation for her dealer’s arrest, she was murdered, mutilated and her body spread across the city of Detroit. In the wake of her death, the loss sparked the need for action and unity in the LGBTQ community. Treasure’s close friends shared how her death impacted them as trans women as well as how they have become active in working to create safe spaces for individuals to gather. “Her family and friends fought for justice for Shelly and the rest of the trans community despite the obstacles they face daily such as drugs, racism, sex work and transphobia,” says student Joshua Gomez,
Treasure Documentary
Memorial in honor of Shelley "Treasure" Hilliard in Detroit.
“It takes a lot of courage and perseverance to be truly you. I believe it is empowering they were able to provide clarity on what goes on in their lives, what they feel about it and
their consideration for others.” The documentary highlights the work Treasure’s friends put in at the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit. It is a positive
environment where teens can spend time, work with mentors, find resources and build a support system as a step to counter hate and promote inclusiveness.
8
University Times
February 12, 2018
CULTURE
On a First Name Basis than their legal name to identify themselves.”
Students petition for GET first name preferences.
For students who wish to incorporate these preferences into their education, the University accommodated to these requests:
Kyle Frizol Chief Copy Editor Recently, a student activist group on campus, Trans* Queer Equity Campaign, advocated for Golden Eagle Territory (GET) to offer first name preferences for students who prefer to use a name other than their legal identity. This addition is the latest by the organization who have also campaigned for genderneutral restrooms in 2015. According to the University’s official statement for GET’s update, “Cal State LA recognizes that some students may wish to use a Preferred First Name other
“The university acknowledges that a Preferred First Name can and should be used where possible in the course of university business and education.” Jose Trinidad Castaneda, former A.S.I. Funding Board Committee Member, was one of the original individuals who formed Trans* Queer Equity. He explained the process of campaigning for the genderneutral restrooms in 2015, as well as how the group had successfully campaigned for GET preference updates: “When
I
was
studying
"Cal State LA recognizes that some students may wish to use a Preferred First Name other than their legal name to identify themselves." at the University, a few classmates and I had formed Trans* Equity. It started with just us and we began to advocate for underserved and underrepresented students on campus,” said Castaneda . “I am no longer a member of the group, but I believe a few of the members came together to campaign for the GET preferences and were
successful.” According to Castaneda, the process of campaigning for the gender-neutral bathrooms was similar to the GET first name preferences. Specifically, individuals spoke up and contacted the University requesting for changes to be made, and continued to press for approval. They found it.
Cal State LA noted that first name preferences generally apply to the majority of interactions on campus, including: the university directory, campus communications, the MyCalStateLA Student Center, Moodle, the Golden Eagle One Card and in reporting. However, there exceptions to this:
are
“For example, some records, such as paychecks, legal documents, and transcripts require use of a legal name,” said the University. Regardless, students took initiative and campaigned for changes that they value. From the addition of gender-neutral restrooms on campus to GET first name preferences, Golden Eagles continue to stand up for what they believe in.
Professor’s Wisdom Cal State LA professor guides students to stick to their academic goals. Mary Pace Contributing Writer Cal State LA’s Professor Dolores Delgado Bernal and Octavio Villalpando led the presentation Working Toward Racial, Gender and Economic Justice in the Academy at University-Student Union last Thursday. Both professors are leading scholars on Critical Race Theory and Chicanx students in higher education. Dolores shares her time between the Department of Chicana/o & Latina/o Studies and Charter College of Education. Villalpando is the Vice Provost for Diversity and Engaged Learning and Chief Diversity Officer at Cal State LA. While both are influential scholars, their road to scholarly success came from humble beginnings. Bernal recalls her academic journey as a first-generation student, a “feminista” who learned the concept of “nepantla,” (‘borderland space’) which is a liminal space that’s in between ways of knowing. Her parents’ education was different, as she describes them as high school “push-outs,” a specific word choice to describe the educational system set up so that “students are forced to leave the institution,” said Prof. Bernal. Her father joined the marines. His drive pushed her to excel as a student. She earned an undergraduate
labor of creating those maps.”
“It is an opportunity that very few people get in their lifetimesthe opportunity to help an institution to help better the underrepresented communities of an institution.”
“There are a lot of ways to do research and scholarship to bridge our lives,” said Prof. Bernal. “We can work toward issues in many different ways: activism, businesses, education and administration [work toward] building resources for our communities.” Dr. Octavio Villalpando recalls growing up in a community where gang problems were so prominent that his parents moved from a house to a cramped twobedroom apartment in order to remove their children from the threat. As a young student, he received an offer to do research at the University of Utah. “I found a community that’s small, but it’s growing. The impact of the work we’re doing could be more meaningful than the impact working a place like Los Angeles,” said Dr. Villalpando. “Fishpond effect is what that’s called.” He is also working to improve diversity.
Camille Jessie
Chief Diversity Officer Octavio Villalpando sharing events of his life that have led to his current occupation.
degree in business but realized that wearing business suits from 9 to 5 p.m. was not her ideal career. She returned to school to pursue degrees in higher education. She earned her Ph.D at University of California, Los Angeles. Today, some of her work includes: Ovarian Cycles in Boyle Heights, which work
around anti-gentrification, and Youth Justice Coalition, which prevents school and prison pipeline. Students involved in the Youth Justice Coalition are mapping data from the District Attorney reports of people killed by the police county. “Boyle Heights is number five right now,” said Prof. Bernal. “Students are doing the
“It is an opportunity that very few people get in their lifetimes- the opportunity to help an institution to help better the underrepresented communities of an institution.” His talk was not shy of discussing all the challenges facing higher education in the present day: “The idea that you have to contend with the challenges of achieving a degree is one thing,” said Dr. Villalpando. “Making progress consistently
- but never would we ever expect to be receiving daily attacks from our political leaders in Washington DC. We are living in a moment that we will look back historically and read about in the future.” Today, Dr. Villalpando is working to help increase graduation rates for students, as well as increasing the number of African-American students on campus. He recalls that in 1968, people walked out to demand education. Now, he is empowering students to walk back in and pursue the education their ancestors fought for them. Dr. Villalpando ended his talk with the message of how activism and education comes together: “This idea that if you like education, that it is one of the ways of moving forward in our communities, and we all believe that, despite the myths that families of color undermine that- we value education and we are here,” he said. “Think about a career as a faculty member in higher education. There is no better career. You’ll put in the effort upfront to get your careers, but you get to be a part of experience to be with others. There are multiple ways forward!” Frederick Smith, Director of Cal State LA’s Cross Cultural Centers, explained the programs importance: “We wanted to make sure to highlight some of our scholars on campus. The Cal State LA community takes pride in its faculty. It is meaningful for students to see role-models who look like them and have similar stories and experiences in their educational journey.”
9 HEALTH Snacking the Right Way University Times
February 12, 2018
Choosing the right snack more often than choosing the less ideal snack can actually keep you more focused, give you more energy, and prevent energy crashes. What are these “right snacks” you ask? Choosing a snack with a bit of carbohydrate, fat, and protein that offers some beneficial nutrition. Great sources of carbohydrate are whole grain crackers, whole wheat bread or a piece of fruit. Healthy fats can be found in avocado, low fat cheese, nuts and nut butters. Great protein foods are lean meat like turkey, a hard-boiled egg, or a glass of milk.
An appetizing take on healthy eating. Connie Weissmuller Contributing Writer Snacking is something we all do, and contrary to popular belief, it is actually an important part of our diet. We need to keep our metabolism humming throughout the day so we don’t dive into a meal at our hungriest and end up overeating or making a choice we wouldn’t have if we were only appropriately hungry. Unfortunately most of the snacks most college students reach for are not the kind that keeps our metabolism humming. These snacks like soda and candy often are full of refined sugar or loaded with saturated fat which can spike blood sugar causing a crash a few minutes later or cause one to feel lethargic and tired.
Kristyna Baczynsk
The Nacho Queen.
Some foods are a two-inone and are easy to grab and go along with the missing component. Some of the best two-in-ones are low fat string cheese and yogurt. Low fat string cheese provides both protein and fat so pairing a whole grain cracker with it is the perfect snack. Yogurt is an
excellent source of protein and carbohydrates. Adding some natural peanut butter is an easy way to mix up a complete snack. When choosing a yogurt, the protein content should be higher than the sugar content. Some yogurts offer little protein and so much sugar that a candy bar might as well be consumed instead. Great options are plain Greek style yogurts. When looking into the flavored options, the Chobani brand options will have more sugar than protein. Most individuals prefer flavored options, choosing one with a high source of protein to prevent sugar crashes is imperative when choosing a balanced snack. Shop and prepare ahead to have healthy snack options in your backpack to prevent reaching for those less ideal snacks to keep you as your best self!
10
University Times
February 12, 2018
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
A Poet’s Day at Cal State LA Award-winning Poet Joy Harjo Visits Campus as Jean Burden Poet of Honor. Anthony Karambelas Staff Reporter Her eyes alone brim with creative energy. Just one glance and you lose yourself in a world of poetry, story, song, dance, and join in on her celebration of indigenous culture. Her deeply stirring and sometimes disturbing imagery evokes a strong sense of commitment to her ancestral roots. Last week, Cal State LA was graced with her presence. On Monday, Harjo began by attending an hour-long Q&A session in Professor Karen McDermott’s composition class. There she answered the questions of a group of students who had been studying her work since the beginning of the term. Harjo touched on many aspects of her personal history.
Cal State LA Facebook
Poet Joy Harjo sharing her work.
She related to students how she always used to be shy, sitting in the back row of her classes at the Institute of American Indian Arts. It was there that she first pursued her passion for poetry.
In spite of her struggles as a teenage mother, she wound up attending the University of New Mexico to further pursue her passion.
“I think the only reason they helped me get in the school was because I said I was going to be pre-Med. If I’d said I was going to be an artist, maybe, because there’s a lot of native artists. If I’d said I wanted to
study poetry, no one would help me,” said Harjo. Harjo always felt that music was inextricably tied to poetry. Muskogee chants, she pointed out, are all performed with accompanying music. It was this love for music that led Harjo to pick up the saxophone. “I think it was given to me to help me overcome my shyness even more because the sax is really noisy,” she said. As it turned out, her full-blood Creek Indian grandmother, who grew up in Indian territory, also played the sax. Even more so, the instrument brought her closer to home. In the 90s, music stepped into the driver’s seat of Harjo’s life. She formed a band called Joy Harjo and Poetic Justice, named after two band members who were Native attorneys. Performing live opened up a whole new world of possibilities for her. “I started breathing a lot (Continued to Page 5)
11 LOCAL NEWS University Times
February 12, 2018
City of LA Honors Black Journalists Professor Anthony Cox among local journalists honored by Los Angeles City Councilmen. Erron Franklin Editor-in-Chief To kick-off Black History Month, LA City Council President Herb Wesson recently recognized the Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ-LA). This honor is part of a City Hall display, entitled “Write in America” paying homage to local Black journalists. Wesson writes: “It was not always the case we could turn on TV and see people that looked like us. That’s why it was so important to me that this year’s Black History Month City Hall exhibit focus on African-American journalism in Los Angeles and beyond Anthony Cox, Associate Chair of Journalism at Cal State LA, is a founding member and the first president of NABJ-LA. He attended the ceremony last Tuesday along with other prominent journalists from SoCal. “The work we began as a black journalist organization nearly four decades ago continues today because many of the problems we faced back then continue today,” Cox said. The President of NABJ, the national
Susan Cox
Anthony Cox (far left) stands alongside Bevery White of KNBC and Pat Harvey of KCBS as City Council President Herb Wesson speaks at Black History Month kickoff.
organization, Sarah Glover, expressed her gratitude to the local chapter in a written statement: “I salute all the NABJ-LA chapter presidents for their unwavering commitment to the cause of the Fourth Estate and for their advocacy to ensure diverse voices are represented and untold stories are told everyday.” The “Write in America” display is located on the 3rd floor of City Hall and can be accessed via the Henry Rio Bridge. It is free and open for public viewing until the end of February.
12
University Times
February 12, 2018
SPORTS
Athletes Empowering Peers her own. Aside from being the 2016 CCAA long jump champion Miles wants to become a public defender:
In honor of Black History Month, University women athletes strive to make an impact.
“I want to be able to fight for those who don’t have a voice,” said Miles.
Yamani Wallace Contributing Writer Tiyde Pickett and Louis Stokes were the first African American women to compete in track and field. That was in the 1936 Olympics. They paved the way for young women athletes to leave their own mark on society just as they had. Young women athletes such as Ashlea Maddox, J’Liyah Miles and Ericka Taylor who represent the Cal State LA’s Women’s Track and Field team follow in the footsteps of Pickett and Stokes’ trend to empower young female athletes of color. National Athlete of the Week, freshman Ashlea Maddox, not only breaks Golden Eagle track and field program records but she desires to pave the way for young athletes like herself: “I see myself helping others and empowering athletes to stay or be positive no matter what adversities they're facing. I'm a strong believer that we attract what we constantly think about.” J’Liyah Miles, junior political science major and sprinter, has major goals of
LA Golden Eagles
Ericka Taylor
LA Golden Eagles
Ashlea Maddex
LA Golden Eagles
J'Liyah Miles
Ericka Taylor not only continues to improve her times for her middle-distance competition she strives to keep her community healthy. Taylor, a nutritional science major, has dreams of opening her own bakery and keeping her community healthy at the same time.
“I want to own a bakery where everything is healthy, and make people realize that everything that is healthy doesn’t have to be nasty,” said Taylor. These three women not only strive to be their best athletically and academically, but have intentions on empowering young athletes of color such as themselves. “I want to help people realize their potential and to see the benefit of appreciating the power behind our thoughts,” said Maddox.