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L E N D A L ECC O M M U N I T YCCOLLEGE OLLEGE GGLENDALE OMMUNITY
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Volume 101, Number 5
David Viar to be GCC’s Next President
L E N D A L ECC O M M U N I T YCCOLLEGE OLLEGE GGLENDALE OMMUNITY
By Monica Terada
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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avid Viar, current president of American River College, will be Glendale College District’s new superintendent/president. The recently elected president has many plans for GCC. “Initially it will be very much about listening and learning from the people who are a part of the community college family,” Viar said. “I would like to get the best sense possible of how people view the college, what they see as improvements that may need to be made, how we can better help our students be successful and after gathering all that information, continue discussions with what things we should be putting in place and what we should be continuing to do to assure we are doing the best job we can.” Viar will take office on July 1. He currently serves as president of American River College, a position he has held for the past 8 years, and is looking forward to the new changes in his life. “Glendale Community College is considered one of the best community colleges in the state of California, and it also happens to be located in the city where my son and his wife live,” said Viar, in an enthusiastic tone. He added that he is “very excited about the opportunities to serve the Glendale community.” Viar’s accomplishments at American River College started with the hiring of new staff members. [See Viar page 3]
IN THIS ISSUE News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Features.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6 Entertainment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9 Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Lifestyle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
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Photo by Marlon Miranda
NEW PRESIDENT: David Viar Speaks at the presidential forum April 25.
May 15, 2013
L.A Noir Author James 50%Ellroy Entertains By Sal Polcino
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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os Angeles crime noir writer James Ellroy entertained students, faculty and fans at the GCC auditorium Thursday in a presentation by the Los Angeles Writers Reading Series. After an introduction by event organizer Claire Phillips, Ellroy’s opening remarks both shocked and delighted the audience with unexpected humor and profanity. He spoke with the clipped and brash prose of the narrative style found in his novels. Ellroy played to a full house in a comic “preacher at the pulpit” style — sometimes loud and boisterous to make a point or to sell a joke; other times soft and quiet to grab the attention of the audience. English teacher Dennis Doyle said he was impressed with Ellroy’s oratorical skills. “I don’t know how he keeps it up. I would be lucky to last 15 minutes,” said Doyle. [See Ellory page 4]
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Club Combats Parasites in Nicargua w w w.elvaq .com By Agnessa Kasumyan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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hile boarding the plane in Houston, president of GCC’s Global Medical Training club Garen Koocharian knew that the next thing he was probably going to see were dirt roads. During spring break, GMT visited Nicaragua to help doctors treat patients in towns where medical aid is limited, traveling from the capital city of Managua to Granada, a popular tourist site, and Masaya, where most of GMT’s clinics are located. As the plane landed in Managua, the Nicaraguan
Photo courtesy of Garen Koocharian
FEEL THE LOVE: Dr. Karen Zapata and studen Karen Valderama work on a patient’s cavity.
capital, Koocharian looked down to see a huge mountain to the side, the dreaded dirt roads, and houses made of
metal sheets. Recounting a prayer in Armenian, asking “God, where did you bring us? Why are we here right now?”
he turned to his co-president, Hagop Jack Mkroyan, and said he wished the plane would just turn around and take them back to the United States. At that point, Mkroyan, put off by the intense humidity, said he simply wanted to find his friends, get their luggage, and get to the hotel room to take a shower. On the way to the hotel room, Koocharian looked around to see dry fountains carrying lights instead of water and wondered why the capital city was so dirty. It then dawned on him just how much their aid was really needed. Despite the poor conditions of Managua, however, he said [See Nicaragua, page 12]
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Wednesday, May 15, 2013
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MAILBAG
El Vaquero In response to a previous letter: “Armenians Have Achieved Some, Not All, Goals” EDITOR IN CHIEF Eric Bourse
MANAGING EDITOR Chantal Bevard SPORTS EDITOR Marlon Miranda STAFF WRITERS Kelsey Anderson Jonathan Caballeros John Ferrara Sal Polcino Ksenia Rabinovich Monica Terada Kristine Tuzon STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Seneyda Rodriguez
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Jane Pojawa
NEWSROOM MANAGER
Richard Kontas
DESIGN ADVISER
Charles Eastman
FACULTY ADVISER
Jeff Favre
jfavre@glendale.edu (818) 551-5214 ADVERTISING Jeff Smith jsmith@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000, ext.5493 Send Letters to the Editor El Vaquero accepts story ideas in news, features, profiles, sports and entertainment from the public. To submit an idea or an article, e-mail the editor at elvaquero.editor@gmail.com or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349.
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Letters may be reproduced in full or in part and represent only the point of view of the writer, not the opinion of El Vaquero or Glendale Community College and its district. All letters must include the full name, address and phone number of the writer. You will be contacted before publication. El Vaquero is a First Amendment publication.
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Dear Editor, My name is Aroutin Hartounian, and I am the president of the Unified Young Armenians (UYA), a 501 (c) 3 non-profit youth organization based in City of Glendale which for over a decade has tirelessly worked for the promotion of human rights, including but not limited to bringing forth the issue of the Armenian Genocide and demanding justice for this most heinous crime against the mankind. Many within the community are aware of my background, my work, and my involvement in a number of organizations including the Rotary, the Glendale Police Department’s Community Police Partnership Advisory Committee (C-PPAC), and others. Many are also aware that as the president of the Unified Young Armenians, I am responsible for organizing a number of Armenian Genocide commemoration events in Southern California. As an alumni of Glendale Community College, I was disheartened to see the “letter to editor” published in El Vaquero titled “Armenians Have Achieved Some, Not All, Goals.” The ideas put forth in the letter concerning the Armenian Genocide and the quest for historical justice was at a minimum ludicrous. At worst, the article was racist and filled with hatred vis-à-vis the Armenian community. It was an uneducated, unprofessional, and futile attempt at altering history. The ideas presented in that article were in line with the denialist and hatemongering propaganda of the governments of Turkey and Azerbaijan, their paid lobbyists, and their allies. Secondly and more importantly, the letter published both in the electronic and paper copy of the El Vaquero was attributed to “Aroutin Hartounian,” which matched both my first and my last names. It is noteworthy that in the recent past, there have been numerous amateurish yet concentrated efforts made in an effort to discredit me, my work of over a decade, and my beliefs which have been very clearly put forth in a number of forums, including during the
various events, in a number of articles, and as apparent from the official position of Unified Young Armenians. This “letter to editor” is a continuation of the futile attempts to discredit me. For the sake of clarity, while the name of the individual alleged to have written that article matches both my first name and last name, I have NOT written this article and I do NOT agree with any part of that article. It is professional and good faith practice for any newspaper to first verify the identity of the individuals sending in the “letter to editor” by contacting him or her via phone, asking his or her address, etc., before publishing a piece. While El Vaquero does not have any such verification procedure in place, this unfortunate episode will perhaps serve as a learning experience for the paper and it will hopefully revise its policy as it pertains to the publishing of such letters. Returning to the article itself, if such an individual with the exact first and last name in fact does exist, and he holds such outlandish and racist ideas and beliefs, this surely would be a whole different topic to consider. In that case, we should categorize that letter as a futile attempt at a short lived publicity and fame. However, to combat such moral decay, as a society we would need to bring potent anti-racism programs back to our schools. That, of course will be the best case scenario. In a second scenario, unless there is another individual with the same first and last name who the El Vaquero can successfully verify to have written this racist piece, this is nothing but a pure crime of identity theft. Surely, using the modern law enforcement tools, using the IP address logged in the email which the “letter to editor” was sent, the criminal will be found and will be brought to justice. However, it is noteworthy that this is NOT a first. This latest act of desperation comes only days after attempts to create fake profiles on facebook and other social media networks bearing my information. This attempt also bears the same modus operandi of a number of entities which we have closely monitored in the last
years. In one such episode, hackers from Azerbaijan hacked my personal accounts and attempted to publicize my personal and private information. On a more positive note, I want to thank the City of Glendale, the Glendale Community Photo courtesy of Aroutin Hartounian College, and the c o m m u n i t i e s FIGHT AGAINST DENIAL: Aroutin Hartounian living the is an outspoken member of the Armenian community. Southern California who have enriched by illegally taking over been supportive of Unified Young the belongings of the Armenians, Armenians and the mission Greeks, and Assyrians. Under any which it has pursued. Because of fair legal system, the victims of the amazing work of the justice unjust enrichment must be placed seeking individuals around the in the same position as they were world, the Armenian Genocide before they were subjected to that has received wider recognition crime. by governments, scholars, and It is especially significant that institutions. Today, more than while the governments of Turkey ever, the world is condemning and Azerbaijan, and their allies, the Turkish Government for are spending millions of dollars committing the most heinous on lobbyists in United States to crime of Genocide against alter history, brave and righteous the Armenians, Greeks, and Turkish scholars, activists and Assyrians. Furthermore, unlike authors are supporting the the author of the “letter to editor” recognition of the Armenian titled “Armenians Have Achieved Genocide and are calling for the Some, Not All, Goals,” today payment of just reparations, a the world properly condemns position which is shared by me the Turkish Government for the and my friends and colleagues at crimes of those leading it during Unified Young Armenians. the Armenian Genocide, from Lastly, we are confident that it 1896 to 1923. A heinous crime is the firm and widespread support was committed. As there are of Unified Young Armenians no statutes of limitation for the by the public, elected officials, crime of murder when one person academics, and organizations that is killed, how can any entity have creates the sense of jealousy and the audacity to say that the murder desperation which leads to such of more than 1,500,000 people childish attempts. Such attempts should be treated less severely? can only strengthen our resolve. There was a crime, and therefore We pledge to continue our work there must be a punishment. with ever greater dedication, The Turkish Government must vigor, and commitment. be brave enough to accept its past and pay just reparations to the Armenians, Greeks, and Aroutin Hartounian Assyrians. The modern Turkish President Government has been unjustly Unified Young Armenians (UYA)
Editor’s Note:
Due to the circumstances mentioned in UYA President Aroutin Hartounian’s letter, it has been determined that the previous submission policy must be updated and strengthened to prevent similar matters from happening again. Please refer to the submission policy on the bottom left corner of this page for the current policy. El Vaquero has made numerous attempts to contact the writer of the last issue’s letter in question but to no avail. The writer is urged to respond.
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Wednesday, May 15, 2013
3
NEWS
New President [Viar, from page 1] “I have had the privilege of hiring about 140 faculty members and administrators and have been pleased with the diversity of those hires and their high quality. Those are in my view the biggest accomplishments,”Viar said. “The hiring of good people who will continue to serve American River College well.” Not only that, but Viar has also contributed to renovating the college’s facilities. “We’ve had about $150 million of new facilities and renovated facilities that have really changed the face of American River College,” Viar said, “several significant student success initiatives have allowed us to see continuous improvement in all of the appropriate measures of accountability.” Viar’s resume has given him a noteworthy standing among those around him. “I am very impressed with the accomplishments of Dr. David Viar,” said GCC Interim Superintendent/President Jim Riggs. “He has been a community college leader in the state for the past 20 or so years. He has been very successful as the president of American River College, and prior to that was very successful for 15 years as the executive director of the Community College League of California.” One of the major issues community colleges in the state of California have been facing are
major budget cuts that have strongly affected education. Riggs was fast to assure Viar’s credibility on the subject. “He has been able to find alternative sources of funding and has been able to keep his current institution in a strong fiscal position. I have every confidence that he will be both a strong academic leader as well as a strong fiscal leader for the college,” Riggs said. Executive Vice President of Administrative Services Ron Nakasone added his support to this matter. “I think he will have to lead the college to a better fiscal condition and maintain and improve the academic and student programs within the college,” said Nakasone. Riggs will be working with Viar during this transitional period at GCC, helping to facilitate his move as much as possible. “We are compiling a list of items that will need to be transitioned to him. I am also working with the board of trustees and the vice presidents on transition issues. The transition will need to be a team effort,” Riggs said. Plans have been made and necessary measures for this transitional period are in motion as GCC awaits its new president. Monica Terada can be reached at monicaterada@hotmail.com
Police Blotter 5/7 — Suspicious student wondering around LOT 32 5/9 — Tabacco problem, student smoking in an undesignated area 5/13 — Student ticketed for smoking in an undesignated area
5/1 – 5/14 — there were 136 traffic stops and 49 lost property reports.
elvaq.com
Student Volunteers Participate in Annual Campus Beautification Day
Photo by Kathy Bakowicz
BRIGHTENING DULL CLASSROOMS: Student volunteers put a new coat of paint on the faded walls of Room
118 in the Arroyo Seco building. ASGCC President Arman Marukyan organized this semester’s Campus Beautification Day on Saturday. More than 40 volunteers came out to help clean up the campus.“We’re pleased with the turnout,” Marukyan said. “We have more than enough people to do what we need to do and are expecting even more after lunch,” he said. They plan to paint three classrooms and send workers across campus picking up and disposing of trash and doing general clean-up. Marukyan brought equipment and refreshments to workers throughout the day while ASGCC Vice President of Campus Relations Charlie Skaf supervised the painting projects. The event began with a continental breakfast as students gathered to plan and prepare at 9 a.m. in SC 212. Volunteers were also served lunch.
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Wednesday, May 15, 2013
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EDITORIAL
Sweet Sugary Escape May Come at a New Cost W
hen we hear of new ideas to lose weight, taxing sodas and other sugary drinks isn’t the first idea to come to mind. In an effort to raise funds for the fight against childhood obesity, lawmakers have proposed a bill that requires a penny-per-ounce levy on sodas, sports and energy drinks, and sweet teas, which many find preposterous. But this sweetened beverage tax is a step in the right direction for The Golden State. On average, this will increase soft drinks only about 12 cents. However, drinks less than 25 calories will remain the same price, including diet drinks. An analysis by the California Senate’s Governance and Finance Committee estimates the tax would generate $2.6 billion within the first fiscal year alone. The revenue will fund the Children’s Health Promotion to promote
physical activity and improve the quality of school lunches. Revenue would also cover some of what obesity cost the country, $147 billion a year. Vending machines cover GCC’s campus. Every building has at least one. These machines sell candy, chips and sodas — the typical “college student diet.” The cafeteria should offer more healthy options, such as fresh juices and smoothies, instead of only sodas, sports and energy drinks, and sugary juices. Watch the professional basketball players on and off the bench closely. Few of them drink the Gatorade provided. They drink water to rehydrate because sports drinks have too many chemicals and sugar, which will slow them down. If professionals don’t drink it, should college students? According to a 2011 study done by Yale and the University
of Illinois at Chicago, an average American drinks 45 gallons of soda per year. That’s equivalent to 42 pounds of sugar or the weight of an average sized 5-year-old boy. With these numbers, it’s obvious Californians won’t change their diets any time soon. Singling out one source of extra calories won’t change the obesity epidemic, but studies have shown that sugared beverages may be the single largest cause of obesity. Kelly D. Brownell, director of Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale, and his collegues projects taht by implementing a tax on sweetened beverages, consumption could be reduced up to 10 percent. It’s not simply the calories being taken in, but the calories being burned. If people really want to drink a high calorie and sugary drink with a slice of pizza, hamburger or even a salad, they will.
For some people, 12 cents more isn’t much, and few may resort to diet drinks, which are worse because of the artificial sweeteners. What really needs to change is the sedentary lifestyle of many students. This isn’t the first time California lawmakers proposed t taxing sweetened beverages. In 1994, Brownell, first introduced the soda tax idea in his opposite the editorial page in The New York Times. By 2009, 33 states had a tax on soft drinks. Again in 2010, another bill was introduced, but died in legislature. This time, things have been different. Many have been receptive to the idea. Advocates of the soda tax are hoping that by increasing the price of sugary beverages, making them equivalent to healthier choices will encourage people to make the better choice—maybe
even a lifestyle change. Others don’t feel the same way. Linda Parks, a Ventura County supervisor, supports limiting access to sodas in school, but the concept of the soda tax makes her uneasy. “Where do you stop?” she asked. “Are candy bars next?” She poses a good question. Taxing sugary drinks won’t make people stop buying them, but they may start questioning their choices. This is a step in the right direction, having children make a choice between the artificially sweetened soda or naturally sweet juice. The idea behind soda tax bill is a hopeful one. However, it would be surprising if more people fulfill the lawmakers ideas of substituting juices for sodas. Habits are hard to break, and with busy lives the chances of someone opting for the healthy drink isn’t promising.
NEWS
Ellroy at GCC [Ellroy, from page 1] The 65-year-old Shamus award winner is perhaps best known to readers and moviegoers for his novels “L.A. Confidential” and “The Black Dahlia,” both of which were made into blockbuster films. Those books, along with “The Big Nowhere” and “White Jazz,” are known as the “L.A. Quartet.” His complicated plots involve crime, detectives and his home, Los Angeles, about which he said, “Come on vacation—go home on probation. Forty years ago a pop pundit popped that platitude and clipped a clear chord in my soul.” On what motivates him to keep writing, Ellroy said, “I have to tell stories. I have to live in the stories. I have to live in the emotions of the characters. I have to recreate history.” Referring to himself as a literary megalomaniac Ellroy said, “I am the author of 18 books, masterpieces all. They proceed all my future masterpieces. These books will leave you reamed, steamed and dry-cleaned: tiedyed and swept to the side, screwed, blued, tattooed and bah fungoo,” Ellroy said. “I expected him to be uptight and cocky, but he was actually friendly-cocky. I liked him after
his first line,” said Azaduhi Kalaydjian, nursing major. The author cites Ross MacDonald and Joseph Wambaugh as influences, and the Los Angeles police department for “giving me something to write about.” Ellroy said his great dream is to recreate 20th century Los Angeles to his own specifications. The author avoids technology as much as possible to stay in the world he writes about. “I’ve never been on Facebook. I don’t use Twitter. I have a landline telephone,” Ellroy said. “My style has come entirely through this process of immersion.” Despite the humor and lighthearted exterior, Ellroy had many obstacles to overcome. His mother was the victim of an unsolved homicide when he was young. He has dealt with clinical depression and alcoholism. Ellroy put his memoirs into an autobiography titled, “My Dark Places.” The author signed books and posters for dozens of fans and posed for photographs after an audience question and answer session. Ellroy’s next novel, “Perfidia,” is scheduled for release in late 2013. Sal Polcino can be reached at apolcin587@student.glendale.edu
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Wednesday, May 15, 2013
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OPINION
Not Every Discarded Box is a Bomb By Sal Polcino
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
N
ot long ago a discarded hatbox found at a campus parking lot most likely would have been kicked aside or ignored. Maybe a good citizen would have picked it up and chucked it in the nearest trash receptacle. Today it sets off warning bells and a chain of events that is mostly over-kill. Now a “suspicious package” brings the full force of campus police, local city police,the bomb squad, the fire department and community alarmists closing roads and access routes. Many times entire college campuses are evacuated. So what constitutes a credible threat? Of course campus and city first responders have to react to worst case scenario, but do we call for reinforcement every time there’s a stray backpack or paper bag left unattended? An inordinate amount of bomb scares and threats have been reported across the country since the Boston Marathon bombing April 18. In California, these threats have increased severely. Cal State L.A. was evacuated on the same day as the Boston Marathon, after a bomb threat
was phoned in to the police. The caller said there was a bomb at that campus and another at Cal State Berkeley. Officials at Berkeley decided not to close the school. This kind of threat has to be taken seriously until proven otherwise, but later that same day someone spotted a foot-long package on top of a recycling bin at Cabrillo College in Aptos, Calif. The campus was evacuated until the local gendarmes brought in the bomb squad with their robot and destroyed the box. Aptos, a town of slightly more than 6,000 inhabitants, has a bomb squad with a robot. A box found by a recycling bin, which was probably full of boxes, (after all that’s where boxes go,) caused a campus to shut down. Boom. These are only a few of the numerous false alarms reported nationwide during the week following the explosions in Boston. Understandably, tension is high and nerves are tight. There are real threats to security out there, but a box on a recycling bin? Some GCC students think officials did not do enough when the suspicious package at the
GCC parking structure on April 22. Comments on the school’s Facebook page implied the campus should have been shut down and they called for more information from the media. Like the phrase that is passed along in a whisper to 10 people, the facts were completely misconstrued. Some thought it was a bag, others were told there was an explosion. Some wondered why the Alert-U text did not come. The scary package in this case turned out to be a hat box. Young students were probably frightened by the unknown usage of this antique storage device. Bomb threats, on the other hand, are another problem. Opportunists and pranksters are
wasting valuable hours of law enforcement and fire department time, and stoking the flames of an already paranoid society. A student who is not prepared for a final exam might consider calling in a bomb threat to shut down classes for a day. Maybe some ne’er-do-well ran out of excuses to cut classes and got the idea from the internet This is not a matter to be taken lightly. Bomb threats are a serious felony and can net 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. Some states think that is not enough. After a bomb threat at the University of Texas in Dallas, state lawmakers are proposing tougher laws that would add more
fines and jail time in addition to the existing federal laws. Maybe California should follow in their footsteps. The first time some joker goes to jail for 20 years, other potential pranksters might think twice before disrupting society for their own amusement. As far as those suspicious packages go—use common sense. One can either live in constant fear and let the real terrorists win, or remember that a package is just a package. I will continue to pick up that box and throw it in the trash.
Sal Polcino can be reached at apolcin587@student.glendale.edu
Courtesy of the University of Texas Campus Police
Professional Players Need Profound Privacy By Marlon Miranda
EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR
J
ason Collins became the Lebron James of gay rights last month when he became the first active NBA player to announce he is gay. His announcement turned the NBA universe upside down. Most current and former players supported him and praised his courage. Tim Hardaway told Collins by phone that “I’m proud of you and I support you.” Time changes people. Hardaway is infamously known for saying “I hate gay people,” six years ago when John Amaechi, a retired player, came out. Society has changed. It has moved from tolerating to accepting, but there is still a lot of room left for improvement. Society needs to acknowledge there isn’t anything wrong or
inferior about being gay. There have been NBA coaches and ESPN analysts who have condemned Collins to hell for his lack of Christian behavior. ESPN analyst Chris Broussard said in a televised interview that homosexuals would not be recognized by the Bible as Christian. “Homosexuality, adultery, fornication, premarital sex between heterosexuals, whatever it may be, I believe that’s walking in open rebellion to God and to Jesus Christ,” said Broussard. The Bible has been used to defend slavery, segregation and oppressing women’s rights. Nobody uses the Bible card when eating shrimp. The hypocritical nature of today’s public figures is disgusting. No one used religion when Tiger Woods was caught with over 20 mistresses. Where
was this Christian talk when former NBA player had 7 kids from 6 different mothers. Shawn Kemp was called a lot of things for his actions, but no mention of the Bible. Collins might have been a journeyman in his basketball career. He has drifted from team to team playing for six teams during his 11-year career. He has never made an All-Star game or even played a full 82-game schedule. But his contributions to the gay community put him in an iconic status Collins has paved the way for other gay players to come out and live comfortably in their own skin. There’s no need to pretend, or hide or be ashamed of who they are. Coming out in school or at the workplace is one thing, but coming out in a business where masculinity is key, and everyone carries this machismo stigma,
does wonders for not only the gay community, but for the world. The world might have ignored or overlooked it, but Collins came out to his family and friends when he was traded to the Wizards. He chose the number 98 in honor of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man who was murdered in Wyoming in 1998. He has also supported The Trevor Project, a nonprofit founded in 1998 dedicated to suicide prevention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people and for youth questioning their own sexuality. Not being able to be who you are causes serious damage to a young person. A study conducted by lifesitenews.com showed that teens who self-identify as homosexual are five times more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to attempt suicide. The findings also revealed that 21.5 percent of the gay teens
surveyed reported suicidal tendencies. Being gay isn’t a disease and doesn’t make one inferior, it is just a sexual preference. It isn’t anyone’s business who sleeps with who. Embrace them and treat them with dignity and respect, like you would any other human. Society needs to make a goal where a player coming out is no longer news, where that type of announcement is considered normal, and nothing shocking. Collins’ announcement takes society one step closer to that. Lets hope that it gives kids hiding in fear, and the adults living a confused life, the courage to come out.
Marlon Miranda can be reached at mirandaelvaquero@gmail.com
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Wednesday, May 1, 2013
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FEATURES
Student Art On Display in GCC Gallery By Taline Markarian EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
S
tudents may have been walking by the GCC Art Gallery for years without noticing it, but Caryl St. Ama wants to change that The art gallery opened its doors yesterday to the public. The show consists of student artists that have submitted their work to St. Ama, who is this year’s gallery director. Rebecca Campbell, a local artist, chose the pieces that will be on exhibit until June 4. The artworks consist of paintings, drawings, photography and sculptures. Campbell is a local artist who received the D’arcy Hayman Award, the Werner Hirsch Drawing Award and the Feitelson Arts Foundation Award. “Having a visiting artist come and jury the students show is a new thing,” St. Ama said. “We got a grant from ASGCC, which was very generous, so I want to push these new things into the community.”
There will be a reception because artists generally address Sinclaire added that the gallery tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. in the art contemporary issues of their is a great way for art students gallery to celebrate the selected time with a fresh, creative and to explore the presentation of artists and their peices. inventive perspective,” said artwork. “It’s like an art gala,” St. Mahara Sinclaire, a professor of “They can observe how the Ama said. There will work is framed, and also be a raffle for a how the show was huge canvas built by hung. These lessons Kyla Hansen. The better prepare the materials to make student for the eventual the canvas cost $158 exhibition of their own and each raffle ticket work,” said Sinclaire. is $1. Students can Raul Espinosa, 33, purchase tickets from is a graphic design Hansen in AA112b. student at GCC. He The raffle will says that being an art be held at the student doesn’t mean reception along he has already seen with scholarship every art student’s announcements potential. The gallery for advanced and is a way for him to get transferring artists. to know what kind of Photo by Taline Markarian These scholarships artists roam the GCC STUDENT ART: Tanalee Moore, a media arts major, adare offered every year campus . mires a piece of artwork on Tuesday, displayed at the student based on the student’s “Student art is very exhibit in the GCC Art Gallery. full portfolio. expressive, and to see The college has been buzzing visual and performing arts. other people express themselves with news about GCC’s new “Art provides a cathartic, is seeing who they really are,” exhibit. Teachers are encouraging edifying, and thought-provoking said Espinosa. students to visit the gallery. experience, helping to cultivate “There are a lot of people “The community benefits an empathetic and educated that pass by that you don’t think from visiting the gallery public discourse.” twice about, but when you see
someone’s [art] work you get to know them a lot more than just the surface,” St. Ama said. “The student exhibit is one of our most popular because it’s your peers that aren’t art students who are usually amazed,” St. Ama said. “They say ‘Wow somebody my age did that?’ and so we get a lot of people through the gallery.” “I want the students to feel like when they walk by the gallery there’s always something exciting for them to come in and see,” St. Ama said. “I want the community to think that this is a place for them.” St. Ama said that Roger Dicks, the previous gallery director, got the community’s involvement and she hopes to continue this. “I want it to be an exciting place, with something different and new each time,” St. Ama said. The next event will be the faculty exhibit in the summer.
Taline Markarian can be reached at yestalinem@aol.com
www.elvaq.com
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
7
FEATURES
Students Celebrate International Day By Marlon Miranda
EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR
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he world came to GCC Tuesday for a celebration of diversity for International Day. Various cultures were recognized through a variety of events. Gangnum style dance routines, a fashion show, and even some karaoke filled the afternoon. Campus clubs held food fundraising drives, including the International Students Association, which sold fries, and the Leo’s club, which offered chicken. The ASGCC got the party started by teaming with the Dance Club to do an improv gangnum style routine. The ISA fashion show featured club members wearing traditional attire of their native cultures. Marlon Miranda can be reached at mirandaelvaquero@gmail.com
Photo by Kathy Bakowicz
INTERNATIONAL DAY: To the left, psychology major
Sookkyeng An, 21, cooks fries to sell to attendees May 14. To the right, art major Yvette Ohanian, 32, shows off the taditional dress of the Middle East. Left and Bottom Photos by Marlon Miranda
Photo by Kathy Bakowicz
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FEATURES
GCC Environmental Club Grows Healthy Food Options By John Ferrara
EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR
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project two-and-a-half years in the making, the Vaquero Greenery is finally on the verge of bearing fruit. “The garden is about 90 percent complete,” said Abe Barakat, senior accounting clerk and garden volunteer. In fall of 2011, senior instructional computer lab technician Maria Shufeldt was awarded a $5,000 foundation grant for the purpose of building a campus garden. Although the garden was not her original idea, Shufeldt orchestrated the grant proposal and analyzed multiple aspects of the project, including cost, risk management, design, location and even philosophy. “I did my research,” said Shufeldt as she chuckled. “My interest is not just in the production aspect, but also mental health, stress reduction, and community building,” said Shufeldt. Following the proposal, the Environmental Affairs Committee agreed that the garden should be student-run, and has since been handed over to the Environmental Club to manage. “The students seemed to be the most available and educationally appropriate group,” Shufeldt said. While Shufeldt has been the brains of the project, Barakat is the brawn. “Abe is a doer,” Shufeldt said. Over the two year period, Barakat built the garden framework and surrounding fence with the help of a few dedicated Environmental Club students. All of whom signed waivers, which freed the school of any injury liabilities. “Everything was done by hand. We started with nothing,” Barakat said. Developing the chosen land adjacent to the campus parking structure was a challenge for the volunteers. To receive school approval, the proposal had to include building a fence along the
southern border of the garden, which ends in an abrupt cliff overlooking the tennis courts. The first eight months of the project were spent clearing brush and building a fence along the escarpment, which entailed digging many holes for fence posts. “Half of that area is rock. Several of us would get together and we’d start digging,” Barakat said. “We would use clamshell diggers, I rented an auger and it took a lot of time to get that done.” The entire fence has since been completed, and it surrounds that garden to protect the plants from grazing animals, humans included, as there is a lock kept on the only gate. “We don’t ask the school for anything. Tthey just help us out. A gardener ran a water line down for us and the school doesn’t charge us anything for that, so in a sense the school is donating utilities,” Barakat said. Twenty-one wooden plots were also built from scratch and filled with soil. Several handicap accessible plots are surrounded with tiles, which were donated by Alek Bartrousouf. Bartousouf is a Glendale College alumn, founder of the Coalition for a Green Glendale and the Monterey Road Eco Community Gardens in Glendale. “He was very kind to donate his time and recommendations as far as organizing the structure of the garden and bylaws,” Shufeldt said. There are also several plots raised up about 3 feet high for older patrons who can no longer bend down to care for their crops. Mulch made of dead oak leaves surrounds the planters where life is finally beginning to sprout. Oats, peas, buckwheat, beefsteak tomatoes, bell peppers, strawberries and a variety of herbs were recently planted by eager Environmental Club students. “The peas are going to die. They’re just there to enrich the soil. Legumes are really good for fixing nitrogen into soil,” said club member John Shier, who is
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Photo by Sal Polcino
HOME GROWN: Environmental Club President Jenny Morataya and Vice President of Organization Lee Michelle Saarinas tend the garden adjacent to the parking structure on Tueaday. one of the original volunteers, and, despite taking a break from school, he continues to help out. While plants are beginning to grow, there are still a few final steps before the garden can be deemed complete. Barakat is still in the process of installing a sink, and the Environmental Club must finish writing the bylaws that will serve as garden guidelines. However, there are no remaining funds from the grant, and $200 worth of final purchases have come out of Barakat’s pocket, as the club waits for $243 promised by the Associated Students.
“We’re thinking about charging $25 a semester or $50 a year to rent a plot,” said Environmental Club President Jenny Morataya. The culinary arts, science and welding departments have all shown interest in renting plots. The cafeteria may also reserve a plot, but head chef Nancy Jordan is reserving judgment until more information is available. Whether or not the Environmental Club can consistently maintain upkeep of the garden will test its dedication, as the group continually changes due to transfers and graduations.
The garden may eventually evolve into a more relaxed system as a result. “My concept was always let’s build a community of gardeners’ regardless of what we call ourselves,” Shufeldt said. “Words like ‘Staff, faculty, students,’ lets do away with all that. We’re all learners here and as far as I’m concerned, that’s part of what the garden grows,” Shufeldt said.
John Ferrara can be reached at jferrar977@student.glendale.edu
Campus Construction Begins This Summer By Ksenia Rabinovich EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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ig changes to the campus will begin this upcoming summer. Construction of a threestory Lab College Services Building will be placed near Los Robles. It was scheduled to begin in the spring, but has been postponed until mid-July. The school will not avoid some discomfort during the construction, but Dan Padilla, the manager of maintenance and operations facilities, assured that it will be reduced to a minimum. “Dust and noise from construction will not
severely affect the normal life of the school,” he said. Faculty Parking Lot C will be closed for the entire duration of construction. The new building will become a home for the administration, culinary and anthropology departments. A computer lab, writing and journalism and speech labs will open for the students on the first floor. “It is going to be unreal,” said Padilla about the new building. The placement of administration services in one place, on the top floor of the new building, will help students handle all enrollment and financial aid issues faster. “It will make all student business easy,” According to Padilla.
The campus has received all necessary money for accomplishing the project. “GCC received $2.5 million from the government this year that helped us handle some problems.” said Ron Nakasone, the vice president of administrative services. The most complex construction project in the history of GCC will cost more than $50 million. The new building is expected to be ready for the 2015 fall semester.
Ksenia Rabinovich can be reached at kseniarabinovich@gmail.com
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Luhrmann’s ‘Great Gatsby’ Lives up to its Title By Ksenia Rabinovich EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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fter a five-year silence, director Baz Luhrmann has finally released his new visually and emotionally astonishing masterpiece with his adaptation of “The Great Gatsby.” Taken word-for-word from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s acclaimed 1925 novel, the movie tells the story about a mysterious and rich
man known as Jay Gatsby, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Gatsby throws mesmerizing parties in to grab the attention of the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan, played by Carey Mulligan. Gatsby befriends Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) and finds out that he is Buchanan’s cousin. This begins a story filled with love and tragedy that turn Gatsby’s world upside down, along with everyone else.
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The director’s desire to capture an elegant Fitzgerald narration comes as no surprise to audiences familiar to his previous films, such as 2001’s “Moulin Rouge!” Maguire’s narration of the film was done beautifully. With light humor, elements of the the 20th century, and costumes, Luhrmann has made a brilliant THE BOOK: Jay Gatsby, (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Daisy Buchannon (Carey Mulligan) share a moment movie in his distinct BY in Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby.” Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. style. The Gatsby cast gives meant to play. story is still strong enough to an undoubtedly excellent Luhrmann often stages his please those looking for films performance. Newcomer movies as plays, and “The Great that are more than a sensory Elizabeth Debicki, who plays Gatsby” is no exception. The experience. Buchanan’s friend, Jordan Baker, synthetic backgrounds, polished Audiences looking for a and Joel Edgerton who plays as scenes and flawless actors’ make- breathtaking love story filled with Buchanan’s husband Tom deliver up don’t distract from the story. memorable acting should see memorable performances. Similar to the “Moulin “The Great Gatsby.” Less than a year after the Rouge!” soundtrack Luhrmann release of “Django Unchained,” spiced up this classic story with PG-13, 2D/3D,143 min DiCaprio plays another man modern tunes. Although Gatsby’s in a white suit and delivers a soundtrack won’t be as famous performance for a role he was as Luhrmann’s older films, but it can easily become a hit during the summer. Despite the strong combination Ksenia Rabinovich can be reached at of visuals and sound, Gatsby’s kseniarabinovich@gmail.com
For a review of “Present Life: An Evening of Ten Minute Plays” and other online exclusives, visit elvaq.com
We want you! To write for el vaquero... This SUMMER Take Journalism 102 then be published in the fall. 8:00-11:20 a.m. M-TH 3 Transferrable Units
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SPORTS
Freshman Pitcher Takes Team to Playoffs By Kristine Tuzon
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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reshman pitcher Angel Rodriguez is known for his breaking ball, which dips and dives over the plate, but he overcame some curve balls of his own before becoming an accomplished GCC baseball player. Rodriguez started playing baseball at 10, coached and trained by his eldest brother Robert Rodriguez. “He [Robert Rodriguez] told me you’re going to bleed, you’re going to cry, you’re going to throw up. I’m going to make you do all these things to make you quit. If you don’t quit, I know you’re going to be good,” Angel Rodriguez said. In high school, the pitcher played for Francis Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley his freshman season, started in junior varsity and advanced to varsity halfway through the season. During his sophomore year, he moved to Woodland Hills and transferred to Chatsworth High School and started from the beginning. “My brother told me, ‘This is where you’re going to learn most out of yourself,’” Angel Rodriguez said. “Being in one place, getting comfortable, and changing and adapting and that’s one thing I’m thankful for.” Much like in high school,
Rodriguez had to transition yet again between colleges. After Chatsworth, Rodriguez attended Cal State Northridge and played for its Division I baseball team. Due to academic reasons and lack of focus, the NCAA did not approve one of his online classes and the first year pitcher became ineligible to play for its team. The freshman pitcher decided to attend a junior college to regroup and improve academically and physically. “Going to Glendale has yet been the greatest decision that I have made,” Angel Rodriguez said. “I only plan to go up and move forward from here.” His improvement and focus has been paying off in wins. Rodriguez was the Vaqueros’ strongest pitcher this season, leading the conference with 8 wins and 57 strikeouts. He also boasted a 2.26 ERA, second to his teammate Tei Vanderford. Rodriguez said he practices every day, preparing physically as well as mentally. “I focus on if a hitter stands this way, I can throw this pitch I can throw that pitch. Just putting myself ahead of my opponents really helps me get up front against my opponent.” Chris Cicuto, baseball head coach, said Rodriguez’s best attribute is his consistency. “He’s consistent in his practice, ethics, his work ethics and
Vaquero Sports Summaries Scores Baseball May 3 — beat Grossmont / SoCal Regionals 4-2 May 4 — beat Grossmont / SoCal Regionals 8-5 May 10 — lost to Palomar 3-2 Saturday — lost to El Camino 4-3 Men’s Golf: May 6 — placed 4th at Los Logos/SoCal Regionals Men and Womens’s Track & Field Saturday — Women finished 8th at SoCal Prelims Saturday — Men finished 8th at Socal Prelims
Upcoming Events Men and Womens’s Track & Field Saturday-Sunday — State Championships at San Mateo 10 a.m. For more information: www.glendale.edu/athletics/
Photo by Kathy Bakowicz
CONSISTENT PITCHER: Vaquero Angel Rodriguez pitches nine innings against the LA Mission Eagles in the WSC Championship win on April 23.
obviously his competitiveness is far better than most pitchers out in the Western State Conference,” Cicuto said. Fellow teammates catcher Chris Whitmer and middle infielder Sergio Plasencia have been Rodriguez’s mentors throughout the season. “Angel has grown a lot, I believe,” Plasencia said. “From what he came in as a Division I from CSUN, he’s shown that he
could play at that level and done really well with it.” “He’s an easygoing guy. Off the field, he’s a jokester. He fools around all the time,” Whitmer said. “But once he steps on the field as a teammate, he does all he can to win. You know when he steps on the mound he’ll get it done.” Although the Vaqueros will not continue to the state playoffs after its lost Saturday to El
Camino College during the Super Regional game, Rodriguez said he is grateful for his experience this season. “I didn’t think this season was going to go by so fast,” said Rodriguez. “I’m definitely going to miss it, but knowing I’m going to come back next year makes it that much better.” Kristine Tuzon can be reached at ktuzon342@student.glendale.edu
Vaqueros Race to State Finals By Taline Markarian EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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he Vaquero men and women each took eighth place on Saturday track meet at Antelope Valley College. The women scored a total of 42 points and the men scored 21 points. Grace Graham-Zamudio was the first GCC runner to win three Southern California Championships dominating the 1,500, 5,000 and 10,000 meter events in the Western State Conference. “We’re really happy and excited to compete at state,” said Graham-Zamudio. “At this point I have to say that I’m pretty confident going into state and I’m really looking forward to finishing my season. Hopefully it ends well.” She won two events Saturday at the Southern California
Championships and won third in the So Cal Prelims on May 4. Graham-Zamudio ran the 1,500-meter, speeding past her competition, with a time of 4:40.00. She dominated the 5,000 meter in 17:48.42. She also advanced to state in the preliminary 10,000-meter run. Also headed to the finals are Lady Vaqueros Elizabeth Nelson and Lilia Asserian. Nelson finished fifth with a 4:48.44 in the 5K with Assarian clocking a 2:16.78 securing third in the 800-meter. Issac Diosdado took third in the 5,000-meter run with a time of 15:18.90 followed by Kurt Lutz in 15:33.11. Lutz finished seventh but advanced to the sixth spot (and the state finals) when someone dropped out afterwards. Nick La Croix who threw
50.28 meters in the hammer getting sixth. Quaid Vuncannon who threw 43.90 meters for fourth in discus. Edwardo Vasquez took third in the 1,500 with a time of 4:02.32. “I’m really proud of my team and how far we’ve come,” said Graham-Zamudio. “A lot of the people that made it to state this year either didn’t make it last year or they weren’t happy with how they did. This is our chance to finish up well.” Graham-Zamudio will lead the Vaquero track and field team to the state championships on Saturday and Sunday at San Mateo College.
Taline Markarian can be reached at yestalinem@aol.com
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Wednesday, May 15 , 2013
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Calendar On Campus ASGCC
CLUB EVENTS
Christ in Action club. May 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. in Kreider Hall.
ASGCC Fall 2013 Candidates Forum — Questions and answers with the candidates. May 20 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on the cafeteria patio, in front of the bookstore.
End of Semester Barbecue — The Christ in Action club will be selling hot dogs and hamburgers to raise funds for their summer camps and trips. Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Plaza Vaquero
Because of Alcohol/Drugs Tshirt Campaign — Add your message/name to a T-shirt, to bring awareness to various causes. Donations welcome. May 28 and 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Plaza Vaquero.
ASGCC Fall 2013 Elections — Vote for your student government candidates. May 21 and 22 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Plaza Vaquero. For more information call (818) 2401000, ext. 3033. ASGCC Academic Decathlon — Watch teams of five battle for a $1,000 scholarship. To compete: you must register your team of five by Monday at 4 p.m. in SC 201; have a team name and captain, and at least one member must attend a mandatory orientation on May 24 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in SC 208. The Decathlon will be on May 31 at 1:30 p.m. in Kreider Hall. For more information visit SC 201 or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 3033.
EVENTS Swap Meet — Upper campus parking lot. Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5805. GCC Faculty/Staff Talent Show — First prize is a $250 scholarship to be donated in the winners name. Sponsored by ASGCC Campus Activities. May 23 at 12:30 p.m. on the cafeteria patio, in front of the bookstore. Book Drive and Fair — Books will be sold from $1-7 to raise funds for the Baja Field Studies program. May 28 and 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in San Rafael Plaza. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 3149.
International Student Talent Show — First prize $150, second $100 and third $50 cash. Free lunch for the first 100 to show up to see the show. To compete you must be an F1 Visa student or have at least one F1 in your group. Deadline for entrants is Friday by 2 p.m. in the International Student Center on the second floor of the San Rafael building. The show is May 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Auditorium. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 6645. Biannual Soccer Tournament — V.O.I.C.E.S. is sponsoring this event to raise funds for AB 540 student scholarships. Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sartoris Field. To register or for more information call (818) 913-4041. Dodgeball Club — The next two games will be held Tuesday and May 28 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the San Fernando complex outdoor basketball courts. ASA Club Elections — The ASA executive committee for next year will be elected. May 23 at 12:20 p.m. in LB 220. For more information call (818) 730-9998. Variety Nights — The Theatre Guild presents a variety of student acts on May 23 at 7 p.m. in the Black Box Theater / AU102. GCC Revival — Skits will be performed and a guest speaker. Food will be provided afterwards. Open to all who are curious about the Gospel. Sponsored by the
HAVE YOUR CAMPUS EVENT LISTED ON THE CALENDAR PAGE
CAREERS Power Academy Orientation — Learn more about GCC’s Verdugo Power Academy class. Today from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in SF 119. For more information visit www. glendale.edu/power or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5541 or 5906.
LECTURES Humanities / Social Sciences Lecture Series — “Traffic-Related Air Pollution: Health Effects and Exposure Assessment.” Speaker is Donna C. Dueker, a postdoctoral fellow in environmental genomics at USC. Free. May 23 at 12:30 p.m. in SR 138. Science Lecture Series — “Paradigm Shifts in Therapeutic Cancer Vaccination and Early Cancer Detection: Boldly Go Where No One has Gone Before.” Speaker is Martin Kast, professor of molecular microbiology and immunology, obstetrics and gynecology at USC. Cimmarusti Science Center, room 177 Free. May 28 in CS 177 at 12:20 p.m.
ART GALLERY The Juried Student Art Show — Showcasing student work in painting, drawing, print making, ceramics, sculpture and jewelry. A reception for the student artists will be held Thursday from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. in the gallery. Guest artist Rebecca Campbell is
the juror for the student exhibition. Runs through June 5. Hours are Monday through Wednesday 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Thursday 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Fridays by appointment. In the Library Building. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5663.
MEETINGS Board of Trustees Meeting — Monday in Kreider Hall. 5 p.m. For more information visit: www. glendale.edu/boardoftrusees.
DANCE “Dance Performance 2013” — Featuring GCC student dancers and choreographers. Directed by Dora Krannig and Lynn McMurrey. Seating is limited. Early arrival is advised. No children under 5 admitted. Free. May 28 at 8 p.m. May 29 at 12:20 and 8 p.m. In the Dance Theatre, Sierra Nevada building.
of the 1957 American anti-war film “Paths of Glory,” directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas. Free. May 24 at 12:30 p.m. in SG 334. A discussion facilitated by instructor Mike Petros follows the screening.
PLANETARIUM Afternoon with the Stars — A lunchtime program highlighting the planetarium’s features. The viewers choice will be presented today and May 22 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. in CS 257. Free. For more information visit www.glendale. edu/planetarium or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5275.
WORKSHOPS Effective Resume — Focuses on essential resume-writing principles, formats and content. May 22 at noon, and May 28 at 3 p.m. Free. Career Center, San Rafael Building. For more information call (818) 240-1000 ext. 5407.
MUSIC
TUTORING
GCC College Choir, Chamber Singers and Opera Vignettes Spring Concert — Featuring choral works and opera excerpts directed by Jayne Campbell. General admission $7, students and seniors $5. Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Mainstage Auditorium. For more information call (818) 2401000, ext. 5829.
Math Discovery Center — The newly remodeled facility offers increased computer access and drop-in tutoring for math. Must be currently enrolled in a math course. Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in AS 103. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5362.
Community Orchestra Concert — The GCC orchestra will perform its first concert of the year. Conducted by Beth Pflueger. General admission $10, students and seniors $7. Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Auditorium.
MOVIES Friday Flix: — A screening
Learning Center — Tutors are available in a variety of subjects. Referral from an instructor, counselor or librarian required. Computers available. Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in AD 232. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5333. Compiled by Richard Kontas
• Email the details to Elvaquero.editor@gmail.com. • Call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349 and leave a message on our 24/7 event hotline, we’ll get right back to you. • The deadline for the May 29 issue is May 21.
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LIFESTYLE
Club in Nicaragua [Nicaragua, from page 1]
On their last day, Mkroyan and Koocharian worked with a patient who he couldn’t help but find the country suffered from pelvic inflammatory beautiful in its pain and resolve to disease for 28 years. PID causes swelling of the fallopian tubes and damage to the survive. “It just looked like this beaten down ovaries, the uterus, and often leads to country, like someone kept beating it infertility, according to webmd.com. with a stick,” Koocharian said. “You Both she and her husband also suffered could really see the pain and the hurt of from diabetes, with a blood sugar level the country, and so I just thought wow, of 200. At most, blood sugar levels should be at 125, Koocharian said. The we really need to help these people.” Participating students had to husband informed them that he drank at undergo training specific to the country least one bottle of soda a day. Due to the they were volunteering in before they lack of clean and accessible water, they could actually work with patients. drank soda as a means of hydration. Though Mkroyan and Koocharian They mostly learned how to identify symptoms for illnesses, such as urinary told them they needed to go to a hospital tract infections, sexually transmitted immediately, the couple had no way of reaching one. Where Glendale has diseases and parasites. several hospitals During their in its vicinity, trip, the club had Masaya has no five clinical days, health facility during which and Nicaraguans they treated have to travel patients. After for hours before leaving Managua they can reach and completing one. Even if their orientation, they manage to they travelled get to a hospital, to Granada and doctors may Masaya. only be there One of the most once or twice a common cases week and they was bacterial see hundreds of vaginosis, a Photo courtesy of Garen Koocharian patients during type of vaginal that time. infection, which HELPING OTHERS: Tatiana Ratavo“Here [in the K o o c h a r i a n sian learns how to take the patient’s blood United States], contributed to poor pressure. hygiene due to the lack of resources we complain about the smallest thing, and bathrooms. He said most people like a paper cut, and run to the hospital,” had to make do with holes that are dug Koocharian said. “There, they just have to deal with it because there are no in the ground. According to Mkroyan, most of hospitals.” One of Mkroyan’s patients, an their cases also involved patients who had parasites, particularly ring worms elderly man, had an enlarged testicle and were suffering from malnutrition. that was caused by water entering his Many of the children they saw had two gonad. They referred him to a doctor for different hair colors, a common sign of surgery, as one of their limitations was malnourishment. Both Mkroyan and they did not have all of the equipment Koocharian said most of the children they needed at the clinic sites to fully had parasites as well, so they often help patients with their needs. “Part of the problem is that many prescribed Albendazole and vitamins. Pamela Avila, a member of GMT Nicaraguans do not have access to majoring in English and Journalism, healthcare, even though all expenses was the only student to attend the trip are covered by the government,” that was not a pre-med or biology major. Mkroyan said. “Most of them live Of Mexican heritage, she experienced under conditions that are unfathomable no language barriers but still underwent to the average American.” For Mkroyan and others, the trip not “a huge culture shock” due to the amount of poverty and disease that is only allowed them to make a difference but reassured their decision to enter the part of Nicaraguan life. Koocharian said that though some medical field. “It was a rewarding experience that of the people in Nicaragua often look healthy due to their high amount of I will never forget,” he said. “I cannot physical activity, they generally are wait to go to Nicaragua again and save not once you “dig deeper.” He recalls a more lives.” patient who had a “six-pack” but had a urinary tract infection, which is highly Agnessa Kasumyan can be reached at uncommon among men. agnessakas@gmail.com