While the city of San Jose has moved quickly to distance itself from Chávez, SJCC has taken a more cautious approach. The school has its own connection to him through a 1976 speech he gave on campus. The César E. Chávez Library is named after Chávez, and the side of the building is covered in a mural featuring him, completed in late 2024.

In a campus-wide March 18 email, SJCC’s president, Dr. Marilyn Flores, said there would be “no immediate changes” to the library or mural. Rather, she said, the focus of César Chávez Day on March 31 would be shifted, “…to center on the broader farmworker movement rather than on any one individual.”

A town hall discussion was also held on March 24, allowing students and staff to ask questions and share their thoughts on what the next steps should be. Cindy Huynh, an ethnic studies professor, and Lisa Brigandi, a librarian, both read statements on behalf of their departments.

“This represents a moment of requiem to seek out and rectify the abusive voices and representation in our archives and curriculum,” Huynh read. “This is also an invitation to step away from the romanticized legacies that leave us waiting for our savior, and into a reality women of color have always intuitively known.”

“As a library, we unanimously assert that the personal name, César Chávez, must immediately be removed from the library name,” Brigandi stated. “…Though we originally had two faculty librarians on the naming committee, the library does not define itself in reference to any one individual, but rather self-identifies with the San Jose City College community that it proudly serves.”

Carlos Rodriguez, the artist behind the mural, was also at the town hall. While the mural prominently features Chávez, Rodriguez clarified that his intention was much more nuanced.

“…I realized that he wouldn’t be who he was without all the support around him, but it was also important for me to not do the same thing that happens with every other Chávez mural, which is put a bunch of the other important people around him,” Rodriguez said. “…I felt that any one of these individuals, any one of these characters, deserves their own wall, deserves their own story being told.”

SJCC has taken some steps to distance itself from Chávez while permanent changes are discussed. His name has been covered up on campus directory maps, and a sign for survivors of sexual violence was placed outside the library.

If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, SJCC provides free on-campus counseling. They are located in the Robert N. Chang Student Center in SC-109, and can be reached at (408) 288-3147. You can also reach out to RAINN’s sexual assault hotline.

The post SJCC Grapples With César Chávez Allegations appeared first on City College Times.

Bad Bunny’s selection was already a controversial choice, and even more so after calling out Immigration and Customs Enforcement in his Grammy acceptance speech just days prior. Nevertheless, the Puerto Rican rapper’s halftime show amassed 128.2 million viewers, according to ESPN.

“…I think he was just trying to do his own thing,” said Joseph Shelton, a first-year communications major at SJCC. “[He was] just trying to show people that it doesn’t really matter what others think. Just do what you’re passionate about.”

The halftime show featured Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rican culture, his performance starting with him walking out of a sugar cane field while singing “Titi Me Pregunto.” Afterwards, the scene turned into a Latin neighborhood, with fruit stands, elderly men playing dominoes and women getting their nails done.

“It did bring me to tears,” said Leo McKenzie, a second-year communications major. “I have been living in San Jose since I was 15, a lot of my friends are Hispanic … it was nice to see the people I see everyday on a screen.”

The singer also brought out influential people within the Latin American Community. Among them was Victor Villa, founder of Villas Tacos Los Angeles, who made a post on his social media thanking the artist.

During his performance of “Nueva Yol”, Bad Bunny receives a drink from none other than Maria “Toñita” Antonia Cay. She owns Toñita’s Caribbean Social Club, which has been operating in New York City since the 1970s; he also mentioned her in the song.

“The thing that he did that was so beautiful, he’s putting pride into these people’s hearts,” said Qwavario Ford, a communications major.

“That’s what we need … I know me, growing up in a place where there were not a lot of people like me, I often felt like I needed to hide part of myself,” he continued. “So Bad Bunny doing that, showing up and saying like ‘This is who we are and I’m proud of that.’ That’s the biggest thing … inspiring the youth.”

Bad Bunny also brought out Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Ricky Martin to sing “Lo Que le Paso a Hawaii,” a song about colonialism and being displaced from one’s native land.

The music then transitioned to “El Apagon,” with dancers hanging from power lines, and Bad Bunny singing with a Puerto Rican flag in hand. “El  Apagon,” which translates to “the blackout,” is a song about the power failures in Puerto Rico. According to CNN, the power-grid in Puerto Rico had not been maintained for decades before Hurricane Maria destroyed it in 2017.

Arely Madrigal, a second-year medical assistance major who is Latina, said she enjoyed the performance. “They showed… the apagones … the things that are happening in Latin America.”

The most special moment in the performance, according to Madrigal, was at the end, when Bad Bunny said “God Bless America,” then went on to name the countries that make up North and South America.

“My favorite thing was the last part [when] he mentions all the countries.” Madrigal said.

The rapper’s message was clear. It was one of love and unity, as the words “The only thing stronger than hate, is love,” appeared on the video boards in the stadium.

The post SJCC Reacts to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show appeared first on City College Times.

Christian, a 20-year-old SJCC student who declined to share his last name, was made aware of the planned ICE presence via social media. He described the feeling as “unsettling.”

“…I think you should be there to enjoy said events or anything like that,” he said. “You shouldn’t be scared, or you shouldn’t have to look over your back, whether or not you’re walking to or from the event.”

Lily Lingenfelter, a 19-year-old public health science major, thought that the Super Bowl would have lower turnout if ICE was present.

“I do know a lot of people are scared to go outside,” she said. “Maybe less people are going to go to the Super Bowl.”

A district-wide email was sent out on Jan. 30 because of concern that ICE would conduct operations unrelated to the game. The email instructs students and faculty not to interfere with immigration enforcement, but to instead call San Jose-Evergreen Community College District’s own police.

“Regarding SJECCD police involvement, they would be involved, but they will not assist federal agencies in any immigration enforcement,” said Ryan Brown, SJECCD’s public information officer. “Their involvement will be to make proper notifications … advise the college president as to the validity of any warrants or signed orders, and keep the peace on campus.”

Xiomara Martinez, Sí Se Puede’s supervisor, said that SJCC had taken steps regarding student safety on campus.

“We just had the Santa Clara County Rapid Response team here doing an informational session with us,” she said. “I mean, given everything that’s going on across the country, we can’t say that we’re exempt from it. But we do have our concerns for our students and we’re trying to keep as informed and connected to the community as we can.”

Martinez mentioned that help was available for students who needed it.

“I just want students to know that they have a safe space here, if they do feel concerns on campus, to let us know,” she said. “There’s mental health resources on campus, they can come talk to us about any of the concerns that they have.”

The post SJCC Readies for Possible ICE Presence Ahead of Super Bowl appeared first on City College Times.

Even though his album “LEYENDA” did not win the Latin Grammy, the nomination itself cemented his status as one of the leading up-and-coming artists in the genre.

A rising star in the Latin music scene, DannyLux, born Daniel Balderrama Espinoza, is renowned for fusing contemporary sounds with traditional rhythms. 

“At the end of the day, I just put everything in God’s hands,” DannyLux told PAPER magazine before the Latin Grammys took place. “What truly makes it unique is that my parents will also be attending and walking the red carpet with me. I want to savor every second of this sickening feeling.” 

Even though DannyLux did not receive the award, there were people who wished he had.

“I don’t really pay attention to the Latin Grammys, but it’s disappointing to see DannyLux not get an award two years in a row…,” said Daniel Amezcua, a student at San Jose City College. “It’s surprising considering his music has many hits in the Latin community.” 

Jesse Robles, an 18-year-old computer science student, echoed that sentiment.

“DannyLux is a great artist,” Robles said, “And him not winning the awards kinda upsets me, because I feel like he needs to be exposed a bit more because of his outstanding music.”

DannyLux’s path as a creative individual began earlier in life, and was influenced by his upbringing and experiences. He was raised in Palm Springs, California, and was surrounded by the sounds of local festivals and street musicians. His first guitar was found in a Coachella trash can by his father, who worked as a waste collector.

The singer-songwriter believes that this moment ignited his love of music. However, being the youngest of three brothers, he didn’t have anyone to play music with. He soon met Victor Ramos, whose father taught both boys how to play the guitar.

DannyLux’s first significant public performance occurred in April 2023 at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in his hometown. This was made possible by his hit song “Jugaste y Sufrì” with Eslabon Armado, which received 616 million plays on Spotify and helped him gain recognition in the Latin music community. 

Daniel quickly launched albums and singles to establish his reputation and showcase his unique musical style after the success of “Jugaste y Sufrí”. Five albums, two deluxe editions, and two extended plays have been huge hits with his fans.

“Tristeza Y Traicion” is his most popular solo song on Spotify with more than 82 million streams. “HOUSE OF LUX” has almost 70 million. “Corazón Frío,” a collaboration between him and Jasiel Nuñez has over 231 million. His career encompasses nominations for multiple different awards.

Before the 2025 Latin Grammys, DannyLux put a billboard up in LA dedicated to his immigrant parents. 

“I just had to put up a billboard in honor of my parents and in honor of all the immigrants, all of our immigrant parents,” DannyLux told  Calo News. “It’s been such a crazy ride that my parents came to this country, so thanks to them that I’m even doing what I’m doing, but it’s kind of like I gotta handle my way of giving, like showing that appreciation to them and like trying to motivate also the whole immigrant community here in L.A.”

As DannyLux continues to evolve, his influence on the Latin music scene will, too. His dedication to his craft and his ability to connect for listeners on a personal level promise a lasting legacy.

The post DannyLux Misses Out on Latin Grammy Award appeared first on City College Times.

This is the first event of its kind to be held on campus. Hazel Tran, president of the Associated Student Government, had hoped to have a winter-themed event accessible for all students.

“…Every department does a holiday event for their department, and just that … so I think, ‘Oh, I should do one, we want to do one for students only,’” Tran said.

The social attracted students like 18-year-old biology major Mahlet Abohun, who stopped by for the food and entertainment.

“A friend of mine told me to stop by here, because there’s good food,” Abohun said. “I think it’s really nice to get together after finals because it’s so stressful.”

Priyam Tated, an SJCC alum and 2024-25 ASG president, made a surprise appearance. Though he transferred to UC Davis, he was able to make it to the social to reconnect with old friends.

“My family is still in the Bay, so I finished my finals and I was here anyways,” Tated said. “…Hazel’s been trying to get me [to attend events] and I felt like the time was not matching, and for this event, luckily everything worked out. And I’m like, ‘You know what? It’s probably going to be great nostalgia, so why not be here?’.”

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In contrast to Superman, Kara’s upbringing in harsher circumstances and her trauma are highlighted by the intentional roughness of each shot. It’s evident from the images of chaotic wars, crumbling space bars and foreign landscapes that this Supergirl is not living on the average planet but rather is surviving in hazardous, unexpected environments. A story that combines cosmic adventure with something far more intimate is put in motion by the images alone.

This heavier approach is also supported by the character design. In contrast to the more optimistic depictions that fans are accustomed to, Alcock’s Supergirl appears tough, mature and emotionally guarded. She had experienced hardships before coming to Earth, as shown by the costume’s worn-out and functional aspect. In the meantime, a brief glimpse of Momoa as Lobo in the trailer provides a thrilling burst of wild energy. His pale complexion, bright red eyes and heavy metal aesthetic are reminiscent of a comic book.

The format of the trailer suggests that Supergirl’s emotional and physical journeys will be equally explored in the film. The brief scenes of her dog Krypton’s collapse, Kara’s anger and her mistrust of people imply that the movie would chronicle her quest to reconstruct her identity after losing everything. This Supergirl seems to be someone who gradually gains her optimism rather than being heroic right away.

All things considered, the trailer’s tone and graphics strongly imply that Supergirl will be among the more emotionally complex characters in the new DC Universe. If the plot remains as focused and visually intriguing as the teaser suggests, this film has the ability to both pay tribute to the comic “Woman of Tomorrow” and provide something new for superhero fans.

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Each dance portrayed life through emotions, celebrating energy, joy and passion. They were full of inspiring choreography which conveyed a sense of urgency, yet peace and the flow of life. Though varied, the dances all had a spirit of remembrance presented through life-affirming performances.

The choreography was beautifully artistic, with physical attributes depicting emotions that are shared universally in people’s lives. There were united movements that brought to mind unity and joyous emotional experiences. Such emotions tuned in to the feelings one has when  reminded of people’s loved ones and their interactions.

The performances carried the idea of a lack of control over who we meet and greet. They give a reminder of how physical movements instill validation with life, and how we grow emotionally and spiritually.

Overall, the performances say that we can all benefit from how people come into our lives when we need them the most. The choreography in the performances carried that feeling with a sense of laughter, joy, peace and love. When there’s a good amount of positive vibrations, we can all benefit from meeting and keeping new people in our lives.

These performances deserve kudos for dedication and shining light in performance. They gave light to the autumn evenings, and congratulations are in order for the entire cast.

The post Review: Inlight is the Love of Life Through Dance appeared first on City College Times.

The company, which is most known for selling Cutco knives, has had recruitment flyers posted at San Jose City College throughout the last several months. These flyers are brightly-colored and left on campus bulletin boards, offering flexible schedules and a high base pay – all without any experience required.

Gallery • 2 Photos

Emerson Cody

A bright pink Vector Marketing flyer.

When a student scans the QR code on one of these flyers, or types in the included link, they’re redirected to www.workforstudents.com, where they’re prompted to enter their contact information. It’s not immediately apparent that Vector operates the website, and the benefits of the job are reiterated, with no information about what it actually entails.

Company representatives keep details vague when scheduling an interview with the applicant, only promising that things will be explained during the interview process.

The interview is conducted over a video call with a group of other applicants. The applicants are shown an informational video about Vector, during which they’re told that the job involves selling Cutco knives on behalf of the company. This is done by demonstrating the knives to potential customers; to become comfortable with this, applicants are advised to demonstrate the knives to their friends and family members.

Vector does pad this out by using the allure of social events and travel for bonding between representatives. It also tells applicants that they have the opportunity to move up the corporate ladder via merit-based promotions.

However, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. Vector has faced lawsuits in multiple states for reasons such as deceptive recruiting practices and violations of labor laws.

In 2011, the company paid $13 million in settlements after a class action lawsuit accused them of failing to pay minimum wage during training. Five years later, they paid out $6.75 million in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New York for the same reason.

Vector’s business model and practices leave many current and former salespeople frustrated, too. People regularly speak about their experiences with the company in online forums, such as Reddit.

“…They brought me in with promises I’d be making some pretty substantial money pretty quick,” Reddit user sholtquist99 said about the company, “and it didn’t take me long to figure out that you can only ‘earn’ that money by being a shitty, shitty person doing cold calls, selling hard, and giving out contact info for your friends and family so Vector can try to make a buck off them, too.”

Despite this, Vector denies being a multi-level marketing scheme, and insists that its recruitment practices are not deceptive. According to Amanda Sahawneh, Vector’s campus recruiting manager:

“Vector Marketing is a single-level direct sales company. Our representatives get paid to demonstrate our product and on the sale of products. It costs $0 to work with us,” Sahawneh said. “Regardless of if our representatives make a sale or not, we still offer a guaranteed base rate of pay per appointment completed. Getting friends underneath them isn’t a part of our compensation plan at all.”

Sahawneh also denied that Vector engaged in deceptive marketing toward students.

“Like many companies, we advertise in various ways to get the word out about our opportunity. This may include web advertisements, working with colleges, and recommendations,” she said.

Regardless of whether Vector is a multi-level marketing scheme, its legal track record speaks to a history of shady business practices. This behavior is well-documented, and the ease with which it can be found gives students the information they need to make an informed decision about whether to apply.

Alline Ruiz, a job development and placement specialist at SJCC, said that while job postings must be reviewed before being posted to campus bulletin boards, some flyers are added without permission.

“Since it is an actual physical job board, people can go in there and actually post things,” Ruiz said. “And we tried to do a good job of filtering through everything, going through, taking down things [with] expiration dates. If we see certain students write something on there, and they’ve already said, ‘This is racist,’ or, ‘This is scamming,’ … I take those down.”

Ruiz said that job postings need to have a stamp confirming that they’d been vetted, and she encouraged students to report suspicious job listings. This can be done by contacting jobs@sjcc.edu.

The post Knife Sales Company’s Reputation Not So Clean-Cut appeared first on City College Times.

The market takes donations from big box stores like Target, as well as Second Harvest Silicon Valley. While students and faculty are permitted at the market, the general public is not.

“It’s something that has really helped a lot of students,” said Iliana Rodriguez, who works at the ALMASS Center. “A lot of my students go there in between classes right before they’re about to leave, and it’s really convenient for them to just grab what they need and go.”

The market’s location in the Robert N. Chang Student Center means that students can save time as well as money, since they can get some groceries on campus instead of at a store.

“It’s easy to access and it’s free … everyone likes it,” said Abdollah Mazreh, a first-year computer science major.

Jaleh Ostadhaj, a first-year student studying English as a second language, echoed that sentiment.

“It’s a very good opportunity because sometimes, you’re in class and have no time to go [shopping] outside of here,” Ostadhaj said. “…And the prices matter to me because sometimes, prices are very good, and sometimes not good.”

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Bascom Complete Streets is a partnership between the Valley Transportation Authority, the cities of San Jose and Campbell and the County of Santa Clara. The project aims to address major safety concerns regarding cyclist and pedestrian safety on the thoroughfare.

Since San Jose City College sits next to Bascom Ave., many students share those worries. One is Yoset Diaz, a 24-year-old sociology major, bikes to and from San Jose City College.

“It’s pretty bad, especially when it gets darker, because I have a class at six and it ends at seven,” Diaz said. “So usually when I get out around that time, there tends to be a lot of reckless driving, and not people really looking out for bikers, so that usually forces me to stick to sidewalks.”

Other students believe that pedestrian safety is a massive issue on the thoroughfare. Becky Kim, a 19-year-old cosmetology major, drives past an apartment construction project on Bascom Ave., and is concerned for the safety of its workers who walk along the street.

“…I think it’s kind of dangerous for them. They tend to walk along the road to get to where they have to work,” said Kim. “So I think that’s kind of dangerous and something could improve, but I don’t really know what could be done about it.”

While the project is slated to begin construction in summer 2027, and is anticipated to be complete by fall 2029, it promises to improve safety by creating protected bike lanes, more crosswalks, upgraded bus stops and bulb-out curbs. The latter of these are designed to reduce drivers’ speeds as they make right turns.

Hassan Basma, a transportation engineer manager at VTA and the project manager, said it’s too soon to tell how construction will impact people who use the road.

“It’s not going to be easy, it’s going to impact people, they’re going to be taking at least a lane during construction, but we’ll try to minimize it as much as we can,” Basma said. “As we get into construction, the contractor has to give us a plan on how he plans on detouring people or taking lanes, they have to tell us how they’re going to impact the community and how they’re going to remedy that.”

People who wish to keep up with project progress can stay up to date on VTA’s website.

Gallery • 3 Photos

Emerson Cody

Proposed changes to Bascom Ave. near Fruitdale Ave. intersection.

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