January 20, 2016

G L E N D A L E C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E C A M P U S N E W S PA P E R

EL VAQUERO January 20, 2016

Volume 106 | Number 7

Glendale Alumna Makes Forbes Magazine’s ‘30 Under 30’ List of Movers and Shakers See Page 5

NEWS Forum discusses future of Armenian American Museum.

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THE ARTS

SPORTS

El Vaquero shares its Grammy predictions for 2016.

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Vaqueros Baseball gets ready for opener at Stengel Field.

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VISIT US @ EL VAQ w w w. e l v a q . c o m E l Va q u e r o N e ws p a p e r @ G CC _ E l Va q @ G CC _ E l Va q

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Wednesday, January 20, 2016

EL VAQUERO

NEWS

Community Provides Feedback on Proposed Museum continuing to conduct its due diligence activities to determine the developability of the site under a Ground Lease Agreement with the City.”

The document also listed the completed activities and those that are still in progress.

As of Sunday, they’ve developed a concept plan and program; performed market opportunities and contextual assessments; prepared a comparable museum study, cost

EDITOR IN CHIEF Anahit Kardzhyan STAFF Ekaterina Nikitina Melody Shahsavarani Eric Bourse Sal Polcino Kathy Bakowicz PRODUCTION MANAGER

Sal Polcino NEWSROOM MANAGER

Photo by Anahit Kardzhyan

Eric Bourse BROADCAST DIRECTOR

Anashen Navasartian FACUlTy ADvISER Michael Moreau mmoreau@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000 ext. 5214 ADvERTISING Jeff Smith jsmith@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000, ext. 5493

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By Anahit Kardzhyan

T

he unveiling of the Armenian American Museum design brought about comments and concerns from community members which were voiced during a two-hour forum held on Sunday at the St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church near the college on Mountain Street.

The proposed 30,000-squarefoot project is planned to replace the current parking lot between the Church and Civic Auditorium on Verdugo Road. It would consist of both indoor and outdoor exhibits and activities.

Plans show that while 50 percent of the museum will consist of a permanent exhibition based on the Armenian American journey, the other 50 percent is available for

changing exhibitions; allowing creative freedom and specialized experiences.

The possibilities for the museum are endless and ever changing. attendees received a handout in which a “concerned Rossmoyne resident” lists how the museum will potentially negatively affect the neighborhood.

The Armenian American Museum’s organizing committee takes these points into consideration when working with the Glendale City Council, order to generate an equitable solution.

A document provided by the forums administrators states that “The Armenian American Museum Governing Board is

feasibility assessment pre-Master Plan; established a Governing Board; initiated a community outreach plan; and commissioned Phase one of the environmental assessment is complete and phase two is in progress.

They also initiated The California Environmental Quality Act Initial Study, which will determine the feasibility of building the Armenian American Museum on that particular site, along with the Comprehensive Economic Feasibility Assessment.

The forums are intended to be a platform for Glendalians and residents in the surrounding areas to express their views about the museum.

“We want to hear the good, the bad, everything,” said the museum’s executive committee member Zaven Kazazian. “We’d like to hear your input, so please don’t hold back.”

Chairman of the executive committee Berdj Karapetian announced the agenda and said their objective is to share the vision and mission of the museum so the public can gain a better understanding of their motives.

Based on recent feedback, homeowner groups to the north and south of the proposed museum site feel troubled about the impact exit locations, emanating lights, noise and conformity of the overall design.

The organizers of the forum addressed each of the issues during their presentation only

ON THE COVER: Former Glendale College student Dieuwertje Kast poses with a photo depicting the world’s oceans.

Photo by Roee Fung

to repeatedly face the same questions from the audience.

While Aram Alajajian of Alajajian Marcoosi Architects and Jano Baghdanian of JB & Associates were available to answer questions about the architecture and issues with it was made clear that immediate feedback may not be readily available.

Alajajian and Baghdanian presented their tentative plans and anticipated research that is yet to be done in an attempt to answer questions that may arise.

Many of the factors involved in putting the museum together are still up in the air and the committee and board members are working with the city council situation.

Talin Yacoubian said some of the comments and questions are “premature,” assuring they will be looked at during the upcoming meetings.

Others joined in an effort to praise the committee on their work thus far, agreeing that the location of the museum is ideal considering its close proximity to Glendale Community College, along with the design and the overarching intention of the parking seems to be the strongest location, a GCC student in the audience said “the damage being described is overblown.”

Educators defend the idea mainly because of the ease of access for students and residents who want to learn more about the Armenian cause.

There will be a presentation during the Glendale Noon Rotary’s Feb. 4 meeting at the Embassy Suites in Glendale. Nonmembers must contact Zaven Kazazian at www.zkazazian@ earthlink.net in order to attend.

For updates and more information visit www. armenianamericanmuseum.org.

Anahit Kardzhyan can be reached at anahit.elvaq@gmail.com

IN THIS ISSUE:

News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

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NEWS

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

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Exclusive: Swedish Activists Protest ID Controls Law Refuses Entry to Asylum Seekers Without Passports I

of immigrants and refugees from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan,

that the country can not afford to accommodate immigrants at the

SUPPORTING REFUGEES: Swedish and Danish Activists meet at the Central Station in Copenhagen, Denmark to stand in solidarity with those seeking asylum in both countries. On Jan. 9, a contingent of Swedish protesters took the train across the bridge from Malmö where they were met by a large force of security guards.

Hundreds

of

humanitarian

Sal Polcino can be reached at elvaqed@gmail.com Kathy Bakowicz can be reached at Kathy_bakowicz@hotmail.com

ORGANIZER: Stellan Lindell wields a megaphone at the international protest in Copenhagen.

ACTIVISTS: Toktam Johangiry and Salim Azi hold fake passports that read “Nationality: Humanity” at the Jan. 9 protest event.

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FEATURES

Black Scholars Honor Martin Luther King Jr.

Photos by Anahit Kardzhyan

RAISE YOUR HANDS: Audience participates in the closing prayer with Abdul Jabbar Iman who represented the Muslim community of the San Fernando Valley at the Interfaith Breakfast held in the Student Center on Thursday.

By Anahit Kardzhyan

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bout 100 students, educators and members of different religious communities gathered at the Student Center on Thursday for a morning of remembrance and inspiration.

With an event presented in play Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech during the Interfaith Breakfast hosted

by Glendale College’s Black Scholars program.

As stated in the title, their goal is to promote “Unity Through Faith” at this event—which they hope to hold annually.

But, it wouldn’t be breakfast without eggs and coffee, among other refreshments. Gregory Sanders, Senior Pastor of the ROCK Christian Fellowship Long Beach, was present to bless the food. Sanders asked the audience to stand for a “30-second pregnancy test.” They chuckled as they rose to their feet.

“Be pregnant with a dream.

Be pregnant with a purpose. Be pregnant with a goal,” Sanders said. “You can deliver something believe in immaculate conception and having the ability to be pregnant with a greater purpose.”

Everyone in the room, male and female, positioned their hands on their stomachs to “feel their purpose.” Then they held hands with those around them, bowed their heads and prayed.

President of the Board of

Trustees, Tony Tartaglia took a moment to follow up on Sanders’ sermon, saying he had “morning sickness,” but would get through it. He then praised the Black Scholars for their efforts.

“What I particularly like about this program (Black Scholars) is not only does it help our African American students succeed and continue to succeed, but it encourages community involvement,” Tartaglia said. on the relevance of King’s words in today’s society, focusing on his views on peace and education.

“As part of Glendale Community College’s learning community, we must remember that the actions and words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. must guide us every day as educators and lifelong learners — students, faculty and staff — we must always be trying to be better … better human beings, providing community leadership and building critical consciousness,” Viar said.

“That’s what Black Scholars program is about and I hope that’s what we’re about across the whole of Glendale Community College.”

Viar says he wants everyone to remember that “‘The time is always right to do what is right’ Dr. King said” and to always carry out King’s message.

“Not just on one day, not just on a week, not just a month of honoring and remembrance, but for our lifetime, for our institution

and community and our world’s lifetime,” Viar said.

Robert Hill, dean of student services, expressed his gratitude for everyone’s participation. “We may have different beliefs and faiths across the board, but we can do,” Hill said. “In this message we are trying to inspire and inform.”

He then introduced Akram Abdulrahman, vice president of Black Scholars and cabinet member of the International Students Association.

“It’s a blessing to be at Glendale Community College, seeing all the differences of human nature and cultures,” he said. “It’s great to experience the strengthening of culture … the thing that humanity.”

Abdulrahman introduced J.D. Hall, a local imam, who pointed out that King and Christopher Columbus are the only two people who have a federal holiday associated with their name, calling it a “high and very rare honor.”

Even though there have been societal changes in relation to freedom and equality since the Civil Rights Movement, Hall says “the battle still rages on.”

“Oppression, injustice and insensitivity are still alive and well,” he added. “The enemies of justice and peace will never surrender.”

According to Hall “anyone who strives and struggles for good is a jihad.” This term is an Islamic concept of the struggle to do good.

“We should all be jihadis,” Hall said. “For me that’s what the day (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) is all about and that’s what every day should be about. We should all be struggling for good. We should all be struggling for justice. We should all be struggling to end oppression and we should all be struggling against evil.”

Coordinator of Black Scholars Robert Williams followed suit.

Just before he introduced the keynote speaker, he admitted that he only expected 10 people to show up to the event, saying the turnout was “unbelievable.”

The audience erupted in applause as Erin Gruwell, civil and human rights activist and educator took her turn at the mic. She told the story of how her Freedom Writers Foundation came to life and the struggles she and her 150 “at-risk” students faced on a dayto-day basis.

Their story has been documented and referred to around the world. Many are familiar with Writers.”

“How can I give them a voice?”

Gruwell asked herself. “How can I convince them to put down their

Put down that gun? And pick up a pen … and maybe, just maybe, write a different ending to a different story. Maybe just maybe, dare to dream that things can get better.”

Gruwell said today’s youth should “have the courage and tenacity to change, to dream, and to give,” while standing up for what they believe and think they deserve.

Hill closed the morning’s event with a special tribute for someone he considers “a soldier of Civil Rights,” his mother, Barbara Ann Hill. in Orange County and Hill credits her for everything he knows now, saying he is merely continuing what he was taught in his own home.

“I never really had the opportunity to do that,” he added.

“But I wanted to say ‘thank you’ and ‘I love you.’” stopped to shake hands and pose for pictures with the numerous guests and speakers.

Anahit Kardzhyan can be reached at anahit.elvaq@gmail.com

PINKY PROMISE: After sharing her story behind the Freedom Writers Foundation, keynote speaker, Erin Gruwell, locks pinkies with Robert Hill, dean of student services, and promises to be part of the Glendale College family forever. Gruwell calls the pinky promise a “binding contract.”

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Wednesday, January 20, 2016

FEATURES

5

Alumna Makes Forbes ‘30 Under 30’ List USC as a biology major and pursue an experience that would he highly-anticipated Forbes

“During my freshman year at USC I was hired to teach marine

one of the honorees is former

Parent Child Education Program

judges select 600 of the brightest “young entrepreneurs, breakout

(science, technology, engineering and math) programs manager for the USC Joint Educational Project, where she helps develop science curricula for grades high school, she was a participant “When I was in high school I knew I wanted to be a marine biologist when I grew

Kast, more often known as DJ, began the three-week summer marine biology course with two

how socioeconomic status could

about physiological adaptations to the ocean environment through

shared her love of marine biology

interactions of the ocean ecosystem and the biodiversity of

Program, she took students out

“It was because of this experience that I was inspired to apply to USC as a biology

the aquarium and a boat ride in which they did otter trawls and sediment grabs so families could touch and see what lives in the bottom of the ocean in shallow

at the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies on

extracurricular were focused on water, underwater or ocean

said that science education and marine environmental biology

swimming, stream restorations challenge myself before entering

students did not know how to swim and half of them had never

focused her studies on science

“I believe that we are at a crossroads as a civilization — perhaps we have been at this

impact a passionate and dedicated [Kast is] doing is not simply important, it is critical to our sustained existence as a society

on the next generation of scientists especially for students that are normally underrepresented in

Just as importantly, Kast is showing children that science

included strengthens my belief that helping to educate and train our next generation of young scientists is of utmost importance and further encourages me to

commented that she appreciates “She gave a lot of attention to my little one, and taught her

adventure will take her above the “I participated in the National Director of the USC Young Scientists Program through the

the ocean into my programs in at Foshay Elementary all about underwater robots, and the named USC Wonderkids, does something marine biology related for

the

USC

combine my love of hands-on research experience so that I can translate it into lesson plans and will be continuing this type of experience in the North Pole next “I want to inspire all my be on the front lines of research collection while I give them up-to-date and current data and research from scientists all

Neighborhood

students I see budding passions and appreciations for science and

“I was able to take the class to Catalina for a day of data collecting while snorkeling and

become a scientist, but science comprehension and interpretation can be applied in a wide variety of

time in or above the water and it was a magical experience snorkeling with whale sharks in Kast said she is honored to be “I think they recognize the

Jane Pojawa can be reached at Jane_Pojawa@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, January 20, 2016

What’s New on Camp

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fter 10 years in planning and thanks to funding from local and state bonds, the new 90,000-squarefoot, $50 million Sierra Vista building is set for completion in April. The Sierra Vista building will be the campus hub—housing student services, registration, financial aid, labs, El Vaquero’s newsroom and much more.

he ASGCC funded a project to build a patio outside the Student Center, which is expected to be complete by spring semester. Nelson Oliveira, director of facilities, said the area is intended “to blend in with the new construction, so when students come down the elevator from the parking lot that’s what they see first.”

artori spring High Sch

he c of a the old b

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pus in 2016 Photos by Ekaterina Nikitina and Sal Polcino

is Field has been renovated at a cost of $940,477. Workers are putting the final touches in time for g track and field. The team will start their training at the end of January and will use Glendale hool’s track and field until renovations are complete, according to Athletic Director John Cicuto.

complex at Stengel Field, home to the Glendale College Vaqueros, has completed the initial part reconstruction plan. The demolition and construction took place this summer, mainly to replace building that held the bleachers up.

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THE ARTS

El Vaquero Staff Picks the 2016 Grammy Winners

By Melody Shahsavarani

T

he 58th annual GRAMMY Awards will once again bring all music superstars and newcomers together for a night to celebrate music when it airs Feb. 15 on CBS at 8 p.m.

Nominations for all 83 categories were announced early December. This year’s nominees were selected from more than 21,000 submissions.

To be eligible, albums must have been released between Oct. 1, 2014 and Sept. 30, 2015.

The GRAMMY nominees are selected by the Academy of the Recording Arts, which consists of recording artists, songwriters, producers and engineers.

Kendrick Lamar leads the pack with 11 nominations, followed by Taylor Swift and The Weeknd with seven nominations each.

The album of the year nominees are: “Sound & Color”

by Alabama Shakes, “To Pimp a “Traveller” by Chris Stapleton, “1989” by Taylor Swift, and “Beauty Behind the Madness”

by The Weeknd.

The predicted winner is “To

Lamar. When Lamar lost the best rap album category for “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2014 to Macklemore’s “The Heist” it truly rattled the world as both had seven nominations and Lamar went home with no awards. But he came stronger than ever with this thought provoking record.

Lamar takes us through his world from his downfalls and his strengths, and becomes the voice of hope. His lyrics spoke great truths and mended well with the uprise of the Black Lives Matter movement. Top tracks include “Alright,” “King Kunta” and President Obama’s favorite “How Much A Dollar Cost.”

Th record of the year nominees are: “Really Love” by D’Angelo and The Vanguard, “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars, “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran, “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift, “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd.

The predicted winner is “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd.

The Canadian made his mark on the charts and world with this pop smash. His vocals pierce through the ’80s-esque, upbeat tempo record. The Weeknd’s soothing melodies are different from the

Taylor Swift

other prominent pop artists in this category, having resemblance to pop legend Michael Jackson.

The song of the year nominees are “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar, “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift, “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town, “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth, and “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran.

The predicted winner is “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar.

Lamar pushed the envelope with this thought-provoking track. of BlackLivesMatter, “Alright” became the anthem nationwide during protests and marches. It sheds light on the matter that

Photo by Jazills

through the challenges faced, we will survive, we will conquer and rise above.

The best new artist nominees: Courtney Barnett, James Bay, Sam Hunt, Tori Kelly, and Meghan Trainor.

The predicted winner is Meghan Trainor. Trainor was 18 and three years later penned hit single released in 2014 “All years old her debut album “Title” gained worldwide recognition, featuring top hits “Lips are Moving” and “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” featuring John Legend.

Trainor creates perpetual hits and

she is a notable nominee for best new artist.

The best pop duo/group performance nominees are “Ship to Wreck” by Florence + the Machine, “Sugar” by Maroon 5, “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars, “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift featuring Kendrick Lamar, and “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth.

The predicted winner is “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift featuring Kendrick Lamar. Two of the most prominent artists of 2015 collaborated on a charttopping hit. The song rumored to be about an friendship turning sour between Swift and pop star Katy Perry, gained worldwide attention when Swift debuted the star-studded music video.

The original version of “Bad Blood” lacks what this remix has, passion. Lamar brings rhythm with his eccentric rap verses and the addition of the bass lines truly embarks this collab into a GRAMMY-winning track.

The 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards is sure to be one memorable night as each category outdoes itself with nominees.

Melody Shahsavarani can be reached at melody.shah1@gmail.com

Aaron Carter Returns With New Music After 10 Years

By Melody Shahsavarani

H

e was welcomed to the scene of pop stardom at the age of 7. He became a household name and teen heartthrob of the late ’90s, producing chart-topping records and selling out shows. His name is Aaron Carter.

Carter gained success from popular hits such as “I Want Candy” and “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It)” He also opened for the boy band, Backstreet Boys, featuring his brother Nick Carter.

At the age of 13, he set out on his own sold-out tour “Aaron’s Party.”

Now 28, Carter’s last album was released a decade ago. He has focused the last few years learning how to be a producer and a writer. Carter spends most of his time in his Malibu home recording and producing new tracks for his long-awaited album expected

this year. and I am single-handedly redoing my career myself,” Carter said. “I’m the executive producer, I am making the beats, I am writing songs about my relationships and the things that I go through.”

But I still have to be in the pop lane,” he said.

Artists today get the helping hand of prominent producers, engineers, songwriters, but Carter’s

so far, Carter gave a taste of his new music with a release of a rough snippet of his upcoming single “Fool’s Gold” on SoundCloud. He has been working closely with German music producer Mister Lindgren and writers Melanie Fontana, Jon Asher and Lake Street Louie.

“I am surrounded by people who truly believe in me and are committed,” Carter said.

Fans will experience a different sound from Carter, who has created a new dynamic to his music, which he calls dub-trap.

“I’m creating a new style be-

I’ve been through ups and downs.

A lot of things have happened in my life that held me back on making music,” Carter said. when he turned 18. He owed over $4 million in back taxes. Carter had to set aside his music career and start from the beginning as record labels declined to sign 2013 and utilized any and every opportunity that came his way. way show cast of “The Fantasticks.”

I needed it,” Carter explained.

After making enough money, he found an agent who believed in him and introduced him to the idea of touring again.

Social media have been an outlet for Carter to express his emotions. One chord that strikes with him is the comparison between him and current pop sensation Justin Bieber. In an interview with Billboard.com, Aaron Rosenberg, Bieber’s attorney, discussed how he believes he prevented Bieber from “ending up like Aaron Carter.”

“We have had similar, parallel lifestyles, that’s the reality,” Carter said. “I’m trying to better myself, but we are different people.”

Carter was said he is inspired

by Bieber’s music, and commends his accomplishments.

His struggles and downfalls have taken the best of him in moments of time, but he continues

with hard work and dedication to get back up again. His fans are his strength and the music heals the wounds that were once opened.

“Taking the fans along the process and improving myself is very important to me.”

He hopes to release new music this year and is focused on making his fans proud on what is yet to come.

Melody Shahsavarani can be reached at melody.shah1@gmail.com

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ARTS

Michael Bay Puts Aside Robots for Dramatic War Film ‘13 Hours’ Tells a Different Story of the Events at Benghazi

By Eric Bourse For the past three years, the Republican Party has latched onto the 2012 embassy attacks in Benghazi, Libya in an obsessive effort to derail Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.

In a display of opportunistic timing of the upcoming presidential election, director Michael Bay steps aside from the “Transformers” series once again and returns with the action-drama “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.” is based on the apolitical book “13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened In Benghazi” by Mitchell Zuckoff and not the conspiracy theory have plagued C-SPAN for years.

The events that unfold in “13 Hours” are predominantly from the viewpoint of members of the CIA’s security contractors.

his wife and daughters to join the CIA’s security team to earn extra money for his family. Once he meets up with friend and fellow CIA contractor Tyrone and the audience are quickly introduced to the constant danger in Benghazi.

Although this movie is

considered a more “mature” work for Michael Bay, his selfslightly, but still bogs down the The numerous quick cuts, the dizzying car chases that border on looking like car commercials, awkward scene transitions, and unnecessarily complicated cinematography are all there.

Even in smaller doses than usual, Bay’s predictable trademarks still prove to be obnoxious.

Even if “13 Hours” had a more sane and competent director, it still wouldn’t have been enough Chuck Hogan, who has written well-received novels such as “The Strain” series, disappoints boiled down to a simple recipe.

The team of bearded mercs execute security missions for a pair of snobbish CIA agents, the cartoonishly neurotic CIA security chief scolds one of the mercs for something petty, the bearded mercs talk to their families on Skype, and the bearded mercs other. All ingredients listed repeat at least twice. Hogan also doesn’t forget to sprinkle some cheese on top with unfunny banter and oneliners.

Not all hope is lost for the packed to the brim with Bay’s most intense and authentic action

Photo Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

BAY RETURNS: Toby Stephens plays Glen “Bub” Doherty, a member of the CIA security contractors team in “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.” The film is rated R and is now in theaters. sequences to date. Whether it’s a frantic car chase or the moments when outnumbered security contractors defend the base like a modern-day version of the last stand at the Alamo, these scenes deliver thrills and drama.

The mayhem begins when Islamic militants raid the compound while the understaffed security scramble to protect between the CIA security chief and the contractors when he orders them to stand down and not leave the annex because it would give away their secret location. his small squad to embark on

what looks like a suicide mission to rescue American lives at the compound.

There are numerous nervewracking moments of paranoia as one of the contractors, who goes by the nickname “Tanto,” played is in danger as he makes his way through the backstreets and militia soldiers blend in with the locals.

It’s not just the action that does all the heavy lifting toward quiet moments when the militants regroup for more attacks, the

the characters.

Audiences looking for a military drama as good as Ridley Scott’s “Blackhawk Down” disappointed. The weak setup does more than enough damage to make Bay’s latest a bloated

is recommended solely for the action scenes.

Eric Bourse be reached at ericbourse77@gmail.com

‘Under the Spotlight’ Dance Showcase Shines on Hip Hop

Photos by Ekaterina Nikitina

JUMP!: Dance ensemble “The Royal-takes to the air in a perfromance to the song Uptown Funk at the UTSL Dance Showcase on Saturday at the Auditorium Mainstage.

DANCE WITH ATTITUDE: Hazuki Nabana, A-ya Hamano and Nami Matsushita and their troop Nedeshkiko perform at the Dance Showcase.

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Wednesday, January 20, 2016

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S P O R TS Women’s Basketball Jan. 20 Santa Monica College @GCC 5 p.m

Men’s Basketball Jan. 20 Santa Monica College @GCC 7 p.m.

Softball

Baseball

Jan. 29-30 Hawk Wilder Tournament @GCC - TBA

Feb. 2 Cerritos Falcons @Cerritos

‘Boys of Spring’ Are Back in Swing at Stengel Field

By Sal Polcino

T

he Vaqueros baseball team hopes to continue its winning ways in the 2016 season. The team ern State Conferences and last season made it to the Super Regional playoffs where they lost to Orange Coast College in three games. InWSC player of the year and AllAmerican.

Since Head Coach Chris Cicuto took the reins in 2004, 83 percent of the Vaqueros’ players have Athletics Association and some to the major leagues.

“This is by far our best transfer class—mainly due to (Assistant Coach) Alex Kocol’s work to contact the right schools for each player and provide recruiting videos,” said Cicuto. “His dedication to our players is second to none.”

Fifteen players from last season transferred to four-year colleges,

including seven to Division 1 or pitcher Andy Frakes moved on and pitcher Chase Hoag went to

side and pitcher Christian Keamy Coach Cicuto said the coming season looks promising, with strong returning players, incoming transfers and new freshman additions.

Right-handed pitchers Ryan back, and Cal Christiansen who sat out last year while rehabbing an injury is expected to be one of the top pitchers in the conference.

Mike Polchow also returns as a left-handed specialist.

Former El Vaquero staff mem-

Vaquero Babies Bring Luck to the Team

back in the line-up after sitting out last season with a shoulder injury.

Tei Vanderford played one seaversity of Tennessee on a scholarship. He graduated early and has returned to play for the Vaqs.

“We are very fortunate to have him back. He is a leader that is extremely talented and should be a WSC pitcher of the year candidate,” Cicuto said.

Some incoming freshmen that Cicuto believes will have a strong impact on the team include third Rodriguez.

Two younger brothers of former Vaqueros bring family tradition to the team: Relief pitcher Anthony Robles, brother Carlos Robles (2014/15) and starting out-

“Sophomore Transfers include 2016 shortstop Rick Perez who I recruited from Burbank High

baseball.”

The team travels to Cerritos to face the Falcons on Feb. 2 and hosts Rio Hondo College at Stengel Field on Feb. 4.

of Edgar Montes (2012/13) who

baseman Troy Mulcahey from Crescenta Valley,” Cicuto said.

“Both played at Fullerton College, but have decided to come back to

C

Weekend Basketball Recaps

ongratulations to Vaqueros Assistant Coach Woody Lopez and Haley Webb on the birth of their daughter Layla Rae LoCoach Chris Cicuto said, “My wife says Vaq babies have been good to us.”

After the birth of his son were 2011/12 WSC Champions.

In 2012/13 Georgia Plourde, mer catching coach brought on another year’s WSC Championship. In the 2014/15 season Coach Alex Kocol and his wife Kocol securing yet another conference championship.

What does that mean for Vaq baby Layla Rae and the 2016 season? It’s inevitable.

Photo courtesy of the Lopez family.

Photo by Sal Polcino

BATTER UP: The 2016 Vaqueros baseball team takes batting practice at Stengel Field in preperation for the upcoming season.

Men’s Basketball

T

he Vaqueros topped the Ba-

in the fourth game of the Western State Round 1 series Saturday 6761. The team has won four in a row to improve its record to 4-1 in conference play and remain The Renegades struggled early keep the score fairly close, trailing by just four points at the half.

The Vaqs continued to dominate throughout the second period.

Guard/forward Cole Currie led all scorers with 15 points toMask with 14.

The Vaqueros host Santa Monica College tonight at 7 p.m.

Sal Polcino can be reached at elvaqed@gmail.com

Women’s Basketball

T

he Lady Vaqs did not fare as

they dropped their fourth game in a row in conference play.

The women’s team kept the trailing by only three points at the buzzer, but in the second quarter the Vaqs were outscored 91-9.

Despite guard Luna Panosian’s 16 points, the Renegades comperiod. The Lady Vaqueros lost 59-68.

The Lady Vaqs will face off against Santa Monica’s Corsairs at home tonight at 5 p.m.

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

11

SPOTLIGHT Free Museum Day Free-For-All The following museums are participating in the Museum Free-for-All Day on Jan. 30 except when noted. Hours listed are only for the event. For the complete list visit www.socalmuseums.org/free-for-all. la Brea Tar Pits & Page Museum — Fossils from over 650 species from the ice age are on display. The tar pits and museum are located 5801 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info visit www.tarpits.org.

Exhibits featuring art and culture are on display. The museum is located 46 N. Los Robles Avenue in Pasadena. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more info visit www.

Pasadena Museum of California Art — Works by Robert Cremean and William S. Rice are currently featured. The museum is located 490 E Union St. in Pasadena. Open from noon to 5 p.m. For information visit www. pmcaonline.org.

Japanese American National Museum — Displays featuring artwork by Japanese Americans are featured. The museum is located 100 N. Central Ave. in Los Angeles. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more info visit www.janm. org. laguna Art Museum — Artwork from California artists are featured. The museum is located 307 Cliff Drive in Laguna Beach.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org. los Angeles County Museum of Art — LACMA contains art ranging from many styles and

periods. The museum is located 5905 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more info visit www.lacma. org.

Descanso Gardens — The garden features a large botanical collection. The garden is located 1418 Descanso Drive in La Caùada Flintridge. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info visit www. descansogardens.org.

The Natural History Museum — Exhibits include dinosaur fossils, minerals, an insect zoo, and more. The museum is located 900 Exposition Blvd. in Los Angeles.

Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info visit www.nhm.org.

The Natural History Musem

Photo by David Leigh Ellis

Craft and Folk Art Museum — Enameled artwork and ceramics

by Keiko Fukazawa are currently on display. The museum is located 5814 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more info visit www.cafam.org The Autry Museum — Exhibits contain art related to the American West. The Autry is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is located 4700 Western Heritage Way in Los Angeles. For more info visit www.theautry.org.

Museum of Contemporary Art — Famous and lesser known artwork post-1945 are currently on display. MOCA is located 250 S. Grand Ave. in Los Angeles. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info visit www. moca.org.

Museum of Tolerance — Exhibits on the Holocaust and types of prejudice around the world is featured. Free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 31. The MOT is located 9786 West Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles. Hours are 10 a.m. For more info visit www. museumoftolerance.com

Descanso Gardens

Photo by Stickpen

Museum of Contemporary Art

Photo by Minnaert Compiled by Eric Bourse

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12

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

LIFESTYLE

www.elvaq.com

IN MEMORIAM: ELENA KRAMER

Elena Kramer Facebook Photo

By Anahit Kardzhyan

T

he Glendale Community College softball team lost one of its freshman players due to a tragic accident at the start of the winter session. Nineteen-yearold Elena Kramer was killed in a single-vehicle collision Jan. 4.

According to California Highway Patrol, Kramer was traveling southbound in a white 1999 Ford Mustang, when she drifted off Bouquet Canyon Road in Santa Clarita and lost control, crashing into a tree. She was on her way to practice at GCC. The Los Angeles County Fire personnel, who arrived around 8:25 a.m., pronounced her dead at the scene. The CHP report states that the victim “suffered fatal injuries,” concluding that Kramer most likely died on impact.

Lady Vaqueros Head Coach Sal Pizzo said the loss hits at home a lot harder than it normally would.

“She was so outgoing and personable — nothing shy about her,” Pizzo said. “She made friends with anybody that she came in contact with.”

One of those friends and is Stephanie Garner who met Kramer this past year. They were teammates and practiced together through the summer and fall.

Garner says Kramer always tried to make her smile and laugh and describes her as “super sweet.”

team plans on doing something special to remember Kramer, but “We’re getting ready for a season and we’re certainly going to honor her any way that we can,” Pizzo said. “We already have some things in the works to honor her at our tournament and all season long.”

As far as team morale after such an unexpected loss, Pizzo and Garner agree that the girls will be playing harder in the upcoming season.

“It’s just going to make us a lot closer and give us even more of a purpose,” Garner said.

Pizzo added that most of them are still in shock. “It’s going to be interesting to see how the next couple weeks play out in a sense that things hit you later. I do think that it’ll bring us together, I really do.”

Kramer was laid to rest on Jan. 10. The service was held in Leona Valley.

A tribute to Kramer is up on the USA Preps site (www.usapreps. com/sball/) where they remember her as “amazing, always energetic and happy.”

Amber Leanne Chadwick set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the service and it has almost reached its goal of $20,000. (www.gofundme.com/m5hy6fes)

Anahit Kardzhyan can be reached at anahit.elvaq@gmail.com