La Collegian 160-2

Opinion

Arts & Entertainment

City College Cries Out

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It's a 'Narrow Road' to City's Theatre Academy on March 20

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Features

Bar None: Ballet Dancers Move with Class

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Los Angeles

The Student Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929

Volume 160, Number 2

The number of students enrolled at LACC for Spring 2009.

March 11, 2009

The total number of parking spaces in LACC's parking lot.

Voters Ignore L.A. Times

The amount of money cut from the CSU and USC school system.

Lady Cubs Redeemed

Two members of the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees retained their positions following last week’s city elections. Voters returned Nancy Pearlman, Seat 6 and Miguel Santiago, Seat 7 to the LACCD after both candidates received a thumbs-down from the Los Angeles Times. A Times editorial dated Feb. 24, 2009 asked "Where are all the knowledgeable people with a passion for bringing higher education to the masses?" The voters seem to feel they are already here and they remained loyal to the two incumbents. Santiago received a major-

ity of more than 111,000 votes to Lowry’s 91,000. Pearlman won 48% of the votes, defeating her five challengers by a landslide with more than 99,000 votes. The nearest challenger, Robert Nakahiro only got 27,000 votes. Nancy Pearlman serves as chair of the Infrastructure Committee that reviews all construction under Propositions A/AA and Miguel Santiago works as a Special Assistant of External Affairs for the Office of the Board of Equalization. After three attempts by the Collegian to speak with the Los Angeles Times by telephone, the Editor of Editorials Pages, Jim Newton sent an email, in which he Times and Trustees on page 9

Students Join Rally for Women’s Rights LACC students gather with others in solidarity for International Women’s Day By Ronnie T. Clark and Hamza Utman Behind the steady roar of traffic, Los Angeles City College student activists marched and performed in honor of women all over the world during the International Women’s Day rally in Westwood on Saturday. International Women’s Day celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women around the world. The International Women’s Day Coalition of Los Angeles organized the event. Members of the Feminist Club and poet, Daniel Morales Leon, represented LACC at the demonstration. Los Angeles bookstore, Libros Revolucion, Students for Critical Thinking and other student organizations endorsed the march. Speakers of various ethnic backgrounds addressed issues

that affect women in their communities with emphasis on Iran, Afghanistan and Palestine. "This movement is not against Islam, but against the fundamentalists who want women to wear veils, and where men can be executed for not wearing a beard,” said Wendy De La Torre, press contact for The International Women's Day Coalition. “It's the U.S. who is supporting these forces,” De La Torre told the Collegian. De La Torre said the location of the march was strategic. Demonstrators met on Westwood and Pico Boulevards, half a mile from UCLA and close to the heart of Westwood’s Iranian community. Each speaker addressed a specific issue that pertains to the women of the community they Women's Rights on page 9

ASO Reorganizes to Achieve Success By Derek Villanueva

LACCD Trustees Nancy Pearlman and Miguel Santiago prevail at the polls despite L.A. Times By Jamie Hong, additional reporting by Steve La and Theresa Adams

The total estimated amount of the Pell Grand funds for the 2009-2010 school year.

Photo by Jordan Angulo/LA Collegian

Cubs guard, Jessica Torres drives around Cypress defender in South Coast Conference playoffs Feb. 28. See full story on page 12

Students at Los Angeles City College (LACC) may have voted for student government candidates Maria Rivera or Jacob Lohr but no matter who constituents voted for in last spring’s election, the representatives are not in office today. Last semester three people were sworn in as president of the Associated Students Organization (ASO). Two of the three stepped down from office during the fall. Rivera succeeded Arson Mkrthcyan and remained in office for a short time before Vice President-elect, Kimberly Davis, stepped into the role. Davis submitted her resignation shortly before the spring semester started. Before leaving office, Davis appointed James Zetino as her successor. “She resigned,” Zetino

Student Dies from Heart Complications Faculty and students called for emergency assistance after an 18-year-old geography student passed out in class. See related story on page 2 By Matthew Lopes and LaTijera Griffith Marshall High School alumna and Los Angeles City College student, Meggan Pandy, died at Children's Hospital on Monday of last week after losing consciousness during a morning geography class in the Chemistry Building. It was just 40 days before her 19th birthday. Jennifer Setayesh, Princess Monique and several other classmates noticed that Pandy leaned to the side of her desk several minutes before class began. They say she appeared unconscious and they noticed a “faint twitch”—which waas probably a pacemaker that was reportedly implanted in 2008. When Professor Marla Conti entered the classroom, students told her that they thought Pandy was having a seizure. Conti instructed students to get help

Photo courtesy of Tracie Pandy

Meggan Pandy while she found department lab technician, Al Germaine, who alerted chemistry department chair, Dr. John Freitas. L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Pfeiffer told the Collegian that Security Officer Armando Cano was the first to respond to the emergency. Several of the students were first aid certified, but Setayesh says that they wanted to wait for authorities to arrive. Students moved Pandy from her seat to a ramp on the side of the room. They placed a sweatshirt under her head as a cushion. Witnesses disagree on the re-

sponse time. Monique said that it took five minutes for sheriffs to arrive and 15 minutes for the EMTs. None of the witnesses however, dispute the mood in the room. Several people repeated that everyone in the class felt helpless. "We wished she had a bracelet so we could have known what was wrong," Conti said. "We wished there was more we could do." Pandy's mother told Conti that her daughter was a recent transfer from Pasadena City College and she liked LACC because of all the friendly people on campus. Pandy’s mother also told Conti that her daughter suffered two previous cardiac arrests. "It's a very somber thing,” Germaine said. "Her classmates are very sensitive about the whole thing." Conti is collecting money to be donated in Meggan Pandy's name to the Children's Heart Unit at Children's Hospital. Anyone interested in helping can reach Marla Conti at marlaconti@aol. com, at her office in Chemistry 202 or through the Earth Science Division staff.

said. “There was a hearing not an actual action.” A suggestion that academic responsibility kept Rivera and Davis from continuing in the senate resulted in the selection of Zetino as a replacement for Rivera. Student representatives questioned Zetino’s appointment, as he was not listed as a candidate on last year’s ballot and Zetino denies allegations that college administrators selected him, an action that would violate the ASO senate bylaws. Linda Tong the current vice president and a member of the last administration was also selected vice president. Both say faculty members did not participate in the selection of the officers. “This is not our administration but the student’s administration,” Tong said. Agreeing with Tong, Zetino discusses the time and effort one must dedicate in order to have an effective administration. “You have to remember that above everything, we are students,” Zetino said. “It’s a balancing act. A good leader is ASO on page 5

INDEX Greetings from Benin Daniel Oh, Africa correspondent reports celebrations with Barack Obama's elections. Page 5 Theatre Academy Open 80th City College Theatre Academy prepares for 'Narrow Road to the Deep North,' opens March 20. Page 8 Campus Improvements Cost New Buildings and construction projects slow student and faculty movement around campus. Page 10 Editorial

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Opinion

Pages 3, 4

News

Pages 5, 9

Features

Pages 6, 7

Arts & Entertainment

Page 8

Campus Highlights

Page 10

Sports

Pages 11, 12

Editorial

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Dear Editor: RE: "Assignment Draws Censorship Lawsuit"

Cinema Needs Bigger Budget I I f Los Angeles City College (LACC) can afford to build a new library with no new books, it could definitely afford to give some money to departments that need it. Both the photography and cinema departments are in need of financial assistance. The cinema budget is so low they can only afford to buy light bulbs for the sound stage’s lights. Some students came to LACC for the express purpose of studying in the cinema program.

Some might ask, why not just transfer to a fouryear university? No one is asking for brand new facilities. If the department were able to receive a little more money for its budget, a lot of equipment could be repaired and replaced. Some students say they have not seen new equipment in three years in cinema. If you want to keep attracting new students from abroad, out of state or just from the greater Los Angeles area, you need to offer them a little more.

'm glad that Mr. Matteson stopped Mr. Lopez from finishing his speech. Let's not forget about the gay and lesbian students that may have been in that classroom being subjected to hateful and discriminatory words without a choice in the matter. Its not just free speech. Its hate speech. And you seem to be ignoring the damage this lawsuit has had on the gay and lesbian students attending LACC. It is my hope that all teachers would stand up for equality and stop hate speech in their classrooms. Not only for the LGBT students but also for any minority group that is a victim of hate, including religion. Sincerely, Travis Wood

Dear Editor:

Response to 'Restless in the Restroom,' in the Feb. 25 edition of the Collegian

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tudents, wake up! This is your campus. Help keep it clean. The restrooms are checked hourly for cleanliness and supplies. The staff is committed to making this the flagship campus of the district. We cannot do this alone. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Illustration by Ashley Gonzalez/LA Collegian

Lawrence Busey Operations Manager

Email: [email protected] Editorial / Advertising offices: (323) 953-4000, ext. 2831 Monday and Wednesday The college newspaper is published as a learning experience, offered under the college journalism instructional program. The editorial and advertising materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff. Under appropriate state and federal court decisions, these materials are free from prior restraint by virtue of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the Los Angeles Community College District, Los Angeles City College, or any officer or employee thereof. © 2003 Collegian. No material may be reprinted without the express written permission of the Collegian.

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor:

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his letter will inform you about my feelings about the first issue for the spring semester of the Collegian. My feedback will include some negative as well as some positive comments, but mostly it is intended to help you to improve the quality and thoughtfulness of the articles that mean to inform and entertain the attending students of Los Angeles City College. The first issue that caught my eye is the murder article posted on the front page. While this is tragic news, I do not

believe it should be on the front page. The sole reason is that it is bad publicity for the school. While one can argue that this is untrue, having a teacher possibly being known as a murderer who has worked in this school could generate bad public relations. Among other things, I’ve found the comics section to be quite lackluster. I have found the comics about Tully’s to be random and refreshing, but I’ve found no sense in the comic regarding Curious Jorge, and the general artwork of the section could be improved, save for the

parking comic, which was pretty good. These were the only things that caught my eye when I did a fairly quick skim through the paper. The other sections I’ve found to be quite average. I’ve not found anything to nitpick about them and the sports sections with the color pages were a nice touch. I do hope you take these criticisms under consideration. Looking forward to your next issue.

though at times I found the meeting to be boring, or perhaps uninformative I know the importance of these meeting and that they will be able to help the general population of LACC. While the color in the newspaper is great, there are additional things that the newspaper can use. Better leads for your stories, using majors to identify students and fewer columns about issues that are unrelated to students, like your recent column about why students should attend events to support its campus teams. How, exactly, does that affect LACC students? Absolutely, in no way! There is someone willing and

able. Ask for help when you need it. I am willing to be a contributor; and this is from someone who has been here since last summer. If you want to be one of the best student publications in the state of California, start covering your student government because if you don’t then, you will realize why Cerritos College’s Talon Marks gets General Excellence Awards during the Statewide Journalism Conference.

the goal was to give better understanding of the actions needed to take place during such situations, I’ll be the first to say, “Mission failed … miserably.” The disorder on campus ranged from classes acting independently, to aimless students and clueless faculty, to what I found perhaps most disturbing: remote bungalows were outright neglected. These bungalows received no warning from staff, nor alarms, nor, in the very least, prior notice of the drill. The ways in which the drill

was handled exemplify the school’s bigger issue, a virtually “wing-it,” approach for dealing with a campus disaster. We have not yet learned from the unfortunate series of school campus tragedies that swept America in just the last decade. Does it really take a building collapse or a shooting rampage on campus to drive home the message of urgency when it comes to safe, effective emergency procedures?

Josh

Dear Collegian Staff:

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don’t mean to rain on your parade, but I did have a question for you. Where is your coverage of the Associated Students Organization? As a former student publication, staff writer, I find that those students who don’t cover student government should be able to cover these meetings. Let me take a guess, you find them boring, yes? Everybody does, and I should know. Having been part of the student publication Talon Marks at Cerritos Community College for two years I covered its student government and even

Norma Palacios

Dear Editor: Earthquake Drill or a Cry for Help

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fter reading “Students Shake Off Earthquake Drill,” by William Dewitt, I’m inclined to believe that had there been a real emergency that day the minor confusion felt across campus would have turned into manic chaos. Referring to the major lack of communication, lack of information and complete lack of uniformity that swept over faculty and students alike, if

By Tracie Pandy

Editor-in-Chief: Theresa Adams

Faculty Adviser: Rhonda Guess

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Javier Inzunza

Remembering Meggan

Media Arts Department, Chemistry 208 Los Angeles City College 855 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029 Managing Editor: Jamie Hong News Editors: Tim Carpenter, Steve La, Matthew Lopes, Hamza Utman Opinion Editor: Tercius Bufete Feature Editor: Jamie Hong Arts & Entertainment Editor: Monica Olofsson Sports Editor: Mars Melnicoff Photo Editor: Jorge Ponce Distribution Manager: Collegian Advertising: Theresa Adams, Tim Carpenter Graphics: Beatrice Alcala, Lilit Atshemyan, Tercius Bufete, Esther Castanho, Ashley Gonzalez, Derek Villanueva Reporters Theresa Adams, Virginia Bulacio, Tim Carpenter, LaTijera Griffith, Jamie Hong, Matthew Lopes, Mars Melnicoff, Frances O'Hara, Veronica Reynolds, Danielle Rivera, Jessica Rivera, Victoria Safarian, Hamza Utman Photographers Jordan Angulo, Jesse Gantt, Jorge Ponce Cartoonists Lilit Atshemyan, Tercius Bufete, Esther Hirzel, Derek Villanueva

Los Angeles Collegian

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ur beautiful Meggan was born April 14, 1990 in Apple Valley CA. She was born small but mighty. She had a compassion for life, human kindness and for the world around her. Her love for music is beyond words and I believe music helped her through her hardest times. Her goal was to experience life to the fullest and wanted a career in art. She could not wait to be 18 so she could vote in one of the utmost important elections and I am so grateful she had the

opportunity to do so. She was so happy to attend LACC. She enjoyed the fact that everyone was eager to learn and took their lives and goals seriously. Although her experience at LACC was short, I am grateful she had the chance. She was patient, loving and the most gracious person we have ever had in our lives. She amazed us every day and we can't imagine our lives without her. When we said goodbye, we thanked her for the most beautiful 18 years of our lives.

Next Issue: March 25

Editorial deadline: March 18

For all submissions including letters to the editor and publicity releases. Advertising deadline: March 18

Send materials to Collegian office: Chemistry 208

Tell it to the editor, editorials and opinions!

Email the "Collegian" [email protected]

Opinion

Los Angeles Collegian Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Question: Do your students have the same free speech rights inside the classroom as they do outside of it? Compiled by: Photos by:

Jessica Rivera

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Horacio Fonseca

Galust Mardirussian

Law Instructor

Social Sciences Dept. Chair

History Instructor

English Instructor

"They can't cross the line and threaten the president of the United States, but if they want to speak freely, yes they can."

"No. The classroom is not a democracy. Certain speech is not acceptable and if I feel that you are going too far, you will be stopped."

"I allow students to speak their mind. I defend their right to say what they want, but I think that students should speak with their head and not with their heart."

"I usually give students universal issues to discuss and students can have any opinion they want to express."

Mark Conta

Mattie Moon

Lisette Alvarez

Phyllis Muldavin Arts Instructor

"It depends what we do in class. If there is violence in art, I would be concerned. If I hear students talk violently about a certain group, I would certainly stop it."

© 2009 GRAPHIC BY ASHLEY GONZALEZ

Chinese's intentional Lunar crash landing

By Lilit Atshemyan

LACC's Slogan - "Build your future, literally"

LACC's Phantom Cheerleaders

By Derek Villanueva

Opinion

4 Keep Church and State Separate By Marc Loresto

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eligion should be kept out of the classroom, especially at state institutions like Los Angeles City College, where a Christian student sued the Los Angeles Community College District over an incident in one of his classes. Jonathan Lopez delivered a speech against same-sex marriage and the professor, John Matteson, would not let him finish. Students should be able to express themselves freely, especially in the classroom where everyone benefits from sharing each other’s views and opinions. However, a student who decides to share religious views in a state

college should think twice: are they expressing their views or are they preaching? People go to college to become educated and have their horizons expanded. Students do not want to get preached at—

state needs to be upheld in all its forms because students who disagree with those beliefs should not have to feel persecuted in their own classroom, something they are paying for. A Los Angeles Times articles reports, “Lopez … is described in the suit as a Christian The separation of church and who considers it a state needs to be upheld in all its religious duty to forms because students who dis- share his beliefs, with agree with those beliefs should particularly other students.” not have to feel persecuted in Lopez needs to their own classroom, something Google, “separation of church and they are paying for. state,” and then maybe he will learn that he should keep his views to himself even if a student like Lopez is because students were, “deeply sharing a speech. What if ev- offended,” said Dean Allison ery religious person decided to Jones. write speeches about what their After he Googles that, he religion tells them? What if a should look up, “holy war reMuslim student who strongly ligious duty,” and see what exbelieves in jihad shared a speech treme people can do because supporting those beliefs? they feel like it’s a “duty” to The separation of church and share their beliefs.

Freedom of Speech on School Grounds By Rosemary Giron

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ecently I was informed about the incident that happened on the LACC campus concerning a Christian student and a Speech 101 professor during 2008 Fall semester. My current position does not side with the student and his decision to speak on such a topic nor do I side with the way the professor decided to handle the situation. Without trying to justify the professor’s conduct, I believe that such a topic that intermingles religion with modern dilemmas, such as same-sex marriage or just religion all on its own should be kept out of the classroom. There is a time and a

place for such a topic; the classroom should not be one of them. It was clear that the professor was offended, many of the student’s peers may have felt the same way and chose not to speak about it, which was probably for the best. I find such topics difficult to discuss with close friends or relatives, I would expect this discussion to be that more difficult to be carried on with someone I hardly know. With that said, students should be aware that their rights are not taken away upon entering a public area (LACCD campuses are public areas). Many students feel that their rights are lessened on school grounds; they’re not. However as students, we must make sure our actions or words are appropriate. Know that there are other ways you can voice you

opinion. Our school newspaper has an opinion section; perhaps you can organize a time for a demonstration or a peaceful debate. If the classroom is where you’d like to hold this or similar types of conversation, I think it’s best to ask the teacher and the students for their approval. These are strong topics that can quickly get out of hand. We should all feel free to voice our opinion. It would be ideal if staff would encourage students to do so, and for the student to take the proper measures on how to carry out such actions. As for religion in the classroom, I believe it should never be discussed. It’s such a touchy subject because it is so personal, so let’s keep it that way.

City College Needs a Student Center By Jamie Sukyoung Hong

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tudents need a place where they can choose to unwind for a couple minutes before their next class, revamp with coffee, or have a quick study session in a more relaxed environment; a student center; a center, which reflects a study atmosphere in a conversational surrounding; a laid-back study area for students. Campus life at Los Angeles City College consists of diverse types, such as extremely busy full-time students with full-time jobs, the easygoing scholars and the workaholics who take classes for personal interests. Not every student would use a student center, but no one would object to a student center. The center can offer the extremely busy a place on campus for a quick coffee boost. For those who commute from far, it would be an area to rest before the long drive home, and for those who have time to kill before class, a student center would be a perfect, convenient area to eat, study and chat before the next class.

I am not asking for fireworks, a bowling alley, a couple of pool tables, a mini bar in the back, Wii, plush leather sofas and a wide screen television. All I ask is for a comfortable, casual study environment. Joomi Lee is a full-time student who also works. She says, “I don’t have time to take my car outside of the campus to a Starbucks during the day, and other small restaurants [walking distance] are too noisy to study … I live an hour away from campus … I have to sleep in my car when I need a place to rest for 30 minutes until my next activity.” Daniel Lim is also a fulltime student who does not work and says, “I have maybe two to three hours in between classes, I live near campus, but with the traffic, it doesn’t make sense to drive home and come back … I like the idea of the student center then, I don’t have to keep walking around campus.” Instead of studying in the library, leaving to find food and another place for coffee, then coming back to the library to finish my work, I need one place

where I can find decent food with coffee, can bring my laptop and edit my papers, study, then call my friend to complain about studying without leaving the building, all in one sitting; a productive student center. With the new library, Tullys and the parking lot, LACC continues making strides to create a more convenient environment for students. I am also taking 19 units with unfavorable working hours; I have attended three colleges and was surprised to find no student center in LACC with study tables, a snack bar with ready made food, a casual study area where I could unwind for 15 minutes before I continue with the rush of my demanding life. Instead of the ‘’cafeteria’’ on campus, put the self-serving truck inside a relatively spacious room, add some tables, a few sofas, one or two microwaves, air conditioning and voila, A humble yet efficient student center.

Los Angeles Collegian Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Tully’s the Great

By Andrew Gates

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ell it’s about time! I’ve been waiting for a place like this and Tully’s Coffee House is it. I’ve

seen this campus grow over the past five years. No, I’m not a doctor, lawyer or professor. I took a semester of classes back in 2004. I’ve often wondered if there would ever be a place where students could congregate, study, or just chill. I would like to give kudos to LACC for bringing us this fine establishment. I was really impressed when I came back from my five year hiatus to see we had a new place on campus. I really like Tully’s. It has a great atmosphere, the staff seems friendly and the layout is open. You don’t feel like you’re in a herd of cattle trying to get your fix.

I do have a couple of beefs, however. One is the location. It’s on the opposite side of campus away from half of my classes. Trying to get that much needed cup o’ Joe is virtually impossible. Two, is the music. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of hip-hop, but it’s nice to go to a place and hear something other than hip-hop for a change. Maybe we could try some variety (i.e: local artists, classic rock, etc.) Just anything but country, sorry cowboys and girls, I’m not a fan. All I’m saying is you got a great place; let’s try to appeal to a wider audience.

Construction Creates Jungle By Adrienn Overall

jumble of fencing that had been thrown together to lead me safely between construction zones. I had a choice to make, “Which route will lead me through this mess and out to the path I need to be on?” This metal mess looked simple enough. Logically, I assumed that if I followed the route

would have done had I not been wearing a skirt and heels) or turn he ever-present construcaround and go back to the begintion zone seems to have ning. I trekked to class through become a staple of life for this construction jungle starting, most of us. My biggest problem stopping and turning around the with construction zones, besides entire way. catcalls, is that they create a The makeshift mazes are set up maze full of start, stop and turnto direct our movement through arounds that make me dizzy. a dangerous area. They are In a car one usually has the put up and moved around benefit of a bright flashing quickly as the construction My biggest problem with street sign for guidance, but zones change. However, construction zones, besides on foot, finding your war little thought seems to be around closed sidewalks and put in to where they are becatcalls, is that they create a half-demolished buildings ing moved to and more time maze full of start, stop and becomes downright frustratspent on just getting them ing. Why is it that construc- turnarounds that make me dizzy. out of the way. Multiple tion zones lead you through routes spring up all over twists and turns from point when you have construction A to D to E to get you to zones in close proximity to point B. The metal mazes each other. It seems to be are put in place for our safety, but that appeared to lead around the lack of communication and rushyou must wonder what the logic side of the building to a pathway ing around that creates these conis behind the zigzags and dead I could see was open to pedestri- struction jungles and headaches ends. It would seem to be safer ans. I figured that this pathway for pedestrians. It is so frustrating and more time efficient for ev- would lead me to another path- to come to a dead end and look eryone to travel along the short- way in the distance that I could over to find that it was the pathest, simplest route to bypass the see was also open to pedestrians. way to your left that would have construction hazard. This was not the case! This fenc- lead you out correctly on the first I started my first class here at ing did in fact lead me around the try. I ask the construction workers LACC in February. As I walked side of the building but it came who are responsible for the setup toward my class I stopped sud- to a dead end on the other side. of these metal mazes, please keep denly past the Men’s and Wom- I was trapped between a locked the sanity of pedestrians in mind en’s Gyms. I discovered this end door and a chain-linked wall on when deciding where to erect the of campus to be under construc- the very edge of the pathway I next fence. And please provide tion and my clear-cut route to needed to get to class. My options coherent directions to guide us to class, blocked. I stood facing a were to jump the fence (which I our campus destinations.

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Free Speech or Censorship?

Photo by Jorge Ponce /LA Collegian

Someone believed they were exercising their First Amendment right to free speech and burned a stack of Collegian newspapers in the kiosk located at the Vermont Ave. entrance of the college. This is not free speech, rather it is vandalism and an attempt at censorship. It is also against the law.

News

Los Angeles Collegian Wednesday, March 11, 2009

N A T I o N A l

U N I V e r s I T Y®

Transferring?

5

City College Wins ACP Award

© 2009 National University 7388

Finish School YoUr Way!

Photo by LA Collegian Staff

Collegian staff poses with Logan Aimone, ACP Executive Director after the awards ceremony held in San Diego at the end of February.

At

National University,

we know you can’t sit in class all day or lock yourself in a library – you’ve got work, family, and friends. You’re transferring because you want to finish your degree and move on into a new career. You want help, and at National University we’ll give it to you, with. . .

By Tim Carpenter

Guaranteed admission >> No enrollment fee >> Flexible scheduling >> Unique one-course-per-month >> format Scholarship programs >>

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t the 25th Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) National College Journalism Convention held in San Diego last month, the Los Angeles Collegian newspaper placed fifth nationally in the two-year onthe–spot competition.

The Collegian competed against other newspapers from San Diego City College, North Idaho College, Laramie Community College and Southwestern College Besides the award ceremony, students Theresa Adams, Tercius Bufete, Frank Elaridi, Ashley Gonzalez and Mars Melincoff attended workshops and learned

from professors and media personnel from across the U.S. and Canada. Keynote speakers at the convention included Leslie Bernstein and Onell Soto from the San Diego Union-Tribune and Jonathan Gold from L.A. Weekly made presentations about the state of media in the U.S.

Redemption from page 12

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good, but the team exceeded his expectations. “I knew we had something, but if you would have told me at the beginning of the year that we’d be 27-5, I would have said yeah, right,” Jackson said. Hand posted fliers and word of mouth were the only last minute recruiting tools available to coach Jackson, and he made them work. It would take more than getting players in the same room, however, to take a team to the playoffs. “I employed systems that I’ve used previously ... different offenses, different defenses,” he said. “The key thing was just having them [the team] buy into it. And they did.” The season was still young

when it became apparent that LACC would command attention this year. Other stand out teams included Pasadena City College, Cypress College and Fresno City College. “We beat some top teams early,” Jackson said. “We beat Pasadena who was ranked third in the state … it really sunk in at the halfway mark when we were 20-1. I realized that we were in for having a great season.” At the beginning of the season, the excitement started when the team showed its strength. As time went on, the Cubs kept the momentum as a team while certain players also began to shine personally. Three in particular have bragging rights. Guard Ebony White was

named MVP of the South Coast North Division Conference. Guard Jessica Torres and center Devan Satchel both made first team all conference. Coach Jackson walks away from the sidelines this year with conference coach of the year honors. Starting from nothing, the program now has pride and a new solid foundation to build on. White will be off to play in the Sophomore Showcase in Fresno on March 13, doing her best to show off her stuff to recruiters from four year schools, but Torres and Satchel will be back with a vengeance as Cubs.

ASO from page 1

someone who is capable of managing their personal responsibilities as well as the responsibilities that come with the office.” Today, the ASO has 10 open

Join Us At An Open House. We’ll guarantee you’ll have a job, and we’ll also give you financial support.* Does it get any better than that? Reservations required. For information and reservations, contact us at 818-757-4431 [email protected] (*Based on eligibility, qualifications and the Home’s recruiting needs.)

Tuesday, March 31, 2009 4 – 7 p.m. 4 – 5 p.m. Social Hour. 5 p.m. Presentation by ASN Director Marie Fagan. Followed by tours of skills lab, computer center and classroom. Refreshments will be served. Los Angeles Jewish Home Grancell Village 7150 Tampa Avenue Reseda, CA 91335

seats. Zetino works to meet the needs of the students with the limited staff. However, Zetino has the support of Vice President Tong and uses words like “trust-

worthy and knowledgeable” to describe her and said she is someone who will be able to perform his duties in case of his absence.

Features

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Los Angeles Collegian Wednesday, March 11, 2009

1. University of Abomey Callavi. Here a surprising number of students carry copies of Barack Obama's inaugural speech.

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2. Students of Bon Berger Secondary School will receive lower tuition payments.

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3. Collegian reporter, Daniel Oh.

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4. Dantokpa Market, where many Africans celebrated Obama’s rise. 5. An adventurous ride in the bush. 6. Daniel Oh enjoys a ride from one of the locals.

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By Daniel Oh tudents at Bon Berger Secondary School in Cotonou, Benin have a new mantra and a new hero. The entire student body listened in disbelief to their principal, Germain Galnlonon, on a day after the election of the 44th president of the United States. “Obama has become America’s first black President,” Galnlonon said to students. “Who could have known? He who was poor, as you are, is now the current president of the United States! Do you see? If you also work diligently, you can also raise your dreams. They will become possible. I hope you remember that you are the leaders of the future.” The principal then promised free tuition for students unable to pay. He said the school would assist parents who sacrifice to send their children to be educated. In a nation where most primary and secondary education is based on a pay-to-study system, the students were somewhat taken aback by the promise. One teenager even muttered cynically in French: “Cho. Chef, vous étés en train de voyant la vie en rose,” or “Cho. Boss, you’re seeing life through rose-colored glasses.” Others however, went home to inform their parents that Obama said that Beninoise education was now completely free (a misconception which led to several local problems). Under the Obama craze that hit Africa, events such as the Galnlonon’s speech at Bon Berger began sweeping the nation: grand assemblies preaching hope and change at universities, impromptu celebrations filled with hundreds cheering at the Dantokpa Bazaar and clusters of people in front of the U.S. Consulate, debating whether or not visas were now free of charge. The

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7. An Obama poster at Dantokpa Bazaar in Cotonou.

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sweeping feeling of pride that a man of African president in a country founded by white people origin had attained the office of President of the is a grand miracle of God. It’s a hope and a United States was overwhelming. For close to a testament to us,” said Nadege Degbo, a secretary full week, every radio in the city was tuned into and mother of two. news stations, and anyone close to a radio would In universities, President Obama’s inaugural instantly stop to listen. It created spontaneous speech has almost become a curricular text crowds of Beninoise at all manner of locales: of study. Armel Houndeton, a sophomore at at yam vendors by the red-dust roads, in low the College of Superior Education in Portoconcrete barber-shops with cracked paint, in novo, said he “memorized by heart Obama’s churches, at the public drinking well, anywhere inaugural speech and speech as Democratic the name Obama crackled out over the airwaves. Representative.” Dr. Leonard A. Koussouhon, a “O-o-o-o-bama! You graduate of Columbia are the prophecy-y, O-o-oUniversity in New “Cho. Chef, vous étés en train York, mentioned in o-bama! Obama, Obama, Obama, you are the de voyant la vie en rose,” or “Cho. passing that “We enjoy prophecy.” Boss, you’re seeing life through immensely the fact A pop song dedicated he’s such a great rose-colored glasses,”a teenage that to the president was played source of hope to rthe muttered from the crowd after students.” before every news session, excerpts from Martin Obama has become hearing Obama's speech and Luther King’s Dream a bit of a cult figure to the promise of free tuition for speech and Obama’s the Beninoise youth. students in her country. celebratory address as The enthusiasm for Democratic representative Obama’s views hold mixed in between chanting choruses. such sway that preconceptions, religious views “This is an unprecedented event in the and personal preferences are broken and history of the world, and may mark a great washed away. During an English club meeting, point of change in relations between the African approximately 40 students debated for more continent and America,” an opinion speaker said than an hour about religious, political and over the radiowaves. social views, almost exclusively using text from A Nigerian tire salesman named Cyril Obama’s inaugural speech as a basis of truth. Achebe laughed out loud when he heard these Obama’s popularity in Africa is words.“You know, perhaps because some people unquestionable, however, his promise are not educated enough to know, but he’s not of expanding former President Bush’s African,” Achebe said. “He’s Black-American. comprehensive AIDS program in Africa or his Why then should he help Africa?” pledge to aid in ending corruption in Kenyan Contrary to Achebe’s view, most took a more politics and negotiating problems concerning optimistic outlook. Darfur, Zimbabwe, and other hot-spots in Africa “The fact that a black person has become still seem to be doubted by skeptics.

8. This small-town vendor has never heard of Barack Obama.

“I believe that Obama’s rise to the presidency is a victory for intellectuals all over the earth, but I doubt that he can change very much because of the socio-political systems, and the amazingly difficult situations he’s been placed in,” said Vito Koussonou, a father of four and successful businessman with a background of education in France. The sentiment of African pride becomes clear every time a citizen of the U.S. is spotted walking across the road: Men walk by and smile broadly in greeting, or motorcycle repairmen, bareback under their labour, suddenly look up from their work and shout “’Ey, yovo! Qui est votre président! Il est Africaine, n’est ce pas,” followed by raucous laughter and waves of greeting. Roughly translated from French and Goong (one of the numerous local languages) the phrase declares “’Ey, white man! Who’s your president? He’s African, not so?” For the Beninoise people, despite the ideological boost and optimism that Obama’s election and inauguration brings, the problems in the nation’s economy, rising costs in food, and a new Beninoise president’s continuous efforts to weed out corruption are still problems that take a larger place of importance to the citizens. Although Obama’s ethnic background resonates strongly with the African continent, his policies concerning African relations, if not unknown completely, are often taken as promises that may or may not be fulfilled. “Africa’s problems are for Africa,” Koussonou said. It might be stated best by an ancient village woman selling maize and rice on the highway between the city of Bohicon and Parakou,“Who’s Obama? I’ve never heard of him… I sell rice, maize, and gari here. If he’s not coming to help me in that, I don’t want to know about him.”

Los Angeles Collegian Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Features

7 The photograph was taken between Wilshire Boulevard and Figueroa and was selected for its originality and composition. “It is a night shot of a homeless man sitting up against a parking meter and there are three women wearing cocktail dresses passing by and did not acknowledge him,” Alvarado said. The name for his photograph came from a well-known musical act. “They {Photographer Forum Magazine] chosed what I called ‘Those Who Have and Those Have Not' and the expression comes from The Dead Presidents, a famous rap group,” Alvarado said. The results of the competition and awards will be announced in May.

Photographer Shoots His Way to Finals By Tim Carpenter

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Hernan Alvarado, photographer

ernan Alvarado, a photography major at Los Angeles City College (LACC) whose photograph ‘Those Who Have and Those Who Have Not,” is up for a national award presented by Photographer Forum Magazine. Alvarado says his inspiration came from walking around at night with his camera in downtown Los Angeles. "The [homeless] guy was the inspiration for the photo,” Alvarado said.

Have and Have Not

'80s Come Back, Androgyny's the New Black By Anthony Suncin

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ipster, Rockabilly, Euro Trash, Glam, Mod, and Punk are all words the fashion industry has made up to describe particular fashion lifestyles. From a bold piece of jewelry to a screen-printed T-shirt, clothes can say a lot about an individual’s personality. Modern trend followers everywhere continue to push the envelope with the latest chic trend. In an era where nothing can be too extreme, the androgynous look has taken over. Cross-dressing with an eccentric twist is the best way to describe the trend. First seen on the runways at fashion week, it was not until recently that this androgynous look took flight and finally gained accepted by fashion forward minds. It’s become such an epidemic that some men are now scavenging through the women's department for clothes while women are going as far as rummaging through their dad's old clothes for the chic look. One doesn't have to look very far to be exposed to trends, for they are constantly being flashed

throughout Los Angeles City College halls. "I like my clothes to fit a certain way,” said Jayson Macias, an English major. “Some men's cuts just don't work well on my frame. So I resulted to women's jeans because I find that they fit better. I don't see anything wrong with it. Besides, who said clothes have to have a gender," Clothing companies such as Kill City, American Apparel, and Nike have taken advantage of the androgynous trend by marketing their clothing lines as asexual. Many of their ads feature women combining their femininity with pieces of masculine apparel. Not only has their business continued to thrive, it has also opened up new markets and attracts a bigger demographic. Celebrities like Samantha Ronson, Ellen DeGeneres, and even Reality Show Project Runway Winner, Christian Siriano are the epitome of what the androgynous look is all about. They each combine their personal flare with a gender breaking attire. Other students are inspired by their own ideas or they look to celebrities like Ronson for inspiration.

Photos by Jordan Angulo/LA Collegian

"I've been reading 'Influence' by the Olsen twins. Their attitude toward fashion inspires me," said Jayson Macias, English major about his androgynous look.

Lydia Woltjer, environmental science major dyed her jeans and altered her sweater for a more tailored fit. She describes her look as "Crusty Queer."

“I sewed my pants and hoodie for a tighter fit,” said Lydia Woltjer, an environmental science major. “I love wearing oversized shirts with really tight jeans. I guess you can call my style Crusty Queer!” Now that it is stylish for men to wear women’s jeans or for a woman to be caught in menswear, it’s only a matter of time before the next change in trends. “Trends come and go, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t come back around full circle,” Macias says. “The eighties are back, neon colors, acid wash jeans and big hair.” While most people use magazines and several other media outlets to influence their own definition of what's hot and what's not, students at LACC continue to set the bar with the clothing that best defines them. With spring just around the corner, students have lots of floral prints and warm colors to look forward to. Regardless of how an article of clothing is being showcased or designed for a specific gender, anyone can wear whatever they want as long as they have the confidence and attitude to pull it off.

Dance Factory Shakes up Women's Gym By Victoria Safarian

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ingling of bells fill up the room as women of all ages practice rolling their bellies and shaking their hips. Like a hidden gem, this belly dancing class finds itself out–of-sight on the second floor of the Women’s Physical Education building at Los Angeles City College (LACC). Instructor Karin Jansen leads the session, carefully taking the girls from the slightest movement of the fingertips to the great shakes of their bodies. However, more than belly dancing is offered at LACC’s dance department. Flamenco, Tango, Salsa, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop and Choreography are just some of the many courses available for study. Students can even manage their stress through dancing techniques with a Stress Management dance class. Two extremely spacious studios, with rows of huge, bright windows light up the rooms, Photo by Jesse Gantt/LA Collegian making it welcome for even the least experienced of dancers. Stu- Students shimmy their way across the floor in K.L. Jensen's belly dancing class.

dents can also practice in another smaller, more private room, nestled in-between both studios. The faculty is as welcoming as the dance rooms and each staff member has many years of experience making this the perfect environment to learn how to dance. “I've been teaching here for 13 years,” says dance instructor and choreographer Laurienne Singer, “This semester I'm teaching Stress Management and Choreography. I find that a lot of my students in my stress management class are still in high school. The class helps them deal with the pressures of starting college.” 16-year-old Andrea Pena can agree with Singer that some of the students are not even from LACC, “I’m still in high school. I came here last year to take yoga for a physical education credit. That’s how I heard about the belly dancing class.” Even for those students who would rather take a more theoretical class, during the summer sessions, they can enroll in Dance History. The class is three-

units and qualifies as a Humanities elective. This class takes the students on a journey, through Renaissance dance, to the trials and tribulations of the famous ballet dancer Isadora Duncan and all the current television dance shows. Instructors also teach Yoga and Pilates. Although the department offers all different styles of dance, it is not yet available for students to major in the field at LACC. However with valiant effort, the department hopes to soon make Dance available as an Associate of Arts Degree. At the end of every semester the Dance Department puts together a production which is a collaboration of all the best pieces from every dance class. This semester, the production will be performed on May 27, 28 and 29. If students are interested in learning more about the dance courses offered at LACC, they can refer to the course catalog or check out the Dance Department on-line at: www.lacitycollege. edu/academic/departments/pe/ dance.html.

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Arts & Entertainment

Los Angeles Collegian Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Theatre Academy Offers 'Narrow Road' to Enlightenment By Monica Olofsson

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lluminated by a single light, two actors rehearse on stage as the stage manager down below speaks quietly into his phone with one hand, while jotting down notes with the other. Two other actors in the audience gesture wildly while they shout out their lines. Meanwhile, the script supervisor rests his head on a nearby desk, as the weariness of a six-day a week schedule takes its toll. As opening night approaches, the endless days of rehearsal seem to slow down. On March 20, the Theatre Academy’s spring season will open with a parable play titled “Narrow Road to the Deep North,” written by Edward Bond. When it first debuted in 1968, it was referred to as “a hot new play by

a hot new playwright”, according to Los Angeles City College director, Louie Piday. “The world has changed, and it has made me look at plays that are a little older. The play suddenly speaks to another generation. It’s comedic and ironic as well as shocking and brutal,” said Piday. She also stated that, “It’s a broader story, and there are consequences to our moral attitudes.” Next week Ernesto Cayabyab will take the stage as Matsuo Basho who scholars consider one of the finest haiku writers who ever lived. Haiku is a type of unrhymed poetry that uses few verses and simple grammar, with the first line usually containing five syllables; the second seven and the third line five.Basho,who lived in the 17th century, nar-

Photo by Jorge Ponce /LA Collegian

Ernesto Cayabyab, left, and Kevin Chambers prepare for the first offering of the spring season.

rates this story, which takes place in Japan “about the 17th, 18th or 19th century.” Although it is not Basho’s personal story being

heatre Academy Costumers Prepare for Spring Show

By Hamza Utman and Frances O’Hara

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os Angeles City College's Theatre Academy Costume Department is buzzing with activity as students work hard to prepare the perfect period costumes for the upcoming production of “Narrow Road to the Deep North,” written by

Edward Bond and directed by Louie Piday. LACC students are creating 17th century Japanese costumes for the academy’s first spring semester performance at the Camino Theatre. Costuming major Kim Overton is working on the uniform of the British commodore. "He makes a huge splash presence on stage,” Overton said. Theatre students are crafting costumes for 41 different characters including everything from monks and merchants to priests and peasants. Costuming major Jolianne Baum is assembling samurai armor from bamboo and ribbons. “This hard hat will become a soldiers helmet,” said Baum. Working under a tight budget, students draw on a wide variety of materials for the design process. “Fit it all together and magic!” said Baum who has been nominated to participate in the 2009 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Wig and bald cap specialist

Celina Yun is designing hairpieces and latex caps for Japanese monks. The bald caps are made with extra thick latex and attached to actors’ heads with clips. If a character requires an extra hairpiece it can be attached to the cap. "Every Asian country has a special style,“ Yun explained, “Styles differ between Japanese, Chinese and Korean.” Yun has worked as a makeup and special effects artist on several opera productions in Korea such as Madame Butterfly and La Boheme. All students have a share in every aspect of production. Designers and actors work together in the costume shop melding their creative visions to perfect their masterpiece. Graduates of the Academy are well versed in all facets of the theatre. "All of our students work on both ends,” said costume director Diane Sisko whose past experience includes work with Universal Studios and Fox Television.

Local Artist Spotlight By Monica Olofsson

Tiye Peterson, LACC film student, took a moment from a casting call for his film, “Jeffrey,” to talk to the Collegian about cinema and how he got started making movies. Why are you taking classes at LACC? I want to get a certificate in editing and I needed to take some editing classes that are affordable. I researched and checked and the cinema department is highly recommended, so that’s why I’m here. This is my second semester. Do you have any background in the entertainment business? I have a B.A. in Film Production from Hunter N.Y, and a Masters in Theatre from Yellow Spring, Ohio. I don’t want to do the acting thing, although I will act in my own movies. I did a skit on Jimmy Kimmel Live and it allowed me to get into the union, but I want to do

my own thing. I started a production company with some friends called Hope 77 Production. I don’t want to wait. I’ll do it [all] myself. I studied everything. What would you do if you didn’t work in film? I would probably be writing. I love writing, short stories, poetry. It’s not too far off. Do you have a favorite film? "Road to Perdition." The cinematography is unbelievable! Where will you be in five years? I’ll have two movies of my own. It doesn’t have to be a big Hollywood thing. I don’t need to make millions, although it would be nice. I just want to make movies and I’ll be happy.

How about a favorite quote that you live by? “This too shall pass.” It’s something I’ve learned. Whenever I have a [bad] moment, I just think this will pass, it can’t get any worse. I just “let it be!” I grew up in a foster family and have faced a lot of obstacles, a lot of pretty interesting things have happened to me but I still managed to get two degrees even though my life has not been perfect. Just do your footwork. Whatever dreams you have, you have to hold on to them because they can happen. Anything is possible! Peterson makes his directorial debut with a scene from "Jeffrey" for his cinema class.

told, he is still the narrator. “There’s a reason he [Bond] put him in this play, maybe because he served as balance, a per-

RAVE

thing,” said Chambers, a secondyear theatre student. “My hope is that people will leave this play and it has changed them somehow, and that they question their own belief.” But before that, Chambers and the rest of the production team have many days of rehearsal ahead of them. Everything needs to ‘fit like a glove’ on opening night. And for that one moment when everything is real and the audience is right in their hands; the hard work will pay off and it will all be worth it. “Narrow Road to the Deep North” is performed in the Camino Theatre March 20 8 p.m, March 21 at 2 p.m and 8 p.m, March 25 and 26 at 7;15 p.m, March 27 at 8 p.m, March 28 at 2 p.m and 8 p.m. For tickets, please call 323 – 953 4000, ext. 2990.

Sounds of Praise Resonates in Music Halls

Performers, composers and entertainers chime in harmony as they get ready for another busy semester. By Jamie Hong

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son that brings around change. There are moments he [Basho] forsees things that happen in the future,” said Cayabyab, secondyear student at the academy. The playwright realized that he needed humor in order for people to listen, and the play carries a mixed tone of feelings while at the same time making a bold statement. Bond’s plays touch on not only the search for knowledge, but also political and social criticism, which is always a current theme in any society. Kevin Chambers plays “Kiro”, a man searching for personal enlightment and in essence; searching for himself. On this journey, he encounters “Shogo the Shogun” played by Mark Skeens, and “Georgina the Missionary” played by Reyna Flores. “He is trying to do the right

usic majors bustle from practice rooms to the music department office and their classrooms as they come together for another semester of musical experiences at Los Angeles City College (LACC). Kevin Polzer plays guitar and piano, and was so passionate about the program that he slept in his car during his first semester to beat traffic and get to class. “I look forward to waking up and learning,” Polzer said, speaking with fervor and admiration. “I’m always in the first row, blurting out answers whether they be right or wrong.” The students boast about the program, which has a broad range of classes and prestigious professors. Polzer is among around 150 music majors enrolled who expressed their affinity for the department. “Everybody here is a bit of a cheerleader,” said Manuel Whitman, a fourth semester pianist. “A lot of them [professors] studied in big schools like Columbia and Juilliard. They’re really passionate; everything they think about is music, music, music.” Nearly a third of the professors have doctorates in the field of music. The program offers students high-level theory classes such as Harmony III, the study of advanced chromatic harmony and analysis. This prepares the students to transfer to other universities with required training without emptying their pockets with expensive tuition. A jazz class of 16 students resembles a small concert rather than a lecture room as they practice to “Things Ain’t What They Used to Be,” by Mercer Ellington. The students chuckle but also remain serious as the class progresses. There is a lot of communication in the class and the instructor offers suggestions throughout practice. Students say the friendly environment overshadows the competitive atmosphere and everyone encourages each other’s works. “[There is] a broad range of

and write music for fellow Cinema majors to creatively arouse the ambiance of films. They use their scores to communicate the energy and atmosphere of the films to the viewer’s imagination and make it memorable. A former student turned legendary music composer is John Williams, a music director with five Oscars, 20 Grammys, seven British Academy Awards, four Golden Globes and four Emmys. He film scored for Photo by Jorge Ponce /LA Collegian more than 100 films Pianist Manuel Whitman and guitarist Kevin including “Stars Polzer tune up their musical skills in a practice Wars”, “Harry Potroom. ter” and “Superstudents, different ages, differ- man.” ent lifestyles,” Whitman said. “It LACC music instructors also feels like we’re a family, the up- nurtured worldwide electronic perclassmen always help the un- music artist DJ Irene, who was derclassmen.” the first female DJ to sell more As the class ends and students than 600,000 CDs and is one of pack up their instruments, one the most in-demand DJs in the musician high-fives the professor club and rave scenes. and a couple linger outside de“I love it here, “ said DJ Irene. ciding where to eat lunch. “I think it’s great, very thorough, “They’re friends, they hang they encourage students, no one’s out and play together,” said jazz going to be disappointed, everyinstructor and professional trom- one has an opportunity.” bone player, Dr. Lori Stuntz. There is always a student “And we work really hard worker who welcomes anythroughout the semester and get one who needs guidance at the a really good concert.” music department office where Music professors remain in there always seems to be activity. the school all day to spend time Trumpets, saxophones and music and devote extra attention to each sheets are commonly seen as stuindividual. A benefit many of the dents come in to check out pracmusic majors say they received tice rooms. A cellist smiles and at City College is the skill to read drums on his cello as he waits in music. line. “I grew up in a poor family … “I’m really grateful for the ,” Whitman said. “Before school teachers here, it’s not a job it’s a I played by ear, but now I can passion, and they put that passion read it and that’s amazing.” in you, “ Polzer said. “I’ll never “It’s [the music department] forget LACC … . It changes you well rounded, I learned so much. as a person, as a musician, as a I didn’t know how to read music, composer.” now I’m composing and writClausen Hall offers free coning songs,” Polzer said. “They certs twice a week every Tues[teachers] tune your mind to ap- day and Thursday in Room 247 preciate each second that’s hap- at 12:10 p.m. Students can also pening in music, when you know tune in to the professor’s concerts these things you appreciate it in played at the end of the semester, ways you can’t even imagine.” which music majors say blows Music majors also collaborate them away.

News

Los Angeles Collegian Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Times and Trustees from page 1

stood by the newspaper's view on Pearlman and Santiago. Newton wrote, "Here's a copy of our endorsement. I believe it speaks for itself." "Incumbent Nancy Pearlman openly states that ecological issues, especially green construction, are her top priority. Environmental concerns are fine, but they are tangential to the main mission of community colleges: providing higher education to people who otherwise could not afford it," the Times Editorials Endorsements article stated. The Times praised Pearlman's opponent, Jozef Essavi for raising questions on how efficiently bond money for construction has been spent. "The Times totally misunderstands critical issues related to the environment," Pearlman said in a telephone interview. She says she does not see why the Times cannot understand her platform. "I am a successful incumbent supported by all who work on the staff." Pearlman says when she first became a member of the Board of Trustees, she implemented a Green sustainability program that has won 30 awards and received national recognition. "I don't agree with the L.A. Times," said James Lagman a cinema major at Los Angeles City College. "There should be a balance between infrastructure and environmental issues. The environment is often overlooked." Lagman believes officials who support ecological issues will give schools a more positive image. However, a fellow cinema major disagrees and sides with the Times. "Everyone knows we don't

have the best education system as it is," Vincent Roque said. "I think she [Pearlman] should focus on education. Education comes first." Roque respects the Times as a trustworthy newspaper and believes their assessment of Pearlman's professional priorities are accurate. The Times also opposed Santiago, another supporter of "go green" projects, and said he " ... Speaks in generic terms about the district's priorities and has little in the way of bold ideas or farreaching vision." Records indicate that Santiago was appointed last year to fill in for Warren T. Furutani, a former Board of Trustees member. Santiago’s web site states that he is also an advocate for lower tuition fees for students and is interested in expanding the workforce education program. He was not available for comment. "I don't understand why the L.A. Times would not endorse him," said Executive Vice President of the Associated Students

Bee-utiful Achievement

Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Brain Bee

To bee or not to bee: Los Angeles Brain Bee welcomed students from all over Los Angeles to the City College campus at the end of February for a spelling bee. Zohal Ghulam-Jelani (far right) buzzed her way to victory and a $300 scholarship.

Organization at Los Angeles City College Linda Tong. " ... Considering his background with the Democratic National Committee." ASO President James Zetino had no comment on the issue. The American Federation of Teachers supported all four Trustees in the March election including Angela Reddock, Kel-

Police Wire Compiled by La Tijera Griffith 02/7/09, 10:20 a.m. Electric cart was found off campus Location: Virgil and Monroe 2/9/09, 8:15 p.m. Student reported lost purse. Location: Da Vinci Hall 2/11/09, 1:40 p.m. Student reported the theft of a textbook. Loss estimate is $20. Location: not specified

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2/11/09, 3:05 p.m. Student reported a lost cell phone. Location: Quad 2/12/09, 4:30 p.m. Student detained for possession of alcohol. Student was released into the custody of relatives. Location: Learning Resource Center 2/12/09, 8:12 p.m. Four students were detained for possession of alcohol. Location: Student Lounge

ly Candaele, and Pearlman and Santiago. “In the worst economic times in modern history,” said Guild political director John McDowell in a recent edition of “Read On.” “It’s critical to elect trustees who will put education first and will make sure whatever cuts we have to sustain stay as far as possible from the students and from the

classroom.” According to the election results, the majority of voters believed Pearlman and Santiago were model representatives as both incumbents returned to their positions. "Regardless of what the L.A. Times said, who had a stronger voice, the L.A. Times or the people?" Tong said.

Women's Rights from page 1

represented. "Although the march was centered around Iranian and Afghan women, it didn't seem as though it was aimed at all women of color," said Nelly Arciniega, founder of the LACC Feminist Club. The plight of undocumented migrant farmers is an issue close to home for political science major Daniel Morales Leon, Leon read two poems during the rally, “Ella Vino Desde Oaxaca” which translates to “She Came From Oaxaca” and an ode to his grandmother “Bracero Blues,” documenting her disillusionment following involvement as an organizer against the exploitation of undocumented migrant farmers in the 1960s. In 2007 “Bracero Blues” won the LACC Latino Heritage Competition. “That's basically what my grandma had, the blues, the Bracero Blues,” Leon said. “It was that nomadic structure of moving from … field to field. It’s her struggle that brought me here."

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Campus Highlight

Los Angeles Collegian Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Obstructed Paths to Classrooms Pave Way to Future Detours continue, but 'green buildings,' and 'smart classrooms' will harvest the benefits of sustainability. By Veronica Reynolds

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onstruction obstructs the City College Campus as noise from machinery floats into nearby classrooms and fences block off many walkways, which force students to take long detours to get to class. It is part of a long term plan to offer students buildings with "smart" classrooms that utilize state of the art technology and certified "Green" buildings that meet the Leadership Energy Environment and Design (LEED) standards set by the Green Building Council. "I'm looking forward to a projector for lecture hall," said Megan Nguyen, general education major at Los Angeles City College (LACC). Proposition A/AA government bonds gave the campus a total

of $241.4 million to use for construction, according to Christopher J. Dunne, Harris and Associates Project Director for campus construction projects. The school has not used any Prop J government bond money, which gives the campus an additional $350 million for new construction plans. Even so, all the bond money will not give the campus everything on its wish list. "I look for what's best for the college as a whole," Dunne said. It does however, provide a total of $31 million to demolish and rebuild the Student Services Building, currently known as the Learning Resource Center (LRC). Of this total, $1.6 million includes the cost of moving students from one building to another and eventually back again to newly renovated buildings. Current facilities in Room 112 in the Chemistry Building are not adequate for students to make effective and efficient use of lab time. The hoods provided for ex-

periments are outdated and look more like wooden cabinet space than a place to host a chemistry experiment. Two out of four faucets that provide deionized water required for safely cleaning lab materials, are completely broken with one of the two working faucets in such bad shape that it literally flows drip by drip. This makes cleaning equipment extremely tedious. "It's old and rusty," Nguyen said. The old buildings do not meet current safety codes and regulations. Modifications of these buildings are under way to meet the minimum codes and will temporarily house students from Holmes Hall and the LRC as they undergo massive reconstruction. City College plans to complete the current construction projects as early as this summer. "We're developing a standard for smart classrooms," said Bruce Baron, Vice President of Administration and temporary chair of the Bond Steering Committee. "We're trying to get the whole

campus up to a wireless standard." All City Colleges in the Los Angeles district are committed to using state of the art technology to facilitate different learning styles that students respond to best. Projectors with screens clearly visible to the entire classroom, computers used for interactive lesson plans and wireless Internet access are first on the agenda. New classrooms are not all the college is working on. Major construction this spring includes site utility projects that will modernize the basic underground power and water utilities to create a strong foundation that make the campus run more efficiently. The central plant will serve as the hub to heat and cool the campus by making ice at night when power costs less. The project should be completed by May of this year. Illustration by Lilit Atshemyan/LA Collegian

Build it, Scientists Will Come By Joe Jackson

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tudents and scientists will take their first walk into the new $42 million Sci-

Photo by Tim Carpenter and Jorge Ponce/LA Collegian

ence and Technology Building in a little more than six months. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new facility next September. “Most of the buildings for the

science majors are old and beat up,” said John Freitas, Chair of Chemistry and Earth Sciences. We’ve been waiting for the new technology center since March 2002, seven years.” Harris & Associates, Project Director, Christopher Dunne says he has received a lot of positive feedback about the project. “It’s going to be great for students because everything is state of the art and brand new,” Dunne said. Nursing, dental technology, engineering and earth and life

sciences will all call the new Technology Building home. “I look forward to studying in the new science building, students have been waiting for the facility for years,” said Michael Schmidt, a physics major and a third semester student at City College. “Its about time!” Students are not the only people who are excited about the changes that are happening on campus. “All of the science classes that LACC offers need a strong, permanent home,” said Dr. Kathleen

Burke-Kelly, Vice-President of Academic Affairs at City. “It will be a wonderful thing to be able to educate the students in a brand new state-of-the-art facility, instead of the old building, for example, the Chemistry Building.” Students and faculty will have to wait until September 2009 to see what the finished facility looks like. “I am very excited about the new technology construction,” said Mia Long-Johnson, a biology major and second year student at LACC. “It will be a pleasure

to study in a building that has air conditioning, the old buildings don’t have climate control,” Long-Johnson said. According to new laws in California, the technology building must be accessible to the handicapped. The new science facility has been under construction since June 2007. There are approximately 150 construction workers assigned to the project. Funds for the project were allocated from props A/AA.

Scholarships American Institute for Real

Estate Appraisers

Contact: Olivia Correon, 875 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 (310)335-4100 www.appraisalinstitute.org Eligibility: Sophomore students interested in pursuing a career in real estate and economics. Contact for additional requirements and for an application. Awards: $3,000-graduate; $2,000-undergraduate Deadline: March 15

Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Student Internship Program

Contact: 5220 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601 (818) 754-2800 www.emmys.tv/foundation/internships.php Email: [email protected] Eligibility: Undergraduate college student. The program is designed to give students in depth exposure to professional facilities and practices during an eight week summer period in LA. Award: $4,000 stipend w/ $300 spending allowance Deadline: March 15

California Teachers Association and Martin Luther King, JR Memorial Scholarship

Contact: CTA Human Rights Dept., P.O. Box 921, Burlingame, CA. 94011 (650) 552-5370 Email: [email protected] Eligibility: for MLK ethnic minority members of CTA, dependent children and ethnic minority of student CTA, pursue degrees of credentials for teaching-related careers in public education. Award: $2,000 Deadline: March 15

SHELL Legislative Internship Program

Contact: 500 Citadel Drive, Suite

120, Los Angeles, CA 90040 (323) 720-1932 www.naleo.org Eligibility: Undergraduate college student of a 2 or 4 year institution and resident of AZ, CA, CO, FL, IL, NM, NY, or TX of Latino Origin. Participants are offered a summer internship to work for a state or federal elected official. Must demonstrate leadership potential and possess a sense of commitment to the Latino/a community. Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Award: $1,500 Deadline: March 23

Nashville Association of Black Journalists Minority Scholarships Contact: David Hefner. The Tennessean, 1100 Broadway, Nashville, TN. 37203 (615) 259-8000 www.tennessean.com Eligibility: Open to minority students enrolled in college, majoring in the areas of reporting, writing, media sales, graphic arts, and public relations. Applicants must submit a cover letter, list of honors, extracurricular activities, awards and recommendations from a professor or employer. Award: $1,000 Deadline: March 31

Fund for American Studies

Contact: The Fund for American Studies, 1706 New Hampshire Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (800) 741-6964 www.tfas.org/ email: [email protected] Eligibility: Undergraduate, preference is given to sophomores and juniors majoring in journalism. Annual 8-week summer institute at Georgetown University offering courses, internships, foreign policy lectures, media dialogue series, site briefings, and career days. Write for details. Award: varies. Deadline: March 31

Health Professionals Scholarship Program Contact: VA Regional Office PO Box 8888, Muskogee, OK 744028888; (800) 827-1000 www.va.gov/ Eligibility: Nursing, nurse anesthesia, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant training & respiratory therapy. Must be in third or fourth year of study. Award: Tuition fees, book allowance & stipend paid. Deadline: late March

Chevrolet Prizm Scholarship in Design

Contact: MANA, A National Latina Organization, Attn: Scholarships, 1725 K Street, N.W. Suite 501, Washington, DC 20006 (202) 833-0060, ext.14 Email: [email protected] www.hermana.org Eligibility: Applicant must be a Latina enrolled full time as an undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited college or university in the United States and interested in studying design. Award: $1,000 Deadline: March

Falu Foundation Scholarship

Contact: Falu Foundation, c/o Universal Business and Media School, 220 East 106th Street, New York, NY 10029 (212) 360-1210 email: cyber [email protected] http://www.fundsnetservices. com/2000/finaid06.asp Eligibility: This scholarship is open to Hispanic students who are interested in pursuing a career in technology. High school seniors, high school graduates, and currently-enrolled college students may apply. Award: $1,000 Deadline: March

Los Angeles Collegian Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Sports

11 Chargers Dash Cubs' Dreams By Jessica Rivera

L Photo by Jorge Ponce/LA Collegian

Veronica Alaniz crosses the finish line and Lady Cubs take 2nd place in relay held at the University of Southern California.

City Track and Field Team Chases Lady Trojans By Mars Melnicoff

I

f a tree falls in the woods, but there is no one there to hear, does it make a noise? YES. If the track and field team at Los Angeles City College (LACC) is full of talent, yet arguably under acknowledged are they still making marks? YES. Head coach Sylvia Mosqueda feels the frustration of having a group oftalented girls who somehow seem to slip through the cracks. Among these athletes is distance runner Veronica Alaniz, who at a recent meet

os Angeles City College (LACC) Lady Cubs lost their playoff game to the Cypress College Lady Chargers (CC) in their run for the state Championship 69-65 on Sat. Feb 20 at the Women’s Gymnasium. The Lady Cubs started with a 16 - 9 lead in the first half thanks to center Devon Satchell and forward Jessica Torres scored the first 10 points, however Cypress tied the game 25-25 with 1:23 left in the first half. The Lady Cubs went on a 5-2 run to end the half and lead 30-27. At the start of the second half, the Lady Cubs struggled and trailed, however Cubs guard Ebony White got the ballclub back on track. “She took the whole team,” a fan said about White, because the Lady Chargers could not stop her throughout the contest. The Cubs tied the score at 4343 with 11:59 left in the game, but Cypress started to take con-

out-ran all of the girls who she competed against last year at the state championships. She ran 19 seconds flat for the 5,000 meter, close to her personal record. "I came here to take this team to the state championships and to get these girls scholarships to four-year schools, which they deserve," Mosqueda said. "But they need recognition. Without recognition the girls will not get the opportunities they deserve. It is a fact in the sports world." Mosqueda adds that recognition is important not just to get scholarships in the future. It is also important for team mo-

rale. In any sport, recognition for outstanding performance is a provider of motivation. Running is especially mental, so this is especially true. For now, the team is also internally challenged to find a true feeling of closeness, another important motivator for such a personal sport. Top distance runner Mallory Celaya shows concern for this. "This is not really a united team yet," Celaya said. "We are always in separate cars, off doing our own things. Especially the sprinters and the distance

runners. It's hard to feel like a team." She added that having no home track and no van for team transportation does not help the matter. The addition of the new sports arena coming this spring above the new parking structure is anxiously awaited by the team. "Yeah, this is a big deal for us,” Celaya said. "That's why we were kind of upset when it got pushed from its original finish date in January." The team hopes the new track will raise their visibility and unite them as well.

currently scheduled. Is this a good use of the fruits from such a huge undertaking? “With budget cuts and the economy as we all know it is, adding any new intercollegiate sports is bottom priority,” said President Jamillah Moore. Our new fiscal year starts on July 1, and this is when decisions will be made; but has the possibility of men doing laps in short-shorts with Cubs insignias

already been deep-sixed? An intercollegiate softball team is probably not in the cards, as the school has tried to field a team in the past and come up short on interested students. But as for men’s track and field, the women’s team has been waiting. Although many of our Cubs girls qualify personally to compete in state championships, this team has not qualified as a whole. This is definitely due to the lack of a

men's program. Head track coach Sylvia Mosqueda emphasizes that, especially in track, men tend to be easier to recruit in the first place and women are easier to recruit once you have the men. (Go figure). When it comes to intercollegiate soccer, there is a history of interest on campus. Cubs used to play soccer at Snyder Field which was torn down for the new library, Science and Technology Building and Child Development Building. If any of the three sports might actually fill the new bleachers, let’s be real, it is soccer.

Will They Come? from page 12

mentioning golf, he refers to the private driving range which is on leased campus land. But this is a tangent topic). So as the situation stands, we have a soon to be finished sporting arena which includes an Olympic-size track, a soccer field, a softball field and bleachers which seat 900 people, and will be used for graduations, women’s track and soccer classes. There are no softball classes

trol of the game. City College closed the gap 55-52 with 7:35 left in regulation. The Lady Cubs actually had a three-point lead 59-56, but Cypress tied the game 59-59 with 5:19 left and later regained the lead and did not look back. The Chargers crowd cheered, as Lady Cubs’ fans were nowhere to be found. The Chargers had a 64-59 lead with 2:53 remaining, however the Lady Cubs closed the gap to 66-63. Cubs star player Devon Satchell fouled out soon afterwards. With 15 seconds left, the Lady Cubs trailed by only two points 67-65, but could not come all the way back. As the Lady Chargers and celebrated, the Lady Cubs come to the realization that their dream season was over. The Lady Cubs finish the 2008-2009 with a record of 27 wins and 6 losses, a remarkable turn around from the year before when they had only five players left from the 20072008 campaign.

Sports Calendar Badminton March 11

Wed

El Camino College

Away

3 p.m.

March 13

Fri

Pasadena College

Home

2 p.m.

March 17

Wed

East L.A. College

Away

3 p.m.

March 20

Fri

El Camino College

Home

2 p.m.

March 25

Wed

Pasadena College

Away

3 p.m.

Baseball March 12

Thu

Pasadena City College

Away

2:30 p.m.

March 14

Sat

Cerritos College

LACC

12 noon

March 17

Tue

Long Beach City College

Away

2:30 p.m.

March 19

Thu

Long Beach City College

LACC

2:30 p.m.

March 26

Thu

Compton College

Away

2:30 p.m.

Women’s Track and Field March 13

Fri

Oxy Invitational Meet Occidental College

Away

Sports

12 Sports Bin

Redemption By Mars Melnicoff

L

By Mars Melnicoff

T

Will They Come? on page 11

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The Lady Cubs finished the 2007-2008 season with heads held low. The roster had dwindled to the point of leaving them short of a full team, and even shorter on team spirit. But 2008-2009 would find a hungry new group rallying around a new coach, who together stood tall and found ...

If You Build It, Will They Come?

he addition of an Olympic-size track provides obvious cause for excitement for women’s track and field. This, along with a soccer and softball field will be located on top of the new parking structure. By the time students fling their graduation caps into the summer air, the women’s track team will have a place to call home. They will no longer need to practice and host home events at the University of Southern California track. I have no desire to cast a shadow on this step for the women’s track team, but still I must admit, the situation simply raises questions. Are the soccer team and softball team excited about their new fields? Oh wait, we don’t have a soccer team or a softball team. How about the men’s track and field team? Nope, no men’s track team either. “Sports teams should reflect the facilities on campus,” said athletic director Mike Miller. “The addition of men’s track and men’s and women’s soccer seem like the obvious next steps to me. Also golf. I have suggested these things, but I am not the one who makes the final decision.” (When

Los Angeles Collegian

Photo by Jordan Angulo/LA Collegian

Guard Ebony White named MVP of the South Coast North Division Conference.

Basketball Cubs Come Close By Matthew Lopes

A

bitter 13-point road loss to Mt. San Jacinto College ended the 2008-2009 Los Angeles City College Men’s Basketball season on Feb. 27 in the second round of Southern California Regional Playoffs. The team played most games undermanned, yet still

Photo by Jorge Ponce/LA Collegian

Clarence 'CJ' Davis at the freethrow line in action against Pasadena City College on Feb. 20.

ast year, the Los Angeles City College (LACC) women’s basketball team finished the season with only four players. Some players had abandoned their team, quitting throughout the season, and so had more than one coach. Last year’s spirit threatened to continue when head coach to be Labell Hill resigned, with no reason, the week before school began. But the similarities ended there. Everything started to change as Derrick Jackson stepped up from assistant to head coach. He

managed to post a 23-9 overall and a 7-1 conference record to capture the South Coast Conference-North Division title. Clarence “CJ” Davis, a guard and psychology major, described the character of the team. “Once with eight players we competed with Fresno [City College]—we lost by two in double overtime—but we knew we could compete with anybody,” Davis said. He remembers the low predictions that online blogs and articles set for the Cubs at the beginning of the season. The doubters seem to have overlooked the quality of the LACC basketball

immediately took on the task of not only finding a new assistantbut of finding a team-a team that could do more than simply show up wearing a uniform. The Cubs haven’t won more than three games in a season in the last three years. This year with the final record of 25-7, the Cubs had advanced into playoffs and shattered images left from a losing program. “I was considering not coming back out this year,” sophomore guard Roxanna Rodriguez said. But she did, and the 2008 “open gym” tryout gave her new hope. “I was convinced to play

program as a whole. “Coach Miller didn’t win conference last year, so how would we win it this year without him?” Davis asked with a sarcastic smile on his face. “On the internet they picked us to come last in our conference.” The players and coaches have faith in one another and a brotherhood that they say will continue throughout their lives. It was a tough end to an overall positive season, in which LACC players held four of the top six scoring averages in the conference. Charles Rothstein, a history major, attended several games in

again because I could see how different it was. The coach, and all the different girls. And there were a lot more girls.” Jeneen Simon plays forward. The freshman showed up at the tryout and did not look back. “I didn’t really care about last year. We had a new coach and new players,” Simon said. Jackson picked 12 of the 20 that showed up to try out for the team, only three of whom had been part of last year’s roster. He says he never doubted that this would be the start of something Redemption on page 5

the Women’s Gym this year. “I expected high-energy basketball every time I stepped in that arena and I know that this school will be adding another championship banner, sooner rather than later,” Rothstein said. Davis is also confident for next year’s season. He, along with Jerrett Towns, and SCCNorth leading scorer, Antonio Owens, are expected to be back leading the Cub charge. “We’re going to try to combine talent with discipline and bring the State Championship to L.A. City,” Davis said.