Nov. 25, 2009

El Vaquero November 25, 2 0 0 9

Glendale College

New and Improved!

Garfield Campus Receives $20 million Related stories on pages 2, 4 and 7

Photo by Greg Parks

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El Vaquero Glendale Community College

editor in chief

Brandon Hensley

NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR

Isiah Reyes

CAMPUS EVENTS EDITOR

Angelica Fraire

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Ashley Chang

SPORTS EDITOR

Chloe Vignolles-Jeong

STAFF WRITERS

Aris Allahverdian Agnes Constante AnnaLinda Andersson Jesse Gutierrez Daniel Choi Amy Hirsch Anissa Clarke Vera Iwanoff Judy Del Castillo Cindy Garcia Yesenia Pereyra STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Richard Kontas Louis Roche Jr. Shaun Kelly Production Manager

Jane Pojawa

design adviser

Charles Eastman

faculty adviser

advertising

Michael Moreau Jeff Smith

mmoreau@glendale.edu (818) 551-5214

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

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

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Trustees Discuss Budget, Garfield Construction

By Isiah Reyes

EL VAQUERO NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR

T

he Garfield Campus expansion project was at the heart of the discussion during the Nov. 16 board of trustees meeting, along with concerns over the current state budget’s effect on GCC. The meeting, which was held at the Garfield campus, featured a special presentation by Michael Rachlin, of Rachlin Architects, who gave a quick overview of the progress on the project.

“Eventually we’ll have parking for 180 cars as part of the [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] requirements,” Rachlin said. “What we’re envisioning here is a three-story building, about 40,000 square feet. And one of the main features of the building is the entrance courtyard plaza.”

The new classroom and office building is slated to cost $14.5 million and be paid for by Measure G, a $98-million construction bond that voters passed in 2002. The project is scheduled to be completed

by September 2011.

Rachlin said he looked at GCC’s administration building for inspiration, stating that “there’s history there [at GCC], there’s character there, there’s an institutional feeling and we wanted to create that same kind of feeling here on [Garfield], so that there was a relationship [between the two].”

In addition to the 14 new classrooms built to replace the old ones, several public areas are to be included.

On the first floor, a community center meeting room will double as a student lounge and testing center. It will have snack machines and provide a place for students to relax or study away from “the summer heat and winter rains.”

Presently, there is no space indoors for students to congregate other than covered tables in the corridor area of the bungalows.

Some additional costs were found by Bill Taylor, the college’s construction management consultant.

They were not considered at the time of the original contract. He asked for a reallocation of G funds to pay for new asphalt, which is currently estimated to cost $90,000.

In addition, he requested a new paint job for the old building and housing for the cadets on the Garfield Campus.

Taylor asked for about $258,000 to cover the projects. There is currently about $53,000 left over from two projects, which have closed out. There is less than $50,000 in the project reserve.

“The state is not able to estimate the extent to what community colleges would have to face [cutbacks in the current state’s budget],” said Ron Nakasone, vice president of administrative services.

“The state also said when the governor releases the 2010-11 budget in January, that he’ll probably address any mid-year adjustments at that time.

Community colleges have some protection against the budget cuts because of Proposition 98, although the prop guarantee is going down,” Nakasone said.

Terry Coblentz, women’s athletic director, spoke of the progress of GCC sports, stating that the volleyball team will make the playoffs for the first time since 1987.

As part of GCC’s beautification project to keep the campus clean, cleanup days have been established. The next one will be on Nov. 24 at noon. Lilya Avagyan, governing body president and student trustee, told attendees that the previous campus cleanup day on Nov. 11 was a success.

Avagyan also mentioned that the GCC speech and debate team won gold in its competition in the Pasadena City College tournament. “This is the first time in the history of GCC [that this has happened].

So we’re very proud of our speech and debate team.”

Interim President Dawn Lindsay ended the meeting by reminding the members of the board that they’ll be attending the Montrose Christmas Parade in two convertibles and will be waving to spectators.

The next board of trustees meeting will be held in Kreider Hall on Dec. 21 at 5 p.m.

See related story, page 6 Isiah Reyes can be reached at isiah_reyes@elvaq.com

Journalism Classes for Spring: Miss out on classes this winter? It’s not too early to start thinking about spring! These classes prepare students to work on the staffs of El Vaquero and The Insider: JOURN 102 - 3.00 - REPORTING THE NEWS Description: JOURN 102 is an introductory course in the gathering and writing of news, features and editorials.

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JOURN 107 - 3.00 - MAGAZINE WRITING Description: JOURN 107 focuses on feature writing for magazines and newspapers. Students learn how to find feature ideas and develop them into articles for student or professional publications.

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JOURN 110 - 3.00 - PHOTOJOURNALISM Description: JOURN 110 provides instruction in techniques for producing photos for news and feature articles.

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Super Computer Renders Dome Animations

By Isiah Reyes

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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en computers linked together to form the planetarium’s super computer will create many possibilities to be explored in the sciences, an experience only found at GCC. The super computer is essentially 10 machines, which are synchronized to perform one task. The most common task is for rendering, which is to digitally reproduce animation to view in the planetarium.

On average, a 45-minute movie has about 1.5 terabytes and worth of data. One terabyte is equal to 1,024 gigabytes.

The computers are linked together in a cluster project. A cluster is a series of computers performing a single task. There are eight processors, also known as cores, in each machine. That totals 80 cores in the super computer.

Hrach Beglaryan, 19, a chemical engineering student, has the most experience with working on the super computer. He began

working on it this past summer.

In the winter, Beglaryan plans to finish testing the machine and begin working on actual projects.

According to Paul Buehler, planetarium and dome administrator, other colleges around the country have domes similar to the one on campus, but they don’t allow students much hands-on experience with them.

Glendale College gives students the opportunity to get up close and personal with the planetarium super computer. The University of New Mexico and the University of Notre Dame also encourage students to get involved with the dome as part of independent study.

“In Notre Dame, it’s only a few students that go in on a volunteer basis,” Buehler said. “GCC is the only college that [provides access to the dome] at the level that we do in all of America.”

Art Basel, an international contemporary art exhibition held each year in Basel, Switzerland, used the GCC planetarium as a production venue to preview its presentation before sending it out

CalWorks Offers Aid to Students Who Fall Below Poverty Level

By Amy Hirsch

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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n these current difficult economic times, the GCC CalWorks program is providing a critical service to those in need.

According to Aarin Edwards, director of the CalWorks office at GCC, “Our mission is to help a population of students who are struggling in their lives to come to school and be successful … and see school as an incredible opportunity, even though it is coming to them at a time when they are really struggling.”

The CalWorks program, funded by the state through county offices, provides assistance to individuals in need, most commonly single parents who have minor children, with income and property below a minimum level.

Those receiving benefits

through CalWorks are generally required to participate in the Welfare to Work program, which is designed to help lead people into a self-supporting job. Participants are followed at the county welfare department by a representative of the GAIN (Greater Avenues for Independence) program, and may be directed either toward employment opportunities or further training.

The Welfare to Work program can provide cash assistance, child care, transportation and educational fee reimbursement.

Those receiving aid are required to spend at least 32 hours per week in approved Welfare to Work activities. Work-related, vocational or educational programs can qualify.

GCC provides services for vocational education and training [See Programs, page 4]

to the art world.

Beglaryan has been testing the computer by running programs that can calculate pi, by using different algorithms to compare the speed it takes compared to a computer that has only one node.

“My main focus right now is testing how much power I get from it,” Beglaryan. He is also running an application designed to help the computer recognize itself as an entity.

On average, Beglaryan spends about 10 hours a week in the dome.

He stated that GCC is being more cost efficient by creating a super computer as opposed to buying a computer mainframe, which costs more.

The opportunity to work with the super computer is unique to this college, according to Buehler.

To find out more about the super computer or the dome, call Buehler at (818) 551-5275 or e-mail at buehler@glendale.edu.

The planetarium is in CS257.

Isiah Reyes can be reached at isiah_reyes@elvaq.com

Photo by Edgar Sanchez

YOU CAN CALL ME HAL: Glendale’s super computer renders animations in the planetarium dome, and is capable of much more.

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Garfield Moves Ahead With $20 Million Upgrade

By Cindy Garcia

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

Cover Story

T

he college is moving ahead with a $20 million construction project to replace old facilities on the Garfield campus despite what the administration has called an economic crisis.

The construction project will consist of a new three-story classroom building, 15 classrooms covering 40,000 square feet, a community room, a courtyard plaza, a book store, computer labs and a student services center.

The state budget crisis has affected both campuses. Thirty

percent of winter classes have been cut and some of the main campus library databases will be discontinued. But the money available for the Garfield campus cannot be used for other purposes.

A portion of the money from the Measure G bond, which passed with 65 percent of the votes, was designated in March 2002 for the Garfield construction project, said Alfred Ramirez, associate dean of the Garfield Campus.

“We were allocated $20 million and it all comes from the Measure G bond,” said Karen Holden-Ferkich, associate vice president of continuing and community education.

“That

CalWorks [Programs, from page 3]

to qualifying individuals through the campus CalWorks office, which is part of the Continuing and Community Education Department.

Despite the budget cuts, “We still provide the same services,” Edwards said. “We care about our students very much.”

Staff in the college CalWorks office work as case managers and provide a wide range of services to assist students in the program to achieve their goals. Counseling is given for educational, financial, vocational or any other area that may be helpful.

Assistance is also provided students to deal with the state workers who oversee their benefits.

“The CalWorks program here at Glendale College is the largest of any community college in the state,” Edwards said. “We have over 1,500 of the 37,000 CalWorks students being served by community colleges.”

“Because of the economic crisis we are going through, there are more and more people who can’t find jobs … the numbers applying for welfare are increasing also,” said Edwards.

At GCC, CalWorks students have increased from 1,132 to 1,553 from 2008 to 2009. Of these, 69 percent are women.

Of the total, 89 percent are

white, 6.9 percent Hispanic, 2.4 percent Asian and 1 percent are African-American.

“A lot of our students are refugees from other countries, so say they come from another country — you can’t find a job, you would go to your GAIN worker who would say ‘what you need to become self-sufficient in this country is some education,’” Edwards said. “They could go from having a difficult time finding employment to becoming productive successful people, and at the same time they are modeling for their children what it looks like to study and go to college,” said Edwards.

“At this time when the economy is so bad and so many people are struggling financially, we think that the mission of our program helping very low-income students is more important than ever,” Edwards concluded.

The GCC CalWorks office is located in SF114, (818) 240-1000, ext. 5508. An office is also located on the Garfield Campus, ext. 5681.

Anyone needing assistance should first apply through the county DPSS office located at 4680 San Fernando Road Glendale, 91204, or call (818) 546-6100.

Amy Hirsch can be reached at amy_hirsch@elvaq.com

money can only be spent on facility projects or projects that the voters of Glendale agreed to when we passed the bond.”

Holden-Ferkich said that the new building will replace the old bungalows and the rental space the college has at Chevy Chase Baptist Church.

She also said that the classrooms are in “very substandard condition” since they “are very old and falling apart.” These classrooms lack the technological tools such as computers and projectors, since they were built in the 1920s as apartments and were converted into classrooms 20 years ago.

“Our students deserve to have the very best facilities possible,” she said. “All of our students at Glendale College should have access to good-quality classrooms.”

The parking lot will have 181 parking spaces and eight of those spaces will be designated for hybrid vehicles and car pooling. The lot will also have 45 additional spaces for bicycles.

The architect in charge of the building design, Michael Rachlin, said that he was inspired by the architecture of the main campus.

His goal was to bring the two campuses together in order to have

a “traditional and monumental” feeling that is found in Spanishstyle architecture.

“We were trying to recreate the feeling on the main campus where they have a strong Spanish feeling,” Rachlin said. “With this new building, the courtyard plaza, and the entrance arches, you´ll get the feeling that it relates to the main campus.”

According to Rachlin, the current Garfield campus lacks a “pedestrian friendly space.” He designed a new entrance as a courtyard with a series of palm trees in a circle shape that “creates a sense of intimacy.”

“A nice feature about the project is that between the two buildings, we will have a very large courtyard,” said Rachlin.

“It will be a pedestrian courtyard with tables and benches, which can be sort of a public gathering space.”

The new building will be connected with the existing building, with two bridges on the second and third floor. The existing building will also be painted, since it has not been painted since 1999. This alone will cost $75,000.

The building will not only meet the needs of the community, but also environmental needs.

The building will be certificated by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system.

“We are going [through] rigorous guidelines from [the] LEED program to provide ecofriendly and sustainable building materials,” said Rachlin. “We are also recycling all the used materials that we can.”

The new buildings at the Garfield Campus will be ready for use in the fall of 2011. The recently opened Parent Support Center is the first stage of the project.

The Garfield campus serves about 15,000 students with classes in English as a second language, computer software and citizenship. It offers vocational degrees and high school diplomas.

For questions and comments about the construction project, contact Karen Holden-Ferkich at (818) 240- 1000, ext 5010 or e-mail at kholden@glendale.edu.

See related stories, pages 2 and 7

Cindy Garcia can be reached at Cindy_Garcia@elvaq.com

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Increased Enrollment Makes Gym Crowded

By Agnes Constante EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

O

n a typical weekday morning at the Lifestyle Fitness Center, it’s hard to ignore the whirring of the rotating belts of treadmills, the blaring upbeat music and the faint panting of exhausted students.

But, it’s especially hard to ignore the mass of students that crowd into the fitness center at the Verdugo Gym for morning workouts.

Enrollment for physical education classes at the college has increased by an estimated 600 students. The number of students enrolled normally averages from 1,000 to 1,200, said Jon Gold, division chair of Health and Physical Education. This semester, however, nearly 1,800 students use the facilities.

With enrollment cut backs at Cal States and UCs, GCC has experienced an increase in student enrollment, Gold said.

“The fitness center has been a class that students have been able to enroll in because of the flexibility to attend the class.

There is never a time conflict [within] [their] schedule,” he said.

The fitness center is open to students enrolled in physical education classes from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays and 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays.

Facilities are used by disabled students, used by staff and employees, and undergo maintenance from 1 p.m. to 5

p.m., during which hours the center is closed to students.

The fitness center is an openentry/open-exit class that allows students to enroll at any point in the semester as long they are able to complete required hours.

If students get dropped or withdraw from a class but still require units for financial aid, for insurance or to fulfill foreign exchange student requirements, “the center has been that safety net to get into to help these students,” Gold said.

With an estimated 50 to 60 percent more students enrolled in PE than usual, equipment at the Verdugo Gym is in constant use.

Gold estimated that 300 to 400 students use the center’s facilities daily.

“That’s a lot of people coming through here and using the center, and that means those machines are just on 24/7,” he said.

There are currently three treadmills, three cross trainers, a rock climbing machine and one bike that are defective at the fitness center.

The center did not have a lab tech during the summer and Gold said that it continued operating without one for five months. It currently has a lab tech that has ordered replacement parts for the non-functioning equipment.

A lab tech maintains and services fitness equipment, and inspects equipment prior to its use every morning.

The average lifespan of cardio equipment in gyms is about four to five years. Machines at the Lifestyle Fitness Center currently range from 2- to-17-years old.

Photo by Shaun Kelly

FEEL THE BURN: A long line of students wait to sign up to use equipment in the Lifestyle Fitness Center.

The physical education division has been working to systematically replace one or two pieces of equipment a year for the past five to six years.

“If we waited until the equipment died we could be running into the tens of thousands [of dollars] to replace the equipment,” Gold said.

So far an estimated six treadmills, one cross trainer, two stationary bikes and one recumbent bike have been replaced.

To use facilities in the cardio section of the fitness center, students are required to sign up for the machine they wish to use.

Students are limited to one name per sign-up sheet and 20 minutes per machine.

“Somebody might come in here and want to use the treadmill for an hour, but [they] can’t because that means for two sessions, [they] bump two people

off,” Gold said.

With machines down, Gold said that students who could be using them end up waiting. Instead of being able to use the machines when they want, students have to use other equipment until cardio machines free up.

Christine Andreasian, who oversees the sign-up sheets in the morning, said that the fitness center tends to get full from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Students have noted that the increased number of those enrolled in physical education classes, coupled with nonfunctional equipment has, at various times, resulted in a crowded gym.

Hospitality management major Mohamed Mahdy said that the gym tends to get crowded and noisy after 10 a.m.

Sociology major Angelica Kyrukchyan, who completes her workout four days a week between

9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., noted that the gym is generally crowded during this time. She also said that she often experiences a 10minute wait before she is able to use equipment.

Student Chanel Secreto said that of the machines in the fitness center, “the treadmill is really hard to get on.”

“One time I went [to the fitness center] and there [were] no more slots [on the sign-up sheets],” she said. “All of the slots for the treadmill [were] filled up and I couldn’t get on that day.”

Secreto has waited 40 minutes to get on a treadmill.

Students who complete 32 hours at the gym per semester receive one unit of PE credit; 48 hours earn students 1.5 units; 64 hours earn two units; and 80 hours earn 2.5 units.

Agnes Constante can be reached at Agnes_Constante@elvaq.com

P.A.C.E. Program Helps Working Students

By Agnes Constante EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

I

magine working full-time, caring for your children and being a full-time student.

Imagine that even with all these responsibilities, it’s possible to graduate with general education requirements necessary to transfer to a four-year college or university and earn an associate’s degree within four to five semesters.

The Project for Adult College Education, better known as PACE, allows students to do just that.

PACE Director Bob Taylor

said that a typical evening student who works toward an associate’s degree or transfer by taking from three to six units per semester may be going to school for a minimum of four to five years. Students enrolled in PACE, however, may complete this same goal in less time.

“It offers a viable alternative to the evening student, to the working adult,” Taylor said of the program.

The program, designed for working adults, allows those enrolled to complete an associate’s degree and general education transfer requirements to Cal

States and private universities within a reasonable time frame.

PACE students may also opt to transfer to UCs, though it is not a viable option for working adults.

According to Taylor, most UC classes run from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

He said that unless working adults are willing to yield their jobs for their studies, there are virtually no undergraduate evening programs offered at UCs. Cal States and private universities on the other hand, offer complete evening programs.

Students enrolled in the program attend classes one evening per week and every other

Saturday throughout the full semesters. They take four classes each semester, generally by completing two classes per eight weeks, and are able to complete 12 units per semester. Week night classes run from 5:45 p.m. to 8:12 p.m. and from 8:20 p.m. to 10:47 p.m., while Saturday classes run from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

While PACE is designed for working adults, it is open to all students, regardless of age, who may only be able to attend classes in the evenings.

The program currently offers degrees in liberal arts and

business to students.

Though the concept of completing 12 units per semester by devoting a weeknight and every other Saturday may sound nice on paper, the curriculum is not necessarily easy.

“I tell people … ‘this is not easy, but it’s doable if you apply yourself,’” Taylor said.

Cyndee Whitney, head of organization development and training for the city of Pasadena, participated in the program from 1998 to 2000. Since graduating from PACE, she obtained a [See PACE, page 6]

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Program [P.A.C.E, from page 5] bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and a doctorate in human and organizational systems.

Whitney worked full time and traveled for her job while she was enrolled in PACE. With all her responsibilities, it was not always easy for her to keep up with the program.

“One night, it was 10, it was freezing cold, it was raining, I was walking up heart attack hill [to the upper parking lot] with a big giant book bag and an umbrella that turned inside-out in the wind,” she said. “I was frozen to the bone, and I just screamed out, ‘what the hell am I doing this for?’

“I drove home, and that night, I [watched a video for] our economics class [which was] about the Great Depression.

And when I turned it on I saw my grandmother’s time, and I learned about what her life was like … and I thought, ‘that’s why I’m in this program, because I didn’t know this before.’”

Whitney enthusiastically recommended the program to working adults and to those with time constraints.

Because the program allows students to reach their academic goals within a reasonable time frame, it has become popular at GCC, with 400 students currently enrolled.

Taylor noted that one of the strengths of PACE is that students move through classes together as a group.

“They’re together for four or five semesters. So they can kind of form study groups, and they can kind of have like an external family,” he said. “Most of the students at Glendale College take a class for 18 weeks, but chances are after that semester’s over, unless you see them on campus, you’re probably not going to take another class with them.”

He found that students that move through classes together “really increases graduation probability and expectations because students kind of feel that they have an identity, and they want to continue with their peers and graduate.”

Whitney said that the family she formed with her PACE peers affected her positively.

“You move through something difficult together; it’s a support system that you have,” she said.

“This is your unique family because these people know what you’re going through.”

Instructor Libby Curiel, who taught a Speech 100 section in PACE in October, said that students in the program were unique.

“The one thing I can say about all of them is that they really were very engaging,” she said. “They’re there, they’re focused, they’re really interested, they want to learn, they’re selfmotivated.”

Although Curiel had to devote week nights and Saturdays to teaching PACE students, she was positive about the whole experience.

“Teaching at nights and on the weekends for me is so rough, because … I’m a single mom,” she said. “It was a commitment for me, but … I made it, and I’m glad that I did. It was a great experience.”

Curiel also remains in touch with her students.

“They’re my friends on Facebook now that their grades are in,” she said.

PACE was originally started in Detroit, Mich. as a program for auto workers. It came to Southern California in the early ’90s, and was introduced at Glendale College in 1998 by former Vice President of Instructional Services Chris McCarthy, who passed away this September.

For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5153.

Agnes Constante can be reached at Agnes_Constante@elvaq.com

This past weekend, the Glendale Speech and Debate Team attended the CSUN Invitational Tournament and placed third in Community College Sweepstakes.

The individual winners were:

* Second Place Informative: Ariel Gaughan * Fifth Place Speaker in Parliamentary Debate: Nicole Guice * Finalist in Poetry Interpretation: Harrison Fleming * Finalist in Persuasive Speaking: Vahe Ovespyan * Finalist in Persuasive Speaking: Sally Morgan * Finalist in Impromptu Speaking: Nick Weber

Alumni Association Awards 6 Students With Scholarships

By Yesenia Pereyra

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he GCC Alumni Association held its annual awards banquet on Nov. 12 at The Castaway restaurant in Burbank, where six GCC students were awarded scholarships.

The six scholarships were awarded to Arteen Pirverdian, Larisa Poghosyan, Latoya Kirkland, Isabel Basurto, Janser Ribeiro Guimaraes and Yuko Shiina.

Each scholarship was worth $300. The students have the opportunity to use the money where it most benefits them, whether it be for tuition, books or personal reasons.

The criteria for the recipients who were chosen were mainly based on their progress and

commitment toward further education. The students also had to demonstrate a financial need, show an obstacle they have had in their life that has prevented them from continuing their education, and to have gone far and beyond in their achievements compared to other students, said Henan Joof, outreach coordinator of the association.

When asked about the scholarship, Basurto was grateful and “very honored to be acknowledged and see the compassion of others and that they care [about students].”

Kirkland is a continuing student at GCC who wants to major in psychology and transfer to Cal State Northridge. She said that she had wasted around six years of just working, and realized that without education,

there are no opportunities. This is the fifth scholarship she has received from GCC. She is a volunteer worker for the AIDS Project of Los Angeles, and involved in the speech club and Outdoors club on campus.

Kirkland is also a caregiver for her disabled mother.

“I’m very happy,” Shiina said of the award. “I was not expecting this because it had been a long time since I applied.”

Shiina is an international student from Japan who is aiming for graduate school.

She graduated and acquired her bachelor’s degree from Tokyo College of Music. “I play for my church choir, the community and little concerts here and there,” she [See Alumni, page 7]

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NEWS

Parent Support Center Opens at Garfield Campus

By Cindy Garcia

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he new Parent Support Center was officially inaugurated Nov. 16 at GCC’s Garfield Campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Members of the board of trustees, along with the architect of the center, Michael Rachlin, interim President Dawn Lindsay, contractor Stephen Olsen, and Karen Holden-Ferkich, associate vice president of continuing and community education, had the honor of cutting the red ribbon.

“I feel really proud [of] this beautiful place,” said HoldenFerkich. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students to be able to get an education and not have to worry about where their children are.”

Although it opened in late October, the center’s ribboncutting “came a little later because we wanted to have all the board [of trustees] members able to be here for the ribbon cutting,” said Holden-Ferkich.

The center’s new facilities are part of the first stage of the Garfield construction project, which is scheduled to be ready for the fall 2011 semester.

The new center is about 2,000 square feet and cost an estimated $141,000. It can hold up to 30 children, which is more than the 22 the previous center held.

The center originally opened in February 2002 next to the Garfield

Campus. The old facility was a house that the college converted and equipped as the center.

The idea for the new center was unplanned. It originated when the Garfield Campus construction project was in need of more parking spaces.

“We had no plan for the center at all, but we ended up with a new facility,” said Holden-Ferkich.

“When they made the contract [for the Garfield construction project funded by Measure G], they included moving the center so we had more parking space.”

The backyard features a sand box, a grass area with eco-friendly sustainable plants and orange, tangerine and lemon trees.

The indoor space has a refrigerator, stove, washer and dryer machines. Staff of the center cook for the children and wash their clothes when necessary to make children feel as comfortable as if they were at home.

“Glendale Community College really puts children first,” said Teri Ismail, assistant director of the center. “They really thought carefully about how to make the yard work well, and they made indoor space inviting, warm and home-like as much as possible.”

In order for children to be part of the program, their parents must be registered students of the Garfield Campus. The children are allowed in the center only during the times their parents are on campus.

“If [students] leave our site,

Photo by Greg Parks

AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE: Cutting the ribbon on the new playground are, from left, trustee members Ann Ransford and Armine Hacopian, Karen Holden-Ferkich, trustee President Dr. Vahe Peroomian, Interim President Dawn Lindsay, trustee Vice-President Anita Quinonez Gabrielian, Vice President student trustee Lilya Avagyan, and trustee member Tony Tartaglia. See related stories, pages 2 and 4.

their children must go with them,” said Holden-Ferkich. “We are not day care, we are here to support the parents and that’s why we called it the Parent Support Center.”

Children are able to participate in a broad variety of different activities, such as art, music, gymnastics and story telling.

Material integrated into the pre-kindergarten program will

Scholarships [Alumni, from page 6] said. Shiina said she wants to become a great pianist, and hopes to come back to GCC in the future.

This year, the Alumni Association raised $400 through the concession stands at football games. The money is added to the investments the association already has and 5 percent of the profit from the investments is given as scholarships.

“It is always hard to choose how many students to give scholarships to; either a couple of students so more money is awarded in each scholarship, or more students, but less money,”

said Joof. “But this year, we figured that [$300] is an amount that works and makes a difference [to the students], ” he said.

The club has 170 members, but only “one-third of them are really active, since most of them [have] graduated, transferred and have moved out far from here,” said Joof. “We are always eager to have more members.” “[We are] always looking for more staff, current students and alumni to participate,” Alumni President Ana Artiga said.

Recognition awards were also given to members of the Patrons club. Ann H. Ransford, a member of the board of trustees, was recognized for her distinguished

service to GCC. Ransford was the former director of communications for the Glendale College Foundation.

She was also a member of the executive board of the YMCA, YWCA and Glendale Chamber of Commerce.

Pat Crouch received an award for career achievement and community service in her profession in real estate and Judy Gorham was awarded the Patrons Club Presidential Award for her active role in promoting education.

Yesenia Pereyra can be reached at Yesenia_Pereyra@elvaq.com

help children learn the alphabet, numbers and colors.

“Our vision is to create a place of discovery and exploration,” said Ismail. “A place that invites and entices a child to use their imagination and grow through play.”

The center also offers children the opportunity to become bilingual and to start learning English, since many of the children at the center only speak their parents’ native language.

The staff includes educational tools such as books and music to incorporate the children’s own cultures into the classroom.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity

for the children to learn English and to learn to get along with different cultures,” said HoldenFerkich.

“This is a children’s little paradise here at the Garfield Campus,” said Ismail.

The center offers free or lowcost child care for students. The free service is offered through CalWorks, a state welfare program that provides temporary financial aid for low-income students. The center’s operation hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Cindy Garcia can be reached at Cindy_Garcia@elvaq.com

Mary Demirian, OD 2915 W. Magnolia Blvd.

Burbank, CA 91505

(818) 841-3840

Call to Schedule Your Appointment Today!

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8

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

www.elvaq.com

SPORTS

Lady Vaqueros

By Chloe Vignolles-Jeong EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

Chloe Vignolles-Jeong can be reached at Chloe_Jeong@elvaq.com

Take it to the hoop as season starts Colleen Covey (22), left, freshman guard for the Lady Vaqueros, drives toward the basket on a breakaway while being guarded by Ashley James (20), sophomore guard from Fullerton College. The two teams were among a group of eight women’s basketball teams representing community colleges from around the Southland, who were participating in the 2009 Glendale College Vaqueros Shootout Tournament. The tournament began on Friday with the championship game played on Sunday. The Lady Vaqueros went on to lose against Fullerton College 67-42 in the second round.

Photos by Louis Roche Jr.

Women’s Basketball Preview

By Daniel Choi

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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Chelsea Baqueiro (20), freshman guard for the Lady Vaqueros, drives toward the basket while being guarded by Briana Myles (10), of Santa Ana College.

Baqueiro won the All-Tourney Player Award for her performance on the court.

As her teammates look on, above, Amanda Gupilan (11), sophomore guard for the Lady Vaqueros, prepares to drive toward the basket while being guarded by Shay Taba (12), a from El Camino College. The Lady Vaqs went on to win against El Camino 55-51 in the first of three rounds of play.

Lady Vaqueros Host Basketball Shootout

By Chloe Vignolles-Jeong EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

T

he Lady Vaqs hosted the Vaquero Shootout Friday through Sunday, where eight teams competed to place first, second and third.

Glendale finished fourth on Sunday, when it lost to Santa Ana College, 62-61, on a last-

second foul against Glendale.

The Lady Vaqs beat El Camino College 55-51 on Friday to advance to the championship semi-finals on Saturday, where they faced Fullerton College, and lost 69-42.

Even with a fourth-place finish, head Coach Monica Hang feels good about the season.

“We look good,” said Hang.

“We’re playing great teams.

Fullerton is probably going to be top going to state and Santa Ana is above average.”

Lady Vaqs guard Chelsea Baqueiro received the All-Tourney Player award for being one of the outstanding players in the tournament.

Hang commented on next week’s game and said, “We’re going to work on making better shots, being

ready from the get-go, making better decisions, taking care of the ball and that’s it.”

The Lady Vaqs will compete in the Santa Ana/Orange Coast College Tournament Friday and Saturday.

Chloe Vignolles-Jeong can be reached at Chloe_Jeong@elvaq.com

fter a long offseason, the GCC women’s basketball team has returned to the hardwood floor prepared and ready to handle the tough schedule ahead for the 2009-10 season.

According to head Coach Monica Hang, coming off a season with a winning percentage of .500 in both conference (7-7) and overall (15-15) play will not have an effect on this year’s team.

“Each year is always a new year, so you have to work with what you have,” she said. “Last year, we had a lot of talent, but we didn’t succeed.

“This year, we don’t have as much talent, but [the team] works extremely hard and listens. This group of girls is just a pleasure to coach.”

The Lady Vaqs enter this year without the presence of several key contributors from last season, including former team captain Paola Gupilan.

Gupilan earned first-team All-Conference honors after averaging 13 points, and over four assists and seven rebounds. She is now playing on a scholarship at Fresno Pacific University.

Running a four-out-one-in offense and triangle offense interchangeably, Hang requires her players to shoot, pass and rebound in steady rhythm. To mitigate the loss of Gupilan, she emphasizes team cohesion.

“We plan to utilize more players instead of depending on one player like we did last year,” Hang said, addressing the loss of Gupilan. “Our team understands that we need more production from each and every one of them to succeed.”

To replace Gupilan’s leadership, Hang assigned sophomores Kendra Carter and Susana Rascon as co-captains.

“Kendra and Susana are team captains because they demonstrate what it is to be a student athlete,” explained Hang. “They take care of business on and off the court. They are dependable, reliable and have great work ethics.”

Amanda Quesada, who averaged eight points and eight rebounds last season, and Amanda Gupilan, Paola’s cousin, also return for the team.

Coach Hang believes the emergence of several freshmen during the course of the season will make up for the loss of experienced players.

“I think we’ll be OK,” she said. “We got some incoming players that will help replace the players that are not returning.”

Among the freshmen to look out for are guards Araceli Nieves and Chelsea Baqueiro, also known as “wild fire” for getting things started on the court.

The Lady Vaqs plan to take a game-by-game approach this season.

“We have not set a goal for this year [as of now],” Hang said. “We’re going to take it one game at a time.

“We won’t focus on the other teams as much as we do on ourselves and what we have to do to succeed. There are going to be some mismatches [in certain games], so we have to recognize those strengths and weaknesses and take it to our advantage.”

The Vaqs are scheduled to play in five backto-back tournaments to kick off the season before entering conference play on Jan. 6 against L.A. Valley College.

During the College of the Sequoias Tournament in early December, the Lady Vaqs will go headto-head with Mt. SAC, which was crowned state champion three times in the last four years.

Hang looks forward to the challenge of playing a perennial state champion, among other strong competitors during the string of tourneys.

“It is good experience for the girls and the school,” she said. “It will show us where we’re at, what we need to work on and improve.”

As for a forecast of upcoming conference play, the Cougars of College of the Canyons stand out as a team to beat in the Western State Conference South Division. Canyons has won four conference championships in the past five years.

The team’s first home game is on Jan. 9 against Santa Monica College.

Daniel Choi can be reached at Daniel_Choi@elvaq.com

Amanda Quesada (33), a sophomore guard/forward for Glendale, drives for the layup while being guarded by Santa Ana’s Brittany Hill (2).

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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

www.elvaq.com

FEATURES

Verdugo Fire Academy Accepting Applications

By Yesenia Pereyra

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he Verdugo Fire Academy is currently accepting Class XIII applications for classes that begin in January.

The Fire Academy is stationed at GCC and is open for people interested in a firefighting career.

“After 9/11, there has been a big change in interest in the fire service,” said Todd Jennings, drill chief. But, like many other things the economy has had an effect on, “The fire [departments] are only hiring because of the state funding that is provided,” Jennings said.

Cadet Andrew Padilla described the program as “Fun. It’s getting fun. At the beginning it was about learning the basics and more physical training. But now, all that we have learned we apply it to hands-on in training and [are in the stages of] live fire training.”

The academy is a part-time program that runs year-long.

Training is held three times a week, compared to other academies that are full-time and last three to four months. “Since it is part time, I manage to work full time and come to the academy,” said cadet Arin Aghakhanian.

Because the academy is a year-round program, “The firefighters have a real advantage compared to others [academies] because we provide more training hours, and we work with the local firefighting facilities around here,” Jennings said.

The academy provides more than 900 hours of training, double the training other academies have. “A lot of instructors work for various fire centers around here, so you already build up connections and they are good references,” said cadet Nelson Kraig.

Along with a year of hard work and physical endurance, the academy leaves room open for brotherhood. Because of the teamwork that is required and the long hours spent with each other on the weekends, “Being in a year-long academy gets you closer to the cadets,” said Kraig.

“We get to know each other better and we have a lot of bonding time.”

The class capacity is 60 cadets. Class XII started off with 62, and is now down to 38 cadets.

“That shows the discipline and commitment that is needed,” said Aghakhanian. The academy is a paramilitary program and cadets are expected to take orders.

“Commitment and physical fitness is expected in the program,” said Victor Castellanos, administrative assistant. “If [cadets] don’t come physically prepared, they are in jeopardy. But the majority of the cadets understand the physical activity [that is required] and most come with that work ethic.”

Certificates such as the California State Marshall, Rapid Intervention Crew tactics and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational can be completed in the academy. Once

Photo by Shaun Kelly

FEEL THE BURN: Arin Aghakhanian and Jose Galdamez hold a two-story ladder as they practice working as a team.

the training is completed, the cadets are ready to be employed as firefighters.

After the academy, the majority of the firefighters go into the reserve service, where they are employed by fire departments but are not paid. Once the fire department is ready to hire, they recruit them. Other firefighters do get employed directly and undergo one-year probation.

The fees add up from $2,200 to $2,600, in addition to Glendale

Community College tuition.

Cadets may be sponsored by fire departments. To get sponsored, cadets need to apply to the fire department they want to get sponsored by and go through an interview. The fire departments can provide a full sponsorship, where they cover the lab and equipment fees, or a partial sponsorship, where they provide the equipment only.

There are no requrments for the academy other than to be 18 years

of age. The application deadline is Dec. 1. The training takes place on campus, the Glendale Fire Department Training Center and other fire departments as well.

Training is on Thursdays in the evening and weekends 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Orientation is Dec. 3 on campus.

Yesenia Pereyra can be reached at Yesenia_Pereyra@elvaq.com

Student Candidates Hold Pre-Election Forum

By Ashley Chang

EL VAQUERO ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

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SGCC candidates for the spring 2010 election were given an opportunity to publicize their ideas, as well as themselves, during a candidate forum Tuesday afternoon at Plaza Vaquero.

Election commissioner and current senator of activities Menua Minas Massihi kicked off the event by welcoming spectators and hopeful contenders.

A handful of candidates took turns on the microphone, enthusiastically stating their ballot

numbers, names and the position they hope to hold next spring.

Some students seemed to have rehearsed their speeches, while others played it by ear; and some nominees, just didn’t show up.

“We strongly encourage [candidates] to come, but they’re not dropped if they don’t come,” said Massihi. “It’s free publicity and you can show people your face. [Students] will recognize you.”

Danny Ramirez and George Balayan, who are both running for senator of finance, were two contenders who took advantage of the “free publicity.”

Ramirez is the current senator of finance with experience in the position, while Balayan stressed his knowledge in banking and his assertion to bring back financial “common sense.”

All five candidates running for senator of campus relations took turns pledging an array of positions, such as keeping the ASGCC newsletter and Web site up to date, introducing creative ideas and creating closer connections among school clubs.

The “Campus Clean UP,” hosted by ASGCC officers and athletes, followed the short speeches and candidate forum

People who participated were given complimentary pens, stress balls, a pizza lunch and a green T-shirt that read “This is your GCC. Keep your campus clean and green.”

Athletes, student body members and candidates were not the only people who adorned the white plastic trash bags and plastic gloves. Coaches and students in green shirts decorated and scattered the school, eager to pick up trash littered around campus.

Brian Hernandez, 21, an English and psychology major, partnered with friend

Victor Chavez, 23, nursing, who considered themselves “concerned citizens” who wanted to help beautify GCC. Positions for vice president of administrations, campus activities and campus organizations have no running mates. All senator and vice president of campus relations nominees will compete for an ASGCC seat on Election Day, Dec. 2. Voting will be open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Plaza Vaquero.

Ashley Chang can be reached at Ashley_Chang@elvaq.com

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

11

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT / REVIEWS

Club Marbella Hosts Glamorous Premiere

By AnnaLinda Andersson EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

I

n 1923, one of Hollywood’s famous restaurateurs, Frenchman Eddie Brandstatter, spent $150,000 on what was to become Montmartre Café at 6757 Hollywood Blvd.

Situated on the second floor above a bank at the time, it was the most popular ballroom in Hollywood during the 1920s.

According to its Web site, the Montmartre was famous for its Saturday afternoon tea dances and Charleston contests, which late actress Joan Crawford often won.

Montmartre continued to be a popular place for the rich and famous and all other party people for a very long time. It changed names throughout the years and the most recent club was called Montmartre Lounge.

The bank is now a lingerie store. The venue is now called Marbella.

Although the club is not officially open to the public until December, sneak preview nights are now offered in order to

promote the grand opening.

On Nov. 13, club Marbella held its official opening party for its promotional Friday nights public events.

The opening party was hosted

by Ford model Rob Rogoff and Playboy model Roxanne Dawn.

Early arrivers were offered a complimentary buffet while the disc jockeys, EC Twins and Mike Palmeri, provided a mix of popular music from the stage in the main room.

Although the name has changed and some touch-ups of the place have been done, the venue is basically the same.

The club is very large, with three main sections inside and a large outdoor patio.

When first entering the club, one walks through a narrow hallway, where the toilets are located, as one could smell quite clearly by the end of the night when exiting.

The first room, which is divided to the next one by two big vaults, has a ceiling that is quite low, with three big orange lamps leading the way to the bar.

Some random high tables are spread around the room where

people can mingle and enjoy their drinks. On the other side of the vaults is the main room.

The main room, which the rest of the club is built around, contains a seating area and a huge disco ball in the high ceiling, hanging over the large dance floor. There are two stages, one on each of the short side of the dance floor. On the far side of the dance floor, the VIP area is three feet higher up than the rest of the club and separated with a little fence around it as if it was a balcony.

The people on the VIP balcony have to pay a high price for being a bit higher up than the rest of the patrons. A table with bottle service in that area on opening night cost a minimum of $1,000. If they run out of the alcohol included in the price, it is possible to buy a new bottle of vodka starting at $300 or a bottle of tequila starting at $325.

The “secluded” area of the more “important” people, is definitely not worth that kind of money. The atmosphere of the club is on the dance floor, where the people can enjoy their $6 beers and $10 to $12 drinks while

dancing to the remix of “Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon, among other popular tunes.

Marbella’s interior has a “Spanish meeting 1930s Hollywood glamour” design, according to the official invite.

However, when inside the spacious place,it does not impress as much as a club that size has the potential to do. It feels too naked and impersonal, and had it not been for the very talented disc jockeys of the night, the entire party mood on opening night would have been long gone.

If it is a very typical Hollywood club one is after, where quantity and not quality matters, then Marbella will not disappoint. But if one has the fantasy of the old 1930s Hollywood glamour in their head and is hoping to feel some of the old spirits of the golden age from Montmartre Café, then disappointment is what one will experience.

Ladies, watch your step when wearing high heels. Walking up to the club on the steep stairs can be dangerous. Unfortunately, the stairs are not avoidable since it is the only way into the club. That

is, if one ever gets behind the red rope to begin with.

Judging by the opening night, if one wants to be part of these busy Fridays, arriving early is a must, but may not even be enough. As always, “dress to impress,” be polite and the line will get shorter. The club is for people 21 and up, and patrons not on the list will have to pay a $20 entrance fee.

Something the club has in its favor, however, is the very large outdoor patio, which does not amaze as much on a freezing cold November night as it will during the warm spring and summer nights. It is not a bad club overall, but it has just been done so many times before. Marbella is no different from any other club on the boulevard, but since it is new, it will automatically be the place to be for a while.

Since the Friday nights are part of a special one-off promotional event, there is no guarantee that they will continue every Friday, so keep an eye out on their Web site for opening nights.

AnnaLinda Andersson can be reached at AnnaLinda_Andersson@elvaq.com

Billy’s Deli Offers Excellent Jewish Cuisine

By Amy Hirsch

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

lthough most menu items have remained unchanged for more than 60 years, Billy’s Deli continues to attract a healthy crowd of enthusiastic customers.

Billy’s is among the few Glendale restaurants to have survived for such an extended period.

Generous portions of traditional Jewish deli menu items continue to be as popular as ever.

From gigantic pastrami on rye sandwiches to huge bowls of steaming matzo ball soup, the full spectrum of deli items are served daily. The matzo ball is a large dumpling floating in chicken broth that has become known as “Jewish penicillin” for its benefit in relieving the congestion of a cold or flu.

Opening in 1948 as an eightstool lunch counter, the restaurant was moved around the corner several years later to the present location on Orange Street, one block west of Brand Boulevard and just north of Wilson Avenue.

The origin of the name “Billy” remains unclear. Some say that the restaurant was named for a female cook from the lunch counter. Others believe that the original owner, Jack Whitten, used this as his nickname.

The restaurant façade incorporates a unique collection of large ceramic tiles in the shape of typical deli food items such as loaves of Jewish ceremonial bread (challah), cut wheels of cheese, sausages and wine bottles. These were designed and produced by the son of the original owner.

Upon entering, a deli counter area displays a varied selection of meats, cheese and pastries.

Included are huge slabs of roast and corned beef, pastrami, brisket and roast turkey and smoked fish.

Additionally, traditional Jewish deli items such as matzo (a hard flat bread), horseradish, pickles and borsht (beet soup) are for sale.

Comfortable wood-paneled booths surround an area of tables for larger parties. The walls are covered with huge photo reproductions showing Glendale

in the late 1940s to the early 1950s. Views of the city show that the old streetcar system was still prominent. Victorian-style lamps with fans hang from the high ceiling.

On a recent Sunday early afternoon, the restaurant was busy but no wait was required to be seated and service was prompt.

The menu offers a large array of choices. First courses include items such as gefilte fish, lox, herring, potato pancakes and matzo ball soup. Sandwiches are served on rye unless requested otherwise and are available hot or cold. Choices include pastrami, brisket, corned and roast beef and turkey and ham available in many combinations. Items particularly typical of the traditional deli include chopped liver, egg salad, sardines and various sausages.

Those who prefer something other than a sandwich have many possibilities, ranging from roasted chicken or turkey, brisket, stuffed cabbage, chicken or beef in the pot, smoked fish plate and many others too numerous to mention.

Side dish and salad choices are

varied and come with dinners.

An array of hamburger choices is available as well. Beer and wine are served.

Anyone able to find room for dessert may choose from a large selection of items from the bakery ranging from cheesecake to strudel.

Breakfast items include omelets, waffles, French toast and of course bagels with lox and cream cheese.

The service is efficient, from a diverse staff. The most senior waitress is Evelyn, who comes from the Bronx, and has worked at Billy’s for 27 years. She will provide her customers with an assortment of sometimes offcolor jokes and an abundance of

personal attention to make their deli visit memorable.

Portions are unusually generous and prices are very reasonable — in the range of $8 to $12.

Billy’s Deli is a true Glendale landmark and keeps its customers coming back for more.

Billy’s is located at 216 N Orange Street in Glendale. Phone (818) 246-1689. Open 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. everyday. Parking in the adjacent city parking garage is free for the first 90 minutes.

Catering and delivery is also available.

The full menu can be seen at www.billysdeli.com.

Amy Hirsch can be reached at amy_hirsch@elvaq.com

WANTED: Letters to the editor.. .

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?

12

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

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‘Precious’: an Intense Look at Social Issues

By AnnaLinda Andersson EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

“P

recious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” is an extremely intense and emotional film about how an inspiringly strong person can overcome the worst things possible.

The story is set in Harlem in 1987 where a 16-year-old obese and illiterate girl, named Precious, has been sexually abused by her father since early childhood, resulting in two pregnancies. If that was not enough, she is also both physically and emotionally abused by her horribly evil mother, played by Mo’Nique (“Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins,” 2008).

Her mother, Mary, lives on welfare and never leaves her dirty apartment, and has no plans to do so either.

The only time she looks like a good mother and grandmother is when the social workers come to her apartment to check up on her. Mary pretends that she is a good mother to her daughter and grandchild, simply to get more

money than she would have if the social services knew that her grandchild actually lives with Precious’ grandmother and that she in fact abuses her daughter.

Precious, played by Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe in her first feature role, is in junior high. She has managed to get through school with excellent grades even though she can neither read nor write. But when her school principal finds out she is pregnant again, she gets kicked out. The principal then recommends that she attend an alternative school. Although she doesn’t know what such a school is, she decides to try it out. This is just one step she takes in order to take control of her life.

Precious survives her gruesome reality by escaping to a fantasy version of what she envisions her life should and maybe one day will be. The audience also gets invited into Precious’ dreams: a place where she is a star and loved by everyone.

The film is directed by Lee Daniels (“Shadowboxer,” 2005) who has captured both the pain

NOT THE WORLD’S BEST MOM: Gabourey Sidibe stars as Clareece ‘Precious’ Jones and Mo’Nique stars as Mary, her evil mother, in “Precious.”

from a mother whose dreams have obviously been crushed and the anger she must have in order to take it out so viciously on her own daughter. One really gets up and personal with this grotesque person Mo’Nique plays.

The director has also captured the vivid mind of an innocent 16-

Another Boring Tale of Teens, Werewolves and Vampires

By Jesse Gutierrez

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

“T

he Twilight Saga: New Moon” is not an epic saga, it’s just boring teenage drama with vampires and werewolves.

“New Moon” is the second movie in the “Twilight” series, based on the bestselling novels,

by Stephanie Meyer.

For this film, Catherine Hardwicke, who directed the first film did not return. Instead Chris Weitz (“The Golden Compass,” 2007) took her place.

The film begins with Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) celebrating her 18th birthday with her vampire boyfriend, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), and his family.

However, Bella’s happiness does not last, when Edward abruptly ends their relationship, because he and his family were forced to move from town.

Bella’s depression subsides for a little while, as she begins to deepen her friendship with Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), who she later finds out is a werewolf.

Even Jacob’s company cannot keep Bella’s attention long enough to stop her from thinking of Edward. She begins to act out in bizarre, thrill-seeking ways.

Meanwhile, there is a miscommunication and somehow Edward hears that Bella has killed herself. He goes to Rome to seek the Volturi, a family of powerful vampire royalty.

He tells them that he wishes for them to take his life, but after they consult with each other they

deny Edward’s wish.

This film does not feature too many high points, just a lot of dreary, depressing scenes combined with bad acting and special effects.

As far as the effects go, the werewolves have to be the worst: the giant computer generated wolves don’t even look close to real.

Also, there are multiple scenes that should have been cut out in the post production process, including one scene where Jacob removes his shirt, revealing his chiseled physique. The camera then proceeds to give each ab a close up. (This is not a Chippendale’s show.)

Another low point is the [See ‘Twilight,’ page 13]

year-old girl. The scenes where viewers are transported back and forth between Precious’ real life and her bright imaginary world, conveys the sadness, innocence and determination of this young woman.

The film is shot with different color schemes for each scene. The color choices conveyed on the screen truly enhance the emotions for the audience.

“Precious” was made into a screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher from the novel “Push”

by Sapphire. Judging from the screenplay alone Fletcher deserves credit for writing a plausible script that attracts awareness to the awfulness some children experience. His use of language gives credibility to the uneducated characters without making them too sound dumb or incomprehensible.

The usually upbeat comedian Mo’Nique gives an impressive performance as the evil mother of Precious. She has completely transformed herself both physically and emotionally from her usual beautiful self to portray this horrible character, and deserves a lot of praise for the performance.

Sidibe, 26, plays the 16-yearold character with enough strength and variety of emotions that she manages to steal a bit of the heart of all the audience members.

Both of the two bigger supporting roles are played by famous musicians. Mariah Carey gives a credible performance as

Precious’ social worker, Mrs. Weiss, and Lenny Kravitz is very suitable in the role as the calm nurse, John, who takes Precious under his wing and becomes a bit like the father she never had.

The film can be explained as a real life horror film that shows the reality of what poverty and lack of education can lead to.

Hopefully, though, this will not scare viewers away from going to see it, for it is a really good film.

“Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire” has wonderful acting and a storyline that will take the audience on an emotional roller coaster which other recent films have failed to do.

This is a film to been seen, not only for the visionary work and acting in it, but because it deals with important issues that need awareness. It touches on issues of incest, rape, obesity, poverty and illiteracy among others and while it might not be a movie for the sensitive, most people who see it will be grateful they do.

The film is 105 minutes long and is rated R. AnnaLinda Andersson can be reached at AnnaLinda_Andersson@elvaq.com

www. elvaq. com

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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

13

SPORTS /ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Vaqueros Lose to Lancers in Season Finale

By Aris Allahverdian EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he Vaqueros football team fought hard but couldn’t pull out a win Nov. 14 against local rivals, the PCC Lancers, 38-22, in the final game of the season at Sartoris Field.

The Vaqueros were fresh off a huge home game win the previous week verses the Moorpark Raiders. Going into this game, the Vaqueros and the Lancers had the same record of 4-5, which added to the excitement, as the bleachers were crowded with GCC and PCC fans.

Glendale’s head Coach John Rome said he was disappointed afterward, adding, “We made mistakes of aggression, missed plays we should have not missed … dropped easy catches and missed tackles.”

The Lancers attacked quickly and managed to score a touchdown within the first 42 seconds of the game on only two plays passing the ball deep. The Vaqueros’ first offensive drive turned into a quick three and out, but the defense redeemed its early slip up as linebacker Marcus Mullins stuffed Lancers quarterback Nick Ponce for a safety.

Trailing throughout the entire game, the Vaqueros had a challenge up against them

as quarterback Steve Miller struggled to get any big plays executed through the passing game. Miller completed 12 passes on 33 attempts for a total of 162 yards and one touchdown, with only one interception.

Miller did briefly display his ability to scan the field by successfully hitting each Vaquero starting receiver for multiple completions in the game. Each receiver managed to complete the game with double-digit yardage, the longest of which was a 34-yard pass to regular target Reinaldo Reyes. The only touchdown catch of the game was from Euedell Clayton, who had a total of 39 yards on 3 receptions, and managed to find the end zone in the fourth.

The Vaqueros’ offensive line was clearly troubled by PCC’s blitz packages. The o-line struggled to stay intact as Miller was caught off guard scrambling from the pocket, forcing him to throw the ball away or get sacked.

Pasadena sacked Miller five times for a total loss of 26 yards.

Glendale’s dual running backs, Willie Youngblood and Anthony Dawkins, also had trouble finding daylight in between gaps, as both backs fought vigorously for yards. The explosive Youngblood managed to carry the ball for 101 yards on 26 carries and one

very dumbed-down screenplay by Melissa Rosenberg.

Although, if her goal was to stick with Meyer’s very simple boring writing style, then she did well.

With all the tedious scenes, one would hope there is an exciting sound track to make the scenes move a little faster.

Instead, music was used in very clumsy way and only dragged the scenes down even more.

It also does not help that all of the actors look like they could use one or two more years of acting classes, for the most of the movie looks like that of a terrible soap opera.

If there is a positive to be found in the film, there are a few moments where sexual innuendos are used in a comedic

touchdown, with an average of 3.9 yards per carry. His longest was a run for 20 yards which he followed with a touchdown run on the next play.

Dawkins, who is normally utilized in red zone situations, wasn’t much of an impact, as he was reduced to only two carries for negative one yard. Glendale tried to fight back but was unsuccessful, converting two out of four chances in the red zone.

Glendale’s defense also contributed to the scoreboard, as Osa Aikhionbare intercepted a pass from Ponce and zigzagged across the field to set up a 45-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

Glendale’s new focus is on next season and getting players for its depleted roster. “We just had 45 players tonight and the minimum is 65,” Rome said.

“So we need more players in this program and that would cure a lot

of our problems with injuries and depth.”

A few notable starters that won’t be coming back next season due to completion of the football program are Miller, Youngblood and Dawkins, wide receiver Brian Williams, linebacker Kalii Robinsion, defensive back Max Williams and defensive lineman Danny Valdez.

Aris Allahverdian can be reached at Aris_Allahverdian@elvaq.com

‘Little Shop of Horrors’

Movie Review [“Twillight,” from page 12]

Photo by Edgar Sanchez

PILEUP ON THE FIELD: Reinaldo Reyes (18), Joey Orlandini (46), and Keith Geines (11), get airborn in their attempt to stop Pasadena’s Daniel Alvarado (99) on the final game of the season against cross-town rival, Pasadena City College.

way, and it is very effective.

Dakota Fanning (“War of the Worlds,” 2005) also makes an appearance in a vampire role, though she also just seems dead instead of undead.

If they plan to make a third movie in the series, maybe they should take a closer look and make the necessary adjustments to at least put out a decent film.

It’s clear that no matter what production companies put out, fans will flock to the theaters to see anything that has to do with “Twilight.”

For those who can’t get enough of the novels and the young stars of the movie, it’s a definite see-it. For everyone else, avoid this movie like the plague.

Jesse Gutierrez can be reached at jesse_gutierrez@elvaq.com

Photo by Shaun Kelly

BIG BAD MUTHAS FROM OUTER SPACE: Jose Aguilar and Jessica Unland wait to try out for the roles of The Dentist and Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors,” based on the book and lyrics by Howard Ashman. Music by Alan Menken, directed and choreographed by Melissa R. Randel. Musical direction by Clare Delto. The ominous musical scenario of a man-eating plant in an urban wasteland will play April 1 - 11, 2010 in the Mainstage Theatre. Final casting decisions will be announced sometime next week.

14

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

www.elvaq.com

SPORTS

Opponents Can’t Score 65 - Vaqs Off to Strong Start

By Brandon Hensley

EL VAQUERO EDITOR IN CHIEF

I

t probably isn’t a stretch to say most players on the Vaqueros basketball team aren’t too familiar with Sammy Hagar’s 1984 hit “I Can’t Drive 55.” If the team is looking for a motto to adapt from that song, however, here’s a suggestion: “You Can’t Score 65.”

As in, opposing teams can’t score 65 points on them. It hasn’t happened yet this season, and the trend continued Monday night in the Verdugo Gym, as the Vaqs defeated San Diego Mesa College 66-51 in a non-conference game, to improve 3-1.

“It’s great,” said head Coach Brian Beauchemin of the team’s defensive effort. “Last year, we scored a lot, but we gave up a lot. This year we seem to have reversed that.”

Beauchemin said he has put more of an emphasis on defense and rebounding in practice.

Against San Diego, “we got in the passing lanes pretty well, and just defended the ball. Ball pressure was pretty good.”

It didn’t start out that way.

Olympians center Broxton Dawson, who stands at 6-feet-6 and weighs 225 pounds, muscled his way for some easy baskets in the paint against the smaller Glendale lineup.

Vaqs forward Lucian Franklin gave up over 40 pounds to Dawson while guarding him, so

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it was up to Glendale to swarm inside and throw double teams at San Diego.

The strategy worked, as the Vaqs were able to convert points off turnovers and jump out to an early 17-7 lead. It was clear that Glendale’s game plan was to push the ball whenever possible, which was reasonable, given its lack of size.

Led by sophomore forward Deonte Wyatt and point guard Jose Garcia, the Vaqs were able to exploit holes in the Olympians’ zone defense, creating open shots for almost anyone, including Wyatt, who had nine points in the first half. Glendale led 34-25 at the break.

Wyatt was a 2008 AllConference honorable mention, and spearheads an offense that is now without its two stars of last season, Josh Guillory and Markus Monroe.

The lanky left-hander, who came into the game averaging 16 points and almost seven rebounds, can do almost anything with the ball, but feels his role isn’t more important than any others’ on the team.

“It’s not just me,” he said. “It’s a lot of guys who can step in … it’s a free-flowing game. Everyone has a look. We have options for everyone on the floor.”

San Diego (1-4) tried to go back to Dawson in the second half, who again scored on a couple of quick baskets. But the Vaqueros had help in the form of freshman Antonio Garrett, a 6-foot-5 forward who battled Dawson and the Olympians’ other big man, Nick Barnhart, all night.

Despite finishing the game with four fouls, Beauchemin thought Garrett did well in protecting the interior. “When [the Olympians] were making their run, we put him in and that stopped,” he said.

Dawson finished the game with 19 points, but nine of them came at the foul line, after he had taken a beating.

What Franklin gave up to Dawson in size, Garrett was at least comparable. “Oh yeah,” he said smiling. “I’m 205 [pounds].”

“He understands that contact is going to be involved down there, so he’s not shy of contact,” Beauchemin said of Garrett.

“With hard work comes success,” Garrett said.

San Diego couldn’t draw closer than eight points in the

beginning of the second half and midway through, Glendale had pushed its lead to 53-36. When the Olympians tried to pressure defensively, Glendale was able to take advantage of San Diego’s slow rotation for baskets down low, as Franklin (six points) and freshman forward Narbeh Ebrahlimian (eight points) were able to get easy layups and tipins. Demetrius Perkins led the Vaqs with 16 points.

Wyatt wasn’t a huge factor in the second half (he finished with 12 points), but he did get fouled shooting a 3-pointer with just over six minutes left. He went to line, smiled, and clapped his hands.

Three made free throws later, the

lead was 20, and the game was all but over. “[Wyatt] needs to perform and produce as a leading man, so his role would be to take the reigns and orchestrate some offensive things,” Beauchemin. “But he’s doing it.”

“The ball comes to me a little more,” Wyatt said. “That’s always good. But it’s just capitalizing on your opportunities.”

Wyatt was satisfied after this game, something he was not in Glendale’s 61-58 loss to Pierce on Nov. 13. He said the team was standing around too much in that game. The Vaqs’ defensive effort on Monday, he said, was all about “desire,” and that the team did

a better job on help defense and closing out.

Beauchemin said he would like to better evaluate his team after 10 games, instead of a small four-game sample. Still, this “65 and under” thing could stick for a while.

“I’m pretty happy with our defense at this point,” he said.

“Offensively, we just have to execute better and in 10 games, things will be more apparent to us.”

Glendale next plays in the Antelope Valley Tournament Dec. 4 through Dec. 6.

Brandon Hensley can be reached at brandon_hensley @elvaq.com

Vaquero Sports Summaries Scores Football:

Nov. 14: lost to Pasadena College 38-22

Women’s Soccer:

Nov. 13: tied Mission College 1-1

Men’s Soccer:

Nov. 13: lost to Mission College 4-1

Women’s Volleyball:

Nov. 13: defeated Citrus College 3-0 Nov. 19: lost to Bakersfield College 3-0

Cross Country:

Nov. 21: State Championships: Women finished first. Men finished third.

Men’s Basketball:

Nov. 13: lost to Pierce College 61-58 Nov. 23: defeated San Diego Mesa 66-51

Women’s Basketball:

Nov. 20-22: finished fourth in the Vaquero Shootout.

Upcoming Events Men’s Basketball:

Dec. 4-6: Antelope Valley Tournament at Antelope Valley

Women’s Basketball:

Nov. 27-29: Santa Ana/Orange Coast College Tournament at Santa Ana College Dec. 3-6: College of the Sequoias Tournament at Visalia

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

El Vaq Online photos, articles, slideshows and more:

www.elvaq.com

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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

15

Calendar On Campus information Thanksgiving Holiday — The campus will be closed Thursday through Sunday for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

events Holiday Ceramic Sale — Dec. 5 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Campus Center Conference, room SC 212. The sale features decorative and functional pieces made by students in stoneware, porcelain, majolica, raku and more.

Proceeds from the sale help fund equipment and supplies for the ceramics program. Open to the public. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 3059.

Textbook Buy Backs — The

bookstore will buy back textbooks Dec. 7 through 12 and Dec. 14 and 15 at the return windows outside the bookstore. Bookstore hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday. Photo I.D. is required for all transactions.

15 artists. Now through Dec. 5 in the Art Gallery. Hours are Thursday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.glendale.edu/artgallery or call the Art Gallery at (818) 240-1000, ext. 5663.

ASGCC Elections — Come support ASGCC with your election votes. The elections will be held on Dec. 2 and 3 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Plaza Vaquero.

College Choir — Dec. 5 at 7 :30 p.m. in the Auditorium. Featured ensembles include College choir, Opera Vignettes and the debut of the GCC Chamber Singers. General admission is $7 and $5 for students and seniors. For more information, contact Jayne Campbell of the Music Department at (818) 240-1000, ext. 5660.

exhibitions “Mamma-San” — This exhibition is presented by Artists Projects Curated and is curated by Young Chung, featuring works by

music

Glendale Community Orchestra — Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. in the Auditorium. Conducted by

Beth Pflueger. Program features Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2, J.C. Bach’s “Temisocle” Overture and other works. General admission is $7 and $5 for students and seniors For more information, contact Beth Pflueger at (818) 240-1000, ext. 5829.

Piano Recital — Program features students from the advanced piano classes and from Dr. Peter Green’s private studio. Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Auditorium, room 211.

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5622.

Chamber Music Recital — Program features students from the chamber music class. Auditorium, room 211 at 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5829.

workshops USC Applications — Transfer Center, SF 108. This workshop will help you complete the USC application and provide tips on writing your personal statement.

Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit www. glendale.edu/transfercenter or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5442.

Mount Saint Mary’s College — Representatives from Mt. St. Mary’s College will be on campus to answer questions. Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Transfer center, SF 108. For more information, visit www.glendale.edu/ transfercenter or call (818) 2401000, ext. 5442.

Around Town events Thanksgiving Dinner-in-thePark — Union Station Homeless Services will host a free Thanksgiving dinner in Central Park on Raymond Avenue, between Green Street and Del Mar Boulevard, in Pasadena Thursday from noon to 2 p.m. Volunteers have donated their time and money to help feed thousands of homeless and low income families as well as those who are alone during the holiday season. A list of celebrities, including Jane Kaczmarek and Alison Sweeney, will be in attendance. For more information, including volunteer opportunities, visit www.unitonstationhs.org or call (626) 240-4500, ext. 103.

Hollywood Christmas Parade — Celebrate Christmas with a parade of beautiful floats and festive holiday music. Emmy winner Susan Lucci will be this year’s Grand Marshal. The parade will begin at the intersection of Orange and Hollywood boulevards and will travel north in a U-shaped route. Sunday at 6 p.m. Curb seats are free and grandstand seats are $35 and provide the best views.

For more information, including parking locations, call (866) 727-2331.

Hanukkah Family Festival — Skirball Cultural Center, 2701

N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles.

This family festival celebrates the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, a time of lighting candles and remembering the importance of religious freedom. Enjoy music, storytelling and creative arts and crafts. Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are welcome. General admission is $10 and free for students and seniors. For more information, visit www.skirball.org or call (310) 440-4500.

exhibitions Migrations of the Mind: Manuscripts — The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. This exhibition presents manuscripts on science and ideas that demonstrates the circulation of knowledge around the world during the medieval period. Now through April 18. Admission is free and parking is $15 per vehicle. Museum hours vary. For more information, visit www.getty.edu or call (310) 440-7300.

The Familiar Face: Portrait Prints by Rembrandt — Norton Simon Museum of Art, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. This exhibition features 15 etchings of the personalities who sat for the artist, along with several self-portraits. Dec. 4 through March 22.

General admission is $8 and free for students with I.D. For more

information, visit www.nortonsimon.org or call (626) 449 6840.

Japanese Artifacts — Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Robles Ave., Pasadena. This exhibition features works of the Meiji period (18681912), including paintings on folded screens, hanging scroll and album formats, as well as woodblock prints, textiles, photographs and ceramics. Now through March 1. General admission is $9 and $7 for students and seniors.

Museum hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.pacificasiamuseum.org or call (626) 449-2742.

comedy Latino Comedy Showcase — Ice House Comedy Club, 24 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena. Hosted

by Rudy Moreno. Latino Comedy Showcase is famous for discovering new Latino talent as well as hosting many celebrity drop-in sets. Tonight at 8 p.m. Admission is $12.50. For more information, visit www.icehousecomedy.com or call (626) 577-1894.

“City of Sin” — Acme Comedy Theatre, 135 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. In this soap opera parody the owner of the outdated and struggling Clover casino has died and left it to his incompetent staff.

Dec. 4 and Dec. 11 at 10 p.m.

Tickets are $12. For more information, visit www.acmecomedy. com or call (323) 525-0202.

music Holiday Organ Spectacular — Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Organist David Higgs will preform delightful holiday music. Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit www.laphil.org or call (323) 850-2000.

Los Angeles Master Chorale: Holiday Wonders — Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. The concert features over 100 members of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Voices Within Childrens’ Choir, and organist John West as they sing festive holiday carols and other songs. Dec. 5 at 2:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary. For information, visit www.laphil.org or call (323) 850-2000.

theater “The Nutcracker” — Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd. The Los Angeles Ballet presents The Nutcracker. Clara journeys to magical realms where mischievous mice battle toy soldiers, snow-

flakes dance, and Clara’s beloved dolls come to life. Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit www.alextheatre.org or call (818) 243-2539.

“A Christmas Carol” — Glendale Centre Theatre, 324 N. Orange St. Friday through Dec. 23. Ticket prices vary and include student and senior citizen discounts. For more information, including showtimes, visit www.glendalecentertheatre.org or call (818) 244-8481.

wellness Meditations for a Happy Life — Evolve Yoga Studio, 3601 Ocean View Blvd. The Kadampa Meditation Center California presents meditation classes Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with instructor Amy Peng. Admission is $12 per class. For more information, visit www.meditateinla.org or call (323) 223-0610.

Free Yoga in the Park— Runyon Canyon Park, 2000 Fuller Drive, Los Angeles. Free yoga lessons every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (323) 666-5046.

Compiled by Tina Hagopian

16

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

www.elvaq.com

VAQUERO VIEWS

Cross Country Teams Triumph in Fresno

By Anissa Clarke

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

I

t’s been a long season for both Glendale College cross country teams, but their seasons ended in success, as the Lady Vaqs took first place at the State Championships in Fresno on Saturday, their second state title in three years. The men placed third.

Both Glendale’s men and women won the Western State Conference title this year as well. The Lady Vaqs also took home first place at the Southern California Championships earlier this month at Mt. SAC, with the men finishing third as well.

A rainy and damp night before the big meet gave Fresno a nice crisp breeze on Saturday that helped keep the blood of GCC runners pumping, and their minds loose.

“We expected them to run like they have been all year, and they did,” said head coach Eddie Lopez.

The overall score for the women’s team was 43, well ahead of Orange Coast College, which finished second with a score of 80.

The top individual runner for the Lady Vaqs was Nina Moore, who came in first place overall with a time of 17:48. Team captain Rosa Del Toro came in sixth in 18:22, and Karen Rosas came in seventh overall, with a time of 18:23 for the 3.1-mile race.

Del Toro was a proud leader afterward. “We all worked really hard this year and it paid off,” said the 19year-old physiology major, who has been running for more than four years.

“I love working hard for what I want.”

She said her favorite part of the season was driving to meets with the girls and singing along to songs on the radio.

“I did everything I could for my team, to keep them together, and we worked hard, all the time,” she said.

“The women were united and determined, they know what they

wanted,” said assistant coach Thomas Aguirre.

Glendale’s program is full of determined athletes, who run 10 to 12 miles everyday.

“Serious runners like them need to run everyday,” said Lopez. “Some of the runners on the team hope to get fullride scholarships that are over $40,000 worth for some schools.” “[The men’s and women’s team] have been real good at practicing on their own as well as at practice,” Lopez continued. “Some schools don’t make it mandatory [to run everyday], but we do.”

The men’s team overall score was 164, behind that of winner San Bernardino and second-place Orange Coast.

Team captain Francisco Quijada came in sixth overall for the men, in a completed time of 20:22. Jonathan Alpizar came in 23rd, finishing with a time of 20:54.

Quijada gives the guys a traditional pep talk before each meet, and this one was no different.

“We talked about how hard we worked this season and that really helped get us motivated,” Quijada said.

“Our season has had some ups and downs, but [we’ve] had a solid season,” Aguirre said.

Running a 5K meet, or any meet for that matter, takes endurance, and when Quijada began to falter on Saturday, he thought of his teammates.

“There was a point during the last mile when I thought, ‘Oh man this hurts,’ but then I thought about my teammates, and I couldn’t just quit on them like that,” he said.

For Glendale, teamwork is inspirational.

“There’s nothing better than working hard for what you want, and we wanted to win,” said Del Toro.

Anissa Clarke can be reached at Anissa_Clarke@elvaq.com

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