El Paisano Newspaper Vol. 65 Issue 4

Study Abroad Program 2023 in Madrid!

By: Beatriz Martinez Editor-in-Chief beatriz.martinezortiz0021@my.riohondo.edu

Rio Hondo College students will have the opportunity to study abroad during the spring semester of 2023 . The capital of Spain, Madrid, is where students will spend 12 weeks enriching themselves with knowledge and learning about Spanish culture and its cultur al heritage.

Rio Hondo College is a member of the Southern California Foothill Consortium that is offering this new program run through nearby Citrus College to stu dents interested in broadening their horizons who also suc cessfully meet the necessary requirements to participate in this opportunity.

Requirements

Students who want to be part of the program must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in 12 units or more at an accredit ed college, have to enroll in 12 units in spring 2023, and the student must be at least 18-years-old when the pro gram begins.

If the student meets all the requirements, the next step is to apply to the South ern California Foothills Con sortium study abroad program with the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) and

Faculty and Courses Study abroad students will be enrolled in different general education classes to satisfactorily meet each student’s educational plan. In addition, the courses will be

California’s Middle Class Tax Refund

By: Marilin Campos Online Editor-in-Chief marilin.campos7742@my.riohondo.edu

As the United States suf fers from record-break ing inflation rates, the Golden State released a one-time stimulus payment to aid California residents.

The purpose of the stimu lus check is to help residents, regardless of immigration status, with the cost of living and increasing gas prices.

The payment, now called the Middle Class Tax Refund, is one of the largest in Cali fornia history. The state will be releasing around $9.5 bil lion total. As the cost of living only increases, the stimulus

check will help as many as 23 million Californians.

To receive this aid, one must have filed a 2020 tax re turn. The amount reimbursed depends on both income and the number of dependents.

Joint filers making under $150,000 will receive $700, plus an additional $350 if they have any dependents regard less of the number of depen dents they may have. Single filers making under $75,000 will get $350 or $700 if they have any dependents.

Single filers making be tween $75,000 and $125,000 will receive $250 or $500 with dependents. Joint filers making between $150,000 and $250,000 will receive

taught by professors from Rio Hondo College, Citrus Col lege, Cuyamaca College and local Spanish instructors. Some of the courses that stu dents may enroll in are: SPAN 127 - Spanish Civiliza tion, SPAN 101 – Spanish I, SPAN 102, SPAN 140, SOC 114 - Marriage, Family, and Intimate Relations, SOC 201 - Introduction to Sociology,

SOC 220 - Introduction to Gender, ENGL 280 - Introduc tion to Women’s Literature, ENGL 291 -Film as Literature, among other classes. Students will also be able to choose an online course while abroad.

Fees and Scholarships

According to the official website of this program, Cit rus College, based on an en

rollment of 45-64 participants, the fee per person is $8,245. The program includes Accom modation in student apart ments or homestays, a Metro de Madrid pass for unlimited travel on metro, bus and trams in central zones, orientation program in Madrid, in addi tion to other tourist activities in the city.

This fee does not in clude airfare, meals other than those listed, which are breakfast daily and dinner five nights per week, personal expenses, and additional trips or excursions organized by the course professors.

However, there are schol arships available that you can apply for, for example, the AIFS Ambassador Scholar ship, the Gilman scholarship. You can also check with the college’s financial aid page for more information about inter nal or external scholarships.

Program Deadlines

The $450 registration deposit deadline is Nov. 23, 2022

Total balance due on Dec. 23, 2022, mandatory orientation on Jan. 21, 2023

US Department: Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023

Arrival in Madrid: Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, departure from Ma drid: Saturday, May 13, 2023. For more info, please contact Professor Rebecca Green at rgreen@riohondo.edu.

$400, with an additional $200 if they have any dependents.

Finally, single filers mak ing between $125,000 and $250,000 will be receiving $200 or $400 if they have any dependents, while joint filers making between $250,000 and $500,000 will receive $400, plus $200 for any de pendents.

The state will distribute

the money through direct deposit or mailed debit cards.

Payments will be issued through direct deposit from Oct. 7 through Oct. 25 for those who filed their tax return electronically. The state will be disbursing the remaining payments between Oct. 28 through Nov. 14.

If you did not file taxes for 2020, you will not quali

fy for a payment. However, California is also increas ing aid for programs such as Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementa ry Payment (a program that provides monthly payments to low-income and disabled people) and CalWORKS grant (a program providing aid for low-income families with children at home).

Photographed by Beatriz Martinez El Paisano Media

Rio Hondo College is member of the Southern California Foothill Consortium that is a cooperative venture between more than 10 California Community Colleges. complete the AIFS applica tion. After completing the application, students will be provided with more informa tion, as well as the next steps.

Graphic by Beatriz Martinez El Paisano Media

Rio Hondo College District Canadates Area 5 Q&A

Whittier School Board Mem ber Polly Vigil, East Whittier School Board Member Carlos Aparicio, Whittier Union High School Board Member Jaime Lopez, Former Whittier Council member Josue Alvara do (RHC Alumni). I am also supported by local regional leader like Pico Rivera Mayor, Dr. Monica Sanchez (RHC Alumni), Downey Mayor Blan ca Pacheco, El Monte Mayor Jessica Ancona, Norwalk Council member Ana Valencia (former Norwalk-La Mirada School Board Member) and Southwest Regional Council of the Carpenters Union.

What are your goals if you do win the election?

Since being elected in 2018, I have worked hard to execute my priorities to champion student success, increase the graduation completion rate, create career pathways for high-paying jobs, increase scholarship opportunities, and maintain fiscal stability.

By: Matthew Medina News Editor matthew.medina7081@my.rioohondo.edu

OscarValladares is cur rently a deputy public conservator in the Los Angeles County Depart ment of Mental Health and is running for re-election for Rio Hondo College Board Area 5.

What position are you run ning for and can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m running for re-election for Rio Hondo College Board, Area 5. I immigrated to the United States with my par ents when I was 11 years old. Despite the many challenges faced as an immigrant non-En glish speaking student, I successfully graduated both high school and college.

The Community College pathway afforded me an opportunity tocontinue my ed ucation at a financial cost that was within my reach without the assistance of financial aid. While my journey was 7 years long, I am proud to say that I succeeded in transferring and obtaining my bachelor’s degree from California State University, Los Angeles.

For the past 18 years I have worked for the County of Los Angeles. Initially as a Child Support Officer and now as a Deputy Public Conser vator providing vital mental health services to many in our surrounding communities. As Trustee, I will continue to advocate for quality opportu nities similar to those I had as a community college student.

I will ensure that clear and accessible educational/career pathways are created while cutting cost and shortening transfer/graduation time.

Whittier is my family’s home and the community college system was central to my family’s success. My edu cation prepared me to secure a good-paying job and provide for my family. I will diligently and unapologetically work to ensure that every student is granted that same and/or better opportunities.

Can you tell me how the election process works and what are you doing for your campaign?

I have engaged our com munity with monthly newslet ter via e-mail and social media paid ads providing Rio Hondo College updates and resourc es. During the pandemic, I hosted four Food Distribution events serving over 2500 families during. I volunteer at my local church, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where my family donates and volunteer during the Food Distribution and serve as a Lector. Early this summer, I door-knock on over 500 homes and provided Rio Hondo College update to our residents. I have been canvassing since late August as part of my re-election campaign. I have received the endorsement of Rio Hondo College Trustee Rosaelva Lo meli, Rep. Grace Napolitano, Los Angeles County Supervi sor Janice Hahn, State Senator Bob Archuleta, Assembly member Mike Fong, City of

I am proud of the progress toward these priorities for both our students and our college district. Some of them include: Modernize Board Meetings from paper and pencil to 100% digital and make them accessible to our community to increase public transparency. Schol arships & amp; Career Path ways secured $1.5 million for scholarship/fel lowships to help students achieve their educational goals without incurring debt. Saved public funds with bond refinance savings of over $13 million for our homeowners & #39 taxpayers and increased reserves (7% to 27%) during my Board Presidency. We se cured $500,000 for the Child Care Center to provide child care during the pandemic and secured funds to house students experiencing home lessness.

Led efforts to assist Rio Hondo College students (65) renewed or apply for DACA byproviding funds for filing fees and legal assistance to

complete the application pro cess. Despite this remarkable progress, the COVID pandem ic added tremendous setbacks to our country & #39’s entire educational system. It has im pacted our college students, who were already burdened with numerous challenges like food insecurities, home lessness, and inflation. Our college adjusted to provide online classes so students can continue to take courses with support services. We obtained federal grants to support stu dents with tuition assistance, food, housing, mental health care, and childcare.

Vanessa Tyson is currently an assoc ite professor in the Department of Politics at Scripps College in Cla remont. She is running against the Valladares

What position are you run ning for and can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born and raised here in Whittier/Area 5, I’m a first-generation college graduate who overcame various odds to become a tenured professor at Scripps College, the Women’s College of Claremont. I was raised by a very loving and supportive single mom, while my father was in and out of the criminal justice system. I teach courses on public policy, a subject I’ve been consumed with since I was a little girl. Those courses include Introduction to Public Policy; Women and Public Policy, Environmental Policy in the US, Marginalized Com munities, and a handful more.

Can you tell me how the election process works and what are you doing for your campaign?

The election process is a bit more complicated than it would seem, and it varies from office to office. For the position of Governing Board Member of Rio Hondo Col lege, I first had to ask the LA County Registrar-Recorder’s office for a variety of forms to fill out. I then submitted those forms by the filing deadline. From there, I proceeded to reach out to friends and family to let them know that I’m running, I found a con sultant who would be able to print campaign literature and provide field organizing advice, and I hired a treasurer who could file various forms about campaign contributions and expenditures with the California Secretary of State’s Office in Sacramento. Now I’m working on day-to-day tasks like fundraising, distribut ing yard signs to supporters in the district, completing endorsement questionnaires, participating in endorsement interviews, canvassing with literature, setting up events, and coordinating with cam paign volunteers. I’m running field operations and outreach, endorsements, fundraising, and events/logistics.

Running against a Demo cratic incumbent is an uphill

Incumbent Oscar Valladares Challenged by Professor Vanessa Tyson

Photo courtesy of Oscar Valladares El Paisano Media

Oscar Valladares was elected to the Rio Hondo Communi ty College District Board of Trustees in November 2018

“It was my educational journey that empowered and inspired me to dedicate my professional career to public service.”

Photo courtesy of Vanessa Tyson El Paisano Media

“My goals in clude providing increased student resources.”

battle, but my work has paid off in that I’ve endorsed the LA County Democratic Party, Congresswoman Linda Sánchez, the United Demo crats of San Gabriel Valley, and numerous local elected officials and/or former elected officials.

What are your goals if you do win the election?

My goals include providing

increased student resources available through the Office of Basic Needs. In particular, I want more funding for mental health services, along with housing and food security, for members of the Rio Hondo Community. I also want to oversee an increase in enroll ment, along with community recognition that the College provides invaluable oppor tunities for everyone. More generally,

WUSHD Area Four Elections Q&A

By: Lorenzo Gaytan Jr. Editor-in-Chief lorenzo.gaytan5913@my.riohondo.edu

What position are you running for and can you tell us a little bit about your self?

My Name is Irma Rodri guez Moisa and I am running for Whittier Union High School District Trustee Area.

While all five trustees represent all students and families in the District, the District went to area elections a few years ago. Area 4 covers a portion of uptown Whittier, Whittier College, Michigan Park, Mar Vista Heights, Friendly Hills, a portion of northern La Mirada and the area between Mills Avenue/ Leffingwell and east to 1 st Avenue.

I was born and raised in Ventura County, the daugh ter and granddaughter of farmworkers. My parents and family taught me the value of family, hard work, and ser vice. During these formative years, I learned that education was the key to achieving my full potential. I am the proud product of public education and have several family mem bers who are teachers in our public school. After gradu ating from high school, I at tended U.C. Berkeley where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the Haas School of Business.

I continued my education at Harvard University, where I earned a Master’s in Public Policy from John. F Kennedy School of Government and I then returned to Berkeley to earn my law degree. I began my legal career as a civil rights attorney at the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. I moved into private practice after five years. Over the last 25 years, I have represented private and public entities in their labor and employment matters and have received statewide rec ognition for my work.

[Daily Journal’s Top Women Law yers, Top Municipal Lawyers, Top Women Litigators, and

recognized as a Super Lawyer every year since 2004. I have held numerous leadership positions in my firm, serving as the Partner-in-Charge of our headquarters office and most recently being appointed to Chief Operating Officer. I have also served on numerous boards over the years. Here is a listing of some of them: Campaign for College Oppor tunity Board Member Berke ley Law Alumni Association Board Member

MALDEF, President Board of Directors Former Board Member, Rio Hondo Foundation

My husband Alex and I have raised our three children in Whittier and they all attend ed our local public schools.

We have also been proud supporters of many commu

nity organizations: Whittier Boys and Girls Club, SPIRITT Family Services, YMCA, PIH Foundation, Whittier First Day, LACADA, WOW.

We also support many oth er non-profit organizations in the larger Los Angeles area. I am also a former member of the Soroptimist International of Whittier.

Can you tell me how the election process works and what are you doing for your campaign?

Running for office is complex and easy at the same time. Creating the building blocks for the campaign can be complicated. There are many legal requirements: (1) submitting FPPC forms so that voters know if you have

financial interests in the area in which you are running; (2) opening a campaign commit tee so you can raise monies; (3) filing financial disclosure forms so that voters can re view who has donated money to your campaign and how you have spent your campaign contributions.

Once you satisfy these requirements, a candidate can finally start communi cating with the electorate to earn their votes. The reality today is that candidates have to raise monies to pay for mailing pieces that reach voters. So, another part of the process is working with a graphic artist to create the mailing pieces that send the messages a candidate wants to send to sway voters. The most important part of the

elected officials and communi ty leaders.

3. What are your goals if you do win the election?

The next four years will be critical to our high schools and I will bring my energy, knowledge and experience to ensure our students thrive. If elected, here are four areas that are a priority to me:

(1) Academic Excellence: Maintain and build on the expectation of academic excellence for all of our stu dents. We must also invest in extra-curricular activities as those activities provide valu able experiences that shape our students’ futures.

(2) Equity: Ensure that all students are engaged in the educational program. We need to assess how many students we have lost due

election process is connect ing with voters not only via mail, but ideally in person. Therefore, having a robust volunteer core is important for phone banking, walking door to door and having local “meet and greets.” I find this part of the election process easy as it is about being myself and connecting with people and sharing my perspectives. I have already sent one mailer and intend to have two others mailed to the voters in Area 4. I also will be walking door to door on Monday and Friday afternoons and on weekends. I have a webpage and a Face book page. www.irma4wuhsd. com. Because of my commit ment to community service and previous leadership positions, I have garnered the endorsement of many local

to the educational offerings during the pandemic and how to bring them back and work on ensuring that all students are actively engaged in their education so they can reach their full potential.

(3) Financial Responsibil ity: Make financially respon sible decisions to ensure the District has needed resources for student success. The state will face a recession over the next four years and planning for this will be critical to maintain critical funding for services. Also, provide oversight for pending construction and capital improvement projects and push for investments in technology to maintain innova tive teaching and programs.

Courtesy of Chris Hardeman for El Paisano Media

Courtesy of Irma Rodriguez for El Paisano Media

I want to be an active advocate for students, staff, and faculty so that everyone thrives, and no one falls through the cracks.

(4) Health and Safety:

Preserve the health and safety of students, faculty and staff.

It is critical that our students, faculty and staff are teach ing in a safe environment. I am smart hardworking and can hit the ground running to serve our students. I will bring a fresh perspective to the many challenges facing the District today and in the years to come. I will bring my life experience as a person from a working class background, as a parent who supported my own kids through their own educational challenges and achievements, and my professional talents to serve all of our students and families.

Finally, why is it important to get involved in voting?

Whether it’s a local, state, or national election?

It is important that we all vote. The vote is the most important means of express ing our priorities and choices. Election results bring change and keep our elected officials accountable. While it would be ideal for all of us to engage in elections by speaking at meetings and organizing rallies, many of us do not have the time or resources to en gage at that level. I encourage everyone to vote at all levels of government.

Special Message:

I will bring a fresh per spective to the many challeng es facing the District today and in the years to come. I will bring my life experience as a person from a working class background, as a parent who supported my own kids through their own educational challenges and achievements, and my professional talents to serve all of our students and families.

Chris Hardeman

What position are you run ning for and can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am seeking to be elected as the new Trustee for Whitti er Union High School District Area 4.

For the past 26 years, I have dedicated my time and skills to making Whittier a better place to live, work and raise our kids. As a commis sioner for Whittier Parks, Rec, and Community Services I advocated for parks and senior programming. As President of the Whittier Chamber of Commerce Board, I advocated for the business community. As president of the Whittier Community Foundation, I worked toward improving city amenities, parks, The Whittier Greenway Trail and helped with funding the police department’s needs.

I am a husband and father of two school-age boys. I am also a business owner in the

city of Whittier. Can you tell me how the election process works and what are you doing for your campaign?

The Whittier Union High School District is divided up into five trustee areas. With great foresight, the trustee district map that was chosen encompasses boundary lines drawn from North to South to represent a greater cross-sec tion of the community. The WUHS district encompasses four different cities. To run in a given trustee area, the candidate must live in that trustee area.

All candidates must file an intention to run paperwork with the Los Angeles County Registrar’s office. The LA County registrar also requires timely reporting of campaign donations and expenses.

Candidates must also open a bank account and file with the California Department of Fair Political Practices.

To win my election I’ve had to raise a sizable amount of money and make voters aware of my campaign prior ities. A successful candidate will knock on doors and speak with as many constituents as possible. We mail information to homes in the district and participate in opportunities like candidate forums and in terviews. Since 2020 all voters in California receive a ballot mailed to their home for every election.

What are your goals if you do win the election?

My priorities when elected are: #1- School Safety from violence and drugs. I will work hard starting day one to better protect our students and teachers.

I also want to keep the district moving in the forward direction it has moved over the last 20 years.

The high schools must also transition back to where they were before the pan demic. We must make sure students who have fallen behind can catch up to where they should be by offering en hanced learning opportunities both virtual and in-person.

Curriculum Transparency is important to families, as nationally, questions arose during the pandemic about what was being taught to our children. Parents should have full access to everything their children are being taught.

I am also a proponent of building an Athletic Park for the entire community, on the campus of Sierra Educational Center (a project I worked on as a city commissioner.)

Finally, why is it important to get involved in voting? Whether it’s a local, state, or national election.

Everyone must get in volved when they find issues that matter to them. People

might choose to donate money or volunteer time to a candi date they favor.

Voting is the right of every United States citizen 18 years or older. Unfortunate ly, too small a percentage of people exercise their right to vote in each election. Seek out answers to the questions you have about politics and keep an open mind to all sides of the political spectrum. You cannot complain about society if you did not research and vote for the candidates or issues that align with your values.

El Paisano wishes good luck to all candidates running for office and encourage all readers to get out and vote!W

Quintilian Award

TheRio Hondo Forensics Speech and Debate team com peted in a travel tournament at Point Loma Nazarene University last weekend. Rio Speech and Debate Team continues to do amazing competing alongside US Air Force Academy, UC Berkeley and Norther Arizona along with 35 oth er Universities and Colleges. Please join us in congratulating the following students in their achievements:

Top 2-year School

1st Place Rio Hondo College

Top Speakers in NPDA OPEN

1st John Gonzales Parli 4th Ethan Sepulveda Top Speakers in NPDA NOVICE

4th Destinee Yepez 6th Cassy Molina 10th Evan Andrade 11th Kal El Semi Finalists in Parli Debate

Elvia Maravilla and Evan Andrade Destinee Yepez and Kal El Quarter Finalists in Parli Debate Cassy Molina and Miguel Castro

El Paisano Newspaper Staff

Beatriz Martinez

Editor-in-Chief

Lorenzo Gaytan Jr Editor-in-Chief

Marilin Campos

Online Editor-in-Chief

Matthew Medina News Editor

Miguel Vazquez Lifestyle Editor

Luis Martinez Opinion Editor

Christopher Aruajo Sports Editor

Mark Angulo Sports Editor

Mia Alvarez Online Sports Editor

Jonathan Carmona Science & Tech Editor

Carlos Jimenez Copy Editor

Jeffery Barragan Copy Editor

Daniel Gallardo

Photo Editor

Madison Aguilar

Broadcast Director

Christopher Villasenor

Broadcast Director

Logan Aguayo

Podcast Director

(In the above picture: Grant Tovmasian on the left and Skip Rutledge on the right)

This Quintilian award was presented to Grant at the Point Loma Nazarene University tournament this past weekend, where the Debate Team also won 1st place for two-year colleges.

Ethan Sepulveda and John Gonzales

3rd Place in POI John Gonzales 2nd Place in Prose Cassy Molina

Wendy Carrera Coordinator/Advisor

Aarón Martínez

Creative Director

The Quintilian award recognizes the dedication and contributions of a particular coach to the forensics community

is presented only at this

tournament because it is awarded by the Director of Forensics at Point Loma Nazarene University, Skip Rutledge, who is one of the longest standing members of the community! In Skip’s speech for why he chose Grant for the award, he stated “when Grant speaks, I listen.”

Congratulations Grant!

3600 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601

Photo Courtesy of Alex Cadena

Photo Courtesy of Patricia Hughes

She Brings Us Art Like Never Before: Jaklin Romine’s 3D Sculptures

She Breathes In Dirt And Exhales Flowers/Mejor Sola Que Mal Acompañada

By: Miguel Vasquez Lifestyles Editor miguel.vazquez9988@my.riohondo.edu

RioHondo Community College hosts Jaki lin Romine’s artistic work, which borders on the third dimension. It is a truly stunning combination of installation, sculpture, and photography. Romine’s goal during her creative process is to create work that abstracts content and context, to break the walls between reality and expectation.

A goal successfully achieved and inspired by her grandmother Gloria Ear

nesteen Romine. Romine’s exhibition, “She Breathers In Dirt And Exhales Flowers/Mejor Sola Que Mal Acompanada”, is an homage to Jakilin Romine’s grandmother and all she rep resented to her. The artist’s work incorporates feminist ideals with her identity as a disabled, Queer, Latinx, per son of color.

Gloria Earnesteen Ro mine was a Latina immigrant woman who didn’t have an abundant amount of money at her disposal to maintain her classy appearance daily, so she taught herself. Gloria Romine was always looking

her Sunday Best, following a strict morning beauty routine that prepared her every day should she go into the outside world and show face.

Romine’s love for her grandmother, her Abuelita, blooms from her beauty. Gloria Romine was inspiring not because of her beauty but because of her grandmother’s unwavering will to stay beau tiful, rain or shine. And is that not inspiring? To know that a loved one has struggled, yet risen above with dignity and grace.

Art comes in many forms, but I doubt many have seen art presented in such a way.

Photographed by Miguel Vasquez El Paisano Media

Art’s purpose is to draw emotion from the viewer, portray a story, or reveal the truth, whatever it may be. The artist’s message is said to be told through the eye of the beholder.

The Photo-Sharing App Where Real Life is Captured

By: Mark Angulo Sports Editor mark.angulo2131@my.riohondo.edu

BeReal is a social media app where you post a photo of yourself and what you are doing once a day at a random time throughout the day. The app will always alert you when it is time to BeReal.

BeReal came out in 2020, but it took a while to really blow up. Fast forward to 2022, BeReal is one of the biggest and most popular social media apps out, right now. I went around Rio Hondo College and asked people what they think about the BeReal app, and to no surprise people really liked it.

A good majority of people will use it everyday when it is time to post a picture and some people use it but forget to actually post a picture. Just because the app tells you that it is time to post at that time does not mean you have to post at that moment.

A great amount of people post later than when they are supposed to. Everyone who I asked about BeReal knew what BeReal was, so that re ally shows you how much the app is known to people.

The BeReal app has really made waves in society with numerous other big social me dia accounts making parodies of it.

There is one issue with

BeReal, and that issue is how many people are actually real? What I mean by that is, that the point of the app is to post what you are doing and the moment that you see the notification or whenever you can. However, I have heard that people do not do that and usually stage what they are doing so they can prove to be more interesting.

You might think to your self why does this actually matter? No one really cares, but the point of the app is to be real. If people are not being real, then it really just defeats the purpose of the app. Now, this does not make the app any worse. It isworse it is what it is, but the app itself is very cool and people like how it operates.

If you wanna try the app for yourself, I really suggest you do because it is something I recommend everyone tries, and just see if you like it. The app is available onand the Ap ple App Store and Google Play store. On the App Store, Be Real has five5 stars and over 400,000 reviews. If the app keeps on going on this type of road, the app can be the most successful and biggest social media platform in the world with no end to its potential.

Graphic by Beatriz Martinez for El Paisano Media

With the #BeReal TikTok hashtag amassing nearly 685 million views, BeReal users' memes and images shared on other social media apps have contributed to the app's popularity.

Undocumented Families Make It Work

By: Miguel Vazquez Lifestyle Editor miguel.vazquez9988@my.riohondo.edu

Pumpkin Patchs and More

By: Christopher Villasenor Podcast Director christopher.villasenor8525@my.riohondo.edu

Studying

to become successful is a challenge for everyone. Geniuses study for hours on end, to ensure that their growing intellect keeps growing but continue to second-guess themselves from time to time. The others who doubt their skill, study and don’t always fail as much as they’d think. It is a common belief that the more struggles one faces, the harder it is to prevail, it is natural to assume that undoc umented families fail to main tain a rigid studying schedule. That is not the case.

Your circumstances affect how you live, but they do not define who you are. Everyone is different, and how you are different isn’t good or bad, in terms of academics, it is just better or worse.

Undocumented families who want a better future

have the opportunity and the resources to help them at the Dreamer’s Resources Center. This center provides support in several fields, such as counselor assistance, applying for scholarships, and gaining mentorship from success coaches. All so undocumented students at Rio Hondo can have a brighter future.

Some families have enrolled in college and sought out the program’s assistance straight after high school, or after a gap year. There is no obligation to continue with your course studies once you decide you want to take a different path, the Dreamer’s Resources Center will always help you ease back into cam pus life no matter how much time has passed.

WithHalloween only a few mere days away, everyone’s favorite dress-up holiday will be here, and do you know what that brings? Pumpkins. Pumpkin carving is a Hallow een tradition that is highly popular among all demo graphics, but what is even more popular are the pumpkin patches that open around this time of year.

The fall vibes of your clothes and these fairs could not be a more vibrant match for you this month.

The main focuses of these events are the pumpkins of course. With funny faces and intricate designs, such a sim ple vegetable is given flair.

Pumpkin patches have

been around for centuries. The idea of a pumpkin patch first originated in 1590, when the local townspeople would go and choose a pumpkin that pleases them and carve a splendid design into it. Hence, after so long, the concept remains popular.

Although, pumpkin patches are not the only place where you can buy pumpkins. If you are short on time, or unable to go to a pumpkin patch because of distance, you can usually find pumpkins for sale at your local grocery and retail stores for low prices.

Santa’s Garden in La Habra California hosts one of the most popular pumpkin patches in Southern Califor nia. In an empty lot behind Carl’s Jr., several families are entering a beautiful, comfort able fall setting. There were areas for themed photo-ops, such as a pirate theme with some spooky skeletonssc. attered around.

Santa’s Garden is very popular because of its abun dant amount of bouncy houses and slides. They have 12 boun cy houses and slides. Three of those slides are very big and

can be seen from a distance, attracting the masses. The slides were King Kong vs. T-rex, Titanic, and Pirate Ship themed.

Pumpkin patches will always be associated with one

Photographed by Christopher Villaseñor El Paisano Media

Photographed by Mia Alvarez El Paisano Media

of Halloween’s most popular holiday traditions.

College Athletes Compensation

Why are some of the biggest entertainmant draws in the world still without pay?

Black Adam

By: Matthew Medina News Editor matthew.medina7081@my.riohondo.edu

DC Comics and Warner Bros Pictures hit an all time low in “Black Adam,” presenting ugly CGI and little to no plot to follow.

As a person who loves superheros, this movie is fun and energetic throughout the whole movie. There is non-stop action with multiple superhe roes across the DC Universe that fans will love to see on the big screen.

climax of the film, where Black Adam realizes that he can be a protector instead of a destroyer. This movie introduces four new characters in the DC Universe to fight Black Adam in the second act called the “Justice Society.”

The introduction of these characters leads you to believe that Black Adam is the main villain of this movie by literally fighting to arrest him. Later in the movie however, they team up to fight a forgettable main villain that I don’t know the name of.

Grapic by Luis Martinez El Paisano Media

By: Luis Martinez Opinion Editor luis.martinez2661@my.riohondo.edu

In 2022, the sports world is at the peak of entertain ment. The industry makes so much in ticket sales and sponsorship money. Not only that: fans are eager to see their favorite athletes lace up their shoes.

It’s still shocking to some that college athletes still aren’t being paid in any way.

College sports, like foot ball and basketball, are some of the most lucrative forms of media today.

The NCAA March Mad ness competition is one of the most-watched events yearly. This event features 64 of the best collegiate teams in the US playing single-game elimi nation series.

Until July 2021, there was no way for these college ath

letes to make their hard work profitable. Even today, the only profits athletes make are from Name, Image, and Like ness (NIL) deals. These NIL deals only let athletes make money from sponsorships they acquire from companies.

It’s a step in the right di rection, but many would argue that NIL deals should have been allowed from the start.

While some athletes now benefit from these deals, most athletes still aren’t being compensated for their count less days of hard work and dedication.

It’s unfair considering how much value these men and women give to their schools. An easy way to solve any issues is to pay all athletes a salary for their work.

One prime example of a college athlete not being com pensated is Zion Williamson. Williamson was a basketball

Many Forms of Media

What are some of our top picks when it comes to get ting our media delivered

By: Logan Aguayo Podcast Director logan.aguayo0746@my.riohondo.edu

Music is played daily, video games, movies, and social media are all popular forms of enter tainment today. It’s no sur prise that media of all forms impacts our daily lives, but which platform is your favor ite?

Two of the most popular music services, Spotify and Apple Music, are used every day by millions of users. At the time of writing this opin ion piece, I’m using Spotify to stream music while working.

It’s not shocking that music is played everyday, but rather what platform is used to stream music.

Video games are another form of media, with consoles like the Playstation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch being the most popular. As an owner of all three consoles, I find my self using the Playstation the

most often.

Everyone has their own choice of course, but I believe Playstation games have more replayability than Xbox and Switch games. It is worth not ing that each console has their own exclusive games, which does play a factor in picking a console to play.

Movies are available nearly everywhere, whether it be theaters or streaming plat forms like Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and more. I use HBO Max the most for movies, but I will occasionally go to the aters to watch a movie.

Social media and movies tie together, as social media can help promote movies. Besides advertisements, platforms such as TikTok and YouTube provide entertain ment for hours provided by content creators. I find myself using TikTok the most, just to watch videos I find funny to send to friends and family.

prospect who was hyped up on levels that were last seen in 2003 with LeBron James.

With all of this attention on him, Duke University’s, Williamson’s alma mater, tick et prices were amongst some of the most expensive seats to any university game ever.

In one game, against the University of North Carolina’s Tar Heels, ticket prices were reaching upwards of $2000. Keep in mind the average tick et price of a game this season was anywhere from $60-$100. How much of any tickets or jersey sales did Williamson see? Nothing.

So many issues come from situations where people are underpaid in their respec tive fields.

When the movie started, I had high expectations to see Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Black Adam, and the very first scene showed off the vio lent nature of this superhero.

However, as the movie went on, the action sequences resem bled the same problem almost every superhero movie goes through; there are no stakes.

When there is a fight scene in the middle of any Marvel or DC movie, expect to see the same exact fight sequence that sets up the final battle at the end of the movie. That’s what this movie is all about, action packed sequences with no real stakes.

As for the plot of this mov ie, it was really hard for me to understand who the villain was and what he wanted. This mov ie has a huge villain problem due to the fact that Black Adam seems more like a villain than the actual bad guy of the film.

The main villain of the film only shows up for the ending

If you’re coming to see this movie for practical effects and amazing CGI, this isn’t the mov ie for you. DC has this problem of over using slow-motion in their action sequences, and it gets old quick.

There is a scene where Black Adam slows everything down, heavily resembling Quicksilvers’ scene in “X-Men: Days of Future Past.”The action just did not feel original and seeing two superheroes fight each other without actually hurting each other is really boring in 2022.

“Black Adam” did have some bright spots however, there were some great aspects to this film which includes the use of violence in the film.

Most superhero movies dumb down the violence to keep the PG-13 rating, but “Black Adam” didn’t hold that much back by giving the audi ence a few graphic moments in the film.

This past weekend DC’s long anticipated movie starring Dwayne Johnson released. How was it?

RHC’s Womens Water Polo

Splash ELAC with a win

By: Christopher Araujo Sports Editor christopher.araujo2069@my.riohondo.edu

Fantastic win for the Rio Hondo College (RHC)

Roadrunners Women’s water polo team as they host ed East Los Angeles College’s (ELAC)Huskies. A great start and defending, is what kept the momentum going for the Roadrunners. That ended up in a 10-7 win for Rio Hondo on Oct. 19, 2022.

The First Quarter

Good display of offense is how the first quarter started as RHC scored first making it 1-0. Defense was making stops as ELAC’s throws were just up wide. Early in the game, RHC’s very own goalie number 1 Valentina Orozco made multiple stops as the away team was starting to knock. ELAC tied the game, making the score 1-1. The first quarter ended with a great save from the home team’s goalie.

The Second Quarter

The Roadrunners came out the second quarter hot as they struck first. Again a goal from number 18 Janness Banh broke the tie, making it 2-1 for RHC. Right after that, the home team kept the pressure going by scoring another goal, courtesy of number 5 Amera Elsayed, making it a 3-1 score for the home team. This goal came off a great defensive play that led to a flawless counter attack, making it difficult for the away team to make a stop. Elsayed scored back to back goals, Being in the middle of the pool with an open shot that could not be stopped by the away goalie making the score 4-1. With 3 unanswered goals, there was a time out

called as ELAC couldn’t stop RHC’s great attacks. As a result, after that time out, ELAC came out lost and with no communication. As they were pressured by the Road runners who were moving the ball around very well. Also in constant communication from the home team while on offense.

Above all, Valentina made

8-3. The goalie and defense with a perfect play, and A long pass into Aliza Montenegro to score, with the defense get ting caught off guard making it 9-3. ELAC was very unlucky this quarter. With many shots being hit in the crossbar,this quarter ended 9-3 for the home team.

The Fourth Quarter

“We are familiar with some of their players and Alina, number 13, from their team, is extremely talented, so we certainly have a game plan for her and deserves a lot of attention, and the defensive scheme was to contain her as best as possible.” Coach Todd also talked about the goals scored on defensive plays and said,“We always look for those things and look at areas we

RHC mens soccer fall to cerritos in a close game

By Matthew Medina Sports Editor matthew.medina7081@my.riohondo.edu

RioHondo College (RHC) Men’s Soccer put Cerri tos on upset alert after a close 3-2 loss to RHC against Cerritos, the number one team in the state.

Coming into this game, Cerritos was ranked number one in the CCCAA with a record of 12-0-2. Both teams knew this game was huge for the South Coast Conference standings and it showed throughout the whole ninety minutes.

yet another great save that led to another good attack by the home side. Then,a great finish by number 8 Melissa Hernan dez raised the score 5-1. As ELAC continued to struggle in attack, they were able to put 2 goals past RHC. But before the quarter ended, the home team answered with a goal of their own, ending it 6-3 in favor of RHC.

The Third Quarter

RHC kept the momentum going for them as they came into this quarter how they end ed the previous quarter. Two goals from RHC from Her nandez increased the score to

ELAC came out with the final push for a comeback with 3 goals in their favor, the score changing to 9-6. ELAC’s shots hit the posts and crossbar all game. Luckily for number 19 Isabella Carney who scored the final dagger for the home team making the score 10-6. The quarter ended with an away goal with a few seconds left on the clock. The final score was 10-7 in favor of RHC.

After the game,RHC’s coach Todd Lim gave his thoughts on this game, and mentioned about his teams great start of the first quarter,

In the end, Coach gave praise to his goalie Orozco and said ”Having a solid goal ie behind you, it’s the back bone of your defense. We are very lucky to have Valentina Orozco. She was second lead ing save leader in the state last year. She’ll probably be there again, and is certainly the foundation of our defense.”

Rio Hondo came into this game after winning two conference games, leading the standings with Cerritos Col lege. This game was definitely a preview for a playoff match up between these two teams.

Both teams started off slow, keeping each other in the middle of the field and rarely taking shots. Once the lights turned on after a 10-minute delay, Cerritos scored two quick goals and took all the momentum away from the Rio Hondo defense.

Later in the first half, number 6 Ebenezer Chinne scored on a penalty kick, giving the ‘Runners their first goal of the game. As the first half came to a close, RHC had the momentum going into the break. Afterwards in the second half became one of the most intense forty-five min utes I have ever seen.

RHC made noticeable im provements at the start of the second half by keeping pos session and taking shots on transitions. Cerritos became a lot more aggressive on and off the field due to the impressive play by the ‘Runners.

During the early second half, both benches started jawing at each other. Coaches and players had to be sepa rated by the referees as the intensity became at its highest point. Later that half, RHC drew a penalty kick, tying the game at 2 a piece.

by Mia Alvarez

Paisano

can attack, and counterattack is certainly one of them.”

The game stayed tied for 20 minutes, until a controver sial foul was called against Rio Hondo, giving Cerritos a chance to take the lead. RHC’s Goalkeeper number 1 Arturo Bustamante Jr. gave his all on the penalty, but it wasn’t enough and Cerritos took the lead and the win with a final score of 3-2.

RHC’s Coach Orlando Brenes was very impressed with his team but knew his men could have played better,

Brenes knew coming into Tuesday night that it was going to be tough to beat the number one team in Califor nia, but the ‘Runners showed grit and determination and fought valiantly in an exciting conference game.

The Roadrunners dropped to 7-6-3 overall, and 2-2-1 in the conference after Tuesday’s loss to Cerritos. The team traveled to Compton to take on an underperform ing TarTars team in hopes of bouncing back to stay alive for a conference champion ship. They ended up beating Compton with a final score of 1-0. #26 Charlie Rosales scored an unassisted goal to give the Roadrunners the lead and eventually the win.

Coach Teddi Esko

featured on RH Sports Zone Podcast

By: Mia Alvarez Online Sports Editor mia.alvarez1430@my.riohondo.edu

RH Sports Zone is a new sports podcast that gets released every Monday for Rio Hondo College (RHC) students and staff to get in formation on the sports that are going on at the college. We also give our thoughts on some professional sports.

This podcast has creat ed a new segment called the Mystery Guest. During this segment, we randomly pick a student athlete or staff mem ber to come on the show, and we interview them on their career. On Friday, Oct. 21, Rio Hondo’s very own, Ted di Esko, was featured on RH Sports Zone.

Teddi Esko is a professor in the kinesiology depart ment, and she is starting her 20th year as the head coach of women’s indoor volleyball and women’s beach volleyball at Rio Hondo College. Since starting at Rio Hondo in 2003, Esko loves to work with not only the student athletes but also her colleagues. “I have received so much love and support for being a longtime Roadrunner,” stated Esko.

In 2012, beach volleyball started to rise at a collegiate level where scholarships were being offered. After doing ex tensive research, Coach Esko

started the beach volleyball program in the year of 2013. By spring 2016, Rio Hondo’s beach volleyball program was an in tercollegiate sport. She managed to not only create a program, but an op portunity for young female athletes.

Esko earned Coach of the Year in 2012 anda2015 at the Foothill Confer ence. She also earned Coach of the Year in 2019 at the

South Coast Conference. Coach Esko is a member

of the AVAC (American Vol

leyball Coaches Association). She serves as a mentor coach for the Match Point Program. Currently, she is very active in the CCWVCA (Cali fornia Community College Women’s Volleyball Coaches Association) and CCCBVCA (Cali fornia Communi ty College Beach Volleyball Coach es Association), where she is the conference representative and beach association exec

utive board member/secre tary.

Esko had a chance to coach against her father, Lar ry Chowen, for 14 seasons when he was the head coach at Chaffey College. Her hus band, Paul Esko, coaches by her side for the women’s beach volleyball team at Rio Hondo. In her free time, Esko participates in playing in in door leagues and beach vol leyball. She lives in Hunting ton Beach with her husband and two daughters, who are also upcoming volleyball ath letes.

Photographed by Matthew Medina El Paisano Media

“We missed our chances too, and unfortunately, that’s soccer,” Brenes said. “But I thought our boys played well too. . .We’re the comeback kids.”

Photographed by Mia Alvarez El Paisano Media

“I was very honored to have my colleagues and my competitors recognize the hard work that I put into my program,” said Esko