Clarion 3/23/11

citrus college

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of International Year of the Woman

City College of San Fransisco defeats Citrus 83-81 in the state basketball championship

See Page 10-11

See page 13

clarion

March 23, 2011

www.theclariononline.com

Volume 64 Issue 11

Student Rep Fee: On ballot again

Japanese students initiate relief effort

Natalie Miranda Editor in Chief

Rhiannon Conrado Sports Editor Japanese students at Citrus College are working with the organization, Students for Japan, to help those affected by the March 11 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis in Japan.

Kento Hara, 22, from the city of Chugoku, is leading the effort to raise money for the relief effort.

Motivated by the triple disaster in their home country, Hara and other Japanese students will be walking around campus with donation tins accepting any contributions people are willing and able to give.

Every person who donates will receive a handemade origami crane.

According to Japanese culture, if a person folds 1,000 paper cranes, the gods will make that person’s wish come true.

On March 18, their first day of fundraising, they

tacted their families and they are all alive and safe. According to Hamilton, one student lost their home and all of their belongings.

Unfortunately, that student was unable to comment on the issue.

But the disaster is still very prevalent on everyone’s minds.

Since the March 11 disaster, television news from Japan is on continually in the International Students Center and many students have

A “Student Representation Fee” is the sole issue on the ballot in an Associate Students of Citrus College special election scheduled for April 12 and 13.

This is the fourth attempt by the student government executive board to pass the Rep Fee, said Adrienne Thompson, student activities supervisor.

The Rep Fee would serve a different purpose from the $14 student services fee that is already in place, Karlyn Bradley, 22, treasurer of ASCC said.

According to facts provided by ASCC, the Rep Fee is a $1 fee that would be collected when students register for classes. The fee would go directly into an account that would be used to pay for ASCC to lobby government and protest against budget cuts, fee increases, and rising textbook costs.

“I hope students will look at this as a donation and investment and that they are investing in themselves,” Bradley said.

RELIEF pg. 3

REP FEE pg. 3

NATALIE MIRANDA Citrus College Clarion Japanese students from the Citrus Internationl Student Center fold origami cranes to give to those who donate to the Japan relief effort, which was initiated by Kento Hara. Their goal is to fold and give out 1,000 cranes.

raised more than $1,200, including an anonymous $200 donation from a concerned Citrus student.

“We hope many people donate, and I hope I can work with many people, but we don’t need to make a lot of money,” Hara said. “As long as people know what’s going on in Japan, that is what is most important.”

If students would like to donate, they may stop by the International Students Center, Hara said.

Kana Yamato, 20, from the city of Nagano, said she

does not have any family in northern Japan, but she does know someone who lives there.

“I have one friend, but I have not talked to him in a long time,” Yamato said. “My other friend told me he was OK though.”

According to Jeanne Hamilton, Ph.D., vice president of student services, out of approximately 142 Japanese international students there are at least three students who have family in Northern Japan.

These students have con-

Spring semester brings increase in class sections Kristin Lacuesta Managing Editor Despite the governor’s proposed $400 million budget reduction for community colleges next year, Citrus added 186 sections for the spring 2011 semester.

In spring 2010, a total of 917 sections were offered. This semester 1,103 sections were included in the schedule of classes.

“The [added sections] for the spring semester result in a schedule that is 20 percent larger,” said Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D., superintendent/president of Citrus. “Headcount is up 19 percent, and contact hours are up 23 percent.”

According to dean of lan-

guage arts and enrollment manager Sam Lee Ed.D., the increase is the result of no longer wanting to cut the spring semester.

“Every year we have midyear cuts and we take a big hit from these mid-year cuts,” Lee said.

“So we strategized to use more of our apportionment in fall and spring instead of winter and summer,” he said. “We got tired of cutting the spring semester when we had to take a cut, so we decided to have a smaller fall and a bigger spring, so if there are mid-year cuts, we can reduce spring without there being that big of an impact.”

Lee provided charts showing that classes for the spring semester were full a month before the semester began.

“By January we were already full,” Lee said. “But this has been the norm for the last year to two years.”

In spring 2011 there are 5,098 full-time equivalent students—up 636 from last spring’s total of 4,462 FTES. “Enrollment numbers reflect that classes are full, at 99.6 percent of capacity, and the number is expected to increase slightly,” said Irene Malmgren Ed.D., vice president of instruction.

“It wasn’t that difficult a task to register for classes,” said criminal justice major Joey Sandoval. “However, I couldn’t get into the English 101 class that I needed. But other than that, it was a smooth process.”

Classes that filled the fastest in spring 2011 included English 100, English 103, math 20,

KRISTIN LACUESTA Citrus College Clarion

math 29, math 130, reading 40 and reading 99.

Lee confirmed that in spite of the state budget crisis, summer and winter semesters are being planned at Citrus.

However, in fall 2011 Lee said it is likely that 80 to 90 sections will be cut.

Summer registration is said to begin close to May 23.

campus

March 23, 2011

Campus Editor Jennifer Young jennayou22@gmail.com

pg.2

Announcements

News Briefs LOCAL

SPRING COLLEGE FAIR Thursday, March 24 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Handy Campus Center and Quad Approximately 40 representatives from CSU, UC and private universities will be on campus to assist you with your transfer options.

PASSING OF A FACULTY MEMBER Sadly, Andrew Sprogis passed away on March 6, 2011. Andrew began his career at Citrus College in January 1993 as a full-time Instructional Assistant in the DSP&S department. He also worked in the High Tech Center and alternate Media Production Center. Andrew also designed the logo used by DSP&S. A remembrance service will be held: Thursday, March 24 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Center for Innovation Community Room 159

CESAR CHAVEZ NATIONAL BLOOD DRIVE CHALLENGE Wednesday, March 30 Thursday, March 31 8 a.m - 7 p.m.

Handy Campus Center

Neo-Nazis, protesters rally in Claremont About 30 people from the National Socialist Movement, a neo-Nazi party operation in the United States, and 400 to 500 anti-Nazi protesters taunted each other Saturday during two rallies drawing attention to America's policy on immigration.

The protest stood at the southeast corner of Foothill and Indian Hill boulevards. The Nazi protest lasted from noon until about 1:30 p.m. The rally ended with no arrests or property damage, Claremont police Lt. Mike Ciszek said.

Minimal population growth may help lower housing prices, economist says The San Gabriel Valley and Whittier areas appear to be over the era of rapid population growth. Newly released numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau show the area grew by less than one percent, even less than California's 10 percent or Los Angeles County's three percent. Their advantage could be lower housing prices, said Nancy Sidhu, chief economist with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp.

Source: SGV Tribune

Source: SGV Tribune

STATE Japan nuclear crisis: California radiation risk still low, authorities say Environmental officials reassured residents Saturday that radiation in Southern California's air remained below levels of concern as workers in Japan struggled to contain releases from a stricken nuclear power plant. The Environmental Protection Agency has been providing daily updates on its website. On Saturday morning, the EPA reported that its nationwide radiation monitoring system, RadNet, showed typical fluctuations in background radiation levels.

3.3 earthquake hits Malibu, affects surrounding areas A 3.3 earthquake was reported in Malibu, but there were no reports of damage or injury. The temblor was centered about three miles west of Malibu in the Pacific Ocean about 32 miles from downtown L.A. It occurred Monday, March 21 at 11:26 p.m. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, it was felt in Malibu, Newbury Park, Thousands Oaks, Westlake Village and Calabasas. People as far away as Beverly Hills and Los Angeles said they felt the quake.

Source: LA Times

Source: LA Times

NATIONAL State universities face deepening cuts According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 43 states have cut higher education since the start of the recession in December 2007. Tuition hikes are inevitable, so students will be paying more for more crowded classrooms and fewer services. Lawmakers will face tough decisions in coming months as the vast majority of federal stimulus money is set to run out by the end of the fiscal year and tax revenues are declining.

Mental tests ordered for Arizona shooting suspect A judge has ordered Jared Lee Loughner to undergo a mental evaluation at a specialized facility in Springfield, Missouri, to help determine if he is competent to stand trial, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Tucson, Arizona.

Loughner, faces 49 counts, including murder and attempted murder. Six people were killed in the shooting and 13 were wounded, including Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. A competency hearing in the case has been scheduled for May 25.

Source: MSNBC Source: CNN International

INTERNATIONAL Toyota, Honda extend Japan production shutdown Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. are extending their shutdown of auto production in Japan amid a shortage of parts following the earthquake and tsunami earlier this month.

Japanese automakers are struggling with power cuts and a dwindling supply of components as a result of the March 11 disaster that devastated northeastern Japan. Toyota said that its shutdown of 11 factories would be extended until Saturday, March 26.

Source: MSNBC

Power lines reconnected to Japan's quake-damaged nuclear plant Power cables have been reconnected to all six reactors in Japan’s nuclear complex. Tepco tempered that various pieces of equipment must be checked before the restored electricity can be used to operate systems at the plant 150 miles north of Tokyo. Reactor No. 3 has been a cause for particular concern because it is powered by a mixed oxide fuel containing highly carcinogenic plutonium.

Source: LA Times

March 23, 2011

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pg. 3

Relief: Students aid Japan Rep Fee: Up for vote expressed the need to help.

Tomoki Tanaka, 20, from the city of Osaka, said right after the earthquake occured he had the urge to take action. He first tried to donate blood but hospital officials told him “not now,” so instead he is donating his own money, as well as helping Hara collect student donations.

What Tanaka wants most is to share the individual success stories.

“The military found a baby after she had been gone for three days,” Tanaka said.

“The parents did not know the baby was alive and then the soldiers brought the baby to the parents. It is an amazing story and that story makes me feel better.”

Overall, the consensus expressed by the Japanese students at the International Students Center is that they want to do what they can to help those at home.

For more information, students may contact the International Students Center at (626) 914 – 8549.

NATALIE MIRANDA Citrus College Clarion

Shogo Sasaki, 23, a kinesiology major originally from Kyoto, Japan, gives special attention to the process of folding paper cranes in the International Student Center. Japanese students have initiated collecting donations on cam­ pus for the Japan relief effort, and give a paper crane to those who donate.

“With the money we collect, we could definitely be able to represent students to the best,” Bradley said.

Bradley hopes that the word “fee” would not turn off students from voting in favor of the proposal.

ASCC cannot take the $1 out of the student services fee because by law it is a separate fee that can only be used for lobbying, said Chrissy Concannon, president of ASCC. The Rep Fee would be used to fund travel expenses for students and ASCC board members to attend events like the March in March in Sacramento, which Citrus was not part of this year because of a lack of funds, said Donald Linneman, ASCC commissioner at large and head of the Rep Fee committee.

“The money could also be used for advocacy training classes for all students on campus, not just ASCC,” Thompson said.

ASCC board members usually attend conferences in Sacramento, but had to decrease their attendance due to a shortage of fees, Linneman said. The $1 fee would also fund transportation to the conferences.

Other ways the money could be used are for workshops on how student government can better the school, and for letter campaigns. ASCC is unauthorized to use school fax machines, so the funds could be used to buy a fax machine and

fax line to send letters from students to legislators, Matthew Serna, ASCC commissioner of athletics said.

“The Rep Fee would be held in an interest bearing account, so whatever we don’t use would build interest,” Bradley said.

The Rep Fee also has an opout option for students. It must be done in writing and the Dean of Students will review it and deem it worthy of waiving, Serna said.

The district and administration would monitor the Rep Fee account, Serna said.

“They [district and administration] have the final say in what we can use the money on, but they are not allowed to use it,” Serna said. “We send in a request and they review it.”

In order for the Rep Fee to pass, two criteria must be met.

There needs to be a minimum number of 151 votes cast and two thirds of those votes must be in favor of the Rep Fee. If less than 151 votes are cast, the election will be completely void. If the minimum number is met, 101 votes must be ‘yes.’

“It hasn’t failed because there were not enough ‘yes’ votes,” Bradley said. “We have been unsuccessful in the two-thirds.”

The special election is scheduled for April 12 and 13 in the Campus Center Mall from 9:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. In order to vote, students need to present their Citrus ID or California ID.

March 23, 2011

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pg. 5

Faculty develops transfer degrees Jennifer Young Campus Editor At least two recently developed transfer degrees will be available for Citrus students in fall 2011.

Transfer degrees in psychology and sociology are awaiting approval from the state Chancellor’s office to become the first transfer degrees at Citrus under SB 1440.

Speech communication, physical education, math and criminal justice are the next subject areas expected to become available transfer degrees.

David Kary Ph.D., professor of astronomy and chair of the Curriculum Committee said that these degrees will make it easier for students to transfer to a Cal State University.

In addition, students who successfully earn a transfer degree will no longer be required to repeat content already completed at community college.

The goal of the transfer degree is to ensure that students do not waste time and money taking unnecessary units.

Michael A. Hurtado, Ed.D., dean of social and behavioral sciences, says that the transfer degrees will provide a better

foundation for students, streamline the process of transferring to a university and may eventually make generic degrees obsolete.

Once the degrees are officially included in the fall 2011 college catalogue, any student may begin to follow the curriculum track.

Continuing students who have already completed the required courses may adjust his or her student education plan as well.

Kary says that he hopes Citrus will begin conferring the transfer degrees by Spring 2012.

With the transfer degree in place, “Students will be given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college area of emphasis,” according to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office website.

Clarifications in the language still must be worked out with the language used in describing the degree.

As it stands now, priority consideration applies only to community college students in a CSU’s service area.

Citrus is located in the Cal Poly Pomona service area.

VANESSA CASTRO Citrus College Clarion

A transfer degree does not guarantee admission to a CSU. It only guarantees that a student who is admitted will have junior standing.

Students must still complete all required coursework with a grade of C or better and will still be required to go through the admissions process along with other students who do not have transfer degrees.

Justina Rivadeneyra, Transfer/Career Center Coordinator, said that a transfer degree is a good option for students who are clear about their choice of major.

Rivadeneyra explained that there are two types of students,

those who are on the fast track who use community college as a pathway to a university and those who enroll only at community college for a short-term or vocational program.

Caught in California’s state budget crisis, California’s colleges and universities were recently cut by $1.4 billion. The transfer degrees are designed to save the state money.

With students taking only units that apply to their degree, the government will not have to pay subsidies on the extra units.

The Citrus transfer degrees will include a list of core general education requirements that

students must complete and a list of options from which students can choose.

Kary and Rivadeneyra said that the sections offered for required core general education courses will take priority over optional courses.

This means that classes which fall under core general education requirements will have a larger number of selections offered each semester.

The transfer curriculum models for the top 20 majors are expected to be drafted by the state chancellor’s office by the end of this year.

pg.6

campus

March 23, 2011

Campus celebrates St. Patrick’s Day Kristin Lacuesta Managing Editor

Irish culture is something of a rarity in the San Gabriel Valley, but on March 17 a local college campus gets the opportunity to take a trip to the Emerald Isle where traditional Irish music, dance and food are of abundance.

The annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Citrus College began 14 years ago when cafeteria supervisor Philomena O’Shea, a native of Ireland, arrived to the college.

Her homemade delicacies served at the event included traditional Irish stew, corned beef and cabbage, meat pies and soda bread.

According to O’Shea, over 100 pounds of corned beef were used as well as 300 pounds of potatoes.

Food preparations begin 24 hours prior to the festivities in order for the dishes to be completed on time.

In addition to the food, students, staff and local community members were treated to Irish music and dance.

Irish folk band, Paddy Doyle’s Boots, performed twice throughout the festivities; once at 10:30 a.m. and again at 12:30 p.m.

Students from the Painter Larson Academy of Traditional Irish Dance performed at 11:45 a.m.

Dances included a 500-year-old light jig and a 250-year-old traditional dance called “St. Patrick’s Day.”

St. Patty’s Festivities Performances: -Paddy Doyle’s Boots -Painter Larson Academy of Traditional Irish Dance

On the menu:-

ERICA IRIGOYEN Citrus College Clarion A group of Irish step dancers from the Painter Larson Academy of Traditional Irish Dance performed a number of traditional dances during the St. Patricks Day celebration on March 17.

“Every year the celebration just continues to grow and grow,” said O’Shea.

The St. Patrick’s Day celebration event is scheduled to occur next year at the college.

Irish Stew -Corned Beef and Cabbage -Meat Pies -Soda Bread

campus Vice president uses voice to represent students

pg. 7

March 23, 2011

Daniel Hernandez Correspondent The Associated Students of Citrus College executive board has manifested itself to count on a self-acclaimed leader, Vice President Erick Sanzon.

Sanzon, 20, a resident of Baldwin Park, has been serving ASCC for the last three semesters as a senator.

In spring 2011 he made the transition to vice president working with Chrissy Concannon, the president of ASCC. “He takes the initiative which helps a lot, because some people wait for a task, and he just asks,” Concannon said. “He goes above and beyond.”

The leadership experience that Sanzon has attributed goes back to his high school career, but he said he has always wanted to be a leader.

Sanzon attended Sierra Vista High School.

“I wanted to get involved because I feel that a lot of times people complain, including myself, but I figured that instead of complaining, why not do something about it,” Sanzon said.

“

I figured that instead of complaining why not do something about it.

ERICK SANZON

ASCC VICE PRESIDENT

”

Sanzon’s experiences include volunteering at De Anza Elementary in Baldwin Park mentoring students.

Also, he’s been helping coach his little brother’s little league team since he was 13 years old.

Being a former student of the Advancement Via Individual Determination program offered in high school, Sanzon said the program helped him to an extent with the development of independence and leadership skills.

Like most students, Sanzon says that there are times when things become tough at home and at school, but with the experiences of life and hunger for education makes him stop panicking and instead he remains calm.

As a first generation college student, Sanzon said he wants to set a good example for his two brothers and sister.

He wants to start a tradition in his family of pursuing higher education.

“I can’t give up or just quit because I know I’ve come too far,” Sanzon said. “I have invested years in education.

I just can’t give up half way through. It wouldn’t be fair for my parents.”

The inspiration and passion that helps Sanzon keep on moving forward comes from his accomplishments, he said.

Also, he is aware that not everyone is as fortunate as he is.

Sanzon said he pushes himself to do better, because you can’t really rely on anyone else.

Sanzon, who is majoring in psychology and journalism, will be completing his requirements for graduation this semester.

With a 3.65 GPA, Sanzon hopes to transfer to a private university, but he has applied to UC and Cal State schools as well.

His Citrus mentors include Professor Brian Waddington,

ERICK SANZON

director of the Honors Program; Kim Holland, Ph.D., director of Career and Technical Education; and Kenneth Guttman, Ph.D., professor of psychology.

“There’s something that they share,” he said. “They always challenged me, they were always honest with me, and they always pushed me to do better.”

Sanzon’s goals include earning his bachelor’s degree, and eventually a Doctorate.

He wants to give back to the community of Baldwin Park and Citrus College, he said.

“I always felt the need to help others, the need to mentor those who are going through several challenges,” Sanzon said.

One of Sanzon’s objectives as ASCC vice president is to raise awareness about the board’s activities.

The benefits Sanzon feels ASCC has given him are a combination of two main factors: the challenge to become a stronger leader for students and the development of his social skills.

He has learned to do what is best for his constituents, in spite of his personal opinions.

He has learned to check his emotions and maintain a professional attitude.

“Erick has made a positive impact for ASCC simply by being a servant leader and not an ego-centric leader,” said Adrienne Thompson, student life supervisor.

“He works as hard as he expects of his fellow students and is truly a leader by example.”

Everyone has those days when they feel no one is there, Sanzon said, so he wants to be there for those who are in need.

pg. 8

campus

March 23, 2011

CalAware conducts annual audit on campus Samantha Lopez Staff Writer

In a recent audit of access to public records, Citrus was awarded an A+ by the nonprofit group, Californians Aware.

More than 250 public institutions throughout California participated in this year’s statewide audit, including 36 community college districts and all 32 UC and CSU campuses.

The audit by CalAware is conducted each year on California collegiate and K-12 campuses.

In auditing California’s public institutions, CalAware’s motive is to demonstrate each districts compliance with the California Public Records Act and Political Reform Act. The request of documentation was made via an anonymous email that was sent to each public institution.

Requests made by CalAware included: - the superintendent’s present employment contract - the agenda and minutes of the board meeting at which the superintendent’s employment contract was formally approved - the three most recent ac-

count statements of the superintendent’s district credit card - superintendent’s requests for expense reimbursement submitted by the district for the months of August, September and October of 2010 - the superintendent’s statement of economic interests - the district’s written guidelines for accessibility of records including the public records copy fee schedule and email retention policy if one exists.

CalAware allowed a 10 day response time and 30 days for campuses to send documentation.

Human Resources Manager at Citrus, Robert Sammis, noted that it wasn’t until after the results of the audit were reported in the local newspaper that Citrus was even aware an audit had taken place.

“We treated the request like any other request we normally get,” Sammis said.

In complying with CalAware’s requests in a timely manner, Citrus was awarded an A+ for its flawless response. Neighboring college Chaffey was also given a top grade.

Community colleges earned a B- average in this years statewide audit. As stated on

CalAw are

Citrus College ..... A+

ch ..... A+

CSU Long Bea

Chaffey Colleg e ..... A+ Glendale Com munity

... B Cal State LA ..

College .... A+

Rio Hondo Com munity College ..... A+ Cal Poly Pomo na Cal Poly San L uis

ard C t r o p Re

CSU Fullerton

..... F

UCLA ..... F

..... A+

UC Riverside ..

Obispo ..... A+

UC Santa Cruz

... F ..... F

EMILY RIOS Citrus College Clarion

CalAware’s website “Community college districts performed better than any other group of public agencies in all of CalAware’s repeated compliance audits since 2006.”

Director of communications at Citrus, Paula Greene, notes that an A+ in the audit, “Means the college is honest, forthcoming and accurate in its record keeping and business transactions.”

CSU’s also did well on their audit, earning a B average by the non-profit group, but UC’s were not as compliant with CalAware’s requests.

UC Riverside, UCLA and five other UC campuses all received F’s on their audit, for failing to submit specific documentation.

Overall UC campuses received an F average by the non-profit group.

The motive in the repeated audits by the non-profit group surrounds transparency as the focal point of public education.

In responding to Citrus College’s goal regarding transparency, Green said “Citrus College takes its public trust very seriously.”

“The A+ the college received, Calware’s highest rating, speaks for itself,” Green said.

APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED

March 23, 2011

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pg. 9

When the war abroad hits home

Jennifer Young Campus Editor

She was leading a life of a carefree college student, until Dec. 12, 2010 changed her outlook forever. That was the day her brother, Army Corporal Kenneth Necochea Jr. was killed in Afghanistan.

Natalie Necochea, an 18year-old English literature major at Citrus told the story of his death.

Cpl. Necochea was sleeping with the rest of his army platoon in a joint NATO-Afghan base in Kandahar province when a suicide attack vehicle filled with explosives blew up at the entrance.

He was 21.

Cpl. Necochea and the five other American soldiers killed were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infrantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

He had been in Afghanistan

as part of the 101st Airborne Division based out of Fort Campbell, Ky. since June 2010.

This was Cpl. Necochea’s first deployment. The surviving members of his platoon returned to the United States two weeks ago.

Cpl. Necochea’s job was to provide protection, food and supplies to families that had been cut off from the Afghan government.

He knew all his life that he wanted to do something to help people, his sister said. As children, they had a close relationship despite their four-year age difference.

As students at Poway High School, they bonded over discussions of music and through sharing the same group of friends. He graduated in 2007.

At age 19 he decided to join the Army to serve his country.

According to the Department of Defense, Cpl. Necochea was

an Infantryman.

He joined the Army in February 2009. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Medal. His parents were supportive, but they were also terrified by his decision.

“Ultimately Kenny Jr. was a giver not a taker, there is no better character in a person to knowingly risk his life for the principles and interests of his people,” said his father, Kenneth Edward Necochea Sr. They were scared to think that their son was putting himself in danger.

“I used to be very against the war and I hated it probably because I didn’t want my brother to be there,” Miss Necochea said.

But then when his things arrived home from Afghanistan, she read a letter he had written during his deployment.

It said he was happy with what he was doing to help fami-

Veterans student ambassador reaches out to future students Student aims to get more veterans on campus.

Rhiannon Conrado Sports Editor The first ever veterans student ambassador, Charles Olsen, 37, has been selected to reach out to veterans in the local community and inform them of college benefits available to them at Citrus.

The veterans grant, aka the Walmart Grant, recently awarded to Citrus College, helps fund his position as well as the Veterans Center on campus.

According to Jeanne Hamilton, Ph.D., vice president of student services, Olsen has already addressed the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Azusa and he was invited by Azusa Mayor Joseph Rocha to speak at a televised city council meeting on Feb. 22.

He has also been a keynote speaker at Memorial Day events.

Olsen acts as a representative of the college, but his specific purpose is to bring veterans on campus.

“There are a lot of vets out there who aren’t aware of how it all works,” Olsen said. “Now there is the Post9/11 GI Bill, which is mainly for the people who were enlisted around 9/11.”

Under the general GI Bill, the government only helped pay for school tuition, but this bill also includes a housing allowance, Olsen said. Veterans receive an additional $1,000 a month.

CHARLES OLSEN

The goal, Olsen said, is for veterans to go to college without having to worry about juggling their studies and a job.

Dean of Students Martha McDonald, who served in the Marine Corps, said she knows how difficult it is for service men and women to go back to school after a long period of time in the military.

“The veteran student population is more mature, of course, because they are older and have life experiences, as opposed to someone who is just out of high school,” McDonald said. “So being able to provide the Veterans Center gives them an opportunity to meet other veterans who have the shared experiences.”

As a veteran herself, McDonald said she thinks it’s important to show other veterans the services that are available for them, and Olsen is the man who makes it happen.

“Based on the interview with Charles, his academic record and also based on his commitment to the Vet-

erans Center, we knew he would be an excellent representative,” McDonald said.

Olsen has done so much already, McDonald said.

“I could not ask for anything more,” she said.

David Keys, 29, who works at the Veterans Center, spoke highly of Olsen as well.

“He’s a real stand-up guy,” Keys said. “He’s got good character.”

Maybe so, but according to Olsen, that was not always the case.

When he graduated high school in 1992, he just wanted to have fun and “run the streets.”

It wasn’t until he was about to become a father that he decided he wanted to change, so in 1997, he enlisted in the Navy.

Joining the military was a maturing experience that it bettered him, Olsen said.

Olsen has since changed his attitude toward school.

After completing his bachelor’s degree in organizational management, he wants to go straight into his master’s.

Olsen has already completed one semester at the University of La Verne, but came to Citrus to complete his general education.

Olsen plans on returning to ULV this summer.

After Olsen finishes with his studies, he hopes to one day own his own business.

Until then, Olsen is enjoying his position as the veterans student ambassador.

“Me being the older guy, I feel like I have that leadership role,” Olsen said. “But the main thing is helping out my fellow veterans.”

lies in Afghanistan, his sister said.

Fighting back tears, Miss Necochea said that her brother described how the children and the mothers in Afghanistan beg the soldiers to stay and help.

In his letter, Cpl. Necochea wrote that he felt it rewarding to help the people who are living in poverty. He believed that they needed him there.

Although she said that she is still opposed to the war, after reading that letter, she thinks that war is sometimes necessary to help save people.

“I am just really proud of the men and women who go out there and risk their lives and give it all to help other people,” she said.

Civilians need to understand that nobody likes war and no one wants to send their son or daughter to war, but the troops are doing their job helping other people, she said.

Courtesy of The Necochea Family Natalie Necochea and Cpl. Kenneth Necochea Jr., in December 2009.

This was the last time Miss Necochea and her family saw Cpl. Necochea before he died.

To Miss Necochea, Cpl. Kenny Necochea Jr. is more than a hero, he is her best friend.

pg.10

March 23, 2011

International Ye Name: Elizabeth Romero Age: 37 Major: Psychology Country: Mexico

International Woman’s Day has been observed since the early 190 national Year of the Woman.” Since then every year on March 8, co day is said to mark the economic, political and social achievements month of March. Currently 27 countries around the world have adopt the 100th celebration of the day and the 2011 theme is: Equal Acces Decent Work For Women. Here on the Citrus campus, we have seve

Out of all the colleges in the country, why did you choose Citrus?

I married an American and we married in Mexico, and then we came to the United States. My brother-in-law recommended me to Citrus College because he went to Citrus.

What was life like for your grandmother and your mother in your country when they were your age?

My grandmother and my mother were homemakers. Because I lived in a small town, women could not develop careers. They were only for men.

What was life like for you?

I grew up in a small town in Mexico where Machismo prevails, where it costs women a lot of work to achieve personal growth and where recreational and sporting activities were restricted by being exclusive to men. Because of this I became an insecure person, and everyday it was more difficult to move toward the desires of my heart because I automatically looked at the negative possibilities. But when I moved to the United States, it opened a wide world of possibilities for me.

Name: Bernice Yang Gonzales Age: 17 Major: English Country: El Salvador Out of all the colleges in the country, why did you choose Citrus?

I know somebody that came here, they told me it was a good place to start because I can get my English education here. A counselor of International students helped me.

What was life like for your grandmother and your mother, when they were your age?

My mom didn’t get an opportunity to go to college or study in another country. She was in the home a lot.

What is life like for you in your country?

I think we are more conservative. In my country normally if you want to get married, there is a battle between being a woman, and a young woman. They have to know how to cook and clean, even at a young age. In my case they encourage me to go to school, because they don’t want me to depend on a man.

Name: Crystal Le Age: 19 Major: Accounting & Finance Country: Vietnam Out of all the colleges in the country, why did you choose Citrus?

Actually, I went to Australia in 2009 and I studied there for one year, but I kind of think Australian life is really slow. I don’t think that’s good for young students, and I wanted to have some competition, so that’s why I think the U.S. is better for me and that is why I came here. Also, my sister lives here, so we can take care of each other.

What was life like for your grandmother and your mother, in your country, when they were your age?

Not only Vietnam, but almost all Asian women had little role in society. Like during my grandmother’s generation, women did not go to school, they just stayed at home. During my mother’s generation, women can go to school, but only high school, they usually didn’t go to a university.

What is life like for you in your country?

For my generation, we all go to school. It’s more equal in Vietnam, right now. For some jobs, women have a higher role and higher pay than men. Usually in China or Vietnam, they only want to have a son, they don’t want to have a daughter, but now people want to have daughter more than son. From my understanding, they want to have a daughter more than son because her family can live with her parents.

pg.11

March 23, 2011

ear of the Woman 00’s but in 1975 the United Nations officially declared the year “Interountries around the world celebrate International Woman’s Day. This s of women and every year hundreds of events occur throughout the ted International Woman’s Day as an official holiday. This year marks ss to Education, Training and Science and Technology: A Pathway to ral women from international countries that deserve to be recognized.

Name: Lamyaa Alawaij Age: 24 Major: Public Administration Country: Saudi Arabia Out of all the colleges in the country, why did you choose Citrus?

My government sent me here on a scholarship.

There are a lot of schools in Saudi Arabia but here is perfect for learning English. We need English so much in our country. You will be really important with your certificate from America. Education is better here, there are more majors than in our country.

What was life like for your grandmother and your mother, in your country, when they were your age?

They didn’t study, they just stayed at home. They had children and they took care of them. My mother was poor so she did not learn, she just got married and had 10 children.

What is life like for you in your country?

There are many girls in my country who go to America to study because they come here on a government scholarship.

Name: Raha Diaz Age: 28 Major: Accounting Country: Iran Out of all the colleges in the country, why did you choose Citrus?

Because I got married here in the United States.

Name: Olivia Harjanto Age: 20 Major: Biomedical Engineering Country: Indonesia Out of all the colleges in the country, why did you choose Citrus?

There was an education fair, and the director, Mr. Lamoureux, was visiting Indonesia. There was this huge room and every community college and I visited every community college that was there. I was tired because it took the whole day. Citrus was actually the last table before the exit door and I was like, “No I’m done” because everyone is giving me the same information, and my mom said, “Well it’s the last one, it won’t hurt you.” So I sat down with him and I really liked it more than any other community college.

What was life like for your grandmother and your mother in your country when they were your age?

My grandma was a housewife, and she stayed at home. She didn’t think about going to school. I mean she did, but it was more kind of like, “Ok, you’re done with school, get married, and have a kid.” My mom’s generation was more like, “You should at least go to a university, and get a bachelor’s degree.” My mom actually has an associate’s degree, and then she decided to stop.

What are the differences between men and women in your country?

Here science is geared more toward male, but in my country it is geared more toward females. In Indonesia, males are more geared toward business and accounting, and they usually continue with their dad’s business instead of starting their own.

What was life like for your grandmother and your mother, in your country, when they were your age?

It was tough. It was not like now when parents are openminded, and it is easier to get out of the house. My grandmother said that they did not let the girls of the family learn how to write because if they could write then they could write letters to boys. My mother finished high school and after that her mom asked if she wanted to finish her studies or do you want to get married and she said “I wanna get married!” She just wanted to get out of the house and to have her own independence because when she was living with her family they did not let her be free.

What is life like for women in your country?

In my country, women have fewer rights than men. Recently, you get a ticket if you have a tan, if you wear light colors, if you have highlights. They have a committee over there. If your uniform is very tight and you get attraction from men, you get arrested.

pg.12

sports

Sports Editor Rhiannon Conrado rhimariee@yahoo.com

March 23, 2011

Owls soar high in semis, fall short in finals Despite a second half run, Citrus lost to City College of San Francisco 83-81 in the championship game Raul Landeros Staff Writer The Citrus Owls outscored Fresno City College to land a finals championship berth, but came up short in the final seconds of the Championship game.

Ventura College set the stage for one exciting weekend in community college basketball.

The Fighting Owls faced the Fresno City College Rams in the semi finals of the California Community College Athletic Association Championships of Basketball.

Citrus’ defense and offense proved to be too much for Fresno City College as Citrus shot 55.6% from the field in the first half.

Fresno’s offense kept the deficit to eight points at the half with their top scorer Tomas Sanchez leading the way with seven points.

Natalie Miranda Citrus College Clarion During the second half the Assistant Coach Patrick Johnson lends a hand to guard Donte Archie who feels the pain of defeat after City College of San Francisco beat the Owls 83­81 in Owls offense turned it up fur- the state championship final on March 13 at Ventura College. ther and shot 17 for 21 from what to expect from the layup at the last second but our defense the way we over the Owls. the floor. the referees did not count the wanted to tonight for whatAn emotional Citrus squad Owls out rebounded the Rams.

“The only thing I know right shot and the Owls trailed 36ever reason,” said Victor. walked off the court and Rams 66.7% to 22.7%. now is that they are really 38 at the half.

Citrus’ inability to drive up straight into the locker room.

Citrus gained the highest good,” said Victor.

Citrus shot 12-29 resulting the lane against San Fran“I love my whole team they lead of the game with a score Sunday’s match up was no in 41.4% from the field, better cisco’s towering defense reare like brothers to me and of 76-56 with 9:11 to play in easy task for Citrus who was than San Francisco’s 13 for sulted with the Owls only this has been the best year of the second half. facing a much taller group of 38 which tallied up to 34.2% scoring 18 points in the paint. my life” McMullen said just Citrus was lead by Lateef players. from the field.

In the end their Owls’ before entering a saddened McMullen who went 6 for 10 Devon “DJ” Shelton put the In the second half the Owls turnovers essentially became Citrus locker room. from the floor resulting in 19 Owls on the board scoring came clawing back lead by their unraveling.

Citrus Owls Finished the points and the victory over the first points of the game.

McMullen who shot a team With 2.4 seconds Citrus season as CCCAA Southern Fresno City College 94-84.

The Owls’ defense ran into best 47.4% from beyond the would have ball position and Conference Champions and Citrus advancing to the fifoul trouble early in which three point line, but San have to go the length of the second place in state Chamnals would set a rematch of San Francisco shot 11 of 16 Francisco’s size proved to be court. pionship. the 1962 state Championship the advantage over the Owls Citrus would look to the “One of the best games I between the Citrus Owls and in free throw attempts.

There were six lead defense. games top scorer McMullen, have seen in the past four City College of San Franchanges before the first half The Rams scored 46 but he would put up a failed years here at Citrus,” said cisco Rams. was done. points from the paint lead by desperation shot in the final Jody Wise Dean/Athletic DiCitrus’ head coach Chris Citrus’ Brandon Parga Fred Sturdivant’s 24 points. second giving San Francisco rector for Citrus College.

Victor said he did not know tried to even the score with a “We weren’t able to play the edge in a 83-81 victory

sports

March 23, 2011

pg. 13

Golf drives for winning season Rhiannon Conrado Sports Editor Just focus on one shot at a time.

That’s the advice of the men’s golf team captain Darren Foster, 24.

As long as everyone on the team believes they can do it, Foster said he knows the team can win, but everyone needs to have the same mind set.

“I think everyone on this team has the talent to do it, it’s just a matter of us all putting it together on the same day, or on the same two days,” Foster said.

“It’s just tough to get six guys playing well on the same day.”

For every tournament, six of the 11 players on the golf team play the full 18 holes and the lowest five scores are combined.

The college with the lowest score wins that tournament.

So far the Citrus golfers have had a rough beginning to their season.

Foster said the players should stop worrying about what they are going to shoot or what their scores are

“

I’ve hit my ball in the lake and went in and hit it out of there. I took my shoes and my pants off and just went in.

SHANE FAVINGER

FRESHMAN, 19

”

going to be, and instead they need to focus on each shot.

James Ayotte, 18, said playing on new courses for the first time sets the team at a real disadvantage.

“A lot of other teams have returners,” said Ayotte.

“But we are going into all these courses blind. We are hitting shots that we thought were good, but they end up in the hazard or they are out of bounds.”

At their first tournament in Bakersfield, the team finished eighth out of ten teams, but they are slowly making progress.

The March 16 invitational proved to be a success as the team took third place out of seven teams.

Currently the team’s average score for tournaments is 81.

Coach Julian “Trip” Horton said he wants to bring the averages down and to win conference finals, but that isn’t his main goal for his players.

“I want them to have fun,” Horton said.

Horton said he also wants the players to stop taking themselves too seriously.

Shane Favinger, 19, has followed Horton’s advice on the course.

“I’ve hit my ball in the lake and went in and hit it out of there,” Favinger said.

“I took my shoes and my pants off and just went in.”

Favinger said he tries not to take risky shots, because those shots could negatively affect the team’s scores.

If the players take their teammates into consideration, Favinger said, then they will do better as a team.

“We are all really good, we just haven’t played to our potential,” Favinger said.

With a familiar course and Foster’s advice, these golfers may lower their scores at their next match on March 28 at the San Dimas Canyon Golf Course.

APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED

VANESSA CASTRO Citrus College Clarion

pg.14

sports

March 23, 2011

Long road to success for track and field athlete Mindy Youell Staff Writer What started out as a way to become physically active has turned an athlete into a major player on the track and field team.

Elizabeth Estrada, 20, a sophomore at Citrus has gone above and beyond her aspirations to become a major player on the Citrus track and field team.

In high school, Estrada wrestled for three years and ran track and cross country for a year. She has always been very athletic, yet track and field was never much more than another way to work out.

“I was a really fat kid when I was small, but when I started joining sports and losing weight it made me love it even more,” she said.

A love for exercise and a desire for a healthy lifestyle

has made Estrada a top rated athlete.

Though it wasn’t until her friend Julia Munzo, who was on the track team, told her she should try out for the school team that she even considered it.

“At first I didn’t want to do it.

I just wanted to work out,” she said.

She finally talked to the coach and began practicing with the team two days a week, when she worked on hurdles and anything else that caught her eye.

By the end of the season Coach Richard Nila recommended pole vaulting, due to her history in wrestling and strong upper body.

“I remember thinking he’s crazy, I’m not going to do that,” Estrada said. “After that I gave it a try and I wanted to learn, I wanted to do it, and I’ve been pole vaulting ever since”.

ELIZABETH ESTRADA

When Estrada joined the track and field team she knew nothing of the sport Nilla said.

“She started out trying little bits and pieces of things and that’s what she does now, she does pole volt, she’s really starting to excel in hurdles and just out of curiosity she picked up a javelin and threw it and she’s started to excel in that also,” Nila said.

According to Nila, Estrada was an OK student in high

school, but is now equally focused on her academics in addition to athletics.

“I want to learn that and how do I get to learn that, and force myself to go to study hall and tutoring,” Nila said.

This is also how she is on the field, asking what she needs to work on then analyzing it again and again until she feels comfortable.

“Everybody loves her she has a great personality and she kind of says what’s on her mind but in a very humorous way,” Nila said.

This is proven through the affection of her teammates like Shawn Miller, 20, and Jasmine Gonalez, 18.

“I think everybody would agree, she has the most positive outlook on life, she’s always encouraging people, and she’s always laughing,” Miller said.

“Everyone gets along with

her, she motivates everyone and she brings life to the team,” Gonzalez said.

Estrada’s love for sports has helped her outlook.

“I’m just happy to be here learning stuff for I love working out, and if I could work out for the rest of my life, no pay I would,” she said. “Or just help people work out and help them lose weight.”

With a major in nutritional kinesiology and hopes to transfer to the University of La Verne, she is well on her way to her goal of being an athletic trainer and nutritionist for a sport team or a university.

She plans to continue with track and field at La Verne and says she will find a pole-vaulting club after school with a possibility of joining gymnastics to further improve her vaulting skills.

Athlete remains positive despite injury Bre Payton Staff Writer Regarded as “one of the fastest on the track” by fellow teammates, Maya Avant is recovering from an injury with hopes to finish the season strong.

Avant is a sophomore at Citrus and has gained notoriety by being the only female on the track team last year to qualify for Southern California finals.

Avant took eighth place at Southern California finals in 2010 with a jump of 34 feet, 6 inches.

She was injured on Feb. 25 at the second meet this season at Ventura College.

She was told by doctors that she hyper extended her knee, but is waiting on MRI results to determine the exact condition of her leg.

Head coach Richard Nila said that Avant had slipped off the jumping block due to wet conditions from the previous day.

Initially, Avant thought her injury was nothing to be concerned about until the pain began to increase.

“I did cry when I hurt myself, not because it hurt, but because I felt I was letting the team down,” she said.

Avant’s athletic origins began with soccer before becoming a prominent track team member.

“Everyone thought I would play soccer in college; I thought so too,” Maya Avant said.

After eight years of playing soccer, she grew tired of it and decided to join the track team as a freshman in high school.

“I was just going to sprint,” Avant said. “Then they said I was good at jumping. They taught me how to long jump and then triple.”

After graduating from Clare-

BRE PAYTON Citrus College Clarion Maya Avant is recovering from an injury with hopes to finish the season strong.

mont High School, Avant took a year off from track to focus on school and work, a strategy she says was a benefit to her.

When she joined the Citrus track team, Avant said she was unable to finish the workout the first few weeks; the encouragement she received from fellow teammates is what made practices a positive experience.

Since then she has pushed through the difficulties of practice, gaining recognition for her positive attitude and athletic ability.

“Athletically, Maya is one of the top jumpers,” teammate Chihiro Ito said. “[She] doesn’t complain and listens well.”

Avant says she has been feeling much better, and has transitioned from using crutches to being able to jog with hopes to start practicing soon.

Avant’s brother, Brian Avant, says that their parents have been very supportive throughout Maya’s recovery, bringing her meals and making sure she gets to rest.

“I think she’ll be fine… she’ll be able to run again in a couple of weeks,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to getting back on the track,” Avant said. “I can’t stand going to the meets and not running.”

March 23, 2011

food

pg. 15

Food Editor Austin Paul Adamson austin.paul.adamson@gmail.com

Enjoy foreign delicacies without leaving Glendora Sydney Presley Staff Writer If you happened to drive north on Grand Avenue recently, you may have noticed a mannequin dressed in head-to-toe Czechoslovakian garb, flagging you down with a sign that reads “Euro Food.”

That, of course, is the telltale sign you are nearing European Deli and Bakery at 722 South Grand Avenue.

This deli is set back and difficult to see when you are focused on driving.

However, once you walk through the doors, you are transported to a meat and cheese heaven.

To your right is an opulent display of packaged European snacks and candy, such as, chocolates from Wedel and min-

eral water from Poland.

To your left, is the glorious selection of meats on display ranging from bacon to bratwurst.

Before my first visit, I was confident that I would order a typical “Italian sub.”

However, I was perplexed with what I saw on the menu.

The kind ladies behind the counter sensed my confusion, so one of them came around to guide me through the selection process.

If you, like me, do not know what exactly “Zwyczajna” is, this kindness will surely come in handy.

Come to find that Zwyczajana is traditional Polish sausage, just as “Zeberka Wedzone” is smoked ribs, in simpler terms.

I played it safe and ordered the deli combination, which came with a choice of two deli meats: I chose salami and ham.

contents, resulting in a widening smile across my delicacy-filled face.

The cost of most sandwiches varies between $6 to $7, and the veggie sandwiches are $4.69.

They also sell soups, salads, and of course, baked goods.

In addition, the European Deli and Bakery is only about two blocks from Citrus which makes it convenient for students on the run who crave a quality deli experience.

European Deli and Bakery is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed on Sunday and Monday.

They can be contacted at (626) 914-3959 and their full menu can be viewed at www.european-deli.com.

SYDNEY PRESLEY Citrus College Clarion The two deli meat combo, one of the many delicious subs offered at the Eu­ ropean Deli and Bakery in Glendora, beats out other sandwich chains.

All cold sandwiches come on a French roll and include cheese, lettuce, tomato and deli mustard or mayonnaise.

As I waited for my sandwich, I observed that samples of meats and cheeses are available upon customer request.

I will surely take advantage of this offer next time if I am feeling

a bit adventurous.

Finally, my sandwich was ready. It was a moderately sized sandwich of about six inches and it was delicious.

Unlike many delis, these folks did not skimp on meat or toppings.

The spicy mustard worked perfectly with the other sandwich

Oatmeal: fast or slow, it’s tasty Vanessa Castro Staff Writer Oatmeal is a great choice for breakfast. Its healthy whole grains have fiber and protein, it’s inexpensive and very easy to make.

With health consciousness on the rise, an increasing number of people want to make better choices when dining out, even at breakfast.

Fast-food restaurants are a convenient stop for those who did not eat breakfast at home.

McDonald’s, Starbucks and Jamba Juice are just a few of the places that now include oatmeal on their menus.

But if you think it’s healthy everywhere, you’d be mistaken.

McDonald’s recently introduced “Fruit and Maple Oatmeal” for $1.99, a seemingly guilt-free option among their other high fat and calorie ridden breakfast selections.

But if you read the nutritional facts, you will discover that their fruit and maple oatmeal has 290 calories, 4.5 grams of fat and 160 mg of sodium.

If you compare the nutritional facts in Starbucks $2.45 “Perfect Oatmeal” with nuts, dried fruit and brown sugar, you see it adds up to 390 calories, 3.4 grams of fat and 115 grams of sodium.

One of the best choices if you decide not to eat at home, is Jamba Juice’s “Fresh Banana Oatmeal” made with brown sugar for 280 calories, 4 grams of fat and only 20 mg of salt for $3.24.

Jamba Juice uses organic steel cut oats and slow cooks their oats in soymilk. Organic steel cut oats are high in protein, free of pesticides and are minimally processed which makes many people consider them to be a superior choice compared to regular instant oats.

VANESSA CASTRO Citrus College Clarion Homemade oatmeal topped with fresh fruit is a healthy, cost effective break­ fast solution.

Their use of soymilk is a great alternative to McDonald’s “cream,” which contains ingredients that are not immediately recognizable, such as datem and sodium stearyl lactylate.

You can buy Quaker Oats old fashioned oatmeal at the grocery store for around $4.49 for 42 oz. container that makes 30 servings, this is a great value compared to going out for oatmeal.

One serving of Quaker Oats old fashioned oats has 3 fat grams, 150 calories and 0 grams of sodium. Compared to McDonald’s “Fruit and Maple Oatmeal” that is 1.5 less grams of fat, 40 less calories and 0 grams of salt.

If you don’t like plain oatmeal, Quaker Oats instant apples & cinnamon oatmeal costs around $4.99 for ten packets. It has 1.5 grams of fat, 170 grams of sodium, 130 calories and 12 grams of sugar per packet plus it has a lot of essential vitamins such as 25 percent vitamin A and 20 percent folic acid. Just add hot water to the instant oatmeal and it’s ready to eat.

An excellent choice for instant

oatmeal at home is a brand called Better Oats that sells a variety of instant oatmeal under different names such as Oat Revolution! and Abundance.

Oat Revolution! Strawberries & Cream flavor has 2.0 grams of fat, 180 mg of sodium and 12 grams of sugar per package, plus real dehydrated strawberries, flaxseed and other vitamins.

This oatmeal is distinguishable because of it’s low price and small box. One pack has five pouches and costs less than $2.00.

You can find Better Oats brand oatmeal at Albertson’s grocery stores.

Since making oatmeal is so easy and really inexpensive, it’s better to make it at home. When you prepare your oatmeal at home, you choose which ingredients go into your food, and you can make it just the way you like it.

This option gives you the peace of mind in knowing that you are saving money by not dining out and you are making conscious choices about what you are eating.

pg.16

entertainment Entertainment Editor Kristin Lacuesta kristin.lacuesta@gmail.com

March 23, 2011

Itty bitty ceramics show a huge hit Chase Goldsmith Correspondent It’s all in the details.

This is the heart and soul of the art show now on display in the Hayden Memorial Library. This art show places an emphasis on the minuteness of art; a perfect example of the age-old expression, great things can come in the smallest packages.

The man in charge of this event is Professor Michael Hillman. For this show he wanted to focus on the small.

The reason for this, he said, was to focus on detail and to try something different.

Hillman’s idea became reality with the show, “Itty Bitty Pottery.” Artists had only one

rule: pieces would have to be six-by-six inches or under.

Student exhibitor Betsy Miller shared some insights.

One of her pieces is a seven-year-old brown vase.

She said that she enjoys the small work, because it was easier to make fine details.

Her inspiration for a pink jar came from elephant tusks.

When asked why she decided to create jars and vases she answered simply, “It’s my specialty.”

She prefers the art of using the pottery wheel: a machine that is used to make round ceramic items.

Citrus student Esteice Villolpando had two astounding pieces; one was of a butterfly on top of a jar and the other was a bee on top of a honey-

comb. Both pieces showed a keen eye for detail.

Her goal was to express the idea that nature’s smallest things can contain the most beautiful details.

Student Ines Puma believes the appeal of small art lies in the idea of art getting more and more beautiful as you look closer.

Her art looks like pieces of wood shaped into a small pitcher.

“It was focused on being different and the ability to be functional and non-functional,” she said. This being that it is too small to be useful, but it can still pour liquid.

To look at the beauty of something small, visit the exhibit, which concludes on April 1.

Cosmetology students to celebrate Hollywood hair Cynthia Carrazco Staff Writer “Hairray for Hollywood,” the third annual hair show presented by the cosmetology department, is scheduled for March 31 at 7:30 p.m. in the Haugh Performing Arts Center.

In spring 2010 the theme was “Evolution of Hair.” This year the cosmetology students will pick a movie theme and interpret a hairstyle to go with it.

Categories include action and science fiction, fantasy, animation, drama and romance, history and musical. Students can take inspiration from films such as “Avatar,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Marie Antoinette” and “Hairspray.”

Ervalyn “Gus” Brooks, director of cosmetology, said that this theme was chosen with the idea that the students would research the movie and incorporate their interest in the entertainment industry.

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The student designers do not have to replicate the hairstyle.

“They can take the hairstyle and give it more of an edge for creativity,” said cosmetology professor Albert Graciano.

Music supporting each category’s movie theme will be provided by a disc jockey. As the audience waits for the models to come onstage, the DJ will show video clips with the songs from the movie.

Cosmetology student Caitlyn Dennis, 20, is a hair designer for the competition. She has been preparing for this show since January.

“I chose to do a fairy hairstyle because my model is tall, blonde hair, blue eyes and I thought she would look cute as a fairy,” Dennis said.

Dennis said she is looking forward to seeing her creation come together on stage.

There are 95 participants in the contest. Two finalists will be chosen from each category,

and from those 12, three overall winners will be selected.

All three winners will receive a trophy and the first place winner will receive $200 in cash.

The judges are industry professionals. This event is open to all cosmetology students of every level, including graduates.

Cosmetology student Kelly Freidman, 23, said that she was inspired by a class poster to replicate a Queen Elizabeth hairdo for the show.

“I thought to myself, that would be really impressive if we could pull it off,” she said.

The show has been moved from the Campus Center to the Haugh Performing Arts Center to accommodate an anticipated large crowd.

Tickets may be purchased in advance for $10 in the cosmetology department or for $12 at the door. For more information, call the cosmetology department at (626) 335-1234.

EGNI VALDEZ Citrus College Clarion “Itty Bitty Pottery,” an exhibit in the Hayden Memorial Library, showcases the work of Citrus ceramics students. The exhibit will conclude on April 1.

opinions

March 23, 2011

pg. 17

Perspectives Editor Jennifer Young jennayou22@gmail.com

Justice not served by justices’ decision Jennifer Young Campus Editor T h e Supreme Court’s recent ruling in favor of the Westboro Baptist Church’s right to protest at military funerals is correct according to the First Amendment, but it still feels so wrong.

As a journalist, I am the first to stand up for any citizens’ right to free speech, but we must also protect the rights of families of soldiers who have died in service of their country.

By a vote of 8-to-1 the Court ruled the right to protest as exercised by church members at the 2006 funeral of Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder, who was killed in Iraq in 2003 in a noncombat related vehicle accident, is protected under the First Amendment.

The protesters obeyed the local time, place and manner rules by staying 1,000 feet

away from the funeral service.

I understand the Court’s decision to uphold the First Amendment, but a bereaved family should have the right to grieve in private.

In direct challenge to this ideal, members of this fringe church held signs with cruel messages such as “Thank God for Dead Soldiers,” “Semper Fi Fags,” and “Priests Rape Boys.”

Members of the Phelps family say that the protest is not about disrespecting dead soldiers but about sending a message to the living.

Their message is that God is punishing the United States for its sins.

Westboro Church members also stated that Snyder was a prime target because of his parents’ divorce and his father’s membership in the Catholic Church.

The men and women of our armed forces dedicate their lives to protecting the First Amendment rights this fringe group is abusing.

Free speech is a beautiful thing, but to deny a family the right to bury their son with dignity and honor is irrespon-

sible.

There is a time, place and manner for peaceful demonstration.

Funerals for soldiers, or anyone else for that matter, are not the appropriate setting for such protests.

This is a matter of respect and common courtesy. The Constitution does not mandate respectful behavior, but we must draw the line further back for the sake of the mourners.

The First Amendment protects the minority viewpoint, even vile speech of all kind.

But this expression of free inappropriate speech causes emotional damage and could potentially incite violence.

The Constitution does not give anyone the right to attack a grieving family with hateful public speech.

Giving the Westboro Church a free pass is not the way to uphold the First Amendment.

Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr., the lone dissenter on the bench, agreed that the protesters guarantee to free speech does not give them leave to send cruel messages at the funeral of a

fallen Marine.

The Westboro Church has a guaranteed right to spread their hateful, disrespectful message and this is not the first time this church group has attempted to attract attention to spread their message.

The group picketed at the funerals of other military personnel, people who have died from AIDS complications and gay murder victims.

According to a news release by the church, they planned to stage protests at the funerals of victims of the Tucson shootings, fortunately, the Arizona legislature passed a measure that bars protests within an hour from the funerals’ beginning or end and requires that demonstrators remain 300 feet away from the location.

I commend Arizona legislators for acting quickly to amend the time, place and manner rules for staging public protests and protecting the honor of the victims of that

How

horrible tragedy.

There is a time and place for everything.

This despicable group’s staged attempts to gain publicity are utterly unconscionable.

I am outraged that in 2011 we still have extremists that think it is just to disrupt the funeral of a person who has given his or her life for this country.

There are those that are for war and those that are against, but no mat-

I S ee It t e r what your view is we all must have respect for those soldiers who have died fighting to protect our right to agree to disagree.

The rest of the states in the union need to make modifications to their local rules of time, place and manner rules in order to protect the rights of grieving families and the honor of our fallen soldiers.

Downing a soda tax would leave a bad taste Joseph Thorne Correspondent According to the Society of Actuaries, obesity costs the United States $270 billion in annual health care costs, but an additional tax on sugary beverages will not help solve the problem.

Some California legislators apparently think that a “soda tax” will make people think twice before consuming drinks high in corn syrup and calories.

Legislation was introduced by Democratic Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez on Feb. 18 that would impose a fee of one cent per teaspoon of sugar, or any caloric sweetener, added to a beverage.

This fee would be paid by the bottler or manufacturer of sodas or syrups for restaurants.

This is only one proposal that could turn California into a “nanny state” if it becomes law.

Past efforts have included banning soft drink sales in public schools, criminalizing trans-fats in restaurants, and mandating in-store displays of nutritional information at restaurant chains.

But the soda tax proposal makes even less sense. When you read more about the legislation, it—pardon the pun—goes flat.

One of the biggest problems with this misguided piece of legislation is that it places the tax burden on the company and not the consumer.

If the consumers felt they were being forced to pay more for sugary drinks, they would presumably opt for healthier alternatives.

While the laws of economics state that costs incurred by the manufacturer will be passed on to the customer, this may not be true everywhere.

7-Eleven won’t necessarily raise the price of their 99-cent Big Gulp refills at all their California stores.

McDonald’s won’t necessarily take Sweet Tea (how much sugar do they put in that stuff?) off the Dollar Menu.

This amounts to a less significant change in the behavior of the consumer than was originally intended.

Even if the tax was levied on the customer directly, the law still wouldn’t work—but it would at least make more sense than it does in its current form.

When customers see that they are paying a California Refund Value tax for each plastic or glass bottle they purchase, they are supposed to be encouraged to recycle so they can get their five or ten cents back.

If customers could see “Drink Sweetener Tax…$0.21” on their receipt, it would really make them think twice about their consumption of saccharine liquids.

A slight rise in the price of the drinks won’t be as effective, because many people will not make the connection to the sugar tax.

It also puts another burden on industry in a state that has scared away too many companies already.

In the last decade, corporate giants like Google, Hilton, and Apple are reducing their California operations, and

Vanessa Castro Citrus College Clarion

are taking jobs and income to other states—namely Texas and Colorado.

In an economic climate like this, legislators need to consider whether this new tax will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for drink manufacturers.

According to the legislation, the tax would generate an extra $1.5 billion in tax revenues for the ailing state.

These proceeds would go to pro-

grams aimed at fighting childhood obesity.

While this is a worthy cause, this means the excise would not really help alleviate the budget crisis, because it goes to specific social programs rather than to general sales tax revenue.

If passed, the soda tax could become a jumping-off place for legislation with similar aims.

It’s not a stretch to go from a soda tax to a candy tax.

Excise taxes on cigarettes and alcohol make sense; both substances are completely nonnutritive and very addictive.

Cigarettes are carcinogenic and alcohol impairs thinking.

People addicted to these substances need serious help and proceeds from excise taxes go towards helping them.

It is not okay to tax common food because they contain sugar, carbohydrates or fat.

Sugary drinks can be consumed in moderation and an individual can drink soda frequently and still be healthy.

It’s up to parents to coach their children on healthy eating and drinking habits.

The soda tax will not change the behavior of consumers.

It will instead be an inconvenience on the consumer (and a minor infringement on their rights) and an uncalled for stress upon industry.

If high dentist and doctor’s bills don’t open parents’ eyes, this tax sure won’t.

Don’t let it become law.

pg.18

opinions

Think before you post online Kristin Lacuesta Managing Editor When we m e e t someone new, we no longer ask for their p h o n e numbers, rather we ask if they have a Facebook page.

Chances are they do.

Millions of people visit the social networking site on a daily basis, me being one of those people.

I love Facebook.

I have to check it several times a day.

It is almost an addiction.

Earlier this week, my friend and I thought it would be funny to change our relationship status to say that we were in fact in a relationship with each other.

It was a harmless joke, or so we thought.

But within five minutes of

our posting this status change, my phone was blowing up with calls and texts from my family and friends.

What had seemed like a big joke at the time quickly became a big headache.

What’s more, I was frustrated by the fact that so many people were “Facebook stalking” me.

Whether or not this “relationship” was real or fake had nothing to do with them.

Either way, it was none of their business.

But after sitting down and thinking about it, I realized that I had asked for it.

I was the one who put it out there for everyone to see.

I should have realized just how naïve it was to think that no one would see it or care.

It is a sorry fact that EVERYTHING we say, post, or share on any social network, even if our profiles are set to private, can, and most likely will, be seen by someone whom may not want to see it.

TALES OF THE RUDE, THE ANNOYING, THE SARCASTIC

March 23, 2011

The Hoot: What Is Your Definition of Success?

Walter Galvez, 20 Business Baldwin Park

It is ignorant to think that a less than flattering picture or a nasty post will not be seen by the university of your choice, the employer you hope to work for, or the person you were talking trash about—because it will.

The Facebook generation needs to be smart and sensi-

ble with posts on the Internet.

To an outsider, your Facebook page is you.

I learned my lesson the hard way.

Don’t let it take several agitated phone calls, a couple of hysterical text messages and 25 notifications later to learn yours too.

“Doing my best in school and to do better than the rest, better than anyone else.”

Recession causes need for Plan B Rubi Carrazco Staff Writer

It is not easy to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life.

Y o u never know what bump in the road you will hit next.

I would like to believe that regardless of the career path we choose, we will live happily ever after, but there is no guarantee.

The long recession has affected all Californians, especially students.

Career plans are being rethought.

Some students have decided they can no longer follow their dreams, and instead take a more practical job in the road.

The changing job market confuses us.

Once I start my career, will I be happy?

Will I earn a lot of money?

What if I’m not successful?

What if I make the wrong choices and my life is miserable?

According to the New York Times March 20, 2011 publication, about one-fourth of college graduates under the age of 25 are unemployed.

We do not want to push this percentage upward by taking the wrong career path.

But faced with piercing recession, we are faced with the cold realism that we may

Nicole Taylor, 21 Emergency Medical Technician Program Pasadena “Completing your goals in life and striving for the best.”

VANESSA CASTRO Citrus College Clarion

have to look for a job that will keep the income flowing.

So forget about happiness.

Many students say they have changed their majors a couple of times because they feel that there will not be any jobs available out there when they graduate.

This is a problem that interferes with transferring.

Students are faced with staying at a community college for more than three years because the recession makes them change their mind several times about what career they should choose.

For instance, I aspire to be an English professor and a writer.

Everyday I dream of sharing my communication skills with the world, by teaching my students to learn efficiently, and one day I hope to write a book.

Whenever I share my career plans with my family, our

conversation ends with a lecture about the harsh reality of being a teacher in this tough economy.

Everyone tells me that I will live from paycheck to paycheck, and that I will not have the opportunities for career advancement that others have.

These conversations are upsetting.

To a certain degree, my parents might be right.

Unfortunately, the long recession is constantly on my mind.

But being a college student in tough times, it is even more important for me to find a future in which I will happy.

I need just enough money to splurge on myself once in a while, or offer some money to my parents when in need.

If my first plan does not work out, then what’s Plan B? I’ve thought about being a nurse, because there will always be jobs available in the

medical field, but that is not my true passion.

On the one hand, I would earn the big bucks, but on the other, I would not be following my dreams.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job unemployment rate is at 8.9 percent.

These statistics are grim.

They make us nervous.

We do not like to think about unemployment numbers.

We hope they will decline by the time we graduate from prestigious universities.

But predicting the economy is like randomly picking a card from a deck.

We will never know what the future is going to be.

So let no one discourage us from becoming the person who we want to be, but let us also be smart about the pathways we dream on following.

Either way life is sure to be full of surprises.

Leaena Sanford, 23 Emergency Medical Technician Program Pasadena “Finishing your goals and whatever accomplishments you have.”

Editorials

March 23, 2011

pg. 19

Donate, help those in need clarion Citrus college

Our campus community can and must help the people of Japan.

As we sit safely at home watching the devastating news from 5,000 miles across the Pacific, we give thanks that we have been spared such a life-changing cataclysm—at least for now.

On March 11, the northeast coastline of Japan was hit with a magnitude 9.0 earthquake followed by tsunami. Thousands of people were killed or injured by the wave. Thousands of survivors are suffering from lack of food, water and electricity.

The tsunami also damaged nuclear reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi plant, releasing radiation into the atmosphere.

The extent of the damage is, as of yet, unknown.

More than a hundred Japanese students are enrolled at Citrus College through the International Students Center. Their future hangs on their ability to complete their studies before transitioning to a university. Whether psychologically, physically or financially, all of them will likely be adversely affected by this triple disaster.

Help has already been started here on the Citrus College campus. International student, Kento Hara has organized a fundraiser, which has already raised more than $1,200 for the Japan relief effort.

Many international relief organizations are fueling help to Japan. If each of us makes even a small donation, thousands of people will benefit.

Giving is easy, as most organizations accept online and phone donations.

Consider for example, the American Red Cross offers several ways to help.

Simply go to redcross.org and click the donate link. You can also call 1-800REDCROSS to donate over the phone, and you can text REDCROSS to 90999, and $10 will automatically be donated to the American Red Cross.

GlobalGiving is also offering this option. Texting the word JAPAN to 50555 will donate $10 to the organization.

Celebrities are also using their entertainment megaphones to raise funds. For example, Lady Gaga is selling Japan Earthquake Relief wristbands for $5 on her official website ladygaga.com. All proceeds from wristband sales go directly to Japan relief efforts.

We at Citrus are more than ten thousand strong, we are not wealthy, and yes, we have our own problems.

However, we can help by reaching into our wallets.

We have been spared—for now. But we Californians live in an earthquake zone; in fact, Citrus College is built on an ancient dormant fault line that goes right through the Haugh Performing Arts Center. We could very well be next.

So in the spirit of solidarity, we urge the faculty, staff and students to contribute to relief efforts to help those in need in Japan as well as those Japanese students who sit beside us in class.

Giving is doing. Do it now.

Ways to donate: Japan Relief Effort American Red Cross Visit redcross.org, call 1-800REDCROSS, or text REDCROSS to 90999 for a $10 donation

Global Giving Text JAPAN to 50555 for a $10 donation

Lady Gaga Visit ladygaga.com to purchase a Japan Earthquake Relief wristband for $5. All proceeds go directly to Japan relief efforts

Mr. President:We don’t want another war Let’s not add to the list of wars the United States is currently fighting.

President Obama: While considering all options in response to the events in Libya, consider this —we cannot financially afford to get involved and take the preeminent role in another war.

The United States military is already overextended.

We have lost thousands of lives and spent billions of dollars in two foreign wars that seem endless.

The last thing we need is another battle to fight in yet another country.

Enforcing a no-fly zone and launching Tomahawk missiles over Libya to protect civilians from Moammar Gadhafi’s forces is the first step to engaging in a fullblown land invasion into a country that is not a threat to our country and interiors.

The United States attacked Afghanistan in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

This year Oct. 7 marks the 10th anniversary of that invasion; March 19 marked the eighth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

These are not the types of anniversary dates one looks forward to celebrating.

And the people who are

ROSELVA DIOR Citrus College Clarion

going to have to bear the brunt of these costs in lives and debt are the youth of America.

A generation of young Americans cannot remember a time when the United States was not at war.

President Obama, your very own daughters are part of that generation.

In the historic presidential campaign of 2008, you inspired the youth of this great nation to stand up for change.

You made us believe our voice matters.

Well, here we are again, using our voice to urge you to “keep us out of another war.”

We are working hard to

educate ourselves to become productive within society and earn a good living, not to pay for these wars.

Yes, it would be satisfying to overthrow yet another brutal dictator.

But, how many interventions can we successfully put on our plate?

The U.S. government is in a fiscal crisis.

Engaging in another war, when we haven’t finished the first two could cripple our future.

“You can’t simultaneously fire teachers and Tomahawk missiles,” said Jon Stewart of “The Daily Show” Enough is enough.

If we invade Libya, what is to stop us from heading to

Bahrain, Yemen, Iran or any other country where the people are at odds with its totalitarian rulers?

War is not always the answer.

Besides, the United States does not always have to be the country to provide the solutions to international conflicts.

Let the other allied leaders take the lead on this one.

Keep our troops out of the line of fire this time.

Let’s save ourselves first, Mr. President, before we go flying off into the night with a cape on our back trying to save the world.

Sincerely, Citrus College Clarion

EDITOR IN CHIEF Natalie Miranda MANAGING EDITOR Kristin Lacuesta ONLINE EDITOR Emily Rios CAMPUS EDITOR Jennifer Young SPORTS EDITOR Rhiannon Conrado ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Kristin Lacuesta FOOD EDITOR Austin Paul Adamson

OP/ED EDITOR Jennifer Young PHOTO EDITOR Natalie Miranda ADVISER Margaret O’Neil STAFF WRITERS Samantha Lopez, Raul Landeros, Bre Payton, Mindy Youell, Sydney Presley, Vanessa Castro, Cynthia Carrazco, Rubi Carrazco, Israel Mejia CORRESPONDENTS Robert Lucero, Tom Marshall, Daniel Hernandez, Chase Goldsmith, Joseph Thorne PHOTOGRAPHERS/ ARTISTS Natalie Miranda, Vanessa Castro, Cynthia Carrazco, Roselva Dior, Chase Goldsmith, Mindy Youell, Bre Payton PAGE DESIGNERS Irene Cisneros, Meggen Olson, Emily Rios, Jennifer Young, Anthony Galvan, Rhiannon Conrado PHOTO TECHNICIAN Frank Ram INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT Emily Rios 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.

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pg.20

spotlight

March 23, 2011

Colleges compete in ‘Battle of the Big Bands 8’ Israel Mejia Staff Writer The Citrus College Blue Note Orchestra and Azusa Pacific University’s Jazz Essemble went to war March 18 and 19 for the eighth annual Battle of the Big Bands at the Haugh Performing Arts Center.

APU was the clear favorite when it came to their instrumentals, however Citrus outshined APU with an amazing vocal ensemble.

The APU Jazz Ensemble started out their showcase with “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” the song originally arranged by musician Quincy Jones for the Count Basie Orchestra. APU’s lack-luster performance had the crowd wishing they’d stop loving me.

Next up, Citrus vocalist Adrienne McBride was the turning point of the show when she put the audience under her spell as she performed Carolyn Leigh’s “Witchcraft.”

APU continued with a dull peformance of “Days of Wine and Roses” that left the audience sleepy and craving wine in order to get through the slow presentation.

When all hope seemed to be lost for the Christian university,

ANDREA CARDENAS, Citrus College Clarion Citrus College Blue Note Orchestra tenor sax player Harumi Sato plays a solo during the song “Flying Home” in the Battle of the Big Bands 8 performance in the Haugh Performing Arts Center on March 18 at 8 p.m.

the tenor sax solo by Dave Thomasson was a godsend in the tune “Something Coming,” with lyrics by Steven Sondheim and music by Leonard Bernstein.

This performance delivered a spark of magic that excited the audience and pulled the crowd back into the showcase.

The second act commenced with the rivals collectively per-

forming “Experiments with Mice.”

First arranged for jazz pioneer Johnny Dunkworth, this was a very good tune that highlighted jazz in a lighter tone that showed off the genre’s fun-filled versatility.

The Blue Note Orchestra started their second act repertoire with vocalist Maha Hanza singing Frank Sinatra’s “Almost Like Being in Love.” The delivery in this songbird’s offering of the tune had the audience falling in love with both her and jazz.

After Hanza’s performance, enthusiasm and excitement was injected into APU’s jazz ensemble as they featured astonishing intrumental solos in songs like “Nobody Else Like Me” and “Jet Song.”

Among the night’s shining stars was APU’s J Mike O’Neal, who stood out during his piano solos and upstaged Citrus’ pianist Andrew Reyes. Reyes seemed as though he was not enjoying the music as he sat and performed his pieces, in comparison to O’Neal who showed how a piano is really played by performing his songs with rhythm and wild antics that could be compared to piano great Jerry Lee Lewis.

Although APU was in the lead in instrumentals during their ren-

dition of Dinah Shore’s “Nobody Else but Me,” their jazz vocalists lacked rhythm and a united front in the number.

Singers were on their own individual beats; half of the singers were exuberant and fun, while the other performers seemed uncomfortable as they just stood on stage singing.

The Citrus singers were more entertaining and showed a more carefree and joyful time in “Time After Time,” in comparison to APU’s choir who were stiff and seemed to be forcing out the tunes, rather than being fluent with their pieces.

The Blue Note Orchestra concluded their individual showcase with “My Ship,” which included a beautiful vocal solo by McBride dressed in an evening gown.

The Citrus star shined under the spotlight, leaving the crowd as spellbound as when she first hit the stage in the first act.

Though no winner was declared between the bands, the audience was clearly victorious at the end of the night, as they were the ones left with a magnificent night of jazz.

If you missed it this year, make sure to mark your calendars for next year’s show, where the Battle of the Big Band’s will commence for the annual event.