May 14, 2008

El Vaquero May 14, 2008

Glendale College

Undocumented Students Children of Illegal Immigrants Call for Reform

Stories pages 4 and 5

Protests for immigrant rights thoughout Los Angeles; Voces del Ma単ana holds press conference on campus for changes in tuition rates.

Photo by Ismael Reyes

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Wednesday, May 14, 2008

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NEWS

Petition Week Ends for El Vaquero Student Government Richard Kontas Hopefuls; Vote May 21-22 Glendale Community College

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STAFF WRITERS

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Sharese Mirzakhanyan Chabeli Sanchez Corinna Scott

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By Allan Beglarian

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

O

n a balmy Friday, as time began its rapid race toward the end of petition week, the registration period ended for candidates who aspire to join the team of student governors, the Associated Students of Glendale Community College (ASGCC) .

“I have to get a lot more students involved with the school, and just have people more aware of what’s going on and get them involved as well,” said Silva Ratevosyan, 20, biology major, as she rushed to complete the 100 signatures needed to qualify as a candidate.

“We do our elections every semester toward the end of that semester to get students in for the following semester, the fall 2008 semester,” said Tzoler Oukayan, student activities coordinator.

“There is a petition process that they [candidates] must follow.

There are only two positions that are elected once a year, the president of the student body and the vice president of finance, all other positions are elected every semester.

“Right now, all 21 positions are available for office. The president’s position is available; all five vice presidential positions, all senator positions and the representatives at large will be appointed before the semester

starts in the summertime.”

“My goals for the next year, hopefully, if elected is to one, expand the role of ASGCC on campus, to reach out to different social groups as well as to increase student participation on campus activities, so that includes sports games, on campus activities that we throw every Tuesday and Thursday,” said Steven Ferguson, 19, political science, and a presidential candidate for the fall 2008 ASGCC. “Beyond that, really taking an active role . . . we are going through budget cuts right now, keeping $20 a unit respected and retained at school level and making sure all students are respected . . .” he said.

For the candidates, petition week started with a mandatory informational meeting that was a “must attend,” in order to proceed further.

“We cover the basis of what the election code is, the process of election, just what ASGCC is about, kind of giving them an idea,” said Oukayan. “I sit and talk with each new candidate, people we don’t know or who are new to the idea of election, to make sure they understand what positions are available and what the expectations and requirements are while in office.”

Following a mandatory meeting during the petition week, a candidate must complete and turn-in the petition request

forms, which involves the collection of 100 signatures from fellow students who are willing to nominate the candidate.

They must prepare a candidate statement and get their picture taken for the candidate board by the 3 p.m. deadline of the petition week, according to Oukayan.

Other qualifications for a candidate include the completion of a minimum of 30 units and enrollment in at least nine units at the time of their nomination, as stated in the fall 2008 election packet given to all candidates.

The elections will take place in Plaza Vaquero on May 21 and 22, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at which time the polls will close.

They reopen both days from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. to give all students a chance to cast their votes.

There will be election booths staffed by minimum of two non-partisan students, who are not running or campaigning for anyone, supervised by the student affairs office, according to Oukayan.

“The earliest date when the results will be announced is the following Friday after the elections close, on May 23,” said Oukayan.

See related story page 3 Allan Beglarian can be reached at Allan_Beglarian@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, May 14, 2008 3

NEWS

Meet the Candidates for Associated Student Office Irina Melik-Bakhshyan, 19, international studies, is running for senator of administration.

Kali N. Prouty, 18, liberal studies, is running for senator of activities.

Lauren Shenian, 20, cheer, is running for senator of campus organizations.

Anna Nersisyan, 20, business administration, is running for vice president of administration.

Ruzan Stepanyan, 20, psychology, is running for senator of administration.

Yazmin Moreno, is running for senator of campus organizations.

Mathew J. Verstraete, 18, undecided, is running for vice president of administration.

Nina Tshavrushyan, 18, political science, is running for senator of campus organizations.

Lilit Garibyan, is runnung for senator of finance.

Steven L. Ferguson, 19, political science, is running for president.

Rober Terziyan, 18, economics, is running for vice president of campus activities.

Melisa Hanparsun is runnung for senator of finance.

Ovsanna Khachikian, 19, international business, currently senator of finance, who is running for vice president of finance.

Sesil Aksu, 18, communications, is running for vice president of campus activities.

Hakop Saribekyan is runnung for senator of finance.

Raymond Quinto, 18, undecided, is running for senator of administration.

Joseph Roszhart, 20, psychology, is running for senator of campus relations.

Hisae Konishi is running for senator of activities.

Martin Arzoumanins, 18, psychology, is currently seeking the position of senator of activities.

Beno Manokian, 18, biology, is running for senator of campus relations.

Christine R. Shirvanian is running for senator of activities.

Marko Gortinski, 16, mathematics/ economics, is running for senator of campus organizations.

Lilya Avagyan, 20, biology, is running for vice president of campus organizations.

Milton J. Alvarez-Ramos is running for senator of campus relations.

Siranush Sarkisyan, 19, biology, is running for senator of administration.

Tigran Avakyan, 20, public policy, is running for vice president of campus organizations.

—Compiled and Photographed by Allan Beglarian

See related story, page 2.

WANTED: WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? Letters to the editor...

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Wednesday, May 14, 2008

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NEWS

American Apparel Speaks Out on Immigration Reform

By Jake Madrigal

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

merican Apparel is one of a growing number of mainstream retailers that is putting its money where its mouth is in reform of the state of California’s immigration laws.

American Apparel states on its Web site www.americanapparel. net that as early as 2003 the company felt strongly about the issue of immigration in California, and that it is now taking bold new measures.

It is now stirring up controversy with its newest ad campaign “Legalize LA.” While visiting the local American Apparel store in Pasadena one might find a group of protesters who highly disagree with the American Apparel campaign.

This group has been picketing with signs that read “Legalize LA: Deport Immigrants” in protest of the immigration reform that American Apparel is fighting for.

The group, whose members

chose to remain anonymous, said “this is America, this is the land of opportunity, and these illegal immigrants are ruining [it] and taking jobs from legal American citizens who deserve them.”

There are also a group of videos on www.youtube.com that were made by anti-immigration activists who argue against the “Legalize LA,” ads stating that they are illegally posting “Legalize LA” signs and posterboards all over the city.

American Apparels ads state their ideas for reform: “It is time to give a voice to the voiceless, businesses are afraid to speak to the media about immigration, frightened of reprisals by government agencies. But we cannot just sit in the shadows and watch our government and politicians exploit and misrepresent this matter to advance their own careers.”

American Apparel has also released its first line of clothing to help support the reform.

The production of plain red, white and blue shirts with large letters reading “Legalize LA” are now being sold at stores in the

Photo by Ismael Reyes

Protesters gather in Los Angeles on May 1 to urge immigration reform. The garment industry is particularily sensitive to immigration issues. Approximately 8,500 protesters attended the peaceful rally.

Los Angeles area.

Although the retailer has stores all over the United States the “Legalize LA” shirts are only being sold in the Los Angeles area and online.

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100 percent of net proceeds LAPD to the start of the march, from the sales of these shirts are which took place near Broadway sent to local Los Angeles-based Avenue and 1st Street. immigration rights groups to help They also offered a free support and fuel the immigration “Legalize LA” shirt to anyone reform. who participated in the two-mile While American Apparel is march. producing and selling these shirts O n w w w. l a t i m e s . c o m this is not the reporter Teresa only thing it Watanabe said is doing when “about 8,500 it comes to people took part fighting for in three separate reform. marches that On April 29, merged to rally American at 1st Street Apparel posted and Broadway,” a blog on the for the May 1 Legalize LA Immigration section of its March in Los Web site calling Angeles. This is for all American far fewer than A p p a r e l the estimate employees, of 20,000 family and participants friends to originally participate expected. in the May 1 Although Immigration the turnout March and was lower Rally for the than expected, second year in American a row.

Apparel and Not only was others believe the company the sentiment participating in for reform of the march, but the immigration —American Apparel for the first time laws is an idea its employees whose time has were starting come. . the walk from its production factory in downtown L.A., where Jake Madrigal can be reached at they would be escorted by the jake_madrigal@elvaq.com

“It is time to give a voice to the voiceless... we cannot just sit in the shadows and watch our government and politicians exploit and misrepresent this matter to advance their own careers”

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Wednesday, May 14, 2008 5

NEWS

Voces del Mañana Holds Mock Graduation Ceremony

By Jessica Bourse

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

C

rowds of students gathered under the hot sun, anticipating the next two hours — some speaking among themselves, while others stood silent, waiting patiently for the words that may possibly change their futures.

The Speaker of California’s State Assembly, Democrat Fabian Nunez, as well as Angelica Salas, the executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), spoke at the college on April 29 in an event presented by Voces del Mañana.

The two-part event commenced at 11:30 a.m. and consisted of a news conference and mock graduation held in Plaza Vaquero.

Reporters from television stations KTLA, Telemundo and Univision were also present.

Student organizations from college campuses such as Los Angeles (LACC), East Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Cal Poly Pomona, and CSUN joined Glendale’s Voces del Mañana to become Students for Equal Access to Education. The student alliance, along with CHIRLA and Nuñez, is striving to pass Assembly Bill 2083.

AB 2083, if passed, would do three things for California’s educational system. The first would be to open access to financial aid for all eligible students, regardless of immigration status.

Second, a college education would be made accessible and affordable to all students, since AB 2083 collaborates with antifee hikes.

Third, private scholarship foundations would be available to all students, including undocumented students.

Salas spoke first, thanking everyone at the campus who made the event possible. She then explained why CHIRLA cares about immigrant civil rights, as well as the educational rights of undocumented students.

“California’s youth are California’s future,” said Salas, as the crowds of students repeated the phrase with her.

She asked the crowd, “Do we care enough about our future?

Immigrant youth and the children of immigrants make up 50 percent of the youth in the state of California. Are you going

to let anti-immigrant… hate and xenophobia jeopardize our economic, social, cultural and political well-being? So, if we care about our future… then we will get these young people to the finish line by making sure they finish college…when we help them, we help ourselves.”

Assembly Bill 540, passed in 2001, granted undocumented students access to attend college by paying in-state tuition.

However, these students are not eligible for any kind of financial aid, making the goals of a higher education inaccessible to many.

According to CHIRLA, “Every year, all college students contribute to an institutional fund that comes out of their student fees and tuition. This money is later distributed to students through academic scholarships.”

The annual report on AB540 tuition exemptions, 2005-06, states “AB 540 students contribute over $6 million to [scholarship] institutional funds, yet they are denied access to apply for institutional educational awards.”

According to the national organization, Children Now, “more than 2 million of California’s children [AB 540 students] will not be able to attend college.”

Students and teachers applauded as Nuñez took the podium. He began discussing the state budget and priorities.

“When you look at how California pays its bills [budget] over the years,” said Nuñez, “our correctional system and correctional facilities, their funding is on the increase. Our higher education funding is on the decrease and therefore, student fees are on the rise… That’s not in the best interest of California, nor that we’re putting our priorities where they are properly placed.”

“To keep an adult incarcerated,” said Nuñez, “California spends 45,000 a year. So we are doing a good job, investing in keeping people in jail and increasing sentences, so that it looks good… we’re fighting crime. But at the same time, in these tough economic times, we are not making education the priority that it ought to be.”

Nuñez introduced AB 2083 to the campus with a brief lecture on California’s history.

“California was a state that, over the years, people have decided to come here and

Photo by Fabienne Niederberger

State Assemblymember Fabian Nuñez talks about the AB 2083, during the April 29, Voces del Mañana event.

invest in the opportunity to live a better life,” said Nuñez,“and

this went back all the way to the Gold Rush, when people

first came to the Golden State [See AB 540, Page 6]

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Project: Earth Tomorrow Student Club Plants Tree

By Katherine Sosa

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

o commemorate Earth Day this year, campus club Project: Earth Tomorrow decided to planted a tree in front of the administration building on May 6.

Club president Tina Davtyan, vice president Monica Diehl and club member Joe Boghosian planted the crepe myrtle as a permanent reminder of Earth Day 2008.

The crepe myrtle can thrive in all seasons of the year, hot or cold, and will blossom throughout the year. The tree was donated by Garden View Nursery in Irwindale.

As the tree was planted the club members had a picnic and danced around it. In a brief ceremony every member took part in planting the tree by taking the shovel and adding dirt for the tree.

“When I come and visit the campus, I want to come by the administration building and say

‘I planted a tree here,’ and I’ll feel good about it,” said Diehl, 29, vice president of Project: Earth Tomorrow.

The first Earth Day was on April 22, 1970. It was initiated by U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconsin democrat who proposed a nationwide grassroots demonstration on the environment.

What resulted was a series of teach-ins on college campuses throughout the nation. More than 20 million Americans were thought to have participated.

Nelson was later to say that the Earth Day worked because of the spontaneous response at the grassroots level.

Many attribute the first Earth Day to the passage of the Clean Air Act, laws protecting drinking water, wild lands and the ocean, as well as the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, the chief federal agency overseeing the protection of the environment.

Davtyan said of her club’s

Earth Day Festival Urges Students to ‘Renew, Reuse, Recycle’

By Mariam Grigoryan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

P

roject: Earth Tomorrow held a festival Thursday with music, organic foods and smoothies in Plaza Vaquero.

An aisle of booths exhibited posters made by the club members on how to keep the environment clean and what everyone can do to maintain it.

A speaker from Friends of the Los Angeles River (FOLAR), Jonathon Brooks, who is the science outreach coordinator, sat behind a table covered in brochures, fliers and a map of Los Angeles County.

Brooks took the time to explain how the river was tested, gave a brief history of how the river used to look and the role of humans in our environment. He explained how the organization operates and what members of the community should do to contribute to the keep our

community clean.

Brooks was ready to answer any questions students had and encourage them to participate in their projects such as 19th Annual La Gran Limpieza, to be held Saturday, “the largest urban river clean up in the country.”

“Earth before humanity. This is our home, we have to take care of it,” said Linda Heredia, 22, Project: Earth Tomorrow member.

The observers about the objects presented at the nearby table. A few crossword puzzles “15 Steps to a Better World” which were based on the 15 facts displayed around the tables were passed out. Whoever solved them won an indoor plant.

“The event was well organized, the games and music were entertaining but at the same time very educational.” said Kevin Palma, 19.

[See Earth Day, Page 7]

effort: “I wanted a permanent reminder of Earth Day; I feel our campus could be more environmentally friendly.

“GCC tries to be environmentally friendly with solar power, and recycling but they should go an extra mile,” said Davtyan.

Davtyan’s goal is to have others join Project: Earth Tomorrow.

Every year they want a plant a new tree.

“They provide shade, which slows the evaporation from thirsty lawns,” said Lacey Von Deak of Tree People. Tree People visited the campus during the Earth Day festival to give students information and motivate them to get involved.

Project: Earth Tomorrow is the first club to use solar energy for grills and blenders, while offering organic vegetarian food and smoothies on campus.

For more information or to join Project: Earth Tomorrow the club meets every Tuesday in CS173 from noon until 1 p.m.

Katherine Sosa can be reached at katherine_sosa@elvaq.com

Photo by Ismael Reyes

Monica Diehl, vice president of Project: Earth Tomorrow, wields the shovel during the tree planting ceremony with club president, Tina Davtyan, left, and fellow member, Joe Boghosian.

AB 540 Students Call for Education Reform [AB 540, from Page 5] for a better standard of living.

“As we look at the promise of opportunity, we are not going to turn our backs on the thousands of students, in the state of California,” said Nuñez, “that are being left out in the cold, without appropriate financial aid assistance. And I’m talking specifically about the undocumented students of California that deserve more than our moral support. They deserve us to put our money where our mouth is, and provide for them the financial aid necessary so that they too can have a piece of the California dream of opportunity.”

“This year,” said Nuñez, “we’re going to sit down with Gov. Schwarzenegger, and we’re going to say to him, ‘If you’re going to veto any of my bills, veto them all. But there’s one bill I want you to sign, and that’s AB 2083.’”

According to Nuñez, if passed, AB 2083 won’t just

benefit undocumented students, but all students in California who are facing economic hardship.

It would also benefit the state’s economy in the long-run, because the more education and training the youth receives, the more qualified they become as adults.

These skilled adults would keep the jobs here, instead of businesses outsourcing jobs to countries like China or India, due to the lack of a competent workforce.

“As an AB 540 student,” said Jafet Rodriguez, 20, LACC history major, “and undocumented citizen of the world, and as a human being, I’ve looked back at my history and I have found that education is one of the only few means by which I have been able to survive.”

Rodriguez described his parents’ struggle, as they worked for 19 years so that he may have a life they never had. Now, as a college student, he can’t take part in the activities that others students can, such as working a job or driving a car because he doesn’t have an ID, papers or a

social security number.

“I feel like a criminal,” said Rodriguez, “I feel trapped. I feel like my parents worked and worked, and for what, if I can’t finish my education?”

After the press conference, Voces del Mañana presented a mock graduation, with students dressed in caps and gowns. The mock graduation represented the struggles endured by AB 540 students, and the constant battles they fight in order to keep their dreams alive, including language barriers, discrimination, and financial hardships.

“I felt that it was inspiring to see the students standing up for themselves,” said Nataly Hernandez, 21, English major, “They’re fighting for what they believe in and it shows a great deal of strength… people in the United States shouldn’t have to fight for the right to be educated.”

Jessica Bourse can be reached at jessica_bourse@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, May 14, 2008

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FEATURES

Garfield Campus Diploma Program Offers Pathway to Success

By Corinna Scott

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

I

t’s Tuesday afternoon in room 116 and the lab bustles with activity at the Garfield campus.

Students gather at computer stations around the classroom and ask tutors for help while they work on assignments.

This lab houses the GED program where students come to earn their high school equivalency diplomas. Students from all walks of life congregate here, from single mothers, to high school students who may be retaking classes or taking extra classes, to those students who can barely read or write.

Beginning as a classroom in a bungalow, it was called “the shoebox” by Jan Young, who hired Jane DiLucchio to be in charge of the program.”

From there it has grown into the program it is today: the GED or “The Pathways to Success” program as it is also called.

Ken Downie is working on earning his GED so that he can attend an Oxford Seminars course in order to teach English in Japan where his wife Takako and three children are now living.

After having dropped out of high school in the 11th grade due to a serious leg injury, Downie went to work for his father’s termite company. Later, when he earned

his contractor’s license, his father hosted a family from Japan and that is when he met Takako. He went to Japan to ask her father for her hand in marriage and they had two weddings, one Japanese and the other European-style.

He plans to see his family again in July. He says he misses them very much.

“I’ve wanted to come back and get my GED and took it upon myself to walk through that door and get the GED repeated. I knew there would be computers, books and teachers, but I had no idea there would be so many smiles and so many kind people,” Downie said.

Ruth Akins spoke at a board of trustees meeting in March on behalf of DiLucchio who had guided her through earning her diploma. She hadn’t graduated from the 10th grade, but decided to attend the Garfield Campus and earned her diploma at the age of 80.

“Sometimes I thought I’d just better quit. I just can’t go on with this, but I did with Jane’s guidance. It was a wonderful day.

So, anyway sorry I didn’t go on any further, but I just couldn’t.” she said.

“We’ll use Ruth as a motivation to the students who come in and say when they’re 24 years old ‘I am too old to get my GED.’ This is our living legend.

Learning is a life long activity,”

Earth Day Events Inspire Students to Care for Planet [Earth Day, from Page 6] Heredia clarified what the poster “Deforestation” was about. She explained how the trees and plants absorb about 250 gallons of water and how there are more risks of flood as these trees are cut down.

Across from the booths were 15 posters of what everyone can do to help. Alternative ways of conserving energy, helping out with the community, reducing waste, protecting wildlife and such.

“It makes the students think, informing them of the different roles they can play in helping the planet,” said Heredia.

Another poster regarding global warming listed facts, encouraging everyone to find

other ways of using energy to reverse emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Raffle tickets were sold for $2 for a chance to win a bicycle, as an environmentally friendly means of transportation.

“You’d think people would be more aware of the crises we’re dealing with, and everyone would do their part in saving the environment. This is our home and we must protect it.” said Geofrey Mejia, 20.

The president of the club, Tina Davtyan, said “that all the equipment used in the festival, including blenders and such, are solar-powered.”

Mariam Grigoryan can be reached at mariam_grigoryan@elvaq.com

said DiLucchio “I’m 84 years old and I’m just glad I got through it,” said Akins.

Kristy Nielsen is an officer with the Los Angeles Police Department who works in community relations. When she was told by a Crescenta Valley High School counselor that she was socially unacceptable she decided to leave school.

Nielsen did not explain what her counselor had meant, but the lack of administrative support was not limited to just that area, she said.

“I basically took that as my ticket out and I went on about life. I got a job in the grocery business, but I wanted a job in the Los Angles Police Department. In order to do that you had to have a high school diploma or GED. “Jane (DiLucchio) basically saw me through it and the

motivation here was wonderful. I was so failed by the administrators in high school. I want to thank Jane and the program for being here,” Nielsen said.

Robert Yount, who has a master’s degree in education, grew up in what he considers a dysfunctional home and was raised by his grandparents, a family of the Depression who valued work over education. He said his grandmother told him don’t worry about work, they’ll always need someone to dig ditches and pump gas.

“By the time I was 14, I’d come to find out they don’t pump gas anymore,” Yount said.

After four years of working in retail he came to the campus and began working on his GED. Yount earned his GED and then went on to obtain his degree

in education at the University of La VerneHe now teaches high school in Los Angeles.

Though they may not share the same motivation for an education, have the same background, age group or in some cases even live in the same city all of these students share the common thread of wanting this diploma in some form or another.

Those who want to find out more about this program can reach the center at (818) 2401000 ext. 5686 or 5047.

Corinna Scott can be reached at Corinna_Scott@elvaq.com

Armenian Festival Showcases Traditions

By Mariam Grigoryan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

rmenians shared their rich cultural traditions during the seventh annual two-day Armenian festival held in the Civic Auditorium May 3 and 4.

The festival celebrated the 98th anniversary of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS).

The program began with opening remarks, a flag ceremony and the Armenian national anthem. The Aroma of traditional Armenian food filled the bottom floor of the twostory auditorium. Festive music played as children, parents, participants and volunteers strolled through the colorful hall.

One of the many volunteers who brought in different aspects of the culture was the owner of a galley, Tough of Art, who decorated one of the corners as a historical Armenian kitchen as a background for the pictures.

The scene depicted the process of baking bread.

“This event introduces our heritage to younger generations, keeps us together and serves as a remembrance,” said Zabel Kassarsian, one of the owners of the gallery.

Guests sauntered around admiring the different scenes set up behind red velvet ropes.

One was of a family room, complete with a sofa, colorful rug and a heater. Dirouhi

Kupelian, a member of the ARS, the hall. described how “families used to On the top floor was a wide sit on the floor around the heater, variety of jewelry, handbags, as it was the only place to keep accessories and a few tables warm during winter.” were full of traditional foods.

Kupelian, who has been “As time goes by it gets involved in this event for the last crazier here, more music, two years, was accompanied by more dancing,” said Emma Marie Toutalian, a teacher from Garbedian, a member of the the Saturday school Armenian festival committee. “The event Sister’s Academy, whose 120 was very successful because it students, ages 4 to 14, sang at the promotes more sponsors, more introduction of the program. volunteers.”

On the second floor of the The proceeds of the entrance auditorium, the entertainment fee and donations will go to the continued with several stage poor and anyone in need, not events, such as traditional dances only Armenians, according to and costume shows.

Siroun Jaeourian, member of One of the most popular the ARS. events was a traditional Armenian wedding.

Mariam Grigoryan can be reached at mariam_grigoryan@elvaq.com The staged wedding had everything from the bride and groom in traditional g a r b , followed by the band. The ensemble made its way to the lower level, circling the cheering audience.

Tables were set up in the middle of the auditorium Photo by Allan Beglarian and booths An actress bride dances as in-laws and friends, wearing surrounded traditional Armenian clothing, clap and cheer.

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NEWS

Glendale’s Newest Venue, the Americana, Offers College Students a Chance to Work Off Campus

By Arpee Markarian EL VAQUERO COPY EDITOR

O

n the morning of May 2, hundreds of men, women and children stood in a line that wrapped around the corner of Glendale’s newest open-air retail and residential development.

Some of them had been waiting since 7 a.m. for the grand opening of The Americana at Brand, a $435-million, 15.5-acre complex on Brand boulevard which includes more than 70 retail, restaurant and entertainment venues, condominiums and apartments.

There are many job opportunities for students at the new complex.

Among the places students can look into are The Cheesecake Factory, (A/X) Armani Exchange, Aveda Lifestyle Salon, and the Pacific Theatre 18-screen cinemas. By working in either of these places, students from a variety of majors such as business administration, restaurant or retail management, culinary arts, mass communications, and marketing can gain transferable skills they can apply to their future careers.

The creator of this town center, about 2.5 miles from campus, is Rick Caruso, founder and CEO of Caruso Affiliated, a real estate development company that has built other outdoor sites such as The Grove in Los Angeles.

While trying to move forward with his project, Caruso faced years of opposition.

In 2002, General Growth Properties, owners of the Glendale Galleria across the street,

began a campaign against the construction of the Americana, filing two lawsuits against Caruso concerned about negative impacts to their business.

Glendale residents, divided on the issue of the outdoor mall’s effect on the city, voted on a measure in 2004 that backed the City Council’s approval of the decision to proceed with plans to develop the Americana.

On opening day, Caruso joined with Glendale Mayor John Drayman and other business and civic leaders for the opening ceremony on The Green, a 2-acre grassy area in the center of the village.

“Welcome to your Americana at Brand,” Drayman said to the cheering crowd.

He thanked Caruso for partnering with Glendale to bring “this wonderful new symbol that will characterize not just a retail and shopping destination, but that also will symbolize the rebirth of Glendale as a premiere city in California, and the rebirth of a great new economic engine for Glendale.”

After a champagne toast, and as the USC marching band played, dignitaries and individuals from the crowd took the first ride through the venue on the orangecolored, two-car trolley, circa early 1900s, cutting through the red ribbon and officially opening the Americana at Brand at 10 a.m.

Reflecting the jovial mood of the crowd and the positive hopes expressed by the mayor was Glendale resident Johnny

Photo by Allan Beglarian

On May 2, the orange tram, an icon of Americana, inches toward the red ribbon as the media and special guests anticipate the grand opening of the retail and luxury living complex.

Arrazola. He followed the path of the trolley, smiling from earto-ear, cheering as he strolled through the plaza gazing up at the buildings he had been waiting to see since 8:30 a.m.

“The reason why I have a smile is because I’m seeing everyone enjoying a good time out here in the public,” Arrazola said. “It’s wonderful, I love it. …There is a lot of potential for business here, and for a lot of wonderful things to happen.”

Unlike Arrazola, however, GCC student Edwin Lopez, who is taking computer classes, was not as happy with the new structure.

“I don’t have any plans of going there any time soon,” said Lopez, who lives one block from the Americana. “What’s the point of building a mall next to a mall?

“One of my concerns is the traffic, which is already visible,” he continued. “There are other things of course … like too much consumerism. Why do we need more trendy shops? It seems like they are trying to kind of make it like a small Beverly Hills, where you have to have money to hang around. It’s kind of pushing out the people without money.”

With the addition of upscale shops like Barney’s New York CoOp has come an increase in law enforcement in the surrounding area.

Throughout the day, helicopters circled above the complex, while police officers kept vigil, directing the mounting traffic on Brand Boulevard and Central Avenue.

Glendale police sergeant Javier Ruiz said the [police] department has been working for months with the management staff of the Americana and the city’s traffic engineering department to develop a plan to manage traffic throughout the entire downtown retail district.

“Although there are a lot of cars and people coming into the center, traffic has been moving very smoothly”, said Ruiz, “we have received absolutely no complaints.”

“We have adequate police and law enforcement personnel on hand to ensure it maintains a nice, safe environment,” said Ruiz.

This added security will also help businesses in the immediate

area, which have benefitted from the influx of people.

“So far, since it opened, we have had a little bit of increase in business,” said Angel Cauich, assistant manager at Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant and Bar a few blocks away.

“We have noticed that a lot of the customers have said it has been too busy and pricey for them to dine for the night [at the Americana at Brand].

The prices are a little bit too high, and with the economy right now, a lot of people are not spending a lot of money.”

This security can also Photo by Allan Beglarian direct students to the The Americana at the corner of Brand Bouleshops they want to apply vard and Harvard Street.

United States. to for work, which GCC David Brown, nursing major, has helped students find.

Kathy Kostjal, student services operated the 180-foot steel and technician at the college’s Job glass elevator tower that harkens Placement Center, said students back to the industrial era. Clad are asking about employment in a navy jacket with gold trim, opportunities at the Americana, charcoal grey pants, a pillbox hat and are looking at the current and white gloves, he spoke with job posting they have for Gilly people about the surrounding Hicks, a retail store described as landscapes on their ride up.

Even though most places on the “cheeky Australian cousin” of Abercrombie & Fitch, which will site are staffed, students have job opportunities to look forward to. open later this year.

Tiffany & Co. and Calvin “I think it’s a good opportunity for our students because it has Klein open this summer, followed made a lot more jobs available in by others later this year.

Although the Job Placement Glendale,” said Kostjal.

She said in the 11 years she and Career Centers on campus has been at the school, she hasn’t are working with the student seen any other event in Glendale body, right now there are no that has brought so many official partnerships with the Americana to help maximize job opportunities to students.

Even Judie Apablaza, Career opportunities for students.

But the college is optimistic.

Center counselor next door “Now that the Americana is to Kostjal, has informed her students of job opportunities at completed, the college would be happy to explore partnership the Americana. said GCC “I try to talk it up because it’s opportunities,” a wonderful [job] opportunity,” president Audre Levy.

Until then, students can apply Apablaza said to those who have seen her for help with their directly through the individual resumes. “You’re looking at a retail stores and restaurants, or www.carusoaffiliated. tremendous amount of people through com for office jobs and just in entry-level jobs.”

Some students were already management.

The Americana at Brand is working on opening day.

Dressed in the traditional located at 889 Americana Way. It white jacket and pants, black is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday bow tie, and black and white hat, through Saturday and 11 a.m. to Michael Jun, business major, sold 7 p.m. Sunday. Self-parking and 99-cent ice cream on the opening valet is available on the property. shift for the 1931 Ford Model A Good Humor Ice Cream Truck, Arpee Markarian can be reached at one of only two available in the arpee_markarian@elvaq.com

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

9

OPINION

Concealed Weapons on Campus Would Endanger Everyone

By Jessica Bourse

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

I

t has been a little over a year since the Virginia Tech Massacre, in which gunman Seung-Hui Cho, 23, shot and killed 32 people in cold blood before committing suicide. Since then, more than 30,000 students, teachers and parents have joined together to create Students for Concealed Carry on Campus.

“Students for Concealed Carry on Campus is a national, nonpartisan, grassroots organization,” says the coalition’s Web site, “… who support the right of concealed handgun license holders to carry concealed handguns on college campuses.”

That’s right — guns allowed on college campuses. Are we in the Twilight Zone?

For years, law enforcement and the education system have programmed us to react a certain way toward weapons in school, the golden rule being: if you see someone carrying a gun, report it right away. Why? Guns don’t belong on campus.

The gun laws in California are fairly strict, only allowing certain people to obtain concealed

carry permits, such as law enforcement, money couriers and other selected individuals. Here on campus, weapons of any sort are prohibited, and failure to comply will result in arrest and prosecution.

However, last year, the state of Utah enacted a bill, allowing licensed students to carry concealed weapons onto public college campuses. The bill also prohibits public colleges and universities from placing a ban on bringing weapons to school.

Hypothetically speaking, what if California became like Utah?

What if GCC, by law, permitted concealed weapons on campus?

Would YOU feel safer?

“I wouldn’t feel safer if students were allowed to carry weapons to school,” said Lourdes Flores, 23, an administration of justice major. “Too many students would take advantage of that and would bring guns on campus.”

If the campus allowed concealed weapons , how would we know who has a permit and who doesn’t?

We wouldn’t know, because running around for an hourly census would be a ridiculous waste of time. The weapons

would be concealed, leaving us in complete oblivion or paranoia, which ever of the two extremes you prefer, about who has a gun.

Does that quiet girl who sits behind you in math class have a gun? Or is it that guy you used to make fun of last semester? Think he might snap?

“People wouldn’t just bring guns for protection,” said Michelle Phan, 19, a nursing major. “People would start bringing weapons for reasons other than safety, thinking they can solve conflicts between other students and themselves.”

“I’m opposed to concealed carry on campus,” said Sean Carlos, 18, a psychology/ sociology major, “I don’t think the mass majority of the population, especially college students, can handle the responsibility of carrying a concealed weapon on campus.”

“I wouldn’t support that kind of legislature,” said police Chief Steven Wagg, “It’s not just carrying a gun — it’s carrying a lot of responsibility. Guns require hundreds of hours of training, and without training one becomes a liability, not an asset.”

Wagg said, “If there was

no choice but to allow conceal carry on campus, I would offer training to students who would be interested in carrying guns.

The training would also inform students not to get involved with police action, how to be the best witness they can be, and to let the school police do their jobs.”

So how do we protect ourselves from another Cho, if we can’t carry guns on campus?

The solution is awareness and prevention. Sounds simple, and it is, but like everything else, it requires work and dedication

from both school and students.

Teaching awareness and prevention would include: informing students and teachers on what behaviors are suspicious and unusual, counseling disturbed students, installing metal detectors, scheduling emergency drills, and installing an emergency system, which we already have.

Guns on campus are not the answer to solving school violence.

We, as students, should leave the law enforcement to the police.

Jessica Bourse can be reached at jessica_bourse@elvaq.com

Shouldn’t We Already Be Done With College?

By Chabeli Sanchez EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

Isn’t it time that we’re done with college and moving on with our careers? Why are so many of us still here, making little or no progress? Why do we have to pay to be educated?

For some of us, we are here to transfer, for others just an associate’s degree is our goal, yet the day-to-day burdens of our working and personal lives make it hard to finish and move on.

There are the few lucky ones who transfer in two years without any problems, however, the not so lucky ones, myself included, we are still here. The actual process of transferring that we once thought would take two years, has taken many of us years to complete. And, why is that, what is holding us back from getting out of here?

Could it actually be that some of us have jobs, families of our own to watch and feed, significant others to care for, and then to top it off the school work needed to graduate or transfer from college?

Most students not only juggle schoolwork but also work jobs and some even have families of their own, making it difficult to take a full load of classes a semester. Considering all of the responsibilities, many students can take only two or three classes a semester.

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)

states that only 27 percent of students who are enrolled at community colleges full-time also work full-time. Roughly 50 percent of students are either full-time students and part-time workers or part-time students and full-time workers. The good old days of mommy and daddy paying for everything while their kids were away at school are starting to fizzle.

Students are now are making their educational hopes and dreams come true themselves.

Countries like Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Hungary, Switzerland and Finland all provide higher education for no cost, just as long as the student is a full-time student. However, the land of opportunity and might I add the land of the free, does not provide free education higher then the 12 grade.

It is becoming more and more difficult to finish school these days. With the way the economy is going, working is more important then school.

Gas prices are at an all time high. If you can’t get to work to make money, how are you going to pay for your education? Financial Aid does help, but what about the people that financial aid doesn’t help?

Education should not be a luxury; it should be a human right.

Chabeli Sanchez can be reached at chabeli_sanchez@elvaq.com

10

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

www.elvaq.com 11

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

No Short Comings

J

for

— Photos and Story by Graig Agop Administrative Clerical Lite Industial

onas mania captivated 16,000 fans at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine when both Disney stars and new and old school hip-hop artists united for KIIS-FM’s “Wango Tango” concert on Saturday.

Fans arrived early and packed the venue, since promoters made sure that concert-goers knew co-headliners The Jonas Brothers were scheduled to go on first at this sold-out event.

The threesome kicked off the night with “That’s Just The Way We Roll,” and kept those devoted fans close to tears and on their feet throughout their 30-minute set, which eventually came to a close with their hit “SOS.” The Dey and Shwayze followed, but most fans were anticipating the first performance

by Miley Cyrus since the Vanity Fair scandal. Cyrus dominated the stage wearing black in “Start All Over,” then introduced two new songs from her upcoming CD due in July.

She ended her nine-song-set the with “See You Again.” Cyrus then treated concert-goers with a Miley and Mandy reunion and taped a segment for their next You Tube video.

Cyrus delivered a solid high-energy performance, but it honestly wasn’t the same without her other half, Hannah Montana. It felt as if fans were getting half of what they expected.

Cherish, Danity Kane, and Flo-Rida were the next set of performers, and they kept it upbeat and simple with short three song sets. But the question on everybody’s mind was where is Lindsay Lohan? Though management was predicting a no-show, the alleged “cohost” and mean-girl vixen finally made her appearance at 10 p.m. and shared her career plans before she introduced Snoop Dogg. Pitbull later closed the show.

The Kardashians, Perez Hilton, Ryan Seacrest and the cast of The Hills were among some of the presenters that announced the performers throughout the night.

Though most artists kept it short, fans got their money’s worth with extended sets by headliners The Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, and Snoop Dogg. The short, fun, fast-moving pace, made the concert enjoyable, exciting, and satisfying.

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(From right, counterclockwise) Miley Cyrus delivers as she kicks off her set by strutting across the stage to “Start All Over.”

Snoop Dogg brings down the Amphitheatre with the classics.

Fan favorites The Jonas Brothers kick off early on in the night; Co-host Lindsay Lohan pumps up the crowd; Rapper Flo-Rida gets low.

Graig Agop can be reached at Graig_Agop@elvaq.com

12

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

www.elvaq.com

FEATURES

High School Dance Day Attracts New Students

Scholarship Aids Science Students

Hollywood each performed two dances each, Ribét performed ore than 200 high school one. Ribét and University were students came to GCC attending the event for their to participate in a High School second time, while Taft and Dance Day organized by the Hollywood were attending for the first time. dance department Saturday. “[High School Dance Day] The event was first organized gives them a different perspective last year by Glendale’s Phyllis on dancing,” said Elaine Balden, Eckler, a modern dance teacher, as a dance instructor from Ribét a way to expose the Academy, “and dance department to I like that.” students on campus At the end and potential of the show, newcomers. there were “What a better four trophies way for our students handed out; to find out about our for technical department,” said excellence, Lynn McMurrey, performance, associate professor choreography, of dance. and best of show The Dance respectively.

Day offered dance —Alex Da Silva R i b é t lessons for attendees A c a d e m y to the event from was given 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. taught by the technical excellence trophy, GCC faculty along with such well-known figures as Alex Da University High won the best Silva and Shane Sparks, two performance trophy, Taft was choreographers and judges from awarded the best choreography the hit Fox TV show “So You trophy, and Hollywood High won the best of show trophy.

Think You Can Dance.”

There was also a $350 “I think this is good for the scholarship awarded to John people at the college, because Gibbons, a student from it gives them a balance… They University High. don’t have to worry about grades, “I knew it’d be fun as I’ve done they come here to have fun,” said college dance festivals before,” Da Silva. said Victor Robles, a jazz teacher At 5:15 p.m., there was a at Glendale. competition between several The dance department can be of the high schools attending contacted at (818)-240-1000 ext. the event. The competing high 5556. schools were Ribét Academy,

M

By Brent Wallace

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

M

“They don’t have to worry about grades, they come here to have fun”

University, Taft, and Hollywood.

There were seven dances total, as University, Taft, and

The Roundup

Brent Wallace can be reached at brent_wallace@elvaq.com

By Arpee Markarian EL VAQUERO COPY EDITOR

ath, science, engineering, and technology majors wondering where they can get help with the cost of school don’t have to search any further.

Students from these disciplines now have a chance to apply for the Math and Science Transfer, Excellence and Retention (MASTER) Scholarship Program, a grant that awards up to $1,500 per year to financially disadvantaged students who plan to transfer to a four-year university.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) an independent agency of the federal government that funds educational institutions has given $500,000 to GCC for the next five years, in order to award up to 70 scholarships per year to students who maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average, demonstrate a financial need, are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, are enrolled in 12 units or more each semester, and plan to pursue higher education.

Sid Kolpas, professor of mathematics, runs the program and is in charge of selecting applicants.

“It’s an amazing scholarship,” Kolpas said, “All it asks of the student is to pass the classes and take advantage of all the things the scholarship offers,” referring to the other advantages of the program, including access to a faculty mentor, an email newsletter, and the summer bridge/academic enrichment program.

This four-week curriculum starts June 30, and takes place in

one of the classrooms on campus.

It is open to all grant recipients.

There are only 29 spots available, however, and admission is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Kolpas, along with a former scholarship student, teach Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They cover algebra, trigonometry, and beginning calculus in-depth, “deeper than one can ever do in a regular class,” Kolpas said.

Those enrolled receive a TI calculator and bookstore voucher, both valued at $150, and can park free in the campus lots.

For fun and further learning experiences, the students take field trips each Friday. Past outings have included visits to the California Science Center, the Getty Museum, Griffith Park, or Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

“Students get to bond, talk about future goals, and form a learning community,” said Kolpas.

After the four weeks, students meet with either counselor Greg Perkins or Kevin Messa to devise a student educational plan, if they don’t already have one, and they get priority registration for the following semester.

“It’s all to encourage them to be good students and to complete their degree,” Kolpas said.

Fifteen students have already been accepted for the MASTER Scholarship program, leaving 55 spots open to those who want to apply. The deadline is May 16, with an extension to May 30.

To be considered for the scholarship, students must fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online, if they haven’t already done so, and submit an application.

After these forms have been reviewed, winners will by notified by mail the first week of June.

A recipient of this award last fall was Karla Acosta Diaz, current math major who plans to transfer to UC Berkley.

“I felt like everything I was working hard for was paying off,” Diaz said. “It felt like a great achievement because it’s funded by the National Science Foundation. So I thought, wow, I can call myself a scientist now.”

She said one of the most valuable things of the scholarship, in addition to the mentoring she received, was the money. It allowed work only two days a week instead of the 25 hours she was putting in.

Another former recipient was Herire Golnazarian, biology major, who transferred to USC this spring.

“It felt great to win an academic award,” he said. “It gives you more passion for pursuing your career.”

Like Diaz, he also benefitted by gaining more time to study and focus on school instead of trying to increase his hours at work, and by working with a mentor.

“This is a great program to be a part of,” Golnazarian said.

“Everyone in this program, especially Dr. Kolpas, is really caring about the students and does something positive to help students move on.”

For an application and more information, visit www.glendale. edu/master or contact Sid Kolpas at skolpas@glendale.edu.”

Arpee Markarian can be reached at arpee_markarian@elvaq.com

by Corinna Scott

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

13

FEATURES

Dose of Humor Called For

By Claudia Anaya

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

C

omedian Michelle Garb is helping to soften the stigma of having a mental illness by speaking about her experiences with both an eating and bipolar disorders, and bringing into view celebrities who have come out about their illnesses.

“I’m Going Mental: Mental Illness With a Dose of Humor” was Garb’s title for her mental illness and awareness presentation on May 1 in Kreider Hall from noon to 1 p.m.

With a few punch lines and various picture slides and sound bites, Garb’s presentation was more informational than humorous as she shared her experiences with bipolar disorder after saying that “26 percent of people have a mental illness…and some may have multiple diagnoses.”

Bipolar disorder is a combination of manic episodes and depressive episodes, which usually “gets diagnosed when you are between 15 and 20 years of age.”

“People who are bipolar may talk rapidly, have grandiose ideas, and drive recklessly.

Since there is no cure, there is medication that could help in lessening the high and low episodes of bipolar disorder,” said Garb.

Garb’s high energy during her manic episodes caused her to have sex with 10 men she met at a bar one night, “not all at the same time, and not all at the same place, they were just all at the bar the same night,” she said.

With sound bites and slides of her as a runner with a small fragile frame, Garb mentioned a mixed episode, where she would often run and cry at the same time.

If there is a drop in school Garb’s foot snapped during performance, work, or if they say a race one day as her bones had life isn’t worth living, or may be become fragile from of her eating giving away prized possessions, disorder. are signs that suicide may be on On the flip side of her high- their mind. energy manic episodes, Garb If someone is contemplating would often get depressed. suicide, “they should call 1-800“It’s a down feeling that SUICIDE to talk to people that doesn’t seem to go away, and can help, or take them to the you can’t just snap out of it,” said emergency room. Don’t make Garb. fun of them, but to try to help When people are depressed and try to engage them in other they feel like they “can’t get activities and out of bed, are so don’t minimize down that they how they feel,” don’t want to get said Garb. back up, they’re Garb spends a sleeping too much lot of time alone, or not enough, not but feels good eating enough or when performing they’re eating too in front of people. much,” said Garb.

After getting People often her bachelor’s get depressed degree in but when it last communications weeks, months, she decided to or even years, it wait tables and becomes chronic become a stand-up depression. comedian.

—Michelle Garb 1.5 million After divorcing Americans suffer her first husband, from mild or she began to take the medication chronic depression, 6.7 percent she now takes religiously and suffer from major depressive often talks to people on the phone disorder that affects the mind, to bring her down from manic body and thoughts. episodes.

If depression remains “It’s nice to see that someone untreated, it could become severe could be so open,” said Juliet and people may become suicidal Bagoomian, 20, psychology and have suicidal thoughts. major, after the lecture.

“If someone mentions suicide, Garb is not the only one you need to take it very seriously,” coming out about her mental said Garb. illness. Several celebrities have Suicide is the third leading gone public about their illnesses. cause of death of people 15 Courtney Cox Arquette, Kurt through 24 years old.“More Cobain, and Marilyn Monroe people die from suicide than from suffered from depression. homicide each year,” said Garb.

Pictures of Britney Spears, Garb spoke of how friends or Tim Burton, Jim Carrey and classmates can help someone that Ben Stiller showed up on screen, seems depressed or shows signs noting that they have all been of depression. diagnosed as bipolar.

“Suicide is the third leading cause of death of people 15 through 24 years old”

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Cameron Diaz and David Beckham were shown as having OCD and Mary Kate Olsen, Nicole Richie and Paula Abdul have all suffered from eating disorders.

Garb brought into view other illnesses such as obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

For more information email: Michellegarb@Mac.com Claudia Anaya can be reached at claudia_anaya@elvaq.com

Latino Student Group Celebrates for a Good Cause

By Claudia Anaya

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he Association of Latin American Students (A.L.A.S.) along with Voces de Mañana, Philippine Cultural Organization, and the Creative Minds club presented “Pena,” a Latin cultural festival with proceeds going to the Children of Chiapas Foundation.

More than 100 people celebrated with live music, performers, and Latin cuisine on May 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. in Plaza Vaquero.

The Children of Chiapas Foundation is a grassroots nonprofit organization that seeks to find solutions to end children’s homelessness, and promote children’s education, culture, and healthy recreational activities in Mexico and around the globe.

Rocio Watson, founder of the Children of Chiapas Foundation, goes to Chiapas, Mexico twice a year to check on the program she founded.

The program gives kids who cannot continue their education past the sixth grade (because they live in remote villages and the only resource is a broken down elementary school) a chance to keep on learning.

The kids would “usually have to travel outside their village which creates chaos in the family because it’s very expensive for them to travel, as well as having to buy school supplies and sometimes school uniforms which makes it too expensive for the kids of Chiapas,” said Watson.

About 350 families live in the Chiapas village that Watson will be going to along with eight students to deliver the money and to interact with the community from July 26 until Aug. 3.

The students will be breaking into groups and organizing projects in Chiapas.

Women studies students will be teaching women about their reproductive rights, and will also teach an empowerment program.

The Children of Chiapas Foundation works with a center in Chiapas, which hosts children during the school year and

provides them lodging and tutorial services, which the foundation provides financial support for.

The foundation sends money for food, school supplies, lodging, and have even sent computers in the past.

There are currently eight girls from 12 to 14 years of age in the program.

“Every child has the goal to go back and serve their community and putting their education back into the community,” said Watson.

Since “there are no overhead costs, there’s no office, we work out of our home, everything goes to the kids,” said Watson.

Watson and volunteers pay for their own travel expenses.

The small community Watson and volunteers will be visiting, is very committed to their people.

“They have very low crime rates and they don’t allow any alcohol into their community,” said Watson.

A.L.A.S. was able to save money on the celebration to raise money for the foundation since “Barragans [restaurant] in Burbank donated rice and beans and Acapulco restaurant donated rice, beans, and chips,” said Claudia Montes, 19, business law major and A.L.A.S. member.

Chiles rellenos, enchiladas, pupusas, burritos, and empanadas were among other Latin food served at the celebration that parents, students, and children attended.

The eight to 10 vendors were charged $20 to set up booths in Plaza Vaquero, which went to The Children of Chiapas Foundation.

Aztec and Bolivian dancers also performed in the Latin festival.

Claudia Anaya can be reached at claudia_anaya@elvaq.com

www. elvaq. com

14

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

New Grand Theft Auto IV Is a Blast to Play

By Brent Wallace

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

G

rand Theft Auto 4 (GTA 4) is the highly anticipated debut of Rockstar Game’s Grand Theft Auto series onto the next generation consoles. The GTA series is one of the biggest, most well known franchises in the gaming industry, if not the multimedia industry as a whole.

The GTA series has always been famous for its sandbox game play that allows you to explore large cities and do just about whatever you want. GTA 4 takes this sandbox game play to a whole new level with the living and breathing city that is Liberty City, along with various game play improvements from previous installations in the series.

The game is not without its minor frustrations, but GTA 4 is unquestionably a grand experience that is a blast to play.

In GTA 4, you play as Niko Bellic, an illegal immigrant who arrives in America hoping to start a new life. Unfortunately, Bellic does not find what he expects and has no choice but to live a life of crime in Liberty City. The main storyline follows Bellic and his life in Liberty City, along with his interactions with the various criminal factions and contacts you meet in the city.

GTA 4 follows the same formula that was used by GTA 3 back in 2001. You get to explore Liberty City and do just about anything you want to. Along with the main storyline’s missions and side missions, you can steal cars, start a brawl in the bar with a friend, get drunk, and much more.

One of the main reasons that just exploring Liberty City is so satisfying is that the city itself is truly alive in GTA 4. The roads of the city are always bustling with activity as pedestrians and drivers alike go about their business.

Just exploring Liberty City and causing some havoc proves to be a very nice diversion from GTA 4’s missions, which can get a bit repetitive after a while.

Along with a vastly improved city, GTA 4 makes a number of notable improvements to the basic game play. The combat is much easier and more satisfying thanks to a new targeting system, which is quite intuitive and makes it easy to shoot enemies and their different body parts.

The combat system also benefits from a cover system, which allows you to take cover behind walls, cars, trees, and more. These new elements added to GTA 4’s combat are not entirely original, but GTA 4 makes great use of these improvements.

Steal as many cars as you want in Grand Theft Auto IV.

Just like previous entries of the series, you of course have to worry about the cops chasing you down.

Whenever the cops start chasing you, the game displays a bar that ranges from one to six stars.

This bar represents your wanted level. The higher the level, the more equipment, such as better weapons or helicopters, the cops will bring in to arrest you.

Due to the navigation system provided for you however, escaping the cops is very easy unless your wanted level goes very high. It is still very entertaining when the cops get involved though, as it is a very tense experience when they start hunting for you with helicopters.

Perhaps the most amusing new element in GTA 4 is the cell phone.

The cell phone allows you to call your contacts for various reasons, either for the main storyline, to take up side missions, or go out with someone. But you are not the only one capable of making calls; your contacts can also call you at any time, even when you’re in combat.

GTA 4 is unfortunately not flawless, as there are a number of problems within the game.

The enemy artificial intelligence (AI) in GTA 4 is decent enough in that it uses cover against you and has a pretty good aim. Unfortunately, when on the defensive against you, the enemy AI is noticeably inflexible as it foolishly sticks to the cover it is scripted to use, no matter what position you are in.

The friendly AI in GTA 4 also has problems, as it suffers from occasional pathfinding glitches. These glitches are rare, but they are common enough to be noticeable and they can bring consequences upon the player that could have otherwise easily been avoided.

GTA 4’s replay system also has its setbacks. If you ever fail a mission, the replay system in GTA 4 lets you replay that mission immediately. While it is quite a generous system, it can induce frustration in players when a mission starts with a very long drive. So if you failed such a mission you have to take that long drive again in its entirety.

This annoyance is relatively infrequent, but it can hamper the pace of the game at times.

When you are done with the single player, or just simply can’t stand to be alone in the big city, you

can leap into GTA 4’s multiplayer modes. The main attraction here is undoubtedly the ability to just cause havoc throughout the city with up to 15 other players. If you want however, there are also more classic modes such as death matches and races.

Graphically, GTA 4 is not the most detailed game on the market from a technical standpoint.

Fortunately, the game still looks great with excellent character and car models. The game also has some great lighting and impressive water effects, especially when it rains.

GTA 4 has a lot of music for you to listen to while your’e exploring the city, as the game has a rather large licensed soundtrack, most of which is played on the various radio stations you can listen to in a car. There is also tons of outstanding voice acting for both the main characters and the civilians you run into.

The GTA series is not just famous for its high-quality game play, but is also well-known for its mature content. GTA 4 has plenty of this type of content just like previous entries in the series.

For example, GTA 4 lets you go to a strip club where you can admire girls in thongs. The game even lets you drive drunk. In short, this is of course not a game you want your kids playing, but older gamers will probably enjoy GTA 4’s mature aspects.

All matters considered, GTA 4 is an excellent game that anyone with an Xbox 360 or Playstation 3 must have. Despite some minor setbacks, you owe it to yourself to check out the amazing experience that is GTA 4.

Released: April 29 ESRB rating: M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs, Use of Alcohol Retail Price: $59.99 Availability: Retail stores and online vendors.

My Score: 4 out of 4 stars

GTA IV

Sets Sales Record • T he Grand Theft Auto series has always been one of the best selling franchises in the gaming industry, but Grand Theft Auto 4 has broken records set by the entire multimedia industry with sales of $500 million reported in the game’s firstweek.

• Analyst’s predictions on GTA 4’s first-week sales were mixed, but Take Two, GTA 4’s main distributor and the parent company of Rockstar Games, predicted sales of 6 million units in the first week. Their prediction was the most accurate, as GTA 4 is reported to have sold 6 million units globally in its first week • G TA 4’s first-day sales were particularly impressive with 3.6 million units sold and 310 million in profits; nearly doubling Halo 3’s first-day sales.

• Take-Two was quick to proclaim GTA 4 as the bestselling launch of the entire multimedia industry, beating records made by games, movies, and music.

• As a result from GTA 4’s outstanding first-week performance, Take Two’s stock value has been steadily increasing.

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Just get it. Read it and use it.

Contact: Dori Talevi

(818) 247-9822 Brent Wallace can be reached at brent_wallace@elvaq.com

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

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Marvel Comics’‘Iron Man’ is Made of Gold

By Eric Konarki

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

here is never a shortage of superhero films and “Iron Man” got the worm before the rest of the birds. “The Incredible Hulk” and “The Dark Night” aren’t due until summer.

Although there are many cheesy comic book pictures, “Iron Man” exceeds the expectations of the typical superhero movie with its wit and special effects.

Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr., “Goodnight, and Good Luck,” 2005) is the CEO of the advanced weaponry company Stark Industries, which produces high-tech weapons for the U.S. military. After his father death, Stark inherits his father’s billions and lives his life as a powerful, arrogant playboy.

While in Afghanistan, demonstrating new weapons to the Air Force, his convoy is attacked by terrorists. Tony is wounded by a Stark Industries missile and is captured and held hostage in a cave when a doctor (Shaun Toub) saves his life.

Ultimately the terrorists want him to recreate the missile that put him in harms way, however, he instead builds a protective, weapons-laden suit and rescues himself. Once back home, he improves his suit of armor, sees the light and goes about making right the many wrongs he and Stark Industries have done.

Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of the legendary Iron Man is not only believable but natural.

His goals are always achieved and his personality, attitude, and physique is credible. In the way

the iron suit is custom made to fit Stark, this role was custom made for Downey Jr. Terrence Howard (“Hustle and Flow,” 2005) portrays Air Force weapons liaison, Jim Rhodes, but his performance contradicts his character. Military officers should be strong and decisive, and Howard’s portrayal as a weak, gullible yes-man lacks realism.

Jeff Bridges (“A Dog Year,” 2008”) plays Obadiah Stane/ Iron Monger. From the beginning of the movie, evil drips off Stane’s character. It is predictable who the villain is due to his facial gestures and sneaky actions.

Gwyneth Palthrow’s (“Running With Scissors,” 2006) portrayal of the strawberry blonde Virginia “Pepper” Potts, Stark’s assistant is respectable.

Shaun Toub plays the doctor, Yinsen, who saves Stark’s life. His portrayal of the Middle Eastern whose selflessness is honorable because he puts his life in danger to better humanity and help make the world safer.

Actor-turned-director Jon Favreau (“The Break-Up,” 2006) does a proficient job. He manages the perfect amount of action in this film. Favreau’s vision for this picture is professional and driven.

The special effects of “Iron Man” are tasteful and not over the top. The realistic aspects of the explosions did not out shine the acting or the plot of the movie but spiced it up. The hardware and technological advances were impressive and proved that Stark’s genius is worth capturing.

“Iron Man” is not like the typical superhero action movie.

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Comedy was a huge part of this movie which grabs the viewer’s attention. The on-going joke between Stark and his robotic creation is hilarious and never ceases to disappoint.

Writers, Mark Furgus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum, and Matt Holloway’s fresh-take on the comic that was introduced in 1963 was unique because of the adaptation and technical advances portrayed in the new millennium.

The creator of Iron Man, Stan Lee’s vision of this super hero was different then the other Marvel superhero’s because his superpower is his brain and ability to advance in the technical field.

Overall, “Iron Man” is a great hit and provides comedy and action something for the whole family. Everything fits well and keeps you truly entertained My Rating: 3 out of 4 stars.

Run-time: Rated PG-13

126

minutes.

Eric Konarki can be reached at eric_konarki@elvaq.com

Robert Downey Jr. fights the millitary industrial complex in “Iron Man.”

‘Baby Mama’ Makes Infertility Fun

By Chabeli Sanchez EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

F

ormer Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast members reunite in this spring's funniest movie to date, "Baby Mama" from writer and director Michael McCullers, who also brought us the "Austin Powers" series.

When prim and proper businesswoman Kate Holbrook (Tina Fey) finds herself in her thirties, un-wed and without children she decides she needs to finally start the family she had been holding back on for so long. Since finding a man is tough when you’re as career driven as Holbrook had to find a new menthod in starting a family. Since she cannot get pregnant, she decides to hire a surrogate mother, or in plainer

terms, a "Baby Momma," Angie Ostrowiski (Amy Poehler).

Holbrook and Ostrowiski find themselves under the same roof when Ostrowiski leaves her husband (Carl) played by MTV’s "Punked" star Dax Shepard and has nowhere else to go. Holbrook finds having the new roommate exciting, however, having the ability to take the journey along with Ostrowiski while she is carrying her child is more than she expected.

Along the way Holbrook learns of many habits that disgust her. Like the fact that Ostrowiski eats pure junk food and does not appreciate the delicious organic food that Holbrook enjoys. But in no time these two are having a ball together, talking boys and love, taking lamaze classes together and even brushing up on

the fine art of karaoke.

One of the most entertaining scenes in the movie is when Holbrook has just finished having the house child-protected and ready for the new arrival, and Ostrowiski cannot figure out how to open the toilet seat with the new latch attached.

So instead of asking for help, she decides to use the sink as her toilet. When Holbrook sees what Ostrowiski is doing, the look of disgust on her face makes the entire scene.

Co-starring the always funny Steve Martin, who plays Holbrook's very "earthy" boss Barry, fellow SNL cast members Will Forte (Scott) and Fred Armisen (Stroller Salesmen).

[See ‘Baby Mama,’ Page 16]

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Wednesday, May 14, 2008

www.elvaq.com

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT / SPORTS

Creative Minds Club Hosts Art Show in Plaza Vaquero

By Sharese Mirzakhanyan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he Creative Minds club held its first art exhibit on Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Plaza Vaquero.

There were an estimated 40 art pieces on display over the two days.

“The purpose of the Creative Minds is to get exposure to the arts and the talents of individuals at GCC,” said Vangie Jimenez,

president of the club.

Students will have the chance to meet others with their same goals in fine arts and pursue their ambitions. The club will hold an art show once every semester.

“It’s an organization to enhance the arts in our community. The art exhibit was our first attempt to accomplish our goal,” said Benny Aziles, 24, production manager.

The club is not limited to art students; it is open to all photographers, musicians, and to students with an interest in

Steve Martin Shines in ‘Baby Mama’

[‘Baby Mama,’ from Page 15]

Also featuring Sigourney Weaver (Chaffee Bicknell) and Greg Kinnear as Holbrook's love interest Rob. Martin strays away from the clean-cut characters he has previously played in movies like "Father of the Bride" and "Cheaper by the Dozen" and turns into a very unique character. He is obsessed with the outdoors and traveling, and very much into organic food.

And when his employee's do a job well, he gives them a full five minutes of just staring into their eyes. If that is not akward enough, then his long gray hair tied into a ponytail and very earthy clothing will leave you wondering if that was really Martin in the movie.

Strange as it all may sound, it all meshes incredibly well with the story.

This movie will have the audience rolling on the floor with laughter, and leaving the theater with sore abdominal

muscles. The chemistry that Fey and Poelher share on the silver screen in unbelievable.

"Baby Mama" is rated PG13 for crude and sexual humor, language and a drug reference.

I give this movie a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.

In theaters nationwide.

Written and directed and by Michael McCullers. Produced

by John Goldwyn and Lorne Michaels and executive produced by Jill Sobel Messick and Louise Rosner. Original music by Jeff Richmond. Cinematography by Daryn Okada.

Casting by Avy Kaufman. Released by Universal Pictures.

Production company Broadway Video in association with Relativity Media. Running time: 96 minutes.

Chabeli Sanchez can be reached at chabeli_sanchez@elvaq.com

Free Pregnancy Tests Are Available • V isit or call the Asian Pacific Health Care Venture – a community health center.

• Family Planning Services (STD Testing, Birth Control Methods, etc.), • Emergency Contraception Pill (ECP), and • Free Pregnancy Tests (walk-ins available) APHCV 1530 Hillhurst Ave., Suite 200,Los Angeles, CA 90027

(323) 644-3888 • www.aphcv.org

theater.

Everyone is welcome to join, even those who have no interest in fine arts. The club is accepting students who would like to help them with the organization and fundraisers.

The club plans to have art shows in Plaza Vaquero where students will have the opportunity to display their works for all to see. They will be making arrangements with people from outside of campus to attend the art shows and maybe buy some

of the pieces created by club members.

For musicians, instruments will be set around the exhibit to play as people come to observe the art work.

According to Jimenez, proceeds from sales will be donated to Fullerton College of Optometry.

All the artworks will be displayed at the college which will open in September.

“In order to get your art work up for the art shows on campus,

students must sign up early and pay a small fee,” Jimenez said. The club is still accepting members.

For more information contact beanyaviles007@yahoo.com Sharese Mirzakhanyan can be reached at smirzakhanyan@elvaq.com

www.elvaq.com

Vaqs Slip in Season Closer Against Number One Cougars

By Jake Madrigal

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

W

ith high hopes, the Vaquero baseball team entered its last game of the season on May 1 at home, against the College of the Canyons Cougars, but unable to pull through in the end, the Vaqs fell to a 8-5 loss.

Despite the loss, in support of his players, head coach Chris Cicuto said, “I’m proud of our performance today. We played hard, but just couldn’t come through in the end.”

As an unusually large crowd began to pour in on this last game of the season it looked as if the Vaqs has a good shot at taking down the number one ranked Cougars.

Entering the bottom of the second inning with zeros on the board for both teams, the Vaqs filled the bases quickly with two base hits and a walk, leaving sophomore Chris Arredondo the chance to draw blood first.

Failing to score with a ground out to first, the Vaqs continued the 0-0 battle.

This did not drag the Vaqs down. Bouncing back from his failed at bat, Arredondo made an outstanding diving catch in center field to bring the Vaqs back to the plate.

Leading off the third for the Vaqs was sophomore Ellis “Elbow” Bowen who pumped up the team with a solid base hit, followed by freshman Lazaro Fantas’ double that

allowed Bowen to score, which was followed, by another double from sophomore John Degomez, sending Fantas in to score.

The Vaqs held and advanced their lead in the fourth by stopping the Cougars with bases loaded sending them back to the field.

With the momentum on their side the Vaqs backed up their success in the third by scoring two more runs from two more doubles by Fanta and Degomez, causing the Cougars to pull their pitcher and bring in relief.

With the crowd on their side the Vaqs continued to play good defense and backed it up with some good pitching from Barret.

Just as things were looking good for the Vaqs, the Cougars proved why they were number one by scoring two on base hits caused by two errors, followed by a three-run homer by Cougars sophomore outfielder Brian Charnock. In a matter of seconds the Cougars were both back in the game and in the lead with the score 5-4.

This didn’t seem to bring down the Vaqs. They bounced back with two base hits by Bowen and freshman Michael Mendoza on errors by the Cougars, allowing Bowen to score one more run to tie the game back up at 5-5.

As the Vaqs looked like they still were in the game, Mendoza was tagged out at home plate on what the crowd and team felt was a bad call by the umpire.

Emotions flared as they entered the seventh with hopes clenched tightly in their hands.

But the hopes weren’t enough as they were shut down by great

Cougar defense in the field with a double play forcing the Vaqs to once again take the field.

Still in the game, the Vaqs hopes began to fade when Cougar Tyler Oldham hit a solo home run, pumping up his team for what was to become the game-deciding inning.

Entering the ninth inning with a 6-5 score on the board, the Cougars unleashed their bats at the plate again with runners on second and third, smashing a hit to deep right field crushing the hopes of the Vaqs allowing two runs to score bring the Cougars on top with an 8-5 lead.

Unable to do much of anything in the bottom of the ninth, the Vaqs began to see their season flash before their eyes as the last game was coming to an end.

“We made some errors that really hurt us,” Cicuto said, looking back at the fifth-inning disaster that let the Cougars back in the game.

“We had a rough season but I’m proud of the kids today.

Barret pitched amazing and really gave people a look at what they’re going to be seeing in the next level,” said Cicuto.

“Now all we have left is to prepare for next season and see who will stay and who we will let go.”

The Vaqs ended the season with a 17-24 record, but walked away with their heads held high.

Jake Madrigal can be reached at jake_madrigal@elvaq.com

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

17

SPORTS

Star Runners Share a Passion, but Have Followed Different Paths in under four hours, which was the goal.”

A few months later Wadeck won her age division in a local 10k lendale track and field had race. After a few more local races, a lot of success this year. assistant coach David Rodriguez However two runners personify found Wadeck and recruited her that success a little more than to come and run for Glendale. everyone else. For the women Two weeks before the crossit has been sophomore Vivien country season started, Wadeck Wadeck, 29, who qualified for the was training to be on the team.

Southern California State Finals “When coach Rodriguez asked Meet in both the 1500-meters and me to be on the team I thought, as a member of the 400-meter I’m too old. The girls are a lot relay team. On the men’s side it younger and in better shape, but is sophomore Mike Flowers, 20, that was crazy,” she said. who qualified for the Southern Wadeck, who also was a California Finals in the 3,000member of the Lady Vaqs 2007 meter steeplechase.

State Champion cross-country Wadeck has had a lot of success team, has become an inspiration running at Glendale, competing to many locals. At a recent meet in both track and field and crossWadeck was approached by a country against competitors man she didn’t know who had sometimes as much as ten years some encouraging words. “He younger than her. said, ‘all of our girls want to be Wadeck’s running career like you,’ which I thought was started later than most runners kind of funny.”

Next year Wadeck will be running for Cal State L.A. where she has a full scholarship and will have two years of eligibility left. “It’s going to be a lot of hard work… But I am really excited to train with [assistant] coach Gretchen [Corrales] who recruited me.”

After graduation, Wadeck hopes to follow wherever the running will take her — whether that’s coaching or competing.

“I might like to get into coaching because I believe in the whole system.

Especially with what coach [Eddie] Lopez is doing, he is really great with developing runners and getting them to the next level. He makes them see their potential in running.”

Wadeck added, “Anyone can run as fast as me. It’s just training and how much you want to put into it.”

Flowers followed a more traditional route to the track team at Glendale. He was a star runner at Los Angeles High School, where he still holds records as a member Photo by Allan Beglarian of the 400-meter relay Vaquero track and field star Mike Flowers, 20, is headed to the California State team, the 1,600-meter relay Finals in Cerritos for the 3,000 meter steeplechase. team, and the distance

By Ross Coleman

EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

G

at this level. After swimming for most of her high school years, she didn’t start running until her junior year. After graduation she attended Central Arizona College where she ran for one year on a team that finished very high in the national championships.

However, after that first year Wadeck wasn’t sure she wanted to be there. “The first year I ran was different because I was out of high school, the practices were harder, there were more miles, but I didn’t give 100 percent and unless you have a coach who really cares, you can’t do it,” said Wadeck.

So after taking time off and leaving competitive running behind, Wadeck came out west to train for the L.A. Marathon in March of 2007.

“I really just ran on my own,” said Wadeck. “I trained for maybe a month, but I did OK. I finished

medley team where he ran the 1,600meter leg.

“I have always liked to run and play all kinds of sports, but I seemed really good at running.

However, I was lazy, I didn’t want to join a sports team, but my mom forced me to and now it has seemed to work out.”

Next year it appears that Flowers will be attending Adams State Photo by Allan Beglarian College in Lady vaquero star Vivien Wadeck, is also headed to the Alamosa, Colo.

Finals in Cerritos. where he will need to learn to run in the high altitude. “My main a lot and the team is really close fear is the cold,” Flowers said. together at all times,” he said.

Flowers also gives a lot of the “I will miss the training and credit to his success to his head dedication that the coaches have coach. “Coach Lopez pushes given to me and the team, it’s like me and helps me stay focused a family.” when I get a little off track,” said After graduation Flowers Flowers. “I think he is a really hopes to either begin coaching good coach.” others or possibly become a sports Flowers said there would team trainer. be a lot of things he is going to Ross Coleman can be reached at miss about this team next year.

Ross_Coleman@elvaq.com “I personally value friendships

18

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

www.elvaq.com

SPORTS / OPINION

The Top 10 Reasons Kobe Is The MVP

By Ross Coleman

EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

I

t is official. Number 24 in your programs, number one in your heart, Kobe Bryant is the NBA MVP. On May 6, Kobe became the fourth Los Angeles Laker to win the Most Valuable Player award. After 12 years in the NBA Kobe has won the award for the first time in his career.

The MVP is an award that is always up for debate. But after this season these are the top 10 reasons why Kobe deserves the award.

1. Played All 82 Games For only the second time in his career, Kobe has played all 82 games in the season. He was injury free. Every other MVP candidate missed time with injuries, but not Kobe. The guy was a machine.

2. 28-5-6 Jerry West, the guy whose image is used as the NBA Logo, is the only other Laker to average 28 points, five rebounds and six assists per game. Yes he did it three times and never won an MVP but that is still some exclusive company. Especially when you realize that Magic Johnson never did it.

3. Defense Kobe is the best defensive guard in the game. Not only will he score 50 on you but he can also hold you to ten. He is incredible at shutting down his man in tight situations. He is not only the defensive stopper for the Lakers but that is also his role for the U.S. National Team. He is a seven-time NBA All-Defensive team selection and will probably add number eight this year.

4. 15 Game Turnaround The Lakers won 15 more games this year than they did last year.

When you put that up against the 42 win improvement by the Celtics this year it doesn’t seem that significant, but 42 wins is a record turnaround so you can’t compare those two records. What you can say is that the Western Conference this year was the most competitive conference in

NBA history. The Golden State Warriors won 48 games and didn’t make the playoffs. If they were in the Eastern Conference they would have been the number four seed. Kobe didn’t just lead the team to 15 more wins; he led them to the best record in the West.

5. Playoffs So far in the playoffs Kobe has been phenomenal. The Lakers are yet to lose a game, sweeping the Nuggets in four games and winning game one against Utah.

Kobe has averaged 34.4 points 5.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game in the playoffs. Utah head coach Jerry Sloan admitted, “We can’t match up with Kobe Bryant.” And that was DURING game one. The job of the coach is to come up with a way to stop Kobe and he is saying to everyone at home watching the game that they can’t stop him; way to wave the white flag Jerry.

6. Sasha, Jordan, Andrew The three guys that Kobe had scrutinized the most, heard the call, and really stepped up this year because Kobe demanded a better team. Sasha Vujacic, Jordan Farmar, and Andrew Bynum all averaged career highs in all major categories. Bynum could possibly have been in the running for most improved had it not been for a major knee injury that limited him to only 35 games this year.

rebounds, and eights assists. This was the game where all experts said that the winner of the game would win the MVP. Kobe beat Chris Paul and as a result the Lakers also took over first place in the division.

9. Against Playoff Caliber Teams Against teams in the playoffs this year Kobe averaged 28.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.9 assists.

Now those numbers aren’t that much different than his regular season numbers but it shows that he is consistent against even the best competition.

10. Teammate Love This year more than ever Kobe has embraced his teammates. During his MVP acceptance speech Kobe gave a lot of credit to the team saying, “This is a team award.

This isn’t an individual award.

This gets done because of these guys [his teammates]. These are my brothers and we have one MVP.” Kobe’s 12-year wait is tied with Karl Malone for the longest time in the league before winning his first award. Malone won the

L. A. Laker Kobe Bryant is the NBA’s newest Most Valuable Player.

award in 1996-97 while playing with the Jazz.

Vaquero Sports Summaries Scores

7. He jumped over a moving Aston Martin If you haven’t already seen it go on to youtube.com and search “Kobe Bryant jumps Aston Martin” and you will see one of the most incredible displays of athleticism possible. Is it real? Who cares, it’s still freaking amazing.

8. Big Games Kobe has always been at his best during the big games. On Jan. 1 against Dallas, Kobe had 40 points, 10 boards and five assists.

March 2 also against Dallas 52 points, 10 boards, four assists.

March 30 against Washington 26 points, 13 assists, and four rebounds. But Kobe’s real MVP moment this year came at home against New Orleans on April 11 where he had 29 points, 10

Ross Coleman can be reached at Ross_Coleman@elvaq.com

Men’s and Women’s Track and Field: Men — Saturday competed in So. Cal. Finals Women — Saturday finished sixth in So. Cal. Finals Men’s Golf: May 5 competed in the 36 Hole Tournament at Sobata Springs Country Club

Men’s Tennis: May 1-3 competed in the So. Cal. Regionals Women’s Tennis: May 1-3 competed in the So. Cal. Regionals Baseball: May 1 lost to College of the Canyons 8-5

Upcoming Events Men’s and Women’s Track and Field: May 16-17 State Finals at Cerritos

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

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

19

Calendar On Campus events/films Fire Academy and Fire Technology Open House — Join firefighters, cadets, and instructors to learn more about the Fire Academy and Fire Technology programs at GCC. The open house features demonstrations, hands-on opportunities with firefighting tools and equipment, and a raffle. Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Plaza Vaquero.

For more information, contact Lydia Basmajian at (818) 2401000, ext. 5918.

UCLA Day — Representatives of many different majors from UCLA will be on campus to answer questions. Today from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. in the San Rafael Plaza. For more information, visit www.glendale.edu/transfercenter.

Woodbury University Day — Woodbury representatives will be on campus for academic program overviews, transcript reviews, a financial aid seminar, scholarship information, and a digital presen-

tation of student work. Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the San Rafael Plaza. For more information, call 1-800-784-9663.

Swap Meet — Upper campus parking lot. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5805.

Academic Decathlon — Sponsored by the Associated Students. Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Verdugo Gym. For more information, contact Hrach Orujyan at aspres@glendale. edu or call (818) 240-1000, ext.

5206.

Glendale College Community Orchestra Concert — Auditorium. Conducted by Dr. Theodore Stern. Program includes pieces

by Holst, Vaughan Williams, Janacek and Franck: Sunday at 4 p.m. General admission is $7 and $5 for students and seniors.

For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5621.

“Get Jumped In”— A documen-

tary that explores the gang-related murder of a Korean-American man in L.A.’s Koreatown will be shown in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Filmmaker David Woo will be available after the film for questions.

May 27 from 8 to 9 p.m. in AU 116. Free admission.

“Mississippi Masala” — A film about interracial romance in the South will be shown in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Sarita Choudhury stars as the Indian daughter of a motel owner, who falls in love with a businessman played by Denzel Washington. May 21 from 3 to 5 p.m. in Kreider Hall. Free admission.

“Flower Drum Song” — “Flower Drum Song” is a musical based on the novel by C.Y. Lee and nominated for five Academy Awards. This film will be shown in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Today from 3 to 5:30 p.m. in Kreider Hall. Free admission.

club activities

dance

Armenian Culture Day — The GCC Armenian Student Association hosts Armenian Culture Day. The event will feature music, food, books and cultural displays.

Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Plaza Vaquero. For more information, visit www.gccasa.org.

Dance Performance 2008 — Directed by Lynn McMurrey and featuring GCC students dancers and choreographers. May 27 from noon to 8 p.m. in the Dance Theater, Sierra Nevada Gym. Free admission with limited seating.

For more information, visit www. glendale.edu/dance or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5556.

A.G.S — Shakey’s Pizza, 1133 S. Glendale Ave. The Alpha Gamma Sigma honor society hosts a fund raiser. Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.glendale.edu/ags.

exhibition Annual Student Exhibition — The GCC Art Gallery presents its Annual Student Exhibition.

Today through June 6. Admission is free. 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, visit www. glendale.edu/artgallery or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5663.

lectures Japanese Americans in World War II — Guest speaker Jim Makino discusses his service in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II. Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. in Kreider Hall. Free and open to the public.

Science Lecture Series: “Implantable Electronic Medical Devices” — Speaker is Frederick Melikian, a manager in diabetes therapy managment at Medtronic.

May 27 at noon in SB 243. Free and open to the public.

Around Town events A Taste of Downtown Glendale — 2008 Taste of Downtown Glendale is an annual benefit event for Glendale Healthy Kids.

Stroll up and down Brand Boulevard and sample food from the area’s restaurants. The event will also feature live entertainment.

Today from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Admission for adults is $25 and $10 for children 12 and under. For more information, visit www.glendalehealthykids.org or www.alextheatre.org.

Asian and Pacific Islander Older Adults Festival — Angelus Plaza, 255 S. Hill St., Los Angeles. Traditional folk dancers and choral groups celebrate the pageantry of Philippines, Guam, Samoa, Korea, China and Japan, complete with refreshments. Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission is free, donations accepted. For more information, visit www.angelusplaza.org or call (213) 6234352, ext. 327.

Renaissance Pleasure Faire — Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, 15501 Arrow Hwy., Irwindale. Highlights include jousting tournaments and Shakespearean theater. Through Sunday. General Admission is $21. For more information, visit www.renfair.com or call (626) 969-4750.

Country Garden Fair — Sepulveda Garden Center, 16633 Magnolia Blvd., Encino. The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks is hosting the 23rd Annual Country Garden Fair. This fair features a wide varitey of plants and seeds for sale, display gardens, gardening information, access to local garden clubs and plant societies, children’s activities, and live country bluegrass and blues music. Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free. For more information, call (213) 216-4857 or (818) 784-5180.

Guacamole Festival — Lincoln Heights, intersection of Baldwin Street and Griffin Avenue, Los Angeles. Thousands of Angele-

nos bring their taste buds to this annual guacamole festival where there will be an array of guacamole dishes and recipes. Saturday at noon. Admission is free.

exhibitions Doctrinal Nourishment: Art and Anarchism in the Time of James Ensor — Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. This exhibition examines the scope of this remarkable artist’s influence, and adds texture to our understanding of his pivotal position in the history of modern art. Now through July 6. General admission is $12 and $8 for students with ID. Museum hours vary. For more information, visit www.lacma.org or call (323) 857-6000.

theater/film “Filmfest 43” — Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd. Assemblymember Paul Krekorian’s Filmfest 43 will feature the top student films from public and

private high schools in the 43rd State Assembly District. Friday at 6:30 p.m. Free tickets, buy call to rsvp. For information, visit www.alextheatre.org or call (818) 243-2539.

“Emergency” — Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. Award-winning artist Daniel Beaty portrays a cast of 40 characters who respond to a stunning phenomenon.

Now through May 25. Show hours and ticket prices vary. For more information, visit www. geffenplayhouse.com or call (310) 208-5454.

“Proof” — Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. In David Auburn’s Pulitzer prize-winning play, a young woman grapples with the legacy of her brilliant mathematician father. Now through June 1. Sundays at 2 p.m. and Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m.

Admission is $25 and $20 for students. For information, visit www. rosalindproductions.com or call (310) 477-2055

Community Night — The Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Tickets are offered on a pay what you can basis to arts groups and community groups for the performance of “Of Mice and Men.” For more information, visit www.pasadenaplayhouse.org or call (626) 356-7529.

music Pasadena Community Orchestra — First Church of the Nazarene, 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena. Featuring young pianist Kristina Jacinth. Friday at 8 p.m. Admission is free. Donations greatly appreciated. For more information, visit www.pcomusic. org or call (626) 445-6708.

Concert Singers Spring Performance — St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1020 N. Brand Blvd.

Sunday at 4 p.m. General admission is $10 and $7 for students and seniors. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5621.

Compiled by Tina Hagopian

20

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

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Sergey Akadanov, 36, digital animation major, expresses his ideas on canvas during a canvas painting contest on May 6 organized by the Associated Students (ASGCC) in Plaza Vaquero.

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