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Interim chair selected for new Cinema and Television Arts Department

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Volume 52, Issue 29

ColumbiaChronicle.com

Young girls grow through mentoring relationships

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2017

Ameya Pawar: Trump, Rauner are pitting us against one another

Grassroots Democratic governor candidate addresses voters in Logan Square SEE PAGE 31

» KEVIN TIONGSON/CHRONICLE

DANIEL KIBBLESMITH, A 2005 film and video alumnus who has been a writer for “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” since 2015, will bring the ragtag pair of superheroes “Quantum and Woody” to life for the December 2017 reboot of the comic series. After writing for the talk show and working on other digital comics such as “Valiant High,” which depict Valiant comic book characters in high school and was released

Feb. 22. Kibblesmith said it was time to make his print comic debut. “Quantum and Woody,” first released in 1997, is about a pair of adopted brothers who discover they have superpowers. The series takes a comedic approach to serious issues of race and class. The updated comic will depict a heightened version of the present-day U.S, he said. The Chronicle spoke with Kibblesmith about his experiences working with Colbert, writing the reboot and studying at Columbia.

SEE COMIC, PAGE 8

Alum talks writing for Stephen Colbert, comic reboot

» MARISA SOBOTKA CAMPUS REPORTER


» staff

EDITOR’S NOTE

School of Media Arts buries its lead

MANAGEMENT

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITORS

» MEGAN BENNETT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

T

he April 25 announcement of an interim chair of the Cinema and Television Arts Department may have come as a surprise to faculty and staff who didn’t even know of the new department’s existence. Eric Freedman, dean of the School of Media Arts, appointed Associate Chair of the Television Department Eric Scholl as the new interim chair of what will be Columbia’s largest department. The change was one of the three proposals Freedman introduced in the beginning of the semester, including the merger of the Radio and Communication departments and housing the animation program in the Interactive Arts and Media Department. As reported on Page 4, Freedman received word about these proposals being approved in late March, but chose not to announce it. Even with Scholl’s appointment a month later making at least one of the approvals obvious, Freedman said he is still planning a formal announcement for later in the semester. To announce the interim chair of a merged department before announcing the official merger itself is not only nonsensical, it leaves inadequate time for employees or students to reflect on the merits of the approval. It is difficult to know if that was a conscious decision on the administration’s part to avoid tension. It is especially disheartening that most students will find out about their new chair and department from their peers at The Chronicle, not from college leaders. This issue was addressed in my March 13 Editor’s Note, which criticized the announcement of this chair search prior to the approval of the mergers. At that time, it seemed as if SMA did not care about the input of the faculty, staff and students and was going forward on the assumption it would be approved—or with the knowledge it was approved unbeknown to the college community. One may think that could potentially drive the dean’s office to officially alert members of those departments as soon as the mergers received the green light from the college to avoid unnecessary concern or doubt. Now, the question is why SMA still feels a need to go forward with a formal 2 THE CHRONICLE MAY 1, 2017

Megan Bennett Arabella Breck Zoë Eitel DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Lauren Kostiuk AD & BUSINESS MANAGER Charlie Connelly ART DIRECTOR Alexander Aghayere

CAMPUS

CAMPUS EDITOR CAMPUS REPORTERS

Ariana Portalatin Connor Carynski Marisa Sobotka

ARTS & CULTURE

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Ariel Parrella-Aureli ARTS & CULTURE REPORTERS Blair Paddock Kendrah Villiesse

METRO

METRO EDITOR METRO REPORTERS

Eric Bradach Caroline Bowen Jackie Murray

announcement when this one has released OPINIONS the secret. OPINIONS EDITOR Brooke Pawling Stennett The monthlong delay also perpetuates an elitist atmosphere that there is no need COPY to-know information for faculty, staff and COPY CHIEF Carolyn Bradley COPY EDITORS James Firkins students, even if it affects their futures the Lauren Carlton most. If these decisions were only affecting the college’s internal operations and GRAPHICS would have little to no affect on the daySENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Zoë Haworth to-day experience of Columbia stakehold GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Gabriel de la Mora ers, it would lessen the need for a formal James Tsitiridis announcement. However, that isn’t the case for Cinema Art and Science and Television PHOTOGRAPHY department mergers as well as the two other SENIOR PHOTO EDITORS G-Jun Yam major approvals. With two weeks until the Wesley Herold PHOTO EDITORS Esther Bell end of the semester, time is running out to Kevin Tiongson properly alert people of what changes the other departments will see prior to students ADVERTISING arriving in fall. MARKETING CONSULTANTS Noah Kelly It’s also unfortunate that Scholl will Conrad Queen be entering his position June 1 with an Micha Thurston announcement that leaves behind a cloud of confusion and questions. Scholl has been WEB a longtime member of the Columbia com WEBMASTER Lou Foglia munity, and his peers as well as the dean are rightfully praising his talents. The appointOPERATIONS ment should speak for itself. Leaving the OFFICE ASSISTANT Ethan Stocking-Anderson students, faculty and staff to put together the Jonathon Sadowski Courtney Wolfe pieces on their own of the merger that led to his position diminishes the announcement. SENIOR STAFF In times of major changes—something GENERAL MANAGER Chris Richert not uncommon at Columbia—academic FACULTY ADVISER Len Strazewski administration like Freedman needs to take ASSISTANT FACULTY ADVISER Stephanie Goldberg a holistic, reasonable approach to letting that information reach its proper stakeholders. Leaving behind more questions than answers regarding their decisions will inevitably also cast more doubts on their leadership abilities. mbennett@chroniclemail.com

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Letters can be emailed to Chronicle@colum.edu or mailed to: The Columbia Chronicle 600 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL. 60605


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DJ Magic lights up the stage with Afro-Caribbean beats » ColumbiaChronicle.com/Multimedia

» COURTESY: Rebekah Campbell New York-based group Sunflower Bean, which will be headlining this year’s Manifest festival, got its start playing DIY shows and practicing in band member Jacob Faber’s basement; the trio has since released multiple tracks and will go on tour with The Pixies this summer.

Sunflower Bean sprouts as Manifest headliner » CONNOR CARYNSKI CAMPUS EDITOR EMERGING FROM NEW YORK Sunflower Bean, which will be touring with The Pixies this summer, was announced April 27 as Manifest’s headliner. The band, described as “fuzzy psych magic” on Apple Music, will be performing on the Manifest main stage May 12 located in the Sculptor’s Garden, 20 E. 11th St. Band members Julia Cumming, Jacob Faber and Nick Kivlen formed their band in 2013 while still in high school. The group played DIY shows and released singles until it started touring with established bands like DIIV, Best Coast and The Vaccines. Sunflower Bean recently released a full album, titled Human Ceremony, February 2016. “After the album came out, we thought things were really happening and the situation had definitely changed. We’ve been really lucky for that,” Cumming told The Chronicle. “It feels like [we’ve taken] little

steps and that has been really cool because it is not like this thing that is going to burn out. It feels like it has been developing as we have been growing and learning, and that is all we could really ask for.”

Sunflower Bean fits well into this year’s Manifest theme, “Emerge,” because it is a young band progressively gaining popularity, said Courtney Stevens, SPB director of Event Productions and senior business and entrepreneurship major. The band was a shift from the rap and R&B artists such as Saba and Sir the Baptist, who have been featured as Manifest performers in previous years, Stevens said. “We wanted to work with a full band this time or do something a little bit bigger,”

We wanted to work with a full band this time or do something a little bit bigger. COURTNEY STEVENS Jake Dagit, Student Programming Board president and junior business and entrepreneurship major, said a female lead was one of the main elements executive board members wanted to find in a band for Manifest. “At least within our memory, there hasn’t been a woman that has headlined in Manifest in however many years, so that was a big priority for us,” Dagit said.

Stevens said. “We also wanted something we thought would fit with the rest of the student body, not something super obscure or something we thought was cool but no one else would think was cool.” SPB executive board members met over the summer to discuss possible headline performers for Manifest, according to Stevens. The board went through several Top 5 lists and then narrowed band choices

down to ones available and within their budget. A Facebook survey of possible performers was offered to students earlier in the year, but none were ultimately chosen because of scheduling or budget conflicts, she added. In addition to Sunflower Bean, senior dance major Leah Zeiger will be speaking on behalf of her organization, The Sunflower Project, which is unrelated to the band and works to raise awareness of adolescent sexual assault and dating violence among adolescents, Stevens said. Cumming said she enjoys playing college shows because the band gets the chance to communicate with students, many of whom are the members’ own age. The band is also excited to play new songs for the Columbia community that have not often been performed live, according to Kivlen. Dagit said Sunflower Bean is a change of pace compared with previous performances and that is what SPB intended by choosing them. “We just wanted to bring someone that everyone would be excited about, would be good and would play a fun show,” Dagit said. “I’m pretty sure they will fit that bill.” ccarynski@chroniclemail.com

MAY 1, 2017 THE CHRONICLE 3


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» ARIANA PORTALATIN & CONNOR CARYNSKI CAMPUS EDITOR & CAMPUS REPORTER ERIC SCHOLL, ASSOCIATE chair and professor in the Television Department, has been appointed interim chair of Columbia’s new Cinema and Television Arts Department, which informally announces the upcoming merger of the Cinema Art and Science and Television departments. Combining the Cinema Art and Science Department, which currently has a total of 1,449 students, and the Television Department, which has approximately 247, creates Columbia’s largest department, according to the Institutional Effectiveness website. As reported Feb. 20 by The Chronicle, several proposed departmental and program consolidations were announced to the

college community in February: Television and Cinema Art and Science; Communication and Radio; and the incorporation of the Animation Program into the Interactive Arts and Media Department. A formal announcement about the proposals’ approval had not been made prior to Scholl’s appointment. Scholl, who has worked at Columbia for more than 17 years and will assume his position June 1, said he wanted to offer to help any way he could during the merger and noted that colleagues recommended he apply for the position. “I’m very excited by it and incredibly nervous; I always am whenever I take on something new,” Scholl said. “I can see the hugeness of the job, and I am trying to wrap my head around what the tasks will be. I’m really trying to get myself to the point where

I know who the people I will be working with are and trying to figure out the structure of it because cinema is a giant department, and I come from television, which is a much smaller department.” Scholl’s previous experience in both film and television as well as his work at Columbia on the executive committee of Faculty Senate, as head of a Columbia event series called Critical Encounters and as an associate chair has equipped him for the responsibilities of his new position, he said. “I’ve been here long enough that I have a good sense of who is there and what they do and what their roles are but it’s just figuring out how to keep what is great about each individual department and find out what the natural synergies are between them to make a cohesive unit.” Eric Freedman, School of the Media Arts dean and Cinema Art and Science professor, said there had been a healthy response by candidates throughout the college after he announced the opening.

» ESTHER BELL/CHRONICLE

The appointment of Eric Scholl, associate chair and professor in the Television Department, confirms the merging of the Cinema Art and Science and Television departments. The joined department will be Columbia’s largest.

“I was looking for candidates who could cross industries, could put film and television faculty in dialogue, speak to student interests in both media forms and also has a lens to the future of these screen media points of convergence,” Freedman said. Current Interim Chair of the Television Department Sharon Ross and Cinema Art and Science Chair Bruce Sheridan, who were at the end of their appointments,

will continue their teaching positions exclusively when the merger officially begins at the start of the Fall 2017 Semester, according to Freedman. Because the two department heads were at the end of their appointments, Freedman was able to open up the search in a more democratic form, he said. Ross could not be reached for comment as of press time and Sheridan declined comment.

SEE SCHOLL, PAGE 10

Interim chair of merged Cinema, Television department appointed

The Music Center at Columbia College Chicago 1014 S. Michigan Avenue

Music Department Events Monday May 1 Latin Pop Ensemble in Concert Gospel Choir and Gospel Rep Ensemble in Concert at Stage TWO Tuesday May 2 Jazz ComboFest Progressive Rock Ensemble: Showcase in Concert Wednesday May 3 Jazz Pop Choir in Concert at the Conaway Pop Orchestra in Concert New Music Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra at the Sherwood

4 THE CHRONICLE MAY 1, 2017

7:00 pm 7:00 pm

3:30 pm 7:00 pm 12:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm

Thursday May 4 Songwriting Recital Hip Hop Ensemble in Concert Student Piano Recital #6 and #7 at the Sherwood

12:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm

Friday May 5 ChicagoVox in Concert

7:00 pm


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MAY 1, 2017 THE CHRONICLE 5


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» CONNOR CARYNSKI CAMPUS REPORTER A COMMITTEE OF full-time staff members will work with college administrators to reclassify staff positions based on information gathered in a long-awaited job titles study. The study produced a job classification structure that will help administration and individuals assess career mobility and make market comparisons to use when determining salaries, as reported March 2, 2015, by The Chronicle. Mercer, a human resource consulting firm, was hired in March 2015 to study job titles and group them into categories that simplify salary evaluation, according to a notice sent to fulltime staff members April 19.

In September 2016, United Staff of Columbia College filed an unfair labor practice charge against the college, saying they delayed the union’s access to the study, according to US of CC President and engineer in the Radio Department Nick Hoeppner. Hoeppner said the union wanted the study’s results because of the excessive number of job titles for full-time staff positions. Hoeppner said out of the 700–800 full-time staff members working for the college, there are about 320 individual job titles. While many of the job titles involve similar duties, pay differences can range from $10,000–$20,000, he added. According to an April 27 emailed statement from college spokeswoman Anjali Julka on behalf of Norma De Jesus, associate vice

president of Human Resources, Mercer worked to analyze and gather updated market information, such as validated data

received from other higher education institutions, until it ultimately delivered its final report to the president’s cabinet, a group of administrators from Columbia and other colleges, in September 2016. Hoeppner said the information

» FILE PHOTO US of CC President and engineer in the Radio Department Nick Hoeppner said the union is working with college administrators to categorize the large number of job titles currently used to denote full-time staff positions.

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6 THE CHRONICLE MAY 1, 2017

was provided to the union in September 2016, the ULP was settled and the union created a volunteer committee—the Mercer-Job Study Committee— to bargain with management on how to best apply the information. “The issue now more at hand is what direction this is going to go from here because we have seen the information,” Hoeppner said. According to Kevin Rechner, production manager and technical director in the Dance Department and job study committee chair, the committee has only met with the college twice to discuss the study’s findings, and neither side has offered any proposals for using the information. The college continues to work with US of CC to discuss and eventually implement a new structure, and to exchange information and answer questions related to the information, according to an April 27 statement sent from Julka on behalf of Terence Smith, the college’s special counsel for Labor Relations.

SEE STUDY, PAGE 10

US of CC, administration bargain to simplify job titles


CAMPUS

New event challenges students to create one-day films

» Courtesy NICK LAUDICINA » MARISA SOBOTKA CAMPUS REPORTER STUDENTS HAD 24 hours to create a short film as part of a new Columbia game show competition from Frequency TV, which will livestream the winners during Manifest. Challenge 24, whose winners will be announced at the May 12 festival, was created by senior

television major Nick Laudicina, who said he drew inspiration from a similar challenge he did in high school called “Challenge 168” that gave students a week to create a film with certain plot twists incorporated. “I wanted students to have something that would push them to make their own [work] instead of just doing their schoolwork,” Laudicina said.

Challenge 24, created by television major Nick Laudicina, will be the first of many film challenge events held by Frequency TV.

Frequency TV, Columbia’s student-run television station, will stream the event, according to Chris West, the station’s operations manager and adjunct professor in the Television Department. West said the station has worked with students from the department for several weeks to choose their main event for this year’s Manifest. After Laudicina pitched the idea, he also said it was something the station will likely continue even after this year’s festival. “We plan on taking [Challenge 24] into the Fall 2017 Semester and beyond to keep this project going,” West said. “Manifest is the pilot episode of this.” Laudicina and members of Frequency TV chose three students to participate and then students of all majors formed their groups. Laudicina said he wanted to give all students the opportunity to collaborate.

“It is not just the Television Department; it is film, music and acting students coming together because that is what it takes to make a movie,” Laudicina said. “That is the beauty of it, you get to involve many people to build your crew.” Since planning for the event began April 1, the three participating groups have already used their 24 hours for production and submitted their completed short films. Laudicina said before students began their 24-hour filming period, they were each assigned three twists to incorporate into the plot. Some of the twists include specific props or signs that read, “three days later.” “The idea is we are like their producer who is looking behind their shoulder, watching them and telling them what to do, so it makes it a little more difficult,” Laudicina said. Robyn Minor, production coordinator for Frequency TV and junior television major who helped

plan the event, said mostly juniors and seniors turned up because experience is needed for this kind of challenge. “It takes a special student; they need to be organized, able to compromise with people and problem solve,” Minor said. “These are students that are very much involved in the Television Department and going somewhere in their field.” A panel of faculty, students and alumni will judge the films, which will premiere during the live event and give helpful notes to the students, Laudicina said. The films will be judged on the basis of storyline, production values and use of plot twists, and the winner will be interviewed on Facebook Live and receive to-be-determined prizes, Laudicina added. “It is interactive, sparks creativity and makes people think on their feet,” West said. “That is what our main goal is and the main reason we are doing the show.” msobotka@chroniclemail.com

MAY 1, 2017 THE CHRONICLE 7


CAMPUS COMIC, FROM FRONT

THE CHRONICLE: What is it like writing for “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert”? DANIEL KIBBLESMITH: Starting at a heavily politically focused late night-talk show during an election year feels like jumping into the deep end of the pool that is also the fast lane on the freeway. But, it is great. It really makes you want to do your best work and rise to the occasion. It is really gratifying because you are not just giving them scary news. You are taking the edge off a little bit at the end of the day and making people feel a little less crazy at a time where they might be wondering, “Is it just me, or are things kind of insane right now?”

In previous adventures, we have seen Quantum and Woody deal with racist militias or genetically engineered farming conglomerates. It is certainly a comic about what it is like to live in America often as a black guy or as a white guy who is in and out of the criminal justice system.

8 THE CHRONICLE MAY 1, 2017

» Courtesy DANIEL KIBBLESMITH

Have you noticed a difference between writing for comics and television? The Colbert show does a great job unpacking an often very complicated news story and then offering our shared take to the audience at home. Whereas, the comic book is more like a screenplay or a sitcom where you are following a character on a journey and you can tell the story using different tools. The overlap, of course, is that How would you summarize “Quantum and Woody” will still Film and video alumnus Daniel Kibblesmith, a current writer for “The Late Show “Quantum and Woody”? have tons of jokes in it because Quantum and Woody are With Stephen Colbert,” will write the upcoming reboot of “Quantum and Woody.” it has always been an incredibly sometimes referred to as the business very seriously, and were in an atomic accident that funny title. world’s worst superheroes. Eric Woody is his white, perpetually bound them together via these Henderson, aka Quantum, is a delinquent foster brother who two golden bracelets. They have What do you think this comic black, straitlaced former mili- kind of makes his life hell. They to “clang” together once every 24 is going to offer to long-standtary man who takes the superhero are a superhero odd couple who hours, or they dissolve into energy. ing fans and new readers?

We want to make sure this could be somebody’s first “Quantum and Woody” comic or their first comic fully stocked with humor, action and family drama that hopefully everyone can relate to. Longtime fans will recognize their personalities immediately and want to see how the characters cope in a brand new status quo. How would you describe your time at Columbia? I felt like I had a lot of resources at my disposal that I had been dreaming about since I was a kid. I felt like I was finally taking real steps toward learning the craft [of comics and movies] and accomplishing those goals. Actually getting things done versus talking about your dream project is the most important lesson I took away from Columbia that still applies today. Nobody wants to hear about the thing you are going to make someday; they want to see the cool thing that you have made. msobotka@chroniclemail.com


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CAMPUS SCHOLL, FROM 4

STUDY, FROM 6

Freedman said all of the proposed mergers were approved for implementation at the end of March. Although a formal announcement had not been made to the college community about the approval of the three mergers, one is planned for the end of the academic year. Freedman said his main goal for Scholl is to open discussion on how the two industries can be brought together, another aspect he was looking for in a candidate. “My goal is that [Scholl] can open up a dialogue where we can talk about writing, producing, [and] directing across media forms and get those faculty to understand each other’s works and strengths,” Freedman said. “That’ll be key in this first year.” Discussions on curricular changes within the Cinema and Television Arts Department for the Fall 2018 Semester are scheduled

for this fall and will include open forums to which he hopes students will contribute, Freedman said. “What we’re sensitive to is that the TV students have a strong sense of that culture, the film students have a strong sense of that

chair said although there were a number of very qualified candidates up for the position, Scholl is knowledgeable and has a history of interdepartmental work. “When you ask around, you’ll find out how much time he spent

added that the merger presents opportunities for collaboration and could create new career pathways for students. “[Scholl’s] job, while very challenging, is one filled with incredible possibility to follow those things through,” Niederman said. “We can do things now that we only ever dreamed of before. Working across departments as a student cannot always be easy.” Scholl said he has heard students express concerns about the departmental MICHAEL NIEDERMAN merger and noted that members of the two former departculture, and some of the students collaborating with various mem- ments will be working to address ask, ‘What are you going to do for bers of the Cinema Art and Science issues and concerns. us to establish a sense of commu- Department,” Niederman said. “He “We are not jumping into this nity in a larger department?’ and has the trust and admiration of a lot and saying, ‘Let’s see what hapthat’s where I welcome student’s of faculty.” pens,’ Scholl said. “We’re going feedback,” Freedman said. “I want There was a time that it made to figure out how to make things to make sure what we do for stu- sense for the Television and work in way that I think will make dents is something that actually Cinema Art and Science depart- people very happy when they see resonates with them.” ments to be separate, but the col- the result.” Michael Niederman, Television lege must evolve along with the Department professor and former industries, Niederman said. He chronicle@colum.edu

[Scholl’s] job, while very challenging, is one filled with incredible possibility to follow those things through.

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The News Office declined requests to interview Smith. During a joint meeting April 3, the union talked about increasing the number of job grades for fulltime positions but encountered resistance from administrators, according to an April 14 US of CC newsletter. The newsletter also states the committee will be proposing its own version of a job-leveling guide. Rechner said the college could have been more effective in communicating the study results, and they would have been further along in the process if there had been more cooperation. He added that he looks forward to applying the information in a way that benefits both full-time staff members and the college as a whole. “We hope to get everyone into an equitable job grade with a competitive salary within the market,” Rechner said. ccarynski@chroniclemail.com


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ARTS & CULTURE

Chicago celebrates 150 years of architect Frank Lloyd Wright » Page 16

Authentic Italian polenta meets American fast dining West Loop’s new The Polenta Bar, 1002 W. Lake St., uses quality ground corn imported from Italy that is higher quality than most American brands, which give them authentic flavor.

» PHOTOS KEVIN TIONGSON/CHRONICLE » ARIEL PARRELLA-AURELI ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR THE SMELL OF fresh pesto wafts from the kitchen as Emile Chalouhi and Camillo Villa huddle over the stainless steel kitchen island, weighing ingredients on a small scale and exchanging banter in Italian. It is early afternoon at The Polenta Bar in the West Loop. White chairs and tables sit empty as the restaurant undergoes renovations to make the environment “more Milanese,” according to Chalouhi, the owner and Milan native. The Polenta Bar, 1002 W. Lake St., opened in March and serves high-quality polenta in the manner that Americans commonly enjoy their food: á la fast-casual. Polenta,

restaurant

review

TOO MANY TIMES , people only think of Italian food as pizza and pasta. But like any other culture, Italian cuisine has remarkable variety. The country hosts immense diversity, history and tradition that have all contributed to its status as a culinary haven. Now there’s even more reason to love Italian cuisine in Chicago: The Polenta Bar. Bona fide polenta dishes and all its possible garnishes are what Chicago needs to return to the authentic Italian cuisine

ground corn cooked with boiling water and oil or butter, comes from Northern Italy’s Lombardia region, where it is a staple dish served with meat, vegetables and sauce. “We chose polenta because there is not something like this in all of the U.S. and because American people usually know the [Italian] kitchen of the south because of immigration,” said fellow Milanese Villa, head chef, whose dream had always been to come to the U.S. “It will be good because the Chicago area is famous for corn [grown] in the Midwest.” The restaurant’s Chipotle-style bar lets customers select fresh toppings to add to their polenta, which traditionally takes three hours to cook and requires continuous churning to prevent lumps.

Chalouhi said the restaurant will reopen May 15 with a cleaner, more architectural look is true to its Milanese roots. A new seasonal menu on LED screens, dimmer lights and brick walls to represent a fireplace—the way polenta used to be cooked— will also be added. He shared that he chose to open the business in Chicago because of the large restaurant market, its cultural diversity and because his wife is from here. He said he is committed to upholding quality with fresh, organic ingredients, which is not the focus of other fast dining. “The business aspect is passing [on] the concept that you can make [food] healthy, and everything is made fresh and can still be fast,” Chalouhi said. Villa said the biggest culinary challenge has been adapting Italian recipes for American taste buds because he realizes Americans enjoy different flavors and are used to diverse food preparation. “You have to find the middle ground that shares both so as not to ruin the Italian recipe, but also make it enjoyable to Americans,” he said. Adding less salt or making sauces heavier with more garlic are small modifications Villa has made, but he said observing the customers and seeing what they want helps him best decide how to modify recipes. “We want to bring a kind of kitchen that doesn’t exist here, but you have to cater to [customers’] tastes,” he said. “You can’t pretend that they serve you. That’s the job of the cook: We are here to serve people and cook food in a good method and not tell them what to eat.”

Massimo Di Vuolo, chef of Due Lire in Lincoln Square, is another fan of polenta, which he serves as a main dish or as a side of polenta fries, a popular twist to the recipe more common in Southern Italy, where he is from. The Naples native said polenta’s tradition comes from peasant culture and was made in abundance to share with family or friends. He said The Polenta Bar seems true to the tradition and will attract younger people with its serving line that offers swift customization, a trend he sees in his hometown. Educating Americans on authentic Italian dishes is important for their understanding of culture, Di Vuolo said, and having more Italian restaurants like The Polenta Bar will expand people’s horizons. “We need more places that are willing to take a chance [and] move away from the traditional Chicago-style Italian food, where people think Italian food is pasta with sausage or dishes that we don’t serve in Italy, like chicken Vesuvio or fettuccine Alfredo,” he said. “Once you open the door to their palate, it is a good thing because they expand what they like or know.” The goal of the Polenta Bar is to bring authenticity back and deliver genuine Italian recipes that are not Americanized, Villa said. “The thing that distinguishes us is we are really Italian and the recipe is Italian,” Chalouhi said. aparrella@chroniclemail.com

Travel to Italy through quality polenta dishes that is sadly overlooked in Ital-American restaurant menus. It will remind people that Italian-style Chicago staples are not the same thing as the real deal and will expand knowledge of polenta. The Polenta Bar’s bamboo dishware and kitchen whiffs brings me back to my nonna’s kitchen in Savona, Italy, where I would spend summer and winter nights cooking polenta for hours while my nonna and I chatted about my future and gossiped about her friends.

True to the tradition, polenta’s communal quality stands out from other Italian dishes because of its simple yet filling taste and its affinity for soaking up flavors. Chef Villa prepared me a polenta dish with pulpy sausage and a traditional diavola sauce, which had just the right amount of tangy spice in the sauce of a tomato base, garlic and onion. Mangiamo! Read the full review on our website at ColumbiaChronicle.com.

Polenta con salsiccia alla diavola

MAY 1, 2017 THE CHRONICLE 13


ARTS & CULTURE Thursday, May 4 STEF SHURA » ZOË EITEL MANAGING EDITOR

Trump: Jobs are hard

I

n an April 28 report that sounds more like it would come from The Onion than Reuters, President Donald Trump said he thought being president would be easier than being the CEO of a bunch of bankrupt companies. Sure, being the leader of the free world is a demanding and difficult job that Trump was inarguably unqualified for and unprepared to take on, but how was he supposed to know he couldn't just have Steve Bannon, Vice President Mike Pence and Jared Kushner do everything for him? With Trump unhappy in his current position, I'm wondering if there are any fictional jobs that would show the picky commander-in-chief how good he's really got it. Hogwarts professor "Harry Potter"

Specifically for the Defense Against the Dark Arts class, these professors have a hard time keeping their jobs, let alone their lives, for more than a year in the position. Professor Quirrell dissolved into dust before finals were even over. Because Trump has found his current job too hard after just 100 days in office, there's no way he would last even that long at Hogwarts. It's also hard to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts when you are the real-world incarnation of Voldemort. King of Westeros "Game of Thrones"

With the dreaded winter here, white walkers heading south and people all over the seven kingdoms vying for the iron throne, the leader of Westeros has a lot more to deal with than Trump does with America, and that starts with trying to stay alive and in power for more than a week. Whether it's a boar attack, being poisoned on your wedding day or a stab in your back by your kingsguard, danger is around every corner for the king, no matter how much money he spends on his Secret Service detail. Sheriff of Beacon Hills "Teen Wolf"

Sheriff Stilinski was eventually clued in on the existence of the werewolves 14 THE CHRONICLE MAY 1, 2017

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and other supernatural beings in his town, but even then, there's not much a human police officer can do against murderous lizard monsters and ghost riders who kidnap people. Trump is usually the most clueless man in the room, exemplified by his saying he bombed Iraq when it was actually Syria he attacked, so it would be nearly impossible for him to keep track of all the supernatural creatures in Beacon Hills. Head gamekeeper

"The Hunger Games"

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Another position in which it's hard to stay alive, the head gamekeeper for the annual Hunger Games has to create intrigue and keep viewers' attention while not inadvertently making the tributes martyrs for a rebellion. The late Head Gamekeeper Seneca Crane majorly messed up and pissed off President Snow, which lead to his death-by-berries. Trump has no problem creating drama with anything he says, but he also has a knack for making people angry, so I wouldn't count on a second year of Head Gamekeeper Trump. Walker

"The Walking Dead"

Though the zombies on this show have much in common with our fearless leader, such as little to no use of their brains, Trump would make a terrible walker. He can never keep his mouth shut, and walkers are a little less threatening when they make vulgar comments about their daughters while trying to eat you. zeitel@chroniclemail.com

» WESLEY HEROLD/CHRONICLE


ARTS & CULTURE

South Side salon provides free prom, graduation hairstyling » BLAIR PADDOCK ARTS & CULTURE REPORTER

school seniors in Auburn Gresham will receive professional hairstyles for prom and graduation season—at no charge. To celebrate its 15-year anniversary, The Total Look Beauty Salon, 7849 S. Loomis Blvd., will provide free prom and graduation services starting May 6 until the end of the school year. As part of this celebration, owner Brigette Maxwell will be hosting an anniversary party on the starting day with food, music and poetry honoring her clients, business and community. “I’m doing this to serve my community, and I just love to help the youth,” Maxwell said. While the services are free for students, Maxwell is asking for community donations to help ABOUT 100 HIGH

cover the costs of services and supplies. Community members can sponsor a student: Girls’ hairstyles, including shampoo and styling, are $35, and boys’ haircuts cost $10. Typically, styling a girl’s hair for prom is nearly 10 times this amount with the inclusion of sew-in extensions, she added. Arionna Moss, senior at Morgan Park High School, is a regular customer at The Total Look and plans to use these free services for prom. She said providing free hair services is significant to Auburn Gresham high schoolers because they might not be able to afford styles otherwise. “They will feel more confident about themselves, more ready for the future—prom, graduation and life afterward,” Moss said. Prom holds significance to students in the community because

coming-of-age ceremonies such as a Sweet 16 or a quinceañera, Moss said. “I’ve never had a birthday party or graduation, so this will be the first time I get to dress up formally many do not have the oppor- for an event besides a wedding,” tunity to participate in other Moss said. “[Prom] is pretty much » KEVIN TIONGSON/CHRONICLE

Brigette Maxwell, owner of Total Look Beauty Salon, 7849 S. Loomis Blvd., will provide 100 high school seniors with free hairstyling for prom and graduation.

me growing up to a young adult.” DeAndre Hawthorne, who goes by the stage name Blaq Ice and will be performing spoken word poetry at Maxwell’s anniversary party, said she has been a pillar of stability in the community. While the neighborhood is often portrayed as violence-ridden, Maxwell is using her resources to change Auburn Gresham’s image, he added. “Young students are the most vulnerable and at-need for something, and I think what [Maxwell is doing] is beautiful,” Hawthorne said. “It changes the mindset of those in that community.” Besides helping students financially, Maxwell said she hopes to build their confidence. Giving the students these styles will help them express their individuality, she said. “It will [benefit the girls] by giving them somewhere convenient to go,” Maxwell said.”Hopefully it will help them emotionally as well as just looking beautiful.” bpaddock@chroniclemail.com

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MAY 1, 2017 THE CHRONICLE 15


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Chicago celebrates 150 years of Wright TO CELEBRATE THE contributions of the iconic architect, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust will host a series of events to honor 150 years since his birth. After-hours events at the Robie House, 5757 S. Woodlawn Ave., throughout April began the excitement of the Wright 150 celebration, but the birthday events officially begin May 18 with Wright Night, an invitation-only cocktail reception along with a silent auction at the Rookery Building, 209 S. LaSalle St. Recognizing Wright’s birthday June 8, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust is hosting free tours of significant Wright-designed locations around the Chicago area, including his home and studio in Oak Park, the Robie House, and the Bach House, 7415 N. Sheridan Rd.

The organization, which educates the public about Wright’s designs, has been planning the celebration for more than a year to ensure the events resonate with community members, according to Andrea Brown, senior manager of public relations at the trust. “We want to connect with the communities that we have our house museum in,” Brown said. “We want people to appreciate what they have in their own backyards.” Although it hosts workshops every summer for children, Laura Winkle, the trust’s education manager, said it wanted to expand its programs for the celebration. It did so with a free camp featuring workshops for families teaching the importance of nature, design, teamwork and creativity. The camps, which will be held June 3–4 at the Midway Plaisance field house, 1130 Midway Plaisance, are fostered by a partnership with the

Chicago Park District and the Illinois Institute of Technology School of Architecture. “It gives students a voice,” Winkle said. “It gives them the authority to be creative and innovative, not to be afraid to take the risk and make the changes they think they should make in their communities. Wright is a great example for them; he inspired that individual vision, let them be themselves and pursue ideas.” Michelangelo Sabatino, professor and director of the doctorate program at the College of Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology, has developed the course “Wright vs. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe,” which focuses on the two architects’ styles and interest in using organic substances in their work.

» KEVIN TIONGSON/CHRONICLE

» KEVIN TIONGSON/CHRONICLE

» KENDRAH VILLIESSE ARTS & CULTURE REPORTER

“[Wright’s] ideas have been wide-ranging, especially in relationship to his attitudes toward nature and his attitudes toward sites,” Sabatino said. Sabatino also said that Wright’s legacy is about ideals

The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust is hosting “Wright 150,” a celebration to commemorate the life and work of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

that translate and adapt to different interests and ideas among all of the generations. “The reason why Wright is important is he promoted an architecture that was responsive to climate and responsive to sight,” Sabatino said. “Even today, we are growing concern about making sustainable and green buildings that his ideas can be applied to.” The camps will not only be a way of getting children involved in architecture but also will teach them ways to create relevant solutions with relationships and living their lives, according to Winkle. “[Wright] was an innovator,” she said. “He really changed the way that we think about American architecture. He had such a unique vision; he was pretty vocal around the fact that he thought architecture and design can really change the way people lived.” kvilliesse@chroniclemail.com

Discover the Power of Youth At Manifest Urban Arts Festival

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“M.U.R.A.L. is a uniquely interdisciplinary grassroots-driven organization whose mission is to unite and inspire Chicago communities and their youth by providing transformative resources that are in short supply or unavailable. Sharing this mission unites communities. M.U.R.A.L. has partnered with Whole Cities Foundation, Panera Bread, Chicago State University, Howard University and many others to inspire change in Chicago communities. To learn more about partnerships with M.U.R.A.L. visit our website www.muralchicago.com”

16 THE CHRONICLE MAY 1, 2017

May 12th beginning at 916 S. Wabash. follow our hashtag on social media to find our location: #MOVINGMURALmanifest"


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MAY 1, 2017 THE CHRONICLE 17


ARTS & CULTURE

TV documentary showcases Pilsen voices

Andries said the subjects were ordinary people brought together by churches and organizations. After working with Alivio Medical Center for 10 years, Lauren Angeles, one of the six subjects, said she has noticed how » KENDRAH VILLIESSE while touching on subjects such connected the neighborhood is. ARTS & CULTURE REPORTER as education, healthcare, housing “The [immigrant] community and immigration. Andries, both that we work with needs a lot IMPRESSED BY LOCAL activism, the writer and producer, said the of different resources,” Angeles Daniel Andries said he wanted to film crew followed the residents said. “We never say we can’t help capture the stories of one of Chi- from September to November you; that is really how we all work 2016. The documentary caught cago’s cultured neighborhoods. together. We constantly refer [to] » Courtesy KEN CARL WTTW’s newest documen- the reactions following the presother organizations.” The documentary “My Neighborhood: Pilsen,” which follows the lives of six resitary “My Neighborhood: Pilsen” idential election, which was very dents who have made a difference in the community, premiered April 27. Andries said the goal of the docpremiered April 27 and follows disturbing and disappointing for umentary was to inspire viewers “The first mural I did [in Pilsen] across the city to think of ways they the lives and relationships of six the community, he said. dialogue about the issues raised was inspired by a meeting that can help their community. residents and 11 organizations. The documentary was con- in the piece,” Andries said. was held at the Casa Juan Diego,” Included are the Alivio Medical ceived a year ago when WTTW Jeff Zimmermann, an artist “We chose Pilsen because it Zimmermann said. “Twenty offers a pretty good example of Center, which focuses on pri- made a commitment to deepening from Humboldt Park who has mary and elderly care, and The its community engagement and created murals in Pilsen and was community members threw out how a community did this and Resurrection Project, which pro- wanted to connect to different one of the artists featured on “My ideas, and it became a mural to how every neighborhood is going vides affordable housing for resi- neighborhoods, Andries said. The Neighborhood: Pilsen’s” website. show [an] illegal immigrant to have different challenges [and] dents. These organizations have process was as important as the One mural depicts the experience experience. It shows people problems with making things helped strengthen the community, finished product, he added. of undocumented immigrants near crossing a river, the Rio Grande, happen,” he said. “The essential according to Andries. “It would be something that the St. Pius V Catholic Church, and it shows people being left human ingredients here are transThe documentary highlights could lead to a large community 1919 S. Ashland Ave. According behind. It was a regurgitation of ferable across the city.” the Hispanic culture and com- engagement effort where peo- to Zimmermann, the mural bears what people in the community wanted to see.” munity activism Pilsen has built ple across the city could have a the community’s imprint. kvilliesse@chroniclemail.com

18 THE CHRONICLE MAY 1, 2017


ARTS & CULTURE

MAY 1, 2017 THE CHRONICLE 19


Mentorship pro positive space f

W

ith school no longer a safe haven and homes providing scant refuge in some neighborhoods, Polished Pebbles Mentoring Program for Girls is creating an opportunity for young girls to understand that their voices, experiences and what they share with others are valuable, said program founder, Kelly Fair. Polished Pebbles, founded in 2009, partners with 60 charter and public schools as well as community organizations on the South and West sides of Chicago. Girls in the program are taught how to improve their communication, leadership and teamwork skills and handle family or peer conflicts. Mentoring programs have expanded in the past decade to support and guide young people as they grow up. Illinois has more than 200 youth mentoring programs, according to the Illinois Mentoring Partnership. While having a trusted adult available for direction and advice is important, skill training is built into the program to teach girls how to respond to specific situations, Fair said. These skills help girls develop a positive self-image in high school and ensure an effective approach to the challenges they confront at home, school, work and elsewhere, she added. Polished Pebbles also encourages resilience to negativity the girls may face at home or school, she added. “Once you get a chance to talk about [what is bothering you], and once you hear that the mentor who’s in the room doesn’t judge you, that makes you feel a sense of more strength and pride that, ‘Maybe it’s not just me,’” Fair said. “When you’re sharing and hearing that sometimes your experiences [resemble] your peers’ as well, it’s an opportunity to be there [for them].” Mentoring is not limited to after-school programs. Some schools allow mentors to hold lunch-hour sessions. Building mentoring into the school day enables girls with extracurricular activities, work or childcare responsibilities to benefit from mentorship. Mentors can also introduce students to a respected person of authority who is someone they can relate to and learn from. Ariyan, a sophomore at the George Washington High School located in the East Side neighborhood and participant in Polished Pebbles’ lunchtime program, said she has benefited from her experience since joining the program in January. “It has changed me and helped me to fix situations that I didn’t know how to fix or react to,” Ariyan said. The benefits are reciprocal. Shaleah Walton, mentor for Polished Pebbles at George Washington High School, said being a mentor has awakened a passion for this work and she enjoys the give-and-take relationship. “When a mentor is able to come down to a girl’s level and be open and honest about an experience she had, the mentor is building relationships with girls and helping them become resilient,” Fair said. “They are seeing that everyone makes mistakes but are able to learn and grow from them and move on.” ebell@chroniclemail.com

20 THE CHRONICLE MAY 1, 2017


ograms gives girls safe, for growth

FEATURE

1. Erica Nelson, mentor, leads her group of

Pebbles during an after-school session at Gillespie Elementary School, located in West Chesterfield, 9301 S. State St., making mood boards with words and phrases that visually explain the girls’ emotions and goals. 2. Taja, a Pebble and student at Gillespie, cuts out words from a magazine that resonate with her for her mood board. 3. Shaleah Walton, mentor for George Washington High School, 3535 E. 114th St., talks to her group about the importance of a positive public image on social media. 4. During a lunch-time session, Nelson leads her Pebbles at Hirsch Metro High School, in Greater Grand Crossing, 7740 S. Ingleside Ave. 5. Pebble Cheryl (right) listens to her peer Imari (left) talk about how she handled a situation with her friend at a lunch-time session at Hirsch Metro. 6. A Polished Pebbles group at George Washington meets during their session including a conversation about self-worth and career paths. 7. A Polished Pebbles group at Hirsch Metro meets during its weekly lunch-time session. “Mindset Monday” encourages self-reflection, asking “Have you ever said or did something you wish you could take back?’’

MAY 1, 2017 THE CHRONICLE 21


ARTS & CULTURE

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22 THE CHRONICLE MAY 1, 2017

4/27/17 5:44 PM


ARTS & CULTURE

audiofile JMSN drops ‘Whatever Makes U Happy’ on his own label

R&B vibe that stands apart from his past THE CHRONICLE: How did collaboratwork, with belting vocals and catchy yet ing with Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole or Tyga honest lyrics. help you find your solo success? MSN has been doing what makes him JMSN is scheduled to perform May 21 at JMSN: I don’t think those artists helped me happy since he was 12 years old: cre- Chicago’s Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St. find my style or success; it was just some nice ating music. The Detroit transplant, with Alcordo, also on White Room Records. stuff on the way for where I’m going. Working whose real name is Christian Berishaj, is The Chronicle spoke to him about his past with those people kept me inspired to keep known as a behind-the-scenes producer, collaborations, his new album and the working. It was nice to be around other young who has worked on numerous albums, TV perks of owning a record label. artists working. soundtracks and film scores throughout R&B soul and electric musician JMSN his career. The singer, producer and multi-instru- will be performing in Chicago May 21 at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St., mentalist is known for his work with showcasing his new album that he Kendrick Lamar on his 2012 good kid, calls his rawest work. m.A.A.d city album and on projects with J. Cole, Kaytranada and Tyga. In 2006, the Detroiter started his own band, Love Parade, and signed with Atlantic Records before releasing an eponymous album. After the band split in 2009, he let the name die and moved to Los Angeles. He started his own label, White Room Records, which released his 2016 album It Is under JMSN, which is pronounced “Jameson.” With his new single “Drinkin’” generating more than one million plays on Spotify, JMSN is ready to share Whatever Makes U Happy. The album was released April 28 and features the fresh sound JMSN has been crafting for years: an electric, organic » ARIEL PARRELLA-AURELI ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

» Courtesy EDUARDO FIGUEROA

J

What did you explore with Whatever Makes U Happy? It is a lot more raw than anything I have ever done—a lot more first takes for everything, even if there are mistakes included. I just wanted to keep it like that and keep it in the moment of the first time you write a song. That kind of vibe of just doing it, and you can’t really take it back when you f--k up. Let it be what it is.

Are there any instruments that you would like to get better at playing? I would love to be better at piano. I can play piano—not very well. What advantages do you have to releasing music on your own label? There is a lot more freedom. That’s a plus and also a minus because you have to keep yourself accountable. You decide when stuff is coming out and when it is done, but that can also get out of hand if you don’t know how to accept it when it is done. In all reality, it can never be done. It is never going to be perfect, so you can keep working on it. It is nice to have the freedom [of] when it is done, you put it out. This feels like my first album, and I am excited for people to hear it. aparrella@chroniclemail.com

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Staff Playlist

Pat Benatar Madonna Poison

Michael Jackson

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Blondie

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“There is a Wedding Today”

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MAY 1, 2017 THE CHRONICLE 23


ARTS & CULTURE

meOUT

CHECK » PHOTOS ESTHER BELL/CHRONICLE

Frances Diederich senior television major

“I don’t really go to a lot of festivals, to be honest, but [if I did] some mom-jean shorts and a button up Hawaiian shirt.”

Stephen Chaney junior business and entrepreneurship major “A flannel and some shorts.”

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WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO FESTIVAL OUTFIT? Andrew Roark junior fashion studies major “Anything vintage with fringe and something black.”


ARTS & CULTURE recipe

MONKEY puddin’ » MICHA THURSTON MARKETING CONSULTANT

Ingredients ---------------------------------------------- 26 milk chocolate Hershey’s kisses - 3 1/4 ounces chocolate pudding - 1 banana - Reddi-wip - Brown sugar, to taste

to impress that special someone or just want to spice up your dorm life, this easyto-make, delicious dessert is sure to satisfy. This recipe is perfect for those sweet-toothed college students with its warm, melted chocolate combined with banana slices, chocolate pudding and whipped cream. It’s guaranteed to leave you wanting more. WHETHER YOU’RE TRYING

Directions -------------------------------------------

- Microwave chocolate in 30-second intervals until melted. Stir between - Slice bananas into desired size - Spoon alternate layers of melted chocolate, banana slices, chocolate pudding and whipped cream into a cup - Top off with layer of whipped cream and sprinkle brown sugar on top - Serve, eat and enjoy!

mthurston@chroniclemail.com » JAMES TSITIRIDIS AND KEVIN TIONGSON/CHRONICLE

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top our staff’s top 5 picks:

video & blog reviews

Video: “Kendrick Lamar - ‘DNA.’” Kendrick Lamar’s new album DAMN is making incredible waves, and it’s hard to find a bad word about it. This video for DNA—featuring a great performance from Don Cheadle—really highlights Lamar’s talent for creating infectious music with thoughtful lyrics that tackle the difficult subjects in American society.

Blog: “The Beauty of Wildlife” If you enjoy animals and appreciate wildlife, then this is the blog for you. Follow “The Beauty of Wildlife” on tumblr. This blogger uploads a “hand-picked collection of wildlife from all over the world.” From lions to rabbits to tigers and more, this blog displays the best of the best. With these high quality photos, you may even find your next desktop screensaver here! 26 THE CHRONICLE MAY 1, 2017

ARTS & CULTURE

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

GORDON RAMSAY TWITTER INSULTS

SHOES FROM MY CHILDHOOD

» ETHAN STOCKING-ANDERSON OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

» BROOKE PAWLING STENNETT OPINIONS EDITOR

» ALEXANDER AGHAYERE ART DIRECTOR

Futures contracts:

“@GordonRamsay are you allergic to anything?” “Vegans.”:

Low-top PONYs:

Financial instruments consist of any contractual value that can be bought or sold, including assets to be traded at a future date, or forward derivatives. Futures contracts are a specific kind of forward, traded at a standardized exchange. Next month’s frozen concentrated orange juice contracts can be bought today! Sovereign bonds: Unless it’s the late ’90s and you’re in Russia or Argentina, government bonds are generally a pretty safe bet. However, you’ll still want to take a look at the assessments from ratings agencies such as Standard & Poor’s, Fitch and Moody’s. Swapped equity legs: If you want to further diversify without actually purchasing securities, you might consider an equity swap. You can use someone else’s assets to collect on future cash flows against a predetermined short-term interest rate, like the LIBOR benchmark. If only they yield results like you think they ought to. Foreign exchange spots: Daily currency trades are recorded to the tune of an unbelievable $5 trillion. These agreements electronically transfer foreign currency, speculating that the currency will rise before the point of sale. Exotic rainbow options: These deals amount to bets that only pay off if each underlying security’s value moves in the intended direction. Each asset represents a color of the rainbow!

The TV chef Ramsay should be open to new, eclectic dishes for his vegan fans, but no. The entire community repulses him, and he doesn’t care who knows it. “@GordonRamsay On a scale from one to ten, how good is my sandwich?” “One out of ten...for the table mat...idiot sandwich.”: Fans often send Ramsay pictures of their food in hopes of becoming internet famous. Instead of praise, this would-be chef got their sandwich torn to shreds. “@GordonRamsay I literally followed you to tell you I’m a better chef than you.” “That’s why your scrambled eggs looks like a pan full of bullets.”: If there’s anyone who craves delivering a witty comeback, it’s Ramsay. This tweet raises the issue of whether Ramsay would rather tell people off or cook a meal for them. “@GordonRamsay Look at this meal I cooked for my man!” “I hope he’s done a runner...”: This guy probably would have been content with his ketchup-smothered cheese, but once Ramsay suggests something is wrong with a dish, the final curtain has definitely fallen. “@GordonRamsay what do you think? 3 stars?” “You’ve got a great future in my industry...as a customer.”: This tweeter is definitely not a future customer. Ramsay is merciless.

I was constantly going through shoes when I was young, and my mom was getting fed up. She decided to get me two pairs of shoes: one for play and one for everything else. Those sexy low-top PONYs were my everything-else shoes. Raggedy Reeboks: I had these really ugly high-top Reeboks that hurt so badly when I wore them, but I wore them anyway because playing outside was life. I could be as reckless as I wanted to be in them thanks to their durability. So I kept them until my big toe was popping out of those puppies. Black etnies: I had a rather angsty stage in my late years of junior high. This saw a drastic change in attire. I constantly sported all black, and my black etnies were the cherry on top. I stopped wearing them in high school when I realized I was a “poser.” Nike Air Force 1s: I was starting to care more about what people thought, so I got a pair of white Air Force 1s. It was a great couple of months, but they were stolen on roller-skating day in gym class. Orange Vans: To every person who has seen me in these in the past five years, I am so sorry. These bad boys have been with me since junior year of high school and are barely shoes anymore. The sole has disintegrated, so it’s like walking in slippers that have been boiled in acid. I love them.


reviews APP

CABANA APP

SCREEN

‘SAND CASTLE’

ARTS & CULTURE

scale

MUSIC

LANA DEL REY AND THE WEEKND’S ‘LUST FOR LIFE’

RANDOM

ROOFTOPS

» CHARLIE CONNELLY AD & BUSINESS MANAGER

» G-JUN YAM SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

» KENDRAH VILLIESSE ARTS & CULTURE REPORTER

» LAUREN KOSTIUK DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER

Tumblr launched this app April 18, updated April 21, that allows users to video chat up to five friends and watch videos together. I love watching funny videos with my buddies, but I don’t need to see their faces while I watch. While the premise is cool, the app definitely has some kinks to work out. Each user has to have a Yahoo account to join. Sorry Tumblr, but last time I checked it’s not 2007.

Don’t expect an adrenaline-pumping movie about American soldiers in combat like most war movies focused on the Middle East. “Sand Castle,” released April 21, is inspired by a real-life story about the emotional consequences that the invasion of Iraq had on soldiers and the difficulty of communicating with locals. It can be very emotional to watch, but it’s definitely worth it.

I adore The Weeknd and Lana Del Rey, but the duo’s new song “Lust for Life,” released April 19, did not meet any of my expectations. After their incredible work on “Prisoner” and “Stargirl Interlude,” I was excited to hear what was going to come next, but this song did not have that “wow” factor it normally does. The lyrics are boring, and the beat isn’t anything special.

The best part about the weather warming up is that many Chicago rooftops start opening up. There is nothing like grabbing a drink with a friend and looking out at Lake Michigan or gazing at the city lights at night. Many times in the summer, I will go upstairs to my apartment’s rooftop and just read a book—especially when the sun is setting.

APP

OFFICE QUEST

SCREEN

‘GIRLBOSS’

MUSIC

RANDOM

THE BLEACHERS’ NEW MUSIC

DUST BUNNIES

» ZOË EITEL MANAGING EDITOR

» LAUREN KOSTIUK DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER

» ARIEL PARRELLA-AURELI ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

» JONATHON SADOWSKI OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

I usually love the point-and-click adventure games, a lá Can You Escape, but this one couldn’t hold my attention for more than three minutes. In Office Quest, released April 21, the goal is to get your fuzzy onesie-wearing character out of his office building without being spotted by any supervisors, but it’s extremely slow and has very few possible moves to make. It may get better further along, but I guess I’ll never know.

Netflix released its new series “Girlboss” April 21, based on the book about the real-life story of digital fashion entrepreneur Sophia Amoruso, who runs the online store Nasty Gal. The show projects a weird early 2000s nostalgia as she watches “The O.C.,” using a Blackberry and the infamous drama about Britney and K-Fed. Overall, the show shines light on an unapologetic women determined to succeed doing what she loves.

Jack Antonoff fans can start dancing again. His band The Bleachers is back in the game! Two newly released singles, “Don’t Take the Money,” released March 31, and “Hate That You Know Me,” released April 17, are part of the upcoming album Gone Better, due June 2. Until then, I’ll be bopping my head to these two songs, which remind me why Antonoff continues to excels creatively and stay relevant to his fans.

Semi-obnoxious—but also semi-adorable because of their name rather than appearance—dust bunnies are almost everywhere. They serve as a helpful reminder to vacuum or sweep behind couches and under tables. They can also be adopted as pets if you are so inclined. I found a big dust bunny under my desk once and named him Geoffrey. He was great company when I was bored. MAY 1, 2017 THE CHRONICLE 27


OPINIONS

editorial

The high cost of Trump’s pointless war on immigrants, sanctuary cities

P

resident Donald Trump’s war on immigrants began almost as soon as he stepped into office, and it’s obvious he considers this the most important priority for his administration, culminating in Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ recent threats against sanctuary cities on April 21. Trump signed a Feb. 23 executive order hiring 10,000 new U.S. Immigrations and Custom Enforcement agents and 5,000 new Border Patrol agents. According to an April 16 Washington Post article, ICE agents arrested 21,362 immigrants from January to mid-March compared with the 16,104 arrested during the same period in 2016. While these were mostly convicted criminals, the arrests of immigrants with no criminal records more than doubled to 5,441. This is distinctly different from former President Barack Obama’s standards for deporting undocumented immigrants. Obama prioritized the deportation of undocumented immigrants who had

committed serious, violent crimes while immigration agents under Trump plan to arrest those who possess fraudulent visa documents, have illegally re-entered the country or have been charged with, but not convicted of, a crime. Trump has portrayed immigrants as drug dealers, criminals and rapists all while spending billions of taxpayer dollars. His plan to build a wall between America and Mexico is seemingly his first priority, but Trump has also opened the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement office, which is designed to track crimes committed by undocumented immigrants and serve victims of criminal acts committed

by immigrants. He also reportedly plans to expand programs and facilities for detained asylum-seeking immigrants. Trump’s dedication to deporting immigrants promotes the false notion that immigration is the most pressing problem facing the U.S. today. Sessions threatened the defunding of grants to sanctuary cities—such as Philadelphia, New York City and Chicago—if police don’t provide proof of communication with federal authorities regarding undocumented immigrants. The letter, sent to nine jurisdictions, is deliberately targeting these cities as if providing a safe place for people is punishable. In response, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from withholding sanctuary city funding as unconstitutional. America thrives on the culture and economic growth immigrants bring. According to the Partnership

Trump and his supporters would rather immigrants fear losing the lives they’ve built than give them new options and opportunities to stay.

editorial

Aviation Department needs better training, not consolidation

T

he April 9 viral video of a bloodied David Dao dragged off a United Airlines flight at O’Hare International Airport spurred local aldermen to propose solutions for city aviation security’s rare but violent outbursts. During an April 19 Chicago City Council meeting, Ald. Ray Lopez (15th Ward) proposed the Aviation Department security force be consolidated into the Chicago Police Department, preferably within the next 60 days, according to a Chicago Tribune article of the same date. Should that happen, CPD would be the main source of security and its officers would be allowed to carry weapons at airports. If he’s trying to solve this problem,

Lopez—a former skycap who handled luggage and performed curbside checkins at Chicago Midway International Airport—shouldn’t ignore the trust issues between Chicagoans and CPD officers. Bringing guns into an airport will do nothing but exacerbate those issues. Mayor Rahm Emanuel reportedly rejected allowing aviation police to carry firearms saying, “It’s pretty clear that’s wrong.” While Emanuel made the correct move, Lopez’s idea to bring in a corrupt department responsible for nearly 100 civilian deaths in the last six years is troubling. CPD has enough to tackle in its own department, including its officers’ need for better training.

for a New American Economy, based on an analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest American Community Survey, immigrants held almost $927 billion in consumer spending power. There should be no “us versus them” mantra, which this administration has been preaching to the easily influenced. Trump and his supporters would rather immigrants fear losing the lives they’ve built than give them new options and opportunities to stay. ICE agents are reportedly disorganized and overworked, according to an April 20 LA Times article. The deportation policies and procedures are also outdated and unclear, according to the inspector general of the Homeland Security Department. DREAMers—described by Obama as top high school graduates who were illegally brought into the country by their parents at age five and know the U.S. as their homeland—are being plucked off the street by agents who are inadequately trained to do so. This is not a president acting through care for his country. Instead, this is blind hatred, which will scar America for decades to come.

Approximately 300 aviation officers worked Chicago’s two main airports— Midway and O’Hare—and most are partand full-time certified police officers. Although separate from the local police force, aviation security has to meet the same minimum standards, including psychological and physical tests. Lopez might have assumed Aviation Department training would be improved by consolidating the departments, preventing violent situations. However, with CPD’s brutal history, offering aviation officers the same training as CPD officers would do nothing but create more injuries. Another difference is that aviation officers are allowed to “temporarily

detain” passengers until CPD arrives but cannot make an official arrest or file an arrest report. With two departments suffering from poor training, both have resorted to unjustifiable violence. The solution is not to consolidate but to train aviation security properly. There are many differences between working in the field and at an airport, which include the rare instance of an airport shooting. Officers who work in an airport need to be trained appropriately to accurately do their jobs. The bigger picture includes the citywide inability to train officers in the streets and in the airport. If city officials want to ensure people’s safety and well-being, they shouldn’t advocate a solution that means more guns, potential job loss and a bigger budget. Instead, they should ensure that those who are meant to protect the public know how to do their jobs.

Editorial Board Members Arabella Breck Managing Editor Lauren Kostiuk Digital Content Manager Brooke Pawling Stennett Opinions Editor Carolyn Bradley Copy Chief Ariana Portalatin Campus Editor Caroline Bowen Metro Reporter

28 THE CHRONICLE MAY 1, 2017

Ariel Parrella-Aureli Arts & Culture Editor Lauren Carlton Copy Editor Esther Bell Photo Editor James Tsitiridis Graphic Designer Noah Kelly Marketing Consultant

Did you catch a mistake, think we could have covered a story better or have strong beliefs about an issue that faces all of us here at Columbia? Why not write a letter to the editor? At the bottom of Page 2, you’ll find a set of guidelines on how to do this. Let us hear from you. —The Columbia Chronicle Editorial Board


T commentary

Family ideals not only factor when deciding film ratings » brooke pawling stennett OPINIONS EDITOR

ransgender people could count on one hand the films they’ve seen with characters reflecting their own life experience, and the Motion Picture Association of America recently demonstrated no interest in increasing that number. The MPAA gave the film “3 Generations” an undeserved R rating before reconsidering following public outcry. The film—scheduled to release May 5—tells the story of a transgender teenager named Ray and his family as they learn to accept him for who he truly is. While the MPAA decided on this restrictive rating for a wholesome movie starring a transgender boy, it has given films that use transgender women as a joke—”Hot Pursuit” and “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” among others—a PG-13 rating without a second thought. “3 Generations” doesn’t include graphic violence or depictions of drug use or sex, which are all factors a review board made up of parents consider when

P commentary

Resignation from OAS could be detrimental to Venezuela » ariana portalatin CAMPUS EDITOR

olitical protests in Venezuela reached a tipping point recently with the “mother of all marches” on April 19. Three people were killed as crowds protested their government’s failure to provide its citizens’ most basic human needs. A combination of increasing inflation and massive food and medicine shortages have driven people to the streets, and daily uprisings are responsible for Caracas being named the most violent city in the world as the government deploys its armed forces.

OPINIONS deciding a movie’s rating. The board assigns a rating based on how it thinks the majority of American parents would rate it. Apparently, a film featuring a transgender teen would have horrified the parents across the country. This wasn’t a rating based on strong language but on the MPAA labeling the subject matter as inappropriate and refusing to acknowledge transgender individuals as people who deserve to be recognized in mainstream cinema, art and culture. Many were outraged by the vast number of teens unable to see the film, including Clemson University student Blair Durkee, who began a petition on Change. org in partnership with GLAAD to not only boycott the R rating but also demand that it be changed to PG-13. On April 27, the MPAA agreed to lower the rating after the petition received 34,766 signatures. Correcting the decision doesn’t excuse MPAA’s original rating. The board was perpetuating the idea that

there is something wrong with transgender people. Without the petition, the association would have been able to hide this movie from youth behind an R rating. In the future, the MPAA should consider statistical and emotional factors—not just parental reactions— when rating LGBTQ films. There are already few uplifting transgender films and they deserve wider exposure. In a time when bigotry runs rampant and the transgender community is extremely vulnerable, it is vital for transgender youth to see a story that encourages healthy conversation about the transgender experience. Now that the film is PG-13, it will be more accessible to a wider age range and create opportunities for class discussion. The rating change is an important win for the transgender community, and now they will be able to identify with a character in popular media.

instituting a dictatorship, according to an April 20 CNN article. As calls for Maduro’s resignation increase, the government has repeatedly blocked attempts to remove him from power. Some countries have shown support for a peaceful resolution by signing a joint statement calling on the Venezuelan government to hold elections and refrain from using violence against protesters. However, the Organization of American States failed to receive the necessary votes to declare the

The OAS voted April 26 to meet to discuss the country’s emergency, but on the same day, Venezuela announced its resignation from the organization, which is a two-year-long process. The OAS might still be able to pursue diplomatic and mediation efforts, but to what extent is unclear because this is the first time a country has resigned from the OAS, according to an April 26 NPR article. Without OAS support, Venezuelan citizens have lost an important avenue of redress. If the Venezuelan government truly wants to support its citizens and promote democracy, it must not follow through with the resignation process. Other countries outside the OAS must also show support and advocate for citizens and do what they can to help them. Support for Venezuela’s citizens is critical to restore normalcy and remove the clutches of oppression.

If the Venezuelan government truly wants to support its citizens and promote democracy, it must not follow through with the OAS resignation process. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has consistently failed to listen to the needs of his people, whom he calls “vandals and terrorists,” while fending off accusations of

country in violation of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which is an agreement among 34 nations in the region to strengthen and uphold democratic principles.

As someone with a background in journalism, who is now working in local government communications, it only makes the college look bad if they only offer “no comments” or written cookie-cutter statements. It should be, “I will research that for you, find the best person to speak on that issue and will call you back before the end of the day.” The president and his administrative staff needs to make themselves

available. I am a Columbia parent and extremely interested in the state of Columbia. Honestly, the lack of communication from the administration to its key audience—students and parents—is alarming. My daughter is a freshman, and, with the way things are going, it makes me wonder if the college will even be around and how it will support her in her remaining years. Columbia administrators—wake up. You need to

bpawlingstennett@chroniclemail.com

aportalatin@chroniclemail.com

letter to the editor

In response to: ‘When administrators, News Office think you’re the enemy’

C

ollege administrators are making a huge mistake. It’s all about nurturing relationships with the media, not pushing them away. This creates suspicion and an adversarial relationship, not one of mutual benefit.

work with the media, not against them. Your key supporters are watching and waiting to hear from you. Use the media. They can be your friend if you let them. A. Holm Parent of a Columbia student

MAY 1, 2017 THE CHRONICLE 29


OPINIONS

30 THE CHRONICLE MAY 1, 2017


METRO

Hospitality organization brings hundreds of jobs to Chicago » ColumbiaChronicle.com/Multimedia » PHOTOS KEVIN TIONGSON/CHRONICLE

Pawar proposes ‘New Deal’ for Illinois Ald. Ameya Pawar (47th Ward) spoke to voters in Logan Square, April 26 and presented his progressive strategy to unify red and blue counties. PAWAR, FROM FRONT

Pawar said he hopes to boost the state’s economy, end the state’s “wealth worship” and » ERIC BRADACH unite conservative and liberal counties by METRO EDITOR focusing on four categories of reform: education, childcare, criminal justice, and jobs ILLINOIS’ CURRENT POLITICAL climate and and infrastructure. a nearly two-year budget stalemate has While Illinois has the fifth largest econcaused citizens to blame each other and omy in the country, the state’s inability to fight over scraps, said Ald. Ameya Pawar properly fund social services and equitable (47th Ward). investments in overlooked communities is In a pool of candidates vying for the 2018 caused by a lack of political will to have the Democratic candidacy to challenge incum- wealthy pay their fair share, Pawar said. The bent Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, Pawar government should bring the community promoted himself as the progressive choice together, and the current rhetoric at both the for voters and discussed his “grassroots” state and national levels does not reflect that campaign to unite residents during an April value, he added. 26 meet and greet in Logan Square. “You have leaders like [President] Donald “If we continue electing people who hate Trump and Rauner who are using economic government, if we continue to elect people violence against all of us by pitting us against who hate the institutions they seek to rep- one another based on where we live and [our resent, the government will not reflect the occupations],” Pawar said. “[They are] crevalues that most of us share,” Pawar said at ating the other out of one another and using Revolution Brewery, 2323 N. Milwaukee Ave. our fears to keep us divided.” The son of Indian immigrants, Pawar The state must also end its reliance on the became the first Asian-American elected regressive, inequitable and unfair system of to City Council in 2011. Known for pushing local property taxes being used to fund public progressive policies, he played key roles in the schools, Pawar said. ordinances for guaranteed paid sick leave for Charlie Caton, a school social worker and Chicago workers and increased transparency Lakeview resident, said he did not know much in tax increment financing projects. Pawar about the alderman prior to the town hall was a member of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s but was particularly impressed by Pawar’s task force that drafted the city’s minimum proposal to end public education’s reliance wage increase ordinance, according to the on local property taxes. second-term alderman’s website. Though Caton admitted he does not know Taking inspiration from former President much about the other candidates in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Pawar proposed Democratic primary, he said he appreciated a “New Deal” for Illinois at the meet and greet. Pawar traveling outside the city to speak

to downstate voters in order to hear their concerns and perspectives. “[Pawar] seems to have an understanding of not just Chicago but also what issues are important to [downstate voters],” Caton said. “He understands the difficulties that lie ahead of him as a governor and has a realistic approach in terms of how to be successful.” Part of Pawar’s “New Deal” includes supporting working families with paid sick leave to ensure proper childcare. He also said he wants to help students in higher education by increasing the Monetary Assistance Program and launching a program to allow students to refinance their loans. Pawar’s push for students to have the ability to refinance their loans resonated with Sarah Langthorne, a graduate student at the city’s Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. While Pawar’s ideas speak to many voters,

she said Rauner’s financial backing raises concerns about Pawar’s chances of winning and the “grassroots” movement. “We’re going up against so much money and corporate influence,” Langthorne said. “We’re definitely the little guys. It would be wonderful if [Pawar gets elected], but we also have to keep it real that we are the underdogs.” According to Illinois State Board of Elections records, Rauner has more than $50 million in his campaign committee, Citizens for Rauner, and Pawar has $246,203 in his, Ameya Pawar for Governor, based on their January–March quarterly reports. Pawar said he wants the state to increase funding for mental health services and adult diversion programs to lower the high number of detainees. Pawar added he is in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana. Currently, there are two individual bills in the state legislature that would legalize marijuana for recreational use, as reported April 24 by The Chronicle. Rauner may be vulnerable in his bid for re-election as only 35.8 percent of Illinois voters approved of Rauner’s performance compared with a 58.3 percent disapproval rating, according to a March 15 Paul Simon Public Policy Institute poll. Other candidates in the Democratic primary for governor include state Sen. Daniel Biss, Madison County schools Superintendent Robert Daiber and businessmen Chris Kennedy and J.B. Pritzker. Pawar said he cannot compete dollar for dollar with Rauner. However, he predicted his message, progressive agenda and willingness to listen to all state residents will put him over the top. “I don’t think money is going to win this [election],” Pawar said. “What [I] hear from driving around the state is that people want to be heard and want someone to address the issues in their community. We are one state, and we need to start acting like one.” ebradach@chroniclemail.com

Gubernatorial Democratic primary candidate Ameya Pawar proposed ending public education’s reliance on property taxes to an audience at Revolution Brewery, 2323 N. Milwaukee Ave., April 26.

MAY 1, 2017 THE CHRONICLE 31


METRO

Can You Sing? Recording choir needs volunteer singers for debut CD and YouTube video projects.

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32 THE CHRONICLE MAY 1, 2017

»ARABELLA BRECK

MANAGING EDITOR

he close of the first round of the French presidential election has left two candidates to vie for citizens' votes in the runoff election May 7. Holding the lead after the first round is Emmanuel Macron, leader of a recently formed political movement called En Marche, meaning On The Move, who claims to not be focused on the left or the right of politics. Marine Le Pen—the opposing candidate—comes from a much more established political party. Le Pen leads the National Front party, of which her father was the founder. Her rise in the party's ranks is an unusual story, including her removal of her father from the party. Before Jean-Marie Le Pen's removal­—which his lawyer called a "political assassination"—he expressed extremist anti-semitic, anti-Muslim viewpoints, according to an August 20, 2015, article from the Foreign Policy group. Le Pen expelled her father in an attempt to make the party appeal to a wider audience, and as shown through this past election, it has worked at least to some degree. However, toning down the extreme message of intolerance that has become a hallmark of the National Front party should not deceive French voters. More subtle forms of intolerance can still be harmful and, in some ways, can be more so because it is easier to normalize. Le Pen's proposed policies prove that her party is still propagating isolationism and xenophobia. The policies include the removal of France from the EU, the elimination of the use of the euro, a crackdown on illegal and legal immigration, a ban on religious garb like the hijab and the niqab, and a 35 percent tax on goods from companies that relocate production outside of France, according to an April 24 BBC News article. These policies and the party must also not be ignored because of the legitimate popularity they have among voters. French citizens, especially those in rural areas with limited progression, are

frustrated with what they perceive as an elite political system that is not addressing their concerns. Le Pen mostly appeals to French citizens in the more rural North East of France, but not in the more urban areas like Paris, according to an April 25 Telegraph article. This is a pattern seen in other countries as well, like Brexit in the U.K. and the election of President Donald Trump in the U.S. While Le Pen has made efforts to make her policies more appealing and accepted and people are supporting her, that does not mean these policies would benefit France or the rest of the world. The removal of France from the EU, which the U.K. is already in the process of leaving, would only weaken the coalition and European solidarity both economically and politically. Her proposed policies on immigration and taxing goods are classically isolationist and again would only further remove France from the rest of the world. Her position on the wearing of hijabs and niqabs is blatant Islamophobia. These policies should not be normalized, and there must be discussions about what these policies would accomplish, not what Le Pen claims they would. However, if Macron is elected to the presidency, he must address the growing discontent in a legitimate way that does not ignore or exacerbate the frustrations of many French citizens. abreck@chroniclemail.com


METRO

Roaming free: baby bison to join Fermilab family

COLLEGE NIGHT

BISON WILL SOON roam 2,000 acres of restored Illinois prairie at Fermilab in Batavia, Illinois, just as they did on the Pre-Columbian Great Plains. About 14 bison calves, raised at Fermilab for environmental reasons rather than research purposes, are expected to be born at the suburban laboratory during the end of April and early May. “People [will] come just to see the bison, and while they’re here, we try and get them interested in science,” said Andre Salles, the lab’s media relations coordinator. Fermilab is one of 17 national laboratories funded by the U.S. Department of Energy specializing in the study of particles, researching how atoms make

up the universe. Fifty years ago, Fermilab’s founding Director Robert Wilson designed the lab with his home state of Wyoming in mind. “[He designed the site] as a metaphor for the frontier, with the scientists on the frontier of research,” Salles said. “Bison are animals [of the Great Plains], so he brought a herd of bison onto the site.” This birthing is a renewal of the bison population, adding another generation to the herd, said Travis Livieri, wildlife biologist at Prairie Wildlife Research in Wellington, Colorado. He said bison are an interesting species because they have a social structure and society. The bison herd social structure is complex, with the relations between the calves, mothers and older bison changing depending on the season, according to the Prairie Wildlife

many bison farms, Fermilab’s 15 current bison are free to roam around the prairie and are treated largely like wild animals, he added. “We try not to handle them too much, so if they need to go into wild survival, they can take » Courtesy FERMILAB

Baby bison are expected to be born at Fermilab in Batavia, Illinios, during April and May.

care of themselves,” Garcia said. “Even though we have them fenced in, they can roam in the grass.” Keeping the bison in this freerange setting is beneficial to the prairie ecosystem, Livieri said. The bison stampeding the land and rolling around in the dust creates a specific type of micro-ecosystem for other creatures such a prairie dogs, hawks and special insects. “Bison—large grazing herbivore—could be considered an ecosystsem engineer,” Livieri said. Bison in North America fall into two classifications: livestock and wild animals, Livieri said. The majority are livestock, which most people ranch for profit. Others live freely in places such as Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park. “The idea to some people of wild, free-range bison is something in their minds that should only exist in a national park,” Livieri said. “There are fewer conservation bison just because there are fewer places that allow bison just to exist.” bpaddock@chroniclemail.com

QUEEN

BY MADHURI SHEKAR DIRECTED BY JOANIE SCHULTZ

MAY 12, 2017

Pre-Show Celebration at 6:30pm in the VG Lobby Post-Show Conversation to follow performance of QUEEN Gender parity is just one issue that the scientists in QUEEN, Sanam and Ariel, face throughout their careers. Even among the struggle, there is joy and pride to be found in the work that they did and will continue to do. Their fight is not just fictional: women comprise only 25% of the workforce in STEM fields. Join us for a night of short plays written and performed by Chicago college students from Northwestern, DePaul, and Columbia, reflecting on the challenges that women face in their professional lives.

FEATURED PLAYWRIGHTS

» BLAIR PADDOCK ARTS & CULTURE REPORTER

Research website. In spring, calves are weaned from maternal care and temporary groupings among the young bison form. Herdsman Cleofas Garcia, who has been handling bison at Fermilab for 10 years, said like

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MAY 1, 2017 THE CHRONICLE 33


METRO

AUTOLOFTS LEASING SPECIALS

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34 THE CHRONICLE MAY 1, 2017


METRO

» CAROLINE BOWEN METRO REPORTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT Sonitra Mitchell, 17, said she has been in and out of her grandmother’s house since birth—sometimes living with four different families at a time. Mitchell is one of the 82,212 homeless people in Chicago, according to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless’ April 19 report for 2015. Of the homeless population, 82 percent identify as doubled-up families­, or families staying with other families. “There is nowhere that I can call my home,” Mitchell said. “I had to come to school thinking everything was okay, knowing I was in pain and going through [anxiety.]” According to a n April 20 press release from Mayor Rahm

Emanuel’s office, the city will start housing 100 of these families this fall through the new Housing Homeless Families program. The Department of Family and Support Services is partnering with the coalition and the Corporation for Supportive Housing­, ­­a community housing organization, to provide new permanent housing for families from six public schools in Humboldt Park, Englewood, West Englewood and Austin. Maura McCauley, DFSS Chicago region director of Homeless Prevention, Policy and Planning, said the goal is for families to receive housing where they can reconnect with their existing support networks or find new ones. “Homelessness can be a traumatic experience, and we know that housing stability through having your own home contributes

to the overall well-being for all people,” McCauley said. “With children, we know that also contributes to educational success.” The families will be chosen through a “vulnerability index,” which will take many factors into consideration including the ages and number of children, and the physical and mental health of

their families, said Julie Dworkin, director of policy at the CCH. Those who receive the highest scores during the assessment will be given housing, she added. For some families, this housing opportunity will mean not having to undergo hardships like having to leave belongings behind when moving into another person’s home or a hotel, Mitchell said.

“It’s been kind of terrible because you have no room, no space and no privacy,” she said. “The only difference between doubled-up [housing] and living in shelters is that you are living with someone that you actually know.” While Mitchell will not be considered for the program because she lives in West

SEE HOUSING, PAGE 39

Housing program finds homes for 100 families

» GABRIEL DE LA MORA/CHRONICLE

MAY 1, 2017 THE CHRONICLE 35


METRO

» CAROLINE BOWEN METRO REPORTER CIRCULATING RUMORS THAT the Environmental Protection Agency’s Chicago-based Region five district office will be closing, first raised in an April 15 Chicago Sun-Times article, continue to concern local environmentalists despite official denials. Robert Kaplan, acting regional administrator at the Region five office of the EPA, that serves Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin, told employees in an email April 17 that the office closure rumors are false. Kaplan said the EPA is still focused on and committed to supporting Region five communities— particularly Flint, Michigan and East Chicago, Indiana.

“These stories are not true, are pure speculation and undermine our ability to communicate with the public [about] real information we have,” Kaplan said in the email. Requests for an interview with Kaplan were denied. The rumors coincide with President Donald Trump’s proposed 31 percent EPA budget cut. “The budget cuts would undermine the initiatives that are currently underway that protect our air and water—that are trying to work toward cleaning up any existing pollutants,” said Elizabeth Kocs, director of the University of Illinois at Chicago Energy Initiative. According to Kocs, closing the office would put additional pressure on less-equipped agencies — including the Natural Resource Defense Council—to fill the void.

36 THE CHRONICLE MAY 1, 2017

“It has this ripple effect that all of these other agencies and institutions would have to do what the EPA specifically would have done,” Kocs said. “It falls upon people that don’t necessarily have the authority to do so.” Other environmental experts predicted Trump’s budget cuts will greatly affect the Midwest’s environmental initiatives—particularly plans to combat the water crisis in Flint and minimize pollution in the Great Lakes—even if the office stays open. According to David Archer, professor of geophysical science at the University of Chicago, one of the jobs sanctioned to the EPA’s fifth region is monitoring lead levels in the soil and water in East Chicago, where high levels of manganese and petroleum coke were recently discovered, as reported Feb. 20 by The Chronicle. Relaxed enforcement of EPA regulations directly leads to more pollution from coal industries and in turn, greater harm inflicted on the community, Archer said. When

» ESTHER BELL/CHRONICLE Reports that the Environmental Protection Agency’s Chicago office may close sent shockwaves through the environmental community.

children are exposed to dangerous levels of lead, it could cause lower IQ scores and patterns of aggressive violent crimes later in life, he added. Trump’s EPA policies are reminiscent of former President Ronald Reagan’s when he first took office and removed more than a dozen

high-level officials from the EPA, including administrator William Ruckelshaus, according to Archer. “After a year or so, people pushed back on not wanting to breathe smoggy air,” Archer said. “I expect there will be a lot of pushback [should the Chicago-based office close].”

SEE EPA, PAGE 39

Rumored EPA closings alarm local environmentalists


METRO

MAY 1, 2017 THE CHRONICLE 37


METRO

CTA stations on long path to total ADA accessibility » JACKIE MURRAY METRO REPORTER CITY OFFICIALS ANNOUNCED plans to renovate the 120-year-old Quincy train station to make it accessible to people with disabilities, but lack of funding has hindered progress at other stations. According to an April 21 press release from Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s office, the station will

receive two new elevators located on both the inbound and outbound platforms. The $1.2 million project is the largest renovation of the station—which serves 2.2 million riders annually—in 30 years. Construction is expected to be finished by the end of this year, according to the Chicago Transit Authority’s website. “The Quincy station serves several [train] lines in a busy location

[with] several bus routes nearby as well,” said Kyle Whitehead, government relations director at the Active Transportation Alliance. “Busy transfer points like that become hubs. Those stations are naturally prioritized for these types of [accessibility] upgrades.” However, Whitehead said making all stations accessible for people with disabilities is difficult because of CTA’s funding, which carries

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38 THE CHRONICLE MAY 1, 2017

The Quincy train station will be remodeled to allow access to people with disabilities. The $1.2 million project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

more restrictions than that of similar cities. Construction can also be costly because of restricted available space, particularly around areas with historic landmarks. “[CTA has] certain limitations in terms of what they can fund and how quickly they can make these big infrastructure improvements, but I think they’re dedicated [to accessibility],” said Yochai Eisenberg, senior research specialist at the Institute on Disability and Human Development at University of Illinois at Chicago. Eisenberg, who served on the CTA’s ADA advisory committee, said a lack of funding is the greatest challenge facing improving train stations to full access. The CTA is implementing the All Stations Accessibility Program. CTA President Dorval Carter introduced the program in January 2016 with the plan to have

all CTA train stations accessible for people with disabilities within the next 20 years. Currently, only 69 percent of CTA stations are ADA accessible, according to its website. Red Line stations from Sheridan to Granville as well as the nearby North/Clybourn, Monroe and Harrison stations currently do not have wheelchair accessibility, according to the CTA website. Inaccessible transportation limits opportunities and dictates where people with disabilities can live, the healthcare they can receive, which schools they can attend and where they can work, said Peter Berg, project coordinator of Technical Assistance at the Great Lakes ADA Center, questioning whether public transportation for people with disabilities is a high enough priority. The overwhelming majority of transportation options in Chicago are either less efficient or not available for people with disabilities, said Charles Petrof, senior attorney at Access Living.

SEE CTA, PAGE 39

» ESTHER BELL/CHRONICLE


METRO

Housing stability through having your own home contributes to the overall well-being of all people. Pullman, this is the first city housing program that will take doubled-up families similar to hers into consideration for housing, Dworkin said. “Because this program is all locally generated funding, we advocated for them to include the doubled-up families, and [Emanuel] agreed to do that,” Dworkin said. “They are going to be considered for the first time.” The funding for the program will be a combination of $1 million from the city’s 4 percent Airbnb tax, and $1 million from the Chicago Low Income Housing Trust Fund, according to Dworkin. Families who are not eligible to receive housing can still

CTA, FROM PAGE 38

EPA, FROM PAGE 36

HOUSING, FROM PAGE 35

JULIE DWORKIN

be assessed and given other resources and support services, McCauley said. The department will start meeting with families at the end of the 2016–2017 academic year to inform them about the different resources for which they are eligible, but they will not start assessing families for the housing program until the next academic year, she added. “We are rolling out this coordinated process to identify families in need, assess them quickly and match them to the appropriate resource,” McCauley said. “I hope the housing is the beginning of a long period of stability.” cbowen@chroniclemail.com

Renner Barsella, a press secretary for the Sierra Club said residents should be concerned about the hundreds of people employed by the EPA who could lose their jobs if the office closed. “[EPA employees] are vital to the health of this community and the region as a whole,” Barsella said. “Before the EPA, rivers were catching fire. This is not some controversial, new age idea.” The drastic budget cuts follow the Feb. 3 introduction of a bill

in Congress from Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Florida, to abolish the EPA, according to a Feb. 5 NBC News article. Archer said he doubts this will ever be possible, and Gaetz’s bill has reportedly received little traction, according to a story in Roll Call, Feb. 15. “They can’t abolish the [EPA],” Archer said. “What they can do is try to starve it and demoralize the people.” cbowen@chroniclemail.com

» AP PHOTO

Environmentalists expressed fears that budget cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency could greatly affect the Great Lakes and surrounding areas.

People with disabilities often only have one option of transportation. When that option is not convenient, they are “just stuck,” Petrof added. “[If] both your starting and ending point have an elevator at the station, you can use the system,” Petrof said. “But if any one of your points include the stations that are not accessible, the elevated system becomes pretty difficult to use because you can’t board or exit where you need to.” However, he noted that the community of people with disabilities is acknowledging the CTA’s steps to integrating more accessibility. “The CTA is trying to identify the most appropriate path forward in terms of working on [which] stations first,” Petrof said. “The community [of people with disabilities] is extremely supportive of CTA’s choice to embrace a need to get to full compliance, even if the time we’re looking at is a long 20 years.” jmurray@chroniclemail.com

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MAY 1, 2017 THE CHRONICLE 39


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