Clarion 10/28/09 by Citrus College Clarion

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Clarion Citrus

A “Razzle Dazzle” musical theatre explosion at the Haugh Performing Arts. See what others are raving about!

College

Want to stay home instead of trick or treating? Have a movie night and pick from the horrifically top five scary movies of all time! Bring on the screams!

www.theclariononline.com

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 Volume LXIII Issue 5

A First Amendment newspaper

Accreditation decision will be revealed in January Andrew Vasquez Clarion Correspondent

he visiting accreditation team left on Oct. 15, and now Citrus College has to wait until January for the official decision letter that will determine whether or not the college is accredited for the next six years. Accreditation, an Italian word that means “trustworthiness,” is a long process. A college first conducts numerous self-evaluation studies and compiles all of their policies and data in one single document, which will be read and evaluated by a visiting team of faculty and administrators from other colleges. The visiting team spends a week on campus, dropping in on meetings of different campus constituencies, interviewing students and reviewing the self-study document that was submitted by the college. The team then compiles their own report based on what the members read in the self-study report and observe around campus.

See RESULT/page 2

Students volunteer at free H1N1 vaccination Anazzary Danganan Clarion Staff Writer Poster courtesy Nicola Ginzler Design. Photo illustration by Dustin Call and Courtney Mitchell, Citrus College Clarion

her poster promoting diversity and tolerance was crumpled and ripped where a tack had been holding it in place. Ink was bleeding through it from the back to the front. When she took the poster down and turned it over to investigate, she saw “I hate this

On Saturday, Oct. 24, President Barack Obama declared the swine flu outbreak a national emergency. The next day, some 500 people gathered at Monrovia Community Center to be inoculated against the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. Several Citrus students were on hand to help. Students from a combined learning community class comprised of Business 130 and Sociology 101 were on site beginning at 7:30 a.m., passing out applications for those seeking a free flu vaccine. The students volunteered at the suggestion of Citrus sociology instructor Ted Goldstein and business instructor Timothy Durfield. They received class credit for helping facilitate

See HATE/page 3

See VOLUNTEER/page 3

By Caitlin Griffin, Clarion Staff Writer

ate Free Zone. A poster with those three words printed in bold once hung on a wall in LB 308, where Professor Anna Villeneuve taught English. After the completion of her students’ last final of the 2009 spring semester, Villeneuve noticed that

Inside: cmyk

Life pg. 5 Sports pg. 10 A&E pg. 12 Opinions pg. 14 Editorials pg. 15 cmyk

October 28, 2009

News

Citrus College Clarion Page 2

News Briefs

Winter class offerings to be sparse, spring classes down only slightly

Campus Wire

Sandra Lopez

Clarion wins big at SoCal JACC The Clarion print and online editions were both awarded General Excellence by the Journalism Association of Community College at the organization’s Southern California Conference held at CSU Fullerton on Saturday, Oct. 24. General Excellence JACC’s highest award given to publicatios. Members of the Clarion staff and the communication’s program at Citrus College also won 10 individual awards in mail-in and on-the-spot categories. The highest individual award won by a Clarion staff member was 1st Place for editorial writing by former staff writer Ariel Carmona.

Local Strong winds kick up dust in the San Gabriel Valley Strong winds whipped the San Gabriel Valley Tuesday afternoon, kicking up dust and ash from the recent Station Fire into the air. The winds are expected to peak -- reaching gusts of 40 m.p.h. -Tuesday night and continue until Wednesday morning, according to Bonnie Bartling, a weather specialist at the National Weather Service. The NWS released a wind advisory for the San Gabriel Valley that is expected to last until Wednesday at 11 a.m., Bartling said. The winds will be even stronger in the San Gabriel Valley mountains, where gusts of winds may reach 70 m.p.h. The South Coast Air Quality Management District warned residents near recently-burned areas, such as the Angeles National Forest, that the winds could kick up ash into the air, reducing air quality. Residents in these areas should avoid vigorous activity, and people with respiratory or heart disease, the young and elderly should remain indoors, according to the AQMD. Courtesy: SGV Tribune

Students to demonstrate at Mt. SAC A group of students plan to demonstrate at Mt. San Antonio College on Wednesday, Oct. 28, to protest increased tuition and less classes at community colleges. The Mt. SAC Coalition For Education is holding the protest at 11: 30 a.m. at Mt. San Antonio College's free speech area. The group says tuition is up 30 percent but far fewer classes are being offered. "We hope to help people realize that they can do something," wrote student Adriana Chavarria in a statement announcing the event. "Students don't realize the power that they have. It helps them realize that everyone is being affected and that some people are actually organizing to change those things to change our educational system." Courtesy: SGV Tribune

Beyond Online news causes papers’ circulations to decrease Circulation of U.S. newspapers have declined more than 10 percent during the last six months as readers are turning to the Internet as their choice for news sources. Of the nation’s five biggest daily papers, four of them have reported circulation declines. USA Today has seen a 17 percent drop in circulation, The New York Times saw a decline of 7.3 percent, The Los Angeles Times went down by 11.1 percent and The Washington Post saw a 6.4 percent decline in circulation. Many of the websites readers are turning to, are operated by the same newspapers that are losing traditional subscribers, but publishers are struggling to bring in enough online advertisement dollars to replace the loss of print advertising. And the reluctance of the readers to pay for access to online newspaper sites isn’t helping the problem. The Audit Bureau of Circulations has reported that the average weekday circulation of the nearly 400 daily papers has slid 10.6 percent more than they did in the same six-month period last year, which was only 7.1 percent For many of the smaller newspapers in Southern California, such as The Pasadena Star-News, declination of circulation is less than that of the major newspapers because of the simple fact that smaller news sources are not as readily available on the Internet. As the numbers are showing, it looks like print editions may be the ancient way of getting the news. Source: Martin Zimmerman, Los Angeles Times

Clarion Editor In Chief The good news is that Citrus College will offer a 2010 winter session. However, according to Sam Lee, dean of language arts, the number of winter classes will be “sharply reduced.” Fewer than half of last year’s course offerings will be in the schedule for January. Some 186 sections were offered in winter 2009. This year 122 section are scheduled, a decrease of 34 percent. Although the winter semester will not be finalized until Nov. 2, there is a good possibility that the courses in highest demand will be offered. The top 14 highest enrollment classes are English 101, math 130, math 150, psychology 101, English 100, English 40, political science 103, speech 101, history 108, history 107, biology 105, reading 99, English 103 and math 29. The full-time equivalent student

funding rate for fall 2009 is approximately 5,100 whereas last year it was approximately 5,200. The state sets the funding level according to the number of fulltime equivalent students. The more that they lower the number of fulltime equivalent students, the less funding those schools receive. The money that is being reduced is money that can be used to purchase art supplies, pay light bills, etc. Full-time equivalent students are numbered by either those who have 12 or more units, or by adding different student’s units to equal 12 units. Every 12 units counts as one full-time equivalent student. As of mid-October, 12,928 students were enrolled and full-time equivalent students are at 6,425. In fall 2008, the full-time equivalent students figure was estimated at 5,510. In spring 2010 Citrus officials have a headcount of 13,000 students, up 500 from last year. Classes in the spring 2010 semester are not expected to be dras-

tically cut; the plan is for sections in spring 2010 to decrease by 4 percent. However, since the student population is still expected to go up, classes will still be harder to get. “Cuts have to be balanced,” said Dr. Jeanne Hamilton, vice president of student services. “We don’t want to end up with one program where people get easy seats whereas transfer students get stuck without any classes.” Hamilton was referring to the high demand of general education classes that many new students need. However, the more advanced classes that are specific to one’s major are being reduced. In spring 2010 the college is expected to offer 1,046 sections whereas last year 1,090 classes were offered in the same time frame. “We already budgeted spring, and we are sticking to it,” Lee said.

Sandra Lopez can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com

RESULT: Accreditation visit leaves campus administrators feeling positive, confident Cont. from page 1 The team members give their praises, remarks and most importantly their recommendations to the college. Dr. Brian King, Superintendent/President of Cabrillo College and chair for the visiting team, gave the team’s final remarks and recommendations that will go in their report during the team’s final meeting on campus in the Louis E. Zellers Center For Innovation. “The team’s first recommendation is that the college update all policies with respect to recruiting and hiring documents,” King said. “This includes all revisions of equal opportunity and diversity clauses. The college must formalize all job descriptions.” “The second recommendation that will be in our report will be that the college build on its existing processes and better integrate the use of data in program review, budgeting and decision-making,” King continued. “The third recommendation we made will be that the college complete its Student Learning Outcomes for not only single classes but also at the program level, including distance-education courses and put the SLOs in all course syllabi.” “The fourth recommendation made by the team will be that the college access the effectiveness of recent program initiatives to student services and insure that effective practices are maintained in the base budget.” “The team has as its fifth recommendation that the college complete its stated goals in its comprehensive planning agenda to demonstrate its commitment to continuous quality improvement through the updating and reviewing of the effectiveness of the college’s

five major planning documents and be deliberate in utilizing the content for budget development,” he said. “Our final recommendation that will be in our report will be that the college’s published final budget will be easier to understand if the budget document includes a more detailed analysis of budget assumptions and descriptions of various funds and resources of revenue and outline the parameters for decision-making,” King said.

“

The general atmosphere is positive about the status of our accreditation.

”

Dr. Jeanne Hamilton Vice President of Student Services

King said that the team’s accomendations are: the campus’ strong sense of community, attractiveness of the campus, obtaining external funding and using it in creative and innovative ways and an inclusive governance structure where each constituency on campus is included in policy-making. What will happen next is that in two weeks their report will be sent back to Citrus, and the management will conduct fact checking and correct any factual errors that may be in the report. Once this is completed, the report with the correct facts will be sent to the accreditation commission for final action to be taken. The college will get a letter in approximately early Febru-

ary with the full report and decision made by the commission. “The general atmosphere is positive about the status of our accreditation,” said Jeanne Hamilton, vice president of student services and Citrus College’s accreditation liaison officer. “I truly think we will be OK.” According to Roberta Eisel, professor of English and accreditation faculty co-chair, one of the main reasons for the general feeling of calm concerning accreditation is the fact that the college was commended on fulfilling what she called “one of the big three” reasons colleges get anything less than a full accreditation. Eisel said that the three main qualities are: strong transparency and campus-wide involvement in leadership and government, program reviews, and budget and planning. “What their recommendations say to us is that there is quality in our self-study,” she said. “This is because the process we went through for the past two years preparing our self-study report for our accreditation was so positive and productive.” Hamilton said that the college means business when it comes to making sure that the campus stays accredited. “Some campuses blow it off, or don't treat it as an important event but Citrus College takes accreditation really seriously,” she said. “And if we do get anything less then full accreditation, then we will work quickly to meet the recommendations to become accredited again.”

Andrew Vasquez can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com

News

October 28, 2009

Citrus College Clarion Page 3

HATE: Discrimination is against school policy, values n response to Professor Anna Villeneuve’s incident and the new law working it’s way through Congress, the Clarion conducted a non-scientific survey. The survey asked Citrus College students to identify their attributes, share if they have experienced discrimination in a class at Citrus, and express if they are in favor of a hate free zone. The 223 Citrus students polled returned a completed survey representing a cross-section of various ethnic, religious, political, and sexual orientations. The details of the survey are below, with the main highlights showing that 97 percent of those surveyed support a hate free zone and that 43 percent have experienced a classroom environment where they could not fully participate due to their ethnicity, religion, political views, or sexual orientation.

Gender: Female 62%

Male 38%

Race (students could check more than one): Asian 12% Latino 67% Native American 6% White 36% Middle Eastern 3% Mixed Race 17% Pacific Islander 1% African American 12% Religion: Christian 37% Catholic 33% Atheist 5% Muslim 3%

Buddhist 1% Jewish 2% No answer 19%

Politics: Democrat 34% No answer 46%

Republican 20%

Sexuality: Straight 93% Bisexual 1%

Homosexual 6% Research by Caitlin Griffin

Cont. from page 1 politically correct poster” written on the back. “It didn’t sit well with me. The person who wrote that wasn’t just offending me, he/she was offending all students at Citrus College,” she said. Earlier in the semester, Villeneuve had received an e-mail from a former student, saying a teacher who also used that classroom had said rude things about the poster and Villeneuve. Villeneuve said she put the email aside until her poster was vandalized. At that point, she felt compelled to take the issue to the dean of Language Arts, Samuel Lee. Dean Lee suggested she carry the poster with her to and from class, Villeneuve said. Villeneuve said she thought it was a fair suggestion, but she worried: “If it is our school policy not to discriminate, then how can I not assume my colleagues aren’t going to have the same philosophy?” “The school has numerous written documents and policies that ban discrimination by or against faculty, staff and students or make clear our policy on discrimination,” Citrus Superintendent/President Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D., said. The college’s human resources statement on nondiscrimination and diversity states: “Citrus College is committed to promoting and demonstrating the value of diversity throughout the community. Staff diversity in the academic environment fosters cultural awareness, mutual understanding and respect, harmony and creativity, while providing suitable role models for all students.” Board Policy P-1005 Nondis-

crimination states: “Citrus Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, (over 40), religious creed, marital status, medical condition, (including cancer), physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, sexual orientation or military status as a Vietnam-era veteran in any policies, procedures or practices.” These are just two out of many policies banning discrimination, but after conducting a non-scientific survey of 223 Citrus students, 43 percent of students polled said they have experienced a classroom environment where they could not fully participate due to their ethnicity, religion, political views, sexual orientation, etc. Villeneuve continues to make sure her classroom is a hate free zone. She sees it as her responsibility as a teacher to engage her students and make them feel comfortable in the classroom. “When you have the students’ interest, they are engaged, and when they are engaged, then they will try, and when they try, they will succeed,” Villeneuve said. “If students feel they can’t express themselves freely, then they might shut down, and when they shut down, they aren’t learning or succeeding.” Villeneuve has decided to use the incident as an opportunity to make a presentation, with the help of Sheryl Walz, on faculty Flex Day about fostering a classroom environment i that encourages the minority voice and embraces every student and what they have to say. Villeneuve’s presentation will be backed by a new bill to broaden the federal hate crime law to cover vio-

lence against a person because of sexual orientation, gender, disability, or gender identity, passed on Oct. 8 by the House of Representatives. Current federal law defines hate crimes as those motivated by religion, race, national origin, or color. If passed by the senate and signed by President Barack Obama, the bill would be the first major expansion of the law in more than 40 years. The bill would also make it a federal crime to attack members of the military because of their service. Villeneuve has also presented her concerns to the student government officers at the Associated Students of Citrus College’s meeting on Sept. 30. After she expressed her desire to make Citrus a hate free zone, student activities supervisor Adrienne Thompson told her that the executive board discussed making a resolution and taking it to the board of trustees. Villeneuve said that several of her fellow faculty members have expressed their concerns and have requested a sign of their own to hang in their classrooms. “How great would it be to have the first hate free zone campus,” Villeneuve said. “We could be the community college known for promoting a safe zone for intellectual exploration.” Villeneuve now teaches in LB 305, where her poster proudly proudly hangs for all who enter to see.

Caitlin Griffin can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com

VOLUNTEER: Students gain from experience Cont. from page 1 paperwork for the on-site staff, as well as for administering a survey gathering data for their own assignments. “Originally we had contacts to provide service at the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles, but we felt it would be better to partner with our local community. We then contacted the Service Learning Program (on campus) and they offered us this opportunity,” Durfield said. The Service Learning program integrates what students gain from volunteer work in the field and applies those skills and lessons with what is taught in class. “We basically made the process easier by passing out the paperwork for the nurses and staff and informing the people what they were in line for. That’s important,” said Elizabeth Buehler, 18, from La Puente, majoring in liberal arts. There were two shifts the students worked. The first shift was from 8 a.m. to noon and the second was from11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Another group of 25 students are scheduled to volunteer on Thursday, Oct. 29, in Azusa at the Memorial Park North Recreational Center for another vaccine clinic held by the Los Angeles County of Public Health Department. The students were also offered to be vaccinated said Karen Corcuera,

23, of Covina a business major, despite the rules of the priority group stated in the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health press releasing stating the limited distribution. “If you are 25 to 64 without underlying health problems or if you are 65 or older, and if you do not care for an infant under 6 months of age, you are not in a priority group for the limited H1N1 vaccine and you will be asked to defer vaccination until H1N1 vaccine becomes more widely available,” said Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, MPH, director and health officer. In addition to the students’ volunteer work, they conducted a survey with the people there to gather information for their class. The collaboration of volunteer work and class work was applicable to their project. Corcuera, mentioned what she learned from volunteer work. “When I saw the amounts of people there, and the pregnant women, it makes you think twice about getting the vaccine, almost fearful because you don’t know the side affects,” Corcuera said. “From this whole experience I’ve learned how people see things or look at things differently.”

Anazarry Danganan can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com

Anazarry Danganan Citrus College Clarion Student volunteer Elizabeth Buehler hands out applications to community members lined up to receive a free H1N1 vaccination shot or nasal spray at the Monrovia Community Center on Sunday, Oct. 25.

Citrus College Clarion

Life

October 28, 2009

Life Editor Courtney Mitchell-ccclarion@hotmail.com

Page 5

Dustin Call Citrus College Clarion

Celebrating Disability Awareness Month Dustin Call Clarion News Editor Harper Lee, acclaimed author of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” once said, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.” Understanding was the purpose behind Citrus College’s second Disability Awareness Day, which was held Thursday, Oct. 22. Organized last year by a committee chaired by Quinn Klingerman, now ASCC Commissioner of Disabled Student Programs and Services, events throughout the day were intended to educate and provide an opportunity for greater empathy. “I felt the students needed to be educated about the struggles that we go through in our everyday lives,” said Klingerman. According to DSP&S counselor Vince Mercurio, there are between 425 and 450 disabled students who are part of the program. A panel discussion held in the Campus Center gave four of them a voice. Led by Citrus alumna Vanessa Sapien, ’08 Psychology, who helped found the on-campus chapter of the psychology honor society Psi Beta, the panel group consisted of students Katelyn Reichert, 26, special education; Jason Gross, 20, psychology; Quinn Klingerman, 22, liberal art; and Ricardo Murillo, 30, business. “I’m totally blind, ” Gross told the audience. “I’ve been blind since birth, but something everyone should know is I don’t consider myself to be what you might call handicapped. I think that is a horrible label because to me that means you can’t do anything.” The other three students, along with Sapien, also shared what life is like for them and some of the unpleasant experiences that each of them has had due to people’s lack of understanding.

Daniel Escamilla Citrus College Clarion “If you’re curious, ask questions,” said Murillo. “Don’t just look, don’t just assume, ask questions. Interact with the person. Being disabled, it’s hard enough having to deal with what you go through every day. To have somebody stare at you, it makes it a little hard sometimes.” Among other events that day was an opportunity for students to get a glimpse of life as a blind or paraplegic individual. Students could don a blindfold or take a ride in a wheelchair and try to do things that people without those disabilities might find simple. “I just wanted them to actually see what it felt like to sit in our chairs,” said Klingerman. “Some students were telling me it was pretty humbling.” “It’s not cool,” said Matthew Rice, a journalist dealing with a brain injury. As a whole, Klingerman felt that a 20-year-old communications major the events of the day were well-rewho was one of the students to try ceived by the student body and hopes the wheelchair course. “I feel sorry for that Disability Awareness Day will them because they have to do it on a continue to be held for years to come. daily basis.” Dustin Call Another event during the day was three showings of “When Billy Broke can be reached at his Head,” a documentary film about clarion.news@live.com

Daniel Escamilla Citrus College Clarion

Daniel Escamilla Citrus College Clarion Clockwise from top: (L-R) Jason Gross, Vanessa Sapien, Quinn Klingerman, and Ricardo Murillo speak at a panel discussion. Katelyn Reichert was also part of the panel; A quadrapallegic, Ricardo Murillo receives help from a student as he shares his personal story; Students take a walk/ride in the shoes/wheels of their fellow students; Willing students were able to catch a glimpse of life without sight as they try to use a vending machine.

Page 6 Citrus College Clarion

Courtney Mitchell Clarion Life Editor Ever have that reccurring nightmare where you walk around campus in the nude? Or the dream that a vampire and a werewolf fight to win your heart? There are some dreams that fascinate me, and I wish I would never wake up from them. However, I have been having a nightmare scarier than any SAW movie or any haunted maze at Universal Studios. (And trust me, those are frightening.) Lately, I have been having the reccurring nightmare where I cannot get back into a Cal State University. More often than not, I wake up in an alarming cold sweat at three o’clock in the morning and I am forced to watch reruns, of “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” in order to fall back asleep.

Allow me to elaborate: in this nightmare, I fight through mass amounts of traffic just to make it to class on time. That’s already a living nightmare, though. Once I finally make it to class, after pushing past what feels like a million students, the professor never calls my name on the roll. When I notify him that my name was not called, the professor, as well as the class, breaks out in hys-

Life terical laughter. While laughing uncontrollably, the professor manages to tell me that I am not even an enrolled student at the college, let alone enrolled in his class. I feel like Josie Gellar with a “LOSER” stamp on my forehead. Shortly after come the reruns. When studying at Citrus, I tend to become so comfortable with my schedule and my classes that I completely forget my priority goal: to transfer. I already know that I am on the path to success and by the time I am ready to transfer, I will have completed all of my requirements. However, with all of the budgets cuts that have left a significant dent in academics, getting into college is more competitive. My mother stormed into my room the other night asking, “Have you applied to CSU’s yet? The deadline is coming up!” My schedule is filled with endless days of school, work, and babysitting, and I hardly have time to think about other things. On top of those are my family, friends, and of course, the Clarion. That sounds terrible, I know. I don’t even have time to think about my future. But I get so wrapped up in the moment and it is easy to forget. So if you are like myself and have been procrastinating, never fear because now is the perfect time to be thinking about it. With Cal State University applications due Nov. 30, there is still time to decide what schools we

Spring 2010 in

October 28, 2009

Calendar of Events Dia de los Muertos Oct. 29 @ 5:30-7:30 p.m. Library Free Event

Women’s Soccer vs. Bakersfield Nov. 6 @ 3 p.m. Citrus Stadium

The Art of Hair Opens Oct. 29 Library

Volleyball vs. Bakersfield Nov. 6 @ 7 p.m. Citrus Gym

Jungle Book Nov 2 @ 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. Haugh Performing Arts Center Students: $6

Citrus Week Nov. 9-14 @ 10-2 p.m. Campus Center

Men’s Soccer vs. Allen Hancock Nov. 3 @ 3 p.m. Citrus Stadium

Chad & Jeremy Nov. 8 @ 2 p.m. Haugh Performing Arts Center Students: $28

Stem Center Open House Nov. 3 @ 3-5 p.m. Math & Science Building

Lysistrata Opens Nov. 13 @ 8 p.m. Little Theatre Students: $12

Veteran’s Day Celebration Nov. 5 All-day event

College Fair Oct. 29 @10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Handy Campus Center Quad

want to apply to. It is also a great time to meet with your counselor. They can help you decide if you are ready to apply as well as make suggestions as to what programs and colleges may fit you. In previous columns, I have stressed the importance of setting your own pace in college.

Spain

I suppose it is time to take my own advice. I know that I am ready to transfer and accomplish bigger and better things.

Courtney Mitchell can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com

Life

October 28, 2009

Citrus College Clarion Page 7 impossible to prevent passing it on to the other. So last week when my wife caught a mild cold from the children she babysits, it was only a matter of days before I caught it, too. And somehow I managed to fair worse.

“

We realized that a strength of our relationship is that we help each other to become better people.

”

Dustin Call

Dustin Call Clarion News Editor ometimes I wonder whether I would be a better or a worse student if I were not married. Before I got married, I was “Procrastinator No. 1” and homework was my kryptonite. I just could not get myself to do my homework on time, if at all. Now that I am married, I have my wife to help me stay on track

with school and overcome this downfall of mine. She has helped me develop a greater desire to commit more

time to schoolwork since my grades will affect the rest of her future as well as mine. However, my problem is far from solved. While I am more eager to do my assignments, I am even more eager to spend time with her. And she happily welcomes the attention not knowing that I should be doing a math assignment or reading a novel instead. On top of that, when you get married your chances of getting sick doubles. If one of you catches a cold or flu, it’s almost

Trying to write the most difficult essay of your life gets a whole lot harder when you are sick. Somehow I managed to get it done the night before it was due, with help from my wife, of course—she is an excellent copy editor. So my plan was to wake up early on Monday—which I managed to do—and get to school early so I could print the essay before class started. When I plugged my device, on which the essay was saved, into the computer, I discovered that

the final version had somehow not saved properly, and the version I had was the rough draft! So I called my wife, who was dropping her children off at school, and asked her to shoot back home and e-mail the final version to me. For some reason, that took a long time, and I got her e-mail with the essay attached two minutes before class started. Then I ran. Do not attempt this while you are still recovering from being sick. Thank goodness my professor was a few minutes late to class. So in the aftermath of all of this, I find myself again wondering what kind of student I would be without my wife… While my wife and I were still dating, we realized that a strength of our relationship is that we help each other to become better people. My wife has most definitely helped me to become a better student. If it weren’t for her, I would probably be stuck in the community college vortex forever.

Dustin Call can be reached at clarion.news@gmail.com

cmyk

Page 8 Citrus College Clarion

Citrus Celebrates

HALLOWEEN

& day of the dead

El Dia de los Muertos Courtney Mitchell Ashley Broussard Clarion Section Editors El Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a religious event that has been celebrated by indigenous populations of Mexico and Meso America for thousands of years, since before the arrival of Spanish conquistadores into the continent of America. Currently, the event consists of families and friends gathering between Nov. 1 and 2nd to pray for those loved ones who have passed away. But originally, the Aztec culture that influenced this holiday believed so strongly in the concept of McClatchy-Tribune Media Services

life and death that they came up with different beliefs to explain the afterlife. According to old Aztec beliefs, heaven consisted of 13 different levels where a person could live after their physical departure from this earth. The natives would keep skulls and display them during the celebration as a representation of the dead person who was coming back to visit them. The arrival of Spanish conquerors brought along a new religion called Catholicism, which eradicated numerous indigenous beliefs, such as Day of the Dead as it was originally known. In order to keep the ritual alive it had to be fused with the Catholic celebration of “All Saint’s Day,”

where believers of this faith get the opportunity to pray to their saints. Some of the traditions during the Day of the Dead include setting up altars with photographs of the dead person, as well as making the person’s favorite food or drink and visiting their graves. On Thursday Oct. 29, LUSA (Latinos United Student Association) will have a celebration demonstrating the different rituals done during this holiday. We invite everyone to join us for a celebration rich in culture and history.

Courtney Mitchell and Ashley Broussard can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com

FIVE ULTIMATE HORROR CLASSICS Kristin Lacuesta

Clarion Staff Writer

Fake blood and gore, demons, ghosts, and crazy killers are all essential factors in making a great horror movie. But how many can still make us scream 20, even 30 years, after their initial release dates?It’s time for all of you fear-seeking movie fanatics to turn off the lights and prepare to be scared out of your wits. Here is a list of five horror must-see thrillers for Halloween. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre This film focuses on a group of five young friends who are passing through Texas on their way to a music festival. At first, this film seems light-hearted and fun, just a bunch of friends on a road trip, but then takes a terrifying turn. The group stops at an old house where one of the friends grew up. Unbeknownst to them, a depraved and psychotic family of cannibals not only lives in that town, but runs it too. One by one, each of the friends is tortured and killed by the infamous chainsaw-toting Leatherface. From writer, producer and director Tobe Hooper, this 1974 film not only delivers chills and thrills throughout but also makes one reconsider taking a “fun” road trip with friends. Staying home never sounded so good. The Exorcist When a little girl named Regan’s behavior and looks start changing, her mother becmyk

comes worried and seeks help from a priest. He comes to the conclusion that she is possessed by the Devil. Father Merrin is the only one who can save her, earning him the title of: the Exorcist. Based on a true story, this 1973 horror film presents scenes we will never forget. For example, there is a scene where Regan, already possessed by the Devil, is lying on her bed and her head begins to spin all the way around. It ‘s a sight that sends chills up and down one’s spine. A Nightmare on Elm Street “One. Two. Freddy’s coming for you” is a line that is spoken as well as sung throughout the entire film. When several teenagers who live on Elm Street fall asleep, they began to have nightmares of a man dressed in a red and black sweater and gloves with metal claws chasing them in a boiler room. But when they wake to see the cuts he gave them in their nightmare are still there, they began to think that he is real. This 1980 film marked Johnny Depp’s debut as well another classic horror film killer, Freddy Kreuger. Freddy exists in the “dream world”, but can also kill in the “real world.” Halloween One Halloween night, a 6-year-old boy named Michael Meyers brutally murdered his sister. After being sent to a mental hospital

by his parents, psychiatrist Dr. Sam Loomis looked after Michael, coming to the conclusion that he is pure evil. He escapes from the mental hospital returning to his hometown 15 years later to relive that night. “Halloween” will be screened at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery as part of the Cinespia film series. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for the screening that starts at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and a picnic. More information on the event can be found at www.cinespia.org The Shining Based on a Stephen King novel, this movie follows writer Jack Torrance, his wife and their son as they move into the isolated and elegant Overlook Hotel for the offseason. The trip seems easy enough, but Jack becomes possessed by a spirit haunting the hotel and attempts to murder his wife and son. Madness takes over. This film gave us the famous lines, “Here’s Johnny!” as well as the

ever-popular “Redrum.” Both reverberated in our ears for years to come. These films are the “parent” of the slasher movie genre. They set the bar for all future horror movies. If you’re looking for a good scare this Halloween, turn to the masters of horror: Michael, Freddy, and Leatherface. They don’t call them classics for nothing.

McClatchy-Tribune Media Services

cmyk

October 28, 2009 Page 9

Dates From

Hell

Citrus students share their dating nightmares CAMPING FOR ONE “I went on a camping trip from hell. Never go camping with a girl unless you are married because it is the worst thing ever. I carried a bunch of [stuff] up the mountain [for her] and then I didn’t even get to cuddle.” CHECK, PLEASE “I drove to Hunting Beach to eat at BJs and when we got there, he said, ‘You get me this time and I will get you next time.’ On top of that, he ordered a beer and dessert. We didn’t go out again.” BLIND DATE DISASTER “My friends set me up on a blind date. They were being really pushy about it so I felt obligated to go. The girl wasn’t very pretty but I went anyway. It was a group blind date, which made it even worse because I didn’t know anyone.” DINNER EXTRA SPICY “I had one bad date where the guy asked me my favorite food. I replied, ‘anything but Mexican and Indian.’ He told me he had a surprise date for me and took me to an authentic Mexican restaurant. He ordered me something super spicy after I told him I wasn’t going to eat anything on the menu. I started sweating, my lips were swollen, and my face turned

red. After a trip to the bathroom, I asked him to take me home. I was traumatized for months.” WRESTLEMANIA “I was set up on a date through mutual friends and it was the worst date I have ever been on. He took me to dinner and a movie. This guy was super overweight, super unattractive, and had the worst manners. After chewing with his mouth open all through dinner, he attempted to cuddle in the movie. It was more like a headlock. Needless to say I called my mom and roommates and faked an emergency.” DINNER? NO? OKAY “I met this firefighter from Malibu. We totally hit it off so he asked me out on a date. He picked me up and I assumed we were going to dinner. We ended up going to BJs and sitting at the bar the entire time. No dinner. Not even appetizers. He got drunk so I had to drive his car back to my house. Telling me he had to use the bathroom, I let him come in. Finally, he came out of the bathroom in just his boxers! He literally picked me up, took me to the bed, and then passed out. The next night, he called and asked me out to a movie.”

McClatchy-Tribune Media Services

Back to the Culture: Dr. Perez speaks Celia Guerrero Robert Lucero Clarion Staff Writers Every generation has its group of passionate, bold, and inspirational leaders. One of those leaders in this generation is a Citrus College professor and a veteran named Dr. Roberto Perez. Perez was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas. When he was 17, Perez moved to Ontario, California in 1959, where he attended Chaffey High School. Growing up as a MexicanAmerican posed some challenges. “It’s been difficult,” says Perez. With Spanish being his first and dominant language, Perez had a difficult time learning English until he hit the seventh grade. He could barely understand English as well. “Those were difficult times for me educationally,” said Perez. “In order to learn English, I had to learn my language. I used my language to learn another language.” Although Perez never served in the war, he had an equally important assignment over in Germany, during the Vietnam war. He was a specialist E-4 Specialist (abbreviated "SPC") one of the four junior enlisted ranks in the U.S. Army sent to Ger-

many to improve and promote relations between the Germans and the Americans from 1964 to 1966. During the war Dr. Perez had to learn how to speak German. Upon returning from the army, Perez discovered that, “We [Mexican-Americans] made little progress in terms of job opportunities.” Later, Perez attended college at California State University of Los Angeles, where he got his bachelor’s degree in sociology. From there he was offered an anthropology scholarship to the University of California, Riverside in 1972. At the time, Perez was very interested in researching Mexican culture and studied ethnography. He was thinking of becoming an archaeologist. It was while he attended UCR that Perez decided he wanted to become a teacher. “I needed to share a lot of information with a lot of Latinos,” says Perez. In the ‘80s, Perez began to teach at Citrus College, where he would stay for six years. For a while, Perez bounced from one school to another. In 1997, his friend Dr. Mike Hurtado, who is also a professor here at Citrus College convinced Perez to teach again at Citrus College. “I had a good report from Dr.

Phot by Robert Lucerro Mike Hurtado,” Perez said. “He taught me a lot.” Perez teaches two sociology classes: sociology 118 Minorities in America, and sociology 122 Introduction to Latino studies. He felt a Latino studies program was essential because many Mexicans/Mexican-Americans were growing up in America and forgetting about their heritage and culture. “By creating a Latino studies program, it’ll help you regain lost heritage,” said Perez. Aside from raising Latino awareness in the classroom, Perez has been the advisor to the Latinos Unidos Studios Association (LUSA) Club for the past five years. “These guys [LUSA] are dedicated to promoting the Mexican Latino culture,” says Perez. LUSA’s mission and goal as a

club is to expand Latino awareness among everybody. They have taco sales, organize and participate in rallies, do community service, visit university events, and hold a “La Raza Graduation.” “Education is power,” says LUSA member Octavio Medina. “We don’t realize where we are. We are alienated about our culture till we learn about it. I’m proud to be part of it. It’s inspiring students together.” Sergio Perez and Samuel Farias, LUSA members as well, have also found value in LUSA. “Learning about my culture and struggle has inspired me to help others like me and go through with my education,” says Farias. “We want to bring awareness on campus about different things Latinos celebrate,” says Perez.

Perez (no relation to Dr. Perez) appreciates the way the club creates campus awareness about cultural events and celebrations such as el Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. LUSA. will be celebrating Dia de Los Muertos this Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. They will be selling pan de muerto (bread of the dead), Mexican sweet bread, hot chocolate, and taco combination plates as a compliment to the celebration “Dia de Los Muertos is a day of celebration, not grief,” says S. Perez. “It’s a day of coming together once a year to remember those before us.” “Death is only the beginning in life,” says Sergio Perez. “We move on.” “I have been very fortunate to belong to LUSA.,” says Dr. Perez. “I’ve been able to have an impact. My mission is to stay in the educational system, and to share my experiences with the students. I thank the good Lord for giving me the opportunity.”

Celia Guerrero and Robert Lucero can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com cmyk

cmyk

Page 8 Citrus College Clarion

Citrus Celebrates

HALLOWEEN

& day of the dead

El Dia de los Muertos Courtney Mitchell Ashley Broussard Clarion Section Editors

McClatchy-Tribune Media Services

El Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a religious event that has been celebrated by indigenous populations of Mexico and Meso America for thousands of years, since before the arrival of Spanish conquistadores into the continent of America. Currently, the event consists of families and friends gathering between Nov. 1 and 2nd to pray for those loved ones who have passed away. But originally, the Aztec culture that influenced this holiday believed so strongly in the concept of

Courtney Mitchell and Ashley Broussard can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com

Five ultimate Horror classics Kristin Lacuesta

Clarion Staff Writer

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cmyk

Dates From

Hell

October 28, 2009 Page 9

McClatchy-Tribune Media Services

Celia Guerrero and Robert Lucero can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com cmyk

cmyk

October 28, 2009 Page 9

Dates From

Hell

McClatchy-Tribune Media Services

Celia Guerrero and Robert Lucero can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com cmyk

Citrus College Clarion

Sports October 28, 2009

Sports Editor Erica Irigoyen - ccclarion@hotmail.com

Page 10

Lady Owls pull through after loss Citrus College’s women’s water polo team had a total of one loss and three wins during their first tournament Celia Guerrero Clarion Staff Writer

and Matt San Pedro

Clarion Staff Writer The first day of the women’s water polo tournament started on Friday Oct. 16 with a game between Citrus College and Cerritos College, and ended the next day, with a game against Pasadena City College. During the tournament, which was held at the Citrus pool, several schools competed against each other in order to prove who’s best. In the game against Cerritos College, Citrus was led by sophomore Brittany Orduno, who scored two high goals for the team, though it was a tough loss for the Citrus women, they gave it their best shot

and played their hardest. The final score against Cerritos was 15-4. In the afternoon after a break from their rough loss, Citrus’s women’s water polo jumped back into the pool for a chance to redeem themselves. Their competitor: Rio Hondo. Not letting their loss against Cerritos discourage them, Citrus started off great. The Owls managed to hold on to a high score all the way to the end, with the help of Amelia Huss, who finished the first day with eight saves, two goals, and five assists in the tournament, Citrus ended the last game with a score of 16-4. During the game the Owls kept scoring and getting past Rio Hondo’s goalie, score after score it seemed like the winning streak would never end, it didn’t. Back in the pool the next day, the Owls dived in to finish their fir-

Matt San Pedro Citrus College Clarion #6 Ashli Griffin-Gonzalez aims to score just one of the many goals during the women’s water polo tournament, which was held at the Citrus pool on Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17. ing streak against El Camino College, and Pasadena City College. The first team was El Camino College, where the lady owls had a definitely competitive game but managed to pull through defeating El Camino with a final score of 73. Next for the Owls was

Pasadena City College, while it seemed that it was not as easy as the game against Rio Hondo, they still managed to pull through with a score of 5-3. Overall the Owl’s played grate games. The Citrus team’s record moved to 11-9 overall. The women’s water polo team’s next tournament will be Friday, Oct

30 where the owls will be away in Pasadena.

Celia Guerrero and Matt San Pedro can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com

This time, Owls prey on Panthers Celia Guerrero Clarion Staff Writer

and Matt San Pedro

Clarion Staff Writer Packing a lot more punch than expected, the Citrus football team pulled off a 20-17 victory on Oct. 24 against the Chaffey College Panthers, ending their embarrassing loosing streak. “We could have put up a lot of points against Chaffey but penalies killed us”, explained Citrus running back Anthony Moore, he continued, “we came through adversity andd got the victory” The kick off was fallowed by several failed drives by both teams, but

with 7:10 left in the first quarter, quarterback Byron Ingram completed a 20 yard pass to wide receiver Andrew Romero into the Panther end zone, lighting up the scoreboard at 7-0. Chaffey continued to fight up into the second half only to make a field goal, changing the score to 7-3 in the Owl’s favor with 7:51 left on the clock, in the second quarter. The Owls responded in the fallowing drive pushing hard for almost 6 minutes to gain another second quarter touchdown with Ingram’s 5 yard pass to wide receiver Damon Baca, tacking on another 7 points. Chaffey failed to respond for the rest of the quarter, leaving the score at 14-3 at the half. In the third quarter things start to get really tough for the Fighting

“We could have put up a lot of points against Chaffey, but penalties killed us. We came through adversity and got the victory”

Owls. After almost 11 minutes of failed drives and hard hitting plays, Chaffey took control with 4:10 left in the third quarter, with Panther’s running back Jhamel Rover powering into the end zone to boost their score to 1410. In the first few minutes of the fourth quarter, Chaffey quickly scores more points on the board,

with a 12 yard pass from Panther’s quarterback A.J. Springer to wide receiver Ricky Howard, putting the Panthers in the lead with 14-17 points. It appeared that the Owls were out of luck because of their inability to score for almost 10 minutes. Just as the Panthers thought that they had this game in the bag, Citrus pulled out a pass that shocked everyone. A 41 yard pass were Ingram and wide receiver Tyra Waits connected to put the on hold the panther’s dreams of victory. With the Chaffey team staggered by the unexpected turn around, Citrus maintained their great score until the end of the game. Finally, the Owls had won. “It was a sloppy game with too many penalties on both sides” Chaffey student

Marcus Wilson, and Panther’s fan explained, either way, Citrus pulled through and got the victory.” Citrus quarterback had a good game with 3 touchdowns and 22 completions out of 40 for 246 yards. Also Damon Baca performed respectably with a touchdown and 6 passes for 63 yards. For the defense, Citrus linebacker Robert Horn led the team in tackles with 7 and one for a loss. The next game the Citrus Owls will tackle will be away on Nov. 7 at El Camino College, at 6:00 p.m.

Celia Guerrero and Matt San Pedro can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com

Sports

October 28, 2009

Citrus College Clarion Page 11

Golfing pair makes fore Robert Lucero

Clarion Staff Writer When you think of the word team, you think of a group people who work together by supporting each other and sharing the work equally. The phrase, “There is no ‘I’ in team,” is a constant reminder for all those competing on a team to never be selfish, to trust each other, and to not work alone. Though all of this is true and accurate, the team you are going to read about now defies all that has been stated. To compete as a golf team, the handbook states that at least four players are required to make a team, six players at the most. The women’s golf team at Citrus College is compiled of only two women. This duo of women is a different type of team that doesn’t practice together, let alone compete together. Nonetheless, they still consider themselves a team. Yes, there is no ‘I’ in team, but they will show you the ‘me’ in team. Janelle-Marie Del Mundo Most athletes usually find their niche early on in their lives. Janelle-Marie Del Mundo had an interesting way of finding hers. “I was dating a guy who played golf, and we were both looking for a sport we could play forever,” Del Mundo said. Del Mundo ended up parting ways with her man, but stayed together with golf. Later in life, Del Mundo and golf would take their relationship to the next level. “On my first day of school at Citrus College during the summer, I was looking for parking near the LB building,” Del Mundo said. “As I was driving around, I saw nets and thought to myself, ‘Wow that looks like a golf range.’ After class, I decided to go back and drive some balls. Coach Trip Horton

told me that he had spots open on the Women’s Golf team, and that he would like see me try out for the team.” Before getting into golf, Del Mundo was very much into basketball Earlier in life, Del Mundo played basketball for her city, Etiwanda, and then later went on to play varsity basketball for Etiwanda High School during her freshman and sophomore years. Del Mundo was unable to play her junior and senior year because of a cyst in her arm, and because she got caught up with school. “I thought my education was more important,” Del Mundo said. Although she misses basketball, golf has become something more to her. Del Mundo feels that golf has given her a reason to go to school not just to do work. “I can come to the range and just relax,” Del Mundo said. “Golf made me put my patience to use. I’m trying to love my ball. I enjoy its company.” Even with lack of women on the team, Del Mundo still feels that she and her teammate, Rachel Vago, are still very much a team. “[Vago] has a great sense of humor,” Del Mundo said.. “We enjoy each other’s company.” Del Mundo right now is majoring in nursing and plans to become a nurse anesthetist. She is still contemplating whether to transfer to UCLA, CSULA, or graduate next June. Wherever she decides to go, like a golf ball that’s just been driven, Del Mundo is going far. Rachel Vago For Rachel Vago and her family, golf is anything but uncommon. “It’s a fun family thing. My whole family plays except for

my mother,” Vago said. Growing up, Vago’s favorite sport was soccer. “Soccer was kind of my dream,” Vago said.. “In the sixth grade, we had to write about our goals. Mine was to make varsity soccer my freshman year, and to go on and play in college. During her freshman year at Arroyo High School, Vago indeed fulfilled her goal in making the women’s varsity soccer team, as well the volleyball and golf teams Unfortunately, Vago wasn’t able to thoroughly fulfill her goal, being sidelined by a back injury from too much work. When asked about not being able to play soccer in high school, Vago said, “I got over it. In the beginning I was pretty disappointed. It’s like anything you love, and then you can’t do that anymore. With the condition of her back, Vago was limited to only playing golf. “I couldn’t play any high impact sports,” Vago said. “Golf wasn’t my first choice, but I like golf. Coach Julian Trip Horton said, “Rachel has got a chance. She can make regionals.” Upon talking about being under Horton’s wing, Vago said, “It’s been fun; I can’t complain. It’s nice when a coach isn’t pressuring you.” When Vago isn’t busy driving balls at the range, she spends her spare time tutoring younger students and looking after her elderly neighbor whose husband has passed away. In June 2010, Vago plans to graduate after majoring in accounting. Vago’s journey goes to show that even when your dream gets shattered, there’ll always be something great and new to discover.

Robert Lucero can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com

Soccer team leader: behind the scenes Matt San Pedro Clarion Staff Writer The 5-foot-5 forward/midfielder for Citrus College’s women’s soccer team has a lot more about her than what meets the eye. Tiffany Schneider graduated from South Hills High School, in West Covina, where she received first team All-CIF honors for her sophomore and senior years and first team All-San Antonio League honors for her sophomore, junior, and senior years. She was also named San Antonio League MVP for her senior year. Schneider is now a Citrus sophomore nursing major who wants to become a registered nurse.

After she earns her associate’s degree, she plans to transfer to a fouryear university, hopefully on a scholarship that she is working overtime to earn. Schneider is not what you call the average soccer player. Her goal is to one day play the game at a professional level. She practices when most of us would rather be relaxing; Monday through Friday from 5 p.m to 7:30 p.m. Her games are always on either Tuesdays or Fridays in the afternoon. Schneider leads the team in most stat categories and is ranked No. 2 overall on the team. She is second in the amount of goals made and first with the most shots attempted. That success isn’t earned

overnight. She has been playing soccer since she was 8 years old. Schneider’s primary motivation to play has always been her grandpa who has been diagnosed with liver cancer. He has always told her to “play with your heart”, a quote she remembers whenever she plays the game. “I play because I love the game and I play to make him proud because he loves to watch me play” she said. Schneider makes other people proud too. Her coach Tim Tracy is one of her biggest supporters. “As a player, Tiffany is a quality young woman who demonstrates strong character and leadership attributes, and possesses a true competitive spirit. Additionally, she brings a high level of skill and experience to

the team that creates value to our program, Tim Tracy Said Off the field, she is a solid individual, contributor to society and a good person to many. As I have observed, she shows compassion, honesty and friendship to many.” Schneider’s hobbies include snowboarding, going to the movies with her friends, and a barbeque with her family every Sunday afternoon. Schneider also has a big appetite. Her favorite drive-in restaurant is In-NOut and her favorite drink is strawberry lemonade. Schneider lives with her parents in Covina, along with four half-brothers and will soon have an adopted brother because her parents have decided to adopt.

Schneider has worked for five years at a children’s retail store. She also just acquired a job at Claremont High School, where she will be coaching the freshman girl’s soccer team. Up to this point, the Citrus women’s soccer team is 3-9-3. Although the team is not doing the best, Schneider continues to be the light in the end of the tunnel. The next time you can see her play at home is against Bakersfield on Nov. 6 in the stadium.

Matt San Pedro can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com

want more? check us out online. www.theclariononline.com

Citrus College Clarion

Arts & Entertainment Page 12

Arts & Entertainment Editor Ashley Broussard - ccclarion@hotmail.com

October 28, 2009

Soundbyte: Fake Problems, It’s Great to be Alive Jonathan Rowe

Clarion Correspondent

lorida foursome Fake Problems are back with their third release, “It’s Great to be Alive,” featuring their trademark blend of folk, punk and indie. What makes this disc their best achievement so far is that it explores a wide range of genres without sounding convoluted. The result is a richly layered sound, complemented by a full string and brass section. The first two tracks, “1234” and “Dream Team,” reveal a distinct aspect of Fake Problems’ writing style: they rely on very simple chord progressions and melodies. Yet they manage to be catchy and poppy without losing depth, thanks in part to the use of a variety of instruments

including organ, mandolin and vibraslap. The next two tracks exemplify the unconventional song structure of frontman Chris Farren. “Don’t Worry Baby” starts like a ska song, progresses into psychobilly, then ends by transitioning into what could only be described as a Russian gangvocal chant. Similarly, “You’re a Serpent, You’re a She-Snake” starts out sounding punk, takes on a disco tone, and ends in an epic ending worthy of a movie soundtrack. Lyrically “It’s Great to be Alive” shows how Fake Problems have matured as songwriters. “The Heaven and Hell Cotillian” and “Tabernacle Song” feature introspective lyrics, dealing with questions about God and salvation. “Heart BPM” closes the album with Farren reminiscing about the beauty of youth, delivering the message that life is

meant to be celebrated. There’s nothing fake nor problematic about Fake Problems and they’ve proven it by making an album that is creative, thought-provoking and danceable all at the same time.

www.ryanrussell.net The band’s latest exudes a genuine sense that yes, it really is great to be alive.

Johnathan Rowe can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com

Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society New Member Scholarship This semester Citrus College’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter will pay for the national dues of $50.00 for three new members. To apply for this you must: - Complete a PTK application or have one on file - Have a GPA of 3.5 or above - Have at least 12 semester units completed at Citrus College or be currently enrolled in 12 semester units (with GPA verification) - Have an interest in being active in PTK What to do: · Submit a 1-2 page essay (approx. 500 words) describing what your membership can contribute to the honor society and your academic goals.

Submit essays and application to Carolyn Perry in C1 244 by October 30 at noon

Citrus College Clarion

Opinions Page 14

Opinions Editor Andrew Vasquez - ccclarion@hotmail.com

October 28,2009

Say you love me–but not if you’re Japanese Kazue Kate Fujii

Clarion Staff Writer Dating Asian women seems very popular with American men. Maybe that is because Asian women tend to be more obedient than American women. An old Japanese adage said, ‘’Women should walk three steps behind men.’’ Nowadays, this phrase is outdated. Young Japanese women are stronger than their grandmothers, but they are still shy. In Japan, the tradition of “ladies first” is not part of the culture, so Japanese men don’t treat their girlfriends like princesses. So when I first arrived in the United States, I was so surprised when a man held a door open for me. I wouldn’t say Japanese men are rude, but they don’t follow the same rules of courtesy towards women. I have an American boyfriend, and we have been together for eight months. My ex-boyfriend was Japanese. I dated him for five years. In comparison with my previ-

ous experiences, I find that American men are very sweet. In the Japanese culture, a girl has to guess what her male friend is feeling. Japanese people are expected to use their imaginations to understand and communicate with others without open discussion. They may put more importance on what is not said than what is said. Therefore, I was puzzled about what to do when my American boyfriend asked me some direct questions. Usually I don’t share my troubles and I keep silent while thinking. Japanese men can detect my sad feelings, so they leave me alone, but my boyfriend asks me, “Are you sad?” One day he asked me, “How long should I wait to kiss you?” Just like the romantic movies, I wish he could just know what I am feeling. I thought in my head, “Oh my God!! Please guess my feelings.” I have asked him many times to not ask me such questions. I have wondered why he can understand my feelings without being asked.

However, I gradually began to understand how American relationships work. Time has helped us understand each other. One day I was starting out the car window lost in thought when my boyfriend gave me a penny and said, “If I give you this, could you tell me what you are thinking?” It was then that I started to share with him not only my good thoughts but also my troubles. What is more, Japanese men don’t often say, “I love you.” It’s no wonder why many Japanese women worry and wonder if their boyfriends seriously loves them. Both cultures are wonderful, but I hope Japanese men will learn from American men’s examples. I also hope Japanese women will learn to express their anxiety with their American boyfriends. It is all part of the American pursuit of happiness.

Kazue Kate Fujii can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com

Andrea Koehler Citrus College Clarion

Four A’s: The interview before the interview Chris Kim

Clarion Staff Writer Today, everyone is looking for a job whether it is parents trying to support their families, young adults struggling to make ends meet, college graduates fresh out of school, or us community college students. With 12 percent unemployment in California, it is difficult to find companies that are hiring and even harder to get a call back from an employer. What many job seekers may not realize is that discrimination in hiring practices dominates the workplace. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 states that employers cannot discriminate against job applicants based on race, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability. But employers are people, just like you and me. And human beings discriminate, sometimes without even knowing it. Everyone judges those they meet for the first time by their appearance. First impressions do count. If you have ever applied for a job you did not get, what were you wearing? No matter what kind of job you apply for, whether it is a job in a restaurant, retail store, or any other business, attire matters. Most college students go job-hunting wearing whatever clothes they happen to have on–jeans and t-shirts, flip flops or athletic shoes, halter-tops and hats. When employers meet these applicants for the first time, they make instant judgments: here is a person who cares or here is a person who does not care. In other words employers will take note of a carefully groomed person and dismiss a person who looks sloppy. So when you go job hunting, dress up. Men, do not be embarrassed or too lazy to put on a shirt and tie. Women, look professional, not like you are going clubbing. The key word for both is to look presentable.

Next, check your attitude. Employers will observe how applicants react when they are asked questions. Maintain a positive attitude when speaking to the employer, even if you exchange small talk. If the employer

Andrea Koehler Citrus College Clarion says something you do not want to hear, such as, “No, we are not hiring, but we are accepting applications” or just “No, we are not hiring,” do not turn negative and stomp out in anger. Show employers respect and

gratitude by thanking them for their time and leaving in a calm matter. How you talk also matters. When entering a place of business and approaching an employee, offer a firm handshake, say your name, and ask for the person in charge: “Hi, my name is _____. May I speak to your manager?” If the employee asks why, explain that you are applying for work. Most importantly treat the employee as if he or she were the manager. You want to make a positive impact because that person is really a gatekeeper. When you do meet the manager, do not use slang. Speak clearly and slowly so that he or she can understand you. If you feel uncomfortable just thinking about talking to an employer, practice interviewing in front a mirror or with your friends. The way you speak to the employer may be an indication of whether or not you are able to communicate with fellow employees and/or customers. When the interview is over, always thank the manager for his or her time and leave in a graceful manner. Finally, go it alone. Do not bring friends or family members with you when applying for a job. Do not ask your friends to wait outside for you either. Show the employer that you are independent and that you can handle yourself without your support team. It all comes down to the four A’s: attire, attitude, articulation, and the ability to be alone. Ignoring these four A’s may cause employers to discriminate against you, sometimes without their even knowing it. These four A’s constitute the interview before the interview. Do not forget to smile.

Chris Kim can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com

Citrus College Clarion

Editorials Page 15

Editorials Editor D.K. Heller - ccclarion@hotmail.com

TGIF! Thank God I’m free! It is the end of week nine, the middle of the 16-week fall semester, that critical crunch time when students finally start worrying about their grades. At this point, some students might succumb to the temptation to just give up and drop out. Once they stop to reflect on their academic progress—or lack thereof—many might feel discouraged. In fact, more than a third of Citrus College freshmen will likely disappear before the year is out. There is a better way: Don’t drop out. Pull yourself together. Take a deep breath. Make a plan, stick to it, and keep going. A critical step on the road to academic salvation is to reconsider how you manage your precious time. Each of us is granted a mere 24 hours a day. How we use that time is up to us. The never-ending challenge for each of us is to use those hours responsibly to accomplish our academic goals. Make sure that, at the end of the day, each hour is accounted for, that each day is well spent. Of course, preparation for class is key. Plan your commute so that you can arrive early, having already read the assigned material and completed your homework. Bring your textbooks, pens, and paper to class. When it comes to your education, failure is not an option, so act like you mean it. When you need extra help—and we all do, sooner or later—meet with your professors during their office hours. Sign up for free tutoring in the Learning Center. Participate in the study skills workshops offered throughout November by the counseling department. Form study

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EDITOR IN CHIEF Sandra Lopez

MANAGING EDITOR

groups with your highly motivated classmates who are just as serious about achieving success as you are. Some student might not realize that letting themselves be unduly distracted by their new-found friends and endless opportunities for entertainment will likely lead to academic failure. In addition, putting off homework, projects, and studying for exams until the last minute can lead to physical problems, as well as failing classes. Studies have shown that college students who procrastinate on their schoolwork are likely to experience unhealthy sleep, diet, and exercise patterns. Procrastination can also lead to increased rates of smoking, drinking, digestive ailments, insomnia, colds and flu, and heightened symptoms of anxiety. So ask yourself: Will neglecting homework, skipping class, and slacking on assignments get you where you want to go? It is difficult to achieve goals if you don’t have any. Without setting priorities, life can evolve into a jumbled mess. Keep in mind that your past is what makes you the person you are today, and examine your values. Then, focus on the tasks that are most important to you. Eliminate from your life all the time wasters that are dragging you down, like mindless indulgences such as reality TV or social networking sites. Choose to live your live with purpose. Reject the thought that you won’t succeed. Take yourself and your work seriously; remember work hard and you will become the successful student you want to be.

Emily Rios

NEWS EDITOR Dustin Call

Life Editor Courtney Mitchell

Sports Editor Erica Irigoyan

A&E Editor Ashley Broussard

Opinions/Editorials Editor Andrew Vasquez

Online Editor Emily Rios

Design Editor

Courtney Mitchell

Photo Technician Frank Ram

Instructional Assistant Emily Rios

Adviser Margaret C. O’Neil

Staff Writers Anazarry Danganan,

Kristin Lacuesta, Caitlin Griffin, Celia Guerrero, Joel Cloud, Matt San Pedro, Kanzue Fujii, Rob Lucero, Jonathan Rowe, Monique Shattuck, Liliana Gaeta Correspondents Chris Lopez Celia Guerrero Citrus College Clarion

The precious gift of your time Students have a lot on their plates: course work, family responsibilities, jobs, and —if they’re lucky —a social life. The Clarion staff encourages students to add another portion to their heaping platter: volunteerism. While it might seem hard to make the time, the payoffs are immeasurable. On the surface, it seems like volunteering is all about helping others, and that is certainly incentive enough. As boxer Mohammed Ali once said: “Service to others is the payment you make for your space here on earth.” And yet, volunteering also has some material benefits for those who give their time. The time you dedicate to philanthropic organizations, environmentalism, the disabled, and other causes adds impressive weight to your resume or college application. It can even earn you college credit. Many Citrus instructors participate in the Service Learning program, in which classes team with community organizations to make a difference in the world and in their grades. On Sunday, Oct. 25, students from Timothy Durfield and Ted Goldstein’s business and sociology

October 28, 2009

Celia Guerrero Citrus College Clarion courses helped out at a busy Mon- points by volunteering for the Ranrovia health clinic, where hundreds cho Santa Ana Botanic Garden and of community members lined up the Los Angeles Arboretum, for for free swine flu shots. the U.S. Forestry service, or by Robert Goodman, who teaches doing clean-ups at local rivers and courses in forestry and environ- canyons. mental science, is another instruc“Everybody should be able to tor who encourages his students to volunteer at one time or another,” give back. Goodman said. His students earn valuable Volunteering, he clarified, can be

an organized activity or as simple as picking up garbage or helping out another in need. By making that difference, we feel a glow of satisfaction and become part of making the world a better place. Even the “happiest place on Earth” is campaigning for volunteerism. Visit HYPERLINK "http://www.giveadaygetadisneyday.com" www.giveadaygetadisneyday.com to learn how you can earn a free ticket into Disneyland after volunteering for a day with one of Disney’s participating organizations. As the anthropologist Margaret Mead said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Are you ready to volunteer? Visit the Service Learning page on the Citrus College website at http://www.citruscollege.edu/stdntsrv/servlearn/Pages/default.asp x and download a list of community organizations looking for student help. You can also look into enrolling in a course that includes a servicelearning component. Everywhere you look, there’s something you can do to help.

Photographers /Artists Andrea Koehler, Celia Guerrero

Page Designers Jessica Bravo, Jonathan Petitt, Chantelle Marchesano, Victor Silva, Janette Vera The Clarion is produced by journalism students and is distributed every other Wednesday during the semester. Ads are not endorsed by the Clarion. Editorials are the opinion of at least 75 percent of the Editorial Board. All other opinion is that of the writer. Views expressed do not represent those of the adviser, faculty, administration, Associated Students of Citrus College and/or the CCCBOT. Libel will not be published. The Clarion welcomes feedback from our readers. If you have any gripes, questions, or comments ... we want to hear from you! All correspondence must include your student ID#, major and signature. Letters may be edited for clarity or length.

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Chicago

Page 16 Citrus College Clarion

October 28, 2009

Story by Andrew Vasquez Photos by Andrew Vasquez and Chris Lopez

Citrus Music Theatre Workshop presents Chicago; A production featuring over one hundred students in the Haugh Performing Arts Center at Citrus College.

Roxie (Katie Ransom) entices her imaginary boytoy as she dreams of what a murder trial will do to help her become a Broadway star, during the dress rehearsal of Chicago in the Haugh Performing Art Center on Oct. 22.

Katie Ransom as Roxie Hart hits her highest notes as she sings about her loving-yet-dumb husband Amos in the number “Funny Honey” in the in the final dress rehearsal of ‘Chicago’ in the Citrus College Haugh Performing Arts Center. cmyk

If one could put sex, vulgarity, hilarity, murder, and jazz all into pot and mix it together to make a performance that was as memorable as anything seen on Broadway, everyone in the audience at the Haugh Performing Arts Center would say, “That's Chicago.” Directed by dance professor John Vaughan, “Chicago” ran the weekend of Oct. 23-25 as the Citrus College Performing Arts departments’ first major production for the fall semester, involving every facet of the performing arts a well as cosmetology. The play tells the outrageous story of how housewife-turned-murderess Roxie Hart (Katie Ransom) and actress Velma Kelly (Juliet FischerSchulien) capitalize on the publicity that their pre-trials have afforded them, all the while trying to escape convictions and end up stars afterward. However, unlike most major productions involving the performing arts department in which the cast consists of all Citrus students, Fischer-Schulein is a professional actress who was hired by Vaughan. Vaughan hired her so the students would learn from her example how a professional actor handles roles and working with production companies. And after watching her perform alongside the students, you could not tell the difference between her and them, which made “Chicago” all the more special. The show really proved the caliber and talent of the performing arts students at Citrus. Ransom especially held her own,

matching Fischer-Schulein in every note, especially in songs such as “My Own Best Friend,” where the notes at the climax of the song would reach epic proportions. They not only had matching vocal skills, but their chemistry was exceptional. One scene in particular was where Velma tries to convince Roxie to team up with her after Velma realizes she lost all of her publicity and then, Roxie then snubs her. It’s scenes such as those where it is apparent that the two actresses were perfectly in sync with each other. Josh Pecjak, who portray’s Roxie’s slippery lawyer Billy Flynn, was on-par with his fellow leads. Pecjak was as smooth and as sly as Billy’s character is meant to be. In his first appearance and number in the play, “All I Care About,” Pecjak’s vocals are rich and his performance is enchanting, especially with about a dozen beautiful women fluttering around him with giant pearl white feathers. He could also pull off the slimy nature of the character, whose sole goal is to make money, which he does by doing whatever is necessary to win his client’s case. Then, he takes as much as he can from them, all with a smile on his face and wink of his eye. However, the three main actors were not the only standout performances of “Chicago.” Daniel Berlin as Amos Hart, Roxie’s “quiet as a mouse” husband, who because of the nature of his character was largely upstaged by the rest of his castmates for most of the play, showed that when it comes to his

vocal and acting performance, he can be absolutely captivating. “Mister Cellophane” was his chance to show his talents as quiet, mousey, pushover Amos. But because the character finally got to lament his predicament of feeling invisible, he let loose and his voice shook the foundations of the Haugh. In that moment, the meek inherited the show. Kelley E. Squires as Matron Mama Morton was also a standout, with all of the sauciness and sassiness, as well as the booming voice that has come to be expected from the character. In every number she performed, especially in her entrance number “When You’re Good to Mama,” Squires delivered. The show was done vaudeville style, with minimal set or props. The focus was solely on the actors and their abilities. And they handled it with ease. They didn't need props. They didn't need sets. They barely had clothes, after most of that was stripped away. Their acting and singing skills were enough to make the performance as successful as expected of a performance in the Haugh.

Andrew Vasquez can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com

Professional actress Juliet Fischer-Schulein joins Citrus students in a performance of Chicago in the Haugh Performing Arts Center at Citrus College Oc.23-25.

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