El fallecimiento de Acuña ocurrió el 24 de marzo de 2026, a los 93 años. Sin embargo, aún no se han revelado los detalles de su muerte.

El evento se llevará a cabo en el campus de CSUN cuando, poner fecha tentativa o si hay una fecha exacta, en un área conocida históricamente como “Manteca Park” o, como se conoce hoy, Bayramian Lawn. El evento reunirá a estudiantes, exalumnos y miembros de la comunidad. Los organizadores indicaron que el homenaje incluirá testimonios y espacios de reflexión sobre su impacto académico y comunitario. Para los organizadores, realizar el homenaje en CSUN ya pasó o será cuidado con los tiempos verbales. Ya que en el primer párrafo dices que se llevará a cabo y aquí manejas el pasado, es una decisión intencional. El campus no solo marca la trayectoria de Acuña, sino también la de quienes pasaron por sus clases.

“Muchos estudiantes se unieron, incluso desde distintas partes del país, porque querían encontrar una manera de honrar su legado y el impacto que tuvo en sus vidas”, explicó Siris Barrios, una de las organizadoras de estudiantes de Rudy Acuña.

Los organizadores eligieron realizar el evento en la universidad por su vínculo con la trayectoria de Acuña.

“Queríamos hacerlo aquí porque fue en este lugar donde lo conocimos, en una etapa clave de nuestras vidas”, añadió Barrios.

De igual manera, el 1 de mayo, Día Internacional del Trabajo, también tiene un significado simbólico, ya que históricamente ha estado ligado a los movimientos obreros y a la movilización colectiva.

“El primero de mayo era uno de sus días favoritos, un día de resistencia y de construcción de movimientos”, explicó Barrios.

Acuña es reconocido como uno de los fundadores del departamento de Estudios Chicanos en 1969, en un contexto marcado por protestas estudiantiles que exigen una mayor representación en la educación de CSUN.

Durante décadas, Acuña impartió clases en CSUN, ayudó a expandir el departamento y añadió programas de licenciatura y posgrado. Además de su labor docente, escribió más de 20 libros. Entre ellos destaca Occupied America: A History of Chicano 1972, un texto utilizado en cursos universitarios.

El periódico Los Angeles Times lo considera una figura central de los estudios chicanos como disciplina académica en Estados Unidos. Su trabajo cuestiona narrativas históricas que plasman las experiencias de comunidades mexicoamericanas. Del mismo modo, su carrera se desarrolló durante un período en el que los estudiantes étnicos comenzaron a institucionalizarse en universidades públicas, impulsados en gran medida por las motivaciones de estudiantes en las décadas de 1960 y 1970.

Ese proceso incluyó protestas, huelgas y negociaciones que llevaron a la creación de programas académicos centrados en las experiencias de las comunidades latinas, indígenas, afroamericanas y asiáticas.

Además de su labor académica, participó en debates públicos sobre educación política y representación. Reportes periodísticos señalan que sus posturas generan tanto respaldo como críticas a lo largo de su trayectoria.

Los alumnos lo describen como un profesor que los empuja, usa otro adjetivo, motiva y ayuda en diversos aspectos.

“Te desafiaba en cada momento y te obligaba a pensar”, recordó un exalumno, Joaquín Macías. “No podías quedarte en tu zona de confort; siempre te hacía cuestionar lo que dabas por hecho”.

Sus clases, reducidas a alumnos, no eran solo conversaciones en un salón de cuatro paredes. Eran espacios de diálogo, confrontación, reflexión, risas, conexión y solidaridad.

“Tenía apodos para sus estudiantes. A mí me decía ‘firecracker mencionalo en espanol’ en español”, recordó Barrios. “Podía ser muy serio cuando lo necesitaba, pero también se burlaba y bromeaba con nosotros”.

Según exalumnos, las clases incluían discusiones abiertas que abordaban temas históricos desde distintas perspectivas.

“Nos enseña a cuestionarlo todo, a no actuar sin más, como si lo que aprendimos en el sistema educativo”, añadió Macías.

Su trabajo también tuvo que ver con la organización de los estudiantes y con la creación de programas de estudios étnicos en varias universidades. Para muchos, su método de enseñanza no solo representa la forma en que aprenden historia, sino también cómo la perciben en su propia persona.

“Diría que una de las cosas más importantes que me dejó Rudy fue cuestionarlo todo y llenar los vacíos”, recordó Miguel Paredes. “Nos decía que había una historia de los chicanos que ya estaban aquí, pero que no se enseñaba. Nos pedía no aceptar la narrativa que provenía del sistema educativo, sino profundizar, aprender sobre nosotros mismos y tomar orgullo de ello, sin replicar el sistema colonial que existía. Nos insistía en no convertirnos en aquello contra lo que luchábamos y en ser fieles a nosotros mismos”.

Alumnos y estudiantes están preparando un tributo que utiliza la misma fuente en honor a Acuña, con el objetivo de reconocer su legado y reflejar el impacto de su enseñanza a lo largo de generaciones de estudiantes.

“Queríamos hacerlos aquí porque fue en este espacio donde lo conocimos, en una etapa clave de nuestros videos, cuando tuvo un impacto más fuerte para nosotros”, dijo Barrios.

El homenaje busca reconocer una trayectoria académica que, según estudiantes y exalumnos, continúa influyendo en la forma en que las nuevas generaciones entienden la historia, la educación y la identidad. Para algunos de quienes lo conocieron dentro y fuera del aula, esa influencia también se refleja en cómo imaginan su legado.

“Creo que Rudy querría ser recordado, ante todo, como un historiador, pero también como alguien que entendía lo que ocurría en el mundo”, dijo un excolega, si sabes su nombre, título o la materia que enseñaba. “No era un académico aislado en una oficina; estaba en medio de los procesos de organización y comprometido con lo que pasaba en su tiempo. También querría ser recordado por sus estudiantes, su familia y su comunidad, así como por su orgullo en la cultura mexicana y chicana”.

Gallery • 4 Photos

Rudy Harrry Gamboa Jr.

El profesor Acuña, en el Edificio Federal Edward R. Roybal, con el brazo extendido en señal de solidaridad.

My great-grandparents were originally settled in Bayazet. Even though the Turkish government has since changed the name of it, for me, it will always stay the way my grandparents told me.

Bayazet is a city in western Armenia – modern day eastern Turkey. Before 1920, it was part of the vilayet of Erzurum and later became part of the province of Agra, located 25 km south-west of Ararat and 35 km from the Iranian border with a population of 56,000 (2002). Until the 14th century, it had the Armenian name Daroink.

Even though it has the Armenian name, as much as I remember the stories that always circulated in the family, they have always referred to it as Bayazet or Gavar.

In the 19th century, during the Kurdish inter-tribal conflicts, the Turkish-Persian war and the Russian-Turkish wars, Bayazet was the city which suffered most of all during the horrors of Genocide. The Armenian population was particularly affected during the attack of the Turkish troops in the summer of 1877.

Only through the heroic resistance organized by General A. Ter-Gukasov and the subsequent retreat of thousands of refugees was it possible to save Bayazet inhabitants from mass extermination.

In January/February 1907, Turkish troops organized new pogroms in Artsap. In 1909, only three Armenian villages were left in the Bayazet region, with the Armenian population of the town amounting to only 2,000.

According to Russian vice consul Girs, authorities had armed the criminal elements in October 1914, and many local Armenians had to emigrate in order to avoid being persecuted. In November 1914, Russian forces took Bayazet — though it was given back to the Turks soon afterwards, and in November-December, a large number of Bayazet inhabitants had to move to Eastern Armenia. In April 1915, the Muslim population of Bayazet had carried out pogroms against the Armenians, taking advantage of the fact that the Russian offensive had been suspended. In 1916, General Yudenich’s order forbade the Armenian refugees to return to their native lands – by that time, the first Russian settlers had already appeared.

In the summer of 1917, the ban on return was lifted, and by the spring of 1918, Bayazet was recaptured by the Turks. The last Bayazet inhabitants moved to the Ararat Plain regions.

My father’s ancestors from his mother’s side escaped to Novorossiysk and continued shoe-making. Eventually, they left it after the revolution in Russia in 1917.

My father’s dad’s side – as well as my mother’s ancestors from both sides – settled in Gavar, which was founded as Novo-Bayazet (New Bayazit) in 1830, 8 km west of Lake Sevan, by the Armenian migrants from the town of Bayazet of the Ottoman Empire.

Unfortunately, my grandparents do not remember exact dates when their parents and grandparents left Bayazet, but I guess if New-Bayazet was founded in 1830, then they eventually left Bayazet around that time.

My ancestors survived the genocide before the officially recorded one in 1915, and I do not recall any stories my grandparents told me about that one, because much or less their ancestors settled in Gavar, and for them, it was not that troubled as for those who escaped Genocide in 1915 if we can compare it.

Istanbul Vita Hair Transplant Clinic

International patients consider Istanbul Vita to be one of the best hair transplant clinics in Turkey due to the fact that the clinic provides tailor-made hair transplant treatment considering the hair type and thickness of each patient. The Istanbul Vita Clinic has established itself as one of the most reputable hair transplant facilities in Turkey. International patients usually prefer Istanbul Vita clinic due to the extensive experience gained in hair transplant treatments within more than 15 years. Istanbul Vita Clinic performs no more than 1 – 3 hair transplant operations for each patient on any day. Istanbul Vita Clinic has modernized facilities that have 25 treatment and operating rooms. The clinic uses state-of-the-art technology and has a sterile environment. Istanbul Vita Clinic offers consultation time of 40 – 60 minutes with their doctors.

The clinic has a highly dedicated staff of over 200 skilled specialists. Besides, Istanbul Vita clinic has native speaking patient coordinators who offer assistance to foreign patients in 13 languages. Istanbul Vita clinic is legally permitted and certified to perform hair transplant operations. Istanbul Vita clinic has obtained a license from the Ministry of Health of Turkey and an International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate.

About The Medical Team

Among the key points which explain why Istanbul Vita Clinic is considered one of the best hair transplant clinics in Turkey are 4 specialists with relevant experience in hair transplantation who work at this clinic. Their names include Dr. Harun Eymen Alakaya, Dr. Mustafa Ayhan Balci, Dr. Tugçe Yilmaz Arslan and Dr. Özge Miray Gültekin. Each of the doctors specializes in transplantation using various techniques.

As for the specializations of each doctor working at the mentioned clinic, Dr. Mustafa Ayhan Balci is engaged in Vita Technique ®, Afro Hair Transplant, Long Hair FUE, DHI, and female hair transplantation. Dr. Harun Eymen Alakaya provides Vita Technique ®, Combined Technique, Afro Hair Transplant, eyebrow and beard transplantation, as well as female hair transplantation. Dr. Tugçe Yilmaz Arslan uses Vita Technique ®, Combined Technique, and stem cell therapy, while Dr. Özge Miray Gültekin specializes in Afro Hair Transplant and frontal hairline design.

Doctors from the Istanbul Vita Clinic contribute directly in the planning and execution of the transplant surgery process. For example, the procedure that opens the channels is done by the doctors alone to ensure consistency during the whole process for each patient. However, other processes like extracting and implanting follicles are done by qualified medical personnel.

Medical Director – Hasan Basol

Medical Director and Founder of Istanbul Vita Hair Transplant Clinic is D. Hasan Basol who has also contributed greatly to the evolution of hair transplantation techniques. Hasan Basol invented Vita Technique ® which is a unique technique that ensures natural appearance after hair transplantation surgery.

Besides his participation in clinical work, Hasan Basol created a technique called “the fusion” which combines both DHI and Sapphire FUE techniques with the goal of increasing the accuracy of graft extraction and implantation in order to reach high-density hair and natural look. Moreover, he came up with the term of “SUPER DHI technology” which is meant to facilitate the implementation of more than 6,000 grafts when it is suitable.

Because of his successful career in hair transplantations and his experience in handling healthcare institutions, Hasan Basol helped shape Istanbul into one of the clinic of hair transplants in the world and thus enhanced its reputation as a place of healthcare tourism. Therefore, Istanbul Vita has become known as a reputable hair transplant clinic in Turkey, and the clinic won the Best Hair Transplant Clinic in Europe (2023).

International Recognition and Awards

One of the leading media channels in Austria ORF TVthek has recognized Istanbul Vita Hair Transplant Clinic as one of the best hair transplant clinics in Turkey, thereby indicating the increasing international recognition achieved by the clinic. Other reliable media sources that have also covered or nominated Istanbul Vita Hair Transplant Clinic are Forbes, USA Today, Reuters, RealSelf, GQ, The Guardian, among others. Owing to the thousands of testimonials from successful patients at Istanbul Vita Hair Transplant Clinic, as well as its nomination for the Best Hair Transplant Clinic in Europe (2023) and Best Hair Transplant Clinic in Turkey (2021 & 2022), Istanbul Vita Hair Transplant Clinic has managed to receive considerable attention in the industry. In addition, the clinic has also been included in many international rankings featuring the top hair transplant clinics in Turkey in 2026.

Hair Transplant Techniques Offered by Istanbul Vita Clinic

Another advanced technique employed during hair transplantation surgery is the Vita Technique®. The Vita Technique® is a patented technique by the clinic’s medical professionals that focuses on meticulous examination and planning of the donor area in order to have naturally looking transplant outcomes. Furthermore, the Vita Technique® can be applied on diverse types of hair, like afro hair. This makes the technique applicable in cases where the patients present different hair characteristics. Afro hair transplantation, however, demands unique expertise in light of the characteristics of curly, tight, and coily hair. In this regard, Istanbul Vita Clinic is known for successfully performing afro hair transplants. The process demands meticulous planning to ensure a desired outcome, particularly for afro hair transplants.

Besides the above, there are advanced techniques, including Two Days FUE, Sapphire FUE, DHI, Combined FUE & DHI, and Long Hair FUE.

Advanced Care & Support Treatments

The Istanbul Vita Clinic offers some sophisticated services that are designed to contribute to more effective results and comfort for patients during procedures. These procedures include the Stem Cell Treatment service that helps support healing processes, potentially improving graft quality and hair density, the VITA Pain Management service designed to make procedures more comfortable for patients and assist in applying sedation when needed, and the Oxygen Therapy procedure designed to optimize blood circulation and graft viability. In addition, prior to undergoing the procedure, each client has his or her EKG checked and undergoes blood analysis.

PRP and mesotherapy procedures help to stimulate the hair follicles and maintain their density, while the grafts are preserved using IceGraft technology. After the procedure, clients are provided with a specially designed package consisting of shampoos, lotions, and medical products, and the procedure room is sanitized using ultraviolet technology.

Afro Hair Transplant Expertise

In Istanbul Vita, our knowledge of afro hair transplants tells us that it requires a very specialized process since we employ doctors with expertise in handling afro-textured hair. Unlike other forms of hair, afro hair is usually curved and coiled both on and below the scalp and therefore, every step in the transplantation process has to be carefully analyzed and done with utmost accuracy.

From the curls of the hair to the angle at which the grafts are taken out from the scalp, the shape of the hair, and the overall plan to extract the hair from the donor region, all these considerations are extremely important for the success of the procedure. In addition, the doctors have worked with different forms of hair including wavy, curly, coiled, and tight hair.

These skills become even more crucial when it comes to extracting the hair follicles, as the curved pathway of the follicles needs to be taken into account, helping prevent any damage to the grafts, and during the implanting process, as matching the natural angle of growth of the afro hair is key.

At Istanbul Vita, we take into account a number of factors before performing a hair transplant surgery, such as the strength of the donor area, the size of the hair shaft, and the type of curls, among others, thus making sure that our patients get the most natural-looking results possible for their afro-textured hair.

When it comes to the matter of afro hair transplant Turkey for foreign clients, such high degree of specialization might come in handy in terms of the security and the end results achieved with the procedure performed. The aim is to offer afro hair transplant that is based on a good understanding of the specifics involved in this matter.

Vita Technique ®

Microscopic planning has been made a part of the Vita Technique ® system. It enables doctors to examine the donor area and categorize the grafts based on their thickness, texture, and pattern before conducting the actual transplant process. The intention is to enable patients to have a naturally attractive result.

One of the most significant aspects of the Vita Technique ® is that the donor area undergoes microscopic examination and is then subdivided into different zones, including D1, D2, D3, and D4. Each of these zones may have different characteristics in the grafts. After conducting microscopic examination of the donor area, the recipient area is also divided into multiple areas, including F1-F7. Each area will have different requirements of the type of grafts based on natural hair growth pattern and density.

The Classic FUE, DHI, and Vita Technique ® all differ in their technique of hair follicle extractions, hair density, natural look, and recovery time. The Classic FUE procedure involves hair follicle removal with 0.9-1.0 mm punches; thus, it may result in more skin wounds and longer recovery. Channels created by the use of stainless steel blades that measure 1.0-1.2 mm can provide a density of about 35-40 grafts per square centimeter and entail a recovery time of 10-14 days.

On the other hand, DHI can be considered more precise for hair transplantation because it uses an implanter pen that can create channels and hair follicle implants simultaneously. Hair follicle extractions with 0.8-0.9 mm punches may be associated with less damage to the tissue and provide a density of around 40-45 grafts per square centimeter; however, it may produce more donor site tension.

Finally, the Vita Technique ® is characterized by the utilization of 0.6-0.7 mm diameter sapphire punches that form micro-channels, thus reducing the damage to the tissue. In appropriate cases, this technique permits the insertion of more grafts per centimeter squared than other techniques, with a maximum density of 80-100 grafts/cm2, and it also helps achieve angle control.

Hair Transplant Packages and Costs in Istanbul Vita

When selecting the most appropriate clinic for hair transplant surgery in Istanbul, Turkey, among other issues, there is need for an understanding of the costs involved as well as the package structure. Regarding Turkey hair transplantcost, the Istanbul Vita Clinic provides all-inclusive packages, meant to offer a full package experience to patients who visit their clinic for treatment. As far as costs of hair transplant services at the Istanbul Vita Clinic are concerned, the price ranges from $3,200 up to $9,000 depending on various aspects such as procedure technique, duration of operation, number of practitioners, and time taken to complete the procedure.

Istanbul Vita Educates Future Hair Transplant Specialists

In today’s world, where professional development programs are becoming more significant, the authorized institutions of training for hair transplantation also have their importance. Istanbul Vita Hair Transplant Clinic of Turkey can be mentioned as one of the authorized clinic providing training of doctors specialized in hair transplantation. Istanbul Vita Clinic is an officially certified clinic by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey, which organizes its activities according to the principles of science and ethics.

At the clinic, doctors receive excellent training programs on hair transplant surgery, including current topics such as patient examination, planning, operations technique, aftercare. This way, training at the Istanbul Vita Hair Transplant Clinic increases the professional medical knowledge and skills of hair transplant doctors. Thus, not only carrying out hair transplant surgeries, Istanbul Vita Clinic also helps train future hair transplant doctors, which makes it one of the reputable clinics in Turkey and abroad.

Istanbul Vita Selected as the Best Hair Transplant Clinic in 2026

International media organizations and patient-focused editorial platforms have highlighted Istanbul Vita as one of the leading hair transplant clinics in Turkey. Some of the main reasons frequently associated with Istanbul Vita include:

• Doctor involvement in a significant part of the operation
• Channel opening performed by the doctor
• 40 – 60 minutes consultation time for every patient
• Prices do not change according to graft number
• With a boutique model, maximum 1 – 3 patients daily
• Support in 13 languages by native speakers
• Licensed professional doctors and medical team
• Recognized as a top-tier hair transplant clinic by many patients
• Personalized planning for every patient
• Doctor involvement in every operation stage
• Strong patient satisfaction and natural hairline design
• Post-operative care and online consultation
• Advanced care and support treatments
• Hair transplant training for medical experts
• Strong international visibility
• 9 review score across 5000+ reviews on Google Maps, Trustpilot, and Proven Expert
• High patient satisfaction
• Grafts examined under microscope
• High-standard patient experience
• Certified by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey
• Expertise in afro hair types

Vanny Arias is a community activist who operates out of The Offbeat with the permission from the bar’s owner. Last year, she saw a need within her community and decided to create Northeast Los Angeles (NELA) Food Distribution.

“We’re out here for one purpose and that’s to help people, to help our community,” Arias said.

Every week, dozens of volunteers prepare food packages and deliver them to almost 500 people across 12 different zip codes. Each household receives a mix of canned goods, fresh produce and bread, when available. Each week’s delivery will vary depending on the food available, but Arias always finds a way to ensure that nobody goes hungry.

“When you take that food to people’s doorsteps, their face, like, we’re the light in their darkness right now,” Arias said. “They hold on to hope with us, and that’s how we wanna continue showing up.”

It’s estimated that one out of four residents of Los Angeles County experiences food insecurity. This problem is compounded by recent gentrification in Northeast LA.

Maude Reyes, a CSUN student, said the problems her community faces inspire her to get involved.

“We have over the years been affected by a lot of gentrification and displacement in the community,” Reyes said. “Not only displacement from gentrification, but displacement with the current political climate and the removal of some community members. I personally think that not being able to feed your family, that’s violence, too.”

Arias and Reyes agree that they want to help their community in any way that they can. It is this drive that inspires them to get out of bed on weekend mornings and prepare groceries for affected families.

Originally, Arias began by just feeding a few families once she realized she wanted to do something. She brought cardboard signs to the streets and flagged down cars, seeking food donations for a few families she knew. Ultimately, this only grew, leading her to supply hundreds of community members with what they need to survive. She continues to use word-of-mouth and social media in search of more people who may need help.

But as Arias looks for more people to assist, she also seeks more assistance herself.

“Right now, our cupboards are bare,” Arias said.

In fact, during the last few weeks of April, Arias had to pay out of pocket for as much as 50% of the food.

Once a month, NELA receives a delivery of 75 bags of food from District 1, which are immediately sorted and then delivered to families by volunteers that same day. In the last week of April, Arias was awaiting her typical delivery when she received word that there was an error with it, leading her and Reyes to rush to pick up the bags from Downtown. The hundreds of bags were still sorted back at The Offbeat and delivered by 3 p.m. that day.

For the other three deliveries across the month, however, Arias has to find other ways to gather resources. She finds success calling on other community members for help, but is surprised that District 14, which serves Highland Park, has not helped her yet. She said she has reached out multiple times in the last year, but that it “falls on deaf ears.”

“We hope that they find it in their hearts and try to help us because we are here actively working,” Arias said. “We are grassroots. I spent my own tax money, and I’m putting it into feeding people.”

Arias believes it shouldn’t be difficult for the district to find the money within its system, and she is skeptical as to why they have not helped her more.

Reyes spoke to the matter, saying, “You can’t make people care, but I think the world would be a whole lot better if people did care about one another.”

As for the people who do show up each week, all agree that it’s a mutually beneficial experience.

“We’re just neighbors helping neighbors,” said Reyes. “When you’re a part of something like this, it makes you feel loved and supported. I wish everyone could experience this, honestly.”

Two other volunteers, Emma McMahan and Freddie Campbell, encouraged others to get involved and speak about how valuable it has been for them.

“You can’t really go wrong with it,” Campbell said. “There’s nothing wrong with feeding people, ever.”

McMahan added that she noticed “a lot of scary stuff going on,” which led her to look for a way to get involved in her community.

“You have to transform that anxious energy,” McMahan said. “If it stays in a ball in your chest, it’s just going to rot. It has to go somewhere, or it’s gonna poison you.”

Arias wants to assure people, especially younger folk, that there are easy ways to dip a toe in the water of volunteering. She said it doesn’t take a special education or lots of money – all it takes is a want to help.

“Just get up and find your closest place that helps the community around you and just do it,” Arias said. “It’s so gratifying, it’s so nice. You meet amazing people from all walks of life.”

Those wanting to get involved with Arias’ mission can visit her social media, where they can donate, volunteer or even just help to share her mission.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article incorrectly listed Vanny Arias as the owner of the Offbeat Bar. This issue was corrected on May 11, 2026.

Huerta stated in the article that Chávez sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions, both of which resulted in pregnancies.

In another article by the New York Times, Huerta accused Chavez of being emotionally abusive and stated that she feared that speaking out sooner would hurt the farmworker movement.

Now, in light of the accounts of Chavez’s sexual violence, his reputation has been reexamined, prompting scholars to discuss the discipline of Chicano Studies, since Chavez and the farmworkers movement play an unequivocal role in its teachings. Scholars discuss the “great man narrative” and the issue of heteropatriarchy that goes beyond the classroom into community and family ways of living.

Dismantling the myth, centering the movement

Chicano/a/x Studies lecturer at Rio Hondo College in Los Angeles, Isabel Durón,

recalled the long critiques of Chávez’s reputation and how there is room for these conversations in college classrooms.

“Teaching contemporary issues, social movements or any movement for that matter, doesn’t just take one person, but hundreds of everyday people,” said Durón. “Yet, this one person has become larger than life.”

Assistant professor in the Department of Chicana/o Studies at Cal State Fullerton Nadia Zepeda specializes in community accountability and healing justice in Chicana/o feminist organizing.

She explained that her teaching involves a feminist approach to collective organizing that allows for a counternarrative against the “great man.”

“A lot of these men are centered in these narratives because they’re the ones that are seen with the bullhorn or getting arrested,” Zepeda asked.

In this counternarrative, Zepeda can reframe who has the spotlight and who is on the front lines. She said she has students read a piece by Dolores Huerta that focuses on seeing women as leaders and rethinking what it means to be one in a movement like the United Farm Workers. Zepeda also highlighted that in keeping old paradigms like “the great man narrative,” key stories and figures can be missed or ignored.

Teresa Montaño, former associate chair and current professor for Chicana/o Studies at CSUN, emphasized a shift towards a collective approach that focuses on the UFW’s legacy rather than Chávez’s.

“It’s going to be much more important to recognize our history, the legacy of our people, the power of our movement, the story of resistance and resilience that we’ve experienced,” Montaño said. “And for the better, we have a long way to go, but the movement for the betterment of our community is not contingent on one person.”

Montaño also highlighted that when feminist theory, pedagogy and critical race theory are discussed in Chicano studies classes, heteropatriarchy, white supremacy and misogyny should be discussed as well.

“It has to be less dependent on theory … and more about how they change our way of being, our epistemology, our culture, and that it’s not just dependent on women,” Montaño said. “Women are not the only ones that can do the work and raise it, but the men also have to get their hands dirty and dig.”

Montaño added that these issues are also systemic.

“What’s created from misogyny and the patriarchy and the silence when it happens in our families, in our homes, in our movement; we often focus on the individual and not the system that has created the ugliness that we experience,” said Montaño. “César is dead, but that doesn’t mean that the legacy of these types of situations don’t continue.”

While Montaño points to the persistence of these issues over time, Zepeda shifts the focus inward, exploring how they shaped community in movements like the UFW.

“There wasn’t a space to support women that we’re dealing with sexual violence,” she said. “What would have happened if [Dolores] came forward earlier?”

Zepeda said this situation speaks to a culture of silence in the Chicano/a/x community and the need for a survivor-centered accountability response.

The time to act is now

Durón also spoke about what she sees happening in real time with other stories of sexual violence within other Chicano community spaces, such as art, as well as other social and educational movements. She noted that she believes it’s important to take these allegations seriously and address them within the community.

“We are taking it upon ourselves to say this is not somebody that should be uplifted,” said Durón. “That shows, if anything, a commitment to wanting to keep our community safe and how we can challenge these histories of sexual violence.”

Sexual violence is an ongoing issue that is not taken seriously, according to Durón, who said that it takes multiple voices for the issue to be heard and for accountability to be taken. Durón is taking accountability in the classroom by sparking class discussion about the allegations in her Chicano/a/x studies introduction class, where heteropatriarchy and male domination discussions are already taking place.

“Trying to have that conversation of sexual violence is difficult within the classroom, right? And, it can be very triggering,” Durón said. “I think that’s the part that I’m trying to tap into.”

Thanks to TikTok, her songs “you look like you love me,” featuring country singer Riley Green, and her single, “weren’t for the wind”, exploded in popularity, giving Langley her big break in the mainstream media.

“you look like you love me” received a two-time Platinum-certification and “weren’t for the wind” achieved platinum certification, just scratching the surface of Langley’s future breakout as her performance numbers would begin to speak for themselves.

This year, Langley’s sophomore album “Dandelion,” released on April 10, was a hit among fans. Langley joined only 10 other female artists this century to lead the Billboard 200 with a country album.

Her song “Choosin’ Texas” hit the Billboard Hot 100 by climbing all the way to number one and remained there for 26 weeks, only recently falling to number two. “Choosin’ Texas” and “Dandelion” were her first appearances on the chart.

Langley also found herself at number one on the Artist 100, cementing herself as one of the most popular women within country music.

The first reviews and streams for the album were met with extremely positive reactions from all over the country. Many songs became popular TikTok trends with their own dances, and male fans of Langley’s have dubbed themselves “Ella Fellas.”

I believe Langley’s influence has spread like a wildfire and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down anytime soon. She is headlining her own tour, while also performing at popular festivals like Stage Coach and joining alongside Morgan Wallen once more on his “I’m Still The Problem Tour.”

On April 24, Langley dropped a surprise song with Morgan Wallen called “I Can’t Love You Anymore”, which many fans, including myself, were anticipating the collaboration between the two major artists.

With her most recent album taking heavy inspiration from country legend Ronnie Milsap, and her newest single taking inspiration from Fleetwood Mac, I believe it is safe to say that Langley has an ear for good sound.

With the Country Music Awards being in November, it seems that Langley will be in the running for several awards and potentially Album of the Year.

After an elite sophomore album performance, I believe this new “Dandelion” era of Langley’s career could be the defining moment of what could very well be the next queen of country music.

The game began with two shutout innings from Matador pitcher Gage McCown, and both innings were scoreless for CSUN. A solo home run in the top of the third started the day for Cal Baptist 1-0.

A pitching change for the Matadors at the top of the fourth occurred. A three-run homerun, as well as a sacrifice flyout in the top of the fifth, extended the lead for Cal Baptist 5-0.

After going scoreless for four consecutive innings, catcher Matthew Cormier was able to open up the scoring for the Matadors with a solo homerun in the bottom of the fifth. Following him was a single from second baseman Colton Boardman and a double from outfielder Matthew Thomas.

A groundout led to Boardman scoring, but the Matadors still trailed 5-2.

Cal Baptist will be joining the Big West Conference next season. Cormier spoke on how this game is a preview of the future and what the Matadors can do to prepare to see them regularly.

“After this season, they’re kind of a powerhouse this year and have some good arms. But after facing some good arms this past weekend, I think we’ll get it down, and they’ll be some good contenders next year,” Cormier said. “I think we can put up some better at-bats throughout the whole game.”

The sixth and seventh innings were scoreless for both teams. Cal Baptist was able to score two more due to RBI hits in the top of the eighth, with the score being 7-2.

CSUN answered with an explosive ninth inning. Outfielder Will Linberg began the inning with a solo home run, followed by a walk from Thomas and third baseman Kyle Panganiban who had a two-run home run.

With one out, pinch-hitter Cameron Calvillo further closed the scoring gap with a solo shot. The score was then 7-6.

Now, with two outs, shortstop Trent Abel tied up the game with a solo homerun, 7-7, forcing extra innings.

Following the game, Abel said it was fulfilling to execute for his team during a pivotal moment.

Both teams went scoreless in the tenth inning, and Cal Baptist was able to finish the game 9-7 after a field error from the Matadors.

CSUN is set to play UC Santa Barbara this weekend to conclude their last home series. The first game is slated for Friday, May 8, at 5 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Thomas from the Matadors, who is leading the Big West in multiple offensive categories, spoke about what he and the team are going to do to prepare to face the Gauchos.

“I don’t think the approach changes, just trying to look for something I can hit hard and have good at-bats and help the team win anyway I can,” Thomas said. “I know Santa Barbara’s got some good pitching, so we’ll adjust accordingly, approach-wise, but just look forward to going in there and competing against them.”

Gallery • 7 Photos

Griffin O'Rourke

Matador infielder Trent Abel misses the ball giving runner Cole Howarth second base in a game against the California Baptist University Lancers on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Northridge, Calif.

Some are looking toward more shade as a solution. The biggest proponent: the creator of an online petition titled “CSUN Needs More Trees.” According to the pinned FAQ post on its official Instagram, which has garnered over 140 followers, their main goal is to “have CSUN notice the desire for more shady spaces to protect their students from the heat.”

The petition creator, who requested anonymity, described what initially inspired them to start the bid for more trees.

“I thought, how silly it was that in one of the hottest places in LA, people have to resort to bringing their own heat protectant just to get from their car to class,” the petitioner said.

According to the organizer, the main areas in need of shade are Jacaranda Walk, Lindley Avenue and the pathway to the left of the campus library. They also emphasized how uncovered parking lots produce heat from the blacktop.

But for students and professors alike, the heat and the discomfort that comes with heat does not stop when students go indoors.

CSUN’s Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) sets guidelines for indoor air quality and recommends that classroom temperatures be kept between 68 and 78 degrees for comfort. The university’s Indoor Air Quality program also recognizes that lack of ventilation and inadequate airflow or maintenance issues can contribute to an uncomfortable environment.

While those standards are in place, one student claimed the classroom environment often falls short of that mark, with temperature becoming an issue. A first-year CTVA student, who requested to remain anonymous, said hotter classrooms can be a distraction, particularly during important academic times.

“I just could not focus on the quiz, because I kept thinking about how hot I was,” the student said. “I am already like someone who is very anxious, like taking tests, so that just didn’t help, you know, create an environment that felt good to do my best in.”

They also added that uncomfortable classroom temperatures can reduce engagement, as attention shifts away from the course material.

While the university maintains temperature and air-quality standards, variations in building conditions and system performance can result in different experiences across classrooms.

Enrique Fregoso Jr., a senior criminal justice major, said many of his classes tend to be colder, which can make it harder to stay focused during lectures and can sometimes shift attention away from lectures and toward his discomfort.

“I’ll be falling asleep, kind of dozing off, and less focus on lectures and more focus on how comfortable it is to fall asleep in class,” Fregoso said.

The EH&S emphasizes that maintaining indoor comfort depends heavily on regular HVAC maintenance and on system performance, both of which are key to providing consistent air quality across campus buildings.

Professor Autumn Fabrican, who primarily teaches freshman courses in Jerome Richfield Hall and Ronni and Shepherd Goodman Hall, said overheated or stuffy classrooms make it difficult to teach, particularly in active learning environments.

“When a classroom is too hot or it is stuffy, it can just be uncomfortable to teach in, especially because I like to do a lot of activities in the classroom,” Fabricant said. She also noted that students often express concerns about classroom conditions and that participation levels tend to change when temperatures are too high.

Fabricant said that she communicates with campus facilities to address concerns, reporting classroom conditions to Physical Plant Management (PPM) to help maintain comfortable learning environments.

For students who do find themselves looking for relief from the heat, CSUN currently provides options, including the Botanical Garden, which provides shade from the foliage, the Oasis Wellness Center and the recently opened Valera NEST.

Sunday, April 26

Between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., an unknown suspect stole a victim’s electric bicycle in the University Library.

Monday, April 27

These crime logs were reported on April 28; the dates of the actual crimes are included if needed for clarity.

At 1:12 p.m., an unknown suspect damaged the victim’s poster in Sierra Tower.

Between April 22 and April 26, an unknown suspect committed a hit-and-run to a victim’s parked vehicle in Parking Structure G6.

Tuesday, April 28

There is nothing to report.

Wednesday, April 29

These crime logs were reported on April 29; the dates of the actual crimes are included if needed for clarity.

Colored markers were used to write graffiti in a stairwell by an unknown suspect in the University Library.

Between April 28 and April 29, the victim received multiple unwanted text messages and phone calls from an unknown suspect in Canoga Park.

Between April 28 and April 29, an unknown suspect committed a hit-and-run to a victim’s parked vehicle in Parking Structure G9.

Between 2:10 p.m. and 3:28 p.m., an unknown suspect committed a hit-and-run to a victim’s parked vehicle in Parking Structure G3.

Thursday, April 30

An unknown suspect broke the glass of a storage box in the University Park Apartments Building 4.

Friday, May 1

There is nothing to report.

Saturday, May 2

There is nothing to report.

Until around 1:45 p.m., opening the desktop webpage displayed a message from the hackers that threatened to leak all sensitive information to the public unless individual schools reach out to “negotiate a settlement.”

After 1:45 p.m., that message was replaced with an error message stating that Canvas is undergoing scheduled maintenance. The Canvas mobile app also shows various error messages.

According to Instructure, the parent company of Learning Management System, Canvas, is used by more than 50% of higher education institutions across the country. That amounts to an estimated 9.64 million students impacted in this breach.

On May 6, Instructure posted an official incident report claiming that there had been a cybersecurity attack compromising the sensitive data of students.

“Instructure recently experienced a cybersecurity incident perpetrated by a criminal threat actor.” Instructure Chief Information Security Officer Steve Proud said. “We are working quickly to understand the extent of the incident and actively taking steps to minimize its impact.”

At 1:15 p.m. on May 6, Instructure claimed that the threat had been minimized and Canvas was fully operational. CSUN Information Security Officer, Kevin Krzewinski, sent out an alert to CSUN students reiterating Instructure’s statement and urging students to remain vigilant.

Instructure has not confirmed what data may have been susceptible in this event, but claims that Canvas does not store passwords, Social Security numbers, financial information or dates of birth. The hackers claim to have access to student names, personal email addresses and Canvas messages.

The hacking group who claims responsibility for this cybersecurity breach is called ShinyHunters. According to Bug Crowd, a crowdsourced cybersecurity website, “ShinyHunters is a threat actor group that became prominent in 2020 with their purported data theft of 200+ million records stolen from 13 companies.”

At this time, it is unclear what actions the CSU system is taking in regards to mitigating this issue, restoring access to students and securing their sensitive information. The Canvas webpage is inaccessible, showing only the hackers message, while the mobile app shows various error messages.

The greater impact of the data breach remains to be seen as does the next week of final exams, assignments and projects for CSUN students.

Editor’s note: this article was last updated at 2 p.m. on May 7.