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Jessica
LUIS
FLORES
LUIS
FLORES
ABOUT ME
My name is Luis Flores, I was born and raised in Los Angeles growing up in the Lincoln Heights and Highland Park neighborhoods. Photography has always captured my attention and after taking beginning photography classes at Los Angeles Valley College I fell in love with the practice. I run my own creative clothing brand online which is one of the reasons I pursued photography in the first place, to photograph my own work. I really enjoy street photography and studio photography as I photograph and showcase a lot of my merchandise. Trying to get a bigger grasp on photography I enrolled in photojournalism and hope to complete a photojournalism degree.
An interesting fact about me is that I love cycling from BMX to road and mountain bikes, I own 4 bikes that I enjoy taking out every once in a while. I used to race at the Encino velodrome back in 2017.
New Graphic Novel Series ‘Pet Placement Society’ finds it place in a booming market.
Author-illustrator Primo Gallanosa debuts a middle-grade graphic novel series that combines animal rescue, friendship and life lessons as graphic novels continue to surge in popularity. By Eric Schuman Special to the Star Graphic novel sales in the U.S. have more than doubled since 2019, with children’s and middle-grade titles leading that growth. As best-selling franchises like Dog Man and The Baby-Sitters Club dominate shelves, a new graphic novel series is carving
5 days ago2 min read
Skills acquired in games become real-life tools
Gaming provides a strong educational experience for students, encouraging personal and psychological learning. By: Angel Martin, Opinion Editor Gaming is educational and is much more than holding a controller. Video games are a great tool for teaching students, gaining personal growth, honing physical skills and improving academic performance. Currently 85 percent of U.S. teens spend time playing video games. In the past gaming was looked down upon as a recreational activity,
Jun 12 min read
Corporations profit in the Iran war while ordinary Americans pay the price
War profiteering raises costs across the board for American citizens with fuel hit the hardest. By: Mariam Mkrtchian, Social Media Editor The war in Iran, now around three months old, is shaping up to be an economic disaster for ordinary Americans. While the headlines focus on military strategy and geopolitical tensions, a deeper look reveals a troubling reality. The business of war is enriching fossil fuel giants and weapons manufacturers, even as the rest of the country pay
Jun 12 min read
Valley graduates prepare for commencement and new beginnings
This year’s graduating class reflects the many paths that shape the college experience. By: Mariam Mkrtchian, Social Media Editor As graduation season approaches, students at Valley are preparing to celebrate not only academic achievements, but also the journeys that led them to commencement. Jorge Munoz, a 29-year-old broadcasting and radio major who has attended Valley since 2022 is fulfilling his family’s dreams on graduation day. “I feel excited and thank God I’m graduat
Jun 13 min read
Valley men’s baseball and women’s softball finish a disappointing season
Monarch baseball and softball both missed playoff contention after struggling throughout the season both being under .500 in win percentage. By: Joshua Kahn, Staff Writer It was a disappointing season for Monarch baseball as they went 12-28 in the overall season and 5-16 within their conference. Women’s softball posted a 1-11 in conference record and went 10-28 overall. Despite being tied for sixth in stats among their conference competitors, Monarch baseball could not bea
May 262 min read
Valley College legend Jim McMillan retires after 21 years
The hall-of-fame coach leaves behind a powerhouse aquatics program and a legacy of mentorship. By: Gabriela Martinez, Staff Writer The poolside deck at Valley College will look a little different next season without the familiar sight of Coach Jim McMillan. After 21 years of leading the aquatics program, coach McMillan is officially hanging up his whistle, leaving a mark on the facility and the hundreds of athletes who trained there. While his resume is anchored by a Division
May 263 min read
Hila Cage Coppola redefines her path through filmmaking
The 36-year-old Valley student is turning personal experience into powerful narratives as she returned to college to create films. By: Rosemary Villalonga, News Editor After becoming a mother, Hila Cage Coppola found empowerment through filmmaking at Valley College where she strives to make her audience feel the same. At 36 years old, she returned to college to pursue something she never had, filmmaking. Nearly two decades earlier, she graduated and received an MBA from NYU
May 223 min read
Four mayoral frontrunners participate in forum at Valley College
Mayor Bass and moderator Alex Cohen discuss pressing voter issues on stage at Monarch Hall during a forum hosted by the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce. (Michel Melichar for The Valley Star) By: Michel Melichar, Staff Writer Four mayoral candidates for the 2026 California primaries gathered in Valley’s Monarch Hall for a debate about the city’s future. Rising housing and food prices along with stagnant wages have been hot-button issues discussed during previo
May 202 min read
Younger generations are in the worst position for drafts
With Gen Z facing more mental health issues and a newer distrust of the military, a possible draft will leave damaging everlasting effects upon the generation. By: Angel Martin, Opinion Editor With the conflict in Iran stretching on for two-and-a-half months, and the U.S. appearing to take a more hostile approach to international diplomacy, Americans fear the possibility of getting drafted. If a draft occurs, Gen Z, in particular, will be afflicted the most, because they have
May 202 min read
Spring 2026 ASU election results
Emma Shanakian wins ASU presidency as student voting participation rises significantly from last year. By: Rosemary Villalonga, News Editor Emma Shanakian was elected as ASU president to serve during the 2026-2027 school year joined by the newly elected board which includes Vice President Mitka Delgado, Chief of Justice Samantha Gomez and Treasurer Robert Lazaryan, in an election that had over 600 total votes. Other elected positions include Benjamin Ramirez as commissione
May 182 min read
LA Game Con connects community college students with industry careers and competitions
Hundreds of students and gaming professionals gathered at Los Angeles Trade Tech-College for LA Game Con, where gaming centered events highlighted the growing role of gaming in higher education and workforce development. By: Eva Larrabee, Staff Writer Up to 350 participants showed up to participate in this year’s annual LA Game Con on Saturday. The event featured informational seminars discussing the gaming industry and development, as well as esport tournaments in Valorant,
May 173 min read
Middle school takes over community college in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
For the debut of the Shoebox Theater, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” was an astonishing way to show off student actors and their vocal talents. By: Alexis Harris, Staff Writer The theater department selected the Shoebox Theater for their first show, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” This musical centers on six middle school aged students who not only compete in the spelling bee, but grapple with their ambitions and personal issues. The set designers
May 133 min read
District recommends three-prong approach to stall global Canvas cyberattack
The attack perpetrated by the group ShinyHunters led to mass Canvas outages worldwide By Michel Melichar and Daimler Koch, Staff Writers Instructure has paid over $100 million to ShinyHunters to prevent nationwide data leaks and restore Canvas access to over 9,000 institutions before the end-of-day deadline on May 12, according to an anonymous source. LACCD personnel are encouraging caution as students and teachers return to online classes and navigate Canvas. They recommend
May 113 min read
Valley College hosts the ribbon cutting of the VACC
On Wednesday, students and faculty gathered in the VACC’s plaza to officially open the newest building on campus featuring facilities for the media arts. By: Michel Melichar and Daimler Koch, Staff Writers Administrative staff gather as Valley President Barry Gibbons and LACCD Board President Sara Hernandez cut the ribbon to commemorate the opening of the Valley Academic & Cultural Center, during a ceremony held on April 29. (Fanny Rosales for the Valley Star) As the Los Ange
Apr 292 min read
Online voting begins for ASU and Student Trustee elections
Students are able to read candidate personal statements and access voting in their student portal as the election runs through May 3. By: Rosemary Villalonga, News Editor Valley College students can now vote for nine ASU officials and an LACCD student trustee who will help shape the student experience in the coming school year. 10 candidates are running for nine positions, and students can vote from April 27 to May 3 through their student portal. Positions include president,
Apr 282 min read
Five professors gathered to discuss the conflict in Iran in the latest CAP event
The HC CAP hosted an afternoon seminar on the Iranian conflict through various lenses of Valley College professors. By: Michel Melichar, Staff Writer Joshua Sperber is one of five professors who spoke at the War in Iran: Context and Consequences event held Wednesday in the LARC. (Angel Rangel for the Valley Star) Around 70 students gathered on the second floor of the Valley College library Wednesday to hear five professors discuss the ongoing conflict in Iran. The event, tit
Apr 273 min read
Valley faculty and students find their voice as part of Studio City Rising
The local organization brings together several professors and pupils to protest the Trump administration every Saturday. By: Daimler Koch, Editor-in-Chief Valley College Professor Zachary Knorr and his wife, Lauren Johnson, demonstrating at the Studio City “No Kings” protest on March 28. The professor and his wife are members of the activist group, Studio City Rising, which plan weekly protest events speaking out against the Trump Administration. (Lea Pfau for the Valley Star
Apr 273 min read
Valley hosts Western State Conference swim championships
Over the three-day event at the Valley College Aquatics Center, the women took first place across five events and finished second overall. The men managed to take home fifth overall. By: Alejandro Garcia, Sports Editor August Kalaba and Colton Arnett gliding in the men's individual medley. (Angel Rangel for the Valley Star) In the Western State Conference swim championships, Valley College’s women’s and men’s took second and fifth place respectively. The Monarchs competed f
Apr 222 min read
When war comes, a sense of identity is the first casualty
Arthur Vardanyan’s story reflects on a life shaped by migration, exploring how war not only devastates lives, but fractures identity. By: Arthur Vardanyan, Special to the Star Vardanyan's father and his beloved dog, Nini, sit in their house in Tehran, Iran on Feb. 27, 2026, the day before the US struck the country. (Star Staff Photo Illustration) I always had a feeling war would come. Not in a dramatic, cinematic way, but as a slow, inevitable shift that could be sensed long
Apr 222 min read
Professors adapt as AI becomes inevitable in the classroom
With AI as a common academic tool, professors are faced with the challenge of regulating its use without compromising learning or academic integrity. By: Mariam Mkrtchian, Social Media Editor (Daisy Tapia for the Valley Star) Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a part of students’ daily workflow, forcing professors to confront a new academic reality and regulate a tool that is already seeing widespread use. “I think we all know the tide is here, and we can’t fight it
Apr 223 min read
United States government leaves healthcare funding in the hands of residents due to budget cuts
Cuts to funding and new regulations surrounding Medicaid create instability surrounding healthcare, a tax increase has been suggested as a solution. By: Eva Larrabee, Staff Writer (Alejandro Rafael for the Valley Star) Los Angeles County residents will vote on an increase in sales tax this coming June in an attempt to offset healthcare budget cuts being made by the Trump administration. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or H.R. 1, will cut approximately 2.5 billion dollars from
Apr 223 min read
Pop culture’s new place in protest
Pop culture has found a fresh resonance among Gen Z protesters with the manga “One Piece” and its political themes. By: Angel Martin, Opinion Editor Caitlin Kimmick walks on the frontlines of No Kings Protest in Downtown LA on Alameda Street with a Straw Hat flag on March 28. (Angel Rangel for the Valley Star) Over the past few months, a new prop, yielded by young protesters, has emerged around the world. A banner with a simple skull-and-bones bearing a straw hat, from the m
Apr 33 min read
Valley College baseball snap five game losing streak beating West LA College.
After not registering a win since March 13, the Monarchs got back into the win column, dominating the Wildcats 12-2 on Tuesday, March 31. By: Alejandro Garcia, Sports Editor Hunter Dawson is relieved after pitching a respectable game. Unfortunately, the Monarchs could not hold on and lost 28-14 to Pierce College on March 17. (Richard Ball for the Valley Star) The Monarchs currently stand at a 9-19 overall record with a 3-7 conference record, edging out an authoritative win a
Apr 13 min read
The gap between online activism and real action
The growing disconnect between digital “activism” and on-the-ground change happens when people begin protesting for their social media feeds rather than meaningful progress. By: Gabriela Martinez, Staff Writer Performative protesting blurs the lines between genuine activism and “clout chasing,” as individuals attend protests for views and followers rather than true commitment to the cause. In an era where social media amplifies every act of dissent, performative protesting h
Apr 12 min read
Opinion: Sports and politics are almost inseparable and always empower athletes
Sports across the course of history have been used as a stage for more than just competition but for a message in the midst of political tension. By: Alejandro Garcia, Sports Editor (Alexis Harris for the Valley Star) Seven members of the women’s Iranian national soccer team made headlines recently for seeking asylum following their defeat at the women's AFC Asian Cup. The Iranian Lionesses suffered elimination to the Philippines, 2-0, ending their Asian Cup dreams in early
Apr 13 min read
The best cookies: a family affair
My sister, mom and dad used the kitchen and their approach to baking cookies as a form of self-expression. By: Nawal Harb, Special to the Star (Alexis Harris for the Valley Star) The kitchen buzzed with warmth and togetherness when the argument started, the kind of warmth that thickens the air and makes butter melt faster than you want. My sister hovered over the counter with a metal ruler, leveling a cup of flour like she was prepping for a lab experiment. My dad stood besid
Apr 12 min read
Hundreds rally at Cal State Northridge for No Kings protest
Community members come together with signs, music and strong voices to oppose the current state of government during a peaceful protest. By: Eva Larrabee, Staff Writer Protesters stand near CSUN's main campus during the No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28. The demonstration took place at the intersection of Zelzah Avenue and Nordhoff Street, and was peaceful overall. (Scott Beckstead for the Valley Star) Up to 1,000 people gathered on Cal State Northridge’s campus from 11
Apr 12 min read
The profits of protests
Street vendors and business closures across Los Angeles protests showcase how commerce coexists with social demonstrations. By Rosemary Villalonga, News Editor Mixed among protesters, security guards, police officers, signs and chants, sits a group of individuals looking for a profit: protest vendors. According to the American Journal of Sociology, profiting from civil unrest has been happening for decades, making the United States no stranger to this type of commerce. This
Mar 312 min read
“No Kings” protest draws thousands to Downtown LA
Demonstrators traveled to City Hall to call out President Trump as part of a national movement with over 8 million participants total. By: Alejandro Garcia and Daimler Koch, Staff Writers A man holding an upside-down American flag crosses Spring Street to join other protesters in front of City Hall, Downtown LA, just before the beginning of the second No Kings protest on March 28. (Angel Rangel for the Valley Star) Over tens of thousands of people headed to Downtown LA on Sat
Mar 313 min read
The Man is never more powerful than the movement
The recent revelations of Cesar Chavez behavior against women, sparks a conversation about history, power and accountability. By: Rosemary Villalonga, News Editor As Women’s History Month winds down, the multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against Civil Rights leader Cesar Chavez serve as a sobering reminder that the history of mankind has coexisted with the continuous abuse of women. Throughout history, the contributions of women have been overshadowed and diminishe
Mar 302 min read
Review: How the 2026 Oscars delivered anticipated awards for Hollywood’s biggest films
The 98th Academy Awards shined a light on Hollywood’s biggest films by awarding actors and crew and throwing in Conan O’Brien’s trademark humor. By: Jesse Illanes, Managing Editor & Valley Life Editor Conan O’Brien hosted the 98th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre and opened his monologue by joking that he may be the Oscars last human host. “Next year, it’s going to be a Waymo in a tux,” O’Brien added. Stars from this year’s popular films like “Sinners,” “One Battle After A
Mar 273 min read
Students and faculty share original works and perspectives to celebrate World Poetry Day
The World Languages and Cultures Department organized a two-day event where attendees wrote and discussed poems in different languages. By: Daimler Koch and Rosemary Villalonga, Staff Writers Students discuss poems from around the world at the second annual World Poetry Day Celebration. The event was held on March 21 by the LAVC World Languages and Cultures Department. (Fanny Rosales for The Valley Star) On a Wednesday afternoon, about 60 people gathered in The Unity Center
Mar 253 min read
Scream 7 wows at the box office but the story suffers
The return of Neve Campbell marks one of the few bright lights in the latest slasher film. By: Cristian Galvez, Special to The Star When the original Scream slashed its way onto the big screen thirty years ago, audiences likely did not anticipate that the film or its cast would remain so relevant today. What started as a clever tribute to slasher films has evolved into a massive franchise. Scream 7 has topped $192 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing entry in th
Mar 253 min read
Freshman record holder, Abby Chatalyan, carries her family's legacy
Flying into first place, the 19-year-old swimmer holds one individual and three team records. By: Gabriela Martinez, Staff Writer Valley College phenom Abby Chatalyan, majoring in biology and shattering records. (Alejandro Garcia for The Valley Star) Abby Chatalyan stands on the starting block at the Mt. San Antonio College Aquatics center, staring down 200 meters of blue water and a legacy that was written for her in the Valley College record books, even before she was bor
Mar 252 min read
The “What Remains: Memory, Ritual, Trace” exhibit on campus invokes emotions of mourning
An exhibition featuring themes of loss and healing will remain open at Valley College’s Art building until April 3. By: Jesse Illanes, Managing Editor & Valley Life Editor Valley College’s current art exhibit, “What Remains: Memory, Ritual, Trace” explores themes of loss, mourning and healing. The opening reception for the art gallery was hosted on March 10 in the LAVC Art Gallery, featuring artists, organizers and the show’s curator. The goal of this show was to demonstrat
Mar 182 min read
Social media brings doom beyond doomscrolling
Platforms like Instagram and YouTube are addictive, negatively impacting mental health for younger users. By: Daimler Koch, Editor-in-Chief Scott Beckstead for the Valley Star Decades after their creation, social media sites are finally being held accountable for their destructive actions in a series of lawsuits across the country. These lawsuits highlight real issues younger people have been experiencing when interacting with social media – issues that everyone should be tak
Mar 182 min read
Social labels divide authenticity and perception
Despite agreeing on gender equality, students shy away from the feminist label, fearing how it may affect them socially. By: Mariam Mkrtchian, Social Media Editor (Daisy Tapia for the Valley Star) If you ask students on campus whether they believe in equal rights for men and women, the answer is almost always yes. But ask those same students if they consider themselves feminists, and the room gets quieter. In a generation where labels carry more social weight than ever, stude
Mar 182 min read
Long-awaited buildings will improve student experience
The Valley Academic and Cultural Center and Academic Hall provide a fresh facelift on an aging campus. Staff Editorial After 20 years of anticipation and 10 years of construction, Valley College introduced two new buildings to its campus. These ambitious projects showcase the continuous growth and modernization of this 75-year-old campus. The Valley Academic and Cultural Center and the Academic Hall have had an unstable upbringing. The VACC, in particular, has been in constru
Mar 182 min read
Pi Day adds up to be a fun and enriching experience for STEM clubs and students
The three-hour event featured plenty of games and activities to get attendees interested in robotics, engineering and other technical fields. By: Daimler Koch and Eva Larrabee, Staff Writers Pi Day held at Monarch Hall on Mar. 10. Valley College and local high school students were among the attendees. More than 30 tables were set up from different businesses and clubs. (Angel Rangel for the Valley Star) Pizzas, toy car races and quantum computing formed an unlikely trio at Va
Mar 113 min read
Monarch freshmen women led the charge at Mt. SAC invitational
The Valley College women’s swim team hosts Santa Monica Saturday for an 11 a.m. start. By: Alejandro Garcia, Sports Editor The women’s swim team hit the pool Monday after a successful run at the Mt. Sac Invitational, where the team placed fifth among 21 other colleges. The team will host Santa Monica College Saturday at the LAVC Aquatics Center for their second conference meet of the season, slated to start at 11 a.m. (Angel Rangel for The Valley Star) The Monarchs are headi
Mar 112 min read
The Valley Star earns General Excellence recognition at JACC
Valley College’s journalism program received meritorious awards for newspaper, magazine and online categories at a conference held by the Journalism Association of Community Colleges. By: Rosemary Villalonga, News Editor The Journalism Association of Community Colleges held its statewide conference in San Francisco on March 7, where the Valley Star and the Crown staff earned the association's top honor: General Excellence for the newspaper (The Star), magazine (Crown), and we
Mar 102 min read
Plenty of good times to be had at the Good Times Farmers Market on campus
Sundays at Valley College’s Parking Lot A features a farmers market with vendors selling food and collectibles. By: Jesse Illanes, Managing Editor & Valley Life Editor Shoppers line up at the Authentic Aguas Frescas booth at the Good Times Farmers Market hosted by Valley College every Sunday. The farmers market is located in Parking Lot A, at the corner of Burbank Boulevard and Fulton Avenue. (Fanny Rosales for the Valley Star) On the corner of Burbank Boulevard and Fulton Av
Mar 103 min read
Opinion: NCAA’s blanket waivers threaten the entire college football system
Senior college football players can receive up to three extra years on the field, which is unfair and puts younger athletes at a disadvantage for college play. By : Alejandro Garcia, Sports Editor Photo illustration by Angel Rangel College football players are suing the National Collegiate Athletics Association over being excused from JUCO playing years unfairly leading to more playing time. If players take the JUCO route, they can play up to six years of college football in
Mar 43 min read
Valley celebrates sneaker culture
Umoja Back Scholars mixes it up, offering food, dance and photos to close out Black History Month. By: Angel Martin, Opinion Editor Students who attended the Sneaker Ball Thursday at the Art Gallery are waiting in line for their keychains after making memories in the photo booth. (Photo by Scott Beckstead) As students walked into the art gallery, passing through a doorway of streamers, they were greeted with music, lights and walls of sneakers. “It really demonstrates what w
Mar 22 min read
Bachelor’s degrees from community colleges face opposition in light of their perks
Community colleges in California have been trying to create bachelor’s degree programs for over a decade. But the UCs and CSUs have tried to slow their efforts. By Daimler Koch, Editor-in-Chief (Michel Melichar for the Valley Star) Community colleges want to continue to offer four-year degrees for their students while ignoring opposition from the UCs and CSUs. The two-year institutions were given the power to establish bachelor’s programs beginning in 2014. Since then, 45 Ca
Mar 23 min read
Monarch baseball starts to ramp up as they they prepare for conference play
Valley's baseball team looks to pick up the momentum nearing the end of their second month of preseason baseball as they prepare to start Western State Conference play. By Alejandro Garcia, Sports Editor Monarchs outfielder Christopher DeLaHoya, far right, steps up at bat during a home game against the Modesto Junior College Pirates on Feb. 18. (Richard Ball | For the Valley Star) The Valley College men's baseball team is closing off their second month of the new season on th
Feb 253 min read
Ghost students scam community colleges by stealing financial aid
Student Services has created new policies campuswide to combat AI scammers impersonating real students. By Rosemary Villalonga, News Editor (Alexis Harris for the Valley Star) Millions of dollars in financial aid are being lost to identity fraud across California community colleges, resulting in new protective procedures at Valley College. “Ghost students” is the term used to refer to scammers who are using AI and identity theft to infiltrate community colleges and receive
Feb 252 min read
Valley College softball played a challenging double header against Santa Barbara, resulting in a heart-breaking loss
The Monarchs drop their last six games and head to Santa Monica Thursday for a match against the Corsairs. By Marta Cherniak and Alejandro Garcia, staff writers LAVC's softball team waits for Tarryn Macias after a home run hit on Tuesday's game against Santa Barbara City College. Photo taken at Los Angeles Valley College on Feb. 24. (Angel Rangel for the Valley Star) The Valley College softball team lost a double header to Santa Barbara Community College on Tuesday by the com
Feb 251 min read
Review: “The Secret Agent” is a thrilling exploration of casual corruption
By Jesse Illanes, Valley Life Editor (Cinemascopio Producoes -- IMDB) The Oscar buzz surrounding The Secret Agent should come as no surprise, as the film features a thrilling political story involving corruption and a man who is trying to save his son. The performances also stand out in this feature as Wagner Moura is nominated for best actor. The film – which has garnered four Oscar nominations including best picture, best casting and est international feature film – is told
Feb 233 min read
Metro GoPass provides free rides for Valley College students
Valley College students can ride Metro buses and trains for free until September 2026 thanks to a partnership with LACCD. By Gabriela Martinez, Staff Writer (Daisy Tapia for the Valley Star) Navigating Los Angeles is a notorious challenge for students, but a renewed partnership is making the commute to Valley College significantly easier. The common commuter struggle is being replaced by a sense of relief as students begin to use the free Metro GoPass program this year. The
Feb 231 min read
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