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INTRO
Issue 80.2
3
Alejandro Ramos, Editor-in-Chief editorinchief@lbunion.com Bailey Mount, Managing Editor manager@lbunion.com Nathan Zankich, Web Manager web@lbunion.com Alexis Cruz, Social Media Manager Allison Meyer, Multimedia Manager Alfredo Banuelos, Advertising Executive Christopher Orozco, Distribution Manager ART & DESIGN Sam Orihuela, Art Director artdirector@lbunion.com John Mueller, Graphics Illustrator illustration@lbunion.com EDITORIAL Matthew Gozzip, Athletics Editor athletics@lbunion.com Sylvana Uribe, Community Editor community@lbunion.com Sheila J. Sadr, Copy Editor sheila@lbunion.com Amanda Dominguez-Chio, Culture Editor amanda@lbunion.com Madison Gallegos, Culture Editor madison@lbunion.com Peter R. Clark, Entertainment Editor entertainment@lbunion.com Mercedes Colomar, Grunion Editor grunion@lbunion.com Kaila-Marie Hardaway, Music Editor music@lbunion.com Elliott Gatica, Music Editor music@lbunion.com Jordan Daniels, Opinions Editor opinions@lbunion.com Mario Lopez, Travel Editor travel@lbunion.com STAFF MEMBERS Natalee Coloman Karrie Comfort Diana Martinez Soun Oeng R. Ray Robinson CONTRIBUTORS Lilly Nguyen, Nancy Soriano, Julia Velasco
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Hablamos con Ramos Alex Ramos Editor-In-Chief As some of you probably noticed, the previous issue was rough and I got to hear all about it throughout the week. Staff and contributors pointed out problems to me. Readers hit me up with feedback. Overall, it was not a fun week. I did learn from it, though, and it’s time for me to step up my game as Editor-in-Chief. That doesn’t mean I’m going to sacrifice the few things that make me who I am. If you got to know me, then you would understand that everything I do is a reflection of myself. I speak
in slang. I make bad jokes. I try to act “cool.” That’s just who I am. I’m not going to hide that in order to make myself appear like something I’m not. And this has never mattered to me as much as it does now. This is because our country is changing thanks to the work of a certain individuals in the White House. My spirits sink more and more every time I check the news and find out he’s done more to threaten the wellbeing of people I care about. Each executive order adds more weight that I have to carry as a
citizen and a journalist. I worry that we’re going down a path that will be very hard to come back from. I know that I have a job to uphold and maintain the journalistic integrity and quality of this publication. I understand that is one of my responsibilities. That goes for the rest of my staff. Eventually, we will be professional journalists doing and saying all the right things. For now, though, we just want to be ourselves.
Men and women’s
How a CSULB alumni
Reflections on the
basketball hit
made his way into
first week of
their stride
the music industry
the presidency
see page 12
see page 14
see page 4
Disclaimer and Publication Information: The Union Weekly is published using ad money and partial funding provided by the Associated Students, Inc. All Editorials are the opinions of their individual authors, not the Union Weekly, ASI nor CSULB. All students are welcome and encouraged to be a part of the Union Weekly staff. All letters to the editor will be considered for publication. However, CSULB students will have precedence. Please include name and major for all submissions. They are subject to editing and will not be returned. Letters may or may not be edited for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and length. The Union Weekly will publish anonymous letters, articles, editorials, and illustration, but must have your name and information attached for our records. Letters to the editor should be no longer than 500 words. The Union Weekly assumes no responsibility, nor is it liable, for claims of its advertisers. Grievance procedures are available in the Associated Students business office.
4 COMMUNITY
Reflections on Week One Personal thoughts and chats with participants of the Women’s March in Los Angeles By Sylvana Uribe Community Editor Photos by Diana Martinez Staff Photographer
T
he United States has just reached its first week under a new administration and my soul has felt it elapse so slowly. I greeted the first week with screams and chants alongside other marchers in Los Angeles. I spent the first week enraged at the blatant attacks on supposed members of “we the people.” I have spent the first week refusing to say his name. Reflecting on the first week alone, so many have joined together in a collective groan with the signing of executive orders and publishing mindless tweets under the @POTUS handle and the president’s personal account. Discourses and attacks on reproductive rights, immigration, Muslims, and unnecessary walls make up only a small portion of topics rippling through communities igniting anger and fear. As exhausting as each day has been awaiting to see who will be threatened next, there is also a strange comfort in knowing others are experiencing similar anxieties. One of the most visual representations of the opposition to the new administration undoubtedly rests in the Women’s Marches that occurred globally on Jan. 21. Leading up to the Women’s March in Los Angeles, residents in Long Beach were fueling the momentum of their resistance. Facebook events like the “Long Beach Ride to Women’s March Los Angeles” served as central hubs for people to exchange information about other affiliate groups, local rallies, and reach out to people unsure of how to get involved. The end of the first seven days has also ushered in another movement. Organizers of the Women’s March enacted the “10 Actions for the first 100 Days” campaign once the marches came to a close. The initiative asks supporters to stay active and vocal. Each week, the campaign will release an
More than 700,000 marchers are estimated to have participated at the Women’s March in Los Angeles on Jan. 21. The marchers filled the streets of downtown Los Angeles advocating for the protection of human rights.
activity to keep people engaged with their community and government. Notifications on pages similar to “Long Beach Ride…” have popped up with users highlighting their involvement with the new the campaign. The campaign provided free postcards where participants could write to senators about issues they cared about and wanted to see them fight for too. Selfies and group photos have surfaced of people sending in their ink scribbled messages and urging fellow city residents to do the same. Among the locals tuned into the Long Beach driven calls-to-action were sisters Daniela and Tamara Salazar. Daniela is a student at UC San Diego, but returned home to march in Los Angeles on Jan. 21 with her sister Tamara, currently a senior at Long Beach Polytechnic High School. Daniela Salazar said she credited her participation to local groups on social media who shed light on the issues being protested, as well as general details about how the event would transpire. Daniela said, “I feel at times I let situations slide when it comes to myself and my own rights, but knowing that I have a younger sister who needs to realize she is important and deserves equality really is what drew me to the march.” Tamara said she was amazed to see the love and support shown among marchers. “The most powerful moment I’d say was walking through the mass crowds of people and seeing everyone be so kind,” Tamara said. “We all came to fight for the same thing, our rights.” Among the marchers from the CSULB community was Diana Martinez, a third year journalism major. She said it was an event full of love and positivity, which served as a good counter to the hate being incited on a daily basis. Martinez recalled two drastically different sights during her time at the march. The first was of two young girls chanting at a street corner wearing shirts that read, “The Future is Female.” Martinez described feeling hopeful the young girls would grow up and make their beliefs heard as part of the future. The other powerful sight was of older people marching in the crowds. Tinges of disappointment were conjured then because the rights being protested that day were one’s these people were likely protesting decades ago. “These protests are just the beginning,” Martinez said. “Movements like these are definitely worthwhile. Movements like these make history.”
Local record label throws benefit show for community member
COMMUNITY
A Show for Valentina
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Words and Photos by Nancy Soriano Contributor
Long Beach is perpetually caught in between small town and big city, even though the population size would argue against that. There’s a sense of comfort when a local ventures out into the world and Sublime plays. Most residents are incredibly community driven and strive to help their neighbors whenever they can. The local music industry is no different. On Jan. 27, Long Beach based Astro Lizard Records, Freakstyle Booking, and Hard Feelings Records hosted a small benefit concert for their friend Valentina Yanez. Yanez’s aunt suffered a heart attack a few months ago and was exhibiting signs of another possible attack. Astro Lizard Records partnered with other groups to help Yanez’s family raise money for an open heart surgery, potentially a lifesaving procedure for Yanez’s aunt. The benefit concert took place in downtown Long Beach at the Music Tastes Good office. Headlining the event was The Paranoyds, Peach Kelli Pop, The Buttertones, and SadGirl. The fundraiser concert sold out four days before the event took place. Though the space was small with a capacity of approximately sixty people, no one forgot why they were there. Richard Araiza of The Buttertones opened up their set with, “You guys know why we’re here,
You Betta (Net)Work Young professional enters local networking scene By Jordan Daniels Opinions Editor
right?” and many sets ended with the gentle reminder that the donations bowl was at the center of the merch table. Long Beach’s most important characteristic is its community. The local music scene’s most important characteristic is its support. Emerging from that space, you could really feel both.
Information about Astro Lizard Records is available by visiting:
astrolizardrecords.com Details about fundraising efforts for the Yanez family is available on GoFundMe:
gofundme.com/fundingfor-an-open-heartsurgery Sophie Negrini of Peach Kelli Pop (top photo) and Misha Lindes of Sad Girl (above) play to a crowd of listners as part of a fundraiser organized by Astro Lizard Records.
“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know and how you treat them.” That was the best piece of advice I got while I was in high school. Sounds a bit too “adult” for a high school student, but it’s stuck with me since then because anyone who’s trying to get into Corporate America knows that networking is key. We network in our social circles, our social media and even in our classrooms. Networking is key because it is so necessary to create relationships. To help foster more relationships within the LGBT community, The Center of Long Beach, in association with Young Professionals, hosted a mixer at Padre, a restaurant in downtown Long Beach, with over 150 people in attendance. In may not sound like much, but all of us bunched together on a rooftop ironically conjured low-key claustrophobia. As a “young professional,” I’ve always been excited at the thought of a mixer; I get
“... Mixers just encourage glorifying yourself in front of others and listening to them do the same. ” to meet people in my field and essentially impress them with who I am and what I do. The problem is that I don’t like to do that.
As I’ve grown into an actual adult, I’ve learned that I don’t subscribe to the idea of competition, and mixers just encourage glorifying yourself in front of other people and listening to them do the same. Everyone takes you at face value, it’s like intense speed dating. Yet it’s exciting as it is terrifying. Despite the immense amount of pressure you might feel at events like this, there is something slightly titillating about the fact that you might connect with so many people that you end up building your own network of professional resources. Throwing the fact that it’s an LGBT event and there’s also the aspect of possibly finding someone to mix business and pleasure with. Clearly, I didn’t come home with a husband or a career, but I did come home with the knowledge that I’m not as bad at networking as I thought I was. I also realized that I will be limiting my time at networking events.
6 OPINIONS
Anonymous Said: The internet troll subculture By Lilly Nguyen Contributor
Never forget that everything you say online is forever. Following the development of the personal computer and its increasing availability as a commodity, the internet rose to cultural and technological relevance. Parents warned their children about the dangers of the it in the late 1990s: don’t reveal personal information online, don’t post your pictures, don’t talk to strangers. Social media now has access to every facet of our lives, both physical and psychological. Users can suddenly find themselves reconnected with people they knew in their childhood or make new friends with people on the other side of the world. However, the self-censorship that once kept people from speaking their minds is lost on them. In cyberspace, there are no prying eyes to see what is happening. The anonymity of the internet enables and protects users. It allows users to speak their minds without feeling the immediate repercussions of doing so. Any cursory glance at a comment section on any article or video can suggest that much. People, in recent years, have become
Relocated, Recharged and Rejected The Chargers can thrive in their new home... but will anyone care? By Matthew Gozzip Athletics Editor
Photo by Jordan Daniels Opinions Editor
bolder and less concerned about publicly shaming one another on social media. Callout culture on Tumblr tells people to condemn Person X for whatever reasons that Person Y may have with them. Tweet
The anonymity of the internet allows for people to be cruel and to say things they might not mean simply because they can. People are forgetting that there are people on the other side of that screen.
wars on Twitter are a source of interest and Facebook especially has seen itself as a battlefield where ideals and beliefs clash. People get told they’re not good enough. People get told that they should be ashamed. People get told there are things wrong with them. People get told to kill themselves.
As the world grows increasingly interconnected and reliant on the internet for communication, cyberspace offers less and less kindness than the world its users temporarily seek to escape. Social media has never been a refuge. It was never meant to be.
Our lives are becoming increasingly public. Everything about us becomes a performance for our followers and “friends of friends.” Every moment is documented and stays in the void of the internet whether we want it there or not. While it means that we can share parts of ourselves with the world, that also means that we’re easily accessible to be targeted. People will inevitably say cruel things. However, just as in real life, it is the responsibility of the viewer to step in and defend the wronged party rather than sit idly by. The anonymity of the internet protects these internet trolls, but it also lends itself as a shield for those who ordinarily would not speak up. Just as it can be dangerous, it can be beneficial. Social media is also a platform for change. It gives a voice to the voiceless and it unites them. The internet and social media as a whole, by all means, is a cesspool of hatred, but it does not have to be. In the end, the rules we are taught in kindergarten still apply: treat others as you wish to be treated in kind. Stand up for people. Believe in yourself and the people who love you, not the words of some anonymous asshole online.
The Los Angeles Chargers may have a new name and brand, but they are far from having a new home. After nearly half a decade of controversial relocation talks involving numerous stadium propositions and fluctuating fan interest, the Chargers of the National Football League are relocating to Los Angeles after 57 seasons in San Diego. Dean Spanos, the owner of the team, noticed the declining interest in the team and the shaky support from the city. So, he did what anybody with a lucrative investment would do in order to maximize profits: he moved his operation to Los Angeles. I know a lot of San Diegans would probably cite lack of loyalty and greed as unjust motives to uproot an entire franchise. Spanos doesn’t owe San Diego anything. The Chargers had the worst average home game attendance in the league, hovering at 81% percent capacity. Some detractors would note that Qualcomm Stadium, SD’s home field, was illsuited to host the team but city planners never found a suitable location to build a new stadium. Despite having his work cut out for him in developing a new fan interest, there is reason to Spanos’ decision.
The Los Angeles Rams, the recently returned franchise that spent two decades in St. Louis, were a national laughingstock for their on-field play. A terrible coach, faltering talent and overall incompetence marred their return season. Surprisingly, the Rams actually became more valuable this season. According to Forbes, they are the sixth most valuable team in the league, appraised at $2.9 billion dollars. Lucrative advertising opportunity and close proximity to the major broadcasting companies means exclusive airing rights, which amount to increased value. Chargers are a distant twenty-first ($2 billion) but those numbers could see an increase similar to what the Rams experienced. Still, the move is rather peculiar, considering the current relationship with the city and the Rams. The Rams had a strong presence before they moved to St. Louis and expected to be welcome back with open arms, despite their talent. Naturally, there was excitement for the franchise’s homecoming — until there wasn’t. Besides the first home game, the Rams had difficulty filling the seats as their onfield performance became more and more pitiful as the season continued. A similar
effect could happen to the Chargers, even if they perform better than the Rams. Los Angeles sports fans are a different breed. In a city where social status and entertainment values are the most influential, nobody wants to openly support a losing franchise. Loyalty is second to popularity. When the Lakers win, LA is a fan. When they lose, they also lose LA. The biggest gamble Spanos and the Chargers are making is believing in the guarantee that they will become more valuable. The Chargers have a small window to capitalize on the Rams’ futility and establish themselves as the dominant presence on the LA market. If they remain mediocre or are outperformed by the Rams on the field, it will be a longer road to establishing a fanbase over the incumbent team. Just look at the Clippers now: they possess a far superior record over the past several years compared to the Lakers but still sell less tickets and have less fan support. The Chargers have more stability than the Rams and a promising future powered by their young talent across the board. But it won’t mean much if nobody wants to watch the outsiders.
7 FEATURE
Off the ‘Net, To the Streets Intro by Sylvana Uribe Community Editor One of the defining aspects of Donald J. Trump’s first week as president has been the numerous protests to erupt not only across the nation, but globally. In looking at the evolution of peaceful assemblies within our own nation, it’s grown increasingly evident social media has become key to driving current movements.
Whether it be for RSVP’s or trending through hashtags, social movements have come to rely on social media as a way to spark connections even before officially hitting the streets to protest. This week, we take a glance at recent movements and discuss how social media has embedded itself as an essential component of modern protests.
Black Lives Matter Sheila Sadr Copy Editor
Photos on this feature courtesy of Jordan Daniels and Diana Martinez who attended the Women’s March in Downtown Los Angeles.
The Black Lives Matter movement was born on the internet from the intersecting lines of a hashtag. It was 2013 and the acquittal of George Zimmerman for the killing of 17 year old Trayvon Martin hung thick and angry in the summer air. In Oakland, Calif. at a bar, Alicia Garza watched the verdict come in with her friends. The bar went silent. Garza, sickened with hurt and grief, soon turned to one of the only places she thought would ease her pain: Facebook. “What I saw was really disappointing,” Garza said in an interview with USA Today back in 2015. There were countless responses “blaming black people for our own conditions,” she said. “It wasn’t Trayvon Martin’s fault that (Zimmerman) stopped him and murdered him. ... It really has to do with a society that has a really sick disease and that disease is racism.” So Garza did the only thing she felt like she could do in that moment and wrote what she said is a love letter to black people. Her post ended with: “Black people. I love you. I love us. Our lives matter, black lives matter.” It was here that Patrisse Cullors, a community organizer focusing on prison reform 300 miles away in Los Angeles
and good friend of Garza, came across Garza’s post. Cullors then attached the hashtag #blacklivesmatter in response and continued to use the tag after every post. The following day, both women spoke to each other to see if they could come up with a way to organize and mobilize around this sentiment. They reached out to Opal Tometi. Tometi was another activist well known to both who was involved in immigrant rights. Then, the three women started to set up a Tumblr and Twitter account and began to encourage users to share stories of why #blacklivesmatter. And the rest is history. The hashtag spread like wildfire and continues strong today. It condenses in just three words the complexities and attitudes surrounding racial inequality, police brutality, and social justice in America. The intent being to humanize. To remind people that empathy and a regard for human dignity are necessary elements within government. The movement has become both a sad and empowering statement for the many involved. Unfortunately, what has historically propelled the hashtag forward in social change is the injustice and death within the black community. The most impactful moments that affected the movement have been the tragic deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner in
2014, Freddie Gray and Rekia Boyd in 2015 and the Presidential Election in 2016. These are just to name a brief few. However, in the same vein, the #BLM movement’s capability to provide information and “think-pieces” to a widespread audience through the internet has empowered countless people (who would have never thought to do so before) to become activists and to politically and socially organize. This is because the #BLM is less unified through one distinct organization or codified alliance but instead the movement is connected and organized through the actual hashtag itself. With every post regarding systematic racial oppression and injustice, the #blacklivesmatter is clipped right on. With every article or every fact that arises, #blacklivesmatter is there. Here. In this hyperlink. There’s a world of work, a labor of love and a hard push forward and in the right direction. The information is there. Easily accessible. For every man, womyn, child, and young teenage activist. White or black. It proves that there really are important things that are not being taught in classrooms. That the classroom, this temple for change, progress and black empowerment, is found and cultivated right here on the internet.
8 FEATURE
The Women’s March
Sylvana Uribe Community Editor
Social media’s role in the Jan. 21 Women’s March on Washington and its globally inspired sister marches is undeniable as images of the historic occasion continue to circulate. This particular march is only one of many that bring the interconnectedness between social media and social movements to the forefront of our awareness, with both clinging onto the other in order to thrive. For the Long Beach community, social media was key for supporters of the Women’s March on Washington. Locals hosted their own marches and rallies or planned to collectively travel to Los Angeles the day after the inauguration. Receiving more than 800 RSVPs on Facebook, the “Long Beach Ride to Women’s March Los Angeles” event page became a hub for people to connect prior to the march. It spread news of a poster-making party days prior to marching, facilitating the opportunity to connect with likeminded people who advocated for the protection of human rights and tolerance. The main function of the page was to provide marchers with Metro route information to access Pershing Square where the march kicked off. Days later, the event page still received photos of posters soaring above the heads of marches, links to organizations involved with issues relevant to marchers, and positive messages to
continue fighting for human rights. With so many voices permeating social media, messages flooded social streams from all directions, making it difficult to sift through what was real and what was not. Following the Women’s March, screenshots surfaced of what appeared to be a call-to-action prompted by the organizers, seeking a headcount of participants. All marchers had to do to be counted was submit a text that said, “COUNT ME,” to be redirected to an electronic survey. The main problem was that the count was not initiated by the Women’s March organizers, but rather a third party. By the time the official Women’s March account announced on Twitter they weren’t associated with those efforts, it was much too late as large volumes of people had already submitted information about themselves to a
third party site utilizing the same logo as the official organizers. The It’s Time Network, a group whose mission statement says it’s dedicated to accelerating “the full empowerment of women and girls,” took responsibility for the count, saying its intention with collecting the data was not malicious, but rather a service to support efforts of organizers and marchers. The connections and conversations happening online are reminiscent of consciousnessraising groups popular in feminist circles during the 1960s. These spaces were some of the first steps in educating people through the exchange of ideas and personal narratives. In today’s technology driven world, the main difference is that someone’s story has the capability of going viral after being published more than it ever could if confined to a traditional consciousness-raising
“[Rodriguez] said she was glad to see older women among the marchers, ones who likely had protested decades ago with even fewer rights assigned to them.”
setting. As incredulous as that may be, it’s also worth noting that opposing viewpoints are as easily accessible and prevalent online. Nicole Rodriguez, a fourth year applied mathematics major, was at the Los Angeles Women’s March and utilized Facebook to learn about the purpose of it and plan her trek to Los Angeles. She said she was glad to see older women among the marchers, ones who likely had protested decades ago with even fewer rights assigned to them. Rodriguez also expressed that she, like so many others, had not been immune to sentiments online and in society that didn’t coincide with those of hope and equality. “This election showed me that in many parts of the U.S., people don’t get the education and chance to see diversity like we do in California and especially in Long Beach,” Rodriguez said. “We are very lucky to have the experiences we have because we can be more accepting of people who are different from us.” Although the protest is done, social media will ensure the momentum of it lingers with emerging projects and conversations to continue fighting against forces encroaching on the rights of “we the people.”
9 FEATURE
Dakota Access Pipeline Soun Oeng Staff Writer
Once again, the United States is at war for oil. On April 1, 2016, a group of 200 Native Americans came to the Dakota Access pipeline construction site on horseback, demanding a stop to its’ production. The pipeline would be near the Missouri river, a key water source for the people living there and would allegedly cut through sacred Standing Rock Sioux tribe lands. There were only a few media stations that covered the story, such as the Guardian and a nonprofit independent media called Unicorn Riot. After the event, the Dakota pipeline slowly appeared via Instagram, twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat. However, it was actress Shailene Woodley’s arrest that brought major attention to the Dakota pipeline protests. She was arrested on October 10, 2016 on misdemeanor charges for participating in the riots and for trespassing. She pled not guilty. Her presence and action in social media helped the Dakota pipelines controversy be a global debate. In an article she wrote for TIME covering her experience, she said that “...it took me, a white non-native woman being arrested…to bring this cause to many people’s attention. And to the forefront of news publications around the world.” She proposed that people use the hashtags #ProtectCleanWater, #HonorNativeTreaties, or #IStandWithStandingRock to make the protests trend instead of #FreeShailene. Rapper Vic Mensa supported in her stand against the DAPL, communicating through Instagram with pictures of him on horseback and the protesters with the caption, “if you believe in the inalienable rights of people; the right to clean drinking water, the right to food & shelter and the right to freedom then you have to support standing rock.” Soon after these trending posts, the construction of the pipeline and the continued protests created nationwide debate on the ethical measures in the installment of transferring oil through sacred land. To compensate for the protesters’ argument of oil leakage, Dakota Access reassured the public that it would be monitored relentlessly for 24 hours, 365 days a year, according to an article by Popular Mechanics. However, it dismissed the US Geological
Survey statement that “oil contamination of water is a nightmare with the potential danger to public health. Groundwater contamination by crude oil is a widespread problem.” On January 24, 2017, President Trump signed an executive order that lifted the halt on the Dakota Access pipeline. With his background in business, he claimed that moving forward in the development of the Dakota pipelines would help create jobs. An article in BBC News backed up this claim, stating that the project “will create between 8,000-12,000 jobs and generate $55m in annual property taxes.” Who could argue that more jobs for Americans is a bad idea? Nonetheless, the question of whether it’s right to build something as catastrophic as an oil pipeline near native communities is a no-brainer. It’s more than the dangers of oil leakage. It is the expulsion of the sanctity of the indigenous people of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe. The tribe accused the government of never consulting them about approving the construction of the Dakota pipelines. BBC News also reported that the tribe said the government “took this land from them illegally in a series of treaties” dating back to the Treaty of Fort Laramie 1868. This treaty declared an alliance between the US government and Native tribes to respect the lands of the indigenous people as well as consult any business transaction or trade requested among its leaders. In the context of these treaties and agreement, this pipeline is a violation and continues to generate a discriminatory history between Americans and indigenous people. Constructing the pipelines on sacred burial sites will result in the destruction of preserved Native American culture and will disrespect the voices of indigenous people. Ultimately, what helped and will continue to help the protests of the Dakota Access pipeline (DAPL) gain traction was social media. Without it, we wouldn’t have the convenience to communicate from all parts of the world, especially in historic moments like this. And although there has been speculations over as to whether the protests were peaceful or not, a message was sent across the world America still has hope.
“‘...it took me, a white non-native woman being arrested…to bring this cause to many people’s attention. And to the forefront of news publications around the world.’”
10 CULTURE
Cal State Couture What the students of CSULB are wearing on their first week back Words and photos by Karrie Comfort Staff Writer
The first week of the semester is over, and we’ve already lost hope in, well, a lot of things to be honest. Like the presidency, our 4.0 and our wardrobe. Yes, I saw you people who were already wearing sweatpants on the first day back. Fear not, here are five of the most common college dressers that aren’t unlike you. 1. The Try-Hards Basically, these are the people whose underwear probably match their socks. Of course, it’s not that you would know that. But that’s not the point as long as they know. Their chokers are tight, their are chinos crisp, and their shoes are suede; sometimes you wonder if they’re Forever 21 models. 2. Active Wear Warriors We’re not exactly sure if these ones actually go to the gym or not, but they sure look like they do. It might be that guy who always wears joggers, or the girl who always has those Adidas tights with the mesh cut outs. They look casual but put together, and just a little bit sporty. Maybe I’ll start working out… but probably not. 3. The Super School Spirit Animals Like, if Cal State Long Beach could’ve been personified into one dude, it would look like this
guy. Seriously, how many Long Beach sweaters does he even have? When he sits down, his sweatpants are a little short, and you can see his long striped black and yellow socks. We get it, you bleed black and gold, but where do you get the money for all this? 4. The “I Woke Up Like This” Crowd Amazingly, some of the people who actually wear shirts that declare “I woke up like this,” look quite put together: I’m not talking about those people. This is the girl whose hair is sticking up in weird places, and you could’ve sworn wore those pants last class, which is especially frightening since the last class was two days ago. 5. The Dress-to-Impressers You know who you are. You’re a business major with a presentation. You’re a communications girl with a speech. You’ve got a job interview, and you have to be looking right. We see you button-down-ed, blazer-ed up boss people striding into the room. We see you. Guaranteed “A+” outfit. But, if we’re honest, we’re probably a little bit like all of these people, which is awesome. After all, what does it matter what you wear? Keep it classy, Cal State Long Beach.
Back to the Grind A student shares her back to school ritual Words and photo by Bailey Mount Managing Editor My ritual starts on Monday. I lay out my outfit and I make sure everything I need is in my bag the night before classes start. I’m more efficient in this first week than I’m ever likely to be again. I suppose that’s my ritual — a travesty of efficiency. I walk into my first class, try to sit somewhere close to the front, and pretend that the decision was a good idea. I exert perhaps a little too much energy in my greetings. I walk into my place of work and think it’s the greatest thing ever, though I know
I’ll be singing a different tune at times. I hype myself up. By the time I’m done with the day, I do what I do best — plan out the semester. I get whatever calendar I chose to make me feel better about the upcoming hardships I inevitably always stumble into and sit down at my desk. Within the end of the week, it’ll be a mess. It already is, actually. I print out every syllabus and class schedule I have and I pin it up behind my laptop. By the time I’m through, my desk resembles one of the those police crime
Arash Erani goes casual, but classy for his first week.
boards from an episode of CSI: Miami. Once that’s done, I use the schedules to fill up my calendar. There’s a method to the madness. I swear. Somehow, seeing all of this stuff written out ahead of time and right in front of me brings me peace. It makes me think that I’ll actually be on top of stuff this semester. I get to flip over a new page on my calendar each month and see what’s coming. I get to cross things off all my papers. It feels great. Setting up something tangible makes the whole process seem easier. I mean what I said in the beginning — it really is a travesty of efficiency.
I know I’m not getting too much done. I know that this semester is going to try and drag me under, but that’s why my back-to-school ritual is just one big ball of me faking confidence and pretending to have a handle on things. Eventually I end up believing it. Short-term fake efficiency turns into long-term ambition somehow. It’s a pretty good ritual.
11 CULTURE
The Harder the Conflict, The Greater the Triumph Transmigration
A review of Trevor Noah’s book, “Born a Crime” By Amanda Dominguez-Chio Culture Editor
A poem by Sheila Sadr Copy Editor
Photos courtesy of Trevor Noah
If we are all connected, if all our bodies are the same, if energy is really not created or destroyed – just transformed
The cover of “Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood.”
Over the break, I read Trevor Noah’s book “Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood.” I began watching “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” after “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” went on hiatus. I was hooked. Although John Oliver highlights important issues on a weekly basis, Trevor Noah’s program airs more frequently. Watching Trevor Noah got me through tough times last semester. So when I heard about the book, I was eager to read it. In his book, Noah recounts his childhood growing up in apartheid South Africa. The title refers to the fact that Noah was literally a product of a crime. Miscegenation — the marriage or cohabitation of different racial backgrounds — was forbidden, and yet Noah was born to a black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss father. As a result, Noah was kept hidden from a government that would kidnap him and severally punish his parents. As a mixed-raced kid, it was interesting to learn how society treated Noah. He writes with an American audience in mind, explaining the history of South Africa and oftentimes comparing it to the United States’ own history of race relations. Aside from providing historical background on apartheid South Africa, Noah focuses on his relationship with his mother. Noah describes his mother as religious,
and despite all the misfortunes that follows, her faith never wavers. Based on the various childhood anecdotes that Noah shares, his memories reveal a strong bond with his mother. In one of my favorite moments, Noah explains how certain names convey attributes in accordance to your own personality, and oftentimes the names are self-fulfilling. For instance, Noah’s stepfather shares an English and Tsonga name. His English name is Abel, referring to the son of Adam and Eve, who was murdered out of envy by his brother Cain. While his English name refers to the good son, his Tsonga name, Ngisaveni, means “fear.” Those names indicate his stepfather’s personality — charming yet dangerous. As for the name “Trevor,” Noah explains his mother chose his name
because it held no meaning or biblical reference. The name “Trevor” allowed him to be his own person and have control of his own fate. If you enjoy Trevor Noah, I recommend reading his book. Noah brings humor into his life in South Africa, while also willing to get serious discussing the more personal parts of his life.
I wonder, how many lives I’ve been a tyrant? How many children have I brought into this world? I wonder, how many times I have starved? How my belly has ached in the acid of life and death. I wonder, how many nurses I’ve become? How many guns have laid asleep in my arms? I wonder of schools I have been to and if they taught me well. I wonder how many mouths I have fed and of all the children I have raised. How many of them have survived? How many mothers have abandoned me? How many men have I killed? How many bullets have nuzzled themselves into my head?
Trevor Noah and his mom, 1987.
Did I do this to myself? I wonder, if we are all connected, if all our bodies are the same, what countries has mine lived in? How many bodies have pillaged through mine? How many Gods has mine prayed too Am I a mere participant in this game? How many lifetimes have I cried or suffered? How many lifetimes have I laughed or lived beyond a day? How many lifetimes did my family my dreams my home shatter by my own hand? Is this why I am so afraid?
12 ATHLETICS
Beach Basketball Bouncing Back to Winning Ways Women’s and Men’s squads fighting past early season struggles Words and Graphics by Matthew Gozzip Athletics Editor
After suffering losing streaks early in their respective seasons, the LBSU basketball teams are finding their stride late in conference play. The women’s squad (15-7, 6-1 BWC) defeated the Cal State Fullerton Titans and University of California Riverside Highlanders this past week to take sole possession of first place in the Big West Conference. LBSU trampled over the Titans on Thursday night, 65-48, led by the active play of senior guard Anna Kim (five points, three assists, three steals) and the emergence of junior guard Jessica Gertz, who erupted for a career-high 18 points. The Beach broke out in the fourth quarter, of a back-and-forth game, scoring 12 points from the three-point line alone while limiting their opponents to only 16 points. Overall, the Beach scored 26 points off 20 forced turnovers, their most impressive defensive performance of the season. Two days later, the women’s team captured victory once again with clutch defense down the stretch against UCR. LBSU was up by nine at the half but only held a slim two-point advantage going into fourth quarter after furious rally from the Highlanders. Instead of conceding the lead, the Beach buckled down, limiting UCR to only two baskets in the final frame to seal the victory for the 49ers. LBSU is riding positive momentum heading into the back end of conference play, winning seven of their last 8 games. Questions about the Beach’s ability to stay consistent in Big West games arose after LBSU went through a brutal non-conference slate where they lost four straight contests early on and seemed defeated. The upperclassmen-laden roster remained
calm under pressure and rallied the team to stay focused on the rest of the season. The senior core of Kim, forward Madison Montgomery and guard Jewelyn Sawyer continued their standout play while juniors such as guard Gigi Hascheff (8.1 points per game, 2.0asts) and the aforementioned Gertz (5.7pts) have stabilized the depth on the team. If you thought the women’s team suffered a rough start, the men’s squad (9-14, 4-3 BWC) experienced even more turmoil this season. After winning their first two games of the season, LBSU dropped 10 of their next 12 by an average of nearly 19 points. To add injury to insult, the Beach’s leading scorer and rebounder, junior forwardGabeLevin,whohadmissedallconference games with a knee injury., announced last week that he would miss the remainder of the season to avoid endangering his health Sitting at the bottom of the Big West with a 1-3 record in conference play, the Beach needed players to not only fill the void left by Levin but also to elevate the play of the rest of the team. Enter junior forward Roschon Prince. In the last five games, Prince has recorded four doubledouble’s, evolving from a role player off the bench
into a bonafide starter. Prince’s willingness to score inside and crash the boards has opened the paint for other players to find success inside. Sophomore forward Temidayo Yussuf was previously a high energy hustle man and rebound machine that lacked refinement in the post. By teaming up with Prince and taking advantage of the attention directed to him, Yussuf has become an enforcer on both ends of the court. With the newly established onetwo punch of speed and power fueling the offense, the Beach backcourt found more opportunities for outside shooting. Junior guard Justin Bibbins has found his long dormant shooting stroke, nailing 36.4% from three-point range and leading the backcourt in points throughout conference play.All of these players are returning lettermen for the Beach but several newcomers have provided invaluable contributions as well. Junior guard Evan Payne, a transfer from Loyola Marymount, is not only the the leading scorer for the 49ers (15ppg.) but also one of the team’s primary defenders, assigned to shut down the top scoring stars on opposing teams. 5-foot-8 freshman guard and Bibbins clone Loren Jackson is just as tenacious as his counterpart, providing scrappy defense despite his physical limitations. The entire package has begun to come together in recent weeks as LBSU has rallied off
three straight victories, capped off by their 7665 drubbing of CSUF in the Black and Blue Rivalry at the Pyramid last Thursday. The Beach shot 52.2% from the field, sinking 45% of their three-point attempts and played lights out defense against one of the best offenses in the conference. LBSU recorded a season-high 10 blocks and held Tre’ Coggins, the league’s top scorer (18 ppg.), scoreless the whole game. The women’s and men’s team have nine games left before they participate in the Big West with a chance of getting a bid in the national NCAA tournament. The good news is both teams have experienced their fair share of turmoil already, an important step in a team’s development. The winning streaks aren’t by chance. Team leaders like Bibbins and Kim have become more vocal and elevated their play while other role players like Jackson and Gertz have begun to channel their confidence into a larger impact for the team that surpasses more than statistical contribution. The ball wasn’t bouncing their way early on but Beach basketball is ready to make a resounding rebound the rest of the season.
Freedom Writers doc moves crowd Story and Photos By R. Ray Robinson Staff Writer Inspiration, applause, questions and answers arose for Erin Gruwell, the seminal teacher of the Freedom Writers, when they screened “Freedom Writers: Stories of an Undeclared War.” The documentary was held at the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation on Friday Jan. 13th. After the film “Freedom Writers” got mixed reviews starring Oscar winner Hilary Swank as Ms. Gruwell, the documentary gave a grander perspective. The documentary tells the story of a rookie teacher influenced 150 “at-risk” students at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, Calif. Gruwell starts out as a gullible saint taking on the raw emotions, thoughts and perspectives of many of her students
during the 1990s. The students are scarred from addiction, teen-pregnancy, racism, gang violence, and police harassment among other issues. It causes them to believe that no one cares about them nor believe Gruwell could help them graduate. The documentary grabs the audience when it shows how Ms. Gruwell overcame their expectations by giving her students hope through education. Her lesson plan has them reading Shakespeare, to literature from children around the world dealing with similar circumstances such as “Diaries of Anne Frank” and “Zlata’s Diary.” Gruwell also encourages her students to write daily diaries that get the attention of prominent figures that listen to their stories. News reporters like Connie Chung,
The Freedom Writers and Erin Gruwell pose for the camera. From left to right is: Sue Ellen Alpizar, Narada Comans, Erin Gruwell, Chirece Noonan, Tiffony Jacobs, Trayvon Carter, and Shanita Jones.
ENTERTAINMENT
A Rare Opportunity to See A Moving Film
13
Freedom Writer Tiffony Jacobs speaks on hope to the crowd. Oprah Winfrey and Richard Riley, the former Secretary of Education under the Clinton Administration, all were touched by their voices. The students change for the better from their raw and uncut diaries. Gruwell goes on to share the story of civil rights activists The Freedom Riders, who challenge authority for equality amongst blacks and whites and the world. Because of this, it is clear where the inspiration of the name “Freedom Writers” came from as they challenge their education head on. They no longer stay victims to their environment but rather, conquer the impossible by gaining a higher education and graduating. After the film, there was a standing ovation. Ms. Gruwell and some of the
original Freedom Writers had a Q&A with the audience. When asked about how this documentary can relate to the youth of today, Freedom Writer Tiffony Jacobs said, “Teaching hope is the main stage to change the way people treat themselves and others by providing bigger and brighter opportunities.” The Freedom Writers and Erin Gruwell have impacted the lives of so many others with their hopeful story of education. Their legacy continues to influence youths and teachers alike through their Freedom Writers Foundation. For more information on Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers, you can visit their website called FreedomWritersFoundation.org.
Pope Pius XIII, Hallowed Be Thy Name “The Young Pope” is more than simple satire By Matthew Gozzip Athletics Editor Imagine if you were the leader of the largest religious contingent in the world. What would you do with your power? Paolo Sorrentino’s new television series for HBO, “The Young Pope”, takes this hypothetical situation and turns it on its head by inserting a tyrant with a complicated past into the equation. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Lenny Belardo (Jude Law), the archbishop of New York, has ascended to the highest position in the Catholic Church as Pope Pius XIII. The thing is, he is only 47 years old, hence the title of the show. Initially, the synopsis plays off as the start of a crappy joke but the show develops into a fascinating dark comedy. Pius XIII may be young but he is a power hungry maniac with conservative values, channeling the frustrations he has with his
personal demons into aggressive sermons and policies to his followers. The Pope grows from a passive underling into a full fledged despot. Strong performances by Sister Mary (Diane Keaton,) the pseudo-mother figure to Pius, and Cardinal Angelo Voiello (Silvio Orlando,) his right hand assistant, round out a conniving triumvant that replaces the Holy Trinity as the true power of the Church. Pius’ character progression and the acting is not the only compelling thing about the show. Authentic costumes, the immaculate sets and the realistic casting (the Italian actors would fit right in at the Vatican) make the audience believe Sorrentino is actually making a biopic. Often seen, an angelic glow emanates off the white walls of the Vatican and the bright garments of
its residents, suggesting purity of soul. It’s not only until you see the cardinals huddled in the courtyard gossiping about Pius’ future as Pope in between drags of their cigarettes. Sorrentino’s writing is deliberately ambiguous, elevating the show to the next level. Peculiar imagery (for example, Pius unleashes a kangaroo on the Vatican grounds) only makes the communion wine more potent and the audience doesn’t know whether to be amateur sleuth looking for hidden symbolism or to just burst out in laughter at the ridiculousness unfolding. “The Young Pope” is deceptive, just like its dynamic characters and mysterious plot. What appears to be simple satire mocking religious establishment is actually an illusion shrouding the truth about the show: it’s really enjoyable entertainment.
“The Young Pope” Length: 1 Season, 10 Episodes Creator: Paolo Sorrentino Starring: Jude Law, Diane Keaton, Silivio Orlando, Javier Cámara, Scotta Shepherd, Cécile De France, Ludivine Sagnier, Toni Bertorelli, James Cromwell
14 MUSIC
The Rise of G Funk Supreme A look at how a CSULB alumni made his way into the music industry
By Soun Oeng Staff Writer Out of all the musicians I could have chosen to spotlight for this article, I wanted someone who would connect with us on a more personal level closer to home. The rapper G Funk Supreme isn’t your ordinary cypher, he is a Cambodian-American Long Beach native and CSULB alumni. His story to success is unapologetically relatable. The central theme in his album “Forever and a Day” instills hope and positivity; a sacred mantra that he reminds his listeners to remember when encountering shortcomings. When I reached out to G Funk Supreme via Instagram, he was enthusiastically willing and down-to-earth about being interviewed. The same attitude is present in his lifestyle and music, especially his ambitious mindset. “I want people to remember me as someone who never gave up on anything and someone who gave my 1000 percent at
Photos courtesy of Paul Nou
whatever it was I set my mind to. Hopefully with that it’ll help push or motivate someone to do the same,” G Funk said. G Funk has always relied on himself to make changes. “I hated waiting for people [and] thinking I needed someone to shoot my videos, so I just saved some money and did my research and learned how to do it myself.” His hustler’s mentality is something that we college students can empathize with. Additionally, G Funk graduated in 2014 with a bachelors in Mechanical Engineering. He isn’t just a rapper. “Coming from the hood, I thought to myself like ‘why not?’ Why can’t I want to rap as well as be an engineer if I wanted to? I really wanted to set the bar high, not just for myself, but for my peers and the younger generation before me — that anything is possible. Don’t let anybody dictate on what you want to be in life.”
G Funk is genuine. Any music fanatic can agree that we gravitate towards musicians who display a realism that we can relate to. G Funk doesn’t front or lie about his experiences. Instead, he highlights his hardships. He influences his listeners to keep faith in their goals, especially those in the ghettos. Tracks like “Dreamchasers,” “‘96 Previa,” “Forever and a Day” and “Speech for the Grammys” all preach this idea of channeling your own greatness in dire circumstances. His philosophy of moving forward and never giving up is what makes the album worthy of a listen. It stays loyal to the rap game’s doctrine of freedom of speech and lyricism that inspire those of different socioeconomic backgrounds to take a stand in their own lives. When asked about his goals for the future, he responded that he was working on
a new EP and desired to travel, saying that: “We get caught up so much at times with working everyday and all kind of things that we forget to take time for ourselves to relax and enjoy what life has to offer. And who knows, 2017 just might be the year I become a millionaire. When that happens, drinks on me.” What to expect from his album is a mix of jazz and hip-hop. It’s like listening to an old friend talk about life and real issues. For hiphop heads, his flow and beats remind me of Dom Kennedy and Casey Veggies. If you’re new to rap, maybe knowing what he wants his listeners to get out of his music could help determine if he’s a right fit. “I push for positivity even with all the negative BS going on in the world,” he said. “I push for hope for when all seems to be crashing down on you.”
Ed Sheeran is Back and Better Than Ever The singer-songwriter returns with a long-awaited comeback By Julia Velasco Contributor It was not until my freshman year of college when I met my current best friend, who introduced Ed Sheeran to me. I was in a transitional period, searching for greater independence; I needed something soothing that would give me reassurance. Ed Sheeran came into my life when I didn’t know I needed him. Ed Sheeran’s “Multiply (X)” was the album that hooked me. Maybe it was one of his most popular songs, “Thinking Out Loud” playing on the radio repeatedly, but the rest of the album did not disappoint. I wanted to listen to his other songs as well. After the album’s chart-topping success in 2015, Sheeran made a statement declaring his hiatus from social media and his work life. “My plan is to get rid of my iPhone, get rid of internet, get a Nokia 3310 and just go off into the wilderness somewhere for a
bit,” he said. By 2016, all of his social media accounts were silent. The silence carried throughout the year, with Sheeran’s whereabouts remaining a mystery. It was rumored that the singer was traveling around the world. Another rumor that alarmed his fans was that the singer might have tied the knot with a mystery woman. In a year where all bad things imaginable were happening, Sheeran was gone and it felt like the world needed him more than ever. He was gone until late 2016, when he
apologized to his family and friends for the long break and announcing the release of his new music by the new upcoming year. In January, two new singles were released from his upcoming album “Divide (÷),” “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill.” In these songs, Sheeran is using new instruments that both complement and enrich his lyrics. I bought both songs. Out of these two singles, my favorite is “Shape of You.” These are only two of the 16 highlyanticipated songs from the deluxe version of the new album. Not too long after the two new singles were
released, Ed Sheeran revealed the release date for the rest of the album, which is March 3, 2017. On Jan. 25, Sheeran announced the dates and the locations of various tours, including Europe, the UK, Ireland, Mexico, and Central and South America. Information on pre-sale tickets and on sale tickets are with the dates on his official website. However, there is no information as of yet on when he will come to the US and the rest of North America. All we can say is that Ed Sheeran is back and he is back to make us “Happier” (a song title from his new album). His return has been well anticipated, at least for me, and I cannot wait to cry myself some tears of joy when his album is released. I’ll have the album repeating on an endless loop. I welcome his new music wealthily with new sounds from around the world. Now, all we have to do is sit anxiously and wait.
15 MUSIC
From Studying Communications to Opening the Pit One student’s journey through the pop-punk scene By Natalee Coloman Staff Writer
Heroes Make Villians from left to right: Kevin Caluag (Guitar/Vocals), Jacob Fuller (Bass), Tyler Casanova (Vocals), ErickCardenas (Guitar), and Jontin Caluag (Percussion). (Photo courtesy of Michael Iwamoto)
From his first concert, Barney Live!, to opening act for Knuckle Puck at the Observatory in Santa Ana, Cal State Long Beach student Jacob Fuller proves hard work and dedication can get you far in the music world. When the Communications Studies major was 11 years old, his father sat him down for the most important conversation of his life — the start of bass guitar lessons. Fuller quickly discovered it wasn’t as easy as it looked, but continued to pursue the instrument and started playing with his dad’s cover bands. “I wasn’t into music as intently when I was younger compared to now, but I discovered music through YouTube and watching bands made me want to be in a band,” Fuller said. “And to be in a band you have to be good.” Fuller’s music taste started with a love for oldies such as The Beatles, The Who and The Rolling Stones. However, the genres modernized when he realized those bands weren’t touring anymore. In 2007, his music taste developed into liking punk rock because of the faster, more energetic sound. Besides seeing Barney in concert, Fuller’s first rock show was Green Day at the Forum in 2008, which was around the same time he wanted to get serious about forming a band. “That was like the life-changing show that made me want to keep going,” Fuller said. During his sophomore year in high school, Fuller and his friends started to practice together and after a few years of establishing a style, they formed the pop-punk band, 13 Hours, in March 2010.
Jacob Fuller and his other mates from Heroes Make Villains opening for Knuckle Puck in Nov. 2016. (Photo courtesy of Octavio Orduno) “We didn’t know what we were doing back then, it was just fun,” Fuller said. “We didn’t care, we just kept playing.” The band played many local shows with the support of friends and family, as well as the many appreciated rides of Cheryl Fuller, Jacob Fuller’s mom. After four years, an EP
twice a month, if not more.” Golden Eagle stopped playing in early 2015 when schedules began to conflict. “It’s like a relationship; you have to be committed. You don’t want to take that jump and start a band,” Fuller said. From there, Fuller started writing music on his own until he reconnected with former 13 Hours bandmate and friend, Tyler Casanova in November 2015. Casanova, the now front man of Heroes Make Villains, asked Fuller to listen to the band’s latest demo. Fuller connected with the song, saying it was right up his alley — as if he wrote it himself. Casanova then reached out to the other members and Fuller became their new bass player.
“The key to success in the music industry is to connect with the right people, work hard, and take risks.” release and numerous member changes, 13 Hours disbanded. Fuller continued his career and started playing with alternative rock band Golden Eagle, who he had met through playing local shows with his previous band. Golden Eagle played slightly bigger gigs, such as business grand openings, graduation parties and at the Orange County Fair. “It was great, I got to play bass and hang out while playing shows,” Fuller said. “We played
Through the past year, Heroes Make Villains released two EP’s, one early 2016 and another that October. They also played their first show with Fuller in June and continued to play multiple shows with him for the rest of the year. The biggest shows included opening for As It Is in July and Knuckle Puck in November. The band will have their first show of 2017 in February with the Los Angeles band In Your Own Words, as well as a following show in
Jacob Fuller and his other mates from Heroes Make Villains opening for Knuckle Puck in Nov. 2016. (Photo courtesy of Octavio Orduno)
March. Jacob Fuller and Fuller Tyler Casanova of l o o k s Heroes Make Villians forward to in Aug. 2016. (Photo adding his courtesy of Gabriel input to their Castillo) next EP, which will begin development after their shows. “Our last EP was very easycore — it was bouncy and upbeat, but also heavy at some points.” Fuller said. “This new sound is still going to be edgy, but it’s definitely going to be more melodic, too.” The band plans on expanding this upcoming EP, adding more songs and a ballad. Their goal is to start recording in August, and release the EP toward the end of the year. They’ve also started working on the release of their recent music video, which is aimed at going live on Valentine’s Day. Fuller hopes to play at least three major shows with bands on a tour package this upcoming year. “You have to stay consistent in playing shows because you have to stay relevant,” Fuller said. “If you aren’t posting anything or doing anything it’s not going to help your fanbase. You don’t spontaneously gain a fanbase out of nowhere.” Fuller said the key to success in the music industry is to connect with the right people, work hard, and take risks. “You have to step out of your comfort zone to try new things that you might like and other people might like.”
Volume 80, Issue 02
Monday, January 30th, 2017
LBUNION.COM
The Grunion is a work of satire. It in no way reflects the views of Long Beach Union Weekly or Associated Students Inc.
STAFFERS
EAT MY CHICKEN, YOU ASSHOLES
Mercedes Colomar GRUNION EDITOR Cervantes LeMans STAFF
Send submissions to: grunion@lbunion.com
ASK MS. COLOMAR
DEAR MS. COLOMAR,
We intergalactic extraterrestials want to have sex with humans. Usually, we make them unconscious and anally probe them. It did nothing for us. How can we have sex with humans?
FROM, Anal Invaders
DEAR ANAL INVADERS, Contact the popular human website “Pornhub.” They have amassed quite the extensive collection documenting such things. They also have a huge, gaping section specifically designed for anal. I myself have never opened that brown third eye. But if you’re looking to boldy go where several men and women have gone before, that’s a good place to start. DEAR MS. COLOMAR, I always wanted to experience a hot load on my chest, but I don’t want to deal with all the disgusting clean up. Do you have any suggestions for someone who wants a healthy garden without the manure?
By Mercedes Colomar
GRUNION EDITOR
W
elcome back to this mess. The good thing about living in the underworld means I don’t have to deal with Trump directly. Unfortunately, I still have to deal with him indirectly. Go figure. So what has happened? Apparently a man who, despite the many failures he made during his campaign, was elected. But I’ve already talked about all that in the last issue. However, said man has now entered office, and all hell has broken loose. Already this man has issued numerous
I wouldn’t touch that garden with YOUR towel. In fact, you can’t even have a garden without manure and your unwillingness to get dirty suggests that you have never worked hard a day in your life. With that attitude, the only scatplay that you should be into is the kind found in jazz. It’s good for prissy people like you. I mean, “hot load?” The only hot load you’ve probably ever had was the hot load of bullshit you served me in writing this.
INSIDE
BABY BORN A TODDLER.....................2 VEINY AND RIPPED LIFESTYLES.......3 JOHN HURT IS HURT............................4 PRAISE GABEN....................................5 FRIENDLY SINGER EATS HAM...........6 ALWAYS BET ON BLACK.................777 WHO THE FUCK IS LAMAR JACKSON.8
went to the Women’s March and those people there had some great signs, let me tell you. I saw one that mocked Trump’s ability to wing speeches. It was great. Also did you know what a woman can do with her body is being determined by seven men? My lady parts have been dead for years, but I’m still outraged. OH! I forgot to mention, Cervantes LeMans, our only staff writer here, could not write an article this week because he is currently being detained for punching a Neo-Nazi. He should be back next issue. For now, we have two articles that are written by some new people. Also, why doesn’t anyone want to eat my fucking chicken? I walked a whole block to bring it here and no one wants to eat it.
“yung people” and “what up.” They aren’t that cool, and I am furious. I am writing a hate filled letter as we speak to all individuals who use terms and expressions by the youth of today. These terms are disgusting and upset the bile that washes through my stomach. Words are words, and people use them in ways that upset me. They want to act professional, but when they use the words that they use, they undermine their potential as human beings. It doesn’t make sense to me that they would prefer these words. Perhaps, as I said before, they are trying to make themselves look cool, but clearly it isn’t because they don’t look cool.
They look like ninnyhammers. I wonder if they know how incompetent they look. Because they look incredibly average if you ask me. Just ask anyone, it’s bloody disgraceful. People who use proper vernacular look more professional, maybe you shoud try it out. These people push my buttons so hard that I have a hard-on. And my justice boner can only be sated by the destruction of these god-damn youths. Agh, I am so bothered right now I could drill a hole into a tree. Sorry I have to step away for now, but I’ll be back to nag these “word-evolutionists”.
THAT IGNORANT VERNACULAR
By H. G.
HEAD CHEESE
T
he amount of people who don’t understand the simple notion of how to write well is astonishing. I am getting tired of people using misbegotten words to hide their ignorance. People are not smart, that much is certain. And in order to hide their ignorance, they use vernacular to mask their inability to communicate. Admirably, they attempt to communicate with us superior beings by using words like
FUTURE OF ALTERNATIVE FACTS
FROM, Dumpy Deanna
DEAR DUMPY DEANNA,
executive orders which have affected many. But that’s not exactly what this article is about. Puppies are awesome. Have you ever felt a puppy with your hands? I haven’t. I have no sensation in my hands, because they are bones. Sorry, I’m just delaying the inevitable bad news. The Grunion might be changing because of changes at the upside down paper that occupies our space. I’ve been told I can’t say much about this, but the next few months will probably be the last of us. Fear not friends, I, Mercedes Colomar, will be around for a little while longer. So enjoy me while you can. I don’t want to make this sad, so here’s some more funny shit. The other day I
By Doc Beige
GENDER: SHOE
I
came from the future. The good news is that the world is still in chaos and the bad news is that we still find it fucking beautiful. So nothing has changed. Hooray for the cycle of violence and fucking WOO! Robots and automations took over. Flying cars do not exist, again. The Cubs won the NBA 2019 Championship. You can now customize your body. You still have to pick up alcohol at your local library. Japan has developed Gundams as fully functional military weapons. America has bio-genetically engineered mutant monsters to combat them in case of World War 4 with Japan. We call them X-Men. World War 3 was indeed fought with sticks and stones. Steve Aoki won the presidential election for 2024. As for noteworthy goodbyes, the letter ‘S’ has been outlawed across all languages because the human race thought it was too sexy or sexist. The
biggest goodbye was colorism because everyone globally banged each other and we all turned beige. Text messages and dick pics are now illegal on an international level because the European Union of America said so. As a result, our brains managed to learn telekinesis out of fear and our intense craving for it. Thus, we can mentally send each other images of genitals, our deepest darkest inner thoughts, and memes. Yes, memes are still relevant. As for Cal $tate Univer$ity Long Beach, the U$U renamed itself to You E$$ You. The Recreational Center renamed itself to Gym Cla$$. The Horn Center renamed itself to the Not-$o-Horny Center because no one has been caught having sex there…yet. College Beat renamed itself College Heat. It is run by sex therapists and dating advisors. The Union Weekly turned into the Union Yearly where they publish every 363 days. KBeachRadio is no longer run by humans. Songwriters submit their content to Kbeach’s Congress’ Music Chamber composed of the Mainstream Sub-Committee and the Underground Sub-Sub Committee.
In minor news, college is finally cheap in exchange for the amputation of one arm and a leg. To cover the missing limbs, the engineering department can set you up with a sweet robotic arm that comes with built-in-Wi-Fi, a built-in holographic watch, and a built-in laser sword. As for the leg, you are pretty fucked. But stay positive, the future is bright because President Steve Aoki has announced the call for an EDM revolution to fight retro-communism house music. Damn you commies and your funky anthems. In non-sequitur news, four crimesolving teenagers are caught on private premises on the basis of finding a dangerous criminal. Out of the four, one was under the influence of drugs. The drug consumer claimed to be able to understand the language of dogs. Police later found the teenager’s pet, a Great Dane, under the influence of what they call Scooby-Snax. Also, in my time travelling I discovered that I can cum at 31 miles per hour. That’s the average speed, so...