May Revise gives students hope

Volume 71, Issue 22 Wednesday, may 14, 2014sIngle copy free - addItIonal copIes 50 cents

www.elaccampusnews.com

Costume ClassesELAC’s Theater Department invites students to register

for “Costume, Draping and Patternmaking” and “Costume Design for Theatre” classes for fall 2014.

For more information visit the Costume Shop Building P2 119.

Congratulations Dioseline Lopez’s has signed a Nationl Letter of

Intent to play basketball for University of California, Santa Barbara.

The interview audio will be available online at elaccampusnews.com.

News Briefs

Pup EditionThis week’s issue of Campus News was written,

produced, editted and photographed by the Journalism 101 classes held at East Los Angeles College main campus and South Gate campus.

Suspect of a recent indecent exposure incedent at the Helen Miller Bailey Library was caught on May 1.

A female victim reported the incident on April 5 to the Sheriff’s Department, the day it happened.

The suspect, who reportedly exposed himself, was caught on ELAC campus by Sheriff Deputies and is currently awaiting to be sentenced by the court system.

The suspect’s name is not being released because the de ta i l s o f t h e i n c i d e n t are st i l l under i n v e s t i g a t i o n . Details on how the suspect was a p p r e h e n d e d a r e c l a s s i f i e d and cannot be disclosed at the moment.

Sheriff Deputy H u m b e r t o B a r r a g a n elaborated more on the matter.

After the incident, the security in the school library has been increased. According to Barragan, students were advised to walk with precaution, to stay aware of their surroundings, and not to walk

through dark areas alone.The announcement of the

incident was delayed because the Sheriffs Department wanted a better understanding of the situation. They wanted to make sure the information presented by the victim was accurate before proceeding with apprehending the suspect.

“We wanted to have all of our ducks in a row before moving forward. To be fair and imperative to the suspect,” Barragan said.

They didn’t want to unfairly treat the suspect and jump into conclusions before the facts were

p r o p e r l y understood.

Due to the nature of the o c c u r r e n c e , the Sheriff ’s D e p a r t m e n t s a i d t h a t a sensitive issue s h o u l d b e attended with extreme care and wi thout judgment.

Accord ing to Barragan, these incidents cou ld occur a n y w h e r e

at anytime and students should be aware of their surroundings. According to a statement, the Sheriffs Department has done everything in their power to increase the safety of the students.

Indecent exposure suspect caught at ELAC campus

For the first time in East Los Angeles College’s history, the track and field team took home the gold in two steeplechase races on Saturday at the SoCal Track and Field Championships.

The Huskies won back-to-back first place steeplechase gold medals in for the first time in ELAC’s 68 year history, ELAC track and field Assistant Head Coach David Loera said.

“We devised a plan and they both followed our instructions an easily ran to victories,” he said.

Laura Aceves won the gold medal in the women’s steeplechase. She additionally won the 10,000-meter run and will be the favorite at state finals. Aceves added a silver medal to her two golds, with a second place finish in the 5,000-meter run at the SoCal finals. “I compete to win. I am happy with the results,” Aceves said.

Gonzalo Ceja won the men’s 3000 steeplechase run and was awarded a gold medal. He ran a lifetime best. “I don’t set myself up for failure, which is why I led most of the race. I looked back at the last 200 meters and saw I was alone in first place,” Ceja said.

Ceja’s times allowed him to qualify for the state finals in two events, the 10,000 run and steeplechase. However, he will only participate in the steeplechase event at state finals.

“It’s my best event and I want to win. Running a 10,000 run a day before the steeplechase lessens my chance in my best event,” said Ceja when explaining why he would not compete in both events.

The CCCAA Track and Field state championships are this Friday and Saturday and will be held at Mt. San Antonio College.

Track and field team brings home gold

CN/ JOHN MUNOZ

LEADING THE PACK— Laura Aceves, far right, is in front of the pack in the 5000 meter race. From left, Elizabeth Nelson from Glendale Community College, Daisy Esperea from Fullerton Community College, Cynthia Torres from Golden West Community College, and Evelyn De La Luz from Los Angeles Trade Tech.

jose bivian andruben hernandez

Staff Writer

MEDALS Continued on page 10

favio hernandezStaff Writer

“Humberto Barragan

Sheriff Deputy

Though this is not the first incident in which someone has incedently exposed themselves, this is the first case in which someone has made a report of it.

Governor Jerry Brown’s May Revise proposal will give students the opportunity to afford school and graduate with minimal financial stress.

The 2014-15 State Budget proposal was announced yesterday morning.

It includes a one-time increase of $50 million from Proposition 98’s General Fund, which is the annual funding provided to public schools and colleges in California.

The May Revise promises to strengthen and expand student success at community colleges.

The proposal plans to support the existing Economic and Workforce Development program at California Community Colleges.

The CCC budget will remain at $200 million.

Budget adjustment plans will pay- off the delays on revenues.

These are expenses that were put on hold by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Room for 70,000 more students in California Community Colleges will be provided as a result of this revision.

Student fees of $46 per unit will not change.

EWD programs will have a one-time increase of $50 million for the 2014-15 school year.

This will expand the resources

given to community colleges, as well as help students better prepare for the regional labor market demands.

Starting 2015-16 funding for non-credit classes will be equally distributed.

Currently non-credit classes are in higher demand, even though they are not required courses.

An increase of $60.5 million will be added to the “Deferred Maintenance.”

A total of $148 million will go toward the reconstruction a n d t h e m a i n t e n a n c e o f community colleges.

Because of a reduction of growth from 3 percent to 2.75 percent in community college enrollment, $16 million, Proposition 98 General

Fund monies will be decreased.Each community college will

receive a one-time increase of $1.4 million and an on-going $4.6 million for technology equipment.

The technology services include electronic transcripts and online education.

Cal Grant Programs received an increase of $13.9 million in 2013-14 and will receive $25.1 million in 2014-15 to reduce the amount of student debt.

Board of Education chairman Jerome E. Horton responded to Brown’s budget revision proposal shortly after with great approval.

Ashley Leon and Sergio Lepes contributed to this story,

Margarita CanCino and Maria C. isidoro

Staff Writer

Runners go the distance

California Community Colleges budget will maintain

$200 million May Revise2014-15 State budget proposal affecting California Community Colleges

70,000 more students

Revision makes room for

$50 million

Economic and Workforce Development programs will have a one-time increase of

$60.5 million“Defferred Maintenance” will

receive an increase of

Reconstruction and maintenance will receive a total of

$148 million

$16 millionProposition 98 General Fund

monies will receive a decrease of

$25.1 millionCal Grants programs received

an increase of For technology equipment, each community college will

receive an ongoing

$4.6 million

www.ELACCampusNews.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014Sports10 EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS

Continued from page 1

ELAC first baseman improves his game

Medals: Four move on to state

Step up to the plate—Jonathan Larson, first baseman of the ELAC baseball team, batting against Los Angeles Harbor College on April 24 at Husky Park.

Final ELAC results at the SoCal Championships:

Men’s 3,000-meter steeplechaseCeja, first place gold medal, personal record, qualified for state finals

Women’s steeplechaseLaura Aceves, first place gold medal qualified for state finals

Men’s 10,000-meter runCeja, sixth place, qualified for state Zaragoza, eighth placeChacon, 16th place Women’s 10,000 run Laura Aceves, first place gold medal qualified for state finals

Men’s 5,000-meter runZaragoza, 15th placeCeja, 19th place

Women’s 5,000 run Laura Aceves, second place silver medal

Men’s decathlonJorge Romo, 14th place

Men’s 100-meter dash decathlon Jorge Romo, eighth place

Men’s long jump decathlonJorge Romo, sixth place

Men’s shot put decathlonJorge Romo, 15th place

Men’s high jump decathlonJorge Romo, sixth place Men’s 400-meter dash decathlonJorge Romo, eighth place

Men’s 110-meter hurdles decathlonJorge Romo, 16th place Men’s discus throw decathlonJorge Romo, 18th place

Men’s pole vault decathlonJorge Romo, 20th place Men’s javelin throw decathlonJorge Romo, 13th place Men’s 1500-meter run decathlonJorge Romo, seventh place

Men’s 400 hurdles Jorge Romo, did not run

East Los Angeles College student athlete Daniel Zaragoza grew up running in the Lincoln Heights area in Los Angeles training for long distance running.

In his final year as a long distance runner of the ELAC track and field team, Zaragoza made it to the SoCal Championships last Saturday in Riverside.

Zaragoza advanced to the California Community College A th l e t i c Assoc i a t i on S t a t e Championships this Friday in Hilmer Stadium in Walnut at Mt. San Antonio College

Zaragoza qualified for the state finals based on his fastest time this track season.

Z a r a g o z a h a d t h e t h i r d -fastest 10,000-meter run time in California by a community college runner coming into the SoCal Championships.

As a result he qualified for the state championships.

“Zaragoza works hard and wanted to improve from his first season on the track team,” ELAC track and field Head Coach Louis Ramirez said.

“Zaragoza followed what (us) coaches told him. A number of schools are calling asking about him (for recruitment purposes).”

According to Ramirez, “What’s good is that he has a 3.1 grade point

average and is doing well in school.” Zaragoza has a lot on his plate and

is handling it well,” Ramirez said. Zaragoza is the first of his family

to attend college and participate in sports.

He was first inspired by his cousin to run at the age of 10.

His uncle made his cousin run in track and field while his cousin was in the fifth grade.

Zaragoza’s cousin then told him to try out, and he did.

To g h e t h e r they ran in a 5,000 meter run competition.

T h a t w a s the first year that Zaragoza competed with his cousin and his cousin won.

T h e n e x t year in sixth g r a d e t h e y raced again in a marathon.

That year Zaragoza took a victory over his cousin.

After a couple of years in track and field he lost interest.

Zaragoza tried soccer for a while. He was then motivated by a

friend in school to start cross country during his junior year at Abraham Lincoln High School of Los Angeles.

Returning to cross country was a

The baseball season finished at East Los Angeles College. Sophomore, Jonathan Larson, 21, concluded his career as a Husky.

First basemen on the ELAC baseball team, Larson, like all of his teammates is waiting for baseball Head Coach’s James Hines’ exit interview

Larson feels confident in his performance this season.

He has been a reliable player through out the 2013-2014 season, playing all 40 games including 21 South Coast Conference games

Larson was named to the All-South Coast Conference second team at first base.

Larson also received an academic achievement award the previous school year.

Jonathan is 5’ 11” and weighs about 175 pounds.

He is the youngest in his family and credits them for his love for the sport of baseball.

His father played baseball all through out high school while also playing football. Jonathan’s mother played softball through out high school as well.

Larson, however, credits his older brother for inspiring him to play the game of baseball.

Larson would watch his brother play center field for ELAC before

good year for Zaragoza as he won the Northern League Championship in cross country as a junior.

During his senior year in track and field he won three events, the 3,200 meter run, 1600 meter run, and 800 meter runs.

Zaragoza has always enjoyed long distance running competing in cross county more then track and field.

He was always on his own for track and field c o m p e t i o n s w i t h o u t t h e support of his f r i e n d s a n d family

T h i s w a s d u r i n g h i g h school.

At this time he didn’t feel it was much too impor t an t t o have anyone there with him.

“ I t r e a l l y didn’t bother me and I didn’t care who was there, I

just wanted to run,” Zaragoza said.“I know how hard it is for

someone to come out and support me because they work or are busy doing other important things,”

Zaragoza got rides to the track and field competition with his coach David Loera, who is now an ELAC assistant head coach in both the cross country and track and field

programs. After graduating from high

school, Zaragoza started working to help out his family at home financially as well as for himself.

During the past three years, Zaragoza has been working part time.

He trains at ELAC beginning with 6:30 a.m. morning practices while being enrolled as a full-time student.

“I do get tired of track and field sometimes, it’s a lot of work, and it’s kind of like another part-time job.

I’m practicing six days a week, but in the end it’s worth it.” Zaragoza said.

There are many benefits to being part of a sport in school according to Zaragoza.

“Running track & field or cross-county team sports has always been good for me, with benefits,” Zaragoza said.

“I meet new people, I travel to different locations and it helps me pay for school.”

“I don’t want to owe money for school. This helps me a lot,” Zaragoza said.

He wanted to use this last year at school to run, which was the reason why he took a year off sports.

He still continued to train and race during the year he took off.

He signed up for open races i n c l u d i n g 5 , 0 0 0 - m e t e r r u n competitions.

Zaragoza said he had a lot of spare time to do other things.

That made it harder for him to

The 2014 South Coast Conference champion ELAC badminton team competed in the California Community College Athletic Association Individual Badminton state Championships at De Anza College last weekend.

ELAC results for singles finals rounds:ELAC’s Khanh Dinh lost to Alice Liu of De

Anza College in the quarterfinals. In the second round she beat Gina Niph of San Diego City College. Dinh was awarded a first round bye.

ELAC results for singles: Florencia Zhan Wong lost her first round

match up to Kareen Escobedo of San Diego City College in the championship round. In the consolation bracket she was awarded a second

round bye. In third round Escobedo lost to MJ Phan of Skyline College.

Suki Kwan lost to her first round match up to Mittali Sood of Fresno City College. In the consolation bracket Kwan was awarded a second round bye. In the third round Kwan lost to Preline Bonifacio of Pasadena City College.

ELAC results in doubles championship rounds:Elac’s Dinh and Wong were awarded a first

round bye. In the second round they beat Karen Wang and Deppthi Rao of Irvine Valley College. In the third round Dinh and Wong lost to Jessica Dinh and Alice Liu of De Anza College, who finished as doubles runner up.

ELAC’s Suki Kwan and Yuki Tai were also awarded a first round bye. In the second round they beat MJ Phan and Clarisse Domingo of Skyline College. In the third round Kwan and Tai lost to Niph and Escobedo of San Diego.

watching him move on to Chico State University.

After finalizing his collegiate career Larson’s brother now coaches the baseball team at Arcadia High School.

“ (He’s) a team player who works (hard) and goes the extra mile.

His poise is never shaken up, working with the same attitude,” ELAC center f ie lder Kevin Amezquita said.

According to Larson he felt more

“Im praticing six days a week, but in the end it is worth it.

Daniel Zaragoza ELAC Track and Field runner

Laura Aceves will compete in the 10,000 run in the state finals on Friday at 7 p.m. Ceja and Zaragoza will run in the 1000 at 7:45 pm.

The steeplechase state finals will be on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. for the woman (Laura Aceves) and 3:50 p.m. for the men (Ceja and Zaragoza).

Daniel Zaragoza came in 15th place in the 5,000 run, but qualifies for state finals because he had previously run a good enough qualifying time earlier in the season.

On Friday the track and field team found out that Jorge Romo was ineligible to run at the SoCal finals. He ended his freshmen season as a SoCal finalist.

“Jorge Romo made it to the SoCal finals in the 400 meter hurdles as

a freshmen. This is a difficult to accomplish for incoming freshman,” said Loera.

Romo was also a SoCal finalist in the decathlon competition. This was his first time ever competing in a decathlon. In order to compete Romo had to learn five new events discus throw, shot put, pole vault, javelin, and the 1,500 meter.

Host Riverside City College won the men’s overall team competition. Mt. SAC and Cerritos College, both of the South Coast Conference, took second and third place respectively. ELAC tied for 15th place with Santa Monica with 15 points each.

In the women’s team competition ELAC finished in 11th place. They beat Bakersfield College who finished in 12th place by 4 points. Mt. SAC won the overall women’s team title with 122 points followed by Cerritos who had 112 points.

concentrate on training. “It was hard because I had

no motivation. I ran at the park Monday through Fridays but not as hard as I would with the (ELAC) track team,” Zaragoza said.

His goal in life involes sports.

Zaragoza wants to work in marketing, and sports business.

H i s m a j o r i s b u s i n e s s marketing.

During his races, he doesn’t usually t h ink much o f anything, he tries to stay clam and not get nervous.

“I think of it like if its another day at practice,” Zaragoza said.

At las t Saturday’s SoCal Championships, “I shouldn’t have started in the front, I got super tired.

“I’ve been sick since Wednesday so I haven’t really slept good or ate right, but I had to finish the race” Zaragoza said.

Zaragoza usually doesn’t start off fast and in the front because when he’s in the middle or back he feels like there’s no room to run.

Zaragoza said it’s really easy to get pushed out.

comfortable being the veteran in a leadership role.

Although he is still undecided on what university he would like to transfer to, his goal is to become an elementary school teacher.

“I like to work with kids. I would eventually like to become a baseball coach,” Larson said.

If Larson gets drafted he would like to play first base for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, his favorite team since he was young.

GaSpinG for air—ELAC sophomore Gonzalo Ceja competes in the 5000 meter run last Saturday.

Runner’s journey just beginning Jeanette Pacheco

Staff Writer

Marco PalaciosStaff Writer

CN/JohN Muñoz

CN/JohN Muñoz

CN/LiLiaNa Marquez

Badminton wraps up seasonJose BivianStaff Writer

www.ELACCampusNews.com

Opinion2 EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

The East Los Angeles College Campus News is published as a learning experience, offered under the East Los Angeles College Journalism program. The editorial and advertising materials are free from prior restraint by virtue of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The opinions expressed are exclusively those of the writer. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the Los Angeles Community College District, East Los Angeles College, or any officer or employee thereof.

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Jimmy Vong

NEWS EDITORMelissa De La Riva

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ARTS EDITORSAlma N. Maldonado, Cortez Cruz

Serrato, Victoria Silva

SPORTS EDITORSJose Bivian, Christian Depraect,

Ruben Hernandez, David Ly

PHOTO EDITORMathew Luna

VIDEOGRAPHERYuge Jiang

The Learning Assistance Center offers many subjects to tutor people and has been a place I have benefited from in my time here at East Los Angeles College.

Not only are they attentive to student needs, but also give a full hour of one-on-one tutoring.

Most centers offer one subject to focus on with groups to tutor at a time.

Only a half-an-hour of tutoring per session is given, which is not nearly enough time for a student to receive the amount of help needed.

If a student is struggling, the best place to check out before giving up all hope would be the Learning Center.

This center tackles difficult subjects such as engineering, anatomy, physiology and biology.

Students should never feel they have no choice but to give up on a class they do not understand.

Chances are that tutors at the Learning Center can assist those in need of understanding.

Personally, I’m not a huge fan of Math 227.

Computer accessibility is a necessity for students striving to succeed in college and a major issue here at East Los Angeles College.

Students are stressed trying to find open computer stations to complete assignments. Many professors here at East Los Angeles College assign students essays or exams that require the use of a computer.

The lack of computer availability is unfair to those who actually want to do their schoolwork. Students have to go from building to building to find a computer that is open.

What many students do not realize is that time is extremely valuable for a student in college. Not only do they have to worry about their schoolwork, but their own jobs and personal lives, as well.

I have been consistently going to different buildings to find computers to use because most of them have been taken. When I look at the monitors that the students are using, most of them consist of social media sites that are irrelevant to schoolwork.

At Elac, there are three labs where students can use computers. There is the library, the technology building, and the math lab.

The library consists of 200 computers, the technology building has 62 computers and the math lab

50 computers. That means that there are a total of 312 computers open to students.

There are currently over 35,000 students attending ELAC. Among those students, we are left to share only 312 computers.

According to Nielsen’s annual social media report, The United States spent 121 billion minutes

on social media sites in July 2012 alone. That’s 388 minutes, or 6-1/2 hours, per person. These numbers have increased dramatically in the past years.

With finals quickly approaching, the demand for computer use has become increasingly high. Many students are beginning to cram study hours into a short amount of

time and rushing to finish research projects that are due.

If every computer is occupied for a couple hours at a time, many students are left waiting for an open station and that can be counterproductive.

One way that we can help to minimize this issue is to limit the amount of time a student

Businesses like Carl’s Jr., Taco Bell and McDonald’s have gone out of their way to let East Los Angeles College students know that they will cater to our hunger at the right price.

Yet as convenient as this is, they have neglected the responsibility to bring awareness or pitch in and help keep our campus clean of littering.

Their advertisements are clearly seen throughout campus, but not by some neon light or flier, but by the trash that is found in the very front steps of our campus.

Most of us have done it; we see a hamburger wrapper or soda can on the floor and we ignore it, hoping that a custodian will come by and just make it disappear. Yet somehow that custodian does not come.

Call it destiny, or conviction, but that hamburger wrapper or soda can thrown on the floor wasn’t just left there by some slob, but by all the passers-by who saw it and acted like they did not.

Learning Center offers Elans tutoring opportunities S o m e s t u d e n t s t e n d t o

automatically assume that math is simply not a subject just anyone can grasp. I was one of them.

Even though that was the case, I figured out that all I had to do was search for assistance.

As soon as I entered the Learning Center, I found all of the support needed to pass the class that once seemed too complicated to understand.

Students can spend what seems like a fortune on tutors, but the most convenient advantage about the Learning Center is that their services are free for students.

Tutors at the Learning Center are trained twice a month by Director Maria Elena Yepes.

They are encouraged to connect to students, which is a method used to better understand student’s learning styles.

T h i s m a k e s t h e s e s s i o n worthwhile because a tutor can identify and address the issue a student has of comprehending the subject’s material.

Another resourceful way of serving students is by sending a tutor to a class where the professor believes students do not understand the material.

Some classes can have over 25

students in attendance. Professors cannot always reach

every student in each class that they teach by the end of the allotted class period.

The Learning Center is unique for the tu tor ’s commitment and compassion.

For example, six previous tutors became teachers in the Montebello School District.

Yepes said a few tutors had come back to tell her how much being a tutor at the Learning Center played a prominent factor in their career choice.

The enjoyment of serving students is evident in their work.

These tutors are patient, friendly and always willing to make subjects easier to grasp.

Step-by-step, they guide students not only to complete assignments,

b u t a l s o t o u n d e r s t a n d the material.

ELAC’s greatest mission is to provide ways for students to become well-educated.

Academic support centers such as the Learning Center are essential services available for all students to use.

With a welcoming staff and advanced technological resources, the Learning Center thrives.

Limited computer usage causes student stress

Campus pride must be at an all-time low if students cannot see their school being turned into a dump. Fast food restaurants are making a lot of money off students and faculty because they have become more convenient than packing a lunch from home.

T o t h i s w e can only blame ourselves. We have neglected our time and have become prisoners of our own luxury.

Ponder th is : i f t h i s w e r e a U n i v e r s i t y o f C a l i f o r n i a o r Harvard, would we let our campus be mistreated? Prestige doesn’t start in the school we attend but in ourselves.

Taking pride in our school and demanding that these fast food restaurants contribute in the preservation of our campus is our duty.

Our campus is a reflection of both

has per station. This will make students work efficiently to get their work done.

Not only are students waiting to use a computer, but they are trying to make sure that they have enough time to complete their work before their next class starts.

I have recently experienced this first hand, when I was trying to complete an online quiz that was due. My Internet at home had suddenly stopped working so I had to make my way to a campus computer.

I realized that there were no computers open, so I waited until a station opened up. This was extremely stressful for me because I was able to see many students wasting their time on the Internet searching things that were unrelated to school.

Another way that we can help is to have a designated area for school related activities and another for leisure.

A firewall can be set up on the computers to prevent students from logging onto social media or networking sites in the designated area for school-related activities.

This may allow students the peace of mind knowing that they have a place where they can go to complete their assignments without being disturbed by students who are unproductive.

Fast food litter diminishes ELAC’s campus qualitystudents and faculty. We can not expect outsiders to invest in us if we are not willing to invest a standard of campus pride for ourselves and those around us.

We can make a difference for future generations. By raising a standard of cleanliness and

maintaining it, we will set ELAC apart from all community colleges.

We h a v e a n opportunity to give back to our campus, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because we owe it to ourselves to do it.

B r i n g i n g awareness to these businesses will create not only a bridge of understanding but a foundation of mutual respect for each other.

We can never resort to lowering our standards of having a clean campus. The outcome of such an act would place us in mediocrity and, at best, give a low vision of ourselves.

By raising a standard of cleanliness and maintaining it, we will set ELAC apart from all community colleges.

PODCAST EDITORAndrew Ruiz

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHERJulianne Obregon

PHOTOGRAPHERSCynthia Garcia, Ashley Leon, Marco

Palacio, Cindy Sepulveda

JIMMY VONGStaff Writer

HUGO NARVAEZStaff Writer

ASHLEY LEONStaff Writer

www.ELACCampusNews.com

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWSWEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014 OpiniOn 3

ELAC renovates campus, creates new image

Construction zone causes lack of focus

Forgetting to register on time takes toll on students

The East Los Angeles College registration program could be improved.

One of the most complained about things is missing the registration date.

When I was a freshman I missed my registration date for spring. Most people do not know when to register because they are not notified.

The way ELAC notifies students is through their East Los Angeles College ACE email. When logging in, the system shows students their email, yet the majority click past it.

The college could teach us to enter our emails when we register for the school and just use that email instead of the ACE one.

Students can also log on the ELAC email system and forward into their regular email address. Forwarding their East Los Angeles

For the past few years, East Los Angeles College campus has been transforming into an example of modern architecture with the help of construction sites.

It is no secret that most facilities at ELAC were or are currently in poor condition, making renovations is absolutely necessary.

We have begun to enjoy the new structures like the Helen Miller Bailey Library, The E7 Technology building, F7 and Parking Lot 3.

Compared to the previous buildings, these are obvious vast improvements that we can all now reap the benefits.

“To better the needs of students, fac i l i t i es must be p lanned , developed and maintained,” as stated the ELAC Facilities Master Plan of 2009.

The Facilities Master Plan explains how the LACCD decided to have all this construction to accommodate California’s growing population.

New buildings mean more classrooms, therefore more classes.

The County of Los Angeles passed a bill, with the help of Los Angeles voters.

Proposition A/AA and Measure J Bond measures that allowed reserving money from a tax toward new construction for public schools.

The money that is allowed to

If you have a set of eyes and ears you’ve likely noticed that East Los Angeles College has been under construction for what seems like an eternity.

While the completed parts of the new campus certainly look nice, it is important to question whether or not these additions can benefit ELAC’s overall image as a school.

Those of you who remember what the campus looked like before the additions know it was not always so nice.

Even the awful construction sites that we are forced to walk by everyday are more pleasant to look at than the old campus was.

T h i s o u t d a t e d i m a g e , unfortunately, has remained with ELAC ever since.

I spoke with several people about the topic. Some of these people were students at ELAC.

Others were simply residents of East Los Angeles.

Every one of these people agreed that they did not think highly of ELAC, simply because of its image

be spent for classes is not going to increase. So how is it that more classes will be added only because we will have a greater number of classrooms?

The district has always had the financial means to fund for more classes, but did not because there were not enough classrooms.

Whatever the case may be, the construction sites on campus are not helping the conditions of those

taking classes this academic year, or the next.

It seems as if all construction projects are held back by months.

In addition, the Los Angeles Times found that “at East Los Angeles College, construction of a grand entry plaza with a clock tower degenerated into a comedy of errors.

Heating and cooling units were installed upside down, inspectors found.

“Concrete steps were uneven. Cracked and wet lumber had to be torn out.

A ramp for the disabled was too steep for wheelchairs, and the landmark clock tower listed to one side.”

This might be the case with the other construction sites that seem to take forever to finalize.

T h e w o r k e r s o f P i n n e r Construction and HGA Architects

and word-of-mouth alone. The additions to the campus seem

to be doing a great job at improving the image of the school.

“I think with the addition of the Vincent Price Museum, (ELAC) took a giant step,” an unidentified person said.

This is the same he that, when asked what they thought about ELAC before the addit ions, responded simply with the word “ghetto.”

While the memories of the old campus certainly contribute in determining people’s opinions of the school now. I believe another factor to be the campus location.

The campus in Monterey Park itself is not in a dangerous area.

However, right near the heart of East Los Angeles, which is considered by many to be a bad area.

However untrue that may be, this association hurts the image of the college.

I have spoken to several people that have said that ELAC has the best professors of any community college.

These were all people that have attended schools such as PCC and

College email is not something every student knows how to do.

The email system makes it very difficult to register for classes.

A lot of people miss their registration date because they forget to check.

There are numerous ways to improve the current registration system. One way is to teach students how to forward their school email addresses to their personal ones.

Another way could be how the school notifies students to do the VTEA survey. All students do the survey, and this would be a great way to remind students.

Students check their personal emails more often than they do their school email. Additionally, the school could put up a giant banner or announcement on the actual ELAC website, “Don’t Forget to Register for (Season)!”

Eventually, all students do register maybe when they’re asked

what classes they’re taking next quarter. It’s probably a person’s favorite way to find out it’s time to register again. Students should be encouraged to check their East Los Angeles College email more often.

Personally, I never do, unless, I have a class that requires me to check my ELAC email.

Furthermore, ELAC sends out a schedule of classes.

An approximate registration date attached could be beneficial, or even just the month.

We all want to get the classes we need.

No one wants to take left over classes just because they are still open.

Additionally, trying to add a class is not a very consistent way to get a desired class.

I am sure many students, if not all students, will appreciate a friendly reminder from the college to register for the next quarter.

Santa Monica College, as well as ELAC.

If you were to ask someone who has never attended ELAC, which community college had better instructors, they would be more drawn to choose one of the other aforementioned schools.

I know this because I asked them and that is exactly what they said.

Keep in mind that these are same people who based their opinions only on word-of-mouth.

Could the improvements done to the campus help sway these people’s opinions entirely? I think it’s possible.

I have lived roughly two blocks away from ELAC my entire life. My original image of it has improved drastically since the new additions were made.

Not only that, but out of everyone interviewed all agreed that the work that has been done.

It is impossible not to look at the school in a different light.

The bulk of people that appreciate ELAC, are those who have actually attended.

The completion of the new buildings drives the point home.

are working as diligently as they can.

The toll that these sites are taking on our daily schedules are affecting our education.

The noise created does not stop at the door of the classrooms, it causes students to have a hard time concentrating on a midterm or final from the sounds of heavy material falling, the beeping of the trucks as they are backing up, or

the power tools drilling a hole into hard concrete.

The construction workers are scheduled to work from 6 a.m.to 2:30 p.m., which coincides with classes for most students.

Unfortunately, it is not only the noise disturbing the day; it is also the delay these constructions are causing.

There used to be pathway open from the back to the front of the school between E7 and F7 down to the library and E1 complex.

Now, we have to walk all around the two combined construction sites. To get to F7 or E7, prolonging the time it takes us to get to class.

Some of the pathways created for us are also a problem, like the one going along the library.

It also happens to be a crossroad to another construction site causing random halts to allow the trucks to drive back and forth through it.

The pathway with the closed top running along the E1 complex is way too narrow. Many students find themselves rushing to class, but going through there slows them down.

People might run into a couple holding hands and taking their time while the student who is rushing cannot find a way to get around them, and it is a long tunnel-like path.

The best situation, however, is when you strategize getting to class by dodging all the places that most likely will slow you down.

ALMA N. MALdoNAdoStaff Writer

Mike RAMiRezStaff Writer

dAvid LyStaff Writer

J101 EDITOR IN CHIEFJesus Figueroa

SOUTH GATE EDITORSSandy GaminoVanessa Meza

2ND OPINION 2 EDITORSJeanette PachecoAnniehazel Umana

STAFF WRITERSMoises Amezcua, David Andrade,

Kelcie Armstrong, Elizabeth Jacobo, Sergio Lepe, Andrew Martinez,

Omar Sanchez

ADVISERSSylvia Rico-Sanchez

Jean Stapleton

East Los Angeles College Campus News

1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez E7-303

Monterey Park, CA 91754(323) 265-8819,

Ads (323) 265-8821 Fax (323) 415-4910

elaccampusnews@gmail.com

The East Los Angeles College Campus News is published as a learning experience, offered under the East Los Angeles College Journalism program. The editorial and advertising materials are free from prior restraint by virtue of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The opinions expressed are exclusively those of the writer. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the Los Angeles Community College District, East Los Angeles College, or any officer or employee thereof.

www.ELACCampusNews.com

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWSWEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014News4

Workshop offers help for unemployed students

The vigilante eye on watch over ELAC main campus

Cinco de mayo celebration closes with flair

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Transfer Applications Being Accepted for Fall 2014

East L.A. College.indd 1 5/1/14 11:00 AM

Randy Lee, 27, patiently awaited those who planned to attend the job fair workshop last Thursday.

Lee expected to see a lot of people from the job fair on campus to participate in his workshop.

Yet, only a few showed up to the workshop.

The workshop focused on how to attain a job and the process in which one goes through to do it.

The lecture was accompanied by a packet that provided information about the slides.

Included in the packet was the the East Los Angeles College Career and Job Resource Guide.

The guide is a part of the study pack that includes the slides from the lecture and presentation.

Along with the guide was a small fold out pamphlet which provided more information on free resources.

Mentioned in the packet was ELAC’s new online job database.

The database allows students to search exclusive job listings, as well as allows users to create and save job resumes.

Available on the site is access to anouncements, career advice, videos, podcasts and articles.

Lee went through some of the material provided in the packet such as the free career assessment test and some of the resources that the Career & Job Service Center offer.

Some of the services provided include career counseling and career assessments.

They also offer internships with other companies but one has to be signed into the program to participate in them.

The job sites provide the training on location.

Lee encouraged the few in attendance to discuss openly and to bring up any questions that they may have.

Lee explained that someone’s

work experience may be useful to someone else.

Through discussing each other’s experiences of employment one thing was a common factor, many of them acquired a job through networking.

“Networking is very important in abating a job, for over 60 pervent of hiring jobs are through networking,” Lee said.

He also clarified that it was not the only way to land a job. Networking is simply a more effective manner of gaining employment.

Someone we meet or talk to may be someone who could help get that job.

“So be polite and be courteous because you never know who you might be talking to,” Lee said.

The resources offered by the school could be useful when looking for a job.The campus offers many resources that are free to students. It is important to take advantage of them.

A lot of the resources provided on campus offer job listings and may even have open positions for employment.

When looking for work in person or on the web it is vital to gather information about the position and employer.

“Do research, be a detective and keep it up,” Lee said.

The sites Eureka.com and the school’s job listing database are free for students to use.

Things like the job fair and workshop should be utilized because the school pays for it and they are free to the students.

Eureka gives information on jobs in general, such as the average salary, requirement to obtain and maintain employment and also what degrees are needed to apply.

Near the end of the presentation Lee wanted to remind those in attendance that looking for a job was a long process and one has to keep at it.

Those that look for employment

must continue to search and ask questions if they truly wish to be employed.

He also reminded attendees that there are other workshops that will be offered throughout the semester.

The workshop “Job for Veterans” helps those of a mature age attain employment in today’s job hunt.

“WhodoUwant2be” is a workshop that is geared toward students with undecided majors. The workshop works to help promote a more focused plan for their academic future.

The job skills workshops are seperated into three parts: the first aims at building up personal resumes, while the second focuses on searching for a employement as well as information on internships, the third part is geared toward interviewing successfully.

It is easy to become discouraged while looking for a job. It can become a tedious process.

Througout the workshop Lee reitierated that looking for a job is a job within itself.

The career center provides help to students by teaching them how to create and update resumes in useful ways to catch the attention of possible employers.

A guide can be picked up from the center that provides examples of resumes and cover letters. It also provides helpful tips to use on resumes.

Other helpful information includes how to handle interviews and informs students of illegal questions that employers cannot ask.

Knowledge provided at workshops similar to this one provide helpful tips and information.

For students that would like more information or assisstance, ELAC’s career and job resource center provides a useful guide for students located in the administration building.

To contact the center call (323) 415-4126.

East Los Angeles College students received a taste of Mexican culture when the Cinco de Mayo celebration continued through the week.

Cinco de Mayo is a traditional event commemorating the battle of Puebla, in which the Mexicans fought the French for the occupancy of Mexico in 1862.

Headlining the event were musical performances and customary dances honoring the various provinces of Mexico.

Children from ELAC’s child development center took the stage first, dancing to the folkloric rhythm from the regions of Michoacán, Jalisco and Sinaloa.

Young children scurried toward

the face painting section, soon to return with various forms of colorful patterns decorating their faces.

Irwin Garcia, who was in charge of organizing the children’s dances said, “This type of event is a great way to explore identity and the most impactful way is through dance”.

Many students here at ELAC can relate to these traditions and customs that go as far back as Meshica tribal times.

The sun, motherhood, and warrior dances were performed by the Aztec group “Xipe Totec,” who gallantly moved to the beat of tribal drums and indigenous flutes.

Mexican flags decorated the S1 and S2 courtyards on campus. The green of the flag represents fertility, white means peace and red signifies the blood of the warriors that died for their people.

A section for the Chicano Studies

Department handed out information regarding Chicano heritage and the programs that are offered to students on campus.

Stands selling authentic Mexican drinks or “aguas frescas” such as jamaica, horchata, and tamarindo.

The smell of tacos and grilled corn on the cob lingered throughout the festival as the other bands arrived.

Playing classical salsa from the late 19th century to the early 1940s, Domingo Siete performed a number of melodies derived from the island of Cuba.

L e a d i n g u p t o t h e f i n a l performance by the norteño group, Los Pochos based out of northeastern Mexico. They played classical love ballads which are known as corridos, and they are commonly revisited in today’s younger generations.

East Los Angeles College Sheriff’s Department is working on relocating and updating 178 security cameras on campus.

The upgrades and relocations are needed in order to keep up with the times and give everyone a sense of safety.

Students and staff do not need to worry that the cameras will i n v a d e t h e i r privacy. The s e c u r i t y c a m e r a s w i l l n o t b e p u t in locker r o o m s , restrooms or classrooms.

The secur i ty cameras are going to be placed in areas most frequented by students, such as the parking lots, behind the G1 building and around the library.

Crimes or suspicious activity caught on video will be dealt with immediately.

Even crimes not caught on video are being solved, so the upgrade and relocation of the security cameras will be of great help to the Sheriff’s Department.

Sher r i f Deputy Humber to Barragan, team leader in the Sheriff’s Department, is especially pushing for the upgrade and relocation of the cameras.

He wants students to feel safe. In the same way that he would want his own children to feel safe on campus.

“I believe that there is always room for improvement. We can always do the job better. We can always have better equipment. Why do we upgrade our phones? Because a new one comes out, that can do

so much more than the last,” said Barragan.

Upgrading and relocating the security cameras on campus is not the only issue being pushed.

The lighting and cutting of trees to minimize dark shadows are also being addressed.

Tree trimming and the replacement of lights on some parts of

campus have already been in the process,

bu t more a re e x p e c t e d t o happen in the near future.

“ Yo u c a n h a v e 1 0 0 c a m e r a s a n d i f y o u

have terr ible l i gh t ing t hen

those cameras are useless, nothing will be seen regardless,” Barragan said.

M a r l e n e Alejandre, freshmen a t E L A C , i s currently taking a night class. “I have class until

10 p.m., and I get a little anxiety from time to time

walking back to my car alone,” Alejandre said.

There are currently 30 cadets on campus who are available to escort students to class.

Their main focus is to keep and make sure that students feel safe at all times.

Barragan said that students are here at ELAC to learn and earn a degree.

The last thing they need to worry about is another person doing harm to them on campus.

The Sheriff’s Department feels that if there are more cameras visible to seeing eye, people would feel safer and it would discourage wrong doing.

Angelita Romero was the head organizer of the event.

“As long as I’m here at ELAC, I will continue this tradition by celebrating our culture. It brings the community together and exposes them to where they came from,”Romero said.

This event would not have been possible without the contributions of Dean Sonia Lopez, funding by Oscar Valeriano, the Vice President of Student Services and the sponsorship of ELAC’s Associated Students Union.

Cinco de Mayo, and other cultural celebrations, continue to become more difficult with impediments connected to budget cuts and lack of funding for the departments of ethnic studies.

Visit elaccampusnews.com to watch video from the event.

RUBEN HERNANDEZStaff Writer

MARGARITA CANCINOStaff Writer

JOHN MUNOZStaff Writer

tribute to the sun—Members of the Xipe Xoteca La pay tribute to their history at the Cinco de Mayo Festival by performing dances that are an important part of their culture.

CN/JULIANNE OBREGON

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWSWEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2013 Arts 5

30 point headline

Experimental photographer to be featured at VPAM

‘Neighbors’ becomes instant classic

East Los Angeles College’s Vincent Price Art Museum is displaying the works of the late- Los Angeles based photographer and artist Ricardo Valverde.

“Ricardo Valverde: Experimental Sights, 1971-1996,” will be displayed at the VPAM from May 17 to July 26.

Va lverde was a Mexican American photographer who is most recognized for his photography during the 1970s and 1980s.

In the 1990s he gained notoriety for developing newer, more unorthodox techniques. These techniques consisted of experiments that involved the development of his pictures, as well as taking his pre-existent photographs. He scratched and re-painted them, which revolutionized the medium of photography.

The exhibition is in collaboration with the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center. The CRSC just published “Ricardo Valverde,” a new monograph in its award-winning “A Ver: Revisioning Art History Series.”

The exhibition will include more than one hundred works ranging from black-and-white to color photographs, solarized and intervened, gelatin silver prints, to collages that incorporated photographs that are mounted on canvas.

His subjects include self-portraits, family portraits, various locations in Los Angeles and Mexico, and approaches (superimpositions, mixed media).

The exhibition will also include several videos: slide projections from Valverde’s photographs of low riders, Dia de los Muertos celebrations and his commercial logos.

The Valverde exhibit will be organized and run by curator Cecilia Fajardo-Hill. She is an independent

“Neighbors” is a hilarious paradox that consists of an energetic frat boy and a stressed father new to parenthood who clash and enter a long feud..

If you want to see a fun and clean family comedy then you should avoid seeing “Neighbors.” However if you don’t mind a bawdy comedy that will leave you laughing until your sides are splitting, then by all means, partake in watching a wonderfully offensive film that stars both Seth Rogen and Zac Efron.

The film has an abundance of crude and sexual humor.

But, overlooking that one minor flaw, “Neighbors” manages to deliver on almost every level.

The script was intelligently written, and the cast all had great chemistry with one another.

curator who has served as Chief Curator at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach.

She is also the director and chief curator for the Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation and the Ella Fontanals-Cisneros Collection.

She was very adamant on the importance of Ricardo Valverde’s work being put on display at the Vincent Price Art Museum.

“The Vincent Price Museum has made a persistent and specific effort about Chicano art. They have a lot of important exhibitions, retrospective shows of important [Chicano] artists so I think the collaboration between the Chicano Studies at UCLA and VPAM makes a lot of sense. It’s a collaboration between two academic institutions,” Fajardo-Hill said.

Fajardo-Hill also began to explain the importance of Valverde’s artwork in the context of aesthetics as well as Chicano culture

“Ricardo Valverde represents a particular moment in time during the ‘70s and ‘80s when shaping Chicano culture and identity was very important. As well from an artistic point of view, he showed people what it was like to be very experimental and groundbreaking through photography,” Fajardo-Hill said.

His widow, Esperanza Valverde, was crucial in bringing the exhibit to VPAM.

“The exhibition shows an example of a man who documented the people and community that he lived in. His art work represents his culture and his people. Most importantly he, himself, is someone who definitely encouraged young people to fight against the establishment and fight for justice against stereotypes and racial discrimination,” Ezperanza Valverde said.

The opening recept ion of “Ricardo Valverde: Experimental Sights, 1971-1996” is on May 17th at the VPAM from 4-6 p.m.

Admittance to the museum and exhibit is free to the public but guided tours must be arranged by appointment.

The laughs were delivered with the force of a prize fighter’s haymaker and unlike other comedies, there were plenty of them.

There was no noticeable gap in time between one joke and the next. The audience was laughing uncontrollably throughout the e n t i r e t y o f the fi lm and I, as a viewer, n e v e r f e l t unentertained.

The Radners a re a young couple, played by Rogen and Rose Byrne, with a newborn daughter, Stella, who are trying to put their old-party-crazed lives behind them.

Things get interesting when a college fraternity, who is known for its outrageous parties, decides to move next door to the Radners.

The fraternity is led by Teddy

Sanders (Efron), who wants to earn a place on the fraternity’s hall of fame. He plans on throwing the biggest frat party ever come the end of the year, following a failed attempt to curry the favor of the fraternity.

As mentioned before, the film h a s m a n y l a u g h - o u t -loud moments, bu t the rea l strength of the movie comes from the strong performances of the cast.

“Neighbors” may jus t be

loud, dumb pre-summer comedy, but it is a loud, dumb pre-summer comedy with heart.

Rogen and Byrne deliver great performances as the Radners. The Radners simply want to raise their daughter, Stella, in a healthy and nurturing environment.

They are good people who are caught in a bad situation. That is something that the audience can definitely sympathize with.

Efron does an excellent job in bringing his character to life.

He could have been just the typical college frat boy obsessed with girls and alcohol, but the film departs from expectations in that it actually gives the antagonist of the film a heart.

Sanders genuinely cares for his frat brothers, which he regards as a “brotherhood” of sorts. He simply wants to earn his place in his frat’s history by throwing the biggest party ever.

Unfortunately, his goals cause him to butt heads with the Radners.

“ N e i g h b o r s ” c e n t e r s o n exploring the consequences of this confrontation.

It doesn’t matter which side you ultimately root for, “Neighbors” is a must see comedy with a soul that will not leave audiences disappointed.

The East Los Angeles College Theatre Department will be presenting “Kindred” in the P-2 building on May 16-25 from 2 p.m.-8 p.m.

The play was written by former faculty member Daniel Kelleher, who is currently working in the industry and directed by Rodney Lloyd Scott.

“Kindred” is a touching chronicle of two inmates who develop a compassionate relationship at an unlikely time. They reveal emotions and who they are throughout the play, with dialogues about life, religion and past experiences.

The cast consists of Mario Valdez as Alan, Clifton Smith as Joey,and Chris Solis.

“Out of all the plays at East Los Angeles College (ELAC), ‘Kindred’ is the play to see,” Lloyd-Scott said.

Tickets will be sold $15 at the door, $10 general admission and $7 for ASU discounts available in P-2 101b.

Tickets will also be available online at elac.edu under Upcoming Events.

In the

Spotlight

Andrew MArtinezStaff Writer

Artistic expression reveAled— Ricardo Valverde, “Boulevard Nights,” 1979/1991, Gelatin silver print, hand-applied pigment, scratching, Esperanza Valverde and Christopher J. Valverde Collection.

stAy off my yArd— The dynamic relationship of Teddy Saunders (Zac Efron), right, and Mac Radner (Seth Rogen) add the excitement to “Neighbors,” released on May 9.

prActice mAkes perfect— Mario Valdez (right) and Clifton Smith (left) give it their all in ELAC’s upcoming play, “Kindred.”

Cortez Cruz SerrAtoStaff Writer

Kenneth MirAndAStaff Writer

The laughs were delivered

with the force of prize fighter’s haymaker and unlike other comedies, there were plenty of them.

CN/ViNCeNt priCe museum

CN/Ashley leoN

www.ELACCampusNews.com

Theatre Department takes on ‘Kindred’

CN/WArNer Brothers

www.ELACCampusNews.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014Arts6 EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS

ELAC actor gets first lead role

‘Legends of Oz’ gets modern musical makeover

“Chef” offers both visual and emotional food for the soul.

The film was written and directed by star Jon Favreau.

The film follows Chef Carl Casper (Favreau), who is tired of doing the same old style of cooking and decides to go back to his roots of cooking creatively with passion and imagination.

At the peak of his career, Casper receives a bad review from a big time critic and food blogger because Casper was cooking “too safe,” which is the opposite of what Casper is known for.

He soon loses his job at the restaurant, but things take an interesting turn when Casper decides to begin a food truck business with his best friend Martin (John Leguizamo).

Casper also deals with tension

between his ex-wife (Sofia Vergara) and a strained relationship with his son.

The film makes the audience wonder if the main theme of the movie is the strained relationship between Casper and his son Percy, or Casper’s passion for cooking and shaking up the food business.

The movie was enjoyable to watch and the acting was superb.

Favreau acted well along with Leguizamo. Their chemistry throughout the film felt natural, making it seem as if they were really best friends.

“Chef” emphasizes the passion of cooking, and has a nice variety of music that perfectly matches with the variety of foods Casper cooks.

The plot wasn’t predictable and leaves the audience wondering what will happen next.

“Chef” was released in select theaters Friday. It runs for 115 minutes and is rated R for suggestive themes and language.

Fries with that guilt?—Chef Casper (Jon Favreau) struggles with his personal life and a failing culinary career in “Chef.”

Courtesy oF open road

‘Chef’ serves up meaty plot

Clifton Smith is currently starring in the play “Kindred” at East Los Angeles College, directed by Daniel Keleher, which runs on the weekends of May 16-18 & 23-25.

Smith has acted in three other plays but this is his first lead role.

Smith’s character in Kindred is Joey, whom is a prisoner facing a life sentence.

Smith grew up in Altadena, California and attended Pasadena High School.

Smith decided to retire early from Edison after 25 years and since then has been acting for the past six years.

Smith attended University of California, Santa Barbara but said he feels that among the Junior Colleges ELAC is the best for him.

ELAC offers the most dedicated Theatere of Arts Department with the best quality from the experienced actors and staff to the set up crew.

With this, Smith was inspired to become part of the Theatre Department.

Smith said that he was impressed with the staff and how they relate and communicate with the youth.

He feels that it is important for young actors to a positive enivornment to learn in.

Writing plays is what initially inspired Smith to become an actor.

Smith has written plays in the past, but felt acting would give

him a personal perspective on how to write better.

Smith said acting was like a different world.

While he is in character in front of an audience he can’t help but feel bare because he taps into his most raw emotions.

Smith also said that Rocky Carrol from NCIS is one of his greatest inspirations and someone he looks up to.

“Carrol is an actor of great quality and tends to play older characters showing that he is wiser beyond his years” said Smith.

This is a respectable quality that Smith can relate to.

While preparing for any role Smith said he looks to his family, life tragedies and experiences for past emotions in order to duplicate them as best he can.

When Smith needs to express sadness in a role he thinks of his deceased mother.

When he needs to show fear he can do so by remembering his father’s disciplinary punishments as a child.

When he needs to express happiness he can do so by thinking of his three children, whom he wants to make proud.

Smith’s goal is to eventually have his own plays published and see where it takes him from there.

He currently has one play completed.

Smith said that he hopes the play and all the performances of the actors leaves the audience speaking about it for months, because it something the cast and everyone

“Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return,” is an American 3D computer-animated musical film that is loosely based on “Dorothy of Oz” by Roger Stanton Baum.

In the latest chapter of the Oz legacy, Dorothy (Lea Michele), returns to Kansas only to find it devastated by the tornado that had whisked her away to Oz.

The townspeople are packing up and moving out of town.

Shortly after arriving, she is m a g i c a l l y transported back to Oz.

She finds out that Oz is in trouble and the people there need her help.

D o r o t h y ’ s old friends have disappeared and Oz is in a state of decay.

As she journeys to find her friends, she encounters a number of new companions and problems.

Scarecrow (Dan Aykroyd), Lion (Jim Belushi), and Tin Man (Kelsey Grammar) return to help Dorothy in her quest to once again save Oz.

New characters are introduced as Dorothy returns to Oz and tries to make her way to the Emerald City, where an evil Jester, terrifically voiced by Martin Short, is wreaking havoc.

Just like in the original 1939 film, Dorothy first encounters and then wins over new characters as she makes her way down the yellow brick road.

Her new trio of pals are a helpful, tubby owl (Oliver Platt) Marshal Mallow (Hugh Dancy) and Tugg (Patrick Stewart) a talking tree that turns into a boat.

From the opening credits, which imagined the tornado sequence

from the 1939 Wizard of Oz, that viewers have seen dozens of times, the characters, the songs and the storyline are captivating.

It was refreshing to have a brand new set of characters that have their own unique personalities.

Each one was written carefully, and they were not copies of the original Oz characters.

The songs were cute and catchy. The soundtrack is sure tohave children singing along.While Michele did not sound like Judy Garland (the 1939 Dorothy), her voice was powerful. She exhibits the same charm and wonder as Garland’s potrayal as Dorothy.

This i s a g r e a t k i d s movie, though there are a few moments where it drags.

I t w a s a t o u c h i n g movie with the heart of the original firmly in tact r e t a i n i n g the youthful quality.

Yet, it was too predictable at points, falling into the cliche trappings most children’s film tend to fall into.

However, the target audience, children between the ages 6 to 12, won’t even notice the common cliches and will enjoy the coloful characters and vibrancy of the film has to offer.

This is a film that a whole family can find charming and fun, despite the predictability that can happen at points.

The film itself is only 88 minutes and it is the perfect length to tell the new Oz story while keeping the attention of young moviegoers and adults alike.

“Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return” was released on Friday.

This film is rated PG for some scary images and mild peril and the running time is 87 minutes.

From the opening credits, which re-imagined the tornado sequence from the 1939 Wizard of Oz that viewers have seen dozens of times, the characters, the songs and the storyline are captivating.

Jazz at its Finest—Tom Litteral takes the stage for his performance of “Over The Rainbow” during the concert on Friday.

Cn/ashley leon

Travion James and Hugo narvaez

Staff Writers

CHrisTian DepraeCTStaff Writer

sTevie roDriguezStaff Writer

niCHolas JimenezStaff Writer

The East Los Angeles College Jazz Band left gave a lively performance at the Performing and Fine Arts Center Friday night.

The set of 12 songs d rew in a

Jazz series ends on high notenear full crowd for the bands final performance this semester.

The four-piece band features Alex Quiroz on lead guitar, Daniel Metzger on piano, Kevin MacShane on drums and John Silva on bass.

At one point during the concert, Metzger dropped a few of his notes but kept his composure.

The classical “Battle Hymn of the Republic” received a makeover by Bobby Chavez on the trumpet, and Mike Julian on the trombone.

These two artists impressed the audience, and had them

clapping and cheering.Trumpet player Tom

Litteral took on the classic “Over the Rainbow.” L i t t e r a l

transformed the classic song into a beautiful jazz ballad.

ELAC Music Director, Bob Dawson, reminded the audience that their goal was not only to entertain, but to educate as well.

Dawson said that if anyone is interested in joining the ELAC Jazz Band that on August 27 an open audition will be held.

The ELAC Spring Choir will be performing May 12. May 29 the ELAC symphony orchestra will be performing with the Wilson High School band.

ELAC’s Music Department presents Spring 2014 student recitals. Recitals are being held Wednesday at noon in the S2 Recital Hall Performing Fine Arts Complex.

For more information about up and coming events contact the ELAC Music Department at (323) 265-8894 or visit elac.edu.

Cn/ashley leon

emotions run deep—Clifton Smith gives passionate performance during “Kindred.”

www.ELACCampusNews.com

AST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWSWEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2013 South gate 7

South Gate campus gets remodeled

DELAYED—Preparation for construction gets underway for improvement on the current South Gate campus due to delayed plans for new buildings.

cn/ omar sanchez

Moises aMezcua Staff Writer

Reconstruction at the South Gate Campus has been postponed due to building inspections and environmental standards.

Construction is expected to start in 2016. The 18.5-acre property located across the street from the existing South Gate campus was expected to have an approved master plan with a blueprint showcasing the new relocated campus design by the end of spring 2014.

The brand new campus is expected to offer double the capacity, labs, full-time faculty and potential future jobs for students.

Construction is said to improve safety, update classrooms for higher learning and give the building a new look.

“I support student services and South Gate campus should be a one- stop service center that is customer and student friendly” said Al Rios, South Gate Campus Dean.

The lease of the old building will be extended throughout the construction of the new relocated campus, which will be completed by spring 2019 and offering classes by summer 2019.

The update of the old campus has begun. Due to recent events that involve gunmen trespassing into schools throughout the country, new security door lock systems have been installed.

An intercom speaker system will be installed to increase security. The intercoms include a system of speakers that will instruct

staff, faculty, and students during emergency situations.

Faculty and staff will go through training to learn how to use these new security tools efficiently.

Student programs l ike the “Adelante Program” are also expected to be joining the campus.

Three classrooms have already been updated to new “Smart” classrooms. The updated classrooms include a huge projector with lighting systems made for students to take better notes.

Teachers can develop a more diversified and interactive way of teaching their students by using the multimedia projectors.

“South Gate campus needs more student services and a cleanup to make it look more inviting,” said Ravena Smith, assessment coordinator.

With security and classroom updates underway, plans to give the South Gate campus a more artistic look are in progress. The campus will soon have brand new art pieces from the Vincent Price Art Gallery to give the campus a more inviting look.

“It seems dull. This place is missing some color,” said Andrew Rubio, Aviation Maintenance, major.

Talks with the art department are also underway for South Gate’s makeover, said Rios.

“ Students are always encouraged to submit their art for the school, students can even submit for a mural,” Rios said.

With all these renovations, changes will benefit the faculty, staff and students.

Fire explorers teach community to be prepared

Fire station 54 held Fire Service Day May 10, that featured many activities.

F r o m 1 0 a . m . - 2 p . m . t h e firefighters held demonstrations on how to save a life by preparing their audience with a one-on-one CPR training. The audience received information about situations if they were to occur. From children to elders, the part icipants w h o p r a c t i c e d o n d u m m i e s , provided by the fire department, did it with such determination.

“If there’s too much pressure then you can break the rib cage, but if it were to be my child, honestly I’d rather break his rib cage than lose him,” George Guevarra said, when asked if it was safe to put a lot of pressure on a child’s chest when they are not breathing.

Things like this tend to open minds, making people see things differently and realize how some risks are better than others.

This event also had many stands where participants could receive more information about what to do if a situation like an earthquake, fire, hurricane or flood were to happen.

F i l l e d w i t h s u c h u s e f u l information, people gathered around to converse with the experts and grab a pamphlet or two before moving on to the next activity.

Fire engines parked on the closed street in order for the people, especially the children, to climb on and explore the vehicles.

From lifeguards to beauty queens, this event had different people representing not only the fire department, but the city of South Gate as well. Miss South Gate 2014 attended the event.

As one walks by the informative canopies, it was impossible to not notice the fire department’s huge fire dozer set on a truck.

This machine is said to help with raging forest fires and is able to open paths in order to get to, or out, of the fire quicker than any vehicle.

Another canopy had chainsaws,

shovels and other materials on display. Visitors could take a look and hold the heavy equipment made especially for their part of the department.

They gave explanations on how they barged into a flaming home and the steps it takes to get in and get out successfully.

“If there’s no guts, there’s no glory,” Firefighter Enrique Marroquin, said.

“We don’t know i f we will be coming out or not, but that is part of the thrill. Just pay attention to your training and hope for t h e b e s t . ” M a r r o q u i n said.

The rescue team zoomed- b y v a r i o u s times on their h e l i c o p t e r as the event s u p e r v i s o r

announced that they were about to demonstrate how a vehicle is opened after an accident.

People surrounded the car and watched as one of the firefighter got into his suit in less than a minute and later made his way to the vehicle with a huge machine in hand.

Wrecking the car window was the start, followed by the team ripping the door off the car. People responded with cheers and children in firefighter suits gave a grin from ear-to-ear.

The many suits placed on the floor, which were meant for people to try on, were eye-catching. The visitors did not hesitate to jump into them and suit-up with a huge smile and excitement.

The suits were not the only things grabbing smiles. Free food and drinks were available for hungry parents while their children entertained themselves in the “Shakey Quakey Earthquake Prepareness Drill.” This simulator demonstrates the power of a 3.4 earthquake and the hazards it can provide.

The passengers are placed into a small classroom that is built into a truck and later is given a hard shake that warns and prepares anyone inside about earthquakes.

Even with all of the activities going on, these heroes did not forget Mother’s Day.

They placed a stand with balloons and floral decorations for the mothers in order for them to feel the warmth of the holiday.

F i l l e d w i t h g a m e s a n d entertainment, free food and drinks, life saving information and their pet Sparky the Dalmatian, Fire Service Day was a useful experience for family and friends.

anniehazel uManaStaff Writer

cn/ annie hazel umana

“We don’t know if we will be coming out or not, but this is part of the thrill. Just pay attention to your training and hope for the best.

Enrique MarroquinFire Fighter

FirE—Explorer ,seen with child, explains what to do in case of a fire emergency.

Big Sean performs at college night

Library workshops unnoticed by Elans

Headliner Big Sean sold-out Fox Theatre, Pomona, this past Thursday at LaVernapolooza College Night Concert.

Big Sean pulled numerous hits from his arsenal including “1st quarter,” “10 2 10” and “Guap.”

After performing his breakout single “My Last,” he spoke to the young crowd and said, “Y’all ain’t no different from me and if I could

make it “y’all can do anything you set your mind to.”

Guest performer Meek Mill surprised the crowd with his Mula verse and blessed the stage alongside Big Sean.

Pusha T also received loud praise while guest performing his verse to the chart topping song “Clique.”

J Cole’s Dream Ville records signee Bas, opened up and gained the audiences attention with his new poetic style raps.

“For me as an artist, I took mental

notes on how I’m going to perform at my next show” said Max Perez

The concert was promoted by the university of La Verne, with students throughout Southern California attending this event.

“This concert was amazing and whoever wasn’t here missed a hell of a concert, Oh God,” Cal state Fullerton student Matt Ruiz said.

“It was alright...yea right. It was poppin and man could Big Sean bring girls out,” Whittier College student Cruz Baez stated.

sergio lepeStaff Writer

The South Gate library at East Los Angeles Colege offers many workshops in which students are able to acquire beneficial skills.

Librarians June Cheng, Gabriela Lopez, and Karen Bourgaize are the instructors. Workshops last up to an hour and take place in Room 109.

These workshops are designed to help students gain resources that will help them in their classes. The question is, do students take advantage of these free workshops?

Not many s tudents a t tend workshops. “Maybe five sign-up and only two show up, unless their professor tells them to go for extra credit,” said Cheng.

She also stated that not many students are motivated to attend

even though they have fliers around the school announcing these workshops. She believes these workshops are a great resource for students who have trouble i n t h e s e areas.

“In order t o a t t e n d t h e s e workshops all you need is your mind, b o d y a n d motivation,” said Cheng. The school p r o v i d e s students what they need for a workshop, so no extra materials are needed.

Workshops a re t augh t i n a classroom environment. This provides more individual attention

toward students and they are able to learn the material better.

The maximum number of students per workshop is 30, but sometimes

it depends on how many computers are available.

The workshops help students learn t h e b a s i c s . T h i s includes learning how to properly research material and web based material, using articles, E-books and data base and how to properly use the library.

Cheng said the one thing she would like to change about the workshops is that more students attend to take advantage of these skills and put them to use in their classes. The motivation isn’t high in the students.

sandy gaMino and

Vanessa MezaStaff Writer

“in order to attend these workshops, all you need is your mind, body and motivation.

June ChengLibrarian

cn/ sergio lepe

Hip-Hop—American hip-hop artist Big Sean gives an electric performance to a sold-out crowd ending with words of encouragement to students in attendance.

www.ELACCampusNews.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014Features8 EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEW

ELAC theatre arts director encourages students

Mission Towards ExcEllEncE—ELAC’s professor and director of theatre arts Rodney Lloyd Scott encourages students to aim high in their education.

CN/ashley leoN

CN/JuliaNNe obregoN

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New deputy looks to protect Elans Deputy Humberto Barragan

is not only dedicated in keeping students safe at East Los Angeles College,but also being there when a student needs someone to talk to.

Deputy Barragan has been at ELAC for six months. He came to help Deputy Velasco, who was team leader at the time. Deputy Velasco left and is now working at Valley College. Deputy Barragan now resumes the position as team leader.

In the small amount of time that Barragan has been at ELAC, he has made many improvements. Barragan said, “So far people are listening to what I’m asking.”

For example he’s installed 178 cameras all around campus. There will be live footage of what is happening, making law enforcement aware.

He has also increased the lighting in the B bungalows. When he came to ELAC he said the lighting was horrible.

He’s also asked for some more carts to increase patrol time around campus. Those carts would be able to get through passages that vehicles can’t get through. As of now there are two new carts.

Claire Floria, Sr. Office Assistant, at the sheriff’s department said, “For the short amount of time that he’s been here, he’s accomplished a lot.”

She also said he’s gotten things done and moving in the right direction. She agreed that people respect him and see improvements, not only in the sheriff’s station but on campus too.

Barragan, 45, has been in the field for 15 years. He’s only worked for community colleges for four-and-a-half years. Before that he has worked a number of years at the Lakewood, Bellflower, Hawaiian Gardens, Artesia and Paramount stations.

Deputy Barragan was born in Mexico and came to California at

9 years old. He was raised in south central Los Angeles with six other siblings. He said his parents were good role models.

They were laborers they set the right tone and example for all six children, who all are doing something productive in their life. His parents were very strict and he would get a “whooping” every so often.

The reason he wanted to be a sheriff was because when he was younger people from the Hispanic community did not understand when they were encountered with law enforcement. They did things

that in their culture are okay to do, but can be perceived as illegal in the state of California.

He felt that he wanted to explain to them what they are doing is wrong. He is aware of the culture and that some people don’t do it out of hatred or violence but because that’s the way they were brought up.

Barragan went to the Sheriff’s Academy. Although he started his career a little later than others, at the age of 30. He believes he built up a good skill set before he became a deputy.

In the near future Barragan would like to be promoted to at least

a sergeant and supervise other deputies, but as of now he only has one thing in mind and that is to provide a service.

His first job was working at the Century Regional Detention Center in Lynwood. CRD was not like other jails. Inmates had direct supervision. At the time Barragan did not know how to be responsible of so many inmates in a confined area.

Deputies had to walk among them, rubbing shoulders, talking to them. “There’s guys in there for murder, rape, you name it,” said Barragan.

Barragan said interacting with

inmates helped him when it was necessary for him to use force. That helped him when it came to force. He believes in only using force when it is necessary.

Barragan said, “You have a large podium or desk as you may call it. And we have a monitor there for a computer. The only thing separating you from the inmates is the red line on the floor.”

There have been many times when Barragan felt his life was in danger whether because he was not in the safest environment. He would assess and re-assess the situation to make a better call. He

has never been in a situation that would require using a deadly force.

Barragan believes using a deadly force is the last option. “If I can keep this gun holstered, that’s where it’s going to stay,” Barragan said.

When he feels it’s no longer necessary, Barragan thinks it’s just a tool in his belt that he can put away.

He thinks that his main tool is the ability to communicate effectively with people.

He said that one is the architect of one’s destiny. There are two paths an easy one where one can join a gang and most likely be incarcerated or dead before being 25, and another path that is slightly harder but leads to a better life, and that’s the one he chose.

He never made a lot of friends. He always stuck to a small group, whom he still sees on occasion.

Barragan will stay at ELAC until his captain tells him otherwise. He likes the campus because it’s a nice environment and believes students are serious about their education.

There are minor issues but it’s unlike other campuses. He’s always out and about, and only at his desk replying to emails about concerns staff has for upcoming events or administrative matters.

If he sees a student that looks a little down he’ll go up to them and ask if they are okay.

He said the atmosphere is different because they don’t have a lot of pressure or calls, unless they’re coming from the campus. He’s never in a rush to dismiss anyone. If a person needs a bit of counseling, he will be glad to help anyone who seeks it.

He’s the same person in or out of the uniform. For example when he pulls over a kid in the middle of the night he would talk to them as if he were talking to his children.

Students don’t have to like him or say hi back, but he wants students to respect the uniform he wears, and respect him as well.

To entertain an audience is one of the greatest joys of East Los Angeles College’s Theater Professor and Director, Rodney Lloyd Scott.

Scott is an adjunct professor and has been directing close to 18 years,the last seven years being here at ELAC.

He has been a casting director and actor in productions such as Champion Sound (2008), Multiple (2008) and Closer (2004).

He said the person that truly gave him the jumpstart he needed for his career in the entertainment industry would be Kelly Hogan, ELAC professor and director.

“She started me in this game. She gave me the love and then I’ve had other teachers that really helped me along the way. But it really started with her,” Scott said.

At Compton College, Scott was given the opportunity by Kelly Hogan to direct a show for the first time.

Once he began, it was like a firework was lit. He said from that point on, it has become history.

For the past four years Scott has also been teaching at Garfield High school. He invites and encourages high school students to watch shows at ELAC.

“It cultures them and lets them know what’s out there. It’s not just what’s here in our neighborhood. We can do other things. We can strive. We can achieve. We can be success and no one can stop us unless we consent,” Scott said.

Scot t g ives advice to h is students not only through words of inspiration, but by studying techniques as well.

His goal is to motivate students into pursuing excellence rather than settling on being average.

He said one technique he uses on the first day of class is called “SQ3R,” which stands for: Survey, Questions, Read, Recite and Review.

The main goal is to recognize the

importance of receiving A’s and B’s rather than C’s. He said C’s should not be the grades students strive for. “C’s are average. And you are not average,” he said.

This motivation is not aimed only toward theater students, but all students.

Rodney is currently in the middle of the production, “Kindred.” His longtime friend Daniel Keleher wrote the play for Scott to act in.

“This piece we are currently showing is very special to me because of the writer in this piece.

“I’ve acted in some of his plays and now I’m directing one of his plays, his name is Daniel Keleher. He wrote this piece for me to act in,” Scott said.

Scott encourages people to watch this show as it means so much to him.

Knowing his audiences appreciate and enjoy the shows which he produces is one of the most important factors in his career, he said.

This is one show he said he is blessed to have the honor of directing.

“Of all my shows that people have seen, if they liked them they definitely want to see this one. [Be] cause I have a Kindred connection to it,” Scott said.

Scott continues to motivate and always advises students to never to give up on their dreams, because anyone is capable.

Hard aT work—Even when he is working from his desk, Deputy Humberto Barragan works hard to keep the ELAC campus safe.

Tracey abarcaStaff Writer

ashley leonStaff Writer

www.ELACCampusNews.com

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWSWEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014 SportS 9

Baseball season ends at playoffs

ELAC alumnus coaches baseball teams to success

SWEET VICTORY—The East Los Angeles College baseball team celebrates after winning a, 6-5, CCCAA single-elimination playoff game against College of the Canyons on April 29 at Husky Park.

CN/LILIANA MARQUEZ

Following their narrow 6-5 victory over College of the Canyons, East Los Angeles College was ousted from the California Community College Athletic Association Southern Regionals by Oxnard College on May 3.

ELAC head coach James Hines referred to the game as “tough fought” and expressed his pride for the Huskies making it to the playoffs four years in a row.

The Huskies, 25-15 overall, faced Oxnard (30-10) in a best two-out-of-three series to move on to the Super Regionals.

Oxnard won the first game on May 2 with a 4-3 victory against ELAC.

ELAC won the second game by scoring two runs at the bottom of the ninth inning, winning 2-1.

The third and final game, to determine which team advanced

to the Super Regionals, was held 30 minutes after the second game on May 3.

Oxnard began the game scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning and held the lead for the remainder of the game for a 2-0 victory against ELAC.

The Huskies were eliminated from advancing to the Super Regionals.

Prior to this, ELAC advanced to the Southern R e g i o n a l s following a four-game win streak.

The CCCAA single-elimination game victory against Canyons (19-17-1) was on April 29.

The previous three victories in ELAC’s four-game winning streak was against Los Angeles Harbor College (15-21) on April 22, 24,

Jose BivianStaff Writer

Mike RaMiRezStaff Writer

and 25. The Huskies won a majority of

these games, scoring early in the games and ending them with 9-1, 12-0, and 9-6 victories.

Hines made special mention of his pitching staff, n aming Roman Davalos and Shawn Kennedy, as key players throughout the season.

A m o n g t h e s e players he also made note of utility player Daniel Moriel who finished the season as starting catcher.

Earl ier in the season, the Huskies held a seven-game

win streak starting February 27 with their 6-0 victory against Los Angeles Pierce College (21-18-1).

The streak ended with a 2-0 loss against El Camino College Compton Center (15-21) on March 18.

During this s t reak, ELAC

defeated Pasadena City College (4-31) and Mt. San Antonio College (20-16) three consecutive times each, as well as a victory against L.A. Pierce.

ELAC’s first game against Pasadena on March 4 marked the beginning of this year’s season South Coast Conference games.

On April 15, ELAC faced Allan Hancock Community College (24-15-1) at the Spring Classic Baseball Tournament in Santa Maria and lost with a final score of 2-1.

ELAC lost 3-1 against Fresno City College (23-16) on April 16, only managing to score a run in the bottom in the ninth.

ELAC’s four-game losing streak began April 10 against Long Beach City College (21-17).

After an initial 3-1 victory on April 8, ELAC had two consecutive losses to Long Beach, at 6-1 and 3-2 on April 10 and 12, respectively.

“ I’m proud of how the Huskies did this year and look forward to doing better next year,” Hines said.

“I’m proud of how the Huskies did this year and look forward to doing better next year.

James HinesHead Coach

Under Pearson the Bears have found great success as a team and as individuals. This year’s Warren baseball team features two players that have committed to play baseball for San Diego State University.

Wherever East Los Angeles College alumnus Scott Pearson seems to go, success always seems to follow.

Ever since leaving ELAC and earning his degree, Pearson has turned every high school baseball team he has coached into winners.

He has also managed to produce great individual talent and even an MLB all-star Ricky Romero.

Pearson was born into a highly athletic family. Both he and his twin brother, Kevin played baseball for the South Gate High school Rams. Kevin was also t h e s t a r t i n g q u a r t e r b a c k on the Rams football team. T h e i r f a t h e r Douglas played wide receiver on the South Gate Rams football team and caught the winning touchdown to the Rams only city football championship.

Pearson started his coaching career at Roosevelt High school.

A t R o o s e v e l t , P e a r s o n experienced great success winning more than 150 games in 10 years.

Pearson also had the honor of coaching major league starting pitcher Romero.

Romero played his last season at Roosevelt under Pearson. He was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2005. Romero has started in more than 129 major league games for the Blue Jays, winning 51. Romero was also an American League All-

Star in 2011. After 10 years, Pearson left the

Rough Riders and took over the head coach position at Cathedral High School. Pearson transformed the small school into a baseball powerhouse, leading to three league titles in three years.

In those three short years, the Phantoms won 72 games while losing only 18.

Pearson’s success earned the Phantoms a ticket into Division-3, where they were expected to contend for the title.

However, Pearson would not lead the Phantoms into Division-3.

On August 1, 2012 the L.A. Times reported tha t Pea rson w a s l e a v i n g Cathedral to take ove r War r en High School’s baseball team.

P e a r s o n w a s q u o t e d at the time as describing the move as “a leap

of faith.” At Warren, Pearson took over a

baseball program that only won 43 games, while losing 32, the past three years. It took Pearson less than two seasons to win 43 games while only losing.

Under Pearson, the Bears have found great success as a team and as individual players.

This year’s Warren baseball team features two players who intend to play baseball for San Diego State University.

ELAC almunus Scott Pearson has brought success with him to every high school baseball program he has coached by helping them to win many titles.