january 20, 2016

January 20, 2016 Volume 106 | Number 7EL VAQUERO

G L E N D A L E C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E C A M P U S N E W S P A P E R

NEWS Forum discusses future

of Armenian American Museum.

THE ARTSEl Vaquero shares its Grammy predictions

for 2016.Page 8

SPORTSVaqueros Baseball gets

ready for opener at Stengel Field.

Page 9

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Member of the Journalism Asssociation of Community Colleges

The unveiling of the Armenian

American Museum design

brought about comments and

concerns from community

members which were voiced

during a two-hour forum held

on Sunday at the St. Gregory

Armenian Catholic Church near

the college on Mountain Street.

The proposed 30,000-square-

foot project is planned to

replace the current parking lot

between the Church and Civic

Auditorium on Verdugo Road. It

would consist of both indoor and

outdoor exhibits and activities.

Plans show that while

50 percent of the museum

will consist of a permanent

exhibition based on the Armenian

American journey, the other

50 percent is available for

changing exhibitions; allowing

creative freedom and specialized

experiences.

The possibilities for the

museum are endless and ever

changing.

$V�WKH\�¿OHG�LQ�IRU�WKH�PHHWLQJ��attendees received a handout in

which a “concerned Rossmoyne

resident” lists how the museum

will potentially negatively affect

the neighborhood.

The Armenian American

Museum’s organizing committee

takes these points into

consideration when working

with the Glendale City Council,

DUFKLWHFW� DQG� WUDI¿F� HQJLQHHU� LQ�order to generate an equitable

solution.

A document provided by the

forums administrators states

that “The Armenian American

Museum Governing Board is

continuing to conduct its due

diligence activities to determine

the developability of the site

under a Ground Lease Agreement

with the City.”

The document also listed the

completed activities and those

that are still in progress.

As of Sunday, they’ve

developed a concept plan and

program; performed market

opportunities and contextual

assessments; prepared a

comparable museum study, cost

SURMHFWLRQV� UHSRUW� DQG� ¿QDQFLDO�feasibility assessment pre-Master

Plan; established a Governing

Board; initiated a community

outreach plan; and commissioned

D�WUDI¿F�DQG�FLUFXODWLRQ�VWXG\�Phase one of the environmental

assessment is complete and phase

two is in progress.

They also initiated The

California Environmental Quality

Act Initial Study, which will

determine the feasibility of

building the Armenian American

Museum on that particular site,

along with the Comprehensive

Economic Feasibility

Assessment.

The forums are intended to be

a platform for Glendalians and

residents in the surrounding areas

to express their views about the

museum.

“We want to hear the good,

the bad, everything,” said the

museum’s executive committee

member Zaven Kazazian. “We’d

like to hear your input, so please

don’t hold back.”

Chairman of the executive

committee Berdj Karapetian

announced the agenda and said

their objective is to share the

vision and mission of the museum

so the public can gain a better

understanding of their motives.

Based on recent feedback,

homeowner groups to the north

and south of the proposed museum

site feel troubled about the impact

RQ� WUDI¿F�� YHKLFOH� HQWUDQFH� DQG�exit locations, emanating lights,

noise and conformity of the

overall design.

The organizers of the forum

addressed each of the issues

during their presentation only

to repeatedly face the same

questions from the audience.

While Aram Alajajian of

Alajajian Marcoosi Architects

and Jano Baghdanian of JB

& Associates were available

to answer questions about the

architecture and issues with

WUDI¿F�HQJLQHHULQJ��it was made clear that

immediate feedback may not be

readily available.

Alajajian and Baghdanian

presented their tentative plans

and anticipated research that is

yet to be done in an attempt to

answer questions that may arise.

Many of the factors involved

in putting the museum together

are still up in the air and the

committee and board members

are working with the city council

WR� ¿JXUH� RXW� WKH� ORJLVWLFV� RI� WKH�situation.

Talin Yacoubian said some of

the comments and questions are

“premature,” assuring they will

be looked at during the upcoming

meetings.

Others joined in an effort to

praise the committee on their

work thus far, agreeing that the

location of the museum is ideal

considering its close proximity

to Glendale Community College,

along with the design and the

overarching intention of the

PXVHXP�� $OWKRXJK� WUDI¿F� DQG�parking seems to be the strongest

DUJXPHQW� DJDLQVW� WKLV� VSHFL¿F�location, a GCC student in the

audience said “the damage being

described is overblown.”

Educators defend the idea

mainly because of the ease of

access for students and residents

who want to learn more about the

Armenian cause.

There will be a presentation

during the Glendale Noon

Rotary’s Feb. 4 meeting at the

Embassy Suites in Glendale. Non-

members must contact Zaven

Kazazian at www.zkazazian@

earthlink.net in order to attend.

For updates and more

information visit www.

armenianamericanmuseum.org.

EL VAQUERO

EDITOR IN CHIEFAnahit Kardzhyan

STAFFEkaterina Nikitina

Melody ShahsavaraniEric BourseSal Polcino

Kathy Bakowicz

PRODUCTION MANAGERSal Polcino

NEWSROOM MANAGEREric Bourse

BROADCAST DIRECTORAnashen Navasartian

FACUlTy ADvISERMichael Moreau

[email protected](818) 240-1000 ext. 5214

ADvERTISINGJeff Smith

[email protected](818) 240-1000, ext. 5493

2 Wednesday, January 20, 2016 www.elvaq.com

NEWS

Photo by Roee Fung

Community Provides Feedback on Proposed Museum

By Anahit Kardzhyan

Photo by Anahit Kardzhyan

ON THE COVER:

Former Glendale College

student Dieuwertje Kast

poses with a photo depicting

the world’s oceans.

Anahit Kardzhyan can be reached at [email protected]

www.elvaq.com Wednesday, January 20, 2016 3

IQ� DQ� HIIRUW� WR� UHGXFH� WKH� ÀRZ�of immigrants and refugees

from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan,

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Hundreds of humanitarian

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Exclusive: Swedish Activists Protest ID ControlsNEWS

%\�.DWK\�%DNRZLF]�DQG6DO�3ROFLQR

Law Refuses Entry to Asylum Seekers Without Passports

3KRWRV�E\�.DWK\�%DNRZLF]

SUPPORTING REFUGEES: Swedish and Danish Activists meet at the Central Station in Copenhagen, Denmark to stand in solidarity with those seeking asylum in both countries. On Jan. 9, a contingent of Swedish protesters took the train across the bridge from Malmö where they were met by a large force of security guards.

ORGANIZER: Stellan Lindell wields a megaphone at the international protest in Copenhagen.

ACTIVISTS: Toktam Johangiry and Salim Azi hold fake passports that read “Nationality: Humanity” at the Jan. 9 protest event.

Sal Polcino can be reached at [email protected]

Kathy Bakowicz can be reached at [email protected]

4 Wednesday, January 20, 2016 www.elvaq.comFEATURES

Black Scholars Honor Martin Luther King Jr.

About 100 students, educators and members of different

religious communities gathered at the Student Center on Thursday for a morning of remembrance and inspiration.

With an event presented in KLV� KRQRU�� LW� ZDV� RQO\� ¿WWLQJ� WR�play Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech during the Interfaith Breakfast hosted by Glendale College’s Black Scholars program.

As stated in the title, their goal is to promote “Unity Through Faith” at this event—which they hope to hold annually.

But, it wouldn’t be breakfast without eggs and coffee, among other refreshments. Gregory Sanders, Senior Pastor of the ROCK Christian Fellowship Long Beach, was present to bless the food. Sanders asked the audience to stand for a “30-second pregnancy test.” They chuckled as they rose to their feet.

“Be pregnant with a dream. Be pregnant with a purpose. Be pregnant with a goal,” Sanders said. “You can deliver something VR� DZHVRPH�� EXW� \RX� JRWWD� ¿UVW�believe in immaculate conception and having the ability to be pregnant with a greater purpose.”

Everyone in the room, male and female, positioned their hands on their stomachs to “feel their purpose.” Then they held hands with those around them, bowed their heads and prayed.

President of the Board of

Trustees, Tony Tartaglia took a moment to follow up on Sanders’ sermon, saying he had “morning sickness,” but would get through it. He then praised the Black Scholars for their efforts.

“What I particularly like about this program (Black Scholars) is not only does it help our African American students succeed and continue to succeed, but it encourages community involvement,” Tartaglia said.

3UHVLGHQW�'DYLG�9LDU�UHÀHFWHG�on the relevance of King’s words in today’s society, focusing on his views on peace and education.

“As part of Glendale Community College’s learning community, we must remember that the actions and words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. must guide us every day as educators and lifelong learners — students, faculty and staff — we must always be trying to be better … better human beings, providing community leadership and building critical consciousness,” Viar said.

“That’s what Black Scholars program is about and I hope that’s what we’re about across the whole of Glendale Community College.”

Viar says he wants everyone to remember that “‘The time is always right to do what is right’ Dr. King said” and to always carry out King’s message.

“Not just on one day, not just on a week, not just a month of honoring and remembrance, but for our lifetime, for our institution

and community and our world’s lifetime,” Viar said.

Robert Hill, dean of student services, expressed his gratitude for everyone’s participation. “We may have different beliefs and faiths across the board, but we can ¿QG� FRPPRQ�JURXQG� LQ�ZKDW�ZH�do,” Hill said. “In this message we are trying to inspire and inform.”

He then introduced Akram Abdulrahman, vice president of Black Scholars and cabinet member of the International Students Association.

“It’s a blessing to be at Glendale Community College, seeing all the differences of human nature and cultures,” he said. “It’s great to experience the strengthening of culture … the thing that VWUHQJWKHQV� XV� DQG� XQL¿HV� XV�� LV�humanity.”

Abdulrahman introduced J.D. Hall, a local imam, who pointed out that King and Christopher Columbus are the only two people who have a federal holiday associated with their name, calling it a “high and very rare honor.”

Even though there have been societal changes in relation to freedom and equality since the Civil Rights Movement, Hall says “the battle still rages on.”

“Oppression, injustice and insensitivity are still alive and well,” he added. “The enemies of justice and peace will never surrender.”

According to Hall “anyone who strives and struggles for good is a jihad.” This term is an Islamic concept of the struggle to do good.

“We should all be jihadis,” Hall said. “For me that’s what the day (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) is all about and that’s what every day should be about. We should all be struggling for good. We should all be struggling for justice. We should all be struggling to end oppression and we should all be struggling against evil.”

Coordinator of Black Scholars Robert Williams followed suit. Just before he introduced the keynote speaker, he admitted that he only expected 10 people to show up to the event, saying the turnout was “unbelievable.”

The audience erupted in applause as Erin Gruwell, civil and human rights activist and educator took her turn at the mic. She told the story of how her Freedom Writers Foundation came to life and the struggles she and her 150 “at-risk” students faced on a day-to-day basis.

Their story has been documented and referred to around the world. Many are familiar with LW��GXH�WR�WKH��¿OP�³)UHHGRP�Writers.”

“How can I give them a voice?” Gruwell asked herself. “How can I convince them to put down their ¿VWV"�3XW�GRZQ� WKHLU� VSUD\�FDQV"�

Put down that gun? And pick up a pen … and maybe, just maybe, write a different ending to a different story. Maybe just maybe, dare to dream that things can get better.”

Gruwell said today’s youth should “have the courage and tenacity to change, to dream, and to give,” while standing up for what they believe and think they deserve.

Hill closed the morning’s event with a special tribute for someone he considers “a soldier of Civil Rights,” his mother, Barbara Ann Hill.

6KH�ZDV�WKH�¿UVW�EODFN�WHDFKHU�in Orange County and Hill credits her for everything he knows now, saying he is merely continuing what he was taught in his own home.

“I never really had the opportunity to do that,” he added. “But I wanted to say ‘thank you’ and ‘I love you.’”

$V� DWWHQGHHV� ¿OHG� RXW�� VRPH�stopped to shake hands and pose for pictures with the numerous guests and speakers.

Photos by Anahit Kardzhyan

Anahit Kardzhyan can be reached at

[email protected]

By Anahit Kardzhyan

RAISE YOUR HANDS: Audience participates in the closing prayer with Abdul Jabbar Iman who represented the

Muslim community of the San Fernando Valley at the Interfaith Breakfast held in the Student Center on Thursday.

PINKY PROMISE: After sharing her story behind the Freedom Writers

Foundation, keynote speaker, Erin Gruwell, locks pinkies with Robert Hill,

dean of student services, and promises to be part of the Glendale College

family forever. Gruwell calls the pinky promise a “binding contract.”

USC as a biology major and pursue an experience that would EHQH¿W� PH� LQ� WKH� ELRORJ\� DQG�PDULQH�ELRORJ\�¿HOG��*&&¶V�%DMD�¿HOG� VWXGLHV� SURJUDP� ZDV� WKH�SHUIHFW�¿W�´

Kast, more often known as DJ, began the three-week summer marine biology course with two ZHHNV�LQ�%DMD�WKDW�LQFOXGHG�GRLQJ�KDQGV�RQ� VFLHQFH� LQ� WKH� ¿HOG�HYHU\� VLQJOH� GD\�� 6KH� OHDUQHG�about physiological adaptations to the ocean environment through GLVVHFWLRQV�� 7KH� FODVV� REVHUYHG�interactions of the ocean ecosystem and the biodiversity of %DMD�WKURXJK�VQRUNHOLQJ��

“It was because of this experience that I was inspired to apply to USC as a biology PDMRU�´� VDLG�.DVW�� ³,�ZDQWHG� WR�FRQWLQXH� WKDW� VRUW� RI� ¿HOG� ZRUN�at the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies on WKHLU� FDPSXV� RQ�&DWDOLQD� ,VODQG��7KLV� WKHPH� FRQWLQXHG� LQWR� P\�¿UVW�PDVWHU¶V�GHJUHH��ZKLFK�LV� LQ�marine environmental biology DQG�RFHDQRJUDSK\�´

,W� ZDVQ¶W� ORQJ� EHIRUH� .DVW�focused her studies on science

HGXFDWLRQ��“During my freshman year at

USC I was hired to teach marine ELRORJ\� ZLWK� 86&� 6HDJUDQW¶V�Parent Child Education Program �3&(3��´� VDLG� .DVW�� ³7KLV� ZDV�WUXO\� P\� ¿UVW� H[SRVXUH� DERXW�how socioeconomic status could LPSDFW� \RXU� OLIH�� 0RVW� RI� P\�students did not know how to swim and half of them had never VHHQ�WKH�RFHDQ�EHIRUH�´�

7KURXJK� WKLV� SURJUDP� VKH�shared her love of marine biology DQG� MXVW� OLNH� WKH� *&&� %DMD�Program, she took students out LQWR�WKH�¿HOG��

(DFK� FODVV� KDG� D� ¿HOG� WULS� WR�the aquarium and a boat ride in which they did otter trawls and sediment grabs so families could touch and see what lives in the bottom of the ocean in shallow DUHDV�

.RQVWDQWLQ� %DW\JLQ�� DQ�DVVLVWDQW�SURIHVVRU�DW�&DO7HFK�DQG�RQH�RI�WKH�³��8QGHU��´�MXGJHV��said that science education and 67(0�SURJUDPV�DUH�HVVHQWLDO��

“I believe that we are at a crossroads as a civilization — perhaps we have been at this

7he highly-anticipated Forbes ³��8QGHU��´�OLVW�LV�RXW�DQG�

one of the honorees is former *&&� VWXGHQW�� 'LHXZHUWMH� .DVW��(YHU\� \HDU�� )RUEHV� PDJD]LQH¶V�judges select 600 of the brightest “young entrepreneurs, breakout WDOHQWV�DQG�FKDQJH�DJHQWV´�LQ��GLIIHUHQW� ¿HOGV�� ZKLFK� LQFOXGH�VFLHQFH��.DVW¶V�DUHD�RI�H[SHUWLVH�

.DVW�� LV� WKH� 67(0�(science, technology, engineering and math) programs manager for the USC Joint Educational Project, where she helps develop science curricula for grades .�� ,Q� �� VWUDLJKW� RXW� RI�high school, she was a participant LQ�*OHQGDOH¶V�%DMD�)LHOG�6WXGLHV�3URJUDP��

“When I was in high school I knew I wanted to be a marine biologist when I grew XS�´� VDLG� .DVW�� ³$OO� RI� P\�extracurricular were focused on water, underwater or ocean WKHPHV�LQFOXGLQJ�6&8%$�GLYLQJ��swimming, stream restorations RU� EHDFK� FOHDQXSV�� ,� ZDQWHG� WR�challenge myself before entering

Alumna Makes Forbes ‘30 Under 30’ ListFEATURES


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SRLQW� IRU� VRPH� WLPH�´� %DW\JLQ�VDLG�� ³,Q� WKLV� FRQWH[W� WKH� ZRUN�[Kast is] doing is not simply important, it is critical to our sustained existence as a society WKDW�LV�EDVHG�RQ�UHDVRQ�´

Just as importantly, Kast is showing children that science FDQ�EH�IXQ��3DUHQW�&ODXGLQH�.LQJ�commented that she appreciates .DVW¶V�KDQGV�RQ�WHDFKLQJ�VW\OH�

“She gave a lot of attention to my little one, and taught her VR�PXFK�DW�WKH�WLGH�SRROV�´�.LQJ�VDLG�

.DVW¶V� FDUHHU� KDV� KDG� D�PHWHRULF� ULVH�� 6KH� EHFDPH� WKH�Director of the USC Young Scientists Program through the 8QLYHUVLW\¶V� -RLQW� (GXFDWLRQDO�3URMHFW�LQ��DQG�ZDV�SURPRWHG�WR�67(0�3URJUDPV�0DQDJHUV�LQ�� ³,� LQFRUSRUDWH�P\� ORYH�RI�the ocean into my programs in PDQ\� ZD\V�� VD\V� .DVW�� ³,� KDYH�WDXJKW� IRXUWK� DQG� ¿IWK� JUDGHUV�at Foshay Elementary all about underwater robots, and the 67(0� SURJUDP� WKDW� ,� FUHDWHG��named USC Wonderkids, does something marine biology related HYHU\�VHPHVWHU�´

$V� WKH� 67(0� FRRUGLQDWRU�for the USC Neighborhood $FDGHPLF� ,QLWLDWLYH� VKH� WHDFKHV�D�VXPPHU�PDULQH�ELRORJ\�FRXUVH��

“I was able to take the class to Catalina for a day of data collecting while snorkeling and ND\DNLQJ�´�VDLG�.DVW��³)RU�PDQ\�RI� WKH� VWXGHQWV� LW� ZDV� WKHLU� ¿UVW�time in or above the water and it was a magical experience IRU� WKHP�� $Q� H[SHULHQFH� ,� IHOW�snorkeling with whale sharks in %DMD�ZLWK�'U��>-DYLHU@�*DJR�´

Kast said she is honored to be QDPHG�WR�WKH�)RUEHV�OLVW�

“I think they recognize the

impact a passionate and dedicated 67(0�HGXFDWRU�PHQWRU�FDQ�KDYH�on the next generation of scientists especially for students that are normally underrepresented in 67(0�¿HOGV�´�.DVW� VDLG�� ³%HLQJ�included strengthens my belief that helping to educate and train our next generation of young scientists is of utmost importance and further encourages me to PRYH�IRUZDUG�ZLWK�WKLV�ZRUN�´

.DVW¶V�QH[W�RFHDQLF�HGXFDWLRQDO�adventure will take her above the $UFWLF�&LUFOH��

“I participated in the National 2FHDQLF� DQG� $WPRVSKHULF�$GPLQLVWUDWLRQ� 7HDFKHU� DW� 6HD�SURJUDP� ODVW� VXPPHU� �� WR�combine my love of hands-on research experience so that I can translate it into lesson plans and will be continuing this type of experience in the North Pole next VXPPHU� �� LQ� 3RODU75(&�´�VDLG�.DVW��

“I want to inspire all my VWXGHQWV� WR� GR� ¿HOG� ZRUN� DQG�be on the front lines of research collection while I give them up-to-date and current data and research from scientists all DFURVV� WKH� ZRUOG�� ,Q� P\� 67(0�students I see budding passions and appreciations for science and WHFKQRORJ\�� 1RW� HYHU\RQH� ZLOO�become a scientist, but science comprehension and interpretation can be applied in a wide variety of ¿HOGV�´

7KH�%DMD�)LHOG�6WXGLHV�3URJUDP�ZLOO�EH�KHOG�-XO\��WKURXJK�$XJ��7KH�FRVW�LV��SOXV�VWDQGDUG�HQUROOPHQW�IHHV�

Jane Pojawa can be reached at [email protected]

3KRWR�E\�5RHH�)XQJ

6 Wednesday, January 20, 2016

A!er 10 years in planning and thanks to funding from local and state bonds, the new 90,000-square-foot, $50 million Sierra Vista building is set for completion in April. "e Sierra Vista building will be

the campus hub—housing student services, registration, #nancial aid, labs, El Vaquero’s newsroom and much more.

The ASGCC funded a project to build a patio outside the Student Center, which is expected to be com-plete by spring semester. Nelson Oliveira, director of facilities, said the area is intended “to blend in

with the new construction, so when students come down the elevator from the parking lot that’s what they see #rst.”

Sartoris Field has been renovated at a cost of $940,477. Workers are putting the #nal touches in time for spring track and #eld. "e team will start their training at the end of January and will use Glendale

High School’s track and #eld until renovations are complete, according to Athletic Director John Cicuto.

The complex at Stengel Field, home to the Glendale College Vaqueros, has completed the initial part of a reconstruction plan. "e demolition and construction took place this summer, mainly to replace

the old building that held the bleachers up.

What’s New on Campus in 2016

www.elvaq.com 7

Photos by Ekaterina Nikitina and Sal Polcino

Sartoris Field has been renovated at a cost of $940,477. Workers are putting the #nal touches in time for spring track and #eld. "e team will start their training at the end of January and will use Glendale

High School’s track and #eld until renovations are complete, according to Athletic Director John Cicuto.

The complex at Stengel Field, home to the Glendale College Vaqueros, has completed the initial part of a reconstruction plan. "e demolition and construction took place this summer, mainly to replace

the old building that held the bleachers up.

What’s New on Campus in 2016

Taylor Swift


elvaq.co

m

Photo by Jazills

THE ARTS

The 58th annual GRAMMY Awards will once again

bring all music superstars and newcomers together for a night to celebrate music when it airs Feb. 15 on CBS at 8 p.m.

Nominations for all 83 categories were announced early December. This year’s nominees were selected from more than 21,000 submissions. To be eligible, albums must have been released between Oct. 1, 2014 and Sept. 30, 2015. The GRAMMY nominees are selected by the Academy of the Recording Arts, which consists of recording artists, songwriters, producers and engineers.

Kendrick Lamar leads the pack with 11 nominations, followed by Taylor Swift and The Weeknd with seven nominations each.

The album of the year nominees are: “Sound & Color” by Alabama Shakes, “To Pimp a %XWWHUÀ\´� E\� .HQGULFN� /DPDU��“Traveller” by Chris Stapleton, “1989” by Taylor Swift, and “Beauty Behind the Madness” by The Weeknd.

The predicted winner is “To 3LPS� D� %XWWHUÀ\´� E\� .HQGULFN�

Lamar. When Lamar lost the best rap album category for “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2014 to Macklemore’s “The Heist” it truly rattled the world as both had seven nominations and Lamar went home with no awards. But he came stronger than ever with this thought provoking record. Lamar takes us through his world from his downfalls and his strengths, and becomes the voice of hope. His lyrics spoke great truths and mended well with the uprise of the Black Lives Matter movement. Top tracks include “Alright,” “King Kunta” and President Obama’s favorite “How Much A Dollar Cost.”

Th record of the year nominees are: “Really Love” by D’Angelo and The Vanguard, “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars, “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran, “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift, “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd.

The predicted winner is “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd. The Canadian made his mark on the charts and world with this pop smash. His vocals pierce through the ’80s-esque, upbeat tempo record. The Weeknd’s soothing melodies are different from the

other prominent pop artists in this category, having resemblance to pop legend Michael Jackson.

The song of the year nominees are “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar, “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift, “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town, “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth, and “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran.

The predicted winner is “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar. Lamar pushed the envelope with this thought-provoking track. :LWK�D�\HDU�¿OOHG�ZLWK�WKH�XSURDU�of BlackLivesMatter, “Alright” became the anthem nationwide during protests and marches. It sheds light on the matter that

El Vaquero Sta! Picks the 2016 Grammy Winners

through the challenges faced, we will survive, we will conquer and rise above.

The best new artist nominees: Courtney Barnett, James Bay, Sam Hunt, Tori Kelly, and Meghan Trainor.

The predicted winner is Meghan Trainor. Trainor was VLJQHG� WR�KHU�¿UVW�PDMRU� ODEHO� DW�18 and three years later penned KHU� ¿UVW� *5$00<� QRPLQDWHG�hit single released in 2014 “All $ERXW� 7KDW� %DVV�´� $W� MXVW� ��years old her debut album “Title” gained worldwide recognition, featuring top hits “Lips are Moving” and “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” featuring John Legend. Trainor creates perpetual hits and

she is a notable nominee for best new artist.

The best pop duo/group performance nominees are “Ship to Wreck” by Florence + the Machine, “Sugar” by Maroon 5, “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars, “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift featuring Kendrick Lamar, and “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth.

The predicted winner is “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift featuring Kendrick Lamar. Two of the most prominent artists of 2015 collaborated on a chart- topping hit. The song rumored to be about an friendship turning sour between Swift and pop star Katy Perry, gained worldwide attention when Swift debuted the star-studded music video. The original version of “Bad Blood” lacks what this remix has, passion. Lamar brings rhythm with his eccentric rap verses and the addition of the bass lines truly embarks this collab into a GRAMMY-winning track.

The 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards is sure to be one memorable night as each category outdoes itself with nominees.

He was welcomed to the scene of pop stardom at the age of

7. He became a household name and teen heartthrob of the late ’90s, producing chart-topping re-cords and selling out shows. His name is Aaron Carter.

Carter gained success from popular hits such as “I Want Can-dy” and “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It)” He also opened for the boy band, Backstreet Boys, fea-turing his brother Nick Carter.

At the age of 13, he set out on his own sold-out tour “Aaron’s Party.”

Now 28, Carter’s last album was released a decade ago. He has focused the last few years learn-ing how to be a producer and a writer. Carter spends most of his time in his Malibu home record-ing and producing new tracks for his long-awaited album expected

this year. ³,¶P�MXVW� OLNH�DQ�HQWUHSUHQHXU�

and I am single-handedly re-doing my career myself,” Carter said. “I’m the executive producer, I am making the beats, I am writ-ing songs about my relationships and the things that I go through.”

:LWK�MXVW�IRXU�VRQJV�SURGXFHG�so far, Carter gave a taste of his new music with a release of a rough snippet of his upcoming single “Fool’s Gold” on Sound-Cloud. He has been working closely with German music pro-ducer Mister Lindgren and writ-ers Melanie Fontana, Jon Asher and Lake Street Louie.

“I am surrounded by people who truly believe in me and are committed,” Carter said.

Fans will experience a differ-ent sound from Carter, who has created a new dynamic to his mu-sic, which he calls dub-trap.

“I’m creating a new style be-

FDXVH� ,� DP� LQÀXHQFHG� E\� DUWLVWV�OLNH�6LD��0DMLG�-RUGDQ�DQG�'UDNH��But I still have to be in the pop lane,” he said.

Artists today get the helping hand of prominent producers, en-gineers, songwriters, but Carter’s SURFHVV�KDV�VLJQL¿FDQWO\�FKDQJHG��

³,¶YH� MXVW� JURZQ� DV� DQ� DUWLVW��I’ve been through ups and downs. A lot of things have happened in my life that held me back on mak-ing music,” Carter said.

+LV� PDMRU� VHWEDFN� KDSSHQHG�when he turned 18. He owed over $4 million in back taxes. Carter had to set aside his music career and start from the beginning as record labels declined to sign KLP�� +H� ¿OHG� IRU� EDQNUXSWF\� LQ�2013 and utilized any and every opportunity that came his way.

&DUWHU� MRLQHG� WKH� 2II�%URDG-way show cast of “The Fantas-ticks.”

³,W�ZDV�D� ORZ�SD\LQJ� MRE��EXW�

with hard work and dedication to get back up again. His fans are his strength and the music heals the wounds that were once opened.

“Taking the fans along the process and improving myself is very important to me.”

He hopes to release new music this year and is focused on mak-ing his fans proud on what is yet to come.

I needed it,” Carter explained. After making enough money, he found an agent who believed in him and introduced him to the idea of touring again.

Social media have been an outlet for Carter to express his emotions. One chord that strikes with him is the comparison be-tween him and current pop sen-sation Justin Bieber. In an inter-view with Billboard.com, Aaron Rosenberg, Bieber’s attorney, discussed how he believes he pre-vented Bieber from “ending up like Aaron Carter.”

“We have had similar, parallel lifestyles, that’s the reality,” Cart-er said. “I’m trying to better my-self, but we are different people.”

Carter was said he is inspired by Bieber’s music, and com-mends his accomplishments.

His struggles and downfalls have taken the best of him in mo-ments of time, but he continues

Aaron Carter Returns With New Music After 10 Years

Melody Shahsavarani can be reached at [email protected]

By Melody Shahsavarani

Visit us @

By Melody Shahsavarani

Melody Shahsavarani can be reached at [email protected]

For more stories and photos

��

Michael Bay Puts Aside Robots for Dramatic War FilmARTS

Photos by Ekaterina Nikitina

Photo Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

By Eric Bourse

‘13 Hours’ Tells a Di!erent Story of the Events at Benghazi

For the past three years, the Republican Party has latched onto the 2012 embassy attacks in Benghazi, Libya in an obsessive effort to derail Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.

In a display of opportunistic timing of the upcoming presidential election, director Michael Bay steps aside from the “Transformers” series once again and returns with the action-drama “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.”

'HVSLWH� WKH� WLPLQJ�� WKH� ¿OP�is based on the apolitical book “13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened In Benghazi” by Mitchell Zuckoff and not the conspiracy theory ¿OOHG��KRXU�ORQJ�KHDULQJV� WKDW�have plagued C-SPAN for years.

The events that unfold in “13 Hours” are predominantly from the viewpoint of members of the CIA’s security contractors. 7KH� ¿OP� RSHQV� ZLWK� -DFN� 6LOYD�SOD\HG� E\� -RKQ�.UDVLQVNL� �³7KH�2I¿FH�´� �� OHDYLQJ�his wife and daughters to join the CIA’s security team to earn extra money for his family. Once he meets up with friend and fellow CIA contractor Tyrone :RRGV�� SOD\HG� E\� -DPHV� %DGJH�'DOH� �³7KH� :DON�´� �� -DFN�and the audience are quickly introduced to the constant danger in Benghazi.

Although this movie is

considered a more “mature” work for Michael Bay, his self-LQGXOJHQW� ÀDLU� LV� UHVWUDLQHG�slightly, but still bogs down the ¿UVW� �� PLQXWHV� RI� WKH� PRYLH��The numerous quick cuts, the dizzying car chases that border on looking like car commercials, awkward scene transitions, and unnecessarily complicated cinematography are all there. Even in smaller doses than usual, Bay’s predictable trademarks still prove to be obnoxious.

Even if “13 Hours” had a more sane and competent director, it still wouldn’t have been enough WR�VDYH�WKH�EHJLQQLQJ�RI�WKH�¿OP��Chuck Hogan, who has written well-received novels such as “The Strain” series, disappoints LQ�KLV�¿UVW�VZLQJ�DW�VFUHHQZULWLQJ��

7KH�¿UVW�KDOI�RI�WKH�¿OP�FDQ�EH�boiled down to a simple recipe.

The team of bearded mercs execute security missions for a pair of snobbish CIA agents, the cartoonishly neurotic CIA security chief scolds one of the mercs for something petty, the bearded mercs talk to their families on Skype, and the bearded mercs ERQG�E\�JRR¿QJ�DURXQG�ZLWK�HDFK�other. All ingredients listed repeat at least twice. Hogan also doesn’t forget to sprinkle some cheese on top with unfunny banter and one-liners.

Not all hope is lost for the ¿OP�DV� WKH�¿QDO��PLQXWHV�DUH�packed to the brim with Bay’s most intense and authentic action


sequences to date. Whether it’s a frantic car chase or the moments when outnumbered security contractors defend the base like a modern-day version of the last stand at the Alamo, these scenes deliver thrills and drama.

The mayhem begins when Islamic militants raid the compound while the understaffed security scramble to protect WKH� DPEDVVDGRU�� 7HQVLRQV� ÀDUH�between the CIA security chief and the contractors when he orders them to stand down and not leave the annex because it would give away their secret location. :RRGV�GH¿HV�KLV�RUGHUV�DQG�JHWV�his small squad to embark on

what looks like a suicide mission to rescue American lives at the compound.

There are numerous nerve-wracking moments of paranoia as one of the contractors, who goes by the nickname “Tanto,” played E\� 3DEOR� 6FKUHLEHU�� ³2UDQJH� LV�WKH� 1HZ� %ODFN�´� ��is in danger as he makes his way through the backstreets and militia soldiers blend in with the locals.

It’s not just the action that does all the heavy lifting toward WKH� HQG� RI� WKH� ¿OP�� 'XULQJ� WKH�quiet moments when the militants regroup for more attacks, the FRQYHUVDWLRQV� ¿QDOO\� EHJLQ� WR�

ÀHVK�RXW�WKH�GLIIHUHQFHV�EHWZHHQ�the characters.

Audiences looking for a military drama as good as Ridley Scott’s “Blackhawk Down” �� PD\� OHDYH� WKH� WKHDWHU�disappointed. The weak setup does more than enough damage to make Bay’s latest a bloated DQG� XQHYHQ� ¿OP� WKDW� EDUHO\�TXDOL¿HV� DV� DYHUDJH�� +RZHYHU�IRU�IDQV�RI�ZDU�¿OPV��³��+RXUV´�is recommended solely for the action scenes.

‘Under the Spotlight’ Dance Showcase Shines on Hip Hop

JUMP!: Dance ensemble “The Royal-takes to the air in a perfromance to the song Uptown Funk at the UTSL Dance

Showcase on Saturday at the Auditorium Mainstage.

DANCE WITH ATTITUDE: Hazuki Nabana, A-ya Hamano and Nami

Matsushita and their troop Nedeshkiko perform at the Dance Showcase.

BAY RETURNS: Toby Stephens plays Glen “Bub” Doherty, a member of the CIA security contractors team in “13 Hours: !e Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.” !e "lm is rated R and is now in theaters.

Eric Bourse be reached at

[email protected]

Photo by Sal Polcino

‘Boys of Spring’ Are Back in Swing at Stengel Field

SPORTS

Women’s Basketball Men’s Basketball Softball Baseball

“Sophomore Transfers include 2016 shortstop Rick Perez who I recruited from Burbank High 6FKRRO� WKUHH� \HDUV� DJR� DQG� ¿UVW�baseman Troy Mulcahey from Crescenta Valley,” Cicuto said. “Both played at Fullerton College, but have decided to come back to WRZQ�WR�¿QLVK�-&�>-XQLRU�&ROOHJH@�

baseball.”The team travels to Cerritos

to face the Falcons on Feb. 2 and hosts Rio Hondo College at Sten-gel Field on Feb. 4.


By Sal Polcino

Jan. 20Santa Monica College@GCC 5 p.m

Jan. 20Santa Monica College@GCC 7 p.m.

Sal Polcino can be reached at [email protected]

Photo courtesy of the Lopez family.

BATTER UP: The 2016 Vaqueros baseball team takes batting practice at Stengel Field in preperation for the upcoming season.

Congratulations to Vaqueros Assistant Coach Woody Lo-

pez and Haley Webb on the birth of their daughter Layla Rae Lo-SH]�RQ�-DQ��

Coach Chris Cicuto said, “My wife says Vaq babies have been good to us.”

After the birth of his son -DFNVRQ� &LFXWR� WKH� 9DTXHURV�were 2011/12 WSC Champions.

In 2012/13 Georgia Plourde, GDXJKWHU� RI� -DVRQ� 3ORXUGH�� IRU-mer catching coach brought on another year’s WSC Champi-onship. In the 2014/15 season Coach Alex Kocol and his wife -DQHW�ZHOFRPHG�WKHLU�VRQ�&ROOLQ�Kocol securing yet another con-ference championship.

What does that mean for Vaq baby Layla Rae and the 2016 season? It’s inevitable.

Vaquero Babies Bring Luck to the Team Weekend Basketball Recaps

Jan. 29-30Hawk Wilder Tournament@GCC - TBA

Men’s Basketball

The Vaqueros topped the Ba-NHUV¿HOG� &ROOHJH� 5HQHJDGHV�

in the fourth game of the Western State Round 1 series Saturday 67-61. The team has won four in a row to improve its record to 4-1 in conference play and remain WLHG�IRU�¿UVW�SODFH�

The Renegades struggled early LQ�WKH�¿UVW�SHULRG��EXW�PDQDJHG�WR�keep the score fairly close, trail-ing by just four points at the half. The Vaqs continued to dominate throughout the second period.

Guard/forward Cole Currie led all scorers with 15 points to-WDO�IROORZHG�FORVHO\�E\�JXDUG�-HUL�Mask with 14.

The Vaqueros host Santa Mon-ica College tonight at 7 p.m.

Women’s Basketball

The Lady Vaqs did not fare as ZHOO� DJDLQVW� %DNHUV¿HOG� DV�

they dropped their fourth game in a row in conference play.

The women’s team kept the VFRUH� FORVH� LQ� WKH� ¿UVW� TXDUWHU��trailing by only three points at the buzzer, but in the second quarter the Vaqs were outscored 91-9. Despite guard Luna Panosian’s 16 points, the Renegades com-PDQGHG� WKH� ERDUGV� LQ� WKH� ¿QDO�period. The Lady Vaqueros lost 59-68.

The Lady Vaqs will face off against Santa Monica’s Corsairs at home tonight at 5 p.m.

The Vaqueros baseball team hopes to continue its winning

ways in the 2016 season. The team KDV�ZRQ�IRXU�RI�WKH�ODVW�¿YH�:HVW-ern State Conferences and last sea-son made it to the Super Regional playoffs where they lost to Orange Coast College in three games. In-¿HOGHU�1LFN�:RO\QLHF�ZDV� YRWHG�WSC player of the year and All-American.

Since Head Coach Chris Cicu-to took the reins in 2004, 83 per-cent of the Vaqueros’ players have WUDQVIHUUHG�WR�WKH�1DWLRQDO�&ROOHJH�Athletics Association and some to the major leagues.

“This is by far our best trans-fer class—mainly due to (Assis-tant Coach) Alex Kocol’s work to contact the right schools for each player and provide recruiting vid-eos,” said Cicuto. “His dedication to our players is second to none.”

Fifteen players from last season transferred to four-year colleges,

including seven to Division 1 or 1&$$�VFKRROV�

,Q¿HOGHU� %UHQW� 6DNXUDL� DQG�pitcher Andy Frakes moved on WR� 1HZ�0H[LFR� 6WDWH� 8QLYHUVLW\�and pitcher Chase Hoag went to )UHVQR� 6WDWH�� 2XW¿HOGHU� &DUORV�5REOHV�KHDGHG�WR�WKH�8QLYHUVLW\�RI�1HYDGD� /DV� 9HJDV�� FDWFKHU�$OH[�*RPH]� WR� WKH� 8QLYHUVLW\� RI� 6DQ�'LHJR��SLWFKHU�1LFN�6KXU�WR�5LYHU-side and pitcher Christian Keamy WR�&681�

Coach Cicuto said the com-ing season looks promising, with strong returning players, incoming transfers and new freshman addi-tions.

Right-handed pitchers Ryan /RVPDQ�DQG�-RUGDQ�<UDVWRU]D�DUH�back, and Cal Christiansen who sat out last year while rehabbing an injury is expected to be one of the top pitchers in the conference. Mike Polchow also returns as a left-handed specialist.

Former El Vaquero staff mem-EHU� DQG� SLWFKHU� -DFN� 0RUHOOR� LV�

back in the line-up after sitting out last season with a shoulder injury.

Tei Vanderford played one sea-VRQ�DW�*&&�WKHQ�PRYHG�WR�WKH�8QL-versity of Tennessee on a scholar-ship. He graduated early and has returned to play for the Vaqs.

“We are very fortunate to have him back. He is a leader that is extremely talented and should be a WSC pitcher of the year candi-date,” Cicuto said.

Some incoming freshmen that Cicuto believes will have a strong impact on the team include third EDVHPDQ�)UDQN�*DUULROD��LQ¿HOGHU�-DNH�=DKRULN��RXW¿HOGHU�-RKQ�0D-ORWW�� FDWFKHU� =DFK� 0DXVVHU� DQG�RXW¿HOGHU�¿UVW� EDVHPDQ� (VWHYDQ�Rodriguez.

Two younger brothers of for-mer Vaqueros bring family tradi-tion to the team: Relief pitcher Anthony Robles, brother Carlos Robles (2014/15) and starting out-¿HOGHU� &ULVWLDQ� 0RQWHV�� EURWKHU�of Edgar Montes (2012/13) who WUDQVIHUUHG�WR�81/9�

Feb. 2Cerritos Falcons@Cerritos


Free Museum Dayperiods. The museum is located 5905 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Ange-les. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more info visit www.lacma.org.

Descanso Gardens — The gar-den features a large botanical collection. The garden is located 1418 Descanso Drive in La Caña-da Flintridge. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info visit www.descansogardens.org.

The Natural History Museum — Exhibits include dinosaur fos-sils, minerals, an insect zoo, and more. The museum is located 900 Exposition Blvd. in Los Angeles. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info visit www.nhm.org.

Craft and Folk Art Museum — Enameled artwork and ceramics by Keiko Fukazawa are currently on display. The museum is lo-cated 5814 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more info visit www.ca-fam.org

The Autry Museum — Exhibits contain art related to the Ameri-can West. The Autry is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is located 4700 Western Heritage Way in Los Angeles. For more info visit www.theautry.org.

Museum of Contemporary Art — Famous and lesser known art-work post-1945 are currently on display. MOCA is located 250 S. Grand Ave. in Los Angeles. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info visit www.moca.org.

Museum of Tolerance — Ex-hibits on the Holocaust and types of prejudice around the world is featured. Free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 31. The MOT is located 9786 West Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles. Hours are 10 a.m. For more info visit www.museumoftolerance.com

Free-For-All

The following museums are

participating in the Museum

Free-for-All Day on Jan. 30

except when noted. Hours list-

ed are only for the event. For

the complete list visit www.so-

calmuseums.org/free-for-all.

la Brea Tar Pits & Page Mu-seum — Fossils from over 650 species from the ice age are on display. The tar pits and museum are located 5801 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info visit www.tarpits.org.

86&� 3DFL¿F� $VLD� 0XVHXP� ²�Exhibits featuring art and culture IURP�$VLD�DQG�WKH�3DFL¿F�,VODQGV�are on display. The museum is lo-cated 46 N. Los Robles Avenue in Pasadena. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more info visit www.SDFL¿FDVLDPXVHXP�RUJ�

Pasadena Museum of Cali-fornia Art — Works by Robert Cremean and William S. Rice are currently featured. The museum is located 490 E Union St. in Pasadena. Open from noon to 5 p.m. For information visit www.pmcaonline.org.

Japanese American National Museum — Displays featuring artwork by Japanese Americans are featured. The museum is lo-cated 100 N. Central Ave. in Los Angeles. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info visit www.janm.org.

laguna Art Museum — Art-work from California artists are featured. The museum is located 307 Cliff Drive in Laguna Beach. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.la-gunaartmuseum.org.

los Angeles County Museum of Art — LACMA contains art ranging from many styles and

Compiled by Eric Bourse

List your event on SPOTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHTSPOTLIGHTSPOTLIGHT

[email protected](818) 240-1000, ext. 5349.

Photo by David Leigh EllisThe Natural History Musem

Photo by StickpenDescanso Gardens

Museum of Contemporary Art Photo by Minnaert

12 Wednesday, January 20, 2016 www.elvaq.comLIFESTYLE

IN MEMORIAM: ELENA KRAMER

Elena Kramer Facebook Photo

The Glendale Community College softball team lost one

of its freshman players due to a tragic accident at the start of the winter session. Nineteen-year-old Elena Kramer was killed in a single-vehicle collision Jan. 4.

According to California Highway Patrol, Kramer was traveling southbound in a white 1999 Ford Mustang, when she drifted off Bouquet Canyon Road in Santa Clarita and lost control, crashing into a tree. She was on her way to practice at GCC.

The Los Angeles County Fire personnel, who arrived around 8:25 a.m., pronounced her dead at the scene. The CHP report states that the victim “suffered fatal injuries,” concluding that Kramer most likely died on impact.

Lady Vaqueros Head Coach Sal Pizzo said the loss hits at home a lot harder than it normally would.

“She was so outgoing and personable — nothing shy about her,” Pizzo said. “She made friends with anybody that she came in contact with.”

One of those friends and is Stephanie Garner who met Kramer this past year. They were teammates and practiced together through the summer and fall.

Garner says Kramer always tried to make her smile and laugh and describes her as “super sweet.”7KH�¿UVW�JDPH�LV�-DQ��DQG�WKH�

team plans on doing something special to remember Kramer, but QRWKLQJ�LV�¿QDOL]HG�\HW��

“We’re getting ready for a season and we’re certainly going to honor her any way that we can,” Pizzo said. “We already have some things in the works to honor her at our tournament and all season long.”

As far as team morale after such an unexpected loss, Pizzo and Garner agree that the girls will be playing harder in the upcoming season.

“It’s just going to make us a lot closer and give us even more of a purpose,” Garner said.

Pizzo added that most of them are still in shock. “It’s going to be interesting to see how the next couple weeks play out in a sense that things hit you later. I do think that it’ll bring us together, I really do.”

Kramer was laid to rest on Jan. 10. The service was held in Leona Valley.

A tribute to Kramer is up on the USA Preps site (www.usapreps.com/sball/) where they remember her as “amazing, always energetic and happy.”

Amber Leanne Chadwick set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the service and it has almost reached its goal of $20,000. (www.gofundme.com/m5hy6fes)

Anahit Kardzhyan can be reached at [email protected]

By Anahit Kardzhyan

january 20, 2016

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