Vandal breaks into Campus Center
The building, which has been closed since flooding in September 2020, was burglarized before the end of the fall semester. By Marcos...
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FEATURED
Marcos Franco is a journalism major from Burbank in his last semester at Valley College. Before joining the staff in the fall of 2020, he had written a movie review that was published as a feature to the Star, furthering his interest in writing. His main points of focus are campus and local news stories. He aspires to one day write for a major print publication such as Los Angeles Times or the Washington Post. Outside of the newsroom, Marcos loves to watch travel and cooking TV shows as well as recreate the dishes that spark his culinary inspiration.
Jessica
MARCOS FRANCO
ABOUT ME
- Dec 10, 2021
- 2 min
“GoPass” partnership between LACCD and LA Metro board grants students free rides
The district announces a new fareless public transportation system for students across all nine campuses of the LACCD. By Marcos Franco,...
- Nov 27, 2021
- 3 min
Bring your vax card, your day depends on it
No shirt, no shoes, no proof of vaccination, no service. Angelenos are now wrongfully obligated to abide by the strictest vaccine...
- Nov 16, 2021
- 2 min
Brief: College offers resources to active and post-military students along with their families
Located on the second floor of the Student Services building, the Veterans Resource Center provides students with career and personal...
- Nov 13, 2021
- 2 min
Brief: Community College Umoja programs receive additional statewide funding
Black Scholars across California Community Colleges will share millions-of-dollars worth of state funding to expand on Umoja programs....
- Nov 11, 2021
- 3 min
Suspect-at-large: Man wanted for series of crimes at Valley College
Campus officials ramp up patrol and security, looking for repeat offender. By Matthew Royer, Cassandra Nava and Marcos Franco, Staff...
- Nov 9, 2021
- 3 min
The wash of Californian history: A mural that paints the story of the state’s diverse history
What was once a concrete eyesore in the North Hollywood area of Los Angeles has become a historic landmark. By Marcos Franco, Managing...
- Oct 29, 2021
- 2 min
A short grace period is not going to cut it, students and faculty need more time
The LACCD vaccine mandate is a difficult adjustment in the midst of a busy semester and should not go into effect this fall semester....
- Oct 29, 2021
- 3 min
“No estoy crazy”: Understanding and promoting mental health in the Latino community
Representatives from the Tarzana Treatment Center aim to destigmatize and spread awareness of mental health services. By Marcos Franco,...
- Oct 27, 2021
- 2 min
Brief: The Valley Star honored by LA Press Club and College Media Association
Print submissions from the 2020 semester grant Monarchs the top spot among student papers. On Oct. 16, The Los Angeles Press Club named...
- Oct 22, 2021
- 3 min
LACCD promotes LGBTQIA+ history month
The district honors gay and transgender community members across its nine campuses. By Marcos Franco, Managing Editor The LACCD Board of...
- Oct 14, 2021
- 2 min
LA Metro offers fareless rides for Valley College students
Students in the LACCD will soon be able to ride public transportation free-of-charge under the fareless pilot program. By Marcos Franco,...
- Oct 2, 2021
- 3 min
LACCD falls short of ensuring student safety
As the Los Angeles Community College District and Valley College scramble to come up with a plan to prevent a virus outbreak on campus,...
- Sep 30, 2021
- 3 min
California eviction moratorium set to expire Thursday after a year-plus of protection for renters
With California’s eviction moratorium ending this week, renters will no longer be protected from “no cause” evictions. By Marcos Franco,...
- Sep 22, 2021
- 3 min
LA County issues vaccine requirement
The Los Angeles Board of Supervisors discusses plans to slowly implement a vaccine mandate across the county, shortly following full...
- Sep 13, 2021
- 2 min
Valley College honored by LA Daily News Reader’s Choice Awards
Monarchs lead Los Angeles in advanced education opportunities as voted by LA Daily News readers. By Marcos Franco, Managing Editor Valley...
- Aug 31, 2021
- 3 min
Students return to campus
Valley College Monarchs return to campus for face-to-face classes following three semesters of remote learning. By Marcos Franco and...
- May 30, 2021
- 2 min
Memorial Day travel comeback
Memorial Day weekend commences the beginning of summer travel across the nation. By Marcos Franco, News Editor Travel returns for...
- May 27, 2021
- 3 min
Anniversary of George Floyd’s death
On the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, family members and activists continue to push for police reform. By Marcos...
- May 24, 2021
- 2 min
Valley College hosts virtual pre-finals “Study Jam”
Finals are around the corner and students do not have to prepare alone. By Marcos Franco, News Editor The Academic Resources Center and...
- May 17, 2021
- 3 min
LACCD hosts virtual Lavender Graduation Ceremony
The Lavender Graduation Ceremony promotes unity for LGBTQIA+ members across the district. By Marcos Franco, News Editor The Los Angeles...
- May 10, 2021
- 2 min
LAUSD reopens playgrounds
Students will be able to use playground equipment for the first time since the start of the pandemic. By Marcos Franco, News Editor...
- May 10, 2021
- 3 min
The key to improved mental health can be found outdoors
Outdoor space may be the solution to mental pollution. By Marcos Franco, News Editor Although bundling up indoors is an easeful way to...
- May 7, 2021
- 3 min
A blossoming spring on a mostly-bare campus
While students continue remote-learning away from campus, Valley College has become a hangout spot for surrounding communities. By Marcos...
- Apr 22, 2021
- 3 min
Derek Chauvin convicted in George Floyd’s death
Nearly a year after the killing of George Floyd enraged the nation, a jury found Derek Chauvin guilty on all three charges. By Gabriel...
- Apr 19, 2021
- 3 min
LACCD urges full approval of AB 1040 in order to expand ethnic studies across California
Ethnic studies could become a required course across California Community Colleges if Assembly Bill 1040 is approved. By Marcos Franco,...
- Apr 12, 2021
- 3 min
Asbestos found in Campus Center requires abatement of contaminated materials
After undergoing reconstruction from last semester’s flooding, campus officials find asbestos in the basement of Campus Center. By Marcos...
- Apr 3, 2021
- 3 min
Urban forest moves forward while keeping its roots
The urban forest encompases resources to preserve and restore the vegetation of Valley College. By Marcos Franco, News Editor The...
- Mar 21, 2021
- 2 min
COVID-19 hospitalizations in Los Angeles are at the lowest since November
As the total number of hospitalizations decrease in LA County, Angelenos notice more normalcy in their day-to-day lives. By Marcos...
- Mar 16, 2021
- 3 min
LACCD votes in support of equal pay for district employees
The district’s Board of Trustees voted to approve equal pay for all district employees. By Marcos Franco, News Editor The Los Angeles...
- Mar 12, 2021
- 2 min
One year since Valley College Monarchs packed up their books and headed home
As Los Angeles approaches a year since the first government lockdown, students at Valley continue pursuing their distance-learning...
- Mar 4, 2021
- 3 min
Homelessness in Los Angeles is projected to skyrocket over the next four years
The economic recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will result in a significant increase of homeless both locally and nationally for...
- Feb 27, 2021
- 2 min
Valley College Nursing Department volunteers at Dodger Stadium
Valley nursing students assisted in administering vaccines at one of the nation’s largest COVID-19 vaccination clinics. By Marcos Franco,...
- Dec 19, 2020
- 2 min
Valley College will offer free Wi-Fi to students throughout the end of the semester
Wi-Fi will be accessible in parking lot F where students must remain in their car at all times. By Marcos Franco, Staff Writer Students...
- Dec 12, 2020
- 3 min
Finals week calls for stress coping techniques
Students can conquer the stress triggered by final exams using mindful methods. By Marcos Franco, Staff Writer As the end of the semester...
- Nov 26, 2020
- 2 min
Black Friday shopping will be without late-night Thanksgiving lines this year
Major retail chains will be closed this Thanksgiving in order to ward off restless shoppers. By Marcos Franco, Staff Writer As large...
- Nov 24, 2020
- 2 min
Valley College will give grocery gift cards to eligible students for Thanksgiving
Although Valley will not host a food bank this holiday season, students can still receive meal assistance through Kroger cards. By Marcos...
- Nov 17, 2020
- 3 min
As Kamala Harris prepares for vice presidency, options to fill her U.S. Senate seat remain plentiful
California Gov. Gavin Newsom must choose a candidate to fill Harris’ post for the remaining two years of the term. By Marcos Franco,...
- Nov 15, 2020
- 3 min
The Laundry Truck LA provides free laundry services to the homeless
Local mobile laundromat has done thousands of loads of laundry for those experiencing homelessness. By Marcos Franco, Staff Writer In a...
- Nov 6, 2020
- 3 min
How drive-in movie features have been revived during a time of social distancing
Drive-in features are keeping the entertainment industry afloat during venue closures. By Marcos Franco, Staff Writer As traditional...
- Oct 28, 2020
- 3 min
Yoga: forming a union between the mind, body and spirit
Yoga can help not only keep users in shape, but also promote a balance in mental health. By Marcos Franco, Staff Writer As gyms and...
- Oct 23, 2020
- 3 min
California citizens encouraged to go out and vote
After a strenuous year that has brought vast amounts of panic and divisiveness, Americans are encouraged to exercise their right to vote...
- Oct 14, 2020
- 3 min
How video conferencing changed the way we interact
Since it has first surfaced, video conferencing has evolved and is quickly becoming a preferred method of communication. By Marcos...
- Oct 5, 2020
- 3 min
California plans for new cars to be zero emission by 2035
California Gov. Gavin Newsom's new executive order plans to reduce the state's reliance on gas-powered vehicles within the next 15 years....
- Sep 27, 2020
- 2 min
Another semester of remote learning for LACCD students
The 2021 spring semester for LACCD students will be primarily online. By Marcos Franco, Staff Writer As a result of the ongoing public...
- Sep 21, 2020
- 2 min
Saving money on textbooks for an online fall semester
Amazon may be the most friendly option for students budgeting on textbooks this semester. By Marcos Franco, Staff Writer While saving...
- May 20, 2020
- 2 min
“Honey Boy” Review: Child actor provides for himself and abusive father
Shia LaBeouf stars in “Honey Boy,” an emotional film based on his young life. By Marcos Franco, Special to the Star “Honey Boy” tells the...