Cerritos College
Cerritos College • Norwalk, Calif.

Talon Marks

Cerritos College • Norwalk, Calif.

Talon Marks

Cerritos College • Norwalk, Calif.

Talon Marks

Monica Gallardo

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor

Spring 2015

Hey, I'm Monica and I'm the opinion editor at Talon Marks. When I'm not stressing about creating story topics and making sure everyone meets their deadlines, I'm probably hanging out with friends or sleeping or just chilling with dogs. It's my second semester on the paper and hopefully next semester I'll be at a Cal State. Last semester I was the sports copy editor and I'm excited to take on a bigger role and grow with my fellow journalists. In the future, after school is all done with and I'm responsible enough, I plan to go to New Zealand and maybe stay there because even though I've never been there, it's my favorite place. And no, it's not because I love The Lord of the Rings and New Zealand is where the trilogy was filmed. That's just a coincidence.

All content by Monica Gallardo
Second baseman Monique Ramirez attempts to get the out during the February 20 game against College of the Canyons. The Falcons ended their season with a 26-19 record. Photo credit: Monica Gallardo

Falcons season ends dramatically

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor May 19, 2015

A back-and-forth game against El Camino College led to an 8-7 loss for the Cerritos College softball team this weekend at the Southern California Super Regionals, ending the Falcons’ 2015 season. First...

Opinion: Page 5 of May 13

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor May 13, 2015

Opinion: Page 4 of May13

Monica Gallardo, Opinon Editor May 13, 2015

Opinion: Page 3 of April 29

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor April 29, 2015

Center fielder Joanna Perruccio attempts to outrun pitcher Ana Pedrozas throw to first. The Falcons are one of the 16 teams that made it to the Southern California Regional Playoffs. Photo credit: Monica Gallardo

Softball team prepares for regional playoffs

Monica Gallardo April 29, 2015

After riding a three-game losing streak to end the regular season at 23-17, the Cerritos College softball team will head to College of the Canyons on Saturday for the first round of the Southern California...

Computer Science major Cornelius Wells helps two students at a game booth during the Financial Aid Awareness Fair. The game booth provided information about FAFSA eligibility. Photo credit: Gustavo Lopez

Financial aid awareness fair educates students

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor April 24, 2015
Thursday, April 23 marked the final day of the Financial Aid Awareness Fair held in front of the Cerritos College library.

Transgender speaker shares life experience

Monica Gallardo April 24, 2015
“Being trans is a part of my identity, but that’s pretty far down the list of who I am,” Cole, who works to shed light on gender communities, said.

Happy #NationalHighFiveDay!

Samantha Vasquez and Monica Gallardo April 23, 2015

Editors, Samantha Vasquez and Monica Gallardo went out to celebrate #NationalHighFiveDay with Cerritos College students.

Opinion: Page 5 of April 15

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor April 22, 2015

Opinion: Page 4 of April 15

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor April 22, 2015

Opinion: Page 4 of April 08

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor April 14, 2015

TM monica gallardo

Sophomore Crystal Cano uses her strong offense and versatile defense to help the Falcons. The team is currently 18-12 overall and 11-4 in the South Coast Conference. Photo credit: Monica Gallardo

A long journey home for a local resident

Monica Gallardo April 13, 2015

“Family plays a big part. I love having my family come out and watch me play, ” sophomore Crystal Cano said. The psychology major has been playing softball for seven years and currently leads...

Pinch-hitter Stefani Gonzalez hit one of four Falcons home runs for the 12-3 victory. This was Cerritos tenth mercy-win of the season. Photo credit: Monica Gallardo

Power and speed lead to another Falcons mercy-win

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor April 6, 2015

First baseman Crystal Cano hit a pair of two-run home runs in the Falcons’ 12-3 win over Pasadena City College. Catcher Krystal Purkey and pinch hitter Stefani Gonzalez also hit a home run, while...

New committee aims for equal education

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor April 3, 2015
Vice President of Student Services Stephen Johnson has formed a Student Equity Committee aimed at giving students an equal opportunity at a successful education.

Opinion: Page 4 of March 04 issue

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor March 30, 2015

Catcher Krystal Purkey singles to left in the fourth inning. The Falcons improved their conference record to 9-3 with a 15-4 route of the LA Harbor Seahawks.

Falcons bounce back from three-game losing streak

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor March 25, 2015

The Falcons showed their power once again Tuesday, March 25 as Haley Petruccelli hit the team’s sixth grand slam of the season, contributing to the 15-4 victory over Los Angeles Harbor College. This...

Presidential candidate Dr. Rajen Vurdien spoke about his mission and experience on March 11 in the Teleconference Center. Elections have not yet started. Photo credit: Monica Gallardo

Candidate’s goal is student safety

Monica Gallardo March 13, 2015
Cerritos College hosted the third round of the presidential candidate panel, in which Dr. Rajen Vurdien showcased what he can bring to the campus if elected. His plans include working with high schools to enhance the success of incoming students, improve campus safety and improve faculty and staff.
Cerritos catcher Krystal Purkey connects for a grand slam in the first inning. She hit another home run in the fourth for a 16-6 Falcons victory. Photo credit: Monica Gallardo

Falcons power through with five home runs

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor March 12, 2015
It was a home-run derby for the Cerritos Falcons softball team as it powered through a 16-6 win over Long Beach City College
Director of Career and Assessment Services Terry Lopez speaks about the employee panel. Students and faculty received insightful information about the hiring process Wednesday, March 11. Photo credit: Monica Gallardo

Employers advise students about the workforce

Monica Gallardo March 11, 2015
Cerritos College students and faculty received advice for job searching at the employee panel on March 11 in Fine Arts 43.
Public wins the Internet

Public wins the Internet

Monica Gallardo March 3, 2015

The government sometimes makes questionable decisions, but last Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission voted in favor of net neutrality, keeping the Internet free and open to all consumers....

Center fielder Joanna Perruccio singled to left field against ELAC on Feb. 17 and went on to steal second. She broke the school record for most stolen bases with 49. Photo credit: Monica Gallardo

Perruccio ‘steals’ her way to history

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor February 25, 2015
Sophomore Joanna Perruccio is a film major who describes herself as a Steven Spielberg geek that enjoys tennis.

Cerritos softball team defeats El Camino-Compton Tartars

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor February 22, 2015

A nine-run first inning propelled the Cerritos College softball team to a 15-0 route of the El Camino-Compton Center Tartars at Nancy Kelly Field on Thursday, Feb. 19. Assistant coach Jenel Guadagno...

One shade of abuse

One shade of abuse

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor February 18, 2015
The controversial film adaptation of E. L. James' "Fifty Shades of Grey" grossed roughly $85 million during its opening weekend, thanks to the money-hungry film industry that has manipulated viewers into thinking of this as a romantic, erotic film.
Center fielder Joanna Perruccio makes the final out of the inning. She broke the Cerritos College record for most stolen bases, 49. Photo credit: Monica Gallardo

Perruccio breaks stolen-bases record

Monica Gallardo February 18, 2015
Cerritos College center fielder Joanna Perruccio broke the school record for most stolen bases in the second inning of the Falcons 13-5 victory over East Los Angeles College at Nancy Kelly Field.

iFalcon Club focuses on fundraising and student success

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor February 14, 2015
About 10 students learned about iFalcon’s campus participation and fundraising priority during its first meeting on Feb. 12 at Learning Center 133.

Late-inning home run stuns Falcons

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor February 6, 2015

Four home runs fled Nancy Kelly Field during the Falcons’ 8-7 loss to the Cypress College Chargers. Utility first baseman Evelyn Labatos said, “We were doing really good in the beginning...

Outfielder Joanna Perruccio scores the first run of the game for the Falcons after avoiding the tag by Dons catcher Annie Dowling. The Falcons won by a narrow score of 3-2. Photo credit: Monica Gallardo

Falcons hold onto another close win against Santa Ana College

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor February 2, 2015
Another dramatic late-inning 3-2 win over Santa Ana College has the Cerritos Falcons softball team at 2-0 early in the season.

Falcons fly to Philadelphia

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor February 2, 2015
Sophomores Adrianna Salazar, Nayeli Requejo, Ashley Anaya-Webb and Makayla Mendoza individually travelled to Philadelphia to receive their All-America awards at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Convention on Jan. 14-18.

Jenny Collazo’s RBI double gives Falcons first win of season

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor January 28, 2015
Freshman shortstop Jenny Collazo’s RBI double to right field gave the Cerritos Falcons the 2-1 win on their season opener at Nancy Kelly Field.

Opinion: Page 3 of January 21 issue

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor January 27, 2015

‘Je suis Charlie’ or ‘Je suis profit’?

Monica Gallardo, Opinion Editor January 22, 2015
Merchandisers are taking the ‘Je suis Charlie’ slogan way out of proportion, as if they simply slapped a sticker on an ordinary object and decided to sell it for the love of money.

Academic success with physical education

Monica Gallardo December 10, 2014

Caffeine may seem like the ideal solution to the busy and sleep deprived, but physical education instructor Debbie Jensen at has launched the PEDAL (Physical Educators for Discipline, Attitude and Learning)...

Volleyball falls short of playoffs again for sixth consecutive year

Monica Gallardo, Sports Copy Editor December 8, 2014

Despite ending the season with an overall record of 14-8 and 11-3 in the South Coast Conference, the women's volleyball team was left out of the playoffs, increasing their postseason-less years to six. Right...

Despite initial start Kirk stays humbled

Monica Gallardo, Sports Copy Editor November 20, 2014

Standout athletes usually dedicate their life to a sport at an early age, learning the basics and mastering them throughout the years. That is not the case for Cerritos College wrestler Dustin Kirk. “Honestly,...

FSZ: Do you think veterans are properly honored on Veterans Day?

FSZ: Do you think veterans are properly honored on Veterans Day?

Monica Gallardo, Sports Copy Editor November 12, 2014

U.S. soldiers go through a lot protecting this country and every year they are celebrated on Veterans Day. We asked students if they feel that veterans are properly honored on Veterans Day?

Men’s water polo optimstic in going far in SCC tournament

Monica Gallardo, Sports Copy Editor November 4, 2014

Utility Carlos Abrego is hoping to face Long Beach City College at this weeks’ South Coast Conference Tournament. “We’re hoping to see Long Beach in the finals and we really want to beat (it) because...

Women’s water polo seeks revenge in final tournament of the season

Monica Gallardo November 4, 2014

The South Coast Conference Tournament will give the women’s water polo team a chance to play against Rio Hondo College again after splitting both decisions earlier this season. “We lost the first...

Cross country goes all out for Mt. SAC championships

Monica Gallardo, Sports Copy Editor October 28, 2014

A three-week time difference has the cross country team hopeful to top Mt. San Antonio College at the South Coast Conference Championships this Friday. Sophomore Francisco Ortiz said, “It gives us...

Scoring, assists records broken in ELAC loss

Monica Gallardo, Sports Copy Editor October 28, 2014

Cerritos forward and midfielder Nayeli Requejo shot the ball past the East Los Angeles College goalkeeper last Friday, being awarded a penalty kick in the first half against the team that gave the Falcons...

Women’s water polo narrowly loses South Coast Conference game

Monica Gallardo, Sports Copy Editor October 24, 2014

Game one of the Cerritos College women’s water polo team's doubleheader ended in a crushing 18-17 loss to the Rio Hondo Roadrunners. Coach Sergio Macias said, “We gave ourselves a chance to win...

Key conference games await women’s water polo

Monica Gallardo, Sports Copy Editor October 22, 2014
Falcons (6-14, 2-3) hope to gain first home win of the season in their upcoming conference play.

Men’s water polo prepares for Golden West Tournament

Monica Gallardo, Sports Copy Editor October 22, 2014
Falcons hope that building chemistry outside of the pool will translate towards a better repertoire inside the pool.
Milestones set in shutout victory over Pasadena Lancers

Milestones set in shutout victory over Pasadena Lancers

Monica Gallardo, Sports Copy Editor October 15, 2014

The women’s soccer team (10-1-0, 4-1-0) pushed its win streak to four after defeating Pasadena City College (4-6-2, 2-3-0) 8-0 on Tuesday, Oct. 14. The Falcons gained an early lead in the fifth minute...

‘Lefty’ debut captivates audience with political undertones

Monica Gallardo, Sports Copy Editor October 11, 2014
"Waiting for Lefty" continues Saturday, Oct. 11, at 8 p.m. at the Cerritos College Burnight Center.
Womens soccer shuts out El Camino-Compton

Women’s soccer shuts out El Camino-Compton

Monica Gallardo, Sports Copy Editor October 7, 2014
The Falcons continue to dominate as they improve to 3-0 at home.

Women’s cross country anticipates new competition

Monica Gallardo, Sports Copy Editor October 2, 2014
Cerritos College will be only community college at Embry Riddle Invitational in Prescott, Ariz.
Coach Gonzalez stays humble through success

Coach Gonzalez stays humble through success

Monica Gallardo, Sports Copy Editor October 1, 2014
Looking at women’s soccer head coach Ruben Gonzalez’s overall record (194-17-14), it is no surprise that for the second time in his career he received the National Coach of the Year award for the 2013-2014 season.

Men’s cross country heads to Arizona

Monica Gallardo, Sports Copy Editor September 30, 2014
Men's cross country takes appropriate conditioning drills to prepare for heat.

FSZ: Should people be judged by what they post on social media?

Monica Gallardo, Copy Editor September 22, 2014

Social media has been a part of people's life for the past years. We asked students about whether they should be judge on what they post?

FSZ: What would you do if an earthquake were to happen?

FSZ: What would you do if an earthquake were to happen?

Monica Gallardo, Copy Editor September 17, 2014

Earthquakes are always prevalent in Southern California, so we asked students on what they would if an earthquake to happen.

Faculty Senate | Sept. 9

Monica Gallardo September 9, 2014
The Cerritos College Faculty Senate held a meeting at the Cheryl A. Epple Board Room on Tuesday, Sept. 9, to discuss upcoming events and faculty issues.

Tips to make this semester a productive one

Monica Gallardo September 5, 2014
With the fall semester in full swing, it is time to dismiss the parties and late-night adventures that summer brings, and get back into school mode

New, current clubs attend ICC meeting

Monica Gallardo August 30, 2014

An Inter-Club Council (ICC) meeting was held on Thursday, Aug. 28 at Bookstore 111 at 11 a.m. ICC Commissioner, Suleyma Castillo, informed club representatives about upcoming events and club guidelines....

[Video] ASCC Budget Meeting | Aug. 27

Monica Gallardo, Copy Editor August 29, 2014

On Wednesday, Aug. 27, during the ASCC Budget meeting, we found Cerritos College has over $1 million to spend. This money may go into various events and field-trips, so we asked some students where they...

Annual Athletic Assembly welcomes new athletes

Monica Gallardo, Staff Writer August 23, 2014
Education comes before sports.
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