G reetin
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Clarion Citrus College
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May 23, 2012 Volume LXVI Issue IV Illustration by Sydney Presley
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News Editor
Sydney Presley
QUOTE
of the
DAY “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” -Mark Twain
ANNOUNCEMENTS Citrus GSA Prom Night The Gay Straight Alliance Club will be hosting their annual gay prom event, themed “Winter Wonderland.” All students are welcomed to participate in the Wednesday, May 23 celebration in the Campus Center East Wing from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is $8 at the door. Dancing and snacks will be provided. Campus Closed On Monday, May 28, the Citrus campus will be closed in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday. The campus will re-open May 29. ASCC Candidates Forum The Associated Students of Citrus College will present a Candidates’ Forum on Tuesday, May 29 from 2:40 to 4 p.m. in the Campus Center Mall to give students the opportunity to learn about the people running to represent them next year. The ASCC elections will take place on June 5 and 6 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. in the Campus Center. For more information regarding the forum or elections, contact the Office of Student Life at 626-9148601. Stress Management Workshop The Citrus College Student Health Center will host their next workshop on how to manage stress during finals titled, “Slow Your Roll,” on Monday, June 4 in the Campus Center’s East Wing. Students are encouraged to attend. For more information regarding the event, contact the Student Health Center at 626-914-8671. Achievement Awards The annual Academic Achievement Awards are scheduled for Thursday, May 31; dinner will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the awards ceremony at 7 p.m. in the Campus Center. In this event, the Man and Women of the Year will be announced as well as Male and Female Athlete of the Year. Ten students will also be recognized as Key of Knowledge recipients. For more information regarding the event contact Terilyn Shamhart at 626914-8601. Summer Session Registration Registration for Summer 2012 sessions began May 21. Visit the www.citruscollege.edu to apply and enroll via Wingspan or to view the live summer schedule available 24/7. The waitlist is now available for students looking to enroll in classes already full. Sessions begin June 25.
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MAY 23, 2012
NEWS
News In Minutes LOCAL
Mountain lion killed in Santa Monica State Fish and Game officers killed a mountain lion May 22 that had tried to escape from the courtyard of a Santa Monica office building where it had wandered hours earlier. The officers killed the cat out of concern for public safety, according to KTLA News. The animal was originally spotted about 6 a.m. on Arizona Avenue in downtown Santa Monica. Officers tried to tranquilize it, but the mountain lion kept trying to jump over a fence. The animal wandered into the courtyard of an office building at 1227 2nd St., startling a janitor, police said. Source: Los Angeles Times
Ex-appraiser arrested in office probe A former Los Angeles County property appraiser accused of improperly slashing the value on more than 100 Westside homes and businesses was taken into custody in Oregon May 21. Prosecutors say Scott Schenter, 49, falsified department documents and unlawfully lowered property values by $172 million for multimillion-dollar homes and businesses. He allegedly secured campaign contributions from the owners for Assessor John Noguez, authorities said. Source: Los Angeles Times
Westfield sells West Covina’s Eastland shopping center The Westfield Group has sold its Eastland shopping center, an 805,000-square-foot property to Cole Real Estate, a Phoenixbased real estate investment company for $147 million. The 49 acres retail shopping center that is adjacent to the 10 Freeway in West Covina is owned by an Australian shopping mall giant, which also owns Westfield West Covina Shopping Mall. It was announced last month that it would divest eight of its non-core shopping centers in the United States for nearly $1.2 billion. Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Irwindale city councilman requests $75,000 in legal fees from city Through his attorney, Councilman Manuel Garcia has requested that Irwindale cover the costs of defending himself against embezzlement charges brought by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. In October 2010, prosecutors charged four city officials with misappropriation of public funds for spending more than $200,000 on five trips to New York City between 2001 and 2005. In January the charges were changed to embezzlement and Garcia was added to the list of defendants. Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune
STATE Dodger stadium beating suspects face weapons charges Two men charged in state court in connection with the Bryan Stow beating case will face federal charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, authorities said May 22. Marvin Norwood and Louie Sanchez were arrested and charged by Los Angeles County prosecutors with felony assault and mayhem in the March 31, 2011 Dodger Stadium attack on Stow, a San Francisco Giants fan wearing the team's jersey at the time. Source: Los Angeles Times
Man arrested in connection with kidnapping, murder of California teen A northern California man was arrested and accused of the kidnapping and murder of a 15-year-old girl who disappeared more than two months ago, police said May 22. Sierra LaMar, who lived in Morgan Hill, California went missing on March 16. Her body has not been found. Police said evidence including forensic analysis, the victim's clothing and cell phone "contributed to our belief that Sierra is a victim of murder." Source: Reuters
NATIONAL Ex-Rutgers student convicted A jury in New Jersey convicted Dharun Ravi, a former Rutgers student, of hate crimes, invasion of privacy and other charges related to his spying on his gay college roommate, Tyler Clementi, who later committed suicide. The case made national news in September 2010 after Clementi, who was 18, committed suicide, jumping off the George Washington Bridge after learning that Ravi had set up a secret webcam and captured him in an intimate encounter with a date in their dorm room. Ravi was sentenced to 30 days in jail and 300 hours of community service. Source: Los Angeles Times
Lockerbie bombing suspect dies Abdelbeset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi, the only person convicted in connection with the 1988 Lockerbie airline bombing that killed 270 people, died May 20 at the age of 60, the Libyan government and family members said. The destruction of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, was the deadliest act of air terrorism targeting Americans until the September 11, 2001, attacks, according to the FBI. Al Megrahi was a former Libyan intelligence officer. Source: CNN
Flight diverted due to implant claim A passenger who claimed to have a device surgically implanted inside her triggered the security scare that led to the diversion of a North Carolina-bound jetliner May 22, federal officials said. US Airways Flight 787 landed in Bangor, Maine, around noon Tuesday after the incident. The Paris-to-Charlotte flight carried 179 passengers and a crew of nine. A federal law enforcement source who had been briefed on the matter said there was "basically no threat." The passenger was questioned and will undergo psychological evaluations. Source: CNN
GLOBAL
Protestors beat interim president Dioncounda Traore, Mali's interim president, was beaten and rushed to a hospital after hundreds of protesters demanding his resignation stormed the presidential palace May 21. Traore was assaulted and hit over the head when protesters found him inside the palace. The president was later taken to the hospital where he was treated for a wound to his head, hospital staff said. Traore's term as interim president had been set to expire on Tuesday. Interim Prime Minister Cheick Modibo Diarra denounced the attack. Source: CNN
Catholics file suits on contraceptives In an effort to show a unified front, 43 Roman Catholic dioceses, schools, social service agencies and other institutions filed lawsuits in 12 federal courts on May 21, challenging the Obama administration’s rule that their employees receive coverage for contraception in their health insurance policies. In February, Obama said: “These employers will not have to pay for, or provide, contraceptive services. But women who work at these institutions will have access to free contraceptive services, just like other women.” Source: The New York Times
Al-Qaida responsible for bombing A huge suicide bombing in the heart of Yemen’s capital May 21 left more than 100 people dead and hundreds wounded, delivering a stark setback to the American counterterrorism campaign against alQaida’s regional franchise, which has repeatedly tried to plant bombs on United States-bound jetliners. Al-Qaida claimed responsibility for the bombing, in which a man disguised as a soldier blew himself up in the midst of a military parade rehearsal near Sana, the capital. Source: The New York Times
College Success/ Early Alert Workshops Memory Techniques: Discover techniques that Test Taking: Reduce test anxiety, learn test will improve your ability to recall course material preparation techniques and how to take tests more easily. with confidence. May 31, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. May 29, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. June 4, 1 - 2 p.m. Goal Setting: Learn ways to decide priorities and set and accomplish goals May 30, 1 - 2 p.m. June 6, 10 - 11 a.m.
All workshops are held in ED 231A.
Math Anxiety: Apply valuable note taking, test taking and relaxation tips to become a confident math student. June 5, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
For questions contact Diana Gill at (626) 914-8577.
MAY 23, 2012
CLARIONnews
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Crisis impacts transfer students Sydney Presley Clarion Editor in Chief
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itrus students who plan on transferring to a California State University in the fall will be faced with the sixth tuition increase since 2005 and a faculty strike that might delay the start of the school year. The California State University system could see the largest strike of university faculty in U.S. history in fall 2012. On May 2, the California Faculty Association voted in favor of rolling two-day strikes at the CSU’s 23 campuses if the union and Board of Trustees cannot reach a labor agreement. The full-time faculty wants a contract that includes a 1 percent raise, smaller class sizes and more tenure-track hiring. The last time the CSU faculty received a raise was in April 2007 in an increase of 20.7 percent; however, half of the raise was appealed by 2011 due to the $970 million in cuts to state funding for the CSU’s since 2008. Since 2005, the CSU tuition has been raised five times. Meanwhile, 10 students from six CSU campuses participated in a week-long hunger strike which ended on May 11. Their demands included a fiveyear tuition moratorium, cutbacks on executive and administration pay ,and more freedom of expression on campuses.
The strike was called off after a meeting of the CSU Board of Trustees, resulting in a sole victory for the strikers: a meeting with Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom who has agreed to consider their demands. The CSU Board of Trustees has raised tuition costs by nearly 20 percent over the last two years with a 9 percent increase set for Fall 2012. Brandi Garcia, ASCC commissioner of public relations, said the crisis has pushed her to look to outof-state and public universities. “Why am I going to spend $30,000 to stay home when I can spend the same amount of money, get a lot more financial aid, free money and go out of state for my education?” Garcia said. The board approved the tuition increase at the same meeting it boosted the salary of the incoming president at San Diego State, Elliot Hirshman, by $100,000, causing an angry outcry by the public. This boosted Hirshman’s salary to $400,000 from the state with an annual supplement of $50,000 from the campus’ foundation. In January, the CSU Board of Trustees and Chancellor Charles Reed attempted to appease the public by capping the salary hikes at 10 percent. However, the agreement allowed money from the campuses’ nonprofit foundations to be used for the raises instead. As of May 9, under the increasing public pressure, the trustees voted to freeze the salaries of cam-
McClatchey-Tribune Media Services Protestors confronted California State University Long Beach police after being ejected from the university's Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach on Nov. 16, 2011. (Bob Chamberlin/Los Angeles Times/MCT)
pus presidents in a 10-1 vote. However, this new agreement still upheld the option for foundation money to be used. Waleed Rashidi, a part-time communications professor at Citrus College and full-time faculty member at Cal State Fullerton, said that he can appreciate the frustrations of both the teachers and the students. “Both faculty and students have their struggles,” Rashidi said. “They may be different struggles, but they are somewhat interrelated. I think it could be somehow unifying on both sides.” Faced with the California budget crisis, the CSU is planning for an additional $2 million cut, but with plans to prevent further tuition hikes — one of the more drastic options being a potential closure of one of the 23 CSU campuses. In light of the budget cuts, the CSU announced in March that it will deny admission to new students at 15 of its campuses starting in Jan. 2013.
Further enrollment shut outs are projected if Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax initiative is not approved by voters on the Nov. 6 ballot. Eight of the CSU campuses, including CSU Fullerton, are expected to admit a few hundred students, but only students who have completed a transfer degree. Citrus College transfer students must complete an Associate of Science or Associate of Arts transfer degree. “No one wants to raise the prices of tuition, but then no one wants to fix the problems with taxes,” Garcia said. “I think we just need to bite the bullet because the state is broke.” Samuel Lee, dean of language arts and enrollment management, said he does not see the CSU crisis as having a big effect on Citrus students, and that there is an overall decline of students in both the CSU and community college systems. “We [the UC, CSU and CC system] are seeing a little bit less demand for classes across the state,”
Lee said. “We’re not sure if people are just giving up on college and trying to go to work because it’s just too crazy right now.” Student Trustee Crescencio Calderon said he believes the crisis will have a ripple effect on Citrus students who wish to transfer to a CSU. “All these students want is an education. It’ll be harder, but not impossible,” Calderon said. Lee said in times of budget cuts, Citrus is concerned about shrinking down class sizes in the chance that the campus might see an influx of students who have dropped out of the CSU’s due to the recent problems. On May 17, another bargaining meeting was held between the CSU faculty union and the Board of Trustees, but there is no word yet on whether the faculty and administration have inched toward any agreement.
Student loan interest rates expected to increase Ryan Gomez Clarion Staff Writer
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nterest rates on federal subsidized Stafford education loans will double—from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent—on July 1 unless Congress intervenes. In 2007, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act gradually decreased interest rates temporarily on newly originated subsidized Stafford loans for undergraduate students— from 6 percent in 2008 and 2009 to 3.4 percent in the 2011-2012 year. From 2009 to 2010, fixed interest rates on subsidized Stafford loans were reduced to 5.8 percent. In the 2010-2011 year, the interest rate on subsidized Stafford loans was lowered even further to 4.5 percent, before finally reaching 3.4 percent in 2011-2012. If no Congressional action is taken, the rate for a new undergraduate, subsidized Stafford loan will rise to 6.8 percent. Stafford subsidized loans do not gather interest while the recipient is still in school and are based on financial need. On the other hand, the interest rate on unsubsidized Stafford loans has remained static at 6.8 percent. Unsubsidized Stafford loans are not based on financial need and do accumulate interest, despite whatever the student’s academic status might be. “I don’t expect [the federal gov-
Infographic by Martin Cabrera
ernment] to raise the rates [on subsidized loans],” said Julie Martinez, financial aid advisor at Citrus College. “It wouldn’t be a good idea for the student; it wouldn’t be helpful. They’re talking about how many students have such a great debt right now that—[for] them to raise the interest rates—wouldn’t help anybody.” Subsidized Stafford loans have gained appeal because the government pays the interest on them while the students are in college. Meanwhile, students who take out unsubsidized Stafford loans are responsible for the interest as soon as they begin borrowing. The increased interest rate will
have no effect on federal education loans made prior to July 1, though it will affect an estimated 7.4 million students intending to acquire subsidized Stafford loans this upcoming fall semester. “I don’t see how I’ll be able to take out loans if [the interest rate] doubles,” said Frances Hernandez, 20, a sophomore at Citrus College. “I’ll have to find another means of paying for my schooling.” With student fees and college tuition rising across the nation, students have become more reliant on seeking grants and/or loans to help cover the costs. According to New York Times journalist Jonathan Weisman,
“American students took out twice the value of student loans in 2011, about $112 billion, as they did a decade before, after adjusting for inflation.” Accumulated national debt from student loans ranges from $870 billion to an estimated $1 trillion— greater than that of either credit cards or auto loans. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has estimated that nearly 37 million Americans are in debt from student loans—nearly twothirds of which are held by people under the age of 30. According to the White House, the increased loan rate will cost students $1,000 in interest, based on the
average $4,200 borrowed in federal educational loans per year and averaging 12 years to pay back the money borrowed. “They’ve been lowering the rebate fees and origination fees on loans [over] the past few years, so it just doesn’t make sense for them to suddenly let the loan interest rate increase, except the country needs money,” Martinez said. “It’s a large population, but still it’s [such] a small population that you wouldn’t think it would help the federal government that much to raise the rates.” Both president Barack Obama and presumptive Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney have stated their positions against the increase in loan interest rate. In proposing to tackle the issue of student debt, both men have addressed middle-class America, as well as the enormous burden threatening economic recovery. "Given the bleak job prospects that young Americans coming out of college face today, I encourage Congress to temporarily extend the low rate," Romney said in a statement. Members of both parties in Congress are contemplating ways to cover the costs and win the votes in the House and Senate. According to San Gabriel Valley Tribune journalist Ben Feller, “All parties involved have political incentive to keep the rates as they are.”
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CLARIONnews
MAY 23, 2012
Revise could deal crippling blow to education
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David Tate Clarion Sports Editor
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alifornia community colleges are bracing themselves for yet another round of cuts after Gov. Jerry Brown released his revised state budget proposal May 14. The governor’s May revise showed the state deficit expanding to $15.7 billion—a 57 percent increase to the projected $9.2 billion shortfall in January. In the budget, the governor paints two vastly differing scenarios for state education funding. The amount of support would be contingent on the success of his new compromise tax proposal expected to go on the state ballot Nov. 6—estimated to pump $8.5 billion into the state coffers. It would increase the sales tax by .25 percent and raise personal income taxes on individuals making more than $250,000 a year. Brown’s tax initiative may become even more important in the coming months. The governor accounts for about $1.5 billion in revenue generated from the Facebook initial public offering over the next 18 months to help decrease the deficit. But the stock tumbled 11 percent after going public, losing an estimated $10 billion in market value as of May 21. If the tax initiative passes, it would generate an estimated $2.9
The budget situation right now puts us in a very precarious position. GERALDINE PERRI, PH.D. SUPERINTENDENT/ PRESIDENT
McClatchy-Tribune Media Services California Gov. Jerry Brown addresses the media over his budget estimates at a January press conference. His May revision projected a shortfall of more than $7 billion over the January estimate.
billion in education dollars. However, state funding levels are not projected to meet fiscal year 2007-08 amounts until 2014. And if the proposal fails, cuts to public education will total more than $6 billion. The K-14 educational levels would bear about 90 percent of the damage, taking approximately $5.5 billion in hits. The UC and CSU systems would both lose $250 million in funding. “The budget situation right now puts us in a very precarious position in terms of planning,” said Geraldine Perri, Ph.D., Citrus College superintendent/president. “We try to do our very best to be cautious [in our estimates] so we don’t put the college in jeopardy.”
For community colleges, Brown’s budget contains two scenarios that correlate to the success or failure of the tax measure. Scenario A is the good news. The state uses a deferral system, which delays paying portions of apportionment dollars to schools from one fiscal year until the next. The current deferral amount totals about $961 million. This method helps balance the state budget for a given year, but schools strapped for cash often have to borrow money from county offices and pay interest on the loans. If the tax proposal passes, Scenario A goes into effect. Community colleges would instantly receive a projected $313 million in “deferral buy-back” dollars, slashing the
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deferral total by nearly a third. Citrus would be expected to receive $3 million. But if voters reject the governor’s proposal, Scenario B kicks in. Under this scenario, community colleges would not only lose the $313 million in deferral buy-backs, but would also face an additional loss of $300 million in apportionment funding to trigger cuts. Statewide enrollment of fulltime equivalency students is expected to drop by 6.4 percent. Citrus would lose about $3 million in apportionment dollars, according to projections from the CCLC—which would represent a decrease of 673 full-time equivalency students. This means up to 153 class sections would be cut from the 201213 course offerings as Citrus officials begin planning for Scenario B.
“We are going back to the drawing board and looking at ways to preserve the schedule while achieving the cuts needed to balance the budget next year,” said Citrus dean of enrollment management Samuel Lee. “We haven’t closed that gap yet.” If Scenario A were to pass, Lee said the school would restructure its course offerings. “We would have to quick, fast and in a hurry add about 100 sections to the winter and spring sessions,” Lee said. “Which wouldn’t be that hard to do. We’d love to have that problem.” Brown’s tax initiative also faces stiff competition from a second tax initiative sponsored by Pasadena attorney Molly Munger. Her proposal calls for taxing all personal income over $7,316 on a sliding scale for the next 12 years, but the proceeds would only go to K-12 schools. If both initiatives pass, the one with the higher vote total would be adopted. “Clearly, the California community colleges’ budgets look much better with the successful passage of (sic) Governor’s initiative than without it,” wrote California Community Colleges vice chancellor for fiscal policy Dan Troy, in a press release addressing the revised budget. “I strongly advise districts to budget very cautiously for the 2012-13 fiscal year.”
MAY 23, 2012
CLARIONnews
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Get that class, waitlist is finally here Nancy Alkana Clarion Staff Writer
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eginning in summer 2012 session, Citrus students may benefit from a newly developed waitlist system for an opportunity to add classes. Once a course is full and closed, a waitlist may be available. “Students will not have to wake up early to try and add a class anymore,” said Joyce Miyabe, Project Wingspan Enterprise Resource Planning Coordinator. “Now the students have a waitlist.” Implementation of the waitlist gives students additional opportunities to get into a closed class. “Before, once a class is full, the student would have to wait for another student to drop, or wait to add the first day of school,” said Registrar Kristina Spalding. “There was no method and it was just random and chaotic. This new method will generate a list of students that want to be in the class.” The option to be waitlisted is not automatic; the student must choose to put his or her name on the list. “Other schools have had the waitlist for a long time,” said Citrus student Jeff Garcia. “It is about time students have another way to enroll into a class without fighting all of the frenzied students the first week of school.” The waitlist has a limit of 20 spots and the student will have a chance to register for the class based on their position on the list. The student may view the waitlist on
Daniel Hernandez, Citrus College Clarion First time Citrus student Danielle Padua, 18, registers for summer 2012 classes which began on May 21. Beginning this summer, after classes have closed, a waitlist will be available for students on Wingspan.
Wingspan registration. If a seat opens up, the student will be contacted via their Citrus College student email address. Students can access their email accounts through Wingspan. There is also an option to link a personal address through Wingspan as well. This is important because the student will only have a 24-hour window from when the waitlist spot opens up to register for the course through the normal Wingspan registration process.
If a student is not aware of his or her email then he or she may miss the opportunities. “I am concerned that the students will not be watching their email,” said Linda Welz, chief information services officer. “I would like all students to validate their emails and make sure it is up and running. Be prepared.” The student may sign up for multiple waitlists, just not more than one for the same course.
“I do not have priority registration,” said Citrus student Jaymie Wiltshire. “This is great and I will be linking my email to my phone so that I don’t miss any chance.” A student is not automatically removed from the waitlist once their schedule is full, they must remove themselves from the waitlist once a desired schedule is complete. “I can’t see a negative side to offering another opportunity to students,” Spalding said. Student government has been very active in helping advertise with the waitlist. “Something to brag about to the students is that this has been a joint effort,” Welz said.” Welz said that Brandi Garcia, commissioner of public relations, took an active role in helping design and advertise the flyer. If a student is having trouble understanding the waitlist, email or has any questions there is lots of help available. “A student can go to the library, to Student Services, IS 107 lab, call the help line,” Miyabe said. “We are even hoping to have a kiosk active information center in the Student Services building to help and remind students to access their email.” To log into Wingspan go to www.citruscollege.edu. After logging in, to access a student email click personal information, there is a link to access and update a student email address. For questions about the waitlist visit www.citruscollege.edu/ar/waitlist.
theclariononline.com
MAY 23, 2012
Spotlight Editor
Daniel Hernandez
SPOTLIGHT
Meet the ASCC candidates for fall 2012 “I believe I can bring focus and strong leadership to the board as well as increase awareness.”
“I want Citrus students to feel like they matter and plan on tending to the issues they really care about most.”
“I want to make the daily life of Citrus students more enjoyable and fulfilling; it is college, after all.” Andy Navarro, 23 Political Science President
Alejandra Morales, 20 Biology Vice-President
“I would like to have a more direct involvement with our community at Citrus.”
Mariana Vega, 19 Undecided Senator
Andrea Zapata, 18 Undecided Vice-President
Nayiri E. Baghdassarian, 19 Political Science Vice-President
Art Corral, 30 Bio-Chemistry President
“[I want] to inspire, motivate, and represent the students of Citrus College by being their voice to unite the college community.”
Candidates’ Forum May 29 at 11:30 a.m. Campus Center
Joe Billeter, 31 Anthropology Senator
“I would want to help increase sustainability around campus and also social responsibility by increasing community.”
“I would do my best to learn what would benefit the students most, as well as the school, but mostly I would seek out the general opinion of the students.”
ASCC Elections June 5 & 6 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. in the Campus Center Mall 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. inside the Campus Center
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MAY 23, 2012
CLARIONspotlight
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Expand the horizon, study abroad this fall Jacqueline Melendez Clarion Staff Writer
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tudents looking for adventure should sign up for the Citrus College study abroad program. The program features locations in England in the fall, Spain in the spring and Italy in the summer. Fall 2012 will mark Citrus College’s 24th semester in London. June 15th is the deadline to submit an application along with a $450 first payment to guarantee a spot. The cost for the 10-week program, Sept. 6 to Nov. 16, in London is $6,275, including a shared homestay, not including the cost of airfare or if students decide to stay in a shared apartment the cost is $7,125 plus airfare. The cost of airfare varies upon the time of purchase but can be purchased through the program for around $1300. Business major William Wong, 23, who studied in Spain in spring 2009, said that the experience was life-changing. “This is an experience that will better the individual through the exposure to a different culture,” Wong said. “A person who goes through the program will gain a new found appreciation of their own life.” Theresa Villeneuve, communications professor, taught in fall 2011 in the study abroad program in London. “There's nothing like study abroad when it comes to educational enrichment,” Villeneuve said. “When I was there, my class didn't just study about books, we walked over to the British Library and looked at a Gutenberg Bible, the Magna Carta and some original publications of Shakespeare's plays that were published in his lifetime.” Students looking to become more inde-
Courtesy of Jack Call Philosophy professor Jack Call taught in London, England in the Fall 2010 and visited the histori cal Tower Bridge. This will be one of the many landmarks students will visit during the fall study abroad program.
pendent should also consider studying abroad, she said. “[Students] are living on their own for the first time and they have to juggle a social life and school, as well as the little things that keep us going, like grocery shopping and laundry, all while trying to maneuver through a different city and culture,” Villeneuve said. “Challenges like that make you grow and give students a lot of self-confidence.” Students are required to enroll in 12 units through Citrus College while in the program and all courses are CSU/UC transferable. There are a variety of courses students can enroll in that are taught by either Citrus Col-
lege professor Gerhard Peters or Rio Hondo College professor Tom Callinan. The courses range from an introduction to Shakespeare English course to an American government and politics political science course to a British life and culture history course. All courses are taught in classrooms at the University of London where students will have a membership to the University which enables them to join clubs or societies or use the student cafeteria. All the classes being taught in the program are Citrus College courses. Students may also decide to take one on-
line/distance education course if they choose. Classes are taught during the week, leaving the weekend free for the students to travel or participate in optional weekend excursions to either Scotland, for $595, or Paris and Belgium for $995. Citrus College engineering major Stergios Karalaios, 23, hopes to participate in the fall 2012 London program to help expand his mind. “A new sense of learning in a different place makes for a new way of thinking,” Karalaios said. The study abroad program is open to all college students who must bring their transcripts from their college to the study abroad office to prove they have fulfilled the requirements to attend. Participating students for the fall and spring programs must have a 2.5 GPA, with 12 units completed before departure. The requirements do not have to be completed at Citrus exclusively. For the summer program in Italy students just need to be eligible to enroll at Citrus College and be 18 years old. The average number of students who participate in the summer program is between 25-45 whereas in the fall and spring programs the number of students increases to 45-65. More students tend to apply to study abroad in the fall and spring, study abroad specialist Lynn Jamison said. “Studying abroad provides students with an incredible cultural opportunity as well as gaining a global perspective,” Jamison said. Financial aid is available for eligible students for fall in London and spring in Spain. For more information contact Jamison at (626) 914-8560 or visit her office in TC 128.
CLARIONspotlight
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MAY 23, 2012
Falling far from Switzerland: Rösti. A dish served all over Switzerland. A base of fried, mashed pota toes layered in gooey melted cheese, topped with fried bacon and fresh tomatoes. Great for breakfast. Great anytime.
Dr. Dale Salwak (right) presents a plaque to Kim Taek Song commemo rating a cultural exchange agree ment as Yuji Ya suda (middle) and Dr. Jae Hwe Ku look on.
Travel Through Tongue Austin Paul Adamson Clarion Correspondent
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ne of the best ways to experience a different culture is through food. In all of the foreign lands I have visited, my tongue has been in charge of my travel itinerary. Eating in Rome means two things: pasta and pizza. The pizza is prepared on a thin, crispy crust made with the finest ingredients around. Mozzarella isn’t shredded and evenly distributed on these pies. Instead fresh, thick slices are layered on a flavorful herbal sauce. Roman pastas are made with a sauce equally as flavorful, with plenty of fresh herbs and spices. The noodles are made locally and cooked to a perfect al dente: soft and tender with the slightest snap when bitten. The quality is all around the same level, but depending on the location of the restaurant, prices can range from 5 to 25 euro. Frankfurt has some of the best schnitzel in all of Germany. The combination of perfectly prepared boneless, breaded pork, a stein of traditional alcoholic apple cider and Frankfurt’s specialty green sauce makes for the ultimate German dining experience. Ficht Kranze is the restaurant that claims to have invented schnitzel and it serves a great
meal. The pork is tender and moist, but the sauce is truly the star of the plate. The green sauce is made from hard boiled eggs, oil, vinegar salt and a mixture of various herbs, with strong flavors of parsley and chives, making for a complex addition to spread on top of the pork. The schnitzel with a drink will cost around 20 euros. In Switzerland, a traditional breakfast food makes a great any time-of-the day meal. In the beautiful town of Innerlaken, many restaurants serve Rösti, a simple casserole of sorts. The bottom layer is hashed potatoes that have been pan fried, topped with herbs and a creamy Swiss cheese. On top of that is an egg, fried sunny side up. After that, bacon and fresh tomato wedges are included for good measure. Breakfast for dinner can cost between 15 and 30 Swiss Francs. Another breakfast-style food that can be enjoyed at different times of the day can be found at Restaurant Carlsum in Odense, Denmark. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. A large omelette is piled with fried pig’s skin and bacon. An Odense tradition is to order the “all-youcan-eat” option, sit yourself down in the shade of the trees on a beautiful summer afternoon and just pig out.
The Netherlands offers some of the best Indian food in Europe. At Bazar Amsterdam, a huge menu offers plenty of options for everyone. Their signature dish is the Bizar Bazar, for a minimum of two people at 14.90 euros a person. Several skewers of grilled lamb, chicken and turkey pieces are served with a Persian stew of lamb. The dish also comes with a generous helping of steak fries, a welcoming starch to break up the powerful, sometimes spicy flavors of the main dish. One style of food that is wonderfully out of place is found in Chandler, Arizona. Chino Bandido is a Chinese-Mexican fusion restaurant that will blow your mind with its very concept. Take flavorful, standard Americanized Chinese food and cram it into a tortilla. A delicious combination order for $8 gets you 2 items (burritos or quesadillas) served with rice. A good place to start is with the sweet, crispy Jade chicken thrown into a fresh flour tortilla and cut into slices. The tortilla serves as a great vessel for the Chinese style chicken. Perhaps the best item on the menu is the most out of place. Jerk chicken fried rice. The spicy jerk-seasoned chicken with the egg fried rice and vegetables is a must have with every order.
Amsterdam: Some of the best Indian food can be found at Bazar Amster dam. The Bizar Bazar is skewers of grilled lamb, chicken and turkey over a bed of white rice and served with mild, crisp green peppers.
Food photos taken by Austin Paul Adamson
Denmark: Restaurant Carlsum omelette in an unforgettable and fried pig skin, ordering “ ence.
MAY 23, 2012
CLARIONspotlight
theclariononline.com
m the citrus tree
m in Odense, Denmark serves a simple e fashion. Topped with crispy and savory bacon “allyoucaneat” is an unforgettable experi
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Photos courtesy of Dale Salwak
In Mangyongdae, Ryan Salwak stands in front of the birthplace of North Korea’s founder, Kim ilSung.
Teacher, magician shares talents worldwide Lauren Emery Clarion Staff Writer
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n addition to being a language arts professor at Citrus College, Dale Salwak, Ph.D. has just returned from his third trip to North Korea, performing his magic act at the 28th annual Spring Friendship Arts Festival. The festival commemorated the 100th anniversary of the country’s founder, Kim il-Sung as well as promoting the spirit of friendship and harmony through performing arts. Entertainers from all over the world came to perform and the only Americans invited were Dale Salwak, assisted by Ryan Salwak, Rich Bloch and Danny Cole assisted by Stacey Cole. It all started in 2007 when a friend from South Korea asked Salwak if he would be willing to go to Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, to perform magic for the Spring Friendship Arts Festival. Without hesitation, Salwak said yes, and for the next two years they planned the logistics of the trip. As the only American invited to perform, Salwak made his first trip to North Korea in spring 2009. He took the 11-and-a-half hour flight to Beijing, China, and a second two-hour flight to North Korea. Salwak commented on his first
trip, saying “It was a life changing journey, some of my priorities have been redirected, and I have a real interest in getting to know the country better.” When he came home, he thought of his trip everyday and wanted to go back, and in 2011 he got his chance. “I think the main thing is when I go to North Korea I don’t want to go wearing ‘Western eyeglasses’ I don’t see them from Western eyes, but rather quickly adapt to their culture.” Lynn Jamison, Citrus’ study abroad coordinator, said Study Abroad’s purpose is to, “immerse students and give them the opportunity to live and study in another country and gain a global perspective.” Salwak would like to see more people traveling to North Korea and even see students at Citrus from there. Beyond being an English professor at Citrus for 39 years he is also an author and an award-winning magician. Salwak, 65, has been performing magic since he was 5 years old and he has met many famous people through the years, including George Burns, President Gerald B. Ford, Frank Sinatra, Shirley MacLaine, Carol Burnett, Olivia Newton-John and Mickey Rooney. On his April 2012 trip, his son, Ryan, accompanied him. “I enjoyed just absorbing myself in the
culture and at the same time I wanted to learn from them. I wanted the experience; I wanted to absorb everything.” Ryan, 23, described his reaction to his first trip to North Korea was one of dislocation. As he stepped off the plane, his feelings were profound. “With my first foot off the airplane, I felt like Neil Armstrong, when he landed on the moon. Coming from such a far distance and going to an area that not many people have been in, I just felt honored and privileged.” Salwak concurred, “You really don’t know it until you land and you say, ‘wow, we are actually here’. The analogy to the moon is an accurate way to think about it.” On his recent trip, Salwak performed his magic show at the Pyongyang Circus Theatre with 300 other magicians, gymnasts and aerialists. “I’m not a politician, I’m not a trained diplomat. I’m a teacher and a magician,” Salwak said. Salwak hopes to return to North Korea at least once every year. He also hopes to visit many other countries, including Cuba, Russia, Poland, Romania and Czechoslovakia. “Art, the performing arts, magic, music and dance is a great leveler. It crosses all political barriers and political considerations. It’s just a terrific way to connect with people,” Salwak said.
MAY 23, 2012
theclariononline.com
Sports Editor
David Tate
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SPORTS Accidental golfer evolves into mature athlete Ryan Gomez Clarion Staff Writer
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ophomore Shane Favinger, 20, is a golfer with only six years of experience in the sport. But he has quickly become one of Citrus’ top players and was the only player who qualified to represent the team on May 7 at the California Community College Association Southern California Championships. Though he originally played football, Favinger began golfing his freshman year at Alta Loma High School after learning he had not made the baseball team. “I couldn’t just go to school without playing a sport, so I tried golf because I knew a couple of my buddies were doing it and I just loved it,” Favinger said. “I actually quit playing football after two years as the quarterback and just went straight into golf.” Based purely on his “love for the game,” Favinger’s sole focus has been golf since he was 17, when he competed in the 2009 Southern California PGA Junior Tour. To further hone his skills, Favinger made the decision to attend Citrus and join the men’s golf team. As a freshman at Citrus, Favinger found that his progression in college-level golf would rely primarily on his individual commitment to a practice regimen—independent of his time spent with the team. Favinger has remained consistent in dedicating approximately 30 hours per week to practicing—whether at the driving range, chipping, putting or playing rounds at pub-
Courtesy of Andrew Wheeler Sophomore golfer Shane Favinger, 20, walks to the next hole at the San Dimas Canyon Country Club Feb. 14. He shot an 84 on the day.
lic courses—in order to improve the versatility of his game between tournaments. “His putting has always been really good,” said Favinger’s personal trainer and mentor Al Swavely. “Our focus has always been getting a smooth stroke down that will carry over to the rest of his game.” Prior to his freshman year at Citrus, Favinger was faced with an injury that
would test his patience, as well as his commitment to the sport. Favinger tore ligaments in his wrist due to overuse. He realized he was no longer able to swing the club without having a shooting pain in his wrist. It was a turning point in his career that would put him through physical therapy sessions for the next year-and-a-half. “Physical therapy was rough,” Favinger said. “I would go to team physical therapy for about two hours a day, three days a week. My regimen included lots of hand, wrist and arm stretches, strengthening [as well as] lots of core and cardio work.” After only six months of physical therapy, Favinger made an unsuccessful attempt to return to golf, an experience that prolonged his recovery by an additional six months. “It was really frustrating coming back [to the game] last year—I played awful,” Favinger said. “It was like starting all over, again, though now, I feel like [I’m] even better.” He found that in the transition from playing public courses in high school to private country clubs in college—ranging from Santa Maria to the Glendora Country Club—the links became more challenging. Favinger also discovered he needed to change his thought process when playing. “It’s different [now] because you can think your way around a course,” Favinger said. “In high school, you used to just pull any club and hit it as hard as you can, but now there’s more strategy that goes into it.” “His strengths lie mostly in his short
game,” said Favinger’s caddy and close friend of six years, Travis Colgan. As a result of his hard work and dedication, Favinger’s performance at the Western State Conference Championships on April 30 was rewarded when he was named the only member from Citrus to qualify for the CCCAA Southern California Championships, as well as earning All-Western State Conference honors. On May 7, the lone Citrus representative’s season came to a close when he shot a frustrating 152 in total at the CCCAA Southern California Championships in Glendora—missing the cut for state championships by a mere two strokes and ranking Favinger 28th out of 58 golfers. “Overall, I didn’t play my best at the [CCCAA] championships; I made a couple mistakes on some easy holes which ended up costing me a chance to play in the state championship,” Favinger said. “It was really awesome, though, because a lot of my friends and family came to watch me play the whole day.” With only one course left to complete at Citrus before earning his Associate of Science degree in psychology, Favinger is fielding several offers from schools to play golf upon transferring. “I believe I am going to attend Holy Names University in the San Francisco/Oakland area,” Favinger said. “I am blessed enough to be able to receive a number of scholarships to help me pay for my education and to continue to play golf.” Favinger’s plans to play on the PGA Tour following his schooling.
14 theclariononline.com
CLARIONsports
MAY 23, 2012
Track ends season gaining moral victories Cristian Manrique David Tate Clarion Staff Writers
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uccess is an arbitrary term, with perceived “good” and “bad” outcomes differing from person to person. But when a group of individuals come together and give their all to finish in the middle of the pack, who’s to say that isn’t as successful as a top-3 finish? The Owls track and field team, by their accounts, closed out a successful season after sophomore Chelsea Deutschlander finished 14th in the women’s hammer throw in the May 12 CCCAA Southern California Championships at San Diego Mesa College. Though Deutschlander was the only Owl participant in the championships, 10 of her teammates accompanied her to the
Yvonne Nguyen, Citrus College Clarion Sophomore Michael Guajardo (far left) hurdles the water jump during the Mt. SAC Relays men’s 3000meter steeplechase event. Guajardo finished in 22nd place with a time of 10 minutes, 49.41 seconds.
SoCal qualifiers: hurdlers James Tran and James Francis, men’s hammer thrower Nathan Penticoff, distance runner Avedis Gertmenian, women’s pole vaulter Alisha Seargant, and sprinters Jimmy Aviles, Natalie Deuby, Jessica McMillen, Jasmin
Gonzalez and Amanda Mejia. Head coach Richard Nila named the above athletes as “standouts” throughout the season, but not without some criticism. “We were inconsistent dragonslayers,” Nila said, playing off
of last year’s motto: “Slay your dragon.” “I have this shirt that I give out to the athletes of the meet and we had a lot of them this year. But sometimes one would be a dragonslayer then the next meet they just wouldn’t,” he said. “I have to communicate better what I want from [the athletes] . . . and they have to let me know what they really want also.” Nila said that it was tough managing the small team around its practice schedule. Sprinters and long-distance runners would have different practice times, and occasionally only a few athletes would show up due to prior commitments. Despite the challenges to stay dedicated, the athletes who made it to end of the season were proud of the fruits of their labors. “Those of us who were there felt pretty good, we didn’t focus
on what wasn’t there,” said sophomore long-distance runner Michael Guajardo. “Me and my fellow athletes who were there every day putting in work felt really accomplished to meet our goals.” He plans to transfer to UC Merced. And Deutschlander—who threw hammer, shot put, javelin and discus—found inspiration in both her faith and family. Deutschlander dedicated her meets to her deceased grandmother Marilyn Sutherland. She also prayed as part of her pregame ritual. “[My grandmother] was my biggest cheerleader,” Deutschlander said. “In her death, she is still watching me succeed and I hope she is proud.” Deutschlander plans on transferring to South Utah University in Cedar City, Utah. She hopes to earn her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and work as an athletic trainer.
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MAY 23, 2012
theclariononline.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Entertainment Editor
Martin Cabrera
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Production turns classic into noir comedy Chia-Chen Hsu Clarion Staff Writer
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itrus never gets enough of film noir; therefore, a new production adopting the modern play comes to school this summer. The Citrus fine and performing arts department students present “Kill Me, Deadly” on June 1-3 in the Little Theatre. The show is named after the 1955 noir classic “Kiss Me Deadly,” written by Bill Roberts, and mocks the detective-andblonde drama with a sense of humor. The genre became a precursor for countless varieties, one of which is noir comedy. “Kill Me, Deadly” first came to the stage in 2009, shortly after the story became popular and developed into the film version and a school play version. This time, 20 students in the rehearsal and performance class performed the suspicious comedy. Charlie Nickels, a private detective, is caught in a murder case in which his client, Lady Claremont, dies and her 300-karat red diamond vanishes. To uncover the murderer and thief, Charlie starts to investigate all suspects—
and danger looms as he explores deeper into the mystery. Ana Mateo plays Mona Livingston, a nightclub singer involved in Lady Claremont’s death. “This character really challenges my skills as far as comedy, as a woman, as being sexual,” Mateo said. “The most difficult thing [for me] is to make the character real, not just making fun of her. I think comedy is something I found to come naturally.” For both the actors and the audiences, “Kill Me, Deadly” brings a new experience to everyone. “I have never done the genre here before, and I thought it would be a fun of play to expose my students to,” director Cherie Brown said. “That’s number one.” “Number two, I’m limited in terms of kinds of theatre that I can do in my space . . . we are in the process of bringing the theater up to the fire code, so I have to be very creative as to how I have my seating. I’m doing it kind of lounge style where I’m having little café tables and chairs.” To create a 1950s atmosphere, Brown utilizes every corner in the Little Theatre by using the setting left over from the previous show “Pippin.”
For those who love 1950s movies, film noirs or black thrillers, “Kill Me, Deadly” is a comedy that surprises you and keeps the audience guessing. “Packed with romance, intrigue, and murder, this detective noir is a smart parody that will keep you guessing until the end,” writes Playscripts.com. Andre Espinoza, who plays Charlie, said he was attracted to the character because Charlie reminded him of a comic book character. According to Espinoza, Charlie’s biggest weakness is women, which creates more intrigue. “[The story] is a funny mystery, but it’s also sort of serious,” Espinoza said. “There are lots of secrets to every single character that you meet in this play.” He continued, “Other than that, this play will pretty much just have you thinking ‘why’ all the time. Even at the end you figure out why and there are still other questions.” Tickets are available now in the Haugh Box Office and online at http://tickets.haughpac.com. Seats are limited due to the capacity of Little Theatre.
Chia-Chen Hsu, Citrus College Clarion Andre Espinoza (left), who plays detective Charlie Nickels, is confronted by Ana Mateo, who plays the mysterious Mona Livingston, a woman involved in a series of murders.
Pop show brings tears and laughter to stage Taylor Zepeda Clarion Staff Writer
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few tears, a dash of laughter, a bit of dancing and a whole lot of singing was the recipe for a truly outstanding student performance by the Citrus Singers and Citrus Blue Note Orchestra on May 19 in the Haugh Performing Arts Center. This performance was directed by Doug Austin, with the help of Brittany Sanchez and Christopher Nevarez, two Citrus Singers student directors. The show consisted of high and low points; the highs being the upbeat, energetic numbers, and the lows being the powerful, emotional ballads. The Citrus Singers performed a variety of songs, ranging from hip-hop to country, gospel to musicals. They did a great job of singing songs from a range of decades, making sure that everyone in the audience could recognize at least one song.
Their renditions of Top 40 hits “Stereo Hearts” by Gym Class Heroes, “Rumor Has It” by Adele, and “I Need You Now” and “Just A Kiss” by Lady Antebellum appealed to the younger crowds. Outstanding soloist vocals were acknowledged with the loudest applauses after “Smile” performed by Christopher Nevarez, “Turn On The Radio” performed by Alexis Davis, “Rumor Has It” performed by Patricia Eredia, and “When A Man Loves A Woman” performed by Tyrell Norwood. Upbeat, musical medleys gave the audience a taste of Broadway. From a variety of Broadway musicals, the second act songs included “Oklahoma” performed by Stephenson Holder, “America” performed by Shannon Villarreal, and “You Can’t Stop the Beat” performed by Patricia Eredia, Jarred Barnard, Williams, Brittany Sanchez and Kristina Brown. Audience members were sure to laugh with comedic talent provided in “Coffee In A Cardboard Cup,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Ring Them
Taylor Zepeda, Citrus College Clarion The Citrus Singers, accompanied by the Citrus Blue Note Orchestra, performed their annual pop show on May 19 in the Haugh Performing Arts Center.
Bells.” The Citrus Singers could not have exhibited their vast amount of talent without the extremely talented musicians of the Citrus Blue Note Swing Orchestra, who recreated spot-on melodies of these well-known songs. Aside from the abundance of vocal talent, the Citrus Singers also showed off their talent in dancing and acting, both phenomenal as well. As the performance came to an end, the
student directors expressed their appreciation to all, and the entire cast came together for one last song, “Just One Dream,” where it was visible to the audience that for some students this last performance became a very emotional ending to a beautiful show. This year’s annual pop show was a true testament to the talent that Citrus students possess, and left the audience impressed by the hard work and dedication that was put into the entire performance.
APPLICATION DEADLINE June 15
CLARIONentertainment 17 Dancers express themselves in pulsating performance MAY 23, 2012
theclariononline.com
Sydney Presley Clarion Editor-in-Chief
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he Citrus Dance department is hoping to get the blood rushing in their May 30 production, “Pulse.” The production which was formerly titled, “Razor’s Edge,” is returning this spring with 20 dance numbers choreographed by both students and faculty directors. Ricardo Puentes, 22, has been dancing at Citrus for three years, including a performance in last year’s “Razor’s Edge.” He choreographed the piece titled “Love is Just a Game,” and said that this year’s production is a “little more fun and upbeat” in contrast with its edgier and darker predecessor. “So this year, no one goes home crying,” Puentes said. The auditions and rehearsals for “Pulse” started the first week of school and have carried on every Friday since. The dance pieces range from lyrical to hip hop, which has proven to be a fun but challenging obstacle for the new faces in
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Sydney Presley, Citrus College Clarion Dance students rehearse in the top floor of the Video Technology building in preparation for Pulse performance in the Haugh Performing Arts Center on May 30.
the cast. This will be Sara Khair’s first Citrus dance concert performance. Khair, 21, said that it has been a chal-
lenge to learn all of the choreography and keep up with the other dancers of various levels, especially while balancing her schoolwork and her job tutoring
math and speech at Citrus. However it is the variety of the genres in “Pulse” that Khair said is the most enjoyable part of the show. “Learning the new styles of dancing that I haven’t taken classes in before is definitely fun,” she said. The students are currently selling tickets to the show and the dancer who sells the most tickets will receive a scholarship. Selene Romero, 21, who choreographed the 18th piece of the show, “A Stroke of Genius” said that she believes that choreography is the way that the dancers speak to the audience and is a very “intimate” experience. “I hope the audience gets to know more about us because dancing is so expressive and we’re exposing a little part of us,” Romero said. “Pulse” will be performed on May 30 at 8 p.m. in the Haugh Performing Arts Center. Tickets are on sale for $5 which can be purchased by the dancers in the production, from the box office or from tickets.haughpac.com
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Forum Editor
theclariononline.com
Shannon Vigil
MAY 23, 2012
THE FORUM
Prop 29 Proposition 29 will impose a $1 tax increase on each pack of cigarettes
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alifornia voters resenting the devastating effects of tobacco use, as well as corporate control, will make sure to vote “yes” on Proposition 29 during the primary election on June 5. The proposition would impose a $1 excise tax on each pack of cigarettes sold in California for a total excise tax of $1.87. The approximated $780 million in generated funds would be used for research in cancer and other tobaccorelated diseases. Tobacco corporations oppose Proposition 29 because it will reduce the rate of smoking in California. Tobacco companies have spent $21 million on the campaign so far, though their hopes lie in those opposed to taxing. While the American public has not often been in favor of increasing taxes, voters should be mindful of the stranglehold tobacco corporations have had for decades over nicotine addicts. In past elections, California voters have displayed an ability to reject corporate advances. With the approval of Proposition 99 in 1988, California voters were the first in the nation to pass a tobacco tax—imposing an excise tax of 25 cents per pack. A decade later, Californian voters spoke out against tobacco once again with the approval of Proposition 10— raising the previous tax to 50 cents. The tax imposed by Prop 10 has generated $489 million in annual revenues which would provide funding
Shannon Vigil Clarion Forum Editor
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Clarion Staff Writer
for community health care, quality child care and education programs for young children and families, in addition to providing assistance to pregnant women and parents of young children who want to quit smoking. The public is increasingly aware of tobacco’s harmful effects thanks to health education and a nationwide campaign that include banning cigarette-promoting billboards and restricting tobacco advertising. California’s current excise tax is 87 cents per pack. While excise taxes are paid by distributors, they are most often passed on to consumers as higher cigarette prices. If passed, Proposition 29 will require 60 percent of the resulting revenue—a total of $468 million of the estimated $780 million per year—to be deposited into a special fund that will finance research focused on detecting, preventing, treating and curing cancer; heart disease; emphysema; and other tobacco-related diseases. An additional 15 percent—approximately $117 million—will be used to fund the facilities and equipment utilized for the research. An estimated $156 million (20 percent) of the expected revenue will go towards the California’s existing tobacco control program. The remaining five percent will be used to fund tobacco law enforcement (i.e. reduction of tobacco smuggling, tobacco tax evasion, counterfeit tobacco products, etc.) and the administration in charge of collection, auditing and the distribution of revenue. A vote in favor of Proposition 29 is a vote in favor of saving lives. Vote “yes” on Proposition 29.
PRO
Ryan Gomez
lthough Prop. 29 is mainly advertised as another at tempt to fund cancer research, it is still a tax increase that Californians cannot afford. Proposition 29 is an attempt to tax the smokers of California with a $1 levy on each pack of cigarettes. If the proposition is allowed to pass, the total excise tax on a pack of cigarettes will total to $1.87. Prop. 29 creators intend for 60 percent of the additional tax to be donated toward cancer research and other diseases caused by the harmful effects of tobacco use. It’s hard to vote “no” on a tax that will benefit the advancement of cancer research, but in reality, the grants accumulated from the tax increase do not necessarily need to go to tobacco-related illnesses. The recipient of such a grant can choose to use the money to study any sort of serious illness, some completely unrelated to the effects of tobacco. The voters of California want to see their tax dollars used wisely and toward the state they’re residing in. Prop. 29 allows tax dollars to be spent outside of the state and outside of the country. The tax dollars of hard-earning Californians should be spent diminishing our state debt and creating new jobs. With the state of California constantly laying off teachers and increasing budget cuts in education, it seems unwise to begin investing in medical research when we clearly
have bigger problems to deal with. Cancer research will constantly be a soft spot for Americans. With millions of dollars being spent annually by the National Institute of Health to support research toward a cure, it is unnecessary to create a prop that is recreating the job of an institution that already spends over $5.4 billion a year on cancer research. Putting the burden of yet another tax increase on the shoulders of Californians is not the answer. Throughout the years, it has become clear that Americans have not had a problem on voting toward an increase on tobacco tax. In previous years propositions 99 and 10 were passed, therefore steadily increasing the tax of tobacco, raising it to the current tax of 87 cents a pack. But it has also been shown that addicts of tobacco and nicotine will always pay the cost it takes to purchase cigarettes. Although the additional money may generate revenue toward cancer research, it crosses out one of the main arguments fans of Proposition 29 holds, which is the hope to decrease the addiction of smokers. Overall, the only debate supporters of Proposition 29 have is that, if the tax is to pass, smoking addiction might decrease and there is hope that more dollars will be generated toward finding a cure for cancer. A vote toward Prop 29 is a vote toward another tax that Californians cannot afford. Keep tax dollars in the state and vote “no” on Proposition 29.
Clarion Hoot: Where is your dream vacation? JEAN-PAUL SNIJDER
ASHTON WOHLHUETER
CLAUDIA ZUNIGA 21, MARKETING
25, PSYCHOLOGY
21, UNDECIDED San Francisco, 1970
Alaska
Woodstock, 1969 “The artists and scenes were epic. It’ll never happen again.”
“I want to be a hippie.”
JESSICA MOOSE 21, BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
“I want to be in the cold...it’s too hot here.”
RACHEL BRAZAS 25, PSYCHOLOGY Greece
New York “I’ve been there before and I never wanted to leave.”
“I love the history of the city and the Olympics.”
MAY 23, 2012
CLARIONforum
EDITORIALS Student rate hike, not in our interest
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e urge Congress to pass an extension to the current 3.4 percent interest rate on all subsidized Stafford loans. Unless Congress intervenes before July 1 of this year, subsidized Stafford loans are set to double to 6.8 percent. Students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for subsidized Stafford loans. The government defers payments and pays the interest on these loans while students are enrolled in college and for a six-month grace period after graduation. The difference between a subsidized Stafford loan and an unsubsidized Stafford loan is that the unsubsidized loan is not based on a student’s financial need and interest is charged while the student is in school. With the rising costs of attending college, the least Congress should do is to encourage students to continue their education by keeping student loan rates as low as possible. In 2007, Congress acknowledged the issue of rising college debt when they lowered the rate on all federally subsidized Stafford loans by passing the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. This act lowered the rate from 6.8 percent to the current 3.4 percent over a span of four academic years. Both President Obama and
presidential candidate Mitt Romney support extending the 3.4 student loan rate for one more year. However, Democrats and Republicans disagree how to pay for this extension. According to the Congressional Budget Office, extending the low loan rate would cost the government $6 billion. To cover the $6 billion Republicans want to cut funding from the President’s heath initiative, whereas Democrats want to eliminate a tax break for corporate stockholders. The White House estimates that the increase in student loan rates to 6.8 percent would cost students about $1,000, based on the average amount borrowed a year ($4,200) and the average time it takes to pay back the loan (12 years). The increase to 6.8 percent would not affect any loans taken out prior to July 1, 2012, but it would affect the 7.4 million students who are planning to take out subsidized Stafford loans starting this fall. The Education Department estimates that those 7.4 million students will borrow $31.6 billion in subsidized Stafford loans. Student debt will officially reach an all time high of $1 trillion this year, as Americans now owe more on student loans than on credit cards or auto loans. According to the Federal Re-
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clarion Editor in Chief Sydney Presley Martin Cabrera
Online Editor Emily Rios
News Editor Sydney Presley
Spotlight Editor Daniel Hernandez
Sports Editor David Tate
Entertainment Editor Martin Cabrera
Forum Editor Shannon Vigil Shannon Vigil, Citrus College Clarion
serve Bank of New York, credit card debt nationally is $704 billion and auto loan debt is $734 billion. Knowledge comes at a cost, but doubling student loan rates will only increase the challenge of obtaining this knowledge. Obtaining a college education should not be a lifelong financial burden, but if Congress allows loan rates to increase the additional debt students will incur could become just that. Students should celebrate graduating college and not fear for their future obligation to pay back their
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Shannon Vigil, Citrus College Clarion
which are ignored due to the clearly disproportionate amount of permissible smoking locations. By providing five or so locations where smokers are free to indulge themselves, Citrus could then adopt a zero-tolerance policy on smoking in all other areas. Those in violation could then be fined immediately, with fines increasing upon each subsequent offense. As the school will have provided several accessible sites for those who wish to partake in the habit, smokers could not make the case that their needs weren’t considered. Violators would also be
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Managing Editor
loans. The subsidized Stafford loans should continue to be offered at the 3.4 interest rate. The risk of losing money on student loans is low, as students are not able to file bankruptcy on such loans, unless they can prove undue hardship. Republicans and Democrats need to stop wasting time talking about how they do not want the student loan rates to increase and instead come together to work out a realistic plan for the nation’s students.
Ashtrays for butts, benches too ith schools around the state in a bind due to the budget crisis, it is time for Citrus to begin enforcing a stricter smoking policy as a means to generate alternative revenue. By 2014, the ten campuses making up the University of California system will be completely smoke-free. However, the ban on the use of all tobacco-related products was not what Gov. Jerry Brown intended when he signed Assembly Bill 795. The law is designed to make it easier for California colleges to enforce smoking policies under California law, which states that smoking is prohibited within 20 feet from the windows and main entrances of buildings. Prior to AB 795, schools were unable to impose fines or citations on students violating state law. In accordance with the law, Citrus should establish designated smoking areas for each building on campus. Groundskeeping officials have mentioned there are certain areas around the mathematics/sciences building for example, where cigarette butts are found more than others. Currently, there is only one designated smoking area on campus, located on the southeast corner of the Technology Center building. Yet there are dozens of no smoking signs around campus, many of
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stripped of the ability to use ignorance as a defense. Citrus students have been generally apathetic in their attitudes towards smokers, with the caveat “as long as they keep to themselves” often attached. Nobody, smokers included, enjoys the experience of someone else’s smoke blown in their face as they walk around campus. By the same token, smokers on campus have generally abided by changes to campus policy. Few smoke on balconies now that “no smoking” signs have been placed on the upper floors of multi-sto-
ried buildings. The implementation of the designated smoking area by the TC building has also been effective, as auto tech and cosmetology students alike frequently indulge themselves away from the nonsmokers. Most importantly, designated smoking areas represent a compromise between two demographics. California’s higher education institutions have recently been practicing a disturbing trend that completely excludes one group at the expense of another—doling out raises to incoming presidents, freezing admission for incoming freshmen and imposing a complete ban on a perfectly legal habit. It is estimated that 12 percent California’s student population smokes. Using that set of statistics, Citrus would have around 1200 student smokers. Even so, campus security officials have said that there would be little to no difficulty enforcing a zero-tolerance policy. Smokers would have their place to smoke. Nonsmokers wouldn’t have to worry about walking down nicotine-filled corridors. And the school could somewhat loosen the tight grasp around its purse strings due to budget cuts. We only hope that Citrus has the financial savvy to pursue all options generate revenue during these lean times.
Staff Writers Nancy Alkana, Lauren Emery, Ryan Gomez, Jacqueline Melendez, Patricia Pena
Photographers/ Artists Daniel Hernandez, Cristian Manrique, Sydney Presley, Shannon Vigil
Page Designers Martin Cabrera, Daniel Hernandez, Sydney Presley, Shannon Vigil, Sasha Winterer
Photo Technician Frank Ram
Instructional Assistant Emily Rios
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! All correspondence must include your student ID#, major and signature. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.
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Hair ” e ir Show
Rene Sison, 20, Karlyne Flores, 25, and Nikki Libra, 23, with their plaques in hand posing for pictures after winning 1st place in the “Earth, Wind, & Fire” hair show. Cristian Manrique, Citrus College Clarion
Cristian Manrique, Citrus College Clarion Cristian Manrique, Citrus College Clarion
Christina Huth (left) and Dominique Calvillo (right) posing for a picture after placing 3rd in the “Earth, Wind & Fire” hair show.
Stephanie Gerdes, 24, cosmetology, applying makeup to Carlie Jones, 23, before the “Earth, Wind & Fire” hair show.
Patricia Pena, Citrus College Clarion Cosmetology student JT Wang, 20, represented the Earth category displaying a human version of poison ivy at the annual spring hair show, “Earth, Wind & Fire.”
Patricia Pena
Clarion Staff Writer
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Model Irene Gonzalez, from the Earth cate gory, displayed a birdcage with a live bird at the annual spring hair show, “Earth, Wind & Fire.” She and her stylists were second place winners of the event. Patricia Pena, Citrus College Clarion
he cosmetology department showcased extreme and exceptional styling ideas at its annual spring hair show titled, “Earth Wind & Fire,” on May 10. Approximately 100 students, from the cosmetology and esthetician department—and their models— worked more than eight hours to represent each of the three themes in an eerie but fascinating way. “I’m speechless,” said Albert Graciano, instructor of cosmetology and director of the event. “They did such a wonderful job. I could not be any more proud with their work and preparation.” The models were reviewed by professional judges—Albert Cortez, Jerry Cortez, Janet Ramirez, Cory Rogers, Victor Valverde, and Devin Graciano—from the cosmetology industry who determined a first, second and third place winner. “It came down to workmanship, execution and the overall appearance,” said Valverde, a judge and owner/stylist of Salon Sessions Studio in Pasadena. “[I] loved being here and participating. Creatively, this is one of the best public community college programs I’ve seen,” Valverde said. From the Fire category, third place winning stylists Dominique Calvillo
and Tiffany Cruz, transformed model Christina Huth into a fierce but incredible subject with a fake bird in a birdcage attached to her hair. Second place went to stylists Justine Tellez and Kira Watson, from the Earth category. Their model Irene Gonzalez also had a birdcage attached to her embedded, tree branch-looking hair do. This time though, the bird was real. Renee Sison and Karlyne Flores, also from the Earth category conquered first place by converting model Nikki Libra into an astounding “creature of the earth.” Libra wore a forest green tutu with a tail and a metallic orange bandeau. Her stylists painted her face and body with blue, green and orange colors and put her hair in an enormous up do with a combination of braids and a variety of flowers embedded within. “I’m just so blessed and happy!” Sison said. “Me and Karlyne are really passionate about our work and it shows in our work.” Along with a sparkling plaque displaying recognition, the winners also received a cash reward. First placed was awarded $200 and second and third place winners received $100. Graciano said the judges had a really hard time judging and the show was beyond their expectations. “It was phenomenal,” he said “In my eyes, they were all winners.”