Budget cuts fall into vicious cycle
Famous pianist plays Steinway see pg. 5
Who’s the best dressed guy? see pg. 8
Marauders make it to Final Four see pg. 11
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April 2012
State budget slowly crushes community colleges
By Kat Wilson
community colleges would come into play, cutting another $1,050,611 from AVC’s funding and reducing the stuOn Feb. 21, California’s dent base by 162 FTES. 2011-2012 Budget Act: -$3,223,949 112 community colleges When funding is cut, Brundage were blindsided by a $149 said, “We really have no choice then 9 1 million mid-year budget but to cut classes.” 0 0 0 cut from the state, aka the In one year, AVC went from proJanuary Trigger Cuts: “February Surprise.” viding classes for 11,371 full-time Due to the economy, state revstudents to 10,502. enues were low with “higher Heidi Preschler, professor of Engdemand[s] for student fee waivlish, German and French, and faculty Tier 1: -$309,085 ers and lower than expected union representative for the Union Task property tax revenues,” accordForce, said she tells her students to be ing to a statement from the grateful for the seats they have in her California Community Colleges class because so many students have Tier 2: -$741,526 to be turned away. Chancellor’s Office. 1 Thomas Brundage, Vice Presi“Stick it out, don’t just drop out 0 dent of Administrative Services, of the class and think you can February Surprise: take it next semester,” Preschler said this unforeseen deficit resulted in an estimated revenue loss of said. “There’s no guarantee that -$1,518,745 $1,518,745 for AVC. a student will get the classes they Yet, the February Surprise was only one in need, even if one student only needs a series of cuts community colleges have had two classes to graduate.” Total: to deal with in the 2011-2012 academic year. These cuts, however, were built into 0 -$5,793,305 0 AVC started off 2011-2012 with an initial the state budget plan, Brundage said. workload reduction estimated at $3,223,949 “We know they’re coming; we can which translates into 706 fewer full-time expect those.” Deficits, on the other equivalent students (FTES), Brundage said. hand, are more unpredictable and colThen, on Dec. 13, 2011, leges can’t prepare for them. the California DepartBrundage said AVC was expecting ment of Finance ananother cut after the triggers—someGraphic Courtesy of Andrew Valle nounced two additional In 2011-2012, the state deficit slashes AVC’s revenues deeper and deeper. where in the range of $300,000—but the “trigger” reductions for $1.5 million February Surprise went far 5
Staff Writer
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beyond expectations. In total this year, AVC has an estimated reduction in funding of $5,793,305. “The good news is, up to this point we’ve done a really good job of saving money,” Brundage said. “That will help us get through this year and at least part of next year before we have to make real significant additional cuts.” At the start of the Spring semester, AVC’s reserve fund was estimated at 11.63 percent, well above the required five percent reserve minimum. “We’ve agreed that we’ll spend that reserve down to eight percent, and then maintain it at that level,” Brundage said, but, “It’s going to be tough.” Both Preschler and Brundage said they hope the state will “backfill” the February Surprise, either wholly or partially. “The chancellor’s office is requesting that they backfill, but … it probably would just increase the state’s deficit at this point, so I don’t think there’s much chance of it happening,” Brundage said. As of 2011-2012, the state owes $991 million in deferrals to community colleges. More specifically, the state has delayed a total of $14,165,447 in funding to AVC since 2007, according to a budget presentation put together by Brundage and Diana Keelan, Director of Business Services, for the Jan. 31 special Board meeting.
See Budget cuts, page 4
Ongoing problems plague campus infrastructure By Joshua Sanchez Staff Writer
Last month on our blog, The Examiner briefly covered an issue with the Student Services Building (SSV) where the air handler broke down. This caused part of the building to lose heating. The issue was repaired, but this recent breakdown raised some questions about AVC’s infrastructure and how well the other buildings are faring. Some buildings are left from the original campus built in the 60s and 70s, including the fine arts quad, the gymnasium, the SSV and the science buildings. AVC, so far, has gotten a new theater building and a new science building that will be open in the Fall. The old science buildings will be coming down in September. According to Doug Jenson, Director of Facilities at AVC, the next big project on the list is a new SSV building. There’s no bond set for this election year, however, so the new SSV building might not pass until 2014. Jenson said he has three major
projects he’s working on. The first and most urgent is the 52-year-old hot water boiler system in the gymnasium. “The last time we had a welder come out to do some work on it, he said ‘I can’t work on this anymore because the rust is actually what’s holding the whole thing together.’ So that’s an urgent project,” Jenson said. Without the boiler system online, the gym would lose much more than hot showers. Students wouldn’t be able to wash clothes or towels, the pool wouldn’t be able to be heated and the athletic hydrotherapy tubs would be rendered useless. The second project concerns the school’s Energy Management Systems (EMS). The school has two, one from the 80s that governs the heating and cooling of the Administration Building, Business Building, Applied Arts Building, Learning Center and the library. In Fall 2011, the EMS failed in the business building, and the heat was irrepressible. “The technician came out and he actually had to go to eBay to find the parts because they don’t make them any-
more,” Jenson said. In the gym there are numerous plumbing issues, unrelated to the boiler, affecting the bathrooms, showers and drinking fountains. The exact amount of plumbing problems in the gym is not known, nor the exact cause. Other than those three areas the rest of the campus’s problems are day-to-day maintenance, fixing air conditioners and minor electrical problems. As for the new science building, Jenson said he’s feeling the pain of the nearly $5.8 million in cutbacks the school has suffered. The college has done a lot of work with the Measure R bonds passed almost six years ago. The campus’s high voltage systems have been upgraded; the central plant has brand new and more energy efficient chillers. The campus has a brand new theater building as well as a westward expansion bringing upgrades to the stadium. The bad news is facilities only has about 50 percent of the staff they need to properly manage the campus.
Kat Wilson / Examiner
One of the gym’s ancient boilers that has rusted beyond repair. “Custodians are doing twice the area they should in one night. Physically, that’s impossible ... you clean half of what you should be cleaning and the restrooms suffer and the classrooms suffer.” The department of facilities hires student workers, but not all of them can work certain jobs because they
don’t have the proper training to handle certain chemicals. The program has also been suffering from cutbacks. “Just a few months ago, we lost three students because of the funding cuts,” Jenson said. “We’ve got plans,” Jenson said, “but there’s never enough money to go around.”
News
April 2012
Page 3
Snake oil merchants try to sell sham subscriptions By Omar Castellon Staff Writer
With the regularity of clockwork, solicitors falsely claiming to be associated with Antelope Valley College are once again trying to sell newspaper or magazine subscriptions. In the past, these solicitors have said they’re raising funds for any number of ventures. Most recently, however, they’re pleading for funds to study broadcasting in London. At a glance, their claims sound legitimate, especially considering that the college does indeed have a study abroad program. Even so, AVC has on numerous occasions denounced any sort of connection with the solicitors. Additionally, Patricia Harris, the coordinator for the program in London, is not affiliated with them, further invalidating their claims “I just heard about it secondhand. I’m guessing they [the solicitors] heard about the study abroad program in London and used it as an opportunity,” Harris said. Harris also said something similar happened to a colleague over at the Bakersfield satellite campus, located right beside AVC. If anything, these incidents serve to highlight the consistency with which these solicitors operate. Kery German, a Crime Prevention Officer for the city of Palmdale, recalled
AVC Journalism students snatch four awards at state competition
Robert Villapudua / Courtesy Photo
Omar Castellon won 4th place. For the on-the-spot competitions: • Omar Castellon won 4th place in the Critical Review For the mail-in competition: • Avi Ithier won Honorable Mention for his Student Designed Ad • Two Honorable Mentions were awarded to the entire AVC Examiner staff for Editorials written by Ben Fassett and Courtney Unander
an encounter she had with a solicitor roughly three months ago. “Cute little blonde girl came, she’s all, ‘Hi! I’m your neighbor from down the street and I’m taking college courses right now… We’re just trying to make money so we can go to some broadcasting school in London,’” German said. German also warned about the possible danger of opening doors to these solicitors, since they could be scoping out your house for a later burglary. But this solicitor didn’t raise any alarm bells at first. “She just came with her purse over her shoulder. She didn’t come with anything in her hand, like a receipt book to sign, you know, to buy a subscription,” German said, “but once you give them a check, they have your account number, your address, all of that.” Fortunately, concerned citizens have various means of alleviating their unease. For example, within the city of Palmdale, any prospective solicitor must obtain a permit. Cartoon courtesy of Andrew Valle “Our solicitors permit is about Be wary when solicitors knock on your door. the size of a credit card that has the business or organization name, According to Palmdale’s Ordinance business license number, and the person’s 5.04.590, those applying for a permit are name and picture,” German said. required to provide a number of things in-
cluding an “outline of the method or methods to be used in conducting the solicitation,” and the “applicant’s fingerprints.” Beside the provisions listed in Ordinance 5.04.590, it is mandatory that applicants also provide the information asked for in Ordinance 5.04.140, which pertains to permits that all potential business owners must seek. Individuals who apply must give their address and, if applicable, details regarding convictions from the last five years, among other stipulations. Similar laws are in effect within Lancaster, but solicitors there are not required to obtain a specialized permit. In any event, these licenses and regulations allow solicitors to be readily identified. If citizens have suspicions about the legitimacy of someone going door-todoor, they can simply ask the person in question. They are obligated by law to identify themselves. Local law enforcement can also be contacted. In turn, they will look into the matter and determine if a solicitor is working legally. Students enrolled at AVC face disciplinary action if it’s discovered they’re soliciting under false pretenses. Likewise, those who violate business ordinances will have committed a misdemeanor and be punished accordingly.
Parking placard abusers arrested By Kat Wilson Staff Writer
Sheriffs are cracking down on the rampant misuse of Disabled Persons (DP) Parking Placards at AVC this semester. As of March 16, according to campus crime reports, 22 students have been arrested on campus for allegedly exploiting DP placards. Officer Ray Murgatroyd, Lancaster Sheriff’s Department Supervisor at AVC, said, “nine times out of 10,” suspects first claim the placard is theirs, but when sheriffs run the registration number it comes up under someone else’s name. When that happens, Murgatroyd said the suspects usually admit it belongs to a relative. Sandra Govin, a student who works as AVC’s Student Trustee and chair of the ASO pantry she founded, is a wheelchair user. She said the people most affected by placard abuse are those with wheelchair lifts in their vehicles because they cannot always find spaces with the blue crosshatch lines on the side where they need it. “People who are using a placard that belongs to their mother, uncle, cousin or grandmother, they’re stealing from the people who need those spots,” Govin said. “Placards are assigned to people, not to vehicles,” Sheriff Security Officer Thomas Mc-
Connell said. “If it’s not theirs, then it’s a mis- from the DMV. demeanor in the state of California.” “People say, ‘Well, it’s more convenient to A DP placard can only be used by the person park here, because I have a class right there,’” it’s registered to or by someone transporting or McConnell said, “[but] that placard is not isin reasonable proximity to the placard’s owner, sued so that you can get a better spot ... We according to the Department of Motor Vehicles. have disabled students and faculty here and Under the California Vehicle Code, it is il- they can’t get spots.” legal to: lend your DP placard to someone else, “When you see an athlete park in front of the to display a placard that was not issued to you gym and sprint inside the building, it makes you or to park a car with someone else’s DP license question, ‘What are their ethics?’” Govin said. plate in a handicap spot. “Count it as a blessing you can walk, and bless Murgatroyd said suspects with a driver’s li- others by giving them the spaces they need.” cense and no warrant out for their arrest are released with a citation and must then appear in court. As a misdemeanor, abusing a DP placard is punishable by a fine of no less than $250 and no more than $1,000, with a possibility of six months in county jail. The placards are confiscated and sent back to the DMV, Murgatroyd said. Robert Villapudua / Courtesy photo Suspects then face a possible $4,200 fine Sheriffs have caught multiple students with a relative’s placard.
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Budget cuts Continued from 2 The “ongoing problem” administrators are facing now, Brundage said, is the $2,666,908 possible workload reduction for 2012-2013. “It’s a huge, devastating impact for us,” Brundage said. The chancellor’s office told community colleges to assume this cut will happen and prepare for it, Brundage said. If things don’t change soon, AVC will have to reduce the workload down to 9,918 FTES. Brown’s original tax initiative allocated 11 percent of the temporary tax revenues to community colleges to help pay off state deferrals. This would not increase AVC’s workload in 2012-2013, but would nullify the $2.6 million cut. On March 14, Brown agreed to integrate his tax initiative with the
California Federation of Teacher’s “Millionaires Tax. Joshua Pechthalt, President of the California Federation of Teachers and a co-chair of the Millionaire Tax Campaign, said in a news release, “These changes will generate an additional $2 billion and we are determined to ensure those funds benefit the communities that have been hit hardest by budget cuts and our cash-strapped higher education institutions.” Brundage said he’s not certain if AVC gets the same deal with this new tax initiative, but thinks it will act the same way as the previous one for community colleges. There is no guarantee that it will pass, however. It “won’t be voted on until the middle of the next school year, in November,” Brundage said, and if it passes it won’t help to increase the workload until the 2013-2014 year Assuming the worst, AVC administrators are in the process of finding
ways to save money. Cutting additional services to students, pay cuts and terminations are all possibilities at this point, Brundage said. “There’s just no other way we can balance the budget.” Now, on March 21, Scott Lay, the president and chief executive officer of the Community College League of California, sent out a notice that there might be yet another $147 million cut this semester. “We are concerned about a proposal by the governor ... [which] assumes that community colleges will receive an offsetting amount from the wind-down of redevelopment agencies,” Lay said, but “There is no evidence that the wind-down of redevelopment is delivering additional dollars to community college coffers in the current year.” This new alleged threat could mean another cut almost as large as the $1.5 million February Surprise, a devastating prospect for AVC.
How Lucero finds success By Natasha Castro Staff Writer
Dr. Luis Lucero, Director of the Office for Students with Disabilities for 23 years, has been visually impaired since birth. Yet, he said he’s led a life of positivity and self-determination to accomplish many of his aspirations. “As a kid, I could see well enough to run around and recognize people,” he said, adding that since then his vision has slowly deteriorated. He said that he almost didn’t notice the deterioration until he realized he didn’t read when looking at print, but merely recognized the shape of words. Eventually, a piece of his center vision went and, as time went on, it worsened still. Lucero said his parents never held him back from anything, whether it be riding dirt bikes or playing sports. “My mother always said ‘Do it.’” Lucero and his family moved to the Antelope Valley in 1955, since his father was involved in the growing aerospace industry. “At the time, they would take all of the visually impaired students to a school in Palmdale,” Lucero said. However, because of the distance from his house, Lucero went to school in Lancaster and graduated from Paraclete High School in 1974. Lucero realized early on that he wanted to be involved in sports. At Paraclete, he found track to be his strong point. He ran track all throughout high school, his time at AVC and California State University, Bakersfield as a student. Eventually, he went back to CSUB to
earn his master’s in counseling. Upon receiving his degree, Lucero struggled to find a job for about a year, but eventually was hired as a drug counselor with the United States Navy. Although he loved living in San Diego, he said he realized that drug counRobert Villapudua / Courtesy Photo seling was not Dr. Lucero’s life shows the value of a good attitude. for him. Soon after, he heard of a center for disabled persons school,” he said. “Since then, we have in Louisiana, where he was hired as grown tremendously.” a mobility trainer and taught visually Lucero said that the office now serves impaired students to walk with a cane about 1,200 students a year, with a staff (after he learned how himself). Lu- of seven. cero was particularly fond of his work Lucero said he does his best to there, and credits a similar development educate people about sensitivity and center for teaching him to read and squelch preconceived notions about write braille. disabled persons. But Lucero said it is Lucero did not let his progressively- just as important for disabled persons worsening vision prevent him from ac- to have a positive view of what they complishing his goal to work in politics, can do. a field he found interesting throughout “If people don’t come to grips with his childhood. In 1987, Lucero worked their disability, they can’t turn the corwith United States Congressman Mat- ner and put a good attitude on,” he said. thew G. Martinez of Los Angeles, an Lucero said he has been asked many experience he describes as “unreal.” times what the hardest part of being Lucero worked in politics for two to blind is and he always has two answers: three years before moving back to the transportation and reading information Antelope Valley in 1990, where he has in print. lived ever since. Getting around without driving can “Back then, [AVC] was a lot smaller be a “nuisance,” he said, but pointed out
April 2012
More than 800 say farewell to Kyle Brooks By Geena Barret Staff Writer
Kyle Brooks’ memorial service at The Highlands Christian Fellowship on March 19 was packed. The sanctuary sat 800 people. Plastic chairs were brought out for the people standing in the back of the room, but there still weren’t enough to accommodate everyone. During the service, a few people walked up and down the aisles with tissue boxes, scanning up and down each section for teary-eyed mourners. On March 1, Brooks was in a car accident on Bouquet Canyon in Newhall. The accident left him with severe brain damage, and he was put on life support at Antelope Valley Hospital. On March 6, Brooks was taken off of life support. This decision led to four, very fortunate people to be the recipients of his organs. His heart, liver and kidneys were donated. During the service, a video montage played with football clips of Brooks on the Quartz Hill High School Rebels, and a mixture of pictures throughout Brooks’ life with clips of friends sharing his story. One of Brooks’ coaches from the Lancaster Jets youth football program spoke and declared that the Most Valuable Player Award will be renamed the Kyle F. Brooks Award. The head football coach at College of the Canyons, Garett Tujague, said Brooks was “an amazing human being.” Pastor Ken Hart said, “To lose something, is to not know where it is.” It was made very clear throughout the service to everyone that Brooks is definitely in heaven; the family knows where he is. Thaddeus Dillard was one who spoke on behalf of the family and said that “Kyle loved people, and we loved him.” Another thing that was the general consensus among the speakers and all of the people in the sanctuary was that Brooks definitely had a “milliondollar smile” and “could light up a room when he walked in.” Brooks’ funeral service was held at the Eternal Valley Mortuary in Newhall, Calif., on the same day. He is survived by his parents, Vincent and Regina Brooks, as well as his sister, Brittney Brooks, and his brothers, Vincent Brooks, Jr. and Devin Brooks. Those wishing to make a donation in Brooks’ memory can give to the “Kyle F. Brooks Memorial Fund” in the Antelope Valley Bank. This fund will provide athletic and academic scholarships to children in need. that with a wife and two sons who are all sighted, he has three modes of transport. As for reading print, Lucero said technology has almost completely eliminated this barrier. As a student at AVC, he recorded lectures to review. He’s also used computer processors, screen readers, and a device that is essentially a braille typewriter for his office work. He smiled as he recalled some of his more humorous stories, including accidentally walking into ladies’ restrooms, and being questioned by police after wandering into a parking garage late at night. Lucero also shared a story in which he was trying to get to the federal building on Wilshire, walking up and down the street looking for a path to the building. He said he finally found a driveway, and decided to try taking it. As he was walking, he said, he heard cars driving by with increasing speed. He kept walking and soon
heard someone slow down and yell to him, ‘Hey! You’re on the 405 off ramp!’ Lucero said he assumed it was the same person who soon pulled up and gave him a ride to the federal building. Lucero said it’s a misconception that blind people have heightened senses, especially sound. “A blind person simply pays attention to certain things that other people don’t have to,” he said. With sight, he continued, a person is instantly oriented, whereas without it, a person must pay attention to important cues. These skills are learned with help and experience. “So much of being successful is attitude,” he said. “You can either be woeful or just not think about.” Lucero said he plans to continue working at AVC until retirement, and hopes to one day work for the United Service Organizations (USO), perhaps retire in San Diego, and work with disabled veterans.
News
April 2012
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World-class pianist performs ‘Gershwin and Friends’ By Maria Medina Staff Writer
Accomplished pianist, Jeffrey Siegel, took the stage at AVC to perform a few classic songs on the Steinway Piano on March 18, in the Performing Arts Theater. “It’s quite an honor to have someone of his caliber perform in our theater,” said Steve Standerfer, Director of Public and Governmental Relations. Siegel is a well-established musician, originally from Chicago, known for his extreme talent with the piano in multiple nationwide and worldwide orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, NHK Symphony of Japan, and Oslo Philharmonic. He has also recently been featured on the radio show, “Dr. Oz Show,” as a guest. The free concert that featured Siegel immediately had the phones ringing for tickets when the announcement was made on Courtesy photo the morning of Feb. 28. “We knew tickMr. Siegel delights the audience with musical insights ets were gonna go quickly,” Standerfer in between breaks during his performance. said. All 412 tickets (seats were available
The Taste Buds go to Charlie Brown Farms By Codie Walsh & Mindy Simmons Contributing Writers
Determined not to spend too much on gas, we decided to hike at Devil’s Punch Bowl then grab a meal at the truly unique Charlie Brown Farms. Located off Pearblossom Highway, just after 80th Street East, this combination gift store, farm stand and restaurant was the perfect place to eat. The great thing about Charlie Brown’s is the gift shop. It has anything from sodas to fake mustaches, fresh produce to emergency underwear; this assortment allows for an interesting experience while you wait for your food. We ordered mini donuts, a bacon cheeseburger, garlic fries, and their signature date shake. They called the number for the shake and donuts almost immediately, which ended up being something to snack on before chowing down on the fries and burger. Fried and dipped in cinnamon sugar, these mini donuts easily hold there ground in the hierarchy of delectable desserts. The date shake was deliciously thick. The flavor of their signature date shake was wonderful, but the chunks were sadly not too desirable. Recently, we discovered that we share a mutual agreement on a very particular pet peeve: chunks (extra baggage/ vagabond fruit that did not meet the blades of the blender) present
in something that should be smooth and creamy. A blender is used not to simply mix, but to whisk into submission; in other words, there should not be any chunks. Thankfully, the burger did not disappoint. Unlike the fast food joints, the slices of bacon were no measly strips, but thick cuts of smoked bacon. Topped off with fresh lettuce, tomato and thinly sliced red onion to make it a pleasantly fresh burger. The garlic fries were a tease. The first bite: everything was perfect, the flavors were mixing well, neither garlic nor salt were being too overbearing. The second bite: good feelings gone; your kidneys slowly begin to shut down due to the intolerably high intake of salt. And yet the next Charlie Brown Farms trip, garlic fries will somehow end up sitting right in front of us. We’re just saying, beware of the tease. Although, yes, we had a few minor complaints, the Charlie Brown Farms experience is nothing short of a good time. It’s not just a restaurant--it’s an experience. The menu offers a delicious variety of foods, giving you a chance to try something new or stick with your favorite meal. It proves that you don’t have to travel far to have good food. Go ahead, try something new; your taste buds will thank you.
Never Give Up I see you going through it all But don’t let this cause a downfall. When you’re feeling the pain, Don’t let it get the best of you, it will all wash away in the rain! If you ever feel like giving up, Remember it will all get better no ifs, ands or buts. When you’re in need of a friend, Know I’ll be there way past the end. And if you feel you can’t take any more Shake that thought off even if its hard to ignore . Staying strong is sometimes hard to do No matter what it is you’re going through. But put a big smile on your face And think of being in a much better place. Don’t give up no matter what you do, And know that I will always love you!
By Ellessea Owens
in the PA building, including those available for disabled students) for the event sold out within a couple of days, causing a waiting list of over 100 spectators to take the place of anyone not able to attend the show, including some VIP reserved tickets. David Newby, a music professor at AVC who worked with the purchase of the Steinway piano, was approached by the company Steinway & Sons to get Siegel to perform on campus for free. Planning for the event began a few months earlier when schedules were looked at and the date was set. The concert gave a chance for not just professors of music and art to experience a top class pianist, but it also gave a chance for students of those classes to attend. Some music classes at AVC require students to attend a musical event as a grade, but most of the audience was made up of local fans and student fans to watch and listen to the musical interpretations of Siegel. Aside from the orchestra making use of the piano later this semester, there are no further plans or events scheduled for the Steinway piano to be played due to budget cuts.
Uninspired How doth one invoke a muse? Those old Greek gals must have changed their tune. Clio, Terpsichore, Euterpe— do they have a hot line or should I burn some incense? The “Cyber Chaos Magical Guild” requires (thanks to the all-knowing Google) the banging of drums, crystal gazing, rolling a dodecahedron, and chanting to re-create the union of Zeus and lusty Mnemosyne, thereby to spawn new muses be they animal, vegetable, or mineral. Uh-huh. “Oh, Muuuuse!” I cried as the ancients had once prayed, pathetic, when they felt as uninspired as I. Is there such a thing as a free verse Muse, I wondered, when with a “poof!” a green fairy in curlers stomped across my keyboard. By Kat Wilson
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April 2012
Student plays will take the stage at the One Act Festival
By Joshua Sanchez Staff Writer
May 10-14, AVC will be host to the 15th annual one act play festival. There are four original plays written by students. Every year, Eugenie Trow submits the scripts to a panel of other theatre arts teachers. “The instructors don’t know who wrote what, and I never tell.” The number of plays change every year, one year there was six plays, in another there were three it all depends on the panel. There are even instances of playwrights having their new scripts selected to be staged. The first play is titled “By the Way”. It was written by Joan Enguita and is being directed by Juan Juarez. There will be three actors; Monica Dopson, Anthony Peterson and Brianna Guzman. “It takes place by the side of a coffin, and there is a thunderous revelation,” Trow said. The second play is “Imagine,” written by Juan Juarez, and is being directed by Melissa Marie Martin. There are five actors in this performance: Anel Chavez, Yameen Salah, Matthew Lastimosa, Cynthia Johnson and Patrianna Jones. “It’s about a young man who seeks the love of his life with the help of his imagination,” Trow said. The third play is “The Only Thing We Have to Fear,” written by Melissa Marie, and is being directed by an instructor, Hollace Star. The three ac-
tors working in this piece are Agusto Calderon, Juan Juarez and Danielle Stapleton. “In The play a young man seeks security from the world with his blanket,” Trow said. Last, and certainly not least, we have “The Miller’s Daughter,” written by Kat Wilson [News Editor for the Examiner], and it will be directed by Trow. This play has a grand total of eight actors: Jason CarterEvans, Augusto Calderon, Sacha Gaut, Brianna Guzman, Elizabeth Higgins, James Higgins, Patrianna Jones and Anthony Peterson. “The Miller’s Daughter” is a retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale with a whole new twist that pulls in some other fairy tale characters too,” Wilson said. The plays will be performed in the Black Box theatre as opposed to the new building. The plays will have a very minimalist set design, so as not to distract from the writing or the performance of the actors. “The audience expects a certain simplicity in the Black Box as opposed to the brand new beautiful theatre,” Trow said. Trow keeps a Samuel Becket quote taped to the door of her classroom, “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” She says that the quote inspires her to keep progressing. No matter how many times she fails, she can learn something. “Fail better, can mean really go off the wall and see how bad you get. Or make a better guess… it doesn’t matter because you learn either way.”
Movie picks: Top five American roadtrip films By Rendle Burditt Freelance Writer
“Planes, Trains, and Automobiles”
John Hughes’ movies always have a heart. Sometimes too much heart. This is a film he didn’t drown with emoting, so the payoff is more effective when those parts come. The plot involves a businessman, Neal (Steve Martin), trying to get home in time for Thanksgiving. He keeps running into the affable loser, Del (John Candy), along the way. Hijinks ensue. Out of all the buddy comedy road trip films, this one’s by far the best. (Consider 2010’s Due Date its unofficial remake.)
Spring break is coming up in early April. If you’re planning that week-long cross-state or cross-country trip you’ve always wanted to take, here are some recommendations to gear up. If you’re just going to stay here, because - well, gas prices, then watch these as a replacement! “Badlands” Terrence Malick’s first film was one of those “outlaw couple against the world” type movies. We essentially see the film from the point of view of 15-year-old Holly (Sissy Spacek), whose overly romantic narration gives way to romanticized images of nature and the open road as she escapes from home with her boyfriend, Kit (Martin Sheen). It’s one of those movies that makes you want to hit the road in the first place. The film is so beautifully shot, the audience, like Holly, tend to get distracted from Kit’s psychosis.
Brandon Mann/ Examiner
(Left to RIght): Anthony Peterson, Patriana Jones and James Higgins rehearsing “The Miller’s Daughter”.
“Stranger than Paradise” Willy (John Lurie), a gambling addict, along with his pathetic friend, Eddie (Richard Edson), and his Hungarian cousin, Eva (Eszter Balint), chain smoke in his New York apartment, and eat “TV dinners” while watching TV. They do pretty much the same in Cleveland. Then in Florida, they do the same, after first buying sunglasses (“Now we look like real tourists,” Willy says with a wry smile). Mostly, when not gambling on horse (or dog) races, they stay indoors and fantasize about being somewhere new. Like “Seinfeld,” it flips the banal and boring, making it extremely funny. If you can’t get out of here for break, take in the sights of the American Road Trip through these films. If you should find yourself in a new place this spring break, don’t forget to bring plans. Or atleast an imagination
“Paris, Texas” “Two Lane Blacktop”
Two guys (James Taylor as “The Driver,” and Dennis Wilson as “The Mechanic”) fix up and drive cars in drag races to raise money in order to drive across the country, so they can drive in drag races. They pick up a hitchhiker girl (or rather, she wanders in their car and they don’t really object) and run into the driver of a 1970 Pontiac GTO (Warren Oates) during what seems to be his midlife crisis. They decide to race “GTO” to Washington D.C. Winner gets the loser’s car. Winning the race could mean more than the car itself: the girl’s affections, a sense of purpose and keeping intact one’s only sense of livelihood. If anything at all.
Unfortunately for actor Harry Dean Stanton, his defining characteristic trait has always been a striking similarity to the walking dead. This has never worked better for him than in Paris, Texas. Wim Wenders’ 1984 road trip begins with Travis Henderson (Stanton) walking aimlessly through the desert as if it were a shopping mall. His brother, Walt (Dean Stockwell), upon finding Travis and taking him back to Los Angeles, realizes that Travis has been stricken with amnesia. That’s only the first fifteen minutes. Most road movies use this device to deal with escapism and none do it better than this, where the trips (more than one) are used as a means
News
April 2012
Page 7
Hey look, books! Remember books? By Ben Fassett Staff Writer
You know, those funny little things made out of paper? No point and click, just good, old fashioned manual page turning? It’s okay if you don’t. It’s not surprising either – I’ve read some of your god-awful spelling habits. Believe it or not, once upon a time, people used to take care to write entire, unabbreviated sentences on pieces of paper that they would then bind together and put on a shelf in the hope that the collective IQ would never drop below seven. Well, they still exist anyway, and if you’re one of those dirty reader types, I’ve got some honorable mentions to help round out your reading list, apart from the stuff you have to read to stay in college or keep a journalism department open to the public. 1. “All Quiet on the Western Front” by Erich Maria Remarque At a point in time when writers of military fiction were all about the gung ho, Remarque stood out as a painfully honest storyteller, no doubt inspired by his own active service in the German armed
forced in World War I. This story got him in a lot of trouble—in later years, the Nazis would fabricate elaborate stories supposing him to be a French Jew, and would later execute his sister, Elfriede Scholz. The book is a stark narrative from the perspective of foot soldier Paul Bäumer, a student who finds himself pressured to join the army along with his peers to fight in World War I. The reader is thrown immediately into the fray at the onset of a rare good turn, when everyone has enough to eat and there is rest to be had. It’s a brief blessing and one that Remarque takes great pains to obliterate just a few pages in, as Bäumer transitions to sitting by his good friend who is slowly dying after the amputation of his leg. By about page 26, there’s clearly no hope for a happy ending anywhere in this book. Remarque makes an interesting and rare choice for his time by writing this in the present tense as well as the first person, making the reader fearful for everyone involved. There’s no chance for foresight, no telling clues as to who lives and who dies. In literature, as in combat, people just seem to disappear from the
roster. This book covers a lot of ground— from the minutiae and agonizing lulls between terrifying, intense combat, to learning very quickly that everyone back home views war much differently than the people in it. It’s not all bleak, however. There are a few parts that will make you chuckle, and perhaps a couple that will make you smile with some warmth behind those teeth. 2. “Acts of Revision” by Martyn Bedford This is a very unsettling book. It is the first book I ever read that made me upset. I loved every moment of it. Gregory Lynn, 35, orphan, bachelor, only child from the age of four and a half, one green eye and one brown, is a very precise storyteller. Details matter. Every word out of his mouth is frank, as though he were a troubled child who has grown suddenly into a troubled adult. He likes to draw.He is telling his story from behind bars. You see, Mr. Lynn decided to start a project just after disposing of his mother’s ashes. Stuffed away in the loft are a series of report cards from grade school,
which he has since used as the basis for his project. When he was young, things weren’t right. So, now he must find every teacher who wrote a report card and exact the perfect revision. It doesn’t come down to murder. Not quite, anyway. No, there is a more subtle design at work. Bedford manages to create a perfect depiction of an organized psychosis, and delivers it in the most garish, blank manner possible. There are no flowery descriptions, no sense of carefully worked plot and dialogue. It is just grim fact. Even the look of the prose itself gives no illusions. It is interesting to note that while many authors do away with quotation marks (Cormac McCarthy comes immediately to mind), Bedford manages to do it in a way that clearly defines what is and isn’t dialogue. He makes the constant backdrop of Lynn’s childhood and its good and bad points consistently relevant with what is going on in the present, while managing to blur the lines effortlessly. It’s an amazing story that is garishly true to itself. What happened to the rest of the list, you ask? You can find it at avcexaminer.
Isaac Grajeda: get up, get involved and get into it By Jesse Davidson Freelance Writer
In a society where laziness appears to be the rule of the day, those who work hard to achieve respectable goals stand on their own. People who have sweat for their dreams like James Brown live at the Apollo Theatre, are few and far between. Isaac Grajeda is someone who exhibits these characteristics. At age 29, he has probably accomplished and experienced more than most people of his generation. From his time serving in the Air Force and serving time in jail, to becoming a reformed criminal and artist/politician, Grajeda’s life has certainly been an interesting one. Whether or not his views or choices find favor with everyone, one thing is certain.: Grajeda has integrity because he is doing something in a world filled with doing nothing. After graduating Moanalua High School in 2001, Grajeda joined the Air Force that same year and had his first day of work on Sept. 11. After leaving the service, Grajeda took a steady job as a loan officer and got married. It almost sounds like the story of the average American dream. That is, until drugs and alcohol entered his life. It was also around this time that Grajeda became addicted to methamphetamine. After numerous encounters with the law, a possession of methamphetamine charge and a DUI charge, Grajeda was on the wrong path, to say the least. He had this to say on his experience in jail: “When I was in [County Jail] for 33 days, I was looking at 18 months in the big house. The judge gave me my last chance. During those 33 days in jail, I said to myself that if I get out of here, I am going to do the one thing I’ve always wanted to do and never look back. I didn’t want to be on my deathbed looking back and wishing I did what I am doing now. So, when I was released [on] July 24, 2009, I enrolled in AVC and took on as many music courses as I could take.” Grajeda’s time in jail was a sobering experience for him, both literally and figuratively. After his release he took courses on drug rehabilita-
Courtesy photo
Local politician and musician Isaac Grajeda has come a long way from being in county jail. tion, driving under the influence and a 17-unit class load, which helped Grajeda stay on the path of sobriety. He credits current and former music instructors on campus like Dr. Michael McCullough, Dr. Gloria Kim, and Dr. David Newby for giving him a solid musical foundation. Grajeda has since gone on to a successful job as a music teacher and
event coordinator at the Cedar Center. He also sings in a local band, Spell The Sound, which is currently recording and playing gigs around the AV. He says that his passion for music and the community is what drives him to pursue these interests. “I’m all about community right now. I know I hardly get a good paycheck, but right now it’s just building something and I want to build something.” Along with his musical talent, Grajeda has also become involved in local politics. He is currently running along side Sandra Johnson, John T. Kiramis, Ken Mann, and Michael Rives for Lancaster City Council. Like most of his pursuits, music was a motivator for him. After the city passed several ordinances, including a street performers ordinance, which limits when and where people can perform, and an ordinance that restricts where newspaper stands can be placed, he felt he had to speak out. “I didn’t want to involve myself with local politics at all. Repeatedly, they have been offenders of the Ralph M. Brown Act or just restrictive with the ordinance 972 that restricts newspaper stands. Now t hat’s [violating] freedom of press… these repeated offenses keep happening and no one says anything about it. I’ve grown up to take a stand and to not be scared… I can’t be who I am and not say anything about it,” he said. Between his work in the performing arts and local politics, Grajeda is staying sober and staying on the right path. His passion for the arts and his community is what drives him to move forward. Along with trying to improve Lancaster, he hopes to set an example for reformed criminals and young people. “I am a big example of what can be done if someone wants to change his life around and make his life better for the future and I want to do that with my community now as well as myself,” he said. Even if people do not find favor with his views, Isaac Grajeda has earned respect from our community. He is a man who has decided to turn his life around and not only rise above negative stereotypes but also give back to the city that shaped him.
n o i h s a F n o e y E News
Page 8
April 2012
Corte aria By M
s
Three fun and fearless looks that are sure to turn heads, brought to life by AVC’s best!
Juan Lopez Fashion Alpha Dog
Mod Madness
The mod fashion movement began in the 1960s as a form of rebellion against the old and muted fashion statements of the 1950s. The mod movement consisted of bright colors, leather micro-minis and short rectangular dresses with bold patterns. The patterns that were used were mainly bold stripes, blocks and psychedelic patterns that matched the aura surrounding the era. When you channel mod into your wardrobe, you channel all the rebellion, boldness and fun of the 1960s. You break away from the safe zone and run wild with shapes, colors and attitude.
Fashion Icon: Twiggy
Photography by Jackie Bonilla
Bohemian Beauty
Bohemian fashion is all about being a free spirit and connecting with nature. The style originates from the 1970s flower child era where people rebelled against the harsh and brutal war surrounding them with peace. The staples for being a Bohemian fashion child include adding in lacey and breezy materials into your wardrobe and staples like long maxi dresses, boot-cut jeans, headbands, and tall boots. Incorporate earthy colors like brown, dark orange and olive green in there as well for that finishing touch. This look engulfs you in all that was 1970s peace and love, so don’t be afraid to embrace your inner flower child.
Fashion Icon: Janis Joplin
Rockabilly Rebel
Think of the Rockabilly look as the rock ‘n’ roll serrated edge of 1950s pin-up fashion. These girls know how to rock, sometimes harder than the guys because to them it’s all about the music. The beauty of the look is that it perfectly balances the delicateness of femininity with the hard aspects of rock ‘n’ roll music. Rockabilly pieces include leather jackets, halter-top dresses and blouses, pin skirts and high-waist cut shorts and skirts. If you’re trying to recreate the look, make sure you don’t stray too far into pin-up territory. It is not the same thing. This isn’t your run-of-the mill pinup doll look.
Fashion Icon: Wanda Jackson
Not many guys can pull off the cool and collected look. Because they’re so opposite, a lot of people are either one or the other. Juan Lopez, however, has nailed the style and wears it perfectly, with extreme confidence. That is why he is AVC’s very own Best Dressed guy. “My style says that I am laid back, sophisticated, confident and overall a well-put together guy that likes to dress nice,” Lopez said. He describes his style as casual, yet dressy, with a hint of rockabilly. It is a broad spectrum that reflects his broad sense of style. Lopez gets inspiration for his fashion choices from a fellow sophisticated man by the name of Tim Melideo. “The reason why this guy inspires the way I dress is really because I like the way he puts together his outfits,” he says. “It is a mixture of dressy attire and casual everyday wear.” Lopez has the perfect traits for being the Best Dressed guy. The main trait is the fact that he is unafraid and confident enough to be interested in fashion. He knows that it’s not something that can be attributed to just one gender. “Fashion shouldn’t only be for the ladies, because we as men have the right to be interested in it as much as they are,” Lopez said. He also notes that it is very refreshing to see more guys be interested in fashion. “You can see it by the way they present themselves with their outfits,” he said. “If fear is why you aren’t open about being interested in fashion, then all I have to say is, ‘forget about it. Don’t be afraid to be yourself.’”
News
April 2012
Page 9
No sympathy for the drunk or distracted By Ben Fassett Staff Writer
Technology has a tendency to kill us and the car is a prime example. The first recorded, fatal vehicular accident allegedly occurred in 1869 when an Irish scientist fell out of a steam-powered car, which ran her over. After that, all bets were off – we’ve been haphazardly mutilating ourselves (and each other) ever since. I know you know this. This is old news – we’ve all watched the campaigns, listened to the testimonials and read the badly written opinion pieces about it. You’ve seen the commercial where the guy is literally wallowing in wine while the officer books him, and I am positive that, at one point or another, you had to sit down for some boring-ass presentation back in high school. There were probably sheriffs preaching at you, either in person or on a projector. There might have been a mascot involved. I don’t know. I was drunk at the time. You must have heard about it, though. So suffice it to say, we’re one of the worst offenders. A 2009 statistical compilation conducted by the Fatality Analysis Reporting System cited California as being the top contender for automobile-related deaths at a
whopping 3,081 total killed, followed only by Texas who trailed by 10. The good news is that this is a 10 percent decrease from 2008, and with more recent, hard numbers on standby there’s a reason to be hopeful. The bad news is that 3,081 people still died. Please understand that I’m not saying that everyone who has been killed in an automobile accident did so out of ineptitude. Environmental factors kill, too. Roads can be treacherous. Roadkill can be disastrous. It’d be nice if we could sit the suicidal coyote, squirrel or zombie antelope down to one of those presentations. It’s the stupid people that I point my finger at: the drunks, the speeders, the text obsessive, and that scary lady who I see on the way to campus with some regularity who is putting on her goddamn make up in the rearview mirror. I always thought that was a cliché, and I abhor sexism, but there really is a woman who does this and almost always at a point where the road veers left and she keeps going straight. It’s terrifying. If you happen to be reading this, stop it. Now. No more wasted statistics. I will admit, it’ll be hard to feel sympathetic if that mascara brush ends up lodged in your broken eye socket, or if that cell phone finds
Robert Villapudua / Courtesy photo
California’s AVOID Anti-DUI Program reported that between Dec. 16- Jan. 1 of 2011 there were 2,433 DUI arrests in Los Angeles County alone. its way up your arse. There hasn’t been an excuse for your stupidity for a long time. You know that driving while impaired is dangerous. Don’t be an idiot. You know that you shouldn’t go 30 miles over the speed limit, so why do you do it?
Why have you chosen the absolute worst time to send a text that might as well read “CRUNCH?” No, the only people worth being sorry for is anyone caught between you and your point of impact.
The BLVD undergoes successful transformation By Ellessea Owens Staff Writer
“Lancaster BLVD is going in the right direction; if we keep having the family events and do well business-wise, the Blvd should continue to be a success,” employee Mario Gonzales of BRS said. His co-worker, Chanse Marshall, agreed, “I like the changes they have made; it’s been great since it’s been remodeled.” The BLVD was intended to be a nice, quiet dine-in area. Lancaster Boulevard started off with quite a few cafés, boutiques and a museum. Late nights throughout the week, it turns out to be a great place to reKrista Daly / Courtesy Photo lax and hang out with friends. New BEX is one of several booming businesses and other activities has businesses that was opened as part been added. of the redevepolment project. With the changes they have made, owners, workers and visitors have grown to enjoy it more than before. had much to say about the new look, Excitement has risen since the new businesses and new faces. many changes on the BLVD. Cus“It is amazing. It’s full. Busitomers, visitors, workers and owners ness is booming,” Shirley Griffiths,
owner of Panache Salon of Evolving Energy, said. “In one short year, the BLVD has changed; it’s wonderful.” Although most people seem satisfied with the changes, there were a few who argued that the difference wasn’t as great as others think. The Blvd has certainly become a success. There weren’t many changes, but the ones that were made turned out better than anticipated. Cruising or strolling, it is easy to see that the area has a lot of energy. With the expansions in businesses and activities you won’t have to travel too far. With these expansions, however, comes a need for more parking. This is one complaint of many locals and visitors. With fewer plants and light poles, there would be more parking space and less overall traffic. Overall, the changes are giving people the Lancaster BLVD . People enjoy it and so do I. It brings out a little fun in Antelope Valley.It has more things for people to acknowledge. It’s great!
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Page 10
April 2012
Examiner applauds campus support for veterans The AVC Examiner editorials are the unsigned views of the editorial board The Board of Trustees approved a veteran’s resource center and program during the meeting on March 12. Paid for by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Antelope Valley College will use $5,500 to create a center in SSV 126 for veterans to study and have access to a computer. In a separate vote, the Board also approved the use of money from the Veterans Work Study Allowance Program to provide AVC the opportunity to staff six veterans to run the new office. These veterans are considered employees of the Veterans Administration (VA) and are therefore provided benefits if injured on the job. At first glance, the board’s approval of this center and program suggests that it is new to our campus.
However, a 2008 Program Review for Veteran Affairs proves otherwise. In reading over the review, it seems the program’s 2008 goal for a new office space, greater resources, and bigger staff is just now coming to be. With the Board’s approval, the VA Office graduated from its cubicle in the Counseling Center, and will soon be provided with its own office. This was particularly important to its staff, as a private location will allow them to discuss potentially sensitive topics with their students, as well as provide ample work space for filing and computer stations for students. This improvement is an opportunity for not only AVC, but also the community to show our veterans our
appreciation for their service. It is also encouraging to those veterans who are either just beginning, or continuing their education to be able to enjoy an open office. Finally, a project that benefits a well-deserved group without costing AVC an arm and a leg. This program will enhance AVC as a whole, while doing some muchneeded good for a demographic particularly in need of assistance. It is difficult to say whether or not the center will be completely independent of AVC funding, as it is proposed to be completely covered by the VA Office, including salaries and onthe-job injury benefits. However, the review from 2008 suggests that VA funding is insufficient and the
center has been forced in the past to use money from the General Fund. As of 2008, the VA Office was given $7 per veteran student that is certified by its office. At that time, there were about 350 certified veteran students, granting the office $2,450 for the entire academic year. Now, assuming the number of veterans increases, as suggested by a recent campus update from Steve Standerfer, which said that as many as 60,000 veterans may be looking for work, or to enroll in California community colleges, the VA Office should eventually become a selfsufficient office. The center will provide the space and necessities that any functional office needs, as well as make the students
Dear AVC Examiner Editor/s. Overall, I really enjoyed reading the newspaper this week. There were obviously some things I liked more than others, but that is really just my personal opinion and preference. My favorite part of the newspaper was in the opinion section. Ben Fassett is extremely funny, writing in such a light-hearted, humorous tone about politics. The only thing I would have liked to have seen that I didn’t was a little more variety in the fashion page, only because I noticed it brought size into all three of the articles. That was more of the message I got, but did enjoy that section also. This is actually the first time I have read from the Examiner and I plan on continuing to read it now.
Examiner Staff Editor in Chief Natasha Castro
Online Editor Omar Castellon
Managing Editor Ben Fassett
Copy Editors Jordan Lofgren Geena Barret Omar Castellon
News Editor Kat Wilson Opinion Editor Ellessea Owens
Advertising Manager Nguyen Douglas
Features Editor Maria Medina
Writers Kevin Solomon Ravi Surampudi Joshua Sanchez
Fashion Editor Maria Cortes Sports Editor Benjamin Min Photo/Layout Editor William Lofgren
-Rebecca Wofford
Letters to the Editor Guidelines
and staff feel more comfortable in the new working/ studying space. Also commendable is the VA requirement that all veteran students have an education plan by the start of their second semester, a step towards success that many students do not often take. Additionally, they must take approved educational plan courses to continue receiving GI Bill benefits. Priority registration is also available to veterans, though only for “veterans that separated from active duty, reserves or National Guard service within the last 2 years,” as posted on the VA Office website. Priority registration is a valuable opportunity for veteran students, as well as all other students who have
it available to them. As of 2008, there were 255 priority registration slots available for eligible veteran students. During intercession and Spring registration of 2009, however, only 120 out of the possible 255 veteran students used their priority registration date effectively. That said, with an increase in student enrollment and catastrophic budget cuts to classes and resources, it is likely this number has increased. Overall, just as with many other offices at AVC, the VA Office demonstrates a sadly overlooked dedication to student service and aid. Hats off to the board, and all of the faculty and staff involved in making programs such as this yet another helpful tool in guiding AVC students to success.
Dear Wofford, While the fact that you’ve decided to call me lighthearted fills me with a desire to put dead skunks in your indoor potted plants,
I cannot help but admire and delight in your decision You are clearly a suave, successful young student with a bright future ahead of yourself, one filled with joy and dead animals in your house. We’ll try to add more variety to our fashion page. Or maybe we won’t – we’re fickle like that. -Ben Fassett to enjoy the paper.
Letters to the Editor should include a clearly printed name, address, telephone number and major and/ or occupation. Letters should be 300 words or less. Letters may be edited for space and clarity. Libel will not be printed. Letters received become property of the Examiner and may be published or reproduced at its discretion. Address all correspondence to: Email: avcexaminer00@gmail.com
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for publication by the advisers. Requests for news or feature
Language Arts classes, typeset on campus and distributed Wednesdays during the school year. Examiner editorials and editorial cartoons are the opinion of the editorial board. All other opinion and editorial page material is the opinion of the individual writer/artist, not of the Examiner. Views expressed in the Examiner do not necessarily reflect those of the advisers, faculty members, administration or the Associated Student Organization, although they are reviewed coverage or concerns about editorial or advertising content should be addressed to the Editor in Chief. The Examiner is
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April 2012
News
Page 11
Baseball win streak ends at four By Ravi Surampudi Staff Writer
Will Lofgren / Examiner
The Antelope Valley Marauders advanced to the Final Four for the first time in four years after beating the Riverside College Tigers.
Marauders conclude successful season By Benjamin Min Staff Writer
The Antelope Valley College Marauders fought through a late-season losing streak and internal turmoil to conclude the season on a high note. The last time the Marauders experienced such success, and made it to the Final Four was during the 2007-2008 season. The team started the season off with a seven-game winning streak and seemed to be unbeatable. Their first consecutive losses came on Dec. 8 against the Barstow community College Vikings. “We had that three-game skid,” said Coach John Taylor of the Marauders. “We had never even lost two in a row during the whole season.” The losing streak took a toll on the team, but the Marauders wasted no time getting back on track. “The guys were pretty down on themselves,” said Taylor. “But we kicked it into high gear after that and then we won five straight games.” The refocused ������������������������ team�������������������� ended their basketball season with a trip to the Final Four. They were eliminated in the semifinals by the Yuba College 49ers, 79-69, and fell just two games short of winning the California Community College Athletics Association’s state title. Led by the dynamic backcourt duo of Jason Johnson and Da’Shawn Gomez, the Marauders finished their regular season with a record of 21-7, earning them the seventh seed going into the playoffs.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Marauders defeated the Irvine Valley College Lasers with ease, 69-57. Unlike the Lasers however, the El Camino College Warriors gave the Marauders a run for their money in the next round. Both teams were off to a slow start but managed to get their heads back into the game, and the match quickly intensified. Still, the Marauders squeezed out yet another victory by defeating the Warriors, 67-64. In the semifinals, the Marauders kept rolling with a win over the Riverside College Tigers. Although the game was held in the Marauders gymnasium, the environment felt more like a Tigers’ home game with almost half of the bleachers filled with Riverside fans and with more than 40 of their cheerleaders in attendance. The game seemed much closer than the final scores indicated, 87-73, due to the intensity of the crowd. With the win against the Tigers, the Marauders had punched their tickets to the Final Four. However, the Marauders’ season came to an abrupt end in the following round against the Yuba College 49ers. The Marauders had a three-point lead going into halftime but failed to sustain it, losing to the 49ers, 79-69. Following the loss, Taylor expressed his disappointment in the outcome. “It would’ve been nice to beat Yuba,” said Taylor. “It was a tie game with three minutes to play so that game could’ve went any which way.” Taylor’s team was tied with the 49ers
with just three minutes to play in the game, but couldn’t close the deal. The 49ers advanced to the Final, but lost to the second-seeded Fresno City College Rams by a score of 77-62. The success of the team became clear when winning basketball programs from around the nation approached players from the Marauders. “We made it to the Final Four when nobody expected us to, so it was a successful season,” said Gomez, who will be playing for the Iona College Gaels next season. The Division I university was eliminated from the NCAA tournament by the Brigham Young University Cougars. Gomez plans to build on his young, yet successful basketball career with the new school and hopes to one day make a living doing so. “Hopefully, I play well enough where I can make money off basketball,” said Gomez. “But at the same time, get a degree and go from there.” The up-tempo style of the Gaels should suit the star point guard better than the slower play style of Taylor’s offense. “Iona is a system where my style of play can really flourish,” Gomez said of his future team. “I’m just bringing a winning personality to the team.” Gomez finished the season averaging 11.0 points per game, shooting 43 percent from the field, to go along with 5.2 assists. The success of the Marauders not only opened up the doors for Gomez, but
The Marauders’ Jack Sheeley was on the mound to face Mount San Jacinto on March 20. The team recently swept the series against Victor Valley. They were on a four-game winning streak and coming off a bye week. Sheeley shut down Mount San Jacinto in the top of the first inning. In fact, there was no scoring until the fourth inning. Marauders’ Steven Tremlin walked, Kyle Taisacan singled and Mikal Hunter singled to load the bases. Jacob Risinger struck out and Dylan Livingston walked to score Tremlin. The score was 1-0 Marauders after the first four innings. Mount San Jacinto scored in the top of the fifth inning to even the score. The Marauders scored more runs in the bottom half of the inning. Nolan Almodovar walked, Ryan Herrick doubled to left field. Tremlin walked to load the bases. Taisacan drove in Almodovar with a sacrifice fly. “I just try to hit the ball the best I can to drive in the run,” Taisacan said. Hunter walked to load the bases again. Risinger hit a two-run single and both Herrick and Tremlin scored, which increased their lead 4-1. Livingston singled to center which brought Hunter home. The Marauders led 5-1 after five innings. Mount San Jacinto
See Baseball, page 10
James May / Courtesy photo
Jack Sheeley and the Marauders lost
See Basketball, page 10 to the Mt. San Jacinto College Eagles.
News
Page 12
AVC Upcoming Sports Schedule Wednesday, April 4 3 p.m. SB at * Desert
Thursday, April 5
2:30 p.m. BB vs LA Valley
Friday, April 6
9 a.m. TRK at Orange Coast Classic 3 p.m. SB vs *Mt. Jacinto
Monday, April 9
1 p.m. MG at * El Camino 1 p.m. SB vs *Desert
Tuesday, April 10
TRK at SoCal Hep/Dec 2:30 p.m. BB vs *Cerro Coso
Wednesday, April 11
TRK at SoCal Hep/Dec 10 a.m. MG at *Neutral Match 3 p.m. SB at *Victor Valley
Thursday, April 12
2:30 p.m. BB at *Cerro Coso
Friday, April 13
3 p.m. SB vs *San Bernadino Valley
Saturday, April 14
11 a.m. SB at Cypress Noon BB vs *Cerro Coso 1 p.m. SB vs Palomar
Basketball
Baseball
also did so for starting center Reggie Murphy, who will be playing for the Texas Christian University Frogs, and Jason Johnson, who is weighing his options among three schools. Other players such as Chris Bridges and Sean Boston are also being looked at by higher level schools. Murphy led the team in rebounding with 6.8 per game, while Johnson led the team in scoring with 15.4 points per game. With so many players planning on signing with new schools, the Marauders still expect to have seven returning players to continue to build on the success that they achieved this season. “Along with a couple local players and a couple of players down below, we got a really good shot,” said Taylor. However, Taylor admitted that some changes will need to be made to better prepare the team for next season. “I really need to prepare the team a little bit better for conference,” said Taylor. “But as far as nonconference and the playoffs, we did wonderful.” The Marauders play in one of the toughest conferences in the state and will be looking to improve. Although Johnson, Gomez and Murphy were all pivotal contributors to the team’s success, the Marauders should be just fine without them if they play with the confidence they demonstrated throughout the season. The Marauders will have plenty of time to prepare themselves to reach the Final Four once again next season and hopefully will improve enough to win the whole thing the next time around.
added two runs and the score was 5-3 after six innings. Sheeley pitched an outstanding seventh inning and allowed no runs. San Jacinto College had Matt Ogan on thge mound in the bottom of the seventh inning. Tremlin reached on a walk, went to second on a passed ball and went to third on errant throw. Taisacan struck out, Hunter walked, pinch hitter Sho Serrano struck out and so did Livingston. Chris Unger relieved Sheeley. Unger got one out and made a throwing error to Tremlin, allowing the runner from Mount San Jacinto College to reach second base. Johnny Arementa of Mount San Jacinto College grounded out but Steven Chagolla, who was the runner on third, scored after Marauders catcher, Livingston, failed to tag the runner out. Vince Canales flied out. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Aaron Owen struck out looking. Enrique Alvarado popped out, Almodovar walked and so did Herrick. Tremlin faced Mount San Jacinto’s new pitcher Chris Boarst and grounded out. In the top of the ninth inning, Zack Myas relieved Unger. Myas struggled in the inning. Pinch hitter for Mount San Jacinto was Max Floyd he walked. Travis Navarro bunted the runner over. Jeff Ricker doubled in Floyd to tie the game at five. Garrett Velga singled in Floyd to give Mount San Jacinto the lead that would stand even in the bottom of the ninth. Taisacan flied out to center. Hunter grounded out and pinch hitter Brian Ebert grounded out to end the game. Mount San Jacinto College won by a score of 6-5. “We have to win the next two games, be serious and win on the road Thursday and at home on Saturday to win this series,” Sheeley said.
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April 2012 “I played third base today. We had a big chance to win, but let it slip away. We have to come out the next two games with dominance and try and win the series,” Hunter said. “The ball that I hit was definitely foul, the runs I scored were not a waste. We need to pick up our offensive and defensive game. I need to be prepared to pitch on Saturday, so I will learn from Thursday’s game. The opposing batters hit the ball hard and often. The chances to win the series are still there, and we need to execute. “I got too heavy on my feet and took my eye off the ball at the last second. My approach was to slow the game down. I flew out to center, but hoped the team would rally. My approach for next game is to play for the win and live and learn,” Taisacan said. “I need to get ground balls and strike outs. Keep the ball down, there is no pressure, no difference between home and away just hops for Thursday’s game,” Andrew Rabiej said. “Something we need to learn in conference play is how to put teams away. We needed to get to the point and today that did not happen. Losses do hurt, and we have to learn from today. Our goal is to win the next two. Go up there Thursday and play all nine innings. Thursday’s game is very important; the season is not over. All we have to do is win two out of three games,” Coach John Livermont said. “Jack Sheeley worked hard seven innings and should have won the game. We stranded 11 base runners, and we have some question marks. We need to learn from mistakes. Saturday’s starter, Steven Tremlin’s keys are to pound the zone, minimize our walks, score runs, and win the game.” Follow Ravi Surampudi on Twitter @RaviSurampudi