EL CAMINO COLLEGE
JAPANESE CULTURE INSPIRES FASHION BLOGGER
SPRING / SUMMER 2017
TRAGEDY INSPIRES FILMMAKER
Cheap Eats around El Camino
RAPPER HOPES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE THROUGH HIS MUSIC
Spring/Summer 2017 El Camino student produced magazine
6 BLESSING AND A CURSE
Cesar Medina, father of a toddler aims to make it in the volleyball sport as he struggles to find balance.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
19 Tastes your Wallet will Love
The top cheap spots around El Camino that will satisfy your hunger while at the same time allowing you to stay within your budget.
2 • Warrior Life • Spring ‘17
11 Thrift Fruit Fashion blogger finds inspiration in the Japanese culture.
25 Are you Qurious?
A woman overcomes homelessness and decides to rebuild her life from the ground up.
26 Two Sisters, One Sport Two siblings share the love of the same sport. Softball.
Table of Contents 14
BoomTrack A young rapper hopes to make it in the hip-hop industry.
20
AMOR Y TRAGEDIA (LOVE AND TRAGEDY)
A major event causes her to look at life through a different perspective.
30 Fur-Fest at Kathy’s
A fashion designer wins best collection at El Camino and attempts to build her own signature outfits.
32 Architecture Through A Lens
36 The Good Fight
A student who was once bullied uses his experiences to gain positive results in his life.
Photographer builds his dream one structure at a time. Spring ‘17 • Warrior Life • 3
Letter from the editor The inspiration around this magazine was to celebrate diversity on our campus. This idea somehow failed. When we gathered our sources we discovered that each and every single individual in this magazine had one thing in common: each person is trying to make it big in the industry that they are somehow involved in, but they aren’t quite there yet. In these pages, you will find the story of a volleyball player struggling to find balance between the sport and fatherhood. There’s the story of a rapper hoping to make an impact through his music. In the center of the magazine, you will find the story of a woman who lost her boyfriend after he was murdered by a Mexican cartel. There’s also a story of two sisters who share a passion for the same sport, and the story of a fashion designer who won best collection for her outstanding designs. The focal point behind each of the stories isn’t focused on one single topic, rather they encompass an array of topics from fashion to sports, music to martial arts, even architecture to art and so much more. Each story took time and dedication. Each one plays a key role in making this magazine a reality. In the pages to come, we celebrate the different types of people at El Camino who are aspiring to become successful individuals. Although diversity is not our theme, the individuals in this magazine each come from different ethnic backgrounds and the age groups vary. The hard work and dedication to put this magazine together was accomplished by team work and countless hours perfecting every detail. I hope you enjoy all the stories in the pages that follow.
Managing Editor - Sarah Desmond
Editor-in-chief Alba Erika Mejia
Photo Editor - Jorge Villa Staff Writer - Phil Sidavong Staff Writer - Eric Ramos Staff Writer - Shontel Leake Staff Photographer - Elijah Hicks
Warrior Life is published every spring by El Camino College Journalism 9 students. The office us located in Room 113 of the Humanities Building at 16007 Crenshaw Blvd. Torrance, CA 90506. Single copies of Warrior Life are free to the campus community and visitors. Additional copies are 25 cents and may be requested from the office or by calling 310-660-3328 during the fall and spring semesters. To advertise, contact Student Publication Advertising Office: 310660-3329. 4 • Warrior Life • Spring ‘17
Staff Photographer - Osvaldo Deras Adviser - Stefanie Frith Cover photo taken by Jorge Villa at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, CA. Back cover photo taken by Jorge Villa at a producing studio in Torrance, CA.
Don’t forget to follow and like The Union on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and be sure to check out eccunion.com for daily news and sports.
Blessing and a Curse Cesar Medina is a standout El Camino volleyball player, but he’s learning to manage his life as a father and student Story by: Phil Sidavong
Cesar Medina and his daughter, Ailani, are almost inseparable when they have spare time with each other. When Ailani was born two years ago, it put a stop on Cesar’s volleyball career, but he won’t quit at the game he loves. Photo by: Phil Sidavong
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here’s a 2-year-old ball of energy roaming the stands in the South Gym at El Camino. Ailani Medina runs around climbing up one bleacher step and then down one bleacher step, as her uncle, Miguel Macias, watches over her. She smiles, enjoying herself. Every now and then she lets out the occasional cheer. All of a sudden there’s down time, her father Cesar Medina enthusiastically hops up the bleachers with light steps and then stops right in front of her. As the two share a quick smile and head bump, he takes his gold chain off and puts it on her, gives her a kiss on the forehead and scales down the stands before he gets in trouble for taking a break during the pre-game men’s volleyball warm-ups. “I think the biggest struggle (of being a student athlete and a parent) is managing the time or (having to make) time for everything,” he says. Cesar, 23, business major, is normally all smiles and playful attitudes wherever his daughter is concerned. On the court however, the South L.A. native is the go-to player and if he wants to prove that he can make it to the next level then he has to perform game after game. His 6-foot-1-inch frame is slightly thin in stature, but his muscles are lean and when he attacks a ball on the court people would think he’d have bulging arms. His body towers over his daughter, so whenever Ailani runs up to hug Cesar, the top of her head barely clears his knees, although compared to the men on the court he’s just like everybody else. “I feel like I have something to prove because a lot of people doubt me (because of) my height,” Cesar says. “My height doesn’t determine my game or (my strength on the court,) my mentality and my heart (are what count.)” The struggles of a parent, a student-athlete and someone who works five days is a week is all compiled into one person, so reality can be different than expectation. “He’s a blessing and a curse,” El Camino head coach Dick Blount says. “(He misses) practice (because of work and his daughter,) but the (guys) love him. He’s the best player on the team, so what can you do?” He knows that he has a tough schedule for a student athlete and a parent, but he also knows that this is the best plan for him and Ailani. “There (is) no room to mess around and if I want a better life for my child, the life I didn’t (get) have, (then) I know I have to grind,” Cesar says. “(She) was my new motivation and every time that times were tough I would think of my baby.” Midway through the El Camino men’s volleyball campaign in 2015, Cesar’s ex-girlfriend Isabel Hernandez gave birth to their daughter, Ailani, on March 22, 2015. “I was shocked (when I found out),” Cesar says. “I guess it caught me by surprise, (even though) I kind of knew that I was (going to) be a a dad, because I’d see Isabel get sick.” 8 • Warrior Life • Spring ‘17
Sophomore outside hitter Cesar Medina attacks the ball against 2017 Men’s Volleyball State Champion, Orange Coast College. Cesar and the Warriors lost to the Pirates in three sets on Saturday, April 29. Photo by: Jorge Villa
Spring ‘17 • Warrior Life • 9
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f c Cesar and Ailani share a moment to celebrate the big win over No. 2 Irvine Valley College in the first round of playoffs on Friday, April 21. Photo by: Phil Sidavong He says that beyond the shock and surprise, he was happy that he was going to have a child. It was a brand new experience for him. “It changed my mindset in a way where I had to be more responsible about things,” Cesar says. “(Like) work and getting back to school.” Cesar has been a force on the court for a long time and really just wants to win the state championship. “He really wants to compete,” Dick says. “But he has to work and a daughter to support.” Ailani loves to wander around, even when her father is in plain sight and her new favorite Elmo toy is always with her as she plays. She’s only at Cesar’s around three to four days and it’s been a day since Ailani and Cesar last saw each other. She runs up to his leg, hugs him and says, “I love you.” Cesar says that his daughter is very obedient with him and she always listens to him, but his favorite part is 10 • Warrior Life • Spring ‘17
that Ailani loves to be around him. Even when he’s doing homework she’s always trying to mess with him or write in his book to get attention. During his absence from the team in 2016 he was trying to find a job to support his family and his daughter. He had been playing “moneyball” as a side job, which kept him in shape and condition to return to the team this year. But playing volleyball for money can only help so much. “I needed a job and trying to find classes (to match my schedule) was (harder than I thought),” Cesar says. His absence can be a burden on the team, especially when he’s not at practice or is late to games, yet he’s a starter, game-in and game-out. “It’s better that we have someone we can go to, to put the ball away,” sophomore setter and long-time friend Pedro Campos says. He knows what he wants to do, but sometimes his current situation can be a blessing and a curse.
“It feels really good being back, but I want to leave my legacy and a mark at (El Camino),” Cesar says. Now it’s April 29, it’s the men’s volleyball state championship match and Cesar is back again to try and win El Camino’s first ever State Title. Ailani is nowhere to be found in the stands. Why? Because Isabel has custody over her on Saturdays. Ailani isn’t there and Cesar’s team can’t make the most out of its chances to win. They eventually lose in the 2017 State Finals. It’s not over for Cesar himself, but he also has Ailani to worry about, and depending on the near future, his volleyball career might be over, but he definitely doesn’t want that. “(My goal is to) make things happen (for myself in life) and (I want to) make an impact in the volleyball world,” Cesar says.
Fashion blogger inspired by japanese
fashion street culture while still being
true to self
Instagram: fruitdandy
Blog:
kenyakufruit. blogspot.com
Story and Photos by Jorge Villa
spring 2017 | WarriorLife | 45
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mongst the cold gust of the San Pedro breeze, there’s a pearl-colored hair model in her baggy cherry red vintage knit sweater. She can be spotted miles away in a sea of people as easy as finding Waldo. As she fiercely gazes into the camera that would stun even medusa, she shifts her body into position. Click. Alexis Boldt, 23, English major, has a frame as elegant as cranes. She shifts again, pivoting her feet. Tourists stop by and ignore the Korean Friendship Bell behind her. Their eyes fixate on Alexis. She is the main attraction now. Click. Click. “Look at me,” says Angel Valdez, Alexis’s boyfriend. She responds by focusing her eyes directly on the camera as she re-positions her body and oozes with confidence. Alexis, an El Camino student, is a fashion blogger who resides in San Pedro. She aspires to expand her influences in Japanese street fashion in order to blossom a fruitful career in fashion. She credits her style and inspiration to a mixture of western hip-hop culture and Tokyo’s neon colored underground club scene. In a little town called Alexis, Illinois, 13-year-old Alexis did not watch many cartoons on Saturdays, except for “Toonami”, an adult orientated animation block showcasing action anime at midnight. The show was an unorthodox subculture that resonated within nerd culture in the mid-2000’s. This sparked Alexis’s romantic relationship with Japanese culture. Alexis recalls some of her favorite anime shows like “K-on” which portrayed an ensemble of girls in high school trying to save a music club from being disbanded. “Seeing the characters made me feel like it was OK to have fun, be 12 • Warrior Life • Spring ‘17
weird and not care what people think,” Alexis says. Around the age 17, Alexis started wearing thigh highs, vibrant colored wigs and circle skirts that resembled the “kawaii style” made popular in Japan. She soon felt that there was not enough room for variations and experimentation in the “kawaii style”, and that has encouraged her to try other Japanese influenced styles. She says she now looks at fashion in a different manner. Teen magazines in the U.S. are not as radical as Alexis would hope for, thus queuing Japanese magazines like “Mina” and “Zipper” that showcase a wide array of street fashion like beanies, baggy jeans and high-top sneakers on females. When she turned 22, she started searching for outfits from local thrift stores in Del Amo, California that resembled the street fashion in the magazines. “I just like how you can put a piece that wouldn’t go together and pair it with something and still make it look good,” Alexis says as she explains her thought process when choosing certain fabrics like tartan and floral prints. Searching for that perfect unique piece in piles of clothes at a thrift store is like looking for a needle in haystack. Once Alexis had a grasp for orchestrating outfits, she made a blog called “Kenyaku Fruit” which means thrifty fruit. The title was influenced by her conscious food diet, lifestyle and second-hand clothing selections. “I just thought it was cool at the time and people online have called me ‘fruit’ because of my hair prior,” says Alexis, also known as fruit dandy on her social media accounts.
The name was inspired by one of her favorite anime shows, “Space Dandy.” When Alexis is in public or working at 24-Hour Fitness, strangers often stare at her and proceed with comments about her appearance that range from,”you look pretty without makeup and wigs,” to “I love your eyebrows.” Alexis is half African-American and half Caucasian and she doesn’t feel like she is trying to mask anything about herself through her outfits nor does she care how others perceive her because of her style. Alexis continues to do her “thang” as she networks with people in the industry through her blog posts and hopes to travel to Japan in three years. “It’s fun and I’m not trying (to) stick to a certain race, gender or appearance, just doing my thang,” Alexis says.
Alexis Boldt shows off her different styles for her blog. She is a woman who is not afraid of what others think of her style. Her inspiration: Japanese Culture intertwined with a western hip-hop culture.
Boom Track
One step at a time he hopes to accomplish his dreams of performing on stage as a rapper Instagram: viizionisborn
Story by: Alba Mejia Photos by: Jorge Villa
“Return of the Jedi, I’m the force to be reckoned with, The source of the syndicate is more than delirious, The thought does it benefit, My story be an intricate plot, All I got is my intellect, Innocent rot, About to pop like a Mentos mint, A mentalist mind when I spit, That’s the end of it, Intimate bond with the beat, I’m a lyricist.”
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hese are part of the lyrics to “No Messages,” a track by Zin Tun, an El Camino student who started his SoundCloud channel recently under the name ViiZion. Zin only has 459 followers
Zin Tun (left) and Brandon Cruz (right) spend countless hours perfecting the soundtracks that Zin records. They make sure that each beat is perfect and ready to present on their SoundCloud account.
16 • Warrior Life • Spring ‘17
on his channel but he has managed to gain listens on his tracks. “No Messages” has nearly 1,600 listens in the course of two months since its release. Zin started rapping with his producer Brandon Cruz, who produces the beats, about a year and a half ago. They have been recording in Brandon’s bedroom closet and perfecting the beats and rap lyrics. “It doesn’t sound like we record in a closet,” Zin says. “It is because (Brandon) is very good at what he does. Malik Diamond, a director of HipHop for Change, an organization created for artists who speak their mind politically and socially in the Bay area, says that many young people want to make it in the hip-
hop industry but they don’t do their research. “It’s a fantasy for a lot of people, you have to think about your audience and what you are trying to translate. Also, whose attention are you trying to get?,” Diamond says. Diamond, who also raps, says that one of his songs on SoundCloud channel gained 900 listens in the course of four years. He says it’s very difficult for an upcoming artist to gain that many listens unless their circle of friends is that large. Zin, 19, music major at EC immigrated into the United States at the age of six. Zin met Brandon at North High School during their senior year. Zin found Brandon with an “Illmatic” record and approached him and the two made a meaningful connection that changed their lives.
Zin, 19, breaks a smile as he is excited to record something new. He hopes to one day be able to make a difference through his rap lyrics.
When Zin is interacting with those he feels comfortable with, a confident, cheery personality pops up. He says he doesn’t like to smile a lot, but there are moments that allow him to be at his happiest. His life however was not always as pleasant as it is now. In the summer before high school Zin met a girl who changed his perspective on love but she broke his heart. He thought he was in love with her but didn’t know how to react to the situation. When she broke up with him he started writing poetry which eventually turned into rap. Zin says he had a dream with one of his rap idols named Nas. In his dream Nas appeared to him telling him he should write. “Just write. Just write,” that’s all Zin remembers hearing from Nas. Before being interested in hip-hop Zin was into rock and punk music. It wasn’t until seventh grade when he
“Just write. Just write,” that’s all Zin remembers hearing from Nas. started liking hip-hop because of his friend Tosh. He says he remembers listening a song by Eminem and it got him hooked into that style of music. Some of Zin’s inspirations now are: Nas, Andre 3000, J-Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper and other artists which are both new and old school rappers. “I never thought I was going to
be a rapper, I was just a fan like everyone else,” Zin says. Zin says he would like to perform at the Madison Square Garden one day and at the House of Blues although he says that he knows there is still a long way to go for him to accomplish those dreams. Before Brandon met Zin, he already had started establishing his mark. He started being a DJ somewhere between the ages of 12 - 13. From the 7th grade until about his sophomore year in high school, Brandon would do mostly gigs at house parties. Brandon says he stopped doing gigs because he wanted to focus solely on producing beats and sampling from other artists; something he learned from watching YouTube videos. Zin says he is an extrovert although his style of clothing is basic. His boisterous personality is not something that is apparent through his clothing. He is not your Spring ‘17 • Warrior Life • 17
Zin Tun is inside Brandon Cruz’s bedroom closet. Brandon is Zin’s friend and producer. Zin prepares his next lyrics ready to record and upload his next track on SoundCloud.
typical “sagging pants and large t-shirts” kind of guy. Zin wears a thermal long sleeve shirt, an army patterned bandana, and dark blue jeans as he heads to the recording studio to meet with his mentor and producer Brandon Cruz, 19. Zin walks through a garage into a two story townhouse in Torrance and up the stairs into a rather small bedroom with a bed, a desk with a laptop, and a closet which holds only the instruments needed to record. The townhouse is tucked between others just like it. From the outside view it is not obvious what goes on in that bedroom. The closet in the bedroom is used as a recording studio. In there, there is a microphone, an amplifier and a few Christmas lights. “What makes Zin different is the fact that he is dedicated and is willing to keep learning,” Brandon says. Brandon sometimes wants to take a break from recording but Zin pushes him to keep recording. 18 • Warrior Life • Spring ‘17
Brandon is a self-taught producer who got into DJ-ing and producing beats because of the game DJ hero. “Got adrenaline rushing through, Like a motor oil running on the last tank, I’m stunting, A bad plan is coming. A mad man, A killer, A backhand, The finger, I’m in the back Villa ready to start evicting you bitches.” This is also part of his “No Messages” track which is a song that is not supposed to have any messages while at the same time having them embedded throughout. “My goal right now is to be locally known...from there I want to spread out from city to city and then counties and so forth,” Zin says. “ I feel like there should be steps (to grow in this industry).” Both Zin and Brandon said that their style of music is a blend between boom bap, a specific style of hip-hop that stands out because
of the hard bass drum and snapping snare that is often mixed into the forefront of the beat, and old school hip-hop with slight electronic mixed in. Zin and Brandon say that if they could label their style of music they would call it “boom track.” They would call it this because it is different and it stems from they style boom bap. Even though the two now have a solid relationship it wasn’t always like that. There were a lot issues when they would misunderstand each others’ terms. It took them a while to be on the same page Brandon says. “Combust into ashes, like a gathering of a fire nation with a match to lit. I’m the master (explicit). No need for the titled crown. Gonna rhyme ‘til the day I die yo. I’m signing out. Never waiting last minute yo, my time is now.” These are the ending lyrics of “No Messages.”
Tastes that your wallet will love
Top food spots to try for under $7 1) Tilly’s Tacos.
Tired, hungry and there’s an hour before the next class. Everyone’s been there, but it’s time to steer clear of the chain restaurants and the on-campus food options. Whether you’re a teacher or a student, or a staff member, take a peek at our top three places to eat and find your next go-to destination while only spending $7. Here are the top food spots around campus that are sure to keep your wallet and your taste buds happy. - Phil Sidavong 4) Bonello’s New York Pizza.
This small food joint can be found in the corner of the plaza on What college student doesn’t love a fat slice of pizza made fresh-tothe north side of Manhattan Beach Boulevard. order and costs only a few bucks? A half order of nachos comes with your choice of meat (beef or Pizza is the way to some people’s hearts and Bonello’s makes that a chicken) and fresh tortilla chips topped with nacho cheese, onions, reality w/ the No. 1 featuring a slice of pizza and a soda for $4.50. cilantro and some salsa (your choice of mild or spicy) is fulfilling to It may be just one slice, but when the taste is that good, it’s all you say the least and the total comes out to just $5.98. need to enjoy the fresh taste Bonello’s New York-style pizza. Just take a trip across the street for a feast you won’t regret. 2) Supreme Burger Grill. The epicenter of food options around El Camino can be found in the Manhattan Plaza in between Subway and Gamestop. Supreme is a premier “go-to” spot that features a menu with a plethora of choices. The No. 3 combo features a jr. cheeseburger that is topped with onions, lettuce, a thin-burger patty; includes a small order of chili cheese fries and a drink all for just under $7. 3) Chicken Maison. The Meditteranean-style food boasts a good deal for anyone in need of a healthier bite to eat at the corner of the Manhattan Plaza, right before McDonalds. A 1/4 chicken with a side of rice and salad for $5.95. The skin on the chicken is seasoned and roasted to perfection. The rice has a hint of sweetness from the raisins and the salad is a nice addition to fill your stomach.
1/4 chicken special with rice and salad from Chicken Maison. Photo taken by Phil Sidavong.
Half-order of Super Nachos w/ chicken from Tilly’s Tacos. Photo taken by Phil Sidavong.
Amor Y
Tragedia (LOVE & TRAGEDY)
Story and photos by Jorge Villa
Cerra Mendez, uses a Black Magic camera to shoot major projects that include commercials, music videos and film. 22 • Warrior Life • Spring ‘17
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lejandro gathers his belongings to meet with Eva, his first love, as the muffled sound of corrido music, a notorious genre played in Mexico about the drug cartel lifestyle, is playing in the living room. “Shh, apaga la musica,” says one of the cowboys skeptically as his friends around him question why he wants to
music off. He scans through the plexiglass windows. Shadowy figures lie dormant outside the mansion in Mexico’s vast desert. Suddenly, a bright light shines onto his dilated, blood-shot eyes. “La policia,” Johnny screams as his gang unleashes a barrage of bullets. The false sense of security is quickly diminished. Alejandro grabs his luggage and bolts out the room. He grips his revolver, but has no intention of using it. His heart races as he runs to the back of the house with death looming over him. As he gets closer to the car, a police officer shoots Alejandro in the back and he slowly falls to the ground. Another shot is fired as one of Alejandro’s friends kills the officer. Alejandro lies on the desert ground whimpering. “Take me to Eva,” he says. Cut. A loud roar of applause showers over the morbid scene as a film crew wraps up in Temecula, California. Cerra Mendez congratulates the actors for their performances. They wrap up their last day of a 4-day production at the mansion they rented. Cerra, 24, is an El Camino student who is double majoring in film production and biological/physical science. She is currently working on post-production for “Fronteras,” her first independent feature film based on her boyfriend’s life and his untimely death. She was able to raise money from Indiegogo, a crowdfunding campaign and her job working at UCLA as an emergency trauma technician. She plans to release the film in summer, starting with a private premiere with cast and crew then submitting to film festivals like Sundance. Wearing a black shirt with the word “Director” on the front in bold white letters, standing at 6’1, with an hour-glass shaped body, Cerra recounts the tragedy of her boyfriend and transforms it into a redemption love tale. Like peeling an onion reaching to the center each layer, resulting in sorrow. In late 2012, on a cold night riding in the back of an ambulance while working as an EMT, Cerra received a phone call from her boyfriend’s mom Angela Trujillo telling her, “Cerrita, solo te quieria decir que lo mataron a mi Alejandro.” I only wanted Spring ‘17 • Warrior Life • 23
to tell you that they killed my son, Alejandro, says Angela. In August 8, 2012 Alejandro Trujillo, also known as Alex, was murdered near a motel known as La Luna in Acapulco, according to “El Sur,” a newspaper organization in Acapulco, Mexico. “I didn’t want to believe it at first but a week (after the news) when I was in the shower, I just broke down in tears, knowing he was gone,” Cerra said, as she recounts the day she heard about her boyfriend. Alex’s death, inspired her to commemorate his legacy in a film. “There is not a day that goes by where I don’t remember him or his smile,” says Cerra as she wipes away her tears. Cerra was 15 when she met Alex, 19, who at the time was attending a high school in Reno. This was before he was deported during a raid at his job, back where his family resided, Acapulco. Mexico was his birth place, but his family migrated to the U.S. when he was 2 years old. “He was a very funny and kind person,” says Cerra as she recounts her memories of Alex. While looking through her box of old memorabilia,
she finds a cross necklace that was given to her by Alex’s mom. “It just made me feel loved and no one (had ever) shown me that in my life,” Cerra says. In 2015, she attended a film class at El Camino College where she wrote her first screenplay for “Fronteras.” Cerra always embraced her creative side from painting on her free time to handling $2,000 cameras for movies. “I just used it as an emotional outlet,” says Cerra. She visited Alex’s family to gain more insight for her screenplay and closure. She spoke to Edgar Polanco Genchis, a cousin of Alex, and he explained that while Alex was working at a local motel to save money, he was taken by gang members. Edgar said the gang members were a part of a cartel and they gave Alex an ultimatum to work for them as a sicario (hitman) or be killed. “Some men who have nothing sometimes see this as the only way to make money and fall into this lifestyle,” Edgar says. The gangs in Mexico thus have
transcended into exponential killings involving over 5,000 people in 2008, according to the Latin American Weekly Report. Cerra, after retuning to the U.S., used her newfound information and finished her script for “Fronteras.” In this alternate universe, Alex sees Cerra one last time before dying. “I wanted to preserve Alex’s innocence so in this film, knowing in reality he did bad things but due to the circumstances he dealt with he had to become this monster in order to see Eva again,” Cerra says. Cerra aspires to branch out and orchestrate an ensemble of independent filmmakers in Los Angeles who need help funding their projects using private investors. Cerra wants to be an activist and have a message in all her films while at the same time being entertaining. Cerra says she plans to make more films with political undertones but still wants them to be accessible for movie goers. “This is what I love about film: (it is that) I have the power to make people feel how I felt with my first love being Alex and following his journey,” Cerra says.
Cerra Mendez is shown here with her late boyfriend during one of the happiest times of her life before tragedy struck her life. Her experiences have helped her in what is now her filmmaking career.
Are you Qurious?
BEING HOMELESS HAS NOT STOPPED HER FROM LIVING A FULFILLING LIFE
Story by: Shontel Leake Photo by: Elijah Hicks
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hen Tracy Owens made the choice to take her youngest child and leave her abusive marriage, there was more at stake than a broken relationship. Homelessness. Striking out into an uncertain future, Tracy met someone on the street who let her and Emerald, her daughter, now 18, take refuge in an outdoor patio in Rialto for more than a year after the split. “We had to go down to the fitness center to get washed.” Tracy says. “I was able to set up a hose so we could use it as a shower - real old school.” Eventually Owens, a 48-year-old mother of four, pulled herself up, changed her name to Qurious and became an author. Qurious came from a small town in New Jesey, but she always longed for city life and the California climate. In 1985, she got her wish. While visiting her sister in the
From being homeless, and being a single mother, author, photographer and creator /owner of Qurious shea butter body jellies, Tracy Owens knows all about life’s trials and tribulations. Her biggest fan is her 25-year old Golden State, she decided to stay. For five years, she worked for an daughter Kashe Masters. With her aircraft company in Inglewood but mother being 56 years old, Kashe that regimented lifestyle was not for says she has seen the things her her. She had always created her own mother has gone through and it foaming bath crystals, body jellies, makes her think of a lot about how incense and soap and decided it was she needs to “get herself ” together. “My mom pushes me all the time, time to work for herself. “I was tired of doing all the work even though it gets on my nerves, and getting none of the credit,” she but I do sit and think about what says. “When you work for yourself, she is teaching me, and she makes a lot sense”. the sky’s the limit.” Brian Cochran, station manager Thirty years have passed and Owens has decided to return to from Pomona-based radio station, school at El Camino College. says, “ she has a fiery personality Returning to school has been very and always has something inspiring good for her, she says. Since being to say.” Owen’s wants others to see her back in school she has discoverd her creativity as a photographer and work as supreme and divine because it comes from the Lord. artist. If you want to know more about Owen’s strengths are her failures because out of her failures she Tracy Owens go to her website: Quriousonline.com became susccessful. Spring ‘17 • Warrior Life • 25
TWO Sisters, ONE Sport Kat and Karla Calderon are two sisters who share the same passion for softball and play for El Camino Story by Eric Ramos
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s a pitch is being delivered, Kattya gets in the ready position and inches closer toward the infield as she anticipates the swing. Karla takes her position in the infield and gets her body ready for anything hit her way. She stays low with bent knees and her head up. The pitch is smacked into the outfield by a Grossmont College batter. The ball heads towards left center field. Kattya Calderon, who prefers to go by Kat, tracks down the ball, races to her left and makes the catch on the run to get the out. The crowd gasps as Kat watches the ball hit her glove. She reacts to the ball and lets her eyes guide her body to make a highlight reel catch in the outfield. You often hear people say your team is like a group of sisters but many can’t relate to actually having theirs by their side, Karla Calderon says. Kat and Karla have been playing together for so long that they often communicate on the field without saying a word. Before every softball game, the sisters do a pregame handshake that symbolizes their relationship. At the end of the handshake, they interlock fingers which reminds them to “get it done on the field” and “play as one.” The Calderon sisters are teammates on the 2017 South Coast Conference-South division champions in the El Camino softball team. El Camino is the first team to go unbeaten in conference play since 26 • Warrior Life • Spring ‘17
Mount San Antonio College in 2013 and the ninth in conference history to do so. “Every game this season, someone different has stepped up to play a huge role,” Kat, who finished the season batting .301 with 23 runs scored, says. “I’m very excited to see how far we can go in the playoffs.” On the field, the sisters are each others biggest fans, but also each others biggest critic. When Karla smashes a ball over an outfielder’s head, Kat is the first one jumping up and down with excitement, yelling, “that’s my sister.” “If Karla messes up, Kat is the first one to call her on it,” freshman outfielder Jazmyn Sancen says. “They push each other to be better.” Karla, 19, had a solid freshman season, batting .286 with eight RBIs, 20 runs scored and six stolen bases. The 5-foot-2 brunette second baseman is small in stature, but she’s big in personality. When Karla is not on the field or in class, she enjoys long boarding, going to the beach, traveling and playing basketball. In addition to softball, Karla played basketball at Ripon High School in Ripon, California. Kat began playing softball at 7 and Karla started playing at 9. Growing up, they both played various sports including soccer, volleyball and basketball but they fell in love with softball. The athletic siblings were born in Long Beach, California but when Kat was in third grade, they moved to Ripon, a small town in Northern California. Their mom Cynthia Rios wanted a fresh start after her
Kattya and Karla Calderon are teammates on the El Camino softball team. The Warriors won the 2017 South Coast Conference-South championship. Photo by Jorge Villa.
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“It’s a dream come true to play alongside my sister in college. She’s my best friend,” Kat says.
Kat runs to first base in the Warriors’ regular-season game against L.A. Harbor College. Photo by Osvaldo Deras. 28 • Warrior Life • Spring ‘17
Kat, 20, and Karla, 19, Calderon both share their love of the same sport. Softball has united the two sisters and made their bond potentially unbreakable. They know each other’s weaknesses and strengths. Photos by Jorge Villa
divorce so she moved the girls up north. “Ripon is a nice, quiet town but SoCal is home,” Kat says, “We wanted to play softball at a college down here for the competition.” During Kat’s senior year at Ripon HS, the softball team won a league title, but fell short at the Sectional Championships. Karla got redemption the following year as they beat Linden High School, 7-6, in walk-off fashion to win its first Sac-Joaquin Section Division V championship. Although it was done without Kat, winning a championship is something they talked and dreamed about ever since they started high school. “When I finally got to hold the banner with my team, it was a moment I can’t explain,” Karla says. “We worked hard all season for this.”
Karla is a competitive person and when she realized the competition aspect of playing softball, she knew it was her sport. She recalled memories of her softball days as a kid. “Game days for me were truly about seeing my friends,” Karla says. “I remember asking my mom to take me to the field because there was nothing else I would rather do.” Kat fell in love with softball when she would get excited to wake up at 5 a.m. to go to a tournament. A lean 5-feet-3 outfielder with long flowing hair, Kat says being along side her sister in college is a dream come true. “Practices and games with my sister by my side were the best,” Karla says. “It’s a feeling you can’t describe.” The sisters first year playing softball was actually on different teams but as the years went on, they
played together on many teams. They played on one recreational team together, two different travel teams and three years on the same high school team. The bond the sisters have is unbreakable. Ever since they started playing softball, Kat has dreamed of playing alongside Karla in college. Both sisters hope to transfer and continue to play softball at the next level together. Kat plans to attend California State University San Marcos and would love nothing more than to play with her sister at San Marcos. Kat and Karla helped each other become better players with their competitive nature while always wanting to outshine one another. “She’s my best friend,” Karla said. “When I’m having a bad practice or game, she always knows the right thing to say to brighten my mood and help me stay positive.” Spring ‘17 • Warrior Life • 29
No. 1 Fiesty and fun animal print faux fur vest and matching hat
Photos of models by: Elijah Hicks Story By: Sarah Desmond No. 2 Fur waist coat made with faux fur that resembles a chinchilla’s fur
No. 3 A vibrant blue faux fur coat to give off a youthful and playful vibe
No. 4 Faux minx fur shawl and matching faux minx hat
Fur-fest at
KATHY’S
2016 Best Collection winner shares a few faux fur pieces and future plans
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he tears began to flow. “I can’t believe this,” she said when it was announced at the El Camino Fashion Show that she won 1st place for best collection in the spring of 2016. Kathy entered to be one of the designers to showcase her talent at the El Camino Fashion Show, the idea of winning third place for best collection seemed far fetched to her, let alone first place. “I was in shock,” Katherine James, also known as Kathy, says. “You know, this is like a big dream.” Kathy, 59, studies child development and fashion design at El Camino College. After she finishes school, she’s looking to take out a loan to open a boutique and she hopes to one day make it big in Paris. Her path to designing and creating clothes began when she decided to sew little outfits for her dolls. She later learned to sew clothes for people and since has sewn and sold clothes for people like wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, hats and scarves, and more. It took Kathy a month to create her collection. Kathy says she had to work on it at school and a lot of it
Lucille Ball, Betty Davis, and Audrey Hepburn. Kathy says she likes things that are “old, unique, beautiful.” Kathy’s daughter, Shanice James, 22, child development major, says that she was “uncertain” when her mom said she would make her prom dress. Shanice says that the end result was a sequence-covered dress that hugged her body. She loved it. “Everybody was calling me Beyonce,” Shanice says. Shanice, modeling the faux fur coats in images No. 2 and No. 3, wore the blue fur coat for her birthday and says everyone loved it. One of Kathy’s goals is to create Photo of Kathy James by: Jorge Villa clothes that make women “feel was done at her house as well. beautiful” that are unable to Other designers that took part in afford high-end fashion. She wants the fashion show had collections her clothes to be “elegant” and that consisted of numerous dresses. “affordable”. Kathy says that people were in “awe” Kathy says she had girls come up at her collection because it had a to her to model her outfits after the selection of faux fur coats and it was model call. They would try on the “different.” fur coats and say “I feel like a million “What inspired me was the beauty, dollars.” the elegance, like you see in the old Kathy says she wants her customers movies in the 50s,” Kathy says. to feel like they’re “priceless” when The movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” they wear her designs. is a movie that inspired her. She also takes inspiration from celebrities like Spring ‘17 • Warrior Life • 31
AR CH THR ITE
OUG CTU RE HA LENS
He builds his vision by photographing one structure at a time
Story by Shontel Leake Photos by: Elijah Hicks
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t the age of 15 he would observe the city from the car window. Those moments became the foundation for his interest in architectural photography. He one day picked up his parent’s 35 millimeter range point and shoot camera and began taking photos of buildings. He never thought this would become something he would enjoy over the years and pursue. Josh Cho, 33, leans back in his chair as he sits in his Art-15 class. He wears a white T-shirt, a pair of faded jeans and his hair is ruffled. He chuckles as he reminisces over the beginning of his journey. “It started in the dark room at Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies High School,” Josh says as he recalls
the school in Culver City. Josh took multiple art elective classes there because he needed it in order to graduate high school. He then added a photography class to the mix. He says that a part of falling in love with this particular form of photography was looking at black and white landscape photography books that his high school teacher kept. Josh admired the photos by Ansel Adams and Edward Weston. “They’re macho men taking pictures of rocks,” Josh says. Josh is now an adjunct instructor at El Camino College and he teaches photography classes twice a week. He also teaches wedding photography at Fullerton College. Josh says, “I immediately fell in love with (architecture photography)
because it’s similar to landscape (photography).” Because of the classes he took Josh came to love the process of photography and decided to continue his studies in that field. In 2002, Josh enrolled at Santa Monica College where he developed an interest in commercial photography. Once enrolled in the photography program, Josh became involved in commercial fashion photography. However, he was unsure if this was the right field for him. The direction of his interest in commercial photography to the fine arts was startling, and had only transpired after taking art classes outside the photography department at the university during his undergraduate studies. Josh ended up taking architectural
Josh Cho, 33, focuses in on the Walt Disney Concert Hall as he prepares for his next project.
shots for an assignment and enjoyed it more than he had enjoyed fashion photography. “It probably had a lot to do with my love for landscaping.” Josh says. Aaron Giesel, an adjunct lecturer at California State University, Long Beach, says, “Josh is a good loyal friend, we have developed a good friendship over the past five years based on our strong mutual interest in art, photography and teaching.” To get to this point in his career, Josh had to sacrifice having a normal life and it is because he’s working around different client schedules and he sometimes has to wake up early for dusk shots. He wasn’t working everyday, but he had to be available. Josh says he often thinks that photographers have multiple jobs, running around wearing different hats, so it’s kind of a sacrifice not having things consistent. There have been times, when Josh has thought about quitting but “once a project comes along the thought goes away,” he says.
Website:
JoshChoPhotography.com
“I immediately fell in love with (architecture photography) because it’s similar to landscape photography,” Josh says.
Josh Cho, 33, walks away from the Walt Disney Concert Hall as he prepares to go to his next photo shoot.
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Good Fight The
Oscar Tovar went from being bullied to being the bully to building his character
Photos By: Jorge Villa Story By: Sarah Desmond
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scar Tovar’s dark, piercing eyes rest intently on his opponent. His tan, heavy set body is still, like a large wild cat stalking its prey. He knows that focus is required to successfully leap in for the kill. In an instant, Oscar Tovar and his opponent, Edwin Lozano, mesh together in a grappling mess as they roll like dice on the foam-padded floor of the boxing ring. Oscar, 23, automotive technology major at El Camino College, trains in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and mixed martial arts (MMA) at the UFC Gym in Torrance. He hopes to one day enter into BJJ competitions as well as become a MMA coach. BJJ was introduced by the Gracie Brothers through the Gracie Academy, where they took the
Japanese art jiu-jitsu that was more of a standing sport and made it into more of a ground sport and with more grappling, Roger A. Jarret, vice president of the United States Jiu-Jitsu Federation, says. Oscar does not only consider BJJ and MMA enjoyable hobbies for himself, but he sees it as a means to overcome the negativity that life spews his way. Oscar is no stranger to the word struggle. When he was a year old, his biological father was killed by gunshot during an altercation. Oscar did have a step-dad, but he eventually separated from his mother. Now that his older siblings have moved away, he now lives alone with his mother and makes a living working at the UFC gym to be able to support his household.
Recently, Oscar found out that his mother has two tumors growing in her brain and that hit him hard. There was a time when Oscar’s selfesteem and self-confidence were not at its highest and when bullying was something he had to face on a regular basis. He was often bullied for the wearing glasses and for not seeming “cool” to others. “It would suck,” Oscar says. “I felt like an outcast.” During this time, Oscar transformed into a bully himself. Oscar became the “good bully” by bullying the bullies who picked on him and his friends. However, these experiences took a toll on the way he carried himself. It wasn’t until he started his training at the UFC Gym in March 2013 and made good friends there that he was able to truly build himself up.
“I felt like an outcast,” Oscar says.
Oscar Tovar practices his Jiu-jitsu skills with one of the new members at the UFC gym.
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“That’s when things took a very, of Anderson, who also happened competing in the jiu-jitsu world. very big turn,” Oscar says. to practice BJJ. Oscar then became “He loves to help people and he Oscar randomly discovered the more passionate about the art and loves to be helped,” Chris says. UFC Gym one day, and said, “Hey, started practicing it. When Oscar “That kind of quality, that kind of a UFC Gym.” The very next day, he began to consistently come to class, personal quality carries you through walked in and the rest is history. Chris White, the jiu-jitsu coach at whatever you do in life.” “Oscar’s (come) a long way since the UFC Gym in Torrance, started Back on the floor of the ring, Oscar he’s started here,” Vance Bejarano, to notice Oscar. has his legs locked around Edwin’s 33, Oscar’s striking coach and the “He was very eager to learn, asked neck. Edwin, one of Oscar’s BJJ head coach at the UFC Gym in a ton of questions,” Chris says. classmates, is on top, and tugs on Torrance, says. “At first, he was Chris says he can see Oscar Oscar’s gee, the BJJ uniform, as he really, really quiet. tries to break the You could tell that lock. Oscar Tovar has learned to look past the pain and look ahead his self esteem had One second Oscar to what the future holds. Gaining strength through martial a lot to do with his is on top of Edwin. arts is his way of adquiring self-confidence shyness.” And the next Once Vance got moment, Edwin him comfortable is on top of Oscar. talking with the Both working hard other members to conquer the other. and coaches at Yet a level of humility the gym, he then dances around them. started to show Alas, Edwin taps Oscar how to punch Oscar’s arm. It’s the and how to kick. BJJ way to let your Vance continues opponent know you to help Oscar with need to break away. his kickboxing and Edwin, 14, conditioning. playfully says that “Sure enough, Oscar gives him his self-esteem “so much trouble” was brought up a when rolling. He lot more and his appreciates that self confidence is Oscar is “pretty coming along the explosive” and “at way,” Vance says. the same time, he Oscar started considers you.” following UFC Oscar has learned fights when he was that there is a level of 14 and says that the humility that comes UFC boxing spar with these sports. between Anderson When he wins Silva and Forest and when he loses Griffin in 2015 really he tries to be the inspired him. He “bigger person” and was impressed that gives respect to each a man (Anderson) of his opponents. could “pound” a guy “It’s all about just down in a “matter of being humble,” seconds.” Oscar says. Oscar became a fan Spring ‘17 • Warrior Life • 39
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