April 2, 2014

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April 2, 2014

Volume 103, Number 3

Mining in Armenia Creates Danger of Toxic Bi-products

By Moises Torres

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

Photo by Kathy Bakowicz

SKATEBOARDING AT VERDUGO PARK: Harrison Hirsch, 13, soars above the pool at Verdugo Skate Park on Thursday. The skate park will celebrate its 10th anniversay on April 11 with live music, food, drinks, contests and giveaways. (See story page 6).

Two Students Create Innovative Bookselling Website

By Alin Boughousi

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

B

ecause they were tired of seeing so many pesky, textbook ad flyers displayed around campus, two GCC students decided to do something about it.

“I wanted a solution to high textbook prices,” said business major Alex Karibyan.

Karibyan, 19, created a unique website with his partner, computer engineering major Levon Ostakarayan, to offer students an alternative to regular retail bookstores and the messy, inefficient flyers posted all over campus bulletin boards. The site, called cclist. org, allows students to post and sell their textbooks.

Ostakarayan, 20, helps with the development of the website, calling himself “the back-end developer,” as he manages the database, programming, and sometimes the design. As the

front-end developer, Karibyan is in charge of features, graphics, and overall design.

The creators themselves do not plan to make any profits from this enterprise. They just want to help students sell their

of subjects and corresponding textbooks (posted by students) specific to GCC. However, in order to post something, students must create an account, which Karibyan said only takes a few seconds.

posts altogether.

“We take many precautions to make sure our database is secure,” Karibyan said. “That’s one of our most important tasks.”

Although Karibyan and

books.

“We are not making money and don’t intend on making money,” said Karibyan.

“We’re doing it because we want to help students, since we are college students ourselves and we know the struggles.”

Students who visit the website will find that it is very easy and simple to use.

Once they select their school, they are redirected to a list

Users negotiate prices and make the exchange in person, after contacting each other through the website. If students are wary of posting their names and numbers online, they can also use an email address.

“If they don’t feel safe at all, they can just use the comment box,” Ostakarayan said.

The website also allows users to mark their books as sold, which deletes their

Ostakaryan want to branch out to different schools across the nation, they decided to test it out at GCC first.

Some students have already begun using the website and are thankful for its inception.

“The website is great, considering the fact that it’s in its very first testing stage,” said Lorena Stoytcheva, 19, a [See Booksellers, page 4]

rmenia’s vast landscapes and mountain chains are now under siege as private mining companies deplete the country’s natural resources.

According to Suzy Petrosyan, a coordinator for Pan Armenian Environmental Front, Armenia’s ecosystem is rich in natural minerals and precious metals, making it a bedrock of financial profit.

These minerals and metal are mined, generating wealth for foreign companies.

A plethora of toxic elements are created as a byproduct of mining. There are 670 mines currently registered in the Republic of Armenia.

During her presentation to attendees on March 5 in SR 138, Petrosyan said that Kapan, a city that is torn between two mining operations, does not receive any of the monetary profit that is generated by Deno’s Gold, a Canadian mining company.

People in these villages are unemployed and their families are starving, so they must take jobs offered by Deno’s Gold, where they suffer human rights violations and are exposed to dense toxic minerals.

The workers have virtually no health care if they get sick, and if they quit or lose their jobs, they are easily replaceable.

The government privatized a mining plant in the town of Agarak for only $600,000, with a Russian company now owning 100 percent of the shares.

Kajaran, a small city where a mining plant operates more than 1,000 feet deep [See Mining, page 5]

IN THIS ISSUE News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10 Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-14 Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Lifestyle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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Wednesday, April 2, 2014

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NEWS

El Vaquero Women Break Down Traditional Job Barriers editor in chief Sal Polcino MANAGING EDITOR Agnessa Kasumyan SPORTS EDITOR Jonathan Williams ARTS EDITOR Alexandra Duncan STAFF WRITERS Alin Boughousi Fidel Cantu Alexandria Diaz Kristine Dizon Kendall Faulkner Tamara Hacopian Anthony Huizar Sherlyn Ann Maguit Nikki Nagrone Julia Orr Jennifer Rodman R.J. Saunders Moises Torres Lucas Yepez PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kathy Bakowicz Manvel Kapukchyan

Production Manager

Richard Kontas

NEWSROOM Manager

Eric Bourse

design adviser

Charles Eastman

faculty adviser Michael Moreau mmoreau@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000 ext.5214 advertising Jeff Smith jsmith@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000, ext.5493 Send Letters to the Editor El Vaquero accepts story ideas from the public. To submit an idea e-mail the editor at elvaqed@gmail.com or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349.

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By Julia Orr

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

W

hen the serial killers dubbed the “Hillside Stranglers” murdered two of her close friends, Lisa Rosales switched careers from being an elementary school teacher to a police officer. She now serves the Pasadena Police Department as a commander in the Strategic Services Division.

Rosales was part of a panel celebrating Women’s History Month called “Breaking Barriers: Women Who Work in NonTraditional Jobs,” which took place on March 25 in SB243.

The panel consisted of Rosales; Sita Demirjian of the Glendale Fire Department; Brenda Zalke, chief financial officer at IHP Capital Partners; and Ashley E. Armstrong, Associate Athletic Director for the UCLA Bruins.

The panelists discussed whether there were advantages of being a woman in traditionally male-dominated jobs. Rosales said she was surprised to find that after an informal survey of fellow male police officers, most said they would rather have a female partner.

According to Rosales, women are more compassionate communicators, which often helps when called out on an incident like a domestic violence case. In law enforcement, women are generally thought to be less judgmental, and male police officers feel more comfortable sharing with female colleagues on long watches.

“As long as you are comfortable in your own skin, you are going to go a lot of places,” Rosales said.

“Education is key when it comes to promotion, and if you have a degree, you will have a better opportunity.”

The panel members discussed how there are still plenty of challenges entering a field dominated by men. Armstrong cited Sheryl Sandberg’s book “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” as an excellent book on the issues that women face in the workplace.

Photo by Jonathan Williams

BREAKING BARRIERS: Sita Demirjian, second from left, discusses her job in a male dominated field alongside, from left, Lisa Rosales, Demirjian, Brenda Zalke and Ashley E. Armstrong on March 25.

Armstrong said that she makes a conscious effort to think about what she is wearing so that she is taken seriously. She does not want people to focus on what she looks like and has had many discussions with young female colleagues entering the field of collegiate athletics on what is means to dress “business casual.”

“I’ve been told I’m too assertive or [that] I’m too intimidating, which I love.” Armstrong said.

“A lot of the men are older and there is a generation gap as well.

You have to suggest things to men instead of telling them, make it seem like it is their idea.”

The panel members agreed that being yourself and not trying to act like “one of the guys” was an important way to gain respect.

Zalke, whose love of math led her to a successful career in finances, said that one division president would often gather her male colleagues for talks while ignoring her. She felt it important not to get frustrated and have a “boys will be boys” attitude, but knew that he would eventually have to come to her for approval as she was the chief financial officer in control of the company’s purse strings.

Rosales recalls her “piss and vinegar” as a rookie cop. She

WANTED:

once left a crime scene because the male victim did not want to speak to a woman. She thought she was in trouble when the watch commander called her in to discuss the incident but instead was surprised to find that he supported her decision.

The Hillside Strangler murders had inspired Rosales to take up law enforcement. During the late, 1970s Angelo Buono Jr., and his cousin Kenneth Bianchi kidnapped, raped, tortured and murdered nine young women in and around Los Angeles and Glendale. Rosales’ uncle was a detective working on the case.

All of the women were killed in Buono’s automobile upholstery shop in Glendale.

When Rosales was promoted to police sergeant, a male counterpart kept taking over the incidents she was called out on, so she again left the scene, deciding not to be confrontational.

However, when she became his supervisor she pulled him aside and decided to take the high road.

“You’ve been a jerk to me all these years,” she told him. “But I have your back. I am going to take care of you.”

Now in her mid 20s, Demirjian discovered her passion working

for the Glendale Fire Department.

She had previously studied architecture but found she was more interested in the safety and function of buildings rather than what they looked like. As a woman, one of the problems she came across at the fire department was the uniform.

“They only had pants that were made for men,” said Demirjian.

“I had to spend weeks getting the uniform altered.”

She is working on revising the policy to make the uniforms a little more flexible for women.

Demirjian said that as a fire protection engineer she faces sexism in her field on a daily basis.

Male clients have told her they did not want to speak to a woman. The way she deals with this problem is by trying to educate them and explaining her job. At the end of the day, however, she says if they don’t want to deal with her, they don’t get their fire certificate.

“Find a mentor to look up to, whichever field you chose,” Demirjian said, “You will face challenges but these will help you become a better person.”

Julia Orr can be reached at jorr589@student.glendale.edu

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NEWS

Former Baseball Player Campaigns for New Clubhouse

By Jonathan Williams EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

S

tengel field needs saving.

That’s what Bryan Longpre and his nonprofit foundation have set out to accomplish across the street from the Glendale College campus.

Signs read, “savestengel. org,” in bold green letters and are speckled across the La Crescenta Valley and the Glendale area. The goal of Longpre’s foundation is to raise awareness of the situation at the nearly 65-year-old ballpark.

Longpre, a former Crescenta Valley Falcon baseball player and a one-time major league prospect, has fronted nearly $5,000 out of his own pocket to see his mission carried out.

“The stadium is what made Stengel [Field],” said Longpre.

“Our field is named after one of the most prominent baseball

figures of all time.”

Casey Stengel was a former New York Yankees player and coach. Stengel and his family were residents of Glendale and you can still find some of them in the community today.

Since 1949, the field has seen countless rainstorms that battered the old wooden benches. Over the last few years the benches have fallen victim to water damage and became unfit for fans to enjoy the games. The clubhouse, beneath the bleachers, which housed many athletes and coaches in preparation for games, is locked and now infested with mildew and mold.

“I’m embarrassed when I see players running from the field to the bathroom or changing out of their clothes in the parking lot,” Longpre said.

This summer, the old clubhouse will be gone and only

a grandstand will be built. The community will have to raise the funds itself if wants to build proper accommodations for the teams. Longpre met with local community members from La Crescenta and Glendale to set up a fundraiser for today.

“I’ve spent some time at Stengel,” said Longpre. “My uncles have played there. My whole family has been there to watch me play. I think we deserve a better stadium.”

Longpre said that other surrounding schools have better facilities and resources at their disposal.

“Notre Dame High School [in Sherman Oaks] has a new $3 million stadium without half the history,” Longpre said.

Notre Dame had a brand new baseball field constructed that t opened last month. The stadium holds 350 fans, with concession

Photo by Jonathan Williams

SAVING STENGEL: The clubhouse, top, will be demolished this summer.

stands and a clubhouse for home and visiting teams. Donors contributed nearly $700,000, bringing the structure from the groundbreaking to grand opening.

Longpre said that he has the support of Glendale Mayor Dave Weaver, but has not reached out to any of the remaining Stengel family members.

“Ripping down the Stengel clubhouse is like ripping our hearts out,” said Falcons’ Head Coach Phil Torres as he pulled out two old locker nameplates.

“My son is one of the last ones to have a locker at Stengel.”

Jonathan Williams can be reached at haxial.jonathan@gmail.com

Professor Teaches During Violent Protests in Chile

By Alexandra Duncan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

B

illowing clouds of tear gas encircled the school as Professor Deborah Robiglio continued her lecture despite the chaos of students boycotting for better education last year in Chile.

Robiglio, a non-credit ESL professor at GCC shared her perspective as a teacher in Chile during her lecture “Teaching with Tear Gas,” on March 20.

“It was surreal,” Robiglio said.

“They would offer to bring me lemons to offset the symptoms of the tear gas.”

But Robiglio was expected to continue teaching.

“This was something that was very common and would happen almost every two weeks,” she said.

Deep-red and curly-haired Robiglio spoke passionately, her petite frame gathered in a dark gray cardigan bunched at her elbows. Lively hand gestures suggested her enthusiasm for the subject as they shaped and carved imaginary vases in the air.

“I know that by the end of this presentation you’ll be able to walk away with something,” she said.

Robiglio shared her

experience first-hand with a detailed and inciteful slideshow of mass boycotting, interviews of students and professors alike, and the government’s military attitude toward Chilean educational reform.

She was sent to Chile last year as part of the Fulbright program, which creates relationships through the international exchange of students and professors sharing ideas, study, research and exercising their skills abroad.

“The circumstances that have given rise to the student movement in Chile have been around for 40 years,” she said.

Chile, under President Salvador Allende (1964-1973), was home to free education, K-12 and college as well. However, free education in Chile came to its demise when military dictator Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990) attacked and overthrew Allende, who allegedly committed suicide.

When Pinochet abolished free education in universities, students were forced to take out expensive loans with high interest rates to pay for a college education. He created 35 private, non-accredited universities all under his regime’s strict supervision.

Any citizens who seemed to

resist Pinochet in any way would be questioned or tortured or would even disappear — never to be found again.

In 1975, Pinochet sent thousands of citizens, who he accused of being anti-government, to the national stadium for questioning and torture. He was finally forced out of office in 1990. Under Pinochet’s rule, more than 5,000 Chileans were killed or disappeared and 30,000 were tortured. He died in 2006; however, the effects of his dictatorship continue to haunt Chilean society.

“The number one goal for every Chilean is to have free university education,” Robiglio said.

Posters and graffiti promoting education reform dot the walls of the city of Valparaiso, reading, “Education is a right, not a business,” or “The rebellion is justified for a free education.”

According to Robiglio, for the most part, the student movement, a powerfully massive and organized group of radicals is quite peaceful.

“We have a saying in Spanish,” said Hector Lopez, faculty member at La Universidad Pedagógica de Chile, “If the baby does not cry, he will not eat.”

Photo by Deborah Robiglio

SIGNS OF UNREST: The English Department is taken over is scrawled on the wall in Spanish, after students barricaded themselves inside the classrooms for more than a month during protests in Valparaiso, Chile last year.

Halfway through class, students would change their clothes and become “encapuchados,” or the hooded ones. That’s when things would get heated.

Students threw molotov cocktails, barricaded themselves within their classrooms, and sometimes slept, ate and bathed in the school for more than a month.

Intimidation through government military tanks counteracted student anarchy through the use of teargas and high-pressure water.

In 2011, UMCE students went on strike for 11 months, protesting for change while refusing to attend school.

“Depending on the number of strikes [a students partakes in],” said Robiglio. “ the government would say ‘You know what? You have to give them failing grades and you teachers are going to teach for free in the summer.’”

Tensions are still thick between students and teachers, as staff members believe strikes and protests are a waste of time.

Currently, the students continue to protest.

“Academic work has been devolved,” said Robiglio. “It’s not healthy for the system and it’s not conducive to a harmonious environment.”

Alexandra Duncan can be reached at alexandran.duncan@gmail.com

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Wednesday, April 2, 2014

OPINION

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Sincerely, Aggie: Kessab Armenians Under Attack

By Agnessa Kasumyan

EL VAQUERO MANAGING EDITOR

A

s a child, I always dreaded the month of April, for it symbolized fear and the death of my ancestors and fellow Armenians. As March came to a close, my stomach suffered deep pangs of anxiety while my nights were haunted by thoughts of murder and separation from my family.

While watching news segments featuring pictures of anorexic children, men and women with their heads cut off, and hearing chilling, first-hand accounts about Ottoman soldiers ripping fetuses out of pregnant women, I assumed that Turks would try killing Armenians again once April 24 drew near. I feared that, like my ancestors, I would never see my family again. To a 4-year-old, particularly one with separation anxiety, this was the worst possible scenario.

This bone-deep fear led me to view Turks with a certain degree of animosity, despite my parents’ efforts to remind me that not all Turks were bad and that some had helped rescue victims of the genocide.

It was not until I was about 7-years-old and witnessed a group of younger, Armenian boys bully a half-Armenian, half-Turkish kid, who could not have been more than four or 5-years-old, that I began to feel ashamed of my initial hostility. Though I was still unsure about my feelings toward Turks, a people that, to me, symbolized the Ottoman perpetrators of the genocide and the denial of the atrocities, I was sick with guilt over the little boy, standing helplessly at the playground while one kid, a classmate of my younger sister’s, spit at him and hurled accusations of murder.

Upon approaching him and realizing he did not have horns sticking out of his head, I gave him my Kool Aid and told the other kids to go away. I sat with him until his parents returned from their stroll and took him away. Years later, my encounter with this child led me to me realize that the vicious cycle of hostility between Armenians and Turks does not help solve any of our problems or bring the Republic of Turkey any closer to admitting that the genocide happened.

For nearly a century,

Armenians have sought the just affirmation of the genocide. The stories and accounts that have been passed along by victims and witnesses are mind-boggling — crude enough to make anyone cringe, as Ottoman soldiers were indiscriminate over whom they abused. People of all ages were targets of rape, execution, and deprivation of food and water as they were marched across the Syrian Desert. This is enough to create years of bitterness between any two groups of people.

More recently, Christians and Armenians in the Syrian town of Kessab near the Turkish border have faced attacks and executions by Islamist rebels, who are believed to have Turkish sponsors. The state department released a statement saying they are “deeply troubled” by the violence endangering Kessab Armenians and Christians, while Congressman Adam Schiff, DemGlendale, expressed concern over the troubling reminders of the Armenian Genocide.

Whether Christian Armenians are once again being targeted by extreme Islamists and Turks or are just caught in the crossfires of the Syrian Civil War (two

likely scenarios), the fact remains that people are dying and being forced out of their homes. People have been killed across Syria as a result of the Uprising since March 2011. The Kessab attacks, however, hit close to home for many Armenians because they are highly reminiscent of the 1915 atrocities, particularly as they take place a month before genocide commemoration day.

Even after 99 years since the Armenian Massacres, there is still hostility between Turks and Armenians and Christians and Muslims. With so much history and violence between the groups, it was inevitable that their descendants today would fall victim to a legacy of hate, murder, and both religious and political conflict, as evident by the attacks against Armenians in Kessab.

Naturally, the events in Kessab will only ignite more hostility and fuel tensions.

However, as I scroll through Facebook and Instagram, seeing posts and photos of the message “Save Kessab,” I cannot help but wonder why “Save Syria” was not trending, at least on my social media pages, when nonArmenians and Christains were

beng killed thorughout the region.

Similarly, during the 1990s, Americans were more concerned over the Bosnian Genocide than they were over the Rwandan, simply because the Bosnians were white and most people could relate more.

People should care about the murder of others regardless of race or religion. Genocides, rapes, conflicts between differing cultures — these are all part of the human legacy, a legacy that befalls succeeding generations.

The attacks in Kessab should serve as a reminder that antipathy and aggression only breed more resentment and bloodlust, adding to years of animosity and conflict.

Years from now, I am sure a Turkish or Muslim child will be condemned for his background by the descendants of people who were victimized for whatever massacre that took place in the past, just as I am sure a Christian or Armenian child will want to hide their identity out of fear when around Muslims or Turks.

This is the legacy we leave behind. This is the future we create.

Agnessa Kasumyan can be reached at agnessakas@gmail.com

NEWS

Local TV Host Visits Campus

Mining Generates Toxic Waste

[Mining, from page 1]

Photo by Jonathan Williams

Photo by Jonathan Williams

GUEST SPEAKER: On March 27, the Armenian Student Association invited Stepan Partamian, a local TV talk show host, to discuss the state of the Armenian diaspora today. He also promoted his new smartphone app, “Partam, All Things Armenia,” describing it as a platform for Armenians around the world to connect with their ethnic heritage no matter where they live.

into the ground, generated up to 17 million tons of ore in 2007, which is substantially more than the 12.5 million tons they are authorized to extract.

The mining of metals poses the largest threat, creating toxic waste as a bi-product. Without regulation and tougher taxes, more than 300 million tons of poisonous elements are drained into toxic waste dumps.

These toxic waste dumps eventually find their way into rivers, lakes, and valleys where they become toxic deposits that poison every facet of the surrounding ecosystem.

The contamination of these precious water systems disrupts the food environment of the people. The hazardous residue permeates the soil, which in turn pervades the plants, animals, the people, and the air.

“This is very, very serious,” said

Petrosyan. “I’m hoping it doesn’t get worse. In 15 to 20 years, it won’t be able to be inhabited.”

Yet, the Armenian government claims mining as their its major source of revenue.

In 2004, the government sold copper for $132 million to a foreign company. A year later, the company that purchased it, generated $190 million in annual profit.

“Banks provide millions upon millions of dollars in loans to fund mining operations,” said Petrosyan.

The Armenian government increased the scope of privileges towards private companies and has few regulations capping private companies. They are allowed to dump toxic waste and mine on deforested land, which is already an issue, having to pay virtually nothing.

The goal of private mining companies is to maximize profit in the least amount of time,

taking “the sooner, the better” kind of approach. This shortterm monetary plan benefits the Armenian government and private companies more than it does the people.

A lot of the money generated by mining is exported to offshore accounts, leaving Armenia without any real monetary benefit.

Armenia has become a country that generates wealth for other countries through the depletion of its natural sources.

“The environment is going to be a toxic waste dump for many years to come and it’s going to cost millions to stop this,” said Petrosyan.

Moises Torres can be reached at moisestorres187@yahoo.com

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5

FEATURE/NEWS

PDC Offers Specialized Training for Businesses

By Nikki Nagrone

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

S

tudent success is one of Glendale Community College’s primary purposes.

Whether success is defined as a degree, job placement, or financial gain — knowledge is necessary to get ahead. Sometimes that knowledge can come in the form of specialized work training.

The Professional Development Center of GCC in Montrose, works to make training available to businesses and the employees that work for them. For more than 27 years the program’s executive director Kimberly Holland has helped make it one of the most successful programs of its kind, while continuing GCC’s mission.

“There is no one that does it as well,” said Robert Meyer, director of economic development at the Employment Training Panel, a division of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency in California.

According to Meyer, employees are empowered by the skills they learn, making job placement secure for employees and the industries involved more competitive.

“She champions the college in the workplace environment,” said Meyer.

Holland says that most of what she does centers around marketing and outreach. Her involvement in the Glendale Chamber of Commerce puts her in contact with more than 800 local businesses, a diversity that keeps PDC versatile.

Not only are they adaptable in the services they offer, but as a team as well. Holland’s motto is,

“We all do everything.”

When the pressure to get work done makes the office hectic, Holland says they will stop in the middle of everything they are doing and play a board game together. She believes that in order to get hard work done there must be a balance.

“Life is too short,” said Holland.

With the hard work that has helped PDC set the standard for workplace training comes the deeper level of commitment and love for what they do. Her late mother instilled many of these qualities and Holland has used them to build the program’s success.

Sharleen Wagner, Holland’s mother, worked as an adjunct faculty member for GCC’s Adult Education Program on its main campus. She went on to found PDC in 1985. Two years later Holland, who grew up in Glendale and at one point worked in GCC’s writing lab, would join the team and work with her mother as an accountant for the company.

She worked her way up, moving from accounting to billing, and eventually became an office manager. All of this experience eventually allowed her to take over as executive director. Throughout this time Holland says she has seen many exciting changes.

Those changes include the wide range of classes that PDC offers at its Montrose location.These include leadership, computer, and advanced manufacturing classes.

SpaceEx, a new space corporation that deals with NASA, recently enlisted PDC to do some of its workforce training.

According to Holland it was a tense time and there was plenty of competition for their training needs. This is a huge leap from the programs humble beginnings, offering only a couple of computer classes.

However, large companies are not the only ones that benefit from the services at PDC. “PDC plays a critical role in the community,” said Judee Kendall, president and CEO of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce.

Companies have to pay for employees to take courses and many small companies that would not be able to afford advanced training on their own receive state assistance to pay for programs.

This ultimately translates to more jobs and better pay for those that already have them.

Through its work in the community, the center introduces people to GCC‘s many resources, including its Garfield and main campus.

“Not everyone is going to go to college or have high level careers,” said Kendall.

According to the authors of U.S. Bureau of the Census 2010, only 27 percent of college graduates had a job that was closely tied to their major.

While classes are only offered to employees of companies that contract with them, they are helping support employees.

Whether one is a college graduate who needs certification to advance at work, or has worked their way up through a company and needs leadership training to make the jump into management, these classes change lives.

“I can’t over-emphasize the

New Website Replaces Messy Flyers [Booksellers, from page 1] said Lorena Stoytcheva, 19, a psychology major. “You don’t have to go through a lengthy process to register for an account and posting book ads is very simple.”

Peter Katalaris, 21, an administration of justice major, said he discovered the site after seeing a post on Facebook by one of his former professors.

“If the school can get the word out about the website, it can be more successful,” he said.

Karibyan agrees that the more students they have using the site,

the better it will work.

“When you make something like this, you don’t expect the feedback to be great in the beginning because there are always bugs and issues,” Karibyan said. “But to our surprise, the feedback was very positive.”

The website is still in the beta testing stage, meaning Karibyan and Ostakarayan plan to add more features and adjustments.

In the future they will implement a forum, include more categories for students to post in and add job listings. Tutors and students in search of a tutor can post

on the site as well.

So far there have been nearly 200 posts to the website. The creators are hoping more students will be made aware of the site.

Karibyan believes students will help determine the future and direction of the site.

“We do not want to pave the road ourselves,” he said. “We want to pave it with the people that will be walking on it.” For more information visit cclist.org.

Alin Boughousi can be reached at alin.boughousi@student.glendale.edu

Photo by Nikki Nagrone EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Kimberly Holland, fourth from left, and her team in front of Professional Developement C’enter’s facility in Montrose. Holland attributes the programs success to the contibutions of everyone on her team.

value of continued education.

It greatly helped me,” said Lombardy.

Charles Lombardy, a quality engineer at Fralock in Valencia, says his continued education at PDC makes him more valuable to his company. Furthermore, he says the Geometric Dimensioning Technology class that helped him to get his job, is rarely offered anywhere else.

Holland and her team continue to build upon the spirit

of believing in yourself and dedication. Success is open to interpretation, often defined as a journey rather than a destination, and PDC is letting people know its training can help on that path.

The school is located at 2340 Honolulu Avenue in Montrose.

For more information call (818) 957-0024.

Nikki Nagrone can be reached at nagrone988@student.glendale.edu

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CALL FOR DETAILS: (818) 662-0828 To place an ad in the El Vaquero, contact Jeff Smith at jsmith@glendale.edu or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5493

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FEATURES

Skateboarders Surf Cement Waves at Verdugo Park

By Lucas Yepez

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

I

t’s a typical day at Verdugo Park. A man exercises while walking his dog, friends are socializing and adults smile while watching their children have fun at the skatepark, but not all adults are there just to watch.

While it may be tough for some to ride a skateboard at all, let alone doing so in their 50s, that’s not the case with John Stevenson.

“It’s fun to skate as both a kid and adult,” Stevenson said while going through his stretching routine. “It’s something to do when getting together with buddies or at a barbecue.”

Stevenson, 53, who started skateboarding in 1966 at the age of 6, said that it was never scary for him.

“When you’re young — you’re fearless. You don’t have boundaries. I jammed my heel at 6, but then I immediately got back on my skateboard,” he said.

According to Stevenson, It is harder to skate when you’re older because you get more cautious.

Working people who skateboard can’t afford injuries when they have a family to take care.

Street skating became the new sensation in the mid’80s when skateparks went away due to those insurance problems. Stevenson said a lot of professionals stopped skateboarding at that time and he took a hiatus as well.

He picked it up again 12 years ago during the resurgence of skateparks when the state decided people could skate at their own risk. He credits the “Dogtown” documentary film for bringing skateboarding back to the parks.

“Dogtown” revived the spirit of skateboarding — pushing guys from the 70s to take up skateboarding again,” Stevenson said.

Verdugo Park is known as one of the top 10 parks in California. It was also one of the earliest parks to open during the resurgence 10 years ago.

Stevenson, a local resident, has skated all over Southern California in ditches, schoolyards and skate parks.

His board has a definitive nose — round with a tail, and has hard wheels, which are fast, smooth and according to boarders, just

Photo by Jonathan Williams

WHEELS UP: John Stevenson, 53, swings over the lip of a pool at the Verdugo Skate Park. Stevenson tests his skills at the park Wednesdays and Thursdays.

right for the park. Soft wheels, on the other hand, are for street skating and tricks. Skaters who like to “cruise” usually use softer wheels.

Stevenson paid around $125 for the board and parts. He said that smaller boards are meant for tricks and street skating, while his is meant for park and pool skating, or on vertical terrain.

“For $100 you can get a good board with parts,” Stevenson said.

Other skaters, like Thalente Biyela, 20, don’t have to pay a penny to get a good board. Biyela is sponsored by skateboard companies like LRG Clothing, Element, and Spitfire Wheels that provided him with his skateboard for his prowess in the sport.

Biyela has performed tricks such as “Coping Grinds” and “Smith Grinds,” in which the skater slides on the hangers of the trucks or decks of the skateboard.

Only part of the board can actually touch the surface. Stress on the ankles, knees and back has limited what tricks he does now.

Stevenson said he has not had any major injuries, although he has twisted his ankle a number of times, suffered from sore knees,

and has had a “hipper” injury.

This is where one falls on their side, resulting in hip pain or a fracture. He currently does not attempt “high risk” maneuvers.

On the other end of the spectrum, 10-year-old skater Adrian Trigano II has broken an arm and his lower back in the three to four years he’s been skating. Biyela, who taught Trigano how to ride a skateboard, claims he hasn’t had any serious injuries. Trigano and Biyela come to Verdugo Park twice a week.

“Verdugo’s better overall

than the other parks I’ve been to,” said Trigano.

There are different pools and bowls at the park for skaters to choose from: Clover bowl, Snake run, Kidney pool, and Street Plaza with rails and ledges.

“The most challenging is the Kidney pool since the transitions are quicker and tighter,” Stevenson said.

A transition is the round part of the wall that skaters move through first as they ride through the pool.

This would mean that one would move faster in the Kidney pool, making it more challenging.

The Verdugo Skate Park will celebrate its 10th anniversary on April 12 from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. with an event featuring live music, food and drinks, contests and giveaways.

The organizers of the event encourage skate boarders of all ages to participate.

The skate park is open 4 to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. For information call (818) 548-2786.

Lucas Yepez can be reached at lyepez7@aol.com

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FEATURES

One Chance to Study Abroad

By Tamara Hacopian EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

S

tudying abroad may be the best way to step out of one’s bubble and discover a whole new world. It can give students the opportunity to venture forth and explore distant surroundings. It can also provide a life changing experiences that a classroom setting could never do, expanding their world view and helps them co-exist with other cultures.

GCC’s study abroad program was formally established in 1990, but was suspended two years later due to financial problems.

The program was re-established in 1996 and students have since routinely traveled to Europe, Tahiti, Bali, Japan, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina.

It wasn’t until 2009 that the study abroad programs began to regularly take place during the summer. According to instructor Laura Englund-Krusse, who has worked with past study abroad programs, the programs had to be cut back in the last few years after a budget crisis. She said they are at a rebuilding point.

Unfortunately, the muchanticipated program in Greece this summer has been recently cancelled because not enough students were enrolled.

“We had 14 applications, but we only had seven deposits,” said Study Abroad Director Cameron Hastings. “We had airline deposits due [last week] so if we didn’t have a minimum number of students by then, we weren’t going to pay for the airline deposits because they were nonrefundable.”

The minimum number of students needed for the program was based on the price set with the vendors. The rate is based on 25 to 28 participating students but at least 15 students were needed.

“If we don’t have that many students the price goes up for everybody,” said Hastings,

“because you have fewer students that are sharing the cost.”

All four previous programs in Greece have been successful.

“I guess we didn’t canvas enough people effectively,” said Professor Eric Johnston, who would have been one of the instructors to guide students in Greece this summer. “Maybe, for a lot of students, six units and having a good time overseas just don’t go together.”

Students were required to take Introduction to Archeology (Anthropology 103) and World Mythologies (Humanities 115), each worth three units.

The Japan study program slated for this summer is still going strong with about 28 participating students thus far.

Instructors Shihoko Tatsugawa and Mari Lopez will lead students for a duration of one month, exploring Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and other cities. It will take place from June 15 to July 16. Students must take one of two Japanese language courses while in Japan.

The program fee of $3,995 includes roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations, some meals, guided tours, and excursions.

The last program scheduled in Japan was in 2011. “Because of the Fukushima nuclear disaster we had to cancel that program,” said Hastings.

It is not too early to start saving up money for the study abroad trip to Ireland and England for summer 2015. For $2,495 (international airfare not included), the program will take place for a duration of 22 days.

Students will stay overnight in Dublin, Galway, and Oxford. The courses offered are Contemporary World Problems European Immigrants in the US and English Field Studies . It will be conducted by instructors Dennis Doyle, Elizabeth Kronbeck and John Queen.

Tamara Hacopian can be reached at thacopi247@student.glendale.edu

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What Go

Photos by Jonathan

By RJ Saunders and Jonathan Williams

J

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITERs

Williams

y i v a r g

ames Bond chases a suspect who seems to defy gravity –­ jumping between rooftops, running up walls and diving through windows on the big screen.

Characters in Titanfall, the new Xbox game, jump from window to rooftop to evade hails of gunfire from giant exoskeletons and pilots. This is parkour.

It’s no wonder that those with ability like Jonathan Erdos, above right, and Varog Hakopian, above left, decided to put their skills to work and bring willing neophytes into the free-running fold with the inception of a parkour club on campus.

“Parkour is a physical discipline of training to over-

Parkour Clu

come any obstacle within one’s path,” said club president Erdos. “While free-running is an urban style of acrobatics that incorporates flips, jumps and wall climbing.”

In the past few years, parkour has definitely caught the attention of many people around the world. In 2007, Red Bull began an annual parkour competition for some of the best performers in the country. The UK parkour team began to help the sport become more noticed.

“It is continuing to grow,” Erdos said. “However, it is

more popular in Europe than is still a lot of work to be done come more global.”

Fans of games such as Assas have seen a parkour effect ad from competitions and videos children the discipline.

“There are people that hav running on TV, but have never

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9

oes Up…

y defying

ub Rules The Air

it is here in the U.S. There “ and that’s what I’m here to teach them.”

Erdos said although the gyms have made it safer for e if we want parkour to bechildren to learn the techniques of parkour, it is more fit assin’s Creed and Infamous for an urban environment. Erdos teaches the basics.

The student body has been meeting with school ofdded to their games. Aside ficials to decipher the necessary paperwork and proces games, gyms now teach dures to allow the club to practice outside on the campus

jumps outside as long as it does not endanger members.

When the club met for the first time at the basketball courts in the San Fernando complex, Erdos already had 70 new applicants that have never tried parkour.

“Parkour makes you an entirely new person. It is a passion and a way of life,” he said. “It pushes you to new heights, and it’s sort of like a getaway. It’s pushing me to grounds. Until then, they have to practice in the Verdugo become the best I can be.” ve seen parkour and free- gym, where there is not much space for the more difficult Jonathan Williams can be reached at RJ Saunders can be reached at done it before,” said Erdos, and versatile maneuvers. They can work on moves and haxial.jonathan@gmail.com rsaunde243@student.glendale.edu

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FEATURES

Reporting Suspicious Behavior Could Help Prevent Stalking

By Alexandria Diaz EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

S

tories of stalkers and killers are the stuff of horror movies, addictive crime shows, and those Lifetime movies mothers cannot seem to get enough of. Yet, when people are stalked in real-life it becomes all too eerie.

Despite the invasion of privacy and viable threats victims face, stalking was not considered a crime until 1990. Prompted by a series of high-profile stalking cases and attacks, including one that ended in the murder of actress Rebecca Schaeffer by John Bardo, Municipal Judge John Watson of Orange County drafted a law that made stalking a crime under Penal Code Section 646.9.

The code defines a stalker as “any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or willfully and maliciously harrases another person.” Furthermore, the stalker makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for their safety, or the safety of their immediate family.

About three years ago, a student at GCC allegedly experienced these fearful conditions when she encountered two stalkers.

Choosing to remain anonymous, she mostly experienced fear, which was difficult to deal with and led to a change in routine, an action typical of stalking victims. She even dropped classes to avoid being on campus at night.

“It was terrifying to be here at late hours,” she said.

Although the alleged stalker never made a verbal threat, she recalls him following her around campus for an entire day and later on her way to The Coffee Bean, where she said he came up behind her, gave her a hug, and blocked her from leaving her seat. He proceeded to shake a toy in her face and, when she refused to accept it, caused another customer to intervene.

When she finally told friends about what was going on, they reacted by saying that she was just being overly dramatic.

They claimed she exaggerated

the situation, implying that she actually liked the attention.

“You know you like it,” they told her. “Why are you complaining about it?”

Unfortunately, the incident was never reported.

The campus Chief of Police, Gary Montecuollo, said that following one’s instincts is crucial when someone feels they are being stalked.

“If you feel uncomfortable, go with your gut,” he said. “Don’t try to talk or explain it away.”

With a zero tolerance policy implemented by the department, Montecuollo believes that stalking should be taken seriously and reported in a timely manner.

This way, police can look into it and have records of stalking complaints to verify a pattern.

No reports of stalking on campus have been made thus far.

Montecuollo said that when students fear they are being stalked, they should file a report with campus police. Reports can be made anonymously with a phone call to Crime Stoppers at (818) 507-7867, or through an email to anyone in the police department.

Complaints can also be filed in person. A police officer can be dispatched to anywhere on campus to make a report. It may also be filed from the safety and privacy of a student’s own home.

To aid campus police in their investigation, it is helpful to provide a description of the individual, the reason why a student feels they are being stalked, and the location the individual is usually seen as well as the time of day. Any particular clothing they wear, any scars or any tattoos the person has also help to identify who may be stalking someone.

According to The National Center for Victims of Crime, it is most often someone the individual knows, an acquaintance, a relative, or even an intimate partner,who stalks the victim.

Alexandria Diaz can be reached at adiaz480@student.glendale.edu

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Crowe Knocks it Out of the Ark

By Alexandra Duncan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

D

arren Aronofsky’s “Noah” showcases some very extreme alterations that bring to mind an apocalyptic action film rather than a story from the Bible.

Aronofsky, award-winning director of “Black Swan” (2010) and “The Wrestler” (2008), took it upon himself to fill in the blanks of the story of Noah and the great flood with his own action-packed version of the tale.

Despite his atheist background, Aronofsky has had this biblical tale in mind since the seventh grade when he wrote an award-winning poem based on Noah’s story.

Awe-inspiring special effects like the golden-eyed rock giants, and unexpected antagonists that represent the evil of mankind make this film a must-see for fans of the action genre.

To take Aronofsky’s overly imaginative interpretation of the Bible story literally, would be absurd and may hinder the viewer from enjoying its stunning visuals. Aronofsky does not try to convince the audience that his interpretation is biblically accurate.

Instead, he gives the story of the ark a little more pizzazz, with a more interesting storyline and a lot more action. If viewed for the sake of art, this director’s vision of “Noah” is a truly enjoyable film.

Although the film begins with a cheesy animation of the Bible version of creation, complete with a pulsating apple and a limegreen snake, it soon turns to liveaction, depicting Noah’s conservative and vegetarian lifestyle in the bare plains of his home.

Noah, played by Russell Crowe (“A Winter’s Tale,” 2014), is a strong-willed and masculine patriarch whose blind faith in his creator has led him on a path to save all of the innocent creatures of the world from the coming storm.

Noah sees utter horror when he visits the sinful, industrialized and rapacious descendants of Cain — a scene played masterfully by Crowe.

Noah is miraculously around 500 years old at this time and is skilled in martial arts, defeating enemies with a bow staff while using some rather advanced forms of self-defense.

Rather than the divine voice of God, the creator comes to Noah in the form of visions, the first of which shows that God will destroy his many disappointments with a flood. He is then joined by a couple of jagged and molten-eyed rock giants known as “watchers,” who help him build the ark.

Despite their random entry into this biblical tale, “the watchers” are visually stunning.

Throughout the film, we see Noah slowly transform into a monster himself, as the pressures of pleasing the Creator tear away at his mind.

Noah’s interpretation of his visions from God begin to conflict with his love for his family.

He believes God is simply using him as a tool to save the animals, while simultaneously cleansing the earth of evil.

“We will work, complete our task and die with the rest.”

Emma Watson (“This Is the End,” 2013) plays Ila, a child taken in by Noah’s family, and is the glue that holds the film’s plot together. Orphaned and wounded at a young age, she becomes the love interest for Noah’s eldest son, Shem, played by Douglas Booth (“Romeo and Juliet,” 2013).

Watson’s performance is heart wrenching and delivers the pure emotion that is lacking in Crowe’s solemn expressions.

Methuselah, played by Anthony Hopkins (“Thor: The Dark World,” 2013), provides muchneeded lightness and optimism in contrast to the dark overtones of the film.

Noah’s wife, Naameh, played

by Jennifer Connelly (“Aloft,” 2014), is the voice of reason when Noah believes the murder of firstborns is God’s will.

Although “Noah,” strays far from the original Bible story, it asks critical questions that allow the audience to walk away with valuable food for thought.

“Noah” is rated PG-13 and runs for 139 minutes.

 Alexandra Duncan can be reached at alexandran.duncan@gmail.com

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Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

RUNNING TOWARD SALVATION: Russell Crowe as Noah is pelted by rain and frantically races ahead of the those damned by the Creator toward the safety of the ark.

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SPORTS

Softball Team Remembers Coach Hawk

By Kendall Faulkner EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

“O

Photo by Kendall Faulkner

HONORING THE DEPARTED: The Lady Vaqs wear a patch on their uniforms in memory of Coach David ‘Hawk’ Wilder who passed away last year.

COACH HAWK: Softball head coach Dave “Hawk” Wilder passed in June 2013 due to complications from polio.

El Vaquero

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o

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Kendall Faulkner can be reached at kendallafaulkner@gmail.com

Photo by Ann Simon

loved him to witness him sick, he made an everlasting mark.

Vaquero softball player Casandra Soto said, “I learned to go out on the field and make a statement, not just as an individual player, but as a team.”

This season, the girls wear a patch on their uniforms in his memory. The patch symbolizes his Native American heritage, which was very important to him, with a feather.

After he passed, there was a memorial held for him at Lulu’s Restaurant in Van Nuys, near where he lived.

“It was a wonderful outpouring of love for him,” said Leon.

Wilder was not married nor had any children; his only living relative is his sister, Jamie Wilder.

She was presented with flowers on the debut of the Dave “Hawk” Wilder tournament. Pizzo and Cicuto described how honored and thankful she was to have this tournament named in the honor of her brother.

“It wasn’t just about softball,” said Cicuto. “He always came in with a smile on his face. You never saw him down, not even when he was in pain.”

“He would always ask other coaches how are they were doing or talk with them at the game,” said Cicuto. “He wasn’t a selfcentered person any way. He cared about the entire sports program and that is what is hard to replace.”

tion director Alex Leon, “and I know how important that was, because he really exemplified what that is about.”

Wilder was well known throughout the athletic community.

“He knew so many people. He would talk to them, be gracious, and as they walked away, he would look at me and say I have no idea who that was,” said Pizzo.

“It wasn’t because he didn’t care about them; he just knew so many people.”

Coach Hawk scouted and recruited local young players throughout the San Fernando Valley. He met Pizzo at Cleveland High School when he was recruiting Pizzo’s daughter, Angela.

When she graduated, he hired Pizzo and recruited his daughter to play for the Vaqueros.

“I was amazed to see the turnout for his memorial,” said Cicuto. “There were athletic directors from other community colleges attending. They held him in such high regard; it was saddening to see he had passed away.”

When he was a head coach, he created a tournament as a fundraiser for the softball team. This year the tournament was officially renamed in his honor.

“He definitely made a name for himself in the softball world,” softball player Leslie Zepeda said. “I think naming the game tournament after him is paying perfect homage because he had so much love for the game.”

Although the last few years of his life were hard for those who

nce a Vaquero, always a Vaquero,” is a popular motto among sports teams at Glendale College, but the women’s softball team demonstrates the true meaning and value of that slogan with its David “Hawk” Wilder tournament, as well as with the badges on their uniforms in his memory.

The players that he led for 14 seasons affectionately knew Wilder as Coach Hawk.

In June 2013, GCC’s head softball coach died at the age of 70 of complications from polio that he developed in childhood.

“His health deteriorated so fast from the end of January to February,” said athletic director John Cicuto, that “there was nothing he could do; he tried everything he could.”

Polio is a disease that can lead to full or partial paralysis. The disease was virtually wiped out with the development of the Salk vaccine in the 1950s. However late in life many who contracted the disease when younger suffer from post-polio syndrome — a debilitating malady on its own.

As Hawk’s health worsened, he was still able to attend games with the aid of a motorized scooter. After a year, he needed assistance from others. Hawk was transported by a cart and people had to help carry him in and out of his vehicle.

“I thought about this three or four days ago,” said Cicuto. “His last season with us, they won conference and went to the Super Regionals in 2012.”

“At least he was able to experience that level of success. Not everyone gets to go to the super regionals.”

When his ability to attend games became more difficult, he made the decision to quit coaching and assistant coach Sal Pizzo was hired as head coach.

“It was the hardest thing for him to come in and tell me that he couldn’t coach anymore,” said Cicuto. “He couldn’t get around and he broke down [crying]. It was hard for him to give it up.”

Wilder was the last coach at Glendale to receive the Athletes with Characters & Ethics, or ACE, award in 2012.

“I think about it in my heart that he was the last one to receive that award, said sports informa-

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SPORTS

Lady Vaqueros Drop Two in Double-Header

By Kendall Faulkner EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

C

hants resounded at the College of the Canyons softball field as the Lady Vaqs lost to the Cougars in the first game of their doubleheader 10-6 on March 25.

Rebecca Hernandez, the leadoff hitter, walked to first base and quickly stole second.

The Cougar coach went out on to the field to argue the call but had little luck.

With two runners on base, Jasmine Hernandez hit a double just out of reach of a Cougar’s glove, bringing in a runner to give the Vaqueros a 1-0 lead.

Vivian Topete walked and loaded the bases for Jessica “Skeeter” Morena. Morena hit an RBI single making the score 2-0.

With the bases loaded, Ashley Suarez hit an RBI double, ending the inning with a 4-0 edge for the Vaqs.

“I think we really want it

because if we don’t it’s going to put us down. We just have to work together and as a team,” Suarez said.

In the bottom of the fourth, Zavala said, “I can’t see, I can’t see” due to the fact the sun was in her eyes, but she made the catch for the first out. With a runner on first base and a runner on second, the Cougars got rowdy and louder than the innings before. Cougars earned a run which made the score a close game, 4-3. The Vaqueros ended the inning with a strikeout.

In the bottom of the fifth, with runners on first and second base and only one out on the board, an overthrown ball to first base let a Cougar runner score tying the game at 4-4.

Canyons still had two runners on base when they hit a line drive that scored three and gave them a 7-4 lead. The Cougars were able to successfully bunt the ball and get on base and the following batter walked. With two more runners on base, they hit an RBI

double, making the score 9-4.

A pitching change was made for Glendale. Gonzalez retired after five innings bringing in Evianne Hernandez. With one runner on and the bases loaded, Canyons was able to bring one more runner for a 10-4 lead.

“It’s very disappointing that we started off really well and our defense let us down in that inning where they [College of the Canyons] came back,” said head coach Sal Pizzo.

Glendale dropped the second of the double header 8-4.

“We have to get the fundamental plays down. Without the fundamentals, we won’t win games.

It’s not about big plays or fancy plays its the basic fundamentals,” Topete said.

The Lady Vaqs will take on the Antelope Valley Marauders at home Thursday.

Kendall Faulkner can be reached at kendallafaulkner@gmail.com

Photo by Kendall Faulkner

BIG HIT: Lady Vaquero Jessica “Skeeter” Morena crushes the ball off the middle of her bat against the Cougars on March 25.

The Boys of Summer Win Four in a Row

By Jonathan Williams EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

O

n Saturday afternoon, under the summer sun, the Glendale baseball team did what they haven’t done yet this season: win four in a row. Rainbow umbrellas shaded ballpark fans as there was not a single cloud to blanket the blue sky above.

The Vaqs beat the Antelope Valley team by a score of 4-1.

The Marauders lost their last two games prior to Saturday’s loss dropping them to 6-16 overall.

“We played defense and that was the biggest thing,” said Head Coach Chris Cicuto. “Every part of our team has a piece of the prize.

Pitcher Angel Rodriguez was the on the mound for the Vaqs and threw six scoreless innings.

The Vaqueros jumped to a 2-0 lead. Outfielder Raul Camas blasted a base hit up the middle of the Marauders second baseman and shortstop. Camas sped around first and slid into second.

By the end of the second inning Camas scored and Glendale was up 3-0.

First baseman Harrison Hoff highlighted the bottom of the sec-

ond with a leaning catch to save a Marauder single and keep the inning scoreless.

After a bunt attempt by Antelope Valley, third baseman Nick Padilla rushed home plate and barehanded the ball and threw over to second and force the double play.

“Today was tough one,” said Padilla. “We ended up with two hits in nine innings.”

Rodriguez was pulled in the seventh inning after giving up a hit and a run. His replacement, left-handed side-arm pitcher David Whitaker took over with one runner on base and no outs.

Whitaker retired the side.

However, the Marauders weren’t quite done yet.

After a counter pitching change and the exit of Marauders right-hander Brandon Murachanian, Antelope Valley put up a strong showing with a key defensive play. Vaquero Jay Sheely walked up to the plate. The pitch rifled off his bat. Marauder second baseman Scott Savko hopped, fully extended, and stopped Sheeley in his tracks.

In the ninth inning, Keaton Leach stepped in for the save. After retiring a batter, Leach threw

Photo by Jonathan Williams

POWER SLIDE: Vaquero infielder Eddie Munoz slides into third base against the Antelope Valley Marauders on Saturday. Munoz scored one run for Glendale in the bottom of the seventh inning.

a pitch that contacted the end of a Marauder’s bat. Just when Antelope Valley would of had the potential tying run at the plate, shortstop David Garcia leaped like a bird in flight and shut the door on the Marauders.

The win puts Glendale at 13-

10 on the year and 8-4 in the conference with nine conference games left in the season. The Vaqueros are sitting in the third spot just behind College of the Canyons.

Cicuto said that the focus isn’t on the future but just to keep

playing baseball.

“We just have to keep improving and keep getting better,” said Cicuto, “but confidence is everything.”

Jonathan Williams can be reached at haxial.jonathan@gmail.com

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SPORTS

Playoff Bound Vaqueros Fall to Williams College Scoreboard R E S U LT S Track and Field: March 21 : Riverside Open women — Won five events men — Won two events March 28 : WSC Inland women — finished first men — finished third Baseball: March 20: Canyons 5-2 L March 22: Canyons 11-8 W March 25: West L.A. 6-1 W March 27: West L.A. 10-3 W March 29: Antelope Valley 4-2 W Women’s Tennis: March 21: N. Mexico Military 3-2 L Men’s Tennis: March 20: Amherst 8-1 W March 21: N. Mexico Military 4-1 W March 29: Williams 9-0 L Softball: March 20: Citrus 6-3 L March 25: Canyons 10-6 L 8-4 L March 27: Bakersfield 8-5 L March 29-30: Ventura Tourney W3L1 Men’s Golf: Antelope Valley WSC — finished eighth

UPCOMING Track and Field: Friday: Orange Coast Inv. 10 a.m.

Tues./Wed. : Socal Heptathlon 9 a.m.

April 12: Mt. Sac Invitational 10 a.m.

April 18: WSC Prelims 1 p.m.

April 25: WSC Finals 1 p.m.

Baseball: Thursday: vs. Bakersfield 6 p.m.

Saturday: at Bakersfield 6 p.m.

Tuesday: at Mission 2:30 p.m.

April 10: vs. Mission 2:30 p.m.

April 11: vs. Citrus 2:30 p.m.

April 12: vs. El Camino 5 p.m.

April 15: at Ventura 2:30 p.m.

April 16: vs. Pierce 2:30 p.m.

April 17: at Santa Ana 2:30 p.m.

April 22: at Citrus 2:30 p.m.

April 24: at Valley 2:30 p.m.

April 25: vs. Valley 2:30 p.m.

Tennis: WSC Tournament April 5-6 and 11 Ojai State Tournament April 24-27 Softball: Thursday: vs. Antelope Valley 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: vs. Mission 1 and 3 p.m.

April 10: vs. Valley 2:30 p.m.

April 15: vs. Citrus 1 and 3 p.m.

April 17: vs. Canyons 2:30 p.m.

April 22: vs. Bakersfield 1 and 3 p.m.

Men’s Golf: Monday: Citrus WSC 11 a.m.

April 14: Glendale WSC 11 a.m.

April 21: WSC 7 a.m.

April 28: WSC Finals 7 a.m.

For more information visit: www.glendale.edu/athletics

By Sherlyn Ann Maguit EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

fter clinching the Western State Conference title, just a week before the playoffs the Vaqueros took on the defending NCAA D-3 National Champions Williams College. Having trouble finding a rhythm throughout the match, the Vaqs were swept 9-0 by the Ephs.

Although the Vaqueros have already advanced in the postseason, this match was still important to Coach MacKay and his team.

“It matters to us for the standpoint that we have playoffs starting next week,” said MacKay. “ So it gave us a great preparation for our playoffs. I knew we had our hands full when I scheduled the team. I know how good they are.”

As both teams walked onto the courts to warm up, a small crowd gathered to support the visiting team wearing their school colors – purple and yellow. A few moments later some family members and friends rallied together cheering on the Vaqueros.

The two teams played the singles portion first, which was dominated by Williams College taking all six matches in straight sets.

Freshman Hosep Orojian was up against Ephs senior, Matt Micheli. Orojian made sure that his opponent would have a tough task beating him.

Orojian kept it real close in the beginning, exchanging points with Micheli. Despite the competitive effort, Orojian came up short, losing the first set 6-4.

“At the beginning I started off really well and then I started getting out of the match more,” said Orijian, “but overall I played a couple of good games here and there.”

Disappointed by letting the first match slip away, Orojian was determined to come back. The second set was in play but the match still didn’t seem to go his way. His frustration grew and his teammates saw that.

Some of the Vaqs’ players, Kyle Chen and Rondie Latham, talked to Orojian from the bleachers trying to keep him calm and

encouraging him to fight through the match.

“When you get frustrated you get out of the match,” Orijian said. “You can’t think clearly and everything is going bad. You have to try to stay calm during the match and I didn’t do that today.”

Fighting his way through the set still wasn’t enough for Orojian who lost 6-3 against Williams College’s, Matt Micheli.

In spite of Williams outshining Glendale in the singles, the Vaqs tried not to lose focus during the doubles. It went by quickly, with all the double matches ending in less than an hour. In the end Ephs took all three of the double points as well.

The combination of Dat Le and Son Tran wasn’t smooth sailing, giving an 8-1 victory to Matt Micheli and Alexander Schidlovsky.

In similar fashion, Vaqs’ Clayton Pauff and Cameron Braun were dominated by Conrad Harron and Brian Astrachan at the number two position, breezing past the Vaqueros freshman combo 8-3.

Williams slammed the door on any hope of the Vaqueros stealing a point from the Ephs, defeating Oleg Simonyan and Dro Dermegerdichian 8-2.

“Their style of play is a little different, “ said DermegerdichPhoto by Jonathan Williams ian. “Every player is different in HOT SERVE: Vaquero Oleg Simonyan smashes a serve against Williams general, but they are a little more College. Simonyan competes in singles and doubles matches for the Vaqs. aggressive and consistent.

Having to compete against four-year programs gave the Vaqueros a purpose to play on a different level. It taught them a valuable lesson and experience.

“My players can realize that one, they can get on this level,” said Coach MacKay. “With our players leaving a community college this gives them a pretty picture of what they would have to go through.”

Next week the Vaqueros are headed to the playoffs in Ventura.

It is something that the team has been looking forward to since the beginning of the season.

“Heading to the playoffs I want to have a great match and try my best to do everything I can,” Simonyan said.

Sartoris Gets New Lights

Sherlyn Ann Maguit can be reached at sherlyn_maguit@hotmail.com

www. elvaq.com

Photo by Michael Robinson

LET THERE BE LIGHT: Devin Kline from the Musco Lighting Com-

pany replaces the lamps in the stadium lights at Sartoris Field on March 19. Musco Lighting replaced all 157 lamps at the stadium before the warranty expired.

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

15

Calendar Campus Events WOMEN’S HISTORY Film Screening — English professor Francien Rohrbacher presents a screening of the film adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s play, “A Raisin in the Sun.” on April 2 at 6:55 p.m. in CR 324.

EVENTS Swap Meet — Upper campus parking lot April 20 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5805.

Self Defense Class — A free selfdefense class for women is offered by the GCC Student Affairs Office and the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women on Wednesday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in SC 212. Students should wear exercise attire and athletic shoes.

Classes are taught by SHIELD Self-Defense Training, a martialarts-based women’s self-defense program. Space is limited. For more information or to RSVP call 818-548-2000 or 818-240-1000, ext. 3033 or email or email women@ci.glendale.ca.us.

Dance Performance — The GCC Dance Department presents “Phanatix” on Friday at 8 p.m. in

the Sierra Nevada building. Admission is free.

open to all on April 29 at 12:20 p.m. in CS 177.

Hurley presents “Financial Aid.” Thursday from 1:40 to 2:50 p.m.

MEETINGS

Cultural Diversity Series — Researchers Doris and Arda Melkonian presents “Islamized Armenians: Gender and Survival Options During the Armenian Genocide.” Free admission and open to all on April 29 at 12:20 p.m. in Kreider Hall.

THEATER

Board of Trustees Meeting — The fourth meeting of the year is on April 21 at 5 p.m. in Kreider Hall. For information visit: www. glendale.edu/boardoftrustees.

Fire Academy Orientation — Learn more about GCC’s Fire Academy classes and application process during this orientation.

Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. in AA 108. For more information visit www.glendale.edu/fire or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5906.

LECTURES Humanities/Social Science Series — Carl Friedlander, former president of the Community College Council of the California Federation of Teachers, presents “What do Teachers Unions Do?” Free admission and open to all on April 24 in CS 177.

Science Lecture Series — Ann Karagozian, a UCLA professor from the mechanical and aerospace engineering department, presents “Careers and Research in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.” Free admission and

FINANCIAL The following events are part of Financial Survival Week that runs through Thursday. Each event is free and will be held in SC 212.

Financial Hindsight — A panel of former students presents “What I Wish I had Known.” Today from 12:20 to 1:30 p.m.

Health Care — Business administration professor Lynn Hill and Rasheedah Scott, certified enrollment counselor for Covered California presents “The Afforadble Care Act I.E. Obamacare.” Today from 1:40 to 2:50 p.m.

Financial Protection — A panel presents “Privacy, ID Theft and Scams.” Thursday. 12:20 to 1:30 p.m.

Money Help — GCC Associate dean and financial aid director Pat

MUSICAL — “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will be staged by the Theatre Arts and Music departments in the Auditorium. The musical is written

by William Finn and the adaptation is directed by Jeannete Farr.

Performances are April 3 to 5, and 10 to 12 at 8 p.m. and April 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for students and seniors and $12 each for groups of 10 or more. Tickets can be purchased online at www. glendalearts.org. For information call the box office at 818-2401000, ext. 5612 or visit the website at www.glendale.edu/theatre.

Auditions — The Film Collective Club is holding acting auditions every Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in SG 328.

MOVIES Friday Flix — A screening of the 1965 comedy, “The Loved One,” will be shown Friday. The flm is directed by Tony Richardson.

Oliver Stone’s 1987 crime drama “Wall Street” will be shown April 11. The film stars Michael Doug-

las. Yimou Zhang’s 2006 drama “Curse of the Golden Flower” will be shown April 25. Mike Petros will facilitate a discussion after the film. Snacks and drinks are encouraged. Free at 12:30 p.m. in SG 334.

PLANETARIUM Afternoon with the Stars — Students and staff can attend a free lunchtime program highlighting the planetarium’s features. “Life in the Universe” will be presented Thursday, “Jovian Planets and their Moons” will be presented on April 10 and April 24 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. in CS 257. For more information visit www.glendale. edu/planetarium or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5275.

ART GALLERY “Paper Trail” — The exhibit showcases work constructed from paper by Daniella Woolf. Runs through April 11. Admission is free. Art gallery hours on Monday and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 5:30 p.m. Hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information call (818) 240-1000, ext 5663.

Around Town THEATER Playhouse — The Sierra Madre Playhouse’s production of “Battledrum” runs through April 19.

Christian Lebano directs and the play is written by Doug Cooney.

The theater is located at 324 N. Orange St. Tickets are $25 general, $22 for seniors and $15 for youth. For more information visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org/ playhouse/ or call (626) 355-4318.

A Noise Within — An adaptation of Molière’s “Tartuffe” will run through May 24. The production is directed by Julia RodriguezElliott. A production of Shakespear’s “Macbeth” runs through May 11 and is directed by Larry Carpenter. Located at 3352 E. Foothill Blvd Pasadena. Tickets

are $46 for the right and left side of the theater and $52 for all other seats for Saturday 8 p.m. performances. Tickets are $55 and $62 for April 12 at 2 p.m. For schedule information and tickets, visit www.anoisewithin.org.

MUSIC Afternoon Concerts — Glendale Noon Concerts presents “Romantic Music by Dvorak, Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich.” Free admission today at noon at Sanctuary at First Baptist Church of Glendale The venue is located 209 N. Louise St. Chopin — The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra presents “Chopin Piano Concerto” at the Alex Theatre. The performance is conducted by Jeffrey Kahane

with Natasha Paremski on piano.

April 26 at 8 p.m. Orchestra tickets range from $25 to $110. Terrace tickets range from $55 to $110. Tickets can be purchased from www.alextheatre.org or call (818) 243-2539 The theater is located on 216 N. Brand Blvd.

Classical Piano — Brand Associates Music Series presents pianist Mark Robson in concert.

The concert also features a 15 Minutes of Fame segment, which includes15 short pieces selected from a call for scores. Free admission Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Brand Library and Arts Center.

The libary is located 1601 W Mountain St. Jazz Piano — Eyedeal Creative Works presents jazz pianist Tigran Hamasyan in concert on

April 22 at 8 p.m. Prices for orchestra seats range from $30 to $50 at the Brand Library and Arts Center. The libary is located 1601 W Mountain St. Jazz Fusion — The Downtown Glendale Association presents “Fusion — Jazz that Rocks” on April 12 at 8 p.m. at the Alex Theatre. Tickets are $25 to $75.

For information: (818) 243-2539.

CINEMA Film Q & A — Nicholas Meyer’s 1979 adventure film “Time After Time” will be screened on April 8 at the Alex Theatre.

“Star Trek: Generations” will be shown April 15. Malcolm McDowell will take questions from the audience after the film. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased

from www.alextheatre.org.

Hitchcock — Alex Film Society presents a screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 classic, “Rear Window” on April 15 at 8 p.m. at the Alex Theater. Tickets are $15. For information visit www. alexfilmsociety.org. The theater is located on 216 N. Brand Blvd.

EXHIBITION Art Exhibitions — Pasadena Museum of California Art. Exhibitions include “Picturing Mexico: Alfredo Ramos Martínez in California,” “Serigrafía,” and “Flora Kao: Homestead.” 490 E. Union St., Pasadena. Runs through April 20. For more information visit www.pmcaonline.org or call (626) 568-3665.

Compiled by Eric Bourse

16

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

www.elvaq.com

LIFESTYLE

Job Fair Draws Crowds

Photos by Sal Polcino

PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS: Dozens of local businesses were on hand at Plaza Vaquero Monday at Job Fair 2014, sponsored by the Student Employment Service. The Verdugo Fire Academy, the Glendale Fire Department, and U.S. Army recruiters all talked to students about their futures.