Clarion 6/4/14

‘girls aloud!’ rocks through the ages The Women’s Ensemble prepares for their end of the year performance.

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18.2 million registered voters in California.

Source: Huffington Post

CLARION CITRUS COLLEGE

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vol lxxxII issue 8

Election for Executive BUDGET Board underway POSES

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

S

even of the nine candidates running for executive board positions assembled at a large table and answered questions posed

by ASCC president Tyler Hernandez.

The Associated Students of Citrus College hosted the forum on May 27 in the Campus Center Mall. The event gave the student body a chance to meet those in the running for student government before voting on June 4 and 5.

The 17-seat executive board of ASCC is in charge of a variety of educational and student activities on campus. Officers are responsible for representing student interests in campus decisions on issues that affect students.

They also help offset student activities expenses for those attending interschool conferences as well as off-campus sporting events.

To qualify to run for ASCC office, a candidate must be currently enrolled in six or more units as well as have maintained a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher

There are five candidates running for the seven senator positions. ASCC senators are responsible for representing a specific area of the campus and serving as liaison between the Executive Board and the academic departments within that area.

Jessica Sanchez, 19, nursing major, who served as Azusa High School freshman lieutenant governor and sophomore governor is now looking to get involved at Citrus.

“I highly enjoy student government and making a difference at school. Student government is one of my biggest passions,” Sanchez said.

Also vying for the senator seat is psychology major Victoria Gonzalez, 21, who would like to see an increase in graduation rates and consistency.

Louis Ibarra, 20, a biochemistry major, says the ASCC has been doing a good job, but there are always new challenges to face and improvements to be made.

“I’m fighting for the chance to enhance the representation of the student body,” Ibarra said. “I believe that I will be an effective contributor to the ASCC Executive Board by giving Evan Solano Clarion straight forward representation and Fine and Performing Arts Senator Manuel Ramirez is the only candidate - See Candidates, pg. 3

Cameron Wisdom Clarion

Staff Writer • jmoreno@ccclarion.com

A

Weekend explorers need not travel far in order to engage in outdoor excursions beyond the boundaries of their cities and neighborhoods.

With finals around the corner and summer quickly approaching, a welldeserved break is in order.

- See Spotlight, pg. 8 - 9

- See Budget, pg. 3

Life in the bike lane

A

By Joe Moreno

fter years of struggling to enroll in classes that were simply not available, students can look forward to a more stable future as lawmakers look to restore funding for California community colleges.

California Gov. Jerry Brown’s May revise of the state budget aims to repair the financial damage dealt to California community colleges by the “Great Recession” and years of deferred payments by the State Legislature.

Brown released a record $107.8 billion budget proposal on May 13.

However, this proposal, plus an additional $2.4 billion in tax revenue that was not predicted by the Legislative Analyst Office in November, will still not be enough to correct the shortfalls of a state strapped with hundreds of billions of dollars in unfunded liabilities.

Citrus College held an all campus budget forum on Tuesday, June 3 in the Center for Innovation Community Room.

While the governor’s revision fails to fund universal preschool for 4-yearolds, a key priority among Democratic legislative leaders, he did introduce a plan to address the state’s $74 billion teacher pension fund liability.

“We’ve done a lot already, and we haven’t paid for what we’ve already done,” Brown said while addressing the lack of funding for new programs during his May 13 press conference.

“Without more taxes, there’s no other way around it.”

The governor’s budget revision was similar in many ways for higher education to the January proposal. The proposal is designed to address approximately $6 billion in deferred payments to education that built up

running for the open ASCC president position.

trip to the trails is an o p p o rtunity for adventurous individuals to find the necessary mental change of pace among the increasing demands of the working world.

The hustle and bustle of the greater Los Angeles area can often disconnect local residents from the peaceful nature and beauty of the surrounding areas.

NEW TRIALS

By Cameron Wisdom Staff Writer • cwisdom@ccclarion.com

By Joe Moreno Staff Writer • jmoreno@ccclarion.com

2

NEWS BRIEFS

CITRUS COLLEGE

Wednesday, JUNE 4, 2014

QUOTE

CLARION LOCal

of the

ISSUE “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” ~Walt Disney

Announcements ASCC Elections The Associated Students of Citrus College elections will take place June 4 and 5 in the Campus Center from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Summer 2014 International Student Information Seminar/ Orientation The seminar/orientation will take place June 16 in the Campus Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Motion!”

The Citrus College Dance Department presents “Motion!” directed by John Vaughan. The faculty and students of Citrus have choreographed dances for fans of jazz, ballet, hiphop and more. It will take place June 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. in the Haugh Performing Arts Center. Tickets: $5.

Los Angeles buys back firearms Los Angeles officials reported they collected 950 guns during the city’s weapon-purchase program May 31. Mayor Eric Garcetti said 13,000 firearms have been collected through the program since 2009. Officials collected 476 handguns, 273 rifles, 170 shotguns and 31 assault weapons. The owners anonymously traded their guns for Ralphs grocery gift cards worth up to $200 depending on the type of weapon.

“Unwanted guns are guns that go unnoticed, and they fall in the wrong hands,” said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck. “So they are the absolute best kind of weapons to get off the street.” The majority of guns collected during the buyback event will be melted down and turned into rebar according to Beck.

Pop Rock Battle Presented by the Citrus Music Department, the Battle of the Pop Rock Bands will take place in the Haugh Performing Arts Center June 10 at 8 p.m. Pre-show starts at 7:30 p.m. Presale tickets: $7. $10 at the door.

Correction:

An article titled, “Politicians Preach Free Speech” stated there were three free speech zones on campus. There is actually only one free speech zone on campus which extends from the Campus Center to the Hayden Memorial Library and from the Lecture Hall to the flag pole.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Incident reports encompassing the last month were not made available to the Clarion staff by press time.

‘Hackathon’ leads to homeless app The Los Angeles “Hackathon” event on June 1 gave its first place prize to a team that created an application to efficiently deliver supplies to homeless shelters. The event was tied to the launch of a new city website filled with data on numbers of stray animals, water usage, a calendar of city-sponsored events, graffiti clean-up bicycle lanes and other services. Zach Latta, 16, was the winner at this event and said there weren’t enough data sets related to homelessness available, and the ones that were available weren’t comprehensive enough for what his team needed. They instead built their app using crowd sourcing. Other participants said they may have been able to use the data had they been given more time to look through it.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Source: Los Angeles Times

STATE Local and federal authorities debate over immigrant inmates

Cause behind increase in earthquakes identified After a 10 year period of relatively quiet seismic activity in the Los Angeles area, the last five months have seen five earthquakes. Each earthquake larger than 4.0. The quakes have shown that seismic activity underneath the Santa Monica Mountains is increasing.

According to seismologist Egill Hauksson the mountains were formed by earthquake activity over millions of years. This has not happened since 1994, the year of the Northridge earthquake that produced 53 temblors. The U.S. Geological Survey has been studying the increase in earthquakes larger than 3.0 in the central and eastern United States in recent years. The USGS studies suggest the increased number of earthquakes coincides with the injection of wastewater deep underground, a process that occurs after an oil extraction technique called hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.”

More than a dozen California counties have stopped honoring requests from immigration agents to hold potentially deportable inmates longer than their sentence terms in jail. A federal court ruling in April found an Oregon county liable for damages after it held an inmate beyond her release date to transfer her into Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. Jo Wideman, executive director of Californians for Population Stabilization, stated that “criminals who should not even be here to begin with should not be released onto our streets.” Federal statistics show that more than 33,000 people who were identified by immigration authorities while in custody in L.A. County have been deported since August 2009. Rather than holding inmates, San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore said his agency will notify federal agents when inmates who have been flagged for potential immigration violations are released.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Source: Los Angeles Times

National

“Girls Aloud!”

The Citrus Women’s Ensemble presents “Girls Aloud!” Directed

by Vonetta Mixon. The talented members of the Women’s Ensemble present their annual musical showcase in the Citrus Little Theatre.

Tickets: $12. Student/Senior: $10.

June 6 and 7 at 8 p.m.

June 7 and 8 at 2 p.m.

ccclarion.com

Health benefits from cutting pollution

President declares June LGBT Pride month

The Obama Administration has a new plan it said will cut carbon pollution from power plants to not just fight climate change, but also improve health, preventing up to 100,000 asthma attacks and 2,100 heart attacks in the first year the plan takes effect. Taking into consideration the political resistance to his plan, President Obama is emphasizing the health benefits. According to the Department of Health and Human Services more than 25 million Americans, including 6.5 million children, have asthma. The new regulation will probably eliminate some coal plants and use the remaining one less, but does not phase them out completely. “With more than 300 million individuals worldwide affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and total deaths expected to increase more than 30 percent in the next ten years,” said Byron Thomashow, a lung specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

President Obama has declared June Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender pride month. In a proclamation released by the White House calling on Americans to recommit themselves to finishing the work that remains for achieving full equality. Although Obama reiterated his support for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act he made no mention of an executive order he has refused to sign that would prohibit federal contractors from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Obama also reaffirmed his commitment to addressing health disparities within the LGBT community and continuing to address HIV/AIDS. According to a White House official, on June 30 Obama will continue the tradition of hosting a reception at the White House in celebration of LGBT Pride Month.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Source: Metro Weekly

Global

Syrians vote for president

Ukraine continues to fight

Syrians filed into polling centers in government controlled areas of Syria June 3 in a ballot certain to hand President Bashar al-Assad another seven-year term amid a threeyear insurgency and a government crackdown. Voters’ fingers were stained with ink, making some residents wary that in the coming days having an unmarked finger would lead to problems at the city’s security checkpoints. Security was tight at more than 9,000 polling stations amid fears of insurgent attacks. The election is Syria’s first in more than five decades to feature more than one candidate since Assad’s father rose to power in 1970. Despite the assumed result, the vote is a milestone in a conflict that began with protests demanding political freedoms that has killed an estimated 160,000 Syrians.

Heavy fighting is taking place in and around the rebel-held city of Sloviansk in Eastern Ukraine according to Russian and Ukranian media reports. One member of security services was reported by local media to have been killed and 13 injured when seperatist roadblocks had been destroyed. Ukranian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov urged residents of Slovansk and nearby Kramatorsk and Krasnyi Lyman to stay indoors while fighting continued with proRussian militants. Hundreds of seperatists assaulted a border command centre which remains surrounded by gunmen. Five militants were reported to have been killed and eight wounded when the centre came under sustained attack. As many as 500 proRussian gunmen are believed to have been involved in the assault.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Source: BBC

NEWS

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State Budget - Budget, from pg. 1

during the recession which began in 2008.

“It’s certainly a relief to see a budget that has some positive figures as opposed to negative figures,” said Claudette Dain, Citrus College vice president of finance and administrative service.

“The biggest positive is that the course hasn’t strayed too much, and that the reductions (in the May revise) aren’t a huge detriment to community colleges.”

Some of the highlights include a decrease of $14.8 million to reflect a change from 3 percent to 2.75 percent in funds for new access for community college students during the 2014-2015 fiscal year. This represents an ongoing reduction to Citrus College of approximately $127,000 from the January budget proposal, Dain said.

The revise also established $50 million to the Economic and Workforce Development Program on a one-time basis “to improve student success in career technical education.”

There was also an adjustment to the maintenance and instructional equipment proposal, a decrease from $175 million to $148 million, with all funds going toward deferred maintenance in the revised proposal, rather than a equal split with instructional equipment.

“While we haven’t seen significant downward adjustments from the January budget proposal to the May revise, we are far below being restored (to pre-recession levels).

“We’re not there,” Dain said. “We’re still far below the level we need to be to offer the services that are needed.”

The main challenge the May revise brings to Citrus College is the increase in employer contributions to the California State Teachers’ Retirement System, which is only 67 percent funded.

Brown’s proposal includes a $450 million down payment to the CalSTRS program next year and calls for increasing contribution levels for employers and employees.

As part of the governor’s plan, employer contributions for the CalSTRS program would increase 1.25 percent during the 2014-2015 fiscal year and increase 1.6 percent each year after until 2020-2021.

“To further put it in perspective, a 1.25 percent increase in the STRS rate is about $300,000 for Citrus College on an ongoing basis,” Dain said.

“But that’s only for one year. It goes up again 1.6 percent the next year, which is roughly $355,000.

It’s $355,000 on top of $300,000.”

Citrus would be committing approximately $2.4 million a year more to the CalSTRS program by 2021. The college’s contributions would more than double to 19.1 percent of STRS $24 million pension fund payrolls over the next seven years.

Cost of living adjustments, or COLA, have risen more than 15 percent since 2007-2008, according to School Services of California Inc. From 2008-2009 to 2012-2013, the State Legislature decided to forgo COLA payments.

COLA was proposed in January at 0.86 percent for the 2014-2015 fiscal year, eventually shifting to 0.85 following the May revise. This rate is the second lowest COLA in 20 years and reflects the sluggish economic recovery, according to School Services of California Inc website.

With the COLA percentage rate at 0.85 percent, lower than the rate of contribution increase for the CalSTRS program at 1.25 percent, revenues (COLA) cannot keep pace with expenditures (CalSTRS contribution).

“We knew that there would be some sort of phase in plan. The problem is that COLA is not keeping pace with the expenditures,” Dain said.

The May revise was recently reviewed by the Legislative Analyst’s Office.

“Our May revenue forecast projects $2.5 billion higher revenues compared with that of the administration,” Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor said in the LAO report. “In addition, we project over $700 million more in local property taxes for school districts.”

In the coming weeks, the budget committees from both the Assembly and the Senate review the governor’s budget and a legislative conference committee will help balance differences between the two houses.

The new fiscal year begins July 1, 2014. The constitutional deadline for passage of a balanced budget is June 15.

policy for sexual assault prevention

By Jessica Soto News Editor • jsoto@ccclarion.com

P

roposed legislation could require colleges and universities to follow “victim centered” response and prevention measures to deal with sexual violence on campus.

Senate Bill 967, also known as the Affirmative Consent Bill, would require the California State University, University of California systems and California Community Colleges to adopt consistent sexual assault policies and protocols that focus on the victim.

Senator Kevin de Leon, Legislative Women’s Caucus Chair and Vice Chair, Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal along with Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson sponsor the bill.

“This bill makes a strong statement that California is moving from a culture of acceptance to a ‘no excuses’ culture,” said State Senator Hannah-Beth

Senator Kevin De Leon, author of Senate Bill 967.

Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) in a press release given to the Clarion by Senator Kevin de Leon’s press secretary, dated May 30. “No excusing for not supporting these victims. And no excuses for colleges and universities turning a blind eye to the problem of campus sexual assault and violence.”

If SB 967 becomes law, governing boards would be required to implement prevention and outreach programs addressing sexual assault,

MCT Campus

domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

Any college receiving public funding would have to adopt an “affirmative consent” standard.

The traditional “no means no” would not be enough. “Only yes means yes,” would be the standard.

The bill states, “’affirmative consent’ is a freely and affirmatively communicated willingness to participate in particular sexual activity or behavior, - See SB967, pg. 15

Candidates for the ASCC Executive Board from top left to bottom: Cameron Wisdom, Tyler Clifton, Jessica Sanchez, Jacqueline McCoy, Louis Ibarra and Victoria Gonzalez. Not pictured, Jacob Trinidad and Veronica Gomez. – PHOTOS BY: EVAN SOLANO/Clarion

candidates - from pg. 1

being an approachable senator.”

Also running for senator is Jacqueline McCoy, 25, a music recording major. She wants to play a bigger role in campus activities and to network more with the students.

“I feel I can add organization and more planning in activities on campus,” McCoy said.

“My whole reason for running is to be a bigger voice for the students and be not only interactive in student government but with the student body as a whole,” she said.

Senate candidate Jacob Trinidad, 22, a physical science and mathematics major said he hopes to bring a new perspective to student government.

“I want to get to know more people and try to make a positive difference in myself and at this school,” Trinidad said.

Three candidates are running for the position of legislative liaison: Tyler Clifton, Cameron Wisdom and Veronica Gomez.

The role of the legislative liaison is to act as the student representative to local political organization and associations.

Clifton, 32, is a political science major who hopes to gain further knowledge of politics by running. “Being part of ASCC is a good platform so that if I were to get involved in politics in the distant future it can give me experience and knowledge that I need to succeed,” Clifton said.

Clifton is currently serving as Inter Club Council vice president and notes the similarities between the two organizations, “Even though ICC and ASCC are different groups, they are similar in that you do have to work with other people and bend a little bit to make stuff happen and get things done,” he said.

Business major Cameron Wisdom, 24, said he is running for legislative liaison to be more proactively involved with the

student body.

He cites his previous work experience as a logistics manager at a transportation company as an advantage in this race.

“I have over six years of professional experience in a management role.” Wisdom said. “I’ve worked with many personalities and was responsible for a multi-million dollar operation.”

Veronica Gomez, 20, liberal arts major, participated in student government in high school and wants to continue that at Citrus as well.

“I can add different points of view and rational reasoning,” Gomez said. “ I have been part of several clubs in high school and I want to use my experience from being part of student government and impact the ASCC in a positive manner.”

Running unopposed for president of the ASCC is Manuel Ramirez who is currently serving as senator for Fine & Performing Arts as well as president of the Native America Student Association.

Ramirez says he wanted to run for president to take on a greater responsibility to be able to lead and assist the new members of the executive board, “With the encouragement of the outgoing ASCC leaders I felt it was something I could do.”

Current president, Tyler Hernandez, 19, political science major, met with Ramirez to go over what the position entails, “He and I spent a good 45 minutes talking about everything I have had to do over the past two years as president. It was a really good conversation and he asked some amazing questions.” Hernandez said. “I feel very confident for him going for president.”

Hernandez says the responsibilities by the constitution may not seem as daunting as the day-to-day duties entailed.

“The personal responsibilities to the board members is where

the real work comes in,” he said.

“The president needs to understand the different needs and wants of the other board members, and maintain a sense of cohesiveness within the group.

Making sure everyone is doing their job without making it seem like ‘work’, we’re still students and we want it to be fun.”

Although he does not face a challenger in the election, Ramirez says there are still challenges to being elected president, such as securing the minimum 50 votes to get nominated.

Ramirez hopes to increase student participation and continue to be active on campus to help with issues he feels are pressing to the student body, “I think because we’re a community college students look at it differently in terms of how they defined their goals.”

“The biggest misconception is that because we’re a community college, that there is nothing available to us as much as there would be at university level, which is just not true.”

Hernandez believes that the best way students can address the concerns they have is to get involved with the election process.

“We all have very different opinions on what government should do, what benefits we should have, what students and administration can do for each other. If you want change to happen, you have to be part of that change,” he said.

“There are so many things that students want changed, but they need to be involved in the process if they want them to be changed, and voting is the best way to do that because you are placing people who you trust and you know will represent you to get things done.”

ASCC elections will be held on June 4 & 5 in the Center Mall, from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Student government leaders honored

By Careesa Campbell Opinions Editor • ccampbell@ccclarion.com

T

he executive board of the Associated Students of Citrus College has produced more than just successful events such as Spring Fest, Suicide Prevention Awareness Day and Sex 101 Week.

It has also produced the Man and Woman of the Year.

Tyler Hernandez, President of ASCC, is the 2014 “Man of the Year.”

Hernandez has a family history with Citrus College. His mother, Joanne Hinojosa, was once a Citrus student and is now an EOP&S counselor and CARE supervisor.

“Citrus College has always been a part of my family,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez’s interest in student government was sparked in middle school his mother said. His ability to get others involved eased him into a natural transition from ASB president at Azusa High School to ASCC president at Citrus College.

“To see what he’s done just amazes me,” Hinojosa said. “I love it. When other people come to tell me that my son is awesome and is doing great things, it makes me proud. He’s come a long way.”

Hernandez has mastered balancing school and extracurricular activities.

“He has always been a good student, but I think here he really stepped it up and not only did well with his studies but got involved,” his mother said. “I see a bright future for him.”

Hernandez said he has faced criticisms about his young age, but he never let it stop him from doing what he is passionate about.

Adrienne Thompson, supervisor of student life and leadership development, said that he has handled those criticisms “like a champ.”

Thompson also described Hernandez as a responsible and mature young adult. “He is a student with so much ambition,” she said.

Hernandez, who is graduating from Citrus at age 19, is determined to make a difference in the way that young people are involved in government.

He said he wants to prove that this young generation of college students can make a lasting impression in poli-

Evan Solano Clarion

Adrienne Thompson, ASCC supervisor presents Alejandra Morales, vice president of ASCC, “Woman of the Year” award at the ceremony held May 29. Morales will be attending UCLA in the fall to pursue a major in English.

Evan Solano Clarion

Tyler Hernandez, president of ASCC, received the 2014 “Man of the Year” award. He will be transferring to CSULB to pursue a political science major.

tics and government.

“We have a future to prepare for, and I want everybody to be prepared for it,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez said that being named Man of the Year is an accomplishment he will forever keep in his heart.

“It is the biggest affirmation I have received at Citrus College,” he said. “I was selected among some very high quality, highly competitive candidates.”

Hernandez plans to attend Cal State University at Long Beach where he will pursue a bachelors in political science with an emphasis on comparative pol-

itics. He also plans to attend UC Irvine to continue his studies for a master’s in comparative politics. “Ultimately I hope to come back and teach here at Citrus,” he said.

Student government vice president Alejandra Morales, 21, has been named as “Woman of the Year.”

As an undocumented student, Morales said the struggles she has endured have molded her into the woman she is today.

After Morales’ first year at Citrus, her family moved to Oklahoma but because of her status as an AB 540 student, she was forced to stay behind in

California, pay for her education out of her own pocket and adjust to living life according to her grandparents’ expectations.

“I came from a background which viewed community colleges as a place where people who don’t make it to UC and Cal States go, so when I came here, I hated it,” Morales said. “But coming from that very first day to now, four years later, it has been amazing.”

Carlos De La Torre, treasurer of ASCC, said Morales is ambitious and responsible in her schoolwork, serving as the president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and chairing ASCC committees.

“She has a lot on her plate and she takes on a lot of projects,” he said.

Morales also said that the two and a half years she has been a part of ASCC has helped her strengthen her leadership skills. “I came into ASCC as a very shy girl and didn’t want to talk to anybody, but I have come to realize I have a passion to fight for bigger and better things,” she said. “Through the voice I gained through ASCC, I was able to accomplish so much.”

Morales said her involvement with the PTK Honor Society, which devised the plan to promote Citrus as a college of completion, is her proudest moment.

“I was able to challenge the faculty members, staff and board of trustees to take on this pledge of helping the students of Citrus College find new ways to complete their education in a timely manner,” Morales said.

ASCC senator, Jonathan Carmona, 25, has known Morales for several years.

He said he has seen her transform from a quiet and insecure girl to a hard worker and detail-oriented leader.

“When I first met her, she was very shy and not too sure about herself,” he said. “Now she definitely exudes confidence, and she’s really proud about the work she’s done and where she’s going.”

Thompson also said she has seen Morales blossom from a quiet girl to an accomplished young woman with passion and dedication.

During her speech congratulating Morales on the Woman of the Year nomination, Thompson explained she could not recall when she came to know Morales, but she remembers the exact moment she saw a change in the once shy vice president.

During the convocation preceding the fall 2012 semester, Morales presented a presentation alongside Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D. superintendent/ president, in front of all of the faculty and staff.

“For days before I knew she was so nervous,” Thompson said. “Then she saw this overwhelming support from everybody and it just boosted her confidence and she became this totally different person.”

De La Torre, 20, said he will remember Morales as a role model. “She has a lot of qualities that I admire like her ambition, her drive to be better, and her ability to be optimistic despite all her challenges,” he said. “If she can do it, anyone can do it.”

Morales said one of the happiest moments in her life was when she found out she had been nominated Woman of the Year.

Morales will be attending UCLA in the fall where she plans to get a Bachelors Degree in English, a Masters in counseling and a doctorate in higher education administration.

“I hope to one day see myself back here at Citrus,” Morales said.

“All the work that I have done for Citrus College and all the time I have put into my education and making this school more effective for the students culminates into this title,” she said.

“It’s an honor. This title proves that it has been a very long road filled with obstacles, but I have overcome them.”

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Cameron Wisdom Clarion

Joe Harvey looks on during a recent reception for new tenured faculty and retirees held by the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. The professor’s career was celebrated at the event for his commitment to students and representation of his peers while he served as president of the Citrus College Faculty Association.

Iconic professor to retire

By Cameron Wisdom Staff Writer • cwisdom@ccclarion.com

S

tudents and coworkers who have crossed paths with Joe Harvey in their Citrus careers agree: the professor is an unforgettable figure with a down-to-earth personality and unmistakable charm.

After what he described as 24 amazing years teaching English at Citrus, Harvey plans to retire at the end of the spring semester.

Along the way, he has left an indelible impression on the people who have been moved by the professor’s “you can do it, too” attitude.

Beverly Van Citters, Ph. D., is the director of Distance Education and also teaches in the language arts department. She knows Harvey well and admires the professor’s approach towards education and the way he inspires students to stay the course despite adversity.

“Here’s a guy that just bares it all in the classroom and tells them exactly his trek,” said Van Citters. “A lot of students find it really helpful to know that someone who eventually made it has faced a lot of challenges as well.”

Harvey is well known for his ability to improvise and share relatable life stories into his lectures that keep his students engaged in the lesson plan.

“I have a lot of stories I can’t even tell you,” Harvey said playfully.

Business major Keivon Owens, 23, is enrolled in one of Harvey’s English courses.

Owens said that he enjoys the way the ever self-aware professor injects his life stories into the topics of discussion.

“He’s a man of many stories,” Owens said. “Every day is interesting. The way he grew up is pretty similar to some of the students in there.”

The professor’s philosophy on education is that every student has a need, and that it is his job to find out what it is and to help him or her fulfill it.

He embodies the spirit of Everyman.

On the first day of class each semester, students may not realize that the unassuming professor with a scruffy beard and blue jeans personality is about to take them on a semester-long journey of progression and self-discovery.

Harvey has the trademark pride and bravado that is unique to his roots in the boroughs of New York City. The professor was born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens.

He often wears an aged Yankees hat to display his hometown pride.

“I’m a Mets fan until they start to stink, and then I’m a Yankees fan,” Harvey said. “It’s usually around the All-Star break.”

He served about two years as an active solider in the Marines before he went to college. Harvey had originally enrolled as an accounting major but eventually discovered that he possessed an affinity for writing. He graduated from City College of New York with a degree in English and coursework in education.

Harvey became a teacher for a variety of reasons. He investigated it as a career and realized that it was the right path for him.

“I thought I would get summers off, but I ended up working the first 20 summers of my career,” Harvey said jokingly.

He taught Language Arts for 11 years at Evander Childs High School in the Bronx. In search of a change of scenery, he moved across the country to Southern California and got a fresh start.

“I needed to change everything,” Harvey said. “To be honest with you, besides quitting drinking, it was the best decision I ever made.”

When he arrived on the West Coast, Harvey spent some time working at

Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in the city of Downey.

His first job teaching in California was at Manual Arts Senior High School in South-Central Los Angeles. During his time there he continued to apply for jobs at community colleges and was hired to teach at Citrus.

“This is the best job I have ever had,” Harvey said of his time at Citrus. “I have always been treated fairly here.”

Harvey believes that Citrus gave him an enormous opportunity to grow.

“The students were wonderful, my coworkers were wonderful, and even the administration and the Board of Trustees were good to me,” Harvey said.

his wife Betty and he says he is still as madly in love with her now as he was the day they married. They are selling their house and moving to Oceanside as soon as he retires.

“My wife is my soul mate,” Harvey said. “She’s helped me make a good life for myself.”

His son James is a firefighter in the Bronx. The professor expressed pride in his son for being an everyday hero.

His daughter Brigit is a biology major at UCLA, and because Harvey is a disabled veteran, her tuition is covered by the Veterans Administration. For this reason, he said his service in the military was beneficial beyond his own experience in the corps.

“I think the thing that has always meant the most to me is when a student I’ve had comes back at some point later in his or her life and says ‘Look what I’ve done’” -Joe Harvey

professor of language arts Harvey spent several years as president of the Citrus College Faculty Association advocating for the interests and rights of the Citrus faculty. The position would sometimes pit him as an adversary at the negotiating table.

“His passion for making sure that everybody was included and that nobody’s rights were violated speaks to his character,” said Van Citters.

Patricia Rasmussen, Ph.D., is president of the Citrus Community College Board of Trustees. She describes Harvey as having a flexible, fun, and feisty personality. She recently applauded his efforts during his tenure at a recent BOT reception for retiring faculty and staff.

Harvey beamed as she lauded his long career and dedication to the Citrus community. They quipped back and forth to the delight of all in attendance.

While teaching at Citrus, Harvey met

“I brought them up trying to teach them how to make good decisions, rather than trying to make decisions for them,” Harvey said.

The professor said that he feels very blessed to have his children in his life, and noted that they taught him just as much as he taught them.

Harvey is proud of his Irish heritage.

He played the snare drum in the Los Angles Police Emerald Society’s Pipes and Drums band and marched with the band in the 2012 Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena.

Harvey is also a member of Irish Northern Aid and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

“I’ve been very involved in Irish affairs both political and otherwise,” Harvey said. “I have always stayed in touch with my cultural roots.”

During his retirement, Harvey said that he would like to get involved with helping the homeless, especially

homeless veterans. His new home will be close to Camp Pendleton, and he sees it as an opportunity to help out however he can.

He plans to ride his bicycle more often now that he will have an abundance of free time. The professor has an old Schwinn his wife gave him as a gift more than 20 years ago, which he admits has seen better days.

“There’s something about riding a ratty bike that you just can’t beat,” Harvey said.

His proudest accomplishment is the success of his former students.

“I think the thing that has always meant the most to me is when a student I’ve had comes back at some point later in his or her life and says ‘Look what I’ve done’,” Harvey said.

“Those are the moments that really make you realize that what you’ve dedicated your life to has really paid off.”

Harvey’s endearing sense of humility is apparent in his perspective on life.

“You have to respect others if you expect respect for yourself,” Harvey said.

“If you don’t treat people the way you wish to be treated, you will never be happy.”

A saying attributed to Abraham Lincoln has affected his outlook on life: “I guess people are as happy as they want to be.”

Above all else, Harvey hopes that his students strive to never let any adversity stop them from achieving their goals.

“I would tell the students here the same things I told my kids,” Harvey said. “Don’t ever give up. Just keep pushing, no matter what happens. If you keep trying and you keep working at it you will succeed eventually,” he said.

“It may not be at the thing that you had originally planned, but you will end up being successful…. Don’t quit.”

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7

Life coaching begins as counseling ends

By Careesa Campbell Opinions Editor • ccampbell@ccclarion.com

A

fter 34 years at Citrus College, counselor Vince Mercurio is making it official. “It’s time for me to go,” he said.

Mercurio has served Citrus students as a part-time and full-time counselor during his tenure.

“I have always been told I have a way of working with people,” he said.

“That’s my gift.”

His training was in marriage, family and child counseling but decided it was not the right path for him.

“I wanted to get into educational counseling because it was more structured and fulfilling,” he said. “Working with the disabled population has been great. I have learned far more from them than whatever they’ve gotten from me.”

Mercurio says one of the most important lessons he has learned is to always be encouraging, both in and outside of work and advocate equal opportunity for all. “[The students] have surprised me and more importantly they surprise themselves when they make huge strides in accomplishing whatever their goal was,” he said. “No matter what their circumstance, never prejudge anybody. Everybody has the opportunity to do the things that they

want to do.”

His office is decorated with notes and letters from former students thanking him for his help. The letters expressed their gratitude for his advice and comforting environment.

“I’m going into a whole new phase of my life, and there’s a little bit of apprehension and a little bit of excitement.”

-Vince Mercurio

Citrus College Counselor “My most cherished memories will be my [disabled] students coming back to me and thanking me for making their life just a little bit better,” Mercurio said. “It’s just wonderful.”

Reuben Rodriguez, 20, says he noticed how hardworking and friendly Mercurio always is.

Rodriguez said that even though Mercurio is not his counselor, he helped him register for the right classes.

“He has helped me with picking teachers and gave me good advice on which classes I should take,” Rodriguez said. “He’s a very nice fellow.”

Coe Lamoureux, international students program supervisor, has known Mercurio for 20 years.

“We have a lot of great people at Citrus, but Vince is truly one of the best people I have come across,” Lamoureux said. “If you were going to see Vince, you knew you were going to feel better.”

Lamoureux described Mercurio as humble and as a person who always exhibits kindness and sincerity.

“He has such a positive countenance and always has a good thing to say,” Lamoureux said.

Stephen Avalos, counselor/therapist, said Mercurio was one of the first friendly faces he has ever met at Citrus.

“He always greets you like you’re an old friend whether you’ve just met him for the first time or not,” Avalos said.

“He has a really smooth and comfortable way to connect with people.”

After nearly 14 years of remaining close friends, Avalos said making the adjustment in his work environment without Mercurio will be difficult. “He is a true friend in the full sense of the word,” Avalos said. “When you are in trouble, Vince is there for you.”

After retirement, Mercurio plans to make his free time meaningful by using his gift to help others at Christ Church of the Valley.

“I feel like I can give so much back,” he said. “I don’t think it will be as much educational counseling as it will be life coaching.”

He said after more than 30 years of counseling, all the time he has put into helping others has to account for something. “I just thought why waste

Careesa Campbell Clarion

Vince Mercurio, DSP&S counselor, has served the Citrus community for 34 years. He is retiring at the end of the spring 2014 semester and will use his skills to help those in need at Christ Church of the Valley.

all those good years working with people here when I can work with people [at church] in a whole different environment.”

Mercurio’s wife inspired the idea of working with their church and they are planning to take on this new challenge together. They have completed workshops for couples’ premarital counseling, but hope they can provide advice to others on ways to reach their goals.

“I saw how much joy she was getting out of it and how much she was helping people,” Mercurio said. “All I would

be providing is guidance in some way or another and helping them to figure out their problems and how to readjust their lives so they can experience some form of success.”

Mercurio is looking forward to experience life after retirement.

“I’m going into a whole new phase of my life, and there’s a little bit of apprehension and a little bit of excitement,” Mercurio said. “Life is going to be different, I know that. It’s all about a journey and I’m looking forward to whatever life brings.”

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

CLARION ccclarion.com CITRUS COLLEGE

SPOTLIGHT

CITRUS HOT ON THE TRAILS AS S CHANTRY FLATS Length / Duration 8.8 miles / 2-3 hours

Difficulty

Located near Sierra Madre, Chantry Flats offers scenic forest views, native flowers, two waterfalls, dog access and multiple trail options. The Gabrielino trail leads to Sturtevant Falls, while First Water Trail leads to Hermit Falls. The majority of the hike is near water and shaded. Adventurers can expect to find a community of cabins and variety of environments from dry desert plants and trees, to cool-dark forests.

EAST FORK TRAIL Length / Duration

Difficulty

10 miles / 4.5 hours Also known as the Bridge to Nowhere, East Fork Trail stretches 10 miles with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. Temperatures are extremely high during summer. If possible, begin walking in the early morning to avoid the heat and large crowds. The trail presents multiple terrains to navigate, including a handful of stream crossings. Dogs are permitted, but not advised. Hikers can also indulge in a dip alongside the trail.

Extra socks are recommended.

MONROVIA CANYON

Length / Duration 1.7 miles / 1 hour

Difficulty

Monrovia Canyon is great for the beginning hiker. The trail is wide, there are not many up hill climbs and shaded paths makes for a cool trip through the canyon. Kid and pet friendly.

Parking is free on nearby streets but hikers can also drive inside the park gate and pay $5 to park. Looking for more of a challenge?

Tackle historic Ben Overturff Trail, which measures seven miles with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. Allow 3-5 hours to complete.

GARCIA TRAIL Length / Duration

Difficulty

1.3 miles / 1.5 hours A favorite amongst Citrus College students due to the trail’s proximity to the campus, Garcia Trail has been closed since the Colby Fire in January. During the fire, the trail incurred significant damage that left it unstable and unsafe for public use. The trail is closed indefinitely while the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Forestry Division evaluates its condition and determines Garcia Trail’s permanent status.

- Trails, from pg. 1

The foothills and canyons leading north into the San Gabriel Mountains provide many easily accessible hiking trails for those seeking adventure.

The eastern San Gabriel Valley is also home to a variety of interconnecting bike paths that allow riders to travel long distances with minimal traffic interference.

Fitness enthusiasts find the local trails and pathways to be ideal locations to break free from the tedious monotony of a treadmill or an average jog around the block.

Many of the area’s trails and pathways are free to use. However, adventure passes may be necessary to park in designated areas of the Angeles National Forest.

According to the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association website, adventure passes cost $5 for day and are also offered at $30 for a year.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

9

SUMMER PREPARES TO KICK OFF The local community is encouraged to use the trails, but must also be mindful of keeping the trails clean for future generations.

The US Forest Service recently closed 1,650 acres of the popular Cucamonga Canyon above Alta Loma because of fire dangers. The Forest Service also recognized the incredible amount of damage caused by increased use. The canyon was widely known for the Sapphire Falls, and the trail leading up to the waterfalls was filled with trash and graffiti.

You do not have to be a seasoned expert to conquer some of the more popular trails in Citrus’ backyard.

Whether you need a change of scenery in your cardio routine or just a breath of fresh air, these trails were picked for their accessibility and notable scenery.

SAN GABRIEL RIVER TRAIL

Length / Trail Type 38 miles / Paved

Difficulty

This popular trail and bike path will lead adventurous cyclists from the mouth of Azusa Canyon to the coastal city of Seal Beach in Orange County. The paths are well maintained throughout the length of the trail which parallels the 605 freeway for much of its journey. A popular starting point for less experienced riders is the terminus at the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in South El Monte.

MARSHALL CANYON

Length / Trail Type 4.1 miles / Mountain

Difficulty

Marshall Canyon is a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and even equestrian riders. The trails feature about 1,200 feet in elevation gain/loss and are suitable for beginners to moderately experienced riders.

The trails connect to the popular Claremont Loop to the east. Wildlife sightings are common, deer and bears are frequently reported to roam the area.

QUICK TIPS

Bring water and snacks Wear sunscreen and bug spray Respect the wildlife

Never hike alone Be mindful of the time Do not litter

BONELLI PARK

Length / Trail Type 6 miles / Mountain

Difficulty

Bonelli Park is home to several fire roads and single track trails that traverse the area surrounding Puddingstone Reservoir. The park is recommended for beginners and more experienced riders alike, with trails of varying difficulty distributed throughout the park’s roughly 1,975 acres of rolling hills. This is a great park for riders looking to explore on short notice.

PACIFIC ELECTRIC Length / Trail Type 18.1 miles / Paved

Difficulty

The Pacific Electric Trail is easily the most traversed bike path in the Inland Empire.

The trail runs from Rialto to Claremont and intersects popular destinations such as Victoria Gardens, Downtown Upland, and the Claremont Village. Riders should be wary of a prevailing westerly wind that picks up regularly in the early afternoon making westward travel more difficult.

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Thirsteas: Blended to perfection

By Careesa Campbell Opinions Editor • ccampbell@ccclarion.com

F

rom trendy acai bowls, fusion teas and healthy smoothies, to milk tea and fluff ice, Thirsteas Fresh Juice & Boba Teas does not disappoint with their wide variety of options delivering each order with tasty goodness.

This restaurant is a busy but small, clean shop with hip white couches and tables, bright green walls and modern music; it’s the perfect spot for college students to hang with friends and quench their thirst.

The employees are always friendly and patient, as reading through the long lists of inexpensive items can take a while.

When ordering on a busy day, the wait can last about 10-15 minutes usually because the employees are cutting fresh fruit and veggies by hand, a refreshing way to know that what you’ve ordered has not been processed or unthawed.

The 007 Smoothie is a passion fruit mix with peaches, bananas and orange sherbet. It is by far my favorite though I have ordered many others like the Berry Best, Mango Tango, and California Cool, all of which were delicious. I would order each again.

Careesa Campbell Clarion

A Thirsteas employee shows a customer some of the menu offerings on display. The restaurant is a short walking distance from campus at the corner of Barranca Avenue and Alosta Avenue.

The acai bowls come in two sizes (regular or large) and I have found the large is big enough for two. Depending on what you order, each bowl is filled with an acai smoothie base, topped to the brim with a variety of fruit and drizzled with honey.

Fusion tea flavors include strawberry, green apple, watermelon, lemonade, peach, mango, passion fruit lychee, pomegranate and kiwi. Despite my dislike for teas, I ordered the peach flavor with a green tea base and declared love at first sip. Black tea is also avail-

able as an option.

Tax is included in the price, so what you see is what you pay. Smoothies range from $4.25 for a regular size and $5.25 for a large; acai bowls range from $6.50-$8.50; fusion teas are $2.95$3.95.

Thirsteas is open from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m. -9 p.m.

Sundays. It is located on the corner of Alosta Avenue and Barranca Avenue, less than a five minute drive from campus.

ARTIST PROFILE: ABRAHAM MUNOZ

By Julian Flores Staff Writer • jflores@ccclarion.com

“I

magination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will” said George Bernard Shaw.

Similar to Shaw, sophomore Abraham Munoz expresses his creativity onto paper based off his emotions, epiphanies, and imaginativeness.

“My emotions are the key driving force for my drawings,” said Munoz.

“Every piece has had some sort of emotional inspiration or brought up some idea that I am emotionally attached to.”

His unique, conceptual artwork includes cartoon characters, marine life, and abstract figures and shapes.

“My art style may be a little weird and out of the blue but that’s what makes it special because you may not have seen anything like it before,” said Munoz.

“I want to be able to give people that wow factor and amazement when they see my drawings because I like making things that people have never seen or even imagined.”

Munoz also considers emotion to be the most important factor in his drawings because they can either add flavor to his ideas or simply ruin them.

Another aspect that is vital to him is the color scheme he decides on. He gets those ideas from his surrounding

environment and sometimes even from objects on television. After the creative juices start to flow, Munoz immediately gets his hands on a piece of paper and begins to draw.

A lot of his motivation to draw comes from his childhood.

“To tell you the truth, I have always loved art ever since I can remember,” said Munoz. “When I was little, I would spend hours tracing, copying or drawing crazy little things every time I had the chance to.”

Tracing pictures from SpongeBob coloring books, coloring in dinosaurs, and constant doodling has helped mold Munoz into the artist he is today.

His mother and older cousin Alex introduced him to art. When Munoz was a child, the two of them used to tell him stories of their past experiences with drawing, and also sit down and draw with him. However, the real credit goes to his high school teacher Teri Henghold for teaching him the fundamentals in art and showing him to make his drawings come alive by detailing them.

With aspirations of being accepted into the graphic design program at Cal Poly Pomona, Munoz plans to improve as an artist, intern, display his art in galleries, and hopes to one day become a full time artist.

“This is something I have to pursue as a career because it is something I love and something I can spend endless hours doing,” said Munoz. “I feel that I can change people’s lives with my crazy art style.”

Artwork Courtesy of Abraham Munoz

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women’s ensemble ready to get ‘aloud’

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

J

oin the Citrus College Women’s Ensemble as they celebrate their group’s 25th anniversary in the Little Theatre June 6, 7 and 8.

This year’s showcase is directed by Vonetta Mixson, a private voice instructor and alumna of the Citrus College vocal music department. Titled “Girls Aloud!” it pays tribute to female musicians and displays the talents of the group.

The event will also serve as celebration of their 25th anniversary and of its founder, Douglas Austin.

“I am honored and touched that they are celebrating 25 years of our women’s ensemble program, and in the process, honoring me as the founding director,” Austin said. “It is a program I have always believed in, and I am so pleased to see it thriving 25 years after its inception.”

Additionally, the 18 women of the ensemble will be dedicating their closing song to cancer survivors, a cause chosen by student director Hillary

tunes that I like to refer to as a sound track to life,” Mixson said. “At any moment you will find yourself humming a song, saying ‘I remember this...I love that song.’”

Show-goers can expect to hear hit songs such as the ‘60s hit “My Boyfriend’s Back” by The Angels and “Our Lips Are Sealed” by The Go-Go’s.

“The anniversary should and does celebrate three excellent directors [Austin, Mixson and Keely Milliken], many gifted choreographers, and above all, 25 years of dedicated, focused and talented women who have gone through the program,” Austin said.

Audiences can catch the on-stage celebration June 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. with matinees on both June 7 and 8 at 2 Evan Solano Clarion Suzanne Boles, 19, fine & performing arts major performing “Sweet Dreams” by The Eurythmics. The performance “Girls p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Aloud!” showcases female fronted hits throughout every decade of music history. box office Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Reyes, with a mash up of “I Will Sur- giving them a chance to improve their appearances from former Women’s The cost for general audience members is $12. Student/senior tickets are vive” by Gloria Gaynor and “Survivor” performing skills by providing the ex- Ensemble members. perience and the opportunity to per- “Audiences can expect a high energy $10.

by Destiny’s Child.

For Stephanie Barreto, 21, biology form for many people,” Barreto said. show, a trip down memory lane with major, this showcase marks her third “It is a stepping stone for many of the girls to go on to better things.” and final year being in the ensemble.

Our Citrus Students Have “Women’s Ensemble has helped In celebrating the 25th anniversary, women who want to be performers by the showcase will have guest

TalenT!

Pop rock battle rages on

Citrus Dance Department presents

By Julian Flores

Tickets: $5

Motion!

Contributing Writer Photo: Spencer Croce

W

Thu & Fri

June

5&6

at 8PM

Citrus Women’s Ensemble presents

Girls Aloud!

Tickets: $12 Student/Senior: $10 Citrus Little Theatre

June Evan Solano Clarion

Margarita Mitsuru, 19, medical science major, performs the MGMT song “Electric Feel” along with Napoleon Jelks, not pictured. The bands also cover MGMT’s hit “Kids,” Paramore’s “Misery Business” and Aretha Franklin’s classic “Think.”

ple started to get upset and just went a little overboard.”

Pop Rock students who sign up for classes are taught how to play and perform at a high level like successful, professional musicians.

“There’s one thing of being in a classroom and playing for each other, but when you add the element of playing for other human beings you don’t know, it’s just a whole different equation,” said Munoz.

“We talk about what to say, what not to say, how to dress, how to be professional, and what to do if someone comes knocking at your door with an opportunity.”

Pop Rock 1 is for advanced level students. The band plays at weddings, performs at many casinos, does backup for famous musicians, and per-

forms at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel and Resort every summer.

Pop Rock 2 performs fewer off campus gigs, and Pop Rock 3 performs for campus events and at local restaurants. Its purpose is to give student firm grasps of performance fundamentals.

“I’m excited to perform in front of my family for the first time,” said Pop Rock 3 student Byron Dodson. “ It’s been a couple years that I’ve been [with the group] grinding and putting in hard work while my family is at home in Riverside, watching me and supporting me. I can finally get to show them what I’ve been working on and it’s going to be the greatest feeling.”

Presale tickets are $7 and $10 sold at the door. The pre-show will start at 7:30 p.m. followed by the showcase at 8 p.m.

6&7 7&8

at 8PM at 2PM Citrus Music Department presents

BATTLE OF THE POP ROCK BANDS Photo: Michelle Barr

hat better way to celebrate the end of the semester than by jamming out to good music performed by your peers?

The 6th annual Battle of the Pop Rocks Bands will take place June 6 at the Haugh Performing Arts Center.

“I’m doing ‘Think’ by Aretha Franklin,” said performing arts major Braelynn Marrôn, 24.

“They gave it to me and I was like there’s no way I’m going to do it but this class has taught me to work hard and that you can do anything so I’m really ecstatic, actually.”

The concert will feature the band Nightshift (Pop Rock 1), Pop Rock 2 class and Pop Rock 3 classes. At the showcase, students can expect to hear hits from the 1960s to modern pop.

“I’m most looking forward to having a blast with my friends and classmates, just rocking out,” said Pop Rock 3 student Moriah LaPointe. “I think the audience is really going to enjoy our energy and spirit, as well as seeing the other pop divisions perform, because they are awesome.”

LaPointe will be singing “Sunday Morning” by No Doubt and doing backup vocals for “Electric Feel” by MGMT. For the past several years, the showcase was a competition judged by professionals.

Producers, commissioners and working musicians would score the three music groups.

However, this year, the showcase has been recognized as a more fun, friendly, open concert rather than a contest.

“I wasn’t feeling good about the way the students were reacting,” said Pop Rock director Gino Munoz.

“It just wasn’t friendly anymore. Peo-

Tickets: $7 presale $10 at the door

Tuesday June

10

at 8PM pre-show at 7:30PM

1000 W. Foothill Blvd. • Glendora, Ca 91741 Box Office Open: Tuesday - Saturday 11 am - 4 pm and One Hour Prior To All Shows

Tickets: (626) 963-9411

www.haughpac.com

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(Right) Forward Chris Reyes #23 blocks the shot of West LA’s Darryl Matthews #22 at the Owls Nest on Feb. 19. Reyes scored 17 points, recording 8 rebounds and 5 blocks in the Owls 67-63 victory over the Wildcats.

(Below) Freshman Paramee Suwantanma, 20, takes a swing during 2013 CCCAA State Championships on Nov. 18. Suwantanma finished 20th overall at the state championships.

Dillon Cooper Clarion

Joe Moreno Clarion

Infielder Sara Moore, 21, gets ready to field the ball during the first game of a double-header against Moorpark College.

Moore finished 4-for-4 with a homerun and 4 RBI’s in the Owls 14-6 victory.

Photo Courtesy of the CCCAA

TRIO NAMED ‘ATHLETES OF THE YEAR’

By Joe Moreno Staff Writer • jmoreno@ccclarion.com

T

hree Citrus athletes stood out in 2013-2014, elevating their games to new levels, shattering records, setting personal bests, and earning coveted positions in postseason play.

Chris Reyes is the 2014 Citrus College Male Athlete of the Year, while Sara Moore and Paramee Suwantanma shared the honor of being named 2014 Female Athlete of the Year at the 51st annual academic achievement awards celebration on May 22.

“Part of the great thing about Citrus is to of course celebrate the success of students,” said Chris Victor, men’s basketball head coach. “But it’s also fun at this level to be able to watch your students after they matriculate, to witness their success, to feel proud of them and part of that as well.”

A 6-foot-8-inch forward, Reyes had one of the most successful seasons in Citrus College basketball history, leading the state with 3.7 blocks per

2014 Citrus College Male Athlete of the Year Chris Reyes, 20, will major in marketing after transferring to the University of Utah in the fall.

2014 Citrus College Female Athlete of the Year Paramee Suwantanma, 20, is majoring in psychology and plans to complete her associate’s degree in the fall.

2014 Citrus College Female Athlete of the Year Sara Moore, 21, will continue her training in the Citrus EMT program during the fall.

game and ranking 2nd in state with 12 rebounds per game, both program records. He shot 59.7 percent from the field, second in the state, while posting 18.7 points per game, third overall in program history.

He stuffed the stat sheet all year, tallying 18 double-doubles, while recording a double-double in eight of the 12 conference contests.

Reyes, 20, who was named the 2014

Western State Conference South Division Player of the Year and was also an All-State Selection, led the Owls to the third round of the California Community College Athletic Association playoffs.

Reyes set a single game program record for rebounds with 24 against Santa Monica on Jan. 8. He also set a single game program record for blocks with 9 at Bakersfield on Jan. 15, cementing his position as “definitely one of the best, maybe the best single season in program history,” Victor said. “We are very fortunate to have him and are very proud of him.”

Reyes received a full-ride scholarship in April to play for the University of Utah and Coach Larry Krystkowiak next fall. He plans to major in marketing.

“Citrus allowed me the chance to get back into game shape and provided me a lot of support academically, and now I’m in a position to succeed in that area,” Reyes said. “It’s been a good experience for me.”

Moore pieced together her own masterpiece of a season, helping the Owls softball team to a 27-13 overall mark and a 17-4 record in conference play, earning a share of the Western State Blue Division title, Citrus’ first since 2007.

Moore was one of the top commu-

nity college players in the country and a National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American. Moore was unanimously selected as WSC Blue Player of the Year and named a CCCFCA All-State selection as one of the top 15 players in the state.

“Definitely one of the best, maybe the best single season in program history.”

-Chris Victor

Head Men’s Basketball Coach on Chris Reyes historic season.

“This is one girl that I would love to be able to play for four years. She’s just awesome,” said head softball coach Jackie Boxley. “We’re really incredibly proud of what she did this year. There were times when Sara basically took abuse for us. People didn’t want to pitch to her so they hit her.”

It is clear to see why opposing pitchers feared Moore at the plate in 2014.

The infielder was one of the top offensive players in the state, batting .543 on the year, the third highest average in California, with a .605 on-base percentage and .915 slugging percentage.

She also hammered 11 home runs, 42

RBI’s, 11 doubles, and scored 41 runs.

Moore finished her Citrus career with a .491 batting average, 16 home runs and 84 RBI’s in 77 games played, earning back-to-back 1st team All-WSC Blue Division honors.

Moore, 21, aspires to find a career in the medical field and will continue the EMT training program at Citrus in the fall.

Sharing the honor of Female Athlete of the Year with Moore is golfer Suwantanma, 20.

The freshman golfer became just the second Citrus College Women’s Golfer in program history to advance to the California Community College Athletic Association State Championships.

Suwantanma finished in the top 10 in the WSC conference, the top 12 at Southern California regionals and top 20 at state. She finished 2nd place overall at the 2013 WSC Championships, posting a first round 78 and a second round 80, for a two-day total of 158.

Suwantanma began the two-day State Championship event at Tracy Golf and Country Club with an 86. She was able to improve her second day score, posting an 84, putting her with a two-day total of 170 which earned her 20th place in the event.

“I’m looking forward to coaching her next season, too,” said head golf coach Julian “Trip” Horton. “It’s a pleasure for me to have an Athlete of the Year actually get to return and have another year here at Citrus.”

Suwantanma emigrated with her family from Bangkok, Thailand, two years ago. She said participating in her first event in America at the Desert Classic Invitational in Palm Springs is something she will always remember.

Coach Horton has helped Suwantanma develop her game since she enrolled at Citrus College.

“He taught me about the game mentally, how to handle situations on the course to where I feel like I can have a chance to make every shot,” Suwantanma said.

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Wednesday, June 4, 2014

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BILL PROPOSES POLICY FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT prevention - SB 967, from pg. 3

expressed either by words or clear, unambiguous actions.”

It further states that if an individual is unable to give consent for sexual activity because he or she is asleep, unconscious, incapacitated because of drugs or alcohol or unable to communicate due to a mental or physical condition, then any continued sexual advances are to be reported as sexual assault.

Currently there are 55 colleges being investigated by the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights for failing to properly investigate reports of sexual assaults and cover ups as well.

Occidental College and the University of Southern California are among the 55 colleges and universities being investigated by the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights for failing to properly investigate and report sexual assaults.

Occidental College has admitted to failing to properly report 24 assaults in

2010 and 2011, while USC has been accused of mislabeling alleged campus sexual assaults as “injury response.”

Because of this a majority of sexual assault reports were filed only as “injury response” in order to keep Clery report numbers down.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, also known as the Clery Act, requires all colleges and universities participating in federal student aid programs to disclose campus safety information to ensure students, faculty and staff are informed about their campus crime. Colleges and universities are required to submit annual reports of crime statistics and summaries of campus safety policies.

One in five women on any college campus will be a victim of some form of sexual assault violence according to a White House report by President Obama.

The risk of a sexual assault attack at a community college, though less probable, is still a possibility.

“Sexual assaults have been happening for many, many decades, so I don’t think it’s anything new, especially at a residential campus,” said Arvid Spor, Ed.D., vice president of student services and interim vice president of instruction at Citrus College.

“I think it’s just more prevalent at a university than it is at a community college where everyone drives in for the day and drives out,” he said.

Citrus College reported having three “forcible” sexual assaults in 2011.

There was also one incident of sexual harassment in the Hayden Memorial Library along with one other case of sexual battery at an off-campus site involving a Citrus student reported in fall 2013.

“If people are more aware, then I think they are less likely to be vulner-

able. Any time someone appears to be vulnerable, that’s when a predator type of person is more likely to do something,” Spor said.

Once a victim reports an assault, Campus Safety notifies the Glendora Police Department. The vice president of student services as well as personnel in the Student Health Center are notified in order to provide the victim with resources and counseling if necessary.

There are also “resources available as far as counseling off-campus as well,” according to Ben Macias, interim director of Campus Safety.

The Associated Students of Citrus College executive board recently hosted Sex Week 101 for the second time. Speakers, TED Talk and discussions regarding why women stay in domestic violence relationships were included.

“We are hoping students listen,” said Adrienne Thompson, supervisor of

student life and leadership development.

“Citrus can only do so much. The students have to do some self-help, too.

And they need to be proactive and they need to be self-aware. They need to be honest about the potentiality of it all,” Thompson said.

Campus Safety offers an escort service to all students, faculty and staff.

Those who take night classes are urged to take advantage.

A facilities project organized by Fred Diamond, director of facilities, in conjunction with Edison, is upgrading the parking lot lights into energy efficient lights that shine brighter.

This will benefit students with night classes most because the campus will be better lit. “[We] hope to continue the project and change all of the lights to LED lighting,” Macias said. “But it is a process and it is time consuming.”

Achievement Awards honor students

By Julian Flores Contributing Writer

T

he 51st Annual Achievement Awards Ceremony took place on May 29 in celebration of the top prestigious students that are graduating this month.

The ceremony recognized the Female Athletes of the Year, Paramee Suwantanma and Sara Moore and the Male Athlete of the Year, Chris Reyes and 10 Key of Knowledge Award winners.

Junior Hiromi Aono received the Key of Knowledge award for her academic excellence. Aono is new to the United States; she has been a Japanese citizen all her life.

In Japan, Aono dreamed of studying in America because she considers the education here superb. However, after a lot of perseverance and dedication from Aono, her family helped make her dreams come true by sending her to America.

“I am always excited to learn new things,” said Aono. “I left my whole family over there, so I just did my best on every assignment in each class, thinking of all the effort and support from my family to send me here.”

At Citrus, Aono excelled at all her classes and majored in cosmetology.

She has recently been hired at Vivi Hair, a beauty salon in Arcadia.

“There is a lot to learn,” said Aono.

“But what a blessing to do something that is my passion and make money.”

Aono is thankful for the encouragement and support from her family and the Citrus faculty.

Her Key of Knowledge award was presented to her by Albert Graciano, the head director of the cosmetology department.

Although junior Carolyn Foote has maintained a 4.0 GPA and has received the Key of Knowledge award, her journey to success wasn’t easy.

“I struggle during my study time as my mind tends to wander or I will want to do other things,” said Foote.

“I often have to leave my house to go to the library or Starbucks where I do not have the distractions of home.”

Despite Foote’s study challenges, she has managed to pull herself together and maintain her straight A grade point average. With aspirations of becoming a speech pathologist, Foote is working on getting her B.A. in communicative disorders at California State University Fullerton (CSUF).

Foote’s Key of Knowledge award was presented to her by counselor, Natalie Paredes.

Although his family is always in the back of his mind, political science major Jose Pacheco proved that educational success can be achieved even as a busy father engrossed in his family.

With his kids at the peak of his motivation, Pacheco has earned himself the Key of Knowledge award.

“I feel it’s a great honor to receive this award,” said Pacheco. “I sacrificed a lot of time I would normally have spent with my kids in order to perform at the highest level, academically. It validates my efforts and motivates me to succeed even more once I get to a four year university and beyond.”

Pacheco is determined to attend the University of California Riverside (UCR) to study political science with an emphasis in law and society, take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and apply to various law schools around the nation. Since the summer of 2012, he has been a go-getter with a mission to move on to a four-year university in the most efficient manner possible.

“Spend your money wisely and get your money’s worth from your classes,” said Pacheco. “Citrus College is a great school to get a quality education that will prepare you for the next level, but the professors are not the key to your success, you are. Don’t make excuses,

Evan Solano Clarion

Professor Brian Waddington, pictured left, presents the business Key of Knowledge award to Jose Pacheco during the 51st annual Achievement Awards ceremony on May 29 in the Haugh Performing Arts Center.

take ownership and put the future in your own hands.”

Chelsea Paredes, social and behavioral sciences major, was presented a Key of Knowledge Award by counselor Natalie Paredes.

Joshua Guerrero, business major, was presented a Key of Knowledge Award by biology instructor Christine Goedhart.

Samantha Angoncillo, language arts major, was presented a Key of Knowledge Award by English instructor Lisa Telesca.

Carlos De La Torre was presented a Key of Knowledge Award by student life supervisor Adrienne Thompson.

Sherena Goins, science major, Paola Pajares, nursing major, were each presented a Key of Knowledge Award by biology instructor Arnold Kondo.

Sara White, social and behavioral sciences major, was presented a Key of Knowledge Award by psychology instructor Kenneth Guttman.

FORUM

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Wednesday, June 4, 2014

remember those forced to be forgotten

M

any American college students take the First Amendment rights for granted. But for the people who live in the People’s Republic of China, these freedoms of expression have never been within their grasp.

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, in which hundreds of student pro-democracy protestors, who had been peacefully demonstrating in the square for over two months, were mowed down with guns and tanks by the People’s Liberation Army.

With strict government control and censorship over the press and the leadership’s immediate falsification of the historic day, it is still unknown how many casualties there were and what happened to the captured protestors.

According to Murong Xuecun, a lawyer and contributing writer to The New York Times, many Chinese citizens, including himself, learned about Tiananmen Square from statecontrolled television, in which China’s Communist Party falsely broadcasted that the government had saved its people from counter-revolutionary rioters.

Historic events are censored in Chinese schools, thus leaving younger generations clueless to the truth.

Even today, mothers of some of the victims, known as the Tiananmen Mothers, are being harassed for mourning the loss of their children, attempting to uncover the truth about their deaths and their government’s murderous acts against its own people a quarter-century ago.

The strict control of the government only amplifies the Chinese peoples’ message that it is time for a change. Despite the many economic and technological advances China has made, its government continues to resist social reform.

The Chinese people are still being suppressed. It is clear that the communist leadership is even afraid of them, considering the preventive measures it is taking to ensure there are no commemorations of the June 4, 1989 tragedy.

In the “pre-anniversary crackdown,” the communist government of the People’s Republic of China have been arresting or detaining groups of activists and families of the victims for questioning on accounts of “picking quarrels and creating a disturbance” several months in advance.

China’s communist government is going to great lengths to arrest anyone who

Online Editor Sylvia Aparicio

Photo Technician Joe Moreno Sports Editor Dillon Cooper A&E Editor Sylvia Aparicio Forum Editor Careesa Campbell Ad Manager Jessica Soto

MCT Campus

might even discuss those killed on that bloody day as well as those who are trying to keep the hope of democracy alive.

As a nation, we can also pretend to ignore China’s repressive ways in exchange for expanding business, to avoid making an enemy, or just because we don’t want to hear about such evils; nevertheless, Tiananmen Square cannot be forgotten.

It serves as a reminder that millions of people around the world do not share the same privilege of the First Amendment that we so often take for granted.

We are fortunate to live in a country where exercising the First Amendment rights do not come with the risk of death.

Twenty-five years later, the People’s Republic of China are still suffocating their civilians with communism and while the Tiananmen Square massacre is often remembered as a violation of basic human rights, the memory of this tragedy should not stop there.

Remember this day. It offers a glimmer of hope that China will someday adopt a democracy and the Chinese people will be able to experience the opportunity to openly demonstrate their concerns about their government and most importantly, voice their opinion freely.

News Editor • jsoto@ccclarion.com

Jessica Soto Clarion

Campus Safety responding to an incident involving a student’s car and a tree branch that fell in the S8 parking lot. This is one of many incidents that were not made available to Clarion staff despite multiple attempts.

plicant for admission to, any campus within their respective jurisdictions, or to the media.”

When I personally requested to see the campus incident reports it took one week to get a response from the interim supervisor of campus safety.

I was then told the reports would be ready to view within the next two days.

It was not until two days later that I was told I now needed to file a formal request before viewing the incident reports.

As a courtesy to any individual requesting these documents, it would be

Managing Editor Dillon Cooper

News Editor Jessica Soto

By Jessica Soto

“W

Editor-in-Chief Evan Solano

We have the right to know hat they don’t know won’t hurt them.”

This is the statement I imagine is being passed among the people involved with providing the campus incident reports to those who ask for them.

Forget the fact that there have been 11 aggravated assaults, three forced sex offenses and three disciplinary referrals for illegal weapons possession violations reported at Citrus since 2009 according to the Department of Campus Safety Annual Security Report.

Details of those incidents should not concern Citrus students, right?

Wrong.

California Education Code Section 67380 requires that appropriate officials “make the information concerning the crimes . . . available within two business days following the request of any student or employee of, or ap-

16

nice to know that a formal request was required. Especially when the initial request was made almost two weeks prior.

As a student of Citrus College, I come to school each day and attend classes just like every other student.

The one big difference is that I am a journalist. I work along side 15 other student journalists on the Clarion staff.

It is our job to inform you, the students and staff, about issues that are important to you, whether you know it or not.

But there is no way we can provide

you -- our readers -- with information that we don’t have.

In the past, our staff has had problems collecting certain information in a timely manner that might portray Citrus in a negative way.

Though issues obtaining information are few and far between, they still occur.

Citrus College is a great place. But no campus is perfect. It is our legal right as students and as members of the Citrus community, to have access to incidents happening on our campus.

This has been the second semester that incident reports have been inconsistently given to the Clarion, though requests for reports are given as far as two weeks in advance.

The saying “secrets don’t make friends” seems to fit perfectly in this instance because the more we struggle to get the information we are entitled to the less I trust the people involved.

Not every story written about Citrus is going to be flattering and Campus Safety, administrators, faculty and staff have to realize that we are not out for blood, we are merely seeking the truth and if the truth is negative, then so be it. It is not the intent of the Clarion, or myself, to hurt the reputation of the college or the reputations of any individuals. We just want to inform.

I’m sure this article may spark some metaphorical fire, but my hope is that those who become angered by what I have said will stop and realize the frustration that comes from not being able to do our job: informing the students.

Staff Writers Joe Moreno Cameron Wisdom Careesa Campbell Julian Flores Photographers Cameron Wisdom Evan Solano Dillon Cooper Joe Moreno Jessica Soto Advisers Margaret O’Neil Stacy K. Long Page Designers Joe Moreno Vivian Romero Laura Nuño Sylvia Aparicio Evan Hicks Michelle Parias

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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.

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