FORMER RHC TRUSTEE, GARY MENDEZ CHALLENGES INCUMBENT
RHC TRUSTEE KRISTAL OROZCO FOR THE RHCCD AREA 4 POSITION
Q&A: THE RACE IS ON FOR THE RIO HONDO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT TRUSTEE SEAT
Q1: What motivated you to run for a position on the board of trustees?
A: Community college changed my life. It provided me with the opportunity to earn a college degree while raising my family. As a first-generation, nontraditional college student, my journey was challenging. I faced obstacles like signing up for the wrong classes, dealing with imposter syndrome, and taking longer to transfer compared to my peers. However, it was also where I discovered my passion for education. I was fortunate to learn from some of the most dedicated individuals I had ever met.
I went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in History and began a teacher preparation program while working as a substitute teacher. Realizing my passion for higher education, I pivoted and obtained a Master’s in Higher Education Administration. Serving on the board of trustees has allowed me to give back to my community while pursuing my passion for higher education.
I am forever grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, and that gratitude drives my vision as a board member.
Q2: What applicable qualifications do you have?
A: I have firsthand experience navigating the community college system. My graduate degree is in Higher Education Administration, and I’ve served as a mentor to numerous community college students, including my sister, a proud
RHC alumna. Additionally, I am a homeowner and resident of Santa Fe Springs, and, most importantly, a mother and wife. It is my responsibility to ensure that my children—and all families—have access to high-quality job training, education, and support systems like those offered by RHC. I have served on the board for the past four years with integrity and transparency and am committed to continuing this work with the highest ethical standards.
Q3: What changes will you be advocating for if elected?
A: If re-elected to the board, I will continue to advocate for our students, staff, and community. My goals include: Championing student success: I will advocate for addressing students’ basic needs, including mental health and housing, while strengthening career pathways and preparing students for their next steps in education or careers.
Increasing enrollment: I will support partnerships with local K-12 districts, enhance our learning centers to maximize their potential, and promote community engagement and equity.
Supporting facility improvements: I will ensure that improvements align with our Facilities Master Plan, are fiscally responsible, and that highpriority projects are completed ethically and promptly.
Kristal Orozco, Trustee Area 4, Rio Hondo Community College Website: kristal4riohondo.org Email: Kristal4riohondo@gmail.com
Gary Mendez Candidate Rio Hondo Community College District, Area 4 Cell (626) 278-4118 Garymendez1@gmail.com
Q1: What motivated you to run for a position on the board of trustees?
A: I have a passion and love for Rio Hondo College. I was a full-time student and served as student trustee of the board of trustees. My roots are deep here. As a former homeless student, I know the challenges students face just by meeting basic needs of housing, food, transportation, and general well-being.
My goal is to help students feel “secure” while attending Rio Hondo. Considering the “whole” student is vital to academic success. I am deeply concerned for students, post Covid, and the challenges student face like an adaptive schedule that meets the needs of students.
Q2. What applicable qualifications do you have?
A: I was a full-time student at Rio Hondo College, I did not just take one or two classes. I spent real time here. In addition, I was a student leader; student trustee, Model UN student, on the speech and debate team member, and a Puente student. I walked the path. Years after graduation, I returned and served successfully as a board member on the Board of Trustees for over twelve years. As a boardmember, I championed initiatives like “GoRio,” the building program
that built the LRC, Library Tower, Kinesiology Building and transformed the football field into today’s soccer field bringing restrooms and lighting.
Q3. What changes will you be advocating for if elected?
A: I am concerned about declining enrollment, Rio’s fiscal stability, and shared governance. Declining enrollment is falling, and we need to do something aggressive to secure a pathway for new students. I plan on creatively outreaching to local high schools early with a “Rio Hondo College Week” dedicated to Rio Hondo in high schools. We have to be “Community College Evangelist” and get the good word out. Also, identifying and targeting specific high school students earlier, like 1) students who are meeting A-G requirements but may not be able to afford college, 2) Students in the gray area who meet A-G requirements but don’t have a good enough GPA to get accepted to a four year, and 3) student not meeting A-G requirements but slipping through the cracks. This last group is important to outreach too early. I was one of these students with Ds and F’s. I made my way to Rio and my changed my future.
Rio’s fiscal stability worries me. I am liberal on social issues, but conservative on fiscal matters for good reason: It keeps us stable. The board needs to take a hard look at finances and hold the line on unnecessary
spending. Rios reserves need to be healthy and secure. I am fiscally responsible. Shared Governance. AB 1725 was passed in the 1980s to guarantee that constituent groups like students, staff and faculty have a seat at the table in district decisions and budgeting. This system is the pride of the California community colleges, no other system has this guarantee of participatory democracy. I would like to check and ensure that students, staff, and faculty genuinely have a seat at the table. Is Rio Hondo meeting the requirements of AB 1725? Students are our customers, the owners of the district, and your voice is vital to all decisions.
LADY
ROADRUNNERS CELEBRATE ON PINK DAY
By: Justin Chu Reporter
The Rio Hondo College volleyball team played a threeset home game against Los Angeles City College (LACC) on Oct.11, sweeping them in all three sets. The lady Roadrunners showcased their prowess in thrilling matches, much to the delight of fans and coaches alike, beating LACC in all sets: Set 1 2513, Set 2 25-11, and Set 25-16. Following the game, head coach Jackson Wong reflected on the team’s impressive performance.
Wong noted that the players entered the match confidently, crediting their rigorous week of practice for their successful outing.
“The team’s performance was a reflection of their discipline and overall attitude,” he said. This preparation proved crucial, especially the strategic plays executed by Libero Megan Liggins and Setter
MORE ON PAGE #2
Susan Komen’s “More Than PINK Walk” was an event held for Breast cancer awareness.
Photo courtesy of RHC trustee, Kristal Orozco
Photo courtesy of WUSD trustee, Gary Mendez
Photo courtesty of Jackson Wong
By: Jocelyn Mendoza Reporter
MORE THAN PINK WALK
Photos by: Omar Lopez
More Than Pink Walk Unites Community for Breast Cancer Awareness in Los Angeles
By: Esmeralda Rodarte Reporter
The Susan G. Komen “More than Pink Walk” drew hundreds of people to Exposition Park in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, October 5th. The event united individuals across the county in a shared mission to support breast cancer awareness and research.
Among the participants was Stacy from Inglewood, who attended the event with a team from her workplace. Having known her colleagues for two and a half years, Stacy shared how these friendships have blossomed through their mutual commitment to the cause.
“I’m good friends with a colleague named Deborah,” she said, referring to a fellow participant. “She’s a fighter, and I love that she’s fighting, doing the best that she can.”
Stacy emphasized the importance of community support, noting, “Being around people who have been affected shows that many are here to support those in need.” The sentiment was echoed by other attendees, who underscored the urgent
need for a cure as breast cancer continues to impact loved ones daily. “Hope is what we need now and forever,” Stacy added.
Another participant, Nora Vega Montoya from Bellflower, attended the walk alongside her aunt’s company and expressed pride in her family’s connection to the cause.
“My aunt is a breast cancer survivor,” she noted, surrounded by her cousins. The walk served as both a tribute to survivors and a reminder of their collective strength.
One of Nora’s cousins, Katherine Jimenez, shared her thoughts on the event, saying, “Being with my cousin means so much to me. We can take action and make this into a positive thing, and we’re all going to be okay, side by side every day.”
The event raised awareness and fostered a sense of community among participants, many of whom shared personal stories of resilience and hope. Silvia Constanza, development director of Susan G. Komen and organizer of the event, emphasized the ongoing need for support and resources for those affected by breast cancer.
“There is hope, and
we are always in need of volunteers to help those who are struggling,” Constanza said.
The “More than Pink Walk” is a testament to the strength and unity of those fighting breast cancer,
reinforcing the message that they can make a difference in the lives of many. For more information about breast cancer awareness, events, and assistance, please visit their website at www.komen.org.
FAMILIES STAND UP TO BREAST CANCER
By: Jocelyn Mendoza Reporter
On the morning of Oct. 5th, 2024, the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation hosted its annual “More Than Pink Walk” at Exposition Park in Downtown Los Angeles, where thousands gathered to walk in hopes of raising money for breast cancer research and bringing awareness to the deadly disease which takes the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals each year.
Amongst the thousands who walked were numerous friends, families, and colleagues who were affected or know someone affected by breast cancer, motivating their reason to walk for the cause.
Jesus Alanise, 31, from Los Angeles, walks for his wife
alongside his family and friends.
His wife Isabelle Alanise who was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and battled until Oct. 4,2023.
She was able to get help from the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to help with medical expenses as she battled cancer. Jesus stated that Alanise wanted to come to the event but was not able to do so.
He says, “I not only walk for my wife but other people that are here today and others that were not able to make it to the event just like my wife”. Alanise states his hopes for a cure to cancer as he hopes that it saves others in avoiding the heartbreaking experience of losing someone to the battle of cancer.
Coco Brown is originally from Venture, California and walks for her cousin who lost her battle to breast cancer stating,
“This walk is for her and I’m here to support everybody who is a survivor of breast cancer”.
This was Brown’s first ever time at the “More Than Pink Walk” as she typically attends the color run fundraiser for breast cancer in her area and expressed the friendly nature of those in attendance.
In asking what her hopes were for the future of breast cancer research she states her hopes that technological advance will increase the chances of a cure to cancer being found in the near future or even a “slow down for cancer”, she states.
Rosaura Mosco is from La Puente, California. and walks for her daughter Diana Gustillos alongside her family. This marks her second year in attendance for this event. It has been two years since her daughter lost her battle to breast cancer, her mother referring to her as “A fighter and warrior”. “I’ve seen many people here today who
have survived cancer or families of survivors here for their loved ones as they could not attend, just like my daughter”.
Mosco and her family are helping collect donations for the cause as she wants to help families going through a hard time in any way possible. She expresses her understanding of financial hardships one may go through in order to fight cancer.
This walk raised $170,000 for the Susan G. Coleman Foundation. This money raised will go towards various advances in research, education, and treatments.
Since 1982 the foundation has been able to aid 220,000 thousand individuals with financial assistance and support and has invested nearly one million dollars in cancer research.
Events such as the “More than Pink Walk” are one way the Susan G Colme organization and the local community are taking steps to find a cure for cancer.
Photo by: Esmeralda Rodarte
Photo by: Esmeralda Rodarte
Photo by: Jocelyn Mendoza
Photo by: Jocelyn Mendoza
Angel Luna, who played pivotal roles in securing the victory.
“Liggin’s defensive skills and well-placed serves were essential,” Wong said, adding that “Luna, wearing #14, effectively utilized the attackers to maintain the team’s offensive momentum. Together with Katie Noell, #13, the middle blocker, these players formed the backbone of the team’s strategy.”
Coach Wong also highlighted the energy provided by vocal bench players, emphasizing their role in uplifting the team’s spirit.
“Maintaining focus is vital,” he explained, acknowledging his own efforts on the sidelines to communicate with the players and keep them engaged throughout the match.
The coach was particularly
proud of the leadership displayed on the court, which helped the team navigate challenges and adapt strategies as needed.
“Our ability to adjust when things weren’t working was crucial,” Wong stated. He described a pivotal moment when a timely timeout allowed the team to regroup after a shaky start, ultimately leading to improved performance.
THE GREATEST DRAGONBALL GAME OF ALL TIME?
By: Omar Lopez Editor in Cheif
DRAGON BALL SPARKING ZERO is the latest video game of the dragon ball franchise which was released worldwide on Friday Oct. 11th. Not only is it the next game but it marks the return of the Budokai Tenkaichi series. Many fans have been awaiting the moment they would be able to pick up their controls and fight against each other in this PVP experience. Those who grew up with the franchise would become overwhelmed with nostalgia and are thrilled to have their beloved series make a return.
Sparking zero covers the events that transpired through the anime (shows) and manga (japanese books) with additional what if? Scenarios.
Not only can veterans of the series indulge in the story once again experiencing
their favorite stories in better visuals and different point of views but, newcomers can also experience the story for the first time and become familiar with the Dragon Ball world.
Diving deeper into the actual mechanics and improvements of the gameplay, those who played the previous installments of the Budokai Tenkaichi series can enjoy their classic style when it comes to control movements, fighting style, and overall gaming experience. While those who never played the original can still enjoy the game with the standard set of controls. This allows for both mediums to enjoy the game without having to know or learn the combo strings in the video game. With this game being a fighting game it could get frustrating for someone who may not really play those games to get
comfortable with the controls but with the standard settings everyone can pick up the game relatively quickly.
Aside from the actual mechanics of the game and overall controls the game itself is a beautifully made game. The visuals are absolutely stunning and the overall sound design is out of this world. Each attack has their own sound effect and visual which adds a great amount of difference so that each playable character is unique and fun to play with.
“While playing this game it feels as if im reliving my childhood and still staying up with my cousins after school on a Friday afternoon. That perfect scenario as a kid,” William Lozano, Whittier resident, said. Lozano provides a wonderful description on how it feels to play the game and how it makes him feel. Looking back
RIO HONDO TRIUMPHS IN TRI DUAL MEET
By: Emilio Garcia Reporter
On Oct 2, 2024, Rio Hondo traveled to East Los Angeles College to face off in a tri-dual meet against Moorpark and Elac. The roadrunners defeated both 48-3 and 43-9 in a one sided affair. The roadrunners collectively looked great and it was a team effort. They dominated against both schools and extended their win streak and made Rio Rondo’s record 5-0 and ranked fourth in the state. There were a couple wrestlers that stood out and showed impressive skills for the roadrunners. One wrestler that dominated was Jacob Moreo for Rio Hondo winning both his matches against the 157 lb weight class Moorpark and ELAC had to offer. Moreno went up by two points with one minute left with an inside trip to take his opponent down. Then Moreno loses two points from a takedown only giving him a two point lead. Moreno weathered the storm and stalled for 15 seconds getting the roadrunners a win. Moreno is only a freshman at Rio Hondo and says he still has a lot of room to improve. Moreno said, “I am fighting through some things but, I am glad I was able to get
both wins tonight.” Moreno said he likes to use an inside trip on his opponent and it has been a go to move for him in the past so he decided to use it late in the match when he needed it and it paid off. Head coach Mike Tellez said, “He wrestled well, he is a young freshman and he has a long way to go but he is doing well.” Moreno has a lot of room to grow only being a freshman but he showed a lot of improvement tonight.”
Jaremiah Juarez was in a close match against ELAC and he was losing 6-2 with a minute left in the second period. Going into the third period he was down 7-4 needing a takedown quick if he was going to pull off a win.
Jaremiah gets the takedown and ties the match 7-7 with 56 seconds left. Jaremiah flipped his opponent on his back but could not get his opponent to stay on his back for a pin. But, he got a three point nearfall with 12 seconds left and gets the win 10-7 for the 197 lb roadrunners weight class. The fastest roadrunner win came in the 285 lb weight class and was earned by Julian Bilezikjian, sophomore. Julian needed less than a minute to get the win with a quick and decisive pin to end the match and conclude the night for the tri-dual meet hosted by ELAC.
The players found their rhythm as the game progressed, gaining momentum and confidence. “The ability to adapt and make strategic decisions was key to our victory,” Wong said.
He praised Liggins, Luna, and Noell for their resilience and leadership, noting their contributions as instrumental in turning the tide of the match. Looking ahead, Wong
on the good days of being a kid and just fighting against his cousins after a long day of school seeing who’s the best.
As an adult who played the game growing up Mason Mei states, “This game has the best characters and all of the of the ones I wanted to see and play as. It even has characters from the beginning of the
expressed optimism about the team’s growth.
“The win helps build the team’s confidence and reinforces the understanding that success requires hard work in both practice and matches,” he concluded. As the season unfolds, the lessons learned today will undoubtedly fuel their pursuit of excellence on the court.
series all the way to the latest installments. Its truly a Blast!” Mei would go on and say that he can recall the countless times him and his friends ould stay up late battling it out to see who was the strongest. Dragon Ball Sparking Zero can potentionally go down as the best anime game ever made.
Photo by: Emilio Garcia
Photo by: Emilio Garcia
Photo by: Emilio Garcia
Photo by: Omar Lopez