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FEATURED
My name is Stephen Castaneda, and I consider myself someone who isn’t afraid to push limits. I’ve always been a creative person, drawing and painting since before I can remember. I started to like photography at the age of 16 when I took a journalism class my sophomore year of high school and fell in love with photography my junior year as a sports editor for yearbook and as a sports photographer for my high school newspaper. As of late, I took a step back from my current position at my job and decided to continue my studies and work for my degree in photojournalism.
What I like to cover, I enjoy everything that’s out of my comfort zone. I'm not afraid of a challenge.
An interesting fact about me is Madonna blocked me on Instagram.
Jessica
STEPHEN CASTANEDA
STEPHEN CASTANEDA
ABOUT ME


It’s time to sunset Daylight Savings Time
By: Daimler Koch, Online Editor Alejandro Rafael for the Valley Star Donald Trump has pledged to accomplish many goals during his second...
daimlermkoch
Apr 22 min read
1 comment


Trump is trying to erase history with the end of birthright citizenship
By: Daimler Koch, Online Editor Illustration by Milan Rafaelov On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order to end...
daimlermkoch
Apr 22 min read
4 comments


Valley soccer on a mission: Monarchs look at a 2025 Turnaround
After a tough 2024 season, the squad looks to rebuild and bring winning soccer back to Valley. By Holdenn Graff, Sports Editor Incoming...
daimlermkoch
Apr 23 min read
5 comments


The transfer portal is hurting JUCO recruitment.
The sidelines feel crowded as the transfer portal takes away JUCO players time on the field. By Alex Diaz, Sports Editor Power 5...
daimlermkoch
Apr 23 min read
2 comments


Ta’Ron Glascoe takes to a different stage
The triple threat Umoja student has found a new direction studying business at Valley College.  By: Kaia Mann, Editor-in-chief Ta'Ron...
Kaia Mann
Apr 23 min read
1 comment


Programs reach out to scholars, veterans and former inmates
New center offers a chance for community building and collaboration for underrepresented groups. By: Sara Lemon, staff writer (L-R)...
daimlermkoch
Mar 233 min read
62 comments


College community stands to protect undocumented students
Members of the district, state officials and immigration experts gathered at the districtwide Dream Resource Forum. By: Kaia Mann,...
daimlermkoch
Mar 233 min read
60 comments


All that glitters is not gold
Trump and his Oompa Loopas want to cash in with golden tickets. By: Elmira Muradkhanyan, News Editor President Donald Trump proposes a...
daimlermkoch
Mar 233 min read
57 comments
Campus shouldn't lose students in translation
The silent struggles that get lost in translation and the case for a peer translation program. By Milan Rafaelov, Staff Writer A cluster...
daimlermkoch
Mar 232 min read
55 comments


Art Gallery Celebrates Former Students With Multidisciplinary Exhibition
The LAVC Art Gallery puts on multiple shows each semester, spotlighting different aspects of art at Valley. By: Kaia Mann,...
Kaia Mann
Mar 173 min read
62 comments


Men and women place second overall in first WSC swim meet
Valley College hosted Pierce, Santa Monica, Ventura and Citrus colleges in the Western State Conference competition Feb. 21. By: Natalie...
Kaia Mann
Mar 62 min read
60 comments


Lady Monarchs' season comes to an end following second-round playoff.
Women's basketball squeaked into the playoffs as the final seed in the Western State Conference, upsetting first round opponent. By:...
Holdenn Graff
Mar 63 min read
61 comments


Nearly $1 billion of construction inches toward finish line
Officials say a portion of the two-decade long revitalization project is set to be completed by 2026. By: Kaia Mann, Editor-in-chief...
Kaia Mann
Mar 63 min read
60 comments


Protests erupt over Trump policies
Donald Trump has issued 75 executive orders and counting, focussed on DEI, Immigration and funding. By: Kaia Mann, Editor-in-chief Flor...
Kaia Mann
Mar 63 min read
60 comments


Assembly Bill 247 looks to level the paying field for inmates.
California operates 35 fire camps to train and employ incarcerated firefighters who are paid less than minimum wage. By: Bruna de Mello,...
Bruna de Mello
Mar 63 min read
63 comments


To stop Trump, Congress Democrats will need to play the long game
By: Daimler Koch, Online Editor Illustration by Milan Rafaelov America appears to be heading towards a constitutional crisis. President...
daimlermkoch
Mar 33 min read
59 comments


College at a Crossroads
The future of higher education braces for a new and refined Trump administration. By Milan Rafaelov, Staff Writer Valley Staff...
Milan Rafaelov
Mar 13 min read
61 comments


Valley College stuns Santa Ana on the road in the first round of playoffs
The Lady Monarchs squeaked out the major upset victory to advance to the second round for the first time since the 22-23 season. By...
Holdenn Graff
Feb 273 min read
58 comments


Transgender Women Belong in Women’s Sports
The recent attack on transgender women in sports carries more significant turmoil into the gender inequality of sports. By Alex Diaz,...
Alexandra Diaz
Feb 274 min read
57 comments


Campus attempts to ease students’ fears with red cards.
Although limited in their response to the possibility of ICE coming to campus, Valley tries to keep immigrant students in the know. By:...
Kaia Mann
Feb 262 min read
64 comments


Medical professionals provide tips on how to stay healthy during flu season
Statistics show the number of flu cases have been on the rise since October and are steadily increasing. By: Hilary Van Hoose, Copy...
daimlermkoch
Feb 263 min read
58 comments


Program focuses on wellness
Assembly bill pushing more than snacks at vending machines. By: Brian Nemorin, Staff Writer Photo Illustration by Astrid Cortez...
daimlermkoch
Feb 262 min read
75 comments


Nickel Boys makes an impact with unique style in a Jim Crow era Florida.
Following the story of two friends who meet under unfortunate circumstances, RaMell Ross’s feature film achieves remarkable milestones in...
Kaia Mann
Feb 262 min read
60 comments


Young Black Scholars are celebrated at Valley.
Umoja Black Scholars welcome middle and high school students on campus with a dance battle, soul food and educational advice. By Kaia...
Kaia Mann
Feb 252 min read
60 comments


Women’s Basketball secures playoff berth in clutch win over Antelope Valley
The squad picks up do-or-die victory in regular-season finale to punch playoff ticket. By: Holdenn Graff, Sports Editor Guard Madison...
Kaia Mann
Feb 243 min read
58 comments


Shining a light on student needs and Campus Help
Valley’s resources offer reprieve for the community. By: Sara Lemon, Staff Writer Students completed the annual Real College Survey last...
Kaia Mann
Feb 193 min read
57 comments


Chicano professor sets new course
Pete Lopez has been teaching at Valley for 28 years and counting. By: Sara Lemon, Staff Writer Professor Pete Lopez standing proud in his...
Kaia Mann
Feb 193 min read
57 comments


The show did not go on for Night of the Living Dead
Valley theater’s fall production suffered an early death after multiple members of the cast contracted Covid-19. By: Kaia Mann,...
Kaia Mann
Feb 193 min read
63 comments


Art faculty balance creation and education at Valley
Borja, Nagy, Queen, and Carter show off their art and workspaces through drawings, paintings, sculptures and ceramics. Amelia Borja...
Kaia Mann
Feb 186 min read
59 comments


Emotional decision making hurts more in the long run.
Scientists warn against mental shortcuts and suggest taking a broader look at each circumstance. By: Jessica Guo, Special to the star...
Kaia Mann
Feb 183 min read
58 comments


Judge makes the right call in handing out punishment in murder case
Judge makes the right call in handing out punishment in murder case. By: Brian Nemorin, Staff Writer Photo Illustration by Sydne...
Kaia Mann
Feb 183 min read
60 comments


Valley College provides safe haven for students
Faculty, staff and student community brace for the impact of a new presidential administration set to take office in January. By: Angel...
Kaia Mann
Feb 184 min read
65 comments


Op-Ed: How True is True Crime?
The true crime genre often prioritizes entertainment rather than truth. By: Kaia Mann, Editor-in-chief Star Staff Illustration...
Kaia Mann
Nov 6, 20243 min read
95 comments
Op-Ed: Immigrants Should be Celebrated, not Condemned
The Republican Party’s tactic of using immigrants as a political boogeyman has gotten old. By: Jessica Guo, Special to The Star “They’re...
Kaia Mann
Nov 6, 20243 min read
86 comments


Kristjana Lewis Keeps Her Competition at Arms Length
A dual-sport athlete who fuels her talent through softball and water polo at Valley. By: Alex Diaz, Sports Editor As Kristjana Lewis...
Kaia Mann
Nov 6, 20243 min read
90 comments


Increased Seismic Activity Rattles Californians
Valley College has taken measures in training faculty and retrofitting buildings to ensure student safety during potential earthquakes....
Kaia Mann
Nov 6, 20243 min read
87 comments


The Search For Accurate News Takes Some Digging
In today’s social media landscape, electronic resources put the hunt for reliable information at students’ fingertips. By: Angel Silva,...
Kaia Mann
Nov 6, 20242 min read
88 comments


Ukrainian Refugee Makes Her Mark at Valley
Alina Lysak made her way to Valley to sharpen her skills before heading to the university. By: Sara Lemon, Staff Writer Valley student...
Kaia Mann
Nov 6, 20243 min read
85 comments


‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ has Been Wrongly Summoned
Tim Burton’s latest onscreen endeavor brings some fun but is complicated with opaque storylines and underdeveloped characters. By: Kaia...
Kaia Mann
Nov 6, 20242 min read
83 comments


Op-Ed: Finding the Truth in News is Up to You
Finding accurate and trustworthy news is more important than ever in the face of misinformation. By: Hilary Van Hoose, Copy Editor Photo...
Kaia Mann
Nov 6, 20243 min read
91 comments
Op-Ed: There’s No Pride in MLB
By: Rogers Levitt, Staff Writer Sports represent an escape for many. Fans from diverse backgrounds enjoy playing their favorite sport or...
Kaia Mann
Nov 6, 20243 min read
83 comments


Valley College Sports Grapples with Statewide Budget Cuts
Monarch Athletics begins the fall semester with a financial drawback that affects students. By: Alex Diaz, Sports Editor The sports...
Kaia Mann
Nov 6, 20242 min read
85 comments


Students Still Wrestle with Gazan Conflict
As the one-year anniversary of the Israel-Palestine conflict passes, protesters continue to speak out. By: Angel Silva, Managing Editor A...
Kaia Mann
Nov 6, 20243 min read
80 comments
LACCD Maneuvers Around State Cuts
By: Kaia Mann, Editor-in-chief The LACCD’s budget for the 2024-25 school year stands at $10.2 billion, approved after Gov. Gavin Newsom...
Kaia Mann
Nov 6, 20242 min read
79 comments


Studies Say a Breath of Fresh Air Leads to Good Grades
Poor classroom air quality leads to lower attendance, a decline in grades, and a higher risk of illness. By: Hilary Van Hoose A Google...
Kaia Mann
Nov 6, 20242 min read
81 comments


Whippets Stir Up Health Concerns
A rise in the abuse of flavored nitrous gas by young adults has medical professionals concerned about health effects. By: Daimler Koch,...
Kaia Mann
Nov 6, 20242 min read
87 comments


Filmmaker Makes Impression
Student Chase Martinez sells his passion paintings on campus. By: Toby Douglas, Staff Writer Chase Martinez displays his painting for...
Kaia Mann
Nov 6, 20242 min read
83 comments
Op-Ed: sports and politics
By: Alex Diaz, Sports Editor It was 1918, at Fenway Park. Game four of the World Series. The Boston Red Sox were battling the Chicago...
Kaia Mann
Nov 6, 20243 min read
82 comments


Women get revenge against Renegades with 1-1 tie
Valley scores its first goal in conference game and uses a stout defense versus Bakersfield College. By: Alex Diaz, Sports Editor...
Kaia Mann
Nov 6, 20242 min read
88 comments


Valley travels with GoPass
By: JC Rosa, Assistant Sports Editor The Valley College Station on the corner of Burbank Boulevard and Fulton Avenue serves as one of the...
Kaia Mann
Nov 4, 20242 min read
91 comments
My Writing
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