Corsair The Santa Monica College
Volume C, Issue 6
Informing Since 1929
www.thecorsaironline.com
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Legal alternatives to marijuana raise questions
Health concerns surround legal substitutes to drug at heart of Prop. 19 By Miles Arnold Staff Writer On Nov. 2, California voters will head to the polls to cast their votes on a number of propositions, as well as a new governor. Among the propositions on the ballot is the controversial Prop 19 that, with a “yes” vote, will legalize marijuana under California law and permit local governments to regulate and tax commercial production, distribution, and sale of marijuana. But while Californians have been debating whether or not marijuana should be legalized, there are current legal drugs on the market that have a more detrimental effect on the body than the longest long-term effect of marijuana ever will. One of these drugs that has just recently started to become popular goes by the name “Spice,” or “K-2.” It’s a synthetic cannabis that when smoked produces a high in most people similar to the experience of smoking marijuana. Although the drug offers the same high and is undetectable to drug tests, the fact that it is manufactured and constructed with numerous chemical components makes it a potentially dangerous substance, one that can give you an unpredictable high. Dr. Allan Frankel, founder of Green Bridge Medical Center, a cannabis physician office in Marina Del Rey, doesn’t recommend the use of substances like Spice. He said that “there is
[See Substitutes, page 3]
Ariana Masters Corsair Vince Slevin, director of budget management and new voters project coordinator for CALPIRG, at the Associate Students Board meeting last Monday. Efforts to discuss the $1.50 student organizing fee sparked a heated debate bewteen directors. The meeting ended with he fee being rescinded.
Fee revoked, board provoked By Ariana Masters Staff Writer After four weeks of seemingly endless debate over the $1.50 student-organizing fee, the Associated Students’ Board of Directors voted to rescind the fee. However, the decision by the AS Board still has to be ratified by the Joint Council. If the Joint Council ratifies the board’s decision then CALPIRG will remain unfunded by the AS, but they still have a number of avenues open with which to seek financial funding. Speaking after the vote, Vince Slevin, the new voters project
coordinator for CALPIRG and the AS director of Budget Management, expressed disappointment at the board’s verdict. “I think it’s dangerous for the AS to start second guessing the voice of the student body, that’s a dangerous precedent. If we question their votes in this election what’s to stop us from questioning the votes that put us in office,” said Slevin. At the start of proceedings hopes were high that a satisfactory decision could be reached. However, as the meeting drew on, obstacles arose as dissimilar viewpoints were levied.
Leo Leung, Inter Club Council chair, said, “People think that if we don’t have this fee, then students will lose their voice, and there will be global warming, and all the penguins will die… but this is not true. We have other groups working on these issues.” In response, Slevin stated they must represent the voice of the students as best they can. “It’s very important we represent those student voices on campus, and that is what the student organizing fee allows us to accomplish.” The board members were not the only ones with a vested interest in the outcome, and
various groups provided opinions on the issue. “Think about it like this: Don’t think that they are taking $1.50 from you, but for one day you won’t be drinking a cup of coffee,” said Santa Monica College student, Bryce Jensen, who added that “there are lot of good things you can take from a small amount.” The board voted with seven raised hands to rescind the fee. They have also decided, however, that the decision must go to joint council. “This decision needs to go to joint council based on our constitution,” said Slevin. “I look forward to giving joint council an opportunity to hear about it.”
Santa Monica City Council candidates answer Y With the November elections looming, council candidates are keen to stake their claims By Alexandra Leighton Staff Writer In less than three weeks, the residents of Santa Monica will elect five new city council members. Each resident will have the opportunity to cast their vote for three 4-year candidates and two 2-year candidates as well as a “yes” or “no” vote for propositions such as the tax increase Measure Y.
This past Monday, The Santa Monica Mirror hosted all 15 candidates and a modest group of Santa Monica citizens at the Santa Monica Public Library for a strictly enforced one-minute question-and-answer forum to assist the city’s voters in getting to know each of the Nov. 2 hopefuls. Of the candidates, ten would be first term council members. Fresh faces up for a two-year term include the chairman of the Pico Improvement organization, Robert Kronovet, Santa Monica Observer’s Publisher David Ganezer,
and founder of Santa Monica Tenants’ Rights Clinic, Susan Hartley, all of whom are opposed to Measure Y’s sales tax increase. The incumbents for this term are Gleam Davis, lawyer, and Terry O’Day who served on the planning commission prior to his appointment to Council. Both support the tax increase. There are six new candidates vying for the three 4-year seats which the incumbents, Bob Holbrook, Pam O’Connor, and Kevin McKeown hope to recapture: Jerry Rubin,
[See Elections, page 3]
Geraldine Planchart Corsair Jon Louis Mann, Santa Monica City Council candidate for 2010, talks of his support to legalize marijuana.
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THIS WEEK
Corsair Newspaper Santa Monica College
Wednesday October ,
ONLINE www.thecorsaironline.com
Bruno Mars Review By Cyndi Gomez Mars’ debut album, while pleasant, brings nothing new to the mainstream.
Cheap Eats By Stephanie Forshee This week, Walsh visits Johnnie’s pizzeria in Centuiry city. For $35 she tries out enough food to feed a dozen people, so check out the review because there’s bound to be something for everyone on her plate.
QR Code Sara Stark Corsair Brown bottles recovered at the site of Bodie ghost town in Northern California where the Santa Monica College photo department spent a part of their fall camping trip shooting over the weekend.
News This is a QR Code, a Quick Response barcoding system made to connect print to the internet. If your phone has a camera and internet capabilities, simply load any code-scanning application and take a picture of this image.
A&E
A.S. vote 1 Homecoming & City Council forum 3 SMC Debate Team Drug alternatives 8 Culture Collide Festival & Dancers find rhythm 9 T.V.ʼs returning shows
Opinion
Lifestyle
4 Decriminalized chronic & Obesity rationalization 5 Prop 23 deception
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Barfly 1000 Journals
Photostory
6 & Student activists 7
Sports
Womenʼs volleyball 11 Womenʼs waterpolo & Professor Breakdown 12 Womenʼs soccer Football
Corrections: Prostitution story for Opinion was incorrectly credited; actual writer was Zuleima Alvarado. Opposing volleyball team name was incorrectly cited as Ventura; correct team name was Hancock College.
NEWS
Wednesday October ,
Corsair Newspaper Santa Monica College
More than just a question of debate By Stephanie Sommers Staff Writer Head of the debate team, Professor Nate Brown believes that our current society is too easily persuaded by poor reasoning. “Commercials are successful, but they shouldn’t be. Political candidates are successful, but they shouldn’t be. More of the public should be shouting ‘that’s crap!’” Brown created the Santa Monica College Debate Team in fall 2005, when he recognized that most colleges had competitive teams. Although never being on a debate team, Brown said he formed the team to give him something special outside of the classroom. “I wanted the debate team to be my special project,” said Brown.
SMC debate team currently holds 20 members, with 15 competing in debates. Brown describes his 20-student team as enthusiastic. Although they did not advance at Claremont McKenna College last week, Brown was not disappointed with the results. “They performed as well as could be expected.” The tournament was a host for elite debate programs, ranging from the University of Southern California, Loyola Marymount, University of Michigan and numerous other schools. Many of his 15 debaters were new to competition and still learning the basics. Dominic Ameneyro, a first semester debate student, said this weekend, “I am not as smart as I think I am, which makes me want to work harder.” He believes the allure of debate is
a well-versed topic that makes it exceedingly difficult not to question your presupposed values. Ameneyro’s outtake of this weekend’s competition is a testament to Brown’s description of a determined team.
“Competing in debate, even if they lose, is the best form of instruction.” -Nate Brown Anderson describes his three-semester experience on the SMC Debate Team as “a wild, rollicking rollercoaster of rhetoric.” He wants his teams to be comfortable, but to be professional. Brown welcomes any students interested to join his program and strongly
believes that regardless of past experience, that his “greatest competitors are those that decide to be great, and find the skills and knowledge necessary to win.” Debate team competitor Cleo Anderson uses the wise words of George Bernard Shaw as inspiration in forming his arguments: “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” Second semester debate participant, Sonya Allahyar, describes her team as, “My insane family who I spend so much of my time with, and don’t hate a second of it.” Allahyar believes debate is important because society is so concerned
with scraping by rather than critically thinking how our actions might affect people. “If they questioned what was going on instead of solely focusing on their lives, then maybe things may be different,” he said. Brown believes, “Competing in debate, even if they lose, is the best form of instruction.” With only two practices a week, Brown tries to improve his team’s mastery of current events, classical theories of argument, logic and improvement on the physiological aspect of debate. Brown hopes to inspire his team to think logically and learn to embrace and work through fear. The Debate Team hopes to sharpen their skills as they work towards their national championship tournament in April.
Legal substitutes
Elections looming
[Substitutes, from page 1]
[Elections, from page 1]
no quality control in something like that.” Frankel added that “cannabis is a natural remedy that’s been used in medicine for 700 years, it’s safe and predictable. Spice, which is marketed and sold as “herbal incense,” is legal in the United States but is catching the eyes of doctors across the country, most recently in early March of this year when several Georgia teenagers spent the night in a Roswell hospital after smoking it. One of the teenagers was treated for swelling of the brain. The drug was made illegal in European countries including Germany, France, Poland and the U.K. after German scientists concluded research that determined Spice was composed of several synthetic cannabinoids which, when combined, create the same effect as smoking marijuana. However, the side effects are more intense than those of marijuana and can include anxiety attacks, nausea, hallucinations, and chemical dependency. Another legal substance that can be found just as easily as Spice, if not more so, is called “Salvia Divinorum,” or simply, “Salvia.” Salvia is a substance that when smoked in high dosages creates a brief but very extreme high of about 15 minutes in duration that can lead to the complete loss of control over mind and body. Such side effects can include the feeling of moving through space, unifying with an object and in some cases the experience of multiple realities and out of body experiences very similar to the effects of LSD. Additionally, use of Salvia can induce irritability, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Little is known about the drug at this point, but early research has demonstrated that high dosages can cause long-term brain damage and can permanently impair function of balance, coordination and muscle control. The physical effects of these drug “cocktails” is scary enough, but for parents of children in the vulnerable pre-teen and teenage groups, it is especially worrisome that Salvia can be purchased at any local smoke shop like the many you see at Venice beach. One employee at the “Art of Venice“ smoke shop, who requested to remain anonymous, explained that prices can range anywhere from ten to sixty dollars depending on potency and quantity. If Prop 19 passes on Nov.2, California will become the first state to completely legalize marijuana.
Linda Armstrong, Jean McNeil-Wyner, Terence Later, Ted Winterer, Jon Louis Mann, and Daniel Cody. Cody has served as the chair of the finance committee for Santa Monica for the past three years. While the selected questions, submitted to The Mirror by a series of concerned citizens, were pre-delivered to each candidate, the one-minute answer time constraint was strictly enforced, and many of the questions were rich. The questions read covered issues ranging from the city’s import of water, to the future of the airport, to each candidate’s position on developerhomeowner relations and the highly debated tax-payer obligation to provide low income housing for city educators and rescue workers. But, the theme of the evening was taxation and transparency. All five of the incumbent council members are in favor of Measure Y so as to avoid having to continue the budget cuts the council was forced to make. Currently, Santa Monica boasts 265 city employees per square mile, according to David Ganezer, and one of the largest city budgets in the nation. Yet, Ganezer said that “the current city council put Measure Y on the ballot because they don’t want to make the necessary budget cuts to meet their $13.4 million shortfall.” Ganezer says no to Y and yes to YY. The funds for education are already in the current council’s budget, according to Terence Later who, if elected, promises to make “line-by-line budget cuts.” And Daniel Cody promises “no new taxes” if he’s voted into office, as well. On the other side of the taxation/ transparency argument is Gleam Davis who argues that Measure Y is necessary because, for example, the current council would not consider a reduction in employee compensation (Santa Monica’s City Manager is paid $315,000.00 plus benefits) to expand the parks program, which Davis also supports, because “funding for new parks would come from the Capital Fund,” as the project would begin and end in one year. “Wages are part of the Operational Fund,” said Davis, who also supports YY as only an advisory because otherwise, said Davis, “Y would have to pass with a two-thirds vote.” All the incumbents supporting Measure Y would like to direct money to the General Education Fund, which said Davis, includes “afterschool programs, but not community colleges.”
Christina Maxwell Corsair Annie Gonzalez wins the Santa Monica College Homecoming singing competition. She will now perform the National Anthem at the Homecoming football game this Saturday.
Homecoming Preview By Jonathan Bue Staff Writer Santa Monica College’s Associated Students along with the Alumni Association, kinesiology department and the SMC Foundation have combined their efforts, including the formation of a homecoming committee, in order to make this year’s homecoming a well-organized event. A poster contest, pirate themed hair and makeup styling by SMC’s cosmetology department, and a campus singing competition started the week off with the winner of yesterday’s “Homecoming Idol,” Annie Gonzalez, singing the national anthem at Saturday night’s game. Thursday will feature a powder puff football match at the quad between student clubs and faculty, and anyone wearing SMC related clothing will receive free ice-cream. The first 300 in attendance at Saturday’s game will receive a tote bag containing a free t-shirt and coupons for a free sandwich from the Grilled Cheese truck. Students dressed as pirates will have the chance to win an iPad amongst other giveaways that include iPod shuffles and a laptop computer. This year’s homecoming motif has particular relevance because it will
feature, for the first time, a kickoff featuring SMC’s Alumni Association, which was established just this year. Notable alumni attending this weekend’s game will include members of SMC’s 1958 Junior Rose Bowl champions. Asked what it would mean to the athletes to have a good showing on Saturday Anna Collier, P.E. Department Chair, said that she was hopeful. “I think it will raise their energy levels,” said Collier. ”It might take us back over the top and help us win the match.” But with an allotted homecoming budget of $7,000 and a lackluster turnout in the previous year, students like Jesse Saldena are left wondering if that money could have been better spent on more worthwhile causes. However, many students support the idea of school spirit even as they acknowledge a lack of interest in the activities. Asked if he would show up to the game and Jonathan Morabi’s response was tepid. “Maybe, I’ll think about it,” said Morabi. Besides the football team, all other SMC teams will be honored during halftime. Saturday night’s game will start at 6 p.m. at Corsair Field and attendance is free.
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OPINION
Corsair Newspaper Santa Monica College
Wednesday October ,
Editorial Cartoon
Jon Bue Corsair
Prop 23, paid in full by oily-executives By Brandon Minikwu Staff Writer Proposition 23 is a deceptive ballot initiative with the sole of intent of repealing the landmark Global Warming Solutions Act, also known as Assembly Bill 32, by praying on Californian’s economic and employment concerns. The initiative will protect the financial interests and record profits of big oil and leave California without options for a clean energy and environmentally responsible future. The authors of Prop 23 claim that passage would only suspend AB 32. However upon closer inspection the proposition more closely resembles a direct repeal of the act. If passed, the suspension will stay in effect until the state’s unemployment rate drops to 5.5% and maintains that level for four consecutive quarters. Although not totally unattainable, this has only been accomplished three times in the last 40 years. With the current unemployment rate, a staggering 12.3 percent, and continued population growth, leading economists suggest it will take years,
if not decades before the state reaches those levels. Until those levels had been maintained, the state would not be able to propose or adopt any new regulations regarding climate control. This will effectively kill the environmental gains and standards set by AB 32, as well as the hundred of thousands of jobs that AB32 would create by 2020. California’s quickly emerging clean energy industry will almost certainly be devastated. This should extinguish any serious threat to the existing, “dirty” energy establishment. The two primary sponsors, of the prop. are Texas oil companies: Valero and Tesoro. They are among the nation’s biggest polluters. California oil refineries are among the top ten polluters in our state. These oily-execs know that AB 32 will drastically impact their business, if not destroy it, and they have spent millions of dollars on 23 to stop it. Proponents of 23 have present to the public in television ads and other means as a job creator that without immediate employment would cost California at
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least 1.1 millions jobs. Prop. 23 proponents claim AB 32’s lack of immediate employment would mean the loss of 1.1 million jobs. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. It is in fact, Prop. 23 which would delay high-paying jobs, and keep California from being the leader in green technology and manufacturing. In fact studies have shown AB 32 will usher in a new landscape of employment. It has already produced over 500,000 clean technology jobs and increased our GDP its short time in effect. Most of the positions created were in the fields of technology-creation and manufacturing. Should AB 32 be suspended we run the risk of losing these critical jobs to countries like Germany or China, who are fully embracing the green dream. Alternative energy sourced jobs have been some of the few bright spots in the economy over the last fours years since it AB 32 was enacted and continue to grow even through economic fallout and the recession. Green jobs have grown 10 times faster than the statewide average. California’s clean technology
Fall 2010 Staff Rebecca Slawter Brandon Quin Brian White Sal Guerra Jennifer Martinez Daniel Ross Tieg Slattery Kevin Duron Ingrid Rosales Alica Forneret John Stapleton IV Jeremy Biglow Guiliana Dakdouk
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Photo Editor Photo Editor Photo Editor News Editor Opinion Editor Sports Editor Calendar Editor Lifestyle Editor Online Editor Exhibit Editor Design Editor
Faculty Advisors Saul Rubin and Gerard Burkhart
sector received $9 billion in cumulative venture capital investment from 20052009, more than five times more the nearest competitor. Prop. 23, however, will keep us dependent on oil, most of it foreignproduced, and other fossil fuels further threatening our national security. Passage of the proposition would increase our exposure to environmental and economic disasters by leaving open the possibility and potential need to off-shore drill our precious coastline. BP, enough said! Public Health would most-certainly suffer as well. Most of these oil companies’ refineries are in or around high-density areas. California already has some the poorest air quality in the nation. This public health concern is very real and will only rise with passage of 23. AB 32 set the tone for the future of California. An economic, prosperous and green future, which big-oil is desperately trying hijack from the current, and future generations, of Californians. Don’t let them succeed, vote NO on 23.
Reporters Alexandra Ahneman,Zuleima Alvarado, Miles Arnold, Kylie Blaber, Jonathan Bue, Alessandra Catanese, Emma Dantoft, Kevin Duncan, Rebecca Elgebra, Nathan Endow, Alvaro Escalante, Jennifer Ferrada, Stephanie Forshee, Sharon A. Fox, Khalil Grier, Cyndi Gomez, Wendy Gonzalez, Matt Gottesman, Zineb Hafiz, Danny Henson, Vaimiti Herlaud, Vera Hughes, Sean Hunt, Aasiya Jones, Alexandra Lazar, Neelofer Lodhy, Julie Massecis, Ariana Masters, Cristina Maxwell, Sarah McIntosh, Jonathan Mendoza, Michael Mendoza, Brandon Minikwn, Natalie Miltcharek, Malika Moore, Julie Newsome, Ayla Pound, Audrey Roberts, Adam Rubin, Laysa Quintero, Michael Santana, Stephanie Sommer, Caitlin Trinkle, Vienna Urias, Lauren Walsh
Photographers Anisa El-Khouri, Luana Kasahara, Albany Katz, Danyale Kotur, Konstantin Marowitz, Jessica Mendoza, George Mikhail, Ted Olsson, Michelle Ponder, Alex Rogers, Jarrad Rosson, Alex Soltes, Terrence Timmins
Advertising Consultant Lisa Anderson corsair.admanager@gmail.com Computer Consultant Agnius Griskevicius Graphic Design Jhosef A. Hern Classified Ads: Daily Bruin (310) 825-2221 Letters to the editor are encouraged. They should be no longer than 250 words and must be signed by the writer. corsair.editorinchief@gmail.com
Wednesday October ,
OPINION
Corsair Newspaper Santa Monica College
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Personal-use pot to go unpunished By Ayla Pound Staff Writer From teenagers to the elderly, and everyone in between, the widespread use of marijuana throughout California is no secret. With numerous medical marijuana dispensaries popping up, throughout Los Angeles, with the ferocity of a quickly-spreading wildfire, it appears as if the marijuana “movement” is gaining nothing but speed. Adding fuel to the fire, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently signed SB 1449 into law. Taking effect January 1, 2011, this new law will reduce the penalty for the possession of an ounce or less of marijuana from a misdemeanor to an infraction. No longer do the citizens of California have to worry about spending time in court, and ultimately in jail, for being caught with the once forbidden flower. Rather, they must only consider whether or not getting weeded is worth risking a fine up to $100. Despite Schwarzenegger’s opposition to Proposition 19, a statewide initiative on the November ballot which would allow the recreational use of marijuana, he signed the bill into law as one of his last legislative acts of duty. The new law is intended to help reduce the vast amount of money, which California spends prosecuting more than 60, 000 misdemeanor arrest for simple possession of marijuana annually. “In this time of drastic budget cuts, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, and the courts cannot afford to expend limited resources prosecuting a crime that carries the same punishment as a traffic ticket,”
said Schwarzenegger. Despite possible good intentions, the move seems a bit contradictory on the part of the Governor, and may very well weaken support for Prop. 19. While the
Kostya Marowitz Corsair SB1449 will reduce possesion of less than one ounce of marijuana to an infraction as of Jan. 1, 2011.
reasoning behind decreasing the penalty for possession appears soundly for the greater good of California, opposing Proposition 19 makes no sense at all. If passed, Prop. 19 would likely allow
Obesity rationalization reckless By Tieg Slattery Opinion Editor On Sept. 21 Dr. Deborah Cohen, a senior natural scientist at the Rand Corporation, gave a lecture on campus focusing on the root cause behind America’s outlandish obesity rate, which is – get this – our environment! Apparently the fact that we are a nation of lazy gluttons, who hate exercise, but love quadruple big-gulps, is of no consequence. Cohen’s main contention was that easy access to low-cost junk foods and the increased prevalence of fast food ads are the primary source of our collective obesity. Her bizarre rationalization of unhealthy lifestyles only reinforces America’s distant relationship to reality. This is not dissimilar to the “every child is special” ideal that has been so heavily promoted over the past generation. Guess what America, you’re not special, not even a little bit! Oh, and you’re also fat! Really fat! According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 70 percent of Americans are overweight. Nearly half those cases are more accurately classified as obese, which is grossly overweight to the point of being a serious health risk. This astounding rate of obesity places an unbearable burden on our society, and propagating this issue as anything other than a result of laziness and lack of impulse control is reckless. Cohen claims that eating is an automatic, rather than voluntary behavior. “We think that obesity is initially self-control or not having knowledge, but that has nothing to do with the problem,” she said. Really? Selfcontrol has nothing to do with obesity? You don’t have to be a senior natural scientist to see the holes in that logic. Automatic or not, self-control has everything to do with obesity.
the state some much-needed budgetary breathing room. It seems as if the answer to many of the states’ money problems are right in front of the governor eyes, and yet he can’t see past his own beliefs
Sure, the impulse to eat, and sustain life, is instinctual. One of the defining characteristics of mankind is our innate ability to make conscious decisions to suppress even our most primitive inclinations. This singular trait distinguishes man from the beast. To infer that we cannot control our simple urges is just another excuse for suspect behavior. It is high time that Americans start taking responsibility for their actions (or in this case inactions) and assign blame where blame is due. It is not the environment’s fault you are fat. It’s not the banks fault that the house you couldn’t afford, is now in foreclosure. And chances are, it’s not your parent’s fault that you are a social delinquent. Actually, that might be their fault. Regardless, it’s time for America to manup. Our overriding cultural tendency to avoid broaching any topic which might be construed as offensive, combined with a disingenuous propensity for political correctness, are leading us down the dark path to idiocy, and driving us further from the unmerciful embrace of reality. We must stop lying to ourselves, and to each other, in an attempt to placate the portly populace. In fact, it would likely serve society better to go the opposite route: brutally honest to the point of offensiveness. In lieu of more confounding concepts, such as diet and exercise, which require effort and discipline, overweight America simply needs to exercise a little impulse control. Stop being enslaved by your environment. You are American Damnit! Absolutely nothing, and no one, impresses their will upon you. Least of all, THE ENVIRONMENT! You spent the last century bending her to your will, and now, when she’s all but broken, you relent? C’mon, double chins-up America. You’re better than that!
to do what’s best for the state. California currently has the largest budget deficit of any American state. It is expected that whoever replaces Schwarzenegger, will inherit the $10
billion deficit, which California is expected to reach next year. It is also estimated that the currently untaxed marijuana market would produce $1.4 billion for the state a year. It seems as though the answer to our state’s financial shortcomings are staring us straight in the face. The U.S. government has shown it has no problem legalizing and taxing the use of alcohol, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has been the direct cause of approximately 79,000 deaths annually, and is currently the 3rd leading lifestylerelated cause of death for people in the United States each year. Marijuana, on the other hand, has never been directly linked to one, single death, and yet is still classified as an illegal substance, even though it is virtually impossible to overdose on. It remains a mystery to me why anyone would be against something with the potential to contribute immensely to the crisis California is facing. Are the politicians in California truly that stubborn that they would rather continue to take money from schools and health care, rather than legalize something that is already as easy for someone to get as an Aspirin? Pot, weed, or whatever you choose to call it, is destined to become a normal part of American life, just as alcohol did in the post-prohibition era. It is time for Californians take the lead, expand their minds and accept that the times are a changing. It is necessary to embrace Proposition 19 for all the good things it will do for the state we live in, if not for the state of our minds.
Corsair Newspaper
06 Santa Monica
Demonstrators march through campus demanding a stop to budget cuts and tuition hikes at Santa Monica College last Thursday.
P H O T O S T O RY
Aldo-Rafael Cos Contributor
Wednesday October .
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Brian White Corsair Leading demonstrators toward the Central Library in downtown, Julia Wallace of the March 4th Coalition chants into a megaphone advocating the working class to take control of the economy through general strikes.
Sal Guerra Corsair SMC student activist, Thania Gomez, anounces to an anxious crowd their victory in obtaining a location to voice their position on the educational cuts made at SMC.
corporations and wealthy citizens pay their fair share in taxes to fund social services, an end to all layoffs and legalization to all undocumented workers. Although the group’s demands were multi-faceted, near and dear to everyone’s heart at the protest was education. Speaking to the demonstrators was Beatriz Paez, whose children are currently receiving a public education. She urged people to work together toward the common cause of economic justice. “We want a new society where the poor, the working classes, are put first,” she said. “We can no longer stand all these cuts. It is enough. The rich have to pay for it. They made this crisis happen and we’re angry about it.” SMC also exercised its own political muscle. The Student
Sal Guerra Corsair (Above) Thania Gomez jots down the date, time and location granted to the group to discuss the budget cuts. (Right) Jorhey Gordillo gives a rally speech at the Santa Monica College quad. They are preping for a march to protesting educational budget cuts.
The Los Angeles March 4th Committee to Defend Public Education and Social Services demonstrated last Thursday against layoffs and budget cuts. Although a local action, it was coordinated with similar events around the nation and conducted in solidarity with the “Global Wave of Action,” an international movement against the commercialization and privatization of education. Assembling in front of the LA Unified School District building in downtown, they marched to the Central Library and rallied under a banner that read: “Stop the cuts, tax the rich.” The group demands an end to the U.S. war in Afghanistan and occupation of Iraq, that
By Dan Bluemel Contributor
Christina Maxwell Corsair
Worker Action Team, or SWAT, demonstrated in favor of public education on campus. Some students opted out of class to attend the action. “We had people we’ve never met or seen before come and take charge with a spirited attitude,” said SWAT organizer George Gordillo. “New people were very excited and voiced their opinion.” Danza Amexica Cuahutemoc, a cultural Aztec dance troupe, lent their support to the event. They quickly grabbed attention when they began to perform. “Our dance group is active politically,” said Fabiola Cuahutemoc, SWAT organizer and dance participant. “We were there to support fellow students.” Reporting assisted by Ariana Masters
Student activists demand a voice
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Corsair Newspaper Santa Monica College
A&E
Wednesday October ,
Laysa Quintero Corsair Harry McVeigh, lead singer of British band White Lies, sings to the Culture Collide Festival audience. White Lies took to the stage twice the entire festival weekend. The London band has toured with everyone from Muse to Radiohead.
Culture Collide Festival makes its first big splash in LA By Jonathan Mendoza Staff Writer You have to hand it to a show that sets up a music stage in a church and fills it up better than when Pat Robertson comes to town. Filter’s first annual Culture Collide Festival, held in Echo Park last Thursday through Sunday, was the magazine’s rendition of the massive music festivals you’ll find out in Coachella Valley or Glastonbury. The difference? Not Paying $280 but $23 for the four-day festival. It’s the perfect answer for an indie fan living on a budget, and
especially for catching a first glimpse of up-and-coming bands that will be making headlines in the near future. Acts included the showman inspired performance of British band White Lies, who played songs never heard before off of their anticipated upcoming album, the postmodern punk sounds of the Black Lips and the band being hailed as the heir to the Arcade Fire’s throne, Nieve Nielsen & the Deer Children who also took the stage. The energy of each of the shows was nothing short of dynamic, as each band took stage and gave performances that made many fans satisfied. Due to the
size of the audience, the event allowed for an overall tame experience that gave the vibe of finding a secret show with your favorite bands, rather than the cramped sweaty atmosphere of a major concert. While it may not have been the size of Austin’s famed South by Southwest, it definitely had the same style and approach as the four-day festival, which combined film, art and music in the name of a good cause. “The best part is that all the proceedings from this festival are actually going to non-profit charities,” said Monique Villa, nationwide representative for Filter Magazine. Villa described her interactions with the bands with pleasure, stating that each band played the show for the right reasons in support of the charities. “The bands that came out are also giving back to the non- profits by attracting people to the festival,” she said. Some of the charities included the Pablove Foundation, which helps fight against childhood cancer, and A26LA, an organization raising money to benefit children in inner city schools. Overall, Villa deemed the event a huge success for Filter alongside KCRW, who also helped to organize the event. But while the bands took center stage to provide a lot of the entertainment,
there was still a lot to be found throughout the festival. Free beer, ales and promotional giveaways including USB samplers were handed out alongside the fleet of food trucks available to offer delicious snacks to soak up any kind of hangover, bringing the spirit of Oktoberfest to our humble abode (if you were over 21). Despite the age limit for most of the festival, Sunday held the free, all ages block party to close out the event. With two stages and an unheard of church stage available, Filter put on an epic finale to their festival that saw the likes of Tokyo Police Club, The Boxer Rebellion and Phantogram. While there may not have been the star power or massive scale of the major music festivals, Culture Collide was able to take music lovers back to the simplicities and fundamentals necessary to have a good time: good music and good memories. The fact that so many talented artists were still able to come out and perform throughout the city serves as a testament that no matter how much anyone has in their wallet, they can still find a good time. Take it from someone who saw Tokyo Police Club at both Coachella and Culture Collide; they played the same songs and it was just as cool of a show in the city as it was in the desert.
Laysa Quintero Corsair Tender Box’s melodramatic lyrics and unique drum and guitar sound made for an inviting experience at Culture Collide Festival in Silverlake, CA.
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Dancers find rhythm in unusual places By Jonathan Bue Staff Writer Pirouettes are usually performed on a stage, but that was not the case this past Thursday as Santa Monica College students participated in Heidi Duckler’s site-specific dance workshop, the second in a series of free “Masters of Dance” classes sponsored by the SMC Associates. Nothing was off limits as Duckler, founder and artistic director of the Collage Dance Theatre, positioned groups of students throughout the southend of the quad even as a nearby crowd protested statewide class cuts. Benches, water fountains, pillars, and railings all were to become part of the performance. Duckler describes site-specific dance as work that is made using the context of different environments as inspiration. “It’s not work that’s made in a studio and taken some place else. The process is all very important and connects to the place,” said Duckler, “and place can be many things. It could be location but it could also be a social environment. It could have political context, it could be about identity.” At first, participating students looked a bit tentative as they gauged their surroundings, discussing amongst each other the sequence of movements each would take, but a growing confidence would appear with each dance step. Soon students were twirling and tiptoeing with elongated limbs, all to the bewilderment of those making their way to and from classes. Isabel Casillas happened to be sitting on a bench when two of the students
Anisa El-Khouri Corsair Dance students (left to right) George Castion, Jasmine Yahhid, and Tiffany Johnson improvise dance under dance teacher Heidi Duckler’s instruction.
began moving around her like dancing bookends. “Awkward,” was the quick response Casillas gave when asked how she felt about it. According to Duckler, awkwardness and agitation is normal with this type of art. “Often time, the work becomes about boundaries between people and cultures, and those are fascinating things to study and be aware of.” But not all were turned off by the public showcase. In fact, many in the vicinity had huge smiles on their faces as dancers invaded their space and by the
TV picks: Returning shows make a strong comeback The Corsair picks out the best and worst of this fall season’s returning shows. By Stephanie Forshee Staff Writer The returning shows of primetime televison are off to a stellar beginning this season. Top favorites “Glee” and “Modern Family” are, as expected, in the clear as far as good ratings go. Surprisingly, “Desperate Housewives” seems to have a strong grip on the top ten broadcasts as well. Wisteria Lane and all the housewives are back on the map with news that Juanita might not be Gabriela and Carlos’ baby. Paul Young has returned from prison, and guest stars Vanessa Williams and Brian Austin Green heat up the scene as well. Fox’s “Glee” has had quite a first act with an odd array of episodes including one paying homage to Britney Spears and also one for Jesus Christ, which portrayed the complex trials of faith and the lack thereof. While “Glee” has caused much controversy over its racy Britney Spears episode, fans can rest assured this glee club isn’t going anywhere for a long while. Another crowd pleaser, “Modern Family,” is off to a shaky start as the cast survived an earthquake last week. If a sitcom can make a natural disaster funny (which they successfully did), they deserve that number seven spot for broadcast TV (which they have). Thanks to the earthquake, Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) avoided the fabulously disastrous themed party
of Pepper (Nathan Lane) while Phil (Ty Burrell) spent his time securing the cabinet he lied about securing previously. With unusually comical situations such as these, the show still hasn’t lost its luster. It’s extremely popular, and for good reason. “How I Met Your Mother,” on the other hand, seems to be lacking its usual hilarity. While many legendary sitcoms all inevitably face a less funny time in life, it seems “How I Met Your Mother” has reached a slump. In the latest flat-fallen episode, Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) uses his best moves to lure Ted (Josh Radnor) into designing the new GNB building. Successful or not in his attempts, the show has not been enticing the audiences recently. Although it might not be categorized as funny per se, the prior episode was at least touching as Barney’s stepbrother took measures into his own hands to find his father. NBC’s “30 Rock” is still kickin’ it. The longtime veterans of the acting scene Tina Fey (Liz) and Alec Baldwin (Jack) are still delivering the funny in Rockefeller’s fifth season. This season has thus far invited guest stars Queen Latifah as the Congressman determined to bring diversity to NBC, and Matt Damon, Liz’s romantically challenged pilot boyfriend. This season is pretty strong and will even take on a live episode on Oct. 14. The returning shows are admirably holding their spots for the time being, but it might not be long though before one of the newer series steps into their territory. Next week, we’ll see just how real the reality shows are keeping it.
end of each performance those within a peripheral view often applauded. Riaunna Durham and Ayana Robinson found the performances unique and creative, at one point even following along with dancers who found their way over to them. “We became a part of the performance,” said Durham. “It was pretty cool.” “The community participating in the work is something that is interesting to me,” said Duckler whose interest in public sites and engaging the public started as she was getting her Masters in choreography
at the University of California, Los Angeles. Since then Duckler has choreographed performances around the world from New York to Hong Kong, with sites ranging from laundromats to government buildings. “It really lit up something inside of me,” said Aubrey Yruretagoyena, a dance major at SMC participating in the workshop. “Being able to be exposed to this was so inspiring.” Duckler’s next performance called “Governing Bodies” will be held at Los Angeles City Hall on Nov. 6 and 13.
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George Mikhail Corsair Visitors of all ages at Skirball Cultural Center’s “1,000 Journals” exhibit contribute their own writings and artwork at tables set up, as all are encouraged to be a part of the experiment. George Mikhail Corsair
One thousand journals peek into a global voice By Natali Miltcharek Staff Writer Locked away in the drawers of nightstands around the world are the writings of many people, young and old. Journals brimming with tales of lost love or simply the happenings in a typical day at school are kept close at hand for those wishing to record their experiences. Whether to gush about a secret crush in Pig Latin or to write down deep hopes and dreams, journals have always been a reliable way to document the story that is our life. Brian Singer is the creator of a worldwide journaling project that began in 2000. Spending his youth admiring what was tagged on bathroom walls at school, Singer grew up taking advantage of any space that he could find to jot down notes about his life on. After he grew up and obtained the resources to take his love of communicating with strangers in the community around him further, Singer decided to head a social experiment, curious to see what would happen if he left 100 blank journals around San Francisco. He wrote short instructions inside of each journal’s cover asking whoever discovered the journal to write, draw, cut, paste, or collage anything they felt like recording inside. Then they were asked to pass it along to another. Once the journal was full the last person to contribute was asked to send it back to a given address. The response and cooperation he received was staggering. Countless people from all cultures and
West 4th/Jane offers a wide selection for those with a palate that goes beyond warm PBR and stale potato chips. By John Stapleton IV Web Editor There’s nothing in the world I love more than spending a night pumping a warm keg of cheap beer into sticky plastic cups, and high-fiving my bros as we do keg stands and dominate the beer pong table at the nearest frat house. And being a tourist town packed with something like fifty-bazillion sports bars, Downtown Santa Monica often delivers exactly that kind of experience. But sometimes pretending I’m a coked-up prepubescent chimpanzee feels a little like,
ethnicities were more than willing to share their opinions, fears, poems, stories, art, photos, pictures and confessions unabashedly. The journals were returned filled from cover to cover with personal advice, soul wrenching experiences and inspiring sketches. One particular story that stood out, considering the extent of its honesty, is about a man named Tony who is desperate to get the approval of everyone by lying constantly to impress people. “I don’t know why I lie, I
People from all cultures and ethnicities were more than willing to share their opinions, fears, poems, stories, art, photos, pictures and confessions unabashedly. lie about everything big and small,” said Tony. His reflection of his struggle to understand the origin of his need to be liked by everyone is easy to relate to and one quickly begins to identify with his pain and confusion. All of the contributors chose to participate in a way that expressed a deep passion for connection and a chance to be heard. Their yearning for attention and the ability to contribute to something greater than themselves was prevalent and inspiring. People of all ages and walks of life clearly had the need to create and when they found themselves unable to do so in front of their family and peers this opportunity to
well, being a monkey on drugs. For a more evolved (and substantially more satisfying) night of alcoholic indulgence, drag your knuckles out of the frat-boy jungle of Santa Monica’s mecca of machismo, and swing into West 4th/Jane. West 4th bills itself as a bohemian beer joint, but it’s not a museum, and it’s not really an art bar. Case in point: the place is filled with Connect Four games on almost every table, TV screens, and massive, glassfront beer refrigerators. But owner Steven Lieberman and art director Jennifer Rodriguez tip a hat to West 4th’s Greenwich Village namesake by hosting local artists monthly, during an event it calls First Tuesdays. The lucky artist (or as Lieberman calls them, “the young, up and coming, local, starving artists”) not only gets to display his art for sale on West
journal became a soft, warm embrace. After the success of the first phase, Singer decided to expand his project to 1,000 journals and sent them all around the world. The journals have reached people across all 50 states and abroad in 40 different countries. This month, 15 of the original 1,000 journals sent across the globe are part of an exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. You can also see countless scans from other journals hung all over the walls, as well as a short movie describing the exhibit’s origins. When asked what this display inspires her to do, Susan Lucas, a journal contributor, said, “[It] makes me want to look for more opportunities to be creative.” She also stated that the reason she thinks people aren’t involved in creating as much is because “it never comes up as a priority, when it should be.” Howard Goldberg was seen at the exhibit this weekend tentatively writing in one of the display journals. When asked how he felt about the whole experience he calmly answered “Very comfortable. I write poetry and used to teach my kids to write in their journals constantly. It promotes creativity.” Due to the success of the original project, Skirball decided to contribute with their own experiment and send out ten of their own journals around the L.A. area to different community partners, social service agencies, senior centers, art collectives and literacy programs. For those interested in visiting the exhibit, or learning more about how you can get involved visit the Skirball Cultural Center at 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. or www.1000journals.com.
4th’s walls, but he also chooses the charities to which the proceeds go. West 4th also brags a menu sourced entirely from Santa Monica farmers markets. As Lieberman puts it, “We do a lot of shit with and for the community.” And this is all very philanthropic and artsy, but I don’t go to bars for the salad, I go for the sauce. In a true demonstration of generosity, West 4th/Jane satiates both the altruistic and alcoholic by offering over 125 different beers from around the world. And unlike the rowdy sports bars that surround it, the selection has evolved past 15 different flavors of Budweiser and Miller. Think bock. Think doppel. Think hefeweizen, and a plethora of Asian beers you’re not sure you’re pronouncing right. You know when you go to the liquor store and they just don’t have that ONE beer you’re
craving? West 4th has it. “We have the best beer selection on the Westside,” says Lieberman, and when it comes to beers you haven’t heard of yet, he’s right. The cozy, two-story bar is filled with polished wood and dim lights, and while it might not perfectly duplicate New York’s bohemian neighborhood feel (to wit, there’s palm trees outside) it certainly captures the essence of community. This isn’t a bar you visit to devolve into a jäger-bombing, chest-bumping baboon. It’s a bar you visit to find your new favorite beer. To play some Connect Four with a stranger. To talk to some like-minded beerficianados, appreciate some artistic talent, and eat some locally caught seafood. It’s a bar you visit when you graduate from the zoo.
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SMC Professor Daniele Bolelli: MMA specialist By Vaimiti Herlaud Staff Writer
Sal Guerra
George Mikhail Corsair Santa Monica College running back Benjamin Irwin-Crayton gets gets tackled by a pack of Santa Barbara Vaqueros at Corsair Stadium on Saturday.
A chip on their shoulder By Michael Mendoza Staff Writer The Santa Monica College football squad dug their cleats into the turf at Corsair Stadium last Saturday with every intention to wash the bad tastes from their mouths that lingered throughout the bye week after a blowout loss to San Bernardino on Sept. 25. With the entire first week of October to prepare for Santa Barbara, the Corsairs lowered expectations of many by coming up short against the Vaqueros in a disappointing loss that ended with the opposition on top 35-28. The Corsairs’ struggles arrive early in the game, as their defense would allow three touchdowns through the air in the first half, one of them coming on SBC’s very first play. SMC’s running game managed to momentarily break through with a 60-yard touchdown run by freshman Benjamin Irwin-Crayton, their only score of the half amidst a struggling offensive effort. The Corsairs would begin to put their game plan into effect in the second half, courtesy of a fumbled snap by sophomore quarterback John Uribe from Santa Barbara. The gun-shy SMC freshman quarterback Travis Williams of the
Corsairs would then get his own feet wet by connecting to freshman wide receiver Reggie Mitchell for a 16-yard touchdown, putting the team down by just one possession in a 21-14 game. While the Corsairs’ offense improved, their defensive secondary would continue to struggle, allowing Santa Barbara to respond by putting up a 21-yard touchdown pass from Quarterback John Uribe to freshman receiver Chris Kordakis. “We had a few busted coverages that cost us 28 points, that’s what killed us,” said sophomore cornerback A.J Annelus. This proved to be the case as the Corsairs’ defense allowed another touchdown through the air in the third quarter, causing an all-too familiar lopsided point total to flash on the scoreboard with SMC on the receiving end. Down 35-14, it was then that the Corsairs were forced to digress and evaluate their team strength, a melancholy affair for a team who has been blown out in every game since Sept. 25th. True colors would emerge, however, as SMC drove down the field and pounded in a six-yard TD run by soph. running back Torrence Whalum.
“We have to step it up, this is conference play. We have to get these freshmen on the same page as the sophomores, and as sophomores we have to be leaders because you can only go so far with only sophomores,” said Annelus. The second score would ignite sparks of life in the fourth quarter as Williams would connect with soph. Chase Fletcher on a three-yard touchdown reception to put SMC down by one touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. The Corsairs would get multiple opportunities to tie the game due to miscommunication by the Santa Barbara offense, which had several three-and-out possessions. However, freshman QB Williams fired several inaccurate throws and the Vaqueros escaped with a victory. “We need to play four quarters of good football. It’s not good enough to play two or three quarters in spots, we have to play for four quarters and the ‘W’ will come,” said head coach Gifford Lindheim. In spite of the decent last-ditch effort, SMC football cannot be satisfied with their third straight loss. A winning performance in their homecoming game this Saturday against L.A. Southwest would be sure to eliminate the slightest of that bitter aftertaste.
Imagine one of your professors having the same passion as Georges St. Pierre or Anderson Silva, two vicious competitors in the world of Ultimate Fighting. Santa Monica history professor Daniele Bolelli pursues a similar lifestyle, sporting an alter ego that juxtaposes his composed classroom demeanor. Training in mixed martial arts, or MMA, Bolelli uses a combination of kickboxing, wrestling, and grappling to train in his spare time when he’s not grading papers. Bolelli comes from a family with Mediterranean origins and initially started to practice MMA in Italy when he was seventeen. Since then, Bolelli has competed in various professional fights when time allows him to train enough for competitions. ”I did a couple of pro-fights when I got back to Italy for awhile because the competition was a little easier and I didn’t have to train all the time,” he said. He won his first pro MMA match on Dec. 14, 2008 in Milan, Italy. Bolelli started out by learning an alternate approach to martial arts before transitioning straight into fighting. “I started with a philosophical aspect, which is more mellow, and the opposite of what people normally do,” said Bolelli. “Then I switched to martial arts as a combat sport, mixed martial arts specifically.”
Describing himself as a sensitive, relatively calm man who avoids confrontations and conflicts, Bolelli explained that he started to train in martial arts to enlarge his personality, seeking to adopt an opposite side. “Martial arts forces you to delete your fears, makes you more assertive and balanced,” he said. As part of his MMA lifestyle, Bolelli also taught martial arts at the recreation department of UCLA for 6 years before devoting his time to teach history. He still trains four times a week, with workouts including boxing, jujitsu, running, and regular gym visits. “A little bit of everything to make sure I don’t lose the level,” said Bolelli. “What I like about martial arts is that it keeps me from becoming too theoretical in my ways of teaching, and it keeps me down to earth,” said Bolelli. “When I talk about certain topics, I try to keep it at a level of reality that people can relate to immediately without needing a deep understanding.” In addition, Bolelli is the author of the novel “On the Warrior’s Path,” a book based on philosophy and MMA. “Every chapter in the book begins with martial arts practice,” said Bolelli in an interview with Blue Snake Books, a martial arts blog. “But ultimately takes us to face the essential issues shaping who we are.”
George Mikhail Corsair Daniele Bolelli (right), a history professor at Santa Monica College, performs traditional Judo moves on Loyola Marymount student Juneau Dahl (left).
Women’s soccer receives wake-up call By Jonathan Bue Staff Writer It has always remained true that all good things must come to an end. The Lady Corsairs of Santa Monica College’s soccer club failed to remain undefeated in conference play this season as they fell to Pierce College’s Lady Brahmas 2-0 in a game marred by poor passing and mental mistakes. Santa Monica went into the contest coming off consecutive shutout victories including a 7-0 effort against Glendale Oct. 5, but those were easily overshadowed by Pierce College’s own eight shutouts on the season. The tempo was set early on as the Lady Brahmas came out firing, taking three shots towards
the goal in just the first two the Brahmas’ Briana Behrad later it 2-0. minutes of action. As the game scored the second goal with a On the very next play of the wore on, the Lady Corsairs were precise header. game, Pierce goalkeeper Marissa able regain their composure and Ten minutes later, a deep Graska made a tremendous attack the other end. pass by Pierce that should have leaping save on a shot that could The first real chance for Santa been easily handled by the SMC have easily altered the game. Monica came in the 11th minute defense somehow found its way According to Pierce head coach when a foul by Pierce led Adolfo Perez, Graska, to a free kick within the who ended up stopping “Just being consistent with that five chances, is the “best penalty area. Freshman effort for 90 minutes, they really 2 year college keeper in Olivia Patterson set up a nice chance for the nation” and is already need to be able to do that.” freshman Gabriella recruited by multiple -Coach Aaron Benditson being Rodriguez, but the schools. resulting header flew She is a force between straight into the hands of the into the back of the net. the bars, and the fact that Pierce opposing goalkeeper. There appeared to be some College has only conceded 2 goals Santa Monica conceded both confusion between the defenders on the season reinforces her of their goals in the first half and goalkeeper on whether or not coach’s testimony. despite dominating the overall the goalie could handle the ball. However, Graska wasn’t the time of possession. Pierce’s Amongst the tumult, a persistent only player making noise on first goal came off of a free kick Erica Vangsness of the Brahmas defense for the Brahmas. The chance in the 28th minute, and was able to capitalize and make Pierce back line, led by Jennifer
Venegas, was superb throughout the match. Many of SMC’s offensive efforts fizzled as soon as they reached the sweepers, who seemed to suck up everything in their vicinity. Despite the outcome of the match, SMC Head Coach Aaron Benditson believes that play on both sides was pretty even. “I think we had spurts where we were really on top of them and waves of pressure where we really brought that intensity with us, and then it kind of died down at times,” said Benditson. “Just being consistent with that effort for 90 minutes, they really need to be able to do that.” SMC is now 2-1-1 in Conference play and 3-2-5 overall as they approach the halfway mark on the season.
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Albany Katz Corsair (Left) Santa Monica College outside hitter, Amelia Keeling, jumps high and spikes the ball over the opposing team West Los Angeles College in their game on Tuesday, at Santa Monica College. (Right) Santa Monica College middle blocker Kelsey Kiels (left) and setter Ines Marques (right) square up for a block against West Los Angeles College.
Lady Corsairs send Wildcats home empty-handed By Zineb Hafiz Staff Writer The Lady Corsair volleyball team defeated West Los Angeles on Tuesday, October 5th in a contest that would see the girls of Santa Monica College break out the broomsticks in a full sweep of the Wildcats. The Corsairs won the opening set by a score of 25-14 and won the next two sets by identical scores of 25-10, sealing a perfect 3-0 match win. Freshmen Amelia Keeling and Kelsey Kiel led the way for SMC in the first set with several kills each, and balanced out their attack with blocks on defense. The Wildcats’ head coach Brian Corso was forced to call his first time-out when his team
was being victimized by a score of 15-4 in the first game. “Remember, we’ve got to step up,” said Coach Corso to his team. The Wildcats responded with a couple of kills that decreased the deficit, but it wasn’t enough to beat out the Corsairs who took the first set 25-14. However, head coach Nicole Ryan wasn’t too happy with the first set, as she knew that the girls weren’t playing as well as they could. “Talk to each other,” said Coach Ryan. “Get it done.” The Corsairs opened up the second set aggressively with some well-placed serves from Kiel and kills from freshman Meagan Hauser. The Wildcats, however, would not go down so easily, and also punished Santa
Monica with some good hits, evening the score at 5-5. Taking a hint from the coach, the Corsairs started to communicate better; the team started to play cohesively and surged to create a gap in the score, propelling them to a 25-10 second game win. Eventually the Corsairs started to exemplify their still-growing maturity by getting reckless. Coach Ryan had to call another tim-eout at the beginning of the third set as the team was giving too many points away off of missed serves and balls hit out of play. “We are not sending free balls,” said Ryan. “You can’t give up ten points,” she said, commenting on the lack of fundamental composure from SMC throughout.
The Corsairs would eventually straighten out and wouldn’t allow the Wildcats to score another point for the rest of the set, defeating them soundly at 25-10. Still, Coach Ryan didn’t seem satisfied and stressed that they were playing too softly. “You are too nice,” she said. “And some of you, we need to break you down.” Even the players did not seem happy with the lopsided win, as they knew that their adversaries weren’t the best team out there. “It was a good win,” said Hauser. “But we could’ve played much better.” Look for the club to take some names as they attempt to carry their newfound momentum deep into conference play. Next on the docket are the Citrus Owls at home on Tuesday, Oct. 19.
Women’s polo edged Lady Corsair water polo falls one point short in a loss against the Cuesta College Cougars.
SMC got caught with an extra player in the pool; this resulted in a one-point penalty which made it 6-3. In addition, an onslaught of goals By Kevin Duncan from Cuesta including a beautiful shot Staff Writer from Kailey Makuta overshadowed an SMC score and put the game at a The Santa Monica College women’s gloomy 8-4 deficit for the Corsairs. water polo team competed in what was Even an astonishing late comeback arguably their closest match of the year with goals from SMC’s Mia Svenson versus Cuesta College last Thursday, and Julianne Wilson to make it 8-6 but fell 9-8 to the Cougars in true “close wouldn’t be enough for a win, and the but no cigar” fashion. game finished 9-8 in favor of Cuesta. Cuesta started out strong physically Coach Contarsy was happy with the by scrapping for a 4-0 lead in the first integrity and newfound will of his two quarters. players. The Corsairs, however, demonstrated “This game was a vast improvement resilience and came back to score two from some of our previous games,” he to close out the said. half. Goalkeeper “This game was a vast Nicky Yatim was SMC opened the second half improvement from some of in top form as with a goal from she made many our previous games.” attacker Ruth key saves in spite Macias off of a of the loss. great pass from had -Coach Steven Contarsy “Nicky Julianne Allison her best game to make it 4-3. of the season on The opposing team made it 5-3 with Thursday, and the goalie position is an offensive mistake made by the Lady critical to a team’s ability to win,” said Corsairs; a bad pass led to a one-on- Contarsy. one opportunity with the SMC keeper Yatim and the rest of the team for Cuesta, and the ball found the back have their sights on reclaiming an of the net. intimidating position in the Conference. “We as a team have to take care of “The goal for the rest of the season the ball better and make better passes is to win games that we are capable of under pressure,” said head coach winning,” said Contarsy. Steven Contarsy. “To keep improving every game and “We have been working on this in to play better fundamental water polo practice.” that will allow us to attempt to finish Things went from bad to worse as third in the WSC conference.”