Wednesday March 4, 2020
Serving the Rio Hondo Community
Volume 60 Issue 2
Elizabeth Warren Speaks at East Los Angeles College Day Before Super Tuesday Primary Vote
CLARISSA MARTINEZ/EPM U.S Senator Elizabeth Warren engages the crowd as she addresses her plans for the Green New Deal. CLARISSA MARTINEZ & GERARDO HERNANDEZ Digital Associate Editor & Co-Opinion Editor
clarissa.martinez6616@my.riohondo.edu
gerardo.hernandez3565@my.riohondo.edu
M
onday night, Senator Elizabeth Warren held a speech at East Los Angeles College to highlight main points of her Democratic presidential candidacy platform. Students, political fanatics, and Warren sup-
porters gathered to listen to the candidate speak on the issues such as climate change policies, equal pay rights regardless of race or gender, LGBT community policies, and education debt reformation. Crowds of people began to line up for the event around 5pm in the ELAC front quad. While the event was scheduled to begin at 5:30, guest speakers didn’t take the stage until 6pm. Di-
CLARISSA MARTINEZ/EPM Warren supporters arrrived early on Monday to ensure they got a good view of the event.
ego Sepulveda, Deputy Organizing Director of California, was the first speaker of the night. “Tonight, I stand on the shoulder of giants,” Sepulveda said referring to his immigrant parents and family members. “I am here because of their sacrifices, their hopes, and their dreams.” He continued to talk about growing up undocumented and shared personal stories of the challenges he faced. Sepulveda closed out his speech by urging people to go out and vote. He then got the crowd to chant “Dream big. Fight hard.” Warren finally took the podium at 8:15pm, her speech immediately interrupted by three protesters holding up signs that read “Let Dairy Die.” After a few minutes, police escorted the protesters off stage and Warren proceeded with her speech. “My name is Elizabeth Warren and I’m the ma--woman who is going to beat Donald Trump,” she
said. Warren went on to talk choose California to be their about the scale of the elechome. However, as Warren tion, and how important it is explained, “workers are for the democratic party to workers regardless of status.” take Trump out of office. When asked to explain The labor union organiwhy she chose to support zation, SEIU (Service EmWarren, SEIU representaployees International Union), tive Denise Quinn-Allen was referred to several times stated, “[She] has stood up to illuminate her origins as for labor policies when it’s “the daughter of a janitor.” mattered most and labor is Warren’s speech revolved an important factor in our around the plight of janitors country.” With her references during the union strikes to the “Justice for Janitors” that took place in Century movement of the 90s, Warren City in 1990. In addition, she expressed the importance of spotlighted notable Latinx nonviolent protests as the figures from the Los Angeles preferable means to “stand area, such as Dolores Huerta, up and fight.” establishing her knowledge As she culminated her on labor reformation movespeech, Warren made sure to ments that originated in the emphasize the Democratic historically democratic state. party must beat Trump at all The Boston native, who costs. is a well known champion of worker’s rights, did not hold back when it came to deMANY UNDOCUMENTED nouncing President Trump’s IMMIGRANTS policies on immigration and CHOOSE CALIFORNIA TO BE equality. With its heavily THEIR HOME progressive tendencies, many undocumented immigrants
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NEWS
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Spread of the Coronavirus
LESLIE LOPEZ & BRYAN CHAVEZ
Reporters
leslie.lopez3339@my.riohondo.edu bryan.chavez5634@my.riohondo.edu
The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, begun to spread in mid-December 2019, from the “Wet Market ‘’ located at Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, to at least 40 countries around the world, including the United States. The outbreak has affected around 80 -thousand worldwide. As a result, not only could this risk a person’s health, but also affects markets and either delaying or cancelling travels. Around 1,700 health workers were infected in China, but the real question is if the infection occurred before one knew about the protective equipment, or after? There is no telling how contagious or dangerous the coronavirus really is and how difficult it would be to determine where the disease will appear next, causing it to affect people
LESLIE LOPEZ/EPM Rio Hondo student, Selina Vitela, protects herself from gettting contaminated from the infection. unexpectedly, even if one has not traveled out of town. Who knows how many people are actually affected. A sick person, thinking one only has a common cold, would not likely seek medical attention. Even if a person is sick, he or she should wear a mask in order to prevent others from getting sick. One should go to the hospital to have it checked, just to be on the safe side. Travelers who are unaware of their health condition of the coronavirus, they are putting everyone else’s health at risk unintentionally, continue to travel and most likely are spreading the disease without being aware. For now, there is no cure for the disease. As a result, people are buying masks, some are not traveling as much anymore, lots of meat hasn’t been bought, and people are getting scared when one sees another person sick. Won’t the people lose
VINCENT MATTHEW FRANCO/EPM
their jobs from this cause as well? If so, many are going to struggle financially and may lose their home. Even if the source of the coronavirus that was being sold at the “Wet Market ‘’ is believed to be from the dead or alive animal, it is unknown from which one exacty. The original host is through bats and the disease could have been transmitted, but there is no knowing how or which animals from which were being sold. The symptoms of the coronavirus? Those people who have the disease and have fallen ill, are reported to suffer from coughing, fevers and having difficulty breathing. It may be difficult to tell who has the coronavirus due to the symptoms being similar to the common flu or cold. In some cases, there could be a chance of an organ failure. Antibiotics are useful when one is sick or for emergencies, but they are of no use for this case. For example, antiviral drugs we have for the flu, would be useless since it would not get rid of it. There is no specific treatment, but a vaccine is being at the work of process. Who knows how long one has to wait for the vaccine to be created. If so, would the vaccine be free or one has to be charged? As for the result of how one recovers, it depends on how weak or strong a person has their immune system. Those who have died, are due to one already having or had poor health. Avoiding
people if one may not feel well is very important. Even though the number of cases is starting to drop in China, the cases are rising for the rest of the world. The virus was first reported in California, one in orange county and the second in San Francisco which is now in a state of emergency. It has also been reported that the virus spread in Washington and Oregon which had the first death from COVID-19. The virus is yet to be understood as it can be severe, mild or even deadly. The reason is called a pandemic because it met two of the criteria’s, person-to-person spread and death. For the American public who is not likely to come in contact with the virus the risk is low. For those communities that have a current community-spread the risk is still considered low according to the CDC. The best thing is to do right now is to increase person-
al hygiene care. Wash your hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands ith an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60 to 95% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them until they feel dry. Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday. This includes phones, laptops, counters, doorknobs, tablets, bathroom fixtures, toilets, keyboards and bedside tables. Use a househould cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions. Restrict shared activities outside your home such as public transportation, ride sharing, or taxis. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can and immediatley wash your hands with soap and water. When entering traffic heavy public places it is safer to wear a mask. Protect yourself by following all of these prevention steps.
LESLIE LOPEZ/EPM
NEWS
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USC Unveils Tuition-Free Plan SAMUEL GARCIA News Editor
samuel.garcia8465@my.riohondo.edu
For students coming out of high school, paying for a college education may seem daunting, but one California university has put those worries to rest. February 20, USC President Carol L. Folt announced two new policies to make a USC undergraduate education more affordable: students with a household income of $80,00 or less will be able to attend USC tuition-free, and home ownership will not be counted in determining a student’s financial needs. These policies will be implemented for incoming first-year students this coming fall semester. “We’re opening the door wider to make a USC education possible for talented students from all walks of life,” said Folt. “This significant step we are taking today is by no means the end of our
affordability journey. We are committed to increasing USC’s population of innovators, leaders and creators regardless of their financial circumstances. Investing in the talent and diversity of our student body is essential to our educational mission.” According to USC News, the school will increase undergraduate aid by more than $30 million annually, which will allow the university to provide stronger financial assistance to more than 4,000 students every year. It is estimated that about a third of the 2020-21 entering class will benefit from this increased financial assistance. Folt did not take sole credit for this development, crediting a team effort for seeing these significant changes come into being. This team consisted of student and alumni leadership, USC Provost Charles Zukoski, USC Vice President for Admissions and Planning Katharine Harrington and her team, the USC Office of
Financial Aid and USC’s academic deans. “USC is committed to educating the strongest minds, independent of background or ability to pay. For decades, USC has invested in this commitment,” Zukoski said. “With this new initiative, we will be even better positioned to recruit students from all backgrounds and strengthen the USC experience for everyone.” The university has expanded need-based grant funding by more than 60% since 2010, far exceeding the rate of tuition increases. Twothirds of USC undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, and more than 21% of undergraduates come from low-income families. “Our focus on financial aid distinguishes us among our peer institutions,” said Thomas McWhorter, dean of financial aid. “I’m gratified to be a part of a university that continues to push the envelope by offering these additional resources to
students and their families.” USC practices a need-blind admission process. A student’s ability to pay or need for financial aid is not considered when making admission decisions. “Financial barriers should not be a deal-breaker for students with the merit and motivation to attend a top-tier research university like USC,” said Undergraduate Student Government President Trenton Stone. “This plan will help make our incredible university community more accessible to a wider range of individuals from diverse financial, geographical and cultural backgrounds.” These changes will allow USC to provide more opportunities for low- and middle-income students both in California and nationally. Over the next few years, USC expects to take further steps to give even more students access to higher education.
Corona Virus and What to do to Stay Safe
JESUS MANRIQUEZ/EPM
Pete Buttigieg Ends Presidential Campaign SAMUEL GARCIA News Editor
samuel.garcia8465@my.riohondo.edu
After a historic bid for the Democratic Presidential nomination, Pete Buttigieg is taking his hat out of the ring. Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, ended his campaign for President Sunday, March 1. Accompanied by his husband, Chasten, Pete Buttigieg made the announcement during an impromptu stop in South Bend, where the former mayor said “today is a moment of truth... the truth is the path has narrowed to a close, for our candidacy, if not for our cause.” “So we must recognize that at this point in the race the best way to keep faith with those goals and ideals is to step aside and help bring our party and our country together,” Buttigieg said. “So tonight, I am making the difficult decision to suspend my campaign for the presidency.” Buttigieg was the first openly gay man to launch a competitive campaign for president, and he broke barriers by becoming the first gay candidate to earn primary delegates for a major party’s presidential nomination. After gaining ground
in Iowa and New Hampshire, Buttigieg’s campaign struggled to win over voters of color, a key base to the Democratic Party, which in turn hurt his performances in Nevada and South Carolina. It was in those two states where Buttigieg finished significantly behind the race’s frontrunners. Initially scheduled to fly from Selma, Alabama to Dallas, Texas Sunday, Buttigieg told reporters that he would fly back to his hometown of South Bend to make an announcement on the future of his campaign. According to CNN, aides stated that Buttigieg made the decision after he struggled to compete in South Carolina’s primary and had little path toward success on Super Tuesday. “He believes this is the right thing to do right now for our country and the country to heal this divided nation and defeat President Trump,” an aide said. “He decided that now was the time and, I think that is exactly why he is getting out. He believes this is the right thing to do.” Rather than endorse one of his former competitors, Buttigieg lauded all of his competitors for “demonstrating what public service can be.”
CNN stated that a Biden aide informed them that former Vice President Joe Biden and Buttigieg have yet to connect but the two have traded voicemails. A separate source familiar with the matter told CNN that there has been staff-level communication between the Buttigieg and Biden campaigns. Buttigieg signaled throughout the final weeks of his campaign that he was aware the race was coming to a close. While Buttigieg warned against nominating Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and his “inflexible, ideological revolution,” his campaign released a memo days later worrying that Sanders could enjoy a “seemingly insurmountable delegate lead” after the Super Tuesday contests. In the end, Buttigieg did not make it to Super Tuesday. “I know that as this campaign ends, there comes disappointment that we won’t continue,” Buttigieg said. “But I hope that everyone who has been part of this in any way knows that the campaign that you have built and the community that you have created is only the beginning of the change that we are going to make together.”
WORLD HEALTH ORG.
NEWS
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Rio Hondo Hosts First-Ever ‘Major Declaration Day’ MEGAN DE LARA A&E Editor
megan.delara9233@my.riohondo.edu
Rio Hondo hosted Major Declaration Day from 9am to 2pm Tuesday in the Midquad. The event, which is the first in the school’s history, provided students with in-depth information about the various majors offered on campus. Faculty, including professors and counselors, were available to network and answer questions from attendees. Tickets for free
In-N-Out burgers were given to the first 750 students who inquired about more than one Area of Interest. There are roughly 100 majors offered at Rio Hondo, ranging from automotive technology to nursing, 29 of which guarantee admission into the Cal State University System. College leaders hope that by claiming their majors early, students will be able to strategically plan their academic goals and successfully pursue higher education.
ALBERT BRETADO/RHC
ALBERT BRETADO/RHC
SAMUEL GARCIA/EPM
ALBERT BRETADO/RHC
ALBERT BRETADO/RHC
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ‘The Vagina Monologues’ Returns to Rio for its Fourth Annual Run DAVID MEDINA
Digital Editor-In-Chief
david.medina7987@my.riohondo.edu
The Vagina Monologues was hosted by Rio Hondo College Thursday February 27, 2020 at the Wray Theatre. This event is going on its fourth year, presented by the Violence Intervention Project and Student Life. The Monologue spotlighted controversial topics such as domestic violence, mental health, victim support, rape, and female genital mutilation. It brought more awareness to how difficult it is for LGBTQ+ community to come out to express themselves, freedom of expression, and digital harassment. This monologue began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that one billion women will be beaten or raped during their lifetimes. Furthermore it spotlighted a wider lens to issues including violence impacting women in
the context of state sponsored wars, and militarization. The Monologue also included worsening internal and international displacement of millions of people, in addition to violence created by capitalist greed, among so many other topics. Rio Hondo student Manuela Placencia was in charge of the event. “Among the many topics, we tried to focus mostly on domestic violence more than sexual assault,” Placencia said of the production’s main focus this year. “This semester we are trying to bring up sexual assault because there is a lot of judgment when girls wear short skirt, crop tops, or anything slightly revealing. Men get harassed too so its not just women. Ultimately we are trying to bring more empowerment to any woman out there.” The monologue presented that women should be free. Free to wear what they
want without the judgement or express what they feel without harassment. Placencia also brought up why this event is unique saying, “There’s a lot of stories that are not known. For example the last three stories I put in brought more awareness and more relevant today. We normalize that woman should be okay with being harassed by phone calls and social media. A lot of people don’t know that happens. We also brought up the struggle of how the LGBT community comes out because a lot of people don’t know the stories.” In conclusion with all the awareness on these different topics the goal is to prevent and hopefully decrease the number of victims. Furthermore to prevent future trauma on women and promote a healthier freedom of expression for future generations.
DAVID MEDINA/EPM
Actresses from the production and a few students proudly wear their Vagina Monologue sweatshirts after the show.
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Harvey Weinstein Found Guilty of Criminal Sex Act, Acquitted of First Degree Rape Charges VINCENT FRANCO Reporter
vincent.franco2391@my.riohondo.edu
Harvey Weinstien, 67, was found guilty of a criminal sex act in the first degree and third degree rape, Feburay 24th, in a Manhattan court room. After a 5 day trial Weinstien is being Charged with the rape of ex-actress Jessica Mann in 2013, and sexually assulting former production assistant Mimi Haley in 2006. Aquitted of the more serious charges of first degree rape and predatory assault, which could of landed him in prison for life. The once powerful Hollywood movie producer is now facing up to 25 years in prison, with a minimum of 5 years. His sentencing is set for March 11. Weinstien was Acquitted of these charges due to jurors not being able to find a reasonable doubt that he had raped Actress Annabella Sciorra. Another Actress whose testimony was being used to hopefully strengthen
Weinstiens predatory status. The Verdict is groundbreaking for the #MeToo movement. A movement which has been in action since 2006, when writer and activist Tarana Burke started the hashtag on social media. Which began as a way to help women of color and/or low income to voice themselves, and help find a way to healing. Since 2016 Weinstein has been accused of sexual misconduct from over 80 women, spanning over decades of his hollywood career. Starting off with Actresses Rose McGowan and Ashley Judd, who came out in a New York Times story detailing his decade long run of sexual misconduct. These accusations were filled with accounts of him promising Actresses an advance in their career in return for sexual favors, forcing them to give massages, and forcing them to watch him naked.
Los Angeles-Based Band ‘His Eyes Have Fangs’ Visit Alex’s Bar in Long Beach GERARDO HERNANDEZ Reporter
gerardo.hernandez3565@my.riohondo.
His Eyes Have Fangs. That is the name of the band where California skateboarding legend, Tony Alva, plays bass alongside Vulcho Bonev (guitar), and husband and wife duo, Rachel and Matthew Rainwater (vocals and drums respectively). Their latest performance took place on Wednesday, February 26th at Alex’s Bar in Long Beach, California, a space that has seen many energetic acts in its day. Like many bands in the independent music scene, HEHF produce music on their own agenda, however, their formation is unique in the sense that it spawned from a spiritual connection
that the members share. As Alva explains, “...[we’re] not expecting things to be immaculate…it’s more about when you’re doing it in the moment-that it’s an important part in being part of the human race.” It’s safe to assume that Tony Alva soaks up much of the limelight at shows, nonetheless, Matthew Rainwater warmly shared insight to the brotherly bond that he and Tony have. “It’s awesome [being in a band with Tony.] I never had a big brother but that’s the way I see Tony,” Matthew graciously states. The band’s eclecticism shines in their music which can best be defined as experimental alternative. From start to finish, Matthew Rainwater sent waves of energy from his crashing drumsticks while Rachel’s
vocals lulled the audience into a trance. Having a singer with the melodic capabilities of Rachel allows for guitarist Vulcho to focus more on rhythm and the occasional improvisations to accompany the set. Tony Alva set the bassline in a nonchalant manner, playing it cool as his thoughts seemed collected. It’s difficult to grow up in California and not know who Tony Alva is, especially after the success of biographic film Lords of Dogtown. Tony rose to worldwide fame after winning a series of prestigious skateboarding tournaments and eventually starting his own brand, Alva, when he was 19. After years of relishing the spoils of fame, Alva’s reckless attitude exposed him to some difficult, but matur-
GERARDO HERNADEZ/EPM
Tony Alva (right) and Rachel Rainwater giving all their energy to the crowd. ing lessons. These trials and tribulations led him to lead a more spiritual lifestyle in his sobriety. “If you’ve got the courage to change and live a spiritual life, you’ll find the love and the peace,” he says, “... even more than surfing, skateboarding, and playing in a band, my real mission is to be a messenger of what God has done with and for me.” In this new chapter, Alva hopes to be a source of help for
young men who battle with addiction and lead troublesome lives. By making music that stems from the soul, His Eyes Have Fangs extend a helping hand to those willing to listen and open their heart. Music from the band can be streamed on all major digital music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Google Play. Listeners can also follow the band on social media.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Surprising Science from NASA’s InSight Mars Mission
JAIME APARICIO/EPM Traveling beyond the reaches of outer space has been in the interests of mankind for quite sometime. Reaching and studying other planets in our solar system can possibly help us understand our homeworld as well as, one day, inhabiting new alien surfaces for possible colonizations. JESUS MARQUEZ Reporter
jesus.marquez1625@my.riohondo.edu
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) built the InSight Lander which launched Saturday, May 5, 2018 to study Earth’s neighboring planet Mars more prominent. NASA’s workers create technology to study more about the red planet that is 14o million miles away from Earth. On Monday, November 26, the InSight space rocket flew straight to Mars to examine the planet. Their goal is to study more on the
temperatures, winds, and the geology of Mars. The new technology that the NASA team built already has been successful while being on Mars. During the early stages the InSight mission is to look deep beneath the martian surface. The machine has special tools that can detect earthquakes called a seismometer. The seismometer has enabled workers to listen for multiple earthquakes from hundreds to thousands of miles away. Also, it measures the pulse of Mars by testing waves created by Mars tremors,
thumps of meteorite impacts. Even surface vibrations generated by activity in Mars’ atmosphere and by weather phenomena such as dust storms. Scientists are keeping their fingers crossed if the seismometer can detect a bigger quake. Another tool that InSight has is the magnetometer for it is the first device on the surface of Mars to detect magnetic signals. The device measures the direction, strength, or relative change of a magnetic field at a particular location. Moreover, the machine detects signals
at homestead hollow that are 10 times stronger than what was predicted based on data from orbiting spacecraft that study the area. The measurements of these orbiters are averaged over a couple of hundred miles, whereas InSight’s measurements are more local. It also detects the signals induced in the ionosphere by the solar wind interaction, and possibly atmospheric phenomena that generates electric currents, such as lightning and dust devils. The heat flow probe is another key tool to study
Mars well. It’s designed to take temperature telling how much heat is still flowing out of the interior of the planet. In Fact. the Mole drills down to almost 16 feet (five meters) into Mars’ surface. This helps scientists regulate whether Mars formed from the same stuff as Earth and the Moon. The unique part is it gives them an experience into how the planet evolved. With all those instruments at its disposal, the InSight Lander can study the red plant better and it’s helping scientists experience on how Mars looks.
Antibiotic, Thank You Robotic JUSTIN FUENTES Reporter
justin.fuentes6867@my.riohondo.edu
What if I were to tell you that there is a drug strong enough to kill diseasecausing-bacteria residing within you. Including those resistant to all known antibiotics. Shocking right? Well, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) did just that. With the help of a machine-learning algorithm, researchers were able to identify a new antibiotic compound that kills strands of bacteria resistant to all known antibiotics. During laboratory testing, the drug cured many of the disease-causing bacteria. Including those in lab mice. James Collins, the Termeer Professor of Medical Engineering and Science in MIT’s Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES) and Department of Biological Engineering said, “Our approach revealed this amazing molecule which is arguably one of the more powerful antibiotics that has been discovered.” This computer model could test more than one hundred million chemicals in days. This model was created to select potential antibiotics that cure bacteria with a distinct apparatus than those of drugs today. Through this
new process, researchers discovered several other antibiotic compounds they plan to study for further examination. Researchers
believe this model could create new drugs, based on it’s knowledge about chemical structuring.
JUSTIN FUENTES/EPM
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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Students Achieve Success At The Science Olympiad JAIME APARICIO Reporter
jaime.aparicio2474@my.riohondo.edu
The sharpening of the mind could lead to all kinds of success. Students from both high school and middle schools participated in the Los Angeles Regional Science Olympiad February 22. With special thanks going to Dr. Allen Leung, Professor of Chemistry and the many staff on hand, the experiences that students acquired that day will surely continue to inspire both participants and others on their journey into the mysteries of the field of science.
PHOTOS BY VANN PRIEST
PHOTOS BY VIK HOVSEPIAN
SPORTS
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Women’s Basketball: Rio Hondo Vs. Cypress SoCal Regional Playoff, So close, yet so far!
STEPHINIE PHAN Co-Sports Editor
stephinie.phan4180@my.riohondo.edu
Last Friday, on February 28th, was an eventful day for the Rio Hondo College women’s Basketball team. They held on strong as the No. 8 seed in the Southern California Regional Playoffs Against Cypress College Chargers, the No. 9th seed. They were ahead for three quarters before falling short and suffering a loss of 73-66 in the final quarter. In the first quarter, the girls took the court with a score of 21-8. They stood ahead by the end of the second quarter with 37-27 and made it by the third quarter with a score of 52-46. Things took a turn when Pressila Blanco number 44 on the charger’s side knocked down five straight
free throws to give them their first lead since the first quarter changing the score to 5655. Cypress took the fourth quarter and left the Roadrunners with a final score 73-66. Even though they couldn’t secure a dub, it was a good game. Amy Navarro was repping the Roadrunners and the number 32, leading with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Candace Black repping the number 2 totaled 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists for the Roadrunners. While Amanda Lee, with the jersey number 20, dished out 10 points, five assists, and three rebounds for the team. The last five minutes of the game were tough as they fought hard to gain back those points but fell short. None of the free throws were connecting, but they gave Cypress the run for their money, making it challenging
PHOTO BY STEPHINIE PHAN
Donteylor Maxwell (right) helped power the Lady Roadrunners to a three quarter lead. It wasn’t enough, as Rio Hondo fell to the visitng Chargers of Cypress College 73-66. to let up till the very end. Coach Herrera, who is in his third year, commented at the end of the game, “It was a
tough one. The girls worked hard to put themselves on the map. When they’re on it, they’re on it; when they’re
off, they’re off. Cypress is a good program, and it was a good season, but it’s frustrating.”
Women’s Tennis:Rio Hondo vs. El Camino STEPHINIE PHAN Co-Sports Editor
stephinie.phan4180@my.riohondo.edu
Last Tuesday, on February 5th, the Rio Hondo women’s tennis team lost to El Camino with a game of 7-1, putting them at an overall score of 3-5 and putting their competitors El Camino a pretty well conditioned team at an overall of 5-2. The Roadrunners played 5 singles matches followed by 2 doubles matches and had an unfortunate default loss due to a missing member. El Camino College 7, Rio Hondo 1. Gabriella Tellez
(RHC) was defeated in her singles match with Nicole Robbins (ECC) by a score of 6-0,6-1. Heaven Diaz (RHC) was defeated in her singles match with Kekoa Vaefa (ECC) by a score of 6-1,6-0. Monique Rosas (RHC) was defeated in her singles match with Leah Phillips (ECC) by a score of 6-1,6-3. Daisy Haro (RHC) was defeated in her singles match with Kayla Brown (ECC) by a score of 6-3,6-0. Kristie Jimenez (RHC) was defeated in her singles match with Brenda Fernandez (ECC) by a score of 6-0,6-0.
PHOTO BY STEPHINIE PHAN
Our Lady Roadrunner holding her own against El Camino’s conditioned players.
Amanda Hidalgo (ECC) won by default due to a missing member on the (RHC) side. The first doubles match was played by Tellez and Diaz (RHC), who played against Phillips and Brown (ECC). El Camino ended up winning the match by a score of 8-3. The second and last doubles match was played by Haro and Jimenez (RHC), who played against Hidalgo and Jay Gomez (ECC). Our Roadrunners took the win with a score of 8-2. They both even commented, “This doubles match went really well for us and it felt pretty good.” With only seven more games before the South Coast
Conference Tournament starting the month of April. Coach Unger believes, “they play with a lot of heart, and that’s what any coach would want more than anything, never saying die and they do have that in them.” We would like to see the ladies and Coach Karen Unger take this year’s season and make it into something to be proud of not only for the school but for themselves. The team was expected to play Mt. San Jacinto, Thursday 27th, but the match was canceled. The Roadrunner’s next game will be on a Thursday, March 5th, at Cerritos to take on the Falcons starting at 2:00 pm.
Women’s Swim and Dive: Rio Hondo Vs. ELAC STEPHINIE PHAN Co-Sports Editor
stephinie.phan4180@my.riohondo.edu
Friday, February 28th, Our lady Roadrunners had a swim meet with the ELAC Huskies at home. The girls were able to place five first placed finishes. Managing one disqualification while ELAC had three disqualifications. Since there was no men’s diversion involved, the girls had to do a lot of events back to back with none or some time in between each event. Event five was the women’s 200 Free, where June Babishoff, who placed first finished at 2:21.68. Event eleven was the women’s 200 Butterfly, where Jacinela Cifuentes, who placed first finished at 3:36.63. Event twenty-one was the women’s 200 breast,
where Kharena Garcia, who placed first finishing at 3:51.21. Event twenty-five was the women’s 100 Butterfly, where Jacinela Cifuentes, who placed first finished at 1:26.79. Event twenty-seven
STEPHINIE PHAN/EPM Lidia Monterroso swimming the women’s 200 Yard Backstroke shaving off about thirty seconds off her personal time. was the women’s 200 IM, where Atiana Amaro, who was placed first, finished at 2:54.01. Amaro was given high praise and was envied by both teams for her beautiful
form and control during the meet. Right after, she swam a women’s 400 Yard Freestyle Relay. Her team Joseline Lopez, Anahi Ortiz, and Kharena Garcia, finished at a time
of 6:02.55 finishing the meet. Lidia Monterroso, a Freshman on the team, said that “I wished that I had done better, but I was able to shave off a whole 30 seconds in my event.” That event was the nineteenth event, women’s 200 Yard Backstroke, where she placed third at a time of 3:07.54. By the end of the meet that had twenty-nine total events, they scored 77 points while ELAC scored 150, coach Lim said, “that I believe we did pretty well, from our black and gold mock meet till now our times have improved quite a bit. It’s a reflection of the work the girls put their times in, those are the girls showing the most improvement, and I’m happy about that.” They will be having another swim meet against Mt. SAC and Cerritos.
SPORTS
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Roadrunners Lose Opener vs LBCC ENRIQUE MEDINA Co-Sports Editor
enriquemedina4922@my.riohondo.edu
The Roadrunners came up short by a score of 5-2 in a matchup against an undefeated Long Beach City College Baseball club on Tuesday afternoon, February 26th. The matchup was the first of a three-game series against Long Beach City College and their second series of the SCC season. The pitching matchup put Rio Hondo starter Steven Alvarez to the hill up against Long Beach City College starter Noel Soto. Alvarez, despite losing his last start against Pasadena City College, was sharp and looking to continue his momentum against a deep LBCC lineup. After a quick and painless top of the first inning for Alvarez, the Roadrunners were able to manage pressure against a very skilled starter in Soto in the bottom half of the first inning. Following two hit batsmen in a row to right fielder Matt Hickman and catcher Jesus Maldonado, first baseman Diego Flores was able to drive in Hickman on a one-out RBI double. Next batter, designated hitter
Matthew Raffety brought in Rio Hondo’s second run on an RBI groundout, giving the Roadrunners a quick 2-0 lead. The lead would quickly disappear in the top of the second inning after Long Beach City College second baseman Matthew Pinal brought in LBCC’s first two runs on the board via a two-run homerun crushed to right field. Alvarez would go on to keep the score a 2-2 ballgame after pitching 3.2 innings for the Roadrunners and would hand the ball off to pitcher Nick Juarez. Juarez would continue on in a very solid showing only allowing two hits in 2.1 innings pitched, keeping the score level. It was not until the top of the seventh until there was a change in the scoreboard. After getting two quick outs to start the seventh, relief pitcher Tim Carter got into trouble leaving runners on first and third with two out. Carter was out, and relief pitcher Nick Acedo was in to try and shut the door. Things escalated quickly for Acedo as he gave up two two-out base hit RBI’s to LBCC batters that gave them the jump on a 4-2 lead. That lead would
never come back for the Roadrunners as they would end up allowing a home run to LBCC catcher Diego Altamirano in the top of the ninth and would lose by a final score of 5-2. The story of the ballgame for the Roadrunners was not being to capitalize with runners in scoring position. A total of nine men were left on base throughout the entirety of the game. Chance after chance slipped for the Roadrunners. This included leaving runners on first and second both in the fifth and sixth innings against Soto who pitched six strong and leaving runners on second and third against LBCC reliever Mitchell Knight, who wound up getting the save. After the game, Rio Hondo Baseball Head Coach Mike Salazar said, “the game was a fistfight, we got knocked down, but couldn’t get back up,” pointing out how the team would need to make adjustments to get back on track. The loss put the Roadrunners at a 2-2 record in the South Coast Conference, meanwhile, LBCC improved to 4-0 in SCC play.
ENRIQUE MEDINA/EPM
Rio Hondo starter Steven Alvarez pitched 3.2 innings in his outing against Long Beach City College, keeping the game level. The story of the ballgame was missed opportunities with runners on base in the Roadrunners’ tough 5-2 loss vs LBCC.
ENRIQUE MEDINA/EPM
The Dream Goes On LAFC Overrun Club Leon 3-0 and Maintain the CCL Dream Alive JESUS MANRIQUEZ
Digital Executive Editor
jesus.manriquez9661@my.riohondo.edu
Los Angeles Football Club’s first CONCACAF Champions League run is far from over after defeating Club Leon 3-0 at Banc of California Stadium,Thursday, February 27. The Black and Gold overturned the aggregate goal count against one
of Mexico’s best, after losing 2-0 in Mexico last week. LAFC will face off against another Liga MX giant, Cruz Azul, in the quarterfinals. A brace from forward Carlos Vela and a game-winner by forward Diego Rossi, were enough to push LAFC to victory and keep their Champions League dreams alive. Vela set off the comeback in
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the 17th minute with a goal first post. Minutes before the opener, Vela saw his goal disallowed for an apparent offside during the team’s buildup. Club Leon saw their aggregate lead come to an end late in the second half, after Vela netted another first post goal and his second of the night. Banc of California Stadium erupted as the fans began to believe this tie was theirs to win. Just two minutes later, Rossi made the comeback complete with his deflected game-winner. What seemed to be an attempt to cross the ball across the box, ended up being a perfectly placed shot over the goalkeeper, to the crossbar and into the net. Club Leon never knew how to respond back, LAFC’s constant pressure made it almost impossible for the Mexican team to find that away goal that would win the tie for them.
LAFC came up big in their second leg matchup against Leon, winning by the score of 3-0.
After the 2-0 loss in
Guanajuato last week and the poor performance the squad showed, many doubted this team could make a comeback. So what changed? In the first leg, we saw a team that was still in pre-season, sloppy, tactically inferior and looked bad physically. Thursday, we saw the complete opposite. We saw a more fresh team, high pressing in the opponent’s third. Everytime LAFC would lose the ball, two to three guys on the opponent right away, trying to recover the ball as fast as possible. Not only did this team learn from the defeat from a week ago, but also from that loss against the Seattle Sounders back in October. This team showed character, fight, the hunger to win every 50-50 ball, matching the opponent’s physicality.
spheres are over there. The ‘yellow wall’ in Dortmund or Andfield’s suffocating pressure. The atmosphere at Banc of California Stadium is no less. In every big comeback in soccer, there is always an ignited atmosphere. The peaceful but yet hostile atmosphere the black and gold fans create against the opponent is outstanding. LAFC went into this match winning 1-0 before the referee blew his whistle. When a club has fans like these, they become the 12th man on the field. That is why LAFC has one, if not the best atmosphere in LA sports and were ultimately able to fight back in the second leg of their tie and win.
We also can not forget the fans and the atmosphere they create. Those who have watched the UEFA Champions League know how passionate some of the atmo-
VS
QUARTERFINAL
CRUZ AZUL 1ST LEG: MARCH 12 2ND LEG: MARCH 18
OPINION
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THE DONALD IS AT IT AGAIN
GERARDO HERNADEZ/EPM Mexican immigrants and Mexican citizens everywhere are verbally attacked by Donald Trump. Its almost surreal to consider that a President freely attacks such a large group of the population. GERARDO HERNANDEZ Opinion Editor
gerardo.hernandez3565@my.riohondo.edu
He’s at it again. The leader of the free world seems to relish the opportunity to display his xenophobia. This time, it came at the expense of the Oscar winning film, “Parasite.” Although the news of Donald Trump criticizing a foreign film is not surprising, it’s his audacity to do so in a ridiculing manner that is truly shocking. America’s Commander-in-Chief has demonstrated yet again that he harbors little regard for the interests of immigrants in this nation that was, well, built by immigrants. To say that Hollywood’s most prestigious movie award
ceremony sucked? It’s yet another display of this man’s juvenile mindset. Moreover, The Donald went on to dig back at Brad Pitt who criticized the shadiness of the Impeachment Trial where a critical witness was not allowed to testify (against Trump). Take a step back and ponder the facts: The President of the United States is bickering with an actor while bullying a Korean film crew that took the award ceremony by storm. So, the question is: Where does it end? When his campaign began, it seemed like a joke. How could a TV star possibly make a serious run for the presidency of such a progressive and powerful nation? There’s no way, or so we thought. As the campaign
developed, his political views remained somewhat obscure; although he was running on a republican platform, his history of contributing to Bill Clinton’s campaign and the Democratic ticket in years past shadowed his political ideals. Again, his run seemed to be more so for the sake of media coverage rather than a genuine intent to do good for America. “Imagine if he did win and...” and “Maybe a businessman running the country could help alleviate some of the economic problems if he …” were among the conversations that were up in the air. Then came the attacks on Mexicans, and surely this was the end of the Trump candidacy serious run for the presidency. It was
almost surreal to consider that someone who so freely attacked such a large group of the population was a contender. Nonetheless, here we stand. Four years into Trump’s ever-controversial presidency, the United States finds itself at a crossroads in its history. Just when the moral consensus seemed to be moving towards a more progressive state, a xenophobe was elected. Southern California is a difficult place to live during an administration as bigotted as Trump’s. For starters, the majority of Californians operate on a pretty liberal point of view. Although it’s not uncommon to see a few Trump signs or MAGA hats here and there, racism
doesn’t play such a lifethreatening role as it does in the South. Since his election, Trump has further proved that he is also an egotistical and narcissistic man who is incompetent of meeting the expectations of the prestigous role of president. With the primary election voting underway, it’s imperative that those who are eligible to vote, vote. It’s not funny anymore. People love to complain about Trump, yet are not willing to fully enact their role as a citizen of the United States and vote for who rightfully has earned the faith of the people. A Trump Administration is painfully real and it is time to show that his antics will not be tolerated.
Chicharito: The New MLS Star ENRIQUE MEDINA Sports Editor
enrique.medina4922@my.riohondo.edu
Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández, more than a month removed from his official transfer to Los Angeles Galaxy, has become the newest MLS star to hit North America. Hernandez’s move to Galaxy became official on January 21st, bringing yet another big name to the city of Angels. The anticipation for Hernandez is immense as with any big name to come to the MLS, but something about Hernandez’s transfer feels a little different. Hernandez is the all-time leading goal scorer for the Mexican National Team and has impressed soccer audiences throughout Europe over the years. He has played in some of the biggest games
and biggest leagues in the world. He’s played in the World Cup, he’s played in the Champions League Final, he’s played in the Premier League, La Liga, and is used to the big stage. Hernandez’s transfer to the LA Galaxy has potential to be one of the biggest moves the sport has ever seen in the United States. Hernandez, 31, has arguably been the most famous Mexican player across the globe for a decade. He has built the reputation of being a dangerous poacher forward who scores when it is most needed. His resume includes playing for some of the biggest European clubs including Manchester United (2010-2014), Real Madrid (2014-2015), Bayer Leverkusen (2015-2017), and West Ham United (20172018). Now, after a short
stint with Sevilla in Spain’s top flight, he is coming back to North America for the first time since his days with Chivas de Guadalajara. However, even though Hernandez enjoyed some praise at the announcement of his arrival at Sevilla, he was unable to deliver the success that was much expected of him. He wasn’t getting the playing time he thought he deserved and was not living up to the standard that Sevilla may have thought of him. The proximity of his native country of Mexico and being able to come to a fan base filled with Mexican fans made the move even easier for Chicharito. For Galaxy and the MLS, Chicharito’s arrival has star power written all over it, as it is a move that highly benefits both parties. For the
five-time MLS champions, it provides them the goal scoring alternative they desperately need after the departure of star Zlatan Ibrahimovic to AC Milan back in Serie A. As for the city of LA, with Hernandez’s arrival comes another superstar to the city of Los Angeles to go along with guys like LeBron James, Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts, among so many others. Chicharito will attract a larger domestic audience from Mexican fans who will naturally be inclined to tune into Galaxy games; similar to the star studded power that fellow national team striker Carlos Vela brings to LAFC. Angelenos anticipate the type of integration that Hernandez will have to Galaxy’s style of play and hope he can be a big difference-maker for them
throughout the entirety of the MLS season. He brings the goal scoring ability, but more importantly he brings leadership to LA Galaxy. Hernandez has yet another opportunity to be the main striker for LA Galaxy. He can become the poster child the MLS needs to go alongside Vela and Atlanta United star player Josef Martinez. Moreover, with the addition of David Beckham’s new club, Inter Miami, the exciting LAFC team, and new star players coming to MLS are just some of the main points surrounding an interesting time for the new season. The signing of Hernandez is just the tip of the iceberg filled to bring a bigger audience of fans to the MLS. The move the MLS needed is here.
LIFESTYLES
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Rio Hondo’s Automotive Club
Students with vehichles are able to work on their own cars, such as this Ford Mustang engine. TONY RUIZ Reporter
tony.ruiz0556@my.riohondo.edu February 12 Rio Hondo College hosted its annual Club Rush event \ at the lower quad area. Club Rush is an event where all clubs from Rio Hondo set up in the lower quad and try to recruit new members to their club along with giving them information about the club itself. This year the Automotive Club was the club that had all eyes on them because of all the displayed cars parked next to
their tent for students to look at. The Automotive Club is making its comeback this year and is hoping to have a good year with its new members by giving students interested information on how to fix,maintain, and how to maintain cars. This information helped because it can save money for paying a mechanic when you know how to fix the problem yourself. The Club meets Thursday’s bi-weekly from 5-6pm. As of right now the
location for these meetings are TBD but you can stop by the Automotive Classes located by the bridge and ask for John Oliva the Club President if you are interested. Automotive Club’s main goals they have this year is to attend automotive related activities and fundraisers on campus to fund activities. Some activities they have planned are attending local drag races, doing automotive repair workshops, attending automotive museums, attend local college workshops,
working on members of the clubs cars for hands on training, attending to SEMA car convention in Las Vegas, build a go kart to race around parking lot A, and car meetups. After speaking with Club president John Oliva he informed that “The purpose of this club is to give the basic knowledge of cars to students so they know what makes their car run properly. You don’t need a car to join the club. They welcome everyone with open arms, and want to bring the car
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community together.” Speaking with various members and leaders of the automotive club. They’re willing to go the extra mile to make sure its members have the best experience possible. Majority of students have a car, and those cars do require maintenance. One thing we know for sure as college students is money can be tight, with that being said the Automotive club is the correct way to go and will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Weekly Comics
DAVID FUENTES/EPM
The Rio Hondo College Foundation
APRIL
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2020 VIP Preview – 5:00 p.m. General – 6:00 p.m. A festive evening in support of Río Hondo College Delicious foods, wines, craft beers & delightful entertainment Help fund student scholarships & student success Make educational dreams come true!
$75 - General • $125 - VIP Early Bird Discount until March 13 $50 - General • $100 - VIP