SAC starts 8-week F2F classes today
Vegan vending machines, meet the interim president, Election Day is Nov. 3, updated COVID-19 testing and more!
Heyyyooo! el Don co-Editor-in-Chief Julian Reynoso here with your first fall 2020 D-brief!
Today, SAC launches dozens of new 8-week-long face-to-face classes that include necessary hands-on labs and general education courses in astronomy, math, psychology, Spanish, nutrition and fitness. Space in each class is limited to 25% capacity and students must sign a COVID-19 Safety Form and abide by all safety protocols to enroll.
School officials hope that the more than 200 GR8 weeks courses starting online today will help make up for the nearly 20% drop in student enrollment this semester. Staffer Matt Weiner explains more. Make sure to look for these classes on WebAdvisor or Self Service and reply to this email to let us know what your experience is like if you enroll.
Welcome to the D-brief!
Have catching up to do?
GR8 weeks return to SAC, featuring 8, 10, 12, and 14 week courses.
SAC’s COVID-19 testing enter has updated appointment accessibility with new dates and times.
Get To Know SAC’s Interim President
SAC’s interim president Dr. Marilyn Flores talks about the type of leader she is, how she feels connected to the SAC community, and her educational philosophy.
“I’ve always believed in philanthropy and the notion of paying it forward and contribute to our ecosystem in a positive manner. I choose to be a part of education as it is in my opinion central to our ecosystem. Providing our community with multiple educational opportunities ultimately impacts our economy, quality of life, healthcare, politics, etc.”
What’s on the ballot in Santa Ana
You might be seeing the names of people asking for your vote all over city walls and on flyers, billboards, and more, but come Election Day on Nov. 3, do you know what positions these individuals are even running for?
Managing Editor Carrie Graham has you covered. She breaks down who’s running to do what for Santa Ana residents and what each role means for your community.
The First Vegan Vending Machine in SoCal
At 4th Street Market, staff writer Kate Bustamante talked to Vegan Vending Machine owner, Skyler Tanksley, on his addition towards Santa Ana’s 4th Street Market and what it brings to the vegan community.
“There isn’t a level of [vegan] awareness in vending” Tanksley explains, ”So I decided to create a wholesome vending machine that was plant-based.”
The Vegan Vending Machine includes options such as; Topo Chico sparkling water, Yerba Maté, craft batch soda, Munchies walnut chorizo made in-house, diced ”chicken”, ”Carne” asada, Kite Hill yogurt, and premade Munchies sandwiches.
In Photos: Student Wildland Firefighter on Assignment
Staff photographer Danny De La Cruz Pena spent the first few weeks of the semester in Idaho fighting fires with the National Forest Service. He documented his assignments in pictures that bring you closer to the continuing fires. Along with his comrades, he explains the feeling of being a firefighter during this chaotic time.
This is my second year as a Wildland firefighter. I am currently a SAC student and I am also a member of the el Don. This summer has been such an experience for me.
This spring I bought a camera because I wanted to document my experience in photos, so others would have a sense of what we Wildland firefighters do. We go 14-21 days straight, working 16 hours a day on fires.
Your eyes start to water, your nose runs, and your throat starts burning, but we all try to keep a positive attitude. So pretty much embrace the suck. This is a dangerous job but it is so rewarding knowing that you’re helping others.
Ordered Chaos: Staffers Share Their Organization Tips
Hey, we get it. Life is crazy right now and we’re stressed out too.
Like you, many el Don staffers have found their own way to deal with the stress of multiple assignments, deadlines, and responsibilities during our first semester off-campus. We hope that our tips help anyone who is also seeking organization this semester.
“I know during these times it’s so hard for me to focus and stay on top of my school work, so what I have been doing is that I put sticky notes in my computer where the keyboards are at and every time I open it I remember what I need to do. “ - Andrea Antonio
Interesting Reads:
President Donald Trump coming to Orange County for a private fundraiser (OC Register)
OC Coronavirus Trends Move In Right Direction, Supervisors to Bolster Food Distribution Efforts (Voice of OC)
Coronavirus takes a wrenching toll on Orange County Latinos who have no choice but to work (LA Times)
Thanks for reading. If you have any questions you need us to help you answer, email editor@eldonnews.org. If you enjoyed this newsletter, share it with others! :)