California Lutheran University's Student Newspaper Since 1961

The Echo

California Lutheran University's Student Newspaper Since 1961

The Echo

California Lutheran University's Student Newspaper Since 1961

The Echo

    “The Block Party!” Brings Friends, Cultures Together For Night Of Fun

    The first 200 people who attended the block party Oct. 15 were given raffle tickets to exchange for free food. Most students came directly after class for a free dinner. Photo by Christie Kurdys - Photojournalist
    The first 200 people who attended the block party Oct. 15 were given raffle tickets to exchange for free food. Most students came directly after class for a free dinner.
    Photo by Christie Kurdys – Photojournalist

    Food trucks lined up along the perimeter of Grace and Trinity residence halls as music from live performers rattled black speakers and lured crowds of students in to see what was going on.

    โ€œThe Block Party!โ€ is part of the Center for Cultural Engagement and Inclusion events series on campus and this year, the party took place in front of Grace Hall on Oct. 15 from 5-7:30 p.m. Along with food trucks like โ€œRice Balls of Fireโ€ and live student performances, the event also featured lawn games.

    Jonathan Gonzales, senior coordinator for Cultural Engagement and Inclusion, said the event gives students the opportunity to โ€œcelebrate before the real party beginsโ€ during homecoming weekend.

    Students had a selection of food at the block party that included Mexican tacos or Asian-style rice bowls.  Photo by Christie Kurdys - Photojournalist
    Students had a selection of food at the block party that included Mexican tacos or Asian-style rice bowls.
    Photo by Christie Kurdys – Photojournalist

    โ€œIt really is just to kick off homecoming week in a fun way and to really highlight the diversity that is on our campus,โ€ Gonzales said.

    People attended the event for many reasons, but for some, it was an opportunity to perform in front of their peers. Student performances included an Indian dance team and an acoustic guitar performance.

    โ€œThis was a great chance to hang out with friends and do something that we donโ€™t usually do. I really enjoyed the live performances and I thought it was cool to see students perform,โ€ senior Klayton Wood said.

    Some attended the event for a chance to eat food that does not come from the cafeteria.

    โ€œI came here because of the food trucks. I am usually stuck eating at the cafeteria, and I did not want to pass up the chance to eat at one of the food trucks,โ€ said senior Ulises Castro.

    In addition to live singing performances, the party also included a solo dance performance by Divya Subhedar. Photo by Christie Kurdys - Photojournalist
    In addition to live singing performances, the party also included a solo dance performance by Divya Subhedar.
    Photo by Christie Kurdys – Photojournalist

    The homecoming celebration continues this week and into the weekend with the โ€œLittle Calf Creamery Drop-inโ€ event on Oct. 16 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on E. Janss Road and โ€œMonte Carloโ€ on Oct. 19 from 7-10:30 p.m. at the Camarillo Ranch House.

    Christian Ahn
    Reporter