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c o l l e g e

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 | VOL XCI ISSUE 5 tccclarion.com f/ccclarion T@ccclarion

who let the dogs out The Little Theatre prepares for love and war with “Dogfight.”. PG. 11

Updates to fee waivers and degree programs

BY JACLYN SPENCER STAFF WRITER

JSPENCER@CCCLARION.COM

& MARISSA DELAHUSSAYE STAFF WRITER

MDELAHUSSAYE@CCCLARION.COM

Fee waiver recipients will be required to meet minimum grade point average and completion status to maintain their eligibility in fall of 2016.

California Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Brice W. Harris announced upgraded requirements for students to qualify for the Board of Governors fee waivers in a teleconference April 15 with student reporters.

The BOGW is a state service that helps students who need financial assistance. It allows students who qualify waive their per-unit enroll-

ment fee at any California community college.

At Citrus College, in-state students pay $46 per unit, while out of state students pays $207 per unit.

In January 2014, 7,642 Citrus College students received BOGW, which is roughly 60 percent of utilizing this financial service.

“A lot of other states don’t have this fee waiver,” said Carol Thomas, director of financial aid at Citrus College. “It’s really a privilege.”

Students will need to maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA for two consecutive primary terms (fall/spring semesters, or fall/winter/ spring quarters) to remain eligible.

SEE WA IVE R • PA GE 5

The movement to completion

BY ALICIA SILLER STAFF WRITER

ASILLER@CCCLARION.COM

Over spring break Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D. superintendent/president of Citrus College was recognized as the only two-year college president to receive an International Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction in San Antonio, Texas for her support of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honors club.

“I’m really proud, but I’m more pleased for our students that set this in motion for Citrus to be a college of completion,” Perri said.

PTK recognized Perri because she came from the New York City community college system and as a vice

president at San Diego Mesa College, she was inducted into PTK as an honorary member in 2000. Her PTK support carried over to Citrus College.

“The most important and substantial impact that Dr. Perri has on PTK is with the Institution for Completion,” Nicole Wassef, PTK beta neweta chapter president said.

In 2012, former PTK leader Alejandra Morales and advisor Brian Waddington approached Perri about their plan to turn Citrus College into a college of completion, and presented their idea at convocation to SEE P TK • PA GE 5

BACK TO SQUARE ONE A

BY EVAN SOLANO

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ESOLANO@CCCLARION.COM

fter long and contentious negotiations between district officials and the full-time faculty union, Citrus College teachers overwhelmingly voted March 25 to reject the tentative contract agreement.

The Citrus Community College District contract proposal, which included a 4.8 percent raise and a reconfiguration in the overload payment schedule, was rejected by 68 percent of the voting faculty. “It was a great turn out,” said Paul Swatzel, president of the Citrus College Faculty Association. He estimated that the 95 percent of the full-time faculty participated in the vote to ratify or reject the tentative agreement.

“We’re in the process of surveying the faculty right now. We have about 70 or so responses,” Swatzel said.

The results a post-vote survey conducted by the union indicated that the faculty is not happy about a number of things, Swatzel said. “The number one reason people voted ‘no’ was for the flat rate on overload.”

Overload, which is calculated on a separate salary schedule, is compensation for teaching extra classes, anything above the standard 15 lecture hours that full-time faculty are required to work. Under the tentative agreement, pay for overload would have changed from a column-based graduated system to a flat rate for all faculty, regardless of academic degrees or years of seniority.

“In the tentative agreement, there was a single number for overload, regardless of the number of years of education,” Swatzel said.

“Faculty were not happy with going to a single number for overload. “They felt it was inequitable, especially the ones with mounds of student loan debt, under the tentative agreement, professors with doctorates would S E E C ON T R AC T S • PAGE 5

PAGE 2

LOCAL Daily Breeze wins Pulitzer prize The Torrance-based newpaper won the pulitzer prize for local reporting for an investigative project into corruption in a cash-strapped school district. The Daily Breeze exposed Superintendent Jose Fernandez’s large salary and unusual perks. The six-month investigation eventually resulted in the removal of the Centinela Valley Union High School District. It is the first-ever Pulitzer prize for the seven reporter newsroom.

Clarion

CURRENT EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

STATE

NATIONAL

Drought causes California to issue mandatory water reductions

Equal Pay progress stalled

Governor Jerry Brown issued an executive order for the first ever statewide manadatory water reductions.

Governor Brown has asked the State Water Resources Control Board to implememt reductions of 25 percent across the state. Cities with the lowest residential per-capita water use during the summer months last year will only have to cut use by eight percents while communites with the highests number will have to reduce consumption by 36 percent. California is currently in its fourht year of a statewide drought.

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research reveals that, in 2014, the ratio of female-to-male weekly earnings was 82.5 percent.

Although a definite improvement from the 1963 female-to-male weekly earnings of 59 percent, the progress made in closing the gender pay gap has essentially come to a halt over the past decade.

Congressional Republicans steadily reject the Paycheck Fairness Act, a bill that would extend pay-equity rules that apply to federal contractors to the entire American work force.

Furthermore, politicians refuse to make the needed updates to the Equal Pay Act established in 1963.

Source: New York Times

Daily Caller

Source: Los Angeles Times Source: Los Angeles Times

Mt. San Antonio College ordered to halt construction

ANAPR

The construction of a planned $48 million parking structure at Mt. San Antonio was ordered to be halted by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge. The delay in construction could cause the community college to lose up to $25,000 a week and could possibly affect other project planned for the college.

Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Pico Rivera Walmart lays off 530 workers Mega-retailer Walmart temporarily shut down the Walmrt Supercenter in Pico Rivera and four other locations in Florida, Oklahoma and Texas. The closures have affected 2,200 employess, including 530 at the Pico Rivera location.

Walmart has said the closures are due to plumbing issues and hope to reopen before the holiday issue.

Employees at these location will be paid for the next 60 days and will attempted to transfer as many as possible to other locations. The few employees that are unable to be place elsewhere will have to re-apply for their jobs.

Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Marijuana declined in Golden State U.S. District Judge Kimberly Mueller declined to remove marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug, disappointing activists nationwide.

Mueller insisted that courts are not devices to enact public policy or void federal law, and her courtroom would be no exception.

A federal judge challenging marijuana’s classification as a Schedule 1 drug could have furthered the nationwide campaign toward recreational consumption. However, Mueller asserts that her decision was based on the facts of the marijuana growing case that precipitated the legal challenge.

Source: ABC News

Psychiatric medication in LA youth According to data obtained by The Times through a Public Records Act request, Los Angeles County officials are allowing the use of powerful psychiatric drugs on far more children in the foster care and juvenile delinquency systems that previously stated.

The data show that along with the 2,300 previously acknowledged cases, 540 foster children and 516 children in the delinquency system were given psychiatric drugs.

The are approximately 18,000 foster children and 1,000 in the juvenile delinquency system.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Federal judge in Texas blocks Obama’s immigration executive action United States District Judge Andrew Hanen ruled Monday night to block the executive action Obama took to protect nearly 5 million undocumented immigrants from deportation. Hanen ruled that the administration had failed to comply with the Administrative Procedure Act. The executive action is drawing opposition from 26 state across the country. The Justice Department is expected to appeal the decision.

Source: CNN

Texas Lawyer

GLOBAL Putin Critic Removed Ousted from Power

Vox

Russia’s lower house of Parliament voted to strip Ilya V. Ponomarev of immunity from prosecution in a vote of 438 to 1.

Ponomarev is the only member of Parliament who opposed the annexation of Crimea in 2014, and one of few public officials to challenge President Vladimir Putin.

Prosecutors are looking to convict Ponomarev with the embezzelment of about $750,000 from Skolkovo, a government financed research institute.

Source: New York Times

Pope Provokes Turkish Anger Pope Francis, during Mass on April 12, in the presence of Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan, described the World War I-era slaughter of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Turks as the first genocide of the 20th century.

Later that Sunday, Turkish officials summoned the Vatican’s ambassador, Archbishop Antono Lucibello, to inform him of their government’s “grave disappointment and sadness” over the pope’s comments.

Alberto Melloni, a Historian of the Vatican, vocalized that the Pope’s blunt declaration was consistent with his sympathy for all victims.

Adament with the Pope’s position, Turkish officials insist that “It is not possible to accept the pope’s statement, which is far from any legal or historical reality.”

Source: New York Times

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Clarion

O W L B E AT

C L A R I O N

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

S N A P S H O T S

Wild art and random photos from our staffers taken around campus

SEX SIGNALS CREATE AWARENESS

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 • APRIL 22 - BUSINESS SEMINAR

The Citrus College Business Association, EOP&S and Kohl’s Department Stores will be hosting a business seminar. The seminar will include a panel discussion on career opportunitines in business, strategies for college students, employment and skills advice and tips on first-year emloyment.

The seminar willl take place on April 22 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Campus Center.

Sex Signals duo Jordan Nia Puryear (left) and Derante Parker (right) acting out a scene during their performance in the Campus Center on April 7. Sex Signals has become one of the most popular programs on sexual assault awareness among college audiences, military personnel, and educators.

• APRIL 22-29 - UC 101 TRANSFER WORKSHOPS

The UC101 Transfer Workshop will assist students understand the basics of the transfer process.

Discussions will include admission requirements, impacted programs, TAG admission gurantee and application filing periods. Workshops will take place on April 22 and 29 at the Transfer Center Computer Lab, SS281. For more information contact the Transfer Center at (626) 914-8639.

• APRIL 24 - UCLA STOMP TRANSFER CONFERENCE

The Student Transfer Opportunity & Mentorship Program at UCLA will be hosting a conference catered to community college students interested in transferring. Workshops will include strategies for transfer, information on various majors, student life/housing and financial aid. UCLA requires registration for attendance. The conference will take place on April 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the UCLA Ackerman Grand Ball Room.

• APRIL 24-26 - DOGFIGHT

Based on the 1991 Warner Brothers film, the hautingly beautiful musical, “Dogfight” takes audiences on a romantic and heartbreaking theatrical journey that stays with you long after the performance.Performances will run from April, 24 through April 26 at the Citrus Little Theatre. For more information visit the Haugh Perfoming Arts Center website.

PAGE 3

Marco Polo Clarion

L E T ’ S TA L K T E D TA L K S

Upcoming TED Talks topics showings/discussion in the Campus Center at 1:15 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.

APRIL 23

“TAN LE: MY IMMIGRATION STORY”

• APRIL 30 - PORTFOLIO WORKSHOP

In 2010, technologist Tan Le took the TEDGlobal stage to demo a powerful new interface.

But now, at TEDxWomen, she tells a very personal story: the story of her family — mother, grandmother and sister — fleeing Vietnam and building a new life.

Art students will have the opportunity to recieve assistance with their art portfolios on April 30 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Campus Center. Guest speaker, Aaron Spurgeon, visual development artist for DreamWorks and Citrus Alumni will be making a presentation.

• MAY 12-13 - CSU 101 TRANSFER WORKSHOPS

MAY 21

The CSU101 Transfer Workshop will assist students understand the basics of the transfer process.

Discussions will include admission requirements, impacted programs and application filing periods.

Workshops will take place on May 12 and 13 at the Transfer Center Computer Lab, SS281. For more information contact the Transfer Center at (626) 914-8639.

“WHY ORDINARY PEOPLE NEED TO UNDERSTAND POWER”

Far too many Americans are illiterate in power — what it is, how it operates and why some people have it. “We need to make civics sexy again,” says civics educator Eric Liu. “As sexy as it was during the American Revolution or the Civil Rights Movement.”

Courtesy: TED Talks

THE 1000 BLOCK

Incident Reports

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

Vandalism (594 PC)

Student Misconduct (BP 5500)

Drug Law Violation (H&S 11357)

Welfare Institutions & Code (5150)

Battery (242 PC)

LOCATION: S8 Parking Lot REPORTED: 03/31/2015 CASE #: 2015‐031 Disposition: Closed

LOCATION: Hayden Library REPORTED: 04/01/2015 CASE #: 2015‐032 Disposition: Open

LOCATION: PA Building REPORTED: 04/01/2015 CASE #: 2015‐033 Disposition: Closed

LOCATION: TC Building REPORTED: 04/03/2015 CASE #: 2015‐034 Disposition: Open

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#whatstrending

LOCAL NEWS, SPORTS, ENTERTAINMENT OR LIFE ON CAMPUS – FIND IT HERE HOOT TWEETS: @cheeks_uhh: college tip: pick a seat the first day of class, then sit in that seat all semester #citruscollege @Amedina2491: Found out my business teacher was able to get @thecakemamas to come talk to our class after spring break! #CitrusCollege #YassQueen @Kir_rawr: Im doing tech things! #citruscollege #theatre #Godspell #Haugh #spotlight #yayacting #imeanyayteching

OWLSTAGRAM:

QUOTABLE: “I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I’m going to learn, I must do it by listening.”

-Larry King, television and radio host CITRUS COLLEGE

CLARION

Evan Solano Margaret O’Neil editor-in-chief Clarion adviser Miguel Romero Stacy K. Long managing editor Clarion adviser Dillon Cooper 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.

Chelsea Barron, Megan Bender, Views expressed do not represent those of the adviser, Fannya Cordova, Pat Cordova-Goff, faculty, administration, Associated Students of Citrus Cerena Cooper, Nestor Cruz, College and/or CCCBOT. Mercedes DeGuchy, Libel will not be published. The Clarion welcomes Marissa Delahussaye, feedback from our readers.

If you have any gripes, questions, or comments ... we Ricky Guandique, James Molina, want to hear from you! Send your letters in at Marco Polo, Christine Vu Le, ccclarion.com/letters.

Jaclyn Spencer All correspondence must include your student ID#, major and signature. Letters may be edited for content.

Use the hashtags: #CCClarion or #citruscollege to be featured on #whatstrending

Citrus College Study Abroad Program

FALL 2015

Citrus College celebrates our 27th 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.

INFORMATION MEETING SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2015 1:00 - 2:00 P.M. • CITRUS COLLEGE, CI 159 Early application is essential.

Study Abroad • 1000 West Foothill Boulevard, Glendora, CA 91741-1885 • www.citruscollege.edu

Clarion

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 PAGE 5

superintendent/ president receives award FR O M PA G E 1

improving community college student’s completion rates.

Then PTK students spoke at convocation to faculty and staff members and presented how Citrus College can improve students completion rates by their support in a pledge which consists of talking to students in class about completion, giving out a completion checklist to students, with the first checkbox written, “I will show up for class.”

“This award is symbolic of how [Citrus College] would go that extra step to help [students] become successful,” Waddington said.

The Shirley B. Gordon Award representation extends not only to Phi Theta Kappa and Perri, but also reflects Citrus College students and faculty passion for education.

“This award really is not an award for me, this award is basically validation of the PTK students who said to me, will you work with us to kick off the college

Evan Solano Clarion

Geraldine M. Perri Ph.D. superintendent/president of Citrus College in front of the new Insititute of Completion that will be opening later this semester in the Student Service building.

WAIVER F R O M PA G E 1

In addition, cumulative course completion of less than 50 percent may result in loss of fee waiver eligibility.

Students dropping below the requirements will be notified within 30 days of the end of each term if they are being placed on either academic (GPA) and/or progress (course completion) probation.

“It’s about accountability on the students and the colleges behalf,” Thomas said.

Thomas states these updates are being put in place by the Department of Education. The financial aid funds go out to students needs

File Photo

California Community College Chancellor Brice W. Harris

to be accounted for and students need to be responsible for their part.

The notification will specify that a second term of probation by the student will result in loss of fee waiver eligibility.

contracts F R O M PA GE 1

be paid at the same rate as someone with a minimum qualification.”

According to Bruce Langford, former chief negotiator for the CCFA, about 80 percent of the faculty at Citrus College teach intersession or overload classes in addition to their fulltime assignments.

“There was some reconfiguring of overload, so that everybody made more,” Langford said.

He noted that the association’s negotiation team was intent on raising compensation that full-time faculty are being paid for overload.

“We thought it was low, I think the district knows it is low…we came to what I thought was a fair compromise,” Langford said.

The full-time faculty contract expired in December 2014. Negotiators from both the Citrus College Faculty Association and the Citrus Community College District had been working on a new agreement for several months.

In addition to the change in overload, the tentative agreement would have also given the faculty a 4.8 percent raise over three years.

According to Swatzel, 71 percent of the faculty who responded to the CCFA survey

If the student does not meet the minimum requirements after a second consecutive term of probation, he or she will lose eligibility for the fee waiver for their next registration opportunity.

“It is very important message to get out,” wrote Paige Marlatt Dorr, director of communications for California Community Colleges.

“For the 2013-2014 academic year, there were 1,036,487 [BOGW] recipients, which calculates to 45 percent of our system’s students receiving a waiver.”

Loss of eligibility for the BOG Fee Waiver can be regained if students improve their GPA, or course completion measures the following term; file a successful appeal regarding extenuating circumstances in not meeting requirements; and/or are unable

indicated that they did not agree with the proposed across-the-board salary increases.

“Faculty want to see at least COLA or better,” Swatzel said.

Employment contracts, pension benefits, and government entitlements such as Social Security can be tied to a cost-of-living index, typically to the consumer index. A COLA adjusts salaries based on changes in a costof-living index. Salaries are typically adjusted annually.

“Years two and three on the tentative agreement that was voted down was 1.25 percent across the board raise, yet COLA is projected to be about 1.58 percent.”

Across the board, with the exception of the overload issue, in the tentative agreement was a 2.25 percent increase for year one, meaning all salary schedules would be bumped up. Year two included a 1.25 percent raise, which would again increase all faculty salary schedules and the overload would have been a single number. Year three would have included another 1.25 percent raise.

“More and more information has come out from the state and the state budget picture looks better and better,” Swatzel said. “The school is sitting on a projected 17 percent [general] reserve.”

“General Reserve is a term synonymously used for the Fund Balance of the district’s

of completion initiative,” Perri said.

After receiving a plaque giving Citrus College a completion title, Perri and the Steering Committee researched what other colleges were doing to increase completion rates and compared what methods would or wouldn’t work for Citrus College.

“What’s good of being a college of completion when you don’t have the students success story behind it,” Perri said. “This is all about students, individual students and how we can help each one.”

From extensive research, Perri and the Steering Committee concluded they need money to create an Institute for Completion, which focuses on incoming freshmen to get higher placement test scores and allows them to have a student coach.

A student coach can be any former or higher level student at Citrus College to guide freshman onto a positive start.

“A new position in the college

will be completion coaches, who would get a case load of freshmen students and track them via text, tweet, or email to inform them about workshops and study groups,” Perri said.

To fund the IFC, Perri and the Citrus College Foundation created the President’s Circle for local businesses to donate towards the IFC. “We went out to banks, mortgage and gas companies, we went out to all different companies to kick of the President’s Circle,” Perri said.

According to Perri, in three years the President’s Circle has raised $400,000 to fund the Institute for Completion and will open towards the end of the spring semester.

“I feel that it’s awesome that Dr. Perri, the faculty and staff members are doing more with it and that it’s not just something that happened and it is over, because it’s something continuing on and it’s fantastic,” Morales said.

to attend the same district for two consecutive primary terms.

In his April 15 teleconference, Harris also outlined several pilot programs for four-year degrees to be offered at a dozen community colleges.

At the March 16 meeting of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, 12 of 15 pilot bachelor’s degree programs were approved to begin at community colleges in California in 2017.

“After undergoing additional review by our office, these bachelor’s degree programs are set to gear up and enroll students who are looking for affordable options to earn four-year degrees,” Harris said.

Once final consideration by California State University and the University of California, the three remaining programs will be ap-

proved by May 2015.

Community colleges have been transfer focus institutions until January when legislative approved of the new four-year degree programs to be offered on 15 campuses.

With the average CSU’s tuition costs at $22,000 to $23,000 per year, the tuition for CC programs will be half of the cost at $10,000 to $12,000.

The approved pilot program are being developed to enhance student’s chances of getting a job in fields that have increasing degree requirements. These programs must not duplicate programs offered at any CSU or UC campuses.

“We’re excited to expand higher education opportunities in our system and help fuel California’s economy,” said Harris.

Unrestricted General Fund. The purpose of the Unrestricted General Fund is to serve as the primary operating fund of the district,” said Claudette Dain, vice president of finance and administrative services, who also serves on the district’s negotiating team.

The general fund is used to account for those transactions that, in general, cover the full scope of operations of the district: instruction, administration, student services, maintenance and operations.

The fund balance combines both one-time and ongoing funds, Dain said. As defined in the district’s Adopted Budget document, onetime funds are unspent funds that remain after a fiscal year has ended. These are funds that would not necessarily be replicated in subsequent years.

“It is not fiscally prudent to use one-time funds for ongoing costs, such as salaries of permanent staff. Ideally, one-time funds would be used for one-time purposes, such as capital outlay or other one-time expenditures,” Dain said.

According to Langford, who was removed from his position as chief negotiator before the March 25 vote on the tentative agreement, some faculty thought the raise should be 1015 percent range rather than the nearly five percent increase over the span of three years.

“I think that’s unreasonable for a number of

reasons. I’ve looked at the district’s numbers,” Langford said.

“We surveyed about 40 other colleges, and I think only two of them had a raise that was more significant than ours, and in both cases they had to sacrifice something to get there.

Pasadena City College faculty recently approved a 10-11 percent raise, but as Langford said, “They had not had a raise in seven years and they capped health care.”

Swatzel concurs.

“The people that go after these huge raises don’t mention things like healthcare being capped,” Swatzel said. “There is only so much money.”

Until a new contract agreement can be reached, the expired contract will remain active.

“Unless something miraculous happens, we won’t have a contract in place by next fall, which means we will have worked almost a year with out a contract,” Langford said.

With newly appointed CCFA chief negotiator Brian Waddington, the union will be drafting a new proposal for the district to review, Swatzel said.

No time frame has been established as of press time.

“We will try to come to a mutual agreement with the district that will satisfy all parties,” Swatzel said. “We all want to get this resolved.”

PAGE 6

Clarion

FEATURES

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

creating a safe place The Gay-Straight Alliance Club look to raise awareness and understanding

BY MARISSA DELAHUSSAYE STAFF WRITER

MDELAHUSSAYE@CCCLARION.COM

A safe haven can be found within GSA. The Gender and Sexuality Alliance, formerly known as the Gay-Straight Alliance, centers on the union of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) students and their supporters.

GSA creates a tight knit sense of community where students of the LGBT community and their allies can engage in comfortable discussion. “Whoever you are and however you identify yourself you will find a safe space here within GSA,” said Dennis Camargo, the club’s vice president.

Like many clubs on campus GSA seeks to better the campus as a whole. “Clubs such as this improve a campus dedicated to respect for the diversity of all stu-

Evan Solano Clarion

Gay Straight Alliance club members Sara Acevedo and Tyler Connolly share a few laughs during Club Rush in the Campus Center Mall on March 10-11.

dents,” said John Vaughan, the club’s newest advisor.

Many members have found comfort within the group. “It’s been an amazing experience for me,” said Camargo “ I know that in the past it has helped closeted or questioning members feel safe and at home with people not unlike themselves.”

GSA aims to promote and inform on positive sexual health. “ We have a lot of information booths and free sexual health awareness information,” said

Acevedo. The club can be seen as a type of community service providing information and teaching the community about practicing safe sex.

GSA focuses on making Citrus a place where LGBT students can thrive academically. “Our college prides themselves on being a college of completion and they support assisting [LGBT] student,” said Acevedo.

Staff and GSA members try to make sure LGBT students are not disregarded or discouraged in

their education process. A Safe Zone training workshop is offered to staff to help increase completion rates.

At the workshop information is presented to faculty about understanding the unique struggles of LGBT students and the importance of assisting them to advance their college education.

LGBT terminology is explained and ways to be a supporter are presented.

A panel of Citrus students is available at the Safe Zone train-

ing to answer questions that staff may have pertaining to a specific situation or any overall questions involving LGBT students. GSA members Sara Acevedo and Pat Cordova-Goff served on this panel for Spring 2015.

Not all events for GSA have been confirmed but this Spring the club will be participating in Springfest and putting a Gay Prom for its members. GSA meets regularly every Wednesday in CC115 (Executive Board Room).

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Clarion

FEATURES

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

PAGE 7

Educational success validates alumni’s struggle

BY PAT CORDOVA-GOFF STAFF WRITER

PCORDOVA@CCCLARION.COM

At age 13, concerns of the average teenager can vary from passing school classes, to finding a prom date. However, for some teens, the unexpected delivery of life-changing news from the family doctor can jolt them into harsher realities.

Citrus College alumnus Daniel Celebertti, former ASCC vice president, now 28 years old, was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis when he was 13. The eighth grader was experiencing intensified internal bleeding and anemia. He spent his remaining teenage years in and out of the hospital, away from the social environment his peers took for granted.

Three years into college, at age 23, Celebertti’s condition worsened. He underwent intensive medical treatments and months of recovery during which time school was not an option.

These health issues slowed down Celebertti’s successful completion of college, but he did not give up.

Working to overcome the depression that years of isolation had produced, Citrus College would become the platform of Celebertti’s leadership development.

Although his first years at Citrus were spent introverted, constantly avoiding interaction with peers, his

involvement with the Anime Club would spark interest in campus life and leadership.

His dedication to this club would lead Celebertti to become president of the group. After a successful term, Celebertti’s presidency would pave a path to presidency of the Inter-Club Council, and eventually vice president of the Executive Board of the Associated Students of Citrus College.

“These executive positions have allowed me to develop my leadership skills,“ Celebertti said. “Setting me on a path toward a successful career in student services.”

ASCC President Manuel Ramirez described Celebertti as dependably inclusive, compassionate and consistent.

Adrienne Thompson, supervisor of student life describes Celebertti as a “rarity in leadership,” always able to see the bigger picture in campus plans, as well as how each event best fits into the overall health of the college.

Celebertti’s medical condition continues to be a driving force in his determination to succeed. “[Celebertti’s medical obstacles] are a lesson and encouragement to other students,” Thompson said, “that success is possible, no matter the challenges faced.”

This was cemented as Celebertti successfully transferred from Citrus

Pat Cordova-Goff Clarion

Citrus College Alumni Daniel Celebertti, 28, attends Azusa Pacific University. As a transfer student, Celebertti will complete his first semester at APU this month, as well as participate in Citrus’s commencement ceremony on June 13.

College to Azusa Pacific University, a respected private institution.

This transfer, according to Celebertti, “validated all the obstacles faced in years past,” giving each challenge a purpose. It proved growth and determination are the best tools available to push past difficult times in life to reach success, Celebertti said. “[Celebertti] has the potential to accomplish anything he sets his mind to,” Sara Acevedo said. An

ASCC commissioner of activities herself, Acevedo shared that the leadership witnessed in her time on the board with Celebertti distinguishes him from others.

Following the completion of his bachelor’s degree at Azusa Pacific University, Celebertti hopes to focus his career in the California Community College system, particularly in student services.

A career in assisting community college students achieve their aca-

demic goals will serve as a career in giving back to the education system that saved his academic life, Celebertti said.

At 28 years old, as survivor of a near fatal medical scare and one of the newest students at Azusa Pacific University, Celebertti demonstrates that self-care and persistence has the potential to lead one to their future of success.

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PAGE 8

Clarion

SPOTLIGHT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

giving peace a chance A new class at Citrus will teach students the art of zen and conflict resolution

BY CHRISTINA VU LE STAFF WRITER

CLE@CCCLARION.COM

For the first time at Citrus College, a peace studies class will be added to the spring 2016 schedule of classes.

David Overly, Ph.D., professor of English, is launching a new program in the humanities department. The first course in the program will be titled: “Strategies for Peace: Saving Civilization.”

“It is very forward thinking,” Overly said. “We need to learn a different way to resolve conflict, taking one small step in a positive direction.”

The class will cover the destructive impact of war, not only on people, but also on art, literature and philosophy. It will also explore alternative conflict resolution strategies.

Eventually, Strategies for Peace

will be offered as one class in a certificate program, Overly said.

Two other California colleges, Golden West and San Diego City, already offer peace studies programs.

“I would like Citrus College to join this cutting-edge endeavor,” Overly said.

Four-year universities, such as Georgetown, San Diego and Notre Dame also offer peace studies degrees.

Several of Overly’s colleagues have endorsed this addition to the Citrus College curriculum.

“This would be a good base, or ‘ground work,’ to have as your knowledge base going into a few careers,” said Dana Hester, Ed.D, dean of social and behavioral sciences.

“It is another alternative for transfers,” Hester said. “This is something that sparks interest since it is in the media’s eyes now.”

To prepare for this program, Overly attended the Nobel Peace Institute in Oslo, Norway in August 2014 and the Peace and Justice Studies Association convention at the University of San Diego in October 2014.

REFLECTIONS ON THE 2015 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FORUM BY DAVID OVERLY, PH.D. PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH

Evan Solano Clarion

English Professor David Overly, Ph.D., attended the Nobel Peace Institute in Norway to continue his research for the new program he is launching. The program he created will be titled “Strategies for Peace: Saving Civilization.”

He is scheduled to attend the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Atlanta, Georgia in November 2015.

There he plans to attend several workshops, one such as “Promoting Global Peace and Engaging Youth.”

Overly, who will be on sabbatical leave from in fall 2015, plans to attend a Nobel Peace Prize awards ceremony on Dec. 10, 2015, in Oslo.

While in Norway, he will do research at the Nobel Peace Institute and enjoy “being in the community of people wanting to

T

he temperature was six degrees above zero when I arrived in Minneapolis on March 5, full of anticipation for the start of the twenty-seventh Nobel Peace Prize Forum, the only event outside Norway authorized by the Norwegian Nobel Institute.

I was looking forward to the keynote address delivered by former President and Nobel Laureate Jimmy Carter.

Noted for his role in the Camp David Peace Agreement between Egypt and Israel, the fight against tropical diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa, the monitoring of elections in troubled regions, and Habitat for Humanity projects, President Carter explains that his new initiative is to shed light on the widespread violence and discrimination against women.

take one small step in a positive direction.”

He hopes to return to Citrus and inspire others, especially students, to find common strategies to resolve the world’s conflicts.

Dale Salwak, Ph.D., professor of English, is expected to be a guest speaker in Overly’s peace class.

Salwak will contribute by sharing his world view with an emphasis on Asia, as he has traveled extensively throughout China, South Korea, North Korea, Japan, Indonesia and Taiwan.

Salwak urges students to “keep an open mind, read widely, and

As he details in his latest book, A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power (2014), this unequal treatment “includes unpunished rape and other sexual abuse, infanticide of newborn girls and abortion of female fetuses, a worldwide trafficking in women and girls, and the so-called honor killings of innocent women who are raped, as well as the less violent but harmful practices of lower pay and promotions for women and greater political advantages for men.”

At the urging of his wife, Rosalynn, and his daughter, Amy, President Carter has made this issue, which he considers “the most serious, pervasive, and ignored violation of basic human rights,” the final mission of his life.

Following a warm reception, in contrast to the frigid temperature outside, President Carter outlined his commit-

think hard on the issues.”

Johanna Medina, a sociology major, is looking forward to implementation of the peace studies programs.

“It will make people more aware of the world and how their action affects the bigger picture in humanity,” she said.

Meanwhile, Overly is hoping to engage the Citrus community in an effort to become more socially conscious.

“Peace is not just ‘not war,’ but also another way to share resources,” Overly said. “We all share a common humanity.”

ment to women’s rights. In a questionand-answer session moderated by Monica McWilliams, signatory to the Good Friday Peace Agreement in Northern Ireland, Carter revealed that he has sent his book to 190 heads of state and has received replies from forty-five of them, including Pope Francis. He remains hopeful that the lives of women will improve.

Reflecting on my experience of seeing President Carter at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, as well as former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland and Harvard professor Steven Pinker, one of Time magazine’s “most influential people,” I would like to make participation in the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, by Citrus College students, a part of peace studies activities at the college.

Portfolio Workshop Thursday, April 30, 2015 12pm—3pm, Campus Center, East Wing

Aaron Spurgeon

Guest Speakers: Visual Development Artist - DreamWorks, Citrus Alumni

Denise Martinez

Citrus Alumni, 2014 Cal Poly Pomona Transfer Student Students are ENCOURAGED to bring their portfolio—PRIZES will be awarded.

The following Art Schools plan to attend: Academy of Art University  Art Institute  Art Center  FIDM Columbia College, Hollywood  Mt. Sierra  Woodbury University  Laguna Art College  School of the Art Institute, Chicago

Questions? Contact the Transfer Center, Student Services Building, 2nd Floor, 626.914.8639 Transfer Center  1000 W. Foothill Boulevard  Glendora  CA  91741-1899  www.citruscollege.edu

Transfer Center, Student Services Building, 2nd Floor. 626.914.8639 www.citruscollege.edu/stdntsrv/transcntr www.facebook.com/citruscollegetransfercenter

PAGE 10

Clarion

FEATURES

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

Rearranging the classroom

Thomas Eiland is studying classroom seating arrangements to improve student learning.

BY FANNYA CORDOVA STAFF WRITER

FCORDOVA@CCCLARION.COM

The conventional seating arrangement of rows and columns at Citrus College classrooms might soon change due to current research that is being conducted by professor of English Thomas Eiland.

Student engagement and participation in classrooms are affected by various factors such as students’ learning styles and technology.

However, perhaps the most important variable is seat arrangement.

Eiland hopes to learn how different seating arrangements can impact the learning environment and process.

“We need to pay attention to the new science on seating arrangement and how the classrooms are arranged in order to maximize the space so that the greatest number of people can use it effectively,” Eiland

said. The data from this research will help Citrus College administrators obtain a better understanding on the most efficient seating arrangement for students who are in classes that prioritize discussion and student interaction.

Samuel Lee, Ed. D, dean of language arts, said that this is the first time this topic has been researched at Citrus College.

“When we remodel classrooms in the future we will be doing it based on research that is conducted here at Citrus,” Lee said. “By having Professor Eiland study classroom design, we will see if our investment is inline with the research.”

Eiland is currently conducting an online survey specifically designed for students who have taken courses that emphasize classroom discussion and student participation.

Some of the survey questions asks students to rate their overall

satisfaction on their ability to follow a lecture and the level of enjoyment and academic success they have experienced on different seating arrangements such as, traditional rows, seminar style, or computer labs.

After taking the survey, students also have the opportunity to contact Eiland and be added to the interview pool where they will be receiving open-ended questions.

Along with the student survey, Eiland is also gathering data by surveying professors and finding out their experiences teaching in different seating arrangements and how this has affected students’ ability to engage in small group discussion, ability to make presentations and their academic success.

Both student and professor surveys can be found online on his website englit.org. Citrus College student trustee, Farihah Chowdhury said that students should participate

Fannya Cordova Clarion

Traditional row seating, like the arrangement pictured above could soon be changing due to current research by professor Thomas Einland.

in this survey since the analysis of the data will affect how future classrooms will be structured.

Most importantly it will have an impact on students’ learning environment and how students will interact with each other and their professors.

“Students should care about this research and take part in it because they will have a higher chance of succeeding in these classes with bet-

ter seating arrangements and form better relationships with peers,” Chowdhury said “Students should take the survey because they will have a direct say on how traditional classrooms settings can be morphed to better accommodate students.”

Professor Eiland expects to be done with his research by the end ˚of the summer term and will be presenting his research findings to the board of trustees by fall 2015.

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Clarion editor elected to state board

BY NESTOR CRUZ

Dillon Cooper Clarion

STAFF WRITER

Clarion editor in chief Evan Solano (right) and Joseph Daniels, NorCal JACC student president (left) during the awards ceremony at the JACC State Convention.

The editor in chief of the Citrus College Clarion has been elected president of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges southern region for 2015-16.

Evan Solano, editor in chief of this campus newspaper, was selected April 11 to represent Southern California journalism students during the JACC student leadership election during the 60th annual JACC state convention.

More than 480 students from 38 colleges attended the convention from April 9 through April 12 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Sacramento.

Only Southern California delegates were allowed to vote for the Southern California JACC student representative. Solano who ran against a candidate from Southwestern College was elected by majority vote.

Solano is one of three students and three faculty elected to serve as advisory board members to develop in a new initiative between JACC and the California Newspaper Publishers Association. CNPA is a professional trade organization that represents professional and campus publications. Solano will be representing community colleges that span from Bakersfield to San Diego.

Patricia Stark, journalism department chair at Santa Barbara City College and faculty president of JACC said in an email, “The board will absolutely be counting on Evan to help us with our transition to working with CNPA.”

It has been more than 20 years since a Citrus College student has been elected to serve as a JACC officer. In 1993, Sarah Torribio, then the editor in chief at the Clarion and now features writer at The Claremont Courier, was elected JACC state president.

“The Clarion is lucky to have a great leader. Now he will be taking his leadership to help JACC move forward in his new position,” wrote Jorge Medina, designer for the Orange County Register and former editor in chief of the Clarion. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see him change or leave a legacy behind after his full year is done in his position.”

At the JACC convention, attendants participated in more than 40 workshops conducted by media professionals, which included Medina; Jason Wells, news editor for Buzzfeed; Kelly Goff, social media reporter for NBC4 Southern California; and Bhavisha Patel of Q13 FOX News, Seattle.

The convention featured 17 onthe-spot competitions, including team feature writing, critical review and sports photography. Eight students and two faculty advisers represented the Clarion delegation.

Solano won first place in the onthe-spot news judgment/tabloid layout competition.

“His design has improved impressively in the last couple of years,” Medina wrote.

“He has taken a lot of risks, learned from his mistakes, and has

NCRUZ@CCCLARION.COM

put out one of the cleanest newspapers, design-wise, since I left Citrus College.”

The Clarion won four publication awards, including two by Solano; fourth place in photo illustration and first place in inside page layout.

“It was really exciting to win first place in the design contest,” Solano said. “Last year, I got knocked out in the first round so to come back this year and place is a real honor.”

Waleed Rashidi, adjunct communications instructor at Citrus College, has also helped Solano learn Adobe InDesign. A full-time lecturer at CSU Fullerton, Rashidi also critiques the paper’s latest editions.

“This is one of the most visually attractive versions of the Clarion I’ve ever seen,” Rashidi said. “Evan understands the importance of publishing online as much as the traditions of having a strong print presence.”

“Plus, he is truly passionate about working in the media. It’s not just a hobby or something extracurricular, it’s really part of his life,” Rashidi said in an email.

Solano has been with the Clarion since fall 2013 and editor in chief for three semesters.

The JACC 61st state convention is scheduled for April 2016 at the Burbank Marriott. Students enrolled in Citrus College communications courses will be eligible to attend.

Clarion

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 PAGE 11

FOLLOWING THEIR FOOTSTEPS Set in the Vietnam War, the upcoming production of “Dogfight” gives some of the actors a chance to pay tribute to their own personal heroes

BY CHRISTINA VU LE STAFF WRITER

CLE@CCCLARION.COM

& ALICIA SILLER STAFF WRITER

ASILLER@CCCLARION.COM

“Dogfight” is a musical set in 1963. The story follows a newly inducted Marine, Eddie Birdlace.

On the eve of the Kennedy assassination, Birdlace and his friends make a bet as they hit the town the last time before being deployed to Vietnam.

For actors Robert Johnson and Zach Bondoc, “Dogfight,” the musical, hits home.

According to Bondoc, performing arts major who plays Private Christina Vu Le Clarion Steven, “Dogfight” refers to Ma- The Three B’s (Edward Little, Zach Bondoc, Anthony Nappier, and Robert rine tradition known only within Johnson) are excited to attend the party before they are shipped off. their brotherhood.

In the play, Birdlace, Dickie Bernstein, and Bowlin create a brotherhood called “The Three B’s” during their training. The group 8 P.M. formed an unbroken bond during training and war.

2 P.M. & 8 P.M. “They take great pride in being 7 P.M. best friends, and you can see the true brotherhood that the Marines have,” said Anthony Nappier, performing arts major who plays BerTICKET PRICES CAN BE PURCHASED AT HPAC BOX OFFICE nstein.

OPEN 11 A.M. TO 4.P.M. Saturday & Sunday • 2PM Johnson, performing arts major who plays Birdlace, has many TICKETS: PRESALE: $12 STUDENT: $10 experiences and memories as a ALL TICKETS: $15 AT THE DOOR military child. His father, Donald Johnson, was a senior Airman in ward waitress named Rose Fenny, they see everything in action and it the Air Force. he brings her to the party. Fenny brings back the memories of their Johnson has always wanted to unfortunately finds out about the loved ones.

Bondoc expressed that this be in the military like his father bet and runs away. but he was denied the year he tried From that moment, their inter- show brings him closer to his to enlist. He now feels this show action causes the game’s rules to grandfather Alan Oster, who was a helps bring him closer to his father. be rewritten as she shows him the paratrooper for the U.S. Army.

“I was always really close to my Johnson wishes his dad could power of compassion. Birdlace be able to come watch the perfor- chases after her and realizes his granddad, but now it is easier to understand his stories,” Bondoc love for her. mance.

The complicated romance be- said. “Even though this is just a “It would have tickled his fancy to see me walk in his fatigues,” tween Birdlace and Fenny, played play, I still get a feeling of what he Johnson said.

by Brittany Tangermann, adds to went through.”

With the excitement of the preJohnson said that this show is the hauntingly beautiful quality of Clarion Ad #5 an ode to his father. “It is the step the show. miere approaching, the cast reApril 22 I wish I could have taken when my Not only is “Dogfight” a love sto- flects upon their audience.

Spring dad was alive, I owe it2015 to him,” he ry, but it also explores the meaning “This is a younger cast, so it is said. a good fit for college students,” of family.

In the play, the Marines plan According to Johnson, by play- said John Vaughan, director. “This a night out before they ship off to ing a war veteran he is expressing show is about forgiveness, learning war. The story follows an old Ma- his appreciation and respects to to be human and empathy.”

They hope that it sparks the inrine tradition by choosing an unat- his father and war veterans.

“I am not in the military, but I terest and memories of Veterans as tractive girl to bring to the party to get to pretend and play that I am in well. rate.

For the bet each man wagers the military,” Johnson said.

“We want to thank veterans for Bondoc and Johnson both said what they have done and we hope $50. Whoever has the highest that there are certain scenes in the that the play shows it,” said Bonscore, wins the cash prize.

When Birdlace meet an awk- show that are emotional because doc.

DOGFIGHT

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Set on the eve of the Kennedy assassination in 1963, Dogfight chronicles the story of newly inducted Marine, Eddie Birdlace.

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Clarion

SPORTS

SCOREBOARD BASEBALL TUE 4/14 GLENDALE L, 10-7

THURS SAT TUE 4/16 4/18 4/21 GLENDALE LA MISSION LA MISSION W, 5-1 W, 10-9 L, 4-3

SOFTBALL TUE 4/14 GLENDALE L, 4-1

THURS TUE TUE 4/16 4/21 4/21 LA VALLEY LA MISSION LA MISSION W, 8-6 W, 11-1 W, 10-7

WOMEN’S SWIMMING FRI THURS SAT 4/17 4/16 4/18 WSC CHAM- WSC CHAM- WSC CHAMPIONSHIP PIONSHIP PIONSHIP (DAY 2) 5TH PLACE (DAY 1)

NO MEET

SPORTS BRIEF

owls GOING UP AGAINST west l.a. wildcats

The Owls are set to take on the West L.A. Wildcats in their final home game of the season. They have both faced off before which resulted in a 8-2 win for the Owls.

In their last matchup, Citrus (1815-1, 11-8) sent Nicholas Sergi to the mound. He pitched a total of eight innings in which he gave up five hits, two earned runs and struck out eight.

Shawn Sweeney, Citrus catcher, went 2-for-4 and knocked in a run in the game.

Both Rudy Casarez and Troy Resch finished the game with two RBIs as the Owls proved six runs of support for Sergi. Citrus added two more runs in the top of the ninth inning after Sergi was taken out of the game.

The Wildcats (6-28, 2-17) countered by sending Grant Livornese to the mound but the Owls hit him hard.

He gave up nine hits and had six earned runs in eight total innings. Citrus scored five runs against him in the third inning which proved to be too much as the Owls held on for the 8-2 win.

While it is still uncertain if the Owls will make the playoffs, they can definitely boost their chances if they are able to win their final two games of the season. Citrus will need L.A. mission and L.A. Valley to both lose at least one of their final two games in order to sneak into the postseason.

The Owls are 10-5-1 at home this season, including 4-1 in their last five games at home. The Owls will close at the regular season with a road game against West L.A..

MEN’S GOLF

Dillon Cooper Clarion

MON MON MON 4/20 4/13 4/6 WSC WSC WSC WSC NEUTRAL GLENDALE CITRUS HANCOCK 5TH PLACE 2ND PLACE 4TH PLACE 5TH PLACE

Erin Jaramillo leads the Owls offensively. Citrus heads into the matchup with an undefeated record.

MON 3/30

BASEBALL FRI 4/24 WEST LA 2:30 P.M.

NO GAME

NO GAME

PLAYOFFS PLAYOFFS PLAYOFFS PLAYOFFS TBA TBA TBA TBA

WOMEN’S SWIMMING NO MEET

NO MEET

NO MEET

MEN’S GOLF MON 4/27 WSC CHAMPIONSHIPS 7 A.M.

HOME

MON 5/4 CCCAA SOCAL 7 A.M.

BY DILLON COOPER SPORTS EDITOR

DCOOPER@CCCLARION.COM

SOFTBALL

NO MEET

COOP’S CORNER:

YOUNG RETIREES AND BANNING SPORTS

UPCOMING THURS 4/23 WEST LA 2:30 P.M.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 PAGE 13

MON 5/12 CCCAA STATE 7 A.M.

NO MEET

AWAY

It’s been a weird offseason for the National Football League. I mean, you could say it has been a weird year.

So much has gone on. Adrian Peterson, Greg Hardy, Ray Rice, Deflate Gate and among others, the crazy antics of Jim Irsay.

Just when Roger Goodell thought he could afford (let’s be honest here, he can afford to do anything he wants) to take a seat and exhale, he’s hit with the media making a huge deal out of San Francisco linebacker Chris Borland, 24, retiring.

What’s the reason? Is it really due to the health concerns and will this deter future athletes from trying to achieve their goal of playing in the illustrious NFL? Quarterback of the Tennessee Titans Jake Locker, 26, linebacker of the Pittsburgh Steelers Jason Worilds, 27, and a slew of other football players have decided to end their careers short of what was expected.

Worilds earned $9.75 million from the Steelers in 2014 and was a free agent when he decided to retire, possibly leaving millions of dollars behind.

In 2013, the NFL reached a tentative agreement with its 18,000 retired players. A $765 million settlement that would cover injuries and trauma to the brain. Whether it be concussions, dementia, depression

Tribune News Service

Students at Robert Morris Univeristy can get scholarships to play “League of Legends”, a multiplayer online battle brena video game created by Riot Games.

or Alzheimer’s.

In 2014, a federal judge approved the deal that would compensate those retired athletes.

The part that really bugged me was that if you were a player that retired with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), you would be compensated $5 million.

A disease that gives twenty percent of people living with it five years to live, is worth about $5 million.

According to this deal, if you are 50-years-old and have Alzheimer’s, you would get $1.6 million.

It seems like we are putting a nice juicy price tag on these dis-

eases that have been scientifically proven to be caused by trauma to the brain.

I have talked to a few players on the Citrus football team over the year about concussion issues and injuries they may sustain to the head, none of them were worried about it.

“It’s the risk you take every time you step out of your house,” one athlete told me. He went on to say that he’s not going to stop doing something he loves and is passionate about because there’s an injury risk.

Medium.com ran a discussion piece that involved seven sports-

writers from a variety of publications including the New York Times and GQ. The topic was whether or not we should ban sports.

The concerns of Medium.com are very valid. You have doping the Major League Baseball and just about every other sport. You’ve got the corruption going on with the exploitation of students in the National Collegiate Athletic Association with March Madness and you have your neuro-cognitive illnesses.

While yes, it is extremely important to be aware of all of the risks when stepping out onto the field or court, but to ban sports?

Aren’t there worse evils out there in the world? For example, the infinite amount of seasons of The Bachelor?

When I used to play, those were the days I would look forward to.

Lacing up my cleats, putting my catchers gear on and getting ready to throw a guy out trying to steal second on me. Being in the middle of a collision at home plate, eyeing down the runner steaming down the third baseline as I prepare for contact.

Those moments, I’ll never forget.

Or perhaps I will when I am older and am affected by a neuro-cognitive illness, I just won’t be paid $1.6 million for it.

Back to one of my original questions, should the NFL be worried that players are starting to retire at an early age?

The simple answer, no. Did the NFL worry when its players beat their wives and children? No. Will the NFL ever worry when one of its players does something wrong or their sport beats an athlete’s body and brain to a piece of lettuce? No. The NFL will never worry. Because people like me and millions out there will still tune in to hear Al Michaels broadcast a Titans and Raiders game on a Thursday night.

The NFL is untouchable.

Clarion

FORUM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 PAGE 15

EDITORIAL

Earth Day: Take action, conserve water Earth Day’s 45th anniversary was celebrated globally on April 22. It is the perfect time for Citrus students to start committing to a more drought-friendly lifestyle.

The time to recognize the impending danger that running the faucet too long brings is now.

Governor Jerry Brown imposed the first mandatory water use restrictions in history on the state’s 400 local water supply agencies.

The reductions on these agencies, according to the New York Times, will affect 90 percent of Californians.

Many Citrus students may now be nervously wondering just how they should be taking water conservation. In honor of Earth Day, here are 10 tips and tricks to saving water: 1. The length of the average shower is 11 minutes, and uses about 27.5 gallons of water per shower. Next time you’re ready to hop in the shower, put on your favorite six-minute song and challenge yourself to wash up more quickly.

2. Next time you catch a spider in

your home and are ready to send it down the toilet, consider that toilets use between three to seven gallons of water per flush.

3. If your shower takes a couple of minutes to get warm, do not let that excess cold water go to waste. Place a bucket or a large tupperware piece over your drain and catch it to use on household or yard plants that require it.

4. Make sure your washer and dishwasher are fully loaded before use. Cutting down loads of dishes and clothes cuts down water use.

5. Instead of running the water while brushing your teeth, fill a cup with water to use for rinsing.

6. While washing your car, be mindful of how long your hose is running.

7. Check frequently for leaks in all hoses, sprinklers, faucets and pipes.

8. Consider drought-resistant desert plants to save water in your yard. Many rebates are offered on landscaping including succulents, wildflowers and cacti.

9. While at a restaurant do not order a water and leave the glass full.

10. If you have a pile up of half-

Illustration by Jaclyn Spencer

full water bottles, consider utilizing the remaining water for plants or brushing teeth instead of throwing them away.

To some, these changes, though relatively simple, may seem insane.

Many people seem blind to the

fact that water is not an unlimited resource.

Our planet’s fresh water is being used up faster than it can be replenished.

Though the task at hand seems daunting, societal change begins

with the individual. Citrus College and its students have the power to set an example for the community.

This Earth Day and beyond, the Citrus Clarion challenges you to change a habit or two for the sake of water conservation.

OPINION

It is time to reschedule Marijuana’s schedule

BY CERENA COOPER STAFF WRITER

CCOOPER@CCCLARION.COM

Marijuana has been misclassified as a Schedule 1 drug for far too long. As long as it remains on this level, critical repercussions will continue.

Marijuana has been a Schedule 1 drug along with heroin, LSD and ecstasy for the past 45 years.

In 1970, President Richard Nixon signed and established the Controlled Substance Act that would classify drugs into five different tiers.

Each level would represent how dangerous a substance is and if there were any medicinal benefits to it.

Schedule 1 is the most dangerous with no medicinal value. Level 2 is still considered dangerous, but not as dangerous and with less potential for abuse as level 1.

At level 5, there is lower probability for abuse and has documented medicinal value. Cocaine is a Schedule 2 drug. This means, under the Controlled Substance Act, marijuana is considered more dangerous and addictive than cocaine.

It does not make sense whatsoever for marijuana to be listed as Schedule 1 drug.

Heroin? Yes. Ecstasy, perhaps.

Marijuana, no.

Do you consider marijuana a dangerous drug? Do you think it has any medicinal value?

In recent years, studies have shown the profound effects marijuana has on ailments ranging from Parkinson’s, to epilepsy to fighting cancer cells.

Every week there seems to be a new report released on the positive effects cannabis has on patients.

No one has ever died from ingesting marijuana. No one. There were almost 40 thousand deaths in 2010 alone from heroin overdose.

Why is this plant still a Scheduled 1 drug? When marijuana was placed as a Schedule 1 drug, Nixon was establishing new programs to enforce drug control.

In an “allout offensive” war on drugs, the government did not know where to place marijuana.

At the time, they did not have all of the information on the plant as we do now, so to be safe, they placed it on the most dangerous level.

Time and time again, when the issue of rescheduling marijuana came up, it was dealt in the most convenient way, keeping it put.

According to the DEA, Schedule 1 drugs have no accepted medical use, and yet currently, there are 22 states that have legalized the use of marijuana for medicinal use.

This confusion spilled over into a San Francisco courtroom on April 15, when U.S. District Judge, Kim-

berly Mueller, withheld marijuana’s position as a Schedule 1 drug.

She recognized that attitudes and facts concerning the drug has changed, but claimed that it was neither the place or the time to make that decision. She reminded the attending public that courts do not make laws, they uphold them.

If Mueller had not maintained the current schedule of marijuana, it would have done little towards actually rescheduling it and even if marijuana were to be reclassified, it would still be illegal on a federal level.

For Marijuana to be removed as a Schedule I drug, it has to be done through Congress, the Attorney General or through the executive branch.

Currently, three politicians, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Corey Booker of New Jersey and presidential candidate Rand Paul of Kentucky all sponsor the bill that controls the legalization and scheduling of marijuana.

Former Attorney General Eric Holder admitted that we should all be asking ourselves the question of whether we should reschedule marijuana and if it is really as bad and dangerous as heroin?

We should be asking ourselves this question because there are consequences to marijuana’s smeared reputation by being classified alongside dangerous drugs.

Ask a third of a million people

“Those caught with marijuana still face federal prosecution if they are found using or selling it.” arrested for marijuana possession each year. Those caught with marijuana still face federal prosecution if they are found using or selling it.

Even patients with medical cannabis cards cannot medicate themselves without the risk of negative repercussions.

Here at Citrus, if a student relies on marijuana to alleviate medical symptoms, they must do so off campus.

What other prescribed medication are you required to leave at home for fear of being arrested if you are not just using it but possessing it?

Even if you do not consume marijuana, the scheduling still affects everyone.

Each year, marijuana arrests costs taxpayers close to three billion dollars in trials, imprisonment, legal fees and enforcement.

Maintaining a Schedule 1 also limits funds being used for additional research and studies that would help shed light on the benefits of marijuana for medicinal use.

It restricts universities from receiving grants to fund necessary trials that would shed more light on

the medical uses of cannabis.

All of the scientific evidence makes it clear that marijuana has no place being a Schedule 1 drug. It is important that more people recognize this and take action toward having marijuana rescheduled.

The recent elevated attention on the matter of rescheduling marijuana has proponents and activists hopeful that a reconsideration on a federal level is in the near future.

This week, fans of the plant observe national 420 day. Marijuana even has it’s own day of the year!

On this day, there are positive expressions and information shared towards the use of marijuana and it is important to gain favorable responses towards rescheduling it in the types of hearings like the one conducted last week.

If Mueller had been supportive of having the law changed this may have been noticed in Washington.

Supporters hope to gain positive consideration to these rulings because of the attention it would draw from Congress.

If it’s not, your joint will still be as bad a syringe filled with heroin.

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