Clarion 3/19/14

27% THE BIG NUMBER

percentage of young adults ages 18-34 currently enrolled in obamacare as of febRUARY 2014

page 5

page 11

PRESIDENT MAKES FINAL PUSH FOR OBAMACARE TO YOUNG ADULTS

CAPE OWLS RACE TO SAVE ENERGY IN ECOMARATHON

source: WWW.healthcare.gov

CLARION CITRUS COLLEGE

A First Amendment Newspaper

ccclarion.com

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

vol lxXVII issue 3

Drug violations at all time ‘high’

By Katie Jolgren Staff Writer • kjolgren@ccclarion.com

A

www.metro.net

Foothill Extension chugs along

T

ccording to board policy, Citrus College may not be a smokefree campus, but it is supposed to be a drug free campus. However, in the last two years, the number of drug violations has gone up significantly, and 2013 marked an unprecedented increase for recorded incidents of possession of marijuana on campus.

Each year, in compliance with the federal Jeanne Clery Act, institutions of higher education are required to deliver timely warnings of crimes on campus and report our collected data to the campus community.

In 2011, Citrus reported 13 disciplinary referrals for drug law violations with no resulting arrests. In 2012, Citrus reported 21 disciplinary referrals and four drug law arrests.

In 2013, the college reported 25 drug law violations with 14 resulting in disciplinary referrals, according to the Clery Reports.

The Glendora Police Department handled 23 of the campus violations attributed to possession of marijuana as a col-

“Students are under the impression that they can smoke marijuana anywhere on campus with a medical marijuana card.”

-Ben Macias

interm director of campus safety

lege policy violation under the Standards of Student Conduct.

According to the campus Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco Use Policy, “The unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and/or alcohol on Citrus College property, or as part of any college activity, is prohibited and is a violation of District policy.”

Nevertheless, many students may be unaware of this campus policy, as was Tori Walling, a nursing student, who stated that she “didn’t know that students with medical marijuana cards are not allowed to smoke on campus grounds.”

Although many students may be unaware of board policies, some college employees have expressed the view that this sudden rise of incidents has more to do with the increased popularity of medical marijuana cards over the past two years.

he construction By Cameron Wisdom Funded by Los Angeles a u t h o r i t y Staff Writer County’s Measure R (a halfresponsible for cent increase in sales tax over the Foothill Gold Line Extension the course of 30 years), the extension announced in February that the project is slated to cost approximately project has surpassed the halfway- $751 million. point of completion.

Contractors broke ground in June 2010 The 11.5 mile light-rail extension and are expected to finish the extension of Metro’s Gold Line that will by September 2015. stretch from Pasadena to Azusa will Upon completion, The Metro Transit - See Drugs, pg. 3 serve several communities within Authority will conduct tests on the the Citrus College district upon system and then determine when it will S P O R T S be ready for public use. completion.

Owls baseball in mid-swing • cwisdom@ccclarion.com

- See Gold Line, pg. 6

Universities are petitioning to charge what admissions is calling “student success fees” each semester. These fees apply to all students without exception and are to encourage students to finish schooling as quickly as possible.

These four campuses are

By Jessica Hernandez fighting to join the nine other Contributing Writer CSU campuses that have already imposed such fees on al States Fullerton, their students. These campuses Dominguez Hills, include Cal State East Bay, Cal Fresno and San Diego State Long Beach, Cal State Los

The cost of success

C

Angeles, Cal State Northridge, Cal State San Bernardino, Cal State San Marcos, Cal State San Jose, Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

The cost of these fees will not be covered by Cal Grants and must be paid for out of pocket by students. If a student is unable to afford the extra cost, he or she may take out student loans.

The cost of these “student success fees” vary for different campuses between $200 and

$500 per semester and are said to cover the cost of hiring new faculty, upgrading classrooms and offering more classes.

Cal State Fullerton is in the process of adding these fees to the basic cost of tuition. The fee will start at $78 per semester beginning in fall 2014.

CSUF currently costs $3,093 for undergraduate students. If the “student success fee” is adopted the cost will eventually Joe Moreno Clarion rise to $3,274.

Jonathon Reynoso, #5, swings at a pitch against Antelope Valley - See Fees, pg. 3

College. See the full story on page 14.

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Wednesday, March 19, 2014

QUOTE of the

ISSUE

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Local Gay Teacher Fired from St. Lucy’s

“You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you.”

-Andy Warhol

Announcements SPRING COLLEGE FAIR

Representatives from CSU, UC, private and out-of-state colleges will be in the Campus Center Mall March 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Former St. Lucy’s Priory High School teacher sues the school for firing him from the private glendora high school after he married his partner. According to an article published by the San Gabriel Valley Tribune by City News Service, Kenneth Bencomo alleges wrongful termination in violation of Public Policy, Violation of the state Labor Code and breach of contract. Bencomo and his partner are among a large number of same-sex couples who married after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June 2008 that gay weddings could resume in California. Bencomo began working at the school in 1998. The lawsuit states that “At the time and at all times thereafter, Bencomo’s sexual orientation was common knowledge among many of the students, faculty members and the administration of St. Lucy’s.” Bencomo’s wedding was mentioned in a local newspaper and although his affiliation with the school was not mentioned, he was informed by an administrator that he was being fired after 15 years even though he was an “exceptional“ teacher.

BLOOD DRIVE

The Cesar Chavez National Blood Drive will be taking place March 25 through 27 in the Campus Center from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SEX WEEK

The Associated Students of Citrus College will be hosting Sex Week again this year in the Campus Center. The event will take place from March 31 through April 4.

ART PORTFOLIO WORKSHOP

The Career/Transfer Center will be hosting a portfolio workshop to help students learn how to organize and present their works in a professional manner. The event will take place in the Campus Center East Wing April 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FINANCIAL AID LITERACY AWARENESS FAIR

The financial aid office will be hosting this event to help students better understand the ins and outs of the financial aid process.

The event will take place April 10 in the Campus Center Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SPRING VACATION April 14 through 20

THE 1000 BLOCK

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck five miles from Westwood March 17 at 6:25 a.m. There were no reports of injuries or damage.

There have been six smaller aftershocks and more are expected.

This earthquake was the most significant shake since the 5.5 Chino Hills earthquake in 2008. The region where the fault occurred is not an area where seismic activity has been recently. An early earthquake warning system proved to work when the Pasadena office received a warning a few seconds prior to the quake. The farther an earthquake epicenter is away the more seconds of warning time the system will be able to provide. Robert Graves a seismologist with the U.S. Geological Survey told reporters there was “always the possibility it’s a foreshock.” The USGS downgraded the earthquake from a magnitude 4.7 to a 4.4. The quake was felt over a large area of Southern California. From areas as far east as Perris and as far south as San Clemente. As Metro reported there may be some delays due to the quake.

Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Source: Los Angeles Times

2nd Baby Declared Free of H.I.V.

Free Contraception Equals Promiscuity?

National

CAMPUS TOURS

Students looking to transfer to University of La Verne or Azusa Pacific University are welcome to call (626) 914-8639 to reserve a spot. Transportation is provided by Citrus College. The vans will be leaving at 8:15 a.m. and returning to Citrus College at 1 p.m.

Experts Warned Ahead of 4.4 Earthquake

Scientists reported last year that a baby born with H.I.V had been aided through aggressive drug treatments only 30 hours after birth. Skeptics doubted the child was infected in the first place. On March 5 a second baby was revealed at an AIDS conference leaving little doubt the treatment works. A clinical trial of 60 babies born infected with the virus will be put on drugs 48 hours after birth. It will take several years of following the children to conclude if the drug worked or not. Researchers also announced a “gene editing“ drug that could enable immune cells to repel the virus. The first baby treated for the virus is now 3-years-old and is still virus free.

These babies cannot be described as cured because they will have to continue taking the drugs, but can be described as “having seroreverted to H.I.V. -negative.” The question proposed now is when to stop prescribing the drugs.

Source: The New York Times

New research has found that women on average are more likely to have multiple sex partners in a single month after being provided no-cost contraception. Although this is the case, a new study says the frequency of sexual activity is expected for women of childbearing age. The debate occurred when the Obama administration proposed requiring all employer-provided health insurance to include coverage of contraceptives. Conservatives strongly disliked the proposal, the majority argued that the policy would promote increased sexual activity, and increase pregnancies, abortions and STDs. Participants in Washington University’s Contraceptive Choice Project did report a slight increase in sexual activity. But researchers also found there was no increase in STD transmission, supporting the argument that sexually risky behavior had not increased among those on no-cost contraceptives.

Global

Source: Los Angeles Times

Pope Francis Has Changed Attitudes, Not Behavior

U.S. to Give Up Its Oversight of Address on the Internet

A new poll has found that the popularity of Pope Francis has changed the attitudes of American Catholics but it has yet to change their behaviors. Francis is more popular among Americans than Pope Bendict XVI was in February of 2013. Francis has not reached the popularity of Pope John Paul II at the height of his papacy in the 1990s, but the polls find that Francis has raised expectations of significant change even though he may not alter the church’s positions on doctrinal issues. Nearly six in 10 American Catholics in the poll expected the church would lift its prohibition on birth control by 2050. Half of those surveyed also said the church may allow priests to marry. The poll is an early gauge of whether the first social media-friendly pope is having an effect on church attendance of conversions.

The United States will give up its role in overseeing the system of Web addresses and domain names that form the basic structure of the internet. It will be turned over in 2015 to an international group whose structure and administration will be decided over the next year. The function was subcontracted in 1998 to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, an international nonprofit organization. The transition has taken on new urgency in light of the revelations in the U.S. intelligence community particularly the National Security Agency. While many countries have called for the U.S. to turn over the system, many businesses are worried about what form the new organization will take. The U.S. has made it clear that the International Telecommunication Union, a United Nations affiliate that oversees global telephone traffic, would not be allowed to take over Internet governance.

Source: The New York Times

INCIDENT REPORTS

Source: The New York Times

Reports are provided courtesy of the Citrus College Campus Safety Department.

A report is not a statement of guilt.

Breaking and Entering

On March 5 an officer responded to the Cal-Works office regarding a lost Virtual Private Network token, a number generating key. This key is used to gain access to the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department network. Once in the ISD network the user has access to information about student recieving financial aid, including first and last names as well as social security numbers.

The victim stated that she had moved offices in July 2013 and had placed the VPN token in a trash can along with other personal items. The report is being made now because the ISD is requiring a police report prior to reissuing a new VPN token. The victim stated she did not know the value of the token.

Bicycle Theft On March 5 an officer met with an individual who reported a bicycle, which was not his, was stolen. The individual reported that the victim had left his bicycle secured prior to going to class and had noticed a few hours later the bicycle was missing. The bicycle is a valued at $325, neither the reporting party nor the victim had a serial number for the bicycle. On March 6 the vicitm went to the Campus Safety office and notified them his bike had been stolen. When asked if he knew the reporting party from the day prior he said yes. Services from the Glendora Police Department were offered to both parties but declined.

Marijuana on Campus

On March 3 an officer responded to a call regarding marijuana containers inside an unoccupied vehicle. The suspect had just arrived to his vehicle as the officer arrived on the scene. When asked about the marijuana containers in his vehicle the suspect retrieved the containers and handed them to the officer along with his medical marijuana certificate. The suspect informed the officer that he did not smoke on campus and was cooperative. The Glendora Police Department was contacted and the responded GPD officer advised the suspect to no longer bring the marijuana to campus and he was released with no citation.

Hit and Run

On March 4 an officer responded to the Campus Safety office to take a vehicle hit and run report. The victim stated that she was driving west bound in the S1 parking lot when she was struck by a bright orange vehicle. Her vehicle was damaged on the driver’s side door and mirror. The victim stated that after being hit the vehicle continued driving and exited the parking lot heading east bound on Foothill Blvd.

The victim had not contacted Campus Safety directly after it happened because she was late to class, but once she returned to her vehicle she noticed the extent of the damages and notified Campus Safety. The Glendora Police Department was informed, there is no further information at this time.

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3

Cal State success fees costs students - Fees, from pg. 1

If this fee is instituted it will start at a lesser value and grow gradually until it hits its full price of $240.50 per semester in the 2016-17 year.

CSUF has created a Student Fee Advisory Committee made up of 13 seats, seven of which are held by students. This committee was created in order to oversee the use of the funds to create the best outcome for the student body.

Despite the positive reaction at some campuses, others dislike the thought of additional costs.

Sonoma State University, which is considered to be a Cal State University, was rumored to be implementing such fees but the idea was quickly shut down.

According to Peter Phillips, a sociology professor at Sonoma State University, both students and faculty members rallied together to create a petition containing 1,265 signatures opposing these fees within four days of the announcement.

This petition included statements from alumni vowing to “never” donate to the school again if the fees are put into place. Phillips stated that, “these fees are a huge burden and the process is undemocratic.”

The tuition cost for an undergraduate per year at Cal Poly Pomona is $6,250 and $7,616 for a graduate student.

Drugs

- from pg. 1

With the recent legalization of recreational marijuana in Washington and Colorado, many may assume that California will not be long after. As it has already appeared on voter’s ballots in California, various agencies are attempting to put the issue back into social consciousness.

Cal Poly Pomona has already adopted these fees into their system. During March 2013 they adopted this “success fee” to begin in the fall 2013 semester. The fee is $222 per year.

Many changes are already being discussed at the CPP campus. Students are being informed constantly about these fees. Faculty and board members are working hard to make sure the students stay in the loop.

CSDH hopes to add a $280 “success fee” to tuition that is currently set at $6,095.

CSDH held four open forums during February to consider the issue and students are demanding a vote. At each forum 80 to 90 percent of the attendees asked for a referendum. President Willie J. Hagan of CSDH has thus far refused saying, “not enough students will attend the vote.”

According to the California Education Code Article 3.7 section 66028.3 (b), “Students should be consulted before increases on mandatory system wide fees are proposed.” Despite this code, Hagan still refuses. CSU campus leaders argue they have exhausted all means of catching up after the budget cuts that took place in 2008 through 2012, arguing their only resource is now the students.

The 23-campus CSU system asked for $237 mil-

“Students are under the impression that they can smoke marijuana anywhere on campus with a medical marijuana card,” said Ben Macias, interim director of campus security.

However, what students may fail to understand is that despite their owning a medical marijuana registration card, they are not exempt from federal law, which defines marijuana as a controlled substance.

In 1970, Congress passed the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention

Samuel Mountjoy Daily Titan

lion in the state budget but was given $147 million. Assemblyman Marc Levine, (D-San Rafael), calls these fees a “mistake.”

Proposition 30 passed in November 2012 and has already added $125 million to the public higher education budget last year and that amount is expected to go up to $145 million this year. “We ask enough of our students already and now it is time to offer them some relief,” Levine said.

and Control Act in which various controlled substances are classified into tiers based on their potential for abuse and the lack of current medical use or accepted safety for use of the drug. As medical marijuana currently falls into this category, federal law makes it illegal to possess this substance.

Because Citrus College receives federal financial aid as well as its students, the college must abide by federal laws, thus making marijuana illegal on campus.

Jason Columbini, the student body president at Cal Poly SLO, said that he supports the student fees. “Unlike state tuition, 100 percent of the fees goes into the school.

Thousands of students have greater access to services. The money is definitely being used wisely,” he said.

If a student is found in possession of illegal substances on campus, the student may risk forfeiting his or her federal financial aid.

“I think it is important for students to understand that it is a violation of the Standards of Conduct to be under the influence of marijuana or any controlled substance anywhere on campus,” said Martha McDonald, interim executive dean at Citrus College. “This includes parking lots, irrespective of having a registered medical marijuana

card.”

“Some of the students who have been caught thought their medical marijuana card enabled them to smoke on campus as we are in Los Angeles County,” said Arvid Spor, vice president of student services.

Students with authorized medical marijuana cards should be made aware that the drug is not allowed anywhere on school grounds. Lest they become a citation number in this year’s incident report.

CITRUS RX pulled from Owl Bookshop

By Sylvia Aparicio A&E Editor • saparicio@ccclarion.com

W

ith midterms just around the corner, many students will be stopping by the Owl Bookshop to purchase energy-boosting beverages such as 5-hour Energy and Rockstar to help them study.

One drink that will not be available is Citrus Rx. Created by Reilly Breaux, a Cal Poly Pomona student who is preparing for pharmacy school, Citrus Rx was pulled from the Owl Bookshop on the first day of the spring 2014 semester.

Originally created for Cal Poly Pomona students under the name Poly Rx, the FDA approved drink is marketed as a “safe alternative to Adderall.”

According to Breaux the supplement consists of nootropics, which are commonly referred to as intelligence enhancers, and are said to enhance cognition and memory retention.

Among its active ingredients are the amino acids Acetyl-L-carnitine and Tyrosine. Acetyl-L-carnitine is an energy booster produced naturally in body and Tyrosine helps build protein.

Poly Rx also includes Schizandra, which increases energy, physical

performance and endurance.

Likewise, it is known for enhancing resistance to stress and disease.

The chemical Phosphatidylserine is the top ingredient in the drink. It improves mental functions and is used to treat both Alzheimer’s and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Breaux acknowledges Poly Rx as a natural alternative to Adderall, he has no intention of changing that comparison, although it may be offputting to some.

Breaux said the target audience for the product is those who may abuse substances like Adderall to study.

“I understand why people would be deterred from buying it, but it’s sticking to the guns of what effect I’m trying to have with the student market,” Breaux said.

“The reality is, the product serves two purposes: it gets prescription medication off the campus to a certain extent, and it generates money for Citrus.”

Eric Magallon, Owl Bookshop supervisor, said the product was made available for distribution without his knowledge.

In fact, he said he was unaware of it until Citrus astronomy professor, Denise Kaisler, Ph.D., stopped by to ask about the product after seeing it mentioned in the campus newspaper.

“The article definitely triggered my

Evan Solano Clarion

skepticism,” Kaisler said. “It’s a bad idea to take any drug off-label, so why would the Owl Bookshop sell stuff mimicking the effects of a drug known to be dangerous as well as illegal if taken without a prescription?”

Kaisler brought up Citrus Rx to her astronomy classes and asked if they would purchase the product.

“Roughly a third of each class said they would take it,” Kaisler said. “The other half said no way and the rest wanted more information.”

Magallon said that Citrus Rx was never in the bookstore system and therefore could not be sold.

Along with this, Magallon cited the marketing of the product as an issue.

“I feel like it was a marketing ploy to bulldoze the product into the bookstore,” he said. “As soon as I saw it, I pulled it.”

“It’s presumptuous to create a product for a school and assume that they will purchase it,” Magallon said.

“If Breaux wants to sell the product, he

should go through a major distributor and pick a catchy name and promote it everywhere, not change the name for each school.”

“I’m not saying the product is bad, but there are too many ‘ifs’, he said.

“Who knows what long-term effects it will have on students? There are too many uncertainties with the product.”

While the product is not being carried at Citrus, it is available at various locations on the Cal Poly Pomona campus for approximately $3 per 2 oz. bottle.

Poly Rx can be purchased at Pony Express, Poly Fresh and Vista Market at Cal Poly Pomona.

“We just started carrying it in the Vista Market two weeks ago,” said Cody Medina, operations manager at Vista Market.

“The kids really dig it here on this campus,” he said. “It’s selling great. It’s selling more than 5-Hour Energy is.

They think it’s a good alternative to all of the caffeine and the sugar.”

Bob Baltierra, Cal Poly manager at the Pony Express, said that the drink has been selling surprisingly well there, too, and even recently sold out.

Meanwhile, Magallon said he has no plans to put Citrus Rx back on the shelves.

“If people want to purchase it, they can go to Cal Poly Pomona to do so,” he said.

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President makes plea to young adults

By Evan Solano Editor-in-Chief • esolano@ccclarion.com

W

ith the March 31 deadline approaching, President Barack Obama hit the web last week in an effort to get young Americans to register for the Affordable Care Act. On March 11, the pesident was a guest on “Between Two Ferns With Zach Galifianakis,” a popular Internet talk show on funnyordie.com hosted

by Galifianakis, star of “The Hangover” movies.

The show is mainly ad-libbed and features Galifianakis clumsily asking awkward questions and passive-aggressively berating his guests. Obama was treated no differently.

“Ok, let’s get this out of the way. What did you come to plug?” asks a painedlooking Galifianakis in anticipation of the president’s response. As Obama goes on to explain what the Affordable Care Act is and how it benefits young Americans, Galifianakis checks his watch. “Is this what they mean by ‘drones’?” he quips Although the show is basically absurd, the message the president was trying to convey was dead serious.

He was urging Americans, especially those from ages 18 – 34, to visit the healthcare.gov website for information about the Affordable Care Act. According to a HuffPost/YouGov poll conducted last week, the interview was seen by only a quarter of the young Americans the White House was targeting.

About a third of Americans overall reported seeing the clip, while 48 percent of Americans ages 65 and older

tuition prices affect tranfers UCLA study shows students base their college choice on price

By Jessica Soto News Editor • jsoto@ccclarion.com

T

he Career/Transfer Center is hosting the Spring College Fair March 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Campus Center Mall.

The college fair happens once each semester.

“We usually have about 40-50 regionally accredited four–year universities represented at each. Our local CSU, UC and private institutions are routinely represented,” Raul Sanchez, career/transfer center coordinator said.

“Some of the names of the campuses include Cal Poly Pomona, CSU Fullerton, CSU Los Angeles, CSU San

said they saw it, compared to only 25 percent of young adults ages 18 – 29 who watched Obama’s “Ferns” appearance.

On March 14, the president appeared on WebMd.com, a popular medical resource website in an interview with Lisa Zamosky, a health columnist for the Los Angeles Times. She asked the president questions directly addressed to him by Americans who were able to submit them online for Obama to answer.

“Well, the first thing is making sure everybody has the right information, because there’s been so much politics swirling around this, that I think a lot of folks still aren’t sure what exactly is available,” Obama said.

Obama’s most important recommendation is for individuals to go to the website and look for themselves at what plans are being provided.

“The website helps you calculate whether or not you qualify for a tax credit. If you do qualify for a tax credit, then I think a lot of people may end up being pleasantly surprised because, for a large portion of those folks, health insurance may end up costing $100 or less. It may end up costing less than your cable bill or your cell phone bill,” said Obama The president also addressed the penalties that Americans are subject to if they don’t enroll.

“I think it is important for people to understand is that if, in fact, [Americans] still can’t afford [health insurance], there is a hardship exemption in the law. That means that they may not be subject to a penalty,” Obama said. He went on to address penalties further, “the penalty really applies to folks who clearly can afford health insurance but are choosing not to get it. And then, essentially, they are relyBernardino CSU Long Beach, UC Riverside, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, University of La Verne, Azusa Pacific University, USC [and] Whittier College,” Sanchez said.

Community college and high school students looking to pursue higher education are increasingly taking into consideration the price tag when shopping for their university of choice.

According to a College Board report titled Trends in College Pricing 2012, tuition at four-year public colleges has increased 104 percent over the last 10 years.

Nearly 46 percent of students have said that the cost of tuition along with available financial aid are “very important” when choosing their university according to a UCLA study.

College tuition rates are increasing at more than twice the rate of inflation. As a result, many students have decided to opt out of their first choice universities to take better financial aid packages.

Location as well as ranking and academic reputation are among the other factors in a students decision to attend a certain college.

Colleges and universities that are able to reduce their tuition and fees, or increase financial aid packages, may have the edge.

To attend Azusa Pacific University as a freshman costs $31,416. Living on campus is an additional $4,326.

“It can be intimidating just looking at cost of attendance,” said Josh Waldon, assistant director for transfer recruit-

funnyordie.com

President Barack Obama appeared on the popular Internet show “Between Two Ferns” with host Zach Galifianakis on March 11. The clip is available to view on www.funnyordie.com

ing on you and me and others who are paying our insurance premiums to subsidize them when they go to the emergency room if, heaven forbid, something happens.”

Officials from Covered California have announced that more than a million individuals have enrolled in health care plans since October, and about 1.5 million people have enrolled or been deemed eligible for an expansion of Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program for the poor.

Latino and young adult enrollment has been sluggish, with only about 22 percent of recent health plan enrollees listing themselves as Latino on their application.

The final deadline to enroll for the Affordable Care Act is March 31.

ment for APU. “But the transfer process is extremely easy.”

APU decreases the cost by offering transfer scholarships and first-time freshman scholarships to those who qualify.

Other colleges are relying on their aesthetics and high academic standards to keep students interested.

High school seniors and college transfer students “should take the time to explore universities, even if [they] have one in mind look at several,” said Tim Lynch, senior communications coordinator in the office of public affairs at Cal Poly Pomona. “Crunch the numbers and ultimately see what you can afford.”

Cal Poly Pomona has a hands on learn by doing philosophy. “Every program we have we make sure that our students have the hands on experience they need,” Lynch said. “You’re not a number here.”

Cal Poly Pomona costs an estimated $15,000 a year. The cost is a accumulation of $5,472 tuition plus $656 mandatory university fees and a $222 student success fee.

Representatives from CSU’s, UC’s and private or out-of-state universities will be at the college fair to answer questions regarding transfer admission as well as financial aid information.

“Students love the event because it provides an opportunity to research various colleges & universities and get personalized attention from university representatives,” Sanchez said.

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Gold Line extension nears finish - from pg. 1

The project will connect stations in the Foothill communities of Azusa, Irwindale, Duarte, Monrovia, Arcadia and Pasadena directly by rail to several stations and districts within the city of Los Angeles such as Chinatown, Union Station, Little Tokyo and East Los Angeles.

Several prominent figures in the communities impacted by the project have given positive feedback concerning the project.

“I am confident that the project is more than halfway complete in our city, and I applaud the Construction Authority and their contractor for a remarkably smooth job so far,” said Joseph Rocha, Mayor of Azusa.

Rocha added he was impressed with the enormous undertaking by the construction crews that moved miles of freight track into a new position while also rebuilding nine rail bridges and completing new street crossings across the city.

The extensive level of construction underway has not been without frustration brought on by the traffic delays caused by street closures.

“Monrovia residents are patiently accepting the challenges brought by construction, because we all eagerly anticipate the Gold Line arriving in our city,” said Mary Ann Lutz, mayor of Monrovia.

Locally, one of two stations planned in Azusa is under construction just northwest of Citrus College at the end of Citrus Ave. The Azusa-Citrus station will serve the eastern portion of Azusa as well as Citrus College, Azusa Pacific University and the Rosedale masterplanned community currently under development. A 200-space parking facility is also under construction adjacent to the station.

Further construction is currently being conceptualized to extend the project east of Azusa to the communities of Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne,

Pomona, Claremont, and Montclair.

Citrus College professor of ceramics and fine art, Michael Hillman, was chosen among many other artists to design the station art for the Glendora station that is still currently in the planning phase.

The Glendora Station Design & Art Review (SDAR) committee chose Hillman for his design that paid homage to Glendora’s historic orange groves.

The design includes a vibrant color scheme and implements the atmosphere and artifacts uniquely associated with the community’s iconic fruit.

“The title of my project is ‘Glendora Home: A Slice of Sunshine.’ Glendora Home refers to a brand of oranges that were grown and packed here in Glendora; a slice of sunshine refers to a slogan used to promote the orange industry,” said Hillman.

Hillman added that his design reflects his feelings for his community and that his proposal will draw from the his-

tory, culture, and landscape that will encourage reminiscing among locals and travellers alike.

The expansion project comes at a time when more Americans are utilizing public transportation than any time since 1956 according the American Public Transportation Association.

According to the Metro Transit Authority, the Gold Line had 1.16 million boardings in January 2014 alone, an increase from 1.09 million boardings in January 2013.

Considering the LA metro area’s world-famous traffic, riders of the Gold Line will be able to commute throughout the foothill portion of the San Gabriel Valley to the cities of Pasadena and Los Angeles without worry of gridlock.

Students operating on a budget can also enjoy the fixed and competitive fares offered to travel from station to station.

The one-way fare is currently set at $1.50 and allows riders to board and exit at any station along the route.

The Gold Line makes use of reloadable fare cards known as TAP cards that can also be used to transfer for a small fee to any Metro bus lines as well as the bus lines operated by Foothill Transit, allowing riders more flexibility and ease of access in using public transportation throughout large portions of Los Angeles County.

The expansion is expected to have a positive impact in each of the communities it will service upon completion.

Mark A. Breceda, the mayor of Irwindale, stated that he believes reaching 50 percent completion helps citizens and workers of his community realize that help is on the way.

“Soon they will be able to utilize the new rail line to get to and from work and allow our city to grow in new and more sustainable ways,” Breceda said.

www.metro.net

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7

Campus Safety gets an upgraded look

By Jessica Soto News Editor • jsoto@ccclarion.com

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ot new, but improved.

Students may have noticed that the 14 Citrus College Campus Safety officers are wearing ballistic vests.

The vests have been around since November 2013, but are now worn on the outside of the officers’ shirts to accommodate external carriers, which hold the officer’s equipment.

The bullet-proof vests allow the officers to perform their jobs in a more effective manner and makes them look more professional according to Ben Macias, interim Campus Safety supervisor.

“We’ve received a lot of positive feedback from students and staff, faculty as well, about the more professional image, which is something we have been working on for several years,” Macias said.

Processes for issuing parking tickets has been updated as well. Rather than writing on paper envelopes that are easily torn and fade quickly, the officers issue tickets on strips of waterproof and tear-resistant strips of paper.

The information for the citation is imputed into smartphones that each Campus Safety officer carries. The ticket is then digitally sent to the small printers attached to the officer’s vest and is printed on site. Digital copies of all information, including photos the officers take of the vehicles and the violation, are sent to the Campus Safety office main system.

“A lot of things are changing and we are doing them to modernize our tactics and techniques,” Macias said.

“When it comes down to citations, the process that we were using was pretty antiquated.”

“Improving the equipment and look of the Campus Safety officers increases awareness and visibility,” said Martha McDonald, Ed D., interim executive dean.

Along with the improved Campus Safety look, Citrus has begun working to improve its emergency preparedness.

On Feb. 18, Flex Day, faculty and staff watched a video that demonstrated what to do in the event of an emergency. (The video is available on the “Ready Houston” YouTube channel in the “Run, Hide, Fight” series.)

Taking into account the Santa Monica College killing spree on June 7, 2013, Citrus College has reaffirmed its emphasis of emergency preparedness.

“The Santa Monica shooting validated the importance of our commitment to ensuring that safety of the college community,” Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D., superintendent/president said. “The Flex Day workshop was an opportunity to reinforce the need for emergency preparedness and vigilance by all members of the college community.”

Emergency procedure manuals are updated regularly to coincide with campus procedural or layout changes.

Updated manuals were given to each faculty and staff member on Flex Day and should be on display in each Jessica Soto Clarion classroom.

External carriers worn on the outside of officers’ shirts can hold a number of items. This officer carries his walkie-talkie, flashlight and chooses to wear his small printer in one of the back carriers along with his smartphone.

The manual now includes procedures for an “active shooter” on campus, a map for the emergency gathering areas, an emergency supplies map and an automated external defibrillator map.

“Continual emergency preparedness training and our comprehensive approach to safety . . . are our best tools to ensure campus safety,” Perri said.

There will be an all-campus emergency evacuation drill March 20.

Jessica Soto Clarion

When officers input a car’s information into their smartphone the information is then printed out on site using a small printer. The paper is waterproof and tear resistant.

Jessica Soto Clarion The updated emergency procedure manuals display larger font and more tabs to cover what to do in more emergency situations. Each faculty and staff member received a new emergency procedure manual on Flex Day, Feb. 19.

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Wednesday, march 19, 2014

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‘Empty Bowls’ for full bellies

By Jessica Soto News Editor • jsoto@ccclarion.com

A

bowl of soup, a warm welcome and a good cause drew several hundred participants to the eleventh annual Empty Bowls event March 14 at the First Christian Church in Glendora.

Hundreds of donated ceramic bowls were set on display for passersby and attendees of the event to admire and purchase.

Many of the bowls were created by Citrus College students in Michael Hillman’s ceramics class.

“It’s a fantastic event that brings everyone together. . . all for a common goal,” Hillman said. The students are also able to see where their work goes to, which is another plus.

For a $20 donation, each buyer selects a ceramic bowl of their choice.

They are then served a soup supper by a volunteer of the event. Six local restaurants, including Lucca Bella, Sergios, The Continental Restaurant, T. Phillips, Kara’s Corner and Ed’s Place, provided the soup.

“I love coming, it’s so much fun,”

said Patricia Rasmussen, president of the Citrus College board of trustees.

Rasmussen has attended the event for nine years. “It’s a great way to mix art and charity in one evening,” she said.

The Glendora Police Department uses some of the money collected at the event to distribute to local individuals and families in need.

Children, ages 12 to 14, from The Glendora Police Explorers Program volunteered to work the event, overseeing the ceramic bowls and assisting in the dining room.

Corporal Nancy Miranda of the GPD has been attending the event for six years.

“I’m able to see first hand who it helps . . . It’s a great community event,” Miranda said.

A three-year member of the First Christian Church, this was Terry Miller’s first time volunteering at this event. “A lot of people really desire to make a difference,” Miller said.

Miller also volunteers at other churches in the area. “It’s my life.

That’s what I do. God has been good to me, so I can reach out to His people,” Miller said.

Jessica Soto Clarion Approximately 212 bowls were sold Glendora High School soccer coach Shane Bangle volunteered for the first time and $4,240 was raised at the event. this year at the Empty Bowls event on March 14. He brought a few players from his

“It’s a great way to mix art and charity in one evening.”

-Patricia Rasmussen President of the Citrus College board of trustees

soccer team to volunteer as well.

Jessica Soto Clarion

Michael Hillman’s ceramics students, along with children volunteers from the Glendora Police Explorers Program, oversee those admiring the different styled ceramic bowls.

The event raised $4,240 in donations for hunger relief in Glendora.

Jessica Soto Clarion

Scott Pangburn (right), 24, speaks to Empty Bowls attendees about the work that goes into creating the bowls for the event. There were 212 bowls purchased at the March 14 function.

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Wednesday, march 19, 2014

9

Club Rush gives students a break

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Newly activated clubs like Righteous lthough this spring’s Club Right were out promoting themselves Rush lacked the luster

By Jessica Soto with spinning wheels to win prizes and energy of previous News Editor • jsoto@ccclarion.com and encouraging students to take an semesters, there was still ideology test. fun to be had.

The Chemistry Club attracted Active and potential clubs set up booths along the Campus Center Mall to attract hopeful students with their “candle trick.” A lit candle in a small pool of water was covered with a glass beaker and while members March 11 and 12.

In attendance was an outside organization, Farm Animal the flame was put out due to the lack of oxygen, the water Rights Movement, who had two representatives passing out would then rise into the beaker.

Go science! one dollar to each student who watched their four minute The Gay-Straight Alliance, Native American Student video that depicted the animal abuse that takes place at Association, Helping Find Opportunities in the Pursuit slaughterhouses.

Todd Lee, 33, has worked for the organization for one year of Education, Language Cafe, Latinos Unidos Students and said becoming a vegan was, “the best decision of [his] Association, Gamers Guild, Swing Club and Researchers in Paranormal were also in attendance. life.”

With a smaller number of students in attendance than After watching the video Michael Morris, 20, digital arts and design major, stated that he “think[s] what they are doing is usual, the clubs put forth an effort to entertain and attract the students who did participate. right . . . it’s gotta be done.”

“Club Rush is a great way to show students that there is The Haugh Performing Arts Center had a booth displaying photos of Siro-A, described as Japan’s answer to The Blue more to community college life than just what they find Man Group, in order to promote their performance in the in the classroom,” Alejandra Morales, vice president of associated students of Citrus College, said.

HPAC March 14 at 8 p.m.

Jessica Soto Clarion

Athanasios Klovtsiniotis, 21, demonstrates a “candle trick” at the Chemistry Club booth on March 11 during Club Rush. As the glass beaker smothers the flame out the water rises into the glass.

Jessica Soto Clarion

From left to right: Mike Tapia, 19 and Edwin Jimenez, 19, call on students to join the the Filmmakers Club. Their focus as a club is to help fellow filmmakers achieve their goals of making films. The club regularly hosts movie nights and welcomes new members to make themselves known. Kyle Isak, far right, 18, signed up and is ready to watch some movies.

Jessica Soto Clarion

Jesse Chavez, 23, president of the Gamer’s Guild, explains to potential club members (from left to right) Kasandra McGee, 18, Chris Aldrete, 19 and Jannille Viernas, 22, what the Gamer’s Guild is all about. The club meets on March 20 for a gameplay day in the Campus Center at 10 a.m.

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A&E

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Battle of the Big Bands: Round 11 G

Dillon Cooper Clarion

Citrus College dean of fine and performing arts Robert Slack and Azusa Pacific University’s dean of commercial music and Jazz Ensemble David Beatty founded The Big Battle of the Bands in 2003. The event is in its eleventh year.

et ready for the annual Battle their favorite band. It makes it exciting of the Big Bands, a musical for them.”

By Sylvia Aparicio duel scheduled to take place For Citrus College music perforA&E Editor • saparicio@ccclarion.com on the stage of the Haugh Performing mance major Rafael Tapia Jr., 18, it will Arts Center on March 21 and 22. be his first time in battle.

Founded by David Beatty, director of commercial music A saxophonist for the Citrus College Blue Note Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble at Azusa Pacific University, and Citrus since summer 2013, Tapia says he believes the ongoing popCollege dean of fine and performing arts Robert Slack, ularity of the event stems from its competitive edge. the Battle of the Big Bands has become a popular annual “I am very much looking forward to pleasing all listeners event. with the bands’ constantly growing talent and musicianFor the eleventh consecutive year, music lovers have the ship,” he said. “I’m also looking forward to put up a fight opportunity to see and hear the rivalry between the Citrus against APU.” College Blue Note Orchestra and the Azusa Pacific UniStudents, alumni and family are expected to come out to versity’s Jazz Ensemble. show up in force.

“Azusa Pacific University was starting to recruit a lot of Lead trombone player for the APU Jazz Ensemble and Citour students, so we thought it would be a nice tie-in to be rus alumni Julius Lopez, 22, said, “The show is an extravaable to have our students start working with APU and do gant blast from the past.” an event for the community,” Slack said.

“It takes the audience back to a time when anyone could Also part of the collaborative effort is Citrus music in- turn on their radio and hear big bands play the great Ameristructor Alan Waddington. can songbook,” Lopez said.

“Once he said it, I knew it was a good idea,” Waddington “It feels great to play a concert with my former school,” he said. said. “I learned so much during my time at Citrus and it is Waddington said that to have two bands of such talent nice to be able to play with and for friends I have on the other for such a low-ticket price is brilliant. side of that stage.”

“When you hear the two bands play together, you go “Having all friends and family come watch and support me ‘Wow.’ No one’s doing this at that level because they can’t,” really shows their appreciation of all the time spent practicWaddington said. ing and preparing great quality music,” Tapia said.

“I think because of how unique it is, it draws in an audiSophie Gonzalez, 21, a music industry studies major and ence,” Beatty said. “There’s a lot of jazz in the L.A. area, but one of the lead singers for the Citrus College Blue Note Oryou’d be hard-pressed to find two big bands performing chestra, will be doing the lead vocals for the second year. on the stage at the same time.”

“All of us have grown since last year,” she said. “We’ve grown “The biggest challenge we face when doing the show is together. We’ve grown into a real band.” keeping it fresh,” Beatty said. “I always hope for positive “There’s a lot more chemistry between the band and myfeedback from the audience and hope that they say this self,” she said. “This year, we’re giving APU a run for their year’s show was better than the last one’.” money.”

Waddington describes the meet up as an extravaganza Tickets for The Battle of the Big Bands can be purchased at that anyone can enjoy, jazz fans or not. the Haugh Performing Arts Center Box Office at $18 for the “My guess is that there are fans of jazz in the area and general public, $16 for seniors and $10 for students. They can there are fans of both bands. It’s accessible enough for ev- also be purchased at http://tickets.haughpac.com. eryone,” Waddington said. “There are people that root for

Dillon Cooper Clarion

Members of the Citrus College Blue Note Orchestra rehearse for The Battle of the Big Bands March 10. The Battle of the Big Bands will take place March 21 and 22.

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energy efficiency fuels cape owls

By Joe Moreno Staff Writer • jmoreno@ccclarion.com

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tudents around the globe are prepping for a marathon - one involving wheels, rather than running shoes - and fueled by gasoline, not Gatorade.

Among those teams of competitors are the Citrus Automotive and Physics Eco-Marathon Owls, the seven student team will participate in the Shell Eco-Marathon Competition in Houston, Texas, April 25-27.

The eco-marathon challenges student teams to design, build and test ultra energy-efficient vehicles. Teams battle it out over three days to determine which vehicle can go the farthest using the least amount of energy.

“It’s all student-run, so it’s their project,” said CAPE Owls adviser Lucia Riderer, Citrus College physics professor.

The competition is split into two classes: the Prototype class, which focuses on maximum efficiency; and the UrbanConcept class, which encourages more practical designs.

Vehicles are entered in one of seven fuel categories and run on either conventional petrol, diesel, biofuels, and fuel made from natural gas, hydrogen,

solar or electricity.

The CAPE Owls will participate in the Prototype class with a three-wheeled design running on petrol.

Teams are allowed to make as many attempts as possible to measure how far they can travel on the equivalent of one liter of fuel.

The CAPE Owls are in their inaugural year at the marathon. They are the newest of the three Citrus College teams that comprise the Research In Science and Engineering (RISE) program.

The idea for the CAPE Owls came about last spring when Riderer noticed Alec Nystrom, 20, playing with a toy car in one of her physics labs. Nystrom is now the team’s leader.

“I knew about this program in the past, so I really wanted to start it, but I just wanted to find someone to be the leader,” Riderer said. “Once I realized I have someone who specialized in cars, and wanted to learn how to build a high efficiency car, it was easy afterwards.”

The CAPE Owls are an interdisciplinary team, so students must be involved in either the physics or the automotive department.

Members spent the summer brainstorming, then began fabrication of their car in the fall. None of the students had ever built a car from the

Wednesday, march 19, 2014

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plete their carbon fiber seat and their fiberglass body, Nystrom said.

“It’s probably the hardest part,” said Enrico Gutierrez, 20. “None of us have any experience doing carbon fiber.”

After nearly a year of organizing, fundraising, designing and building, team members hope to complete their vehicle within the next month.

The CAPE Owls are self-funded and have raised approximately $5,000 towards their project through outreach to parents and local businesses, Riderer Joe Moreno Clarion said.

Alex Len, 19, math major(far left), Kyle Beers, 31, mechanical engineering major (middle left) and The stakes will Enrico Gutierrez, 20, mechanical engineering major (right), work on the seat of their vehicle. The be at an all-time CAPE Owls will compete in the Shell Eco-Marathon in Houston next month. high next month Learning to weld aluminum, which ground up, Riderer said. in Houston. The team hopes their ve“We started off with giant metal rods is more malleable than steel and hicle will travel between 1,500-2,000 that went to the ceiling. We cut those therefore more difficult to weld, is what miles per gallon of fuel, Riderer said. down and welded them, all from many CAPE Owls said they enjoyed By comparison, Alerion Supermilescratch,” said CAPE Owls member the most about their experience buildage from Laval University in Canada ing the vehicle.

Alex Len, 19. registered 3,587 mpg to take last year’s The CAPE Owls’ vehicle features a “It’s something we’re all going to crown. three-wheel design which will gen- remember,” said Patricia Barrosa, 21.

To find out more about the CAPE erate less rolling resistance, a chassis “It’s always going to be something we Owls, contact faculty advisers Lucia made of aluminum, carbon fiber seat are going to know how to do now.”

Riderer at lriderer@citruscollege.edu and a small motor which has been The CAPE Owls still have a few obor Mariano Rubio at mrubio@citrusconverted to fuel injection, Nystrom stacles to overcome before they finish college.edu. their vehicle. They have yet to comsaid.

Citrus College Study Abroad Program

FALL 2014

Citrus College celebrates our 26th semester in London, England.

This enriching experience enables you to enjoy historical surroundings, grow intellectually and enhance your overall knowledge of the world while making normal progress toward your degree objectives.

Earn 12 units of Citrus College transferable credit in courses taught by faculty from Citrus College or one of the other community colleges in the Southern California Foothills Consortium.

Theaters, major symphony orchestras, world-class operatic performances, concerts, recitals, ballet performances and an unparalleled range of live rock and ethnic music are just some of the cultural opportunities available. A wide variety of museums and galleries provide opportunities to view many of the world’s artistic masterpieces.

• Most courses are CSU/UC transferable and meet general education requirements.

• Accommodations, insurance, on-site student services support staff, and central London transit pass included. Group airfare is available.

• British Life and Culture class features exciting guest speakers and field trips.

• Optional tours explore the great cities and historic sites of Europe.

For a brochure, application or more information call the Citrus College Study Abroad Office, 626-914-8560, or visit our website at www.citruscollege.edu/studyabroad FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE TO ELIGIBLE STUDENTS.

Contact the Citrus College Financial Aid Office at 626-914-8595.

APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED Early application is essential.

Study Abroad • 1000 West Foothill Boulevard, Glendora, CA 91741-1899 • www.citruscollege.edu

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Buzzer sounds off on Owls’ hoops

By Dillon Cooper Managing Editor • dcooper@ccclarion.com

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here will be no more basketball for Citrus College this semester, with women’s basketball falling short of qualifying for playoffs and the men being bounced out in the third round.

The women’s basketball team finished with a record of 16-10, 7-5 and ended their season on Feb. 19 with a 66-52 victory over visiting West Los Angeles College.

Their 7-5 conference record was good enough for a third place finish.

Sophomore forward Jaelyn Wilson led the team in points per game (15.9) and rebounds (9.7) while sophomore forward Olivia Montgomery followed up right behind Wilson, posting 14.7 points and 6.4 rebounds a game.

“This season started off great. Then we hit some bumps in the road,” Wilson said. “Through it all, we stayed together as a team and worked together as a team.”

The Owls had a six-game winning streak, spanning from Dec. 21 to Jan. 11. In that time, Citrus won the Grossmont Tournament, beating Bakersfield 56-41 in the Championship game.

The Owls dropped both games to conference winners Los Angeles Valley College and would split games between conference runner-ups Antelope Valley, including a 64-58 overtime victory.

The Owls were hit with injuries in the back end of the season, when sophomore guard Natalie Lam and freshman guard Tyvette White went down.

“This season has had its ups and downs due to the being bitten by the injury bug, “ said head coach Tamara McDonald. “Losing White and Lam was a major blow to our defensive intensity.”

Nevertheless, the Owls finished the season winning five of their last seven games.

The men’s basketball team finished the season with a record of 16-9.

Their 8-4 record in the Western State Conference was good enough for third place.

The Owls were led by freshman forward Chris Reyes, who posted record-breaking numbers.

Reyes holds the record for rebounds

with 12 a game (previously held by Troy Payne with 9.8 in 08/09) and blocks with 3.6 (previously held by Deonta Black with 1.9 in 06/07).

Reyes also posted a team high 18.7 points per game, good enough for second in the WSC.

Coop’s corner: It’s time to stand up, ‘Hoot-nation’

By Dillon Cooper Managing Editor • dcooper@ccclarion.com

I

recently covered the Owls’ third round basketball tournament matchup at Mt. San Jacinto College. The MSJC Eagles have talent, depth, and good coaching, but they also have one of the best atmospheres in community college sports.

With the stands bursting out onto the side of the court, causing Owls head coach Chris Victor and his players to dodge bypassing fans, there sits a large group of fans who call themselves Code Red. Code Red is a Christian-based group rather than students, it made me think about the home games I have covered on the Citrus campus and how few students attend.

Huge gaps show in the stands at soccer and football games. Emptiness echoes throughout the limited seating in the gym.

From my observations, a huge portion of the crowd appears to be the parents of the athletes. While the athletes are no doubt grateful for their family members, we as a student body can and should do better to support our teams.

Whether it be a club or just a bunch of random people who file into the seats, Citrus needs more student support.

After the MSJC game, the Eagles coaches and players couldn’t stop talking about what a boost their fans gave them. When questioned, they somehow found a way to relate it back to their roaring fan base.

At Citrus, we are lucky enough to have solid athletic programs.

In fall 2013, the football team won

Jessica Soto Clarion

Sophomore guard Taylor Jackson, #5, drives the lane during the 60-80 home loss against LA Valley. Jackson finished the game with 20 points.

Sophomore guard Daniel Cheek finished second on the team in scoring (12.7) and rebounds (4.3).

The Owls split both games with conference winners Antelope Valley., including a close 61-60 contest at home.

The Owls also split games with conference runner-ups Glendale Community College.

The Owls went to Glendale and left with a convincing 73-55 win on the back of a 19 point effort by Cheek.

Reyes also pitched in with a 15 point 14 rebound performance.

The Owls faced East Los Angeles College in the second round of the California Community College Athletic Association’s Southern California Regionals.

The Owls advanced to the third round after a 86-81 double overtime thriller.

“We had some ups and downs this year,” said head coach Chris Victor.

“We had a lot of freshman that had a great season.”

The Owls were bounced out of the California Community College Athletic Association tournament in the Sweet Sixteen, losing to Mt. San Jacinto College 92-61 on March 5.

“The game is always elevated in the playoffs. You have to match that if you want to win,” Victor said. “It was a great experience and it will help the freshman with their drive for next year.”

their first bowl game since 1988.

The softball team made it to the 2013 Super Regionals and look poised for a return.

Women’s soccer posted a 12-6-4 record last year despite having a high number of freshman who lack the experience at the college level.

The men’s basketball team is a consistent player in the postseason tournament and won the State Championship as recently as 2008.

And with women’s basketball posting a solid record of 16-10, 7-5 record after losing key players due to injury. No time is better than right now to start supporting your peers.

Jessica Soto Clarion I’m not asking for a student section Mt. San Jacinto forward Sam Williams, #33, sets his feet to take a charge on Citrus guard Daniel Cheek, #12, in Mt. San that causes the sound barrier to break Jacintos 92-61 thrashing of Citrus in the Sweet Sixteen of the State tournament. (although that’d be ideal), I’m asking for students to attend at least one Women’s 2013/2014 Women’s WSC standings Men’s 2013/2014 home game this spring. statistics 1. LA Valley 12-0 statistics The athletic programs represents us 2. Antelope Valley 9-3 Points per game: 60 Points per game: 71.9 students, let’s give them something 3. Citrus 7-5 Points allowed per game: 56.3 Points allowed per game: 70.6 back by creating an atmosphere that 4. Glendale 6-6 Field goal percentage: 36.8% Field goal percentage: 42.4% coaches and players love.

5. Bakersfield 6-6 Free-throw percentage: 69.1% Free-throw percentage: 63.0% The men’s golf team will host a 6. Santa Monica 2-10 tournament at Marshal Canyon Golf 7. West LA 0-12 Women’s 2013/2014 Men’s 2013/2014 Course in La Verne on April 7 at 11 a.m. statistical leaders Leading Scorers statistical leaders if you’re interested making the trip to Points per game: Keiona Mathews 24.8 (Canyons) Points per game: see our men drive down the fairway Jaelyn Wilson 15.9 Monica Jackson 24.4 (LA Pierce) Chris Reyes 18.7 and sink putts.

Olivia Montgomery 14.7 Riley Abraham 22.9 (Moorpark) Daniel Cheek 12.5 There are a 16 remaining softball and Taylor Jackson 9.5 Justin Childress 9.5 baseball home games.

Rebounds per game: Men’s WSC standings Rebounds per game: I will be there. Here’s the incentive for Jaelyn Wilson 9.7 1.A ntelope Valley 11-1 Chris Reyes 12.0 you to show up, too.

Olivia Montgomery 6.4 2. Glendale 9-3 Daniel Cheek 4.3 Come up to me with a Clarion, point Natalie Lam 6.4 3. Citrus 8-4 Justin Childress 3.4 to this article and I will give you a free 4. LA Valley 5-8 Assists per game: Assists per game: t-shirt. What is even more exciting, 5. West LA 4-10 Taylor Jackson 4.5 Justin Childress 3.1 your name will be printed in the next 6. Santa Monica 3-9 Natalie Lam 2.4 Shaquille Barker 1.6 issue.

7. Bakersfield 3-9 Olivia Montgomery 2.0 Dominique Walker 1.6 So come out and support those that Leading Scorers represent you on a daily basis.

Head Coach: Terrel Funches 20.9 (LA Pierce) Head Coach: Be part of Hoot Nation. See you there.

Chris Reyes 18.7 (Citrus) Tamara McDonald Chris Victor Oscar Pedroso 17.8 (Cuesta)

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BASEBALL

March 20 2:30 p.m. West LA March 27 2:30 p.m. Bakersfield March 29 1 p.m. Canyons April 10 2:30 p.m. LA Valley April 17 2:30 p.m. Mt. SAC April 22 2:30 p.m. Glendale April 25 2:30 p.m. LA Mission

SOFTBALL

March 20 2:30 p.m. Glendale April 1 1 p.m. LA Mission April 3 2:30 p.m. Bakersfield April 12 11 a.m. Santiago Canyon April 12 3 p.m. Desert April 17 2:30 p.m. LA Valley April 22 1 p.m. Santa Monica

Nathan Virgen, #23, slides into home against Antelope Valley College on March 11. The Owls would lose 6-5.

Careesa Campbell Clarion

Owls hoping to find success on the diamond

T

he baseball diamond is on it, it can do a bunch of crazy things. It a place to escape life’s can go up and down and move side to

By Dillon Cooper problems, a place where one side.”

Managing Editor • dcooper@ccclarion.com goes to be one with the bat and the Mendoza has started seven games for ball. The sound of the ball hitting the the Owls this year, sporting a 1-2 record back of a glove is one of life’s pleasures. and a 2.93 ERA. However, for last season’s baseball team, the diamond “Our pitching depth is a lot better,” said sophomore turned into a place of disappointment and frustration. The outfielder Nathan Virgen. “We have better overall pitching Owls finished spring 2013 with a record of 14-21, 8-16 in the this year, and our hitting is better too.”

Western State Conference.

As a freshman, Virgen hit .370 in 54 at-bats with a .443 on Opposing batters hit almost .300 against last season’s staff, base percentage while stealing six bases. with a combined earned run average of 4.8. It was a tough In this young season, Virgen leads the team with a .389 season for the Owl pitchers. batting average over 72 at-bats with a .488 OBP and already Now in his 11th season as the Owls’ head coach is Steve has equaled last season’s total of six stolen bases.

Gomez. Gomez entered the season with an overall record of Sophomore first baseman/designated hitter Michael 195-228 and a conference record of 118-145.

Bradley, who hit .160 last season and had an OBP of .185 in Gomez found success in 2003 as the Owls’ pitching coach, 50 at-bats, has stepped up his play from his freshman year, when Citrus had the second lowest ERA in the state. Citrus batting .360 this season to go with his .418 OBP. would end up winning the Western State Conference “We are winning the close games this year,” Bradley Championship that year. said. “We are strong top-to-bottom. We are fast, can get Freshman knuckleballer Steve Mendoza hopes to replicate doubles, and we’ve got some pop up and down the order.” the numbers from that dominant year and give a boost to the You can catch the Owls (9-11, 2-5) on the diamond March recently slumping Owls’ pitching staff.

27 as they host WSC opponent Bakersfield (8-10, 4-2) at “I just have to go in and let my defense go to work,” Mendoza 2:30 p.m. said. “The knuckleball is a ball of physics. If you command

Careesa Campbell Clarion

Victor Garcia, #14, got the start against Antelope Valley College on March 11. Garcia went five innings and allowed four earned runs.

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yes we can (pay now or pay later)

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ove it or hate it, the clock is ticking. March 31 is the final date for Americans to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, or face a penalty with their federal tax return next year.

While critics believe that Obamacare may not be the best answer to fix the health care mess in our nation, it is a step in the right direction.

For decades, millions of Americans have not been able to get healthcare because of pre-existing conditions, expensive premiums or simply because

Are you prepared for the worst?

Y

ou cannot put a price tag on life. Every passing second during an emergency is critical as to whether one lives or dies.

So ask yourself: If a catastrophic event were to happen this very moment, would I be prepared?”

Four minutes is an eternity for those caught in an emergency scenario.

That is how long it took Santa Monica College gunman John Zawahri to conduct his rampage last June across that campus and in the SMC library.

Thanks to previous training, nine students and staff members who were in the library at the moment of the shooting managed to hide on the floor of a safe room, saving their own lives.

At Citrus College, several hundred faculty and staff attended safety-related workshops on their Feb. 19 Flex Day. Without a doubt they are now better equipped to effectively assess and take action in an emergency situation.

Students can also view the emer-

they didn’t know how to apply.

With the Affordable Care Act (ACA) now the law of the land, Americans can have a better sense of security knowing that if an injury and illness befalls them, they can not only see a doctor and get treatment when they need it, but in doing so will not cost them an arm and a leg.

Young people especially have been urged to sign up, but there is a problem.

A widespread epidemic is affecting presumably healthy young people.

It is not any kind of airborne or blood illness, it’s apathy. The same reason we wait until Sunday night to finish homework that is due Monday, is the same reason the Obama administration is expected to fall short of the 7.1 million sign-ups they had hoped to get for 2014.

If Obamacare fails, it will not be because of Republican opposition or public protest, but because of young adults who were too preoccupied or too uninformed to sign up.

No one is immune to illness. The only way you can be sure of avoiding injury is the same way you have been avoiding signing up for healthcare: sitting on your couch and doing nothing.

It is no secret that the process to sign

gency preparedness video shown to college employees. The video can be found on the “Ready Houston” YouTube channel in the Run, Hide, Fight.® series. The videos are presented in several different languages - including English, Spanish, and Mandarin - along with subtitles in the effort to be accessible to as many people as possible.

All of this is great. However, students at Citrus - and any other college or workplace for that matter - need to take a more active role in safety training. Developing a survival mindset, along with practical training might someday help them save their own lives and the lives of others.

If the recent rash of earthquakes rattling the West Coast is any indication, the time for an emergency evacuation drill is now. In the last two weeks, a 6.8 magnitude quake occurred off the Northern California coast and on Monday a 4.4 temblor rocked the LA basin.

Both seismic events spawned numerous aftershocks in their respective regions, giving rise to the very real possibility that these quakes may be “foreshocks” of the inevitable Big One. According to the United States Geological Survey, a branch of an ancient fault line runs directly underneath the Citrus College campus. Ladies and gentleman, our biggest danger may be directly below our feet.

up for Obamacare has been fraught with frustration. Issues with the website crashing and with confusing procedures have discouraged younger adults from enrolling into the system.

Unfortunately the “dog-ate-myhomework” excuse that the website didn’t will not be enough to avoid paying the penalties that come with not registering for health insurance by March 31.

Young adults between the ages of 18 – 34 are the demographic that the White House and insurers are targeting to help offset the cost of premium payments for older Americans, who presumably will need more medical care and attention and therefore cost more.

The penalty, in case you think of it as a mere slap on the wrist, is either $95 or one percent of your gross pay, whichever amount is greater.

People who fail to register for healthcare will not be able to register again until the next tax year. So on top of having to pay a penalty you are still left without insurance.

There is no way around it, this is the law– but it is a law that only serves to benefit you.

Having healthcare is a basic right that many Americans had been denied because of bureaucracy and negligence.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014 Minorities who fall through the cracks, Latinos and African-Americans are slow to get with the program, but can benefit greatly from the new law.

Latinos make up 60 percent of uninsured individuals in California and are the largest minority group in the state.

Many individuals or families who have not enrolled are eligible for subsidies and may not even know it. The time to get it done is now, waiting until the last minute is basically shooting yourself in the foot.

Because the process to enroll can be time consuming, it’s imperative to plan ahead and sign up before the deadline.

Health insurance is something not many of us think of until an emergency hits. Medical bills and expenses can be costly and can bankrupt families and place individuals in debt for years.

Whether it is out of fear of being persecuted or just out of sheer unpreparedness, it is essential that everyone, regardless of age or ethnicity enroll as quickly as possible for healthcare. This system is put in place to help protect us, having access to premium health care is no longer an unattainable dream.

Editor-in-Chief Evan Solano

Managing Editor Dillon Cooper Online Editor Sylvia Aparicio News Editor Jessica Soto Photo Technician Joe Moreno Sports Editor Dillon Cooper A&E Editor Sylvia Aparicio Ad Manager Jessica Soto Staff Writers Katie Jolgren Sylvia Aparicio Michelle Arias Dillon Cooper Evan Solano Joe Moreno Eric Burger Cameron Wisdom Jessica Soto Contributing Writer Jessica Hernandez Photographers Evan Solano Dillon Cooper Joe Moreno Jessica Soto Careesa Campbell Advisers Margaret O’Neil Stacy K. Long

It is of concern that many native Californians have become desensitized and complacent especially after almost two decades of minor seismic events.

An opportunity for students to participate in a campus-wide practice drill will take place tomorrow. A campus evacuation will occur between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

This drill will help familiarize students and staff with safe evacuation routes as directed by emergency personnel during a campus emergency.

Time spent now preparing for such an event is well invested.

If you are on campus when the drill commences, take it seriously and participate fully. Learn what role you play in an evacuation scenario. Is your own peace of mind worth passing up for a Chipotle burrito or Starbucks latte?

In the event of a real catastrophic event, inexperience and lack of training could lead to paralyzing indecision and potential harm.

Don’t let it happen to you.

The Clarion staff recognizes its role as a conduit for the expression of opinion. We will accept all letters addressed to the editor, but reserve the right to determine and edit the content of the publication for space and grammar.

The decision to publish a letter shall not be based on the letter’s agreement with the editorial positions of the Clarion staff. Letters should be limited to 350 words or less. Letters that are obscene, libelous, incomprehensible, or racially/ sexually/religiously offensive will not be published under any circumstance.

Hello Mr. Solano, I am a 67-year-old student enrolled at Citrus College. My second day on campus I received a citation for parking in the lot with my car headed out instead of pulling in to face another auto. The fine is $35. I appealed but was denied.

There is a secondary appeal process but it is during my work hours and I can’t attend.

This fine is unreasonable and offensive. I am being punished for doing something I had no idea I was ever doing wrong. In fact I think it is more reasonable to head into a parking space because pulling into traffic is safer than backing. My action wasn’t inherently dangerous nor was I trying to game the system by doing something I knew was wrong. In over 50 years of driving I have never gotten a ticket. I don’t ever remember seeing such an unusual request before. I don’t think there are any warning signs posted.

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A warning ticket would have been appropriate. If I then received a 2nd violation fine me (punish me), but not before.

The content of this letter was essentially what I said in my appeal. It was denied with no explanation. The rest of the letter listed draconian measures if I don’t jump through troops.

When I left campus that day I saw an adult facing out waiting to pick up his daughter. I told him he might be fined. He said “that’s crazy”,my thoughts exactly.

Sincerely, Larry Koch Letters to the editor can be addressed to Editor-in-Chief:

Evan Solano (esolano@ccclarion.com)

Page Designers Evan Solano Dillon Cooper Joe Moreno Vivian Romero Laura Nuño Eric Burger The Clarion is produced by journalism students and is distributed every other Wednesday during the semester.

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Editorials are the opinion of at least 75 percent of the Editorial Board. All other opinion is that of the writer. Views expressed do not represent those of the adviser, faculty, administration, Associated Students of Citrus College and/or CCCBOT. Libel will not be published. The Clarion welcomes feedback from our readers.

If you have any gripes, questions, or comments ... we want to hear from you! Send your letters in at ccclarion.com/letters All correspondence must include your student ID#, major and signature.

Letters may be edited for content.

SUMMER 2014

Italy • June 26-July 26, 2014

Spend 4 weeks in Florence, Italy with Citrus College professors Sandra Johnson and Senya Lubisich Earn 6 units of CSU/UC transferable credit in Art History and/or Humanities

Program includes: • Fully equipped shared apartment in historic center of Florence • Medical and fee refund insurance • Student services staff in Florence • Museum passes with unlimited entry • Excursions to Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa • Social and cultural activities Group airfare with airport pickup and return, Venice and Rome are optional.

APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED For a brochure and application contact Citrus College Study Abroad (626) 914-8560 or Ljamison@citruscollege.edu

Visit our website at www.citruscollege.edu/studyabroad