Glendale College
Aloha!
Luau Fires up Spring Break See story pages 8-9
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Wednesday April 30, 2014
Volume 103, Number 4
News
Features
Sports
Genocide march: Armenians call for recognition. See related stories. Pages 3 and 7
The Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem ride opens at Universal Studios. Page 10
Women’s Track and Field dominates, winning the WSC title. Page 14
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Wednesday, April 30, 2014
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MAILBAG
El Vaquero Letter: The Benefits of the Child Development Center 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. Member of the Journalism Asssociation of Community Colleges
Letters may be reproduced in full or in part and represent only the point of view of the writer, not the opinion of El Vaquero or Glendale Community College and its district. All letters must include the full name, address and phone number of the writer. You will be contacted before publication. El Vaquero is a First Amendment publication.
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Dear Editor,
I have been a student worker at Glendale Community College Child Center (CDC) for one year. I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to work in the Dragon room with children from 4 to 5 years old, and the teachers who teach there, Tatiana, Melissa, and Araseli, just to mention a few. I was touched by the loving care these teachers gave. As a parent, children is that they are in a safe and loving environment. And that is what you feel as soon as you walk through the doors of the CDC. There are four classrooms at the CDC. Each of the four classrooms follows a wellestablished philosophy in regards to child development. This philosophy is to create an environment, which fosters the opportunities to learn and develop every child’s heart, mind and body. Parents who see and experience the wonderful care in the teaching strategies at CDC often make the decision to keep their children at the Center for the entire time it takes to complete their studies at GCC. I had the chance to talk with one parent last year who told me his two children went to the center. He said that his children have shown remarkable improvement in their learning skills from the educational opportunities they received from the center. Teacher Tatiana Zargarian gives such loving attention to all the children in her classroom, as if they were her own. You can see this especially during rest time when she sits with them, and helps them relax. She is like the Great Mother who gently rubs their backs until they peacefully fall asleep. You know the children love her when they want to make a comfortable place for Tatiana. They gather blankets and pillows from the classroom just to create a resting place for her. It’s quite a sight to see. When a child is sad or upset Tatiana always validates their feelings and reassures them She not only talks to them, but also listens deeply to them. Another teacher that works in the Dragon room is Melissa Malandrakis. She is a rational conversationalist. She loves to encourage the children to think for themselves by involving
Photo by Melissa Malandrakis TEACHING THE YOUNG: Teacher Tatiana Zargarian, right, holds ramps for Julian Harrison, 5, left front, as he experiments with the cars. Miguel Lopez, 5, works next to them as Sara Hovsepian, 5, reads a book in the background.
them in conversation on different topics. She lets them give their thoughts and opinions before adding important details and facts. This approach actively involves the children, and they become more attentive in this process of open discussion. This approach has really proven useful in getting the children to feel that they are an important part of the class activity, not alienated from the instructor, and excited to participate. The other teacher I also had the privilege to work with is Araseli Perez. She is a very enthusiastic and creative teacher. She has the amazing ability to capture the childrens’ attention experiments and gardening techniques. For example, one day she showed the children how to plant and grow pumpkins in the children’s garden. She is really skilled in involving the children in the whole process, starting with the planting of the seeds, and watering them every day on schedule. Once the pumpkins have been harvested they decide what to make with the patch of pumpkins. On one occasion she and the children decided to make pumpkin pie. The children were so proud of their accomplishment they couldn’t wait to share the pie with their parents. What makes Araseli so special is that she is full of wonderful surprises that keep the children excited. The children respond enthusiastically, I believe, because enthusiasm is contagious, and they catch it from Araseli’s excitement. Last but not least, the director
of the center is Jeannette Tashiro has chosen this dedicated staff very wisely. Her wisdom keeps a happy staff of teachers on the job who not only have a high level of education such as Masters degrees, but they are devoted to helping children grow and learn. There is not a high turnover of staff at the CDC, and that really speaks volumes of the level of commitment from the teachers, as well as the skill of Jeannette
Tashiro in keeping a good team who are devoted beyond just doing a job, but also building an excellent rapport with each individual child. This continuity keeps the children and the families coming back each year and enjoying their part in the CDC community. Marine Manukyan CDC student worker
From the Editor: Dear Readers,
In an effort to make the Glendale College newspaper more visually attractive and to increase readership, the editorial staff at El Vaquero has decided to make major changes to our layout design beginning with this issue.
The new art cover design is a big step and we hope that our readers will enjoy the change. Please let us know what you think. Email your thoughts and comments to elvaqed@gmail.com. Sal Polcino Editor-in-chief
On the Cover: Fire dancer Evan Cantrell blows
booth, a limbo contest and a giant
Plaza Vaquero at the ASGCC sponsored Luau on April 10, 2014. The event also featured Hula lessons, a Hawaiian photo
Photo by Sal Polcino
IN THIS ISSUE New. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Correction:
Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
In the April 2 issue, on page 5, we published a photo of the staff at the Professional Development Center and omitted the names. It should have said from left to right: Pam Shroder, Annie White, Tanya Gasparyan, Kim Holland, Arin Keshishian and Pat Skerry.
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 8-9 Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . 10-12 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Lifestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
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3
NEWS
Local Organization Commemorates the Armenian Genocide By Tamara Hacopian EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
I
n observance of the 99th year of the Armenian Genocide, Homenetmen Glendale Ararat Chapter Cultural Division held a panel titled “Red Poppy,” commemorating the brutal events that took the lives of 1.5 million Armenians. The red poppy has been used as a symbol of remembrance since 1920, honoring those who have lost their lives in battle. Multiple members of the Armenian community participated in a visually interactive forum, which was held on April 12 and 13 at the Glendale Ararat Chapter main building. The room was adorned with museum-like images and maps of Armenian villages, including a 40 by 60-foot map of the countless deportation centers within the Armenian homeland and surrounding countries. A large screen displayed a slideshow of haunting images of those victimized by the 1915 genocide. began, two musicians used the duduk, a traditional Armenian wind instrument, to build a sense of eerie nostalgia, while guests observed the life-sized visual displays from their homeland. Among the panelists were Barbara Mulvaney, a senior trial counsel leading the prosecution responsible for the Rwandan Genocide; Anthony Portantino, board member for the Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial Committee; and Gevork Nazaryan, creator of www. armenianhighland.com, a website dedicated to Armenian history and studies. Notable attendees included Glendale Mayor Zareh Sinanyan; Consulate General of Armenia in Los Angeles, Suren Vardanyants; GUSD Board member Dr. Arminah Gharpetian; and Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian. David George Gevorkyan, the audit commissioner for the city of Glendale, hosted the event. The panel began with Nazaryan providing context for the series of events that led to the After the Ottoman Empire was defeated in the Balkan Wars, the Turkish national reform party,
known as the Young Turks, wanted to preserve the Ottoman Empire and hang on to as much land mass as they could. After Turkey joined the World War, the three ring leaders, Talaat, Enver, and Djemal Pasha wanted to implement PanTurkism to unite all Turkishspeaking peoples to rebound from the crumbling Ottoman Empire. The Armenians were the largest group that stood in the way of this the command of Talaat Pasha, the death marches and massacres of Armenians began. According to Nazaryan, the term “genocide” was not coined until 1943, when PolishJewish lawyer Raphael Lemkin combined the Greek word “genos,” meaning race or tribe, “cide,” meaning to kill. The Pasadena memorial committee created an Armenian Genocide remembrance in Memorial Park. It is surrounded with ornamental pomegranate trees, which stands as the symbolic fruit tree of Armenia. The central feature of the memorial is known as “The Teardrop.” “At the center, a teardrop will fall every 21 seconds and every 21 seconds in a year is 1.5 million,” said Portantino. Each teardrop represents one life lost. They plan to have it fully constructed by the 100th anniversary, according to Portantino. “We have to point out that this is a global issue,” said Nazaryan. to Armenians, and that’s the way forward.” Major genocides of the 20th century include the Rwandan Genocide, the Bosnian Genocide, the Holocaust, and the Cambodian Genocide, among others. “This project has really become a benchmark on how we advocate, commemorate, the atrocities of the Armenian Genocide,” said Gevorkyan. Tamara Hacopian can be reached at thacopi247@student.glendale.edu
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Photo by Tamara Hacopian
NEVER AGAIN: A large graphic display of the many deportation control centers where Armenians were detained and
Candlelight Vigil at Glendale Civic Auditorium
Photo by Manvel Kapukchyan
ARMENIANS AND THEIR SUPPORTERS: Light candles at a vigil held at the Glendale Civic Auditorium on April 23 to remember those who died in 1915.
Letters to the editor...
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NEWS
Chaos Reigns at San Francisco City College “This is a war. It’s a fight and the only way to win it is to stick together.” — Daniel Acree CCSF Student
Anthony Huizar can be reached at ahuizar533@student.glendale.edu
New Building to Bring Additional Wi-Fi Access Connecting to the Internet on campus may seem like going back to the dial-up days. The signal is slow and sporadic. Students are frustrated with the current service, as many need the Internet to do research and homework. Kim Antezana, 22, a biology major who uses the Internet almost every day, has a hard time connecting while on campus. “It’s pretty good in certain areas but other areas you can’t get a connection,” said Antezana. “Sometimes you can’t even get to the “accept” page to connect to the Wi-Fi.” Media Arts student Erica Hernandez, 19, is another frustrated student who depends on the internet to get her school work done. “I hate that it logs you off whenever you turn off your phone,” Hernandez said. “You have to keep logging in every time.” The IT department’s Marc
Drescher knows that the Wi-Fi connection isn’t working well and plans to upgrade the system. There are 46 access points currently on campus and 17 access points at the Garfield campus. “When I started my new role as chief information system officer in October, I was told the wireless coverage on campus was not adequate,” Drescher said. “Our ITS network administrators conducted a predictive survey and identified the areas lacking coverage.” Based on this information Drescher has created a plan to nearly double the number of wireless access points on campus. He said that once complete, GCC would have more than 100 access points, not including new building. According to Drescher, the Wi-Fi signal at campus meets the current standard, which is currently 802.11n. That allows the signal transmission to go up to 300 million bits per second [See Wi-Fi, page 5]
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Wednesday, April 30, 2014
5
OPINION/NEWS
Sincerely, Aggie: Bill Protects Student Data By Agnessa Kasumyan
EL VAQUERO MANAGING EDITOR
B
eing a fairly private person with journalistic career aspirations, I generally keep personal or opinionated posts on social media sites to a minimum. My accounts are primarily used to network, share news stories, and spam my friends’ news feeds with photos of my adorable, twinkly-eyed niece. However, when remembering my pre-teen the sheer ridiculousness of my excessive, dramatic anime posts, angsty rants, and EvanescenceAt one point or another in a social-media dominant life, people are bound to post something that will make them wince several months or years down the line — particularly continuously evolving teens who use outlets like Facebook and Twitter to establish a sense of individuality and identity. Recently, State Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s bill, AB 1442, passed the Assembly Education Committee by a vote of 7-0. The bill would hinder school students’ personal data from social media sites, requiring the destruction of any collected data within a year of a student turning 18. Districts would also have to notify parents about information that is gathered on their children while giving students a chance to view anything that is collected on them. Although school districts auditing students’ social media activities can serve as an effective
way of monitoring bullying and possibly even prevent teen suicide, unrestraubed tracking of data is a violation of privacy, particularly if a student’s posts can be used to haunt them in the future as they apply for jobs or if their information and past posts are leaked. The mined data can include anything from photos and videos to opinions and statements, according to Gatto’s newsletter. Students should actively exercise caution and refrain from posting anything too personal or extreme, such as nudes, inappropriate rants, or anything that compromises their privacy, security, and of course, selfrespect. However, teens — like adults — are bound to make bad judgment calls now and again. As long as there is nothing criminal in nature, an underage student’s activities should not be kept or stored once they or of age or have graduated from their school district. Modern generations face a challenge their predecessors may have only wondered about when reading dystopian novels, such as George Orwell’s “1984”. If potential employers see a compromising status or post by someone who was only 16 years old at the time, it will of how old they were when they have grown and developed since then. The tracking of students’ activities online only brings to mind the lack of privacy and security in a cyber-intensive age. When Edward Snowden’s
Wi-Fi To Improve Soon [Wi-Fi, from page 4] but that speed is internal and not for Internet use. The Internet download speed will vary per device. A saying among some computer science students equates that signal to being told it is possible to drive at 100 mph inside a parking lot, but once you get on to the street you can only do only 30. The plan to upgrade the system is going through the priority and budget phase. The cost of the improvements and upgrades will be very expensive, anywhere from $80,000 to $150,000.
The ITS department will be adding 60 access points to the new College Lab/Services building, which will open in fall 2015. A new Wi-Fi standard called 802.11ac will be implemented at the new building. This will allow the internal speed up to 900 million bits per second. be in place soon,” said Drescher. Alin Boughousi can be reached at alin.boughousi@student.glendale.edu
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NSA leaks took the world by potential, a Wild West for hackers, storm, many felt permanently data collectors, corporations, and government agencies as well as reminded individuals across the social media users and addicts. globe that the law has yet to catch Gatto’s bill marks an important up with modern technology. milestone for Internet freedom The Internet is a whole and privacy. Although it doesn’t new terrain of untapped legal excuse inappropriate behavior by
students, it does offer a chance to learn from their mistakes as teens without having to face further repercussions as adults — unless, of course, they never learn to monitor themselves. Agnessa Kasumyan can be reached at agnessakas@gmail.com
El Vaquero Wins Awards at State Conference
Photo by Michael Moreau
PROUD WINNERS: The El Vaquero news staff earned a total of seven awards at the Journalism Association of Community Colleges 2014 State Conference at the Burbank Marriott held April 3 through 5. The newspaper staff won its second General Excellence in Print award in a row. Production manager Richard Kontas was awarded same category. Sports editor Jonathan Williams won third place in the News Story category while editor-in-chief Sal Polcino was awarded an Honorable Mention for Broadcast Writing in addition to an Editors Recognition award. Newsroom manager Eric Bourse also took home an Honorable Mention for copy editing.
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FEATURES
Student Uses Spirituality to Help Overcome Illness By Nikki Nagrone
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
L
ife was going good for Nicholas Ekers, a 19 yearold art student. He was working part time, having fun with his girlfriend, and attending his longtime dream school, Art Center in Pasadena. However, a persistent back pain was starting to bother him. After the pain between his shoulders started to worsen, he decided to get it checked by a doctor. That visit in 2005 would change his life forever. Doctors diagnosed him with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a condition that could potentially render him immobile for the rest of his life. The news was devastating. This event marked the beginning of a spiritual journey for Ekers. It would take all the courage and hope he could muster
to overcome adversity. Ankylosing Spondylitis is an incurable and very painful cause some of the vertebrae in the back to fuse together, says the Mayo Clinic. A year later Ekers started to show signs of another ailment called Crohn’s Disease. This stomach greatly added to the pain, and caused him to lose weight and energy. Doctors misdiagnosed his Crohn’s for several years, attributing it to food poisoning or urinary tract infections. After he was diagnosed, doctors prescribed him a cocktail of 16 medicines that only treated the symptoms. Ekers was opposed to the idea solutions that addressed the causes. He found that a controlled diet, eliminating foods
that triggered reactions, and a positive attitude could help to alleviate his symptoms. A combined attack of both conditions left him bed-ridden. Within just three months he experienced extreme muscle loss. Although he regained management of both disorders through diet again, at a mere 90 pounds he needed physical therapy. Doctors were reluctant to treat Ekers because he wouldn’t take the medications they prescribed. Furthermore, the physical therapists he had access to would not make house calls. This would make caring for him harder for a lot to take care of him, while also working 60 hours or more a week. “I was in a place of really severe depression, having missed out on two years of my life,” said Ekers. “ I felt like a complete
Nicholas Ekers prisoner, that my life was over.” Due to his condition Ekers lost all of his independence and forced him to drop out of art school. With his girlfriend gone too, he had close to nothing left. “That was hell, I hated that,” said Ekers. “I had to stop feeling sorry for myself and I had to learn to be happy right now.” Throughout Ekers’ research, he read about the effects a positive attitude has on recovery and started to train his brain to think why he hated himself so much. He started to identify the source despite his deteriorated physical condition. His mother recalls how they both sent out a need for help to the universe. They hoped they would receive the help necessary for his recovery. Shortly after, a chance encounter with a masseuse at the market would lead them to the physical therapist he needed. That man was Fernando Villar, who has a doctorate in neurology and biokinesiology. “He looked like a holocaust survivor,” said Villar. Villar, having two children of his own, felt deeply for Ekers and dedicated himself to his recovery. There is no research into the treatments they were about to undergo and Villar could make no promises. He did however make house calls. While his positive attitude had already helped his recovery immensely, Ekers wanted something more. He wanted to learn more about spirituality and wanted to connect with others. Buddhism would be just what he was looking for.
Photo by Nikki Nagrone
Shortly after returning to school at Glendale Community College, a woman named Colleen Pathe introduced Ekers to the Soku Gakkai International Buddhist Club. “S.G.I. gives you a chance to polish your life,” said Pathe, who helped found the club more than10 years ago. The club practices Nichiren Buddhism, one of over 80,000 sects of Buddhism. Followers use chanting as a way to get connected to the universe, concentrating on effecting positive changes in their the group he was sold. Villar attributes Ekers’ one-of-a-kind recovery to his determination and attitude. “[It’s] his willingness to go through the process and trust, enduring pain and hard work,” said Villar. Ekers is currently waiting to get a suit molded that will help hold his stretched body in place for longer after therapy sessions, retaining the mobility he gains. While he is very independent now and can actually hold his own weight up on his legs, Villar says they still have a long way to go. While back at school, Ekers says he wants to major in English and History. Now 27, he has recently become the president of the Soka Gakkai International Buddhist Club at GCC. “Before Buddhism I felt a lingering sense I could slip back into depression,” said Ekers. Buddhism has given him the spiritual support he needs to feel also taught him to share his story Nikki Nagrone can be reached at nagrone988@student.glendale.edu
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Wednesday, April 30, 2014
FEATURES
Thousands of Protesters March to Turkish Consulate
GENOCIDE PROTEST: Marchers take to the streets of the Miracle Mile Thursday, above. Zorig Kejejian, below, addresses the crowd in front of the Turkisn Consulate.
C
ries for justice could be heard from miles away, as thousands of protesters
Marchers united to protest
Moises Torres can be reached at moisestorres187@yahoo.com
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Limbo at The Luau
T
o celebrate spring break, ASGCC transformed Plaza Vaquero into a Hawaiian dream, entertaining students with an onslaught of activities, including a limbo competition, hula dance lessons, and luau photo booths, as well as a giant tiki-style bouncy house. The event took place on April 10, just before the start of spring break. The student government invited fire dancers to complete the luau theme. Dancer Evan Cantrell blew flames 20 feet into the sky to energize the audience. He and his partner, Natalia Chandler, then picked volunteers to learn Hawaiian dance moves, lower right. After the dancers performed there was a limbo contest. A crowd of students tried their best, but it came down to two finalists, Marian Sarkisian, center, and Jacob Magana. While Magana fell over backward during the last round, Sarkisian deftly slid under the pole, taking first place and a prize of $50. Harut Yerikyan, vice president of campus activities came up with the idea for the luau. ASGCC Senator of Campus Activities Arin Fiterz also ducked under the the limbo pole, top right. Story by
Kristine Dizon and Jennifer Rodman Photos by
Sal Polcino
How low c an
you go?
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Wednesday, April 30, 2014
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FEATURES
Minions Bring Mayhem to New Universal Studios Ride By Alexandra Duncan and Agnessa Kasumyan
S
weltering heat and excruciatingly long lines are always the biggest downer of theme parks, particularly as one’s face trickles with sweat and the soles of people’s feet begin to blister from standing around so long. While waiting for the gala opening of Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, it seemed unlikely that the hype was worth the wait, particularly since a huge celebration was made for a ride that would only last a few minutes. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, celebrity host Mario Lopez, NBC Universal executives were all in attendance. Also present were the voice actors from the Despicable Me movies: Miranda Cosgrove (Margo), Dana Gaier (Edith), and Elsie Fisher (Agnes). The opening started with a musical performance of Pharrell’s Oscar-nominated song “Happy,” followed by speeches from Garcetti, Meyer, and Kurzweil. To celebrate the new
ride, guests were sprinkled with bright, yellow confetti that burst that chalked the blue sky. The attraction’s entrance is an exact replica of the character, Gru’s (Steve Carrell) home, a towering and dark mansion decorated with paintings. While in line, attendees are given 3-D glasses for the simulator ride. Subtle ups and downs made for a realistic joyride through a treacherous environment of experimental weapons and toxic chemicals. The CGI screen and projection quality makes for a crystal-clear experience, particularly when Carrell’s booming, EasternEuropean accent resounds through the lab where guests are taken for the actual ride, adding to the life-like quality of Universal Studios’ famous simulation rides. The long wait was undeniably worth it, particularly as guests are entertained by Gru and his spastic-speaking minions on screen. The story line itself was heart-warming and clever, making the ride more than just a cliché amusement park attraction.
Photo by Kathy Bakowicz
MINION MAYHEM: Gru informs everyone that they are being recruited into his minion army and will be transformed into minions themselves. The ride stayed true to the follow Margo, Edith, and Agnes through Gru’s hazardous factory. The storyline centers on the anniversary of Gru’s adoption
of the girls, with Agnes holding onto a present she made for her adoptive father, eventually causing her to fall from the hover car several times. Gru saves the day, surprising them with a theme park, Super Silly Fun Land, which children can actually enjoy at Universal Studios upon exiting the ride and Gru’s house. Guests must be at least 102
centimeters tall to ride. Sorry, minions! c c
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11
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Plight of Bees Affects Food Supply By Alexandra Duncan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
B
ees are hardly ever thought of as anything other than an annoying buzzing in one’s ear However, these little striped insects are, in fact, humanity’s salvation. The 2009 documentary, “Vanishing of the Bees,” gave viewers a terrifying glimpse at the dark reality the world will face without its crucial, symbiotic relationship with bees. ider Hall Thursday as part of the campus’ celebration of Earth Day. As narrated by Ellen Page, the ing industry across the country through the eyes of beekeepers and the struggles of a dying trade. The mass deaths of bees and disappearances are known as a strange phenomenon called Colony Collapse Disorder or CCD. Beekeeping has become an industry in which bees are farmed like common pigs and cows. They are transported across the country to pollinate crops according to the seasons, but this method has proven to be fatal to bees. Their constant movement from state to state via freight trucks has caused many more deaths than necessary. Many people do not realize how totally reliant the food industry is on honeybees. It’s not just about honey. These bees pollinate one in three bites of every meal Americans consume daily. Unnatural farming practices such as monoculture, the mass growth of a single crop, and pesticides such as systemics, which coat the entire plant including its pollen with harmful toxins, have
become what farmers think is the main cause of the mass bee deaths and vanishings. “We are not killing people with pesticides per se. We don’t see the dead bodies by the hives with the bees. We’re causing enough deterioration of systems in the body, causing autism in humans or learning disabilities and mechanisms in bees to erode to the extent where they can’t function properly,” said Michael Pollan, author of “In Defense of Food.” Directors George Langworthy and Maryam Heinen do an excellent job of convincing viewers that CCD is an urgent matter that must be given immediate attention. Unlike most environmental documentaries, which doom human beings to a horrible future without possible resurrection, “Vanishing of the Bees” reveals positives that come from CCD and possible solutions. to support local farmer’s markets, buy non-GMO produce locally and even house a beehive within the comforts of one’s backyard. However, the cheesy animation within transitions of each sary quotes, some totally unrelatbudget television show meant for younger audiences. ful look at the government’s lack of concern for the state of America’s honeybees and its utter capitalist attitude toward our food industry. “Colony Collapse is one the signs that our system is unsustainable,” said David Hackenberg a farmer who lost more than half
Photo courtesy of Dogwoof Pictures
of his beehives to CCD. In contrast, members of America’s beekeeper community traveled to France, where this mysterious phenomenon also
took place, but the government stepped in and banned systemic pesticides. “If the bee disappeared off the face of the earth, man would only
have four years left to live,” said Maurice Maeterlinck, author of “The Life of the Bee.” Alexandra Duncan can be reached at alexandran.duncan@gmail.com Alexandra Duncan can be reached at alexandran.duncan@gmail.com
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FEATURES
U.S. Welcomes Thousands of New Citizens -
By with Fidel Cantu,
country in 2006. Jones collected
and Jennifer Rodman
this month. Unlike the larger ceremonies in California, Jones was
E
ric Flores and Carlos Rodriguez waited for their mother, Mirna Rodriguez, outside the massive convention center doors
came to the country six years ago. -
Unlike some others, Jones’
the skyline of downtown Los Angeles. Mirna Rodriguez’s 20-year
As the new citizens walked out the convention center, their loved ones waited for them wav-
thousands of others gathered for
FATHER AND SON: his father, Tu Truong, at the naturalization ceremony on April 9.
worker from Oaxaca, Mexico.
Truong, who cradled his son Daniel An Truong, waving an
Pastors at a church in Los AnAfter the conclusion of the ceremony, within minutes of earning their legal right to vote, naturalized citizens were urged to register to vote and join the Democratic Party. There were no
Tu Truong from Vietnam, sat two rows from the front of the stage. They came here for religious freedom.
to register voters under the Re-
said.
Mexico. Isaac Mendez is a farm
Vietnam allowed for virtually no religious freedom. In 2005, Decree 22 instilled strict regulations on religious freedoms.
-
-
-
Among the dozens of coun-
FBI and three years of marriage -
This ceremony changed the ferent cultures and continents. A Nigerian woman, Motunrayo Ju-
-
it.” More than 6,000 attendees re-
tries.
thousands in the crowd. For most of these new citizens, ing class. Prior to their induction as citizens, most made a living
wanted her son to have an educa-
travel the world,” she said. Junaid graduated from Caliginning of this year. Junaid was a middle school teacher in Nigeria. Nigeria we did not have a good leader and there was hardly any try,” Junaid said. the National Council Licensure Examination and she is awaiting tered nurse. -
throughout the year and all across the country. immersed in the country I chose to live in,” said Jones. “I feel like
Jonathan Williams can be reached at Anthony Huizar can be reached at ahuizar533@student.glendale.edu Fidel Cantu can be reached at Jennifer Rodman can be reached at
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Brick Mansions Disappoints Tenants -
By Jennifer Rodman
C
amille Delamarre’s “Brick Mansions” is an English-language remake of the French director Pierre Morel’s action thriller “District B-13,” which was can version, similar in many
2013 in a car accident. This is ready started shooting for the
tent action hero. lier, an undercover detective, in
action with Lino’s ex-girlfriend in a sassy waitress uniform and -
cleaver for the gourmet meals he creates. Tremaine has a small
leased in 2015. “Brick Mansions” is a great -
and dance, also known as free running. “Brick Mansions” is nearly identical for the accelerating, gritty and stylish fashion,
known as the Brick Mansions,
armed and counting down. Tremaine is dressed in elegant attire -
hold the viewers’ attention. take itself too seriously. It is a Collier wants to get revenge for the death of his father and Lino wants to rescue his ex- girlTremaine holds hostage with a
of a Mustang to outrun Trecomforting for viewers to watch them now. Director Delamarre makes this
“Brick Mansions” is rated PG 13 and runs for one hour and 30 minutes
Jennifer Rodman can be reached at
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Wednesday, April 30, 2014
13
SPORTS
Tennis Coach Bob MacKay Serves Up Life Skills By Sherlyn Ann Maguit with RJ Saunders EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
P
erhaps the most important quality one needs to coach a sports team is enthusiasm. It takes years to build up coaching skills, experience and a good reputation. Tennis coach Bob MacKay, 71, embodies all of these qualities Glendale Community College campus 48 years ago. This is where his legacy as a player and coach began. MacKay attended Loyola High School in Los Angeles and in 1976 and graduated from Cal State LA with a bachelor’s degree in recreational education. His mission statement, on and off the court is the will to compete. Mental toughness is a must when you play for Coach MacKay. He prepares his players for life by demonstrating the value of mental preparedness in order to achieve goals.
MacKay has coached almost every sport, but has been the Vaqueros Men’s Tennis coach for 12 years. He has won the Western State Conference Championship twice, once in 2005 and most recently in 2014. MacKay will add one more accomplishment to his illustrious coaching career on May 10, when he will receive the ACE Award (Athletes with Character and Ethics). “Everything you get in life you earn,” said MacKay. “It doesn’t matter if you have been coaching for 40 years or 10 years. I’m a strong advocate that you earn things in life. You get what you deserve.” Assistant coach Christopher Tissot played for MacKay before joining the coaching staff. “This award is kind of a culmination of the great work that he’s done with this program the past 12 years,” said Tissot. “He began coaching [tennis] in 2003, and he’s turned the tennis program around tremendously.”
Softball Splits Doubleheader
MacKay worked as a manager in the Glendale Parks and Recreation Community Services Department for many years before he took on the head-coaching job. However, he admits that when coach he did not accept the job. time because I was teaching as well as working and I couldn’t leave,” said MacKay. “ However, some members of the El Vaquero Raquet Club asked if I’d reconsider, and I eventually did.” Though MacKay has done an exceptional job with the tennis was baseball. He played for the Vaqueros baseball team while attending GCC as a student in the 1960s. “Back then, they had an intramural program here at GCC that consisted of 10 sports,” said MacKay. “I signed up for all 10, and I won all 10.” “It’s interesting to hear some of his stories and some of the things he has accomplished,” said tennis player Dro Demegerdichian. Not only does he teach tennis, but he teaches his team the importance of having life skills. He believes that it is his job to make his players see that they can make it to the next level if they set goals in their life. “I’m a tennis coach teaching them life skills,” said MacKay. To the team, he is more than a coach; he is their friend and most The relationship he has with his team is something to which every coach should aspire. here, Coach MacKay helped me a lot,” said tennis player Santiago Segovia. “Since all of my family were in Argentina, coach would always ask me how I was doing, if I was okay, and he mainly helped me with my academics.” “When it comes to my players,” MacKay said. “I want them to realize not only the importance of tennis, but the importance of getting an education.” While working for the city of Glendale, MacKay worked with the California Institution for Men a state prison in Chino. Under
Photo by Kendall Faulkner
POWER THROUGH: Lady Vaquero Jasmine Hernandez swings
taught a recreational program for 15 years. It allowed him to teach life experience to at-risk high school students. With the consent of the students parents, he began taking
Coach Bob MacKay
to Chino to show what happens if the wrong path is taken in life. At the prison, he taught inmates to play tennis. “I began to take my students with me to make them realize that someday, if their behavior didn’t get any better, this is where they would end up,” said MacKay. MacKay had a great deal of success with his 2005 team which was inducted into the GCC Athletic Hall of Fame. At least two of his players also had success. Dylan Kim went to the State Singles Championship in 2007, College men’s tennis player was the state singles championship ranking number one in the state of California. That same year he also won the ITA All-American in singles and Western State Conference MVP. Alex Sarkissian won regional and state singles champion in 2011. player in Glendale College history to win the Ojai trophy not only in singles, but in doubles. In June of 2011, he was awarded the ITA National Player of the Year and Western State Conference
Photo by Kathy Bakowicz
MVP. “There has never been a player who hasn’t liked playing for Coach MacKay,” said Tissot. “He’s always understood the Psychological aspect of the game when it comes to his players, and he brings out their full potential.” Alex Leon, sports information director at GCC has known and worked with MacKay for a decade. Leon knows that MacKay has had great success over the years. “It’s never been trying to get the best player with him,” said Leon. “He’s always looking for the full package. And what he does is not only make you a great player, but a great person. He wants his players to be great on and off the court.” Every legendary career eventually comes to an end. 2015 will be his farewell season. “I think the bottom line, it’s time to call it [quits],” said Mackay. “After 41 years in the city of Glendale, 25 years as a pro at Glendale College, 12 years as a coach and two state champions, I’ve had great results.” an be reached at can be reached at
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Wednesday, April 30, 2014
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SPORTS
Vaqueros End Season With Drive Into Playoffs By Jonathan Williams
changed midway through com-
A
week after a second place -
sophomore Vincent Lam and the Vaqueros golf team had one goal and I knew this was the most im-
Scoreboard
Play continued after some friendly debate between the comball hopped off the side of the
R E S U LT S Track and Field: Orange Coast — Women: Won five Men: Won four Mt. Sac Relays — Women: Won one Men: DNP first WSC Prelims — Women: 12 qual. Men: 11 qual. WSC Finals — Women: First place Men: Third place Baseball: April 3: Bakersfield 7-4 W April 5: Bakersfield 4-2 L April 8: L.A. Mission 8-4 L April 10: L.A. Mission 7-2 W April 11: Citrus 4-3 W April 12: El Camino-Compton 3-2 W April 15: Ventura 7-1 W April 16: Pierce 6-3 L April 17: Santa Ana 3-2 L April 22: Citrus 2-1 W April 24: L.A. Valley April 25: L.A. Valley 5-2 W Women’s Tennis: April 4-5, 11: April 8: OCC Team Quarters April 15: Team Semis April 19: Team Finals April 23: Team State Finals April 24: State Finals Men’s Tennis: April 4-5, 11: April 8: OCC Team Quarters April 15: Team Semis April 19: Team Finals April 23: Team State Finals April 24: State Finals
was matched up alongside Aaron
With the hint of summer sun shining on the blades of grass at -
ball trickled about 40 yards down
Lam was optimistic about his
birdied the par-3 eighth hole after a high 7-iron shot that sailed up into the clouds and landed about At the long par-5 ninth hole Photo by Jonathan Williams
encountered something that they had they had not seen before in
can be reached at
LONG DRIVE: Vaquero Vincent Lam drives a ball down the fairway of the
Womens Track and Field Wins WSC Championship
Men’s Golf: April 7: Citrus WSC — Eighth April 14: Glendale WSC — Second April 28: WSC Finals — Third
UPCOMING Track and Field: Saturday: Socal Prelims 10 a.m. May 10: Socal Finals 10 a.m.
For more information visit: www.glendale.edu/athletics
only to catch the bottom part of
of frustration to himself as he bo-
Softball: April 5: PCC 5-3 W April 8: Mission 7-1 L, 10-6 L April 10: Valley 9-7 L April 11: Antelope Valley 4-0 L April 15: 10-1 L, 4-3 L April 17: Canyons 10-5 L April 22: Bakersfield 6-5 W, 10-5 L
Men’s Golf: Monday: Socal Championships 7 a.m. May 12: State Championships 7 a.m.
Lam ran into his only bad tee
DOMINATING THE FIELD:
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Wednesday, April 30, 2014
15
Calendar Campus Events EVENTS Swap Meet — Upper campus parking lot May 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5805. STEM — GCC and the Latinas in STEM Foundation present “Latinas in STEM 101 Conference on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Student Center. The event is open to middle and high school students, parents, and school faculty and staff. The keynote speaker is Veronica Garcia, engineer at Aerojet Rocketdyne. Admission is free. The conference is funded by the GCC/ CSUN AIMS and GAUSS Hispanic Serving Institution STEM Initiatives. Registration and additional details can be found at www.latinasinstem. com/#!stem101glendale/c16x4.
clubs on May 15 at 12:20 at Plaza Vaquero.
MEETINGS Board of Trustees Meeting — May 19 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 (818) 240-1000, ext. 5906.
leCTUreS
Talent Show — The International Student Association presents its annual talent show on May 8 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Plaza Vaquero.
Ethics of Money— One Book/ One GCC series presents a lecture on “What Money Can’t Buy” by Michael Sandel. Speakers are psychology professor Jessica Gillooly and philosophy instructor Randall Parker. The lecture is Wednesday at 12:20 p.m. at Kreider Hall. Free admission for all.
Festival — ASGCC hosts the Culture Festival for students and
Cultural Diversity Series — Professor Roger Bowerman pres-
ents “The Current Status of Native Americans from the Position of Native Americans, Part One.” Free admission and open to all on May 15 from 12:20 to 1:30 p.m. in Kreider Hall.
more. Purchase tickets online at www.glendalearts.org or at the
L.A. Writers Reading Series — Amy Gerstler, poet and creative writing professor at UC Irvine, will read from select works and answer questions from the audience afterward. Gerstler published “Dearest Creature” in 2009. Free admission and open to all on May 20 from 12:20 to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Center.
MUSIC
THeaTer Play — “The Firebugs” will be staged by the Theatre Arts department in the Auditorium. The World War II-era satire is written by Max Frisch and the adaptation is directed by Ed Douglas. Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 p.m. A Sunday performance will begin at 2 p.m. There will be additional performances May 8 to 10 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for students and seniors and $12 each for groups of 10 or
ext. 5612 or visit the website at www.glendale.edu/theatre.
Vocal Concert — Dr. Jayne Campbell directs a performance that includes the college choir, chamber singers, and opera vignettes on May 17. The concert is at the auditorium at 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $7 and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the call 818-240-1000, ext. 5660. Orchestra — conduct the GCC Orchestra on May 18 at 3 p.m. in the auditorium. General admission tickets are $10 and $7 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased mation call 818-240-1000, ext. 5829.
MOVIES Friday Flix — A screening of the -
vard,” will be shown Friday. The Alfred Hitchcock’s 19863 thriller “The Birds” will be shown May 9. Tippi Hedren. George Cukor’s 1964 musical “My Fair Lady” stars Audrey Hepburn. The 1948 romantic drama “Red Shoes” will directed by Michael Powell and stars Moira Shearer. Mike Petros will facilitate a discussion after 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. “Pluto and the Dwarf Planets” will be presented Thursday and May 8 and “Tour of the Universe” will be presented on May 15 and May 22 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. in CS 257. Admission is free and open to all. For more information visit www.glendale.edu/planetarium or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5275.
Around Town THeaTer 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. Students can get tickets for $20 one hour before
the performance. For schedule information and tickets, visit www. anoisewithin.org.
MUSIC Jazz, Swing, and More — Glendale Pops presents “Hidden Treasures” on May 10 at the Alex Theatre at 8 p.m. Acclaimed singer and pianist Carol Welsman and Mat Catingub and his orchestra perform a blend of swing, Latin, R&B, pop and jazz. Tickets are $35 and $55 for reserved seating. For more
HAVE YOUR CAMPUS EVENT LISTED ON THE CALENDAR PAGE
information visit www.glendalearts.org/event/glendale-artspresents-glendale-pops-hiddentreasures. The theater is located on 216 N. Brand Blvd. Local Rock — Brandon Mayer and the Hidden Powers will perform at the Brand Library and Art Center Plaza on May 11 at 2 p.m. Admission is free for all. For information visit www. brandonmayer.com and www. brandlibrary.com. The library is located on 1601 W. Mountain St. Armenian Pop — Pop singer
Ani Christy will be performing at the Alex Theatre on May 15 at 7:30 p.m. Balcony seats tickets are $30 and $35. Terrace seats are $40 and $50. Orchestra seats range from $40 to $100.
St., Pasadena. Begins Sunday and runs through Aug. 31. For information visit www.pmcaonline.org or call (626) 568-3665.
eXHIBITIOn
YouTube — The popular YouTube celebrity Philip DeFranco will be telling behind-the-scene stories, a Q & A and fan meet and greet after the show. The event is May 9 at 8 p.m. at the Alex Theatre. Tickets range from $30 to 100 and can be purchased from www.alextheatre.org.
Art Exhibitions — Pasadena Museum of California Art. Exhibitions include “June Wayne: Paintings, Prints, and Tapestries” and “Time, Space & Matter: Five Installations Exploring Natural Phenomena” 490 E. Union
COMedY
Compiled by Eric Bourse
t Email the details to Elvaqed@gmail.com. t Call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349 and leave a message on our 24/7 event hotline, we’ll get right back to you. tThe deadline for the May 14 issue is May 8.
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Wednesday, April 30, 2014
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LIFESTYLE
Skate Park Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Photo by Lucas Yepez
ROCKING OUT: Crowds of people gathered at the Verdugo Skate Park to celebrate its 10-year anniversary on April 12. The event featured skateboarding contests, live music, giveaways and a free day of skating. Kids of all ages rode their skateboards and roller skates. The L.A. Derby Dolls were on hand, raffling off T-shirts and a skateboard. Local bands Blue Beethoven, pictured above, Uncle Ant, Attackhead and Crime Rock rocked the crowd. The skate park is open Monday through Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. See full story online at www.elvaq.com
Construction Update
Photo by Kathy Bakowicz
CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS: Work on the new College/Lab Services Building continues after the drainage and groundwater problems were resolved.
By Moises Torres
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
C
onstruction of the College/Lab Services building is almost back on schedule after completing 90 percent of the additional work resulting from the previous drainage system and groundwater problems. February through March was busy as workers tried to stabilize conditions. The groundwater that was encountered during the foundation process also aftion of the building. A previous drainage system also gave workers a hard time, as unforeseen problems totaled a cost of $203,760. After testing, the drainage system appeared operational and workers devised a cost-effective plan. They reinforced the drainage system by adding
support to minimize costs. April consisted of further stabilizing the foundation. In order for the building to be properly situated, it must sit on bedrock. In some areas, the bedrock was lower than perceived. Excavation followed by pouring the concrete needed to even out the base. The college has appealed to the state to try to get back some of the funds from the additional work. The initial contract was set up with Mallcraft, of which $5 million was appropriated from the state. The college plans to augment its funds through this appeal. Out of the $2.1 million contingency reserve, $850,000 was spent on structuring and stabilizing the foundation. Moises Torres can be reached at moisestorres187@yahoo.com