Clarion 8/26/15 by Citrus College Clarion

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015 | VOL XCI ISSUE 1 tccclarion.com f/ccclarion T@ccclarion

WELCOME FRESHMEN

Clubs and other programs tabling at Citrus College Welcome Day for “I Will Complete College” students on August 20, 2015. (Megan Bender/Clarion)

J U D G M E N T D AY Administration anticipates comprehensive accreditation site visit in September.

UPCOMING BOARD ELECTIONS FEATURE FAMILIAR FACES BY EVAN SOLANO MANAGING EDITOR

ESOLANO@CCCLARION.COM

What was expected to be a quiet board of trustees election has become controversial as longtime Area 5 Trustee Joanne Montgomery’s seat is being challenged by a former board member who lost his Area 1 seat in 2013. Gary L. Woods, J.D., who served as the Area 1 trustee on the Citrus Community College board of trustees from 1983 to 2013 said he has moved from Azusa to Monrovia. He has filed paperwork with the Los Angeles Country Registrar’s office in an election bid for the Area 5 seat to represent Monrovia and portions of Duarte. Each of the five members of the board of trustees represents residents and students from the Photo Illustration: Evan Solano Clarion

Arvid Spor,Ed.d, vice president of academic affairs, serves as the Accreditation Liaison Officer for Citrus College. The self-evaluation report was released on June 23.

BY MEGAN BENDER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MBENDER@CCCLARION.COM

The time of reckoning is fast approaching. A team of education leaders representing the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges is scheduled to visit Citrus College from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1. Their mission: to evaluate the quality of education and institutional effectiveness of Citrus College. The accreditation process currently runs on a six-year cycle that in future evaluations will be expanded to a seven-year process. “Accreditation is the federal

government’s way of assuring quality in education,” said Arvid Spor, Ed.D., vice president of academic affairs and the Accreditation Liaison Officer. “Loss of accreditation means your degree will not mean anything to companies or if students wanted to transfer.” More than 300 members of the Citrus College community contributed over three years to a 339 page self study report evaluating performance outcomes according to four standards set by ACCJC. “[Students] are at Citrus to receive an education and use it to transfer to a university or enter the workforce,” said Student Trustee Pat Cordova-Goff. “With that, we are

“We are depending on our education to be valued by others and we depend on the Citrus community to work together and remain accredited.” -Pat Cordova-goff

Student Trustee

depending on our education to be valued by others, and we depend on the Citrus community to work together and remain accredited.” During its site visit, the accreditation team, which is comprised of administrators and faculty from other colleges within ACCJC’s region, will conduct interviews and inves-

tigate the campus to ensure that the self-evaluation report meets or exceeds the four accreditation standards. When the accreditation team does interview individuals or committees, it is usually to fact check something specific or clarify any misunderstandings between the SE E ACCREDI TATI ON • PAGE 6

citrus goes green

The college will host the third annual Gumby Fest, celebrating a legendary TV icon’s 60th birthday. PG. 10

communities of Azusa, Claremont, Glendora and Monrovia and portions of San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona, Duarte, Irwindale, Covina and Bradbury. The governing board establishes policies and approves education plans and programs for Citrus College. Woods, who held the Area 1 seat representing Azusa and portions of Duarte for 32 years, said he moved to Monrovia about eight months ago to care for his ailing mother, who is 97. “I stayed in Azusa up until last January, but it became increasingly more difficult to care [for her],” Woods said. “I moved closer, but I still wanted to participate in what’s going on at Citrus. Community colleges have been part of my life.” S E E WOOD S • PAGE 5

Enrollment numbers fall short of target BY MEGAN BENDER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ESOLANO@CCCLARION.COM

Despite an improvement in number of full time students enrolled for the fall 2015 semester, Citrus College is not quite meeting its projected enrollment growth targets determined by the state. According to an enrollment report released on Aug. 25 the college had 37,205 total enrolled students compared to last year’s total 37,385 enrolled resident students after the census report. Although this is an improvement the goals for projected enrollment unit targets have not been met and this number changes every day. The targets are set at the beginning of the year for summer, fall, win-

ter and spring to predict exceeding, or decreasing, enrollment rates in comparison to last year’s numbers. According to Sam Lee, Ph.D., dean of Language Arts and Enrollment, the budget projected a 3 percent growth with a 1.5 percent buffer. “Our whole budget is based on what the State says they will fund us for each year.” Lee said. “We budget everything in the college based on the income we expect to be able to get at the end of the year.” Resident enrollment is the main contributing factor that the state uses to allocate a budget for colleges and when enrollment targets are not met schools are in danger of spending more S E E EN R OLLM EN T • PAGE 5

PAGE 2

Clarion

CURRENT EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015

LOCAL

STATE

NATIONAL

New Bioscience Research Center in Monrovia

Catholic priest gets six months in prison

Louisiana State Trooper killed during traffic stop

Lab Launch, a bioscience incubator, has just opened up in Monrovia. The incubator is the second bioscience research business to open up in the area. Lab Launch opened last month with goals to improve “capacity shortage” for new bioscience companies. In exchange for bonuses, a permanent seat on Lab Launch’s executive board and a high school internship program, Monrovia officials approved a $20,000 investment to the company.

Marcelo De Jesumaria, a Catholic priest groped a female model several times on a flight from Philadelphia to LAX. He was sentenced to six months in federal prison and six months of house arrest on August 24. Jesumaria was also required to register as a sex offender. Jesumaria was found guilty in May for ‘abusive sexual contact.’ Jesumaria told FBI upon landing that he “enjoyed cozy flights with women.”

Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Source: Los Angeles Times

Little houses for the homeless are illegal

The DOW recovers from 1,089 point historic drop

Tribune News Service

WWII tank kills man on Jelly Belly chairman’s

property

A Family reunion on the Jelly Belly chairman’s property went terribly wrong when a man was run over and killed by a 1944 WWII M5 tank. Dwayne Brasher, husband of Jelly Belly’s chief executive Lisa Rowland Brasher, was driving the tank that crushed family friend Kevin Wright. Wright was sitting facing inward on the front end of the tank when he lost his balance and fell in front of the tank as it rolled down hill.

SGV Tribune

The L.A. City Council Panel deemed tiny houses for the homeless illegal on August 24. Elvis Summers from Los Angeles began the tiny home project using a GoFundMe campaign. Residents and business owners around skid row are in uproar over the appearance of the tiny houses. The houses are fourby-six foot wooden structures that are jokingly being referred to as ‘dog houses.’ City law deems the houses bulky items that can be picked up by city sanitation workers.

Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Source: Los Angeles Times

L.A. heat wave, round two According to The National Weather Service, temperatures will climb up to the triple digits across the state by Thursday, August 27. The heat wave will not be as blazing as the previous one, forecasters say. However, it will still be above the average for this time of the year. Temperatures are predicted to progressively increase until they peak on Aug. 27. The thermometer could possibly reach 103 degrees in the valleys and the 90s in Los Angeles. Source: San Gabriel Valley

The N.Y. Times

Senior Trooper Steven J. Vincent was shot in the head on August 24, after investigating a man in a flipped pick-up truck. Vincent offered the driver help before being shot with a sawed off shotgun. “You’re lucky,” said Kevin D. Daigle after shooting Vincent. “You’re going to die soon.” Daigle was arrested at the hospital where Vincent died from the inflicted wounds. Local police investigated Daigle’s home after his roommate did not show up for work that morning. Diagle’s roommate was also found dead with signs of a struggle. Source: The Los Angeles Times

High school class of 2015 may be exempt from exit exam Approximately 5,000 students faced potential difficulty attending college and finding jobs after the state superintendent of public instruction decided that current testing is not in step with new curriculum based on Common Core, according to the L.A. Times. Gov. Jerry Brown plans on signing emergency legislation to allow certain California high school seniors to graduate without taking an exit exam after the state cancelled their summer exam. This would allow students who meet all other requirements for graduation to receive their diplomas and not be hindered from starting classes this fall.

Stocks staged a comeback after a historic -1,000 point drop minutes after opening on August 24 due to global fear over China’s “economic slowdown.” Investors could not close the gap by closing time and ended up suffering a drop of 588 points. This is the worst drop for the DOW since August 2011. The initial 1,089 drop fell so quickly it out-ran the Flash Crash of 2010. Source: CNN Tribune News Service

GLOBAL

Brave passengers receive Legion of Honor On a train ride from Amsterdam to Paris on August 21, 2015, three Americans, one British man and one French man took down Ayoub El Khazzani in a suspected terror attack. The French-American passenger, Mark Moogalian tackled the armed man just when he noticed the Kalashnikov rifle strapped to his body. Moogalian was injured in the process. Americans,childhood friends, Anthony Sadler, Spencer Stone and Alek Skarlatos took action when they heard a gun fire on the train. Chris Norman, a British passenger, also joined in the fight to help. The brave men were awarded France’s most esteemed award, the Legion of Honor. Source: CNN

North and South Korea reach a deal

Source: The Los Angeles Times Voice of America

North and South Korea have come to terms regarding cross-border tensions. South Korea announced August 24 they will discontinue broadcasts of anti-North Korean propaganda from loudspeakers along the borders of the two countries. In response, North Korea pledged to lift a “semi-state of war,” according to the L.A. Times. North and South Korea have agreed to speak this September about family reunions for those divided by the Korean War. Source: The Los Angeles Times

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Clarion

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015

O W L B E AT

CCCLARION UPDATES

Visit www.ccclarion.com for breaking news

CITRUS COLLEGE

CLARION

Megan Bender Margaret O’Neil editor-in-chief Clarion adviser Evan Solano Stacy K. Long managing editor Clarion adviser

Everything you need to know about current events in the campus community. If there is something you want us to cover, email us: contact@ccclarion.com

• AUGUST 26 - VN NURSES PINNING CEREMONY

The Citrus College nursing program will hold a time-honored VN pinning ceremony in the east wing of the Campus Center. The event is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. • AUGUST 28 - CLUB ORIENTATION

Evan Solano Clarion

VEHICLE FIRE IN ADMINISTRATION PARKING LOT AUG. 14– Local authorities are investigating the cause of a vehicle fire in the Administration Building parking lot near the Recording Technology Building on Friday, August 14. The incident was reported around 5:18 p.m. with Glendora Police Department arriving first on the scene. Glendora Fire Department worked to control the blaze and heavy smoke that billowed from inside the grey Chevy Suburban. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire a little after 6 p.m. No one was in the vehicle at the time of the fire.

PAGE 3

The Office of Student Life will be holding Club Orientation in Campus Center 115. This is an opportunity for clubs to gain essential knowledge about how to operate a successful campus club. All club members are encouraged to attend. RSVP at the Office of Student Life or studentlife@citruscollege.edu

Mickey Romero The Clarion is produced by journalism students and is distributed every other Wednesday during the semester. sports editor Ads are not endorsed by the Clarion. Staff Writers: Editorials are the opinion of at least 75 percent of the Editorial Board. All other opinion is that of the writer. Pat Cordova-Goff, Views expressed do not represent those of the adviser, Yvette Majewsky, faculty, administration, Associated Students of Citrus Katrina Ragasa, College and/or CCCBOT. Jaclyn Spencer 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/letters. All correspondence must include your student ID#, major and signature. Letters may be edited for content.

• SEPTEMBER 1 - LUSA PIZZA SALE

L.U.S.A. (Latinos Unidos Student Association) will be holding a pizza sale in the Campus Center Mall to raise funds for their club. Pizza will be $2.00, dessert and drinks will each be $1.00. • SEPTEMBER 2 - PORTABLE SOUND SYSTEM TRAINING

The Office of Student Life will be holding a training session to teach club members how to use the portable sound system. If you feel your club will benefit from using the sound system, you are welcome to attend this training. • SEPTEMBER 7 - LABOR DAY HOLIDAY

There will be NO CLASSES held on Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of the Labor Day weekend.

QUOTABLE: “Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.” -Auguste Rodin

THE 1000 BLOCK

Incident Reports

REPORTS ARE PROVIDED COURTESY OF THE CITRUS COLLEGE CAMPUS SAFETY DEPARTMENT. A REPORT IS NOT A STATEMENT OF GUILT.

Public Intoxication 647(f)

Petty Theft 488 PC

Battery (242 PC)

LOCATION: S9 Parking Lot REPORTED: 08/08/2015 CASE #: 2015‐071 Disposition: Closed

LOCATION: SS Building Bicycle Rack REPORTED: 08/11/2015 CASE #: 2015‐072 Disposition: Closed

LOCATION: Off Campus REPORTED: 08/14/2015 CASE #: 2015‐074 Disposition: Closed

Vehicle Fire LOCATION: E6 Parking Lot REPORTED: 08/14/2015 CASE #: 2015‐075 Disposition: Open

Damage to District Property LOCATION: AD Building REPORTED: 08/17/2015 CASE #: 2015‐076 Disposition: Closed

The Associated Students of Citrus College Welcome You to the Fall 2015 Semester.

Get Involved! Join a Club. Attend Activities. Form a Study Group. Have a Fun and Successful College Career!

Earn Citrus College Transferable Credit

Spring 2016 in

Spain

Study Abroad Program February 18, 2016-May 14,2016

Study in a city known as the “Oxford of the Spanish world.” All course work is CSU/UC transferable and fulfills general education requirements. The program fee includes fully equipped apartment accommodations, on-site student services, medical insurance, excursions to Madrid, Segovia, and Avila, plus extensive social and cultural activities.

Group airfare with airport pickup and return, homestay accommodations with meals, and a tour of Morocco are optional. INFORMATION MEETING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2015 Center for Innovation, Room 159 • 1 - 2 P.M. For more information, a brochure, application and scholarship opportunities call the Citrus College Study Abroad Office, 626-914-8560, or visit our website at www.citruscollege.edu/studyabroad 1000 West Foothill Boulevard, Glendora, CA 91741-1885 • 626.963.0323 www.citruscollege.edu

Study Abroad Program

Winter 2016 January 10-February 6, 2016 Program Includes:

A C I R A T S O C 4-Weeks

• 4 day/3 night excursion to La Selva Biological Station, including meals • 3 day/2 night excursion to Tortuguero National Park, including meals • 2 day/1 night excursion to Arenal, including breakfast • 2 day/2 night excursion to Monteverde, including meals. • Lodging in a homestay in Coronado with daily breakfast and dinner or in a student residence with access to a full kitchen • Biodiversity and cultural activities • Guided tours to Doka coffee plantation and Poas Volcano Courses Offered: MATH 165 (4 units) Introductory Statistics (CSU/UC)

BIO 145 (3-units) Environmental Science (CSU/UC)

Fee: $3,375* plus $495 airfare (excludes departure taxes, fees, and fuel charges) *price based on an enrollment of 15-19 participants; if 20 or more participate the fee per person will be $3,145 Offered in Partnership with AIFS For a brochure and application contact: Study Abroad Specialist, studyabroad@citruscollege.edu, (626) 914-8560

APPLY NOW! • APPLICATION DEADLINE OCTOBER 9, 2015 Citrus College Study Abroad Program • 1000 West Foothill Boulevard, Glendora, CA 91741-1885 • studyabroad@citruscollege.edu

Clarion

woods FR O M PA G E 1

Both Montgomery and Woods have extensive careers in education but contrast in what they say they can bring to the office. Montgomery highlights her longtime commitment to building partnerships between the schools and communities of Monrovia and Duarte. “I taught elementary school for 33 years in Monrovia, and I loved every minute of it,” Montgomery said. She has also been a master teacher at several universities and served on numerous civic and school committees such as serving on the chamber of commerce and education committee for Duarte. Her many honors include Teacher of the Year award for the Monrovia School District. Montgomery, who has been resident of Monrovia for more than 50 years, has served Area 5 since 1998, when she was appointed to fill an vacancy on the board. Since then has been re-elected four times. She said she decided to run again for a fifth term in response to the overwhelming support of her constituents. “I absolutely love Citrus,” Montgomery said. “My community and people at Citrus encouraged me to run and I’m glad I did.” Woods has more than 40 years

NEWS of classroom experience, first as a high school teacher then as a professor at the community college level. He is a community college graduate who also served as the dean of the business and computer technology division at Pasadena City College where he is currently teaching business law as an adjunct professor. Woods said that he has the background and experience to make decisions and contributions to the college and community. “Joanne’s a very nice person, but all the time she taught school, it was elementary school. Never was she involved with community colleges,” Woods said. “I’ve had longer time on the board than she did,” Woods said. Both candidates were serving on the board during the passage and issuance of the Measure G facilities bonds in 2004 and 2012 respectively and have both served as board president. In 2013, after more than 30 years serving as the Area 1 representative, Woods came under fire when the California Teachers Association, Community College Association and the Citrus College Faculty Association union launched an investigation into his residency. The unions contended that Woods did not live in the low-income Azusa apartment as he claimed, but rather in a $1.7 million home in Sierra Madre home Woods co-owns. “I’ve got four or five properties,” Woods said. “I only own a third of

Evan Solano Clarion

Current Area 5 Trustee and board president Joanne Montgomery during a meeting of the Board of Trustees on July 21. Montgomery’s seat on the board is being challeneged by former Area 1 Trustee Gary L. Woods.

the property in Sierra Madre]. I don’t [solely] own the property, it’s an investment.” Questions about Woods’ official domicile prompted an ad hoc BOT committee to file an application with the state Attorney General’s Office to sue “in quo warranto,” an action filed that could result in removal from office. “They spent a lot of tax payer’s money to actually find out I lived in Azusa,” Woods said. “The amount that the trustees get per month is around $400, so who is going to spend around $900 a month on housing to not live there? That would be kind of ridiculous.” Although the state attorney filed no charges, Woods lost the Area 1

Full time enrollment numbers fall short of goal FR O M PA G E 1

money then they will receive from the state. On Sept. 9, the actual enrollment report numbers will be locked in place for the census that determines if Citrus has met projected goals. As it stands enrollment is still down by approximately 232 students from the enrollment target prediction. This loss is coming from the 34811 enrolled state resident students compared to the 35050 enrolled resident students from 201415 Lee has predicted that by the time the census date arrives that Citrus will close the gap but still be behind by approximately 175 students. In response to the growth target, Citrus has increased core classes during prime time hours, Monday through Thursday from 8:20 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., to provide more choices and opportunities for students. “We have a lot more classes for the whole year that we are making available vs. last year, “ said Arvid Spor, interim vice president of academic affairs, Ph.D. “What we’re trying to do is meet any pent up demand that is out there to address student needs.” Spor believes the increase in full time enrolled students is due to the fact that they are now able to take more classes that they need compared to last semester. “If we don’t meet the target re-

quirements we do not receive the amount budgeted to us and we end up overspending,” Lee said. Lee has added 11 more English 101 sections than last fall semester as well as more math, statistics and speech 101 classes in similar amounts. “I would have liked to double those numbers,” Lee said. Citrus enrollment is impacted in its core and prime time classes but is facing weaknesses in non-essential classes. However, with increased core classes, students should be able to find available times to take these classes and fulfill their general education needs. In addition to adding more classes Citrus has increased marketing and engages in outreach programs targeted at feeder high schools inside and outside of its district. It is important to meet enrollment targets to get the full amount of income to match the amount of money spent to accommodate high enrollment projections. When growth percentages are not met the difference of projected income from the State and actual money spent comes out of the reserves. According to Lee, Citrus is required to maintain 5 percent of its income in its reserves. When reserves drop down, spending must be reduced further, which could limit the amount of money that can be put towards increases in enrollment opportunity. According to the California Com-

munity Colleges Scorecard, community colleges have been facing a decline in annual full time equivalent students since 2008. Those numbers began improving around 2013 and the state budget has predicted growth. Even at local schools such as Mt. San Antonio College enrollment numbers are running about the same as 2014-15, according to George Bradshaw, Ed.D, dean of enrollment management at Mt. SAC. “There is a lot of fluctuation between the first day and census day,” Bradshaw said. “So it’s difficult to tell.” Although these numbers are projections, Lee reiterated that these numbers could reflect actual decreases a year from now. Lee hopes that fall semester’s numbers will not continue the shortcomings that revealed themselves during the summer semester. By Aug. 28, Lee believes it will be more clear whether or not the projected target numbers are correct in predicting decreases in student enrollment as opposed to growth. As of now there are still 9 days before the census number lockdown. Classes still available to be filled can be found on the Citrus website under the Class Schedule for fall 2015 link. There you can find a live schedule available 24/7 that will provide fall courses still available for enrollment.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015 PAGE 5

about getting along with the rest of the trustees,” he said. Despite having been a resident of Monrovia for about eight months, Woods said he is familiar socially with the cities of Monrovia and Duarte. “I’ve been keeping up with the issues. I’m interested in the political process of each district, and I’ve done that with Monrovia,” Woods said. According to Montgomery, her longtime commitment to the college and community are what set her apart from her opponent. “I feel I have contributed to the board, serving three terms as board president and I have been the liaison for the Citrus College Foundation for several terms,” Montgomery said. “I feel I can do a good job, or I wouldn’t be running.” In other election bids, Trustee Susan M. Keith from Claremont is running unopposed for the Area 2 seat, as is Patricia Rasmussen, E.d.D, who represents Glendora in the Area 4 seat. Elections for the board will be held on November 3.

Clarion File Photo

Former Area 1 Trustee Gary L. Woods, who was defeated by current Trustee Barbara Dickerson in fall of 2013 is now seeking the Area 5 seat on the board.

seat that was won by current Area 1 Trustee Barbara Dickerson. Woods said he is confident he can still make an impact on the board and work with the current board members if he is elected. “My primary responsibility is to the taxpayers,” Woods said. “If there is an issue that I feel that is going to hurt the area I represent, or the college, then obviously I’m not going to sit there and worry

Owl Café BREAKFASTS

Breakfast Burrito

$2.90

1 Egg, Home-Style Potatoes, 1 Sausage or Bacon and Buttermilk Pancake

$4.50

Home-Style Potatoes, 2 Eggs, 2 Pancakes

$4.20

2 Pancakes and 2 Eggs

$2.90

August 24-27, 2015 Monday Barbeque Chicken Breast with one side

DAILY SPECIALS

Fresh Salad (tossed to order) Caesar Chicken (all week) $5.00 No Meat: $4.00 Burrito and Tostada Bar

$5.00 No meat: $4.00 Extra meat: $3.00

Cup of Soup

$3.00

September 7-10, 2015 $3.50

Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Breakfast : 7:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Lunch: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Monday English Style Meat Loaf with one side

September 21-24, 2015 $3.50

Monday Chicken Pot Pie with one side

$3.50

Two fresh vegetables

Tuesday Roast Turkey (carved to order) with stuffing and one side $5.50

Two fresh vegetables

Wednesday Two Pulled Pork Sliders with one side

$3.50

Two fresh vegetables

Wednesday Spaghetti with Meat Balls with one side

$3.50

Wednesday BBQ Chicken Breast $3.50 with one side

Two fresh vegetables

Thursday English Style Shepherd’s Pie $3.50 with one side

Thursday Stuffed Cabbage Roll $3.50 with one side

Two fresh vegetables

September 14-17, 2015

Two fresh vegetables

August 31-September 3, 2015

Monday Fettuccini All Alfredo with one side

Thursday Spaghetti and Meatballs with one side

$3.50

Monday Macaroni and Beef Casserole $3.50 with one side Two fresh vegetables Tuesday Roast Turkey (carved to order) with stuffing and one side $5.50 Two fresh vegetables Wednesday Beef Pot Pie with one side

$3.50

Two fresh vegetables Thursday Chicken Enchiladas with one side

$3.50

Two fresh vegetables Tuesday Roast Turkey (carved to order) with stuffing and one side $5.50 Two fresh vegetables Wednesday Italian Meat Lasagna with one side

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Two fresh vegetables Thursday Rotisserie Chicken with one side

$3.50

Two fresh vegetables

Two fresh vegetables 1000 West Foothill Boulevard , Glendora, CA 91741-1885 • (626) 914-8615 • www.citruscollege.edu/stdntsrv/owlcafe

PAGE 6

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015

Clarion

NEWS

Scholarship breakfast celebrates the next generation BY MEGAN BENDER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MBENDER@CCCLARION.COM

The Citrus College Foundation awarded scholarships to 192 recipients made up of incoming, continuing and transferring students at the sixth annual Scholarship Reception and Donor Appreciation Celebration on August 13. More than 85 donors raised more than $129,000 in scholarship money with approximately $16,000 donated from the Associated Students of Citrus College. The event was held in the Campus Center where recipients had an opportunity to meet and have breakfast with their scholarship donors. Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D., superintendent/president, began the ceremony with a welcome speech highlighting the local, state and national success of Citrus College as well as acknowledging the hard work of students, faculty, staff and donors. “This is our opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to special individuals who have a big heart and care about our students,” Perri said in regards to the many donors who make these scholarship opportunities a success. Brian Bowcock, President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, followed Perri with a request for the students to remember their roots and return to help the students after them to succeed. “Take what you get here,” Bowcock said. “Mark it on the wall and when it is time to give back, show up. Be apart of the alumni and of this college because it is important.” Kendall Gagliano, president of Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS) and recipient of a continuing student scholarship, shared her experiences of growing up with Intracranial Hypertension and how hard work brought her to Citrus College as well as earning the SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Worthy Student Scholarship. “Don’t let dreams come to an end because of a roadblock, “ Gagliano said. “Stepping out of your comfort zone is the first step to pursuing a dream.”

Evan Solano Clarion

Master of Ceremonies Brian Waddington (left) announces the names of the 2015 scholarship recipients during the Scholarship Reception and Donor Appreciation Celebration breakfast on August 13.

Evan Solano Clarion

Student Bassam Theodory shares his story during the Scholarship Reception and Donor Appreciation Celebration breakfast on August 13.

Evan Solano Clarion

Alpha Gamma Sigma president Kendall Gagliano shares her story during the Scholarship Reception and Donor Appreciation Celebration breakfast on August 13.

Bassam Theodory, a Biology major transferring to UC Riverside and recipient of the Michael David Dittemore Memorial Scholarship for Life Sciences, shared his story of immigrating from Syria to America and the language barriers he faced while pursuing his education. “All of my accomplishments be-

long to Citrus,” Theodory said as he also encouraged students to move forward. “As long as I made it so can all of you as long as you believe in yourselves.” Gagliano and Theodory both plan on using their scholarship money to pay for books and supplies. Brain Waddington, history professor at Citrus and Leader of Ceremonies, and Christina Garcia, Director of the Foundation, reiterated the pride in the students and donors and their hopes of leaving a positive mark on the students for life. “Let us continue our commitment to completion as we celebrate the next generation of students,” said Waddington as he brought the celebration to a close. Students can find information on applying for scholarships at the Foundation’s website as well as the Financial Aid website.

Accreditation committee to visit campus in September FR O M PA G E 1

submitted report and visiting evaluation. Douglas Houston, Ed.D., chancellor of Yuba Community College District, will be the chair of the visiting accreditation team accompanied by approximately 12 other members. Houston and his assistant visited Citrus Aug. 18 to meet with Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D., superintendent/president; Spor, Roberta Eisel, professor of English and accreditation co-chair to Spor and other representatives from the committees responsible for producing the self evaluation. This preliminary meeting afforded Houston the opportunity to set the tone for what the team visit. “Each time he met with someone, he explained what the purpose

of accreditation is, how much he believes in it and how it really is a peer review process,” Eisel said. “It was a way for him to get to know us and for us to get to know him.” Houston made it clear that the ‘report out,’ which is an open meeting on the last day of the site visit, will feel scripted and generic, as the team has to report back to the commission before any results are decided and announced. The self evaluation report was submitted to ACCJC on July 27 and contains signatures from faculty, administration and student constituent leaders affirming that the self evaluation is an accurate reflection of the “balance and nature” of Citrus College. Noticeably absent from the signature page is the name Robert Coutts, president of the 101 Citrus

College Chapter of the California School Employees Association, the union that represents the classified staff at Citrus. Eisel said she does not believe there will be a problem concerning the missing CSEA signature. “The accreditation self evaluation is a very thorough and exhaustive examination and self reflection on how we address the standards, and I believe we made every effort to be inclusive throughout the entire process,” Eisel said. Spor and Eisel said they reached out to all signing leaders to ensure full engagement and representation from all constituents, including classified staff. “The district did ask us to appoint staff to committees as well,” Coutts said. “But they did not give us nearly enough time to do so.”

Most of the appointed staff felt they were not included, and others were not aware they were appointed, Coutts said. Spor and Eisel said they experienced draft delays from CSEA and only recently discovered that CSEA believes the self evaluation includes inaccuracies. As president of the classified staff at Citrus, Coutts said the self evaluation report was not something he could sign because it does not accurately meet the standards. “The district claims to meet standards just by having certain policies stated in their contracts,” Coutts said. “However, they do not always follow those policies.” “We certainly hope [the visiting team] will investigate the matter further,” Coutts said. Despite the perceived lack of in-

clusion and policy inaccuracies, Coutts said the self evaluation report is very well written and that he is looking forward to the site-visit. “In a way it gives the college a black eye, especially if it was something that could have been avoided by coming to us so we could address it,” Spor said. Eisel reiterated that the report was posted publicly for an extended period of time for everyone to come forth and address any issues with the content. “If there are any concerns during the visit,” Eisel said. “Citrus will address them accordingly.” After its site visit, the accreditation team will report back to the commission in January 2016. After 30 days the commission is expected to release its report to the Citrus Community.

Clarion

FEATURES

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015 PAGE 8

Superintendent/President greets students

elcome Students, Welcome to Fall Semester 2015 at Citrus College! On behalf of the college community, I am pleased that you have chosen to begin or continue your college education here. Citrus College’s outstanding faculty and staff are dedicated to helping you earn an associate degree, transfer to a four-year institution, or attain a career/ technical certificate—and we wish you success in your efforts to complete your educational goals. For more than a century, Citrus College has served as an exemplary institution of higher learning. Our students excel in disciplines that include STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), performing arts, journalism, and more. Citrus College students also continue to graduate in record numbers. Last

June, the college conferred 2,533 associate degrees and associate degrees for transfer during the 2015 commencement ceremony. You, the students, make Citrus College’s outstanding reputation possible. National publications such as Community College Week, The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, and G.I. Jobs consistently include the college on their leading degree producers lists, and they consistently offer kudos for the college’s excellent academic programs and student services. In fact, Community College Week named Citrus College the fifth Fastest-Growing Community College in the United States among colleges with enrollments of 10,000 students or more. As you attend to your studies and college completion goals, I also encourage you to participate in the many activities and programs offered

through the Student Life and Leadership Office. You will have the opportunity to connect with the college community by meeting new people, making friends, and serving the college and external communities—all activities designed to enhance your college experience. I thank you for choosing Citrus College as a part of your pathway to success. Sincerely,

Geraldine M. Perri, Ph. D. Superintendent/President

Courtesy of the Office of External Relations

welcomE incoming STUDENTS A message from the ASCC President BY CAMERON WISDOM SPECIAL TO THE CLARION • ASCC PRESIDENT

elcome to the 2015-2016 academic year at Citrus College! For returning students, this semester marks another step in your educational journey towards completion and success. For incoming freshmen, choosing to enroll in your first semester here at Citrus is a monumental decision that will benefit you

File Photo

throughout the course of your life. It will not take you long to familiarize yourself with and recognize the many faces of the Citrus community that make this institution so incredible. Furthermore, a remarkable story of human achievement is waiting to be heard just about everywhere

you look on campus. In fact, we are fresh off of celebrating our centennial anniversary marking 100 years of excellence at the college. Citrus is the place to add accomplishment and intrigue to your own life story, the steps you take here will no doubt set the tone for the journey ahead of you. I came to Citrus as a non-traditional student, and was welcomed by a community of faculty, staff, administrators and students like you who believed in my vision for my life’s journey from day one. The foundation that I have built for myself in the time since has opened the doors to profound opportunities. Just this summer, I studied at Stanford University while also forming a new startup around a business idea that I had conceived here at Citrus. My story is no different from yours, and when you take advantage of all the resources available to you here on campus, you too can make an incredible impact on your life. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, because more than likely you will meet people who have been in your position that are willing and able to make the connections you need to succeed in school. Research has shown that students who participate in activities and organizations at school complete their college education

SCAN HERE

at a higher rate, so get involved! We have a considerable number of clubs and societies that reflect the values and interests of our student population. Also, the office of student life is planning activities this semester that align with your educational backgrounds and socially-driven interests. The ASCC executive board is gearing up for a big semester where we will look for opportunities and initiatives to propel our students into the next 100 years of excellence. As your campus leaders, we recognize that we were elected and appointed on the premise that the students trusted in us to advocate for and defend your interests. If you see us in class or walking around campus, feel free to stop us and tell us what you think of how we are doing and how we could better serve your needs. Good luck this semester, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Cameron Wisdom

Clarion

SPORTS

OWL SCOREBOARD H O M E

A W A Y

UPCOMING FOOTBALL SAT SAT SAT SAT 9/12 9/19 9/26 9/5 PALOMAR CANYONS GOLDEN EL WEST CAMINO

MEN’S SOCCER FRI TUE TUE FRI 9/4 9/1 9/8 9/11 SAN BER- SAN PALOMAR NORCO NARDINO DIEGO MESA

WOMEN’S SOCCER SAT FRI SUN TUE 9/5 8/28 9/6 9/15 MT. SAC LASSEN SACRA- SAN BERMENTO NARDINO CITY

MEN’S WATER POLO TUE 10/21

FRI 10/24

FRI 10/31

TUE 11/4

WOMEN’S WATER POLO TUE 10/21

FRI 10/24

FRI 10/31

TUE 11/4

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

•Wed. Sep. 2 at Chaffey •Fri. Sep. 4 at Mt. SAC •Fri. Sep. 4 vs. Desert

5:30 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM

CROSS COUNTRY

• Fri. Sep. 4 at Tour de Cuesta (San Luis Obispo) at 3:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015 PAGE 9

Women’s soccer faces tough preseason BY MICKEY ROMERO SPORTS EDITOR

MROMERO@CCCLARION.COM

In his 11th season as head coach of the women’s soccer team, Tim Tracey said he expects experience to play a big role in the team’s success this season. A total of 12 freshman players from the 2014 team had the potential to return to the team this year. Tracey was fortunate enough to have 11 of them come back. “A year’s experience at this level is everything,” he said. Although Tracey has multiple players returning, the top scorers from the 2014 team were all sophomores who have either moved on or matriculated to other collegiate programs, such as Rebekah Evans, who now plays at Azusa Pacific University. The departed players accounted for 31 of the 45 total goals the Owls scored last season. With most of the offense gone, Tracey said he won’t look toward one single player to play a significant role. “I’m expecting contributions from everyone in the sophomore class,” Tracey said. “Not one person specifically is going to carry us.” Communication is one aspect Citrus is looking to continue working on according to midfielder Brittany Frias. “We need to communicate more,” Frias said. “As a team right now, there are a lot of new girls and I feel like we don’t talk very much.” The Owls will need to be vocal on the field and with each other if they hope to stay competitive. This will especially be true on the defensive side of the ball, which will most likely be their greatest strength.

Mickey Romero Clarion

The women’s soccer team warms up during summer practice in preparation for the 2015 season. The Owls will go on the road to face Mt. San Antonio on Aug.28.

“Leadership is a quality that just stands out and manifest itself. You don’t have to ask someone to be a leader. The leaders step forward. ” -Tim Tracey

Women’s soccer head coach “The returning defensive line is really strong,” said Alessandra Perez-Nergon, former Owl midfielder. “Brittany (Frias) and Joni

(Gener) are probably two of the strongest defenders we have ever had, they did really well last season.” Citrus allowed an average of 1.14 goals per game last season. The Owls got better as the season progressed, allowing an average of 0.93 goals per game in conference play. Tracey chose not to appoint captains and will look for players to step into the leadership role themselves. “Leadership is a quality that just stands out, and manifests itself,” he said. “ You don’t have to ask someone to be a leader. The leaders step forward.” The Owls will have their hands

full early on in their schedule as they will face potential playoff teams in the preseason such as L.A. Pierce, San Diego Mesa and San Bernardino. They will begin conference play against defending Western State South Division champions College of the Canyons. “We schedule a very solid preseason schedule for a reason,” Tracey said, “We do that for a reason. We have the potential to play at that level, and based on the fact that power points play a significant role in your ability to get to playoffs. You have to play the best.” Citrus will open up their 2015 season on Aug.28 at Mt. San Antonio College at 5 p.m.

New semester, new coaches

Over the last few weeks, Citrus has seen three of its head coaches step down to take available positions at other programs or accept job offers. The vacant head coaching positions have since been filled by former assistant coaches. More information on the new head coaches can be found below.

Men’s Basketball

Former head coach Chris Victor accepted a position on the men’s basketball team at NCAA Division I Eastern Washington University. The Owls compiled a 10339 record in five seasons as the Owls head coach. Citrus appeared in the California Community College Athletic Association playoffs each of the five seasons. Citrus made it to the CCCAA State Championship game in 2011 and the CCCAA Final Four in 2012. Patrick Johnson was named the new head coach on July 27. Johnson was previously a former assistant at Citrus College for two seasons. He was part of the staff that helped the Owls reach the 2011 CCCAA State Championship game and the 2012

CCCAA Final Four. He left Citrus shortly after to take a position at Concordia University in Irvine as an assistant coach. They compiled a 69-31 record over the three seasons Johnson spent on the staff. The Eagles made it to the NAIA National Championship Tournament twice out of Johnson’s three seasons. Johnson played at Duke University for four years under coach Mike Kryzyewski. The Blue Devils appear in the NCAA Tournament four times and made three Sweet 16’s, and one Final Four during Johnson’s tenure. They also won the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament three times and the ACC Regular Season Championship twice.

Women’s Basketball Women’s Water Polo

Tamara McDonald stepped down as the women’s basketball head coach after accepting a position with the State of California’s Department of Labor. McDonald compiled a 65-70 record during her five seasons as head coach. Numerous students moved on to the four-year level to continue their education or continue playing. Assistant coach Loree Moore has been tabbed as the interim head coach. Moore spent the last two seasons on McDonald’s staff as an assistant. Moore was the 10th overall selection in the 2005 WNBA Draft. She played five season for

the New York Liberty and played overseas in Turkey and Russia as well. Moore was a standout at Tennessee were she played collegiately under head coach Pat Summit. Tennessee reach four straight NCAA Final Fours during Moore’s tenure. Moore played high school basketball at Narbonne High School in Harbor City. She won two California State High School Championships as well as two USA Today National Championships. The Gauchos went 115-7 during Moore’s four seasons. She finished her high school career as California’s all-time leader in career assists and steals.

Andrew Silva stepped down as the women’s water polo head coach and women’s swim team head coach. Silva accepted another position in Central California. The women’s water polo program went 25-33 during his two seasons and the women’s swim program finished 5th at the WSC Championships. Assistant coach Meaghan Paschall has been named the interim head coach of the women’s water polo program.

Paschall played four varsity seasons at Pasadena High School. She played three season at California State University, East Bay. Paschall has had previous head coaching experience after serving as the head coach for the varsity girls and assistant varsity boys head coach at South Pasadena High School. Paschall was also a coach for five years at the Rose Bowl Water Polo Club.

PAGE 10

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015

Clarion

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

GUMBY AND FRIENDS CELEBRATE 60 YEARS OF ANIMATION INNOVATION

at the

Photo Illustration by Evan Solano

Gumby Fest will be coming to Citrus College campus from Sept. 18-20. Events scheduled throughout the weekend are discussion panels with animations industry specialists, art lessons and an amateur stop-motion film festival.

especially for you...

Gumby Fest moves to college Apr 11 & 12 for a bigger Saturday & Sunday • 2PM celebration. BY EVAN SOLANO MANAGING EDITOR

ESOLANO@CCCLARION.COM

SEP 18 Friday • 8PM

photo: Lenny Gonzalez

Gumby Fest Gala

THE HOT CLUB OF SAN FRANCISCO presents

CINEMA VIVANT OCT 3 Saturday • 2PM

THE NATIONAL ACROBATS and CIRCUS of the People’s Republic of China

PEKING DREAMS

photo: Carsten-Bunnemann

OCT 24 Saturday • 8PM

MNOZIL BRASS

YES! YES! YES!

Get all 3 shows for

$53

when you get your asCC discount in advance with this series. Limit 4 packages per student. Offer expires Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 4PM.

Student must present valid student ID with current ASCC sticker

1000 W. Foothill Blvd. Glendora, CA 91741 TickeTs: (626) 963-9411 www.haughpac.com Box Office Open Tues - Sat 11am - 4pm & One Hour Prior To All Shows

One could argue that Citrus College has its fair share of characters already, but campus life is about to become even more animated than usual when the third annual Gumby Fest comes to campus Sept. 18, 19 and 20 for the first time to celebrate the iconic character’s 60th birthday. The success of last year’s festival hosted by Glendora Public Library, Clarion Ad attend#1 which attracted over 4,000 ees, prompted the move to a larger Fall facility. The numbers expected Augustare 26, 2015 to be even higher this year. Last spring the Glendora Chamber of Commerce approached the Citrus College Fine and Performing Arts department when the event became too large to host downtown. “We thought it was a wonderful opportunity for our art folks to initiate a new program here and bring people all over the country to Citrus College,” said Robert Slack, dean of fine and performing arts. Gumby’s history is deeply rooted in the foothills of Glendora. In 1955, Art and Ruth Clokey founded Clokey Films in Hollywood. Five years later they renamed Clokey Productions and moved to a larger facility in Glendora, where they created 85 Gumby episodes and 65 episodes of “Davey and Goliath.” “A production like Gumby encompasses everything we do in fine and performing arts,” Slack said. “The making of the animation, the clay, the sets, the backdrop, the music, the dialogue and the acting, everything in our division makes up that kind of production.” Since Gumby’s debut on NBC’s “Howdy Doody Show” in 1955, the

Lacy Atkins AP Photo

Cartoonist Art Clokey demonstrates the flexibility of Gumby on May 16, 1995, at his office in San Rafael, Calif. Clokey founded Clokey Productions.

“Every single aspect of what we teaching the visual and performing arts is a direct career path to stop motion animation,” -Michael Hillman Art Instructor

character went on to star in more than 230 television episodes and a full-length movie. “I loved Gumby as a kid,” said Michael Hillman, art instructor. “I used to watch the TV show all the time.” Many of the animators, puppet makers and set designers who have worked with the Clokeys went on to work for “Star Wars,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “James and the Giant Peach” and Tim Burton’s “Coraline” and “Corpse Bride.” “Every single aspect of what we teach in the visual and performing arts is a direct career path to stop

motion animation,” said Hillman. A prelude to the three-day festival will feature a Gumby Memorabilia Museum display in the Hayden Memorial Library Art Gallery beginning Sept. 1 to Oct. 16. Artifacts from Gumby’s early days will give guests a unique behind-the-scenes look at how stop motion animation brought Gumby to life. In addition to several panels and discussions, Citrus will also host a competition in which animators will compete in a stop-motion animation contest. According to Dyane Duffy, art instructor, 12 entries have already been received from contestants across the United States and Canada. The contest will be judged by industry professionals within the Los Angeles region, with $500 grand prize and presentation of the Clokey Trophy. Proceeds from the Citrus College Gumby Fest Stop Motion Festival 2015 will go to the Citrus Foundation to benefit the Visual and Performing Arts Department. “I think anyone interested in any type of filmmaking or art industry will enjoy it”, said Duffy.

Clarion

FORUM

Fighting for fair wages

tudent employees are being financially mistreated at Citrus College. Around the United States, the slogan “Fight for $15” is rallying minimum wage workers from various industries to finally demand a living wage for their hard work. Citrus College students working minimum wage campus jobs need to join the fight, demanding reform on positional, annual and work-study wages. As of fall 2014, the Office of Human Resources froze Citrus College student employment wages at $9 per hour. This change also blocks workers from receiving yearly raises or positional pay for technical skill sets. When asked back in August 2014 Robert Sammis, director of human resources, stated having different pay levels “made no sense” since students’ work “across campus is fairly consistent in terms of levels of responsibility and duties.” In actuality, whether a student is a new worker or holding a leadership position on campus both are forced to work for less to work on campus. Student employees working to afford their education and support their responsibilities are making

EDITORIAL

less than $9,000 per year. By national standards, this is below the poverty line of $11,770. Students are unable to live or afford school costs, when even Citrus College’s own financial aid office estimated cost of attendance for two semesters is $14,671 for independent students and $11,791 for dependent students. The city of Los Angeles recently increased the minimum wage to $15 per hour to be implemented in 2020, making it one of the largest cities to do so. This only affects those who work within the Los Angeles city limits. While Los Angeles County will be increasing the minimum wage to $10 per hour in 2016, educational institutions have the option to meet or increase their student wages at any time. University of California has approved $15 per hour minimum wage by 2017 for their student workers. Select cities and schools are slowly implementing wage reform and allow their students wage and positional increases. Americans against the minimum wage reform have attacked protesters by labeling minimum wage workers as having neither skills nor

Emily Hermosillo Clarion

OPINION

experience. Fast food and student workers receive the most ridicule from opposing parties that view these service jobs as temporary, unchallenging and insignificant. In the business sector, some analysts fear wage reform will force businesses to raise product prices and cut employment to survive the financial impact. This tired, empty threat is used constantly to silence policy change-favoring employees. Typically, employees will acquiesce to this fear while businesses freely change their budget and staff-

beyond the stigma, there is a reason to be proud BY PAT CORDOVA-GOFF STAFF WRITER

PCORDOVA@CCCLARION.COM

Throughout high school, students are encouraged to aim for a higher education at top-notch universities. “If you aim for Harvard, you’ll land somewhere great.” Yet, for some reason, that comfortable campus students should be proud to attend never included community colleges. Why? There continues to be a stigma around community colleges being valuable options when incoming students are selecting a campus. While the California Community College system is the largest higher education system in the nation, it is continuously said to be a last resort, reserved for students who were out of options. Although this concept is usually coming from individuals who never attended community college, this is our reality. This is also why I acknowledge many Citrus College students remain hesitant to pride themselves in the CCC name. But after a year at Citrus College, I’ve learned to understand that this reality in no way does our system or students justice. As part of the 2.1 million students who attend a California community college, there should be a sense of pride when saying “I attend Citrus College.” (I know, it sounds cliché, but stick with me here! I have a point.) When breaking down this stigma that surrounds our college system, a core factor that ought to be

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015 PAGE 11

addressed is understanding why community colleges are vital resources to many; while education is a right, education is definitely not free. Coming from a homeless family, a college education was encouraged, but impossible to financially support. Although universities offer aid, there seemed to always be a few thousand dollars in need of loans. For some of us however, not even that is possible. The CCC system offers the possibility to achieve a higher education, at the caliber of other general education instruction, but nowhere near the sky-high price tags. When students who already struggle to stay afloat accept the reality of financial instability and continue to pursue an education, they are admirable and commendable. With four out of five students attending community college holding a part-time job, it is clear our students work to balance the luxury of education with the need to financially survive. What’s my point? My point is that there are often obstacles that blocked us from gliding into the four-year institution and on-campus life. However, for the students who refused to allow that to signal an end to their educational journey, there is a reason to be proud. In the first year I attend Citrus College, I also came to understand

the complex student body enrolled on our campus and within our college system. From veterans who took years off of college to serve our nation to parents who stepped out of the classroom to raise children of their own or children they took in, the stories are endless. But the reality? These students are back, varying in age (and generations, if I may add) with one goal in mind: graduate. There are so many obstacles that stepped in the way of our college journey reflecting the ones we were encouraged to achieve, but we are still going, inching our way toward academic success. Citrus is no Harvard, but it is our reality. Citrus College is a campus of so many possibilities. We offer a distinct opportunity to join a student body that reflects backgrounds of many countries. Citrus offers experience from staff who have faced the same life obstacles we are currently facing, but preserved and walked across their own graduation stages. We offer the services that do not ignore the personal struggles we face as students, but recognize life’s obstacles and work to support us. Beyond the negative connotation of the CCC system, one reality is true: no matter what journey brought you to Citrus, you are here with the intention and passion to graduate. That is something to be proud of.

ing to increase profit. In the education sector, community college administration views students as temporary employees who are receiving support from their parents. This is a misconception of the modern student. In the College Student Pulse 2013 survey, 4 out of 5 students attending college work at least part-time. These students pay for their education and college expenses using their own money. If minimum wage rates had accurately kept pace with America’s productivity and inflation since 1968, minimum wage workers would be making approximately $26 an hour. Campus jobs with fair wages will benefit student employees by increasing their ability to afford their

education without accumulating debt from loan programs. Wage reform is for hardworking students, with real needs and real responsibilities. These students are putting in the work and deserve a living wage. Student jobs that offer a fair wage and promotional opportunity will help students thrive in their academic pursuits by minimizing financial hindrances. By establishing fair, skilled and opportunity driven $15 per hour wages, Citrus College will continue to uphold its “College of Completion” stance. Being a college that supports their students academic and financial needs, shows students that their hard work will never be undervalued.

LETTER FROM THE CLARION EDITOR BY MEGAN BENDER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MBENDER@CCCLARION.COM

ello Clarion Readers, My name is Megan Bender and I am excited to serve as the fall 2015 semester Editor-in-Chief of the Citrus College Clarion. This semester, we here at the Clarion are working hard to bring you news across all platforms. As a bi-weekly publication we are making efforts to post online first and print second. This means that we are looking to increase posting and traffic on our website so that readers are updated on a day-to-day basis. In combination with this we are also increasing posts on our social media outlets, which include Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We hope that by being an online first, print second newspaper that we will efficiently keep this campus up to date. In turn this should increase our presence on campus. There is always a call on our readers to help us, the media, by letting us know what events are going on that we could cover. We will be featuring hashtags for specific events, games and other activities around campus on Twitter as we step up our live tweeting and increase our posting frequency on Instagram. At the Clarion we absolutely en-

courage feedback. We want to hear back from all of you to ensure that we are fulfilling our roll as a student newspaper. If you have any questions, comments or concerns utilize our website or even our social media outlets to communicate with us. Our purpose is to properly inform and serve as a voice for the student body. It is my intention as the editor to see these transitions through this semester. As journalism faces changes from print to digital, we at the Clarion must do our best to keep up and serve the students as a reliable news outlet. Transition into the digital platform has been discussed before but this semester we want to start taking action. With pro-activity in mind I wish you all a successful fall semester. Do not hesitate to visit our website, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook and Instagram or pick up the paper. Sincerely,

Megan Bender Editor-in-Chief