El Paisano Newspaper vol.58 issue 10

OUR GUN LAWS

FULL OF HOLES

NEWS

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DIANA JUAREZ/ EL PAISANO NEWS The students apart of the Forensics Speech and Debate team, honored at the Board meeting, May 8,2019- Not only has the team won dozens of awards this season, they placed first in debate at the nationals tournament that they attended in March.

Awards Presented at Board Meeting DIANA JUAREZ Managing Editor Diana.juarez8805@my.riohondo.edu

After over 60 hours of intensive workshops and training, the 7th cohort of the Rio Hondo College Leadership Academy (RHCLA) were awarded their certificate of completion May 8, 2019 during a board meeting.

The eight staff members participated in a ten month long fully funded training program that will better help them during their current and future employment.

The eight month program, which starts in the fall, runs through the school year and involves at least 6 hours of outside assignments and activities each month.

The RHCLA was created in order for “the college to ‘grow its own’ leaders” by training current staff to have the opportunity to enhance their own capacity to lead more effectively. With a focus on self-awareness and effective communication, among other things, the RHCLA program is expected to begin its eighth cohort this upcoming fall.

“I want to thank President Dreyfuss for her continued support...and especially to doctor Russell Castaneda-Calleros and Katie O’Brien for all of their efforts,” said Kelly Lynch, a FLEX committee member.

But, the RHCLA program was not the only one celebrated during the board

meeting. The 2019 Forensics and Debate team were also recognized during the meeting for winning awards at the National Championships.

Professor Grant Tovmassian was on hand to speak about his team and award them their certificates.

“I’m proud to say that this year we were tremendously successful on the competition circuit and we were able to bring the national championship [awards] to Rio Hondo,” said professor Tovmassian.

It wasn’t just the student members that were recognized, but the coaches that helped get them to the national championships.

“The real reason we were able to finally achieve this

success is because of the tremendous amount of work our coaches have put in into working with our students...

Usually we have practices roughly about 16 hours per week and competitions Friday, Saturday, and Sunday...

It’s with extra pleasure that I would like to recognize them,” said Professor Tovmassian.

“I would like to thank all of you for the amazing opportunity to witness and to show not just our staff, our region, but the world that any student with the right support... we can all thrive.

Thank you for bringing the championship home. But, most importantly thank you for volunteering and for your dedication to show us, the

board, that we need to invest because this is what happens when we invest..There’s a lot to be done from the board’s perspective to make sure that we fully support you and the next generation that comes through Rio Hondo,” said vice president of the board of trustees, Oscar Valladares.

Professor Tovmassian also personally thanked President Dreyfuss for her support throughout the years and said that, “this year, president Dreyfuss has been very generous enough to support us with upcoming tournaments and cycles. Which means that that support is already taking effect and so we are very very thankful.”

DIANA JUAREZ/ EL PAISANO NEWS

Rio Hondo College board of director, president Gary Mendez and superintendent and president Teresa Dreyfuss presented certificates of completion to the present members of the Leadership Academy’s 7th cohort Alberto Barreto, Claudia Ramirez, Christine Waugh, Karla Bermudez, Joy Tsuhako, Cecilia Rocha, Markelle Stansell, and Felix Sarao. Not pictured was Jasmine Zavala and Rocio Saenz.

Teaching the Community to Speak Without Speaking DIANA JUAREZ Managing Editor Diana.juarez8805@my.riohondo.edu

It’s the dream of every new parent to finally see their newborn child and hold them in their arms. They spend nine months wondering what their baby will look like and what their personality will be

like. No doubt, hoping that their baby will be a “good baby” that sleeps the night through and sticks to their eating schedule. So, what happens when the baby is born and everything seems fine until the parents start realizing that a few months down the line their child isn’t responding to sounds?

For Kimberly Hernandez and her family that was very much a reality. James Hernandez, Kimberly’s son, was 18 months old when he was diagnosed with hearing loss.

Kimberly did everything in her power to make sure that she would be able to provide for James.

“There are many things that go into raising a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. For one, you have no idea how much you as a person

rely on others being able to hear you. Usually if a child is in danger a parent can just call out to them and maybe startle them out of doing something dangerous. You can’t do that when your child can’t hear you,” said Kimberly.

In fact, there is a long list of do’s and don’ts that many don’t even think of. Kimberly struggled to make sure that James would have every opportunity that a hearing child

would have.It was so difficult for her to find resources in her hometown that she had to send James to school in a different city.

This is actually why she began her nonprofit organization, Hopes and Dreams Come Together (HDCT).

HDCT provides resources for families of deaf or hard of hearing children and is currently offering free American Sign Language (ASL) classes Continued on Page 12

‘Paintings of Hope’ ASHLEY LOZANO Reporter

ashley.lozano1408@my.riohondo.edu

The Paintings of Hope event was hosted on campus in awareness for National Foster Care and Mental Health Awareness Month in the lower quad, last Wednesday.The event encouraged students, faculty, and staff to take a moment to de-stress and create a painting with a meaningful message. All paintings will be displayed throughout campus in hopes of motivating or encouraging the campus community with either their personal lives or with the upcoming stress of finals week. All supplies were provided and complimentary fresh fruit was provided for all that participated.

Counselor coordinator for Guardian Scholar Program, Marisela Saenz, explains the reason behind creating this first ever event. “We are trying to get the awareness out there in regards to foster care awareness and especially mental health awareness”, One of the paintings done by one of the participants of the event, May 8, 2019- During the event, the members were able to have free snacks, as well as participate in a zumba class that we free for anyone to partake in,

Saenz continues, “Students are able to paint, which can be therapeutic, and they can also write messages and paintings that will bring hope to others. So our hope is to put them around campus for all staff and faculty to bring a smile to their face and bring hope and motivation for the students.”

The event was a success and really got the message across. Andres Ayala, a Rio student, who drew a painting of ocean waves signifying life’s constant changes, looked forward to the Paintings of Hope event. “I love painting, I’m not really an artist or anything but I just really like painting and it gets my mind off things, and when I saw the event on my email, I was like ‘I’m going to invite all my friends to this because this looks fun.’”

Make sure to look out for all the motivational and uplifting paintings posted throughout campus, for inspiration during upcoming finals week or for a simple mood changer.

NOAH GARCIA/ EL PAISANO NEWS

NEWS

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Rios Spring Boutique

DIANA JUAREZ/ EL PAISANO NEWS Rio Hondo College hosted a spring boutique on Thursday, with twenty vendors selling different item such as clothing, shoes, jewelery, Tupperware, food, and candles. Just in time to find the perfect gift on Mothers day.

JESUS MARQUEZ Reporter

jesus.marquez1625@my.riohondo.edu

The Fundraising Spring Boutique, Thursday May. 9, Rio Hondo College, twenty booths were outside the lower quad came to offer students and staff great gifts for Mother’s Day and Birthdays.

More than three generous people were outside the campus to check what gifts are available to purchase and decide what to give their wonderful mothers as Mother’s Day was on Sunday, May. 12 here in the United States, while their neighbors Mexico was on Friday, May. 10.

Each stand had gifts like women’s clothing, jewelry, colorful flowers, kitchen

supplies, scarves, and beauty products for women. Fortunately, Students were having a fun time choosing what item to buy because they were attracted to many creative things.

“There are many beautiful and creative items out here it’s so hard to decide what to pick,” said one student that participated in the boutique.

“Mother’s Day is just days away and I want to give something to my mom.”

Some booths not only provided students with gifts others created gifts by themselves. Half of the people in the event have their small business were demonstrating what they created a few weeks ago to impress individuals that were interested.

Michele Saldivar has a business called ShellBee’s and she makes handmade home décor, door wreaths, wood décor, and felt flowers décor. Saldivar said, “I make all of these items here it’s all flowers and I make them myself there handmade and I also make graduation money race.”

Saldivar was delighted to show everyone her hobby and passion. Also, she handed individuals her business card to get more information Online.

This event was full of gifts and food ready to sell for Mother’s Day and upcoming birthdays parties. People from the stands were excited to explain students what they love doing and the products they had in their table to sell.

RHC Parent Appreciation Day DIANA JUAREZ Managing Editor Diana.juarez8805@my.riohondo.edu

Student parents were celebrated with a day of free food, games, prizes, and more during the Parent Appreciation Day May 11 at the lower quad. Hosted by the Associated Students of Rio Hondo College (ASRHC) in association with Los Angeles County Office of Education, Parent Appreciation day offered fun for student’s families.

The lower quad was brightly decorated for the event, with tents that had a carnival like feel to them and colorful flower balloon decorations that lined the walkway of the lower quad.

A bouncy castle in the shape of a carousel and a giant inflatable obstacle course took residence on the grassy area in front of the library while free frozen yogurt by Daddy’s Best FroYo was served to all

in attendance. Free hotdogs and refreshments were also offered, making the celebration that much more worthwhile. Kids lined up at the booths to play carnival games in order to win prizes while the braver children lined up to pet the many exotic animals that included a burmese python, a horned toad, and a tortoise to name a few.

“I brought my kids for the event and they’re having so much fun. The reptile petting zoo has had my daughter captivated since we got here and my son is enjoying the activities,” said Rosario Gonzalez, vice chair for the Inter Club Council. Funded by the community services branch of ASRHC, the yearly event has become a favorite staple of the spring semester.

There are many opportunities for free fun all year round.

Keep an eye out for future events or drop by the Student Union and ask.

( Top ) Some of the participants of the Appreciation day at a petting zoo booth where patrons play with some reptiles. ( Bottom) A wide shot of the event grounds right as the event started.

NEWS

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Breaking Ground on Transportation Station SAMUEL GARCIA Reporter

samuel.garcia8465@my.riohondo.edu

Tuesday, May 14, Rio Hondo College had a Groundbreaking Ceremony for Rio Plaza. Rio Plaza is an upcoming, updated bus stop facility for students.This plaza will feature amenities like restrooms and bicycle lockers for students who take the

bus. Not only that, but there will also be vending machines available for students, in addition to shade structures.

This project has been in development for more than 10 years.Gary Mendez, Board of Trustees President for Rio Hondo College, was a former student at the college. During that time period, he would ride his bike and take the bus

to get to school.

“We’re going to make it easier for students to transit from their home to campus,” he said.

As a student, Mendez noted that his bike got stolen, which is why Rio Plaza will have bike lockers. Students will be able to access these lockers with special keys.

Rio Plaza will be located at

the entrance of the school.

It’ll act as a “new front” for the campus, one that is “more welcoming, more open.”

One of the issues with the current transit systems is that they stop traffic during student pickups/drop offs.

That won’t be the case with Rio Plaza.Mendez stated that they plan on cutting into the

sidewalk so the buses don’t stop the flow of traffic.

James Parker, Director of Transportation for Norwalk Transit, stated that the transit system for Rio Plaza will feature electric buses, which means no harmful emissions.

Not only that, but the new amenities will encourage more students to take the bus.

VINCENT FRANCO/ EL PAISANO NEWS

Several Rio Hondo Officals, shoveling dirt as a signifier of the upcomming site and development. This the next major project for RHC as the L tower construction is comming to a close.

LIFESTYLES Her 32 Years of Service, Our Eternal Gratitude

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NOAH GARCIA/ EL PAISANO NEWS Superintendent / President Teresa Dreyfuss addressing the crowd about her experience at the college as well as her journey , May 9, 2019 - During her speech, she also expressed gratitude for her family, whoose been a constant source of strength and support for her over the years.

After years of Service, Superintendent/ President Teresa Dreyfuss is Retiring NOAH GARCIA Editor-in-Chief noah.garcia3720@my.riohondo.edu

The position of President/ Superintendent is often a short one, where the seat is filled for a couple of years and then the person is replaced.

This short lifespan makes it hard for them to accomplish much, especially with the shifting needs and viewpoints of the college and its interests.

Teresa Dreyfuss and Rio Hondo have always had intersecting goals; those being the flourishing of its students and the betterment of its community. After 32 years of dedicated service, Superintendent/ President Dreyfuss is retiring from her position, a time capped by her Retirement Celebration Dinner at the Doubletree Hotel in Whittier, Thursday May 9, 2019.

The dinner started at 6:30, with opening remarks by the Master of Ceremonies Henry Gee, which eventually led to Dreyfuss addressing the crowd and thanking them for their support of her work.

During her own speech, Dreyfuss remarked on her time at the school and how she had achieved so much , “I’m grateful for Rio Hondo College for making my American dream come true …

Education has been my ticket to succeed, along with my strong work ethic, discipline, determination, and always remember where I came from.”

It was then that she re-

NOAH GARCIA/ EL PAISANO NEWS

The members of the Rio Hondo Board of Trustee’s toasting to Dreyfuss, May 9,2019- From left to right Norma Edith Garcia,Vicky Santana,Gary Mendez, Rosaelva Lomeli, Dreyfuss and Oscar Valladares.

ceived accommodations from dozens of people, all representing cities, programs and special interest groups- With several city officials presenting her awards for the works shes done for their communities.

Many of the speakers praised Teresa for creating an flourishing platform for their communities to stand on.

Martin J. Plourde, Superintendent of the Whittier Union High School District, conveyed the reach her positive influence has had on the area.

“You don’t know too many superintendent presidents, who can truly say that their legacy is affecting the current 11,00 students and the future hundreds of students that will be coming to our districts and matriculating to Rio Hondo College, because of the hope Teresa Dreyfuss gives our kids.”

Norma Edith Garcia, Member of Rios Board of Trustees,

addressed the crowd on the dedication Dreyfuss has had to the college and it’s community.

“We know that the average Superintendent / President works three to five years, if they’re lucky. At Rio Hondo College, she has managed to serve over over 20 students annually, over 1000 staff and faculty annually with a budget of almost 90 million annual . What I’ve learned from you ( Dreyfuss) is that we just can’t just think about today, but plan tomorrow because there is a lot of responsibilities on our shoulders. ” Many people praised her creation of dozens of different programs with her smart monetary management has helped Rio Hondo, as well as its contributors to Flourish.

At the end of the night, Celebrity Cici Lau ( Brooklyn 99 / Legally Blonde ) entertained the crowd with her voice as well as filling the dance floor

with attendees.

From a young age, Teresa was encouraged to pursue higher learning, with her mother doing all of the housework so that she could focus on her studies. She would later im-

migrate to America from Taiwan, where she’d eventually work at Rio as an accountant in 1987. She would steadily rise through the ranks, as she would become interim superintendent/president in 2012, later permanently taking the post a year later.

President Dreyfuss has racked up a number of achievements during the last several years. This includes ensuring no layoffs and furloughs during the last economic recession, execute close to $300 million in construction projects, open three regional campuses,create a four-year degree in automotive technology as well as a free year of tuition for incoming high schoolers named the “Rio Promise”.

Earlier this year, She was awarded with the Distinguished Woman of the Year for the 57th Assembly District . Dreyfuss officially retires on June 30th, filling a position in the community that will be hard to fill.

NOAH GARCIA/ EL PAISANO NEWS

Dreyfuss and one of her grandchildren, who brought her up some flowers, one of many bouquets she would receive that night, May 9, 2019.

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LIFESTYLES

Habit of Crocheting ANAMARIA APARICIO Lifestyles Editor

anamaria.aparicio8532@my.riohondo.edu

Spring Boutique was held at the lower quad area this past Thursday. The items being sold varied from jewelry, snacks, drinks, and accessories inspired by mexican culture. But one thing that stood out the most was the crocheted items made by Lisa Sandoval.

Lisa Sandoval works full time at Rio Hondo in the business Lab. Her stand sold crocheted items such as blankets, facial scrubs, earings, and scarves.

The facial scrubbies and earing were both being sold for $10. She let us know how she doesn’t sell them for much like she probably should. She sells them for just enough to be able to replace the yarn that she had used to make the items.

Crocheting is a habit she picked up almost 10 years ago. Sandoval explains how this is something she does almost every day.

“I go home in the evening and sit down and I just crochet. It keeps my brain busy.”

Although Sandoval has only been crocheting as a hobby for 10 years now, she really learned how to crochet

as a teenager.

She explained, “My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was a teenager and as a teenager you kinda forget stuff. But then my mom picked it up again so I said I’m going to pick it up again and now it’s become a habit.”

“It’s a hobby/habit! this is what I do on my off time to keep myself sane.”

During the spring boutique event, Sandoval was joined by her daughter. They explained how her daughter crochets as well, but had to teach herself.

Sandoval is right handed and her daughter is left handed so she had to teach herself using youtube videos.

When asked how long it takes her to crochet her items, she said that most her smaller items take her about a day to a day and a half to make.

Her bigger items like blankets take her about a week.

Sandoval’s also said that heritems are mostly sold when Rio Hondo has their Spring Boutique event.

“Usually it’s just here at the boutiques. I haven’t sold them like on facebook market place or anything like that.

I don’t have an etsy store, I dont have the time because im full time here. Maybe when I retire.”

VINCENT FRANCO/ EL PAISANO NEWS Sandoval taught herslelf how to do some of her newer stitches by watching videos on youtube.

“It’s a hobby/habit! This is what I do on my off time to keep myself sane.”

Tips For Finals Week ANAMARIA APARICIO Editor

anamaria.aparicio8532@my.riohondo.edu

Then spring semester at Rio Hondo is almost coming to an end, which means finals week is coming. Finals week can definitely be stressful.

These final assignment can determine whether or not you pass your class. Here are some tips to help make things easier for you to pass.

Don’t Panic If you’re anything like me and tend to panic at any stressful situation, then please just try your best to stay calm. Panicking makes it harder for you to stay focused.

It might just also trigger your flight-or-fight response and if your anything like me when stressed, you take flight and just don’t do anything.

Do Not Wait Till The Night Before To Study Sometimes it feels like you do you’re best when you study the night or even the morning before because its fresh in your mind, but let’s be honest.

You tend to remember the easiest questions and then when time comes to do the

more complicated ones your mind is blank. This is just setting yourself up for failure.

Start Studying/Revising A Week Before Studying a week before is the minimum. You should be studying throughout the semester so when final test come around you’re set to ace it. If throughout the semester you’ve been doing that last minute studying, then I suggest you start preparing two weeks beforehand.

Join A Study Group I know if you’re one of those people that like to just do their own thing, it can kinda suck when trying to find a group. But, don’t be afraid to start your own group with students in your class or ask to join. Everybody is stressing just as much as you and the more help they can get from each other the better.

Don’t forget Rio Hondo offers many resources for students. The library hours have even been extended just for finals week. So if your study group wants a quieter place to work together, you can make an appointment for the study rooms.

“It might just also trigger your flight-orfight response...”

ANAMARIA APARICIO/ EL PAISANO NEWS It’s also important not to pull an all night. Having a full nights rest before the big day in order to stay focused.

SPORTS

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LAFC Look Ready To Lift Title In Just Sophomore Season BUDA MENDES - ZUFFA / GETTY IMAGES

SLAM TO TITLE

Trip to Columbus turns into breeze for Carlos Vela and LAFC

DAVID IBARRA

IGNACIO CERVANTES

Reporter

david.ibarra4617@my.riohondo.edu

At UFC Fight Night: Rio De Janeiro, in the end, Brazil prevailed. What began as a brutal start for the host country’s fighters ended with Brazil’s own Jessica Andrade capturing the strawweight title in devastating fashion.

Andrade defeated Rose Namajunas by KO in the 2nd round on Saturday to become the first Brazilian fighter to claim women’s strawweight gold.

It was a spectacular turn of events that led to the finish in the main event Saturday night. Namajunas had been dominating the fight by a large margin until the finishing sequence.

The former strawweight queen was able to keep Andrade at a distance with her jab through most of the fight.

Namajunas had appeared to look better than ever with great striking technique and good grappling.

There was a wild scramble in the first round that displayed Namajunas’ incredible jiu-jitsu technique by almost getting Andrade in an arm bar while being suspended in the air.

However, the power of Andrade, after getting heavily hit in the first round, prevailed in the middle of the second round. While Andrade was going for a takedown, Namajunas threatened with a kimura lock that would force Andrade to lift Namajunas and slam her on her neck.

Namajunas went out immediately and referee Marc Goddard stepped in to call the fight off. It was a

scary scene to witness, as it appeared that Namajunas landed directly on her neck.

The former champ was able to walk out of the octagon on her own two feet, after congratulating Andrade and thanking the fans in Brazil.

Andrade becomes the third strawweight champion and first Brazilian champion in the division’s history. She also carries the most wins in the UFC among women with 11. Her win streak is increased to four straight.

It’s been quite the feat for Andrade, who is 7-1 in her strawweight tenure after dropping from bantamweight. Her next step carries its options in a fast-moving 115-pound division.

Top ranked fighters Tatiana Suarez and Nina Ansaroff are scheduled to meet in June at UFC 238. The winner of that fight has a good argument to be next in line. Also waiting in the shadows is former strawweight title holder Joanna Jedrzejczyk, who has the only victory over Andrade at 115 pounds.

The road ahead is not so clear for Namajunas. In her post-fight interviews, Namajunas was not ruling out a possible retirement.

When asked if she would like an immediate rematch, she replied, “I just want to do something else with my life right now.”

As always, it’s hard to see what’s next for a fighter immediately after they compete in an octagon. Nevertheless, we hope for it to be whatever may be best for the former champion.

Before the chaos of the main event, all Brazilian

fighters on the main card suffered defeat.

In the co-main event, Jared Cannonier made quick work of the legendary Anderson Silva. A few leg kicks sent Silva down in pain and it was ruled a TKO stoppage at 4:48 in the first round.

It was later revealed that Silva had gone into fight night with a bad knee.

However, the leg kicks by Cannonier was a great game plan and worked for him quite quickly.

Alexander Volkanovski defeated featherweight legend Jose Aldo by decision.

It was a smart strategy by Volkanovski to put pressure on Aldo early and never let him get his feet settled.

He mixed up leg kicks with body strikes and hooks throughout the full 15 minutes. It seemed as if Aldo was waiting for the perfect opportunity to land that one deadly punch.

That moment never came for the 32-year old legend.

Volkanovski puts himself in place to become the top contender for featherweight king Max Holloway.

The fight of the night bonus went to Namajunas vs Andrade and performance of the night bonuses went to Warlley Alves, who defeated Sergio Moraes by third-round KO, and Andrade, who sent her countrymen home happy with a brutal KO victory.

Whats next? UFC is headed back to the states for UFC Fight Night Rochester, where Kevin Lee looks to go back to his winning ways against Rafael Dos Anjos. Look out for the preview this week.

Sports Editor

ignacio.cervantes8813@my.riohondo.edu

Saturday, May 11 the Los Angeles Football Club continued their blazing start to its second season after defeating Columbus Crew Soccer Club 3-0 at MAPFE Stadium in the Ohio capital.

Club captain Carlos Vela notched his league-leading 12th goal of the season after Adama Diomande and Mark Anthony-Kaye had put the visitors up 2-0.

“Strong team effort,” head coach Bob Bradley said postgame. “I thought the mentality of the group was really good when the goal didn’t come right away.”

After dropping points at home for the first time last week following a goalless draw against the Chicago Fire, the importance to get right back into winning ways in Columbus before hosting FC Dallas this Thursday was crucial in order to keep its five point lead atop the Western Conferece.

After Thursday night’s match against Dallas, the Wingmen will travel down south to Texas for a visit to

REUTERS

Los Angeles Football Club captain, Carlos Vela, has recently been open about skipping this summer’s Gold Cup with Mexico to continue providing goals for LAFC.

Frisco’s Toyota Stadium for back-to-back matches against Dallas.

“We are tying to do all the right things to be a good team so we are happy,” Vela said looking past Columbus following their 3-0 win. “We did a great game but we want more, we want to keep having that feeling of feeling better than other teams.”

Dallas will come into Thursday night’s game 10 points back of Major League Soccer leaders LAFC and sitting 5th in the table. Only defender Danilo Silva continues to be out with injury as midfielders Javier Perez and Alejandro Guido battle for fitness. Kickoff set for 7 p.m.

Pro Soccer Major League Soccer West Standings 1. LAFC 2. Los Angeles Galaxy 3. Seattle Sounders 4. Houston Dynamo 5. FC Dallas 6. Minnesota United 7. Real Salt Lakes 8. Vancouver 9. San Jose 10. Portland 11. Sporting KC 12. Colorado

East Standings 27 pts 22 pts 22 pts 19 pts 17 pts 15 pts 13 pts 12 pts 11 pts 10 pts 10 pts 2 pts

1. Philadelphia 2. D.C. United 3. Montreal 4. NYC FC 5. Atlanta United 6. Toronto FC 7. Columbus 8. Chicago 9. NY Red Bulls 10. Orlando City 11. FC Cincinnati 12. New England

23 pts 23 pts 20 pts 18 pts 17 pts 16 pts 16 pts 16 pts 14 pts 12 pts 11 pts 11 pts

El Paisano Newspaper Editor-in-Chief NOAH GARCIA

News Editor

CYNTHIA RIZO

Opinion Editor

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Sports

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Sci.&Tech

LEO VILLANUEVA

A&E Editor

JAIME APARICIO

Photo Editor

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Managing Editors

DIANA JUAREZ JENNIFER ESPAÑA

Copy editor

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Advisor

WENDY CARRERA

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COMM U NIT Y

Our Gun Laws : Full Of Holes

A retrospective on the current state of our society and its relationship to firearms.

Continued from page 1

MADELYN GASTELUM Reporter

madelyn.gastelum1526@my.riohondo.edu

Since the beginning of 2019 there are been 105 mass shootings within the United States of those 105 incidents 8 have occured on a K-12 campus or a college campus.

These shootings have become the focus of public outcry because it isn’t adults that are fatally shot from these, it is children.

There have been many shootings that could have been prevented because people send in tips to the authorities about suspicious activity. Except these tips aren’t taken seriously because mass shootings aren’t even taken seriously.

There have been several school shootings where tips were sent in about the shooter before the act occurred.

One of the biggest school shootings in US history is the Parkland Shooting that happened back in February of 2018.

The shooting left 17 dead and many more injured, but students reported the

threats before the massacre.

There was a lot of suspicious activity from future shooter Nikolas Cruz, that was overlooked. Many students and faculty said that he had violent tendencies.

In an article written by Terry Spencer for AP News, on multiple occasions, students expressed discomfort from the actions of their classmate. They said that Cruz would bring various hand weapons to school including knives, and small animals that he had killed.

Along with the reports from the students a bank employee who had weekly phone calls with his mother said that, “I often heard Nikolas in the background yelling at his mother.” The bank employee also said that his mother confided to them that if she was ever found dead tell them her son did it.

Two students told investigators that they had reported Nikolas Cruz to an administrator for making threats but they felt they were not taken seriously, their feelings were proven valid when Cruz stepped onto the campus with an intent to kill.

People from every aspect of Cruz’s life had concern and saw him as a dangerous threat and yet nothing was done about it? Had someone listened to the stories

from his peers maybe those 17 teens that were gunned down would’ve been coming home from their first year at college.

To grow up in a period where active shooter drills are more common than earthquake and fire drills tells a lot about how our society has changed, and not for the better. We exist in the age of the Columbine shooting, this is the threat that I have been raised with since I was 2 years old.

Honestly at this point I am not surprised that the threats of school shooters have not been taken as serious as they should. I have grown numb to the shock of a shooting because of its regular occurrences and I am sure this is the same feeling that a majority of the public has towards these stories.

Another reason that a majority of the outcry for these shootings has hushed is because of the actions that the government takes, or fails to take, in changing gun laws after each shooting.

In New Zealand there was a mass shooting that occurred in a mosque. Previous to this incident there were no laws towards gun control throughout the entire country.

Less than one week after the shooting that killed 50 civilians New Zealand officials banned the sale of all “military-style” semi automatics, assault rifles and high capacity magazines.

Additionally the sale of all weapons were immediately

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stopped after the news rang out about the shooting to prevent stock piling, and a buyback program was implemented for the now banned weapons.

Imagine that, a government hearing the cries and concerns from their citizens and actually listening? Practically unheard of here in the United States but at least they’re doing it in other places.

So that leaves the question of how much tragedy we, as a society, will have to endure before someone will actually listen.

Let’s think about the innocence that is exterminated by these school shootings.

Picture 20 five year olds all of whom thinking about what they will draw, what letters they will learn in class, how determined they are to count to 20 perfectly, and everything they will tell their parents when they pick them up at the end of the school day.

Imagine standing there seeing a gunman take all 20 of these children’s lives.

Because no matter what you say, no matter what you do, no one will see your actions or acknowledge them.

This is what our government is inciting, that regardless of how much tragedy someone inflicts. No matter what we try and do, it won’t change the fact that we have a right to bear arms.

If the deaths of hundreds of innocent children and preadolescents isn’t enough to be taken seriously what will be?

Front page photo : Vincent Franco Design : Noah garcia

Teaching the Community to Speak Without Speaking DIANA JUAREZ Managing Editor Diana.juarez8805@my.riohondo.edu

Continued From Page 2 for anyone interested.

“Classes like these are important for many reasons.

Not only does it educate the community in ASL, but it offers the deaf and hard of hearing community a place of welcoming,” said Kimberly.

At the moment, HDCT offers free beginner’s ASL classes but is looking to expand. Natalie Calderon teaches the class to a group of parents and interested members of the community.

With about six different families of deaf or hard of hearing children, the classes have become a small, close knit community that offers support to each other while learning more about ASL and the deaf culture.

“For me, it’s the goal of learning ASL in order to communicate with my son that keeps me coming back and wanting to learn,” said Andrea Duarte whose son Adrian is bilaterally profoundly deaf, “It’s a good motivation to learn. And I like that there are other families that un-

DIANA JUAREZ / EL PAISANO NEWS "Natalie Calderon teaches families and community members proper hand placement of the ASL alphabet. The first cohort from these classes have already shown great progress in their learning." derstand my position. I was alone on this before, and now I have a support system.”

Many parents at the classes share a similar story, as well as their profound gratitude to HDCT for giving them a space to learn more.

Currently, HDCT’s classes have been surviving purely from donations. Even the space where the class is conducted is being offered for free thanks to the generosity of Longo Lexus of El Monte.

“I just can’t stress enough how important all this is for not just parents and family of deaf or hard of hearing people, but for the community at large. It really is a great way to educate everyone and it helps these families feel less alone. More importantly, it helps the children. It’s why we’re hoping to get a more permanent location for these classes. We love Longo Lexus, and their generosity has made all of this possible, but

we desperately need somewhere where the kids can run and play,” said Kimberly.

If you’re interested in attending one of these free classes or wish to volunteer or donate, please contact Kimberly Hernandez at khernandez@hopesanddreamscometogether.org or visit the class Mondays from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at 3530 Peck Rd, El Monte, CA 9173 in the Penske College of Longo Lexus.