El Paisano Newspaper Vol.66 Issue 2

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The Marathon Continues: Justice for Asghedom

Sleep Benefits of ASMR

ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. This means it stimulates the brain and triggers a tingling sensation throughout the body.

Ermias Asghedom, known to many as Nipsey Hussle, was murdered on March 31, 2019, outside his clothing store, The Marathon Clothing, in Los Angeles. Hussle was murdered by Eric Holder Jr., who was a member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips” alongside Hussle.

Video surveillance from the lot showed clearly that Eric Holder Jr. was running with a gun in hand after he shot Hussle. Hussle wanted to move on from being in a gang, to being a motivational lyricist, expanding his clothing line, and venturing into business.

Deputy District Attorney John McKinney said that the defendant was jealous because Hussle’s music took off while Holder’s music gained no attraction. According to an article in the Los Angeles Times written by James Queall, Aaron Jansen, the public defender for Holder, wanted the judge to give him a 28-year sentence instead of 60 years.

The reason is that Holder was constantly getting hurt by inmates, and Jansen wanted Holder to be safe. He is getting constant death threats and is a target for inmates. Jansen pleaded for Holder to get a reduced sentence for his safety, but the judge did not

grant it to him and sentenced Holder to 60 years in prison.

Hussle gave back to the community of Los Angeles, especially his neighborhood of Crenshaw, while also employing his friends and family.

Holder shot and murdered Hussle outside The Marathon Clothing store. Hussle was 33 years old when he was murdered. Hussle was signing autographs for his fans that day. Holder’s lawyer stated that what caused him to shoot Hussle was that he accused Holder of snitching while being in Rollin’ 60s territory. Holder did not take those accusations lightly and shot Hussle.

Hussle had invested so much into that lot for his business because he was focused on becoming a businessman, and to show his friends how it is possible that someone born and raised in the same neighborhood as him can also become successful.

Hussle was willing to teach people how to invest and make money outside the drug and gang world and how to better themselves. As mentioned in his song “Blue Laces 2” on his album “Victory Lap, Dropped out of school, I’ma teach myself Made my first mil’ on my own, I don’t need your help.”

Holder shot and killed Hussle outside the store in the parking lot where his clothing

store is on Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue. There was an argument between both Holder and Hussle which led to the murder of Hussle. Holder also shot two other men at the scene. Holder’s date drove him away from the scene to get away.

Holder was given 60 years of prison for the murder of Hussle, the attempted murder of two other men, and the use of a gun. Twenty five years for the murder, 25 years for the use of a handgun, and 10 additional years for shooting two other men.

Hussle’s death had the City of Los Angeles mourning with people from his neighborhood and city going straight to the Marathon Clothing store to bring candles, flowers, and show their respect to Hussle. Hussle’s music was being played at the lot where his clothing store was at and where he was murdered, as the Los Angeles community gathered to mourn the loss of their very own philanthropist. Prior to his album “Victory Lap,” Hussle was a well known rapper in Los Angeles but his latest album was the one taking him into stardom.

Hussle was beloved by his community because of his contributions, and his

motivational lyrics. In his music he always showed love to his neighborhood and where he came from. For example on his song “Hussle & Motivate,” Hussle does not forget where he was raised with the lyrics, “Slauson Ave soldier raised” Hussle’s Grammy nominated album “Victory Lap” best explains his journey through Crenshaw onto the big stage as a rap artist. This album honors all the work Hussle put in,showing what he wanted to build as a musician and inspiring others.

Hussle’s legacy lives on as his music is still played even after his death, and his clothing brand “The Marathon Clothing,” that continues to sell out, with his fans buying his merchandise. As Hussle said, “The Marathon Continues,” and so will his legacy.

ASMR has been really prevalent for the past few years. With the start of YouTube, it has allowed creators to create a community that specializes in the creation of ASMR. Many YouTubers have millions of followers just by creating ASMR. Also, with the introduction of TikTok, many creators go live on the app just to show off ASMR “triggers.” Different creators create different sounds or so-called “triggers

Many people, especially teens, are now using ASMR to fall asleep. ASMR is meant to help you relax and relieve stress, so it only makes sense that it would help with sleep.

I interviewed student Brandon Sierra about if ASMR does help with sleep. “ASMR has actually helped me get through some stressful days, and I have used ASMR multiple times to fall asleep,” he said. I also asked him if he usually just watches ASMR creators, or does he watch multiple,he said, “I usually look up ASMR on my YouTube search and whatever video comes up first is the video I end up watching.”

Out of the 10 people that I asked if they used ASMR to fall asleep, seven said they did, and three said they didn’t.

One of the students that said it didn’t help was Diego Lopez. “I have heard about it and finally decided to give it a try but I could not get past the first 30 seconds,” he said. “It made me cringe, and I thought it was weird.”

This shows that for some students that actually use ASMR, it does help them fall asleep, but for others it could make them cry or uncomfortable.

THURSDAY MARCH 2 2023 VOL.66 ISSUE II @El Paisano @elpaimedia @elpaimedia @El Paisano News www.elpaisanoonline.com Sunny 62°F / 17°C Whittier, CA
Christopher Araujo Christopher Araujo Christpoher Aurajo @chris_jrnlsm Christopher Araujo This mural painting of Nipsey Hussle is on a bank in the intersection of Crenshaw and Slauson where The Marathon Clothing store is located. This is the lot where Nipsey Hussle’s store was. This is the same place where nipsey was murdered and last seen alive. Fans came and celebrated his life and left flowers and played his music. It is now permanently closed.

The Transfer Fair Brings Community to All RHC Students

Discover Rio is an event about the clubs and resources that Rio Hondo College has to offer. This opportunity started on Feb. 21 but extends until Feb. 22 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Rio Hondo College clubs include the Auto Club, Alpha Gamma Sigma, Pre-Law Society Club, Social Justice Club, and more. Everything took place in the lower quad with a giant obstacle course that was hard to miss. There was a little bit of everything for every student. Across the entire quad there were tents filled with a lot of information and options. “We made this club for students who don’t want to be transferring to law school to become an accountant but still want to work in the law field,” Vanessa Bibiano, a Rio Hondo College student, said. Bibiano is a political science major and is one of the founders of a new club called Pre-Law Society.

Alpha Gamma Sigma is a state-wide community college honor society. Rio Hondo has a version of its own and is recruiting more students. This club takes part in community service activities and assists its members with their goals.

According to the club, Alpha Gamma Sigma is viewed as “a source of encouragement to succeed.” To join the honor society, students are required to have 12 college units completed and a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.

Resources are available such as the Learning Assistance Center, assisting students with information regarding tutoring. Students who are in need of a tutor can visit

LR-118. “I’m here because of curiosity, but I’m glad to have stopped by for the free boba and important information,”

Hilary Silas, a Rio Hondo

College freshman, said. Silas took advantage of the freebies and planned on returning the next day for the Spring Job and Internship Fair. Discover Rio

had free boba, a live DJ, and an inflatable obstacle course for all students to enjoy, all while obtaining useful information.

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Luis Martinez One of the cars featured, a Subaru WRX, from the students in the automotive club.
Happy Women’s Hi ory Month

Arts & eNtertAiNmeNt

Capturing the Moment: Digital Photography’s Instructor

Erin Miyo Stevens-Gandara has been one of the professors for Rio Hondo College’s (RHC’s) Art Department since the fall of 2015. She is teaching beginning and advanced courses related to digital photography. In these classes, students can expect to learn how to successfully compose shots, edit and mark photos up, operate a camera to its full potential, and learn to express themselves through art, and much, much more.

“I first got into photography in high school because I went to Schurr High School in Montebello, and they had a really good [photo] facility,” StevensGandara said. “They had good view cameras, lighting, a dark room, and a color darkroom. I liked that, so I got into that [photography] and then I went to Pasadena City College.“

Once at Pasadena City College (PCC), she took many different classes in order to expand her horizons. It was at this time where she learned how to do silk screen printing and printmaking. After a short stint at community college, she transferred to an art school with intentions of majoring in printmaking. Once she began her second semester

there, everything changed.

“I took a photo class from a famous guy named Larry Sultan. He is a photographer and he convinced me that photography was probably a better idea. I think it’s awesome.”

Stevens-Gandara elaborated that it was around this time her family wasn’t too sure about the idea of photography as a job. “My mom is Asian and she was concerned, my parents in general worried about jobs. that combine with my teacher. I think I chose photography.”

Being an art teacher and having gone down the path she did, Stevens-Gandara has had a lot of obstacles come her way. For many art majors, the idea of competition can be dissuading for the individuals and for the people around them.

She said, “I wasn’t a great student, so my parents were worried in general about me because I was up to no good. Then the art thing came and they just weren’t into it. They just thought it was a waste. My grandparents strangely enough, they’re Japanese, they convinced my parents. My parents weren’t terribly supportive, but they weren’t overtly unsupportive.”

Once she made her way out of school and found her

first teaching position as a photography teacher in 2000. As time progressed she grew as a person, instructor, and artistic expression. “When I first started 20 years ago, 23 years ago, I tried to be like what you’re supposed to be like.

It was very rigid and not creative. I had a turning point when I realized, ‘just be yourself.’ I’m silly, I love to tell stories. One of my favorite teachers, Larry Sultan, was an amazing artist and compelling story teller. He had anecdotes that were really hilarious and I like to share that kind of stuff but with a point.”

Her impact couldn’t be stated enough for some students. Cooper To, a secondyear student at RHC and former student of StevensGandara said, “With Professor Miyo, she really makes sure that you are producing your best work. I specifically remember a time when one of my classmates made work that was below his usual bar, and Miyo was not hesitant to point that out. He came back with the next assignment with work that was amazing.”

Some of Stevens-Gandara artwork will be feautured along with this article.

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Luis Martinez Erin Miyo Stevens-Gandara (pictured above) grading some of her students work right after class. Erin Miyo Stevens-Gandara Erin Miyo Stevens-Gandara Erin Miyo Stevens-Gandara

Women’s Basketball End Seventeen Year Playoff Losing Streak

The Roadrunners beat College of the Canyons with a final score of 73-63 in the first round of the CCCAA Regional Playoffs, ending their 17 year losing streak in the playoffs. The thrilling matchup was back and forth all night until Rio Hondo pulled away late in the fourth quarter to secure the win and a trip to the second round.

Coming into this game, the Roadrunners were named the No. 15 seed in the regional tournament after a 15-13 record and a second place finish in the South Coast Conference North Division standings. Canyons on the other hand

were the much better team on paper, finishing 17-10 and 11-3 in their respective conference standings.

Each team had a shot in winning this game and it really showed on Wednesday night. First half of the contest was a physical battle, finishing with a 35-35 score to end the half.

Head coach Rene Herrera spoke about the halftime adjustments made after the first half to pull ahead after halftime, “We knew Canyon shoots the ball really well, so we just wanted to make sure to contest the three-point shooters and control the boards,” Herrera said. “We had the size advantage with a lot of the sets

we ran, so we wanted to pound the ball inside and get a lot of back door action. We were able to execute that.”

Coach Herrera also mentioned that the team was coming off a three game losing streak heading into the tournament but they showed great discipline on defense.

“We

- said Herrera Who stood out?

Rosalie Avalos and Tiah Sherman were the two top scorers of the night, Sherman with 18 points and Avalos with 19. Sherman had a great game on both sides of the ball, putting on a clinic in the paint and pressuring on defense.

Sherman’s performance pleased Herrera, “We won as a team, but Tiah Sherman stood out today. She was able to dictate a lot of traffic and opportunities for her teammates, and knocked down some big shots,” Herrera said. “At the end of the day a lot of our girls stepped up and made plays.”

“At the end of the day a lot of our girls stepped up and made plays.”

-said Herrera

A note that Coach Herrera mentioned during the post game interview was that this was the first playoff win for the

program since 2006, which is an amazing accomplishment. However, the next opponent is no easy task.

Who’s Next in Round 2?

Rio Hondo will face unbeaten (28-0) Palomar College on Saturday, February 25, in San Marcos.

Coach Herrera and his squad are ready for the challenge saying, “All we ask is for an opportunity to play the best, and we are not scared of playing anybody… we will welcome the challenge and see what happens.”

Update: Palomar College beat Rio Hondo 79-49 in the second round of the CCCAA Regional Playoffs.

sports 4
Matthew Medina Matthew Medina The Roadrunners stand in a line for the national anthem before round one of the CCCAA Regional Playoffs Matthew Medina Breanna Esobedo finished the night with 11 pts, 4 Reb, and 2 Asts.
had the size advantage with a lot of the sets we ran... We were able to execute that.”
#10 Tiah Sherman goes up for a tough layup in Wednesday’s playoff. contest against College of the Canyons.

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