Lariat
President Stern reacts to ‘Saddleback College facelift’ column // page 16
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 | vol. 52, no. 2 | lariatnews.com | serving Saddleback College since 1968
DEMENTED
DESIRES Get in the Halloween season with the Lariat’s staff list of best haunts, classic horror films and a review of the “Zombieland” sequel 10 years in the making // page 12-13
MAGGIE BELFIELD
// page 12
// page 14
// page 3
Kanye West has officially lost his mind, music displays satanic love
OPINION
Forever 21 is no longer forever, ends 35-year legacy, files bankruptcy
NEWS
Women’s soccer team draws against California ranked oppenent
SPORTS
LIFE
Laura’s House is working to raise awareness on domesic violence
// page 6
2 Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 | News SADDLEBACK COLLEGE
POLICE★BLOTTER
The following are selected incidents as reported from the daily media log, courtesy of the Saddleback College police department. Oct. 1: Seizure Authority A car was parked in Lot 9 that misused a handicap placard. The police now have possession of the placard. Sept. 28: Hit and Run A hit and run involving two vehicles occurred in lot 4 off College Drive East. Sept. 25: Trespassing A suspect was spotted on the hillside next to College Drive West. Sept. 19: Vandalism A suspicious hole in the wall appeared outside LRC room 116. No further information has been provided. Sept. 6: Weapon A knife was spotted exceeding 2.5 Inches. No more information has been provided. Sept. 5: Hit and Run A vehicle was parked when a second vehicle collided with it. This incident occurred in Lot 10 Sept. 9: Seizure Authority A car parked in Lot 9 misused a handicap placard. The police have suspended the placed. If any crime is seen on campus please report it directly to the Saddleback Police Department at (949)582-4585. The police department can be contacted off school phones at ext. #4585
lariatnews.com
Stadium to open June 2020 NIK LAMAS-RICHIE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The Saddleback College sports stadium was scheduled to open fall of 2019, according to the school’s website. The stadium, which is still under serious construction, was given a new tentative completion date. Vice President of Administrative Services, Cory Wathen, confirmed with the district project manager overseeing the stadium project that… At this time, the tentative completion date for the stadium is June of 2020. “The contractor is still PCL Construction Services,” Wathen said. “There are several subcontractors that are involved in the project under PCL which come and go as necessary to complete their trade work.” Published reports conflict about how much money the Saddleback College stadium will cost in total. Wathen said, “the overall project budget is $62 million; the design-build contract with PCL Construction Services is $52 million.”
NIK LAMAS-RICHIE/LARIAT
Contstruction for the Saddleback College football stadium continues. When asked what has caused such a delay in completing the stadium, Wathen stated, “The delays are attributed primarily to weather, the time for the project to be reviewed and approved by the Division of the State Architect’s office, and procurement and fabrication of the steel.” The Saddleback College stadium will feature 8,000 seats and
will host NCAA track and field events. Local high school football teams who have crowded games will hold/play them at the complex. The state-of-the-art stadium will include a turf field for both football and soccer, Wi-Fi technology throughout, as well as team meeting rooms and a modern press box.
Big things to come for Superfriends Club Halloween party, new logo design among plans for campus group SAM HASSON PHOTO EDITOR
The Superfriends club has been around for about 10 years now as apart of the Associated Student Government. “The Purpose of the club is is to facilitate social, academic, and service opportunities for Saddleback’s students with disabilities.” The club aims to promote interaction among disabled students. They also seek to mitigate nega-
tive recognition of disabled students. Students within the club have opportunities for leadership roles and serve within the campus community. I had the opportunity to attend a club meeting and they discussed their upcoming Halloween Potluck Party. They discussed who will bring what to the party. This party is open to all students who are enrolled at Saddleback College. The party is on October 23rd at 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the SSC 212 room in the Student Services Center. Last years Halloween potluck had around 200 people show up and participated in costume contests, dancing, fun activities, and they will give away cool prizes.
Also, they discussed about making their new Superfriends logo. The advisor of the club, Michael Hoggatt said that whatever logo wins the contest will get a prize. I sat down with the Superfriends club president Alex Nguyen, he said that one of his goals is to promote the club and get more people to attend meetings and club activities. This is his 3rd year in the club and he says his favorite moment was the white elephant exchange at the Christmas party. The club meets every other Tuesday at the village 29-2 room at 1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, you can contact the club at saddlebacksuperfriends@ gmail.com
News | vol. 52, no. 2
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Forever 21 faces bankruptcy What Mission Viejo residents think of the local store’s possible fate DYLAN ROBINSON NEWS EDITOR
Forever 21 has filed for bankruptcy at the tail-end of September, noting that about one-third of the stores in the US will potentially be closing by the end of 2019. It is the end of an era in retail as the company of a 35-year legacy looks on to greener pastures in tightening their focus on a smaller number of stores worldwide. Up to 178 stores in the US and 350 globally will see possible closure at the year’s end, according to a statement released by Forever 21 reported by CNBC. On the list, many California locations are mentioned, yet the local Forever 21 at The Shops at Mission Viejo dodged the list in this release. While it is safe for now to the public eye, concern can still be felt company-wide in the local shop as sale signs line sections of the store. Items marked down half-off are available to customers and clothes once going for $40, and above see substantial discounts as well. Shopping fever has never been better at the store, yet the question remains of the fate for Mission Viejo’s very own Forever 21. Windsor employee and Forever 21 customer, Leticia Martinez, wonders what could occupy the space if the store were to close. “The store itself right now in the mall is a big space,” said Martinez. “People will kill themselves just to buy that space.” Given that Mission Viejo Mall’s Forever 21 is two-stories and has an outside-accessible entrance leading to the more massive mall, it is a significant offering to
DYLAN ROBINSON/LARIAT
Forever 21, located in The Shops at Mission Viejo, includes deep sales to compensate for corporate woes. mall-goers. The only other stores to share a similar entrance/exit route to the mall are Macy’s and Nordstrom. So the space is highly valuable to whoever may purchase it following the store’s potential closure. Tonia Bouyakzan, an employee of the mall itself, does not have many feelings towards the recent news, as her position is not affected. However, she believes customer traffic in her area of the mall may be different. “In terms of where I work in front of the store [Forever 21], I direct my customers here by telling them I’m near the store,” said Bouyakzan. Mall customer traffic and parking will be impacted simply due to the space being empty. I managed to interview two customers as they were shopping to see how the news affected them - their hands were with clothes on their way to the changing rooms. “I definitely think people will
be upset about it as a lot of younger teens go here,” said customer Annalese Von Gremp. “It’s the most popular store for them, so they’ll have to find another store cheaper in certain aspects.” Von Gremp’s friend, McKenna Anderson, mentions how the options Forever 21 offers for groups of people often overlooked in fashion will be missed among mall patrons. “Especially because there are options for kids and men with different departments for things,” said Anderson. “They have a plus section, and it’s hard because a lot of stores don’t have that much variety.” Although Anderson and Von Gremp are a small facet of the many visitors of Forever 21, they note how the youth might seek other places for their fashion fix. “There definitely are other stores that attract people like older women for Victoria’s Secret, but the youth will probably go less
and go to the Spectrum [Irvine] or the Outlets [San Clemente],” said Von Gremp. “I feel like it’s going to be hard because I don’t know what they would put here,” said Anderson. “I don’t think it would be as cheap an option as Forever 21 is.” When approached for comment on the bankruptcy news, a Forever 21 employee declined to comment. Whatever fate befalls the Mission Viejo branch of Forever 21, clearly, it has established a reputation among mall visitors as the store to go to for quick and cheap fashion finds. Further word is waiting on whether the Mission Viejo location will follow suit of the other 178 US stores. For now mall patrons can expect to continue satiating their shopping fix. The current pricing sales will definitely attract many visitors in the weeks to come.
4 Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 | News
lariatnews.com
More turn to Mother’s Market With the rise of
social and health
concious alternatives in grocery shopping,
one OC option stands out
DYLAN ROBINSON NEWS EDITOR
Shopping for groceries is often an experience rewarding for your pantry, yet depressing for the wallet. Especially when healthier options are available and you know you should opt for them over alternatives, it can be quite breaking on the bank. Stores like Trader Joe’s, Sprouts and Mother’s Market have begun to stake a claim in healthy food options on the cheap while maintaining stocks of their own unique items not found at competing stores. It can be hard to decide among them, but up in the El Toro area, Mother’s Market seems always bustling with customers going in and out of their doors every minute. On the Company History section of the Mother’s Market official website, they pride themselves in offering multiple non-GMO, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and organic products fit for any style of diet claiming “Mother’s has something for everyone”. Mother’s Market employee Madison Tripi enjoys working there and agrees with the statement that the store truly has something for everyone. “There are more organic options for food along with a juice bar,” said Tripi. “The atmosphere is always nice and friendly.” Customer Candace Holbrook managed to give a few words on why she prefers Mother’s Market over other competing stores on
DYLAN ROBINSON/LARIAT
Options are displayed right when walking through the front door and customers are greeted with signs marking each distinct section her way out for the night. “Supplements, for sure the supplements,” said Holbrook. “Whole Foods seems to be more expensive and I don’t typically shop at Trader Joe’s because I can’t buy one or two of something.” Prices are a sticking point among the healthy food crowd as certain places offer great options yet at tremendous price points. Stores that can offer similar items for lower price points than competitors see success in the same
way customers at Mother’s have. One aspect of Mother’s Market that is often overlooked, yet is always a talking point when brought up is the atmosphere of the store. Quite unlike other grocery stores, Mother’s Market seeks a different aura. “It’s kind of a different energy, a kind of higher consciousness and all the people in there are like-minded,” said Holbrook. Feelings of hive-mindedness are bountiful in Mother’s Mar-
ket as the aisles are lined with customers reading over the backs of products and free, freshly cut fruit is available for samples in the produce section. It’s a communal pursuit of healthier living and the commitment to that way of life is stark in the bowels of Mother’s Market.
News | vol. 52, no. 2
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5
What the CDC says about the mysterious vaping illness MAGGIE BELFIELD PHOTO EDITOR
With over 1,000 reported illnesses and 26 deaths over the past few months linked to vaporizers, the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working to uncover what exactly is causing this previously unknown respiratory injury. This epidemic has grown concern among the United States population, considering that vaping is growing in popularity among young people. According to a 2018 study done by the University of Michigan, the percentage of high school seniors who used vaping products in the last 30 days has nearly doubled from 11 percent in 2017 to 20.9 percent in 2018. Simah Herman, a high school vaper who was hospitalized, made headlines with the following Instagram post of her holding up a sign that says “I want to start a no vaping
campaign.” The caption details how she began having health issues two years prior to the hospitalization before she was unable to breathe and had to be rushed to the emergency room by her father last August. She does not specify if her vaping habit was exclusively nicotine, marijuana, or a combination of the two. Comments under the Instagram post have become increasingly neg-
ative, with many users accusing Herman of lying about what caused her illness and misleading the public. “Just be honest you were vaping knock off THC carts,” says Instagram commenter nottsjungle, “nothing to do with nicotine vaping.” “How’s that vitamin E acetate taste?” says Instagram commenter dmoney9199, “We all know you were vaping counterfeit dab carts, but it seems like you don’t want to admit it and upset your strict parents so you say the culprit is vaping. Please drop the charade.” The CDC has not given a cause for the illness as of yet but they report that the majority of patients have been using exclusively THC
or a combination of THC and nicotine vaporizers. However, there have been a few cases involving patients who used only nicotine vape products so they are not able to narrow it down to just THC cartridges at this time. “Clearly more information is needed to better understand whether there’s a relationship between any specific products product or substance and the reported lung injuries and deaths,” said the CDC is a Sept. 19, 2019 telebriefing. Until they can gather more information from every state where an incident has occurred, both the CDC and FDA are hesitant to state that any one product or type of product is safe to use. While they are still investigating the causes of the illness, the CDC and FDA recommend that the public should discontinue use of all e-cigarette devices but should not go back to smoking regular cigarettes.
Protected eucalyptus tree in Laguna finally comes down A 50-foot eucalyptus tree in front of Laguna’s Urth Caffe scheduled to come down after years of efforts to save it JACOB CASTRO
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Friday, an ailing 50-foot eucalyptus tree in front of Urth Caffe in Laguna Beach finally came down after years of efforts to save it. The initial request for the trees removal was made by Urth Caffe in 2015. The request stated the trees declining health and the potential risk to civilians and their customers due to falling branches, etc. After bringing in arborists, listening to public opinion, and holding on site meetings to see the
JACOB CASTRO/LARIAT
In front of Urth Cafe, a construction worker removes the tree piece by piece. trees health in person, city officials decided they would develop a plan to save the tree before attempting to remove it. Despite arborists classifying the tree as a moderate to high risk of failure within three to 10 years.
The plan consisted of injections of the insecticide imidiacloprid in order to prevent insects from sucking nutrients out of the tree. As well as cutting to encourage regrowth and removal of the top layer of soil to allow more ox-
ygen for the roots. Although the plan has helped increase the trees health over the last few years, it hasn’t been enough to save it. “Over the last year, we started to notice the tree condition was actually declining. About 50% to 60% of the trees foliage appears to be dead or dying,” according to Public Works Director Shohreh Dupuis. In late September, City Council voted unanimously to remove the tree based off the city staffs recommendation. Due to the fact that the eucalyptus tree became classified as a high-risk of possible trunk or branch failure. The tree was cut down friday, 10/11/19. A couple weeks after the bill was passed. Citizens who are sad to see the tree go can rest assured that there will be a replacement for the 50foot eucalyptus upon its removal.
6 Wednesday, October 23, 2019 | Opinion
Lariat Editor-in-Chief Nik Lamas-Richie Managing Editor Beau Hein News Editor Dylan Robinson Opinion Editors Matthew Siegel Delani Taft Arts Editor Sophia Hoiseth Life Editor Lauren Marchesi Entertainment Editor Jacob Castro Sports Editors Bailey Bourque Morgan Smith Copy Editor Porter Aydelotte Photo Editors Maggie Belfield Samuel Hasson Social Media Editors Loren Chavez Frank Rocha Video Editors Josiah Carino Brendan Montes Faculty Adviser Tim Posada Instructional Assistant Ali Dorri Contact Us phone 949-582-4688 email lariateditor@gmail.com web lariatnews.com address 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
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Lariat is committed to accuracy. If you find any errors, reach out to us by email, specifying print or web content.
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Tattoo Issue? DELANI TAFT
OPINION EDITOR
Why is it that even in 2019, people still have issues with tattoos? I remember years ago, my 87 year old neighbor saw my first tattoo and she told me “Back in my day only military and whores had tattoos, and I know you’re not in the military.” Like, how am I supposed to respond to that other than “F**k you lady” ? There are so many people nowadays that are venturing into the world of ink and I’m glad to see people being more accepting. Well, most people are accepting. Some, not so much. Just two days ago I had an old man in a motorized cart at Target flip a U-turn and follow my friend and I around the store yelling at me to “do a spin, let me see your leg. You put those things on there for me to see anyway so why the hell not?” With such vulgar comments and unwanted attention, why is it that others feel the need to comment on peoples personal opinions? “Sometimes people don’t want their kids around me. They rush them pased me because they probably don’t want them to turn out like me. I’ve had a lot of older women ask if my life must have been hard.” tattoo artist Steven Riggs of Irvine Ink Tattoo Studio on Bake Pkwy said. “I was taking a mans order at work. He seemed completely content until I put my arms over the counter to hand him the receipt. I suddenly didn’t want anything from
my hands and went behind my back and told another employee he didn’t want me touching his food.” Jason Girard said. “I’ve noticed it’s never people from our generation. Kids want to look at them, people our age want to know where we got them. Baby boomers want to know why you’ve decided to ruin your life. Like, bitch, my arm is worth more than your car.” I’ve had a conversation with a priest who was unaware of the full leg & stomach of tattoos under my outfit. He was very nice and talkative but once he found out about all the “regrettable decisions” I’d made to tattoo myself he gave me his card and told me he could refer me to a place that can help people with issues like me. Before I walked away, he told me, “I’m surprised you did that to yourself. Normally we deal with gang members or hardcore bikers... you seemed so sweet.” “I see you have tattoos, back in my home country, the government doesn’t allow trash people like you to have drivers licenses because they show they can’t make good decisions.”
DELANI TAFT/LARIAT
“Let me see those tattoos on your legs, there you go, now wrap those legs around my face.” *Come up to me in a grocery store and leans over and picks up my ankle* “These are great, I saw you and just had to come touch them.” “I wanted to take you on a date but my mom says if I did, I should only take you to McDonalds because that’s all you deserve.” Sadly, these are all things people have said directly to me. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that people can be so cold while saying these things to you, face-to-face. While we venture into the future, I am looking forward to a society that is more progresive, open-minded, and easy-going. My recommendation for someone who wants to get heavily tattooed, you’ve got to develop a thick skin, thick skin that looks rad af covered in tattoos. Advice for anyone who feels like they desperately need to say something negative about a strangers tattoo, dont. Going with the age old advice that your mother taught you, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
There are Satanic minds behind the scenes of LA BAILEY BOURQUE SPORTS EDITOR
Is it safe to say that Kanye West has officially lost it? Kanye West has some very bold claims in his newest album “Jesus is King” an album that does not even have a true release date yet. The only songs have been heard at listening parties and released snippets from those events. In the album, he speaks about Los Angeles and how the city
is “lettin’ Satan run the streets." Clearly, he has some kind of divine meaning behind this album. It has even been stated that the album contains so cursing at all. West has been an easy target in the media for a long time and it is clear there is going to be no change in that anytime soon. As Orange County citizens we must be clear from the demonic rule of the Los Angeles streets. No need to worry about the satanic ideas that control what really goes
on in the media hotbed that is Los Angeles. Sure we have our struggles like the heat waves of this summer, or crowded parking lots and terrible traffic but apparently, it is much better than Los Angeles. Or maybe it the aftershock of the rulers of L.A. beaming down to Orange County. Could there be some truth to what West is trying to say in his new album? He is definitely of his rocker with this one.
Opinion | vol. 52, no. 2 7
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There’s something about a physical copy The importance of maintaining physical media in an increasingly to the fate of tangible media. digitized world When only a small popula-
SOPHIA HOISETH ARTS EDITOR
Remember when records were the primary source of listening to music? Yeah, me neither. I only vaguely remember when CDs were popular, and even that blew over quite shortly. In today’s era, physical media’s importance is greatly declining due to the large streaming and downloading giants that currently (and probably from now on, always will) dominate the industry. These digital applications are predominantly utilized because they’re easily accessible, relatively inexpensive, and well, because everyone is doing it. And afterall, you can’t really drag around a Crosley turntable like you can an iPhone. Clearly, there are valid reasons for streaming music as opposed to buying a physical copy of an album you really like. However, this poses a dire threat
tion regularly purchases physical copies, how will this form of media ever sustain a healthy life? It seems implausible that the original method of listening will make a comeback. While this may remain true for cassette tapes and CDs, there is another singular form of media that’s making quite a successful resurgence. Fortunately, the vinyl record is prevailing once again, proving itself a crucial and sustainable force in music. According to Forbes, record sales in 2018 jumped an astounding 12% from the previous year. And with an increasing amount of artists that choose to release their works on vinyl, this number is predicted to increase. There are even exclusive events intended to promote the sale of vinyl. Record Store Day is a nationally recognized event that occurs twice a year at independent stores all across the country. This event has grown so popular that some artists even
Strife of Freedom PORTER AYDELOTTE COPY EDITOR
I recently learned that Saddleback along with many other public colleges and universities only allow the freedom of speech and freedom of assembly in certain locations. Designated as “free speech zones”, these despots of discussion might require prior reservations. As a member of the Lariat and a supporter of the first amendment like any self-righteous journalist, I cannot ignore this. Letting this go past me is just plain ignorant and against my ideals. According to an article by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, 89.7 percent of American colleges have policies
that restrict free speech. Another article by the same foundation said, “And by treating campus expression as something to be hidden, regulated, and monitored instead of encouraged and celebrated, colleges and universities that exile expressive activity to “free speech zones” teach students the wrong lesson about life in our liberal democracy”. This whole idea of “free speech zones” is just plain dumb in my opionion. A place of learning and higher education should allow both students and faculty to be able say their piece about anything. It is through the voice and opinions of those around you that is taken in to formulate your own conclusions. If you take that away, then
(SOPHIA HOISETH/THE LARIAT)
release extremely limited editions of their works just for the occasion. I’ve personally been collecting records for around four years now, and even after having nearly a hundred of them, buying a new one always makes me as giddy as a child on Christmas. I anticipate opening the shrink wrap to reveal a beautifully laminated sleeve with my favorite album art in 12 x 12 format. Or when the vinyl is gatefold, nothing is more captivating than opening it to reveal mysterious artwork that few people see. The lyric sheet, the back cover, all only accessible by buying a vinyl record. But it’s not just a bunch of sentimental crap. The existence of physical media is absolutely
crucial in preserving our societal legacy. The first record was invented in 1930 and remained an essential listening tool for decades to come. And now, some people don’t even know what a record is. However, with the way that vinyl production and consumption is progressing, its existence is optimistic. Although online services are far more popular, the increasing popularity of vinyl provides just a touch of reality in a disillusioned, digitized world. It’s undeniable that online listening services will now dominate the field, but it’s important to maintain the tools that fostered the culture of creativity and art to begin with.
what is left is ignorance. Thought is not is not some passive thing, like these free speech zones present. It’s a brutal process that eliminates pre-existing ideals to create new ones. When given the choice between security and freedom, I will always choose freedom. Security does provide safety, but it also prevents the world from explore the minds and beliefs of individuals. One prefers the masses over the individual, forgetting that each member of the masses themselves is an individual. Each person’s own belief and identity matters in everything, it helps define who you are and what matters to you. Banding together under a banner that has a limited perspective or an unwillingness of
compromise sacrifices this identity in order to hide from the truth. Hiding behind this form of security is nothing more than cowardice. A self-serving cowardice that does nothing but stagnation and zero change. The entire point of journalism according to myself is to find the truth or a solution to a problem, so that it can lead others toward goal. Nothing can be done if people just sit on their hands. This article is a call to arms. People need to know that our government and higher education systems are failing our basic rights provided by them. The ability for discourse and discussion is what has allowed the United States to both succeed and struggle in its short history. It also has allowed each generation to learn from the past toward a better future.
8 Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 | Feature
lariatnews.com
TO INFINITY & BE-CON
A journey through L.A. Comic Con as a long time comics fan // BY PORTER AYDELOTTE
Feature | vol. 52, no. 2
@lariatnews
G
rowing up as a kid who spent a lot of his time reading comics, playing video games, and watching anime, I never really found that many people that also enjoyed these as well. Most kids around my age never really has that excitement that this brought me. Due to this fact, I never really had that close of friends until high school when I discovered these hobbies of mine were not so isolated. Now, at the age of 21, I am writing an article about the following three topics in question. All because of the event known as LA Comic Con. While it is more likely that most have heard about San Diego Comic Con, due to the larger scale of the convention and with the countless comic book movies released in the past decade, this means in no way that LA Comic Con is less exciting. The halls are filled with countless seas of people that all share a common connection toward nerd culture. This ranges from actual comic book fans that emerge from their mythical domain, to anime fans that burn their wallets from booth merchandise, to gaming fans with over sarcastic shirts that reveal their interests, even elusive Star Wars and Star Trek fans mingle over their respective series. Above these “casuals,” there are a group of people that put their fan-aticism into maximum overdrive. I refer to the cosplays that wear their fandoms with pride that would make creators proud. I saw countless cosplayers during my three trip, and honestly were some of the best parts of the convention. While some outfits were simple, others were really impressive and creative. Mandalorians and Predators with intricate armor that look like they just arrived from a shuttle bay, Avengers and Justice League members ready for the next world ending event, and anime characters that look like they jumped off a phone screen. Then, there is the Deadpools that are around every turn who have the exact mannerism of the merc with a mouth. Ev-
“What I really enjoy about cosplay is that I get to be characters that I grew up with... It’s both a way to show respect to the creators and the characters that have been an inpiration for me.” TYLER ROSECRANS
ery single one of them would give Ryan Reynolds a run for his money. Tyler Rosecrans, one of cosplayers I interview during the con, had been going to comic conventions since he was a kid. He enjoys all the cosplayers that join him in celebrating their own fandoms. “What I really enjoy about cosplay is that I get to be characters that I grew up with. Characters from creators that have been with through my life. It’s both a way to show respect to the creators and the characters that have been an inspiration for me.” Said Rosecrans. I find it amazing that people are willing to open themselves up to such a large group Outside the crowds, we are brought to the booths and panels that help elevate the entire experi-
ence. Need some merchandise for your fandom? That’s an easy feat with the main floor of the convention being dotted with booths selling anything you could ever want. I found myself along with the crowd buying two holographic metal posters of Rogue and Gambit from X-Men, a Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure shirt for a friend of mine, a Cowboy Bebop shirt in the style of Gorillaz “Demon Days” album cover, and a Zelda poster with the main cast. While now I am broke, these items will be used in my room until con. The booths do offer a lot of merchandise, and it is cool to see things that you might not find scrolling through Amazon or superstore. Many of the booths have websites and cards so if you don’t
9
want to blow all your money on this con, you can still buy things from their sites or find which con they will be next. A nice fact for those willing to wait past the hype of the con to buy stuff. Many of the panels offered at con require you to leave the main floor to the top floor, unless the main floor panel is enough excitement for you. These panels offer a wide variety, such as meeting the cast or voice cast of movies and television to meeting creators of comics and shows. One of the panels I went to was for a creator of one of the webcomic have been reading recently. It was a cool experience to see the process of creating these stories and how much easier it has become to create stories than is has been in the past. LA Comic Con was an awesome trip, even though by day three I was exhausted. It was exciting to be around so many individuals with similar interests. But more than that, it was awesome to be able to celebrate my interests and the creators of things that have made life a little more enjoyable. Images: Genderbent Iron Spider (left), Stormbringer Groot (right).
10 Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 | Life
lariatnews.com
Domestic violence dominates the conversation A problem so common is being left in the dark
LOREN CHAVEZ
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Domestic violence remains a prolific problem both nationally and locally which is why October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Numbers continue to grow annually but there are those willing to take the time and energy to stopping this growth. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Nearly 1 in 5 adult women and about 1 in 7 adult men report having experienced severe physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime.” For all that are affected by this ongoing dilemma, there are resources and organizations designed to provide help. Laura’s House, an organization founded in South Orange County to care for those affected by this issue, provides various avenues of support to their clients and community. As included on their website, “Over the past 24 years, Laura's House has provided shelter and supportive services to more than 5,000 abused women, men and children and counseling, life skills, education and legal advocacy to over 55,000 persons.” On the Laura’s House website, there are links to their services such as their 24/7 hotline,
LOREN CHAVEZ/LARIAT
An unlabeled building provides space for Laura’s House’s resources in the Ladera Ranch area. emergency shelter, legal services, prevention and outreach programs and volunteer opportunities. While anyone can apply to volunteer at their resale stores in Lake Forest and San Juan Capistrano, they also offer advocate training hosted at Saddleback College. Their website elaborates that “After completing 40 hours of training, graduates shall receive a Certificate of Completion that will enable them to pursue volunteer and employment opportunities working directly with survivors of domestic violence in the state of California.” When asking Prevention Education Specialist Yanira Mendez about the training, she explained that she hopes people will gain “Understanding really, the dynamics of intimate partner violence.
BY THE NUMBERS
■ In Orange County, 36% of domestic violence emergency 9-1-1 calls are made by children. ■ For each victim that receives shelter and support services, 15 to 20 women are turned away from lack of space. ■ Nearly 55,000 individuals have received counseling, legal aid and life skills education at Laura’s House ■ One survey found that 38% of date rape victims were young women ages 14 to 17 years old.
Understanding how many layers there are to it.” Going deeper into the motivation behind her work, she said that “Educating myself and realizing how much of an issue this was pushed me into continuing it. I remember there was one personal
“I never want to get used to hearing about violence.” Yanira Mendez
Laura’s House Prevention Education Specialist
motivator for me was when someone said ‘maybe you’ll just get used to it,’ and I never want to get used to hearing about violence.” “We have to put a focus on people that are causing the actual harm and understanding how we can create change there by including them in the solution,” said Mendez regarding the changes she’d like to see. The statistics demonstrate how victims of domestic violence are not exclusively female. Men, and LGBTQ+ victims are also prevalent throughout the number of those affected; at the 40 hour
training, out of 84 people, 83 were women and 1 identified as nonbinary, furthering Mendez’s idea that those more likely to offend should be more active in trying to stop and prevent this issue. To get the perspective of someone going through the training, I talked to Madeline Conray, a sociology student at Saddleback who said “I told someone that I don’t mind how this is how I spend my Friday and Saturday, I feel like I’m learning something that is actually going to benefit me.” Every one seemed to have a story in the training related to DV, Madeline even told me her motivation to do this training “It’s kind of a two-parter, I’m a sexual assault survivor and because of that I knew I wanted to do something that helped other victims and survivors. Because of that I decided I wanted to be a sociology major and so I joined to get my hours and because it will apply to my career.” DV has had stigmas, stereotypes, and silence applied to it for years. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, those facing the problem, whether through organizations or experience, are stepping up to educate others about the dangers, frequency, and resources related to this issue.
Life | vol. 52, no. 2
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Just a local kid chasing a dream Young SoCal Entrepreneur working to make his designer career takeoff BAILEY BOURQUE SPORTS EDITOR
Dylan Diaz and his clothing company Non-Affiliated are trying to make a start in the local area. The Dana Point native has started his brand with his fruition. The typical Southern California kid is looking for ways to set him and his brand apart from the others that represent this community. When taking a look at Diaz, he is the typical SoCal 22-year-old. Behind that is a kid with a dream as the creator of his brand and logo design for Non-Affiliated. Drawing inspiration from his “Brother and Parents” to keep his brand and company going. As the creator of his own company, he has set an overall appearance and goal behind his brand, as well as the reasoning behind the name that is parallel to the main idea behind it. Wanting to be “non associated” with big labels and conforming to standard societal views. “For the name, I didn't want to be super simple,” he said, “We group people as one, and that is something that the Non-Affiliated name looks to stand against.” Diaz is not only the founder of his own company his also the solo employee of it, making all of the logos and clothing designs himself. The logo design itself was created because of inspiration drawn from Japenese culture. The logo for the brand title Non-Affiliated in Japanese three times; this is meant to represent “ three faces for friends, family, and yourself.” The design process has become much more understandable to Diaz over time, helping him come
BAILEY BOURQUE/LARIAT
Dylan Diaz wears one of his shirts from his self-founded brand, Non-Affiliated in San Clemente up with new ideas at a faster rate and starting with little experience in designing anything. “In the beginning, it would take a long time,” he said. “ I didn't know digital design on Photoshop, stuff like that, so it would take me four or five days just to get it started.” After taking his time, figuring out the design, the full process only takes about “two days now.” Starting with a sketch pad and a pencil, he tries to put the ideas in his head to the paper. After the full sketch is completed, he puts the design into his illustrator app on his laptop. Acknowledging that he may be at a “disadvantage” because he is not fluent in design programs, he likes the “challenge” of it all. He takes the process very seriously. He is taking it so seriously in fact that he wants to leave little room for error. “I don’t like not finishing a design,” he said. “Although I’m much quicker at design now, I like
to work on one design at a time.” Drawing inspiration from celebrities to become a designer, he likes to look through styles from today and icons from the past. Some of the most direct influences to Diaz include “LeBron James, Christiano Ronaldo, Tupac Shakur, and Robin Williams.” When it comes to thinking of ideas for new designs, he likes to work out. Whether it is running around his Dana Point neighborhood or in the gym, it serves as a platform for his visions to start. “Running around the beach or my neighborhood drawing thoughts and ideas from all of that,” he said, “Being able to have a clear head, exercising and running around is the best way for me to see what I can create in my head.” Diaz came up with the idea of starting a clothing company because of his family. He came up with the logo back in the summer of 2017. When sketching the plans for the logo, his parents and broth-
er told him it would “clean on a hoodie.” The design process was very experimental at first for Diaz. Still happening occasionally in the early design stages, it is sometimes hard to tell what the final product might look like, as well as finding pricing that can give quality without breaking the bank. “Incorrectly design something on illustrator that makes the shirt look messed up when it comes out,” he said. “Or just financial because it is hard to ummm..get good quality stuff for a reasonable price.” Doing most of his work from home or a local Starbucks. The design process has become mobile to Diaz. As time and times have gone on, the process has become much smoother as well. The Dana Point native was born and raised here and hoped to help mold a culture in his neighborhood. They are looking to make a great success in Southern Orange County.
12 Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 | Life
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The best haunts across counties this season Looking for a good spook? Fear not, for some of the most exquisite haunts reside right here in Southern California. Whether they be local and family-friendly or intense for older adults, this list is sure to accommodate everyone’s demented desires. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Select nights from now until Nov. 3, price ranging from $64 to $97 If you’re looking for an intense haunt that brings your favorite stories to life, Universal Studios’s long-running haunt is your best choice. Face the rabid demogorgons of the Upside Down in the
Stranger Things maze, or help some washed-up ex-professors fight green, gooey goblins in the Ghostbusters maze. The experience includes a total of 10 mazes based on both classic and new tales, so everyone is sure to face their darkest fears. The event can be pricey, but it’s well worth the professional-grade sets and costumes that are guaranteed to scare the hell out of you. Knott’s Scary Farm Select nights from now until Nov. 2, price ranging from $43 to $60 Still willing to drive a little ways but not willing to spend as much money? Knott’s Berry Farm transforms their entire theme park
to suit the Halloween season, so enjoy riding your favorite attractions or attending the temporary maze installations. Get used to the hundreds of monsters that lurk the park, because there’s nowhere to hide here. While this isn’t the most extreme haunt, it certainly provides a good spook and isn’t for the faint at heart. The 17th Door Select dates from now until Nov. 2, price ranging from $25 to $40 Quite possibly the most terrifying haunt on this list, The 17th Door is an insanely intense, interactive haunt (you must sign a waiver to attend). The event continues a long-running narrative, where the main character Paula
attempts to survive her sentence in prison. Try to survive the challenges that prison life presents, or descend into insanity. This event is not for the faint at heart, but it is for those who crave a terrifyingly twisted time. Queen Mary Dark Harbor Select nights from now until Nov. 2, price ranging from $34 to $44 Climb aboard the historically haunted ship of Queen Mary, where fear is truly said to live. Attend mazes based on real characters who once sailed the ship long ago. Roam the ship’s quarters and face the spirits that lurk in the shadows. The Queen Mary’s history in combination with its terrifying mazes are sure to give any attendee a good scare.
Horror-comedy ‘Zombieland: Double Tap’ back with a bang MORGAN SMITH SPORTS EDITOR
The long-awaited sequel to “Zombieland” emerged with an impressive start, topping its previous film's opening weekend of $24.7 million to an estimated $26.7 million. The story returns with the same four lovable characters on their way to find a new home in our nation's capital, more specifically inside the White House. Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Witchita (Emma Stone), Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) and Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) roll into the start of the movie through an exhaustingly long slow-motion reel of zombie slaughter as the opening credits come through. One of the few real negatives in this is the uber tacky and choreographed opening scene of explosions and zombie brains blowing every direction as we wait for the real movie to begin. Witchita catches us up on what has happened through the many years we have not seen the group, describing what they have been up to and even introducing the view-
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The “Zombieland” squad returns to teach us new rules about surival. ers to new and improved zombies that have adapted the hunt. Tallahassee, Witchita, Little Rock and Columbus develop rough patches throughout the film, with Little Rock looking for a boyfriend or really anyone her age to get away from the two love birds and Tallahassee. The theme of finding love and feeling alone is embedded into the storyline, with rough patches in the group and even forming relationships with other non-zombies around the country. If you enjoyed the first “Zombieland,” then non-surprisingly, the second is just what the viewers wanted. “Zombieland: Dou-
ble Tap” embodies the first film, reviving their witty, fast-paced humor with now fully developed characters. While maintaining the original charm, new characters are introduced, Madison (Zoey Deutch) as the dumb attractive blonde and Berkeley (Avan Jogia) as the hippie stoner pacifist. The original crew splits into two, Little Rock joining Berkeley as they look for peaceful sanctuary to reside in. Meanwhile, Columbus, Tallahassee, Madison, and Witchita set on a mission to find the two runaways, while still trying to adapt to Madison and her unusual, eccentric antics. Tallahassee and Columbus account for
numerous laughs and have great chemistry throughout the film that is mocked from allies on their journey. Zombie killing is in no shortage for the second installation either. Shots to the head, kick through the skull, axes and buildings collapsing, you name it, it happened. They used clever ways to spice up the film by kill zombies with accolades such as the kill of the year. “Double Tap” creates many comedic takes on ways to humiliate the zombies in the apocalyptic time. And who can forget everybody's favorite character from the first film, Bill Murray? Don't get too excited, because although he is in the movie, Bill's screen time is almost held to a minimum and disappointed many who loved his role in the first. The countless laughs this movie inflicts people with is one that leaves a message of the importance of finding a family for you, wherever that may be. This is one of the few times that a heavily anticipated sequel actually surpasses the original in laughter and overall enjoyment.
Life | vol. 52, no. 2
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STAFF PICKS
What movies spook the Lariat? “Silence of the Lambs,” 1991 Thanks to Hannibal Lecter, we now know how to prepare a human liver: with fava beans and a nice Chianti. Loren’s pick
UNIVERSAL PICTURES/COURTESY
Michael Myers stalks his next victim in 2018’s “Halloween,” a direct a sequel to the original “Halloween.”
7 scary movies to get in the spirit SOPHIA HOISETH ARTS EDITOR
Sometimes, you need just a little bit of encouragement to get into the Halloween mood. School, work, or whatever else you may do can make it difficult to find time to focus on holiday festivities. With this movie list, all you need is a bowl of popcorn, a cozy blanket and a little bit of bravery to celebrate this Halloween season. “Halloween” (1978): John Carpenter’s low-budget slasher flick is an obvious choice for celebrating the season. The story follows a babysitter and her friends on Halloween night, as delightfully wicked asylum escapee Michael Myers torments them one by one. You may be asking yourself after this film, “What is the boogeyman?” “Scream” (1996): Perhaps one of Wes Craven’s most ingenious flicks, Scream very much resonates even after more than 20 years. The famed “Ghostface,” the cinephiliac murderer, targets a high schooler who recently suffered the loss of her mother. Although the plot initially appears shallow, several major twists occur for an exciting and unique watching experience. After watching this film, you may want to reconsider making friendships with film majors.
“The Ring” (2002): “7 days…” is just how much time you’ll have left to live after watching this terrifying film. When a group of teenagers die exactly a week after watching a strange videotape, a reporter begins researching their case--although she watches the tape too, giving her only one week to solve the strange phenomenon. You’ll be scrambling for the blankets after watching this film. And don’t you dare look up the videotape they watched online, just in case it is real. “Hellraiser” (1987): Clive Barker’s ridiculously funny and gory flick guarantees a bloody good watching experience. The plot follows a man who toils with a magic box, ultimately releasing alien like creatures who rip him to shreds. When his former lover moves into his old house, he convinces her to bring men back to the house so he can use their bodies to revitalize his own. The storyline is tremendously weird, but equally as entertaining. “Ghostbusters” (1984): Ivan Reitman’s hilarious and lighthearted paranormal classic is for those who prefer a laugh over a fright. The film follows a team of scientists who form their own “ghostbusting” team, capturing every entity in New York City. But when
the portal to the dead is disrupted, the ghostbusters find themselves on a mission to save humanity. While this film isn’t deliberately spooky, the story is wonderfully enjoyable. Plus, what’s better than the Ghostbusters theme song? “Carrie” (1976): Although this is the oldest movie on the list, it is perhaps the most chilling and unsettling film of all. This Stephen King adaptation follows the story of Carrie, a sheltered, socially inept telekinetic teenager who struggles for acceptance. When her abusive, evangelical mother finally lets her attend senior prom, Carrie meets a gruesome surprise and unleashes her powers in a violent rage. Prepare for the most satisfying scene, when she finally takes revenge on her despicable bullies. “Insidious” (2010): James Wan’s horrifying tale follows a family who moves into a new home, when their son is suddenly and strangely induced into a coma. Shortly after he becomes sick, frightening occurrences happen the house, leading them to believe the house is haunted. When they move once again and are still haunted, they realize that these paranormal instances are much more complex than they thought. You might never want to sleep again after watching this modern
“Hush,” 2016 A warning sign that if you’re deaf, you probably shouldn’t take a retreat to the woods. Maggie’s pick “As Above So Below,” 2014 Don’t go searching for one of the world’s most precious artifacts in the Paris Catacombs. Delani’s pick “Alien,” 1979 Another movie establishing just how badass Sigourney Weaver is. Dylan, Matt and Porter’s pick “It,” 2017 A movie about the world’s most lovable clown. Filip and Josiah’s pick “The Shining,” 1980 Make sure to check your bathtub for rotting old women before entering. Nik’s pick “Friday the 13th” 1980 Make sure your child’s summer camp doesn’t have an extensive reputation of murder. Bailey’s pick “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” 1974 A human skin mask isn’t a good look. Morgan’s pick “Saw,” 2004 Who doesn’t want to see someone get tortured for an hour and a half? Beau’s pick “The Crazies,” 2010 Sci-fi, mutated fun. Brendan’s pick
14 Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 | Sports
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Women Gauchos Soccer hold off OEC leader Cypress FRANK ROCHA
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
Saddleback forward Alyssa Stapinski’s late goal against Cypress’ Women’s soccer team secured a 1-1 tie in the Gauchos first Orange Empire conference game of the year. Cypress entered the Oct. 1 game ranked third in the state. “We are a terrifying team to play against, we do not quit,” said Saddleback head coach BJ McNicol. “We are not going to sit around and just wait.” Cypress was undefeated going into this game, and Saddleback was coming off of a win against East Los Angeles College. Stapinksi tore her ACL before the 2019 season began. The injury commonly occurs during sports that involve sudden stops
Guacho Womens Soccer (Nik Richie/Lariat) or changes in direction from the knee, including soccer. The Gauchos may be burdened by having to play their homes games off campus, due to the
construction of Saddleback’s new sports complex. The completion of the project is expected to be June 2020. This absence causes the Gau-
chos to have an uneven schedule that features one more away game, for a total of eleven away and nine official home games. Acquiring time for practices or games limits their schedule. As other teams that do not have an official field or calendar restrictions, have to book a soccer field practice or game in advance. “Our team does not get to train at the stadium or do anything extra here,” McNicol said, speaking on the OC Great Park. “But we probably are playing at the best place for soccer in Orange County.” With its benefits, there are limitations. The Gaucho’s away record is 3-1, for there the majority of games are won away. Furthermore, the Gauchos look to have their first victory of the season at home.
What the Fair Play to Pay Act means for students JOSIAH CARINO VIDEO EDITOR
For a long time, student athletes around the world weren’t being paid for anything attached to their name. Things such as jersey sales, autographs and any other merchandise that has a student athletes name attached doesn’t go back to them. Instead of gaining any sort of revenue from those sales, the student athletes wouldn’t get anything, but the NCAA and the school they attend would. However, Governor Gavin Newsom would change that in the state of California. Newsom appeared on the UNINTERRUPTED HBO show, The Shop where he spoke with several people, such as NBA star LeBron James and sports agent Rich Paul. While on the show, Newsom signed the Fair Play to Pay Act, giving California student athletes the ability to be paid for their likeness and self-image by 2023. The act also allows student athletes to hire an agent to represent them.
“14 plus billion dollars goes to these universities, goes to these colleges, a billion plus revenue to the NCAA themselves and the actual product, the folks putting their lives on the line, putting everything on the line are getting nothing.” Newsom said. “Part of the reason why I went to the NBA was to get my mom out of the situation she was in,” James said. James, who grew up in a poor environment declared himself eligible for the NBA Draft instead of going to college. He wanted to get his mom out of a poor situation and didn’t want to be profited off of his hard work and self-image. “Sitting in my seat, I believe that it’s a beginning of an educational process for the athlete if they’re able to benefit from the image and likeness because they get to the highest level and they’re uneducated on the business of themselves as an individual.” said Paul. Paul, who is a sports agent has
been in charge of managing several athletes who are currently playing professional or who are being scouted by professional associations such as the NBA. The NCAA itself has shown to be accommodating to the act, saying they’ll make “adjustments to their rules” so they can be “realistic in modern society and tied to higher education.” However, if the rules of the NCAA don’t change by 2023, California teams will be banned from taking part in their competitions. Several schools believe that this act is going to end up “destroying college sports” and not how much this act can actually help several student athletes situations that are hidden behind closed doors. Even just a small percentage of merchandise attached to them can be helpful their those situations. With these students being able to be paid, it provides several positives for their lives. But while there are people who think
there are positive aspects of this act, there’s some who don’t believe that student athletes should be paid. Saddleback Men’s Basketball Coach Andy Ground, feels indifferent about the act. “I don’t think it’s going to affect the majority of the student athletes in the state of California, that’s probably for a select few of the elite type of guys, football and basketball,” Ground said. “Isn’t going to be that big of a deal.” The NCAA is paying certain school programs a small amount outside of what they’re usually receiving from things such as financial aid, it shows that they’re willing to give some athletes a small profit from what they’re doing. With this act being passed, Newsom believes that this is just the beginning for student athletes being paid. Newsom wants California to be the state that others look at and follow by creating acts similar to the Fair Play to Pay Act.
Sports | vol. 52, no. 2
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1st pro women’s hockey tournament in OC DELANI TAFT
OPNION EDITOR
The first professional game on Women’s Inline Series took place this past weekend. Some of the teams, such as the Lady Raiders, Empire, and Rink Rats, were competing for a $5,000 first place win and a $1,000 second place cash prize. This event was an all-day thing. Trust me; I was there from 10 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. It was rough. With live music and catered BBQ, families were able to spend the day at this event and have a great time. Parking was a nightmare. When the rinks have normal games, all the spots are full. Turns out, when they have tournaments, it's everyone for themselves. People were parking on the sidewalk, in the bushes, the crosswalks, and the handicap loading zones. Some people ended up parking at The District and walking the mile and a half carrying their gear and sticks. The teams consisted of women from 16 years old girls to moms, who were married and brought their kids. Fans brought cut-outs of players' faces, banners, and personalized stickers to show their support for the ladies. The teams consisted of 9 to 12 players, including subs, all females, of course. The teams had never played as a group before, the coaches grouped together groups of women who'd be compatible and calling it a team. Some of the ladies
The lady Raiders take on Empire in a close match at The Rinks in Irvine. practice hockey for fun, but never in a full-on league together. The Showdown Pro was able to happen with the support of the players, team managers and some sponsors, including Nothing is Greater Than Equality. There was a $3 entree fee per spectator and $50 for the players to obtain their jersey. The Rinks have hosted many pro games before, so they were used to the compacted crowds. Luckily, most players could leave between playoffs and come back in a few hours for the rotating game schedules. The Rinks were laid out in four arenas, Corey, Casey, one, and two. Rinks Corey and Casey are named after late hockey players
who used to practice at the facility. The building is considered an "outdoor rink" meaning the sides were open and a metal roof above. Because The rinks are outdoors, it is very selective to the weather conditions. May games in the future have been cancelled due to rain and there was a 70% chance on the day, but the rain held out. I personally am very thankful for the outdoor seating and ventilation. Standing within five feet of a sweaty player will result in a stench no person would ever wish to encounter. Used hockey gear is thankfully quarantined to the locker rooms and bags. Each team played face-off games until the final playoffs, re-
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sulting in the Rink Rats winning the $5,000 grand prize. “Although the tournament didn’t end as I would have hoped, I am happy I got the experience to play with such talented women,"Lady Raiders player, Sydney Reys said. "It was truly an honor to play against other pro-women players and that we were all able to come together and play here at the Rinks.”said Reyes. At the end of the day, it was great to see an all women's team able to play a professional game. Usually, hockey caters to the men's teams, but these women had their chance to shine and took full advantage of it, and everyone came out as a winner.
Saddleback Gauchos fall sports calendar Nov. 1-15
Fri. 1 at various times Cross country in the OEC Championships at Irvine Regional Park at 9a.m. Men’s water polo play Palomar at Southwestern College at 12:10p.m. Men’s water polo play San Diego Miramar at Southwestern College at 3p.m. Women’s soccer at Golden West at 3p.m. Women’s volleyball @Riverside at 6p.m. Sat. 2 at various times Men’s Basketball vs. San Diego
Mesa at 2p.m. Football play Golden West at Mission Viejo HS at 6p.m. Men’s water polo play Grossmont at Southwestern College at 9a.m. Tue. 5 at 3 p.m. Women’s soccer play Fullerton at OC Great Park Fri. 8 at various times Men’s basketball play Barstow at San Diego City College at 1p.m. Cross country CCCAA Southern Regional at Mission Bay at TBA. Women’s Soccer vs. Orange
Coast at LeBard Stadium at 7p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. Golden West at Golden West at 6p.m. Sat. 9 at various times Men’s Basketball vs. Citrus at SDCC at 5p.m. Football vs. Grossmont at Grossmont College at 1p.m. Sun. 10 at 1 p.m. Men’s Basketball at San Diego City at 1p.m. Mon. 11 time TBA Women’s Golf Southern California Regional Championship Day 1 at Royal Vista GC Tue. 12 at various times Women’s Golf Southern Califor-
nia Regional Championship Day 2 at Royal Vista GC Women’s Soccer vs. IVC at OC Great Park at 3p.m. Wed. 13 at 6 p.m Women’s Volleyball at Fullerton at 6pm Fri. 15 at various times Men’s Basketball vs. Southwestern at 6p.m. Women’s Soccer vs. Santiago Canyon at Santiago Canyon at 3p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. Santa Ana at 6p.m.
16 Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 | Backpage
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President Stern reacts Article quoted from weekly email sent by college president on October 18.
So here’s why the editorial’s criticism was fair: In my update to our campus, I failed to include anything about the smaller projects now underway and on our list. I am very aware that we have a serious problem with deferred maintenance on this campus, and FMO is trying to catch up on years of complaints and obvious neglect that can’t be remedied in months. I failed to mention that we are planning on re-painting halls in Science, which are heavily scuffed and make the building look 50 years old on the inside. I failed to mention that after years of ignoring problems in old Math & Science because the building would be torn down “someday,” our FMO team is working to clean, spruce up and make safer the halls and active classrooms in that building. I failed to mention that we have multiple suggestions for improvements of the quad and are re-charging the Beautification committee, in part, to help us decide how to prioritize and coordinate those suggested improvements, so that they can begin quickly, before even the opening of our stadium! I failed to mention that we are looking at landscaping projects to spruce up our groundcover and other plantings that may have become a bit too naturalized over the years. The list goes on. Here’s why I believe the pulled editorial was a bit unfair: First, its author never contacted me or FMO to find out what we were doing about the deferred maintenance and other unsightly problems on our campus, evidencing
“My oversight. My bad.”
long neglect. Had they done so, they would have learned that our hard-working FMO team is actually doing quite a lot and has a long list of problems that we’re trying to address in a reasonable period of time. But that information would not have supported the thesis of the editorial, or, at the very least, would have made it a lot more nuanced, i.e. a less compelling read. Second, in between its title (“When will Saddleback College Get a Facelift? President
Dr. Elliot Stern sends out a timeless message with no real-time solutions”) and conclusion (“It’s visible Stern has NO IDEA what ‘26,000 amazing students’ want. Saddleback is an educational institution in one of the wealthiest areas in the world, and it looks like a correctional institution from The Walking Dead…”) is a well-written narrative which supports the author’s thesis as well as corroborative photos–a pay phone on our campus, a cracked sidewalk, an old
table and benches, and dead grass outside of Math & Science. There were no pictures of the quad or of carefully clipped hedges, hibiscus blooms, sparkly clean trash cans, fresh pennants expressing Gaucho pride, litter-free walkways, freshly-painted buildings and campus entrance signs, or carefully edged parcels of grass. The Information Age has given us the freedom to live in a bubble, so we select information that supports hypotheses we create based on our values and gut instinct, replete with biases. I read a report not too long ago that said even neighborhoods are becoming political bubbles. People are choosing to live in neighborhoods where their neighbors vote the same way they do. Our bubbles follow us everywhere. You may have seen recently that Ellen DeGeneres had to defend herself after sitting next to George W. Bush, her friend, at an athletic event. Exiting one’s bubble to take in a game with a friend outside of our bubble earns the wrath of those still inside of our bubble. And that’s why I’m sharing my thoughts about an editorial that most of you never had the chance to read, to make a larger point. I think we’re seeing a lot of stridency and data-dredging to support our theses in our culture, our communications, our politics and in our everyday lives. I think a lot of us are writing our headlines first and then citing the facts to validate our opinion rather than studying facts in order to form our opinions.
Find the fulllength article online at lariatnews.com