March 11, 2009

El Vaquero March 11, 2 0 0 9

Glendale College

Strike !

Effort Falls Short Against Citrus Story page 16

Photo by Allan Beglarian

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

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NEWS

El Vaquero Glendale Community College

Jessica Bourse

Brandon Hensley

PHOTO EDITOR

Jane Pojawa

STAFF WRITERS

Andres Aguila Claudia Anaya

Troy Cornell Demetrio Gomez

Jesse Gutierrez Amy Hirsch Isiah Reyes Corinna Scott

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Richard Kontas Allan Beglarian Shaun Kelly Production Manager

Jane Pojawa

design adviser

Charles Eastman

faculty adviser

Michael Moreau

mmoreau@glendale.edu (818) 551-5214

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Jeff Smith

jsmith@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000, ext. 1427

El Vaquero accepts story ideas in news, features, profiles, sports and entertainment from the public. To submit an idea or an article, e-mail the editor at editor@elvaq.com or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349.

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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. Letters must be signed and typed and include the full name and address of the writer. El Vaquero is a First Amendment publication.

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ppening

at’s Ha h W ’s e r e

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By Troy Cornell

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

E

editor in chief

SPORTS EDITOR

Economy Drops, Enrollment Soars ach morning for the last three semesters, Cristiano Cabrera has woken up to the same 7:37 a.m. bus ride to school.

Recently, however, like the thousands of other students who attend Glendale College, the 23year-old architecture major has not only found the commute to campus increasingly congested, but also that his classes contain more students than chairs.

“I wouldn’t call it a nightmare just yet,” said Cabrera “It has always been packed in, but the economy has more than likely made it worse.”

These are the times that we live in. These are the issues facing not only Glendale students, but community colleges from across the state and country.

Consistently rising tuition fees at California’s four-year institutions are siphoning vast numbers of applicants into community colleges, most of which are already laden with freshly laid-off adults seeking to strengthen their skills in preparation for the bloodbath that is the current job market.

Students are also choosing to attend community college because of the costliness of a four-year institution.

Many of the nearly 1,200 community colleges across America that have served countless numbers of students over multiple generations are experiencing a huge influx of admissions not to mention an inability to cope with a skyrocketing application pool.

GCC is no exception to this.

Enrollment is up 7 percent for the spring semester and it is likely to continue upward as the country’s economic situation continues its bleak descent.

Increases in the number of students coupled with a meager budget are two things that don’t add up the way Ron Nakasone, interim executive vice president of administrative services, would like them to.

“We’re faced with a situation where we’re not getting additional revenue for serving the students,” said Nakasone.

California Community College funding is limited due to a growth cap. Exceeding the growth cap, (.6 percent for GCC this year) presents college administrators with a problem. Although there is a 2 percent increase in growth, the school is not receiving additional funding to cope with the additional students and thus creating a budgetary problem.

“From a strictly fiscal point of view, we’re still struggling,” said Nakasone “Not all of the enrollment is funded.”

If GCC were to receive that additional funding, $2 million would be generated in comparison to the half a million dollars in growth revenue the college has generated simply off of student fees.

To curb the effects of the recession on the school budget, many faculty and staff members have been offered attractive retirement packages as a way for the school to save money and provide the necessary cash flow to balance the budget.

“This has been the worst in my lifetime.” Said Ricardo Perez, vice president of student services.

“There’s an issue of equity….

We don’t get the dollars we need to provide a wide variety of services.”

The good news?

Change, although gradual, is happening and it is real.

First and foremost, the college’s growth cap for next year will be 3 percent, meaning there will

more funding for the school to accommodate the increased number of students.

In addition, the pressure being applied by a hacked educational budget and a stagnant economy will force GCC to become more efficient which not only will cut costs in the short run, but will also eliminate future costs that otherwise might have still lingered on even in the best of times.

Changes in class scheduling, hybrid classes, block scheduling and how many students fill those classes will top the priority lists of GCC administrators Nakasone and Perez for the next three to five years.

“We’re looking at the aviation arts building to incorporate eight new classrooms and we’re looking at bringing in 10 classroom trailers,” Perez said.

A new proposed plan for new lab classrooms and student services building will be built by 2013 for 12 state-of-the-art classrooms.

In the interim, Perez stressed the importance of continuing to take advantage of counselors who will provide the guidance necessary to establish clear educational goals so that students won’t waste hard-earned money on units and classes that they don’t need.

“Don’t skip a term and lose your priority registration, have a plan,” said Perez.

Ultimately the back-to-school mentality shared by the masses means a better educated society and ultimately an overall better workforce for the post-recession years.

As President Obama so rightly said: “No one has lifetime employment. But community colleges provide lifetime employability.”

Troy Cornell can be reached at troy_cornell@elvaq.com

issue in this 1, 2009 March 1 er 2

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

NEWS

Computer Monitor Stolen From Campus Classroom

By Isiah Reyes

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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Dell 17-inch panel monitor was stolen from AU115 two weeks ago exposing a possible threat of increased theft on campus.

But is burglary really an issue at GCC? Not to a great degree, according to the campus police department, which said that the stolen monitor was not part of an ongoing theft problem.

Reed Anderson, director of operations of Information Technology Services (ITS), said that it’s usually the computers that get stolen in the rare occasions that burglary crimes are reported on campus.

Anderson estimated the value of the monitor at $250.

Both Anderson and the campus police agreed that the incident may have occurred because a teacher forgot to close the cabinet where the monitor was stationed, so that it was a crime of opportunity

rather than one plotted out.

The thief has not yet been identified.

According to the crime statistics released by the campus police, there have been 10 burglary cases reported in 2005, five in 2006 and six in 2007.

There have not been any robbery cases in at least the past four years. The difference between burglary and robbery is that with a burglary, there is an intention to break into a place to commit a crime; whether it is theft, assault or another felony.

With robbery, there must be a form of violence or threat of violence to deprive someone of their property, such as holding a store clerk at gun point and demanding the money.

To contact the campus police, call (818) 240-1000 ext. 5925, or ext. 4000 for an emergency call.

Isiah Reyes can be reached at isiah_reyes@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

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Debaters Haggle Over Ninjas and Pirates

By Isiah Reyes

EL VAQUERO Staff Writer

G

lendale College’s speech and debate team demonstrated its wide range of talents to a full house in Kreider Hall on Feb. 26 as part of the humanities/social lecture series.

Professor Mike Eberts, mass communications and political science, opened up the floor of the Speech Showcase by commending the speech and debate team.

Soon after, Nisha Star, a Korean native who has only been in the United States for one year and eight months, went on stage to present an informative speech about how fashion is an economic indicator. She began by stating how the length of hemlines signals the standing of the economy.

“When the economy goes south, so do the hemlines,” Star said.

Afterwards, Star began talking about haircuts. She mentioned that in the early ’90s, when the economy was doing well, women wore their hair long or semi-long.

When the economy was not doing so well in the late ’90s, short or medium styles accounted for

more than half of all haircuts.

According to Star, another fashionable economic indicator is lipstick sales. She explained, “During a recession, the tendency for consumers to purchase small, comforting items such as lipstick increases.”

Star emphasized that fashion is an economic indicator with the example of Michelle Obama’s yellow dress on inauguration day, which she said signified hope, the driving force behind her husband’s campaign.

Afterwards, Stephanie Tease went on stage and did a poetry interpretation of the one-act play “Woman with 27 Children” by Luminda Bollow, an American playwright, writer and actress.

Tease described the play’s plot. “[Angel] is basically an older woman who gets very ill and finds out she can’t have kids,” Tease said. “She and her husband [Vernon] are really secluded, so he starts carving her these wooden children. They start treating them like they’re real children… they bathe them, feed them, clothe them and take them to church.”

Tease continued, “[Vernon] makes her 27 children and eventually he dies and [Angel] loses it because she was so attached to him.”

After the poetry interpretation, Scott Honsley went up to the podium and prepared to do an impromptu speech — with suggestions from the audience.

After several people shouted various quotes and proverbs, the quote, “There will come a time in your life when you believe everything is finished; that will be the beginning” was ultimately chosen.

Honsley prepared for two minutes and gave a five minute speech. The speech had to relate back to the original quote, so Honsley’s introduction began with a reference to the show “24” and how whenever Jack Bauer finishes something (disarming explosives, finding terrorists), something else always comes up.

The first example that Honsley used in his impromptu speech was a historical example.

“Remember in the end of World War II, when the Russians came in from the east and the Allies came in from the west?”

Honsley asked the audience.

“We were done, right? No, not so much. We had many years of rebuilding in the war… then we enter the Cold War, which lasted for 40 years.”

Honsley’s second example was a literary example of the

protagonist Edmond Dantès in first by pointing out the movie the novel “The Count of Monte franchises.

Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas. Just “Okay, so we got three pirate like the quote, whenever Dantès movies,” Honsley said, referring managed to finish one thing, it to “Pirates of the Caribbean.” always led to another.

“Actually, I’ll count five if you Honsley’s third example was want to include ‘Butt-Pirates of the from personal Rearibbean,’” experience.

Honsley said, “I recently referring to the found out that porn industry. my wife is “Clearly, there [pregnant] and have been tons I’m excited more martial about that,” arts movies.

Honsley said.

You got all the “However, I Jackie Chan kind of thought and Bruce Lee that there would movies.” be an end to Honsley some sort of then responded issues that my to “Talk like a wife and I were Pirate Day.” having. But no “Good, let’s — it’s just the all get drunk beginning.” and talk like a After the pirate,” Honsley impromptu said.

“How speech, Tiffany many chicks Brain, the can you pick up —Scott Honsley, GCC team’s vice like that?”

Speech & Debate Team president, Concluding, went up to he responded to the argument of the podium to costume appeal. debate against “She says, Honsley on an ‘How many ninjas can you be?’ issue that has been argued over I’m going to go with slutty ninja, by many geeks and pop culture because if she was wearing lingerie enthusiasts for years.

“The resolution today is pirates down here and just covering up are better than ninjas,” Brain her face — that’s hot.”

The audience began clapping said. “You all, through claps and and making serious noise at this cheers, will decide who wins this point. Next, Honsley presented debate.” his first counterargument, which At this juncture of the “Speech was that ninjas are more elusive.

Showcase,” the atmosphere began “No one knows you,” Honsley to get a bit raucous as Brain and said. “If you want to be the guy Honsley started to go off on each who is in and out of a room and other in a heated battle that had as you come out of that room, all of Kreider Hall bellowing in you have everyone’s wallet and laughter. watches — you want to be that Brain included three main guy.” examples for why pirates are Honsley’s second countermore awesome than ninjas. argument was ninja weapons.

The first example was the “Ninja stars, Katana blades, movie franchises (she included big ass bows – come on!” Honsley “Pirates of the Caribbean” and said.

Lastly, Honsley relied on the porn industry). Her second smoke grenades to prove that example was “Talk like a Pirate ninjas are more awesome than Day” (saying that you actually pirates. talk and act like them). Her third “Do pirates have smoke example was costume appeal. grenades?

No… [If I’m a ninja “Everyone dresses up like and I vanish], as soon as the pirates, especially since Johnny smoke disappears, someone will Depp made it cool,” Brain said. ask, ‘Where is Scott?’ No one “What kind of ninja can you will know – because I’m a fricken have?” ninja.”

Following up those three [See Speech, page 5] arguments, Honsley responded

“Unless you want to apply for a special ed grant, you shouldn’t be a pirate. That’s really mean to say, but it’s kind of true.”

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009 5

FEATURES

‘Space Weather:’ New Cause for Anxiety

By Amy Hirsch

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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n enthusiastic audience attended “Space Weather: Another thing to worry about in our technological society,” a lecture Feb. 24 by Dr. Vahe Peroomian, associate research geophysicist and lecturer in physics and astronomy at UCLA. Peroomian also has been a member of the college’s board of

trustees since 2005 and currently serves as vice president.

Peroomian began with a historical description of the sun as understood by early man.

From earliest recorded history the Egyptian, Greek, Indian, Norse and Aztec societies worshiped the sun, which was believed to be a great uniform body sending heat and light to earth.

It was not until the invention of the telescope that observation

Ninjas vs. Pirates [Speech, from page 4] With even more laughter and applause, Honsley seemed to have the audience in the palm of his hands. Mostly everyone was on his side at that point.

Honsley made a rebuttal to all three points one more time, adding one more zinger.

“Not to mention, if you talk like a pirate, you sound semiretarded,” Honsley said. “So unless you want to apply for a special ed grant, you shouldn’t be a pirate. That’s really mean to say, but it’s kind of true.”

Brain then stated her rebuttal to Honsley’s argument. She started by refuting the fact that there are more ninja movies than pirate movies.

“He’s saying that there are a lot more ninja movies, but did he name one?” Brain said.

“No! He did not name one ninja movie, but he names four that were pirates. Great job.”

Then she went on to refute the weapons argument.

“That’s awesome that you can throw stars, but I have a gun,” Brain said. “So back the F off. Those who live by the sword, die by the sword when I have a gun.”

The audience started to shift its position on who should win the debate. To finish, Brain refuted the smoke grenade argument.

“Smoke grenades, that’s cool, but we have cannons and those produce smoke too.”

As the debate finished it was time to declare a winner but both sides received resounding applause in their favor. There was no clear-cut winner.

Language Arts Instructor

Ira Heffler then gave the closing comment in the Speech Showcase.

“We’re proud to tell you guys that last year, at the AFA (American Forensics Associated), among the entire country in two-year colleges, we’re number one,” Heffler said.

Heffler also mentioned that the speech and debate team is always looking for new members, and anyone who practices hard can be on the team.

Star described how she first got involved in speech and debate.

“I was taking a debate class and our coach Ira Heffler forced me to join the team,” Star jokingly says. “I wasn’t planning to do a speech like this, but when I went to the competition, I broke into final and I thought to myself, ‘Wow, maybe I can do it.’”

The speech and debate team meets in AD 205 every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m.

Scholarships are available from four-year universities to students who take speech and debate. The universities that offer these scholarships range from CSU Fullerton to Miami University.

For more information on the speech and debate team, contact Heffler at (818) 2401000 ext. 3113. Jean Perry, chair of the language arts department, can be reached at ext. 5504.

Isiah Reyes can be reached at isiah_reyes@elvaq.com

of the surface of the sun revealed lights, which he explained is small dark areas which came to caused by charged particles be called sunspots. These were coming from the sun and described by Galileo in 1612 and interacting with upper atmosphere contrasted with the previous view gas in the earth’s magnetosphere. of Aristotle that the sun was a Depending on the particular gas perfect body. (nitrogen or oxygen) an aurora of Sunspots were then observed various colors (red, blue or green) over many years and it was would be visible. Normally this is noted that during the past 250 seen at polar latitudes, however years the number of sunspots during periods of increased solar varied significantly through 11- activity the aurora may be seen year cycles. The point of highest at lower latitudes, including activity was called the solar Glendale. maximum and the lowest the solar Peroomian is an accomplished minimum. Additionally, solar photographer and displayed a flares appearing photo he took as long flameof such a local like protrusions occurrence of an from the surface aurora. He has of the sun photographed were observed widely on his and found to travels and his increase in photographs proportion can be accessed to sunspot at www.vahep. activity. com.

Then, in Peroomian September of went on to 1859 British discuss some astronomer important R i c h a r d effects of Carrington unusually strong observed a solar particle great solar ejections and flare lasting how this may more than affect the earth’s five minutes. environment.

According to This interaction —Vahe Peroomian Peroomian is termed “space associate research “an incredibly weather” in geophysicist, UCLA. short 18 hours contrast to the later, the largest more familiar geomagnetic storm ever recorded effect of solar heat and visible occurred, lasting over 24 hours.” radiation which produces At that time the telegraph had “weather” as traditionally been recently invented and understood. operators noticed that the wires According to Peroomian, xwere suddenly becoming charged rays traveling at the speed of light spontaneously, with shorts and “reach earth in eight minutes fires occuring for no apparent and impact earth’s atmosphere, reason. energizing and ionizing As later understood, the sun is atmospheric particles. Short wave surrounded by a powerful magnetic communications are disrupted for field which extends toward the minutes to hours. Next to arrive earth. During periods of increased are solar energetic particles (SEPs) sunspot activity, massive amounts — which reach earth in several of electromagnetic radiation and hours and are mainly deposited high-energy charged particles are in the polar regions. Large-scale ejected from the sun. radio blackouts, called polar cap Peroomian explained that absorption events, occur and last “solar flares lead to the expulsion for days.” As the full impact of of matter into space, often as the geomagnetic storm is felt, much as 10 to 15 billion tons.

These events are called coronal For Online Exclusives... mass ejections or CMEs. A CME directed toward earth will usually lead to a geomagnetic storm.”

Peroomian displayed photos of the aurora borealis, or northern

“An August 1972 solar particle event would have delivered a lethal dose to Apollo astronauts in less than 10 hours.”

auroral displays are seen at much lower latitudes than normal.

Electric power grids are vulnerable to disruption from such events. Millions lost power during a geomagnetic storm in March 1989 affecting the Quebec power grid. Damage to transformers from similar events could be so severe and widespread that “recovery would require years” Peroomian said.

According to Peroomian, a 1997 geomagnetic storm caused failure of the ATT Telstar satellite, nearly preventing broadcast of the Superbowl. “The satellite industry is estimated to generate revenue of $225 billion annually; a single solar storm similar to that of 1859 could cause satellite losses of $30 to 70 billion.”

Peroomian warned that “passengers and crew on transpolar flights can receive a radiation dose that exceeds the radiation exposure limit.” He further noted that “An August 1972 solar particle event would have delivered a lethal dose to Apollo astronauts in less than 10 hours.”

GPS and other navigation systems can be disrupted by solar activity, seriously affecting operations of airlines and shipping.

According to Peroomian “The Space Weather Prediction Center at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has subscribers in the navigation, satellite, electric power and airline industries that receive magnetic storm warnings” however, “with only a less than 25 percent chance of correctly predicting the occurrence, and a smaller chance of predicting the severity of a storm, many vulnerable systems do not respond to space weather alerts.”

The sunspot cycle is now at the solar minimum.

Further research by Peroomian and others in this field is considered important in order to improve the ability to predict space weather as solar activity increases to a maximum in 2012.

Amy Hirsch can be reached at amy_hirsch@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

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FEATURES

Leadership Class Solicits Donations for Food Bank

By Amy Hirsch

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

F

rankie Strong is leading a campus food drive to help replenish the supplies of the Glendale Salvation Army, whose food reserves were depleted over the holidays.

The Salvation Army is in need of food items such as canned fruits and vegetables, tuna, spaghetti, rice and cereal.

It is also asking for dried beans and canned soups. Only nonperishable items are requested.

In addition it urgently needs personal care products including diapers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and feminine hygiene products.

“Every little bit makes a difference,” Strong said.

The idea for the drive came about as a community service project chosen by Strong and other members of the current class participating in the Leadership Glendale Program.

The program is sponsored by the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, with financial support from a number of local business organizations.

According to the Leadership Glendale information flyer, “Each class is responsible for researching and selecting its own project — an opportunity for participants to work together and contribute a tangible product or service that benefits the community.”

By participating in community service projects, members of the program are supposed to develop skills and learn how to interact with an array of community leaders, as well as become aware of issues relevant to the community.

The Salvation Army of Glendale offers a variety of helpful services. In particular, it provides assistance to lowincome residents and others in financial need.

“The best part is that the money and the food will go to needy Glendale families,” said Strong.

According to Rick White, director of social services and volunteer coordinator for the Salvation Army in Glendale, “Whether it’s food or money, we try to stretch our donations to help as many people as we possibly can.

“We continue to see more people at our food pantry than we ever have. In the last six months, we have helped 32 percent more people than during the same period of time last year.”

The facility, which is located at the corner of Windsor Road and Central Avenue, also serves as a “safe place” for runaway youth, individuals with drug and alcohol problems.

“It’s a hard time for all nonprofits,” said White. “Many of our usual donors are afraid of the future and holding on to what they have… Overall, our monetary donations are down some from last year. Our income is very close to our expenses. There is no margin in our current budget.”

The campaign is also seeking monetary donations to support Salvation Army programs.

The goal is to raise more than $1,000.

The drive will be continuing until the first week of May. The tax-deductible gift should be made payable to Leadership Foundation of Glendale and sent to Glendale Community College, Governance Office AD 249, Attn: Frankie Strong. Donors are asked to write Salvation Army in the memo portion of the check.

All donations of food and other items should be brought to Room AD 249 at the GCC campus or to SR224 at the Garfield campus.

Amy Hirsch can be reached at amy_hirsch@elvaq.com

Gallery Director Roger Dickes Lives Eclectic Life as Artist

By Jesse Gutierrez

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

rtist, electronic musician and GCC professor, Roger Dickes is a modern day Renaissance man with a passion for art, who also voices concern for today’s economic crisis.

Dickes, 40, was born in New York City but raised in New Jersey; he currently resides in the La Brea district of Los Angeles.

Although Dickes has taught computer animation for nine years, he says he is an artist first, “I still create and show my work and that’s what I consider to be an artist.”

One of the reasons that he came to the college, besides the fact that he enjoys teaching, was to support his art as well.

“I could probably sell my pieces, but I feel like it takes

the meaning out of piece when you use it to make a profit,” said Dickes, explaining how terrible he would feel if he used his passion to make money, because that is not what art is for.

Dickes is also director of the art gallery, which is located in the lobby of the library. While running the gallery does require a lot of extra work, including maintaining the gallery’s Web site, Dickes enjoys every minute of it, and finds what he does very rewarding “In the gallery, we like to show art that is conceptual, meaning that the artist is more concerned about the meaning of the work and also what problems are being depicted within that piece,” said Dickes.

Dickes described how to examine contemporary or modern art.

“Although it can look very simple,” said Dickes, “most of the time you have to look very closely to see all the detail that really goes into it…. I get the same enjoyment out of looking at a contemporary piece as I do looking at a classical piece of art.”

After attending Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Dickes was hired as technical director for “South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut” in 1999.

“When you make an animated movie like ‘Wall-E,’ you come in with an approved set storyboard, but with ‘South Park,’ they were constantly changing the storyboard on the fly.”

Dickes has also worked with fellow artist Liz Larner to create a 3-D image presentation for [See Art, page 7]

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

FEATURES

Dickes Lives His Art [Art, from page 6]

the Riverside Pedestrian Bridge, which was later built by Disney Imagineers, and now connects the main lot to the animation studio.

“Obviously it was good presentation because the bridge really was built.”

The bridge is located at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank.

Occasionally, Dickes does freelance work for commercials, such as creating a computergenerated image of a Baby Ruth candy bar.

Suddenly, Dickes received a message on his phone. He immediately turned around and used the computer to access the Los Angles Times Web site.

“One of my friends just emailed me and said that the Dow [Jones] went down 20 points,” said Dickes. “Oh my God, why would [he] do something like that to me?”

Ken Roskos, a former student

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who has taken multiple workshops under Dickes’s supervision said, “Roger has some very interesting approaches to teaching, but it always turns out to be a great time.

I always learn a great deal.”

Dickes said that in today’s world of animation he does not see the old pen and paper style ever coming back.

“It’s all going digital and it seems like it’s going to stay that way, but in the fine arts there will always be that traditional style of paintbrush and canvas.”

Even with such a busy schedule, Dickes also has time to compose and record his own electronic music.

“I feel fortunate to be doing the work that I’m doing both teaching and creating art, but mostly to be here at GCC where I have the support of so many different people.”

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Jesse Gutierrez can be reached at jesse_gutierrez@elvaq.com

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Photo by Shaun Kelly

Art gallery director, Roger Dickes, brings a fresh approach to art on campus.

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

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www.elvaq.com

NEWS

e W “

r a We We are the Key!”

GCC in 16 College Shout, Calls For More Funding in Legislature’s Ear Story by Claudia Anaya Photos by Shaun Kelly

“T

he Southern California We Are the Key! Community College Rally” highlighted the importance of funding community colleges that GCC and 16 other community colleges attended at Pasadena City College (PCC) on Feb. 27.

The Community Colleges Public Relations Organization, a non-profit organization that informed the colleges of the rally in support of public education, organized the event.

According to The Community College League of California, the funds have increased 3 percent for enrollment growth ($185.4 million), “enough funds for 36,000 new full-time equivalent.”

Even though the budget was passed on Feb. 19 to continue funding community colleges and the funding towards Cal Grants, the challenge of higher education was highlighted at the event.

“Our goal here is to remind all legislators that community colleges are the key to the economic recovery right now because we need people to go back to school, get an education, and go back into the workforce,” said Ovsanna Khachikian, president and student trustee of Associated Students of Glendale Community College (ASGCC), who attended the event with the rest of ASGCC. Former community college students attended the rally to share their appreciation of the educational institution they attended, including host Dat Phan, first season winner of “Last Comic Standing.” Phan attended Grossmont

Paulette Perfumo, PCC President above at podium, addresses the importance of community colleges. Rossane Stepanyan, in photo top left, top left, Eric Sinanyan, Laura Kasian, and Hisae Kanishi rally in support of funding community colleges as Christine Shirvanian holds a sign towards oncoming drivers who show their support by sounding their horns. Glendale’s ASGCC members, photos right, rally in support of an increase in funds allotted for education.

Community College in San Diego.

“Community college helped me through the darkest of times of my life,” said Phan. “I took a speech class, that’s what led me to doing stand up comedy. I would not have won ‘Last Comic Standing’ if it wasn’t for community college.”

From regular high school student in South Central Los Angeles to Long Beach Community College valedictorian and now Stanford University student, Ahmad Lewis, told of the steps he took to reach his goal.

“You know how you get to Stanford? By turning in that one paper that’s due tomorrow on time. Doing the best you can at every moment and then treating each new moment like an opportunity to do the best you can and when you do that, all those moments add up into greatness,” said Lewis.

Hundreds of community college students who stood around the mirror pools of PCC cheered and clapped after every speaker and those who held banners with phrases such as “Our Education is an Investment,” “Believe in Me,” and “Keep the Doors Open,” extended their arms into the air holding their signs higher.

Cynthia Damboise, nurse of Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, with 30 years of nursing experience, spoke of her appreciation to community college instruction and said that nurses have a job waiting for them.

“If it wasn’t for community colleges, I would be totally gray. You will fix the supply and demand of our health

care crisis,” said Damboise.

The hospital, as Damboise mentioned, is a 60-bed-unit with occupancy of 110 percent every day.

“I have patients all over the hospital. I need nurses,” said Damboise, “I’m able to get nurses after two years of school. Nursing is so fortunate to have the community colleges to support them.” According to Damboise, 97 percent of her nurses come from community colleges.

As attendees of the event supported the speakers, some thought of what will happen next and what they were grateful for.

Ramona Barrio-Sotillo, GCC EOPS counselor, professor, governor at large for Faculty Association of Community Colleges (FACC), and public information officer for the Glendale College Faculty Guild, was pleased that the budget was passed and that tuition remained at $26 per unit.

According to the Community College League of California the following suggestions were defeated: A proposed 5 percent apportionment cuts, proposed $30 to $40 unit student fees, with the benefit going to the state general fund and not students, proposed differential funding for physical education and arts classes, proposed elimination of Competitive Cal Grants; which is financial aid for our neediest students and proposed 20.2 percent cuts to categorical programs including technology, part-time faculty support, foster care and child care.

“We got out pretty easy, we were thinking about cutting a few classes and eliminating the second summer session,” said Barrio-Sotillo. “Next year is a bit worrisome; there is some money for growth, and at the same time, the state is still suffering through its crisis. We have one of the highest unemployment rates of the United States — that’s always worrisome.”

Paulette Perfumo, president of Pasadena City College let the attendees know that “for every dollar the state spends on a California community college, four dollars go back into the local economy, by way of jobs and better economic conditions.”

According to Facts of Community Colleges by the Community College League of California, “80 percent of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMTs are credentialed at community colleges. 39 colleges administer Police officers standards and training (POST) academies.

64 have fire technology programs for training firefighters.”

“Community colleges are the economic engine for the state of California and it’s important that we have the funding and the support to continue to educate all of you so that you have a brighter future in this great state of California,” said Perfumo.

Even though Khachikian was glad that the budget passed. She said that “the fight is not over there,” since there will be propositions in upcoming elections that may change the current budget or how it will be spent.

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

www.elvaq.com

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

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‘Street Fighter’ Brings Video Game to Life

By Jesse Gutierrez

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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ideogame-based movies are dangerous — weak storylines, cheesy action sequences.

Think “Mortal Kombat: Annihilation” (1997) or “BloodRayne,(2005). However, “Street Fighter: Legend of Chun Li” defies the odds with a good story, decent acting and some impressive action sequences.

The movie follows the story line of the popular “Street Fighter” videogame series, created by Capcom, the same company that produced the movie.

The second in a series, the movie is directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak and has major stars in it and some newcomers you may not recognize.

Kristin Kreuk (“Smallville”) stars as Chun Li, Neal McDonough (“Traitor,” 2008) as main villain M. Bison, Chris Klein (“American Pie,” 1999) as Charlie Nash, Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile,”

1999) as Balrog, and Black Eyed Pea member Taboo as Vega.

The movie starts with a boring narration by Chun Li describing her life story followed by a montage of her learning the art of Wushu from her father. One night, her home is invaded by villains M. Bison and Balrog, who kidnap her father and punch her mother when she tries to stop them.

Years later, you see an older Chun Li as a professional concert pianist. After a concert, she receives a mysterious scroll containing an ancient Chinese text. Chun Li brings the scroll to a wise old woman, who reads it and tells her to seek out Gen (Robin Shou, “Mortal Kombat,” 1995) in Bangkok, Thailand.

In Bangkok, cops Maya Sunee (Moon Bloodgood, “Pathfinder,” 2007) and Nash (Klein) have found the heads of major crime lords, which were left set up on table. The main suspect? M. Bison.

At this point, the movie is rather boring. The few action scenes, which don’t last that long,

are mediocre. And Chun Li does not really have an ultimate goal until later when she finds Gen in Thailand and she tells her that her father is still alive.

However, once she finds this out, the real action begins.

In one scene, Chun Li encounters Cantana, Bison’s secretary, in a night club. The two women battle it out in the restroom, knocking each other out with well-executed karate moves.

The fight choreography is, for the most part, realistic — that is, until Chun Li shoots a fireball from her hands.

The movie’s pace is a bit slow in the beginning, but as the movie progresses and more of the story line is revealed, the pace quickens and, in turn the movie becomes much more interesting.

The characters are well developed, especially the protagonist. Chun-Li’s entire childhood is summed up in the first part of the movie, allowing the audience to see how she becomes the hero fans around the world know her to be.

Photo by Patrick Brown

Chun Li (Kristin Kreuk) prepares to fight the powers of darkness.

Not to spoil, but the movie leaves room for a sequel, but they should quit while they are ahead.

It’s not worth another go round.

“Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li” is a definite must-see if you like Kung Fu movies or are a

fan of the videogame series.

My rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 Jesse Gutierrez can be reached at jesse_gutierrez@elvaq.com

‘Watchmen’ Rings True to Comic Book Inspiration

By Corinna Scott

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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t’s 1984 and America is on the brink of nuclear war with the Soviet Union and the only ones who can prevent it are a group of troubled superheroes, the “Watchmen,” whose vigilante style wouldn’t make anyone feel safe.

Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, the film takes place in New York City, where enemies of the Watchmen have hit the streets with signs, spray paint and violent intentions. Even President Nixon, who in this alternate universe is still president, vilifies the heroes, outlawing their profession.

“The Watchmen” presents a gritty, brutal look at another reality, one where masked heroes and villains are injected into the pages of history. It’s a gripping “who-dunnit” mystery of masterful proportions that at times is bloody and vicious.

The movie begins with the

mysterious death of the Comedian (Jefferey Morgan, “Grey’s Anatomy”), a superhero who in his life has made many enemies and wears a smiley face pin.

Rorschach (Jackie Haley, “SemiPro,” 2008), named for his inkblot mask that changes constantly due to shifts in mood, is investigating the death of the Comedian and what may be a conspiracy to kill off others in the Watchmen.

The storytelling in the movie is extremely effective, as the life of the Comedian is seen through the memories of other characters, adding layers of meaning to the story as in the comic book.

Who’s watching the Watchmen? Fans of the comics and those who haven’t read the comic are, that’s who. For fans there will be a lot of details to discuss. For example the portrayal of Dr. Manhattan, (Billy Crudup, “The Good Shepherd,” 2006) who is for the most part a big blue nude guy, as he’s drifting away from his humanity and becoming super-human.

Fans will also find much to discuss about the chemistry between Dr. Manhattan and the Silk Spectre II (Malin Akerman, “27 Dresses,” 2008).

There is a noticeable lack of obvious product placement — no cans of soda or brands of any kind in the movie. In the graphic novel, product placement is based on the invented products that tie in with the created world — a bottle of perfume, for example, manufactured by a company owned by Adrian Veidt (Matthew Goode, “The Lookout,” 2007) also known as Ozymandias, a former superhero turned successful businessman, who is seen throughout the comics.

“Watchmen” has sexual content, violence and crude language and is not recommended for children as it is an R-rated movie. The sex scenes in the movie are in vivid graphic detail while in the world of the comic book they are understated.

Fans of the comic book will enjoy the straight from the comic

book feel and those who aren’t fans or comic book readers can still feel smart as they follow the sub-plots and relationships in this movie.

This is a movie to see again for the complexity of all the layers of meaning and clues that this movie provides in bucket-loads.

Director Zack Snider (“300,” 2006) proves that he knows the comic book well through the inside jokes and choice of

music throughout the movie.

And although the movie and graphic novel differ plot-wise, “Watchmen” is one of the greatest comic books-turned movie to date, giving a running commentary on the darker side of human nature.

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

 Corinna Scott can be reached at corinna_scott @elvaq.com

Brutal vigilante justice is the only type of justice known to the Watchmen.

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

11

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

R-Mean’s New Album: Not So Mean The former GCC student’s 20-track album, released on Feb. 21, aside from his mix tape he Good, the Bad, and “Jackin’ for Beats” 2007, takes the Ugly” is more than a serious shadowy approach into a classic Western starring Clint R-Mean’s life.

Eastwood, it is the only way The Good: Glendale native Armine Hariri’s, There’s a good reason why aka “R-Mean,” second album, “good” would be the perfect word “The Risin Son” could be rated. for the songs under this category: First and foremost, “R-Mean” they aren’t great, but don’t reek was born in Los Angeles, but of the mainstream “bubble gum lived in Amsterdam for 18 years rap” played on the radio. before coming back to California.

There are two songs that really Some Glendale enthusiasts have stood out from the rest. The song indeed heard his name once or “Oh No (Don’t Go)” is a wellhave even seen him perform at a constructed production and the high school or club, but for those story behind the rhymes really fit who haven’t, they are not missing the beat. The same goes for the much. song “Still Risin,” the production Every time a music fan listens is really well done. The average to a new album by any artist, hip-hop fan will appreciate the there is always the hope of never scratching and smooth melody having to push the “next track” that flows throughout the beat. button. So in order for an LP to “Tell me, who’s to the rescue/ be great, all the songs have to11/19/2008 be when USArmy.Glendale.5.88x7.BW.ai 8:19:41 AM Uncle Sam just keeps worth a person’s time. abusing his nephews?” The lyrics

By Andres Aguila

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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from “Voice of the People,” featuring Ashley Winters, are what kept this song from falling into the “bad” category. And a note to listeners when hearing this song, don’t panic! It’s not your speakers, it’s the beat.

The Bad: Although the hook of the song “I Made It” is really catchy, it is noticeably louder than the rest of the song, which doesn’t help it out in the end.

The next track on the list starts out right away with a sample of Eminem for the hook.

Surprisingly, not even Eminem could save the song entitled “Meanest MC.” Wow! Didn’t think he could be so mean.

Thought it was one of those ironic situations, like naming a big guy “Smalls.” Nope? Oh well.

It seems R-Mean is trying to be real dark in these last two songs. In “Your Nightmare Begun,” he raps about the

battlefield being his only home among other nightmarish things.

There’s also the misfortune of not being able to hear the lyrics over the excessively busy beat.

The Ugly: The songs in this category are ugly, and simply aren’t worth hearing.

Some may think a song with hip-hop in the title (“I am Hip Hop”) would be about hip-hop.

But maybe the scratching will do because there are hardly any lyrics in the song about the elements of hip-hop.

These next three songs don’t fit in with the rest of the album — good examples of songs rappers should stay away from if they want to be considered good emcees.

“Posted Up,” which features Roscoe from the DPG family, feels like it was poorly placed in the album because right after you have heard the song “Still Risin’,” the mood changes from a serious good song to the total opposite. It is, however, good to hear Roscoe on a track!

“Threesixtyfive” has a sort of T-Pain-like auto-tune in the hook.

That’s all that has to be said to consider this an ugly song.

Last and certainly least is the song “See it in His Swagger.”

This track, among the other millions of rap songs with the word “swagger” in their title, seems to use the word only on the basis of being hip and cool. Plus, there is the strong possibility that many people out there want the word “swagger” banned from their vocabulary. They don’t need to hear it again.

Overall, listening to “The Risin’ Son,” is a disappointing experience. The two gems of the album, “Oh No Don’t Go” and “Still Risin’,” produced by State of Art, set a high bar for the rest of the album — which it just doesn’t reach.

The album is filled with as much “like” reference verses to the point where that’s the only thing a person would be paying attention to. Some examples: “Stomach growling like a wolf/ howling in the break of dawn” and “Our relationship was Rocky like Balboa.” Not bad, but still a little too much.

Upon opening the album and looking inside, there is an assumption that it was going to be a dark and tough album, but looks are deceiving.

There is also no way R-Mean’s “style” resembles a hungry Nas or Eminem! Not even close. And if there was ever a person who listened to certain hip-hop albums and wished they didn’t have so many featured artists, they might be wishing the opposite for this one. The guest artists outshine RMean throughout the album.

In the end, it lacks a sense of style and feels as if a cluster of songs were just thrown together.

There may, however, be some out there who will actually enjoy this album. There are a lot of good beats, just don’t expect anything legendary.

1 ½ out of 5 stars

 Andres Aguilacan be reached at andres_aguilacan@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

www.elvaq.com

SPORTS

Illness Adds to Slump for Women’s Tennis

By Brandon Hensley EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

B

attling both sickness and a rough spot in their schedule, the Lady Vaqueros tennis team lost to Ventura College Thursday at GCC, 7-2.

The loss dropped Glendale’s record to 5-2 (3-2 in conference), concluding a week that consisted of two straight losses and an illness to their second-best player.

Sophomore Monique Palmera was out with bronchitis in the team’s watch against Cuesta College on March 3, a match in which Glendale was dominated, 9-0. She was able to play this time, although not at her full capacity.

“I’m feeling like I’m playing with half of myself,” she said after the game. Palmera lost her singles match to the Pirates’ Sarah Gifford 6-0, 6-1, but tried to downplay the disparity of the score. “A lot of the points in the second set, more than half of them were deuce, and I just couldn’t pull through. I just didn’t have the energy.”

The Vaqs’ lone singles victories came when freshman Sarah Aguilar defeated Katya Welborn in three sets 5-7, 6-4, 63 and freshman Minelli Ebrahimi beat Rachelle Landers in three

sets as well, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Glendale was swept in the three doubles matches.

It didn’t help that Ventura (4-1) has one of the state’s top players in Ashley Litchfield. A sophomore who spent last season with CalState Fullerton, Litchfield was impressive in beating the Vaqs’ top player Meldia Hacopian in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3. ”She’s very tough,” Hacopian said of Litchfield. “I’ve looked at her scores with other teams, and she’s kinda murdered all of them, so I was kind of happy to do better than most other girls.”

Despite the performance of the team, Glendale feels it will be in the playoff hunt all season.

The Western State Conference consists of solid teams top to bottom, including, Cuesta and Ventura, but up until last week the Vaqs were undefeated, so Hacopian thinks they can right the ship.

“If we have everyone [healthy], we have a good chance to beat any team,” she said.

Head coach and women’s athletic director Terry Coblentz was not as upbeat afterward.

“One of things I told the kids, we need to have a fire light underneath us,” she said.

Coblentz has not been pleased

Photo by Richard Kontas

Like the rest of her teammates, the Lady Vaqs’ Meldia Hacopian struggled against the Ventura Pirates all afternoon.

at her team’s approach recently.

“We wait too much for things to happen. We need to make them happen.” She continued, “We need to get our first serves in. We need to do that because that just puts too much pressure on you.

You’re trying to hit through an opponent as opposed to around them, or alongside of them. You

can’t hit through somebody.

They’re waiting for it.”

Coblentz admired Palmera’s effort on the day. “I think she gave everything she had to give, but it’s just not enough at that level.”

Palmera suggested if she does not get back to full strength soon, she might be playing in only

doubles matches, but Coblentz quickly dismissed the idea, calling her too important to leave out of singles play.

Glendale returns to action Thursday at Bakersfield.

Brandon Hensley can be reached at brandon_hensley @elvaq.com

Cypress Gets the Best of Vaqueros in Saturday Match

By Troy Cornell

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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CC’s mens tennis team may not have had its top singles player or its best outing, but it did have its best shouting match of the season.

Without the services of sophomore Emmanuel Haug to a knee injury that has him sidelined indefinitely, grinding out wins is going to be the key to the Vaqueros’ season this year.

Unfortunately for the Vaqueros (7-3, 4-1 in conference), Cypress (11-2) got the better of them on Saturday afternoon, beating the Vaqs 6-3.

“I knew how good Cypress was.” Mackay said “They are solid one through six and they go all the way down with lots of depth.”

Cypress captured the victory with four singles sets, one of those sets coming at the expense of

University of Las Vegas Nevada transfer Rony Yeghnazary who gave undefeated Cypress star Sam Tozer all he could handle, verbally and non verbally.

The physical contest between the two top talents on court one took a break in their second set when Yeghnazary and Tozer got into a heated confrontation about a ball touching the line.

“He thought it was in, I saw it touch the line.” Yeghnazary said Tozer and Yeghnazary went into a third set tiebreaker which saw Tozer come out victorious to remain undefeated.

“I didn’t play well at all.”

Yeghnazary said after the match.

Ben Thompson, Shane Patel and Samir Haikal earned the other three singles victories for the Chargers, owners of a nine game winning streak. Joey Tresierras and Paul Nagapetyan were the two bright spots for the Vaqs, who won their respective singles sets.

Tresierras, a freshman nicknamed “The Cardiac Kid” by his parents for grinding out last minute victories against his opponents, brushed aside Cypress’ Corey Parker 6-3, 63 in the singles match and later paired up with sophomore Ryan Stansbury to earn an 8-6 doubles victory.

Cypress coach Jeff Benito said that his team’s depth was useful, especially in doubles.

“I think it would have been different if they had Emmanuel.

The depth helped us.”

“We’ve got some good games coming up against some top opponents.” Coach MacKay said.

“There’s some good tennis to be played.”

The Vaquero’s next match is today at home to Riverside College at 2 p.m.

Photo by Allan Beglarian Troy Cornell can be reached at troy_cornell@elvaq.com

Freshman Joey Tresierras wins his singles set 6-3, 6-3 win over Cypress’ Corey Parker.

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

13

SPORTS

Monica Kaufmann Wipes Out the Competition

By Brandon Hensley EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

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n a cold, drizzly November night, Monica Kaufmann finds herself in a moment of truth. She is tired. She is sore.

She has been pushed to the brink of physical exhaustion and, as gallons of water wash over her and the bright lights above fade in and out of focus through her wet eyes, she is about to give up.

Ignoring the water that has rushed into her lungs, she decides to press on. Here, treading both water and fate, Kaufmann is just a few minutes away from winning $50,000. How did she do it? A) She cheated, B) She’s lucky, C) She earned it, D) She was born for this.

“Are you competitive? Do you think you could win? Why should we put you on the show?”

Those were some of the questions posed to Kaufmann at an audition for ABC’s “Wipeout” last summer. The game show, consisting of 24 contestants who try to overcome water-based obstacles for a chance at $50,000, would air a special, “Wipeout Bowl 1: Couch Potatoes vs.

Cheerleaders” on this year’s

Super Bowl Sunday.

Looking back, it would have been easy for the 20year-old Kaufmann to scoff at some of those questions. Is she competitive? Having been a cheerleader since age 8, and a member of the Glendale College cheer squad from 2006 to 2008, the drive to win is in her blood.

“That’s when it’s a real sport,” she said of competitive cheerleading.

“I love the feeling of, ‘Can I do this?’ ” It is November 2008, and Kaufmann has made it to “Wipeout.”

The first round, called the qualifier, contains the infamous “big balls,” where contestants run, jump or fall on giant inflated balls to get to the other side. She will also be pelted with footballs and slammed into by moving punching bags. Kaufmann will have to use her slender athletic body (something bereft of her couch potato male counterparts) to her advantage. The qualifier will determine whether Kaufmann moves on, or whether her game show career is short-lived.

“I love the feeling of, ‘Can I do this?’ ” To know Kaufmann is to know someone who is modest and self-

Photo by Allan Beglarian

Kaufmann displayed her athletic prowess in front of the nation on Super Bowl Sunday.

effacing in the purest sense. “I’m just like everyone else,” she said.

“Everyone struggles.” Cliches to be sure, but she really believes her words.

She does not fit the image of the spoiled cheerleader in a Mercedes. She drives a little Toyota Yaris, which she will hand down to her sister Melissa, 18, when she gets her license.

Her grandmother runs the La Cañada sandwich shop Berge’s (named after Kaufmann’s grandfather, who has since passed away), but it’s a modest business that hasn’t always given her family substantial cash flow.

She dismisses La Cañada as strictly an upper middle-class enclave nestled in the foothills.

“No,” she said shaking her head.

“That’s what everyone thinks.”

She described her home as “not an ugly house, it’s just not what you think you’d be living in, in La Cañada.”

Kaufmann has been busy working for the past five years, including a summer stint as a cheer instructor for Universal Cheerleading Association, saving money for when she will move out when she transfers from GCC after the Spring. “I’m old enough to where if I have money, why would I take [my family’s]? It’s not fair to them.”

Kaufmann’s parents were able to spend money for her cheerleading, and that’s good. She has come to see cheerleading as a microcosm for life. She says she enjoys being a top girl, the one who is lifted up during cheers, and who, at cheer’s end, will spin her body more times than Tony Hawk at the X-Games while falling into her teammates arms. “I’ve gotten to be able to trust people,” she said of that experience. “It’s what I live for, honestly.”

A political science major, Kaufmann intends to pursue law, hopefully at UCLA, but has not ruled out cheerleading if another school comes with an offer. That’s a lot of work, but what’s held her back before? “We [her family] dream big and work hard, and of course you’re not always going to get what you want.”

What Kaufmann does get is the fastest time in the qualifier. The course is not exactly kind to her (or anyone else). She takes a spill in a mud pit, and gets bounced by the big balls, but she is able to

Photo by Allan Beglarian

Monica Kaufmann, a 20-year-old political science major, became the first female winner of ABC’s “Wipeout.”

rebound quickly after those falls to clock in faster than anyone else.

She has made it to the second round.

Danger lies ahead though, as, Kaufmann will have to endure one dizzying, unexpected ride to advance one step closer to her ultimate goal.

“I’ve gotten to be able to trust people. It’s what I live for.”

Kaufmann recalled the time she first heard about a young girl named Brittani Idom. They were both involved in the youth football and cheerleading program called Gladiators. “She was involved in the cheerleading...that’s how I knew of her,” said Kaufmann.

They would occasionally run into each other at certain events, exchanging pleasantries.

They did not go to the same high school, though, only reuniting when they saw each other the first day of Glendale’s cheer squad practice in 2006. “I was like, ‘Oh, I know this girl!’

And then from that second we were inseparable.”

On July 6, 2007, in the early hours of the morning in Los Angeles, Idom was shot and killed while driving home from a club. There were initial rumors that Idom was caught in gang crossfire, but the case is still being investigated. The shooter has still not been found. Idom was 18.

“She was like a sister to me,”

said Kaufmann.

The entire cheer squad was devastated, including Kaufmann’s former coach Jessie Moorehead.

“I’ve lost students before,” said Moorehead. “This was the first one where somebody else came along and chose to take somebody’s life.” Moorehead admitted to being affected as a coach. “I became a little more protective of my students.”

Moorehead was asked to speak at Idom’s funeral. “I wouldn’t have been able to do that. I wouldn’t have been able to get a word out,” said Kaufmann. Did her coach? “Yes and no,” said Kaufmann.

Moorehead couldn’t quite explain how Kaufmann dealt with the tragedy. “When you’re 18, 19...everyone goes through changes during that time and they become different people or they become stronger than who they are. It’s hard to say whether anything that she’s done has changed or become into is strictly because of Brittani or because she’s becoming a woman.”

In a time of crisis, it can be difficult to know where to turn.

To know who to trust. Kaufmann used to put her trust in her best friend and her coach.

She still can.

Kaufmann now says when she prays, “I don’t just pray to God. I pray to Brittani.”

[See Wipeout, page 14]

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

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SPORTS

Kaufmann Wipes Out [Wipeout, from page 13] “When she puts her mind to something, she pushes real hard until she gets it,” said Moorehead.

“If she needed anything I’d be there.”

same personality types.”

Kaufmann was surprised to learn at how family oriented the atmosphere had become, something the ABC crew did not expect. “Everyone was rooting for each other; no one was saying ‘I don’t want them to win.’”

While one person ran the final course, the rest were in a holding van, allowing for more time to connect. “We were talking about past experiences and saying, ‘I know you really want this. If it’s not me, I’m happy it’s you.’ And it was genuine,” said Kaufmann.

Bundrant agreed.

“We said that to each other, whoever wins earns every penny of it.”

Kaufmann is thrust into battle against 11 other soaking wet warriors, but comes out victorious on her two challenges, and it’s not even close. In one round, she’s able to jump onto moving ledges (like hands on a clock) and pull herself up to the top.

In the next round she and the remaining contestants are locked to a pillar than spins around enough times to make anyone lose their lunch.

Kaufmann is placed next to USC fan Scott Klase, complete Ignoring with a cardinal the water that and gold has rushed painted face. into her lungs, Fearful that Kaufmann Klase’s shaky decides to stomach might press on. The also start giving time to beat her nausea, is Bundrant’s Kaufmann is not 8:13. She has in the mood to just regained find out. Despite her good her struggle sense, opting to regain her to continue balance when rather than give set free, she is up. It’s not so able to jump much the cold —Monica Kaufmann over two giant (she is wearing teeter-totters a body suit for and finish first. warmth) as it is Kaufmann later the fatigue. She revealed her motivation. “I said, has been on set all day, this being ‘I have to get this course over her third course in 12 hours, and with because if I get next to him not 20 seconds ago a tidal wave again and he throws up, it’s over of orange-colored water swept for me.’” her away like one of Pharaoh’s Kaufmann has made it. The men when the Red Sea decided to final round awaits. It will be night. un-part.

It will be cold, and she will have She is still only a few minutes to outlast her final adversaries. from $50,000. Enduring only Only, she might find new friends one misstep along the way, she can be found almost anywhere smoothly navigates a ledge full she looks. of moving giant footballs and pompoms, and cleanly jumps Two of the other finalists, Azusa through two spinning platforms on Pacific University alumnus Stuart her way to the winners circle. Her “Super Stu” Yatusake, whose time of 4:20 easily surpasses that belly flops at APU basketball of anyone else’s, and Kaufmann games became the stuff of rejoices. legend, and Azusa freshman It is finally over. She has won.

Ali Bundrant, came to befriend Kaufmann while on the set..

Bundrant was disappointed, “We just kind of clicked,” said but magnanimous in defeat. “I Bundrant. “[We] kind of have the think she was determined to win

“I got to go on TV. I got to have a really good experience, meet really good people, and I’m getting paid for it, you know?”

the whole time. I know that for a fact,” she said of Kaufmann. “I think she deserves it. She did an amazing job.”

Kaufman said she learned self-assurance in her “Wipeout” experience. “Everything I learned about working hard and trying for something that you want even though you don’t think you’re going to do it, it can work out for you.”

Kaufmann will be saving most of her winnings, but the money was only a fraction of the fun for her. “ I got to go on TV. I got to

have a really good experience, meet really good people, and I’m getting paid for it, you know?”

Those good people include Bundrant and Yatusake, both of whom Kaufmann will take out to dinner once the money arrives (sometime in May, Kaufmann said). Bundrant jokes that they might suggest a restaurant that will drain her wallet. “Order a filet mignon , a lobster,” Bundrant said laughing.

Sure, it’s only a game show, but just like “Wipeout,” life can throw a lot at someone at a young

age, and it’s never to early to gauge yourself at this point in the game. “I love my friends, I love my family. I love everything I do and I don’t take it for granted,” she said.

So, exactly how did Kaufmann do it?

As is the case with most things, there may be more than one right answer.

Brandon Hensley can be reached at brandon_hensley @elvaq.com

Vaquero Sports Summaries Scores

Baseball Feb. 26: Lost to Bakersfield 8-7 Feb. 28: Lost to Mission College 9-3 March 3: Defeated Mission College 12-7 March 5: Defeated Citrus College 7-4 March 7: Lost to Citrus 7-3 Softball: Feb. 26: Defeated Santa Barbara 7-6 Feb. 27: Lost to Long Beach CC 17-0 March 3: Lost to Allan Hancock 5-0 March 7: Lost to Southwestern 14-8/7-2 Double Header) Men’s Golf March 2: Sixth place finish at Alisial Ranch

Ross Coleman can be reached at Ross_Coleman@elvaq.com

Men’s Tennis: Feb. 26: Defeated L.A. Pierce College 8-1 March 5: Lost to Ventura 9-0 March 7: Lost to Cypress 6-3 Women’s Tennis: Feb. 26: Defeated Santa Monica 6-3 March 3: Lost to Cuesta College March 5: Lost to Ventura 7-2 Track and Field Western State Conference Meet #2: Women finished 1st. Men finished 3rd.

WSC #3: Women finished 1st. Men finished 2nd.

Upcoming Events Baseball:

Thursday: at L.A. Valley 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: at Canyons 1 p.m.

March 17: vs. Canyons at GCC* 2 p.m.

March 19: at West L.A. 2:30 p.m.

March 21: vs. West L.A. at GCC* 6 p.m.

March 24: at. L.A. Pierce 2:30 p.m.

Track and Field: Friday: Occidental Distance Carnival at Occidental 6 p.m.

March 14: Northridge Relays at Northridge 9 a.m.

March 20-21: California Relays at Cerritos Fri 5 p.m. Sat 9 a.m.

Softball: Thursday: at L.A. Valley 1/3 p.m. (DH) March 17: vs. L.A. Mission College at GCC** 2:30 p.m.

March 19: vs. College of the Canyons at GCC** 1/3 p.m. (DH) March 23: vs. Barstow at GCC** 1/3 p.m (DH)

Mens Tennis: Today: at Bakersfield 2 p.m.

March 13: vs. Albion, MI at GCC 2 p.m.

March 17: at Bakersfield 2 p.m.

March 19: vs. Santa Barbara at GCC 2 p.m.

March 20: vs. Glendale, AZ at GCC 11 a.m.

March 24: at Allan Hancock 2 p.m.

Men’s Golf: March 11-12: vs. Santa Barbara at Hunter Ranch Country Club March 16: vs. Canyons at Wood Ranch CC March 23: vs. Moorpark at Tierra Rejada

Women’s Tennis: Thursday: at Bakersfield 2 p.m.

March 17: vs. Bakersfield at GCC 2 p.m.

March 19: at Santa Barbara 2 p.m.

March 24: vs. Allan Hancock 2 p.m.

* = Baseball home games played at Stengel Field ** = Softball home games played at Glendale Sports Complex, 2200 Fern Lane.

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

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

15

Calendar On Campus events Swap Meet — Upper campus lot. Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Open and free to the public. For information, call 818-240-1000, ext. 5805.

Athletic Hall of Fame — J.W. Smith Student Center. Banquet and ceremony. March 20 at 5 p.m.

Tickets are $50. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext.

5764.

Transfer Center — Representatives from Cal State Los Angeles and UCLA’s CCCP program will be on campus Thursday to answer questions from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Representatives from UC San Diego will also be on cam-

pus from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. SR 2nd floor. For more information, visit www.glendale.edu/transfercenter or call (818) 240-1000, ext.5442.

clubs Persian New Year — The Persian Club celebrates Nowruz Bazaar Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the San Rafael Plaza.

There will be booths with art, musical instruments, tea, crafts and food, and Persian music provided by Dj Alex.

exhibitions “This is the Future Before it Happened” — In the Art gallery: a group art exhibition curated by Julie Deamer, director of the Out-

post for Contemporary Art. Now through March 14. Admission is free. Gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

For more information, visit www. glendale.edu/artgallery or call 818-240-1000, ext. 5663.

theater “Once Upon a Mattress” — Auditorium Mainstage Theatre.

A musical comedy presented by the Theatre Arts Department with music by Mary Rogers and lyrics

by Marshall Barer. Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and $8 each for groups of 10 or more.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance. For more information, including additional

show times, visit www.glendale. edu/theatre or call (818) 2401000, ext. 5618.

planetarium

March 24 at noon in SB 243. Free and open to the public.

campus tours

Evening With the Stars — Planetarium. This show will introduce the stars, constellations and planets. March 20 at 7 and 8:30 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased in advance.

For more information, visit www. glendale.edu/planetarium or call (818) 240-1000, ext.5275.

Campus Tour — The Transfer Center will be taking campus tours of UC San Diego and San Diego State Friday from 6:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. To attend, sign up in the Transfer Center. There will be a $5 refundable deposit.

Transportation will be provided.

For more information, visit www. glendale.edu/transfercenter or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5442.

lectures

meetings

Science Lecture Series: “How to Find Exoplanets” — The speaker will be Erik Hovland.

Board of Trustees — The college board meets Monday at 5 p.m. in Kreider Hall. Open to the public.

edge dance companies. Saturday at 8 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Discounted tickets are available for students and may be purchased at the box office. For more information, visit www.alextheatre.org or call (818) 243-2539.

11:15 a.m. with instructor Ryan Thomson. Admission is $12 per class. For more information, visit www.meditateinla.org.

Around Town events

theater

Pasadena Art Night — Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Free shuttles will loop throughout the evening with stops at each venue, including the Norton Simon Museum, Art Center, the Pacific Asia Museum and others. Admissions are free. Park at any one venue and ride to the others. For a list of participating museums and other locations, visit http://www.artcenter.edu/artnight.

Henrik Ibsen’s “Ghosts” — A Noise Within at 234 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, presents the Ibsen classic from March 21 through May 9. Ticket prices vary. For tickets and information, call (818) 240­-0910, ext. 1.

Russian Winter Festival — James Bridge Theater, 1409 Melnitz Hall, UCLA campus, Los Angeles. Organizer David MacFadyen brings to Los Angeles the latest features, documentaries, and short stories from Russia’s vibrant film industry.

March 21 from noon to 8 p.m.

Admission is free. Parking is $9 all day. For more information visit, http://www.ucla.edu or call (310) 206-8013.

Vroman’s Bookstore — 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. John West, author of “The Last Goodnights: Assisting My Parents with Their Suicides” will read and sign his new book tonight at 7 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit www. vromansbookstore.com or call (626) 351-0828.

exhibitions Eye in the Sky: JPL’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter — Pasadena Museum of California Art, 490 E. Union Street, Pasadena. This exhibition offers a rare glimpse at the atmosphere, surface and subsurface of Mars through various instruments, the resulting images are as much art as science. Admission prices are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Museum hours vary. For more information, visit www.pmcaonline.org or call (626) 568-3665.

Five Centuries of Indonesian Textiles: Selections from the Mary Hunt Kahlenberg Collection — Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. This exhibition highlights Indonesia’s rich and diverse textile traditions with more than ninety works dating back to the 15th century. Now through March 15. Admission is

$12 for adults and $8 for students with I.D. Children 17 and under are free. Museum hours vary. For more information, visit www.lacma.org or call (323) 857-6000.

In Focus: The Portrait — The Getty, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. This exhibition’s selection of portraits surveys the relationship between photographer and subject, including formal portraits, intimate pictures, and documentary photographs.

Now through June 14. Admission is free and parking is $10 per car.

Museum hours vary. For more information, visit www.getty.edu or call (310) 440-7300.

Matisse’s Amours: Illustrations of Pierre de Ronsard’s Love Poems — Norton Simon Museum of Art, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. This exhibition provides a rare opportunity to view of one the most influential artists of the 20th century. Now through June 8. Admission is $8 for adults and free for students with a valid I.D. Museum hours vary. For more information, visit www.nortonsimon.org or call (626) 449-6840.

dance “Celebrate Dance 2009” — Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd. Jamie Nichols presents nine cutting-

music Organ Recital: Dame Gillian Weir — Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave. This show features the organist on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit www.laphil.com or call (323) 850-2000.

Strauss and Ibert Concertos — Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd.

The Glendale Youth Orchestra presents the second concert of its 20th season Tuesday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. General admission is $9.50. The performance is suitable for children 6 years and older. For more information, visit www.alextheatre.org or call (818) 243-2539.

wellness Meditations for a Happy Life — Shoseian Whispering Pine Teahouse. 1601 W. Mountain St. The Kadampa Meditation Center California presents meditation classes Tuesdays from 10:15 to

Sahaja Yoga — Pasadena Library, 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena offers free meditation classes every Wednesday at 7 p.m. All are welcome. Use the rear entrance.

For more information, including other locations, visit ci.pasadena. ca.us or call (626) 641-1444.

Free Health Clinic — Open Tuesdays 6 to 8:30 p.m. On a first-come, first-served basis.

Located at 134 N. Kenwood St., third floor, room 330. No job-related physical exams will be offered. For more information visit www.glendaleclinic.org or call (818) 243-2105, ext. 202.

lectures “Can Food Really be Authentic?” — Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. Food guru Jonathan Gold moderates a panel of some of Los Angeles’ most popular chefs while trying to figure out if food can really be labeled as authentic. Tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Admission is free. For more information, call (310) 440-4500.

Compiled by Tina Hagopian

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VAQUERO VIEWS

Vaqs Falter in 9th, Fall to Fighting Owls

By Demetrio Gomez EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

power surge that included home runs from Michael Mendoza and Chris Arredondo weren’t enough on Saturday as Citrus College’s Fighting Owls edged out Glendale’s Vaqueros at Stengel Field 7-3.

Called in at the last minute, Vaquero Juan Sanchez put in a solid, gutsy effort as he showed composure and stability while throwing four innings of three-run ball.

“I couldn’t throw my pitches…I fell behind in the count too much, I just didn’t have it today,” he said. The three runs allowed

by Sanchez were the first of the season for him as he entered the game with a 0.00 ERA. Scouts were in the stands ready to gun Sanchez’s fastballs as he is being heavily recruited.

He started out strong with a 1-2-3 inning including a strike out. The second inning wasn’t as easy as Citrus College put up two runs on the board but Sanchez battled and held the score at 2-0.

By the third inning, it was 3-0, and it could have been worse for the Vaqs if it wasn’t for a play at the plate that saved a run from being scored.

Sanchez was struggling in the fourth inning but remained fo-

cused and kept a run from scoring as he caught a popped-up bunt to end the top half of the inning. His defense didn’t help him much either as they committed two errors behind him.

That was it for him as coach Chris Cicuto brought in J.P. Cohn to pitch and hold down Citrus College. Cohn did very well in his bid as he didn’t allow a single run or hit.

The Owls scored one more run in the top of the seventh but in the bottom half of the inning Arredondo hit a towering two-run shot over the left field fence that made the crowd roar and the score 4-3.

But Citrus scored three runs in the top of the ninth, making it 7-3.

Glendale went quietly in the bottom half, and that’s how the game would end.

“We have to play with more confidence...play our game and execute offensively,” said Cicuto. “J.P. did a great job but we couldn’t get that big out. All the walks came with two outs, we weren’t very productive, and we hit the ball right at people…we have to bounce back.”

Glendale plays at L.A. Valley College Thursday at 2:30 p.m.

Demetrio Gomez can be reached at demetrio_gomez @elvaq.com

Photo by Allen Beglarian

About to release his pitch, J.P. Cohn is in perfect-picture form for the Vaqs.