Issue 78.11
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Intro
Katie Cortez, Editor-in-Chief editorinchief@lbunion.com Richard Mejia, Managing Editor manager@lbunion.com Ashley Rodriguez, Advertising Executive ashley.lbunion@gmail.com Nathan Zankich, Web Manager web@lbunion.com Amanda Del Cid, Social Media Manager Andrew Linde, Podcast Producer
SPRING BREAK DOESN’T MEAN THAT CRIME STOPS
Graphic by Sam Orihuela
ART & DESIGN Sam Orihuela, Art Director artdirector@lbunion.com
Welcome back to CSULB, students and faculty. Much like you’re probably feeling, that week was not long enough and I feel like 10 weeks of school without any sort of break was way too long and just one week free from school was not sufficient enough to recharge my brain from now until May. My fun days were few and far-between, and the majority of my time was spent sleeping or watching re-runs of “The Office” and “Daria.” I did come to campus throughout the week to work on various class projects and newspaper stuff, but it was rarely during the day and usually after most people in the USU had left campus. The most travelling I did was from Long Beach to Los Angeles three days in a row. Lauren and I were able to get into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter a little over week before it’s grand opening at Universal Studios Hollywood. At the risk of being extremely cheesy, that entire section of the park is magic and we managed to spend our entire day in that section without going anywhere else in the park. We didn’t need to, because the magic of Harry Potter was too strong. I bought a $50 wand and several days later, I’m still not sure what the hell I’m going to do with it. The other two times I drove to L.A. were for Dodger games. Even though we lost both games, I’m still cool with the fact that I got to go two times before opening day. Over break I’ve taken the time to actually sit and think about the knife incidents that occurred on campus shortly before Spring Break started. I’m sure that I’m not the only person at CSULB who noticed that when the initial incident happened in February, students weren’t notified immediately, but on March 24—almost a month after the first incident— when a different kid gets caught with two knives just sitting out on his desk, the campus is alerted by an email with a mugshot and a notice that he was arrested and booked in the Long Beach Police Department’s jail that very same day. While I understand why the school would make such a durastic change to the way students are notified, I still foresee students having a problem with the way this was handled. The issue will no longer be about prompt
notification. It will be about punishment for the initial knife-wielding student. Why was this 19-year-old kid immediately arrested for just having the knives out on his desk, when the young man from the first incident is presumably still taking classes on campus? Why were we given the second guy’s name but not the first? Will there ever be a punishment for the first incident? How many incidents like this have to happen before the student body and the administration are all at peace with one another? All of this led me to question what other kinds of crimes happen on campus that students aren’t aware about. While researching on-campus crime during spring break (some petty theft, a fire near Lot 20, weed disturbances, burglary), I’ve found that the CSULB website’s Timely Warning Bulletin section under the University Police’s heading doesn’t provide much information, the majority of bulletins that are issued are dated weeks after the initial case number was filed. For example, there was a Public Safety Alert issued on March 30 for a potential stalker who was reported on March 16. When you read the bulletin, it tells you more details about the student who was in the process of seeking a restraining order from an ex-boyfriend after an off-campus domestic violence dispute. This girl was afraid for her safety on campus and the UPD waited until 14 days to post the guy’s name and mugshot online. Has anyone in the department stopped to think what could have happened to that girl in the span of 14 days? Hypothetically, if an attack had occurred, the suspect could have been aprehended because just one student saw his mugshot in an email and recognized him on campus. Another question I have about these bulletins: What’s with the time-span between incidents? Are we really supposed to believe that there were no instances of crime between October 29 and Februrary 9? Just because we’re students doesn’t mean all of us are that jaded to believe that CSULB is a magical campus where little-to-no crime happens on a daily basis. A lot of the tabs like the Fire Log and Crime Statistics haven’t been updated since 2011. I think this is incredibly unacceptable
considering I’m sure there have been plenty of instances of crime that have occurred on this campus in the last 5 years. I also want to point out that students were sent an email about the kid with the knives in class on the last day of school before spring break, but not about the $26,000 arrest warrant for a guy wanted for Identity Theft and Health and Safety Code violations on March. Or the safety warning about the guy stalking his ex-girlfriend. Both of those reports were made on March 16, but not published until March 26 and March 30, respectively. Where were our emails about those guys? To sum it up, my spring break was filled with questions about campus safety and how much I don’t sleep on a regular basis. Maybe if I slept more, I would put more effort into researching for my end of the semester papers than finding the UPD’s crime blotter for every on-campus report they make. Have a good week, CSULB Ktez
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.
John Mueller, Graphics Illustrator illustration@lbunion.com EDITORIAL Amanda Del Cid, News Content Editor news@lbunion.com Peter R. Clark, News Design Editor travel@lbunion.com Elizabeth Nguyen, Opinions Editor opinions@lbunion.com Bailey Mount, Community Editor community@lbunion.com Alejandro Ramos, Athletics Editor athletics@lbunion.com Kaila-Marie Hardaway, Food Editor food@lbunion.com Amanda Dominguez-Chio, Culture Editor amanda@lbunion.com Madison Gallegos, Culture Editor madison@lbunion.com Elliott Gatica, Music Editor music@lbunion.com Andrew Linde, Entertainment Editor entertainment@lbunion.com Peter R. Clark, Travel Editor travel@lbunion.com STAFF WRITERS Lauren Hunter, lauren@lbunion.com Sylvana Uribe, sylvana@lbunion.com Emily Ayers, emily@lbunion.com Jordan Daniels, jordan@lbunion.com Elizabeth Campos, liz@lbunion.com Matthew Gozzip, matt@lbunion.com Abraham Alapisco, abraham@lbunion.com
COPY & ASSISTANT EDITORS Carissa Pope, Karen Ruiz, Sheila Sadr, Abril Burstein CONTRIBUTORS Yesenia Arroyo, Alfredo Castaneda, Cesar Jimenez, Kyle Ho, Karrie Comfort. Anna Elaine Abella, Marilyn Ramirez COVER DESIGN BY: Sam Orihuela FEATURE DESIGN BY: Sam Orihuela CONTACT US Snail Mail: 1212 Bellflower Blvd. Suite 116 Long Beach, CA 90815 Phone: 562.985.4867 E-mail: lbunion.info@gmail.com Classifieds: classifieds.lbunion@gmail.com
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Community
Discovering the magic of the local county fair It was not an April Fool’s joke. There really was a Long Beach County Fair on April 1. Long Beach Fresh and Bixby Knoll’s First Fridayshosted the 3rd annual Long Beach County Fair from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Atlantic Avenue. Most of the store fronts along both sidewalks were open for attendees and there were many booths set up with vendors offering art, food, and much more. A few locations showcased more art and dancing. There was a guy on stilts passing by, adding a little theatrics
to the event. Compared to the Orange County Fair—which is what I am more familiar with—the venue was a lot smaller and a lot more crowded. But honestly, I enjoyed my time at the Long Beach fair a lot more. The smaller venue created a sense of community and the crowds showed off the large amount of Long Beach locals. Admission was free, considering the event happened outdoors on the sidewalk. You could simply walk along Atlantic and you were already
A man plays piano from a truck bed (Elizabeth Nguyen, Union Weekly)
there. Well, that’s also considering if you were able to get close parking. I got lucky finding a spot in the local neighborhood, but the fair and the number of people walking to it still managed to create a lot of traffic around the street All along the sidewalk were music performers. There was a man playing jazz piano from the back of a truck. A DJ played electronic music in front of a bar. A lady sang the blues with her guitar in front of a Cold Stone Creamery. Bands hired for the event also played at different points in the night. With so many different genres of music playing all around me, it really set up the ambience and put everyone in a good mood. Inside and outside, there were street vendors selling their art or food. The sellers were very welcoming and patient despite the amount of foot traffic and people just passing by. Unlike most county fairs, they actually allowed you to pay with a card, which proved to be very helpful during my experience. I did end up purchasing some artwork from The Art of Sketch, a shop run by Oscar “Sketch”
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By Elizabeth Nguyen Opinions Editor
Alleys create impromptu art galleries (Elizabeth Nguyen, Union Weekly)
Navarro, an artist from the San Fernando Valley. I also bought some ice cream from the Long Beach Creamery. There was pie being sold and antiques as well. I couldn’t take my time with every booth because of the number of people walking back and forth, but there certainly was a variety of merchandise at hand. Glass art, photographs, crafts for kids, and fresh locally grown produce were only a few of the things that the fair had to offer for spectators. For a county fair that has only occurred three times, I have to say that it was well worth the visit.
Perhaps it was because this venue felt more communal compared to the other county fairs that I’ve been to. It made Long Beach feel like more of community than just another city. Anyone can attend, so I’d bring a friend or your family. You could even walk your dog, because I saw a variety of dog owners with theirs every now and then. Whoever you decide to bring for next year’s fair, you are sure to have a good time.
Walking in Different Shoes “A Day in the Life” raises undocumented student awareness
By Karrie Comfort Contributor
AB 540 & Undocumented Students Secretary Sandra Lopez wants students to step into the shoes of an undocumented person for a day. On April 5, in conjunction with Future Underrepresented Educated Leaders— FUEL—and the Dream Center, students will be taken through “A Day in the Life” of an undocumented student, experiencing their struggles and their insecurities in an effort to raise awareness about them. Lopez, a senior majoring in organizational psychology, is herself an undocumented student. Her mother brought her here from Mexico in the hopes of giving her a better life, and it is a struggle she has not forgotten.
“It doesn’t matter how big or small the event is, just that we put out the information out there and can try to understand each other.” She hopes that students will come to reach an understanding about their undocumented peers, and states that change cannot happen without all of them on board with it. “ASI government is run by students, and if we want to make a change, we need to fight for it. ASI is for students, by students. We are here to help students change things and events they do not like,” Lopez said. Stepping into the shoes of a undocumented student could help them realize the need for that change.
“I want her to be proud of me and make sure she knows that all her pain was not in vain,” she said. She originally applied to be the AB 540 secretary because she wanted to make a difference, “not only in the AB 540 & undocumented [student] population, but . . . by teaching others about us.” And that’s exactly what she hopes to do through “A Day in the Life”, which—in addition to its guest speaker—will host a panel of undocumented students who will tell their personal stories and answer any questions. “We want people to listen to what we go through,” Lopez said, echoing a sentiment
that many minority groups on campus might find familiar. “We will also talk about legislation like AB 540, AB 130 and AB 131, because we need a political voice.” These legislative acts help undocumented students receive a higher education that most other students on campus take for granted. Talking about these measures is hoped to raise awareness on what a struggle it is to be undocumented. “A Day in the Life” will be held in the University Student Union ballrooms and is looking to host quite a turnout, but Lopez says that’s not all it’s about. “It’s about informing people,” Lopez said.
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Opinions
Illustration by John Mueller Graphics Illustrator Talk of the faculty strike has been going on since the beginning of the Spring 2016 semester. There is a dispute over faculty salaries in which the CFA have asked for a five percent increase. The Union Weekly has asked for the students’ input, whether or not they are supportive of the strike or if this occurance will hinder their studies. -Elizabeth Nguyen, Opinons Editor
I think students should care about the strike! Professors do so much for us and they take so much time of their lives to fill us with knowledge. At the end of the day, it is a job that they’re doing and deserve to get fair pay for what they do. Students and professors can work as a team, a lot of us students stand with them in support! Elizabeth Campos, third year Journalism
Students should care about the faculty strike. If a professor will be striking, it’ll give their students a few extra days off. Especially since it’s right after spring break, we could use a few more days to recover. But seriously, everyone deserves a living wage and professors do more important work than administrators. Andrew Linde, super senior Journalism
Students should absolutely be concerned with the possibility of a CSU-wide strike, especially those closing in on graduation. Although the strike is important for staff and faculty, it cheats students out of the education they intended to get by going to a higher learning institution. Some may see it as an opportunity to have a second ‘Spring Break,’ but in the end students lose out on a chance to learn. Cesar Jimenez, fourth year Nursing
As much as I’d love to skip class like the next person, I find this strike to be pointless. First of all, I get that professors want their salaries raised, but this is also affecting our time in class. Sure, schedules can be adjusted and extra homework or readingn can be assigned to make up for those lost days, but will the demands even be met for that 5% income increase?
As a graduating senior, the strike makes me a little uneasy. It’s pushing up a little too close to the end of the semester. But I think it’s important for students to pay attention to what’s going on especially since it affects classes. Lauren Hunter, super senior English Literature
So I think it’s fair that the faculty is striking because of the pay issue. I understand the reason and I think it’s good that they are trying to get some sort of justice for a pay raise. But I also think that it should be resolved soon since we, the students, are directly affected by it. Kyle Ho, third year Computer Science
Elliott Gatica, third year Economics
Will the faculty strike affect you? The strike is something that students should be taking seriously, not exclusively considering it a hindrance to our weekly schedule. Several of us are only concerned by how it affects us. It’s as if we’re not stopping to think of our professors as people. People who work hard and work a lot for a paltry salary that hasn’t gone up in over a decade. We demand minimum wage raises for ourselves, but we become annoyed when professors held in high regard ask for what is basically the same. We see them as ways to advance our education. We need to stop. We need to strike with them. Bailey Mount, second year Journalism
I don’t like the strike because it puts my teachers in a difficult position. They are forced to choose their union, peers, and personal wellbeing or their responsibility to their students. It really sucks that a decision could not be made that was good for all the faculty of the CSU system. John Mueller, fourth year Drawing and painting
The faculty as well as students have mostly been left in the dark on this matter. It’s a scary thought to think that our classrooms will be empty and our lawns will be full of angry protesting.
Some of my favorite teachers have been those who juggle multiple jobs to support themselves and their families, but keep doing so because they are genuinely passionate about the material they teach. It’s a passion that’s obvious to see when sitting in their classrooms. I support the strike because it’s the least I can do for educators who have made my time at this university worthwhile.
Richard Mejia, fourth year Journalism
Sylvana Uribe, third year Journalism
Yes, a CSU-wide strike involving professors should be of concern to everyone involved in the system. Our universities educators should be properly compensated for their work considering they’re preparing our next wave of youth for the real world.
I am concerned with the strike if it cuts into class time. Students pay for their education and the fact that an agreement can’t be made in order to not affect the education is kind of concerning.
Alfredo Castaneda, graduate student Criminal Justice
Yesenia Arroyo, graduate student Health Care Administration
Opinions
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A Strike for Not Striking Earlier Not only should CSU care, but also the students By Anonymous The college classroom is not what it once was: Classes are overcrowded. Certain departments offer less courses, preventing many students to graduate in four years. Unfortunately, CSU pay remains low, forcing faculty to make a decision that affects not just students but also the image of all CSUs. With each passing day, we draw closer and closer to the probability of faculty from all 23 CSU campuses striking. The strike is set for April 13-15 and 18-19. Faculty is asking for 5% but Cal State Chancellor White is offering 2%. Professors, for example, work hard. All of the professors I have had during my undergraduate and graduate career go
above and beyond lecturing students. We have to think of a professor’s dedication and commitment to his students: the hours that professors invest in grading papers and exams, holding office hours, and answering students’ emails, to list a few examples. By refusing faculty the pay raise they deserve demonstrates how little CSU respects and values them. How is it possible that CSU cannot find the money to pay faculty if tuition continues to increase? This is just outrageous. I can’t help but think, “Follow the money.” To make matters worse, Nanette Asimov from San Francisco Chronicle states that if no agreement is reached between CSU
“If CSU cares... they should start by showing how much they value faculty.” and faculty, “the union will schedule more strikes.” This course of action will affect students from graduating on time and receiving the education they have worked so hard to achieve. If CSU cares at all for the wellbeing of students, they should start by showing how much they value faculty. I think it is important that students support faculty with the strike. The necessity to cancel classes and not turn in coursework
is an example of supporting faculty. This course of action demonstrates that faculty will not work for free and are serious when they demand that 5% increase in salary. I cannot comprehend the fact that faculty has not received a raise in several years. The cost of living is increasing and faculty should be willing to make ends meet. And if they are asking for an increase, this says that their current salary is unsustainable.
Putting a God in a Human’s Shoes An opinion on how Superman is just as relatable By Abraham Alapisco Staff Writer In lieu of the release of Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, the endless debate of which character is better spurs on. Before I get started, I want to make it clear that I like Batman. He’s a ninja, caped crusader, hi tech detective, and playboy, rich, philanthropist dressed in a cowl and holding a steady scowl when he patrols Gotham. He’s stoic, not to be fucked with, and has a dry humor that complements his mostly serious demeanor. The pinnacle of what many would consider an alpha persona, Batman seems to be the popular one among the two heroes these days for various reasons. He’s relatabile as a human without powers, wears black or sometimes dark gray, leads a prestigious lifestyle, and has intriguing villains. You get the idea. Darker characters like the Batmans and Green Arrows of the world fueled the angst and frustrations I felt when I was younger. However, as I got older and looked back at characters I had left behind during that phase, I noticed Superman, still as good and as hopeful as ever. Supes, who is viewed as too perfect, a boy scout government lapdog, and a guy with a regular job and boss can seem inaccessible or uncool. I get why people shy away or outright reject the man of tomorrow. If you only see Superman for his powers, then you’re overlooking aspects of the character that truly resonates with fans, a lot of which have nothing do with eye lasers or super strength. Superman is an example of mankind’s potential, a shining beacon of humanity’s strengths. Maybe you’re thinking, Abe, he’s Krypton, not technically of Earth. Yes,
you can’t ignore his origin of birth, but if you think of Superman as the ultimate immigrant, it’s really not far-fetched that he considers himself a son of Earth just as much as Krypton. His creators were sons of immigrants; thus, Superman is a representation of that experience, one which is found in much of America’s history and identity as a country that was largely shaped by such individuals. Like most of us, Superman struggled with the feeling that he didn’t belong or fit in. His goal to integrate and blend with the rest of society is difficult since he is a god who attempts to walk among men. This is much like how Bruce Wayne is a man who attempts to walk among gods when he puts on the batsuit. Something perplexing about Supes is that he is the most powerful being on Earth who could rule with an iron fist. If he so chooses, he could make humans bend to his will and force them to change their ways, fixing all of their problems through force. Instead, Superman is all about free will. His adoptive earthling parents, Martha and Jonathan, instilled in him certain values that helped shape his upstanding character which is on par with his powers. He’d rather be something to aspire to through example and hope that people do the right thing on their own accord. It’s what makes him endearing—emotion, empathy, a gentle god with too much heart. Being the farm boy from Smallville, Kansas, Clark Kent the mild-mannered, the clumsy journalist of the Daily Planet, and KalEl the last son of Krypton, those are a lot of different personas for someone to deal with,
Illustration by John Mueller Graphics Illustrator but it’s not too different from the varied roles we play in our own lives. When we are in our element and thriving, we can go from feeling as powerful and grand as Superman soaring through the sky to a fumbling, awkward Clark Kent, who’s invincible knees can’t seem to help but shake around the presence of our
own personal Lois Lane. We are all the hero within our own stories accompanied with struggles and moral dilemmas that may cause us to retreat to our own fortress of solitude when we need to escape from time to time. That’s why for me, Superman is as relatable and human as can be.
6 News
Conoley Aims to Continue Safety CSULB president looks to move forward following public outcry By Alejandro Ramos Athletics Editor No one was physically hurt by the knife that was flashed in a classroom on February 25; instead, it was the relationship between students and administration that took a serious hit. Students are demanding answers and action against individuals with regards to “the incident”, as many have come to call it. And so, it was a small knife which sent the school into a frenzy. President Conoley is doing what she can to undo the damage it did. The cards are stacked against her, though. She is unable to disclose any information on the matter until Long Beach Police concludes its investigation. In addition, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, prevents her from disclosing even the name of the alleged perpetrator. All throughout, rumors that the alleged perpetrator was related to a member of University Police fanned the flames of dissent. When it was disclosed that he was actually a member of University Police himself, students cried “cover up!” “This situation was kind of the perfect
storm to say there’s a cover up,” Conoley said. The major complaint from students has been the lack of information and action taken against the alleged perpetrator. The inability to share any information has put President Conoley at odds with the students’ demands for action. Even when such information does become available, she will be limited to releasing the alleged perpetrator’s name, his violation, and any action taken against him “There will be a level of dissatisfaction that we can’t outline particulars,” Conoley said. President Conoley’s previous experience with campus crime involved threats from
people that had no relation to her school; the fact that the alleged perpetrator is a student adds a new layer of complexity, due to FERPA and the student “I have no experience with this at all,” Conoley admitted. S t i l l , President Conoley is doing what she can to mend the situation on campus. She has met with several groups, including Black Student Union, to discuss the incident and has spent several hours a day walking around and talking to students. “That’s the way you build a community. You can’t do everything people want, but at least make them feel heard,” Conoley said. Moving forward, Conoley hopes to
“When it was disclosed that he was actually a member of University Police himself, students cried “cover up!”
improve the administration’s relationship with the students. Her plan is to create a student-run committee whose focus would be to help students process and overcome incidents like these. This group would also act like a bridge between students and administration, giving the latter feedback on how to approach these types of situations. The idea for establishing this group came from one of the demands listed on a petition that gained over 1,000 signatures on Change.org. There is also work being done to increase transparency and communication with students for incidents like these, which don’t present immediate danger to all but may still cause some sort of unrest. Conoley described it as being a step below a timely warning, in which a mass email is sent to students informing them of a situation or event relating to the school. “I think everybody has a stake in improving communication,” Conoley said.
Forum Has Large Turnout and Many Voices A student run forum draws a crowd By Abraham Alapisco Staff Writer A student-organized forum gathered in the University Student Union ballroom to give students a platform to express concerns and grievances in wake of an incident that occurred on Feb. 25, when a white male student brandished a knife in front of Black female student and professor in a sociology class focusing on race, class, and gender. On Wednesday, March 23, a coalition of student-led groups such as Black Student Union and La Raza took part in the event.
Over 200 attended the forum as students, faculty and the public took tzurns voicing their thoughts, which was not limited to campus safety. As each group expressed concerns over the issues regarding weapons on campus, sexual assault, and the allocation of university funds, signs rose amongst the crowd demanding resignations of Vice President of Student Affairs, Jeffrey Klaus. Klaus, who had met with the Sociology Student Association
earlier in March, allegedly compared the severity of the Feb. 25 incident to a campus bookstore theft that had occurred around the same time, according to SSA member Fatima Chavez. CSULB President Jane Conoley told students that considerations to “make a change to knife policy” will likely result with a weapons ban on campus. When addressing the dilemma of student cultural and ethnic
groups being headquartered in buildings that were meant to be temporary spaces, Conoley said funding from the budget would need to be located in order to renovate them. Long Beach police are still conducting an investigation on the knife incident, with an interview still remaining and five others they are trying to speak with, according to Conoley.
Crowds of students and neighbors rallied together on Wednesday, March 23, to voice their worries over safety concerns on campus following last month’s unreported situation. Student groups called for the resignation of Vice President of Student Affairs, Jeffrey Klaus. (Katie Cortez/Union Weekly)
News
CSULB ASI Senate C.A.R.E.S. Approves Two safety Key Resoloutions Student triggers rapid Campus equality as well as Greek life receive reinforced assistance By Richard Mejia Managing Editor The Senate of the Associated Students Inc. have created resolutions over the past couple of weeks that look to benefit the entire student body. In approaching topics as a united entity, the Senate then proceeds to discuss and dissect the issue(s) to inevitably come to a solution that benefits the students on campus. On Feb. 17, then Senator-at-Large Marvin Flores sponsored a resolution to compel the university to assist the office of Student Life and Development in their search of a Greek life advisor. According to the proposed resolution— “a Greek advisor serves as the liaison between the Greek community, the administration of the school […] helps organize many of the big events in the Greek community including recruitment during the Fall and Spring semesters.” During this absence of the Greek advisor, the SLD’s ability to assist the Greek community had been severely limited as they were unable to supply a full-time staffed
position dedicated to the advancement of the Greek community. Senate argued that added stresses of these responsibilities would not allow student to perform to their potential both in the classroom as well as addressing their typical Greek duties. In a resolution proposed Feb.12, the board of directors approved the notion on Mar.9 to support the 49er Foundation in adopting a socially responsible investing policy. The 49er Foundation is a philanthropic entity that has funded many programs on campus as well as relevant research. The clarification of socially responsible investing is as follows: “an investment discipline that considers environmental, social and corporate governance criteria to generate long-term competitive returns and positive societal impact.” One of the primary functions of this resolution is to avoid the suppression of historically discriminated. Varying from race, sexual orientation and place of origin, the resolution clearly stated their stance from any corporation who discriminates.
campus changes By Matthew Gozzip Staff Writer Tension has been building on the CSULB campus and there has been minimal alleviation of protest. Several incidents of threatening knife possession have brought into question the effectiveness of the school administration’s assessment of campus safety for students and faculty. In the wake of the unrest, a special taskforce has assembled in near secrecy to discuss potentially dangerous student behavior. The members are public representatives from the Counseling and Psychological Services, Judicial Affairs, Housing and Residential Life, University Police, Disabled Student Services, Students Office and Student Services and yet there is no official public record of the panel assembly. A group of some of the most prominent administration on campus, The Campus Assessment, Response and Evaluation for Students Team (CARES) was made specifically to investigate and evaluate student behavior based on community referrals that can be filed by anybody with due reason. The mission statement of C.A.R.E.S. is “to provide a centralized structure for the campus community for early intervention of at-risk students” and this intended to be fulfilled through a process of reviewing student behavior and their background to determine a unique plan of action. The service can be utilized by calling a reference hotline or submitting a secure report online in order to prevent further escalation of harmful behavior. Due to campus student privacy policies, not much else is known about C.A.R.E.S. team meetings, including the details of their assembly. The cases that are often reported aren’t all technically criminal acts so that is why the public does not hear most of them. The distinction between criminal act and minor offense in deciding whether or not to inform the campus of potential harm is the subjective grey area causing concern. A dispute between safety and privacy can be discussed in due time but for now, C.A.R.E.S. and its cryptic actions are a mystery.
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ASI Elections Results President Run-off election between Marvin Flores and Robert Espioza Vice President Run-off election between Logan Vournas and Novy Savannah Bowman Treasurer Run-off election between Gio Smith and Mariam Balogun Senators College of the Arts Kelsey Kimmes and Sofia Musman Senators College of Business Administartion Monica Waldau and Ka Cin Wong Senators College of Engineering Oscar Beltran and Ashutosh Pandey Senators College of Health and Human Services Tali Shaddaei and Joseph Nino Senators College of Liberal Arts Alexandra Grissell-Gomez and Elvia Cabrera Senators-at-Large Yasmin Elasmar, Miguel Garcia, Hilda Hurado, Samuel Kim, Vanessa Coover Academic Senator Jordan Jubile ASI Media Board of Trustees Nic Olenslager Isabel Patterson Child Development Center Board of Trustees Cassandra Goode USU Board of Trustees Leslie Garcia and Anna Pavlova Run-Off Election: 4/4 - 4/6
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Athletics
Bring Back Long Beach Football A three-part series exploring how football may make a comeback. By Matthew Gozzip Staff Writer This year marks the 25th straight year that the Long Beach State football team has had an undefeated record. That’s only because the football team has not been in existence for the past quarter century. In recent years, however, the direction of college football has shifted. Several small schools across the nation have established respectable programs that have risen to national prominence from the bottom. Juggernauts are paying colleges exorbitant amounts of money to get pummeled down by them. The game is expanding and allowing new colleges to step forth and compete. This begs the question: is it time for The Beach to have a football program once more? Many of the original reasons why Long Beach State football folded in the 90’s centered around financial constraints. A statewide budget crisis minimized subsidies for most athletic programs and football unfortunately was too expensive to fund. Waning fan interest did not help the cause either. Fast-forward to the present and the landscape of college football has completely changed. College football is the second most popular sport in the nation behind professional football. The immense popularity has led to a significant spike of potential funding possibilities, even for schools with less than prestigious backgrounds. Boise State, a school with 10,000 less students than LBSU in the agrarian state of Idaho, has become a national juggernaut in less than 10 years since it’s move to major college football. In terms of financial success, the Broncos from Boise State have been doing exceptionally well too. In a Forbes report from 2013, it was noted that BSU was able to procure $7 million in profit from the football team after the 2012 season. Several years later, Point After statistical website reported that the program generated $11 million from the 2015 season. At the moment, Long Beach State has been strapped for athletic funding. Believe it or not though, many other schools with football teams have less student resources. The aforementioned universities of Georgia State and UT San Antonio have less students and similar tuition fees than LBSU based on research compiled on the College Data database. UTSA and GSU have around 28,000 students and 32,000 students respectively while LBSU has around 36,000
students. UTSA’s in state and out of state attendance costs are lower that LBSU’s and Georgia State has only slightly higher costs. Increasing tuition is not as a high a priority to stabilize a football team as other possible means of funding are concerned. Since it is part of the Cal State system, LBSU does not receive extensive subsidies for athletics that other schools around the country do. A new football program would be unproven and many students would be reluctant to raise tuition to financially support the team. Still, there is an alternative way to fund a football team: national exposure. Playing against top tier competition not only draws attention for potential fans and players but also rakes in good amount of revenue. Well known programs literally pay lesser skilled teams to play them in the hopes of ensuring a victory on a softer schedule. Sporting New reported that the payouts for these expected losses reach high into six figures. Sub division I doormat, Maine University, was paid to play Boston College, a strong division I team. The Maine Black Bears lost by 30 points but were paid $600,000. Earlier in the year, nearly $13 million dollars in payouts were made in one weekend by powerful college programs that scheduled intended wins. One team alone, Appalachian State University, was paid $1 million dollars in a loss to powerhouse Michigan. That also doesn’t put into account coverage revenue from mainstream media outlets that broadcast games. The system may not seem sustainable but can be an effective temporary crunch until enough booster interest is garnered. The Long Beach State basketball program implements this system of “buy” games already and utilized these payouts to create a competitive program that has had continual success. It may not be a final solution but it is a start.
(Above, top) Players and onlookers jump with joy as the football team nabs a last-minute win for the PCAA Championship in 1981. (CSULB)
(Above, bottom) The very first 49er football team played its first season in 1956-1957. (CSULB)
(Right) A 49er football player attempts to pick an enemy pass during a game in 1961. (CSULB)
“A new football program would be unproven and many students would be reluctant to raise tuition to financially support the team.”
FEATURE
9
By Abraham Alapisco Hailing from China, Jason Cong is a graduate student studying Educational Psychology. Cong felt CSULB provided more opportunities for someone with an applied psychology background. The programs offered here will help him attain the type of career he wants to attain. “My friends told me California is a good place to continue my education,” said Cong.”In China, people would pay for medicine, rather than therapy sessions, which is something I found out when I interned in a Chinese hospital.” When reflecting on his undergraduate career in China, Cong recalls that he had to be a certified counselor by the time he graduated, which means education there is a streamlined process where students graduate not only with a degree, but also a proof of vocational skill acquired during their college career. Secondary education in America usually does not combine the two. The option is either a more traditional four-year university or vocational schools, which focus more on teaching skills for a specific position. Cong’s transition from China to the U.S. wasn’t exactly smooth. Trying to adjust to a new place is already hard enough. Combine that with graduate studies and the situation begins to build upon itself. “It was hard, the cultural and language barrier, especially the first year,” said Cong. As he comments on the experience, memories of not having a car his first semester and dealing with the public transportation system cause past moments of frustration to resurface. Cong had an internship at a school in Fullerton, which meant taking a two-hour bus ride. According to Cong, China’s public transportation was easier due to having more buses on routes. “Here (U.S.) there are not as many buses. The worst experience is when the bus arrives earlier than the scheduled time and I watch it driving away knowing I will be waiting 30 minutes for
the next one.” Either way, Cong knows he has more chances here to find a job in his field. It is part of the reason why he doesn’t expect to go back home once he completes his studies—which will be years from now since he plans on pursuing a doctorate degree. In order to build towards those goals, Cong is a graduate assistant at the Center for Educational Evaluation and Effectiveness located in the College of Education, where he conducts research with fellow graduate assistants. He may miss the food, traditions, friends and family back home, but he feels he is making the necessary sacrifices for a brighter future. For many international students that pursue an education in the United States, a college degree from a globally prestigious university results in more opportunities back home. It is a fluid system; temporary periods of stay abroad and then returning with an advanced knowledge in a singular field of expertise. When Mio Hayashi came to the United States from Japan, she wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted to do. “In Japan, they wouldn’t let me change my major and allow me to explore”, Hayashi said. “Coming to America was best for me because I just wanted to learn”. Even though she didn’t know what she wanted to study, Hayashi insisted that it has been all a part of the planning from ever since her days growing up Japan. Hayashi is from the capital of Fukuoka in Kyushu Island, one of the most diverse cities in all of Asia. Temples of ancient empires are scattered about sprouting skyscrapers and picturesque beaches where people of many different social backgrounds constantly interact with each other. The blend of coastal, metropolitan and rural environments is one of the many reasons why Hayashi was drawn to the United States, a country that boasts
many of the same multicultural qualities. “One of the main reasons why I came to the US is because the of the intercultural experience. I had a lot of that back [in Fukuoka] but the US is very much different than Japan”, Mio explains. Hayashi’s familiarity with a dynamic lifestyle is one of the main reasons why she is not intimidated with moving halfway across the world. For a move that might frighten some, Hayashi embraces the change wholeheartedly. That courageous attitude was never more evident than when she decided to attend College of the Desert as her first stop for education in the United States. The College of the Desert is exactly what it sounds like: a university in the middle of one of the most arid regions of California. A sandbox of heat and dry air was an oasis as far as Mio describes it. Since the environment was unfamiliar, Hayashi said she embraced every part of her new surroundings. Nowaday, Hayashi reminisces on her memories there and fawns over her experiences conquering rock formations in Arizona. When she realized her student visa had not yet expired, Hayashi moved forward and The Beach found her. Long Beach State was one of the more practical reasons for Hayashi since it resembled the coastal parts of her home but once she visited the campus extensively she realized it looked more than just like home, it felt like home too. “The students here are very dedicated to want to know more and I feel comfortable in this kind of environment”, Hayashi stated proudly about her time at CSULB. Now a senior sociology student, the adventurer from Japan, who found her calling by interacting with others and having new experiences, intends to stay in the United States for as long as she can. Well, at least until she wants to see what the other cultures of the world have to offer.
10
FEATURE
By Emily Ayers Students encounter hundreds of unfamiliar faces every day on CSULB’s campus. Walking from the library on upper campus to the recreational center, there is diversity all around. Among the sea of faces are a large number of international students who have come to further their education. Attracting students from all walks of life and all parts of the globe, CSULB’s is able to foster an education system that uses the power of diverse people and minds to enhance students’ experiences. For student senior and pre-medicine major Chinaza Nweke, deciding to leave her home country of Nigeria to study abroad in America was the first step in achieving her goal of becoming a doctor. In 2012, Nweke arrived in Wisconsin where she completed her freshman year of college. It was in 2013 that she decided to make the move to California in Long Beach. “Coming to CSULB wasn’t too bad,” said Nweke. In California there are a lot more diverse people, but
in Wisconsin a lot of people looked down on me and didn’t believe I had a lot to offer.” Although leaving Nigeria was difficult, Nweke shared how many students choose to study away from their families in order to create a sense of responsibility and independence. Nweke said Nigerian students will commonly study abroad in countries such as Ukraine, Malaysia, America, or the United Kingdom. “I have a lot of extended family members here,” said Nweke. “I lived with my uncle’s family for two years before my brothers moved to California, and now I stay with my own family.” The process for Nweke to leave Nigeria to study in America began with multiple exams and securing a sponsor to help to pay for tuition, fees, living expenses, and any other costs there might be as an international student. “I then had to apply for a visa and attend a visa interview,” said Nweke. “The visa interview only lasted for about five minutes. All together the process
wasn’t difficult. I applied, and less than two weeks later I got accepted.” Undoubtedly an adjustment, Nweke has been able to cultivate a life and memories for herself at CSULB. Nweke said she enjoys that everyone has equal opportunities in her classes and that she hasn’t experienced or seen any favoritism. “I really do miss my country because everything I have ever known and everyone I grew up with is in Nigeria,” said Nweke. “I miss my family and friends the most, and also my culture. I believe that eventually I will go back but I can’t say when.” As an international student, Nweke has had to learn to find a balance between her Nigerian culture, and the American culture. It is no easy feat, but she continues to do so and every day finds herself closer to a degree and a career as the successful doctor that she has always wanted to be.
FEATURE
11
“The amount of networking that I’ve managed to do in literally seven months is incredible, compared to not feeling you’re going much places in England.”
By Jordan Daniels Studying abroad sounds as terrifying as it is exciting. One is immersing themselves into a new culture that’s different from their own. People are out of their comfort zones and sometimes make feel a disconnect with those around them. Coming to America is no exception, but it also serves as a hub for a blend of cultures, religions, paths of life and people. It’s an experience that many people from around the world long to have. According to Hanna-Rose Fitzsimmons, a junior film major from the UK, it’s an experience that teeters more on the exciting side. “I decided to come here without a preconceived conception of what America would be like,” said Fitzsimmons. “It’s taken me awhile to decide whether or not I do like it, but I’ve come to the conclusion that I do.” A transfer from the University of Kent in England, Fitzsimmons says that she’s come to enjoy many aspects of American culture and especially the culture of Southern California. “There’s so much more opportunity,” Fitzsimmons said. “The amount of networking that I’ve managed to do in literally seven months is incredible, compared to not feeling you’re going much places in England.” Fitzsimmons interned for the Institute of Contemporary Art in England before she moved and now interns for a production company in Los Angeles where she gets more hands-on experience with film production. According to Fitzsimmons, the academic experience in America greatly differs from that of the UK. “In England, you earn your degree in three years,” Fitzsimmons said. “As a film student your year is comprised of eight essays that determine whether or not you
pass or fail and your first year of school doesn’t necessarily count towards your degree.” She explained that in England, the first year is a foundation unit that sets students up for their majors. In the film major, years two and three determine the status of her degree; ultimately 16 essays help her decide whether or not she graduates. She also adds that studying abroad doesn’t put credit towards her degree but instead will put a title on the degree itself. However, despite the fun she’s had since moving out to America, Fitzsimmons has also had her share of experiences that make her uncomfortable. “Everybody mimics my accent,” said Fitzsimmons. “It doesn’t matter who they are, everybody will mimic it.” Mimicking her accent is just one part of the exoticism that people place on her as an international student. She says that socially she’s also perceived as someone who is more focused on fun than her work, despite being here for her career path. Fitzsimmons clarifies that she is here for opportunity and is more than happy to be in city and culture that is as bright and beautiful as she hoped it would be. “Professionally, people I have met acknowledge that I’m here for a good reason and see what I can offer and that is so motivating.”
12
Food
A Taste of East Village The kickstarter to Long Beach’s well-known event series Long Beach restaurants offered the public a two night tour of the city’s thriving culinary scene by kicking off The Taste of Downtown 2016 series in East Village on March 23 and 24. Organized by the Downtown Long Beach Associates, the event featured sample sizes of popular picks from participating restaurants in the city. First Street was closed between Elm and Linden Avenue and only made room for tents serving food to hungry guests. While free to attend, those wishing to taste their way through the evening had to purchase tasting tickets priced at $1 each.
Lobster roll from Pier 76 (Sylvana Uribe/Union Weekly).
(Sylvana Uribe/Union Weekly).
Nineteen eateries served signature drinks and dishes to attendees. Among those returning to the culinary festivities were restaurants like The Sky Room, Auld Dubliner, Bo-Beau Kitchen, and Beachwood BBQ and Brewing. Whether in the mood for street tacos, lobster rolls, or Thai cuisine, food and drink options were diverse and abundant. Four legged guests were also catered to with choices like beef liver cupcakes and chicken quinoa rounds from Pussy
By Sylvana Uribe Staff Writer
and Pooch. The lively evening was accompanied by music from The Get Down Boys, a Los Angeles based Bluegrass group that performed their own original content as well as cover songs from bands like The Beatles and The Proclaimers. Other perks included a free bike valet and painting lessons from Brushstrokes and Beverages. Pine Avenue will host the next installment of the culinary adventure on June 22 and 23. Pesto grilled cheese from the Village Grind (Jordan Daniels/Union Weekly).
Chicken street taco from PADRE (Jordan Daniels/Union Weekly).
The Taste of Downtown Waterfront will conclude the tasting series overlooking the ocean on August 24 and 25. Unused tasting tickets from the East Village event may be used at either of the upcoming venues. Updates regarding the Taste of Downtown 2016 as well as details about future events organized by the Downtown Long Beach Associates is available by visiting its website at www. downtownlongbeach.org.
Burgers & Fries & Shakes Burger City Grill is the place to go for a tasty meal By Richard Mejia Managing Editor
(Top) The savory BCG fries taste great but eat them fast—the cheese eventually hardens and the onions stayed trapped in the cheese. (Bottom) The Cali burger stays true to its Californian roots; it stands out with an impeccable duo of bacon and avocado, all on a soft bun (Richard Mejia/Union Weekly).
Burger joints are a dime a dozen and in with today’s diverse range of culinary establishments; grabbing a burger isn’t the first thought when thinking of a nice sit-down restaurant. However, tucked away in Lomita on PCH and Oak Ave. is Burger City Grill— a place with one of the best burgers you’ll have in Southern California. I frequent the South Bay often, and for the past couple of years, I would drive by this brightly lit, garnet red building that claimed, “Best Burger in Town.” You see these at virtually every burger joint and I didn’t pay it much mind. When looking up places to eat on the Yelp app, I noticed Burger City Grill had four out of five starts, so the girlfriend and I saddled up and gave the place a try. The restaurant itself is very modern. The inside décor gives a chill vibe as the pale blue walls and stainless steel tables welcome you into the 21st Century. On one of the walls, there is a digital television screen that shares social media posts of folks who have visited—a very neat touch. Ordering is quite different from any
other burger establishments. Here, you pick almost every facet of your burger with cheese not included in any so an additional 60 cents are charged to your order. Because the fries are also customizable, you cannot order a combo. Drinks are also sold separately and are only available in 12-ounce cups. In addition to burgers and fries, you can order a draught beer and with Angel City Brewery and Firestone Walker on tap, Burger City Grill most pours local brews. On to the food. I ordered the City Slicker Burger which comes with Applewood smoked bacon, red onions, lettuce, tomato, American cheese and Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce. If you’re a BBQ fan, you know how big of a deal having Sweet Ray’s on a burger is. My girlfriend ordered the Cali burger, which includes all the aforementioned items minus the BBQ sauce yet included avocado. We also split an order of BCG fries, which come topped with American cheese, bacon and onions. To cap off the meal, I also had a vanilla milkshake to satisfy my sweet tooth. The meal was incredible. The first bite into the City Slicker Burger saw my teeth break the soft, buttery bun and move right on
The vanilla milkshake wasn’t the best one I’ve had, but it’s still good and complimented the burger and fries very well (Richard Mejia/Union Weekly).
past the freshly-grilled Angus beef patty. Moving onto the bacon and BBQ sauce, the combination of the two overwhelmed my taste buds yet had me craving more. As I looked across the table, I saw the same look of euphoria on my girlfriend’s face. The fries were great as well, but I could do without the abundance of chopped onion. The milkshake was very well spun;it went up the straw easy and tasted like real vanilla. In having to order all items individually, our total came out to roughly $31, but it was certainly worth it. If you’re look for a calm environment with new, fresh burgers— Burger City Grill is the place for you.
We Always Knew Cats Were Art Now there’s an exhibit to prove it By Sylvana Uribe Staff Writer
Culture
13
Finally, a Romance Novel For Me! A review of Jojo Moyes’ “Me Before You”
By Amanda Dominguez-Chio Culture Editor Photos by Sylvana Uribe
with an animal that has surpassed being considered as just a domesticated pet. Michals also founded CatConLA, which debuted in 2015. The convention featured panel discussions with cat experts as well as innovations in art and pop culture tailored to celebrating felines.
From memes to Instagram accounts, cats have garnered a large following for simply existing. The devotion of cat lovers is so strong that they put their love into brush strokes and produced an art show completely devoted to the four-legged feline. Think Tank Gallery hosted Cat Art Show LA: The Sequel during March 24-27. The show featured works from over 70 globally recognized artists which included names like Kat Von D, Mark Ryden, and Norman Reedus among others. Part of the proceeds from the sold artwork would be donated to Kitten Rescue, an L.A.-based animal welfare group.
CatConLA donated more than $33,000 to the ASPCA and FixNation, a non-profit spay and neuter clinic in Los Angeles.The upcoming convention will offer meet and greets with cats like Lil Bub and Nahla. Tickets are available for the CatConLA 2016 which returns on June 25 and 26.
The displayed art ranged from heartwarming and amusing to slightly bizarre. The works available for sale depicted cats smoking, flying, conducting seances, as Star Trek captains, even posing next to a ghost-like Patrick Swayze. Among the sold pieces was Britt Ehringer’s “#fridakatlowbrow,” an oil painting of a large flower crown with cats resting on Frida Kahlo’s head, her eyes and signature unibrow visible below. The Cat Art Show was created by journalist Susan Michals, which first brought together thousands of cat lovers and art enthusiasts in 2014. For its 2016 production, artists were asked to convey what cats meant to them. Whether regarded as allies, enemies, or gurus, artists flocked to their cameras and canvases to voice their relationship
I am not a huge fan of romance novels. Like certain Young Adult novels, the romance novel plots are predictable. And on most occasions, the love story is, for lack of a better word, cheesy. So , what changed? I read “Eleanor and Park” and liked how the story depicted a healthy relationship. And yet, I still remained skeptical on romance novels, avoiding the genre as much as possible. Period dramas like “Pride and Prejudice,” “North and South,” and “Wuthering Heights” revolve around a love story, but the characters faced larger obstacles for the couples to finally end up together. And I mean, “Eleanor and Park” was the exception to the rule, right? Earlier this year, I found out that Emilia Clark from “Game of Thrones” and Sam Claflin are starring in the movie adaptation of “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes. After watching the trailer, I found out that this robot DOES have a heart. My roommate vouched for the book, having read it last summer. I purchased the book on my tablet and I devoured each page, despite all my piling and pending school assignments. The story begins with Louisa Clark losing her job as a waitress in a coffee shop. She lives in a quaint and quiet town with her parents and brilliant sister and spends her time with her steady-yet tool-of-a boyfriend. Fortunately, she a finds a job as a caretaker to a man named Will Traynor, recently paralyzed after a car accident. The two could not be more opposite: while Louisa is cheery and optimistic, including an interesting style in fashion, Will is acerbic and moody. Over time, Will and Louisa find common ground and get along with one another. The plot thickens when Louisa discovers Will has plans of his own and Louisa makes it her mission to show Will that life is worth living. Meanwhile Will pushes Louisa out of her comfort zone by taking her to a classical concert and watching foreign movies. So, who’s saving whom? I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently undergoing a book hangover. “Me Before You” is hard to put down!
14
Music
WEST COASTIN’ REDUX ADTR’s Self Help festival leaves fans and newcomers wanting more Story and Photos by Kaila-Marie Hardaway Food Editor
Yelawolf and Travis Barker take the stage at the Red Stage.
Issues during their set on the Red Stage.
Self Help Festival is a festival that I’ve attended since its debut in 2014. Each year, the festival brings a variety of different bands and artists and the number of attendees continues to grow immensely. On March 19, the Southern California festival returned to the NOS Events Center for a third year in a row. With a total of 15 performers in attendance, I was only interested in seeing a handful. Unfortunately, one of those bands ended up being a huge disappointment — Issues. A band that performed during the very first Self Help, Issues delivered a crazy, high-energy performance. This year, however, their performance lacked energy and most importantly, sound. The outdoor stage had a number of technical issues during most of the day, but most bands were able to push through it and provide great performances. Issues, however, let it affect them. Their energy was at an alltime low throughout the entire set; you could see in their facial expressions how annoyed they were with the inconsistent sound. On top of that, their setlist wasn’t that great. They performed two new songs, “The Realest” and “Blue Walls,” the crowd wasn’t very into it, becoming very clear that most the audience expected to see their favorite tunes live —not the new, unfamiliar material. The biggest surprise of the day was Yelawolf, a hip-hop artist known for infusing elements of country and rock into his music. Although I was familiar with him before this festival, it seemed completely random for him to perform at a festival known for hardcore and punk music. However, with the help of special guest Travis Barker, who is best known as the drummer of Blink 182, Yelawolf delivered an awesome show. Although most people were clearly there to witness Travis Barker perform live, Yelawolf took advantage of the large crowd and showed what he was made of. He performed songs such as “Till It’s Gone” and “Pop the Trunk,”
which most of the crowd seemed to enjoy whether they were familiar with him or not. By the end of his performance, it was clear that Yelawolf made his mark on Self Help by staying true to his Alabama roots and unique style of music. The biggest moment was the revival of Underoath. Underoath is a Christian metal band that formed in the late ‘90’s but, unfortunately announced their breakup in 2013. However, when this year’s Self Help lineup was announced, their reunion was announced, which created an immense amount of hype for this year’s festival. Their set consisted mostly of songs from their earlier albums, “Define the Great Line” and “They’re Only Chasing Safety,” which added more excitement to the thousands of fans witnessing their reunion. Although I wouldn’t consider myself a fan, it was a great experience witnessing the revival of a band that has made a huge impact on so many people. A Day to Remember, the festival’s creator, closed the festival with a killer performance, which included pyrotechnics, beach balls, and a massive amount of toilet paper. They performed songs from nearly every one of their albums, along with the live debut of their new single, “Paranoia.” In the end, the audience craved more, resulting in a three-song encore to conclude Self Help 2016. Although I was let down by a couple of performances, I still managed to have a great time at the festival. With a total attendance of over 17,000 people, it is almost guaranteed that there will be another West Coast Self Help Festival in the future. If you didn’t get to make it to this year’s event, keep a lookout for the next event at selfhelpfest.com or like Self Help Festival on Facebook.
Yelawolf’s performance leaving a great impression on a new crowd.
The lineup of this year’s Self Help Fest.
Music
Rattle that Rock
15
David Gilmour continues his Rattle that Lock tour at the Hollywood Bowl Story and photos by Anna Elaine Abella Contributor
First off, let me say, I will forever be a Roger Waters fan. I don’t care what others say about him and that entire mumbo jumbo breakup among Pink Floyd. Last week, I went to go see David Gilmour’s concert, Rattle that Lock. I went with my dad as an early birthday present for him. I actually had to drag him because he doesn’t like Gilmour that much. Needless to say, it was a kickass father-daughter bonding experience. Note: when I bought these tickets, all I thought about was how Gilmour was going to perform the classic songs. After
I bought the tickets online, I decided to see the setlist and found that he’d be playing his new album with a mixture of some of the classic songs. Personally, I thought it was a good move for him to mix it with the old songs; it would keep the people on their toes. It would also be a fallback in case people felt
album was very jazzy. At least to me, it was mellow and had a lot of guitar solos. He did 14 covers (HOLY CRUD, that’s a lot) and seven from his new album. I felt like he knew that people would come mostly because of the former Pink Floyd songs. He opened with his new song “5 A.M.” which was okay, but the crowd was crazily excited; after a few minutes, he started playing “Wish You Were Here” and the crowd went bat shit crazier (including me) and I think I died a little inside. He then played “Us and Them,” and let me tell you,
concerts I’ve seen live with Roger Waters, he cared for the crowd more and stayed. I remember going home at one or two in the morning because he wouldn’t stop singing. With Gilmour’s recent play, my dad and I went home at 11PM. That’s not even past my bedtime! I do have to give thanks to him that he started right on 8PM, and not like other artists who start late. So, seeing that he did that for his fans, it meant a lot. I see it as a sign of respect. Overall, I heard the passion more in the older songs than in the new ones. Maybe it was
I was bawling. It is literally my favorite song of all time. At that point, I didn’t really care if Roger Waters sang that song or not because it’s just awesome performed live. My dad had to put his arm around me and patted my back. He and I swayed to the music and pretty much sang the whole thing. I thought it was funny how the older couple (my dad and I made friends with them and they’re pretty cool, they love classic rock) that was behind me started clapping and patting my back because I knew the lyrics. Yay me! Another
just me? Maybe it was just my imagination? I don’t know. If I were to rate this concert, it’d have to be a 7.5/10. Live music is kickass and normally I can hear the passion in a singer’s voice, but Gilmour didn’t conquer this one. If Roger Waters and David Gilmour decided to team up again, I’ll definitely buy front row VIP tickets. I wouldn’t care!
like the concert was not so great. On the way to the concert, my dad and I were already discussing what songs we were going to play and it was just cool. We were having an intimate conversation about what the old songs were about and since we came to the concert without knowing any of Gilmour’s songs, we expected it to have more of his kickass guitar solos. Upon arriving to the venue, the whole thing was pretty smooth. We got free VIP parking, had pre-gaming wine, had our own
snacks from home and really good seats. There was a giant screen in front of us, so we got see Gilmour’s face front and center. The only downers were the mega-doucharinos who were seated in front of us. All I heard was complaining, and every now and then, their smoke would just be all up in my face. Despite this annoyance, my dad and I made a lot of friends! I kept an open mind for his new songs. And out of the new album that played, my favorites would have to be “The Girl in the Yellow Dress” and “Rattle that Lock.” Gilmour’s new
highlight in the concert was the encore. They played three well-known classics, “Time,” “Breathe,” and “Comfortably Numb.” What caught my eye about the encore portion was that it felt like Gilmour was rushing. He was rushing to throughout the concert. It was cool how he just played songs back to back, yet it felt like he wanted to leave instead of trying to just stay on stage. I hate to compare, but the last two
16
Entertainment
Sci-Fi that Keeps Viewers in the ‘Dark’
A Hero Who Can Sense Justice
“Dark Matter” teases out a familiar looking show
Friends and foes keep “Daredevil” on his toes for season two By Andrew Linde Entertainment Editor
By Peter R. Clark Travel Editor
“Dark Matter” is a TV show on the Syfy network created by Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie. The first season ended in August of last year, and I caught the series on Netflix earlier this year. “Dark Matter” is a show about six people who wake up from cryosleep on a derelict ship. None of them know who each other are, and none of them have any memories. The first episode is about the six people (who name themselves are in the order in which they awoke) trying to figure out who they are, and the logistics of the the ship they woke up on. Later they find out that the ship is full of weapons. I like the way each
episode is presented. They all seem to start out with a plot that, to me, seemed like it had nothing to do with figuring out their identities. Somehow, though, the writers figure out a way to make the seemingly random plot to be related. For instance, one episode starts off with a problem with the ship’s warp drive. I was upset because I wanted to know more about the characters, but somehow the ship’s problem put them in a position where they learned something about themselves.
“Dark Matter” Season 1 now on Netflix 13 episodes Starring: Marc Bendavid, Melissa O’Neil, Anthony Lemke, Alex Mallari Jr, Jodelle Ferland, Roger Cross
The set design of the show is where it really shines. Each set really makes you feel as if you are inside a ship. Everything from the lights, to the grates on the floor, and the doors. Cargo holds look like what you’d expect, dull, dark, and full of metal crates. Everything looks and feels solid, cold, and uninviting. Perfect for a spaceship adrift. The unfortunate thing about the show is that a lot of the storylines are very derivative. Without going into too much detail, each character’s story feels like something we have all heard before, and at times it seems too obvious. However, as a whole, “Dark Matter” somehow makes it interesting to keep
watching from episode to episode to learn something new about the character’s predicament. Each episode simultaneously tells us something informative, and then something seemingly unhelpful. They reveal something, only to have it open more doors. “Dark Matter” is actually based on a comic book by Mallozzi and Mullie published by Dark Horse Comics. Mallozzi and Muille are known for their work on the “Stargate” series. The comic book’s story was written during their time as writers for “Stargate.” The comic book series was first released in early 2012. The second season of “Dark Matter” has been in production since December 2015. It was picked up for a second season by the Syfy network in September 2015. There is no current start date for the next season, but I am looking forward to it returning.
Illustration by John Mueller Graphics Illustrator
When Marvel kicked off their Netflix series with Daredevil last year, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What followed was an engaging tale with origin stories for both hero and villain. Never did I expect to feel empathy for Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) or to actually grow attached to the simplistic costume that Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) wore. But I did and I was left wanting more. Season two of “Daredevil” promised the Punisher and Elektra. Both are iconic to the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen for very different reasons. The show delivered for all of the right reasons. Frank Castle, played with both intensity and emotional rawness by Jon Bernthal, is a one-man army and his storyline dominates the first few episodes. The dialogue between Castle and Daredevil in the third episode, ‘New York’s Finest.’ Daredevil must decide how to reconcile his quest for justice with his decision not to kill those who do evil on the streets. For me, Bernthal has been one of the greatest actors to show up in bit parts in films. He manages to be memorable in “The Wolf of Wall Street” while acting alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill when at the time he was mostly known for his role on “The Walking Dead.” I think he was the best part of both coming-of-age movies “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” and “We Are Your Friends.” Elektra Nachios (newcomer Elodie Yung) comes into the picture at the wrong time for Murdock. Her mention in season one was so tantalizing to audiences who knew the history between the characters. Her appearance completes throws Murdock for a loop and changes his entire life, in ways he never expected. Through flashback, the audience is given an adequate backstory for how Elektra and Matt met and what caused them to separate so many years ago. It’s truly satisfying to see Cox as a completely different man
before he forms the core principles of his current nighttime profession. Foggy (Elden Hensen) and Karen (Deborah Ann Woll) aren’t forgotten, even with the addition of several meaty characters. Foggy showcases his abilities as a lawyer and has several convincing showdowns by matching wits where Daredevil would have used his fists. Karen continues to transform and grow by investigating s o m e
in
inconsistencies Castle’s personal
history. It was also a delight to see Rosario Dawson reprise nurse Claire Temple for a quick scene. With her also showing up in “Jessica Jones,” she is slowly becoming the agent Phil Coulson of this soon-to-be “Defenders” team. With a Luke Cage centered series coming later this year, viewers won’t have to wait long for the next street-level Marvel hero.
“Daredevil” Season 2 now on Netflix Starring: Charlie Cox, Elden Henson, Deborah Ann Woll, Jon Bernthal, Elodie Yung Also Watch: “Jessica Jones” Coming Soon: “Luke Cage”
Entertainment
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Setting Up a Super-Universe How “Batman v Superman” failed die-hard fans and casual viewers By Katie Cortez Editor in Chief In what might just be the golden age of comic book movies, director Zack Snyder hoped that “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” would be DC’s answer to Marvel’s string of successful “Avengers” franchise that is made up of at least 12—soon to be 13—character films that all overlap into “The Avengers” saga. Snyder and DC Comics wanted “Dawn of Justice” to be the jumping-off point for the two upcoming films about the Justice League, and the rest of the future solo films. They hoped that this would be the crown jewel of the “Justice League” franchise thus far. Unfortunately, Snyder and DC’s wishes did not come true, and while the Batman parts of the film proved to be confusing to those who are more familiar with Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” than they are to the actual comic story, the Superman parts did an even worse job at portraying the Kryptonian character. Let’s think about this for a second: “The Dark Knight Rises” came out in 2012 and “Man of Steel” was released in 2013. While the latter was created with the full-knowledge that there would be a movie about the Justice League, “The Dark Knight Rises” wasn’t made with the same intention. That trilogy was never meant to connect to a bigger part of that cinematic universe. This is why the bigger plot-holes in “Dawn of Justice” are more confusing to those who aren’t familiar with the comics. Those viewers didn’t realize that Ben Affleck’s Batman is not the same as Christian Bale’s Batman. Snyder did his best to tell viewers that the two film series have nothing to do with one another, but one inconsistency is Wayne Manor. At the end of “Batman Begins” (2005), Wayne Manor was burnt down by Ra’s al Ghul (Liam Neeson) and by the time “The Dark Knight Rises” rolls around, he’s back in the mansion. So now, the big question
is “What the hell happened to the mansion?” Why are they recycling this idea? The Robin costume covered in graffiti shown in the trailers and once in the film is a plot-hole that makes perfect sense to those of us who know the story of Jason Todd—the most unpopular Robin in Batman history whose death was the direct result of a fanpoll. In the late 1980s, a series of issues titled “A Death in the Family” showed how Jason was kidnapped and brutally murdered by the Joker, causing Batman to go into a downward spiral and vow to never again take on a sidekick. The “HA HA HA Joke’s on You Batman” spraypainted on the Robin costume is most likely a reference to “A Death in the Family.” This reference is also solidified by Affleck’s much more violent take on Batman. He was mad t h a t he failed Jason and began taking a much more violent approach to catching criminals. This was one of the biggest things that confused audiences. Other audience complaints focus on the end of the film and how they were shocked by it. Even some of the biggest Superman fanboys didn’t expect the film to end the way it did, but come on people. The second I saw Doomsday in the film’s second trailer, I knew exactly how the film was going to end. I don’t want to spoil it for you if you haven’t seen the movie, but there’s really no other way to go about this. There was a multi-issue story arc in 1992 titled “The Death of Superman.” There was an animated film in 2007 called “Superman: Doomsday.” Both of these tell the exact same storyline. If I was a producer or director who really wanted to shock an audience, I would not have cut Doomsday into a trailer because those who know anything about the DC Universe know that storyline. It was the most predictable ending to a comic book movie that I’ve seen in years. Audiences also had a tough time with the set-up for the future “Justice League” franchise, and although I don’t agree with the way it was done, I can definitely see what Snyder was attempting. I just think people didn’t react well to Justice League easter eggs being placed in the middle of the film instead of in the end-credits much like Marvel does. It also doesn’t really make sense that Gotham City would be within view of Metropolis. Although not necessarily canonical, it’s commonly thought that Metropolis is equivalent to New York City and Gotham to Chicago. Keeping that in mind, it’s not possible for the two to just be “across the bay” from one another. If that were the case, then why doesn’t Superman take care of the crime in Gotham AND Metropolis? If he’s truly trying to get Batman out of the picture, then why doesn’t he just fly on over, clean up the streets, and eradicate the need for Batman altogether?
Other than plot-holes, and inconsistent storylines, some of the actors within the movie just didn’t live up to their expectations. Amy Adams’ portrayal of Lois Lane made the character look like a ditzy redhead who spends the majority of the film looking for the metallic make-up of a specific bullet. Her storyline did not make sense and her character just was completely unlikeable.
destroyed a U.S. monument, he decides to fly to Gotham City and stop Batman from chasing some criminals. Cavill’s Superman spends a majority of the film moping around like a teenager instead of trying to figure out who is trying to make him look like the world’s biggest asshole. The only excuse I’ve heard for his terrible portrayal of Superman is that he’s a good-looking guy. He might have the Superman/Clark Kent look, but he is in no way a good Superman. Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor was another huge let-down. His manic behavior was more suitable for the likeness of the Joker than it was for Lex. He had his moments where I could see the Lex the world is used to, but for the majority of the film he is clearly just a psychopath and less of a genius. His endgoal of the film didn’t make too much sense when you sit and H e n r y C a v i l l ’ s think about it. He wants Superman to die, so Superman wasn’t much better. He he kidnaps his mother and tells him that the spent the majority of his time trying to only way to get her back is to kill Batman. take down Batman, and why? Because he Meanwhile, Lex knows that Batman has is more violent? Because he is a vigilante? stolen the Kryptonite and without knowing That doesn’t make any sense. The biggest exactly what Batman intends to do with it, difference between Batman and Superman is he hopes that Batman kills Superman for that Superman has super-powers. If he really him. What? Eisenberg is a great actor and believes that Batman is doing more harm has starred in some pretty good films, but than good, then he should also probably stop this was definitely not his shining moment. I flying around and saving people too. The had high hopes for his Lex but he just didn’t whole reason why Batman hated Superman deliver. is because of the damage he causes when he Over the years, I’ve watched and waited fights villains. The beginning of the film and for an actor to play the perfect Batman, and the end of “Man of Steel” shows Superman have been severely disappointed each time. and Zod (Michael Shannon) flying around It can’t be easy to find an actor who can play Metropolis, crashing through buildings while a billionaire playboy by day and a masked they beat each other up. Crashing through vigilante by night who is the exact same buildings causes those buildings to collapse, character. Christian Bale was a good Batman, presumably killing everyone in and around terrible Bruce Wayne. George Clooney was those massive skyscrapers. Superman is a terrible Batman, but a good Bruce Wayne. responsible for the deaths of thousands The closest that actors have come to playing of innocent lives, yet he’s pissed off that both sides of the character well are Michael Batman has killed a few hardened criminals. Keaton, Val Kilmer, and now, Ben Affleck. How does this make sense to anyone? Affleck’s version of the dark knigh, as well as the billionaire playboy are “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” cohesive. He Run Time: 2 hours and 31 minutes plays the two Directed by: Zach Snyder facets of that Starring: Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Amy Adams, Jesse c h a r a c t e r better than Eisenberg, Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter, Gal Gadot a n y o n e Coming Soon: “Suicide Squad” on Aug. 5 t h o u g h t he would, The first time viewers see Superman, considering his last endeavour into a comic he’s in Africa saving Lois from a crime-lord. book movie (“Daredevil” 2003) didn’t really It’s clear that Superman is being framed for work out for him. the death of people within the village, but Overall, I wouldn’t say that I hated the instead of focusing on trying to figure out film, just parts of it. As a stand-alone comic who is framing him, all he does is complain book film, “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of about Batman. Another scene in the film Justice” gets a C-. Only because nothing will involves the United State’s Capitol getting ever be worse than “Spiderman 3”. blown up and Superman is to blame, but instead of trying to figure out who just
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Travel
Taking Outside Paths What backpacking can do for city dweller By Abraham Alapisco Staff Writer Time spent in cities with traffic, headaches, obligations and bad air quality can make a person feel trapped. Oil rigs, landfills, airplanes, all man-made contraptions that bombard our senses can have a dampening effect on our moods. Light pollution blocking a clear view of the stars, prevents a natural limn of the world. Instead, we attempt to artificially brighten the streets with neon, fluorescents, and our phones. It’s an environment I’ve accustomed to, but having a sense of wanderlust has always helped me regain a calmness that drugs nor alcohol truly satiate. With an urge to leave behind the demands of being a student, employee, and son for a short time, I decided to backpack
in Mammoth for a week with a friend and his family in late July last Summer. With the pack ready to go, we ventured onto the trail. The phone’s signal begins to wane which means no calls, texts, or social media. My phone is only good as a short term flashlight. The timing to go on such a trip is important because it can mean the difference between peaceful scenery and warm sunny days or it can mean heavy rain and being ravaged by mosquitoes. It’s as if the laws of season don’t apply in such a place; each week being completely different from another. 16 miles of hiking and 4 different campsites, meant I would be taking in the sights that demand a respect for everything grandeur. For me, backpacking is about challenging yourself to be self-sufficient and reliant. A big part of it is rationing properly, making foods last for a duration of the trip. Granted, you
can supplement your diet while on the trip with hunting and fishing, but it shouldn’t be a factor to rely on. A lot of what constitutes a backpacking trip is preparation, making sure everything you’re taking has a purpose. Nothing should be dead weight. Also, taking into consideration that being careful is important in order to prevent injury or else others may end up dividing up the weight of your pack as you limp back to civilization.
example of attempting to get lost in nature, craved everything about escaping into Alaska and immersing himself in the environment. It’s people like McCandless that draw a lot of attention because we ask why. Why give the comforts of industrial society? What makes someone leave behind a life that, at least for McCandless, was going according to plan. He had a good family, was college educated, and had a seemingly bright future.
A view of Clyde Minaret from the campsite. (Abraham Alapisco/Union Weekly)
Third day of trip begins with a hike to Emerald Lake in Mammoth, California (Abraham Alapisco/Union Weekly)
You Can Be A Wizard Too The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s soft opening By Lauren Hunter Staff Writer
I grabbed my broomstick, Ravenclaw attire and a handful of Floo Powder and traveled up the 101 freeway to Universal Studios. My friends and I went to attend the soft opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Floo Powder took me right into Hogsmeade where I enjoyed the sights, sounds and smells of The Three Broomsticks, Honeydukes, Zonko’s, Ollivander’s Wand Shop and sitting on top of the hill was Hogwarts Castle. Skipping the sights and sounds of the streets I traveled up the winding road straight to the castle gates. Inside the castle I used the magic of fingerprint technology to lock up my belongings in a locker and got ready for the ride of my life. I hoped on my broomstick and followed Harry and the gang through a combination of 3-D videos and animatronics in and around the castle. My friends and I helped Harry defeat a dragon, spiders and dementors. Inside the
Once I’ve gotten my rocky mountain high and spotted a few bucks, I’m satisfied with my time spent on higher elevation and underneath bright moonlight shining strong like high beam headlights on a rear view mirror. Others have more extreme cases of wanderlust, such as Christopher McCandless, an American hiker who traveled to Alaska and passed away in an abandoned bus which he was using as shelter. The book Into The Wild documented McCandless’ journey based on his journal entries and testimonials from the people who encountered him. McCandless, an extreme
It seems for McCandless, the life of a young professional who could go through many similar stages as those who had a similar path wasn’t enough. The suit and tie, the 401k, occasional vacations and the grind of adulthood left McCandless yearning for more. One thing I took away from his journey is that it’s okay to get a little lost, just don’t lose everything in the process.
castle I met with Dumbledore in his office, studied in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom and visited the Great Hall. After defeating all of that we went to The Three Broomsticks and enjoyed English -inspired foods and an ice cold Butterbeer. Be careful because the Butterbeer is extremely sweet, but worth it. Attached to The Three Broomsticks is the Hogs Head Pub where different magical beer and whiskey are there waiting to be consumed. The best part is you can take the drinks out of the bar and walk around Hogsmeade. Once we got our drinks we started to really explore the little village of Hogsmeade. We went into all the shops buying all kinds of knick-knacks and souvenirs. Sweaters, shirts, hats, mugs and many other things. All could be found at different stores all up and down the street. Not only did we buy clothing, but we went into Ollivander’s Wand Shop. My friend
actually had a wand pick her. After the little show where my friend got to try out wands until she found the right one we got to go shop for our own. I was picked by an Oak wand and that means that I am steadfast, truthful, full of wisdom and I should always trust my intuition. We again walked up the hill towards the castle and went to go find Hagrid. Sadly he was nowhere to be seen, but we did find his hut and his hippogriff, Buckbeak. There we went on a roller coaster and traveled through more of the Hogwarts grounds. Before using the rest of our Floo Powder to get home we stopped into Honeydukes to get some sweets. There I got a chocolate frog. Sadly our time in the magical world came to an end. Carrying all our merchandise, we used the Floo Powder to head back to the Muggle World. Can’t wait to travel back to the magical world of Harry Potter again.
Travel
19
Little Richard’s Guide to Little Italy One night in San Diego stay for a night, so I squeezed out as much fun as I could over the course of 7 hours. Arriving at roughly 7 p.m. from Long Beach, I was incredibly starved so we ventured out to Little Italy in hopes of discovering a premium pizza parlor. Filippi’s Pizza Grotto is one of the first buildings visible as soon as you step into Little Italy and it was our restaurant of choice. As soon as you walk in, you step into a 1950’s Brooklynstyle deli with large cuts of meat and cheese to be found everywhere. Moving pass to deli and into a small Italian store was the pizzeria. I enjoy pizza as much as the next and I’ll admit, for under $10, this was the best pizza I’ve ever had. After pizza, we walked around the area and decided to see what the drinking was like away from the Gaslamp District. We walked into a noisy yet small bar The Princess Bar and Grille pours a great pint. (Richard Mejia/ called The Waterfront Union Weekly) that appeared to be a girlfriend and her family were set to make an mixture of a dive joint and a frat house. impromptu trip to San Diego to visit family Late on a Sunday night, folks were singing, members from Texas. We were only going to dancing and spilling beer all over the floor as
By Richard Mejia Managing Editor
As soon as my class was over, I couldn’t wait to unwind and relax following months of hard work and a gross lack of rest. Heading into the weekend, I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do over break, but I knew I at the very least wanted to drink and try something new. As I contemplated places and events to attend over the course of the week, my
The entrance to San Diego’s Little Italy is one of the more underappreciated landmarks in California. (Richard Mejia/Union Weekly)
for only $20, I was able to put down three white Russians and a pint of Guinness. It wasn’t until researching the bar the following the day that we discovered it was the highest rated in the area. Already inebriated and ready for a nap, one of the locals at the Waterfront mentioned that an English pub named Princess Pub and Grille poured “the best Guinness this side of Ireland.” This old and decrepit man was not wrong. I’ve had many a Guinness pint all over California, and this pint was hands down the
best I’ve had. The establishment itself was an English pub meshed with a modern American sports bar. I didn’t stay very long, but after drinking the silky, decadent beverage, I didn’t need to. In one jam-packed night, I was able to get a taste of San Diego’s Little Italy district. Even though the night happened abruptly and the events were unplanned, I had a great time in the area and will certainly look to visit again soon.
A Journey to Find One’s Culture By Marylin Ramirez Contributor
A short trip to The Marcadito On Sunday, I visited a spot in East L.A. that allows me to experience a little piece of Mexico: El Mercadito. Located on the corner of 1st St. and Lorena St., El Mercadito was the place to be every Sunday after Mass as a child, and my family and I would indulge in chilly limón raspados, fresh-baked churros, and blood-clotting gorditas. This is the food that makes you overweight, as my mom would say, while the meat and beans from the gorditas fall from your hands onto the orange, plastic trays you eat from. This time was no different. I wanted to show Ricardo, my boyfriend, a side of L.A. that often goes unnoticed, so we took the 30-minute trek from Long Beach and landed in the three-story building with vendors inside and out. After we parked and stepped into the heat of the day, we made our way through the aisles of the first and second floor – they were packed with cold
deserts, flipping toy dogs, fresh pan de dulce, radios blasting corridos, home remedies in plastic bags, leather sandals…. We started with raspados. The line was quick, and I led Ricardo through the building while trying to talk to him over the Spanish filling the air. He and I met at work and immediately bonded over conversation of Latin solidarity (we were the only Mexicans). The thing is, though, soy una pocha. What that means is that I’m a Mexican-American girl stuck in the middle of the two cultures with no real idea of how to be 100% of either one. It’s frustrating and demeaning and confusing, but overall, I’ve learned to appreciate the benefits of each one. Lately, I’ve been trying to immerse myself in more Latin-American lit and get in touch with my Mexican roots. That way, I can go home and throw some witty narrative of my parents’ homeland in their faces to make up for the choppy Spanish that slips from my
mouth when I order from King Taco. The Mercadito was just as packed, if not more, than a King Taco. It was getting pretty stuffy in the first couple floors, and at one point, everything started to blend together. A woman was calling the crowd into her store where she stored buckets of assorted nuts in the front and toys hiding out in the back. Another fixed the dresses hanging from the ceiling while a young boy walked with a box of CDs behind her. I couldn’t decide which was more convenient. We made our way to the third floor to the restaurant I’d never eaten at; I’d always just kind of recognized its presence but always payed more attention to the food and toys at the bottom. Once we got up there, it was an entirely different setting. Two bands of mariachis played on either end as they took turns in entertaining the adorning crowds dining at tables in between. I was planning on walking through in order
to see the rest of the building, but one of the performers saw me standing. “Ya, sientate y escucha la musica,” he urged. So I sat down with Ricardo and listened to the music. Their voices were mesmerizing; I had no idea what they were saying, but I saw Ricardo smile and nod after every line, so I figured I had a right to be impressed. The lighting was dim, the servers maneuvered their way from the kitchen. The walls and floors were tiled brown and blue and orange, floral embellishments only adding to the Mexican tribute. It was beautiful. After a couple of songs – or pieces of songs – we walked through one more section before heading back to my car. After taking a picture of Ricardo in front of a mural of the Virgen de Guadalupe, we drove off, making plans for a trip to the real homeland.
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Travel
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
(Top center) Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons are in full swing (Bottom, from left) A view of Hogwarts castle, The Hogwarts Express train is ready to leave the station just past the entrance gate to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, delicious morsels can be found inside of Honeyduke’s candy shop. (Katie Cortez/Union Weekly)
(Top banner) The rooftops of Hogsmead line the sky (Center) Hagrid’s hut sits outside of the Flight of the Hippogriff ride (Top) The sorting hat is ready to put you in your proper house (Katie Cortez/Union Weekly)