El Paisano Newspaper vol. 56 issue 7

EL

PAISANO

Wednesday April 4, 2018

RIO HONDO COLLEGE NEWSPAPER est. 1964 Serving the Rio Hondo Community

Volume 56 Issue 7

KEEP ‘EM COMING!

El Paisano Continues to Win at JACC

NATALIE SOLANO/LA CIMA MAGAZINE A mix of El Paisano veterans and newcomers made their way to Burbank for the 2018 JACC State Convention. With the guidance of journalism advisor Wendy Carrera (centered), the team was able to rack up 21 awards.

RAMON ALVARADO Editor-in-Chief

ramon.alvarado7328@my.riohondo.edu

El Paisano Newspaper team won 21 awards at the annual state-wide Journalism Association of Community Colleges convention in Burbank March 22-25, bringing their year total to 30 awards.

Top honors went to El Paisano’s online paper with a general excellence award.

The three-day event was filled with competitions and workshops. There were both on and off site events that students experienced.

One in particular was attending West Coast Customs for the news photo competition where newcomer Sabrina Torres brought in a third place win.

Other locations visited were downtown Burbank where Brayan Altamirano, Sara Tabarez, and Cynthia Rizo won second place for best video story. For sports

photo and sports writing, students were taken to watch baseball at Citrus College and Cal State Northridge.

News Editor, Noah Garcia won an honorable mention for best sports photo, and rookie sports writer, Ignacio Cervantes brought in an honorable mention for sports writing.

Veteran Aaron Martinez won first place for photo illustration, magazine illustration, and student design advertisement. He also received honorable mention for his editorial cartoon and inside page layout.

Creative portrait winners were Anthony Moreno third place, and Torres with an honorable mention. Moreno also scored an honorable mention in social media.

Autumn Lewis brought in a third place win for her profile feature story on Think Pink.

Our very own Editor-in-Chief Ramon Alvarado

won fourth place in critical review, and fourth place in sports game story.

Lalo Alcaraz contributed to El Paisano’s success by providing his editorial cartoon of “El Cucuy” that brought in a fourth place win.

These awards are in addition to last semester’s SoCal competition where El Paisano brought in nine awards.

“As their ‘coach’ all I can say is that they beat my record as editor of El Paisano.

I won 27 awards when I was EIC. I am beyond happy for my team for accomplishing this,” said Rio Hondo journalism Advisor Wendy Carrera.

“The dedication they put into the paper, the teamwork they display, and their unity we have as a team is our core.

Like Peter Jennings said ‘Trust is earned, it’s never given.’ I am a proud momma!”

Besides winning students attended workshops to help

improve their journalistic skills.

One workshop was hosted

by Marcus Thompson, who covers Bay-area sports for The Athletic. Thompson passed on his knowledge by telling students to sway away from the typical, chronologically-ordered sports game story.

The Burbank JACC convention also held workshops on print newspaper design.

Students were encouraged to bring copies of their colleges’ newspaper into one workshop. Their newspapers were critiqued as layout veteran Evan Solano offered tips on how to enhance the design process.

Most of the workshops featured professional journalists and former journalists who now teach at JACC-participating schools.

Jeff Favre, professor at Pierce College in Woodland Hills held a “Art of Review”

workshop to help the students participating in the events critical review contest.

Favre told students in attendance at his worshop to keep their head up if they do not end up placing. He let students know that every judge at JACC looks for different things when critiquing, so the winners will always vary.

All-in-all, it was a successful 2018 JACC State Convention for the El Paisano News team.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to team with,” Alvarado said. “I don’t know how I ended up Editor-in-Chief, but I’m glad I did. The team we took to JACC was full of determined individuals. I was surprised at some of the winners, but a couple days later I was telling myself I shouldn’t have been shocked. These people are great.”

Award-winning images - pages 2 and 3

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NEWS

El Paisano Wednesday April 4, 2018

El Paisano’s 2018 JACC

To the right is El Paisano reporter Anthony Moreno’s third place entry for the Creative Portrait contest.

Students who participated in the creative portrait competition were to seek out a student from another school and snap an impactful photo of them.

Students were allowed to be as creative as they want with the photo.

ANTHONY MORENO/EL PAISANO NEWS

WENDY CARRERA/EL PAISANO NEWS Noah Garcia’s photo being critiqued by judges at the JACC convention.

NOAH GARCIA/EL PAISANO NEWS Even without capturing the ball in the shot, the judges of the Sports Photo contest believed Noah Garcia’s photo captured the essence of the game. Garcia’s photo ended up receiving an honorable mention.

El Paisano Wednesday April 4, 2018

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Award-Winning Photos

To the left is Sabrina Torres’ photo that earned her third place in the JACC News Photo contest. The participating students were taken to the famous West Coast Customs car shop in Burbank. In Torres’ photo, we see one of the West Coast Customs workers wiping down a Ford Mustang while the shop’s logo lays plastered on the wall behind him.

SABRINA TORRES/EL PAISANO NEWS

AARON MARTINEZ/EL PAISANO NEWS Aaron Martinez recieved an honorable mention in the Editorial Cartoon competition for his drawing that brings together Donald Trump’s love for golf and scandal with Stormy Daniels.

SABRINA TORRES/EL PAISANO NEWS In addition to receiving third place for her news photo, Torres received an honorable mention for the creative portrait she turned in.

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NEWS

Recall Process Started For Montebello Mayor and Councilman DANIEL CAMPOS Reporter

daniel.campos1604@my.riohondo.edu

Montebello Mayor Vanessa Delgado and Mayor Pro Tempore Jack Hadjinian have caused a small uproar, with 34 people, said to be residents signing documents asking for the two to be removed from office.

They claim Delgado brokered a no-bid contract for her brother to build Home2 Suites, costing Montebello $50 million dollars. The documents state that Delgado also cost the city nearly half a million dollars on side projects.

Hadjinian is said to have stated that residents don’t matter. The documents state that he will profit from cannabis business in the area and is conducting illegal activity.

Some residents are concerned that the cultivation, processing, and potential sales of marijuana will lead to a certain clientele coming to the area that will impact the city negatively.

Some residents are concerned that the cultivation, processing, and potential sales of marijuana will lead to a certain clientele coming to the area that will impact the city negatively.

Others argue that testing and other work regarding the industry will create jobs for the community and bring in more tax dollars.

Copies were sent to them via certified mail, petitioners await a response that must be 200 words or less. 6,600 signatures is the estimated amount of signatures needed so that the next steps may be taken.

The total amount of residents according to the 2010 census is around 33,000. .Montebello has also seen political endeavors coming to the forefront in recent years.

Delgado had already filed paperwork to run against Senate majority leader.

Delgado and her team of city officials have brought in millions of dollars in tax revenues in the two years that she’s held seat.

Donald Trump Invites Russian President For A Meeting JOSE AHUMADA Reporter

jose.ahumada7466@my.riohondo.edu

President Donald Trump invited Russian President Vladimir Putin during a March 20 phone call for a potential meeting to congratulate him on his win in the Russian Presidential election.

The time and the place for the potential meeting have not yet been finalized and the meeting might not take place.

White house Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that both Presidents have discussed different locations to hold the meetings, including the White House.

“As the President himself confirmed on 20 March, hours after his last call with President Putin, the two had discussed a bilateral meeting in the ‘not-too-distant future’ at a number of potential venues, including the White House,” Sanders said. “We have nothing further to add at this time.”

Although Trump had proposed a meeting with Putin, there are still some issues that need to be resolved, according to Putin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov.

There have been no further preparatory conversations between the two leaders since the March 20 phone call.

Ushakov said the two governments have not had time to plan a meeting in the White House before the US and their other allies expelled

El Paisano Wednesday April 4, 2018

more than 150 Russian diplomats last week in response to Moscow’s alleged use of a nerve agent in the attempted murder of Russian ex-spy, Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, in the UK town of Salisbury.

It was the biggest expulsion of the US used by alleged intelligence officials of the time. It included 48 diplomats attached to the bilateral diplomatic mission in Washington and New York, and 12 attached to the mission to the United Nations.

Trump has not talked about the Salisbury incident in his tweets, and the RUssian state department said on Monday that Russia can replace the expelled officials.

“Against the backdrop of these events, it’s difficult to discuss the possibility of holding a summit,” Ushakov said. He hopes “one day, at one time or another, we can arrive at the start of a serious and constructive dialogue.”

There is also an ongoing investigation into where there was any Russian involvement with the 2016 presidential election, and if it is connected in any way with Trump’s campaign. Donald Trump has said recently that he wants to meet up with Putin to discuss pressing issues such as pressuring North Korea into giving up their nuclear weapons programs.

Trump and Putin spoke on the sidelines of international summits in Germany and Vienna last year.

Trump’s War on Amazon MICHAEL KHURAIBET Digital Editor-in-Chief

michael.khuraibet1864@my.riohondo.edu

Early Thursday morning, President Donald Trump began to wage war on an enemy the United States has never battled: Amazon.com.

Continuing through Monday, the president attacked the e-commerce retailer for its effect on the United States Postal Service.

“I have stated my concerns with Amazon long before the Election.” Trump tweeted. “Unlike others, they pay little or no taxes to state & local governments, use our Postal System as their Delivery Boy (sic)… and are putting many thousands of retailers out of business!”

The president did not say not announce his source for claiming that Amazon was withholding tax information. However, according to Fortune, the company saw its share prices fall by 3.9 percent. The S&P Index was also down 0.6 percent.

The Washington Post noted Monday that Amazon collects sales tax in all 45 states which legally require it on products they sell. The Post also pointed out that Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos owns the paper itself. It, however, runs independently from any retail operations.

Some have stated that Amazon’s expansion in the marketplace is why it pays so much in taxes. CNBC stated

that in Amazon’s infancy, they were not obligated to collect sales tax because the brand was so small.

Since expanding, Amazon’s sales tax collection rate has gone up equally. However, these rules only apply to transactions with the company itself; third-party sellers have different sales tax requirements.

The president’s claim about Amazon’s misuse of the Postal Service has been questioned, as well. According to the independent fact-checking organization, Politifact, the USPS lost $2.7 billion in 2017. In spite of this, parcels brought in 28 percent of Post Office revenue.$7 billion of the $19 billion the Post Office took in on parcel shipments came from Amazon and its marketplace.

Many brick and mortar retail stores feel Amazon’s impact on sales and growth.

In late March, Toys ‘R’ Us announced it would be closing all its U.S. locations and shutting down its website.

According to Time, the only major toy seller left is Amazon, whose toy sales grew nearly 12% in 2017.

As a result of the financial impact, many chains offer “price match guarantees.”

Electronics distributors, grocers, and outlet stores have all begun to lower their price at the register to match Amazon.

Retailers such as Best Buy and Walmart match prices on all items sold and shipped by Amazon. Still, price match is only available by customer request, and is subject to exceptions such as Black Friday deals.

Neither Amazon nor the United States Postal Service have issued a statement in response to President Trump at this time.

Regardless of how one would rate President Trumps Temperament, his willingness to speak his mind without the normal limitations that would have a common politician to be silent.

Alabama Sheriff Buys Beach House with Inmates’ Food Funds

Photo courtesy of Canoe.com AUTUMN LEWIS Reporter

autumn.lewis6123@my.riohondo.edu

Alabama sheriff Todd Entrekin legally used more than 750,000 dollars from funds meant to feed inmates to buy his self a beach house.

The Etowah County sheriff told news sources that he follows a state law passed before World War II that allows him to pocket “excess” inmate feeding funds for

himself.

And according to state and law officials in Alabama, Entrekin is correct. It is legal to do this.

Alabama has a law that allows sheriffs to “keep and retain” unspent money from jail food provision accounts.

They are also liable for making up for the money in the event of a shortfall.

Entrekin reported that he made “more than 250,000” for the past three years through the inmates’ food funds. It says so on the ethics disclosures that he was required to fill out.

However, the ethics disclosures also show that Entrekin and his wife own several properties with total value of 1.7 million dollars.

This includes the beach house that they recently acquired.

His annual salary is more than $93,000, but Entrekin bought the four bedroom beach house in its luxurious amenities last September for $740,000.

The mortgage for the

beach house is $592,000.

Entrekin said in a emailed statement to NPR news that he believes that the

“liberal media has began attacking me for following the letter of the law.”

He goes on to say in the statement that,

“The Food Bill is a controversial issue that’s used every election cycle to attack the Sheriff’s Office ... Alabama Law is clear regarding my personal financial responsibilities of feeding inmates.

Until the legislature acts otherwise, the Sheriff must follow the current law.”

Entrekin believes that the law should change. But he also believes that it would cost taxpayers more money for the state to handle feeding the inmates than for the sheriffs to, according to a statement made by him in 2009 to the Times.

“The law says it’s a personal account and that’s the way I’ve always done it.” He said to various news outlets.

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NEWS

Whittier’s 2018 April Mayoral & Council Elections NOAH GARCIA News Editor

noah.garcia3720@my.riohondo.edu

Whittler’s city election for Mayor and City Counsel are being voted for next week, Tuesday April 10.

While the first and third districts will not be decided until 2020, the council seats are being contested for

district two and four.

The district two candidates being current Councilman Bob Henderson and challengers Henry Bouchot, Eric Leckey, Vincent McLeod IV and Irella Perez ,with District four being between incumbent Fernando Dutra and challenger Lizette Escobedo.

The four mayoral candidates are incumbent Joe Vinatieri and his challengers Rolando Cano, Raquel McLeod and L. Leon Savage.

This particular rendition of local elections was established after the June

2014 ballot; voted in after a California Voting Rights lawsuit filed in that year, which spurred Whittier to make the new system.

While there is one overarching mayoral position, the city of Whittier has been divided into the four districts that are to serve as a neighborhood-based counterpoint to the decisions of the Mayor.

With this system, the Whittier government tries to strike a balance of the overarching needs of the city as a whole, with the needs of the people in different areas of the city.

While there could be a stalling dissidence between the council and their constituents needs going against the mayoral office, Miguel Garcia, one of three plaintiffs in the original lawsuit, spoke to the Whittier Daily news on the cities new district structure.

“In District One, residents could go to their new representative and request that instead of having an abandoned shuffle board court, it could be converted to something useful for the community”.

While it will take time for the city to acclimated to the system, the results of its efficiency in accurately representing, and involving, the people of Whittier are going to be seen next week.

I am proud to live, work and raise my family here in Whittier. I want to ensure that Whittier continues to be prosperous for many generations to come. We need to make public safety and economic growth our top priorities. I know that I can’t do this job alone and that is why I am asking that you join me in finding solutions to navigate Whittier through this time of great change. Together great things can be accomplished.

Public safety in Whittier needs to be at the forefront of our agenda.

Collaboration with our law enforcement to eradicate gangs out of our city is at top of my priority list. This is an issue that is based on protecting our families, our business and ensuring we have safe recreational

and green spaces for our kids to enjoy. We need to insure that we are giving our police department all the necessary tools and personal to keep our families safe and them safe.

Refocusing on strengthening our businesses through out the city is vital for Whittier’s growth. Whittier is home to many hardworking business owners who deserve our city council to support them and include them in the process of deciding on development projects. We need to make Whittier an inviting city for business owners to want to come do business here.

On April 10th we will be having City elections that will change how Whittier does thing for it’s residents.

Our current leadership is spending $5 million on a plastic liner, plastic net to be placed at our city dump, literally throwing money away, to add more waste on to the site. The reason for adding the liner is that the Dump site has reached it’s limit and instead of processing the site to be able to build on, like the Montebello Mall site, they want to continue adding waste at that site until the year 2073.

Our incumbents for this election are willingly spending $5 million on a dump site and not on education or the homeless situation.

Do we want this kind of leadership in Whittier?

I ask that you Vote for me on April 7th and 10th for Mayor of Whittier, together we can open up all of our schools and spend $5 million on what counts, our children. For better parks and the expansion of green space.

To clean up our streets and help oir homeless move on to a positive situation. $5 million to drive out the drug dealers and pushers from our neighborhood because we are STRONGER TOGETHER, NOW MORE THAN EVER. Make your voice heard and Vote Rolando Cano for Whittier Mayor on April 7th and 10th. Let’s work together for our children and for our future.

In no way is El Paisano News Media paid by or endorsing any of the candidates.

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Mayor Joe Vinatieri Whittier has been the HOME to three generations of Vinatieri’s. Joe was born and raised in Whittier, attended Whittier schools and is a partner at the Whittier law firm of Bewley, Lassleben and Miller.

Joe and his recently deceased wife, Sandy, are proud parents of three married children: Sarah, Joe and Susanna who attended some of the same Whittier schools as their father. In 2016 I ran on the themes of public safety, good jobs/quality economic development, and maintaining Whittier values. In that election we raised community issues including crime, homelessness, Uptown revitalization, the Nelles site development and the need to modernize the Central Library. We are working hard on these issues and making substantial progress. But the short two-year term leaves much further work to be done on these and other issues.

Together we can accomplish all that has been started and more.

L. Leon Savage We have the right as American citizens to take that pen, put it to a petition and [elected officials] have to listen

Raquel McLeod *

Rolando Cano

Council members/competitors on page 4

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NEWS

DISTRICT 4 Candidates:

DISTRICT 2 Candidates:

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Henry Bouchot Fernando Dutra

In April of 2014, Fernando was “elected” by the people of Whittier to serve a full four-year (4) term.

Previously he was unanimously appointed by the City Council to fill a seat vacated by a council member who resigned.

Fernando and his wife, Mary, have three children—Sara, Megan, and Eric. The Dutras have lived in Whittier since 1987. Fernando is President of Allwest Development Company and holds licenses for general engineering and building contracting.

Fernando served as a Member of the Planning Commission for six years from 2006 to 2012 and has served as Chairman of the Commission.

He has chaired the Metro Light Rail Extension Project Washington Boulevard Coalition; sits on the Whittier YMCA Board of Directors; and has served on the St. Gregory Parish Board.

As a Marine, Henry is accustomed to holding himself to the highest standards of integrity. It’s time our local government did, too.

No more conflicts of interest, playing it safe, or dressing up windows.

No more back-door agreements.

No more marathon council sessions. No more needless litigation.

It’s time for our local government to stop hiding the ball and start operating out in the open – in a way that people with busy lives can understand.

It’s time for straight talk and follow-through.Uptown Whittier is a regional gem, and Henry will fight to invest in making it a thriving center of commerce. It’s time Uptown had a true advocate on the City Council who walks Uptown’s streets on a daily basis. Henry is prepared to be that advocate. He lives in Uptown and is a member of the Friends of Uptown Whittier.

If elected to the City Council, Henry will bring his passion for Uptown Whittier to the dais.

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Lizette Escobedo

Bob Henderson

“I love Whittier. I have lived here for most of my adult life. My daughter, Rosita, was born here. As a mother, I know what it’s like to worry about the future. I am running for city council to do something to make that future brighter.

My main concerns are working toward better public safety, solving local homelessness intelligently and with compassion, and working to make Whittier small businesses prosper–so we can all enjoy our community more.

Those goals are based on what I call ‘Whittier values’.As a professional, I have worked my entire career to improve people’s quality of life and strengthen our civic culture.

That means I know how to build coalitions and how to manage a budget. I believe those skills coupled with my ‘Whitter values’ will make me a council member that you can count on. I kindly ask for your support this April 10th!”

Bob was elected to the City Council in 1976 and served until 1984. He served as Mayor Pro Tem from 198082. He was then re-elected in 1990, 1994, 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014.

Bob served as Mayor from 1992-94, 2009-10 and 2013-2014. An Uptown Whittier business owner, Bob owns Hendersons Insurance. He is also an active member in the Joint Powers Authorities relative to the hills.

All profiles with an asterisk (*) next to them are ones that were used from the candidates campaign website.

All others without the mark were given by the candidates, written by them/their staff, directly to El Paisano News Media.

Irella Perez

Vincent McLeod IV

Eric Leckey

Irella Perez, a candidate for Whittier City Council, is committed to keeping Whittier a great place to live, work and raise a family.

As a School Board Trustee, Parent, and City Commissioner, she understands the relationship between strong pro-resident leadership and our quality of life in Whittier.

“As your representative on the Whittier City Council, I will Ensure smart growth in Whittier instead of the runaway proliferation of irresponsible development causing traffic congestion and overcrowded schools – posing a clear and present danger to our quality of life.

Fix Whittier’s traffic congestion and make our roads safer.Prioritize Public safety and build city and school partnerships to improve educational opportunities for our youth.

“In the months ahead, I’m looking forward to listening and learning about your vision for the City of Whittier,” explained Irella.

T is no doubt challenging to run a “Zero Fund” Campaign (outside of my own personal funds) in today’s political process.

All Candidates will have raised over $200,000 by the time the Election comes on April 10th. What I have amassed from this approach is that there are a few issues that seem to rise above the rest. Safety & Crime is a major concern, as our Crime Index is steadily rising to unacceptable levels.

Gang turf wars are beginning to show signs of flaring up again.

On top of this, we are projecting a sizable budget deficit by 2021-22 due to rising pension costs.

Although we can add high-density housing as a future revenue source for income, we cannot bank off these volatile home prices; they will eventually come around and our revenue gains will be lessened due to a cyclical market.

People are the ones who truly have the power in our system governance; I am to serve Whittierites!

​​ As a Libertarian I believe: The Government’s job both locally and nationally is to get out of the way of businesses and individuals and get as much government oversight out of our daily lives.

While I believe that our government representatives should spend less, government should be focused on spending in the areas that the private sector cannot, while eliminating intrusion to businesses and citizens and work on making the lives of the people they represent easier and happier. ​ My role in representing the city of Whittier would be to build the Uptown Whittier neighborhood into a destination location that drives business tax revenue while simultaneously giving the residents of our wonderful city more options and nicer neighborhoods.

Together, we can build Whittier into the business friendly, revenue generating area that we have all hoped it would be for many years.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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‘Ready Player One’ Lacks an Impact RAMON ALVARADO Editor-in-Chief

ramon.alvarado7328@my.riohondo.edu

Ready Player One was officially released in theaters this past Friday, March 29, though there were viewings as early as Wednesday. The Steven Spielberg directed film takes place in 2045, where much of the world escapes life by entering a virtual reality within the OASIS. The film’s plot revolves around Wade Watts (played by Tye Sheridan) and his hunt to find three keys that will give him full ownership of the OASIS after the founder dies. While the film does a good job of giving off the nostalgic feel the book does, Ready Player One missed some of the bigger components of the book that could have made the film much more meaningful.

In the Ready Player One book, Cline, through the words of Watts, explains that the currency of the OASIS is much more valuable than that of the real world. This is because humans spend most of their time in the virtual reality world. The OASIS is where people communicate, learn and make a living. The film fails to show just how important the OASIS is to the world. It fails to show how an evil corporation like IOI can take advantage of the real world if they take control of the OASIS. The rebellion against IOI could have been

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION/ JAKE LAURELL Ernest Cline’s ‘Ready Player One’ book was a hit when it landed on shelves back in 2011. Now in 2018, Steven Spielberg has adapted the book onto the big-screen for all to enjoy.

much more powerful if the film had focused more on the huge role the OASIS plays in everyday life.

It was a small, simple aspect of the Ready Player One book that was missing from the film that could have added so much more feel to the movie. Watt’s believes his best friend in the OASIS, Aech (played by Lena Waithe in the film) is a guy the entire time since they’ve only met in the virtual world. In the book, however, Watts finally meets Aech in the real world and sees she’s a black female, something he was not expecting at all. Aech (or H, short for her real name, Helen), tells Watts she had to disguise herself as a man in the OASIS because of the disadvantages a young black woman can have in the virtual world. The film-adaption fails to portray this aspect, though. There could have been a much bigger message sent, especially with all that’s going on in the world today.

There were bright spots in Spielberg’s Ready Player One adaptation. The change in the first contests for the keys was fitting and added a more modern feel than the book. Eighties’ arcade games probably wouldn’t hold down a 2018 audience as much as races with Back to the Future’s DeLorean and the old Adam West Batmobile. As a whole, though, the Ready Player One could have been so much more impactful.

Virgil Abloh Becomes First Black Men’s Wear Designer of Louis Vuitton CESAR GONZALEZ Reporter

cesar.gonzalez6118@my.riohondo.edu

A shift in the fashion world occured when urban-wear founder Virgil Abloh, who founded the haute street label Off-White, was named the newest men’s wear Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton. Abloh, who also used to be the longtime creative director for Kanye West, had became the first Louis Vuitton artistic director that is African American, and a part of the very few black designers who have obtained successful titles in a French heritage house. Abloh has made plans to move himself and his family to Paris to work closely with the largest brand LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy). “This opportunity to think through

what the next chapter of design and luxury will mean at a brand that represents the pinnacle of luxury was always a goal in my wildest dreams,” Abloh said, “and to show a younger generation that there is no one way anyone in this kind of position has to look is a fantastically modern spirit in which to start.”

January of this year, Abloh’s predecessor, Kim Jones departed from the Louis Vuitton but instead would be positioned as LVMH designer for Christian Dior, who would be replacing Kris van Assche.

The rise in the urban-streetwear sector helped account for a boost in consumer sales of luxury personal goods by five percent last year which is an estimated 263 billion euros ($325 billion in US dollars). The chief ex-

ecutive of LV, Michael Burke, stated, “Virgil is incredibly good at creating bridges between the classic and the zeitgeist of the moment.”

The two men first met back in 2006 when Abloh spent six months interning at Fendi with Kanye West where Mr. Burke was then the chief executive.

“I was really impressed with how they brought a whole new vibe to the studio and were disruptive in the best way,” Mr. Burke said, “Virgil could create a metaphor and a new vocabulary to describe something as oldschool as Fendi. I have been falling his career ever since.”

Virgil Abloh, at the age of 37, is a first generation Ghanaian-American raised in Illinois. To give off familiar cultural currency when it came to fashion, Abloh is

one of fashion’s new school stylists; he is a master of using self-awareness, irony, reference, celebrity influence, and even music to keep his fashion pieces current. Abloh never had an official “fashion education.”

He studied architecture and civil-engineering. 2013 was the year he launched his “Off-White” brand, and in 2015 it became the first LVMH finalist for the LVMH Young Designers Prize, making Abloh the first finalist to take a major role in designing for LVMH brand.

Off-White alone has 3.1 million Instagram followers and Mr. Abloh has about 1.6 million followers as well.

He received the Urban Luxe award which was given to him at the British Fashion Awards last year. Abloh also has worked on collaborations

with Nike, Jimmy Choo, Moncler, and even Ikea. One of his frequent collaborators is Takashi Murakami who also frequently collabs with LV.

LV is planning to give Abloh a bigger than usual platform to design menswear, where the company generates sales currently sold in 150 of 450 stores, and the store plans to add 25-28 more stores world-wide. Mr. Abloh still plans to continue running Off-White and commented,

“It is for the 17-year old version of myself, whereas Vuitton is for the 37-year old I am today.”

He plans work with Mr. West once again, and putting aside his hobby of being a disc jockey, he plans to reveal his first collection for LV in Paris during Men’s Fashion week in June of 2018.

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El Paisano Wednesday April 4, 2018

LIFESTYLES

Over Ten Years in the Making: My Childhood Leading Up to ‘Infinity War’

PHOTO VIA MARVEL STUDIOS

Marvel Studio’s Infinity War combines 18 of their films for an all star jammed packed cinematic masterpiece.

JAIME APARAICIO

Reporter jaime.aparicio2474@my.riohondo.edu

This coming July marks the tenth anniversary of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Back in 2008, a newly branded Marvel Studios took a chance and released the first film, in what would later be followed by an avalanche of films, “Iron Man.” Today, the character Iron Man is practically known world-wide, compared to the reputation the character had prior to his debut on the big screen.

So with the help of Marvel Studios and director John Favreau, the cinematic universe was unleashed onto the world and has not shown any slowing down at the box-office.

With the guidance of

long-term producer turned president of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige, Marvel Comics characters have become a household name.

Each film that has followed “Iron Man,” Marvel Studios has done an unprecedented feat in gaining both critical and financial praise by critics and audiences alike.

And with the production value of Walt Disney Studios behind their cinematic universe, Marvel Studios pushes their films forward in all aspects of filmmaking.

Being a comic book fan in today’s age is truly a dream come true.

Since my first encounter with Spider-Man in the early nineties, I’ve been fascinated with the stories being told about the character in both animated and comic book form. The relatability of the

character and his villains rogue gallery drew me in and has not let go to this day. And with the help from Marvel Studios and Feige’s understanding of the characters that encompass these worlds and their backstories, my fandom for Spider-Man and his fellow superhero friends has skyrocketed to all new heights.

Each film following the first “Iron Man” has helped my childhood become a reality year after year. With the exception of a couple of creative misses, the Marvel cinematic universe is nearly perfect to my eyes.

Feige has truly helped create something special that, in my opinion, rivals the popularity of the Star Wars franchise.

For many younger generations, this is and will

be their franchise that they grow up with. The fans of the source material already have lots of invested reading hours, so with that in mind, the success of the films also benefited from those fans and newcomers because the word of mouth involving the films has been positive for the most part.

Now through the course of ten years of production under their belt, Marvel Studios is set to release “Avengers: Infinity War.”

This new release in the cinematic universe will be the culmination of 18 films coming together for the first time in Hollywood history.

Each film has been placing storylines that are about to be concluded not only by “Infinity War,” but by the next Avengers film that is set for release next year.

But until then, us fans get to speculate and anticipate what heroes will make it onto the next phase of films that Marvel Studios has planned for many years to come.

As someone who has followed the growth of the Marvel cinematic universe from the very beginning, it will be difficult to come into terms that some of the actors that I’ve come to appreciate and love will call it quits due to their contracts expiring after the next two Avengers films.

Whatever the decision that Feige and Marvel Studios come to, it will no doubt be in the best interest of the studio to push these marvelous films beyond the level of success.

GET YOUR TICKETS ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ tickets are available for purchase now.

Tickets are in high demand, with some of the first showings already sold out.

The movie is set to release later this month, April 27.

El Paisano Wednesday April 4, 2018

El Paisano Newspaper Editor-in-Chief

RAMON ALVARADO

News Editor

NOAH GARCIA

Opinion/Lifestyles Editor OLIVIA VENEGAS

Sci.&Tech/A&E Editor JAKE LAURELL

Photo Editor

JAMES SPENCER

Copy Editors

SARA HARDING DANTÉ LÓPEZ-BENNETT

Advisor

WENDY CARRERA

Reporters

JOSE AHUMADA BRAYAN ALTAMIRANO ANAMARIA APARICIO JAIME APARICIO DANIEL CAMPOS IGNACIO CERVANTES DARRIN CURTIS GILBERTO ESPANA MADELYN GASTELUM CESAR GONZALEZ LUIS GUTIERREZ RUDY JUAREZ PINEDO ALEX RODRIGUEZ SABRINA TORRES

9 elpaisanoonline.com

OPINION

Non-Black People Should NOT Use the Word Ni*** and highest grossing genre of music in the world.

was used as a racial slur and insult to those of African descent.

There is some speculation how the slur went from “nigger” to “nigga.”

But after researching multiple sources on how it came to be, I ultimately reached the conclusion that it

names like darkie, mammy, tar baby, jiggaboo, and multiple other despicable slurs.

WRONG.

Yet, through the growth

I think its safe to say

It is never okay for an and evolution of Hip Hop that for quite some time, who individual who is NOT of Afculture and the Civil Rights should and should not say the rican descent, to say the word movements and other powN-word has been a debate.

“Nigga.” erful pieces of our history,

People try and substanti I personally do not unwe have turned the word ate its use with context. “Well derstand why its even up for a “nigga” on its head and used I meant it in the same way it ourselves as homeboy, or in a different friend, or budcontext. dy.”

A nd I am People in no way, bring up the shape, or oh-so obvious form disexcuse say crediting or “I’m not saying comparing ‘nigger’ though. other races That’s the bad and their one. Not ‘nigstruggles ga.’” with Blacks.

There is ocIts not a casionally those contest to see few Black peowho suffered ple that don’t more. care about the I am merely word’s frivolous stating that use. “My Black using words friend lets me ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA VENEGAS/ EL PAISANO NEWS like “nigga,” use the word.

The venn diagram above displays who is allowed to use the N-word and those who are not. The venn diagram does not intercept no matter He’s cool with because there is no interception on this issue. how you use it.” it, is disrespectful.

Specif Ok Billy, but your one debate. really does not matter. ically if you don’t care nor Black friend doesn’t represent But let’s go ahead and

The oppressive history know the history behind the all of Black people’s views on discuss why its not okay... behind the word is the main word. the word being used. Your period. reason why people who aren’t

It doesn’t take much Black friend is probably cool

As you may already know, Black should know that it is effort to skip over the word in with it because he doesn’t the derogatory term “nigger” NOT OKAY to say it. your favorite song. have the time or patience to started being used by Whites

I hate to admit it, but

There is countless other explain to you why its not (or Anglo-Saxons) in the even though I really don’t like ways to refer to your friends, okay for you to say it.

1800’s during the Atlantic the use of the word, even by homeboy or girl.

Oh wait. My favorite one Slave Trade.

Blacks, we have earned the

Its a matter of discretion is where people try to justify

The word was used in ref- right to say it. Its apart of and respect. it with that double standard erence to their human cargo, our culture. BLACK culture.

And I know this article and say “Well if Black people African slaves. It stemmed Regardless of it being started may not make any difference are using it, then that means from the Spanish words

by Whites (who know like hell to people.

But I know that its okay to use it.”

“Niger” or “Negro” meaning its not okay for them to use you’ll rethink saying the

Especially if its said so black. it.)

N-word in my presence. much by Black artists in Hip

From then on, the word

Our ancestors got called Hop music, the most popular AUTUMN LEWIS

Reporter autumn.lewis6123@my.riohondo.edu

Facebook Cambridge Analytica Scandal 3600 Workman Mill Rd. Whittier CA 90601 (562) 692-0921 EXT. 3345

A Congressionally Recognized Publication

OLIVIA VENEGAS Opinion/Lifestyles Editor

olivia.venegas4091@my.riohondo.edu

Trump’s presidential campaign hired Cambridge Analytica, a known data mining company, to receive information on Americans but more importantly to help form those citizens opposing or undecided to lean in Trump’s favor.

The scandal has brought up the issue of personal privacy among more than the 50 million Facebook users who have had their private data stolen.

The more information we feed into our social media profiles, the more that is taken away. The information we provide is seen by more than just our followers.

First being known as a reality star, Trump took the stage of the presidential campaign and played a role of

influence. However, Trump’s charm and tactics could only take him so far in the 2016 election and sought out another influencer.

It is unsettling to discover that the data you have been relying on was actually given to you by a data mining company.

To change perception is the purpose of Cambridge Analytica.

A client will hire the data mining company in order to change the perception of their desired target. Marketing and political campaign hire Cambridge Analytica to do so.

The power is no longer in the people but in the those who control the people.

To clarify, with the help from Cambridge Analytica, political campaigns such as Trump’s, can control their audience to shift their opin-

ions in favor of Trump.

A Facebook user will be exposed to the right kind of information that can then lead them into a wormhole knowledge on their society and cause them to create some sort of political change.

Those who consider themselves as activist, may have been influenced from Cambridge Analytica to become a certain kind of activist.

The information and research we believe we stumble upon ourselves is preset by a company like Cambridge Analytica.

In reality, what we know and perceive the world around us is fixed for profit or a political victory. How we have formed our political outing to our society was not of our own doing, but as Christopher Wylie has said it to be, influencing “whispers” in your ear repeating the in-

formation that was set to you.

Internet was once such a handy advancement in technology has mutated into public manipulation with every click and post.

The Facebook Cambridge Analytica debacle has done more to uncover another Trump scandal but has brought up the question of what information can be trusted or if there are any ulterior motives to information we are obtaining.

Millennials have been raised in the age of the internet making them the main generation that feeds off data and social media.

This generation has begun to enter the work field and political sphere and their perception of themselves and their world can be manipulated into a way that was bestowed on them from Cambridge Analytica.

10 elpaisanoonline.com

El Paisano Wednesday April 4, 2018

SPORTS

THIS. IS. ZLATAN.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Nets Two Goals as LA Galaxy Defeats LAFC

AARON MARTINEZ/EL PAISANO NEWS

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s instant offense helped the Galaxy come back from a 3-0 halftime deficit to the new Los Angeles Football Club Saturday, March 31 at the StubHub Center in Carson.

IGNACIO CERVANTES Reporter

ignacio.cervantes8813@my.riohondo.edu

The first edition of El Trafico was one to forget for the Black and Gold but one the Galaxy and neutral spectators will remember forever.

Los Angeles Football Club fell victim to the Galaxy 4-3 on Saturday after the club, once known as Chivas USA, dropped a 3-0 second half lead.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s two-goal performance on his MLS debut equalized for the Galaxy then gave them the win after going down 3-0 early in the second half.

His inclusion in the home side’s bench kept everyone inside StubHub Center in anticipation of his inevitable introduction once LAFC took an early lead and eventually tripled it.

Galaxy fans shouted their distaste for the new football club from the first whistle when “F*ck you Chivas!” was heard belted by both supporter sections in the house to remind the new-boys of its unpleasant past.

Withal, LAFC would draw first blood when forward Carlos Vela found the net five minutes into the match and would score once more 20 minutes later. Three minutes after halftime, and the Black and Gold were up 3-0 from a Daniel Steres own-goal and coasting to what seemed a likely win.

Enter stage Ibrahimovic, the “Hungry Lion.”

“If you look back, every team I came to [on] first official game, I scored,” Ibrahimovic said post-match, “And I said I would not let

The Los Angeles Galaxy home games will be filled with fans to see the new

AARON MARTINEZ/EL PAISANO NEWS

them down today. I was just waiting to come in because when you’re losing 3-0, the adrenaline is pumping even more because you want to be able to do something help the team.”

The Hungry Lion’s introduction to the MLS 71 minutes into the game was one for the books. His presence on the field alone swapped morales.

From anywhere in the stands his height advantage and superior strength was detectable and it took all but six minutes for the Swede to plant his flag when his goal in the 77 minute tied the game - his quick-thinking drive that lobbed out-of-position LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller from 35 yards out lifted every person in the StubHub off their seats, including LAFC supporters.

Less than 15 minutes later, the comeback was complete and LAFC hearts across the city were in complete disbelief. It was unbelievable.

“The fans were demanding something,” Ibrahimovic said, “And I gave them Zlatan.”

For LAFC, it was all going well as Vela began as the game’s protagonist. His two goals netted early were overshadowed by the introduction of the Swede who stole the spotlight from Vela.

The Mexican international has scored three goals in two matches going into next week’s game against Atlanta United on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Meanwhile, The Lion and His Cubs will host Sporting KC on Sunday in an attempt to build off from the final 30 minutes of this match.

El Paisano Wednesday April 4, 2018

11 elpaisanoonline.com

SPORTS

Women’s Beach Volleyball Team Battles LBCC and Mira Costa at Granada Beach IGNACIO CERVANTES Reporter

ignacio.cervantes8813@my.riohondo.edu

BRAYAN ALTAMIRANO/EL PAISANO NEWS The Rio Hondo Lady Roadrunner Beach Volleyball team is hoping the tough battles they have found themselves in end up helping them down the line.

The Rio Hondo Women’s Beach Volleyball squad featured in a cluster match in Granada Beach against Mira Costa College and Long Beach City College Friday, March 30.

The Lady Roadrunners fell victims to both teams, first losing to the Vikings 0-5 then falling to the Spartans by the same score.

It was a tough afternoon in Long Beach for Coach Teddi Esko’s team who hailed her opponents while mentioning that her team’s work levels were still sharp.

“Credit to our opponents, they’re great competitors and I think we did a good job of coming out and competing.”

Esko said, “We just made some mistakes on our end and we’ll get out on the sand next week and work on some stuff.”

In the first match against LBCC, the ones (Madison Mader/Andrea Velasco) and twos (Sara Harding/Michelle Rosas) of the squad both managed to win set number one but the pair of two fell after losing the follow two sets.

Sophomore Harding felt they fought to the last hit but also mentioned how talented the Vikings are.

“Long Beach is a strong and smart team.” Harding said, “Michelle and I were able to keep them on their toes and had great plays to take them to a third set.”

In the second matchup

against Mira Costa, the Roadrunners battled but stood no chance, losing every set played.

“During our Mira Costa game, we really let our mistakes affect our overall play,” Harding said, “We fought to the very end but that wasn’t enough to get a win over last season’s state champs.”

Despite the rough result, Coach Esko felt the way they played today against two of the best teams in the state is what will propel them as the season goes.

“This today, playing high level volleyball, is preparing us for matches in the future,” Esko said, “We work hard in practice and we are transfering what we’re working on into our game-play and I saw a lot of it.”

Rio Baseball’s Isaiah Ramos Verbally Commits to University of Antelope Valley MADELYN GASTELUM Reporter

madelyn.gastelum1526@my.riohondo.edu

During the spring break Sophomore starting pitcher, Isaiah Ramos, verbally accepted the offer from University of Antelope Valley to continue his baseball career there next year. This season the team currently stands with an 11-15 record and 12 games remaining.

Ramos is one of three left handed pitchers on the team with an average throwing speed falling between the mid to high 80’s. This season he currently has 2 wins and 4 loses with an ERA of 4.81.

He is the main starting pitcher on the team with 43 innings pitched throughout the 26 games of the season so far. His best game of the season was when the Rio Hondo Roadrunners went up against the Long Beach Vikings in Long Beach pulling out an 8-2 win.

Ramos threw a shutout against the Vikings with a total of seven innings pitched.

During the game he was able to get seven strikeouts leaving Long Beach to get 9 hits

NOAH GARCIA/EL PAISANO NEWS

Isaiah Ramos has given Rio Hondo everything he’s got as a Roadrunner. Now the next chapter of Ramos career will unfold at UAV.

with just two earned runs.

Ramos commented on the game, saying, “I honestly think everyone played together that game, and everyone did their job.”

With his sophomore season coming to an end at Rio Hondo he looks forward to the things to come. He is the first sophomore on the team to verbally commit to a four year school, starting the trend for the rest of his teammates.

Ramos looks forward to entering the program at UAV, “I can’t wait! It’s a great opportunity and I look forward to getting started there.”

Ramos said he has enjoyed his time here at Rio Hondo, commenting, “It was a great choice for me to come here after high school and I wouldn’t have seen myself at any other school.”

He felt that the coaching staff here at Rio was the right fit for getting him to the next level. Now Ramos can play without the worry of where he would call home in his upcoming season, and he cannot wait to get started for the UAV Pioneers.

12 elpaisanoonline.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

El Paisano Wednesday April 4, 2018

Wednesday April 4 Maura Bennett: Seedpots, Martians, and Flowers, a survey............ Rio Hondo Art Gallery.....................................................................................9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Dreamer’s Scholarships.................................................................... LR 101..............................................................................................................1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Thursday April 5 Maura Bennett: Seedpots, Martians, and Flowers, a survey............ Rio Hondo Art Gallery.....................................................................................9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Roadrunner Connect and Canvas.................................................... LR 101..............................................................................................................10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Disney Internship Information Session........................................... SS 350...............................................................................................................2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Rio Baseball vs East Los Angeles...................................................... East Los Angeles..............................................................................................2:30 p.m.

Rio Softball vs East Los Angeles...................................................... East Los Angeles..............................................................................................5 p.m.

Resume, Cover Letter, and Interview Tip for Adult Re-Entry.......... Rio Hondo........................................................................................................5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Friday April 6 PETITION TO GRADUATE THIS SPRING DUE

Rio Women’s Swim and Dive Meet................................................... Riverside Invitational......................................................................................All Day Free Tax Preparation........................................................................ Rio Educational Center at Pico Rivera.............................................................9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Rio Women’s Beach Volleyball vs El Camino, Golden West............. Beach...............................................................................................................10 a.m.

Rio Softball vs LA Mission............................................................... Rio Hondo........................................................................................................3 p.m.

Saturday April 7 Rio Baseball vs East Los Angeles...................................................... Rio Hondo........................................................................................................12 p.m.

Monday April 9 Maura Bennett: Seedpots, Martians, and Flowers, a survey............ Rio Hondo Art Gallery.....................................................................................9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Rio Softball vs Santa Ana................................................................. Santa Ana.........................................................................................................3 p.m.

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