Citrus College
Clarion November 7, 2012 Volume LXVII Issue 6
Illustrated by Sydney Presley
PAGE 8
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Wednesday, November 7, 2012
QUOTE of the
ISSUE Our long campaign is over. -President Barack Obama
Announcements Transfer Alliance Program Conference TAP will be holding a conference at UCLA on Nov. 9 from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Attendees will be able to tour the campus and speak with academic counselors and program representatives. Register at www. tap/ucla.edu/conference.htm. Students can reserve a spot on a Citrus bus going to the conference by calling (626)914-8639. Adopt an Angel CARE/CalWORKs are hosting their 4th annual Adopt an Angel holiday program. The angels are children of single-parent students who need support to provide an uplifting holiday experience for their children. Beginning Nov. 19 those interested in participating can go to the EOP&S/CARE Office in SS 236 to complete an “Adopt An Angel” adoption form and receive a tree ornament with a little angel’s information and wish list. CARE/CalWORKs are asking that participants wrap a gift from the child’s wish list with an age appropriate book and return to the EOP&S/CARE office no later than Dec. 4. Business Seminar The Citrus Business Association in conjunction with EOP&S and Kohl’s department store are hosting a business seminar on Nov. 15 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. in the Campus Center. The seminar will feature a panel discussion on career opportunities in business and strategies for students.
Editor: Alyssa Martin amartin@ccclarion.com
Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com
NEWS
LOCAL
STATE
Anaheim soccer coach convicted of molesting students
Political watchdog identifies groups involved in money laundering
A man who coached soccer and taught martial arts was convicted Monday of sexually assaulting eleven of his students. According to prosecutors, Luis Albeto Pineda, a resident of Anaheim, molested ten boys and one girl after practices and games or when he took them out to the movies or for dinner. The jury found him guilty of 17 felony counts of lewd acts on a child under 14, two felony counts of sodomy by force, and multiple other sodomy, oral copulation and sexual penetration counts. Pineda was sentenced to 255 years in prison, according to the Orange County district attorney’s office.
A California political watchdog has identified two groups that were the vessels for an anonymous $11 million donation to the campaigns for two California ballot initiatives. The donation was the largest anonymous donation to a ballot measure campaign in California’s history. It was made to the Small Business Action Committee, the PAC running the campaign for Prop. 32, which would stop automatic contributions to labor unions, and against Prop. 30, Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax initiative. An Arizona group, Americans for Responsible Leadership, admitted to money laundering through the two groups, but hasn’t revealed its individual donors.
Source: Los Angeles Times
Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune
NATIONAL
GLOBAL
Possibility of a second storm slows recovery from Hurricane Sandy As the Northeast recovers from Hurricane Sandy, a second smaller storm threatens to slow that process. Approximately 1.4 million homes and businesses, most in New York and New Jersey, still lack power. More than 34,000 families are using temporary housing and 217,000 have registered for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The storm is expected to hit the Northeast on Wednesday and Thursday. The storm could have sustained winds from 40 to 60 mph, cause snow in Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut and could raise water levels three or four feet in some areas. Some coastal communities consider new evacuation orders.
Vigilantes in Cairo take action to stop attacks against women Activists in Cairo, Egypt are taking efforts to protect women from harassment. While Cairo police and government officials ignore the violence against women, vigilantes attack the attackers and bring the problem to the public’s attention. Women in Egypt are often threatened, harassed, grabbed and violated, while Egypt’s former president’s wife insisted that “Egyptian men always respect Egyptian women.” Even the military took part in the attacks, threatening female activists, stripping protesters and subjecting activists to “virginity tests.” As Egypt transitions from authoritarian government groups of activists, both male and female, are taking physical action against harassers. One group after seeing a man grabbing a woman spray painted “I am a harasser” on his back. The actions of the activists have drawn global attention.
Source: Los Angeles Times
Source: The New York Times
College Success/Early Alert Workshops Time Management
Test Taking
Nov. 13 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Discover ways to organize your week more effectively to become a stellar student.
Nov. 14 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Reduce test anxiety! Learn test preparation techniques and how to take tests with confidence.
Goal Setting
Stress Management
Nov. 19 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Nov. 20 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Successful people decide their Learn new ways to reduce priorities, then set & accomstress. plish their goals. Good for school pressures & your overall general health!
Note Taking
Nov. 15 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Learn or improve note‐taking techniques to help you understand lecture and textbook material.
Math Anxiety
Nov. 21 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Apply these note taking & test taking tips to become a confident math student.
All workshops are in SS 281
Issue 5 Corrections: -The photos and reporting done on pages 8-9 of the Oct. 24 issue of the Clarion were uncredited. Cristian Manrique and Ryan Salwak were responsible for photos and responses of students, while Stephanie Rangel wrote the candidate profiles. -In the story “Zombie Flash Mob ‘Rocks the Vote,” it was incorrectly reported that participants danced to “Gangnam Style.” Participants only danced to “Thriller.” -In the story “Score, vocals, film in harmony at HPAC,” there were two errors. The first is that the photos were of guest conductor Gavin Furuken. The second was the instrument noted in “Viktor’s Tale” was a clarinet, not a flute.
Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com
CLARIONnews
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
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McClatchy-Tribune Media Services
The application process seems stressful, but with the proper planning and the right tools this mountain can be conquered.
Fear not, your transfer guide is here Freshen up those applications and dust off your personal statements because transfer season is here and your time is now.
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t’s that time of year again. The leaves are changing, the weather is finally cooling down, and students are preparing applications and personal statements for their school of choice. But is it really that easy? Can one simply just apply or should students be more concerned about this whole application process? “Applying seems like it would be a long process,” said 20-yearold psychology major Stephanie Miramontez, “I’m afraid of not getting them in on time.” In reality applying to school is not the hard part. The thing that tends to hold students back from actually accomplishing their transferring goals, is a lack of knowledge about the application process as a whole. What students fail to realize is that it takes a lot more than simply just applying to be accepted to any Cal State or University of California. There are minimum requirements for both the Cal State and the UC system, and each system has its own specific set of requirements of their own. For example, if a student wants to apply to a Cal State they need to be sure that their GPA is a minimum of 2.4; where at the UC level, the minimum GPA required for a glance at your application is a 3.2. However GPA does change depending on each school’s own personal criteria. So where should students start, and more importantly where should they turn for answers about transferring? Making an appointment with a Career and Transfer counselor is probably the best place to begin the application journey. Over the course of a 30 minute meeting, counselors lay out an academic plan which lists all classes associated with a student’s preferred major, as well as the gen-
eral education courses required to transfer. Counselors use a website called assist.org to look up class equivalency between Citrus and the desired UC or Cal State campus associated with the students desired major. After meeting with a counselor, it is important for students to personally look into the general education requirements needed to transfer. Students can also access assist. org on their own to help them with this process. Not only would this give them a better understanding of what they need to accomplish in the allotted time frame set by their counselor but it would also allow them to check and double check their progress throughout the different semesters.
“The college fair was really helpful, I learned a lot about Cal State LA.” -Angie Mastroleo
Childhood development major
Students who thoroughly understand the general education requirements put themselves ahead of the game. They know they will need to complete two transferable college courses in English composition (ENG 101 and ENG 103), one transferable college course in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning (MATH 165 or higher), and four transferable college courses chosen from at least two of the following subject areas: arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences and physical and biological sciences before transferring. After completing their general education courses, students then need to begin their lower division
core classes. Say a student wants to go get a bachelor’s degree in art history from UCLA, they would need to take classes offered here at Citrus that would be the equivalent to the lower division pre-major classes offered at UCLA, in addition to their general education classes. Perhaps the most important factor to discuss is meeting the application deadline. Between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30 students should be starting, completing and submitting their applications to the school of their choice for fall admittance the following year. For a student who wants to transfer to Cal Poly Pomona for the fall of 2013, they would need to apply for admission between Oct.1 and Nov. 30 during the fall of 2012 to be considered for acceptance the following year. Students should also make a conscious effort to attend the College Fair and takes advantage of resources it offers. Every fall and spring semester Citrus designates a day for Cal State, UC and private school representatives to set up tables in the campus mall where they can provide information and answers to any and all questions or concerns students may have regarding their particular college. “Citrus College always does an excellent job with their transfer fair,” said Gretchen Anderson, the admission and outreach advisor from Cal Poly Pomona, “they are always on their game.” Although it seems like a stressful time of year for students, it’s important to remember that the resources for your success are out there. “The college fair was really helpful,” said 20-year-old childhood development major Angie Mastroleo, “I learned a lot about Cal State LA that made me much more confident in my application process.”
Transfer success relies on many different factors. Setting up an appointment with a counselor with a great way to start and being well informed is also significant. “It’s important to stay competitive” said Anderson, “because of the California budget crisis; we’re
changing the way we do business.”
Kolby Rousseve can be contacted at krousseve@ccclarion.com.
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Wednesday, November 7, 2012
CLARIONnews
Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com
Board presented with ultimatum Too many in-home service visits for one employee caught the attention of the president of the Citrus College Faculty Association.
“In this time of cutbacks, Citrus faculty have taken on more students than ever before and [have] had classes cut more than ever before. Where’s the board cut? Where’s the board limitation?” -John Fincher
David Tate
Citrus College Faculty Association president
Clarion Editor-in-Chief
D
ual lines in the sand were drawn by the president of the full-time faculty union during the Oct. 16 meeting of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. In the public comments period preceding the meeting, John Fincher, president of the Citrus College Faculty Association, alleged that a member of the board has been abusing campus computer resources. “About a year ago, I heard rumors that one board member was abusing the computer privilege,” Fincher said. “As an officer of the CCFA, I wanted to find out what the truth was.” In his statement, Fincher said that he had recieved documents from Human Resources detailing frequent, in-home service visits by employees in the Technology and Computer Services department to the member’s home, where the employees often supplied cartridges of printer ink, FAX film and computer-related items. “I have a simple request; that the board member offer a written apology to the TeCS department, return any items that are above and beyond what a typical board member may receive and promise not
John Fincher
to bully any Citrus employee ever again,” Fincher said. From May 5, 2010, to Oct. 5, 2012 personnel from TeCS made 34 visits to Ortell’s residence, according to the documentation. “For the life of me . . .I cannot think of a reason that anyone would require such extensive, inhome service visits for a computer,” Fincher said. On Nov. 5, Fincher confirmed that the trustee in question is Edward Ortell, the board representative from Duarte who was first elected in 1969.
for bringing this up, but it’s escaping me right now,” Ortell said. “What we need to do is concentrate on transparency in government.” Transparency has recently become a recurring issue with the Citrus campus. On Oct. 1, San Dimas resident Gil Aguirre filed suit against the board of trustees, claiming the body violated California’s open-government laws by incorrectly posting agenda items, among other things. An Aug. 21 meeting of the board was also cancelled after a Clarion reporter noticed the agenda had not been posted 72 hours prior to the meeting. The CCFA president also set forth another ultimatum for the
“The time has come for lifetime medical benefits. One is too at risk at the end of their career not to have it.” -Edward Ortell
Citrus College Board of Trustees member
In a follow-up telephone conversation Nov. 1, Ortell expressed uncertainty as to why Fincher put forth the allegations. “I’m sure John has his reasons
board: That board members eligible for lifetime health care benefits retire by Dec. 31. The trustees voted to give themselves and their spouses lifetime
medical, dental and optical insurance coverage during the April 23, 1998, special meeting of the board of trustees. The proposal was made by then-board president Edward Ortell, who was reportedly motivated by the failing health of Donald Montgomery, then the trustee from Monrovia. Montgomery died of cancer the day prior to the special meeting. The agenda item granting the board with lifetime medical benefits passed by a 3-1 vote. It states that coverage will be provided to administrators under contract, board members who serve the district for a minimum of five years and are at least 55 years of age and to spouses for both groups. Current board members Gary Woods and Ortell voted in support of the proposal, while now retired board member Michael Bevilacqua was the dissenting vote. Both Ortell and Woods are still eligible for the benefit, while Joanne Montgomery’s status was unclear as of press time. “The time has come for lifetime medical benefits,” Ortell was quoted as saying in the May 6, 1998 issue of the Citrus College Clarion. “One is too at risk at the end of
their career not to have it.” The lifetime health benefit policy has clearly irked members of the CCFA for some time. In October 1999, a similar benefits proposal for faculty did not make it past the negotiation table. Professor George Carlson wrote in a 1999 issue of the CCFA newsletter “If some get [benefits] and spend a couple of hours on campus a month, an instructor who’s here on campus full-time should receive them also. Everybody should get the same.” The CCFA has tempered its stance since. “It’s [been] largely forgotten, to be honest with you,” said chemistry professor Terry Miles, who acknowledged that establishing lifetime benefits for faculty at the present would not work financially. “It sort of wrinkles a few noses, but I wouldn’t say it’s a sticking point for relations with management.” Under the provision, Woods and Ortell entitled to nearly $20,000 a year in medical coverage alone. “In this time of cutbacks, Citrus faculty have taken on more students than ever before, and [have] had classes cut more than ever before,” Fincher said. “Where’s the board cut? Where’s the board limitation?” The next meeting of the board of trustees is scheduled for Nov. 20 at 4:15 in CI 159.
David Tate can be contacted at clarionEIC@ccclarion.com or (626) 914-8586.
ASCC president is a modern day Renaissance man The president of ASCC is full-time, all the time. Cristian Manrique Staff Writer
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ike most other college students, the president of student government enrolled at Citrus College with no clear idea of what he wanted to do. Today, Andy Navarro, 24, is a full-time student, full-time employee and president of the Associated Students of Citrus College, which is a full time job in itself. Now in his sixth semester, he has already completed his political science major courses. He has his sights set on completing a business degree. Navarro chose to be a political science major because “I had an eye for politics, so I decided to be a political science major.” Navarro plans to graduate by June 2013 and to apply at USC with his business major and Berkeley with his political major.
A day in the life of Andy Navarro is busy. “It’s quite gratifying, it’s tiring, but it’s worthwhile,” Navarro said. He likes keeping busy. He doesn’t know much about what’s going on in pop culture. He said he can’t remember the last time he watched television, except for the recent Nov. 17 presidential debate. On Wednesdays, Navarro wakes up at 4 a.m. to go to work, gets off work at 9:30 a.m., goes to class at 10 a.m., and gets out of class at 11 a.m. He does homework and conducts student government business until 6 p.m. when he goes back to class. He gets out of class at 9 p.m., goes home and studies or works out. He goes to sleep at 10 p.m. The next day he does it all over again. Navarro works full-time as the assistant manager at West Covina U-Haul.
Cristian Manrique Citrus College Clarion
Andy Navarro (center) is a full-time student, employee, and ASCC president. But even while he is at work, he says that he can’t stop thinking about his leadership role at Citrus College. When Navarro found out that he had been elected to the top spot in student government, he started a list of goals he wanted to accomplish during his year-long presidency. One of those goals is improving advocacy of ASCC. He noticed that very few students knew about the ASCC executive board or its activities. By contrast, he says that students seem to know more about the ASCC this fall than in previous years.
Karlyn Bradley, 23, sociology and psychology major and former ASCC President, said Navarro keeps the people excited. “He is one of the best presidents that I’ve seen in ASCC,” Bradley said. “It’s really easy for people to burn out,” Bradley said, “It’s really easy for people to get discouraged, and especially with the political climate, with the cuts that are coming to the school, all the uncertainty.” “Andy has kept the board motivated. We are eight weeks into the semester, and it feels like it’s the first week because people are
still on fire, still giving 100 percent, which is amazing.” Art Corral, commissioner of community relations, agrees. Corral described Navarro as passionate and concerned about student success. “We’ve got a really great dynamic here at the [ASCC] board,” he said.
Cristian Manrique can be contacted at cmanrique@ccclarion.com.
Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com
Scores are down
CLARIONnews
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
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n the active and collaborative learning area of the benchmark students analyzed on how well they collaborated with others. Citrus scored 49.4 compared to the cohort of 50.0 in this area. It tested whether students were asking questions, made class presentations, tutored, discussed ideas outside of class, and worked on assignments with others not in the class.
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This year’s benchmark scores from the Community College Survey of Student Engagement have decreased from previous studies. Cristian Manrique Staff Writer
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he Community College Survey of Student Engagement is a study of nearly 300 community colleges participants nationwide that poses questions determined to assess institutional practices and student behaviors associated with student success. It includes five benchmark areas that address key aspects of student engagement, active and collaborative learning, student effort, academic challenge, studentfaculty, and support for learners.
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The results are in, and this year, Citrus College scored lower in all five benchmarks than it scored in previous years. Director of Institutional Research, Lan Hao, said the first thing to address the low scores are “to have a discussion, make these results public, and make sure people see the results.” She says that if students followed the “Student Success List,” most of the problems would be addressed and Citrus wouldn’t have all the lowest CCSSE scores.
Sasha Winterer
Sasha Winterer
tudent effort solely depends on student behaviors and amount of energy they put into attaining their educational goals. Citrus scored 47.9 compared to the cohort of 50.0 in the area. It measured whether students prepared more than two drafts on a paper, worked on a project that requires ideas integrated from more than one source, completed their assignment, how many books read on their own, and used computer/ writing labs.
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tudent-faculty interaction is measured by amount of contact students have with their teachers. Citrus scored 49.4 compared to the cohort of 50.0 in studentfaculty interaction. Items include using email to communicate with teachers, discussing grades or assignments, talking about career plans, receiving promt feedback, and working with teachers on activities other than coursework.
Sasha Winterer
Sasha Winterer
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upport for learners is judged by how frequent students attended and used various academic and career services. Students perform better and are more satisfied at colleges that provide important services, culti-
vate positive relationships among groups on campus, and demonstrate commitment to their success. Citrus scored 51.5 compared to the national average of 50.0 in Support for Learners.
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cademic Challenge measures intellectual and creative work, which is central to student learning and collegiate quality. Citrus scored 50.0 compared to the national average of 50.0 in Academic Challenge. It is judged by the number of assigned books students read, how much the coursework emphasizes, and how much the college encourages students to spend time studying.
Sasha Winterer
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Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Editor: Stephanie Rangel srangel@ccclarion.com
spotlight
Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com
Rocket Owls get set to take off
A rocket-building team prepares for competition in NASA’s Student Launch Initiative. Alyssa Martin
Clarion News Editor
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team of six Citrus students collectively known as the “Rocket Owls” has been selected to participate in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s “Student Launch Program.” The Rocket Owls’ design is scheduled to be examined by a panel of scientists and engineers from NASA today. Once it is approved, the Citrus students can begin building their rocket. The Rocket Owls will be competing with teams from 34 other colleges and universities across the United States in April in Huntsville, Ala. Teams must build and launch a six foot long, reusable rocket that meets specific requirements. Citrus College is the only California community college and one of seven two-year colleges selected for the competition. Two other teams from California—UC Davis and California Polytechnic University, Pomona—have also been chosen to participate. The NASA program also includes such schools as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northwestern, and Purdue Universities. “Basically the goals are for us to make a rocket that can go up to
Courtesy of the Rocket Owls
Rocket Owls team leader Andrew Ferguson, center, and, from left to right, Carey Gunter, Phoebe Sulzen, Ben Rhodes-Wickett, Jo Jamison and Yu-Han Chiang show their test rocket at Citrus College on Thursday, Oct. 4 2012. an altitude of one mile and carry some sort of scientific payload on board,” said team leader and 26-year-old applied physics major, Andrew Ferguson. “We have to go through several life cycle stages just like a real NASA project would.” The team is required to create a website on which they will document the experiment. The preliminary design will be examined via video conference and if it passes the team will begin building. They must also become involved in community outreach to help raise awareness of education-
“The opportunity to be a part of a NASA project building a rocket was one
I
couldn’t let by.”
-Phoebe Sulzen
Rocket Owls Member
al and professional opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math. The Citrus team hopes to reach 2,000 students in the next six months. The team has already done
demonstrations at Wilson Middle School in Glendale and Stevenson Middle School in Los Angeles, helping students build and launch bottle rockets or parachutes. “The Rocket Owls plan to raise awareness of the science of rockets and STEM in the community, which is an important part of the USLI project,” said Lucia Riderer, Rocket Owls advisor and Citrus College physics instructor. The Rocket Owls are a firstyear team of six science and engineering students. The members are Phoebe Sulzen, Yu-Han Chaing, Carey Gunt-
er, Jo Jamison, Benjamin RhodesWickett and Ferguson. “I love NASA, and I love exploring new areas of engineering so the opportunity to be a part of a NASA project building a rocket was one I couldn’t let by,” said Phoebe Sulzen, a 22-year-old mechanical engineering major.
Alyssa Martin can be contacted at amartin@ccclarion.com.
Veterans Network reactivated One club helps veterans acclimate to campus life and meet other vets. Cristian Manrique Staff Writer
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he Veterans Network is a campus club that helps student vets access information, apply for grants, and sponsors community events. Its members can come together and have a good time instead of just work, work, work. The Veterans Network is one of the many clubs on the Citrus Community College campus that is active this semester and they look to be active for quite some time. The Veterans Network was just reactivated at an ICC meeting on Sept. 17. Fernando Salazar Jr., president of the Veterans Network, is a former U.S. Marine now majoring in sociology. He said he feels he has the skills to assist his veteran peers. The Veterans Network cabinet includes secretary Mayra Marchington, vice secretary Jeanette Gonzalez, treasurer Jocelyn Vizcarra, assistant treasurer Victor Lopez Jr., and ICC Representative Jeffrey Roth. Salazar wants to raise student
awareness of the Citrus College Veterans Center, located at HH756 and HH758, where veterans can go there to get help, but also dependents and spouses. “Our goals are to help reintegrate veterans into civilian society when they get back home and to reach out to the community through fund-raising and charity events,” Salazar said. The Veterans Network is planning to host a Toys for Tots softball tournament at Citrus College on Dec. 15. Citrus student vets will play against other Veterans Centers such as Pasadena City College and Cal State LA. Each person attending and playing will bring a toy to turn in. Members also take hikes together to get to know each other and socialize. Salazar wants to show non-veterans that veterans aren’t that different from other Citrus students. He also wants to show the public that modern veterans aren’t like World War II or Vietnam War veteran stereotypes, who kept to themselves and were often troubled. He wants to counter the stereotypes that veterans
are hot-headed and could snap at anything. Salazar wants to show the community that veterans are not a danger and especially not a threat to any particular race or to any religious affiliation. Just because they went overseas to fight a particular enemy does not mean that they perceive everyone of that race, ethnic group, or religion as an enemy, he said. Counselor Monica Christianson said that the Veterans Network, which is funded by a grant, helps veterans with persistency. “We want the veterans to have a social network,” Christianson said. “It helps keep them in school, keep them coming back, build up relationships and friendships that are going to sustain their academics,” Christianson said. Academic Senate President James Woolum, a faculty veteran who was honored recently at the 7th annual Salute to Veterans said that “the Veterans Network support for any of our groups is very important, our veterans are facing some unique challenges.” By helping vets transition from
Cristian Manrique Citrus College Clarion
Fernando Salazar Jr., 30, is a sociology major and the president of the Veterans Network. military life to the civilian work force, the Veterans Network “helps the college in the long run,” he said.
Cristian Manrique can be contacted at cmanrique@ccclarion.com.
Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com
CLARIONspotlight
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
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Martha Amescua Citrus College Clarion
The American Veterans Honor Guard prepares for a 21-gun salute.
“Salute” celebrates, honors veterans Martha Amescua Citrus College Clarion
The 7th annual “Salute to Veterans” is still one of Citrus College’s biggest events.
The American Veterans Honor Guard presents an American flag for soldiers who were never given a proper military funeral.
Martha Amescua
accepted by the Citrus College Veteran’s Center. Citrus College honored community veterans from Azusa Pacific University, Vicken “Vic” A. Bezjian, Elizabeth Saucedo from Glendora, James Woolen of Citrus College and Johnny Granados from Azusa at the celebration. Artwork, created by students, memorializing deceased military members was proudly displayed through the campus mall. While over looking the display, Granados, a 92 year-old Army veteran said “It makes me proud for the simple reason that our people are still showing appreciation for what we did in the
Photo Technician
Andrae Reid Staff Writer
I was so happy to be here. I felt so patriotic, it brought tears to my eyes.
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tudents, staff and members of the local community gathered to recognize those who willingly put their lives at risk serving in our country’s military – our veterans. Citrus College and Azusa Pacific University partnered for the 7th Annual “Saluting Our Veterans” appreciation celebration held on campus Nov. 1. Gladstone High School’s band and drill team provided music and entertainment while participants gathered in the quad prior to the celebration. Alumni keynote speakers and veterans, Chris Mellard and Steven O’Hara hosted. Representatives from APU, elected officials and community leaders, members of Citrus College Veterans
-Jamie Hernandez, 18 Fine arts major
Network and members of the Board of Trustees were all in attendance to enjoy the day’s festivities. Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D, Superintendent/ President welcomed all attendees and Dean of Students Martha McDonald presented commendations to four honorees. McDonald herself is a veteran of the Marine Corps. In her welcome, Perri also acknowledged the donations, accolades and honors Citrus College has received over the past six years the school efforts for its veterans. Special mention was given to the fact that for three
years in a row Citrus College has been named a Military Friendly School by GI Jobs Magazine. “This designation ranks Citrus College among the top 15 percent of all higher education institutions in the nation providing services to veterans,” Perri said. “Now we answer the call to serve those who served us so proudly.” A flag was then presented for the soldiers who were never given a proper military funeral, followed by a 21-gun salute by the American Veterans Honor Guard while they played “Taps”. The flag was presented to and
second World War.” Granados, the Azusa honoree was in attendance with his family. His son, Tony, daughter-in-law Tammy, granddaughter Nina and nephew Robert Granados were all present during the award ceremony. “The Star Spangled Banner” was sung by the band Nightshift and the festivities were concluded. “I was so happy to be here. I felt so patriotic, it brought tears to my eyes,” said 18 year-old fine arts major Jamie Hernandez.
Martha Amescua and Andrae Reid can be contacted at mamescua@ccclarion.com & areid@ccclarion.com.
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Editor: David Tate clarionEIC@ccclarion.com
SPORTS
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
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The last line of defense for the Owls The goals of Alyssa Lozano continue off the field as she pursues a career in criminal justice. Magali Cardenas Staff Writer
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t’s been a good season for the women’s soccer team, largely thanks to the team’s goalkeep-
er.
Alyssa Lozano, 19, graduated in 2011 from Sierra Vista High School in Baldwin Park. She played varsity soccer throughout her four years there. Standing 5-feet-3-inches, Lozano assumes the goalkeeper position for women’s soccer team at Citrus College. The soccer team currently has an overall record of 15-3-2 and a conference record of 9-1-0. “My favorite part about soccer is that it allows you to kind of create a new family and meet a group of people that you want to get to know, you want to get to trust,” Lozano said. Nicknamed ‘Freshman,’ Lozano was an inspiration to the team. “She is one of the few players I can say was a natural born leader,” said her former coach Steve Jimenez. When she made the Sierra Vista team as a ninth grader, she was the only goalie so far to do that, Jimenez said. “As goal keepers, we are the
last line of defense,” Lozano said. “Standing in the back, we can tell where the team is going wrong, what needs to get better, or yell out to them to go for the shot, if they still have time,” she said. “Without a goalkeeper, the game would be more difficult.”
“Soccer teaches a person how to have character.” -Alyssa Lozano
Goalkeeper
Lozano said that playing soccer has made her a better person. “Soccer teaches a person how to have character,” she said. “There are times in the game where you get frustrated, and you just want to scream or hit a girl because she hit you. But you have to keep your composure and relax, continue to play hard, to play smart.” During the 2011 Citrus soccer season Lozano started all 20 games. She recorded 123 saves, has allowed an average of 1.44 goals a game and has notched five shutouts. In 2010, when she was a junior in high school, her team won the California Interscholastic Federa-
tion Soccer Championship for Division 7. It was Lozano, the goalkeeper, who blocked what could have won the championship for their opponents. “All of the hard work we put in, it was phenomenal,” Lozano said. “We worked together and pulled off a great win that nobody thought we could get.” In their honor, the Sierra Vista High School women’s soccer team photo went up on a billboard along the 10 Freeway near Baldwin Park. Lozano has been coaching goalies from her former high school for the past two years. She also coaches the goalie from a Baldwin Park youth club. Lozano is planning to transfer to Cal State Los Angeles after the spring 2013 semester. With criminal justice as her career choice, she aspires to be a correctional officer in a juvenile detention center. “I value the fact that she manages to always be here for me, through whatever, even if she is super busy,” said Lozano’s close friend Hannah Bell. “She is trustworthy, responsible, independent, smart and most definitely strong.”
Magali Cardenas can be contacted at mcardenas@ccclarion.com.
David Tate Citrus College Clarion
Women’s volleyball was able to bounce back from a loss against Pierce, but lost a pivotal match against Bakersfield Oct. 26.
The Fighting Owls’ Update Playoffs are in the air. Andrae Reid Staff Writer
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he fall season at Citrus College is coming to an end. The Owls have shown impressive athleticism, going strong until the final wire of their past few weeks of games. With our big winners still in the competition for the playoffs, things are looking heated right now. ootball is stuck in third place in the SCFA Central Conference. With the Fighting Owls holding an overall record
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of 7-2 following their 43-24 victory over Long Beach Nov. 3, they are in preparation for their big game against LA Harbor this week on Nov. 9 at 6 p.m., which will determine their final SCFA ranking. olleyball is trying to close in on the postseason. They lost a big game against consensus No. 1 LA Pierce Oct. 24 but bounced right back up off the wood with a victory over Canyons on Oct. 26. The girls are currently 11-8 after their most recent game against Bakersfield, losing in a harsh 3-0 battle. The team faces off against Glendale tonight at 7 p.m. in their final regular sea-
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son home contest. omen’s soccer continues a strong season after their 7-0 victory against LA Valley College on Oct. 26. The team has to focus on playoff position after their victory, tie, and loss these past weeks against Bakersfield, LA Pierce and Canyons. The women’s soccer finale will be hosted at West LA Nov. 9 at 3 p.m.
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Andrae Reid can be contacted at areid@ccclarion.com.
Magali Cardenas Citrus College Clarion
Sophomore goalkeeper Alyssa Lozano dives for a save during practice.
Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com
CLARIONspotlight
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
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McClatchy-Tribune Media Services
President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden on stage Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Chicago, Ill., after the president was re-elected by a total of 303 electoral votes to 206 as of press time.
BACK FOR FOUR David Tate
Clarion Editor-in-Chief
O
n Monday Night Football Nov. 5, the Philadelphia Eagles faced off against the New Orleans Saints. At halftime, two presidential candidates addressed the nation. Just 24 hours later, a win had been declared for incumbent President Barack Obama. What was predicted to be a tight race in pre-election polls eventually ended in a runaway victory, much like the Saints experienced the night
before. “Thank you, thank you so much,” Obama said as he walked out on stage in Chicago. “We are an American family and we rise and fall together as one nation and as one people,” Obama said. “Tonight in this election, you as the American people reminded us while the road has been hard, and the journey may have been hard, we have picked ourselves up.” The race started off as most had expected. Florida reported a 51-48 percent advantage for Obama as of 5:30 PST, but Ar-
kansas had already been declared for Romney. The Republican candidate had managed to jump out to an early 56-42 percent lead in Virginia at the same time, and had gained the lead in the popular vote 52-47 percent. But the one surprise came in the state many pundits said Romney needed the most—Obama had developed a 59-42 percent lead in the always critical Ohio. At 6:30 PST Obama was still nursing a solid 52-47 percent lead in the state. Florida was reported neck-and-neck. Throughout the
evening, no candidate was able to grasp a strong foothold in the panhandle. Midwest returns continued to come in during the evening, but Romney’s lead in the popular vote had diminished to only three percent by 7:30 PST. He claimed victories in Arizona and Missouri, but the threat of California’s 55 electoral votes still loomed with Ohio still holding steady for Obama at 50-48 percent. Less than 45 minutes later, CNN reported Romney’s campaign was expressing doubts about the outcome. And at 8:17
PST, CNN called the election for Obama, who returned to a familiar theme during his reelection speech, to the cheers of the thousands in attendance. “I have never been more hopeful for America,” Obama said. “I have never had more hope about us. And I ask you to sustain that hope.”
David Tate can be contacted at clarionEIC@ccclarion.com or (626) 914-8586.
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Wednesday, November 7, 2012
CLARIONspotlight
Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com
Prop. 30
Prop. 38
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roposition 30, Gov. Jerry Brown’s temporary tax to fund education, was leading with a 52-48 majority as of press time. If the proposition passes, it is projected to pay back community colleges more than $200 million in deferral payments.
roposition 38, Molly Munger’s tax increase, failed 26-74 percent as of press time. The proposition would have raised income taxes to fund K-12 schools at the expense of Prop. 30.
McClatchy-Tribune Media Services
Proposition 31
P
Proposition 32
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Proposition 33
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roposition 33, the auto insurance history-based covroposition 31, the budget and governance reform roposition 32, the payroll protection initiative, was erage initiative, was trailing 47-53 percent as of press initiative, was trailing 42-58 percent as of press time. trailing 47.1-52 percent as of press time. The propotime. The proposition would have allowed for inThe proposition would have reformed state budget sition would have prohibited payroll deductions for creases or decreases in premium payments based on length procedures. political purposes for corporations and unions. of auto insurance coverage.
Proposition 34
P
Proposition 35
P
Proposition 36
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roposition 34, the death penalty reform initiative, was roposition 35, the Californians Against Sexual Exploiroposition 36, the three strikes law reform initiative, trailing 46-54 percent as of press time. The propositation Act, passed with an 83-17 percent majority as passed with a 68.7-31-3 percentage majority as of tion would repeal the death penalty in California if of press time. The proposition harshens punishments press time. The proposition would lessen the punishpassed. for sex traffickers. ment for non-violent offenders of California’s Three Strikes Law.
Proposition 37
P
Proposition 39
P
Proposition 40
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roposition 37, the genetically engineered food labelroposition 39, the elimination of the multistate busiroposition 40, the state Senate referendum, passed ing initiative, was trailing 45-55 percent as of press ness tax break initiative, passed with a 59.5-40.5 perwith a 74.2-25.8 percentage majority as of press time. time. The proposition would have required special centage majority as of press time. The proposition The proposition upheld the newly drawn state Senate labels on packages of some genetically modified foods. would require business to pay taxes solely based off sales districts. in California.
Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com
CLARIONspotlight
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Army veteran recalls his days in World War II 92 year old Johnny Granados from Azusa remembers battles, friends and close calls. Martha Amescua Photo Technician
“S
ometimes my memory fails me, but I remember my time in the war as if it were yesterday.” Johnny Granados, 92, resident of Azusa. Johnny Granados was born in Emporia, Kan. on May 23, 1914, into a family of seven brothers and two sisters. His parents Pomposo and Lucia moved the family west to El Monte, California in 1924. Granados was drafted into the Army during World War II on Jan. 22, 1942. His military journey began in Camp Roberts, Paso Robles, to Camp Barkley in Abilene, Texas. He was then transferred to Desert Center in California, then moved to Fort Dix in New Jersey and finally to England in January, 1944. When he was stateside, Granados trained with the foward observer units but he was trained primarily with the 105 Howitzers artillery unit practicing their maneuver strategies. When he went to Europe, he was assigned as a forward observer, driving an officer and two armed soldiers at all times. Forward observers supported fellow soldiers by relaying instructions to adjust ground or naval gunfire. Granados drove officers traveling close to the front lines to pass along intelligence. This prepared the troops for engagements with hostile forces. He was also responsible for selecting and training the two soldiers who were with the forward observations unit. Part of the hardships of war was having to replace those two soldiers if they were wounded or killed. “It was very hard. Those men were my friends,” he said. Granados said he felt his job outside of the trenches played a large role in his survival on the front lines. He also served with the 3rd Army under legendary Gen.
George S. Patton, traveling in France from Utah Beach with the troops to St. Lo and then on to Paris and to Metz. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, he was with the first Army units that crossed Utah Beach on the Brittany Peninsula in Normandy, France. “That moment will never go out of my mind,” Granados said. When his unit disembarked from the barge, Granados’ jeep was the first one off. To his surprise, it sunk so deep he could taste the water. He thought he would have to abandon the vehicle, but somehow it managed to float. He then hit the beach to become part of the now legendary D-Day European invasion. Granados and his fellow soldiers were very aware of their marks being made on history. “Oh yes, we knew,” he said. “Soldiers can be very gossipy, plus we had our military publication Stars and Stripes.” During World War II, the newspaper was printed in dozens of editions in several operating theaters. Some of the editions were assembled and printed very close to the front lines in order to get the latest information to the troops. Granados recalls a time he encountered a sniper at the top of a hill shooting at another group of allied soldiers. Soon, the sniper had shot and killed the soldier manning the machine gun protecting them, leaving them vulnerable. “I remember that their position was interfering with the radio and they could not reach anyone for help. Our lieutenant ordered them down the hill. I didn’t think it was the right thing to do, but I followed orders,” he said. “I remember seeing our lieutenant starting down the hill and run behind some trees. The trees were booby-trapped and he was injured. Then the sniper shot the second guy in the back of his legs and I told them both to stay there and that I would send help back.” “When I got up to run, I remember falling so hard that I went very deep into the snow. Still, I could hear and feel the bullets flying past my head. Soon I picked up frequency for the ra-
dio and called for help that didn’t come until 5 or 6 in the morning.” “Then we had to go back up the same damn hill we had just barely made it down from safely. When I reached the top, I remember clearly a deep feeling of desperation. I don’t know if it was because of the darkness or the cold, but it was the only time I truly felt scared. I thanked God for saving my life that night.” Granados had more than his fair share of close calls. He remembers a time his lieutenant and an armed soldier were in a building when the power was blasted out by the Germans. After he was ordered outside to assess the situation, a shell came down and blew up the building he had just exited, killing the lieutenant and injuring the sergeant. Granados also remembers many stories of good times in farm houses where people took them in and shared their food, as well as stories of frightening encounters with the Germans. In September 1949, he began working for United Insurance of America. Just three months later, Granados was being presented to the company as the top salesman in the company for the quarter. He stayed with that company for 44 years. Life has changed in the years since he served his country. Although he never returned to Europe after the war, his memory is clear when he tells his stories. His granddaughter, Nina, who lives with him in Azusa with her daughter Alexis said, “He’s my hero from all the things he experienced in the war. I love the stories.” He reminisces about old friends who are no longer here and speaks fondly of those who come to spend time with him as he looks at many pictures of children and adults alike. Although he wonders what the future holds for him, he just takes it one day at a time.
Martha Amescua can be contacted at mamescua@ccclarion.com.
Martha Amescua Citrus College Clarion
Granados reminisces as he looks at photos of his time in the service during World War II.
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Courtesy of Johnny Granados
Granados in military fatigues in Texas.
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Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Editor: Kolby Rousseve krousseve@ccclarion.com
Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com
arts & entertainment
Marvin Trigo Citrus College Clarion
The Hayden Memorial Library is currently displaying Citrus College alumna BJ Lane’s painting “In a Wink Of an Eye” from her “Out Of The Closet” exhibit. The exhibit will run until Dec. 7.
Marvin Trigo Citrus College Clarion
BJ Lane will display her painting “The Missing Piece” at the Hayden Memorial Library during her “Out Of the Closet” exhibit that will continue until Dec. 7.
Alumna begins month long exhibit at library Painter BJ Lane is back at school—and she didn’t come empty-handed. Marvin Trigo Staff Writer
Marvin Trigo Citrus College Clarion
Citrus College alumna BJ Lane holds a portrait of her daughter displayed in her “Out Of the Closet” Exhibit at the Hayden Memorial Library.
Marvin Trigo Citrus College Clarion
BJ Lane’s portrait, “Smell The Daisies,” is at the Hayden Memorial Library for display in her “Out Of the Closet” exhibit, which runs until Dec. 7.
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he “Out of the Closet” Exhibit at the Hayden Memorial Library will showcase Citrus College alumna BJ Lane’s self-portraits and landscapes, and will run through Dec. 7. An opening reception is scheduled today from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Lane began painting 29 years ago at the age of 19 when she was a student at Citrus College. She received a grant to continue her studies and used it to take an art class. “Creativity is so important to the human soul,” Lane said. Some of the works that can be seen at the gallery are paintings of street life featuring people walking and vehicles on city streets and at intersections. Other paintings are of family portraits of her children. In one self-portrait, Lane is seen looking into the sunset with faded mountains in the background. In the painting she utilizes the artistic technique of forced perspective to tell the viewer to focus on her, since the painting holds
special importance to Lane. She said it reminds her of a moment in her life where she had to deal with the passing of a relative. Another piece in the exhibit shows Lane posing while painting her likeness with the help of a mirror that captures the image of a beautiful garden behind her. The artist said that the painting illustrates her many different sides. Lane says she wants students that are artists to use “Out Of The Closet” as a source of inspiration to express themselves through artwork and feel liberated. From 1981 to 1996 Lane actually took a break from exhibiting—but not painting—after her oldest daughter Tanya was born. When her youngest child Tammy was born with autism in 1991, she extended her hiatus from exhibiting in order to care for her. Lane returned to exhibiting in 2006. Since then she says she has completed 300 pieces of art and 60 exhibits. Self portraits usually project the way the artist is feeling, and Lane agreed with that concept. “Each self portrait is [created] for a reason, whether it is sadness
or excitement,” she said. Lane is also an art instructor at the Creative Arts Group Gallery in Sierra Madre, a non-profit organization, and hopes to encourage people to do artwork whether with ceramic, airbrush, or sculpture. “She does a lot of work that seems to be Los Angeles centered,” added library technician Karen Praeger, who has followed some of Lane’s artwork at the L.A. County Fair and the Creative Arts Group Gallery. Praeger also describes her as very friendly, charming, and outgoing person. The “Out Of the Closet” exhibit will run through Dec. 7 at the Hayden Memorial Library. The gallery is open from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday. “It’s a great opportunity for students to see exceptional work,” said Citrus College art professor Michael Hillman.
Marvin Trigo can be contacted at mtrigo@ccclarion.com.
Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com
CLARIONa&e
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
15
Andrae Reid Citrus College Clarion
“Bronze Star” cast performs during dress rehearsal in the Little Theatre in preparation for performances beginning Nov. 10.
Student veterans, actors prepare for play’s first showing “The Bronze Star,” authored by veteran and history professor Bruce Solheim, is based off his military experiences. The play is scheduled for six performances on five nights and features student veteran actors. Danielle Rodriguez Staff Writer
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ehearsals have begun for production of “The Bronze Star,” based on a true story of a gay Vietnam War veteran. Written and co-directed by Citrus College history professor Bruce Solheim, the play is scheduled for five performances in the Little Theatre. Chronicling the life of Solheim’s friend Carl Furgeson, the play explores the hardships experienced by veterans both during and after their military service, as well as issues of post-traumatic stress disorder and intolerance towards gays and lesbians. The cast features six veterans, one of whom is an actual recipient of a Bronze Star. The Bronze Star is awarded to soldiers who have distinguished themselves from fellow soldiers by accomplishing brave and praiseworthy services or achievements. Frank Chavez, a 63-year-old U.S. Army veteran of El Monte, mentioned his Bronze Star to Solheim, who suggested he try out for the play. “Our unit completed many missions and in return the battalion commander put us in for a unit citation,” said Chavez. “Our captain said no, no these men deserve a higher level of recognition and he put [us] all in for the Bronze Star.”
Chavez plays Old Jenkins, who appears in the second part of the play as the arch-enemy of protagonist Carl. His experience as a decorated Army veteran has allowed him to advise student actors who have not served in the military on how to portray a soldier.
Our soldiers bring the trauma of war home with them, and we have to help them transition to healthy and productive civilian lives.
-Bruce Solheim
“The Bronze Star” playwright
“[The veterans] not only provide technical expertise on certain aspects of combat and military life, they offer freely of their time to help the other actors understand the psychological and emotional aspects of war,” Solheim said. To help the actors get into character, ex-Marine Anthony Vidales, a 27-year-old psychology major, had fellow actors in his command as he re-enacted a drill with jumping jacks, push-ups and sit-ups. Vidales, who plays the younger version of Sergeant Jenkins, served in Iraq. He said he hopes the play will teach the audience
about heroism. “I want the audience to realize that no matter if gay, straight, black or white, a hero is still a hero,” Vidales said. The plot of the play spans from Vietnam to the ongoing war on terror and explains the changes of policies regarding gays in the army. Solheim, who served in the Army in the late 1970s, knew gay military personnel who were kicked out though they “were good, decent, hard-working soldiers.” Another controversy presented in the play, PTSD, is meant to present the debt owed by Americans to veterans. “Our soldiers bring the trauma of war home with them,” Solheim said, “and we have to help them transition to healthy and productive civilian lives.” The Bronze Star debuts Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. in the Little Theatre. Performances are also scheduled for Nov. 10, 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at http://tickets.haughpac. com or at the box office window for $10 by students, seniors and military or $12 full price.
Danielle Rodriguez can be contacted at drodriguez@ccclarion.com.
Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com
Editor: Melanie Gudino mgudino@ccclarion.com
FORUM
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
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Martha Amescua Citrus College Clarion
TODAYS ASSIGNMENT: PRIVATE STUDY GROUP Writers with benefits David Tate and Melanie Gudino talk about playing with fire by having sex with a college professor.
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he vast majority of college students are adults, and though sexual harassment lawsuits and public perception can muddy the ethical waters, there is no provision in the Citrus College administrative policies that forbids an instructor from engaging in a consensual sexual relationship with an adult student. What responsibilities, if any, do consenting adults have when it comes to mixing sex and education? David Tate: I’m pretty sure we’ve all had a crush on a teacher at one time or another. So which one of your teachers made you want to do some extra studying? Melanie Gudino: I had a crush on my history teacher when I was a sophomore in high school. He was in his early twenties—really young. I think he had just got out of the military. But high school is a different story. DT: I think we can both agree that high school students are rightfully off-limits. But we’re in college now. Do you think there’s anything wrong with students and professors starting relationships? MG: I don’t think so. What happens if a student and a professor meet outside of campus, like at a bar or any social event, and they get involved? In 45 states, it is not a crime for school employees to have sex with students age 18 and older according to Counter Pedophilia Investigative Unit. Those high school kids turn into college students, where they constantly hear about how they’re adults now—if that’s really true, what’s wrong with an adult relationship with a professor? To get some clarification on why the school frowns upon student-instructor relationships we talked to manager of human resources/staff diversity Brenda Fink. “The concern that the college has is
the conflict of interest that can occur even when a relationship may be in a positive place,” Fink said.
“Romantic or sexual relationships between supervisors and employees, or between administrators, faculty, or staff members and students are discouraged. There is an inherent imbalance of power and potential for exploitation in such relationships.” -Citrus College Board Policy 7102 “If a relationship spoils or goes bad in some way it becomes very difficult and very awkward in a classroom situation and often both parties end up feeling some level of harm.” And to get a better idea of the faculty’s perspective on things, we figured the best person to talk to would be a faculty member. Academic Senate president and former Glendora Police Department lieutenant Jim Woolum had some extra information for us. “Relationships between students and professors aren’t anything new.” In fact, Woolum said he knows of two Citrus College professors who ended up marrying Citrus College students. But the important distinction Woolum wanted to make was that the professors in question went about things “the right way.” “The right way to do it, is to start with both parties being single,” Woolum said. “The second criteria would be to make sure that the student is not in the instructor’s class. When the instructor has control of a grade, success, or progress. I think at that point any relationship other than a professional instructor-student [relationship] is inappropriate.” “Forbidden sex is one of the top sexual fanatasies for men if it’s wrong and morally base, he’s probably imagined it at some point.” -Seducationlabs.org
DT: For men, a sexual relationship with an older woman is a popular fantasy. I think the woman in a position of power is another thing that makes the relationship even more appealing—if the professor is an attractive female it’s a double whammy. Let’s say you have an English research paper due and you end up doing your English professor instead. I don’t think the average student is going to handle a failing grade like an adult and male professors have to be especially cautious. MG: I think that students have to be responsible as adults if they start (or end) a relationship with an instructor. We tend to get upset easily, but it’s important to realize actions in the heat of the moment have far-reaching effects on other people’s lives including the professor’s job. DT: I feel like a professor should remove himself or herself from that situation. I just couldn’t see myself attempting to start a relationship with a student, no matter how good she looks. For one, it’s just dumb given all the things that could go wrong. Two, I think an instructor’s control over a student’s grade is control over a part of a student’s future, and there’s a huge potential for abuse. So I guess for professors, once a student is done taking your class and you clock out then I think the relationship would be OK—but if it was me, I would be worried.
those guys can suddenly flip the discreet switch to OFF, especially when showing photos of a teacher will win them the admiration of their peers. Technology and Twitter have changed everything. MG: It’s 2012, I don’t think people are more sexual than ever before I just think they’re more open about it. There isn’t anything wrong with a student approaching a teacher as an adult, in a respectful manner, so I think professors should be allowed to do the same. It maybe a fantasy to have sex with a teacher but it doesn’t mean you should. When you play with fire in this situation you could get everyone burned. While technology and social media expands, everything will come back to you via text, email, or video. It might be hard not to think anything sexual about an attrative professor but we’d advise avoiding too many private study groups with your teacher.
“All employees and students should be aware that any conduct that constitutes sexual harassment will not be tolerated and disciplinary measures will be taken to ensure compliance.”-Citruscollege.edu
MG: Do you think we’re hearing about more of these cases for a reason? DT: I spoke to a professor about this, and she said that it’s not an increase in the rates of student-teacher relationships, it’s an increase in the rates of people getting caught. I think it’s a little bit of both. I know some guys will forward a 10 p.m. sext message from a girl to all their close friends before 11p.m. I don’t believe that
Follow @WWBenefits on Twitter, or contact us at clarionEIC@ccclarion.com & mgudino@ccclarion.com
CLARIONforum 18 AA on campus just might be the way Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com
Eliana Muñoz Tiffany Drew
Staff Writers
QUESTION: Would you approve or disapprove of AA meetings held on campus?
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t’s no secret that college students are drinking alcohol. In fact, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 40 percent of drinkers are underage. What is worse is that college students under the legal age of 21 often drink in excess. Only too often, extreme drinking leads to alcoholism. In fact, more than 15 million Americans are dependent on alcohol. That is why Citrus College should offer Alcoholics Anonymous meetings on campus. Alcoholics Anonymous was created in 1935 to emphasize spiritual values and awareness by Dr. Bob Smith and former alcoholic Bill Wilson. These meetings are not just about getting and staying sober. They are about understanding the underlying mental and emotional distress of the disease. Alcoholism is not the problem; it’s the symptom of a problem poorly handled. Most people know one of the 15 million. One of our family members received a DUI in 2011 that forced that person to face the facts and ask for help. The court mandated them to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and the result has proved to be a blessing for our relative and our family. But asking for help can be a difficult task, especially for students who are used to doing everything on their own. On-campus AA meetings would benefit all students who feel overwhelmed by the pressures of daily life as well as those who are required to attend. Also, these meetings are helpful for those who have family members or loved ones who are alcoholics. Students, professors, and the local community members could help
make attendees feel less lonely, more comfortable and at home. The highest percentage of heavy drinkers is found among unemployed adults between the ages of 26 to 34. If we offer student drinkers support now, then we can possibly prevent early alcoholism in students, which in turn could help lower the unemployment rate. At AA meetings, participants learn from, and interact with, other alcoholics and engage in mutual care. People share stories, events, and personal experiences to help enlighten others. Starting AA meetings on campus could give students the opportunity to meet others with similar situa-
tions. Friendships are developed and support groups are formed. In addition, having meetings on campus would benefit the students because they could attend meetings with their peers. Off-campus AA meetings attract a wide range of attendees according to age, years of sobriety and personal experience. There is nothing wrong with diversity, but on campus meetings could mean fewer first-time jitters for students
John Ogunrinu, 23 Pomona Applied Mathematics I’d be for it. I’m all for helping people that want to be better. Alcohol is proven to be one of the most dangerous drugs you can take. A lot of students die from drinking and driving, and if you can prevent that by having AA meetings on campus . . . that would be awesome, and I would want to be part of it.
Farihah Chowdhury, 18 Azusa Business I think that anything that helps the students on campus is very beneficial and I think that sometimes students are kind of scared to be helped. This is a great way to reach out to people and despite it being kind of a touchy subject I think that a lot of people do deal with this problem and younger kids don’t know who to turn to.
Maribel Serna, 20 Azusa Education I don’t think it would be bad. I think it would create a good environment and some students could learn from it, you know? One family member of mine is an alcoholic, so I think it would be good for people that have family members struggling with [alcoholism] to go and educate themselves.
Shawn Baker, 25 West Covina Business No I do not believe we need an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting on campus because the majority of our students are all right out of high school. None of them can drink so they should not be drinking.
David Perez
that would allow them to easily connect with their classmates. Everyone has his or her personal reasons for attending, and judgment is left outside. The atmosphere of unconditional acceptance that Alcoholics Anonymous promotes is conducive to both teaching and learning life skills that would be most helpful at a college campus.
Eliana Muñoz and Tiffany Drew can be contacted at emunoz@ccclarion.com & tdrew@ccclarion.com.
Nico Courts, 25 Glendora Mathematics I’d be absolutely for it. I think that alcoholism is a pretty terrible thing. It can really destroy families and tear friendships apart. The more that program is available for people who could be at risk the better. If you can catch it earlier you have a better chance at fighting it and become a better functioning human being.
Bettina Mae De Mesa, 17 West Covina Biology I think that there should be an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting within Citrus because it gives people a foundation . . . they have a set of people that they can hold onto for a support system and it would be very helpful.
Toyin Aladesuru, 39 Glendora Science I really don’t see anything wrong with it. I think it’s a good thing, the purpose is good—to rid people of drunkenness. I think it’s a good cause, so why not have it on campus?
Field Photographer:
Ryan Salwak
CLARIONforum editorials
Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
19
citruscollege
Praised for veteran respect clarion The college has been recognized for its veteran’s outreach efforts for the third time.
C
itrus College is a great place for veterans to attend school and here is why—it is one of California’s top colleges that has received recognition for appreciating the courageous men and women that stepped up to defend our country. Several of the college’s employees contributed to the 7th annual campus Salute to Veterans. Dr. Martha McDonald, dean of students and former U.S. Marine, headed the planning committee. History professor Bruce Solheim, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War era authored “The Bronze Star,” a play about a gay solider who suffers from post traumatic stress syndrome and commits suicide. The list of contributors that help make Citrus College veteranfriendly would be too long to fit on this page, let alone this editorial. As a result, Citrus College was rated a “Military Friendly School” for the third time in a row by GI Jobs, a magazine dedicated to helping enlisted personnel transition from military service to the civilian workforce. Of all the levels of higher education in the nation, Citrus College was ranked in the top 15 percent, standing out among top
universities, private colleges and trade schools in the country that embrace America’s veterans as students. Veterans on campus say that the teachers at Citrus are helpful and do a great job at explaining things clearly to them. Veterans often lean on other vets for support, and the ones at Citrus say they enjoy the camaraderie, special aids and privileges here. We at Citrus, including our staff and faculty, are proud of the different programs offered through the Veterans Center, such as the Boots to Books class and the Mobile Health Unit program. The goal of Boots to Books (Counseling 160) is to assist the deployed, post-deployed, and veteran student make a positive transition from military to civilian life, including college survival skills.
We at Citrus, including our staff and faculty, are proud of the different programs offered through the
Veterans Center.
Boots to Books is a for-credit college course that also instructs veteran students how to effectively manage military, operational and combat reaction stress, along with
Midterm madness
Andrae Reid
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Additionally, the program hopes to have a non-credited class for friends, family members and supporters to join as well with plans to include its students in seminars and training sessions. The Mobile Health Unit program is designed to make health care more accessible to veterans, as opposed to the traditional approach of veterans having to travel long distances to Veterans Administration offices. The program was extended to Citrus College for the first time on July 17, and has begun to make regular trips to our school since. The mobile team conducts basic health and eligibility screening
for readjustment behavioral issues, including PTSD; and provides direct assistance for other social readjustment issues. Monica Christianson, project director at the Veterans Center, plans to collaborate with Richard Beam, director of public and community affairs of the V.A. of Long Beach, to begin working on improving the new service by incorporating telemedicine into the Veterans Center. The Citrus community has shown it is proud of the efforts made by America’s heroes and heroines and here at the Clarion, we would like to show our appreciation as well. We salute you.
You’ve made it this far. Be sure to make it to the end.
W
hat community college students tend to forget is that we are adults now. It is up to us to create our own success stories. Citrus College offers many support programs to help students better themselves. Midterms are underway and many of us may need help in certain subjects. The Phi Theta Kappa honor society has set a standard for Citrus students. It reads, “My success depends on my choices and my actions.” Sometimes we take our education and opportunities for granted. Most of us don’t have to pay a dime out of our pockets because we come from low-income families and are granted fee waivers. But some students often quit simply because they lose interest in classroom content and choose not to participate. The 2012 California Colleges Student Survey of Engagement also reported student engagement has declined between 2006 and 2012. These students tend to give up too easily and often drop courses. Statewide statistics have shown only 24 percent of students complete their studies, while an even lower 15 percent actually decide to transfer. The Community College Survey of Student Engagement survey also showed 59 percent of students said they wanted to complete with
a major but 41 percent responded they were still undeclared. Having a specific student plan helps students see what they need to achieve, so the Phi Theta Kappa Completion Corps is encouraging students to look into its pledge. It shows how a student can improve channels of success by simply following the steps. Their pledge to “Count Me In” serves as a reminder that we students determine our futures. Unfortunately, some decide that spending time with friends is more important than doing an English term paper. Students procrastinate often, neglecting their work until the last minute. Time management is critical. We students have been lectured for years and yet we leave papers, studying and homework for last. It’s only natural that sleep takes over and we end up skipping our assignments. In the ongoing economic crisis, classes have been removed from the schedule due to insufficient funding. That is why the To-Do List emphasizes creating a Student Educational Plan and sticking to it. Citrus has many student support services to help students better themselves in class such as the Writing Café, Math Lab and Tutoring Center. Most students don’t look into these support services simply because they don’t know about them.
David Perez
That is why Phi Theta Kappa has pushed the “Count Me In” pledge so students may better themselves. More than half the time we find our classrooms half empty when it comes to midterms, only because students aren’t prepared or certain they’ll fail. Forming study groups, or just finding a quiet place to study alone has helped many students do better. Some students feel intimidated or embarrassed when going to a stranger for help in tutoring centers, so maybe forming a study
group would be better. Another great thing to do is evaluate each other’s performances on exams or projects, pointing out each other’s flaws to help improve. As college students, it is our duty to strive for our own success. We no longer have anyone handholding us through our courses or pushing us to study and do better on exams. “My success depends on My choices and My actions” is a motto worth our consideration. Count Us In.
Editor-in-Chief David Tate Managing Editor Emily Rios Design Editor Sasha Winterer Art Director Sydney Presley Photo Technician Martha Amescua News Editor Alyssa Martin Forum Editor Melanie Gudino Sports Editor David Tate A&E Editor Kolby Rousseve Features Editor Stephanie Rangel Staff Writers Andrae Reid Cristian Manrique Danielle Rodriguez Eliana Muñoz Magali Cardenas Marvin Trigo Tiffany Drew Page Designers Eliana Muñoz Hwanchull Park Luis Escarcega Michael Guerra Moises Sanchez Rosalind Buchwald Artists Andrae Reid David Perez Instructional Assistants Emily Rios Stacy K. Long Adviser Margaret O’Neil 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! Send your letters in at ccclarion.com/lettersAll correspondence must include your student ID#, major and signature. Letters may be edited for content.
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Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Photo Tech: Martha Amescua mamescua@ccclarion.com
CLARION
Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com
A Citrus Week Never Ends It may look like a Rhino Records, but CDs and DVDs are just some of the sale items available at the Foothill Swap Meet. The meet takes place every Sunday at Citrus College.
O
n weekends, its students may be absent, but the Citrus College campus is rarely silent. Photos by Melanie Gudino and David Tate
Right: Members of the San Pedro Knights and TalkHoops AAU 12-and-under teams faced off at the Owls’ Nest on Oct. 27. Below: Plant vendor Pablo Santoyo takes a break from the 87-degree heat at the Foothill Swap Meet on Nov. 4. Right: Drums of the Upland Highland Regiment rest on a bridge during the Bands of America Regional Finals at Citrus College on Oct. 27. Below: On a Sunday, the Foothill Swap Meet at Citrus College can attract more than 350 vendors and 2000 attendees.