El Paisano Newspaper Vol. 68 Issue 2

Check out Arianna Morales’ drawing submitted at the JACC competition

WHAT IS THE ZINE PROJECT?

You may have recently received an email regarding signups for the “Zine Outreach Project” and may have questions about what it is. To put it simply, the “Zine Outreach Project” is for students at Rio Hondo College who are interested in creating and sharing their own ideas plus stories. “Zine” is short for

magazine, this format is what students will be learning and creating in the workshops that are still ongoing and open to all students. This program was started by Librarian Claudia Rivas in collaboration with UCLA. The project is designated for students that can earn $25 for each “zine” they complete. This will be a credit that can be used at the bookstore with no exclusions. “It’s first come, first

serve,” says Rivas. However, students must attend at least two workshops to be eligible for these financial credits but this exchange of goods will be good until the grant of $3000 is all spent. With only one third of this amount being

CLUB MADNESS TAKES OVER THE LOWER QUAD

ENRIQUE RIVAS @erijour74

Club Madness is an event at Rio Hondo College upper quad to encourage students to join a club, more on fundraisers and bring more members to their club and play ax archery or bean bag toss held on March 13.

explains. This book will hold a wide variety of “zines” designed and created by the students who partake in the workshops.

All the “zines” created throughout this project will have the ability to be inaugurated into the “zine” collection at the Rio Hondo Library. Coming soon, students will be able to rent and check all the different “zines” that their peers have created. The goal is for this book, along with all of the other “zines,” to be available at the school library.

As for right now, the only way to check out the “zines” is through signing up for the workshops.

The workshops are free and open to students who are interested in this project. There are two different types of “zines” that can be made and their corresponding workshops that are available until the end of this semester. The online workshops consist of recorded workshops that will guide students through the process of creating their own digital “zines”. The in person workshops will teach students how to create printed “zines”.

The ultimate goal is to continue this type of work in the future so that all students have the opportunity to receive free credit towards the bookstore, but also the opportunity to share their stories and ideas with their peers.

For additional information or sign-up information see Librarian Claudia Rivas at LR230 or contact the email set up specifically for this project, rhclzines@gmail.com. spent, students still have an opportunity to create some cool “zines” and earn up to $100 credit for their participation. The partnership with UCLA also comes with the chance to be “featured in a printed book by UCLA,” Rivas

The clubs that attended the event were Cumbres, Victory, PRIDE, Ceramics, and Alternative Energy Technology club. Cumbres club encourages students to join a club for a two week summer program called the Invention Camp Rio they will have on July 15 to the 26. “This program will help participants about the invention process to help the next generation of inventors and entrepreneurs’ ‘, said Carolina Aguirra, cumbres member.

“It will teach you problem solving, critical thinking, social entrepreneurship, etc.”

The summer program will be Monday through Friday from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. Here at Rio Hondo College, lunch is free and the deadline to apply is until May 24. Pride Club will be hosting a “Drag Bingo’’ on Wednesday April 3rd, 1 P.M. at LRC 128.

“Anyone of the LGBTQIA+ and allies can join the drag bingo, they’ll be food and more games, after that we will play ‘Mean Girls’ movie at the end of the event”, said Matthew B Treasure of Pride Club.

Ceramics club were there for a fundraiser to help fund ceramics equipment. “When you sign up for the ceramics club you can get pizza, cookies and play games to win a prize,” said Natailie Waggoner, Ceramics club member. Green Alternative Technology is a program to explore the exciting field of alternative and renewable energy management with cutting edge technologies.

“We’re here to grow more members to join, our expectation is to have 15 members and we succeeded in passing that, now we have 20 and hope to keep it going,” said Brit C, the Green Alternative Club member. The Victory Club is a student-led organization of passionate individuals who want to bring awareness and actively fight against sexual and domestic violence. “We do educational workshops, provide access to resources, provide a support system, healing/empowerment activities and social activities,” said Emily Cardenas, Victory Club member.

“ We have meeting dates in A227 on Tuesday every 2 weeks from 3 to 4 P.M. Students that may have missed club madness events can join a club online or go to student services to check it out. As for future dates for the next club madness is to be determined at this time.

Enrique Rivas

Club Madness at Rio Hondo College.

Wendy Garcia

WENDY GARCIA @wendyjour110

Wendy Garcia

THE UNRAVELING OF P. DIDDY

WENDY GARCIA @wendyjour110

The names Sean “Diddy” Combs, “Puff Daddy”, and “Love” have been making dramatic appearances throughout social media and even mainstream media for multiple reasons. None of them are for good reasons. The rapper turned mogul hailing from Harlem, New York, has made a name for himself through plenty of big named musical collaborations under his stage name Puff Daddy (Diddy). Sean Combs is a rapper, producer and record label executive that has contributed in supporting plus creating some of the most prominent hip hop artists such as: The Notorious B.I.G, Usher, and Cassie.

Combs has had much success through his many music labels that he has created and/or has been an integral contributor of. Ranging from smaller labels such as Motown Records, Uptown Records, Bad Boy Records to big named corporations such as Atlantic Records and

Interscope Records, Combs has had much experience in the music industry.

Combs has once been a very prominent and well respected artist in his respective fields but has tarnished his name through various scandals and most recently, lawsuits. Combs has had five lawsuits filed against him and his music labels since November 2023. The lawsuit that blew open the doors for others to follow, came from his own exartist/ex-girlfriend, Cassie. Cassie (real name Casandra Ventura) was signed to Combs’ label, Bad Boy Records and Interscope Records, before her relationship with Combs took a romantic turn.

One of the tumultuous reasons as to why this lawsuit came so shocking to the public are the allegations of sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Cassie alleged in her lawsuit that Combs trapped her “in a cycle of abuse, violence, and sex trafficking.” Cassie alleges the abuse that she endured at the hands of Combs went on for over a decade. In the lawsuit,

Cassie alleged that Bad Boy Records (founded by Combs) created a hostile environment due to Combs abusing his position of authority to further his control and power.

The lawsuit was settled 24 hours later with both parties agreeing to resolve the case behind the scenes.

However, this was just the beginning.

Shortly after the settlement of this lawsuit, Combs was slammed with more serious lawsuits allegeing multiple violations ranging from sexual assault and trafficking to theft and blackmail. The accusers that have come forward with these similar charges share similar stories, being young women caught in the crossfire of an impressionable man. Two out of the three women who have come forward with these allegations have opted to remain anonymous in fear of retaliation.

In the lawsuits filed, the women allege that the piling of drugs and alcohol at the hand of Combs was a major contributing factor

K UNG FU PANDA 4 MOVIE REVIEW:

A SKADOOSHING SEQUEL

ENRIQUE RIVAS

@erijour74

reamworks

DAnimation’s hit sequel movie trilogy of Kung Fu Panda now hits with the 4th movie released on March 8, 2024 with the ultimate goal for lead character Po to become a great dragon warrior.

The first three “Kung Fu Panda’’ films are well received reviews and the fourth film does the same for me. The story starts with Master Shifu telling Po to face the dilemma of giving up being the dragon warrior and to find a successor. Po will struggle to find a possible candidate, until he finds a thieving fox named Zhen.

After Po is about to put Zhen in jail, words come out to an old villain named Tai Lung returned but masqueraded by a new villain named the Chameleon, so Po and Zhen went to a new city to defeat the Chameleon. I think the plot is alright, it’s simple, and doesn’t have to be extra on story and the characters which is something I look at in films. Characters are cool, especially Zhen who has a sad upbringing and good character development until she found Po. “I thought the

movie was really cute and funny, there’s a lot of messages like ‘it’s never too late to do the right thing’ was something I needed for a while, and I’m 26 years old.” said Leticia Vazquez, a movie enthusiast. The comedy was funny where I just kind of giggled in most parts of the film. Animation was great as always with dark and colorful settings including the fight

to the respective abuse they received. However there are a few disturbing distinctions between these cases, especially in regards to the parties that were alleged to be involved.

In the case of Jane Doe #1, the lawsuit claims that singer/ songwriter Aaron Hall was present and participated in her physical and sexual assault.

Jane Doe #2 alleges that the president for entertainment at Bad Boy Records, Harve Pierre, participated in their sexual assault and trafficking, thus resulting in Bad Boy Records also being named in their lawsuit.

The most notable lawsuit against Combs has come from a music producer who worked with Combs on his most recent album, “The Love Album”. Rodney Jones filed a lawsuit against Combs, his record labels and companies, plus Comb’s chief of staff, and son. The lawsuit case ranges in allegations from blackmail to grooming and even the drugging of Jones at the hand of Combs. In the case of blackmail, Jones alleges that Combs went as far as to try to bribe Jones with a Grammy for his work on “The Love Album”. Jones alleges in his lawsuit that he witnessed Combs and his associates exchange money for drugs and sex.

The most alarming allegations in this case were the claims of Jones being groomed for the purpose of being used as leverage for Combs’ benefit. As well as the allegations of Jones being drugged and ultimately waking up next to Combs unaware of how he got there or what happened. These disturbing allegations are still being heard by the corresponding courts and are still under investigation. As far as a statement from Combs and his lawyers, they deny all allegations and claim that they are “fictional”, meant to destroy his reputation and legacy for the sole purpose of “a quick payday”. All these allegations and lawsuits have swarmed the media and has swayed the public’s perception of this situation. Many have taken to social media to analyze the lawsuits and draw personal conclusions and thoughts surrounding Combs’ stardom. What is left to be seen is the results and aftermath of these cases and whether Combs will face any repercussions or punishment. Is this the beginning of the end for the once widely loved and praised rapper/ mogul, Sean “Diddy” Combs?

CONGRATULATIONS GRANT TOVMASIAN ON BEING AWARDED FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SPEECH AND DEBATE COMMUNITY YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS AND INTEGRITY TO EACH STUDENT AND THE EVENT DID NOT GO UNNOTICED

scenes. Jack Black and Awkwafina who play the lead characters were all great. The best ending was the credits scroll to Jack Black singing a cover of “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears was funny. Overall, Kung Fu Panda 4 is really cute, funny, and great. I think it’s a fun family friendly movie that keeps the plot simple but works. I would give a rating of the film 8.5/10.

Enrique Rivas

DISNEY CHANNEL NITE DEBUT

A look into Disneyland’s brand new after dark event

@sammarin4

he brand new event

TDisneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite made its debut on Tuesday March 5 and Thursday March 7, 2024 at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. The event highlighted the many television shows and movies that have been created on the Disney Channel program over the course of its existence such as High School Musical, Camp Rock, Phineas and Ferb, That’s So Raven, and much more.

photo-opps are super long, it was so worth the wait to be able to take a picture with Mickey and Minne dressed as Troy and Gabriella from High School Musical”, said Adrianna Gonzales.

Another popular event was the Camp Rock Karaoke. In this event, guests were able to sign up and participate in karaoke. The song list that was provided included a wide array of songs from numerous Disney Channel shows and movies, as well as some regular hits.

There were many events for guests in attendance to experience and participate in such as parades, character meet and greets, and different dance parties.

One of the most popular was the photo opportunities.

in a costume or was dressed in theme for the event.

There were people dressed as characters from all over the Disney Channel universe such as Hannah Montana, The Cheetah Girls, Kim Possible. Those that didn’t go in costume still dressed in theme for the night such as wearing East High Wildcat sweatshirts

and jerseys for High School Musical, people in biker gear for Teen Beach Movie, and more.

“I honestly loved seeing everyone getting creative with their costumes”, said Joseph Ochoa. “There was a group of people in Perry the Platypus onesies which was super funny, and even someone who fully dressed as Major Monogram

Throughout the park, there were multiple photo opportunity stands for guests to take pictures in. Some of these include Halloweentown, Teen Beach Movie, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Lizzie Mcguire, and more. There was even a stand where guests could do the iconic disney channel wand intro.

“While the long for these

“The highlight of my night was definitely the karaoke,” said Karolina Sanchez. “I loved seeing everyone giving their heart and soul into their performances and having the time of their lives, and some of them felt like they should have been in the movie, because they were giving the show of their lives”.

A popular thing that most guests participated in was costumes. Almost everyone in attendance was dressed

from Phineas and Ferb, even down to the mustache”.

Overall, the event was definitely a success among the Disney Channel fans,

who are already hoping that Disneyland continues this event next year as well.

SHOULD TIKTOK BE BANNED?

SAMANTHA MARIN

@sammarin4

Recently, the United States House of Representatives passed a bill that could lead to the nationwide ban of the popular social media app TikTok.

The bill would prohibit the app from being available to the United States unless the owner sells the company.

While there have been reports for years that TikTok would be banned, it now seems

as if it will potentially come true.

This news has caused much outrage among the public, with many saying that this bill is highly unnecessary.

“I believe that this bill is not needed at all,” said James Gallardo, a student at Rio Hondo College. “There are many more pressing matters and issues that the government should be focusing on, yet they are so concerned about an app”.

Many are also upset that the government is really pushing this ban and putting so much time into it.

“It’s honestly ridiculous how fast the government is to approving this bill,” said Rio Hondo student Christian Lopez. “There are so many bills in Congress right now that are more important and should have been passed already a long time ago, yet they want to put all their efforts into this one”.

One of the reasons the government wants to ban the app is because they believe the owner, who is Chinese, is using it to spy on them and their country.

“Personally, I think that

the government just wants to have control over the app,” says Karen Melendrez, a Rio Hondo College student.

“They are so scared of other countries finding out about their secrets and this is their way of stopping it”.

Much of the world is very upset about this bill and are hoping that it does not make it through the Senate, especially because the president has already stated that he will approve the bill if it makes it through.

SAMANTHA MARIN

Samantha Marin

Samantha Marin

CONGRATULATIONS TO BROADCAST HOST ARIANNA MORALES ON WINNING EDITORIAL CARTOON AT THE STATE JOURNALISM ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES COMPETITION

ROADUNNERS FALL SHORT AGAINST LONG BEACH

MATTHEW GARCIA

@mattg05er

On a typical sunny afternoon at “The Jungle,” the home crowd witnessed a rollercoaster of a game as Rio Hondo took on Long Beach in a matchup that was heavy on hits and marred by costly mistakes. Long Beach emerged victorious with a 14-4 score, but the game was a gritty battle from the first pitch to the last out. Long Beach came out swinging,

with players like Snakenborg and Brett Abudayyeh racking up multiple hits and RBIs, putting pressure on Rio Hondo’s defense. Rio’s pitchers faced a barrage of batters, and while Ramon Brion held his ground for six innings striking out 6, the relentless Long Beach lineup found gaps and took advantage of every opportunity. Rio Hondo wasn’t quiet with the bats either Matt Covarrubias, Damien Rodriguez, and four

others managed to grab a hit on the day, but they just couldn’t match Long Beach’s offensive firepower. Long Beach outhit Rio 15-7, piling on the pressure and widening the lead as the innings progressed. Defensively, Rio Hondo struggled to find their rhythm, and errors proved costly. Missed communication,catches, and overthrows allowed Long Beach to capitalize and turn what might have been routine plays into extra bases

and scoring opportunities. Despite the setbacks, Rio showed flashes of brilliance. Anthony Guzman behind the plate was solid, and Efren Miranda’s ability to work out of a 1 out jam and come out scoreless showed real tenacity. But in a game where every hit and run counted, the combination of Long Beach’s heavy hitting and Rio’s defensive miscues tipped the scales. By the bottom of the ninth,

it was clear that Rio Hondo’s effort, while valiant, was not enough to overcome the deficit. Long Beach’s victory was a testament to their ability to execute and make the most of their at-bats, leaving Rio to reflect on what might have been if not for those pivotal errors. The game was a classic reminder of how in baseball, it’s not just about making contact with the ball, but also playing clean and error-free.

Matthew Garcia

Matthew Garcia