Clarion 4/6/11

The Haugh Peforming Arts The fourth annual Hop-ACenter to debut “Ragtime” Thon plans to raise money April 15-17 for a good cause See page 15 See page 8

citrus college

clarion

April 6, 2011

www.theclariononline.com

Volume 64 Issue 12

State budget crisis translates to fewer students, classes Jennifer Young Campus Editor All bets are off as community colleges are preparing to face an $800 million funding cut after talks between California Republican legislators and Gov. Jerry Brown broke down last week.

The governor’s proposed solution to the states $26 billion budget deficit was twofold: deepspending reductions in public programs and an extension of temporary tax increases.

The legislature has passed $12 billion in spending cuts, but the governor was not successful in his call for legislative approval of a special election so voters could decide whether or not to

extend certain taxes due to expire on July 1.

At an all campus forum on the state’s finances, Citrus College administrative services shared the facts and detailed likely scenarios.

“It looks bleak,” said Carol Horton, vice president of finance and administrative services.

Horton presented three scenarios Citrus could face over the next 15 months.

The best case, scenario No. 1, posits a $400 million cut to the community college system. Citrus’ ending balance in June 2012 would be $3,586,839, which leaves 5.85 percent in reserve.

The loss in full-time equivalent students would be 664. The

likely reduction in student head count is estimated at 1,381, and 221 class sections would be cut from the 2011-2012 class schedule.

Scenario No. 2 assumes a $620 million cut. In this instance, Citrus would be left in June 2012 with $2,094,863 with 3.456 percent in reserves. Lost FTES would be 1,168, lost student headcount would be 2,429, and 389 sections would be cut.

In scenario No. 3, the worst case, the community college system could face a $1,085 billion cut, in a loss of 1, 843 FTES, 3,833 student headcount and 614 sections cut Citrus would be

BUDGET pg. 3

The Citrus cosmetology department put on its 9th annual hair show, themed “Hairray for Hollywood” in the Haugh Performing Arts Center on March 31. SEE PAGE 10, 11

APU student investigated for sexual assault accusation Rhiannon Conrado Sports Editor A female Azusa Pacific University student informed APU Campus Safety at approximately 3 p.m. on March 22 that she was sexually assaulted at approximately 12:30 a.m. Campus Safety officials then contacted the Azusa Police Department.

The student’s claim, which prompted timely warning alerts for both the APU and Citrus campuses, resulted in an immediate investigation. A day later the claim was retracted because the student admitted the report was false, resulting in a retraction of the warning.

Tony Giannone, security

supervisor of Citrus College Campus Safety, said just because the incident did not occur on the Citrus campus, “it still effects our population.”

“I don’t know why the person did it, I just know it affects everybody,” Giannone said. “You feel bad for the person, because of the issue, but on the other hand you’re happy that it didn’t occur.”

Terry Meyers, deputy chief of the department of campus safety at APU, was instructed not discuss the details of the incident, but Detective Bureau Lt. Steve Hunt said on March 23 during the investigation process it was divulged the victim’s report was untrue.

“There was overwhelming

“

There was overwhelming evidence that the event did not occur.

Steve Hunt

DETECTIVE BUREAU LT.

”

evidence that the event did not occur,” Hunt said.

This should not discourage students from reporting a crime, though, he said.

“If someone is a victim of a crime then we want them to come forward,” Hunt said.

“But we do not want people making false reports.”

The detailed description of the alleged perpetrator could

match any number of people, he said, so the person described in the alert could be any random person.

The student, making the claim, or the informant, could be accused of filling a false report which is a misdemeanor. If she is convicted, she could either be fined $10,000 or she could face up to a year in county jail. She could also be liable for expenses wasted during the investigation.

Willie Hamlett, associate vice president of student life at APU, was unable to comment on the disciplinary action that she could face at school.

According to the Student Standards of Conduct at

APU, Section 1.4, “Dishonesty in any form will result in disciplinary action,” and according to Section 2.0, “Students who break the law will be subject to the disciplinary process.”

These standards could be reviewed through “educational meetings” and the alleged violation of the student in question is “based upon what the university would consider to be ‘a reasonable belief’ of what occurred and not upon ‘rules of evidence’ similar to that of a court legal system.”

APU officials could impose several different disciplines ranging from a fine to expulsion.

Fees fund activities, not causes Natalie Miranda Editor in Chief Students at Citrus College are asking how their elected representatives spend their $14 student services fee as student government’s special election approaches.

The executive board of the Associated Students of Citrus College has been campaigning for passage of a $1 Student Representation Fee, the sole item on the election ballot.

The special election, scheduled to take place in the Campus Center on April 12 and 13, is the fourth attempt by ASCC officers to gain student approval for the additional $1, which is to be used for political activities.

According to the ASCC treasurer, the total income in the 2010-2011 student government budget is $609,950.

“Only about half of our budget comes from the student services fee,” said Karlyn

Bradley, 22, treasurer of ASCC. The student services fee produces $360,000 of ASCC income.

An additional $190,000 is generated by bookshop sales, $6,000 from athletic games, $3,000 from the arcade video games in the Handy Campus Center, $250 from IOU’s and $700 from miscellaneous sources.

The budget is divided into

ASCC pg. 3

pg.2

campus

April 6, 2011

Campus Editor Natalie Miranda mirandanatalie@ymail.com

Announcements ASCC Special Election April 12-13 in the Campus Center Mall Students can vote on whether or not to implement the Student Representation Fee

‘The Vagina Monologues’ Wednesday, April 13 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) in the Campus Center Tickets are $3 All proceeds benefit Women and Girls of Haiti as well as Project Sister

Club H.O.P.E holding e-waste collection April 27 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and April 28 from 10 a.m. -1 p.m.

Students are encouraged to bring items such as: T.V. monitors, computers, printers and cell phones to be recycled.

Items not accepted include: batteries, refrigerators and microwaves.

For more information contact Liliana Saldana (626) 848-1324

News Briefs LOCAL

Azusa teacher's Facebook page contains inappropriate comments

L.A. County seeks $20 million for dam improvements A $20 million request from the state for flood control and seismic improvements for Santa Anita Debris Dam will be asked by the county Department of Public Works to the Board of Supervisors this week to approve a resolution. The money would be used to construct a new riser structure to withstand quakes and maximum flooding, and enlarge the spreading grounds to improve capacity and recapture water, among other improvements. The project's total cost is estimated at $40 million. County public works officials said the project will be done in phases and the agency will seek financial support from other agencies.

Source: SGV Tribune

On Monday, officials said an Azusa High School teacher, Susan Graham has been placed on leave and remains under investigation by the Azusa Unified School District after administrators discovered her Facebook page contained references to personal heroin use and underage drinking.

She is scheduled to chaperone students on a trip to London for spring break. Several contain vulgar comments and profanity.

Graham has been a teacher at Azusa High School for four years, but has been teaching in the district for longer.

Source: SGV Tribune

STATE

Gov. Brown signs bill to transfer thousands of nonviolent felons to county jails Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law on Monday evening; under this law tens of thousands of felons convicted of nonviolent crimes will serve their time in county jails instead of state prisons. The measure is designed to reduce the number of inmates in California's chronically overcrowded state lockups and keep relatively low-level offenders closer to their homes, where drug treatment and mental health services are believed to be more effective. Supporters hope to save taxpayers money by lowering the number of offenders who return to prison and by housing many parole violators in less expensive county jails.

Source: LA Times

Democrats revive bills vetoed by Schwarzenegger Dozens of proposals vetoed by former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger are now being revived through the Legislature, with the ruling Democrats in hopes that Jerry Brown will sign them. Some bills plan to boost the use of renewable energy, make it easier for farmworkers to unionize and give illegal immigrants access to college aid. Many of the bills could put the governor in an awkward position. He is intent on demonstrating to voters that he is not a machine Democrat. His effort to project an image of independence and fiscal prudence could be undermined by the acceptance of a raft of liberal legislation.

Source: LA Times

NATIONAL NASA Delays Final Launching of the Space Shuttle Endeavour NASA is delaying the last mission of the space shuttle Endeavour because the original April 19 launching date conflicts with Russia’s plans to send a cargo ship to the International Space Station. The Endeavour is now scheduled to lift off on April 29 with Capt. Mark E. Kelly, the husband of Representative Grabrielle Giffords, at the helm. It will be the next-to-last mission for the 30-year shuttle program; the Atlantis is scheduled to close it out this summer.

Source: NY Times

G.O.P. Blueprint Would Remake Health Policy House Republican aides said the budget blueprint to be issued by the chairman of the Budget Committee, Representative Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin, would slice more than $5 trillion from projected federal spending in the coming decade. Under the proposal, Medicaid would be transformed into a block grant, with a lump sum of federal money given to the states to care for low-income people. States would be given more discretion over use of the money than they have under the current federal-state partnership.

Source: NY Times

INTERNATIONAL TEPCO: Radioactive leak into ocean stopped Tokyo Electric Power Co. spokesperson Naoki Tsunoda said Wednesday that the company's attempt to stem the leak by injecting 1,500 liters, about 400 gallons, of "water glass," or sodium silicate, and another agent near a seaside pit where the water was leaking appeared to have been successful. The leak was discovered Saturday, and radiation of more than 7.5 million times the legal limit for seawater was found in the ocean just off the tsunamidamaged nuclear plant. The water stopped leaking at 5:38 a.m. (2038 GMT) Tokyo time, Tsunoda said.

Source: MSNBC

One survivor in UN plane crash that kills 32 A United Nations plane crashed while trying to land at the airport serving Congo's capital Kinshasa on Monday, killing 32 of the 33 people on board, the U.N. said. The plane lost control in high winds as it came in to land and left the runway, said Health Ministry official Joseph Kiboko. "The plane landed heavily, broke into two and caught fire," a Reuters source said, asking not to be named. The plane was coming from Goma in the east, the source said. Witnesses said the plane crashed at around 8 a.m. ET and was trying to land in heavy rain, the BBC reported.

Source: MSNBC

campus April 6, 2011

Campus Editor Jennifer Young jennayou22@gmail.com

Education leaders discuss reform Rhiannon Conrado Sports Editor Local school administrators called for change in the public school system, at state Senator Bob Huff’s fourth annual Education Summit on March 31.

People gathered to listen to educational leaders including Superintendent/President of Citrus College Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D., Los Angeles Unified Superintendent John Deasey, and Riverside Unified Superintendent Rick Miller.

Perri directed her main focus points on the fate of the nation’s education, as well as the lack of funding for community colleges in California.

Once ranked number one in education, the United States is now ranked 10 in the world in the percentage of young adults who hold a college degree, Perri said.

“The current generation of college-age Americans will be less educated than their parents for the first time in U.S. history,” she said.

“That’s a sad statistic.”

Perri added that the nation spends considerably more to educate four-year public college students than it does to educate community college students.

Schools face a nationwide challenge in student success and college completion rates, she said.

Miller emphasized the importance of innovative ideas, including the use of digital textbooks, which are prevalent in his Riverside District.

In algebra classes alone, digital textbooks greatly impact school learning, he said.

Two years ago only 42 percent of eighth grade students were completing algebra at a proficient or advanced rate, and today 60 percent are completing the course. However, 95 percent of students in a class with digital textbooks succeeded with proficient ratings or better, Miller said.

“We are trying to impact learning in a very different way,” Miller said. “We are looking to create a digital presence because this is how our community operates.”

With technology, students no longer need to hop on a bus, Miller said. Instead, classrooms are going on virtual field trips to the mountains and the beach.

“We don’t need to change the system, we need to redesign the system,” Miller said. “Bottom line, we need to focus on outcomes rather than inputs.”

Miller called for borderless learning because learning is all day everyday, he said.

Keynoter Deasy presented another startling statistic: The United States is ranked number one in the world in the number of human beings being incarcerated.

“We have five percent of the world’s population and 25 percent of the world’s prisoners,” Deasy said.

“I spend time on Sunday mornings in the various camps, or as you call them, prisons in California, and when you take a look at

BRE PAYTON Citrus College Clarion LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy discusses problems in the public school system at Senator Bob Huff’s Education Summit at Citrus on March 31.

who’s sitting there, they are our youth, and they are overwhelmingly my youth.”

In the LAUSD, only 54 percent of students graduate, Deasy said. One in every two students disappears.

Overall, the main goal of each school administrator is to improve in the classroom, but with the state budget crisis their eagerness to improve the system may take longer than they had hoped.

ASCC: REP fee to be used for lobbying Campus Service Accounts and ASCC Activities Accounts.

The $524,952 in Campus Service Accounts helps fund drama, instrumental music, vocal music, printing, athletic teams, the Haugh Performing Arts Center, vocational technology, accounting supplies, campus improvements, salaries, scholarships and grants, dance, community relations and memberships.

The $84,998 in the Activities Accounts goes towards awards and championships, Campus Center maintenance, conferences, equipment and repairs, public relations, supplies and contingencies.

“ASCC [executive board] only spends two percent on ourselves,” Bradley said. “The money we spend on ourselves comes from conferences, which is $7,784.”

When the time comes to develop the budget for the new

fiscal year, departments make their requests, and the student finance committee determines funding amounts.

Committee members present their budget proposal to the ASCC executive board, Bradley said. If the board does not approve the budget, the committee must rework it with the recommendations from the board.

Once the ASCC executive board approves the budget, it goes to the Board of Trustees.

The BOT must approve the ASCC budget, just as it does other programs on campus, said Martha McDonald, dean of students.

The major expenses in the Campus Service Accounts include salaries, campus improvements and scholarships and grants.

The salaries include student life staff and the student business office, McDonald said.

Of the seven accounts, student government officers use the conferences and public relations accounts most often, Bradley said. The Student Affairs Office uses the other accounts more often.

“The rest of our money is basically given away to other programs or services on campus or is going to salaries,” Bradley said.

If students vote to approve the REP fee in the special election scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, student government officers will be able to travel to lobby for student issues, Bradley said.

“We will still have conferences and travel money, but, for example, that money could be soley for students who are getting awards and to send students to NASA,” Bradley said. “And we could use the REP fee to send ASCC to lobby on the students’ behalf.

Bradley said he is aware that students may wrongly assume that the ASCC board is “sitting here with half a million dollars and we’re just dumping this money on ourselves.”

Katrina Cabrera, 20, a nursing major from Azusa said that she thinks the student services fee is being put to good use and that students should be more informed about expenditures.

The special election for the REP fee will be held on 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 must bring their Citrus IDs, or California IDs. “As the ASCC board, we have been elected to represent our constituents,” Bradley said.

“We need the students’ help.

We can only do so much. We need the students to come out and vote for the REP fee.”

pg. 3

Budget: more cuts left in June 2012 with $93,038 or 0.156 percent left in reserve.

That is not enough money to pay the light bill for one month, Horton said.

Citrus currently has a 13 percent reserveas state law requires.

Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D., superintendent/president of Citrus College outlined the major portions of the 2011-2012 budget package passed by the legislature on March 17.

SB 69, the main budget bill, cut $400 million from the community college system. The bill also allows for a workload reduction of $290 million and reduces the full-time equivalent student level.

This forces community colleges to serve fewer students and offer fewer sections.

A recently conducted Pearson Foundation Community College Student Survey found that 47 percent of California students have been unable to enroll in needed courses because they were full. This compares to just 28 percent of students across the nation that said they experienced the same trouble.

“We are coming closer to planning an all-cuts budget,” said Irene Malmgren, Ed.D., vice president of academic affairs.

Also passed was SB 70, the Education Trailer Bill. The bill increases the per-unit fee from $26 to $36, generating $110 million in revenue. The reality is Citrus must maintain focus on its core mission of offering students transfer courses, vocational programs and basic skills development, she said.

A component of Gov. Brown’s budget plan that was not passed an extension of taxes enacted by former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2009. Passage of the tax extensions would be necessary to trigger the bestcase scenario.

“It’s not only the students who are hurt by the continued erosion of funding for higher education,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott in a press release. “The state’s future economy is damaged, too. If just two percent more of California’s population earned an associate degree and one percent more earned a bachelor’s degree, the state’s economy would grow by $20 billion. We have to remember that funding for higher education in California is not a cost, but an investment.”

Perri and Horton both stressed that the situation is very fluid. The scenarios they presented are based on the information provided by the Community College League of California.

“It’s hard to predict, we are left with uncertainty, but students must be patient,” said Erick Sanzon, ASCC vice president.

A budget forum is to be scheduled for June 6, Horton said.

April 6, 2011

campus

College success counselor to retire Vanessa Castro Staff Writer After 27 years at Citrus, the college success counselor will be retiring in June.

Marilyn Eng was born in Cleveland and grew up in Painesville, Ohio. She attended Lakeland Community College and received a B.S. in education from Miami University in Ohio and an M.A. in counseling and guidance from Ohio State University.

Eng’s first job out of college was working with kids with disabilities because her undergraduate degree was in elementary and special education.

She then worked in K-12 for four years and at Lakeland Community College outside of Cleveland.

In 1984, Eng moved to California from Ohio in search of employment.

That year she was hired at Citrus as the DSP&S coordinator. From 1996-2007, she was a generalist in the counseling office. She has been a college success counselor since 2007.

In 2005, she received the Distinguished Faculty Award from Citrus College. Eng was humbled by receiving this award because it came from colleagues and at a time in her career when it validated the work she had been doing for a long time.

She said that she was inspired by two deans of counseling: Raul Rodriguez and Art Briones who still works with Citrus College students.

“They both helped me develop as a counselor and were supportive and encouraging,” she said.

“I did some leadership training through them [Briones and Rodriguez] and one of the things that they always said was try, in all your conversations and work at

the college, to keep the focus on the students, what’s good for the teachers. If I have a legacy, I hope that people will continue to try to keep that focus,” Eng said.

Eng has had a positive impact in the lives of many people during her tenure at Citrus.

“Marilyn has been absolutely selfless in sharing pointers, tips, guidance and setting the professional bench mark for folks through the academic senate,” said Roberta Eisel, Academic Senate president. “Her command of academic senate issues and her professionalism is really an inspiration to me.”

Stephanie Capriulo, a testing technician who was hired

by Eng 21 years ago is appreciative of Eng’s work with and for DSP&S students.

“I was on grant money and things went really well,” Capriulo said. “Then we lost the grant and I basically would have been let go except she found a place for me in DSP&S and that’s why I’m still here today. I’m going to miss her very much .”

Andrew Robles, Learning Center and adjunct faculty, has known Eng for many years.

“She is dedicated to making life easier for disabled students when she worked with them and now, students that are trying to figure out what they’re trying to do in college,” Robles said.

Eng has advice to Citrus College students. “Make the most of your college experience. Don’t take it for granted; just make it a priority because it will serve you in the long run in life.”

According to Eng, sometimes there are students who just don’t see the value education will have for them.

“It’s not that you necessarily are guaranteed you are

going to make a lot of money or anything with a degree but it’s just getting exposed to different people and the larger world and I think it helps you relate better to people and gives you skills that you need in the workplace in terms of getting along with people, dealing with the diverse community, being responsible,” she said.

Eng said she has enjoyed being a part of the educational process.

“As I was growing up, education was really valued,” she said. “The community college is a great place for people of all circumstances to come and have an education so that they can better their lives.”

Eng feels that “at the end of the day, it’s a job where you can at least feel like you did something worthwhile for people.”

Eng and her husband Henry live in Diamond Bar and have been married for almost 24 years. Their son, Kevin, 22, was just accepted by the UCR/UCLA Thomas Haider Program for medical school.

Her step-daughter Natalie, 29, has a 7-week old daughter, Kara. Eng said that she is looking forward to having more time to spend watching her grow and develop.

Eng’s hobbies include gardening, cooking and traveling.

“Find something that you’re passionate about because you’re going to have to maybe do that for a long time and it sets the foundation,” she said.

“But you have to get beyond what your parents want or what your friends think is cool and figure out what’s going to make you happy and something you’ll feel good about to get up and go to.”

Need a textbook but can’t afford it?

Consider renting a textbook from The Owl Bookstore Go online to: www.ob.bookrenterstore.com

pg. 5

Courtesy of Marilyn Eng Marily Eng, college success counselor at Citrus, is retiring this year, and plans on spending more time with her new granddaughter, Kara.

pg.6

campus

April 6, 2011

Former Clarion writer recounts Japanese disaster

Courtesy of Kazue Fujii

Kazue Fujii Special to the Clarion Editor’s Note: Kazue Fujii was a writer on The Clarion staff in fall 2009 and spring 2010 Hi Teacher, how are you?

I interviewed the people who were hit by earthquake.

But I thought I didn’t have any word for them, and the old man who lost his family refused to write about his grand children (my friend).

I’m sorry but I don’t want to hurt his heart. Now his rela-

tive keep watching to prevent his suicide.

He said that I should have survived by himself and he wanted to die.

My hometown is pretty far from the striken area 1000 km.

I don’t have any radiation effect in Hiroshima but there is no water bottle in super market.

Anyway I got some picture from my guy friend who was hit by tsunami at Sendai.

I put them with this email.

The height of the tsunami came under his apartment on

the third floor!!! The tsunami height was about 23 m (76 feet).

After calamity three weeks has passed but people started to be in a hurry.

Once people got a shock, the shock has paralyzed their ability to think.

But few weeks passed and they gradually made them realize what they lost such as family, lovers, house and fortune.

If I was hit by earthquake I can write what was like truly but in this case, I didn’t feel anything at that time.

Courtesy of Kazue Fujii

The day was no different from yesterday.

Every time I wrote an article, I have strong message to readers what I feel, want to tell.

Actually my sister lives at Tokyo and she was hit by

strong earthquake, and she is earthquake dizzy now.

So I can interview my sister and get some info from my guy friend who gave me these pictures.

Kazue “Kate” Fujii

campus Early Alert notifies students before it’s too late

pg. 7

April 6, 2011

Jennifer Young Campus Editor

Early Alert is a program to help students identify issues before they become problems. It can be a motivational tool for students to take their academics seriously and successfully complete their courses.

It is a retention program designed to motivate students to address academic issues before they end up on academic probation or are dismissed from the college.

At the end of spring 2010, 977 students were placed on academic probation and the number of students dismissed at the end of spring 2010 was 1,448, which reflects students who were on academic probation for two consecutive semesters.

“A student shall be placed on academic probation if he/she has attempted a minimum of 12 semester units of work and has a grade point average of less that a ‘C’ (2.0)…A student who is on academic probation shall be subject to dismissal if the student has earned a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.0 in all units attempted in each of two consecutive

semesters,” according to Citrus College district policy.

The Early Alert program started 14 years ago and used to be implemented through traditional mail and Scantron forms but was switched to an email-only system when Citrus switched to WingSpan in 2008.

The program has two parts. The first is the email component. Professors can log into the website where their class rosters are loaded into the system and email personalized letters to individual students or an entire class.

A professor can send reminders to a whole class or send individualized letters about a student’s progress in the class.

The usage rate among professors is currently at 30 percent. When the system was done through traditional mail it was utilized by 60 percent of professors on campus. It is up to each individual instructor to utilize the system.

Once professors use the new email based system they like it and continue to use it, said Robin McBurney, Early Alert coordinator.

The second part of Early Alert is the workshop component. McBurney and other

Courtesy of ROBIN McBURNEY

counselors hold workshops in the areas of: goal setting, learning styles, stress management, note taking, test taking and other success strategies.

Students can attend workshops on their own initiative or once they are alerted through the Early Alert system. Workshops are also taught in the basic skills reading and English courses.

“Between 1,800-2,000 students are served through Early Alert workshops each year. Maybe 500-800 students get letters a semester,”

McBurney said.

In the workshops students are taught strategies to improve their academic performance.

During a workshop, students take an assessment based on the topic being covered, they discuss issues they are having and they are taught strategies and new techniques to help them succeed.

“There are a number of reasons for students that are dismissed and put on academic probation. They are dealing with a lot of stresses

certainly. Another could be that they need some other services or help,” said Lois Papner, dean of admissions and records.

“Early Alert is a program that has really great potential and it works for students who pay attention to it,” said Irene Malmgren, Ed.D., vice president of academic affairs.

Students can view the entire Early Alert workshop schedule at citruscollege.edu.

APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED

pg. 8

campus

April 6, 2011

Children hop for a worthy cause Kristin Lacuesta Managing Editor It is that time of year for children and staff in the Citrus College Child Development Center to don their bunny ears and hop for a worthy cause in the fourth annual Hop-A-Thon.

Sixty children from the Child Development Center, ages four and five, will be hopping for three minutes to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“Our goal is to raise on average $1500,” Dr. Mickie Allen, director of the Child Development Center said.

Last spring they raised $955.75 from pledges and donations and the year before that $2,198.79 was made for the MDA. The MDA is the non-profit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research.

The association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. It was created back in 1950 by a group of adults with muscular dystrophy and parents with children affected by the dis-

File Photo Courtesy of Julia Kupisiewicz Children from the Child Development Center hop to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association at their an­ nual Hop­A­Thon event. In 2009 the children raised $955.75.

ease.

According to WebMD.com, muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited diseases in which

the muscles that control movement progressively weaken. It affects approximately 400 to 600 live male

births in the United States each year, says the data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Throughout the week, the children in the Child Development Center will be participating in activities that help them learn about people with disabilities.

According to Allen, the MDA sends coloring books and activities to the center for the children to do. From there, the childcare providers utilize fun ways, such as storytelling, to expose the children to people with disabilities and teach them tolerance.

Last year, Allen put on a bunny suit and joined the children in hopping. This year, she plans on wearing a costume along with a set of bunny ears.

“The Hop-A-Thon takes dedicated staff to pull it off as well as support from families to earn money,” Allen said.

“The Hop-A-Thon is just a great opportunity for the children to learn about all the different people out there.”

For participating in the event, children will receive stickers and children will receive certain incentives for however much money they raised.

To make a donation, call the Child Development Center at (626) 914-8501.

April 6, 2011

sports

pg. 9

Sports Editor Rhiannon Conrado rhimariee@yahoo.com

Owls defeat West LA Rhiannon Conrado Sports Editor The baseball team hit three home runs, two of which were hit by second baseman Shane Fraijo, at Citrus on April 5, ending the game with a 7-5 victory against West LA. Fraijo was first to put the Owls on the scoreboard with a solo home run in the first inning.

“I’m excited it helped out our team,” Fraijo said.

Fraijo went 4 for 4, including four runs and a walk.

At the bottom of the second, Nicholas Bergara tied up the score with a home run. West LA. scored two runs in the top of the second.

First baseman Richard Seigal from West LA. helped the Wildcats with a home run in the top of the third, sending second baseman Jose Munoz to home, leading 4-2.

In the third, Citrus’ shortstop Charles Ball stole second and third after sending a line drive to center.

After the third inning, West LA. did not score a run until the eighth, their last run of the game, eventually falling to Citrus.

“We beat ourselves on the bases,” said Bob Grant, head coach at West LA. “But I gotta give it to Citrus, they played well.”

With a final home run by Fraijo in the eighth inning, the

Owls succeeded with a 7-5 win.

Citrus’ head coach Steve Gomez was pleased with team’s overall performance, but he said that the team needs different guys to be more consistent hitters, instead of just Fraijo.

“You always feel good about a victory,” Coach Gomez said.

While Citrus better executed the game, Coach Gomez gave credit to West LA. “Offensively they looked good,” Coach Gomez said.

The two teams will face each other again at West LA. College on April 7 at 2:30 p.m.

The Owls next home game will be against Bakersfield on April 9 at 1 p.m.

RHIANNON CONRADO Citrus College Clarion Citrus’ second baseman Shane Fraijo finalizes the score with a second home run at the bottom of the eighth, ending the game with a 7­5 victory against West LA on April 5. Fraijo’s home run in the first inning was the first run on the scoreboard, and his second home run was the last.

New coach leads college track team “ Rubi Carrazco Staff Writer

After helping out the track team as an assistant coach for two consecutive seasons, new head coach Richard Nila began this season with a new title.

Starting as a young athlete, Nila began running at the age of 7. He stayed consistent with sports and was very active as an all around athlete.

In high school, his primary sport was baseball because his father convinced him to play.

When senior year rolled around, Nila decided to join the track team. He participated in the running and jumping events.

He attended Whittier College, where he was active on the football team, and earned second team AllSCIAC honors in 1981 and 1982.

“I fell in love with track in 1986 when I saw the Arcadia Invitational Meet,” Nila said.

“I thought someday I’d love to be a part of this as a coach.”

Nila never anticipated to become a coach until he saw a student who needed some help.

In 1994 he became a track coach at a high school. “ I saw a kid who wasen’t trained right, and I wanted to help him out,” Nila said.

Nila loved learning new things about being a coach, such as relationship bonding with the athletes, and most

I fell in love with track in 1986 when I saw the Arcadia Invitational Meet...I thought someday I’d love to be a part of this as a coach.

RICHARD NILA

RICHARD NILA

importantly he fell more and more in love with the sport.

Nicki Shaw, assistant coach of the track team helped Nila get the job as head coach.

Nila knew this would be a hard job to take over, but the relationships with the whole team would make everything much easier.

“Its been a blessing, the fact that we’ve grown so much, it just all came together,” Nila said.

“I think he does a fantastic job preparing us for season,” said sprinter James Francis.

“He has a very joyful spirit and it keeps getting greater.

Most athletes on the track team said that Nila is a great person and friend.

Katie Perez, a pole vaulter on the track team said, “He tells us uplifting stories. It’s inspiring because it makes you grateful for what you are.”

“As a team we all do warm ups, stretch and we all

”

cheer together,” said pole vaulter Chihiro Ito. Nila left a bad job in 2006, and is very grateful to have this job as the head coach.

He also works in the Pomona Unified School district as an elementary school P.E teacher.

“Kids make you feel so special,” Nila said.

Track and field is a sport where it can be over for some athletes very soon, or it can go on for many months depending on how far an individual can go.

Most people believe it is an individual sport, but in th end when all the points add up, the team depends on eachother to get the most possible points.

Nila likes to remind his team “small consistent steps, forward daily.”

It helps them realize that competing takes patience, and practice should be taken seriously.

Track season will end when the last athletes finish their participation after finals.

April 6, 2011

pg.10

Rubi Carrazco Staff Writer

Citrus College Cosm

It was good but it could have been amazing.

The ninth annual hair show themed “Hairray for Hollywood” turned out much bigger than previous years.

There were 92 models who walked the runway, and 720 guests at the show in the Haugh Performing Arts Center on March 31.

Due to a large audience last year, the production staff decided to move the show from the Campus Center to a bigger stage in the Haugh Performing Arts Center.

A group called “Upbeat,” from Citrus, consisting of eight musical performers, welcomed guests as they walked in.

Dancers from the dance department opened the show to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.” The moves were well rehearsed, but a slight fall by one of the female dancers put a damper on the overall performance.

Designers and stylists, 143 in all, used their imagination and creativity to portray a Hollywood movie genre.

Categories included: historical, drama & romance, musical, animation, action & science fiction, and fantasy.

Guests had the honor to see hairstyles inspired by “Alice in Wonderland,” “Edward Scissorhands,” “Cleopatra,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Peter Pan,” “The Dark Knight,” “ A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and many more great films.

Hairstyles varied from immensely detailed creations, to some that could have used more work.

Some designers went above and beyond with long hair extensions, colored contacts, and many extra props.

While some models wore a simple tank top, shorts and flat boots.

“The over all show was great,” said Director Gus Brooks. “Glitches happen all the time, I think it went quite well with no dress rehearsal.

We could not get the theatre to practice.”

Then it was time to announce the twelve finalists.

Earlier in the day, designers had to have their models ready by 4 p.m. to be judged by eight professionals.

Judging criteria was based upon structural form, execution, work-

manship, originality, creativity, aesthetics and nails.

“They were very difficult to judge,” said Celia Asses instructor of cosmetology at Fullerton College. “There is so much talent, we looked at everything, polished nails, and looked at the skin for any mess.”

The judges chose two finalists from each genre, and after small discussion they chose the top three winners.

The first twelve finalists were announced on stage. All finalist designers put out their best work, and it did not look like a costume party.

They all portrayed their genre well.

Designer Christopher Booher took third place with his model Elena Murray, whose hairstyle and wardrobe was inspired by “Black Swan.”

Her smoky colored eye shadow captured the essence of the swan in the movie. Murray wore an all black outfit, keeping it classy, yet pulling off the full look.

“It took me from 9 a.m. to the last minute they gave me,” Booher said. “I’m super excited, did what I wanted, and glad they liked it.”

Booher spent seven hours preparing his model.

A portrayal from “Avatar” took second place by designers Joy Martinez and Enjol Gomez. Their model was Christina Gonzales.

She wore the aqua blue skintight suit fairly well.

The extensions and earrings complimented the “Avatar” character well.

Her long black tail and extremely long hair helped viewers see the details and hard work put into the wardrobe.

Martinez and Gomez said they were excited and happy for each other.

The grand prize of $1,000 was awarded to designer Victoria Pogosyan. Her model, Crystal Virgen, portrayed a hairstyle from “Gladiator.”

“She deserves everything,” said Virgen. “She worked really hard the whole time.”

A silver wired crown surrounded Virgen’s head, and was the main piece to the entirelook.

“Hairray for Hollywood” was a great theme to choose. It varied in many aspects of the true meaning of Hollywood, and it was an entertaining topic.

NATALIE MIRANDA Citrus College Clarion Katrina Ornelas gets her eyeshadow touched up before the “Hairray for Hollywood” show by her designers Thyme Saldana and Ariane Ramos on March 31. It was the ninth annual hair show put on by the cosmetoloty de­ partment.

HAIRRAY FOR HO

pg. 11

April 6, 2011

metology presents

NATALIE MIRANDA Citrus College Clarion Victoria Pogosyan glues hair extensions onto Crystal Virgen’s head while prepping in the cosmetology department for “Hair­ ray for Hollywood” which was held in the Haugh Performing Arts Center on March 31.

CYNTHIA CARRAZCO Citrus College Clarion Crystal Virgen walks the runway in a “Gladiator” inspired en­ semble that won the grand prize of $1,000 on March 31.

NATALIE MIRANDA Citrus College Clarion Brianne Clough and Marisol Rose paint model Diane Carnicia to turn her into a creature from “Avatar” for the “Hairray for Hollywood” hair show put on by Citrus cosmetology department.

NATALIE MIRANDA Citrus College Clarion Designers adorned their models with gems and glitter eye shadow to enhance their models looks for the “Hairray for Hollywood” show put on by cosmetology students that took place on March 31 in the Haugh Performning Arts Center.

OLLYWOOD SHOW

April 6, 2011

sports

pg. 13

Program emphasizes the ‘A’ in athletics Robert Lucero Correspondent The Scholar-Baller recognition program acknowledges the best performances by Citrus College athletes on the field, but most importantly, in the classroom.

The title Scholar-Baller is given to those athletes who maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher while continuing to represent the Owls on the field.

During the fall 2007 semester, which was the first semester the program was active, 15 Owls earned the status of Scholar-Baller.

For 2010-11, 69 Owls are designated Scholar-Ballers, the highest number that Citrus has proceeded since the program was implemented.

C. Keith Harrison, Ed.D, who played football at West Texas A & M University and earned scholar athlete honors, initiated the Scholar-Baller program back in 1995.

Those who earn the title are given a hat, shirt, and a ThinkMan or ThinkWoman patch stitched onto their uniforms. They are also called out for honors at a home game.

Throughout the country,

Scholar-Baller athletes from community colleges to universities, wear the patch.

When Citrus student athletes apply to transfer, their ScholarBaller title is an indicator that these student athletes are competitors in the classroom and on the field.

Citrus first came across the program in spring 2007 while counselor Alicia athletics Longyear, Dean of Athletics Jody Wise, and physical education professor Mary Brawner were attending a California Community College Athletic Association meeting.

During that CCCAA meeting, Harrison, along with ScholarBallers cofounders Jean Boyd and Cliff Parks, gave a presentation on the program. The three Citrus representatives decided to introduce it to Citrus.

Wise said the teachers and coaches at Citrus were really impressed and saw it as a way to put more emphasis into academia.

“A lot of [student athletes] focus primarily on their sport.

Then they try to squeeze in academics and part-time jobs and all of those kinds of things,” Wise said. “We wanted to make sure we had a push within our department to stress the aca-

demic part for them and to reward their efforts in the classroom.”

Longyear, who is the director of the Citrus chapter, said the implementation of the program went well.

“We didn’t have to twist too many arms,” she said.

A former college student athlete, Longyear desribed herself as “more like a 2.8, 2.9” student.

“I was never academically ineligible or anything like that, but I never had anything like this to strive for,” she said. “For someone like me, this would have been huge.”

Christina Kinney, for nursing major and basketball forward, being a Scholar-Baller is a real challenge.

“Most people don’t want to study because you’re tired and you just want to sleep, but you have to fight through it,” she said.

Kinney said that good grades reflect who an individual is and those grades show how hard working that person is, which is what keeps her persevering as a student athlete.

“It means something,” Wise said. “It means you’re a champion in the classroom as well as in the sport that you’re doing.”

Softball team shuts out rival

“

Kristin Lacuesta Managing Editor The Citrus College softball team shut out LA Valley College,10-0, on April 5, 2011, bringing Citrus’ record to 1410 and keeping their first place position in the Western State Conference standings.

The rivalry between both schools has been long going, and this season, Citrus College prevailed, sweeping LA Valley in all three games against them.

In the first inning, Citrus had two errors allowing the Monarchs to load the bases.

However, Citrus’ defense rallied back and managed to keep it a scoreless first half of the inning.

From there, Citrus dominated the game.

When it was the Lady Owls’ turn at-bat, they utilized the three LA Valley field errors made by pitcher Amber Cabada to score three runs.

From there LA Valley’s defense continued to struggle, allowing two more Citrus players to score.

By the end of the second inning, Citrus was up 5-0, while LA Valley had four errors on the board.

In the bottom of the third Citrus pitcher Kimberly Lopez scored a solo home run, bringing the score to 6-0. Left fielder Carmen Carrillo kept the pace going with a base

We get fired up to play LA Valley no matter what, they’re seen as a bit of a rival.

JACKIE BOXLEY

SOFTBALL HEAD COACH

”

KRISTIN LACUESTA Citrus College Citrus College right fielder Jacque­ line Ramirez slides into home plate bringing the score to 8­0 during the April 5 game against LA Valley Col­ lege.

hit, earning her 2 RBI’s and increasing the Owls’ lead by 8.

In the fourth inning, Citrus’ defense held the Monarchs to no hits. While the Owls put the game in the bag with an extra two runs.

The game ended in the fifth, due to the mercy rule, with the score 10-0 Citrus College.

Citrus head coach Jackie Boxley was elated.

“We get fired up to play LA Valley no matter what, they’re seen as a bit of a rival,” she

said. “This team is really driven and smart. They play real smart and they want it.”

However, LA Valley assistant coach Lorena Arreguin was anything but thrilled on the way her players played.

“With six errors, we pretty much handed them the game,” Arreguin said. “We’ll see them next season.”

Citrus College left fielder Carmen Carrillo, who ended the game with one hit and two RBI’s, felt the team played real well.

“Our hitting was exceptionally good, which is why we ended up picking up the win,” she said.

Boxley said their strategy for the rest of the season is to just continue setting the tempo and getting those wins.

With this win, Citrus brings their record to 14-10, while LA Valley falls even with a 13-13 record.

The next game is scheduled for tomorrow at LA Mission College at 1 p.m.

Admission is free.

Scholar-Baller

Owl student athletes with a 3.0 GPA or higher Men’s Soccer Tyler Cintra do Prado Oscar Diaz Kevin Goodman Jeff Lopez Carlos Velasquez Men’s Water Polo Dylan Rudy Greg Yokomizo Softball Kristan Breslau Rebecca Lopez Brittni Moreno Jacqueline Ramirez Tamara Robles

Paige Savage Lauren Vargas Brittany Vasquez Track Maya Avant Jordan Duncan Elizabeth Estrada Natalie Griffin Tyrone James Amanda Mejia Shawn Miller Josh Tenerowicz Volleyball Lindsey Mitchell Isabel Pardo Lauren Walsh

Women’s Soccer Linda Kommel Stacey Pelayo Kelsey Tucker Laura Valdovinos Women’s B-Ball Jennifer Avila Laura Guerrero Shelley Gupilan Christina Kinney Ariel Marsh Women’s Water Polo Sharon Bright Cejae Escudero Allison Gonzalez Khristin Vargas

food

pg.14

Miracle berry: the taste changer Israel Mejia Staff Writer Behold, the miracle berry; it will make your taste buds work in ways you never imagined.

The miracle berry is also known as miracle fruit or Synsepalum dulcificum. It has been used by the natives of West Africa since at least the 18th century and the United States has used it for many years but because of its cultivation, it isn’t easy to mass produce.

The miracle berry contains Miraculin.

This active ingredient coats the receptors in the tongue that detect sour, bitter, and acidic flavors. The outcome of eating the miracle berry first is that anything that you eat tastes sour, bitter or acidic will taste very sweet.

People who have eaten this berry before consuming their foods have claimed that Guinness tastes like a chocolate shake, tomatoes taste like peaches, lemons and grapefruit become irresistibly sweet.

The berry itself looks like a very small cherry. In order to get the effect of the miracle berry, one must bite into the berry soft enough to get through the skin without biting the seed. Let the juices flow over your tongue as you separate the pulp from the seed. The berry tastes a little bit like cranberry and raspberry juice. The more exposure the juices are on your tongue, the longer the effect.

McClatchy Tribune Services

This effect is amazing and all, but it could also be beneficial. This berry can be used to help people who are diabetic, people who are trying to lose weight and people undergoing chemotherapy.

Diabetics are faced with a life threatening disease that requires giving up sugar.

But if they consider this miracle fruit, diabetics can have foods with no sugar but can enjoy forbidden pleasure.

People who are trying to lose weight are told to trade sweets for vegetables. No one wants to give up junk food for salads,

but with this miracle fruit, that bowl of leafy green veggies could be the best tasting dish you ever had.

Consuming this berry before a meal will help an overweight person eat fewer calories. Dieters often crave ice cream and anything chocolatey. For once, having that 100-calorie bar with 20 percent sugar will taste better than the regular bar.

When a person under goes chemotherapy, his or her whole body is affected, including taste buds. Patients sometimes refuse food because the taste is intolerable. Malnourishment and weight loss is very common. But it has been proven that the miracle berry taste alterations could save patients from losing too much body mass.

Imagine how many people don’t eat healthy foods because they don’t like the taste such as children who will not tolerate broccoli.

Over the last few years people have been having “taste tripping” parties. This party sounds like fun, the food at these parties range from lemons to cheap alcohol but after one berry, the taste of these cheap things have boundless freedoms.

This fruit is a little bit pricey, costing from $2 or more per berry. A less expensive alternative would be to buy the freeze-dried tablets. Any of these products can be purchased online on websites like www.dulciberry.com.

Not only could this fruit be revolutionary but open our society to many new things.

Glendora’s little known taco secret Sydney Presley Staff Writer Tacos are a fine art.

Sure, you can settle on just about any drive-through fast food joint, but quality Mexican food in Glendora is a rare breed.

Fear not, for there has been a little-known restaurant that has been right underneath our nose for four years now.

That is none other than Taco Grill, which is located at 537 W. Baseline Road, right here in Glendora. Not only do they have an extensive menu, but the quality of their food is superb.

Taco Grill is right off of the 210 Freeway and if you blink, you just might miss it.

Once you walk through the doors you are greeted by friendly faces.

This restaurant has a very family-oriented vibe as it is family-owned and family-run.

I ordered the carne asada tacos, a favorite of mine.

In a speedy five minutes, my order was ready and complete with a side of chips and salsa.

The soft tacos were topped with onions, cilantro, and mouthwatering guacamole.

Hungry yet?

The meat was also perfectly marinated and seasoned.

Personally, I preferred the red chile but the green chili was also

April 6, 2011

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

Sydney Presley Citrus College Clarion For an over the border taste, these carne asada tacos from Taco Grill in Glendora is the perfect spot for students on the go.

delightful for those with milder taste buds.

As I devoured my plate of tacos, I overheard a number of customers come in and talk amongst themselves.

Many sounded like Taco Grill regulars, one explaining how he once drove 40 miles out of his way just to make a stop by the restaurant.

The overall atmosphere in the restaurant was very casual and comfortable, with the owner interacting with the customers.

The seating area is extremely

small, but I got the impression that many orders are called in for take-out.

This is a great spot to stop by especially for Citrus College students as it is so close by.

On Tuesday and Saturday, all soft tacos are only 99 cents all day.

The prices are very affordable with tacos usually $1.39 per taco and burritos ranging from $5 to $6.

Taco Grill offers a variety of Mexican food from tacos, burritos, taquitos, nachos, and plenty

more.

There are also all-veggie plates offered.

All dishes are very generously portioned and well worth the money.

Drinks include soft drinks, juices, and even Horchata.

They also offer catering.

I fell in love with this restaurant and will surely be visiting again.

Taco Grill is a great choice for quick, fresh and delicious food.

Find Taco Grill on Facebook and Yelp, or contact them at (626) 914-4949.

RECIPE: Peeps meet their match Bre Payton Staff Writer In lieu of chick-like marshmallows again working their way into Easter dinner; begin a new tradition with this simple dessert from Colombia.

This passion fruit layer recipe has a reputation among members in my family to tantalize bored palates, and often makes an appearance on the Easter table.

Here are the ingredients you will need: -1 can sweetened condensed milk -1 can table cream -1 14 oz. package of Goya passion fruit pulp -1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup granulated sugar -2 11 oz. packs of Ducales crackers (You can use Ritz crackers. You will need about 2 sleeves.)

-1 8 oz. container of Cool Whip - 8” x 8” pan -small saucepan

INSTRUCTIONS: Follow these steps to get the perfect passion fruit treat: 1. In a blender, blend together table cream and sweetened condensed milk.

2. Add pulp to the milk mixture slowly. (Save about ¼ cup of pulp for topping.)

3. In the serving dish, place a layer of whole crackers over the bottom of the pan.

4. Layer with the pulp mixture.

5. Repeat steps 3-4 until there are five alternating layers with the pulp layer on top.

6. Top with Cool Whip.

7. In saucepan, combine granulated sugar and reserved pulp.

8. Cook over medium heat (about 5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens and darkens slightly.

9. Remove from heat; allow mixture to cool for 10 minutes.

10. Drizzle syrup over dessert.

11. Refrigerate for two hours (until crackers soften) before serving.

Enjoy.

Yield: Approximately 10-12 servings.

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

April 6, 2011

Student paves his way to Broadway Israel Mejia Staff Writer

Musical theater is the perfect choice for a multitalented singer at Citrus College, one of the ensemble cast of “Ragtime.”

Musical theater major Jarred Barnard, 19, came to the conclusion that Broadway is just waiting for him over the horizon.

Before he decided that he was going to be a performer or even a singer, he thought he might be a heart surgeon. Saving lives just seemed to be the most brilliant thing he could do until he realized his interest was only peaked by the show “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Barnard came to the United States from Johannusburg, West Africa when he was 14 years old.

During his freshmen year he de-

cided to be a singer and by his sophomore year he flourished enough to be in the choir. He then decided to give theater a chance.

He joined the drama department while at Bonita High School. During his junior year he landed a role in the summer musical that year, “Oliver.” He played the knife grinder and with that performance the spark to pursue a future in musical theater was ignited.

As a new and rising performer, Barnard believes he is inexperienced compared to other performers and has much to learn. He sometimes wishes he had been performing from a young age.

“This is my life, my second nature, if I wouldn’t have moved here I probably wouldn’t have

been in musical theater and I don’t know what I would be doing.”

At Citrus College, Barnard has performed in “All Shook Up,” “Footloose,” and “Assassins.”

“Jarred is very easy to get along with, I love the fact that he doesn’t care what anyone thinks,” said Lauren Smolka, 21, musical theater major.

He has many inspirations; his recent favorite musical is “Next to Normal,” an original production from Michael Greif the director of “Rent.” It’s the story of a mother who struggles with worsening bipolar disorder and the effect that her illness has on her family.

When Barnard was little, he saw the show “Cats.” He feels the show has a brilliant way to show the sophistication of playing a role and the visuals are so

Courtesy of Diane Berendes Haugh Performing Arts Center

‘Ragtime’ to make its debut in the Haugh Peforming Arts Center Erica Irigoyen Staff Writer A spring performance with a powerful and inspiring message will lend itself to the Citrus community on April 15-17.

Based on the 1975 novel

by E.L. Doctorow, “Ragtime” takes audiences back to the early 20th century and shares the stories of three different families living in three different worlds. Although each family has their own story, each story intertwines with life’s contradictions—“wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice and what it means to live in America,” as stated on the Haugh Performing Arts Center website.

“Ragtime” is considered to be one of the best pieces of American theater,” said Scott

“

“Ragtime” is considered to be one of the best pieces of American theater.

SCOTT ROBINSON,21

”

Robinson, 21, who will play the role of Henry Ford in the production. “It has a really powerful message and the music is just great.”

Along side director Greg Hinrichsen, Doug Austin and choreographer John Vaughan all played a huge role in making this inspiring piece come together—not to mention the 55 actors, singers and dancers.

“Other than students who

will partake, we also have five kids and three or four former students in our production,” Hinrichsen said. “I am very excited, everything is coming along great.”

This is the first time that the performing arts department will perform Ragtime.

“Ragtime,” although a fictional story, will feature key historical characters: Harry Houdini, Evelyn Nesbit, Booker T. Washington, J.P. Morgan, Henry Ford, Stanford White, Harry Kendall Thaw, Admiral Peary, Matthew Henson and Emma Goldman.

Tickets for this performance can be purchased online or at the box office. General admission is $17.50 and students and seniors’ tickets are $16.50. Performances will be on Apr. 15-17 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

pleasing they could make one feel like a cat.

Another inspiration is performance artist Lady Gaga. Barnard says that he likes the fact that she doesn’t show fear. He wants to stand one day in front of a huge crowd feeling it’s just him and the show.

“I feel like a triple threat, I can sing, act and dance,” said Barnard.

“He has an amazing attitude, diction and energy, he is willing to grow all the time,” said “Ragtime” director Greg Hinrichsen. “I am excited to see how all the elements of the theater come together to show Jarred’s talents.”

Barnard will be playing the role of the younger brother in “Ragtime” on April 15, 16 and 17 in the Haugh Performing Arts Center.

pg. 15

CHECK IT OUT! Pagaent winner and seasoned musical theater veteran Lauren Smolka will take her talents into the upcoming musical ‘Ragtime.’ Go online to read her profile. theclariononline.com

April 6, 2011

Opinions

Vote yes on student REP fee Erica Irigoyen Staff Writer Due to misconcept i o n s throughout the semesters, the Student Representation Fee has yet to pass a special election conducted by the Associated Students of Citrus College.

But it is time to set the record straight once and for all.

In short, the Student Representation Fee will be used to help pay for ASCC to lobby and protest against the issues that are affecting Citrus students.

These issues include cuts to community colleges, fee increases and rising textbook costs.

The REP fee will also help fund advocacy training workshops.

If passed, students who register for classes will pay an extra $1 along with the $14 Student Service Fee, $40 Parking Fee and the $17 Health Service Fee. This dollar will be placed in a separate account and will only be used for

lobbying purposes.

Students need a voice when it comes to saving our educational system.

Without that voice, lawmakers will continue to cut into the educational system in efforts to get California out of the exceeded billion-dollar deficit.

Student representatives will be able to state their viewpoints and positions before local, state and federal governments.

The question that has continually arised is what the $14 student service fee is used for and why money can’t be pulled from there to lobby against politicians.

According to the California Education Code, Section 76060.5, a separate fund must be collected for governmental affairs.

The code prohibits that the $14 service fee to be used on any type of lobbying and/or protesting. Instead, the student service fee is used to fund programs such as athletics and student clubs.

How is it that ASCC was able to lobby against lawmakers at places like March in March in the past?

For years, Rio Hondo College has allowed our student government to “tag along” and

What was supposed to be a routine grocery shopping trip turned into one of the most irritating and frustrating days of my life.

I wasn’t in a crabby mood to begin with. In fact, I was in an excellent mood that day. I had just gone out to lunch with my family when I decided to pick up a few items to stock my refrigerator for the week.

While walking into the store, I was immediately accosted by a solicitor. I politely declined her offer saying that I was not interested. I kept my cool and proceeded to walk around the store.

One aisle was really busy, but I continued to move through the crowd saying, “excuse me.”

However, the other shoppers stared at me like I was speaking a foreign language. They wouldn’t scoot their carts even a tad to let me pass.

One woman was particularly difficult. After repeatedly saying, “excuse me” to her, very loud and clear, she still just wouldn’t budge. By this time, I was getting

annoyed. So finally I shouted: “Hey, can you move!” As she made room for me, she had the nerve to tell me I was being very rude.

I moved past her without a second glance. At the end of the aisle I had to abruptly stop my cart to avoid hitting a kid running through the store without looking where he was going. My first thought was “Where are his parents?!”

By now my happy face had morphed into a frown.

In my anger, I began pushing my cart haphazardly. I cut people off, turned corners too fast and completely focused on getting to the checkout line.

When I finally did make it to checkout, I got stuck with arguably THE slowest cashier in the world. It seemed like it took her five minutes to scan one item and bag it.

My arms were crossed and my foot was tapping a swift beat on the tile floor. She attempted to engage in small talk, but I gave her that “does-it-look-like-I-wantto-talk look?” She got the hint.

I paid my bill and drove straight home, sat down and tried to calm down.

That’s when a recent health science class lesson about stress popped into my head.

My professor Mike Merandi explained that stress prema-

Breathe, relax, take some ‘me time’ Simple steps to stay zen during the semester Cynthia Carrazco Staff Writer

VANESSA CASTRO Citrus College Clarion

protest by paying for their expenses.

This was made possible because of the Student Representation funds that Rio Hondo had established throughout the semesters.

Recently, the expenses for both colleges became too much to bear and Rio Hondo was not able to afford to take ASCC to this year’s March in March.

Although helping to support our student government with a dollar every semester doesn’t

seem like much of a problem for most, students may opt out of paying this fee for religious, political, financial or moral reasons.

If used correctly, the Student Representation Fee can have an immensely beneficial impact on Citrus College students. It will give us a voice where we need it most.

During the special election scheduled for April 12 and 13, make sure to vote in favor of the REP fee by checking yes.

Shopper irritated in aisle five Kristin Lacuesta Managing Editor

pg. 17

Opinions Editor Jennifer Young jennayou22@gmail.com

TALES OF THE RUDE, THE ANNOYING, THE SARCASTIC

turely ages one’s cells and that unnecessary stress is detrimental to one’s overall health and happiness.

I distinctly remember his saying that there are four kinds of people in this world: family, friends, associates and nobodies.

I sat there and thought about everyone I had just encountered at the store.

Who were they to me? At best they were associates, but I’d categorize them as nobodies.

Why was I stressing myself out over a nobody?

It made absolutely no sense for me to have created so much frustration and anger in the span of an hour in reaction to people about whom I know nothing.

When I finally realized just

how pointless my anger was, it dissipated. Stressing over something so insignificant was not worth the time and effort.

I had let a lady trying to choose a brand of cereal while blocking the aisle ruin my entire day. In the end, I was able to laugh it all off.

Next time, when I encounter a stressful situation, I promised myself that I will stop and think if it is really worth it.

Are these people your family?

Your friends?

If not, then don’t let them weigh so heavily on your mood or spoil your day.

Chances are you will never have to encounter these people again, so shrug it off and move on stress-free.

Attending classes, studying, having a part time job, finding time for family, friends, and your significant other is a hard schedule for a college student to balance.

But nothing makes it better than having some white space.

Many students are so focused on work, and forget about “me time.” It can be one of the best cures when feeling overwhelmed.

You can do something over the top like going to get a full makeover, or something small like taking a walk. Either of these things will clear your mind and you will be even more pumped to finish the task you were working on.

Students can follow these tips to stay balanced and stress free.

1) Set goals: By setting goals you will be more inclined to follow through with them and accomplish your tasks.

2) Prioritize: Focus on the most important tasks before you move on to the next ones.

Numbering tasks in order of importance will help.

3) Organize: Create a weekly calendar that includes your schedule for classes, study time, social events, club meeting, exercise time, and any other activity in your life.

4) Avoid Procrastination: If you plan on doing an activity, stick to your schedule, and don’t put it off. Doing so will only cause stress.

5) Know you’re most productive time: Everyone has a time period when they are most productive.Use the times when you have the most energy to accomplish the tasks that are more demanding, such as schoolwork. You will notice that you’ll get more tasks accomplished throughout the day by implementing this strategy into your time management plan.

Practice these steps and see if it makes a difference.

Make a comparison chart of a week without white space and a week with it, and see which one you like better.

opinions

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April 6, 2011

Sit down, eat your Doyer Dog Don’t spoil a day at Dodger Stadium with a bad attitude Jennifer Young Campus Editor

Letter to the Editor

Job well done, information missing I read your article on Charles Olsen, student-veteran ambassador, and the Veterans' program.

I want to congratulate you on a job well done.

The only concern I have is that there seems to be misinformation regarding the grant.

You named the Walmart grant, which is accurtate.

However, we also have the Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS) grant that was awarded to the college in October, 2010 by the Department of Education.

Two hundred and fifteen colleges competed for the grant Nationwide.

Citrus College was one of 15 colleges awarded the grant.

It is because of the CEVSS grant that we were able to hire Charles as an ambassador and provide several of the services you mentioned in your article.

Some of those services include a peer mentoring program called Academic Battle Buddies, POWER math for veterans, and transitional counseling to name a few.

I hope this adds to the information regarding the services we are proud to provide to our student-veterans at Citrus College.

I hope that in the future, you consider a story that reports on the CEVSS grant.

Thank you again for your enthusiasm and support.

Respectfully, Martha McDonald Dean of Students

If you have any questions, comments, concerns or feedback, please send an email to the editor in chief at mirandanatalie@ymail.com

Spring has arrived.

Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping and as any Los Angeles native knows, “It’s time for Dodger baseball.”

The Dodgers won their season home opener March 31 defeating the San Francisco Giants, which is great fun, unless you’re an unsuspecting Giants fan leaving the game.

Three men wearing Giants apparel leaving the game were attacked in the stadium parking lot by two men in Dodgers clothing.

Two of the men were able to get away unscathed, the other man, Bryan Stow, 42, of Santa Cruz suffered severe head injury and is in a medically induced coma in critical

but stable condition.

The two suspects fled the scene and were last seen getting into a car driven by a female with a young male passenger in the front seat.

A $50,000 reward is being offered by Supervisor Mike Antonovich for any information leading to the arrest of the suspects.

I grew up going to Dodgers games, thanks to my mom.

She began taking me when I was two years old, and I’d fall asleep in my seat before the end of the second inning.

I know all about Dodger pride.

I share the camaraderie among fans who “bleed Dodger blue.” And I also am aware of the depth of the longstanding rivalry with the San Francisco Giants.

And, yes, heckling is a part of the game.

We stand by our team through good seasons and bad, and in good spirit do not hesitate to let opposing teams know that we are number one.

But why would fans get so riled up that they would attack fans of the opposing team? ”Baseball is a family sport

that has unified our country after times of crisis and tragedy. This senseless act of violence has no place in our society and certainly not in our national pastime,” said the joint statement from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles police chief Charlie Beck, San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee, San Francisco Police interim Chief Jeff Godown, Giants managing partner Bill Neukom and Dodgers owner Frank McCourt.

Unfortunately, Dodgers fans have earned a bad rap because of their unsportsmanlike behavior.

Going to Dodgers games is a great Los Angeles tradition.

Irate fans who cannot control their emotions are ruining that experience.

This is not the first time fans have attacked other fans on opening day.

On opening day 2009, a man was stabbed in the parking lot by his friend.

He was charged with assault with a deadly weapon.

How

The suspect, Arthur Alvarez, claimed self-defense and was later acquitted by a jury.

Drinking to excess may be the cause of this extreme behavior.

However, police made only two public intoxication arrests on opening day 2011 compared to a whopping 130 last year.

I S ee It But these two alleged attackers are making it difficult to enjoy an afternoon at the park without fear.

Maybe they had to prove something, like how tough and powerful they are.

Maybe it was the male ego taking over with the inflated sense of being the bigger man.

Whatever their motivation, this fanatical behavior diminishes the innocent fun and anticipation of another great season of Dodger baseball.

Shhh, I’m trying to learn here Respect your peers and their right to hear what goes on in class.

Cynthia Carrazco Staff Writer H a v e you ever been trying to listen to a professor’s lecture but all you can hear are classmates talking about their plans for the weekend?

So annoying, right?

I used to be one of those students.

During class time I used to gossip and chat with others around me.

I kept my phone so that I could text and I even passed notes to friends.

Doing these things were behaviors left over from my high school days.

I used to take school for granted because someone else paid for my fees.

My attitude could be summed up on this thought, “If I don’t pass this class. It’s cool.”

It’s not like I paid for it.

My attitudes changed when I was notified that I would no longer be receiving financial

aid and the Board of Governors Fee Waiver, and when I started working for THINK Together, an after-school program for children in second and third grade.

Education is not cheap, especially when all you have a limited income from a parttime job.

THINK Together was eyeopening as to the aspect of respect for a teacher.

When my students would talk while I was teaching a lesson, I would get so upset.

Their rudeness reminded me of my own behaviors in class.

I wanted them to respect me, but how could I make then be quiet and pay attention when I wasn’t even practicing those behaviors.

I learned from my mistakes.

I began putting away my phone.

I sat in the front of the class so I wouldn’t be tempted to text or talk.

I started to listen to and respect my professors.

Now all the money I am spending for my education is worth it, and I’m actually passing my classes.

So if you are one of those insistent talkers, consider the reaction of your professors and classmates.

Not everyone wants to hear what you’re going to do Saturday night.

VANESSA CASTRO Citrus College Clarion

There are more important topics to worry about.

When students interrupt the professor, it disturbs those who are serious about learning.

When I was trying to play the role of the social butterfly I realized I would draw attention from other students away from the lecture.

That was a slap in the face to the professor.

Most students are eager to learn and small distractions cause them to lose focus.

Restricting social conversations to times and places outside the classroom helps elevate the performance of

the learning community.

You may not be paying for classes and you might be in class today only because your parents are making you go to college.

But remember that the student next to you may not have it so easy, and he or she does actually want to learn.

We’re all grown adults now.

If you don’t want to listen to the lecture, do the class a favor and leave.

I challenge you to put yourself in the professor’s shoes, and see if you don’t have a change of attitude.

April 6, 2011

editorials

Speaking into the camera speaks volumes Everyone deserves a chance to view the Board of Trustees meetings, one way or another.

It is in the best interest of students and taxpayers that Citrus move towards complete transparency by hiring a professional videographer to film the Board of Trustees meetings.

The Board of Trustees, which meets twice a month, discusses ways in which taxpayer money should be spent. The discussions revolve around methods of spending that would be most beneficial to Citrus students.

As taxpayers, it is critical that we are aware of how our board spends our money, and it is important that these meetings are videorecorded.

With a grim state budget and extensive cuts to education, we are all curious as to how our money is being spent.

“Government transparency is associated with residents’ personal feelings of empowerment: those who think their government shares information well are more likely to say that average citizens can have an impact on government,”

according to a survey done by the Pew Internet Project and the Monitor Institute The BOT meetings directly affect students, which is why it is not only beneficial, but critical that they be easily accessible by Citrus students.

In continuing towards a path of complete transparency, we are asking that Citrus provides students with further accessibility to view meetings that directly affect students and taxpayer money.

Currently, there is no way for Citrus students to be informed of what is discussed or takes place at these meetings unless they attend them directly.

With conflicting class schedules, part and full time jobs, and thousands of other day-to-day responsibilities, going to a meeting isn’t always an option, but this isn’t to say we do not care to be informed.

The answer to this problem is clear; granting access to these meetings via the Internet allows students to remain informed from anywhere there is access to the web.

Pasadena City College is a step ahead, granting access to their Board of Trustees meetings. Audio

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Citrus college

clarion

VANESSA CASTRO Citrus College Clarion

casts, as well as video, are up and running on the PCC website.

An audit, conducted annually, by Californians Aware gave Citrus an A+ grade.

The documents requested were given in a timely manner.

The main goal in auditing public entities is to ensure that they are following rules and regulations put in place in order to inform taxpayers that fund public institutions of higher education where their money is going.

Transparency combines openness and accessibility to public information, which shapes the trustworthiness of a college.

The audit is pivotal in reiterating the importance of knowing and being aware of

how our state and bodies of government function.

As students of Citrus, we need to remain informed of what is taking place on our campus.

As a generation of YouTubers, bloggers, and everything Facebook, it would be in our best interest to have access to these important meetings via the web.

Let’s put our love for the web to some good use, and start using it as a tool to provide further accessibility to Citrus students.

Thank you Citrus, for being a campus that revolves around openness and trust.

Now let’s take it one step further, and begin our journey towards complete transparency.

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 Cynthia Carrazco, Rubi Carrazco, Vanessa Castro, Erica Irigoyen, Samantha Lopez, Israel Mejia Bre Payton, Sydney Presley, Mindy Youell CORRESPONDENTS Robert Lucero PHOTOGRAPHERS/ ARTISTS Natalie Miranda, Vanessa Castro, Cynthia Carrazco, Bre Payton, Rhian­ non Conrado PAGE DESIGNERS Irene Cisneros, Rhiannon Conrado Meggen Olson, Anthony Galvan, Natalie Miranda, Emily Rios, Jennifer Young, Kristin Lacuesta PHOTO TECHNICIAN Frank Ram VANESSA CASTRO Citrus College Clarion INSTRUCTIONAL The program is similar to out the semester.

ASSISTANT tutoring in that students proWith the many learning Emily Rios vide aide in reviewing course programs and services avail-

Get midterm A’s through Citrus ways That dreaded time of the semester is here. We’re talking about midterms. We all know how stressful and anxiety-inducing this time of the semester can be, but with all the learning resources and programs Citrus has to offer, you can make this semester’s midterms something to conquer.

Citrus does their part by providing students valuable services and tools to make their education a successful one.

Take the steps toward becoming a successful student and acing this semester’s midterms by taking advantage of the various programs and services offered on the Citrus campus.

Tutoring is a free service that Citrus provides, in subjects covering everything from English, math and foreign language; among other key subjects. Tutors are students that have previously passed the class with a B or better, their background and knowledge in the subject will definitely work to your benefit.

The Writing Café is a new program available to students that need extra help in writing for any course. If you’re struggling with an essay, have questions about sentence structure or grammar, or are stressing over that in-class writing assignment midterm,

schedule your 45-minute session in the Writing Café.

The Citrus College Success/Early Alert program was created to identify students struggling in academic courses.

The program works towards notifying students who are having academic difficulties early in the semester, and providing various workshops and tools to keep students from possible failure of courses.

The program offers workshops in everything from stress management, to note taking and math anxiety, among various other topics that work towards targeting problem areas that many students struggle with.

Workshops are free, and available to all students.

If you don’t have time to attend workshops, or missed one, all workshop workbooks, detailing tips and other methods of success can be accessed online under the Early Alert program web page under the workshop workbook link.

Supplemental Instruction leaders are students who have successfully completed the course, and can help you understand and grasp the course material. You’ll see many S.I. leaders in difficult classes like biology, English, and math.

material and making it understandable.

That crazy midterm coming up in your biology class, they’re taking it too, and will have a tutoring session that will outline a solution to whatever madness your teacher has in store for you.

S.I. leaders generally schedule meetings before or after class, but most will work with you and your classmates schedules.

Another great resource is your professor. They are, after all, the ones assigning the coursework, the midterm and your grade, so it’s important that you know your professor’s office hours and methods of contact.

Make time to schedule appointments to discuss ways to improve your grade, and of course, keep in close contact with your professor through-

able on campus and even online, Citrus provides students the tools necessary to be successful.

With upcoming midterms, it benefits all students to take advantage of these free programs and services now.

Take control of your education and make this semester’s midterms your most successful ones to date.

Tutoring: ED 216 (626)-914-8570 M-TH 9a.m.-7p.m.

Fri: 9a.m.-4p.m.

Writing Café: ED 224 (626)857-4191 M-TH 10a.m.-6p.m.

Early Alert Workshops ED231A, (626)-914-8577 Supplemental Instruction: CI 215, (626) 857-4191

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.

CLARION MAILBOX 1000 W. Foothill Blvd.

Glendora, CA 91741-1899 Phone: (626) 914-8586 Fax: (626) 914-8797 Email: ccclarion@hotmail.com

entertainment

pg.20

April 6, 2011

NATALIE MIRANDA Citrus College Clarion

NATALIE MIRANDA Citrus College Clarion

NATALIE MIRANDA Citrus College Clarion

Jason Francescon, who plays CB in “Dog Sees God” puffs on a cigarette given to him by a friend, during dress re­ hearsal in the Little Theatre.

Summer Stratton, who plays CB’s sister, strokes her brother’s face during dress rehearsal for “Dog Sees God.” The show will be performed April 8­10 in the Little Theatre.

Chelsea Brynd, who plays Tricia in “Dog Sees God,” sneaks some alcohol into her milk during dress rehearsal in the Little Theatre.

Comic strip characters revisited in student production Brandi Mendez Staff Writer Featuring grown-up versions of classic comic strip characters that have a fan base spanning more than a half-century, a new adaptation of “Peanuts” is anything but child-like.

“Dog Sees God,” a play by “Easy A” writer Bert V. Royal, shows the beloved Charles Shulz created characters as troubled adolescents.

From sexual identity issues and promiscuity to drug use,

“Dog Sees God” is a complex take on a simple story, showing how an easy-going, carefree and innocent childhood is often taken for granted.

Christopher J. Aranda, 22, is making his directorial debut with this production.

Aranda was chosen after an audition with seven other candidates.

Aranda described his first directing experience as incredibly daunting and incredibly exciting.

“To put on this kind of pro-

duction is a complete labor of love,” he said.

Though the characters are based on Charlie Brown, Lucy and the rest of the “Peanuts” gang, the material is intended for mature audiences because of sexual content and strong language.

The 11 cast members have all had to tap into deeper emotional connection with themselves in order to bring their characters to life.

Brittany Sanchez, 22, plays Frida, a character with

a distorted self-image who encounters constant bullying, and her eating disorder is a silent character throughout the play.

Ana Mateo, 19, who plays Violet, said that the preparation for these particular roles has to be more active on developing character because you have to be active with speaking dialogue.

“The development of my character was intense,” she said.

“Dog Sees God” is likely to

be an eye-opening experience for audience members as they meet these cartoon characters as young people dealing with real-life struggles.

The production opens in the Citrus College Little Theatre on April 8 at 8 p.m., with additional performances on April 9 at 8 p.m. and April 10,at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors.

Glasses-free 3-D gaming console Austin Paul Adamson Food Editor The Nintendo 3DS is a showcase of how far consumer technology has come and where it is going, but it isn’t for everyone just yet.

On March 27 Nintendo launched their ground breaking 3DS in North America, a dual screen handheld gaming device which enables the users to view content in 3-D without the need for special glasses.

The 3DS has a clamshell design similar to previous DS models, but the hardware and technology has been greatly increased.

There is a 3-D camera pointing away from the user and a regular 2-D camera facing inwards.

The top screen is able to display images that can be viewed in 3-D without the need for any eyewear. The lower screen is capable of receiving touch inputs from a finger or stylus pen.

The device’s no-glasses 3-D is amazing. Background images appear far in the distanttce and objects in the foreground look like if it wasn’t for the glass on the screen, you could reach in and pick them up.

It’s difficult to convey the realism in depth without seeing it for yourself.

It is no question that this technology is something that

entertainment enthusiasts have been dreaming about for years. However it is not without its flaws.

In order to view the content in 3D you have to hold the device in a Goldilocks zone, right in the center and at a distance not too close and not too far.

If for whatever reason, say a bump while you’re sitting on the train for your daily commute, the screen moves out of this sweet spot, the 3D effect is lost and the image appears blurry and it takes a moment to get back into the visual illusion.

The 3-D effects can also cause eye strain, no different than reading a book or staring too long at a computer screen.

For these reasons Nintendo opted to put a 3-D depth slider on the side of the screen. This allows you to dial down or completely turn down the 3-D effect depending on your mood.

While the hardware offers a lot of potential, the games available don’t offer enough.

The games that launched with the system are lacking in quality and do not do enough to show off the system’s capabilities.

The titles that best show off the performance of the 3DS are included in the system.

“Face Raiders” uses the inward facing camera to take a picture of the player and put their face into the game on floating heads that are flying at

McClatchy Tribune Services

the player.

It uses the 3D camera on the outside to include the player’s physical environment in the game.

Another example of the onboard software is the augmented reality cards.

The unit ships with a pack of cards which are used for reference points in the environment. You simply place the card onto a desk or table and point the camera towards the card and the picture is manipulated and games and graphics are displayed onto the table.

An array of different games and characters can be used to play with these AR cards.

The 3DS is an amazing piece of hardware, but priced at $249 it doesn't have enough games or playing value to keep players engaged for long enough.