El Vaquero Glendale College College Glendale
Photo by Ismael Reyes Helga Aguayo has been fighting for her husband Augustin’s release from prison. Her husband is currently serving an eight-month sentence in a German prison after being charged as a deserter for his strong convictions against the war. See story, pages 8-9. www.elvaq.com Volume 91 Number 3 FRIDAY March 30, 2007
In This Issue News...................2-7 Feature.............8-10 Entertainment......11 Calendar.............16 Opinion................15
Tuition
Cheer
‘Shooter’
New fee increase burdens students’ pocket book.
Cheer Squad wins nationals in Las Vegas.
New action film shines at the box office.
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Friday, March 30, 2007
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NEWS
Faculty Claims Over E-mail Violates Labor Law By Olga Ramaz
EL VAQUERO EDITOR IN CHIEF
I
sabelle Saber, chief negotiator for the faculty guild, addressed the Board of Trustees on March 19 after an email sent to the guild on March 14 rejected the most recent contract offers put forward by the guild. Saber, along with more than 70 faculty members congregated in Kreider Hall to protest an act which they call a violation of labor law by the college district negotiating team. “We, the faculty of GCC, are not interested in war and we are here tonight to find an amicable way out of this situation,” said Saber. The email sent to the Guild stated that the Guild had requested an increase of 7.3 percent for all salary schedules, retroactive to July 1, 2006 for adjunct health benefits. These numbers were factual errors, according to the Guild. The problem surging from this email is the fact that the district’s negotiating team rejected the offer before talking to the guild ne-
gotiating team or the guild leadership. This violates labor law in the sense that the items that were on the negotiating table were published before being agreed on. According to history professor Gordon Alexandre, the email and the administration’s actions are a “violation of labor law and due process” due to the district’s failure to “come to the table to officially reject the counter proposal” when they [the district] had previously asked to receive [the proposal] in writing. Saber had been asked by Mary Mirch, the associate dean and chief negotiator for the district, to send a written proposal of the guild’s offer, document which she was going to send to Mirch the morning of March 14 when she received the email rejecting the offer. Since the BOT meeting, several discussions have taken place among faculty, the administration and board members in order to “smooth out” the situation, according to Saber. “What happened was a breach of process and a possible violation of labor laws,” she said. “I
think the administration understands that now and the board has gotten involved in rectifying certain miscommunications that have happened.” One of the main points being addressed in these discussions is the need to improve communication among faculty and the administration in order to prevent further such incidents from occurring. BOT President Armineh Hacopian and Superintendent/President Audre Levy attended a guild meeting to explain their positions. This meeting gave Levy and Hacopian an opportunity to listen to what faculty members had to say about the current situation. “Dr. Hacopian has graciously been trying to hear both sides and mend some fences,” said Saber. “She met with [the guild] and she’s really trying to understand the issues to find a solution.” “[We want to try to find] a way to not just coexist, but deal with each other amicably and professionally,” she added. Faculty is also hoping for a more open door policy from Levy,
a policy which would allow better communication between the faculty and the administration. “The consensus has been that we have been barred from communicating with Dr. Levy in the past [but] I understand that is going to change,” Saber said. “We [the faculty] welcome that change.” The guild has presented their counter offer, the one that was rejected, in writing. They are still waiting on a response. Saber assures that “this is not faculty fighting with the administration out of greed.” “What we are trying to do here is actually make sure we can get good faculty members to continue the level of dedication and excellence we’ve [GCC] had for so many years,” said Saber. “But if we can’t pay our part-timers well and they go to other colleges, or if we can’t pay incoming full-time
faculty well, they take positions elsewhere because the pay is so low.” The faculty at GCC has not received an adequate pay raise for several years now. This year, the college received some extra money from the state which the faculty hopes can be allocated to their salaries. The faculty fears that if an issue like this does not get resolved, the most affected population will be the students. “You guys are our first priority,” said Saber. “We as teachers care about your well being and your education tremendously. We want this issue resolved so that we can go back to the business of teaching and interacting with students fully.”
Olga Ramaz can be reached at Olga_Ramaz@elvaq.com
El Vaquero Glendale Community College
editor in chief
Olga Ramaz staff members
Graig Agop Kara Aranas Vida Djaghour Richard Kontas Lenin Lau Sumaya Mehai Diana Petras faculty adviser
Michael Moreau mmoreau@glendale.edu (818) 551-5214
Susan Aksu Tamara Baskin Sose Frankyan Vartanoosh Kiourktzian Anita K. Marto Rachel Mills Jennifer Tinoco advertising
Heather Glenn hglenn@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000, ext. 5128
design adviser
Charles Eastman 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 olga_ramaz@elvaq.com or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349. Send Letters to the Editor
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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Wednesday, December 12, 2007
3
NEWS
Student Government Chooses New Officers By Garineh Demirjian EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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ew officers were elected last week to fill positions in Hrach Orujyan, ASGCC [Asssociated Students of Glendale Community College] for the spring semester. Hrach Orujyan, current student president, said of the voting process: “I think elections went very smoothly.” “Unfortunately, we have a limited amount of positions open and the candidates worked very
hard to gather votes. Right after Fall semester is over the new ASGCC executive committee will start working on recruitment for the legislature’s appointed positions. “We will be doing classroom visitations and trying to reach out to all the communities of the GCC to get a diverse group of people to sign up for the interviews for the five appointed positions in the legislature. We will be appointing one representative for each committee.”
associated students of glendale community college
spring
2008
election winners
Vice President of Administration
Vice President of Campus Relations
Edit Arakelyan
Rober Terziyan
Vice President of Campus Activities
Vice President of Campus Organizations
Christoper Khrlobian
Edwin Akoubians
Senators of Administration
Senators of Finance
Robert Agaverdian Sevak Agazaryan Steven Ferguson
Ovsanna Khachikian Aksel Martirosyan David Mkrtchyan
Senators of Campus Activities
Senators of Campus Organizations
Selin Minassians Arda Oukayan Garnig Saakyan
Lilya Avagyan Susan Ghazarian Klaris (Sharis) Shabandari
Senators of Campus Relations Sesil Aksu Anna Nersisyan Siranoush Sarkisyan
Garineh Demirjian can be reached at Garineh_Demirjian@elvaq.com
Photo by Anita K. Marto
ASGCC president and Student Trustee, Hrach Orujyan, and Tzoler Oukayan,Student Activities Coordinator (not pictured), process voters in Plaza Vaquero on Nov. 29. Voters, Jaicom Mojica, 20, and Sevag Bairamian, 18, had limited options; in some cases there were only as many candidates as positions to fill.
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Theater arts major, Derenik Keshish, 21, casts his vote in Plaza Vaquero on Nov. 29.
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4
Friday, March 30, 2007
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NEWS
Students Face Tuition Hikes at Universities By Tamara Baskin
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
W
hile prospective transfer students are awaiting acceptance responses from California public universities, those very universities on March 14 moved to raise tuition fees. UC fees have been raised 7 percent, and Cal State fees have been raised 10 percent. During meetings that took place at UCLA and Cal State Long Beach, both the Board of Regents and Cal State trustees decided to enforce the increase for the fall 2007 semester in order to maintain various students services. With the increase, annual fees for UCs will now be about $7,300 a year, and $3,400 for Cal State campuses will charge $3,400 a year. According to Kevin Meza, transfer center coordinator, 800 students transferred to Cal State campuses and 250 students trans-
ferred to UC campuses. After the the few parents who have experi- she said. One of the biggest issues that 13-6 vote was passed for UC and enced the increases throughout the 15-0 vote was passed to raise Cal year. Dominguez has a son who is circulates this sudden increase is the fact that those State fees. The meeting, students who are along with the decision, planning to transfer leaves UC and Cal State in of fall 2007, will students wondering how be responsible to they will be able to keep up pay this increase. with the changes. One group of Prospective transfer stustudents, which are dent Lina Davoudian, fears among the largest hit that the increase could afby this increase, are fect her plans to transfer to - Hoover Zariani AB-540 students. Athe school of her choice. Service Learning Center Coordinator and AB 540 ‘This increase will reB 540 students are Committee Member ally have an effect on which undocumented stuuniversity I transfer to,” she said. currently in his second year at UC dents who are required to pay in“The price is just too much to pay Berkeley as an engineering major. state fees and are not eligible to for.” Dominguez said that as the cost receive any type of financial aid. Although this increase is sur- of living heightens so does the Since AB-540 students are only prising, it is not the first time it fees, which could potentially put eligible for either little or no aid, has occurred. Members of Re- a major strain on all current and it does pose a concern to whether gents admit that the increase is prospective UC students. or not these students will have the the fifth increase in the past six “The cost of living is so high opportunity to transfer. years. Not only is it the fifth, but and it’s already hard enough,” According to Hoover Zariani, according to Regent members, it said Dominguez. “My son has a service learning center coordimay not be the last. part-time job, got a loan, but it’s GCC counselor and mother, still hard and there’s just been too Roxanne Dominguez, is among many increases in the last year,”
“When I think about the increase for California public universities, it just makes me sad.”
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nator and AB-540 committee member, a majority of these students have a small income which causes them to struggle to receive a proper education. “When I think about the increase for California public universities, it just makes me sad,” said Zariani. “It makes transferring and going to school for these students that much harder. No matter how high the prices increase they [A-B 540 students] still can’t pay.” Not only do higher increases affect those attending next semester, but it could also affect those that have any type of plans of transferring in the future. Along with books, housing and the cost of living, students will now have another obstacle to with stand.
Tamara Baskin can be reached at Tamara_Baskin@elvaq.com
‘Modern Lovers’ Exhibits an Array of Exclusive Art
Photo by Olga Ramaz
“Untitled, 2007” is an oil on linen piece by artist Brett Cody Rogers. Rogers is one of the many artists whose works are featured in “Modern Lovers,” the latest installment at the Glendale College Art Gallery. Some of the other artists include: Jeffrey Rugh, Stan Koplan, and Jonas Wood, among others. The show is being curated by Kathryn Andrews and runs through May 5. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5663 or visit www.glendale.edu/artgallery
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Friday, March 30, 2007 5
NEWS
Construction Site Suffers Tolls of Accidental Fires By Olga Ramaz
EL VAQUERO EDITOR IN CHIEF
I
n less than two months, the new construction site has seen two fire incidents, both of which have been attributed to human error. The fire incidents of March 12 and February 16 did not bring forth any monetary loses, but did however raise some concern and a call to action. According to Director of Business Services, Bill Taylor, there is currently a “movement” to clean up any extra brush that can be potentially hazardous. This action comes directly after the dry brush led to a small fire on February 16, which was contained within 10 minutes by the Glendale Fire Department (GFD), fire station 24, located on Cañada Blvd. However, Geology professor John Leland said that completely removing all of the brush from the area can increase the chances of erosion. “The positive aspect of having any kind of brush cover our slope, especially such a small slope that
Campus Events • Blood Drive- The ASGCC and the American Red Cross will sponsor a blood drive on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the J.W. Smith Student Center, room 212. For more information call (818) 2401000, ext. • Performance- The band Dirty Diamond will perform at Plaza Vaquero on Thursday, starting at noon. • “Sabbatical Report”- Professor of Latin American Studies, Carlos Ugalde, will present a slide show of his year-long travels to Europe and Latin America. The presentation will take place in Kreider Hall starting at noon. Admission is free and open to the public.
is so steep above the parking lot, it helps keep the ground a little bit more stable,” said Leland. “So those roots uphold the rock and soil in place. If it’s a bare slope, it’s going to erode very quickly.” Four engines and two ladder trucks came onto the scene after they were dispatched at approximately 8:42 a.m. “There was obvious smoke and there was lots of people who were making phone call,” said Public Information Officer, Capt. Jim Frawley. At approximately 8:52 a.m., the fire units called “knock down,” which indicated that the fire was completely down. Reports indicate that the fire was started by sparks that flew from a blow torch that a construction worker was operating. The most recent fire took place behind the Advanced Technology building at approximately 4 p.m., outside of a welding class. The origin of the fire is unknown, but Taylor assumes that it could have been started by a student who flicked a cigarette butt near the construction site. According to Frawley, a wood-
en shed used by the construction company to store tools and other equipment, caught on fire, creating a dark cloud of smoke. Commuters and people around the campus reported the incident to the GFD. Taylor said that the danger of this particular fire would have been if the diesel fuel that was being stored in the shed, would have been ignited by the flame. Frawley said that this fire was also contained in a matter of 10 minutes and required one engine to arrive at the scene. He also added that incidents like these are common in construction sites and that the way they can be prevented from happening again is if one takes the proper steps to secure the areas. The Bhupesh Parikh Allied Health and Science building is scheduled to open in the fall and with so much time in between until the opening, there is still more room for fire incidents. Photo by Ismael Reyes
Olga Ramaz can be reached at Olga_Ramaz@elvaq.com
Geology professor John Leland points out the area where a small brush fire broke out on February 16. The small fire was started by a spark released by a construction worker’s torch.
Senator of Campus Organizations Resigns By Kara Aranas
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
A
S president David Arakelyan announced that the Senator of Campus Organizations, Mitzi Mendoza, resigned from her position, due to an accident she was recently in which required surgery. Arakelyan said that it will not change anything in the ASGCC legislature since they are planning to appoint someone to that position next week. The student government is also organizing a Campus Beautification committee that will help maintain the campus and makes changes to the way the campus looks. They are currently working on putting up signs and maps around the campus to help those who do not know their way around the college campus. They are also working on providing the campus with maps that reflect the new building, which is currently under construction. An Adviser Appreciation Day was held in the JW Smith Student
Center on March 27 at noon. The student government does this every semester as a way of thanking those who take the position of advisor for a club. Food was served for those who attended. An upcoming project that the student government is preparing to be a part of is a documentary. Eric Stern who is a part of a company called Doc Workers that that uses documentaries to make aware of national issues, is working on a documentary titled, “In Debt We Trust.” What Stern is trying to do is explore the world of debt, such as national debt, consumer debt and of course college debt, and relating it to the government. Glendale Community College was selected to be a part of this project along with other schools such as UCLA. AS is currently trying to set up a team for this project and will provide more information when everything is set up. As a part of the discussion, Arakelyan just wanted to remind his staff to do the best job that they can,“You would want to use
Classifieds
Student jobs
Mitzi Mendoza
your time wisely here [in student government],don’t try to get away from responsibility” said AS president David Arakelyan, “It will be better for the community and for everybody.”
Kara Aranas can be reached at Kara_Aranas@elvaq.com
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* To place an ad in El Vaquero, contact our ad representative at (818) 2401000, ext. 5128.
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Friday, March 30, 2007
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NEWS
Book Grant Offers Students Opportunity to Save Cash By Sose Frankyan
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
M
any students do not have the means and resources to pay for textbooks and there is a need for something to be done to help them with the costs. The Book Assistance Program helps qualified students pay for a portion of their textbooks. Applicants for the program must be Board of Governor fee waiver (BOG) eligible students or qualify as AB 540 or be an international student and currently have a minimum 2.5 G.P.A. Also, they need to be enrolled in a minimum of six academic units, have completed the English and Math Placement Tests, completed a GCC Orientation session and have met with a counselor to complete a Student Educational Plan (SEP). The campus offers students various ways to pay for textbooks. The Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) funded by California, offers book vouchers for low-income and educationally disadvantaged students. However, applicants must be California residents, be a fulltime student, have completed less than 30 units in order to enter the program and must qualify for BOG “A” or “B.” Upon completion of 70 units and/or six semesters students no longer qualify for EOPS. “The international and AB 540 students do not get any financial aid at all and often times struggle to pay for college fees,” said Susan Dougherty, the success network coordinator. AB 540 students are those who have attended a high school in California for three years or more and have graduated from a California high school. Another option to pay for textbooks is the Emergency Student Book Loan offered by the Associated Students of Glendale Community College (ASGCC) where students can get a loan of $100 per semester. Students have 30 days to repay the loan. According to Dougherty, “Many students stopped attending school because they were not able to afford the books.” In the past two decades the textbook prices have nearly doubled at a rate of inflation. This has discouraged many students to at-
tend college since they also need to worry about paying for tuition on top of textbooks. “Something needed to be done to help students with book costs,” said Scott Ziegler, the co-founder of the Book Assistance Program. The funding for the program is provided through donations from faculty and classified staff and a one time donation of $25,000 from ASGCC. Various fundraisings, such as hamburger cook-off and raffle tickets help raise money for the fund. However, student volunteers are needed to help out with various fundraising activities. “My dream is to go out in the community and find someone who would sponsor us with a lot of money,” added Dougherty.
According to Patricia Bradley, Glendale College Bookstore Book Buyer, “Students think that we are doing a 100 percent markup on book prices, but that is not true.” The bookstore buys the books from the publisher and marks up books 22 to 25 percent. “About every two years books go into newer editions and the problem with staying with old editions is trying to get a hold of the old copies to have enough for each student,” said Bradley. During finals week the bookstore buys back the used books if the book is going to be used again for the next semester. In this case students get 50 percent money back. However, if the book is not
going to be used for the next semester then the price is dropped to wholesale value. “We add $20 to $25 on the used books,” added Bradley. “The Book Assistance Program is a very good program,” said student Arash Taheri, who has been receiving help from the program for two semesters now. “After completion of 70 units I lost my EOPS voucher, but fortunately the same semester I got a $100 book voucher from the Book Assistance Program, which was a big help,” said Taheri. According to Ziegler, “So far we have been able to help any student who has asked for the help, but it will not be the case since more and more students are
finding out about the program and we have limited funds.” Some students have donated their used books in case if students need them then instead of the voucher they can just borrow the books. “Our biggest issue right now is fundraising, but we are working on better fundraising options,” added Ziegler. For more information about the Book Assistance Program contact Susan Dougherty at (818) 2401000, ext. 5318 or Scott Ziegler at (818) 240-1000, ext. 3366.
Sose Frankyan can be reached at Sose_Frankyan@elvaq.com
El Vaquero Awarded With General Excellence By Olga Ramaz
EL VAQUERO EDITOR IN CHIEF
T
he staff of El Vaquero outdid themselves at a recent conference, sponsored by the Journalism Association of Community College’s (JACC), by walking away with a General Excellence plaque on March 23. The conference was held in Sacramento from March 22 through the 24. General Excellence is awarded to only the best college papers within the association. Prior to the conference, entries for the mail-in portion were sent out for judging. Mail-in entries are clippings of published works from the past year which are judged by fellow journalism instructors and professionals. The General Excellence checklist for newspapers include: Coverage and Content, Writing and Editing, Opinion Content and Photography Art and Graphics. Graphics Adviser Charles Eastman rejoiced in the staff’s accomplishment. “Intelligence, persevearance and integrity are the staff attributes that drive the success of the El Vaquero student newspaper,” said Eastman. “I’m proud to be a small contribution to this ever churning production wheel.” Each of these categories contained sub-categories which are scored on a five-point scale, with five being the highest.
Nov. 17, 2006
Dec. 1, 2006 Dec. 15, 2006 The last three issues of the spring semester [Nov. 17, Dec. 1, Dec. 15] scored 92 out of 100 possible points, making it possible for El Vaquero to win General Excellence at a recent state conference.
From 100 possible points, El Vaquero scored 92 and only 17 other colleges won this prestigious award. The staff mailed-in the last three issues of the spring semester [Nov. 17, Dec. 1, Dec. 15] for judging. This is the first time El Vaquero wins this award. Members of the staff during the spring semester contributed greatly to the success of the paper.
The former staff included: Features editor Alison Geller, News editor Pauline Guiuan, Photography Editor Jane Pojawa, staff writers Stephen Hotchkiss and Michael Coleman, and photographer Emmanuel Belviz. Aside from competitions, the students who attend the conference are exposed to an array of workshops that are intended to help and encourage them in their future journalism endeavours.
The JACC state conference is held every year in the spring and alternates between Los Angeles and Sacramento. The Southern California convention is held in the fall at Cal State Fullerton, competition which involves only community colleges from southern California. Olga Ramaz can be reached at Olga_Ramaz@elvaq.com
www.elvaq.com
Friday, March 30, 2007
7
NEWS
New Building Promises Valuable Amenities for Students By Rachel Mills
EL VAQUERO FEATURES EDITOR
N
ber of students interested in the field. The second story of the building will be the maintenance offices. The maintenance teams have never had an actual building with walls to call their home. What is being offered for the maintenance teams as of right now are a shed at the north end of campus, some carts with their tools neatly stored in the back, and random cubby holes spread out across campus in various buildings. Now the building will actually offer this department their own offices, actual set up workshops, and a professional loading dock. Director of Business Services Bill Taylor said that the trucks for the loading dock will even have their own lane. Lew Lewis, Director of Facilities, is looking forward to decorating the hallway of the offices of the new building. Currently Lewis and his team plan on finding black and white photographs of the school through the ages and hang them on the walls. “I’m staying on two years after this thing is done,” Lewis said in regards to the pride and happiness he has towards the building. The nursing department will be the greatest beneficiary in this building. They will be moving from the San Fernando complex
ext semester students will be seeing progress all across campus and it will not be just parking progress in the fall semester. The Allied Health and Sciences building will be opening its doors to digital arts and nursing students of GCC. The new building is the result of generous donations from many sources in the community and is 60 percent funded by the state. Since the 1990s the building was planned to be home to a new nursing student facility and an airplane hanger. But the airplane hanger idea was thrown out when the program that GCC offered was cancelled. The space on the first story then Photo by Richard Kontas was left open for another departConstruction personnel work around the clock to finish the new building which is scheduled to open in August. ment. After discussion and debate it was decided that the first with state of the art hospital and more credibility,” said Angelica due to the generous contribution story would house the digital arts computer labs. In addition to the Trinidad, a nursing student. She from Parikh and other parties. department. The second story is two labs four classrooms will be and her classmates believe that The building will finally provide going to be maintenance’s perup and running. If the nursing the actual building will reflect the concrete place for two groups manent offices, and the third that have not had that luxury on department is overflowing with program well. story will be home to the nursing students then the classrooms can Bhupesh Parikh believes campus. department as well as two nursbe easily expanded from a lecture strongly in contributing to loRachel Mills can be reached at ing labs. hall into a bigger lecture room. cal community colleges. Parikh Rachel_Mills@elvaq.com “The first floor for the digiA corner of the first floor will told NRIinternet.com “I believe tal arts students will be offerhouse the Emergency Medical smaller colleges offer bigger oping students four instructional Technician(EMT) program. portunities to middle and lower classrooms, each with 27 work The students of the nursing de- class students,” From his large stations equipped with Macinpartment are ready to make the donation Parikh will be given tosh computers,” said Rob Kibler, Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair. Kibler also explained that one of the greatest benefits that the digital arts students will have is an open lab in the building. The open lab will be a 25-station room with no classes in it. This will allow the digital arts students to come into the room when they want to work on something without having to worry about interrupting a class An artists’ digital rendition of the new Allied Health and Sciences building. in session. The digital arts department is to the third floor. On the third move from the bungalow styled the honor of having the building eager and hopes that the building floor the nursing department will classrooms to an actual building. named after him. will be able to meet the demands gain access to not just one, but “The new building is going to Three different departments and needs for the growing num- two nursing labs, fully equipped help offer the nursing department will be changed for the better
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Friday, March 30, 2007
www.elvaq.com 9
FEATURE
Anti-War Teach-in -Story by Vartanoosh Kiourktzian
Photo by Ismael Reyes Thomas Armistead from the Conservative Club handed out flyers and spoke out against Augustin Aguayo’s case at the Anti-War Teach In conducted by the Coalition Club.
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elen Aguayo just wants one thing, to get her husband out of prison. Aguayo is the wife of Conscientious Objector Augustine Aguayo who is currently serving and eight month sentence in prison in Germany for desertion. On Tuesday at the Anti-War Teach-In sponsored by the Justice Coalition, Helen Aguayo spoke about her husband hoping to garner more support. According to his wife, Aguayo enlisted in the Army as a medic in 2003 because he wanted to do great things for his country and to further his education. Aguayo, however, was not a Conscientious Objector when he first enlisted. He realized he could not kill right before he was to be deployed, said his wife. Jim Lafferty, of the National Lawyer’s Guild and the Bill Smith Military Resistance Project said that according to the Geneva Convention, medics are not allowed to carry weapons or fight but Aguayo was issued a weapon regardless. However, Aguayo refused to load his gun while he was serving in Iraq for a year. After being deployed in February of 2004, Aguayo applied for discharge as a Conscientious Objector, however, six months into his detour he was denied without reason. Recently though, the Army has stated that his Believing his case was mishandled, Aguayo decided to file a Writ of Habeas Corpus with the federal court for the Army’s wrongful denial of his CO discharge. Prompted by Aguayos filing of Habeas Corpus, the Army came up with a supplemental memorandum stating reasons for Aguayo’s denial of CO. The memorandum stated that because Agauyo was not religious and had not explained his claimed beliefs prior to or during his enlistment, his CO was denied. Aguayo’s wife believes this reason is invalid. “Just because you’re not religious, doesn’t mean you don’t have a conscience,” she said. On August 24, 2006, the habeas corpus was denied and a week later, Aguayo’s unit was ready for deployment again. On September 1, 2006 Aguayo went AWOL, missing his unit’s deployment. The next day Aguayo turned himself in to the Military Police station. However, he was told by Army personnel he would be going to Iraq even if they had to forcefully handcuff him in the plane, instead of facing a court-martial.
In September of 2006, Aguayo again went AWOL in Germany. Believing he had no other option other than to go back to Iraq, Aguayo decided to flee his home base in Schweinfurt and go into hiding in California. On September 26, he held a press conference from Los Angeles, California expressing his beliefs against the war. That same day he drove up to Barstow, California and turned himself in at Fort Irwin. According to his wife, Aguayo was convicted of desertion before the 30 days were up. According to military protocol, once a member of the Army has been AWOL for 30 days or more then can be charged with desertion, however Aguayo’s wife says he was only gone for 25 days. Aguayo appealed his case and maintains the fact that his fits the description of a CO. His case is currently at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C. Despite this anti-war teach-in being peaceful, it did not go unopposed. Many member’s of the Conservative Coalition were present at the teach-in. One member was Thomas Armistead, who was standing outside the door handing out flyers that stated “Augustine Aguayo is NO Hero”. Armistead who was a medic for 14 months in the army said that “[Agauyo] is claiming to speak for the soldiers. He was perfectly fine with serving in the military but days before he was being deployed he claimed to be a CO.” Another member who declined to state his name said, “He is responsible for what he signed up for and that filing for a CO is just a way to get out of the war.” Both of these members claimed to be there own free will and not because they are supporting their coalition, however an email was sent out by Melissa Cassara of the Conservative Coalition asking members to support them to combat the anti-American and anti-military speakers. The email also had questions listed that members should think about asking Agauyo’s wife. Although she faced some opposition from an angry coalition member, Agauyo’s wife went on trying to gain assistance. When asked about how the family is facing her husband’s jail time, she said “It’s difficult for our children, especially in school, it’s hard for them to focus. They just want their father back.”
Students March Against the War Machine -Story by Jennifer Tinoco
An estimated 50,000 anti-war demonstrators filled the streets of Hollywood on March 17, a day which marked the four-year anniversary of the war in Iraq. The demonstration was put together by the Act Now to Stop War and End Racism organization, also known as A.N.S.W.E.R. and many volunteers. The streets were closed from Hollywood and Vine, stretching down to Sunset, and back to Hollywood and Highland. Police officers in horses and in motorcycles supervised the entire demonstration. Children of all ages walked with their parents, pregnant women held banners that said “Bring Our Troops Home” and “Buck Fush,” people on wheelchairs chanted and people of all colors participated in the protest. Nikhil Murthy from Los Angeles wore a black cloth that covered his entire face, with holes to breathe and to see of course. “We wear this as an artistic way to protest against the war,” said Murthy. Fake coffins symbolizing dead U.S. troops were being carried by groups of volunteers. Joe Free, who is a political artist, displayed his famous George Bush doll that measures between eight to nine feet and depicts Bush as clown. On one hand the doll holds a missile and on the other it holds American dollars. “I have been doing this since the year 2000 when Bush first stole the presidency,” said Free. His work may be viewed at www.eDiablo.com Teenagers from several high schools, including Hamilton High, and people representing various communities throughout southern California, came together to protest the ongoing war. “Bush escucha, estamos en la lucha” chanted the Latinos for Peace group, whose chant translated to “Bush listen, we are in a struggle.” The Los Angeles Food Not Bombs group (a non-profit organization) handed out free food to everyone in attendance to raise the awareness that our government should spend billions of dollars on the needy instead of on the war. Serving various fruits such as bananas, pineapple, strawberries, and melon, they take food that would be thrown away and make healthy vegan meals for free to serve to the hungry. For volunteering information about this group, visit Lafoodnotbombs.org. Some protestors, like Rochelle Pierce, demonstrated with a friend and not with a group. “I hope that Congress will find out about this demonstration and change their minds because we need to start the impeachment and stop the procrastination,” said Pierce. Whether people heard about the demonstration from the radio, or at the Immanuel Presbyterian church, or from a friend on the popular website MySpace.com, everyone there showed a huge amount of support with zero pro-war people to be seen. The Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) here on campus, also known as A.L.A.S. had a few members who attended —Photos by Ismael Reyes the demonstration. Left: Rebecca and Raquel, both 11 years old, supporting their mother Helga who “I attended the march because I watch the news and I hear about spoke about her husband, Augustin Aguayo’s, experiences in Iraq. all the injustice that is going on with the war in Iraq and it does not feel right,” said student Jorge Aguero who is also a member of Right: Flowers accompany plaques with the names and descriptions of three fallen A.L.A.S. soldiers. At the top of each plaque it reads, “Who Dies For Bush’s Lies?” It was not just common folk who are upset with this war, prominent people of our society like the internationally known group Ozomatli performed at the end of the march to show support for peace in Iraq. They are a multiethnic ten piece band that play primarly Latin, hip-hop, and rock. Ozomatli is known both for their extremely vocal activist viewpoints and their wide array of musical styles - including salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, and others. Various speeches were given by people who represented their community groups, as well as troops who served for the U.S. military. “I think that any manifesto has to have its successful parts, because it makes it possible for the people to have their voices” said Aguero. “ I am glad to have been a part of such a big demonstration,” added Aguero.
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Wednesday, November 28, 2007
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Epic Story Comes to Life With the Powerful 3D Imagery of Beowulf By Garineh Demirjian EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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igh school seniors know that the eighth-century epic poem “Beowulf” is the oldest work of any significance in the English language, and that it is usually marked as the beginning of English literature. Beowulf has everything going for it: great actors, an epic story with thrilling conflict and last, but not least, digital technology that is the glue that holds it all together. Directed by Robert Zemeckis (who also directed “Cast Away,” “The Polar Express” and “House of Wax”), visually, “Beowulf”
is unlike any movie ever made. You shouldn’t see “Beowulf” for the characters or story, but for the computer graphics, action and the mind-blowing special effects. “Beowulf” tells the story of a Danish kingdom led by King Hrothgar (Anthony Hopkins) that has become the victim of a demon named Grendel (Crispin Glover). After Grendel kills a group of villagers during a celebration, the king offers half his gold to anyone who can rid the land of him. Beowulf, (Ray Winstone) conquers ocean storms to come home and kill the monster, for glory, not gold. The action scenes between Grendel, who is in the form of a The Viking hero Beowulf (left) and his trusted second-in-command, Wiglaf (right) set sail in search of greater victories in “Beowulf.”
skinless human with gory features, and Beowulf, are incredible and so absolutely realistic with the 3D animation that I found myself closing my eyes in fright. Beowulf manages to kill Grendel, with nothing on but his headband. Beowulf thinks he’s saved the day, but he learns that Grendel’s mother (Angelina Jolie) is the big monster and that she can change shape and transform into a gorgeous woman who wears high-heels and nothing else but gold on her skin. When he reaches her lair, she seduces him and makes a deal with him, thus allowing her to live and give birth to a new son. This provides an opportunity for Beowulf to become king, an opportunity he can’t refuse. Years pass by and the name of Beowulf spreads across the land. But a mistake from his past soon catches up to him, leading to an exciting climax. This film could have been made without the 3D animation and you might have gotten a more realistic emotion out of it, but you wouldn’t have gotten a
cooler dragon or sea monster to combat. “Beowulf” is definitely a film worth seeing on the big screen. On a standard screen, it might not be as impressive, even with huge HD television, it wouldn’t be the same. And if it’s worth seeing in the theaters, it’s worth finding one that’s screening in 3D. Rated: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence including disturbing images, some sexual material and nudity. Running Time: 113 min. Cast: Ray Winstone, Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Crispin Glover Director: Robert Zemeckis Screenplay: Neil Gaiman, Roger Avary, Anonymous (epic poem) Studio: Paramount Pictures Rating:out of
Garineh Demirjian can be reached at Garineh_Demirjian@elvaq.com
The monster Grendel’s seductive mother is determined to avenge her son’s death in “Beowulf.”
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Friday, March 30, 2007
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‘Shooter’ Aims to Protect Against All Enemies him that America needs his help. his experience in long-range one last time, only to realize that Doubtless, the never-ending ballistics. After Swagger rejects he has been double-crossed and framed for the atthrilling actions of tempted murder esterday was about hon- the movie will hold of the President or, today is about jus- the viewer’s attenand the murder tice” is what a brilliant marks- tion from start to of the Ethioman has to prove after he is finish. Almost evpian archbishop. framed as a presidential assassin. ery 10 minutes the Wounded Based on the novel “Point screen is filled with with two bullets of Impact” by Stephen Hunter, splitting heads from Swagger is run“Shooter” is about a former Ma- a mile and blowning against the rine Scout Sniper, Bob Lee Swag- ing up buildings. clock to find the ger (Mark Wahlberg), who loses The high speed car real hit men and his partner during a failed mis- chases will make prove his innosion in Africa. Distressed and one’s heart pound. cence when he Johnson tells emotionally wounded he leaves realizes that his his job and retreats to a remote Swagger that somelife is at stake. mountain dwelling with his one is out there to Swagger (Mark Wahlberg) with Agent Memphis (Michael Peña) durAs Swagdog. After three years, a retired kill the president and ing a stake-out. ger states in the colonel, Isaac Johnson (Danny he needs Swagger’s Glover) pays him a visit to tell help to stop the threat through the plea Johnson reminds Swag- movie, “the government spent ger that he has solemnly swore a lot of money to teach me how to protect America against all not to die.” He uses all the techenemies, foreign and domestic. niques he learned in the military The movie depicts Americans’ to stay alive. With nowhere to loss of faith in the government af- turn to he finds his friend’s widter 9/11 terrorist attack followed owed wife Sarah Fenn (Kate by the Iraq and Afghanistan inva- Mara) who helps Swagger recovsions. Although, Swagger was be- er from the two bullet wounds. With the help of an FBI agent, trayed once before by the government he agrees to serve his country Nick Memphis (Michael Peña),
By Sose Frankyan
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
“Y
Swagger learns that the conspiracy and the innocent lives taken in Africa are all about oil money. One might argue that this is exactly what is happening in Iraq and Afghanistan and we need someone like Swagger to stop the ensuing war that has claimed the lives of many American troops and innocent Iraqi people. Swagger, in his quest for revenge, takes down the most powerful people in the country including Senator Charles F. Meachum (Ned Beatty). Meachum and Johnson think they get away with their crimes, but Swagger proves them wrong. The movie will certainly make one uncertain whether our government can be trusted and wonder if protecting us against all harm and providing us with the luxuries we are used to is done in a moral way. Rating **** out of 4 Sose Frankyan can be reached at Sose_Frankyan@elvaq.com
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Friday, March 30, 2007
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SPORTS
Lady Vaqs Defeat Bakersfield City College 6-3 gado (5) and Zaria Rojas (6) won their match 8-5. EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR “We had a great day,” said Coblentz. For the singles, Chung lost her he Lady Vaqueros defeated match 3-6, 2-6 and Bagaforo also Bakersfield College 6-3 at lost both of her home in a Westsets 3-6. ern State Con- “[I am] extremely G l e n d a l e ’s ference game proud of how they Yokozuka delast Thursday, feated Perkins, improving their are working, whether winning both record to 3-3 on they win or lose.” her sets 6-2. the season. Bogado defeatIn the doubles ed Bakersfields’ match, Glen-Terry Coblentz Brittany Owens dale’s Jennifer Women’s Tennis Coach 6-1, 6-1. Rojas Chung (1) and won her match Maria Bagaforo against BC’s (2) played a solRuth Kresha 6-0, 6-1. id match against Amy Cowan and “We’re a great team,” said Jennifer Kelly, tieing the score at Jung, “because we always [work 8-8, but eventually lost the tiehard] and it doesn’t matter what breaker 7-9. happens on the court because we “Everytime our ones’s [Jung] know we gave all-out effort.” and two’s [Bagaforo] go, they “We bonded well and we stick have a tough match,” said Coach together no matter what.” Terry Coblentz, “They never gave “I’m very, very proud of the up, and they fought against one of women athletes,” Coblentz said. the tough teams in our confer“And [I am] extremely proud ence. So we have to give them of how they are working, whether credit for working hard.” they win or lose.” GCC’s Miyuki Yokozuka (3) and Sonia Rodriguez (4) defeated Lenin Lau can be reached at Bakersfield’s Leia Perkins and Lenin_Lau@elvaq.com Roneva Monreal 8-3. Nancy Bo-
By Lenin Lau
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GAMES Today: Men’s Tennis v. Grossmont at 1 p.m. Tuesday: Women’s Tennis v. Santa Monica College at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 10: Men’s Tennis v. Ventura at 2 p.m. *Baseball v. Bakersfield at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 12: Baseball v. Santa Monica at 1 p.m. Softball v. Santa Barbara at 2 p.m.
*All baseball games are played at Stengel Field and Soflball games played at the Glendale Sports complex.
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Vaqueros Sports Summaries Updates • Scores • Highlights BASEBALL
Glendale competes in the Ventura tournament Saturday and Sunday.
a personal best time of 4:04.68 and finished second in the 3000 meters in a personal best time of 8:53.32. James Poet was also a winner in the discus with a throw of 36.4 kilometers and he finished second in the hammer throw in 43.3 km.. The 4 x 400 relay team of Troy Huizenga, Ricky Davis, Michael Flowers and Chris Marshall finished second in a season best time of 3:20.7 and the 4 x 100 relay team of Lucas Williams, Ricky Davis, Chris Marshall and Troy Huizenga finished second in 43.62. Varaz Markarady was second in the discus in 36.1 km and third in the high jump in 5-10. Michael Flowers was third in the 1500 meters in a personal best time of 4:06.2. and Ricky Davis was third in the long jump at 22-1 and Alonzo Menifield was third in the javelin with a throw of 44.7 km. Troy Huizenga was fourth in the 200 meters in 22.9 and finished eighth in the 100 meters in 11.28. Joseph Valerio was fifth in the shot with a put of 37-2 and James Poet was sixth in 37-feet. Chris Marshall was ninth in the 100 in 11.3.
TRACK & FIELD
MEN’S TENNIS
The Vaqueros competed in the Riverside Invitational Friday and had outstanding results for the men and women.
Glendale is 6-4 overall and 4-2 in the WSC after beating Bakersfield twice last week, 5-0 last Tuesday and 7-1 Thursday. In the win over Bakersfield Thursday, Dylan Kim, Norik Otuzbiryan, Matt Taoatao, Greg Arutyunyan and Craig Strazzeri had wins in singles as did the doubles teams of Kim and Otuzbiryan and Taoatao and Michael Maarup.
The Vaqueros split a pair of games last week to improve to 16-13 overall and 4-8 in the WSC South. They lost to College of the Canyons 7-3 last Tuesday and beat Los Angeles City College 8-7 Saturday. They had a bye Thursday. In the win over LACC, Jeff Ward singled home the game winning run in the ninth inning. Glendale plays at Bakersfield Saturday at 6 p.m. WOMEN’S SOFTBALL Glendale dropped two of three games last week to fall to 1216-1 overall and 7-6 in WSC. They beat Santa Monica 9-2 last Tuesday and lost to Canyons 5-4 and 4-3 Thursday in a doubleheader. In the win over Santa Monica, Jennifer Nazarian got the win and also had a pair of hits. Jamie Avancena Vanessa Escobar had three hits each.
For the women, Tove Berg set a school record in the 3000 meters in 9:59.55, breaking the record set by Carol Adams in 1980 in 10:13. Berg also finished second in the 1500 meters in 4:49.1. Lili Hernandez finished second in the 3000 meters in a personal best time of 10:35.82 and third in the1500 in a personal best time of 4:55.7. Sandra Martinez was third in the 800 in 2:27.6. The 4 x 400 relay team of Sandra Martinez, Crisel Venancio, Desiree Ruiz and Lili Hernandez finished fourth in a season best time of 4:33.32. For the men, Chris Lopez was a winner in the 1500 meters in
WOMEN’S TENNIS The Vaqueros match against Santa Barbara Tuesday was rained out and scheduled for April 12. The Vaqs will face Santa Monica at Home Tuesday and will travel to play Cuesta College on Thursday.
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Friday, March 30, 2007
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SPORTS
Vaqueros Slide Their Way In To Victory By Susan Aksu
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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he Vaquero baseball team guided by Coach John Cicuto is batting it’s way on to WSC victory for the fifth time in GCC history. The team of 25, only eight of whom are returning sophomores and the rest freshmen, have a 1014 record in the Western State Conference with only nine games left before the playoffs. The Vaqueros had been on a 40 winning streak at the beginning of the season until Pierce College ended it with a 9-8 victory over them. Two games later, the Vaqueros were once again defeated by Pierce College 11-2. The Vaqueros had been on a 4-0 winning streak at the beginning of the season until Pierce College ended it with a 9-8 victory over them. Two games later, the Vaqueros were once again defeatedby Pierce 112. Beating Pierce College seems to be of mutual importance for the enire team, however their game at Pierce on Tuesday proved to be disappointing for the Vaqueros with a 9-1 loss.
“The two top teams in our conference are Pierce and Bakersfield,” said freshman pitcher Ryan Perez. “They’re usually the team to beat.” The Vaqueros were unsuccessful against Bakersfield the first time they played them on Feb. 21 falling 5-1, but the second time they [Vaqueros] were victorious winning against them 8-6 on March 1. “If the Vaqueros compete with a sense of urgency all nine innings, I would put my money on the Vaqueros each and every game,” said Cicuto. Perez also mentioned the need to compete for all nine of the innings. For example, during the Feb. 24 Pierce game; the Vaqueros were leading 8-0 until the last half of the ninth inning when Pierce managed to rack up nine points. The goal of the Vaqueros this year is to win at least 20 games, a mission which has not been accomplished since 2000. In 2006 the Vaqueros were 9-33 in season and in 2005 they were 13-25. They are strong when it comes to speed and defense, but according
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Photo by Anita K. Marto
Pitchers Richard Barrett, Frank Bernard and Ryan Perez during fly ball drills with catcher Ben Torrie and assistant coach David Lopez.
to Cicuto, in order to break their record they need to work on timely hitting. Perez said, they [Vaqueros] tend to get too comfortable and relaxed after they start off strong. “The moment we fall behind we start to panic and make careless decisions, which cost us the game,” he said. “We had our ups and downs, but we’re a very talented team and we should peak this week,” said sophomore pitcher, Nadav Poringer. Freshman Chris Arredondo was a pitching asset for the Vaqueros before breaking his wrist during a tournament at Mt. San Antonio College. He had pitched a 1.2 ERA (earned runs average) and a 2-1 win-loss average out of the eight games he started in. “Our guys are going to have to step up and pick up the production to make up for our loss,” said Cicuto. The pitcher’s wrist is still recovering and is expected to sit out for the rest of the season.Richard Barret also pitched well with a 3.08 ERA in all games combined. However, during conference, his pitching slipped to a 6.52. Base running for the Vaqueros has also been strong this season, with a total of 77 stolen bases.
Sophomore Brian Bistagne has the lead for the most stolen bases with 20 in the season. The shortstop also leads with the highest batting average of .387 and remains consistent in both conference and tournaments. Bistagne also has 40 RBI, the most for the Vaqueros for the season. In conference, Andy Marquardt has the leading batting average of .391, close to a perfect .400 and catcher Ben Torrie has an average of .313. The team prepares itself through intercollegiate games, and club games. The rigorous practices are at Stengal Field Monday through Saturday during the season and Monday through Thursday during the fall. “Our team chemistry is really good. The guys have a great bond,” said sophomore Brian Ward. “We all play for each other when we’re out there and we don’t let each other down.” Cicuto says he has been coaching at GCC since 2000 for two reasons; one being the quality of the athletic department. He feels that the support from the coaches, as well as their interests in the athletes and programs, is “one of a kind” and a unique department. Another reason is the players he coaches. He is assisted by Steve
Coots, David Lopez, Anthony Chevrier and Rick Marino. “Helping our players transform into men, on and off the field, is very rewarding,” said Cicuto. Several players from the Vaqueros have plans to continue with their baseball careers after GCC. Perez hopes to transfer to Loyola Marymount to continue playing baseball on their Division I team. “I can never imagine myself not playing baseball. It’s become a part of me and without it, I’m naked,” said Perez. Perez has been playing baseball since age 10 and has played every position, but says that pitching is his strength. He is currently the closing pitcher for GCC. Poringer has plans on transferring to a Division II school in California and Ward hopes to get drafted by next year onto a California-based team. “Our coaching philosophy is to have a 100 percent transfer rate of all eligible student athletes. If our players take care of their priorities in the classroom, we can find them a university to continue their baseball careers,” said Cicuto.
Susan Aksu can be reached at Susan_Aksu@elvaq.com
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Friday, March 30, 2007
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Calendar On Campus exhibition “Modern Lovers” —A group art exhibition curated by Kathryn Andrews will feature works by Jeffrey Rugh, Stan Kaplan, Brett Cody Rogers, Jonas Wood and many more. The show runs at the Glendale College Art Gallery, located in the Library building, until May 5. Admission is free. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5663 or visit www.glendale. edu/artgallery
film “The Battle of Algiers” —The Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) and the Latin American Studies Department is sponsoring a series of films to be kicked off tonight with the screening of “ The Battle of Algiers.” The film, directed by Gillo Pontecorvo, focuses on the struggle of Algerian people against the occupying French forces during the 1950s. This film, which was a 1966 Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay, adopts a
semi-documentary look while detailing escalating violence. The ALAS film festival takes place in the J.W. Smith Student Center, room 212 at 7 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments will be provided. “Hearts and Minds” —The second installment in a film festival co-sponsored by the Association of Latin American Students and the Latin American Studies Department, is “Hearts and Minds,” a 1975 Academy Award winner for Best Documentary. This film explores the history and attitudes of the opposing sides of the Vietnam War using archival news footage, film and interviews. The film also focuses on the views of the Vietnamese people. “Hearts and Minds” will be screened Friday at 7 p.m. in room 212 located in the J.W. Smith Student Center. Admission is free. For more information on the film festival call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5470.
theater “All in the Timing” — The Glendale College Theatre Arts Department is showcasing five one-act comedies by David Ives. The show opens on Thursday in
the Auditorium Studio Theatre. Guest artist and former GCC student, Matt Foyer, will be directing these performances which run Thursday through Saturday and April 12 through the 14 starting at 8 p.m. Matinees are at 2 p.m. on and April 13, 14 and 15. The ensemble cast includes Daniel Kim, Amber Blackburn, Carlo Morelli and Nick Campbell, among others. The plays contain adult language and are not recommended for children. Reservations are stronlgy advised due to limited seating. Tickets are $10 general admission and $6 for students and seniors. Groups of 10 or more pay $4 per person. For more information or to make reservations call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5618.
academic news Scholarship Applications — Today is the final day to get scholarship applications. Applications can be picked up at the Scholarship Office located in the Student Center or from the college Web site. To apply for scholarships, students must have completed 12 units, have a 2.5 or higher GPA and be currently enrolled at GCC. For more information contact the Scholarship Office at (818) 2401000, ext. 5591.
health
adult classes
“Finding Joy in Life: A Meditation Series” —The Health Center is sponsoring “Finding Joy in Life: A Meditation Series” begining on Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. Pamela Bothwell, former director of Shambhala Center, will be presenting the series. The presentation will take place in San Rafael 112. For more information contact the Health Center at (818) 2401000, ext. 5909.
Life Long Learning Seminars — Through June 13, a wide range of free classes are being offered to mature adults as a part of the Glendale College’s Life Long Learning Seminars program. Courses’s such as Quiltmaking, Philosophy and Ethics, Sketching and Oil painting classes will be held at several locations throughout the community. For more information on class times and the Life Long Learning Seminars, call (818) 243-5196.
environmental Earth Day 2007 — Project Earth Tomorrow and the Science Education Center is sponsoring Earth Day 2007, which takes place April 9 through the 12. Earth Day 2007 will screen two films, “Who Killed the Electric Car?” and “An Inconvenient Truth.” The event will conclude on April 12 with an Earth Day Fest, which will feature booths, eco-friendly products, interactive games and food, among other things. Prizes will also be raffled. For more information contact Bonnie Mercado at earthtomorrow@yahoo. com or Jean Lecuyer at jlecuyer@glendale.edu or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5358.
sale Book Sale — Alpha Gamma Sigma Honors Society will be holding a book sale today near the Administration building. For more information contact Jennifer Ghazal at agspresident1@ yahoo.com or contact Marianna Sargsyan at agssecretary1@yahoo.com
To list an item on the Calendar, contact Olga Ramaz at Olga_ Ramaz@elvaq.com
Around Town exhibitions “Joe Ledbetter: Fever Dream” — The final showing of Joe Ledbetter’s most recent work will be tonight at Gallery 1988. The gallery is located at 7020 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. For more information call (332) 937-7088. “Hammer Projects: Ezra Johnson” —An animation exhibit that tells the story of a pair of art thieves in New York City runs through May 5. The Armand Hammer Museum is located at 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information call (310) 443-7000. “Signs + Symbols - Exhibition” —Artworks by Shannon Fincke,
C. Martino and Stephanie Han Windman are on display at the Art Center at the Brand Library at 1601 West Mountain St., Glendale. The exhibition will feature an assortment of paintings and mixed media works by all three artists. “Signs + Symbols - Exhibition” runs through April 20. For more information on the exhibition call (818) 5482051. For additional information visit www.ci.glendale.ca.us/library/brand_index.asp
There will be a special preview tonight at 8 p.m. Since its first performance, “Romeo and Juliet” has spawned three operas, two major ballets, two musicals — most notably “West Side Story” — and countless film versions. Tickets range from $26 to $58. A Noise Within is located at 234 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale. To make reservations call (818) 240-0910, ext. 1. For additional information, visit www.anoisewithin.org
theater
“My Fair Lady” — Written by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, “My Fair Lady” takes center stage at the Glendale Theatre Centre located at 324 N. Orange St., Glendale. The play runs through April 7. “My Fair Lady” is the story of phonetician Henry Higgins,
“Romeo and Juliet” — A Noise Within presents Shakespeare’s classic tale of romance and death, “Romeo and Juliet.” The play opens Saturday at 8 p.m. and runs through May 25.
who transforms the flower girl, Eliza Doolittle into a society lady. Performance show times are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m. Tickets for the show are $21 Wednesday and Thursday evenings as well as for Saturday and Sunday matinees. Tickets for Friday and Saturday evenings are $24. For more information call (818) 244-8481
music Los Angeles Philharmonic — The Los Angeles Philharmonic will perform at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Sunday at 2 p.m. Esa-Pekka Salonen will conduct the orchestra in the premiere of his own “Helix,” as well as
pieces by Ravel and Prokofiev. Jean-Yves Thibaudet will be featured on piano. Tickets range from $15 to $135. The concert hall is at 151 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. For more information, call (213) 972-3034.
film “Casino Royale” — The Glendale Central Library located at 222 E. Harvard St. will be screening the latest James Bond film, “Casino Royale” [PG 13] on April 10, as a part of its Film Program. The critically acclaimed film features a new Bond, Daniel Craig. Admission is free and open to the public. The film starts at 2 p.m. For more information call (818) 548-2030.
www.elvaq.com
Friday, March 30, 2007
15
OPINION
John McCain Will Struggle to Win Nomination By Vartanoosh Kiourktzian
EL VAQUERO ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
T
he House of Representatives and the Senate both have Democratic majorities and many say that the Democrats won in November because people are ready for a change, so where does that leave Republican Presidential candidate John McCain? According to a recent Gallup poll (March 7) 44 percent of Republicans and Republican leaders said they would rather vote for his main opponent, Rudy Giuliani, despite his being the more liberal candidate, and only 20 percent said they would vote for McCain. So why is McCain less popular than Giuliani among Republican voters? He has a distinguished military record, he is against abortion, he supports the Bush administrations efforts in Iraq and he is against gay marriage. So what caused McCain to go from the frontrunner to second best? One reason McCain doesn’t have a chance this upcoming election is recent anti-Republican sentiments. With the recent debacle the Bush administration is facing with Iraq, voters and especially Democrats do not want another four years under a Republican president. Republican voters might also just be looking for someone not as right-leaning as the current president. Bush’s approval ratings are at 33 percent and Republicans are looking for someone different to represent them. McCain is not that guy. Republican voters are looking for someone who can beat Hillary
Clinton. Recent polls as of Feb. However in November of 2006, believe the Supreme Court should in Iraq and Afghanistan, McCain 9 show that if the election came in an interview with George be legislating in the way that they now says that the President was down to Clinton and McCain Stephanopoulos, McCain stated, did on Roe v. Wade.” ill-advised when it came to Iraq 50 percent of unand that his former Secdecided voters said retary of Defense Donthey would vote for ald Rumsfeld “will go Clinton and 47 perdown in history, along cent said they would with McNamara, as one vote for McCain. If of the worst secretaries the election were beof defense in history.” tween Clinton and McCain also met with Giuliani, 50 percent crazy evangelical pasof voters said they tor Jerry Falwell last would vote for Giuyear after once calling liani and 48 percent him an “agent of intolsaid they would vote erance” and is now takfor Clinton. ing a more religiously The term flip-flopright stance. per has also come to Back in 2000 McCain be associated with collided often with the McCain. He likes to Republican party and call himself “straightseemed to be on the talking” and an “inbrink of beating Bush. dependent maverick” Back in 2000 liberwho stood up to his als whispered to each own party on the antiother that this might be torture amendment; the time they vote for a however, in the SenRepublican, and even ate he has voted as a Kerry asked him to conservative Repubrun on the Democratic lican, not the “indeticket. pendent,” which he The McCain of 2000 dubbed himself. is gone. Instead in his Despite a long place there is the Mcrecord of voting Cain of 2007, who against abortion seems to be trying to rights, in August of please his party and 1999 McCain told the religious right inthe San Francisco stead of being the selfChronicle that “cer- Senator John McCain, no longer the independent maverick, will struggle this upcomming election. proclaimed independent tainly in the short maverick. Perhaps Mcterm, or even the long term, I “I’m a federalist. Just as I believe Although being the self-pro- Cain should worry less about would not support repeal of Roe that the issue of gay marriage claimed maverick, McCain seems pleasing his party and more about v. Wade, which would then force should be decided by the states, to be choosing sides based on what pleasing the country. X number of women in America so do I believe that we would be the party sees fit. Despite voting to [undergo] illegal and danger- better off by having Roe v. Wade for the war and voting to spend Vartanoosh Kiourktzian can be reached at ous operations.” return to the states. And I don’t $86 billion for military operations Vartanoosh_Kiourktziani@elvaq.com
Campus Comments Who Do You Think Has a Better Chance of Winning on the Republican Side? Joe Boghosian 19
“Giuliani has a better chance than McCain. He handled 9-11 well.”
Timothy Neven 20
“John McCain because he’s a little more well known.”
Mary Claire Garcia 19
“John McCain, because Rudy Giuliani has been controversial.”
Amanda Hall 20
“Giuliani, traditionally mayors have a better chance of winning.”
Compiled by Vartanoosh Kiourktzian and photographed by Richard Kontas
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Friday, April 13, 2007
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