SPOTLIGHT
THECLARION CITRUS COLLEGE >>>THECLARIONONLINE.COM
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
PG 20
The Parousia, a local band, has just released their first self-titled recording: ‘The Parousia EP’
VOLUME LXIV, ISSUE 1
INSIDE THIS EDITION CAMPUS
ENTERTAINMENT
PERSPECTIVES
Superintendent/ President Geraldine M. Perri, Ph. D., led the fall convocation held on Aug. 27, when she delivered her third annual State of the College address. Awards, dedications and recognitions were mentioned as well as plans to academically develop the school further.
Don’t know where to get your school supplies? Everything seem too expensive? The Clarion staff has done the research to figure out where to get you the best deals.
Classes are full. Parking is a nightmare. Books are expensive. The budget cuts are affecting the professors just as much as the students and it doesn’t seem to be getting easier. There isn’t a solution to our problem and our only advice is to hold your head high, put a smile on your face and hang on as best you can.
PG 4
PG 14
SPORTS After an intense scrimmage tournament at Cuesta College, the volleyball team left with a 7-2 record and appear to be hopeful for the season. PG 15
PG 17
NEWS BRIEFS
2
LOCAL Police arrest three boys in Azusa Three boys were arrested Saturday on suspicion of possession of graffiti instruments in the 100 block of East Newburgh Street, officials said. Officers responded to an anonymous tip that three juveniles were vandalizing a property around 4:50 p.m., police said in a press release. Authorities located the three juveniles, ages 11, 12 and 13, as they were leaving the area, officials said. All three boys were found with graffiti tools, police said.
ANNOUCEMENTS NEW EMAIL ACCOUNTS FOR CITRUS STUDENTS Citrus College has partnered with Microsoft to provide advanced e-mail accounts for students. Powered by the Microsoft Live@edu program, this service offers Microsoft Office Outlook Live – an email account with up to 10GB of storage – to Citrus College students. Beginning August 30, all e-mail correspondence to students will be sent to their Citrus College e-mail address. Information on Outlook Live and how Citrus College students can get started can be found at http://www.citruscollege.edu/tecs/studentemail.
Courtesy of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune
STATE Horse race gambling plan moves forward A plan to change the way that horse races are bet moved Tuesday to the state Senate floor after it passed the state assembly. The bill, SB 1072, sponsored by multinational gambling conglomerate Betfair and authored by state Sen. Ron Calderon, DMontebello, also increases the amount of money tracks can take out from certain bets, officials said. Analysts believe the bill could raise as much as $30 million for the long-suffering California horse racing industry. The plan, initially authored by Assembly Speaker John Perez, D-Los Angeles, stirred controversy in Sacramento last week because it would have implemented exchange betting in California on an urgency basis. Calderon's amended plan calls for the California Horse Racing Board to study exchange betting for 20 months before offering such wagers.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
WRITING CAFE INFORMATION Students wanting writing assistance may come to the Writing Cafe in the College Success Center (ED 224) for help with writing from any class including assignments for essays, research papers/projects, or lab reports. Support from trained writing consultants is available at every stage of the writing process, from planning to proofreading. Writing consultation appointments are thirty minutes, and students are limited to two thirty-minute appointments per week. Additional consultations are available on a walk-in basis. For more information call (626) 914-4191. CITRUS COLLEGE DAY AT THE LA COUNTY FAIR Citrus College day at the L.A. County Fair is Wednesday, Sept. 15. There will be free fair admission for students, faculty, and staff who present a valid Citrus College ID and a fair admission coupon. To print out the coupon, visit www.lacountyfair.com and click on the “Citrus College” icon.
CLUB RUSH FALL 2010 Fall 2010 Club Rush will be happening on Sept. 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Campus Center Mall. Meet the campus clubs of Citrus College and become involved in your campus, making memories to a last a lifetime. There are currently 23 active clubs on campus.
VALLEY’S GOT TALENT The Citrus College Foundation and the Citrus College Fine and Performing Arts Department will be presenting the first “Valley’s Got Talent” fundraiser at the Haugh Performing Arts Center on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at 2 p.m. Proceeds for the event will help support the Citrus College Foundation and the students of the Fine and Performing Arts Department at Citrus College. Modeled after some of the television’s most popular shows, local amateur singers, dancers and musicians of all ages will perform before an expected audience of about 1,400 people. Tickets are $20 per person and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, or for additional information, visit www.citruscollege.edu/foundation/talent.
UC TAG WORKSHOPS Avoid the competition and guarantee your transfer admission! The Career/Transfer Center is having an upcoming TAG (transfer admission guarantee) workshops on Sept. 8 and Sept. 22 from noon to 1 p.m. The workshops are going to be located in the Library Fishbowl. RSVP is required so contact the Career/Transfer Center, ED 129, at (626) 914-8639.
Courtesy of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune
NATIONAL
Friend us. Follow us.
Obama marks end of combat mission in Iraq President Barack Obama marked the end of America's combat mission in Iraq with an Oval Office speech Tuesday night, acknowledging the "huge price'' paid and ushering in a new era in which a reduced U.S. military force will let Iraqis take the lead role in building a democratic society. In excerpts of the speech released in advance by the White House, Obama praised the one million American troops who served in a seven-year war that he had opposed as a U.S. senator from Illinois. "Tonight, I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country,'' according to an excerpt from Obama's prime-time address. "Ending this war is not only in Iraq's interest – it is in our own,'' the prepared remarks said. "The United States has paid a huge price to put the future of Iraq in the hands of its people.'' The war toll was substantial: More than 4,400 American soldiers died with another 30,000 wounded. Thousands more Iraqis were killed. Courtesy of the Los Angeles Times
INTERNATIONAL Police break up large protest in Moscow One day after Prime Minister Vladimir Putin suggested that protesters who gather routinely in central Moscow should "have a club on the head," riot police on Tuesday broke up a crowd of about 2,000 opposition supporters and onlookers and arrested scores of people. The clash was part of a ritual that has seen demonstrators gather on the 31st day of the month in Triumfalnaya Square to press for the right of free assembly as enshrined in Article 31 of the Russian Constitution. Courtesy of the Los Angeles Times
theclariononline.com
CITRUS COLLEGE CLARION Editior-in-Chief Managing Editor Campus Editor Entertainment Editor Sports Editor Perspectives Editor Online Editor Photo Technician Lab Supervisor
Adviser Courtney Mitchell Teaching Assistant Erica Irigoyen Staff Writers Kristin Lacuesta Natalie Miranda Photographers Erica Irigoyen and Artists Courtney Mitchell Jose Alonso Ramirez Frank Ram Laura Gordon Freelancers
Margaret O’Neil Emily Rios Brandon Lozano Rob Lucero Rachel Fuller Brandon Lozano Natalie Miranda Courtney MItchell Jose Alonso Ramirez Jace Sparrow
CLARION MAILBOX 1000 W. Foothill Blvd. Glendora, CA 91741-1899 Phone: (626) 914-8586 Fax: (626) 914-8797 Email: ccclarion@hotmail.com
The Clarion is produced by journalism students and is distributed every other Wednesday during the semester. Ads are not endorsed by the Clarion. Editorials are the opinion of at least 75 percent of the Editorial Board. All other opinion is that of the writer. Views expressed do not represent those of the adviser, faculty, administration, Associated Students of Citrus College and/or CCCBOT. Libel will not be published. The Clarion welcomes feedback from our readers. If you have any gripes, questions, or comments ... we want to hear from you! All correspondence must include your student ID#, major and signature. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
CAMPUS
3 Kristin Lacuesta
News & Features Editor - kristin.lacuesta@gmail.com
Swim team cancelled, pool set for closure Robert Lucero
Clarion Freelancer
Aloha Citrus Students, On behalf of Citrus College, the ASCC board and I welcome you all to a fun filled year! It has come time to start another semester or a new beginning. With the prices of books, increasing fees, parking, and budget cuts, everything can seem overwhelming. However, Citrus College does its best to lighten the load, and offer a second home to all students. The Associated Students of Citrus College is here to represent you and to make sure that the students are put first. It is a collaborative effort, and persistence will help us all get through the year. We encourage everyone to take part and be an active student, and join us at our meetings every Tuesday at 1:20 p.m. As ASCC president, I wish you all well, welcome back, and remember to embrace everything that life has to offer! Mahalo. Sincerely, Chrissy Concannon
Those with dreams of swimming through Citrus College to a university were left to drown this past spring as the swim team was eliminated due to budget cuts. “We have swimmers who were hoping to go to state or were hoping to go to a university on a swim scholarship,” swimmer and political science major, Stefano Saltalamacchia, 21, said. “What university is going to look at a Citrus College swimmer with no swim team to back them up?” Additionally, in an effort to cut costs, Citrus will be closing its pool to students and the public after the end of the water polo season and will be reopening the pool on April 25, 2011 for the final eight weeks of the Spring semester, when the aquatics classes resume. Aside from eliminating the swim team, Citrus, along with community colleges throughout California, is reducing the amount of games that are to be played, giving each team a shorter schedule. Jody Wise, dean of physical education and athletics, estimates an amount of $15,000 to $30,000 will be saved through the suspension of the swim team, as well as the pool’s closure. “It’s strictly an estimate,” Wise said. Wise ultimately made the decision to suspend the swim team after consulting with assistant athletic directors Cliff Wurst and Mary Brawner. “There was no forewarning,” diving coach Alan Crick said. Many swimmers, including those
Courtesy of Stefano Saltalamacchia
The swim team at one last event before it learned it had been cut from the budget during the summer.
incoming from other schools, shared Crick’s shocked reaction at the decision. “It’s surprising and sad at the same time,” swimmer Greg Yokomizo, 19, said. “ I was looking forward to swimming one more year.” Wise said several aspects of the situation were considered before the outcome was determined. “It’s not a decision we made lightly,” Wise said. First, the managers had to figure out what would have the least impact on other teams in the Western State Conference. With the fall 2010 sports schedules already set, they were left to select a spring 2011 sport to eliminate. Other considerations were taken into account, including what sport could be suspended that could be brought back when the economy improves, what team carries both male and female athletes, and
which coaches are involved with more than one team. “Swimming fit that profile,” Wise said. A petition started by former swimmer Brittany Orduno and Saltalamacchia was made to combat the swim team’s elimination. It was turned in to Vice President of Student Services Jeanne Hamilton, who will turn it in to Superintendent/President Geraldine Perri, Ph.D. The petition consisted of 250 signatures from “anyone that has had a part in the aquatics program,” Saltalamacchia said. Other efforts made were speeches and testimonies given by Sandy Orduno, Tricia Kyle, Crick, and Saltalamacchia at the Board of Trustee’s meeting on July 13. “This program attracts and produces not only outstanding athletes for Citrus, but outstanding students,” Sandy Orduno, Brittany
Orduno’s mother, stated. “It would be sad to see these great students go elsewhere because Citrus no longer offers them this outstanding aquatics program,” Orduno said. First-year college student and swimmer Brad Thomson, 18, said he “was pretty mad.” “It was my reason for coming here,” he said. “Students have gotten a lot out of the aquatics program, swimming specifically,” head swim coach Tim Kyle said. “I hope in the near future they reinstate the program.” Sometimes the best decision isn’t the easiest to make, and with the arduous decision made final, Wise believes that will secure all of Citrus’ other teams. As far as the swim program goes, “We will bring it back as soon as we can,” Wise said.
4
CAMPUS
ASCC
Beat
What you missed at the Aug.31 meeting wElisha Corona is now officially the new vice president of the Associated Student of Citrus College. w The board agreed to lower the maximum number of people that can attend the California Community College Student Affairs Association leadership conference on Oct. 22. It is $225 per person to participate in these workshops in Costa Mesa. The total approved budget is not to exceed $6000. w Approval for amount not to exceed $250 for ASCC name tags from the public relations account. w Approval for amount not to exceed $400 for ASCC polo shirts from the public relations account. wAppointment of Adam Todd as ASCC Senator. w Club Rush and the Blood Drive will be Sept. 14 and 15 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. w Martha McDonald, dean of students, would like help enforcing no skateboading, bikes, rollerblades, etc. on campus. wAdrienne Thompson, supervisor of student life and leadership development reminds students of the Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 14 at 4:15 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
Dr. Perri welcomes students On behalf of the Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff, I welcome you to a new academic year at Citrus College! Whether you are beginning your college education or returning to complete your educational goals, you are at the right college at the right time! There are many reasons why you can be proud to be a Citrus College student. Citrus College is consistently recognized as one of the top 100 community colleges in the nation for degree and certificate completion. Citrus College also ranks among the top 50 community colleges with the highest degree and certificate completion rates among Hispanic students. Earlier this year, the college received a sixyear reaffirmation of accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, which validated the college’s effectiveness and quality as an institution. In addition, the Cosmetology Department was named to President Obama’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for their commitment to volunteerism, and G.I. Jobs magazine selected Citrus College as a “Military Friendly School” in recognition of our innovative and effective veterans support programs. As a Citrus College student, you are joining a talented and accomplished student body that has received local, state and national honors and academic achievement leading to transfer to some of the best universities in the nation. Our mission, vision and values are centered on student success, and our students
Natalie Miranda, Citrus College Clarion
Superintendent/President Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D., led the fall convocation on Aug. 27 for the faculty and staff before the semester officially started.
continue to impress us and make us proud! I encourage you to connect with our dedicated faculty and staff who implement our outstanding academic programs and student support services.
Once again, welcome to Citrus College. We wish you a productive and successful year! Sincerely, Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D. Superintendent/President
President compares employees, students,to ‘shining stars’ Emily Rios
Clarion Teaching Assistant
Shining stars was the theme of this fall’s convocation festivities Fall convocation, which was held on Aug. 27, is an opportunity for faculty and staff to meet before the start of the semester. “What makes someone a star? Is it fame, fortune, or is it something else? According to Dictionary.com, a star is a person who has been highly celebrated in their field,” Superintendent/President Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D., said at her third annual State of the College address. “Using this definition, I contend that this college is truly a higher education star,” she said. “Nationally, community colleges are being called on more and more to make a difference in education, and we have risen to the top as one of the best.” Citrus College has garnered national praise this past year, Perri said. The cosmetology program was named to President Barack Obama’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, which recognizes colleges and universities for their innovative and exemplary community service efforts and their commitment to volunteerism. And, although it has yet to be officially announced, G.I. Jobs magazine recently named Citrus College to a national list of militaryfriendly schools. The students are a key component in propelling the college to stardom, Perri said. Last year, more than 14,000 students were enrolled at Citrus. In 2010, 829 degrees were conferred with 251 students graduating with honors. Students transferred to various uni-
versities, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC and Columbia. “An ongoing commitment to progress is a characteristic of organizations that is healthy and thriving. And, yes, we work hard and we have made a lot of progress in a number of areas this past year,” Perri said One such area where progress is being made is facilities. On Sept. 14, there will be a dedication of the new Technology Engineering and Technician Development Facility. There will also be a dedication for the new Campus Safety Building sometime during the fall semester. In spring 2011, renovations will begin on the Administration Building and the almost 55,000-square-foot Student Services Building is scheduled for completion in the spring. Construction of the new fine arts building will commence in summer 2011. Citrus has also continued to stress emergency preparedness and made progress in addressing accreditation recommendations, Perri said. "At Citrus we are not only preparing our students for the future, but our institution. One way we will be accomplishing this is the development of a new strategic plan,” she said. “The old one served us well, but now we need a new one.” A planning committee assembled in the spring determined six major focus areas for Citrus' new strategic plan, which includes academic excellence, student support/success, college resources, learning environment, institutional effectiveness, and community to college relations. In addition to Perri’s address and the welcoming of five new full-time faculty mem-
bers, nine Shining Star Awards were presented during convocation. Administrative assistant Pam McGuern was presented with the Shining Star Award for student focus; English professor Roberta Eisel received the award for collaboration; language arts professor Carsten Dau received the award for diversity; and retired librarian Barbara Rugeley received the life- long learning award. Other Shining Star Awards went to EOP&S/CARE director Sara GonzalezTapia for integrity. Network, central computing and telecommunications system supervisor Leigh Buchwald received the award for technological advancement. Director of facilities and construction Mike Harrington received the award for excellence, along with astronomy professor David Kary, Ph.D., chair of the curriculum committee. The last Shining Star Award for vision was presented to Joyce Dill, a graduate of Citrus Union High School and Citrus College who also served as supervisor of the OwlBookshop during her relationship with Citrus College that has spanned more than 40 years. “As an actress, Katharine Hepburn was once asked, what is star quality? She responded, ‘I don’t know what it is, but I do know I've got it.’ Well, I know what it is: it’s you,” Perri said, addressing Citrus faculty and staff. “Everyday you come to work, and everyday you give more than is expected and go beyond the call of duty.”
6
CAMPUS
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
New faculty members make their debuts
Maria Morrish Cosmetology
Wendy J. Deras Professor of Nursing, ADN
Sarah Bosler Public Services Librarian
Lanette Dianne Granger Systems Librarian
Raul Sanchez Counseling and Advisement
DEGREES wRoyal Hair Institute: Barbering wCitrus College: Cosmetology wUniversity of San Diego: Bachelor’s in business marketing
DEGREES wEdison State Community College: Associate’s in Registered Nursing wFranklin University: BSN wWright State University: Master’s in nursing education wDuquesne University: Master’s in psychiatric/mental health nursing
DEGREES wAzusa Pacific University: Bachelor’s in English wAzusa Pacific University: Master’s in education with an emphasis in teaching and curriculum wSan Jose State University: Master’s in library information science
DEGREES wCal Poly Pomona: Bachelor’s in business administration and accounting wSan Jose State University: Master’s in library information science
DEGREES wSacramento State: Bachelor’s in sociology wUniversity of La Verne: Master’s in counseling in higher education
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE wAdjunct instructor at Citrus College since January 2010 FAMILY wSpouse: Christian Morrish wPets: Rocco, dog
FAMILY wSpouse: Israel Deras wChildren: Heidi, 20 wPets: Savannah, cat; Lancelot, Prince Charles Spaniel; Lady, Cocker Spaniel
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE wSubstitute Teacher: Azusa, Covina, Arcadia, San Dimas unified school districts wEnglish Teacher: West Covina High School wTeacher Librarian: Montclair High School
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE wInformation Competency: Mt. SAC FAMILY: wSpouse: Roger A. Granger wChildren: Laurie, Kari, Kristy
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE wEducational Advisor: EOP&S Department wEducational Advisor: Career adn Transfer Center wAdjunct Counselor: Center for Teacher Excellence
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
CAMPUS
7
THE
HARD GOODBYE Coach Croy, men’s basketball head coach for the last five years, has accepted a new coaching job and will be leaving behind a “win forever” legacy after four straight successful seasons, including a state championship title. Above: Former head coach Rick Croy gets showered with a bucket of water by former guard Darren Moore after a victory over L.A. City College in March 2008. Left: Former head coach Rick Croy finishes accepting his award for winning the State Championships in 2008.
Above: Former head coach Rick Croy hugs guard Darren Moore after the 2008 regional championship victory at the Owls Nest. Inset: Taking down the net after the championship game, former head coach Rick Croy continues to celebrate with his team after fans have gone home.
Q&A with Coach Croy Frank Ram
Clarion Photo Technician
Former head coach Rick Croy has accepted an assisting coaching job at St. Mary’s College of California in Moraga. Over his last five seasons at Citrus, he led the team to four consecutive conference championships, as well as a state title Q: How did the job offer to St. Mary’s come about? Did you approach them or did they approach you with the offer? A: I have known St. Mary's coach Randy Bennett for some time and he approached me with the offer. Q: Have you received offers from other Division I programs during your time at Citrus? What was it about this particular offer that was too good to pass up? A: I have had other Division I offers in the last few years, but this was a unique opportunity to join an great staff and thriving program in a familiar area. Q: You have often spoken about the matriculation of not just the players, but your assistant coaches as well. Did you see accepting this job in that same light? A: Yes, as our assistant Brett Lauer put it, our program is about accepting new challenges. This time it just happened to be my turn. Former guard Virgil Buensuceso jumps into the arms of former head coach Rick Croy after the team’s regional victory in March 2008.
Q: How long after you accepted the job did you inform the Citrus players? How
did they take the news? A: I informed them as soon as it became official. They were surprised, but extremely supportive. Q: Do you think that the move is unfair to the incoming recruits and current players who came to Citrus College specifically to play for you? A: Unfortunate and tough, yes, but unfair, no. They understand that the pursuit of new goals is part of life. Q: News broke of you taking the St. Mary’s job on August 6. Is this the date you accepted the position? A: No, I accepted the job on July 30. Q: Do you think accepting the job in August, just a few months before the start of the season, puts Citrus in the tough situation of learning a new head coach’s system and philosophy in such a short time? A: No, the team is in a position to compete for a state championship. The leadership in place understands the tradition and will do great things.
rus and how will it help you at St. Mary’s? A: My time at Citrus has been an incredible growing experience. I have learned from so much about leadership through my journey and from those around me. My experience at Citrus will certainly help me at St. Mary's. Q: What was your favorite moment during your time at Citrus? A: My favorite times at Citrus were always our breakaway trips, where we would define our mission and what we wanted to be about for that season. Our best memories came on those trips. None of us will ever forget them. Q: You coached a lot of great players at Citrus. Who was your favorite? A: We have had so many great players at Citrus over the last five years, but my favorite story of perseverance and improvement is Darin Stewart.
Q: Did you have any say in choosing your successor Chris Victor? A: The decision to hire Chris Victor was made by Jody Wise, dean of athletics, and the Owl Nation was extremely excited by the decision.
Q: What will you miss most about Citrus? A: The thing I will miss most about Citrus is the people. We never had the best facilities or resources, but we always had the best people. From our presidents to our athletic director to our trainers, coaches and players, nobody beat us in the area that counts the most: people. You win with great people.
Q: How much do you think you have grown as a head coach in your time at Cit-
Photos taken from the Clarion archives
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
CAMPUS
9
Former foster student makes Dean’s List Brandon Lozano
Clarion Staff Writer
Young men, ages 18 to 24, who have been released from foster care live at the transitional living program at LeRoy’s in La Verne. The center offers free housing and utilities to emancipated youths as well as a variety of services that prepare them for a life of independence after foster care. Victor Alveno is one of these young men. The 19-year-old Citrus College student and former foster youth moved into the LeRoy Haynes Transitional Living Program at on Sept 9, 2009. Since day one, Alveno realized how valuable the opportunity was to have free housing and utilities paid for. With this support he was able to focus on his studies at Citrus College. He went to school full-time at Citrus, completing most of his General Ed and transfer requirements, and his determination to get a better life didn’t stop there. He was given more time and space that he didn’t have in foster care. He used that time to have long nights of studying with his longtime girlfriend Adrianna Avila, who is currently in foster care and attends Citrus College.Alveno earned a 3.8 GPA at Citrus College during the 2010 spring semester. His name is on
Brandon Lozano Citrus College Clarion
Projet director Jason Green (left), Victor Alveno, 19, Criminal justice major and girlfriend Adreanna Avila in fromt of Le Roy Haynes Center enjoying Alveno’s accomplishment.
the Dean’s List, which acknowledges students with a 3.5 GPA and higher. Jason Green, project director for the Transitional Living Program, expressed pride in Alveno and his accomplishment. “He’s been aiming for his goals since he first got here and hasn’t stopped. He keeps on moving forward,” Green said. “I didn’t even know I made the Dean’s List, let alone what it was,
until Jason [Green] told me that it was a list with the top students at the school, I was like, oh, that’s cool,” Alveno said with a laughing smile. Most of Alveno’s motivation comes from his past when he was in foster care. He looks at it and says that he wants to have a better life for himself, and his future children as well as to become a better person. “He’s been studying constantly,
staying up long nights and working hard. There are mornings where I can see he’s tired,” Green said. He added that Alveno is resourceful. No matter how hard a class was he has always found a way to get through it. Avila, who also helps him with his work, also motivates Alveno to get things done. “We help each other out with homework, and we study together,
pushing each other. I remind him sometimes that he has homework to do, and we go start it right away together,” Avila said. Their teamwork has gotten them though difficult classes. “I haven’t had to motivate him because he’s very focused and has a sense of vision of what he wants. He’s always looking into the future, and that’s what drives him,” Green said. Alveno plans to graduate in spring 2011, go to Cal State Los Angeles and become a FBI agent or a U.S. Marshall. With the help of his mentors and armed with motivation, Alveno will continue to pursue a career field of criminal justice. Citrus College professor James Woolum is among his mentors. “Victor is a good student and nice guy. He came into class worked hard and performed well at what he was doing. He’s going to be one of those students we’re going to be proud of when he leaves,” said Woolum. Alveno has some inspiring words for former foster youths: “Go to college full time and make the most of the opportunities that you have. Nothing is out of your reach. Just push yourself.”
Expansive Student Services Center under construction Cheyenne Scharff Clarion Freelancer
Work on the giant 54,450square-foot hub for student services on the west side of campus is nearing completion after two and a half years of construction. Once open it will fundamentally change the layout of student services on campus. Currently, crucial student services buildings are spread throughout campus, and students walk back and forth to access services they need. This new building will change that. Students will be able to access computers for registration, complete their assessment testing and visit Financial Aid and the Counseling Office all in one place, said Carol Horton, vice president of finance and administration. The newly erected Student Services Center was designed to meet the silver standard of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’s green building certification program, said Mike Harrington, director of facilities and construction. This means the building was designed to conserve resources, reduce waste, and lower operating costs. The building will not have official LEED certification due to cost and because it went into planning stages before the green movement got its footing, Horton said. It will house Admissions and Records, Counseling Center, Transfer Center, Student Health
Natalie Miranda, Citrus College Clarion
Construction workers continue to work on the new Student Services Building located on the west side of campus. The building is almost finished being built after two and a half years of constrction.
Center, International Students Center, Disabled Student Programs and Services Center, Financial Aid, and Extended Opportunities Programs and Services Center. There will also be a café and bookstore project manager Bob Bradshaw said. Although the project is slightly behind schedule because of rain near the beginning of construction, administrators hope to move offices by early December and have the building occupied by the spring 2011 semester, Horton said.
The target date for the Student Services Center remains to be completely operational up in the air because the movement of various offices and programs that the center will house is complicated, Horton said. The Student Services Center, along with all other new buildings on campus, will feature doublepaned windows to maintain temperatures inside the building and conserve energy, Harrington said. Room temperatures in the building will be controlled re-
motely through the Campus Energy Management System, which also controls room temperatures in all other buildings on campus. All rooms in the center will have motion detectors for light to conserve energy, Bradshaw said. The current administration building will be gutted and completely remodeled inside and is planned to be more energy efficient, Horton said. The Citrus College Foundation will move in from the Center for Innovation and the Executive
Board Room will move downstairs into a larger room where it is more accessible, Horton said. Measure G, a $121 million bond measure approved by voters in 2004, and intended to enhance and update aging facilities, is funding all construction projects on campus. Once completed, the Student Services Center will be the largest building on campus, Horton said.
WELCOME BACK
10
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
A Whole New S e m e s t e r Natalie Miranda, Citrus College Clarion
Citrus students gather at the 97.1 AMP Radio Station booth at Welcome Back Day in the Campus Center Mall on Monday, Aug. 30.
Students Speak: How is your first week going?
Jose Delgaeo, 22 Architecture/Medical Baldwin Park
Umer Ghazhavi, 20 Biology/Business La Verne
Noel Vasquez, 23 Architecture Chino
Justine De Loera, 18 International Business Baldwin Park
Cassie Chavez, 18 Nursing Baldwin Park
“I e-mailed the professor and tried adding, but my registration date was too late. ... The professor said I had a one percent chance, but not to be intimidated by scare tactics.”
“They dismissed me from the college after Wingspan was updated, even though I have a 3.6 GPA. ... When they put me back into the system, it was already after my registration date. ... I still got classes, but not the ones I wanted.”
“I work, so I wanted to get my classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but it is hard to get your schedule right without big gaps. ... In the beginning, it is hard, but if you can stick it out, it gets easier.”
“I have tried to add, but have been unsuccessful. ... It is a mission. I have three classes, but want a full schedule, even if I didn’t need to be covered on my parents’ insurance.”
“I am currently only registered for one class. I tried to add, but I have got nothing so far. All this week I am going to try to add.”
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
11
Tony’s Tips Tony Giannone, department of campus safety supervisor, offers tips for students who are new to the campus and who are perhaps unaware of the campus and parking rules. Natalie Miranda, Citrus College Clarion
Citrus students inquire about information at the Los Angeles County Fair booth during Welcome Back Day.
Tip #1: Get to school early and stay late. The best way to find parking is to arrive early when there are still spots available, even if your classes don't start that early. Clarion Advice: Bring your own lunch or money for the Stuffed Owl Cafe and plan to study in between classes so you don't have to leave your parking spot. Tip #2: Take advantage of the escort service. Campus safety is open 24 hours a day and is more than willing to escort you to your class or to your car. Clarion Advice: Stay put. Owl Patrol will meet you wherever you are. Trying to meet them somewhere will only increase your risk.
Natalie Miranda, Citrus College Clarion
Natalie Miranda, Citrus College Clarion
Above: An ASCC member, left, interacts with a faculty member on Welcome Back Day in the Campus Center Mall. Left: Students wait in line in front of the Owl Bookshop to retrieve their backpacks after shopping inside.
Natalie Miranda, Citrus College Clarion
ASCC members wait patiently to answer new and returning students’ questions and give them information they might need to help them through the semeseter.
Tip #3: Lock up your vehicle and hide your belongings. It’s better to take your items with you because if people see that you left your laptop sitting on the passenger seat, people will break into your car and it will be taken. Clarion Advice: Put your valuables in the trunk or the glove compartment out of sight. Better yet, leave your valuables at home. Tip #4: There is no shuttle service, so don't rely on anything but yourself. If you luck out and can’t find parking, the farther lots are only seven-minute walks from campus. Clarion Advice: If you aren’t parking on campus grounds, be aware of where you are parking because the city of Glendora may ticket you or tow your car. Tip #5: There is no grace period, so get your parking permit as soon as possible. It isn’t worth getting a ticket over. Clarion Advice: There is a one-time grace period where Campus Safety will dismiss your first offense, but they will still issue a ticket and you will have to go through the appeals process. It isn’t fun and, again, not worth it.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
TELEVISION REVIEW
ENTERTAINMENT Natalie Miranda
13
Arts & Entertainment - mirandanatalie@ymail.com
Opening number makes award show worth watching Emily Rios Clarion Teaching Assistant
For those working in television, the Primetime Emmy Awards is one of the most important nights of the year. For an entertainment lover and dabbler in TV blogging like myself, the Emmys rank right up there with the Academy Awards because I can’t decide if I love movies or TV more. I can get so invested in TV shows that I sit nervously throughout the telecast like I actually know the actors. The only part I hate about award shows is the red carpet because even though it should be about creative talent and performance, it just ends up being a glorified fashion show. When I heard that Jimmy Fallon was going to be the host, I was ecstatic because I have been in love with Fallon since his Weekend Update days on “Saturday Night Live.” First-timer Fallon did not dis-
appoint. Known for doing musical homages, the opening sketch paired Fallon with Chris Colfer, Lea Michele, Corey Monteith and Amber Riley of “Glee” when they discover they are unable to get into the Emmys. Hilarity ensues as they seek to form a glee group to win another regional competition and gain access to the awards show. The eventual group, which also included Tina Fey, Jorge Garcia, Kate Gosselin, Jon Hamm, Randy Jackson, Jane Lynch and Joel McHale ended up on stage performing a gleetype rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run.” All I can say is that the opening number, which also featured a cameo of the legendary Betty White as Jon Hamm’s dance instructor, was nothing short of epic, and I highly recommend that anyone who did not see it should look for it online. I was convinced Matthew
Morrison was the front-runner to win best actor in a comedy/musical for his role as Spanish teacher and glee club leader Will Shuester. The momentum of “Glee” didn’t seem to help as the award went to Jim Parsons of “The Big Bang Theory.” Despite my love of all things “Saturday Night Live,” I am not a big fan of “30 Rock” or “Parks and Recreation.” I was pulling for “Glee” star Lea Michele or Julia Louis-Dreyfus of “The Old Adventures of New Christine” to nab the Emmy for best actress in a comedy/musical. Instead, the award went to Edie Falco for her role in “Nurse Jackie.” For some reason I had it in my head that this was a drama, but since it is classified as a comedy, I might have to check it out. Although ABC’s “Modern Family” had two nominees, Julie Bowen and Sofia Vergara, in the best supporting actress for a
comedy/musical category, the award went to Jane Lynch for her role as “Glee’s” resident bully and cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester. This award was not a surprise. Lynch’s character is essential to “Glee” and I don’t think the show would be the same without the character’s brazen, win-atall-costs attitude. “Modern Family” was also present in the best supporting actor in a comedy/musical with three of the category’s nominees being from the show. The show is hilarious, so I figured it would be a toss up between Eric Stonestreet, Ty Burrell, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Stonestreet nabbed the Emmy for his portrayal of Cameron Tucker, one half of the show’s gay couple who recently adopted a Vietnamese daughter. I don’t watch too many dramas, so I really had no opinion in any of the acting categories. As for the best series categories, I
really wanted “True Blood” (my biggest obsession at the moment) or “Dexter” to win for best drama, but the strongly written “Mad Men” showed that it’s momentum cannot be stopped when they won their third consecutive Emmy in the category. “Modern Family” proved that the witty and honest mocumentary/sitcom is becoming a major player in the television world when it nabbed the Emmy for best comedy series. The Primetime Emmys have succeeded in the last few years in producing an entertaining and hilarious telecast. Whether it was Fallon’s ingenious imitations and guitar playing to introduce genres, or George Clooney, who was awarded the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, appearing in a sketch with the cast of “Modern Family,” the 2010 Primetime Emmys were definitely worth the three hours it took for it to air.
MOVIE REVEIWS
scifimafia.com
‘The Last Exorcism’ fails hellishly Kristin Lacuesta Clarion Campus Editor
With shaky hand-held cameras, running through the woods, and images of a possessed girl, “The Last Exorcism” seemed to be a mixture of past thrillers such as “Paranormal Activity,” “The Blair Witch Project” and “The Exorcist.” Unfortunately for the audience, the film never lives up to the hype and the only thing to be remotely frightened about is the fact that you wasted not only $10, but also an hour and a half of your life that you can never get back. From director Daniel Stamm, the film centers around Cotton Marcus (Patrick Fabian), a reverend who has lost faith in his religious beliefs subsequently sets out to prove to the rest of the world that exorcisms and demons are indeed not real. Marcus gathers up a camera crew and decides to film a documentary on the exorcism of a young girl by the name of Nell Sweetzer (Ashley Bell) who is believed to be possessed per her father Louis Sweetzer
(Louis Herthum). Marcus and his crew travel down to the Sweetzer’s farm, where upon arriving are faced with unexpected events. The plot seems to be interesting enough, up until the very end of the film. The movie ends rather abruptly and to an audience’s dismay, all questions conceived during the film are left unanswered, leaving very dissatisfied viewers to conjure up their own ideas of what just happened. Throughout the film, audience members find themselves laughing more than they are screaming and jumping, possibly at the several sorry attempts at bad religious jokes during the film, or at the fact that they are sitting there watching the atrocious bit of film on the screen rather than having a good time elsewhere. Whichever it is, the fact remains that “The Last Exorcism” will leave one confused and completely unafraid. If you’re looking for a real scare-inducing film, this movie is definitely not it. Do yourself a favor and stick to the classics. I suggest the original “Exorcist” would do quite nicely.
McClatchy-Tribune Services
‘Takers’ took nothing but my money Erica Irigoyen Clarion Managing Editor
A movie released on Aug. 27 left people saying to themselves, “thank goodness it’s finally over.” Takers, directed by John Lussenhop, is about a group of bank robbers who have been living the life of luxury after their latest successful robbery. Following the celebration of their latest robbery, Gordon, A.J., John, Jake and Jesse played by Chris Brown, Idris Elba, Paul Walker, Hayden Christensen and Michael Ealy find themselves unwillingly reunited with a former accomplice Ghost, played by T.I. Harris. When Ghost proposes a new job that would result in $20 million, the team has to decide whether they can successfully go through with the robbery without getting caught by an enraged detective who will stop at nothing to find the city’s infamous robbers. Although the movie had enormous po-
tential with a very workable plot, it lacked on numerous levels. Amateur camera work like the work done in this film should be left for movies that only make it to the small screen. The shakiness throughout the entire movie became unbearable and made me, and quite frankly any person, want to be home with some Pepto-Bismol. In addition to the unbearable shakiness throughout the entire movie, the constant changing of scenes was way too much to handle. How many times do we have to go back and forth from a guy lying on a bed to a guy looking through an empty house? One time is good enough for me. All in all, if you want to catch a decent late night action movie, then “Takers” isn’t for you. Why pay money to get sick from poor camera work when you can stay at home and stay feeling good for free? Listen to me when I tell you that the money you would spend on that movie ticket can be used for something better.
ENTERTAINMENT
14
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
And the winner for unbeatable school savings is... d
port Car pplies Re
School Su
e ough th h t n e v e t mind tha to be the best Keep in ars hool, re appe o t s k o ck-to-sc o a b b re r o f shop s you mo place to nd Staples give ck. rt a r your bu o f Wal-Ma e g a r pack items pe of kshop: C o o B l amount w m O u im tudent he min Buying t plies will cost a s up school s $103. around of rt: A amount m Wal-Ma u im in tudent he m Buying t plies will cost a s up school s $140. around of B amount m Staples: u im in tudent he m Buying t plies will cost a s up school s $152. around
Erica Irigoyen Clarion Managing Editor
There is no beating around the bush with this one. The Fall semester is here and the time to buy school supplies is now. One question on every student’s mind is: Where can I go to buy my school supplies that will save me the most money? A graphing calculator, a planner, flash drives, voice recorders, notebooks, pens, binders and highlighters are must-have purchases for students who plan to succeed in college. Math is a difficult subject. Students who buy graphing calculators can make it a little bit easier for themselves. Those
students will be thanking their lucky stars that they purchased one when their midterm comes around. A planner makes it possible to remember important dates— and trust me, no matter how organized a student is, when college life gets going, every student will be wishing they had that planner. Flash drives are always a must, especially for those students who don’t have laptops or don’t want to carry a laptop around all day. Flash drives allows students to start on class assignments at home and finish them in the library. Sometimes, trying to keep up with professors during a lecture
is a difficult task. Catching every word is nearly impossible, but a voice recorder makes it easy to sit back and listen to the lecture while jotting down only important keynotes. Notebooks, pens, binders and highlighters have always been essential for students. So, where is the best place for students to purchase such essential school supplies? After long and tedious research, and calculating done just for you, here is the breakdown from A to Z to make it easier for you to decide where to buy your school supplies.
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Natalie Miranda, Citrus College Clarion
Deanie and Bud, played by Tayler Larson and Thomas Burns, share an intimate kiss in the schoolyard during the play “Splendor in the Grass.”
Check out the photo slideshow for “Splendor in the Grass” at theclariononline.com
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
SPORTS
15 Erica Irigoyen
Sports - erica.irigoyen91@verizon.net
Men’s soccer fights to succeed Alonso Ramirez Clarion Online Editor
After a disappointing 3-15-2 season last year, the Citrus College men’s soccer team is looking to rise from the ashes with a batch of new recruits as well as experienced veterans on the squad. All summer long the team has been developing fitness and strength, running about two hours a day along with weight training. The summer started with about 60 candidates trying to make the team, but coach Fred Bruce-Oliver has found 25 hardworking individuals to represent Citrus College this season. On Aug. 16, the team started practicing tactics and technique, giving them two weeks to get ready for the 2010 season opener Aug. 31 against San Diego Mesa College. For the score, visit the Athletics Webpage at www.citruscollege.edu. “I am very realistic when evaluating the talent I have,” Bruce-Oliver said “I know the team will be very competitive; the rest is up to them.” Before coming to Citrus, Bruce-Oliver was an assistant coach at University of La Verne and Pomona College. He has headed the men’s soccer at Citrus 1997. In 2001, a former Citrus soccer player Jason Schmelzeisen joined him as assistant coach. “The performance of the freshmen also depends on how the sophomores teach them, so they can get familiar with the system,” Schmelzeisen said.
Natalie Miranda, Citrus College Clarion
Freshman Chelsea Garvin, 18, defender, heads a ball during practice as freshman Ashley Dummar, 18, forward/defender, tries to move out of the way to avoid being hit.
Natalie Miranda, Citrus College Clarion
Sophomore George Tovar, 21, left, works on dribbling the ball during soccer practice to get ready for the Owl’s fall 2010 season.
With nine returning players, competition for a spot in the team was fierce. This season’s captain was one of the most accomplished players last year: midfielder George Tovar, a sophomore majoring in liberal arts. “So far everyone is working hard and doing their job,” Tovar said. “I hope we actually win games this season. That way we can get to the playoffs.” Out of all other sports programs, the men’s soccer team has the highest number
of Scholar Ballers, with seven players achieving the required of 3.0 GPA in fall 2009. Bruce-Oliver said he constantly keeps in touch with players regarding their grades, and encourages them to be successful on and off the field. The Owls second home game is schedule for Tuesday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m. against Riverside Community College.
Volleyball: more ready than ever Erica Irigoyen Clarion Managing Editor
The Citrus College volleyball team is prepped and ready for the fall 2010 season to begin. After a mediocre season in 2009, with a 6-14 record, the Owls are now set to take on top competitors like Pierce Community College, College of the Canyons and Bakersfield College. With an addition of 10 new freshmen, head coach Shin Jung is feeling extremely optimistic. “The new freshman are very respectable and play key roles on this team,” Jung said. Although Jung is confident about the freshmen, two of the newcomers Jung feels are top players are Melissa Braley and Isabel Pardo. Braley is an outside hitter who graduated from Pomona Catholic High School. She prepped three varsity seasons for the Pacers. Pardo is a libero who graduated from San Dimas High School. She prepped two varsity seasons for the Saints. “We only have three returners, but I feel that we are better prepared this season and that we have a tougher team,” Jung said. “It is really going to be a fun season.” Sophomore returners Lindsey Mitchell and Lauren Walsh said that they are also looking forward to the upcoming season. “Everyone gets along so much better this season, and that really benefits the team,” Mitchell said. Team bonding also plays a key role in making a successful team. So far, the volleyball team has participated in potlucks and spent time hanging out together
Courtney Mitchell, Citrus College Clarion
Freshman setter Irena Vig attempts to set the ball tight on the net as sophomore outside hitter Lindsey Mitchell tries to block it.
With a team that gets along much better and have created a bond before the season’s start, the Owls set off to their first tournament at Cuesta College on Saturday, Aug. 28. Out of the nine teams Citrus went up against, seven found themselves defeated by the Owls. “We are getting better everyday and I am
very excited to see what will happen throughout the season,” Jung said. The Owls’ first home game will be on Sept. 22 at 5 p.m. against Orange Coast College. Admission is free.
Women’s soccer looks promising Alonso Ramirez Clarion Online Editor
Historically, the women’s soccer team has shown unity on and off the field. This year’s squad will be no different. After summer conditioning and weight training, the fall 2010 team is a promising group of 27 women who are looking forward to a positive season. Eight returning players join the new freshmen representing Citrus College, and all together they have one main goal: making it to the playoffs. “On the team everyone is equal,” head coach Tim Tracey said. “We don’t have a captain because we give all the girls the equal chance of representing the school.” Tracey started coaching at Citrus College in 1995 as the men’s soccer head coach. He left in 1997, but returned seven years later in 2004 as the head coach for women’s soccer. Tracey was named Western State Conference South Coach of the Year after winning back-to-back seasons in 2006 and 2007. In 2006, assistant coach Brian Dorman joined Tracey to help lead the team to victory. “We are taking a similar approach as last year,” Dorman said. “We are more fit and the girls worked hard in the weight room.” The Owls are known for helping each other out in classes and during their breaks. Four of their players met the required of 3.0 GPA to become a Scholar Baller. “We have a bunch of new girls who are coming to a solid foundation,” said midfielder Linda Kommel, a sophomore who is playing her second year with the team. “We are really positive and our main goal is the playoffs,” The team’s first home game of eight is scheduled for Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. against Rio Hondo College at Citrus Stadium.
16
SPORTS
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
Natalie Miranda, Citrus College Clarion
Freshman quarterback/placeholder and Covina resident, Oscar Robles, gets ready for the field goal during practice.
Natalie Miranda, Citrus College Clarion
Wide receiver Bryan Martinez, 19, a political science major, tries to keep control of the football during practice.
Football new to conference Natalie Miranda Clarion Entertainment Editor
The Citrus College football team kicks off the fall 2010 season at home on Saturday, Sept. 4. The Owls will face off against West Los Angeles College at 1 p.m. in the Citrus College Stadium, and it will be their first game in the Central West Conference. Every two years, conference commissioners assess teams and try to balance out the divisions, according to Citrus head coach Ron Ponciano. According to the Southern California Football Association’s website, the criteria used in determining the new division standings include recent win-loss records, size of the college, recruiting area, number of full-time coaches, and competitive tradition. The balancing out offers the Owls a chance to go further this season than last season, when the team competed in the National Division Central Conference, because they will be competing against teams that are close to the Owls’ competitive level. Last season, the Owls’ win-loss ratio was 3-7, and they ended in a three-way tie for fourth in the conference. Even though changing a conference is not desirable, “it has had a more positive effect,” Ponciano said. “No question.” Citrus wide receiver Adrienne Hatley, 20, sociology major from Los Angeles, noted the change was
Central Division Central West Conference Chaffey Long Beach Citrus hard, but the team is a lot better than before. “I’m confident that we can win conference this year. No doubt,” Hatley said. Returning linebacker Nicolas Barbone, 19, was not altered by the change of conference, although he said he was upset Citrus will not get to play Mt. San Antonio College. “It’s better for us. We can go pretty far,” Barbone said. “We have a good team, and have a good chance at state.” Ponciano praised this year’s offensive line. Usually the line has one or two good players, but this season the whole line is good, he said. “We have a group of kids who really care,” Ponciano said. “They are a great group of guys.” The coach’s goal for the team this season is simple: start fast and finish strong. “We just need to take it one game at a time,” Hatley said. Looking into the future doesn’t hurt either. Hatley is looking for-
Moorpark LA Harbor Antelope Valley ward to playing Bakersfield College on Sept. 25 and hoping to beat Los Angeles Harbor College on Oct. 30. The Owls are focusing on their competition and working on playing sound football as a team, Barbone said. They are scheduled to play five home games and five away games this season. Admission to the Sept. 4 kick-off game is free for students with an ASCC sticker and faculty of Citrus with proper ID, children up to 11, and conference pass holders. It costs $3 for senior citizens and youth ages 12 to 17. General admission is $5. The starting quarterback is expected to be freshman Blake Loncar. Two other candidates for quarterback are freshman Lance Karl and sophomore Robert Robles. Behind them they have 82 team members who are ready to defend their territory.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
PERSPECTIVES Courtney Mitchell
17 Opinions & Editorials - clarion.eic@live.com
Opposing views: the DREAM Act debate Nightmare for legal immigrant students Kristin Lacuesta Clarion News Editor
Once again, immigration has become a hot topic in the United States. For example, the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, (DREAM) Act, was re-introduced to Congress in 2009. Like the previous versions of the DREAM Act introduced to Congress in 2001, 2005 and 2007, this 2009 version should also not be approved. The DREAM Act is a bi-partisan proposal sponsored by Sen.Orin Hatch (R-Utah) and Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill). It would provide approximately 700,000 immigrant children who were brought to the United States illegally and not of their own will with a pathway to become American citizens. These children would have to meet certain criteria to qualify for the benefits outlined in the DREAM Act. The applicant would have to be between the ages of 12 and 35 at the time the law is enacted, must have arrived in the United States before the age of 16, must have resided continuously in the United States for at least five consecutive years since just arriving, must have graduated from a U.S. high school or obtained a GED, and must be of “good moral character.” If the applicant meets these criteria, he or she could be issued temporary residency status for a period of six years during which time he or she would have to either attend college and earn at least a two-year degree or serve in the U. S. military for two years. If the applicant fulfills all these conditions by the end of the sixyear period, he or she would be granted Permanent Residency, which would open the door to U.S. citizenship. However, if the applicant fails to complete the educational or military requirements, he or she would lose temporary residency status and be subjected to deportation. With an estimated 65,000 unauthorized migrant youth graduating from U.S. high schools every year, according the official DREAM Act website, supporters of the DREAM Act believe it will benefit the country to give these students—in essence the “future of America”—an opportunity to pursue their hopes and dreams by either attending college or serving in the military and giving them a chance at realizing the coveted American Dream. While I sympathize with these children’s plight, I also believe that those benefits should be given only
Rachel Fuller, Citrus College Clarion
to those immigrants who are already legal residents of the United States. In 2001, California passed AB 540, which allowed illegal immigrant children access to in-state tuition rates. The only requirement was that the student attend a California high school for three or more years and provide an affidavit stating that the student will apply for legalization once he or she is eligible. Because of this, students who qualify for the federal DREAM Act and intend to fulfill their requirements by attending college in California may be allowed to pay lower tuition rates. Students who are American citizens from out-of-state, international students with visas and those who are lawful permanent residents will have to pay the full tuition rates, but those here illegally benefit from in-state tuition rates. Now that is absolutely ridiculous and unfair. What kind of message would that be sending? The DREAM Act would only provide a powerful incentive for more illegal immigration. Some might argue that the children who were brought to America illegally by their parents have grown up here and are culturally American. However, the fact remains that they, as well as their parents, are still here illegally. I understand that the children are not responsible for their undocumented status. However, if Congress passes this bill, the parents who violated immigration laws will benefit through kindness shown to their children. Every parent wants a better future for his or her children, but bringing them here illegally is not the way to achieve that goal. Good intentions cannot ameliorate the fact that they have committed a crime. The children have been thrust into a legal gray. Rewarding those who commit a crime is not only unacceptable, but it is unconstitutional as well.
Home is where the heart is Jose Alonso Ramirez Clarion Online Editor
Among the many sacrifices my parents have made to protect our family from poverty and crime, there is one I thank them for the most: emigrating from our home country of Peru to the United States of America. We sold our belongings, packed our bags, kissed our dear ones goodbye, and headed north to an uncertain future. At the time, none of us knew that 11 years later what seemed then like the ultimate sacrifice would become a true blessing. We soon learned that being an American was not all visits to Disneyland and eating Happy Meals. In fact, it was the complete opposite. Being an American means working hard to better yourself, and this we did. After years of mopping floors and cleaning tables, our family was finally able to afford a comfortable home where we can create memories together. In a few months from now, my parents will become legal residents, each one receiving a work permit, a social security number, and a green card. They are one step closer to their dream of becoming American citizens. Unfortunately, because my brother and I have passed the age limit to be included in my parents’ petition for residency, we are not eligible to receive the same benefits as they will. It saddens me that after paying my taxes, having a clean record, and achieving a higher education, I am still not able to become a legal American. Fortunately, an act presented various times to Congress could be the light at the end of the tunnel for 700, 000 students illegally in
the United States who strive to become citizens. The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, better known as the DREAM Act, is sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) The DREAM Act offers those who were brought illegally to this country as youngsters by their parents, but have shown good moral character and can meet the requirements, an opportunity to apply for residency, and later on, citizenship. Some of those requirements to obtain Conditional Permanent Residency status are that the petitioner has to have entered the country before the age of 16; has to have graduated from high school or acquired a GED; has to have been present in the country at least five years before the legislation goes into effect; and must be between the ages of 12 and 35 at the time of application. After these requirements are met, the applicants have two different paths they can then follow in order to receive a Legal Permanent Residency status: they can either go to college or join the military. This is the requirement that has prompted pro-immigration activists to raise their voices against the bill. According to them, immigrants in this country, especially Hispanics, face many obstacles that prevent them from pursuing a college education. Therefore, the military would become their only option. During my journey through the educational system of this country, I confronted many obstacles. I was segregated into classes with other kids of Hispanic heritage who had no interest in learning and were simply going to school because nowadays even a job at McDonald’s requires a high school diploma. For those who wanted to learn and strive for a higher education this was a poisonous environment, but even though I was a minority
and, according to the critics of this bill, the system would keep me away from college, I fought tooth and nail and now I am getting ready to transfer into a university. Just a few years ago, my native country of Peru had a president named Alejandro Toledo, who despite coming from a poor background, worked his way through middle school as a shoe shiner, graduated high school, and with the help of different organizations was able to study at the University of San Francisco and later on can his master’s degree from Stanford. Want to talk about defeating the odds against a discriminatory system? Well there is a story for you. On the other hand, many immigrants have for decades fought side by side with comrades of different heritages in various branches of our military, so offering this as another path to legalization is not out of the ordinary. It’s understandable that the bill needs to be altered in certain areas to become acceptable for all parties involved, but this is a good start to a problem that the federal government has not been able to resolve, and the fast growing number of immigrants does not make things easier. By legalizing the 700,000 illegal students who currently live in the shadows for fear of deportation, this country would create revenue in the long run. Not only financial, but also cultural and social. New residents would have to pay taxes just like any other citizens, and would also inject money into our educational system by paying tuition, or would strengthen our military by enlisting. The United States was founded by immigrants, and by completely shutting down legislations such as the DREAM Act you are stopping children, teenagers, and young adults who could become great individuals from enriching our nation. Immigration is not a black-andwhite issue. It has many different shades of color, and individuals who were brought here as children and are now itching to become prominent members of our society create a big chunk of it. I believe the definition of what a citizen is goes way beyond what legislations or politicians can say or do. Even though I am not even a resident on paper, I feel just as American as anyone who carries a passport that identifies them as a U.S. citizen. I have taken the decision to strive to be from the United States of America, even now when the rest of the world criticizes the image of our beloved nation, because deep down I know what our country stands for: freedom and equality.
18
PERSPECTIVES
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
COLUMN
It is just bad timing? Erica Irigoyen
Clarion Managing Editor
My top priorities have always been school, family and friends. Most college students have these three in common. With the love and support of my family and friends, I hope to succeed in college and prepare myself as best I can for the workforce. With my goals already set for the rest of my college career, adding a boyfriend to that list seemed totally out of the question. I recently started telling myself that I have way too much on my plate to have a boyfriend or that it wouldn’t be fair to have a relationship when all of my focus is on succeeding in school. The problem is that love happens in the most unexpected ways, and when we close ourselves off to life’s random chances, we risk missing that opportunity altogether. After breaking up with my boyfriend of 10 months, I told myself that I was going to put all of my focus and energy into school and that I wasn’t going to have any more boyfriends for a long while. Then, about a month after the breakup, I met this really awesome guy. I thought he was too good to be true. He was pretty much the sweetest guy with a great personality, totally adorable. What more can someone ask for? We started hanging out, and the more I got to know him, the more I liked him—perfect timing, right? No! It seriously had to be the worst timing ever seeing as how I had just told myself “no boyfriends, just school.” I was in the middle of my summer internship at Southern California Edison and getting ready for the fall semester to begin. There was no way that I was going to let this guy, or
paging
dr. l ve any other guy for that matter, distract me from what was most important. But the unusual yet most amazing thing about this guy, and the thing that made it extremely hard to keep to my plan of not having a boyfriend, was that he was supportive and totally understood that school was what mattered most. Here is what I came to realize: great guys like this one don’t come around too often. It isn’t every day when you find someone who is honest and supportive with whatever you choose to do. When you find someone like that, no matter where you are in life, don’t let him or her go. Make it a point to try out something that you weren’t expecting—meaning, don’t be afraid of getting to know that guy or girl who sits next to you in biology class. And, hey, if it doesn’t work out, then it doesn’t work out. At least you will never have to worry about regretting not taking that chance. College is more than just sticking to your class schedule. You have to have a little bit of fun to make longlasting memories. Don’t give yourself the opportunity to regret losing someone you never even had the chance to have.
Tunes to get moving Jace Sparrow Special to the Clarion
Are you feeling anxious about the start of a new school year? Are you having difficulty adjusting to the college environment? Do you feel like driving off a cliff ? If you answered yes to these qualities, read on. Whether you are a new or returning student, I think we can all agree that we would rather be somewhere else with our friends rather than trying to survive the beginning of a new school year. Yes, here we are again facing the joyous tradition of waking up early and arriving on time, finding parking, and, my personal favorite, adding classes. Now don’t get me wrong: without an education there is no way to achieve success. Going to class and studying must be done to survive in the real world. But if you’re like me and need a little pick-me-up, then never fear. The remedy for these annoyances is the gift of music. Here are the top five songs that help me stay calm, cool and collected during the first few weeks of school. These songs will both fill your ears with great music and also to help you transition from summer to school. 1. “The Sandman, The Brakeman and Me” by Monsters of Folk: This song is one of the most relaxing songs I’ve ever heard. Trust me: when you listen to this number everything is put into perspective. 2. “Satellite” by Dave Matthews Band: Add stopand-go guitar, violin and Matthews’ voice and you have a song that evokes memories of summer and good times to come.
McClatchy-Tribune Services
3. “Take It Easy” by the Eagles: Thanks to the smart and clever lyrics of “Take It Easy,” will jump start your memories of good times. 4. “Never Forget You” by the Noisettes: This song has one of the best bass lines I’ve heard in a long time. With a style reminiscent of ‘50s and ‘60s soul, this song will make you dance all the way to your first class. 5. “Turn My Camera On” by Spoon: With clever vocal style you’ll feel like the coolest cat at Citrus. So mellow out, listen in and make it a great listening semester.
Rachel Fuller, Citrus College Clarion
Seeking classes, you are It isn’t your professor’s fault that you can’t add. They only have so many classes with so many seats available. They already feel guilty for not being able to add more students and the unfortunate reality is that it is practically impossible to add when classes are maxed out. There is THE ISSUE a huge FIGHTING FOR CLASSES weight being OUR POSTION placed Students who cannot get into on their classes they want must keep shoulfighting and keep trying because ders by there is nothing the professors students and students can do about the seeking situation. to add. There are endless reasons students need classes. I need to graduate. I need to be a full-time student. I need to stay on my parents’ insurance. Sure, we would be willing to sit on the floor and forgo a real desk if we could just add the class. Finding classes is like playing Jumanji: You have to finish and survive your turn before you can move on. No one said the game was fun, but it is strategic. We just have too many students and not enough seats to go around, and the reality is if you aren’t an honors student, a returning student, or an athlete, you are out of luck to get a full schedule if classes you actually want to take. Several of the Clarion senior staffers are returning students, as well as honors students, and have never had too much trouble seeking classes. The registration days we receive are among the best, so we have been able to choose classes at our leisure. However, if this semester is your first or perhaps your second, you have struggled to find classes that pique your interest, that fit your schedule, or that help you be a full-time student. And, trust us, we feel terrible. We were there once, too, having to take the most obscure classes at the most random times just to get our units in. If we could share our seat with you, share our desk with you, we would. The best advice we can give is to take the classes you can get and do it with a smile. There isn’t anything you or your professor can do to fix the sticky situation Citrus College is in. So, sit in the front seat with a smile on your face. You might even find something interesting in a class you would have never thought possible.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
PERSPECTIVES
19
Dude, where is my Wi-Fi?
It is essential for Citrus College But bringing laptops to school to adopt Wi-Fi for every building can only help students so much if on the college campus. Wi-Fi is limited throughout camToday, Wi-Fi has become a pus. must-have for college students Wi-Fi can make it possible for everywhere. those students with Wi-Fi capabilThe problem is that not all of ity on their laptops to complete Citrus College’s buildings possess school assignments in an orderly Wi-Fi capabilities for students. fashion without having to worry The demand for students to about staying on the library comhave Internet access has inputers too long and inconvecreased dramatically, and it has niencing other students. become almost impossible for stuWi-Fi can also make it possible dents to pass certain classes withto keep those students who do out it—this being because many nothing but mess around on the classes require online lab work. school computers all day from Interpreventing net acother stuTHE ISSUE cess at dents who WI-FI ON CAMPUS the comtake their puter lab schooling seOUR POSTION and liriously from Students should have a variety brary doing work of choices for where to do work computthat is essenon their laptops. Therefore, our ers alone tial to passentire campus should be Wi-Fi aren’t ing a class. accessible. enough Azusa Pafor the cific Univergrowing sity, Mt. San populaAntonio tion at Citrus. College and Pasadena City ColMore and more students are lege are all Wi-Fi-wide campuses, bringing their laptops to school in giving students a variety of oporder to make it easier for them tions for where to work on class to work on their class assignassignments. ments, and to also entertain During an interview with tech themselves between classes. support from PCC, they told us
Rachel Fuller, Citrus College Clarion
that once you were on campus, you were hooked up to the Internet. If APU, Mt. SAC, and PCC can get campus-wide Wi-Fi, so can Citrus College. A raised concern with having a Wi-Fi-wide campus is whether the Internet speed would be slowed due to an overload of users. After tedious research of other Wi-Fi campuses, we can assure oppossers that nothing would af-
fect the Internet usage on campus. In actuality, only 10 of the 38 buildings on our campus have Wi-Fi available for students— clearly not enough for the amount of students on campus. Such buildings include the Life Long Learning Center, Haugh Performing Arts Center, Library, Student Services, Cafeteria, Center for Innovation, Math and the Tech buildings. According to www.dell.com,
Wi-Fi modems cost about $80. Taking into consideration the 28 buildings that do not have Wi-Fi, the one-time fee to transform our campus would be about $2,240. Granted, making Citrus a WiFi wide campus can essentially be an expensive investment. And the question of how we would go about getting the money to do this would be on everyone’s mind. But the cost of assisting college students in reaching their academic goals is priceless.
COLUMN
Fasten your seatbelts, rangers Courtney Mitchell Clarion Editor in Chief
If you have ever taken off in the beloved Star Tours at Disneyland, then you’ve heard Captain Rex tell the space rangers “I know it’s probably your first flight, and it’s... mine too” before he takes off to the Endor moon. Dis-noids (Disneyland nerds) know that this isn’t Captain Rex’s first flight. In fact, he is been saying same spiel every 15 minutes since 1987 and it captivates audiences every time. Regardless, every flight, he is with us holding our hand, keeping us safe and making sure we get to our final destination safely. I consider myself to be like Captain Rex. This isn’t my first mission on the Good Ship Clarion, but I will make you feel comfortable and hold your hand if necessary. To my fellow students, faculty, and staff, my name is Courtney Mitchell and for the fall 2010 semester, I have been fortunate enough to have been chosen to be your Editor in Chief. I have learned a great deal over my semesters here, most of them spent with the Clarion, and I will be the first to tell you that everything isn’t always as it appears. Citrus can either be a miserable, zombie junior college experience, or it can be one that you will
from the editor McClatchy-Tribune Services
enjoy and remember positively before moving on to the next chapter of your life. Take this opportunity to make it an exciting adventure, whether you are a first-time freshman or a returning student. And to make it a smooth yet thrilling flight, here are a few tricks I have learned along the way to ensure of the fun that should be had while being on this island we know as Citrus. First, be confident. The best way to figure out what you are doing is to act like you know what you are doing. The more confidence you pretend to have, the more you will gain. Even if you
no have idea what you are doing, where you are going, or are just scared: be confident. Secondly, just ask. Nike’s motto is “Just do it.” You might think in your little noggin that asking where the library might be the most ridiculous thing ever since it is one of the most obvious, most recognizable buildings. However, it really isn’t. Therefore, no question too small or too ridiculous to ask. So ask your professor, ask the workers in the bookstore, ask the cutie sitting behind you. Whether they actually know the answers, asking anyway could work to your advantage.
You could share being lost together or you could ask them to show you where it is you are looking for, and maybe even get a tour out of it. It took me a year before I found out we had a cafeteria. It’s called the Stuffed Owl Cafe and it is located below the Campus Center. Next, read the syllabus and do your homework. Your professor really isn’t asking that much of you when they ask you to read and understand the syllabus, and we can always find time between other classes, our job, and the occasional hanging out with friends to do our homework. Understanding the goal of the class and
doing your homework is really half the battle. Next, get your books now, like right this minute. Holistically, it doesn’t matter where you purchase the book as long as it is the correct version and you can have it by the time you need it. It is smart to start your readings as soon as possible while the workload is still light. You bought the book, so read it. Even if you rent the book or borrow it from the library, get started right now. Lastly, start a new you. This summer you probably went on vacation or worked a bunch of hours or even took a couple of classes. However you spent the last three months or the last three years, make a change for the better this semester. I have found Citrus to be a place of non-judgment, where you can really find yourself if you allow yourself to open up. Dare to show people the real you. Join a club, immerse yourself in the class you didn’t really want but had to take, and broaden your horizons. My goal this semester is to really challenge myself. I went from being a shy and quiet staffer to someone who has become a leader, not to mention your trusty pilot. So stow your belongs in the compartment below your seat, fasten your seatbelts, and hang on. And, oh yeah, welcome aboard.
20
SPOTLIGHT
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
Natalie Miranda, Citrus College Clarion
Band mates Chris Kemple, 20, left, Brian Raczon, 20, center, and Keith Settles, 22, right, along with Joshua Rivera and Jordan Sandoval (both not pictured) make up The Parousia. The band just released their first EP, The Parousia EP. Three out of the five band members are also Citrus College students.
Band releases first recording Natalie Miranda Clarion Entertainment Editor
Natalie Miranda, Citrus College Clarion
Joshua Rivera, 22, rocks out on the electric guitar during a performance at Good Shepherd Family Bible Church in Whittier, Calif.
Relief. That is what members of a local band experienced after the release of their first self-titled recording, “The Parousia EP.” “It was a sigh of relief,” said Citrus College music major Joshua River, 22, of Glendora. “It was like, ‘finally.’” Brian Raczon, 20, a computer graphics major at Antelope Valley College, explained it as the “first step to something more.” Rivera plays the electric guitar and does backup vocals along with bassist and lead vocalist Keith Settles, 22, a Citrus music major from Glendora; electric guitarist and back-up vocals Chris Kemple, 20, a Citrus music major from Claremont; Citrus performing arts major Jordan Sandoval, 19, from Pomona who is the screamer; and drumming Raczon. The Parousia has been together since 2007 and has had its fair share of change. Settles and Rivera have been friends since junior high and after playing with other bands, they came together to form The Parousia. The band they are now has evolved since then. One year before Raczon came on board, it was just Rivera and Settles. When they were scheduled to play shows, they would get friends to fill in and play guitar and drums, Settles said. Developing a fan base has been a struggle as well.
“People like our music but are not willing to go to the shows,” Settles said. The Parousia admits it is a little discouraging seeing the “same people” coming to their shows. Because they are a Christian band, they play concerts at churches and are grateful for the exposure, as that gives them the opportunity to reach a broader audience. The Parousia just wants listeners to enjoy their music, which they say is “influenced by Thrice.” Their style is rock with a bit of screaming. Their music is fast paced and energetic, often making listeners want to stop what they are doing and jump around. One song on the EP, “Cap’n Geech and The Shrimp Shack Shooters” is “based on claims that God is dead.” The reoccurring line in the song is “despite the rumors God’s not dead.” The band’s main goal is to “spread the gospel through their music and their example” onstage and off by being good role models for fans, Settles said. While writing their music and lyrics, the band tries to follow a story line, but not to the point where listeners are having trouble keeping up. Personal experiences play a key role, but are not specific to one person because the band wants everyone to have an input in the writing process, Settles said. Rivera comes up with the music ideas and Settles comes up with the lyrics, then all the members contribute their ideas. Another difficult feat is finding
time to practice together. Because Raczon lives in Lancaster, the band is really only able to practice twice a month, if they are lucky. They do try and make up for lost time at shows, since that gives them the opportunity to play together and perfect their skills and sound. When it came time to record their first EP, it took the band about a month. They spent three days recording the instruments, and four days on the vocals. The rest of the time was used for editing. Jeff Darcy from Relic Recording did the editing for the EP. When the band heard their work for the first time, it was “surreal.” “When the CD came out, I was excited and felt very accomplished,” Raczon said. “When people said they heard it and liked it, I was amazed.” Sandoval felt very “proud about what the band accomplished.” For Settles, it was a long-awaited accomplishment. The release of the CD made Kemple feel professional because the band is actually “striving for success.” The Parousia is currently working on a full-length CD and hopes that in the near future they will be able to go on tour. To purchase “The Parousia EP,” which is only $4.99, log-on to iTunes and search “The Parousia.” To find out when the band will be playing next visit their MySpace page at myspace.com/theparousiamusic, or become one of their friends on Facebook by searching “The Parousia.”