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A student starts their Citrus adventure as they contemplate where to go next outside the VA Building. Read about your Student Arrival (not survival) Guide on page 5.
Online at
ccclarion.com Volume LXXV • Issue 9 Tuesday, March 1, 2022
MARK SNOW - STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Daily COVID check leans on trust The pre-screening system emphasizes the honor system as students return to campus BY ANTHONY ROSSI
EDITOR- IN - CHIEF
AROSSI@CCCLARION.COM
Eight questions play a pivotal role for students and faculty as they return to campus in the spring semester. These eight questions come posed from the daily pre-screening feature of the Citrus Mobile application. This feature requires the Citrus College community to answer questions regarding symptoms, past travel and proximity relative to COVID-19. Since its implementation in the fall 2020 semester, the daily prescreening feature has become a rite of passage for anyone who needs to go to campus on that particular day. If the user passes the screening, they will earn a green pass for the day and be permitted on campus. If they fail, they will be given a red pass and not allowed on campus for that day. The most important question in the screening also acts as the lynchpin of this system- whether the screening was answered honestly. “It’s always a balancing act,” Chief Information Services Officer and COVID-19 workgroup member Robert Hughes said. “We have to trust our users and trust our community. The alternative is to be harsh and crack down and try to police things. We would rather trust the users.”
“It’s always a balancing act. We have to trust our users and trust our community. The alternative is to be harsh and crack down and try to police things. We would rather trust the users.”
Robert Hughes
Chief Information Services Officer
The chair of the Citrus College COVID-19 workgroup, Robert Sammis, said the system has served its purpose and made sure people think through if they are well enough to come to work on that day. Sammis said since the beginning of the winter 2022 semester, he has seen an average of 10 red passes given out a day. Hughes said the daily prescreening feature is “on the honor system” and must be used correctly by students and faculty checking to see if they have the necessary green pass. Honesty serves as the common thread holding together this system. “I hope we can all do this with a spirit of cooperation and answer very simple questions in a very honest way,” Sammis said.
MARK SNOW - STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Students get in line for their weekly rapid test outside of the Haugh Performing Arts Center on Feb 23 after completing the daily pre-screening before going on campus.
2 Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Announcements
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CLARION Editor-in-Chief
Anthony Rossi
Everything you need to know about current events in the campus community. If there is something you want us to cover, email us: contact@ccclarion.com.
arossi@ccclarion.com
Managing Editor Mark Snow
PARKING PERMITS REQUIRED FEB. 28 This spring semester, starting Feb. 28, parking permits will be required in all student parking lots around campus. All parking regulations and rules will be enforced and failure to follow will result in a citation or tow. Students can purchase spring 2022 parking permits online at https://citruscollege.thepermitstore. com. Regular student permit parking begins at $59 while California College Promise Grant students can receive their permit for $39. Call Citrus College at 626-914-8611 or visit the school’s website for more information.
msnow@ccclarion.com Staff Reporters:
Aaliyah Murillo
amurillo@ccclarion.com
Andrew Garcia
agarcia@ccclarion.com
Andrew Perez
aperez@ccclarion.com
Brooke Spears
bspears@ccclarion.com
Karina Curiel
VACCINE CLINIC Citrus College in collaboration with the L.A. Department of Public Health will host its second vaccine clinic for students, employees and the surrounding community. The clinic is being held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 18 at the Campus Center East Wing, Citrus College. The clinic will provide the second dose or booster shot. Sign up at https://www.myturn.ca.gov and enter Citrus College as the location.
kcuriel@ccclarion.com
Melissa Orozco
morozco@ccclarion.com
Miranda Palmas
mpalmas@ccclarion.com
Mizuki Smith
hsmith@ccclarion.com
Nicholas Lira
nlira@ccclarion.com
Clarion advisers: Patrick Schmiedt Stacy K. Long The Clarion is produced by journalism students and is distributed every other Tuesday during MARK SNOW - STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
the semester. Ads are not endorsed by the Clarion. Published opinion is that of the writer. Views
Walkng by we are reminded of a technology that once was, and will never be again. An electronic wasteland.
expressed do not represent those of the adviser,
COVID TRACKER
faculty, administration, Associated Students of Citrus College and/or CCCBOT.
THIS IS A COMPILATION OF ALL OF THE COVID-19 EXPOSURE NOTIFICATIONS SPANNING FROM MARCH 2020 TO PRESENT. THIS DATA BASE WILL BE USED TO TRACK THE CASES REPORTED ON CAMPUS AS WELL AS THE LOCATIONS, TYPE OF PERSON, AND DATES. THIS WILL BE UPDATED AT HTTP://WWW.CCCLARION.COM/COVIDTRACKER WHEN NEW EXPOSURE NOTIFICATIONS ARE SENT OUT.
Location
Date of exposure
Date of notifcation
Physical Science Building 114
February 10 and 11, 2022
February 14, 2022
Physical Education Building 101
February 7 and 8, 2022
February 10, 2022
Liberal Arts/Business Building 307
February 7 and 8, 2022
February 10, 2022
Performing Arts Building
January 28, 2022
January 31, 2022
Performing Arts Building
January 27, 2022
January 31, 2022
Student Services Building 104
January 26 and 27, 2022
January 27, 2022
INDOOR MASK MANDATE UNCHANGED Citrus College will keep in effect its indoor mask policy amid laxed mask mandates by the county, the Citrus College Superintendent/President said in a memo on Feb. 25. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health decided on Feb. 25 to make wearing a mask indoors at “establishments, businesses and venues” optional. This decision came in response to the declining COVID-19 positivity rates, number of cases, deaths, and hospitalizations in the county. Superintendent/President Greg Schulz said after consulting with various campus leaders and advice from medical experts, that Citrus’ indoor mask policy will remain unchanged at this time. Although the campus indoor mask policy will not change along with the county, Schulz said in the memo, “Citrus College will continue to closely monitor the status of the pandemic and will communicate any changes to our safety protocols as appropriate in the future.” SUMMER RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Citrus College is hosting a Summer Research Experience program for students in STEM, and applications are now being accepted. Throughout this program, students will put together research posters that will be exhibited at one (and possibly more) research symposiums. Students will be able to gain experience in working in a collaborative environment, and gain more insight on scientific investigation. Students would be paid (up to $5,000), but there are a few commitments and qualifications required. Students looking to apply to this program must be ready to commit full-time to this program from the weeks of June 20-August 12, 2022. They also must attend the program evaluation elements and be present at the Research Symposium at Citrus College that will take place in fall 2022. For more information, students can reach out to monicahernandez@citruscollege.edu or visit https://www. citruscollege.edu/stem/summerresearch/Pages/default.aspx NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH FOR OWLS Citrus College Athletics hired Brandon Hayashi as head coach for the football team. Hayashi takes over for former head coach Ron Ponciano. Hayashi previously served as defensive coordinator starting in 2019 and led the team to a top scoring defense in the SCFA American Division Mountain League. He then served as interim coach for the 2021 season and led the team to a 6-4 record. The Owls finished the 2021 season second place in the American Division Metro League and missed the playoffs. Under Hayashi 10 players earned All-Metro League honors, with Kendal Henderson, Kasmir Dina and Ronnie Mendez being named All-Americans. Henderson also received the Metro League Defensive Player of the Year. Hayashi played for the Owls football team during 2014-2016.
News
Tuesday, March 1, 2022 3
CLARION
Responsive plans highlight return
Superintendent/President outlines the ideas for a safe return for events and classes for the spring semester BY MARK SNOW
MANAGING EDITOR
MSNOW@CCCLARION.COM
Citrus is prepared for the spring 2022 semester, despite the rapid winter class changes and COVID-19 Omicron variant. Winter 2022 experienced drawbacks with the new Omicron variant jumping online class offerings from 61% to 70% at the start of the semester, a memo posted to Citrus employees by Superintendent/President Greg Schulz said. Schulz said the school is monitoring the status of the pandemic and is using a responsive and proactive approach to deal with the pandemic in spring. “The campus is currently open for the winter term and has remained open to serve our students and the community while operating with established safety protocols in place,” Schulz said in an email. “The campus will continue to remain open as we approach the start of the spring term.” Schulz said Citrus planned ahead and purchased approximately 18,000 COVID-19 test kits. Citrus is using its previous experience by offering a mix of classes so students can adjust easier should an uncontrollable event occur. “Currently, the spring class schedule includes a variety of in-person, hybrid and online classes,” Schulz said. “The college still plans to offer classes in each of these formats, and the deans are working closely with faculty
ANTHONY ROSSI - STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The Haugh Performing Arts Center gets set to open for the spring, while also serving as the location for COVID-19 rapid testing. Students must take a weekly COVID test as part of Citrus’ return to campus guidelines.
to identify additional classes that can be transitioned from in-person to online, prior to the start of the spring term.” Events are still happening on campus in spring. Citrus is following the federal, state and county guidelines for all sporting events and theater performances. Signage will be posted at these events with current information.
Spectators are required to follow them to remain in attendance. Visitors will have to wear face coverings and sit only with their immediate family. If a spectator is experiencing symptoms, they should not attend, Schulz said. Specific campus guidelines can be found at the Haugh Performing Arts Center’s website. Citrus is planning to offer more
hybrid model classes and hoping more students will return to campus in spring, Schulz said. “Students have a variety of academic and professional interests, and many have expressed to us that they would prefer on-campus classes,” Schulz said. “Others have expressed a preference for online classes at this time.
“The college is offering both, with safety protocols in place, to help respond to the variety of needs our students have as they pursue their academic and career goals. Some of the academic programs at the college utilize unique supplies and equipment, labs, or learning spaces that make it difficult to deliver in an online environment.”
89 in-person spring classes moved online COVID-19 threat and decreasing trends in enrollment lead to spring sections going remote BY ANTHONY ROSSI
EDITOR- IN - CHIEF
AROSSI@CCCLARION.COM
As the Citrus community returns to campus for the spring, several in-person classes have been shifted online. Citrus College has moved 89 spring semester classes from on campus to an online format, Joumana McGowan, the Vice President of Academic Affairs, said in an email on Feb. 17. As of Feb. 22, Citrus College was offering 1,139 total sections this semester. The decision factored in the everpresent concern of the COVID-19 virus and decreasing trends in enrollment, Superintendent/ President Greg Schulz said in a memo to Citrus College faculty on Jan. 27. Head of the Citrus College COVID-19 Workgroup Robert Sammis said the idea behind the move was to “keep the footprint a little bit smaller” with students on campus. Sammis also said enrollment patterns expressed a desire for online classes. After two years of predominantly online studies, students have communicated their preference for remote courses at this time. “I honestly feel nervous for inperson (classes),” theater major Deanna Vazquez said in an email. “It has been so long that doing a class in person feels strange. Also,
“We want the students back on campus, we’re not an online college, we’re not the University of Phoenix. We think we can make it work safely.”
Robert Sammis
Head of the Citrus College COVID-19 Workgroup
I am nervous about the spikes of (COVID-19) cases with students attending in person again.” Dave Brown, an automotive technology professor and the bargaining chair of the Citrus College Faculty Association, said it was clear to faculty that students favored online sections, particularly with general education courses. Although some classes have shifted from the campus to the computer screen, Citrus is staying steadfast in the return to in-person courses. Sammis said 63 to 64% of classes remain on campus for the spring semester, even with the movement of some courses to online. “We want the students back on campus, we’re not an online college, we’re not the University of Phoenix,” Sammis said. “We think we can make it work safely.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY
4 Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Letters
CLARION
Superintendent/President welcomes you back Welcome to the spring 2022 semester! Whether you are returning after a restful break, continuing your momentum from winter session or registering for classes for the first time, we are thrilled to have you with us. By enrolling at Citrus College, you are receiving access to innovative academic programs and comprehensive support services that are specifically designed to help you achieve your goals. This spring, we are offering a variety of in-person and online classes. With 68 associate degree programs, 32 associate degrees for transfer, and 100 certificate and skill award options, we know that you will discover your pathway to success. As you progress on your academic journey, please seek out and take advantage of the many resources Citrus College offers to our students. From counseling and financial aid to the STEM and honors transfer programs, we offer a myriad of opportunities and services that are designed to help you thrive. The 2021-2022 Student Resources Guide (www. citruscollege.edu/students/ resourceguide) includes additional information on everything you need to succeed. In addition to outstanding programs and services, Citrus College faculty and staff are available to encourage and guide
you every step of the way. In fact, I would like to personally invite you to visit with me and share your input during one of my regularly scheduled virtual open office hours or perhaps when you see me on campus this spring. Don’t forget to check your student email throughout the semester for details regarding these and other college activities. Whether you are taking oncampus or online classes, this is going to be a great semester! As our campus community continues to navigate the ongoing global pandemic, we are committed to providing you with a safe and healthy environment that will foster your academic, professional and personal growth. We appreciate your flexibility and adherence to Citrus College’s COVID-19 protocols, which include mandatory testing, daily self-screening assessments, QR code location check-ins and the wearing of masks while indoors. I wish you every success this spring as you take the next steps toward reaching your goals. Go Owls! Sincerely, MARK SNOW - STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Greg Schulz, Ed.D. Superintendent/President
Superintendent/President Greg Schulz visits the Clarion newsroom as he welcomes students back on campus for the spring semester.
ASCC president’s letter This letter was provided to the Clarion in August 2021. First and foremost, on behalf of the entire ASCC (Associated Students of Citrus College) Board, we’d like to welcome you all to the Fall 2021 semester here at Citrus College! We are all extremely excited to hit the ground running and continue our efforts in making positive strides in the right direction as we proudly represent both our students and faculty alike. As your ASCC President, I speak for all the newly appointed student leaders that we are here to stay committed to you and be a voice for the voiceless. It is our personal belief that it is vital that we continue investing and prioritizing our students by working together and brainstorming new and creative ideas that do just that. Our vision for Citrus College is one that encompasses unity, pride, and a sense of belonging as we are all a direct representation of not only ourselves, but also our campus and student community. Currently one of the biggest hurdles we face is the unfortunate situation we find ourselves as we continue our battle with COVID-19 and the negative impacts that came along with it. Our priority is to ensure the safety of our students and faculty as we begin to slowly return onto campus and welcome a much-needed sense of normalcy. Our promise to you is that we will primarily focus on further shaping the experiences our fellow students have in such a way that is meaningful with the purpose of executing Citrus College’s mission, and that is to provide excellent educational opportunities that put the needs of our students above all while simultaneously empowering them to not only meet but exceed the challenges that they may face
ROSSI
Your stories, your paper Dear reader,
CALDERA
both in their educational careers and in life. Citrus College offers all students the opportunity to be involved with various programs, clubs, and organizations that align with a student’s personal interest that will further benefit their academic careers and in turn, their future careers, and it all starts here. We offer many resources that can be found at my.citruscollege. edu that will further assist students accessing web portals as well as the Citrus College mobile app
that is constantly active with students and announcements of different study programs and club involvement opportunities. I look forward to serving you all this coming academic year and I can’t wait to see every single one of you as we continue our academic journey and be one step closer to accomplishing our goals and aspirations. Sincerely, Daniel Caldera ASCC President
The duty of telling your stories is one of the greatest responsibilities I have ever had the honor to carry. My life has taught me that everyone has their own unique story to tell. Sure, many of our stories have a common thread. We are all connected by the human experience. Yet, each person has their own view and perspective that shapes how their world is experienced and seen. My goal for this semester is to tell your stories in a way that will allow you to take the most you possibly can from it. I believe our responsibility is to deliver you the information in a straightforward way. Our obligation is not to lead you in one way or another, but rather to show you the entire picture and let you make your determinations from there. I have always had a passion for the stories around me. When someone in my life achieves something, I become excited and
want to tell everyone I know. I suppose that is why some of my friends consider me their best hype man. In a way, my goal is to amplify your stories. I want to give your stories the nuance and attention that they deserve. This is your paper and I promise to give your stories the hype that they call for. So reach out to us. Follow us on Twitter (@CCClarion) and Facebook. If you interact with your paper, it allows us to tell more of your stories, which is ultimately our goal. Let us know when we fall short or when you think there is more to say. I want you to hold us to as high of a standard as we hold ourselves. The more invested we all are, the greater this semester will be. I wish you the best and enjoy your paper this semester.
Sincerely, Anthony Rossi Clarion Editor-In-Chief
Opinion
Tuesday, March 1, 2022 5
CLARION
Arrival, not survival
The Clarion’s helpful return-to-campus guide to help spring forward for in-person classes BY MARK SNOW
MANAGING EDITOR
MSNOW@CCCLARION.COM
The Citrus campus can look and feel intimidating. Whether you’re new or returning from the COVID hiatus, the Clarion has tips for arriving, not surviving, the spring 2022 semester. n Scout out campus ahead of time. It’s a good idea to visit the school a few days before the semester starts and locate the rooms for your classes. It may save you from looking like you’re on the world’s worst scavenger hunt. Unless you’re into that sort of thing. n Arrive early. Parking can be a nightmare, especially in the first few weeks of the semester. Give yourself an extra 30 minutes to find parking. n If you do not have a vehicle, you can obtain a Class Pass from the library. It’s accepted on all Foothill Transit and Silver Streak bus lines. There are stops surrounding the school, so you won’t have to worry about rushing to catch one bus. just make sure you don’t sleep in. Extra cardio is only fun at the gym. As long as you’re enrolled in one unit for the semester, it’s paid for with your student fees. You can use it in all 22 cities in the San Gabriel Valley. n Hold off from buying out Barnes and Noble. Professors will let you know exactly what you need for their classes, and you don’t want to end up buying the red pens when you need the pink ones. n Check out the Student Services building on the west end of campus. Resources like financial aid, counseling, transferring, tutoring and many other services are located here. n Make some friends. It’s
MARK SNOW - STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A student discovers the Hayden Memorial Library as he ponders his next option during his spring semester journey. good to have a few numbers from friends in each class in case you missed or for study groups. Also good for sending funny cat videos. n Get to know your professors. All professors have office hours, and they can help direct you if you need some extra help. They
may also like funny cat videos. n Check out citruscollege. edu. The student resource guide page has good information on transferring, financial aid, and programs/services that you can take advantage of. Most current information will be posted somewhere, so it’s a good idea to
have this bookmarked. n Try to relax. It’s no surprise that college is stressful. These last few years have been tough on everyone. Don’t implode because you were late to class by 0.2 seconds. You’ll be OK. n Read the Clarion. Our readers will always be informed
on what’s going on in the community and on campus. Following these simple tips will help ease your tension for this semester. Use the resources available and you will not just survive the day. Welcome to Citrus, you’ve arrived.
Editorial
Now is time to return to campus Citrus College students may wonder why the school is moving full steam ahead with in-person classes. This may seem particularly brazen, especially after two years of online remote learning. The campus was deserted after the first shutdown, as teachers and students alike hunkered down and prepared for the COVID-19 apocalypse. Students who are barely getting their vitamin D levels back to normal are being told to buy books, eat at the café and study in the library. The foreign feeling of interaction and socialization isn’t just a flyby-night thought, even if it feels like one. The Citrus College powers that be have been working hard to provide the student their best chances at in-person learning, and are ready to protect the right to inperson classes. Standing in line for 20 minutes Monday for a weekly COVID-19 screening can seem annoying. Scanning a QR code to enter the classroom is also a small inconvenience. These annoyances are more effective than most realize. By tracking everyone who enters the campus, Citrus can identify potential COVID-19 outbreaks immediately, lessening the widespread effect and protecting the
campus from getting shut down. Faculty diligence to verify every student screening on a daily basis prevents those that may be sick from getting everyone else sick. Wearing masks inside and outside the classroom prevents those who may not be symptomatic, or who have slipped through the cracks from getting others sick. This is nothing new. COVID-19 screenings, tracking locations and wearing masks is the norm in most of California. What makes Citrus different is how effective they are and the stance they are taking by allowing students to return in droves. Yes, it is important to follow state COVID-19 protocols and the college has taken action with daily screenings and weekly tests but enough is enough. Students have been given the opportunity to be on campus, and that is more than just an empty promise of returning to normal. Hiding in our homes for literal years has taken its toll on our physical and mental health. The campus wounds are still fresh, but being in-person is a sign of healing. Most students will stand however long it takes to get screened if it means getting to see another human face to face. Teachers and students will wear masks, even inside, if it means picking up a book and learning
MARK SNOW - STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Administrators have set up the proper checks, such as the indoor mask policy and pre-screening feature, to allow for a safe return to campus.
in a structured learning environment. The steps have been taken. Citrus has sent a message, and the students have sent a reply with one simple message: We are ready to be on campus.
Editorials are the opinion of at least 75% of the Editorial Board. Views expressed do not represent thoose of the adviser, faculty, administration, Associated Students of Citrus College and/or CCCBOT.
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Sports
Tuesday, March 1, 2022 7
CLARION ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT MARK SNOW - STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Freshman guard Chris Chiles, middle, attempts a reverse layup as Citrus faced off against West LA College on Feb. 5.
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MARK SNOW - STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Freshman guard Jayden Johnston puts up a last-second shot in the game against West LA College on Feb. 5. Citrus fell 68-66, but is set for the playoffs with a 20-6 record.
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8 Tuesday, March 1, 2022
News
CLARION
Experience key for new CTE dean Dean brings experience and passion to help guide a new generation into careers BYMARK SNOW
MANAGING EDITOR
MSNOW@CCCLARION.COM
Citrus College’s new Career and Technical Education dean takes on new career opportunities with passion and determination. Kimberly Mathews comes from Santa Ana College where she started working part-time through a Perkins grant. “I specifically helped Career and Technical Education students by placing them in internships,” Mathews said. “After that, I transitioned to working off another grant, where we helped adult students by helping them continue their education or be placed with employment.” Mathews also has been working for 16 years on the non-credit side at Santiago College teaching inmates. “Sadly, due to COVID, I have only had correspondence by mail in the jails for two years,” Mathews said. “Hopefully, we can transition back into the classroom and get them the materials they need because I don’t think they are getting the full learning they deserve.” Mathews had only been at Citrus for six days, but one of the first things she observed was how much the faculty cared about the students.
“I can tell they’re (faculty) dedicated to the students,” Mathews said. “They were in their respective industries for several years but have a heart for teaching a new generation. Even though they could be making a whole lot more, they choose to educate others. “It’s been challenging with COVID. I think students are eager to get back to campus, and having good faculty makes that easier for them to engage. I think that’s what the programs are doing well.” Mathews said she plans on taking the time to listen in her first month as well as meeting everyone so that she can find out what the students and faculty need to succeed. Mathews also has specific goals that she’s focused on achieving during the first year and said she believes that working as a strong team is the best way to achieve those goals. “I would like to see more effort in building up non-credit to credit pathways,” Mathews said. “If a student needs help with English that can be done on the noncredit side. Students can also take a course for non-credit and if they decide they like this, can then pursue that course.” Mathews also said she plans to assess the current programs to ensure they are relevant and meet
MARK SNOW - STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
New dean of Career and Technical Education Kimberly Mathews prepares to assist students throughout campus. Mathews brings over a decade and a half of experience to the postition.
the needs of the market. Mathews said the biggest obstacle is an adjustment to a new system. “Coming from a different school with different operations, I have to learn like six new programs and be proficient in them,” Mathews said. “It’s important for me to navigate these systems because we are in constant need of adjuncts, and I need to know how to work ADVERTISEMENT
these systems so I can answer any questions I may get.” Mathews’ biggest challenge is prioritizing the opportunities for CTE and non-credit courses Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Joumana McGowan said. McGowan said Mathews should take the time to get to know the students and faculty, and to learn as much as possible. Mathews said she wants students
to know they can and should reach out if they need anything. “Just know, we’re here to guide you and support you with whatever you need,” Mathews said. “We want you to be successful, and never hesitate to reach out to us.” Mathews may be the new dean, but she is not new to taking care of students and will be a resource for students and faculty alike.