Frank Portillo

Students fazed by financial aid delays

March 21, 2018
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By Frank Portillo Due to a new system implementation for the Fall 2017 semester, students are experiencing delays receiving their financial aid awards. The new Oracle PeopleSoft system replaced the old DEC SIS system, which had been in place for 40 years. Financial Aid Office technician Julio Alvarado said students aren’t receiving their financial aid awards because of system-related issues. “A lot of it has to do with the way…

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Posters warn of on-campus cannabis use

March 8, 2018
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By Frank Portillo Posters warning students about the consequences of being under the influence of Marijuana were posted around campus by Student Services last week. The posters feature a giant cannabis leaf being crossed out and read as followed: “legalized recreational use is not an excuse. Marijuana use is prohibited on college campus. Using or being under the influence of marijuana on campus can lead up to: academic discipline, academic…

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‘Black Panther’ claws its way to top of box office

By Frank Portillo Ten years after their first movie, Marvel Studios released what is perhaps their best film yet with “Black Panther.” Everything about the movie works including the writing, acting and directing. The story takes place after the events of “Captain America: Civil War,” where the titular character was first introduced. With the death of his father, King T’Chaka (John Kani), T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returns to his hidden kingdom…

February 22, 2018
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Author and prison educator to speak at Adelante event

By Frank Portillo The second event in the Adelante First-Year Program’s Social Justice Platica series for the semester will feature a reading of poetry from author and educator Tyson Amir. Amir will be reading poetry from his newly published book titled “Black Boy Problems: An Account of Black Survival in America” and engaging with those in attendance with a question and answer on Feb. 22. Organizer of the event and…

February 14, 2018
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Netflix breaks new ground with latest ‘Cloverfield’ film

February 14, 2018
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By Frank Portillo While not as strong as the first two installments of the franchise, “The Cloverfield Paradox” is a fun science fiction ride that loosely ties into the events of its predecessors. The fact that the movie isn’t as strong as the previous two entries doesn’t speak to its quality as a whole because it’s enjoyable. “The Cloverfield Paradox” is set in 2028 as Earth’s energy resources are dwindling….

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OPINION: Dodge misuses Martin Luther King, Jr. speech in advertisement

By Frank Portillo Respected historical figures should be off the table when it comes to advertising. As one of the most watched live televised events, the Super Bowl even intrigues viewers between the action with clever ads and             long-awaited movie trailers. One of this year’s commercials, however, caused quite a bit of controversy. The ad in question featured a voice-over of Martin Luther King…

February 14, 2018
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OPINION: Comic book movies evolve to better quality

By Frank Portillo The comic book films released this year show the evolution of quality storytelling in the genre and even includes a couple of films that should be considered for Best Picture nominations. Aside from the flub that was “Justice League,” every comic book film released this year shows  the diversity of the genre and its sub-genres. “Wonder Woman” and “Logan” are prime examples of the films that should…

December 6, 2017
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OPINION: K-Love kills off rock ‘n’ roll genre to be replaced with gospel

By Frank Portillo Fans of rock music in Los Angeles will find it difficult to find a good quality radio station dedicated to the dying genre. The announcement that 100.3 The Sound is being sold and converted to K-Love, a contemporary Christian music station, makes the problem worse. According to the website www.radio-locator.com, which compiles a list of all the radio stations in Los Angeles, out of approximately 117 total…

November 16, 2017
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OPINION: Disney reveals plans to start exclusive streaming service

By Frank Portillo There are way too many streaming services available for TV completionists and the problem is only getting worse. Disney is adapting the current model of television by starting its own streaming service with its various properties, which is slated to release in 2019. Disney has confirmed that future Marvel, Disney and Pixar titles will be exclusive to the new streaming service, leaving the fate of the current…

November 16, 2017
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‘Murder on the Orient Express’ delivers on multiple fronts

By Frank Portillo The remake of “Murder on the Orient Express” is a beautifully shot, well-acted murder mystery with an insanely talented ensemble cast. Based on the novel of the same name, the film is another solid addition to director Kenneth Branagh’s filmography, which includes the first “Thor” and 2015’s “Cinderella.” Branagh leads the ensemble cast as the self-proclaimed “Greatest detective in the world” with a luxuriant moustache, Hercule Poirot….

November 15, 2017
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