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College
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 Volume LXIII Issue 2
Soccer season is underway, and the Owls have set their sights on a Western State Conference championship.
Page 12 A First Amendment newspaper
College now in compliance with state smoking law Sandra Lopez Clarion Managing Editor A formalized district smoking policy has been adopted by the Citrus College Board of Trustees. Prior to the board’s regular meeting on June 16, there was no written policy on smoking at Citrus College. However, the college is now in compliance with state regulations. The recently approved Citrus College smoking policy is stated in BP 6800: Safety. The board policy on smoking states that the college prohibits of the use of tobacco in all public buildings and is in compliance with other related tobacco use requirements mandated in the state of California. “As long as I can smoke somewhere it’s not a big deal,”Jonathan Reed, an 18 year old undeclared major said. Meanwhile, on a national level, the Food and Drug Administration has gained control over tobacco for the first time. President Barack Obama signed the Family Smoking Prevention and
Anazarry Danganan Citrus College Clarion A Citrus College student snaps a photo on the eighth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, while rain beats down and pedestrians pass by Ground Zero, the site where the Twin Towers fell. An annual memorial is held to remember the lives lost that day. See full story page 6
Life experiences drive author’s storytelling Emily Rios Clarion Online Editor “I wanted to make sure all the sacrifices my parents had made and the hardships we had endured meant something,” author Reyna Grande said. Grande spoke in the Handy Campus Center on Sept. 15 to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and to further the Latina Leadership Network’s goal of exposing the campus to more Latino authors. Born in Mexico, Grande was 2years old when her father left for the United States in hopes of earning money to build the family a house. “When immigrants come to this country, and they call home, they never tell people the reality of living here in the United States,” Grande said. “They tell them good things, but they never tell them the bad things. So a lot of immigrants come here thinking
Inside:
they’re going to make a lot of money right away and be able to go home right away, but once they come here they realize it is a lot harder.” Because of the struggle to earn a living in the U.S., Grande’s father sent for her mother to join him, leaving Grande and her siblings under the care of her grandparents. “We were left with my grandmother. I called her my evil grandmother because her name was Evila and if you took out the ‘A’ it spelled evil. My grandmother lived up to her name,” she said. “She did not want to be taking care of three children at her age, so it was very difficult to be left with relatives who didn’t want us and to not have our parents around.” Grande’s father returned to Mexico when she was almost 10 to check on the progress of the house. It was then he discovered his children had not been well taken care of and he decided there was more to life than having a
house, so he brought his children to the U.S. so they could have more opportunities. Coming to the U.S. was not easy. Grande came illegally and not only had to deal with being in a foreign place, but with a different family dynamic as well. Grande had to become acquainted with her father and deal with her parents’ divorce and her father’s remarriage. “The moment we set foot in this country my father made it clear that we were here for a reason, which was to better ourselves and to go to school,” she said. “He used to threaten us that if we didn’t go to school and do well were going to be sent back.” Grande took all of the hardships and struggles she had faced in her childhood and turned them into a desire to do something better with her life. Grande said she also knew that if she had stayed in Mexico she would not have been able to pursue the type of education that she could in the U.S. “If you achieve all the goals you set for yourself you can look back and say that all those sacrifices were worth it because of
See SPEAKER/page 3
Life pg. 5 Sports pg. 11 A&E pg. 12
Tobacco Control Act on June 22, granting the FDA the power to regulate cigarettes. In his remarks Obama identified himself as a smoker who is trying to quit. Ironically, the new law was supported by America’s biggest tobacco corporation, Altria, formerly known as Philip Morris. Considering the choice between supporting the new restrictions on marketing mandated by the law or facing the possibility that Congress could ban cigarettes completely, the tobacco company giant and its trial lawyers came out in support of it. The Senate overwhelmingly approved H.R. 1256 by a vote of 79 to 17. As of Sept. 22 it will allow the FDA to not only regulate ingredients used in tobacco products but also to completely prohibit cigarettes ingredients derived from herbs or spices Banned flavors include strawberry, grape, orange, clove, cinnamon, and vanilla. However, menthol cigarettes, which are considered to be highly addictive, are excluded from the
See SMOKING/page 3
GI Bill expands academic horizons for student vets Sandra Lopez Clarion Managing Editor Full tuition at a public college for four years is now available for some military veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as of Aug. 1. President Barack Obama recently celebrated the new G.I. bill which is expected to offer student veterans $78 billion in benefits over the next 10 years. The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill was signed into law by President George W. Bush last year but has just taken effect under Obama. During a White House meeting Obama said, “My grandfather benefited from the GI Bill, as did many members of the greatest generation,” Obama said during a White House meeting. “This is the next greatest generation. They need to
have that same support.” The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill is an expansion of the original G.I. Bill of 1944, which helped educate about 8 million veterans after World War II. The G.I. Bill of 1944, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was approved by Congress as a way of helping veterans get back into civilian life. “The new G.I. Bill is great. Our veterans are deserving of a better education and support system,” Dr. Bruce Solheim, volunteer veterans’ coordinator and professor of History, said. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs states that the new G.I. Bill is intended for those who have been in active duty since Sept. 11, 2001.
See BILL/page 3
Opinions pg. 14 Editorials pg. 15
Page 2 Citrus College Clarion
News Briefs Campus Wire Campus budget forum to be held An all-campus budget forum is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Sept. 17 from 2:40 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. in the Center for Innovation Community Room. As long as offices remain open, release time is provided to classified staff with supervisor approval.
Accreditation forum scheduled The college is holding an all-campus accreditation forum on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 2:45 p.m. During the forum, each co-chair team will provide a brief summary of their section, including any major findings for improvement or commendation. The campus-wide planning agendas and schedule of activities for the site will also be discussed.
Citrus College named top producer by national publication Citrus College has been named one of the nation’s top degree and certificate producing two-year institutions by Community College Week. Every year, the bi-weekly magazine releases a special report featuring the top 100 degree and certificate producing two-year institutions. The report consists of 43 different categories, including associate degrees awarded to minorities, associate degrees by discipline, two-year certificates awarded to minorities, and two-year degrees by discipline. Citrus College was included on four of the 43 lists. “This magazine is a well-respected, independent publication that serves community, technical, and junior colleges throughout the United States,” said Susan M. Keith, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. “We are honored to receive this recognition establishing us as a leader among the 1,200 community colleges in the nation.” Courtesy - Stacy Armstrong
News
September 16, 2009
Parking situation still tough for fall Ashley Broussard Clarion A&E Editor At the start of each semester, two topics are on every student’s mind: book prices and parking. Students’ concerns range from where to get a parking permit, to whether or not they will find an available space once they arrive at Citrus College. With a student population of more than 11,000, there are approximately 3,250 parking spots available for students and staff. In addition, two Citrus Annex Lots located off campus on Foothill Boulevard offer benefits for those willing to walk or take a shuttle. Still, during the first few weeks of a new semester, long lines of cars form while waiting to turn into any of the parking lots, while drivers look and wait for spaces. “I spent 20 minutes waiting to get into the parking lot,” said student Marisa Rangel, 18, a health science major. “Even though I came early, it was still bad.” A similar situation happened to student Vanessa Lara, 19, a psychology major. “I had to go behind the stadium and find a little route to get to campus faster,” she said. Students who want to avoid the crowds or the $30 price tag for a regular on-campus parking permit can sign up instead for an Annex Lot permit
through the Security Office located in the Campus Center. This Annex permit allows parking in the Citrus Annex 1 and 2 lots, located about a mile west of the school on Foothill Boulevard in the former site of the Azusa Drive-in theater. Parking in the Annex Lots is free. “There are 275 spots made available for Citrus students, and 47 permits have already been handed out,” said Kalia Mullin, security office secretary. Parking in these lots is available Monday through Thursday between now and Sept. 25. The main lots on campus are free on Fridays for those with regular or Annex permits. Those who aren’t excited by the option of walking a mile just to get to campus, a free shuttle runs from both Annex Lots to the main campus in front of the Haugh Performing Arts Center and back every half hour from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Starting Sept. 28, students with Annex Lot permits will be allowed to park in the main campus lots for free for the remainder of the semester. Students who have already purchased a parking permit for the semester and would prefer to go the extra mile for a free Annex and oncampus parking through this program can be reimbursed by showing their fall 2009 permit and receipt. Finding off-campus parking is next
to impossible because parking in most of the neighborhoods around the campus is designated for residents only. “The residents wanted it that way. They would go to city hall, petition, and complain of disturbances, arguments, and blocked driveways in their neighborhood,” said Vanessa Alveraz, police cadet for the Glendora Police Department. Tickets for parking in the preferential parking permit required areas are $48. Students are not allowed to park in lots allocated for businesses surrounding the campus, even if they make a purchase at a store like Starbucks or Stater Bros. before walking to campus. Students who decide to park on streets adjacent to campus or in business lots can expect to be ticketed or even towed if the police are called. If a ticket is issued, students can pay it online, over the phone or by mail, but not at the actual police department. Permits for on-campus parking can be purchased at the cashier’s desk located in Admissions and Records or in the Handy Campus Center and must be displayed on all cars. For additional information, contact the Security Department at (626) 9148611.
Ashley Broussard can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
Local Missing Glendora teenager found dead, autopsy pending GLENDORA, Calif. (CNS) -- An autopsy was pending Sunday, Sept. 13, on a 17-year-old Glendora High School senior who apparently shot himself to death on a hiking trail in the foothills near his home. Friends and family members who organized a search party for Vincent Antonio Giovanazzi found the body about 8 a.m. Saturday off Colby Trail, north of Loraine Avenue. A handgun that belonged to a family member was found at the scene, and police said the death appeared to be a suicide. Vincent was reported missing after disappearing Aug. 27, telling family members he was going to the Glendora library to study. His uncle, Bill Cooper, told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune that Vincent was "genuinely a nice, good, caring kid.” "We spent a lot of time hiking together and stuff," he said. "I'm going to miss him for the rest of my life." A cousin spotted the body first. Police said it appeared Vincent had been dead about two weeks. Courtesy - City News Service
Beyond UC proposes 32 percent increase in student fees OAKLAND - University of California undergraduates could be facing much bigger tuition bills next year. UC officials on Sept. 10 released a plan that calls for a 15 percent increase in basic student fees starting in the winter 2010 term, followed by another 15 percent hike next fall. If approved, in-state undergraduate fees would rise by 32 percent to $10,302. Graduate student fees also would rise under the proposal. The UC Board of Regents is set to discuss the fee increases and other measures to raise new revenue when it meets in San Francisco next week. It is expected to vote on the proposal at its November meeting. The 10-campus system is seeking ways to cut expenses and raise new revenue to offset a steep decline in state funding. Courtesy - SGV Tribune Twitter.com
News
September 16, 2009
Citrus College Clarion Page 3
Smoking: Speaker: author encourages students to set goals campus creates policy to address cigarettes banned list. Kunal Gandhi, senior staff scientist from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, conducted research on menthol addiction and discovered that menthol smokers absorb more nicotine and carbon monoxide than do smokers of regular flavored cigarettes. So even though menthol smokers might smoke less, they might find it harder to quit. The new law also bans tobacco advertising within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds. According to the Campaign for Tobacco-free Kids, 90 percent of smokers start smoking at or before the age of 18, and everyday an estimated 1,100 children take up smoking. The consumption of tobacco products is estimated to kill 443,000 Americans every year. Yet more than 43 million Americans remain addicted to tobacco. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 22 percent of men and 17 percent of women are smokers. “Adolescents are the most important customers of cigarette companies. Young smokers represent a lifetime of addiction, and a lifetime of profits,” according to the Media Awareness Network. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the new law is expected to decrease youth smoking by 11 percent and adult smoking by 2 percent. “That’s an excellent start just to comply with the state law.” Math professor David Casey said. Casey remembers the subject first being brought about three years ago in a committee of the Academic Senate, that he served on, and is happy to see that Citrus is now in compliance with the state law. As for the new Citrus smoking policy, some students such as James Cheng, a 25-year-old undeclared major, thinks that the new smoking policy will benefit students at Citrus. “I agree with it,” Cheng said. “It will help some people avoid secondhand smoke.” Campuses such as Fullerton College and Santa Monica College have 100 percent smoke-free campuses. Others such as Los Angeles Pierce College and Pasadena City College have designated smoking areas.
Sandra Lopez can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
where you are now.” Before becoming a published author, Grande found her voice as a writer in junior high. At a time where she was teased for her accent, her writing was the only place where someone couldn’t tell she had one. Grande stared writing her first novel, “Across a Hundred Mountains,” after transferring to UC Santa Cruz. The 2006 El Premi Aztlan Literary Award and 2007 American Book Award-winning novel, released in 2006, tells the story Juana Garcia as she leaves her small Mexican town in search of her father who left years earlier to come to America to find work. During her presentation Grande read the first chapter of “Across a Hundred Mountains” and an excerpt from her latest novel “Dancing With Butterflies,” which chronicles four women who are a part of a folklorico dance team. “Dancing With Butterflies” will be released on Oct. 6.
Emily Rios can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
Andrew Vasquez Citrus College Clarion Reyna Grande, author of the soon-to-be-released novel “Dancing With Butterflies,” passionately urges students to work hard and strive to be successful in life during her speech in the Handy Campus Center on Sept. 15.
Bill: veterans in college get chance to follow dreams because of new GI Bill To be eligible, the service member or veteran must have served 90 collective days minimum on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the service member or veteran will be eligible for the G.I. Bill as long as they remain on active duty or may have been honorably: - Discharged from active duty -Released from active duty and listed retired list or temporary disability list -Released from active duty and be transferred to the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve -Released from active duty for further service in a reserve component of the Armed Forces. In addition to full tuition, benefits also include a monthly housing stipend and up to $1,000 a year for books.
Benefits are based on the duration of time spent on active service. For service members who have served 36 months or more, benefits can include the tuition costs/fee of the school, monthly housing allowance, yearly books and supplies (up to $1,000 per year), and a onetime payment of $500 for those individuals who are relocating from rural areas. Service members who have served fewer than 36 months will be eligible for 90 percent or less of those benefits. “The G.I. Bill is so much better than the old system because before we had to pay out of our own pockets,” said Raul Perez, age 25 and majoring in aerospace engineering and currently in the reserves, “Recently there have been many guys that have just gotten laid
off of their jobs, it was hard trying to pay school fees with our own money.” This new program is intended for undergraduate education. The benefit can be passed to children of troops who have served six years or more and sign up for another four years of service. “It will definitely benefit me, even though the VA (Veterans Affair) is trying to catch up.” J.D. Serna, 26 year old student Air Force veteran, veteran office assistant and mechanical engineering major. This is because Veterans Affair has had a large demand for the new G.I. Bill and much of the paper work is being done by hand. More than 100 veterans are attending Citrus College, and many have just returned from Iraq or Afghanistan. “There is a need for a Post 9/11
G.I. Bill. It is really good because it pays for housing, and student classes,” said Teresa Ferri, financial aid and veterans’ technician. Ferri states that she has certified 90 veterans for the G.I. Bill, and another 40 veterans’ applications are still pending. The Veterans Center at Citrus College is located in the ED Building, Room 248. Ferri can provide students with information regarding the new G.I. Bill. The telephone number for the Veterans Center is (626) 852-6421 or (626) 852-5775. For more information the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Web site can be accessed at www.gibill.va.gov.
Sandra Lopez can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
More online See more pictures from different articles in this issue of the Clarion
Read blogs, exclusive articles, take our survey. leave comments, and view past issues. Andrew Vasquez Citrus College Clarion Smoke billows from the Azusa Canyons as the Morris Dam fire ravages the local forest area during the week of Aug. 26.
for all extended content visit www.theclarionline.com
Citrus College Clarion
Life
September 16, 2009
Page 5
Life Editor Courtney Mitchell - ccclarion@hotmail.com Clearly the values and priorities of society have reversed. Call me traditional, but I would want to be married before having a baby.
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I plan to share my life lessons and experiences, with hope that you can take something from this column.
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Anazarry Danganan
Anazarry Danganan Clarion Staff Writer
When Dustin Call first approached me with the idea of writing a marriage column with him, I hesitated. I was reluctant to share my personal experiences for fear of being judged. Here’s the kicker: I’m only 22 years young. Young and committed. Most students my age are not
even thinking about commitment, except maybe when it comes to picking which cell phone company they can commit to for two years and what they can get in return. But with marriage, it’s not about what you can get from each other. It’s about learning to communicate effectively and gaining lifetime wisdom from each other and the experiences you go through. Nowadays, I get more of a
shocked look from people when I tell them that I’m married and 22 years old than I would if I said “I have a kid.” Why is it acceptable for me to be young with a child, but unusual for me to be married first?
Both my husband and I have decided that school is a major priority for a better life. There are financial difficulties because we each have to give up hours at work to gain hours for a degree, but I’m glad we are going through this school experience together. Michael, my husband, is going back to school to study nursing, and I have a passion for the communications field and the arts. I still have to narrow down what exactly I want to do. I am truly blessed that I have a partner who is committed to my well being and my happiness. Michael supports any decision I choose to make regarding work and school. I know that if I decide to move to New York and try out for Broadway, he would move with me and support that. This kind of commitment is rare, but it is what I strive to maintain in our lives. Commitment is found everywhere, from being married to being a student. Throughout this school semester, I am glad we are both committed in the same direction.
There are too many single, unmarried women supporting children. How can we show these children, or even begin to let them understand, what commitment is? I experienced single parenting myself, as my mother raised me on her own. Now, since I don’t have children, I plan to educate myself about commitment through marriage. I plan to share my life lessons and experiences, with hope that you can take something from this column.
Anazarry Danganan can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
Life
Page 6 Citrus College Clarion
September 16, 2009
Lessons from a visit to Ground Zero
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Anazarry Danganan
The streets were packed with tourists, police, and media, with New Yorkers coming off the train into where a World Trade Center once stood. On the eighth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the wind blew and the rain poured, but despite the uncomfortable weather, a line of protestors stood outside, and police were on guard for the event. As I walked through an aisle between the protestors and the police, I was prompted by the protestors, and was overwhelmed by the crowds and the eerie atmosphere of the day. The protestors argued that 9/11 was an inside job, and held up poster signs while giving out fliers to the public. Political names were called out to as sources of the 9/11 attacks. Protestor Daniel Burns, from Chicago, went to New York specifically for the annual memorial, and he spoke on his beliefs about the 9/11 investigation. “It’s full of holes; it deserves to be questioned. It was never really questioned by an independent investigation. The official investigation was done by our own government. A lot of questions were not answered about that day.” “Everybody I know is affected by
Sept. 11 is surely a day for all of us to remember, but go say thank you to someone who keeps your community safe today.
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Clarion Staff Writer
this,” Burns continued. “It’s been one agenda to start wars all over the world, and I think people should question that.” Behind the rants of political blaming were the somber sounds of “Amazing Grace.” The Port Authority Police of New York and New Jersey honored their 37 heroic men and women on duty who died in the attacks by playing songs such as “Amazing Grace” on their bagpipes. A chapel at St. Paul’s Church in front of the World Trade Center site held a service in remembrance of the victims for their friends and families. Inside the church, police officials knelt down and prayed by the alter, and tears of families and friends of the victims gave the room a solemn vibe. There were posters, flowers, and
Photos by Anazarry Danganan Citrus College Clarion (Left) A cross erected in memory of 9/11 made from the rubble of the fallen towers. (Right) The site where the new World Trade Center buildings are being built. memorabilia staggered around the church’s corners and walls. Most police officials refused to comment that day and were told not to speak to any media. Luckily, I spoke to an NYPD officer posted outside the church who commented on the behavior of the protestors. “There is terrorism all over the world, and for people to still think that this was an inside job blows my mind,” the police officer said. In front of the chapel, a choir of teens from Russell, Massachusetts, sang praises to Jesus. Members of their group were also
scattered at each corner of the block and were out on the streets passing out fliers with messages of peace and hope. “We come every September for this memorial event and have the youth sing,” said Brian Kibbe, a volunteer with the Pioneer Valley Mennonite Youth Choir. “We promote peace and the Gospel.” The experience of visiting Ground Zero and walking around the nearby streets was surreal, but also heart wrenching. From ranting protestors and police lines, to songs of peace and praise, never had I felt more appre-
ciative of our law officials and firefighters, those who protect our well being in the streets. There are just too many things we take for granted nowadays, like those who wear the uniforms and who keep our communities running in peace. Sept. 11 is surely a day for all of us to remember, but go say thank you to someone who keeps your community safe today.
Anazarry Danganan can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
Life
September 16, 2009
Courtney Mitchell Clarion Life Editor
It’s only the third week of school, but by now, freshmen should have grasped the basics. Switching in and out of classes, finding parking, buying books that cost too much: it’s all overwhelming at first. Not feeling comfortable yet? Hang in there; the routine gets easier. Your classes, however, probably won’t.
Most first-year college students take a full load of classes; some classes are easier than others. Nevertheless, by the third week
of school, all the classes get a little more demanding and you will have to spend more time reading textbooks and writing essays. Don’t look at your syllabus and think you have time to do everything. Read it and study it when the professor tells you. You will be less stressed when all your classes have exams during the same week. If you have a course that includes lab hours, make a point of plugging away at them regularly. It is easy to procrastinate and end up with hours of lab time to make up at the end of the semester, a time when you might already feel overloaded. Anyone enrolled in a class that already seems to be a little too hard? If you haven’t already dropped it, don’t. As much as you want to hit your snooze button or ditch school for a beach day, go to your classes anyway. If you miss a class, don’t show up to the next meeting and ask if you missed anything important. Every day of class is important.
Back to Basics Rene Lewis
Clarion Correspondent Two years ago, my husband and I had just celebrated five months of marriage and were loading my Hyundai Accent for a move from Texas to California. I had received a promotion at work in my second year, and was being relocated. My company was gearing up for what we hoped would be a busy holiday season, but business indicators were not good. I remember leaving a regional meeting after hearing words such as “recession” and “declining traffic.” We needed big numbers and I worked hard to produce them. Long holiday hours were made more exhausting by a lack of customers. The bottom-line numbers were collectively sub-par. I returned from my day off, New Year’s Day, to a massive layoff. Associates with tenure, single mothers, and struggling college students were all gone with one sweep of a corporate hand. Cutbacks continued along with a hiring and promotion freeze. Managers were asked to put on a happy face, but attempts to lift morale were futile. The word whispered around the water cooler was bankruptcy. Nevertheless, we worked on ways to change store functions to run with leaner staffs. We cut store hours. Traffic was slow but I was always busy, as there were hardly any employees left. And then it happened. The company filed for bankruptcy protection. Escaping liquidation was a relief, but 42 percent of our stores were closed. Suddenly, I too found myself without a job. For two frustrated weeks I sulked, consumed by the whole
awful situation. My work was no longer mine, and sitting at home with no immediate sense of purpose was unsettling. I deducted my salary from our family budget, which put us in the red. Next step: unemployment. I fought back, vigorously seeking out opportunities; I was confident that what I had to offer and what I had accomplished from working during the last 11 years would vault me into a position somewhere else. I contacted HR departments directly and tracked down hiring managers. I made follow-up phone calls, asked for feedback, and inquired about other opportunities I could pursue. I was losing out on jobs paying 20 to 30 percent less than my previous position to people with decades more experience and master’s degrees. So I switched gears and started applying for lower level positions, only to be told I was overqualified. I was questioned about why I would be willing to step down from management. Slowly, it became clear that what I had to offer was worth little to hiring managers in a shrinking and saturated market, a cold reality that many others have had to face. In addition, the fact that a GED was the highest level of education I had achieved held me back from most opportunities. Finally, my husband encouraged me to go back to school and earn degrees that employers wanted to see. I scurried around, preparing for my return to school: testing, meeting with counselors, and attending orientation. Excitement overtook me as I realized that I was taking the steps to open up possibilities that could dramatically change the course of my life. I put my focus on transferring to the HASS Business School at UC
Berkeley as a junior. I mapped out Citrus College courses accordingly, only to see “closed” next to every class I needed to move me toward my educational plan. Then, on Aug. 26, at the supposed time students with unpaid bills would be dropped, I again tried to add classes. It was no use and I remained unenrolled. I contacted professors, whose classes I wanted, by e-mail and waited to hear if any could make room for me. Success! Two out of five were eager to take me on. I would try to add the others in person. Textbooks, spiral notebooks, backpack. I got it all in order for my first day. I arrived an hour early to my Business 130 class. It was surreal being back in school again and I found myself fidgeting in a desk that reminded me of the ones I sat in more than a decade ago. I was shocked when roll was called to realize that many of the registered students didn’t bother to show up to a class that so many others were desperate to take. Professor Timothy Durfield welcomed all who wanted to add. He worked the room and elicited contributions from every corner, moving at an accommodating pace until the class fell into the flow of discussions. After class he took time to field questions from inexperienced students, including myself. He encouraged my dream of transferring to Berkeley, offering advice and tips. I left class that night knowing that I could do this. I could start again. I can finish my basics and look forward to a better life.
Rene Lewis can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
Citrus College Clarion Page 7 It is all vital information or else it wouldn’t have been mentioned. If you are having trouble understanding an assignment or a chapter, it is OK to contact the professor during office hours or by e-mail; that’s what office hours are for, so take advantage of them. Most students are too afraid to go see their professors during office hours. However, they are extremely helpful and more personable during that time. You can get the one-on-one time you need. Additional help can be provided at the Tutoring Center. For up to three hours a week, free tutoring on any subject is available Monday through Saturday. If you are too shy to seek out assistance from people you consider to be strangers, joining a study group with other students in your classes is another option. Approaching fellow students can be scary. However, taking control of your academic future will pay off. If you are struggling to understand a chapter, chances are other students
are too. Probably at least one of your professors your first week of school made you stand up, say your name and one interesting thing about you, right? They do this for a reason. Professors want you to succeed, and they want to get to know you. They also want the students to get to know each other. They want to make the classroom as comfortable as possible so students have the desire to come to class every week. By getting to know each person a little better, you might have a better idea of whom you can connect with outside of class. You might even start making friends. Being a first-year college student might be hard at first, but hang in there. You will adjust to your new Citrus lifestyle.
Courtney Mitchell can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
cmyk
Page 8 Citrus College Clarion
Life
September 16, 2009
Top left: The Mathematics and Science Building was finished in 2007 and includes classrooms, computer labs, offices, and study areas. (Photo by Dustin Call) Above: Hayden Hall is the last original building still standing from 1934. (Photo from Citrus College Archives) Bottom left: The “Fish Bowl” is a central location in the library for all students studying and researching. (Photo by Dustin Call) Below: An original photograph taken in 1915. Citrus College once shared a campus with Citrus Union High School. This particular building however, is no longer standing at the college’s original site. (Photo from Citrus College Archives)
Campus Forever Changing Courtney Mitchell Clarion Life Editor Can you believe it? The Citrus College Campus was once covered with orange groves and eucalyptus trees. Now located on a 104-acre campus, Citrus College once shared space, and 15 faculty members, with Citrus Union High School. In 1915, Citrus College became the first community college in Los Angeles County, with only 27 enrolled students. Both schools were originally located on South Cerritos Avenue in Azusa. But the campus became too small and both schools eventually moved to a new 16-acre site on the corner of Barranca Avenue and Foothill Boulevard in 1919. This piece of land was purchased for only $39,000. Now with approximately 12,000 students enrolled, the campus map has dramatically changed. With some state funding and a $121 million facilities bond measure passed by the community in 2004, Citrus has been able to transform the campus. Only one original building still stands: Hayden Hall. Chief engineer Jim Pierce said, “If a statewide bond gets passed next year, we can start to remodel Hayden Hall back to its original structure.” cmyk
The Student Services Building is approximately two months behind schedule, but will be more convenient to students and staff when finished, hopefully, by fall 2010. Every building has been re- why things are being built. It’s a Bob Bradshaw, Projects Man- being made as well, such as the modeled, reshaped, and re- good thing though, the campus ager, said, “The Student Services phone system upgrade. designed in some way. And now, being remodeled and updated.” Building is a little behind because Construction sometimes means Citrus is constructing buildings The first thing most students of the rain last winter but we are inconvience. However, all of these as well as campus signage and see in the morning is a big build- anticipating it to open by fall changes are necessary to improve walkways. ing with a sign that says “Student 2010.” our community college. It is virtually impossible to Services Building.” For those Nevertheless, he adds, “As far Citrus College has come a long walk around campus without en- who don’t know what that entails, as the bond measurement goes, way and we look forward to using countering yellow caution tape or it means every student service on we are right on schedule.” its new and updated facilities. seeing a bulldozer. campus will be in one place. As enrollment has grown over ASCC President Karlyn The services that will be in this the years, more facilities for inBradley said, “I understand it’s building include: nursing, struction and parking have been Courtney Mitchell frustrating and extremely incon- records, job placement, counsel- developed. can be reached at venient [for the students]. They ing, career/transfer center, Of course new buildings look ccclarion@hotmail.com don’t understand the plan and EOPS, and disabled students. impressive, but other changes are
cmyk
September 16, 2009
Life
Citrus College Clarion Page 9
Top left: The Louis E. Zellers Center for Innovation was built in 2008 and is used for faculty and education offices. (Photo by Courtney Mitchell) Above: The art buildings are next on the agenda to be remodeled. While the construction has yet to begin, they have not yet decided where they will put the art students during the process. (Photo by Courtney Mitchell) Left: The original library, pictured here, was built in 1965. Additions to the library were done in 2002. (Photo from Citrus College Archives) Below: Hayden Hall currently features the Health Center, a lecture hall, and offices. There are future plans to restore the building back to its original architecture. (Photo by Courtney Mitchell)
Technician Development Center: Phase 1 Complete Anazarry Danganan Clarion Staff Writer
Formerly the Automotive Technology Building, the new Technician Development Center features offices, classrooms, and labs. The Technician Development Center also houses an automotive bay for the Automotive Program. (Photos by Courtney Mitchell)
Where there once stood the forgotten, abandoned warehouse-looking buildings of the Automotive Department, now stands a modern building, flourishing with opportunities for students. Starting this semester, students can view the new Technician development Center at the southeast side of campus. The offices are yet to be occupied and the smell of paint still resonates in the air. By the end of September, phase two of construction will be complete as the TA building will be demolished to make room for yet another building, said Mike Norman, superintendent general contractor of PW Construction. “The new building is incredible. It’s better than the old one… it shows that they care about us,” said Stephen Gonzalez, 24, who studies Automotive Technology. It is Gonzalez’s second semester into the program, and he is overjoyed by the new building provided for him and his fellow
students who, he said, are rarely noticed at Citrus. There are opportunities provided in this unnoticed department, such as free car service, provided you pay for your car parts and are not limited in time. “The students do live work on your car, although all liability falls on you,” said professor Chris Eckeard from the automotive department. Eckeard is in his first semester and is a chassis instructor who teaches Automotive 154, a class about breaks, suspension, tires,and wheels. All students who come into the program must take an Auto 101 class. From there they must decide what class they want to specialize in, such as generalized master mechanics or the motorcycle program. There are classes any student can take if curious enough to know about how your car works or for simple things, such as changing your own oil. A recommended class for the beginner would be Auto 100, which is at a “consumer level,” Eckeard said. Ladies, too, can benefit from adding an Auto 100 class, if
stranded alone. Unfortunately there are not enough ladies who take advantage of such classes provided. “On average there are maybe one or two (women) in each class. It’s a male dominated field, so we try to encourage women who are looking outside of what normal is,” Eckeard said. Who wouldn’t want to take advantage of these opportunities, especially in a failing economy? New fliers are being produced for the automotive department as well. So far it’s looking smooth for the department and students are looking forward to construction being completed. Go arrange for your car to be fixed and speak to a professor from the automotive department today. If you are interested in furthering your knowledge, ask your counselor about the classes that are provided.
Anazarry Danganan can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com cmyk
Citrus College Clarion
Sports September 16, 2009
Sports Editor Erica Irogoyen - ccclarion@hotmail.com
Page 11
Men’s soccer learning to play offense Andrew Vasquez Clarion Editor In Chief The men’s soccer team has kicked off the fall 2009 season with its eyes on the prize: winning the Western State Conference title. So far, the Owls have racked up a record of 1-2-1, with their most recent game against Imperial Valley College on Sept. 11. This feeling of uncertainty is what head coach Fred Bruce-Oliver said made the team ignore the risks about practicing outside because of the poor air quality due to recent fires. “The guys wanted to come back out, even though they know about the dangers,” Bruce-Oliver said. “Like most young people, they aren’t too cautious and think they’re invincible.” Concerning the team’s training, Bruce-Oliver has tried to give the team a routine that has scoring as its main focus. After their losses to San Diego Mesa and Chaffey colleges, as well as their tie with Imperial Valley, BruceOliver feels the team does not seize
their chances to score during a game. “Their biggest challenge is not capitalizing on a chance to score,” BruceOliver said. “It’s going to take awhile, but we are coming along.” “Getting the ball into the net is not as easy as it seems, so it is what we have been practicing,” he said. “We are all able to communicate on the field, and play as a team,” freshman midfielder Ivan Madera said. “We create a lot of opportunities to score, now we are just working on finishing the process.” Freshman forward Emmanuel “Kitty” Felix, who scored the Owls’ only goal in their home opener against Imperial Valley, had a similar view of the team’s progress. “We haven’t been practicing offense enough,” he said. “We have to learn to take advantage of opportunities to score.”
Andrew Vasquez can be reached at clarion_eic@yahoo.com
Andrew Vasquez Citrus College Clarion Citrus midfielder Rafael Garcia speeds down the field in hopes of scoring another goal in their game against Imperial Valley on Sept. 11, which resulted in a tie, 1-1.
More than just a leader ots from 1982-1985 and for the San Diego Chargers in 1987. Clarion Sports Editor Ingram was also inspired by his older brother Brian Ingram II, who Confidence, leadership, and deterwas a wide receiver when he played in mination are three major factors in high school. striving to become the best athlete you After transferring in August from can be. Citrus College student Byron Georgia Tech to Citrus College, InIngram has demonstrated all three to gram said that he “hopes to bring the the Owl’s football team as quarterteam a lot of wins this season.” back. “Although winning matters a lot as Ingram, a 6-foot-6-inch freshman, a whole team, to me personally it’s just is bringing more to the football field for the love of the game,” Ingram than just a good arm. said. The Owl’s quarterback who was According to coach Ben Noonan, inspired by his father, Brian Ingram, a Ingram always has a positive attiformer linebacker in the NFL, tude. He gives 110 percent at started playing football every practice and always when he was 7 years wants to know what he old. He has been on can do to improve himthe football field ever self. And he is getting since. better everyday. Brian Ingram “Even though our played for the New past games didn’t go as England well as we would have Patriliked, we were able to see flashes of what Byron is capable of doing,” Noonan stated. Although Ingram said he loves going out on the field on game day, he gets anxious. All he can hear is the sound of the game, b u t nothing, n o t even t h e crowds, can distract him from playing Andrew Vasquez Citrus College Clarion Owl’s quarterback Byron Ingram strikes his signature pose showing his focus on leading the team to victory for the fall 2009 season.
Erica Irigoyen
his best. Maurice Williams, a wide receiver for the Owls, said Ingram has also made sure to “build a bond with the players so that he can trust them and they can trust him.” Ingram also has the love and support of his family. His mother Callie Ingram is his hero. “She has always been there for me and has always supported me in whatever I do. I would do anything for her,” Ingram said. Football aside, Ingram said that he enjoys “killing zombies” and playing the Call of Duty video game. He also enjoys eating. His favorite fast food restaurant is McDonald’s. But Ingram’s all-time favorite food is his mom’s homemade macaroni and cheese. “There’s nothing like good old Southern food,” Ingram said. Since his dad is a retired NFL player, it would seem that Ingram might feel pressure to play professionally. “Not at all,” Ingram said. His family will support him on whatever he wants to become, whether it is a professional football player or anything else for that matter. Professional football player Tom Brady, from the New England Patriots, is his biggest inspiration, other than his father. “Tom Brady is flawless,” Ingram said. Although Ingram loves playing football and plans to transfer anywhere he can play, it is not his goal to go professional. “But if it happens, it happens, and that would be cool,” he said. Mass communications and broadcasting are definitely on his list of career options, he said.
Erica Irigoyen can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
Citrus College Clarion
Arts & Entertainment Page 12
A&E Ashley Broussard - ccclarion@hotmail.com
September 16, 2009
Fall brings wide array of new shows
McClatchey-Tribune Media Services Show: The Vampire Diaries Time: Thursdays @ 8 p.m. Place: The CW With the start of the new school year, students at Mystic Falls High are introduced to new student Stefan Salvatore, who happens to be beautiful and mysterious―and a vampire. Sound familiar? Student Elena Gilbert meets Stefan, and they quickly make a connection that will be as difficult as it is passionate, if the premiere is any indication. In the first action-packed, hour-long episode, Stefan’s evil brother, Damon, almost kills another student, and begins a war with his brother for the love of Elena. Vampire lovers should make a choice and stick to just one book series turned show or movie.
FOX Show: Glee Time: Wednesdays @ 9 p.m. Place: FOX In an effort to bring back McKinley High School’s Glee Club, teacher Will Schuester puts all his energy into recruiting members, but is faced with a challenge when only five students show up. Will’s love for music and performing motivates him to keep the club alive. He eventually blackmails the football team’s quarterback into joining the club to help increase the club’s popularity. With a variety of stereotypical high school students and teachers involved, music ranging from classic oldies to present pop, and of course a hint of a blossoming romance, this show has potential to please a range of audiences.
Ashley Broussard Clarion A&E Editor
McClatchey-Tribune Media Services Show: The Jay Leno Show Time: Weeknights @ 10 p.m. Place: NBC Jay Leno is back at a new time, and while the desk that once separated him from his guests is gone, that is about all that is different in his new primetime spot. His premiere night featured his monologue, and the return of Kevin Eubanks and the Primetime Band, along with Leno’s famous “Headlines.” Some 18.4 million viewers tuned into the first night of “The Jay Leno Show” and whether they continue to watch depends on whether the new time, but same old segments will be accepted. Future guests include Robin Williams, Miley Cyrus, Halle Berry, and Drew Barrymore.
It’s definitely ‘All About Steve’ Erica Irigoyen Clarion Sports Editor On Sept. 4, a comedy came out that had the entire theater laughing, smiling and even jumping off their seats for 1 hour and 39 minutes. If a comedy is your movie of preference, then “All About Steve” should be number one on your list of what to see this weekend. Fortis Films’ “All About Steve,” starring Sandra Bullock and Bradley Cooper, is about a definitely unique, crossword puzzle constructor from the local newspaper, Mary Horowitz (Bullock), who believes www.videogum.com that Steve (Cooper), a CCN cameraman, is
her one true love after going on what she believed was an awesome blind date. Obviously a different experience for Steve, he goes as far as a “phone call” from work saying that he needs to drop whatever he’s doing and get on the road for a news story. After convincing herself and her parents that Steve is totally in love with her and can’t be without her, Mary decides to follow him across the country to his many job sites. With all of the crazy situations that Mary gets herself into for the man she loves, many might think of her as a crazed stalker, but, for Mary, it is all in the name of love. Writer Kim Barker and director Phil Traill do a spectacular job, giving the audience just enough comedy with a taste of
drama, and a pinch of horror that makes the whole audience jump. The best part of this movie is that behind all the tasteful comedy that had everyone laughing hysterically, there was an important lesson that everyone in the audience could either relate to or take to heart. Everyone who goes to see this movie will definitely feel moved by the subtle lesson and be happy that they saw such a funny movie.
Erica Irigoyen can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
Ashley Broussard can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
A&E
September 16, 2009
Citrus College Clarion Page 13
Vampires are the new hot trend Anazarry Danganan Clarion Staff Writer
Who can resist creatures with god-like immortal bodies, handsome attire and seductive demeanors who sleep all day and party all night? The latest trend in the entertainment industry, as well as in fashion, is deathly alluring to humans: the vampire. The entertainment industry has gone crazy for vampires. Series of TV shows have high ratings in hand with profits, books, movies, clothes lines and more. Ever since the release of the book series “Twilight,” young people want more blood sucker stories. The popular HBO series “True Blood,” which is based on the Sookie Stackhouse book series by Charlaine Harris, attracted 3.4 million viewers for the premiere of its second season, which started in June 2009. For the record, it became HBO’s most-watched episode since “The Sopranos.”
Now available to the public is the “True Blood” beverage you can put in your refrigerator and consume as a midnight snack. It is described as a “uniquely carbonated, slightly tart, lightly sweet blood orange drink” as advertised on www.trubeverage.com, which of course is linked to the HBO Web site. “The Vampire Diaries,” another anticipated TV show series, is about a popular girl who is torn between two vampire brothers. The TV show is based on a young adult novel series by L.J. Smith. Julie Plec, the writer and executive producer of “The Vampire Diaries,” has been quoted as saying “The vampire is the new James Dean,” meaning vampires are the latest sex symbol. Packed with high school drama and romance, this is no “Twilight” or “True Blood.” Still as curious and fascinated as I am? The show aired Sept. 10, but can be watched online at www.cwtv.com. Coming to theaters next year is
www.youronlinemovies.net the popular 12-book series Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan, titled “The Vampire’s Assistant,” directed by Paul Weitz. The cast features John C. Reilly from the movie “Step Brothers,” and even Salma Hayek. The plotline follows a boy who encounters a circus full of supernatural creatures and vampires, and journeys along the path of vam-
pirehood. Surprisingly, the vampires in this film don’t kill humans, and they don’t have fangs. But they do have long nails, which makes it easier to make an incision, and you know the rest; a family movie indeed. This November, fans can look forward to the Twilight Saga of “New Moon,” with more Edward Cullen plus werewolves. Still thirsty? Read “Blue Bloods,” another novel about rich, upper Eastsiders balancing high school drama and nightly supernatural secrets; it’s based on another young adult vampire series by Melissa Dela Cruz. Where did the origins of the vampire come from? Vampires are the undead, soulless bodies that can never age nor decay, immortal and nocturnal, they drink the blood of the living. The legend of the vampire can be found all over the world from the Philippines (called Aswang), or in India, China, Malaysia, etc. But typically it is a Salvic concept: Russia, Poland, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Slovenia, Greece, Romania, Albania, and Hungry are the great vampire areas. Whether it is a fantasy or reality, good or bad, we will always be fascinated and lured by the idea of the vampire. They are a mystery and possess some god-like qualities we all wish to attain. Who wouldn’t want to stay young forever or obtain such unimaginable power? That is why we thirst for more, and stories of the vampire are eternal. If you are interested in learning more about vampires, here are several Web sites: www.vampires.com science.howstuffworks.com /vampire.htm topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/v/vampires/index.html
Anazarry Danganan can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
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Citrus College Walking Club If you are interested in star ng your day off on an energe c and posi ve note, join the Citrus College Walking Club. The club will be walking Monday through Thursday throughout the semester. For more informa on contact Nicki Shaw at (626) 914-8652
Citrus College Clarion
Opinions September 16, 2009
Page 14
Opinions Editor DK Heller - ccclarion@hotmail.com
Healthcare is a right, not a privilege Erica Irigoyen Clarion Sports Editor All Americans deserve healthcare. However, the costs of healthcare are at an all-time high. It’s time for Congress to reform the system—to help every American who is in need of medical assistance. Our country should adopt universal healthcare for this reason alone—every American should have the right to the same healthcare coverage. Approximately 46 million Americans lack health insurance, including 8 million children. Four out of five of those uninsured Americans are in working families. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation Employee Health Benefits Survey, the average employer-sponsored premium for a family of four costs close to $13,000 a year, and the employee pays about 30 percent, or $3,900, of this cost. President Barack Obama has stated “the cost of healthcare causes a bankruptcy in America every 30 seconds, and by the end of the year, it could cause 1.5 million Americans to lose their homes.” A CBS news story in May of this year stated that the average emergency room visit costs about $1,000. However, that doesn’t include any extra tests, drugs or procedures that might result. Americans with little or no
health insurance hesitate, if they are sick or injured, to go to the doctor because they cannot afford it. Everyone should be able to take their injured or seriously ill loved ones to the emergency room without fear of receiving an outrageous bill. A health fees Web site, www.healthcarefees.com, lists numerous healthcare prices that people without insurance simply cannot afford. This list includes child births ($6,500 to $11,500), in-patient surgeries such as, knee replacements and hip replacements ($5,858 to $9,000), out-patient surgeries like colonoscopies ($1,350 to $3,700), hospital rooms ($795 to $1,685), transplants ($67,000 to $300,000), helicopter transportation ($6,300 per flight), and ambulance transportation ($600 to $800 per trip). In 2004, my 13 year old sister, Brooke, was complaining of sharp pains in her stomach. Turns out, she had kidney stones. She wasn’t hospitalized for the night—it was an in-and-out visit. My parents were charged $803.50 for the hospital visit. Thankfully, my parents have health insurance and only had to pay what the insurance company didn’t cover ($35). But most people don’t get off that easy. For the 46 million Americans without health insurance, an $803 hospital bill is an outrageous price. Americans are stressed out enough with the employment issues related to a failing econ-
Jessica Bravo Citrus College Clarion omy—losing jobs and homes, trying to get by from week to week. We shouldn’t have to worry about whether we can afford basic healthcare. Granted, all Americans will have to assist one another if Congress decides to adopt a universal healthcare system. But the very fact that nobody, no matter their age or health condition, will be turned away by healthcare providers, should give everyone a sense of relief. No longer will parents be in
the situation that they cannot afford to take their child to the doctor. And if we do lose our jobs during a future financial crisis, we won’t lose the health coverage that goes along with it. Universal healthcare could also benefit college students. Once students turn 18, if they aren’t considered a full-time student, they get taken off of their parents’ insurance. With universal healthcare, students wouldn’t have to worry about getting all 12 units to stay covered under their
parents. They can worry about other things, such as succeeding in the classes and trying to get jobs so they can have a little extra spending money. The fact that the United States’ economy is in trouble and unemployment is rising should be the push we need to pass universal healthcare.
Erica Irigoyen can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
Digital textbooks are the wave of the future
“
Clarion Opinions Editor
Every student dreads carrying around heavy, backbreaking textbooks that are so expensive that one has to know a loan shark to purchase them. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has found an ingenious solution to both of these age-old problems. Last June, he ushered schooling into the 21st Century by adopting the use of free, digital textbooks, also known as eBooks, for California’s high school math and science courses. Schwarzenegger believes this move will help contain state budget overages. I agree with the governor that it is time for us to move from the dark ages of expensive, grosslyoverweight textbooks and utilize the technology we have at our fingertips. With the popularity of Amazon’s Kindle 2 and the latest generation Kindle DX, textbook publishers will soon provide digital eBooks for college courses. Add to that the fact that Amazon’s Kindle texts are readable on
The time has come for a less expensive, lighter-weight option when it comes to our textbooks.
Joe student, but is a great help for students with disabilities. Adopting digital texts will make quality textbooks readily available to these students who, for years, have faced inadequate text-only, digital copies that usually lack the necessary instructional diagrams and photographs for math and science courses. The future is here. Imagine walking across campus with all your textbooks contained in an amazingly slim, digital reader that is a little larger than a paperback book. There are some foreseeable obstacles, one of which could come from the textbook publishers. Their livelihood is based on selling the latest version at profitmaking prices. They might argue that if we settle for free or low-cost eBooks, we would sacrifice the quality of the information. Yet, the time has come for a less expensive, lighter-weight option when it comes to our textbooks. Another plus to eBooks is that they will save trees by eliminating constantly changing printed versions.
“
DK Heller
Apple’s iPod and you have instantly expanded the number of college students with access. Sony and iRex have brought their digital eBook formats to the table, as well. Like the Kindle, the Sony and iRex products are easily readable in sunlight and look like ink on paper. With the popularity of eBook readers increasing, sites like www.oercommons.org, with free eBook options, are appearing with greater frequency. This online community provides free digital textbooks for high school and college level math and science studies that are easily downloaded to a computer. This is not only beneficial for
Jessica Bravo Citrus College Clarion We must demand that Califor- come up with a lower cost, digital nia’s community colleges adopt alternative. the eBook alternative. For comparison charts on We might miss the smell and available eBook readers, visit feel of ink on paper, but our www.ebook-reader-guide.com. budgets, our backs, and our forests will breathe a sigh of relief. DK Heller If textbook publishers want to can be reached at survive, it is time for them to
ccclarion@hotmail.com
Citrus College Clarion
Editorials Page 15
Editorials Editor D.K. Heller - ccclarion@hotmail.com
Remember and respect the Constitution “A Constitution is not the act of a Government, but of a people constituting a Government; and Government without a Constitution is power without a right…All delegated power is trust, and all assumed power is usurpation.” These insightful words were written by one of our founding fathers, Thomas Paine, in his book, “Common Sense.” On Sept. 17, we commemorate the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America with a federal holiday and an education program, instructing students nationwide of the importance of this magnificent document. The Constitution Day Web site explains that this day was instituted to honor not only the document, but the 39 selfless men who risked death by signing it on Sept. 17, 1787. This day is of great importance to the staff of the Clarion. On our masthead are the words, “A first amendment newspaper.” Our Constitution gives us the right to a free press, but with rights come responsibility. The Clarion joins news agencies across the nation, exercising free speech through the written word. It is our responsibility to keep
you, “the people” of Citrus selves to the unbiased reportCollege, informed about ing recommended in the Sociyour representatives, so ety of Professional you can live peacefully with Journalists’ Code of Ethics. trust or, as needed, act to The code’s preamble prevent usurpation by states, “Members...believe your government. that public enlightenment We at the Clarion is the forerunner of must set aside our justice and the opinions (exfoundation of cept in the democracy.” Opinions and The body of Editorials secthe document ention) and procourages jourvide you nalists to w i t h “be honfacts so est, fair that you and couramay ungeous in derstand gathering, t h e reporting workand interings of preting y o u r informalocal, state tion.” and federal gov- Jessica Bravo Citrus College Clarion According ernments and how their decisions to the code, we should examine our affect you as students. own beliefs and cultural expectaIt is appropriate that Constitu- tions and not force our values on tion Day corresponds with the start the people. of each new school year. That means that we at the ClarClarion staffers feel that we, and ion must suppress our liberal or conall journalists around this great na- servative views while writing and tion, should use this day as a time reporting the news, for the moment of reflection; a time to pledge our- we allow them to surface we forsake
our pledge to fairly inform you. We are the watchdogs for the Citrus College student body. This position requires us to be courageous, but also demands that we remain neutral, providing both sides of a story so the people may decide for themselves. It is not our job as journalists to influence your decisions, even subtly. The moment we do that we become the usurpers spoken of by Paine. So, it is our pledge as the staff of the Clarion to give you the facts, explain both sides of any argument and let you decide. You, the student body, also have a responsibility in maintaining a free press. We can not serve you to the fullest if we do not get feedback. We need you to contact us if you have a story, or want to express a pro or con opinion regarding an article, opinion or editorial we have written. Let us all internalize the freedoms and rights provided 222 years ago by our brave founding fathers through our Constitution. For more information on the Constitution, visit www.ConstitutionDay.com.
Campus needs designated smoking areas The obvious health risks of smoking are consistently shown to us through commercials, billboards, magazine ads and even on the actual cigarette carton itself. Yet many students still continue to use tobacco products and, in the process, expose others to harmful second hand smoke. Besides the health risks, another problem that occurs with cigarette smoking is the litter from the used cigarettes known as “butts” that are found all over the campus, on the floor, on the grass and even in the planters. Although there are plenty of ashtrays for this problem, some people seem to ignore this fact and throw their butts anywhere they see fit. As a college that is dedicated to health, it is somewhat ironic that no action has been taken to help control the problems associated with smoking. A simple solution to this problem that has been stated before would be to reserve special smoking locations that would still allow students to smoke. Many community colleges and universities understand this health risk and are taking action. Pasadena Community College has implemented designated smoking areas and Azusa Pacific University has gone ahead and banned smoking all together.
It is understandable that students do have the right to smoke, but it should be done in designated smoking areas that will reduce the exposure to second hand smoke and help control the litter that is accumulated with smoking. Even some of the staff here on the Clarion are smokers, but they understand the harmful affects of their actions and the litter it creates. The staff understands that it is their responsibility to take action for the choices that they make and so should the student body. There should be a minimum of at least two designated smoking areas and they should start with areas that already have a high traffic of smokers, so the process will hopefully not be a huge burden on the smokers themselves. Also, the parking lot could serve as a smoking area because of the availability of street sweepers to clean up the mess that is left behind. And, of course, these areas should completely avoid any interaction with the children located in our day care facilities. It is not entirely clear why we take so many risks to our health, but it is time that we take responsibility for them. A first step to this goal here at Citrus College would be to set designated smoking areas that would help manage and maintain smoking on our campus.
September 16, 2009 Citrus College
Clarion
EDITOR IN CHIEF Andrew Vasquez
MANAGING EDITOR Sandra Lopez
NEWS EDITOR Dustin Call
Life Editor Courtney Mitchell
Sports Editor Erica Irigoyan
A&E Editor Ashley Broussard
Opinions/Editorials Editor D.K. Heller
Online Editor Emily Rios
Design Editor
Courtney Mitchell
Photo Technician Frank Ram
Instructional Assistant Emily Rios
Adviser Margaret C. O’Neil
Staff Writers Anazarry Danganan
Correspondents Rene Lewis, Chris Lopez
Photographers /Artists Jessica Bravo, Dustin Call, Sandra Lopez, Courtney Mitchell,
Andrew Vasquez
Page Designers Dustin Call, Courtney Mitchell, Emily Rios, Andrew Vasquez 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 the 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 or length.
Clarion Mailbox Andrew Vasquez Citrus College Clarion
the Sept. 2 issue of the Clarion, it was stated in the opinion CORRECTION: In“Logos how I will miss thee...” that there will be no winter session offered at Citrus College. In fact, there will be a limited number of classes offered for the winter session 2010. These classes will be announced later in the fall.
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cmyk
cmyk
September 16, 2009
Citrus College Clarion Page 16
Welcome to the w arped LYMAN citrus world TOUR Story and Photos by Christopher Lopez
Kevin Lyman keeps moving.
NOFX and Bad Religion
Civet
Horrorpops
Katy Perry
The Dickies cmyk
Aiden
At the newly opened Club Nokia, located across from the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday September 6, a birthday party is going on. Special guests include newly-crowned princess of pop Katy Perry, original gangsta rapper Ice-T and punk rock royalty Bad Religion among others. This 15 year-old isn’t human though, it is the largest touring music and extreme sports festival of all-time. The Vans Warped Tour’s founder and notorious night owl, Kevin Lyman, has closer ties to the home of the Owls than you might have expected. The former music biz professor professes to not only have started his career here, but to have found love and a way to save lives as well. While attending Cal Poly Pomona in the mid-eighties, Lyman got a gig as a host in Citrus’ Ross L. Handy Campus Center. After locating a PA in a closet, he decided to take a stab at putting on punk shows. Lyman credits these totally DIY gigs dubbed Two Dollar Tuesdays as the beginning of his illustrious abventures in showbusiness. In addition to having OC punk legends the Adolescents play, he eventually opened up to having more mainstream acts perform including Oingo Boingo and Spandau Ballet. After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreational Administration, Lyman was asked to take his show on the road on account of being too big for Citrus’ britches. So he told Frances, the Citus student who would later become his wife, goodbye, and headed for Hawaii to run a summer fitness camp for teenaged girls. Upon his return to town, the native of Claremont and current resident of Altadena, hustled the Hollywood club circuit managing stages at Fender’s Ballroom and the Olympic Auditorium throughout the late eighties. This led him to work for foremost So Cal concert promoters Goldenvoice and earn a spot as stage manager on the recently created extravaganza of sights and sounds, Lollapalooza. Created by Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell, Lollapalooza is commonly known as the uncle of VWT and it was while watching JA perform “Mountain Song,” that Lyman became inspired to pack up a bunch of punk bands and skaters and head out on tour, but he needed a name for it. “When we first started out, it was going to be called the Bomb Tour and be sponsored by Calvin Klein. The week before the tour went out, the bombing of the Oklahoma City Federal Building happened,” Lyman said. The thought of having shirtless models plastered on the the VWT’s’s skate ramps, had to be frightening for the young mogul-in-themaking. So he reached out to his friends at Warped Magazine and says the agreement was, “you don’t put out a magazine and we won’t put on a tour.”
Less Than Jake
Guttermouth
After securing sponsorship from Vans Shoes, the newly-minted VWT set sail on its flagship voyage in 1994 with Sublime, face to face, No Doubt and a slew of other bands in tow. The first few years were racked with problems but the S.S. VWT and its Captain Lyman were determined to remain afloat. That resilience and the connection made with fans kept things moving forward and into the new millenium and beyond. Thousands of bands have graced the Warped stages to play for millions of fans and names including Eminem, Kid Rock, Pennywise, the Deftones and Social Distortion have all left their mark and made their voices heard. In 2003, Lyman was contacted by Citrus to teach its Career Opportunities in the Music Business class, which he did for a few years. Current music business professor Joannne Ledesma also reached out to the ever-busy father of two to be a guest speaker in her class and so he made his return to this campus at her request. “Kevin Lyman has helped to educate my students in several ways, from lecturing them about how he got into the business and accepting their cd’s and in some cases placing them on the Warped Tour like the Miracle Dolls,” Ledesma says. The Miracle Dolls are fomer Citrus students who played across California on VWT ‘08. In addition to that, the Dolls were also involved in another project by Lyman, the Coachella and Stagecoach Festivals’ campgrounds. In ‘03, Lyman reached out to Citrus once again to gather student interns for paying gigs providing help throughout the world famous campgrounds of Coachella Valley. Liela Abdelghani, a 24-year old busines major at Citrus, has been working with Lyman, who also is a part-owner of Side One Dummy Records, since the program’s inception and has also benefitted from his guidance. “The first year that I worked Coachella, we had a great conversation that was very inspiring. he told me how he started out small, putting together local shows and moved from there,”says Abdelghani. “I had an interview with him where he looked over my resume and told me the types of things I needed to become a success.” Lyman is in the business of saving lives too. The Music Saves Lives Blood Drive is held annually at Citrus in the months before the VWT hits the road and provides donors with VIP wrist bands that will get them into special backstage areas with the purchase of a ticket which still hovers around the 30-dollar mark. Because he wants starving students to join in the fun and succeed doing what they want to do too, obviously.
Gallows
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Alexisonfire
Adolescents
Reel Big Fish
TAT
Maylene and the Sons of Disaster
Longway cmyk