Wednesday April 1, 2020
Serving the Rio Hondo Community
Volume 60 Issue 5
Still At War with COVID-19
JAIME APARICIO/EPM Preventing the spread of the Coronavirus should be everyones priority. Simple things such as washing your hands regularly and staying at home could dramatically “lower the curve” and prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed with future cases. KELSEY VILLALVAZO Reporter
kelsey.villalvazo4414@my.riohondo.edu
Did you know that corona in Spanish means crown? Coronavirus, the deadly virus that appeared so suddenly, earned its name because of the way it looks under a microscope. “It looks like there Is a crown on top of the virus” according to Dr. Maragakis from John Hopkins. The coronavirus typically are seen in the animal species but they have now jumped to the human population. Covid-19, is a brand new virus that nobody has seen before. Medical experts are not one hundred percent sure if it is transmitted airborne or
droplets. Therefore doctors have been taking more precautions for both. Officials say in Los Angeles alone there have been 44 deaths, and 2,505 cases with people infected. There will be a second wave and they expect to see worse these coming weeks. The coronavirus will worsen, “the surge we are anticipating has not yet come,” Dr.Jahan Fahimi stated. Nationwide 82,000 people will die from the virus over the next Months. California will see about 100 deaths per day. The US Navy ship mercy docked and began receiving patients there due to needing more hospital beds. Although health experts are watching the data, the number could
rapidly change. The New pandemic virus is a natural virus, new studies say. It has unusual features that have only recently been identified in scaly anteaters called pangolins. Biologists and virologists have been doing massive studies that have linked the virus to various species. There have been reports that they have found HIV in coronavirus, scientists have quickly pointed out that, although they share a common ancestor during evolution, HIV is not found in coronavirus. Scientists are still trying to figure out this virus, they do know it’s from the coronavirus family. The coronavirus task force is constantly giving us updates. President Donald
Trump stated “This is a matter of life and death. Nobody knew how contagious the virus was,” says president Trump. Doctors didn’t know at the time for they have never seen anything like this. Many people are infected and have tested positive for having the virus. Medical officials are continuing to study it. Social distancing is one way of battling this new threat. Following the correct mesures is working to minimize and slow the spread of coronavirus cases. They are being proactive and trying to prevent the spike they are anticipating to see. Although the virus will continue to multiply and people will continue
to get infected, the virus will eventually get weaker. Stopping the transmission of the disease is crucial. They have already seen results in New York of social distancing working to slow down the spread of Covid-19. The government believes these next 30 days are crucial in containing the spread of the virus. Staying 6 feet apart from people, staying home, and being protected is important at this time. Nevertheless we are still at war with this virus. This isn’t just your typical flu; but officials and medical experts are doing everything in their power to end this deadly pandemic.
SPORTS
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COVID-19 Effect on Dodgers Baseball and the MLB World ENRIQUE MEDINA Co-Sports Editor
enrique.medina4922@my.riohondo.edu
The coronavirus has had an impact seemingly everywhere over the sports world and this is no different with baseball. As the coronavirus has spread throughout the past few weeks, Major League Baseball has taken action. MLB has decided to suspend the start of the regular season indefinitely for the time being. The decision does bring many questions and topics of discussion. Based on the decision to suspend the season indefinitely for the time being, it does bring to question on how to maneuver this season. It has been discussed on extending the season all the way to thanksgiving time if need be. Another issue also that has brought up questions too is on the business side of the game. MLB has decided that this year the annual MLB draft will only consist of 5-10 rounds instead of the usual 40 rounds. Amongst the business of the game, another thing that was decided would be that every team would give one million dollars to be able and pay all of its ballpark employees. The Los Angeles Dodgers happen to be one of the teams that can be most affected by the coronavirus and its impact on Major League Baseball. The Dodgers this season were set to host the Major League Baseball
all-star game on July 14th at Dodger Stadium. For the Dodgers, it would be their first time holding the annual midsummer classic since 1980. If the season were to be shortened or at worst cancelled because of the virus, that would mean the Dodgers could potentially be left without hosting the all-star game that they had waited 40 years to host again. Another huge blow to the Dodgers that could potentially come due to the virus involves the incoming free agency of recently acquired superstar Mookie Betts. Betts, 27, was traded to LA back in early February alongside teammate David Price from the Boston Red Sox with the Dodgers hoping he would be the missing piece to finally get them over the hump to finally win their first world series title since 1988. If the season were to be cancelled, it was announced from MLB journalist Jeff Passan, that Betts who is in the final year of his current contract will still become a free agent even if there is no season played. So the Dodgers could potentially see the departure of Betts without ever seeing him play in a Dodger uniform. Minor league players are also deeply affected from the virus, both from the Dodgers minor league farm system and from all other teams alike, as MLB
ENRIQUE MEDINA/EPM The spread of the Coronavirus has put a huge effect on Major League baseball and the upcoming baseball season. Uncertainty remains on how the season will be conducted, that is, if it continues. A situation has never come up like this for the league before, and they have already taken action. commissioner Rob Manfred announced Tuesday that minor leaguers from all teams will only be paid $400 a week until May 31st. They will receive health benefits, but this is a blow for many minor leaguers around the league as there is no guarantee yet that they will be paid beyond May 31st, compared to their MLB counterparts who will still get paid normally no matter what happens this season.
Lastly, more so for every team, just the uncertainty of when the season may begin or if there may be a season at all this year has many fans and players alike disappointed and saddened. March 26th was set to be Dodgers opening day against the San Francisco Giants and opening day around the league and of course, that was not able to happen. Many players have expressed their
emotions on social media, including Dodgers players Cody Bellinger, Gavin Lux, and Will Smith, among other players around the league expressing how much they miss the game and fans at Dodger Stadium. Over the next few weeks, more announcements will come as to how the season may possibly play out, but for now, all that matters is the safety of everyone.
ENRIQUE MEDINA
ferent people. Some of these topics include the distribution of scholarships and also how coaches will also be having essentially two freshmen classes, those who did not get the chance to play this season because of the virus and those who will come in next season as new freshmen. It also affects things like draft stock for those who may think about going pro in their respective sports, for example baseball and it also affects many schools programs and the NCAA financially as well. One key takeaway from the NCAA’s decision is in large part that the decision will benefit seniors. Many seniors who are spring sport student-athletes throughout the country have shared their disappointments on social media of their senior year ending without even starting, but now they will still get the chance next year to finish off their senior season in 2021. However, the decision is a big blow to those student-athletes who were involved in winter sports, especially those that are seniors
or in the ranks for trying to go pro in their specific sport. They did not get a chance to fully finish their season and play in the winter NCAA championships tournaments. Most notably, many college basketball players did not get the chance to play in March Madness and up their draft stock for this season’s upcoming NBA draft. These athletes got the chance taken away from being able to compete at the highest collegiate level for the winter championships and gotten the chance taken away to make meories that would last a lifetime. From this decision, the NCAA announced as well that they will allow rosters to expand for spring sports next year amid new recruits of incoming freshmen next year. It was also announced that each school will be left with having their own decision of whether or not to grant seniors in spring sports less or equal financial aid next year. The decision was ultimately made for the best of everyone’s saftey from COVID-19.
NCAA Grants Spring Athletes Extra Year of Eligibility Amid COVID-19
Co-Sports Editor
enrique.medina4922@my.riohondo.edu
ILLUSTRATION BY ENRIQUE MEDINA/EPM The highly anticipated 2020 season for the Dodgers has been highlighted by their offseason acquisition of superstar outfielder Mookie Betts from Boston. Betts, 27, won the American League MVP back in 2018 for the world champion Boston Red Sox. With the effects of COVID-19 on Major League Baseball though, there could be the chance Dodger fans may never get to see Betts play in a Dodger uniform if the season is cancelled.
On Monday, March 30th, the NCAA announced that it would give an extra year of eligibility to its spring sport athletes in response to the suspended spring sports seasons due to the coronavirus. The decision made by the NCAA only is in effect for spring sport athletes and spring sport athletes only amongst colleges and universities across the nation. All winter sports athletes who most saw their seasons cut short at the end because of the virus will not get this extra year of eligibility. The sports in which athletes are getting the extra year apply to those athletes who play baseball, softball, tennis, golf, outdoor track & field, lacrosse, rowing, men’s volleyball, beach volleyball, and women’s water polo. With the move, it brings different topics of discussion for next seasons spring sports and affects dif-
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Rams Vs. Chargers, New Logos: Who did it better? fans want this change? Not. Fans are comparing the new Rams Logo with Chargers old one and it made the internet even more upset. Comments like, ‘this is why Chargers changed their logos cause of the Rams,” or, “ It looks like a penis,” and, “they should stick to what they are good at.” Many other negative comments have been made. Dickerson is now on twitter telling fans, “.@
RamsNFL fans, I reviewed your comments regarding our new logos and share in your disappointment. I’ll be speaking with the Rams on our behalf.” The Drafting is now also putting out hats with the new logo and because of the black instead of the blue or even the “new” revised design, they will see if any hats will fly off the shelf.
STEPHINIE PHAN/EPM
A picture of the old chargers old logo with Rams new logo compared side by side taken off a screen online. STEPHINIE PHAN Co-Sports Editor
stephinie.phan4180@my.riohondo.edu
In recent days both the LA Rams and LA Chargers decided to change their logos. And as of right now many are not happy with it. Fans took to twitter and voice their complaints saying it looked like it can belong to other things rather than their team. Even Erick Dickerson a former American pro football player for the Rams,
a running back who played in the league for 11 years voiced his displeasure with Los Angeles Times, Arash Markazi saying, “ Most fans don’t get a voice and they are the ones who buy the products, looking at my old photos and our uniform was gorgeous, why change something good? You don’t see other teams changing their uniforms. The Rams have the oldest logo in football, why change it? The one that says L.A. — that looks like a Chargers logo,”
Dickerson said. “If you told me that was a Chargers logo, I’d say OK, that ain’t bad. … The Rams fans hate it. They just don’t like it. The fans are the ones who are going to wear it. The people in the office, they wear it, but they don’t buy it.” Chargers altered their old logo and are showcasing new uniforms next month. Both teams are doing this for the new stadium they are getting and decided that they want to change, but do the
STEPHINIE PHAN/EPM
The New altered logo for the Los Angeles Chargers !
Sports Drafting Games Paper Sports LESLIE LOPEZ Reporter
Lesli.lopez3339@my.riohondo.edu
Sports drafting games are a way where people can make up their teams and layout one’s favorite players for any teams that are available on the website or app. One could practice the drafting strategy as what will work in the real game and some websites/apps instantly view an expert analysis of how one’s team will stack up. A sports drafting game is used in some countries and to distribute specific players to teams. WhatIfSports.com is one of the sports stimulation sites that features online simulation games and could also help make predictions for NFL, MLB, NHL, NCAA sports, NBA, and the list goes on. The website is free and allows anyone to have access to it. This will allow you to create a team of one’s desired sports players. One may be able to build a roster of stars
from basketball history, set depth charts, play minutes, compete with other fans over an 82 game season, do playoffs, win prizes, and the possibilities do not end. Once everything is assembled, put the team against other competitive teams or compete with other users. One would need to carefully pick which players to use on the team to win against the roval. There is more than one website or app one may use. For example, another one that one may use as well is called “Draft.com,” and it is free too. This one activity that a person could do sports-related since mostly all of the sports are being canceled for the time being because of the coronavirus. Make the quarantine more fun by competing with your friends, family, co-workers, or even make new friends. The sports drafting game will also give one a better understanding of how a specific sports functions and the rundowns.
STEPHINIE PHAN/EPM
Online drafting sites tutorials on how to start your own league, picture taken off the https://manageyourleague.com/MYL/draft.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 10 Films and Albums to Help Get You Through Quarantine
ILLUSTRATION BY MEGAN DE LARA / EPM VINCENT FRANCO Reporter
vincent.franco2391@my.riohondo.edu
Times are hard and anxieties are high during these seemingly unrealistic events. To help “get away,” even for a bit, I’ve come up with a list of some of my favorite movies and albums, both recent and old, to watch and listen to while in distress and help ease the nerves a bit. The films of choice: Paranorman (2012) From the creators of “Coraline,” this animated film follows Norman, a child with the ability to see and talk to ghosts, as he struggles to save
his town from an ages old curse and zombies. Paranorman, like Coraline, is much more than just a kids movie, with very creepy undertones and pretty absurd jabs at society in America and even law enforcement, tying in well with the times we are in now. The film is available to stream on YouTube (no idea why, but who’s complaining). Shaun of the Dead (2004) A zombie movie would probably be the last thing I’d want to watch right now, but this apocalyptic comedy pokes fun at your usual bloody zombie movie with the perfect amount of wit and satire. Shaun’s (Simon Pegg) non-eventful life is completely turned upside down
K-Pop Band ‘BTS’ Reschedules Tour, More Groups Take Hit due to Coronavirus EMILY DE LUNA Reporter
emily.deluna2549@my.riohondo.edu
MEGAN DE LARA A&E Editor
megan.delara9233@my.riohondo.edu
Popular South Korean boy band BTS have postponed their visit to the United States and Canada. The group was set to begin their “Map of the Soul” tour April 25 in Santa Clara, with shows
scheduled in Los Angeles, Dallas, Orlando, Atlanta, New Jersey, and Washington D.C. The septet was then set to play in Toronto, Canada before returning to the US for additional shows. A statement from Big Hit Entertainment, the company that manages the band, was released to fans notifying them of the changes. “We would like to inform
by a living dead invasion. Now he’s caught in-between saving his group of friends, his relationship with his girlfriend and battling flesh eating zombies. Available on Hulu or for rent on other streaming websites. Step Brothers (2008) No irony here with this choice, just straight up pure comedic stoner gold. I’ve watched this thousands of times and it’s definitely a bias pick that I hope you all can agree with. It’s full of quotable lines from beginning to end and always a good time. The film was recently added to Netflix again and is available to rent on all stream services. you that there will be some adjustments to the upcoming…[tour] schedule in order to make sure that we put the safety of everyone involved first and foremost,” the company announced through Weverse. The announcement continued, stating all dates would be rescheduled and current purchased tickets will be honored for the new dates. “We are closely monitoring and following the guidance of all local governments regarding public events to ensure we are providing a safe environment for everyone involved as we continue to update our tour plans. We will share additional information regarding these new concert dates shortly.” This is not the first time the band has adjusted their agenda due to the COVID-19 outbreak. In February, BTS attended a press conference to promote their fourth
Uncut Gems (2019) With numerous amounts of movies already under their belts, The Safdie brothers’ “Uncut Gems” has definitely put them under the spotlight. The movie shows the life of nieve fast-talking jewels salesman, Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), in New York’s Diamond District. Up to his neck in debt with all the wrong people, his recently purchased opal is his last chance to get back on his feet. This film will have you constantly on your toes and cringing at all the non-stop twists. Unfortunately it’s not available on any subscription streaming service, but most it’s definitely worth the couple bucks to rent. Joker (2019) Todd Philips’s take on DC’s most notorious villain, Joker, will definitely rustle some feathers. Some thought it was too much and others said it wasn’t good enough. Regardless, if you haven’t seen it, mute out all outside comments and take a look for yourself. And if you have checked it out, try it again and see if it still holds up to prior thoughts. The albums of choice: Echoes by The Rapture (2003) One of my all time favorite albums to dance to while cleaning my room, I think this “synth-pop dancepunk” album will help fill that club-going void taking over your heart and soul. Full of plenty of cowbell, rugged, somehow catchy guitar, and incredible drumming that will have you shaking your body all over your isolation chamber. Plague Landscapes by The Locust (2003) album “Map of the Soul: 7” in Seoul. The band opted for a livestream via YouTube in an empty hall. Leader of the group, Kim Namjoon, later went live by himself to say that the group were not feeling this comeback since they would not be able to perform and show what they had to offer. The changes come amongst the many that have been seen in the K-pop community. Various artists have taken precautions to limit possible exposure to the virus. Last month, a worldwide report announced that South Korea, the heart of the music genre, has hit 9,241 coronavirus cases. The world has taken measures to use social distancing to help the spread of the virus. Other well-known South Korean acts have also taken precautions to slow the spread of the recent coronavirus. Groups such as Stray
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Clocking in at 23 songs and only 21 minutes, this frighteningly loud and disturbingly fast album by the Locust will have you bouncing off the wall. Perfect for blowing off some steam when you need it. If the title of the album doesn’t help, this album brings us back to the irony of all of what’s going in the world. That also goes for their entire discography. Pinkerton by Weezer (1996) To be completely honest, the main reason I chose this weezer album was because of “Across the Sea.” For me it’s the best song for when you’re missing that special someone, especially while on this lockdown. The track’s context is a bit more extreme, but it definitely gets the point across. Stay Home by Hank Wood and the Hammerheads (2014) The name says it all, just stay home folks. For the sake of those who are most at risk and the entire human race as a whole just STAY HOME. Being Hank Woods’s debut LP, this is an automatic punk classic, with the perfect mix of rock ‘n’ roll and hardcore to get you grooving and slamming throughout the whole record. Be Thankful for What You’ve Got by William DeVaughn (1974) I know, this is a completely different direction from all the rest of my choices. But this album, to me, is the most positive feel good album I’ve ever listened to. It’s in the title! From the title track ‘Be Thankful for What You’ve Got” to “Hold on to Love,” I think this album will have you feeling warm in the heart. Kids, Twice, NCT Dream, Ateez, and LOONA have also postponed shows, while others have cancelled them altogether. Not only are well known K-pop groups being affected, but groups just starting out are suffering as well. Agencies that are promoting newcomers or readying the launch of new acts are finding it harder to put their artists out to the public. In early stages, it is crucial to build a stable fandom through various face-to-face events, allowing the fans and artists to connect. Not being able to so is making it difficult for newer acts like Everglow, under Yuehua Entertainment, and boy group UNVS, under FD Entertainment, to jumpstart their careers.
“...[W]e put the safety of everyone involved first and foremost.” -Big Hit Entertainment