Oct. 13, 2010 by El Vaquero Newspaper

EL VAQUERO October 13, 2 0 1 0

Glendale College

Film Noir Campus events celebrate One Book/One Glendale and ‘Los Angeles Noir’ just in time for Halloween, page 10. Photo by Louis Roche

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

White House Holds First EL VAQUERO Community College Summit Glendale Community College

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Louis Roche Jr.

By Agnes Constante EL VAQUERO COPY EDITOR

COPY EDITOR

Agnes Constante

STAFF WRITERS

Nik Brkic Vanessa Duffy Rachel Mills Luis Rodriguez

Aaron Carlos Brandon Gardner Adriana Orellana Derek Stowe

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Richard Kontas Peter Moyes Isiah Reyes 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.

he first-ever White House Summit on Community Colleges, held on Oct. 5 and led by Second Lady Jill Biden, addressed the importance of community colleges in the educational pursuits of Americans and in developing the nation’s workforce. More than 100 people attended the summit, including members of the president’s cabinet, administration officials, and people from businesses, organizations and post-secondary institutions throughout the nation. It was also streamed live on the White House website. “For years I have said that community colleges are one of America’s best kept secrets,” Biden said. “Well, with the president of the United States shining a light on us, I think that secret is out.” Biden has been an educator for nearly three decades and has spent the last 17 years teaching at community colleges in Delaware and Virginia. She currently teaches at Northern Virginia Community College. She said community colleges are the largest, most affordable segment of the nation’s higher education system, as well as the one expanding most quickly.

These institutions provide opportunities to students who would otherwise not have such opportunities and equip Americans with the skills needed for future jobs. “They’re opening doors for the middle class at a time when the mid class has seen so many doors close to them. As the president said, the nations that out-educate us today, will out-compete us tomorrow,” Biden said. President Barack Obama also spoke about the crucial role of community colleges in improving the nation’s economy. “These colleges are the unsung heroes of America’s education system,” he said. “They may not get the credit they deserve, they may not get the same resources as other schools, but they provide a gateway to millions of Americans to good jobs and a better life.” The president also said jobs in the coming years requiring at least an associate’s degree are anticipated to grow twice as fast as jobs that don’t require college. “We will not fill those jobs or keep those jobs on our shores without community colleges,” he said. In just a decade, America has fallen from first to [See Community Colleges, page 3]

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IN THIS ISSUE

OCTOBER 13, 2010 VOLUME 96 News

NUMBER 3

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Features

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Center Spread

2-5 6-7

Letter to the Editor: Clarification on the Death of Dinh Luu Thank you for the link to my mother’s obituary in El Vaquero. For the record, I offer a couple clarifications: 1. The cause of her death was not the aneurysm itself, but the fact that it ruptured and caused a devastating amount of hemorrhaging in her brain. From what I know, it is possible to have an aneurysm and be perfectly fine (i.e., show no symptoms), until it ruptures. 2. My mother came to the United States as a refugee (of the Vietnam War), not an immigrant. I feel it is important to make this distinction because

having been forced to flee from her home country enabled her to offer empathy and compassion to her students; drove her to champion students’ interests; and made her a strong advocate for those she felt were under-represented. 3. My mother is also survived by her daughter-inlaw, Jacqueline Ream, and grandson, Greyson Do. Thank you again for your time. Sincerely, Jean Do

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Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 -12

Corrections:

Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14

The following errors occurred in the Sept. 29 issue: The name of Susan Borquez-Dougherty, head of GCC’s scholarship program, was misspelled on page 4, as was cheerleader Britany Dacoff’s on page 20, and Brittany Frederick in the photo caption on page 21. The organizers of the Rocky Horror Picture Show event, described on page 8, played a prank on the audience by introducing two imposters as actresses Patricia Quinn and Nell Campbell. Those actresses were not actually in attendance. El Vaquero apologizes for any misunderstandings that may have arisen as a result of these mistakes.

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

El Vaquero is always looking for interesting story ideas. Do you know of anyone on campus with a compelling life story? Are you involved with an innovative campus program that the whole campus should know about? Do you have any ideas for improving the campus experience? Have you witnessed a possible news story that we may not know about? Please contact us at:

editor@elvaq.com or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349.

On the Cover: • Michelle Nissing, joins the campus community in celebrating One Book/One Glendale’s choice for 2010, “Los Angeles Noir,” edited by author and Glendale resident Denise Hamilton. Various “noir”events are planned for Glendale and on campus by the English and Social Sciences divisions. See list on page 10. • Nissing plays Beatrice in “The Servant of Two Masters,” scheduled on the Auditorium Mainstage Theater Nov. 4 through 14.

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Wednesday, Octobber 13, 2010

NEWS/OPINION

White House Summit Join the Party – Registration [Community Colleges, from page 2] ninth in the proportion of young adults with college degrees, which poses a threat to the nation’s position as the leading economy in the world. In light of this, Obama aims to have America take the lead in having the highest proportion of college graduates by 2020. He expects community colleges to play a big part in attaining this goal, and has proposed to have an additional 5 million people graduate with degrees and certificates by 2020. The president also launched the American Graduation Initiative last year, where subsidies to banks for student loans were redirected toward community colleges. Other steps taken to improve the availability of education to Americans include having made college more affordable. The Obama administration has increased student aid, simplified the loan application process, and limited loan payments to 10 percent of graduates’ salaries. Another initiative launched to help with this goal is Skills for America’s Future, which focuses on creating partnerships between community colleges and businesses and non-profit organizations to connect students with jobs. Obama said the goal to get the nation back on top also rests in the hands of students, teachers, and the businesses and organizations that partner up with colleges also have to do their part. Melinda Gates, co-chair and co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, announced a five-year competitive $35-million grant program launched by the foundation called Completion by Design. The program aims to redesign aspects of community colleges

so that it is easier for students, many of whom also hold jobs and have family responsibilities, to complete their educational pursuits. “Our investment is to … help students reach that ultimate goal, which is a degree or certificate that matters in the job market,” she said. Gates added that among innovative steps community colleges have taken to ease the burden on students include streamlining the enrollment process and speeding up the remedial process by only teaching students the portions of subjects they need. She also suggested an increase in hybrid courses, so students are able to complete some of their coursework at home and won’t be required to drive to campus so often. Penny Pritzker, a member of the president’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board, went into further detail about the Skills for America’s Future initiative. She said five major corporations have already committed to the effort: Accenture, Gap Inc., McDonald’s, Pacific Gas and Electric, and United Technologies Corporation. Following the opening remarks, Biden had the attendees break up into smaller groups to discuss six areas pertaining to the improvement of community colleges: industry partnerships, college completion, and pathways to baccalaureate degrees, financial aid, military and veterans programs, and community colleges of the future. The summit concluded with brief presentations by Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Pritzker, and others who earlier convened in groups to discuss areas of improvement for community colleges. Agnes Constante can be reached at agnes_constante@elvaq.com

Have you seen our new magazine? Online Exclusives at:

gccinsider.com

for New Voters Is Concluding By Aaron Michael Carlos EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

here is no right or wrong position when it comes to voting, all that matters is that voter’s research the topics or candidates, choose how they feel, and vote. That’s all there is to it. “It’s important for everyone to vote, no matter their race, gender, or religion,” said GCC student Dikran Assayan. “Voting affects everyone, not just those who vote, so if you don’t want your future to be decided by others, I would encourage you, and anyone else who doubts the power of voting, to vote. Otherwise you may get stuck with a politician or proposition you disagree with and you will be left kicking yourself for not voting against or for the opposition.” Voting in 2010 is widely different than it was 10 years ago, due in large part to “Rock the Vote,” an organization which was started in 1992. The organization’s goal is to inform young voters by helping them to

understand the voting process. Now young voters have access to a forum where their questions can be answered and where their doubts can be discussed. The website, www.rockthevote. com, has opened up a new world where voting is made fun. Events are scheduled to inform young voters by giving them a clear explanation of everything a young voter needs to know before casting a ballot. The government is meant to work for everyone, and it is by voting that officials are chosen to make decisions for the general welfare. Voting is very important to the future and it affects everyone. Social and economic progress is the goal that the nation is trying to reach, and as President Barack Obama said in his 2008 campaign speech, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” Organizing for America is an organization that evolved

from the Obama for America movement in 2008 and is continually seeking to inform and encourage young voters that to create change, they must vote. “We really need to go out and vote to keep the change movement progressing,” said Susan Estby, a student at Glendale Community College in Arizona. “There is no excuse not to vote.” “We needed a change in our country, and the Republican Administration wasn’t working anymore,” said Estby, recalling the first time she voted in the 2008 Presidential Election. “I met a volunteer for OFA, they were my age, and not intimidating at all like some people during election season can be.” The importance of voting is very simple. One voice alone is not strong enough to be heard, it is up to every single person who is eligible to go out and have their combined voices resonate and witness the change they can create. [See Elections, page 4]

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

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NEWS

New Law Helps Students Transfer to CSUs By Adriana Orellana EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

he Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act, SB1440, signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sept. 29, guarantees community college students who earn an associate’s degree admittance into the California State University system. The law will simplify the student transfer process between California Community Colleges and the California State University (CSU) system because students will only take the classes needed to transfer. The initiative, expected to go into effect by fall 2011, will establish a transfer associate’s degree for students who have completed 60 transferable units that include general education and major preparation courses. Community college students who obtain the associate degree designated for transfer will be admitted to their local CSU with junior standing. The California Legislative Analyst’s Office stated that community college students who transferred to CSU campuses now graduate with an average of 162 units when the minimum requirement is 120 units. This means that students are taking more units than necessary at the community college level, some of which may not be transferable.

Currently, a student may transfer a maximum of 70 units from a community college to campuses of either the UC or the CSU systems. It is advised that students transfer with at least 60 transferable units to ensure that they are admitted to the four-year institution with a junior or upper division status. “The Student Transfer Achievement Act guarantees student’s admission to their local Cal State,” said Janet Shamilian, president of the Associated Students of Glendale College (ASGCC). “This is a very positive aspect of SB1440 as the entire transferring process will be easier and students will be informed of exactly what they need – swaying away from taking unnecessary classes that have no relevance to their major,” she said. California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott said, “This law is going to make a real difference for students. The current process is too complicated and it is easy for students to get frustrated, confused and waste time when the requirements change.” The law is expected to increase efficiency in transfers and generate $160 million in cost savings per year, which will be used to provide access to about 40,000 additional community college students and 14,000 CSU

Voter Registration [Election, from page 3] “Thousands of voters making (their) voices heard,” is the message OFA delivers to all who believe in the old stigma “my vote doesn’t matter.” The truth is that every vote does matter. Whether that vote is for the popular or unpopular, the bottom line is that every vote counts. If there is a specific topic that voters feel strongly about, they should not let fear or uncertainty stop them from voting. This election year there are many propositions on the ballot that can greatly change the state of California. Voting yes on Proposition 19 will legalize marijuana under California law, not federal

law. It permits local governments to regulate and tax commercial production, distribution, and the sale of marijuana. Proposition 26 will require that certain local and state fees be approved by a 2/3 vote. Proposition 21 establishes an $18 annual vehicle license surcharge to help fund state parks and wildlife programs. One of the most important propositions on the ballot is Proposition 23, which suspends the Global Warming Act established in 2006. This measure suspends air pollution control laws requiring major polluters to report and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming until unemployment drops to 5.5 percent less for a full year.

students per year. A study by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office found that about 50,000 community college students transfer each year to the CSU system. “The negative aspect of SB 1440 is that students in the area of the CSU will get priority over those who live far away,” said Shamilian. “This is not understandable because all students should get the same level of priority in applying to the institutions of their choice. Another negative side of the act is that in a few years, the CSU system is going to be highly impacted,” she added. A joint task force composed of members of the California Community Colleges and CSU systems, will work on ensuring coordination between both systems for an easy implementation process, as well as making recommendations for further legislation, regulatory changes, or other policy changes. “I am delighted to serve on the committee that will deliver a clear transfer pathway for community college students to a California State University,” said Eloy Oakley, president of Long Beach City College, in a statement. “As a community college transfer student myself, I know first-hand how frustrating it can be. I look forward to implementing this new

The two biggest issues of the 2010 election are voting for a new governor and a senator. The two candidates for governor are Republican Meg Whitman and Democrat Jerry Brown who are both looking to fill the empty seat that will be left when current Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger completes his term. Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer and Republican challenger Carly Fiorina are also campaigning diligently to attract voters. For more information on the candidates running for office, propositions, or any question about voting visit www.rockthevote.com League of Women Voters, Glendale/ Burbank area http://gb.ca. lwvnet.org/ Aaron Carlos can be reached at aaron_carlos@elvaq.com

law that promises to help students achieve a college degree and transition into the workforce in a shorter period of time.” Provisions within the law would guarantee increased funding for the community colleges for the associate’s degrees conferred. “It isn’t fair that students are transferring without a degree, and with the new law students will be more prepared to enter the job market easier, and transfer easier,” said Richard Cortes, GCC transfer counselor. “The job market wants students with a degree, and student will be

obtaining marketable degrees.” Cortes also said that students who want to obtain an associate degree and transfer to a CSU will have to petition for it and accumulate 60 units, including English 101, a transferable math class, a critical thinking class, and a speech class. The class requirements to obtain a degree and transfer will vary by major. Students can obtain associate degree and transfer petitions at the counseling offices and the Transfer Center. Adriana Orellana can be reached at adriana_orellana@elvaq.com

On The Ballot: The deadline for voter registration is Oct. 18. The candidates below represent the two major parties, although the ballot will include minor party candidates.

Governor

(DEMOCRAT) Jerry Brown

(REPUBLICAN) Meg Whitman

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer

Carly Fiorina Lieutenant Governor

Gavin Newsom

Abel Maldonado Secretary of State

Debra Bowen

Damon Dunn Controller

John Chiang

Tony Strickland Treasurer

Bill Lockyer

Mimi Walters

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Steve Cooley Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson Larry Aceves Congressman for District 29 Adam Schiff John P. Colbert Assembly Member for District 43 Mike Gatto

Sunder Ramani

Assembly Member for District 44 Anthony Portantino

Alvaro Day

PROP 19: Legalize and Regulate Marijuana PROP 20: Redistricting of Congressional Districts PROP 21: $18 Vehicle License Fee for State Parks and Wildlife Programs PROP 22: State Government Prohibited from Taking Local Funds PROP 23: Suspends Clean Energy and Air Pollution Standards PROP 24: Tax Fairness Act PROP 25: Simple Majority Vote for Budget PROP 26” “Polluter Protection” PROP 27: Eliminates State Commission on Redistricting

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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

NEWS / FEATURES

Wait Lists, Full Classes Plague Students By Aaron Carlos

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

t the 112 community colleges in California, the largest system amount in the nation, the high demand for classes leaves some students waiting for more than just the classes they need. The influx of new students, continuing students and people returning to college for career training has left some dissatisfied with the wait list system. “It’s pretty much luck of the draw,” said Alex Gomez of GCC. “You may never know if you can get it and it’s a waste of time if you don’t.” Some students in 2010 are older, returning to school for job training. California’s economy is not only affecting residents with a lack of jobs, but also

the availability of classes at all community colleges. Due to strict budget cuts in the community college funding, many classes have been closed before students even have a chance to register. An estimated 140,000 potential students did not return to school this year because they could not get into classes. “Even more are expected to drop out by next year,” California Community College Chancellor Jack Scott reported. “You must struggle to get your classes and be responsible when you apply to the school for your own sake,” said student Edmond Asatryan. “Let me inform you that if you applied to the school on time you have priority registration and if you apply within your day you should have all the classes that you need.” Asatryan is one of many

Surgical Weight Loss Offers Options By Nik Brkic

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

ould you be willing to give up 75 percent of your stomach to lose weight? This and other methods of weight loss were addressed in a lecture speech given on weight loss surgeries in SB 243 on Sept. 28. In the speech, Dr. Ara Keshishian spoke about various surgical procedures for weight loss. The three he addressed were gastric bypass, the lap band and gastric reduction duodenal switch. The gastric bypass is a procedure that changes where the food travels. Instead of the normal route of going through the stomach this procedure cuts the stomach so that only a small pouch is left. Then the small intestine is cut and rerouted so that it is reconnected to that small

pouch. The remaining part of the stomach is no longer used. The lap band involves a ring being placed toward the top of the stomach. The goal is to reduce the size of the opening to the stomach, forcing patients to eat slower and eat less food. The last method Keshishian talked about was the duodenal switch. This involves removing 75 percent of the stomach and bypassing the small intestine. The goal of this procedure is to lower the amount of food the patient can eat, thereby allowing fewer calories to be absorbed. To offset the loss of nutrients, patients must take supplements. Keshishian is a proponent of the duodenal switch and is opposed to lap bands. He used multiple graphs in his presentation to show the success rates with the duodenal switch. He [See Surgery, page 6]

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students who wait for the opening day of registration to register for classes to ensure that he gets into the classes he needs. Without priority registration some students are left to sit in classes for the first two weeks hoping to get in. “People till this day,” in week six of classes, said Asatryan “are bringing late add forms for 16 week classes.” With classes being cut and more students attending community college it becomes frustrating for those who do not have priority registration. “I really dislike the waiting list,” said Joshua Archer. “Honestly, it gives the students false hope. You almost never get in while on the waiting list.” It is Archer’s first year at GCC and the overwhelming effort it takes to get the classes he needs is the same returning students

endure. “Classes are getting larger and larger, and they cannot fit much more students. Having a wait list is a waste. Why give someone a hope for a class, and then take it away?” Some teachers have said they sympathize with students like Archer and others who are simply trying to get their required classes. In the 2009-10 school year the community college system has suffered $250 million in budget cuts, almost 8 percent of its overall budget. For some the wait list is not a problem. “I personally don’t have any issues with getting my classes because I’m an athlete, which means that I have priority registration till I leave GCC,” said soccer player Gerry Puga. Some students are faced with attending multiple schools

to obtain full-time status while others have to drop out for a semester and wait to get the classes they need. “I don’t want to deal with it,” said Betty Kasabian. “I don’t even know what to say about it, it’s like there are all these people and it’s so crazy that they’re all trying to add one class.” In June 2010 the San Mateo Community College district became the first in California to pass a parcel tax, Measure G, to increase the class offerings and hire back part-time faculty, according to Ballotpedia. The tax ,which is about $34 annually, is estimated to raise $6 to $7 million over the next four years but will not help students in the district till spring semester. Aaron Carlos can be reached at aaron_carlos@elvaq.com

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

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FEATURES

Drug and Alcohol Summit Creates a Buzz By Brandon Gardner EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

tate official Renee Zito was the featured guest at the second annual Addiction Summit 2010 held at the GCC Auditorium and the Student Service Center on Sept. 29. The summit included counselors, clinicians and others from the community who gathered to speak and share their thoughts about substance abuse and addiction in California. Appointed California Director of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) by Gov. Schwarzenegger in 2007, Zito has had an extensive background within the treatment field. Zito has dedicated her career to helping people who suffer from addictions. Zito has also served as the director of programs at Marin Services for Women since 2000, where she oversees and manages the staff for rehabilitation programs, housing and education

services, as well as the admissions departments. From 1994 to 1999, Zito was the executive director of the alcohol and drug treatment center in Hazelden, N.Y. Before that, she served as the director of treatment at Smithers Alcoholism Rehabilitation Center at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center from 1986 to 1994, in New York City, N.Y. “I believe that it is important for people to know that they can recover,” Zito said as the meeting began. Zito, a recovering alcoholic of 35 years, knows all too well the suffering of an addict. The topic of discussion was the growing problem of untreated addiction in relation to the new health care reform bill, as brought up by nearly every individual in the room. The new law requires all group and individual plans to comply with the Wellstone/Domenici Parity Act, which requires that addiction and mental-health benefits be

Science Lecture Series [Surgery from page 5]

said success is about 85 percent, as opposed to 60 percent for lap bands. Success was measured by how many pounds the patient had lost three years after the surgery, relative to the amount of excess weight the patient had lost before the procedure. One astounding statistic Keshishian gave was that lap band patients had an 88 percent chance of having complications, such as the band giving way to one side causing an enlarged stomach pouch. Keshishian repeatedly described obesity as a disease during his lecture. He compared how obesity is viewed medically and by the public. Medically, it is looked at as an onset disease rather than a disease that is caused by the patient. He said that in our society obese people are looked at as lazy, and are asked questions like, “Why don’t you try to lose that weight?” The doctor called obesity an epidemic. He said that obesity for many isn’t caused simply by poor diet and exercise but rather a combination of factors

like genetics, environment and ethnicity. “If diet and exercise worked, I would be out of a job,” he said. Keshishian addressed some misconceptions regarding obesity. He said obesity actually causes depression and a lower metabolic rate. This means when someone becomes obese they fall into a vicious cycle of feeling depressed and giving up on looking for solutions for weight loss. He said the myth of the size of the stomachs of obese individuals being larger than others is not true. Keshishian was a student at GCC from 1988 to 1990. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California. He then received his doctorate from the American University of the Caribbean. He was a chair member of the Department of Surgery at Delano Medical Center in Delano, Calif. He is now a practicing bariatric surgeon at Verdugo Hills Hospital. Nik Brkic can be reached at nik_brkic@elvaq.com

provided and covered in the same way as other medical benefits. The law expands Medicaid eligibility to all Americans up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level, and requires that all newly eligible parents and childless adults receive basic benefits. It creates a national prevention council, with the director of the Office of National Drug Council Policy serving as an acting member. It also lists drug addictions as a national priority for the council’s report to Congress. Finally, the law names behavioral healthcare workers as a high priority in the bill’s National Workforce Strategy section. It lists addictions and mental-health providers as being eligible for community health-team grants. “People are going to be able to get treatment by 2014 as well, and the federal government will pay for treatment programs,” Zito said. “This is enormous. Photo by Isiah Reyes We have to professionalize RECOGNITION: Ben Salazar, left, Director of the Alcohol and Drug Studies our workforce [doctors, Programs, presents an award of participation to Renée Zito, Director of Alcohol nurses, and all other medical and Drug Programs in the State of California, during the Alcohol Drug Studies doctors].” Club on Sept. 29. Attendees of the meeting listened intently as Zito addressed the audience. There telephone. There are 18 different billions on teens and kids and languages available for a variety we need to hold our legislature was energy in the room. The work Zito and her team of nationalities, making it easier responsible for this,” Zito said. have done affects everyone in to understand and communicate “Alcohol companies pay off the legislature.” California in one way or another. with counselors. The assistance does not Zito’s heart-felt passion of She stressed that higher standards of living must be put into place, stop there. Zito said healthcare providing assistance for those in and that mediocrity must not be providers need to treat not only the dark shadows of addiction tolerated any longer. She believes addictions, but the patient as will greatly help the Department patients deserve the highest level a whole, both mentally and of Alcohol and Drug Programs physically. The health care reform achieve their difficult mission. of care possible. The keynote address by Zito Treatment programs, such will provide the highest level of was followed by refreshments as rehabilitation centers, mental care possible for these patients. Another important topic that and then workshops addressing hospitals and institutions, and other recovery centers, have had was discussed was prevention, issues, such as behavioral therapy, been engaged in serious debate which is a major issue coming out and methamphetamine addiction. Glendale’s Drug and Alcohol regarding the criticism of these of the White House. Zito stressed that prevention was not just about Studies program is accredited programs. “Addiction is a chronic preventing relapse but preventing by the California Association disease that cannot be cured with individuals from entering the Studies for Alcohol and Drug Educators and is designed to meet 28 days of treatment,” Zito said in drug world in the first place. Zito said drugs and alcohol the certification requirements for regard to rehabilitation programs. “People who have had simply one will always be a problem within both the California Association treatment in a rehab center and our country and around the for Alcohol and Drug Educators such will be allowed to return to globe. The media flaunts this in and the California Association treatment as much as they like if several ways, such as advertising of Alcohol and Drug Abuse alcohol companies on television, Counselors and other state need be.” Zito and the Department of and through mass advertising on certifying bodies. Drug and Alcohol Programs have outdoor billboards. “Alcohol companies are created a system in which patients Brandon Gardnercan be reached at can obtain counseling over the in it for the buck. They make brandon_gardner@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

FEATURES

Backpacks Raise Hopes, Build Minds, Melt Hearts By Derek Stowe

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

CC students expressed their generosity on Oct. 5 in Plaza Vaquero at the Pack-aBackpack give-away ceremony by presenting $1,000 in school supplies to help local homeless schoolchildren in honor of those who helped victims of 9/11. “We have around 250 homeless students in the immediate area living in shelters, motels, and cars or on the street,” said event sponsor School-on-Wheels’ representative Natasha Bayus. “We provide a new backpack and supplies for each student we serve.” School-on-Wheels is a nonprofit organization with more than 700 volunteer tutors helping more than 1,500 students in Southern California. Bayus and her volunteer tutors work for needy students at shelters for anywhere from a few weeks to several years. “We want to make a positive difference in the community,” she said. This second annual Packa-Backpack ceremony was organized by GCC’s Center for Student Involvement (CSI), which spent the month collecting

donations including supplies, backpacks and $750 in cash. The money was used to purchase even more backpacks and supplies in a symbolic gesture designed to commemorate those who risked their lives to help the survivors and families of the almost 3,000 who perished in the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. CSI student worker Edita Isayan said, “I feel awesome [about the ceremony] because I love helping people. I did the bake sale, and we would collect the donations and write names on these yellow school bus circles; and all the teachers were emailed about it.” Isayan’s message to each homeless student was, “Many people helped collect these backpacks and supplies for you, so now you are equal to the other students. So, you should do well; you have to do well because there is nothing holding you back.” Fulfillment touched everyone who participated in loading up the 51 backpacks with binders, paper, glue, pens, pencils, post-its and calculators stacked high on two 8-foot tables surrounded below by colorful backpacks including Sponge Bob and Spiderman. An announcement called

Photo by Isiah Reyes

READY TO GIVE: With a table full of school supplies for local homeless schoolchildren, CSI student workers Lilit Melik-Bashakian, from left, Haik Panosian and Edita Isayan help CSI staff member Nane Kakosian and event sponsor School-on-Wheels’ representative Natasha Bayus prepare for the giveaway.

students to gather around to help fill the backpacks with supplies and load them up for transport. Several students witnessing the ceremony volunteered. Also on hand were staff

member Nane Kakosian and Besides backpacks, school student workers Lilit Melik- supplies, school uniforms, and Bashakian and Haik Panosian one-on-one weekly tutoring, School-on-Wheels.org from the center. Kakosian said, “There’s provides children help with always hope and there’s always entering school and locating lost assistance. If you put your mind records. It even has a toll-free to it, there’s a future ahead of number for homeless kids to keep in touch (800) 923-1100. you.” “Never give up,” said MelikShe added this encouragement for those struggling most: “Look Bashakian. “Try your best to ahead. Success is on the way. get out of your worst situation. There are a lot of good role Always seek help, and it doesn’t models. Get a mentor. Try to matter where you start from, you be positive. Think positive. can always be successful.” Surround yourself with positive people.” Derek Stowe can be reached at derek_stowe@elvaq.com Melik-Bashakian said “More people should help organizations like [School-on-Wheels]. There are a lot of people online stories, in need. I hope this more photos, slide shows Pack-a-Backpack idea motivates them to do and breaking news. well in school. I wish To join online forums, them the best.” discussion boards, All in all, the comment on articles, ceremony was well and add events received and melted to the calendar the hearts of those who participated. The backpacks were all loaded up and delivered to the “School-onWheels-mobile.” Panosian, said, “I feel that this project was a success, and I feel proud to be a Vaquero.”

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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Eyegores Offer an Awards Ceremony to DIE for By Rachel Elizabeth Mills EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

n celebration of the Halloween Horror Nights grand opening, Universal Studios hosted the Eyegore Awards on Sept. 24 honoring celebrities of the horror movie genre. Some of this year’s recipients were Eli Roth, who directed the two “Hostel” movies and starred in “Inglorious Basterds”; Betsy Russell from the “Saw” franchise; Sid Haig, who played Captain Haulding in “House of 1,000 Corpses”; and Christopher Lloyd, who played Doc in the “Back to the Future” trilogy. Corey Feldman, who played Edgar Frog in “The Lost Boys” was the host of the event. Afterward, his advice to students on how to be successful in life was “stay positive.” Attendees started showing up on the carpet before the event, which started at 6:30 p.m. An actress dressed up as the featured villain of the event, La Llorona complete with fangs and an undead baby walked the carpet.

La Llorona, the weeping woman, is the Mexican urban legend of a woman who drowned her children to be with a man she loved. The actress said it took about 45 minutes to apply all the realistic vampire prosthetics she was wearing. A short skit honoring Feldman featured two boys dressed in vampire hunter garb coming out on stage. It led to them becoming involved in a dance number with a troop of dancers dressed in gothic vampire outfits. The number used Muse’s song “Supermassive Black Hole,” which was featured in the sound track to the hit movie adaptation of “Twilight.” Once the ceremony began, another honor was given to Elizabeth Scheiffer, an amateur filmmaker, for her entry into the short horror movie competition, “Jasper.” The film started off with an old lady searching for her cat named Jasper. Things went wrong when the lady was attacked by a pair of purse snatchers. The competition was judged by Rob Zombie, who directed “The Devil’s Rejects.” The actual voting of the winner was conducted online at the event’s main website.

Haig’s acceptance of his award for lifetime achievement was one of the most moving of the night. He thanked everyone, especially Zombie who presented the award to him for “getting this far.” Haig also thanked Zombie for helping him to put food on the table. The honorees also gave advice to students. Roth, who accepted his award for acting and directing, said film school is the best place to experiment without worry of failure and that it was the place where someone could try out new things and learn from their mistakes. Lloyd said, “Never quit.” Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, people entered and explored the park where five horror-themed mazes were set up. Zombie’s film “House of 1,000 Corpses” had its own maze this year. It featured music from Alice Cooper, who also won an Eyegore award in the past. “Friday the 13th: Kill, Jason, Kill” was another maze that was set up in the park. Derek Mears, the actor who portrayed Jason Voorhees in the movie reboot, walked the red carpet at the event. Mears

said that his scariest experience had been when he was a kid at summer camp. The other kids told him that the camp they were at was the one where the original movies had been filmed. The maze called Vampyre was the official maze of the year because it had a comic produced exclusively for the event, explaining the backstory of the maze. To honor the vampire theme, actress Mariana Klaveno, who plays Lorena from the popular “True Blood” television series, showed up on the red carpet. To aid her in getting into the vampire spirit, Klaveno said she read the classic “Dracula” written by Bram Stocker. Halloween Horror Nights will continue at Universal Studios until Halloween night and tickets vary in price. They can be purchased online at http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/ hollywood/2010 for a discounted rate, and at the park, though they are at a higher price. Rachel Mills can be reached at rachel_mills@elvaq.com

TERROR IS UNIVERSAL: on the Eyegore Award’s red carpet, La Llorona, above right, shows little remorse for her heinous crime. Not even Barbara Woodhouse could housebreak this werewolf, below right, and visitors would be wise to stand far back. Silver bullets optional. “That’s Miss Kruger to you,”says a feminized version of “Friday the 13th” star Freddy Kruger, another villainess of one of Halloween Horror Night’s creepy mazes. For exclusive slideshow footage, see www.elvaq.com.

—All Photos by Louis Roche

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

One Book/One Glendale Goes to the Dark Side By Rachel Elizabeth Mills EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

Cover Story oir, is it the French word for black? Yes, And it’s also a term used to describe a crime and mystery genre. This year, the book chosen for the citywide reading project, One Book/ One Glendale, is based on the book “Los Angeles Noir.” “Los Angeles Noir” is a compilation of noir-flavored fictional short stories by several Los Angeles writers. Cities across America each have their own volumes. The Los Angeles collection includes selections from famous authors such as Michael Connelly, Denise Hamilton and Hector Tobar. The first citywide book reading event took place in Seattle, Wash., and was started by Nancy Pearl as a way to generate and promote

reading throughout the city. On Monday, the second event in the series will feature a discussion of the femme fatale, a popular device used in the noir genre. The femme fatale is a term applied to a dangerously attractive woman who would captivate her lovers into an often times, doomed fate. The discussion takes place at 6:50 p.m. at the student center. A key point and element of the program is to bring people together for the purpose of discussing the book being read. On Oct. 28, between 12:20 and 1:30 p.m., the students and teachers of GCC are encouraged to come together to take part in a book discussion. Hamilton, the author of the short story, “Midnight in Silicon Valley.” and editor of “Los Angeles Noir,” will be giving a key note address in the auditorium

on Oct. 27, from 12:20 to 1:30 p.m. Another author from the book, Tobar, who wrote “Once More, Lazarus,” is set to appear on campus on Oct. 20 from 12:20 to 1:30 p.m. Not only is Tobar a contributor to the book but he is a Pulitzer-prize-winning Los Angeles Times columnist. Ara Najarian, the mayor of Glendale, encourages the adults of Glendale to take part in this event on the main website of the book. Other off-campus events will take place throughout the month at different locations. For more information about upcoming events, visit the Glendale Public Library’s website at: http:// www.glendalepubliclibrary.org/ OneBookOneGlendale2010.asp. Rachel Mills can be reached at rachel_mills@elvaq.com

Film Noir Classic Movie Screenings for Glendale Oct. 19 - Central Library Auditorium - 2 p.m. This Gun For Hire (1942; 81 min; NR) Phillip Raven (Alan Ladd) is an assassin whose latest murder assignment is paid for with counterfeit money by turncoat Willard Gates. Ellen Graham Veronica Lake), an entertainer and the girlfriend of the police lieutenant who’s trying to bring Raven down, is recruited by the government to probe Gates’s illegal activities. When Raven happens to meet Ellen on a train, they use their relationship to get what they want — and exact revenge.

Oct. 26 - Central Library Auditorium - 2 p.m. White Heat (1949; 114 min; NR) James Cagney is spellbinding as Cody Jarrett, a ruthless killer who takes a jail sentence on a minor charge to avoid a murder rap. Complemented perfectly by veteran Raoul Walsh’s raw, powerful direction, Cagney’s forceful portrayal features such memorable scenes as his reaction to his mother’s death while he’s still in prison, and his own death scene atop an oil tank. Edmund O’Brien co-stars as the cop who’s after him, and Virginia Mayo is his long-suffering wife.

PAINT IT BLACK: “Los Angeles Noir” anthology features prominent L.A. authors writing about the gritty aspects of city life.

Calendar of One Book/One Glendale Monday ONE BOOK/ONE GLENDALE EVENT: “The Fantasy of Femme Fatale,” a faculty-led panel discussion of the historical/ literary perspectives of the femme fatale with Nancy Getty, Elizabeth Kronbeck, Robyn Fishman and Piper Rooney. Student Center. 6:50 p.m. Free admission. FLEX opportunity. Tuesday Tuesday Film Program Tuesdays at 2 p.m. Central Library Auditorium This Gun For Hire (1942) Denise Hamilton talks about Noir with writers Judith Freeman (The Long Embrace: Raymond Chandler and the Woman He Loved) and Tom Nolan (Ross Macdonald: A Biography). Central Library Auditorium 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 Tuesday Film Program Tuesdays at 2 pm, Central Library Auditorium White Heat (1949) Oct. 27 ONE BOOK/ONE GLENDALE EVENT: Keynote address and book signing by author and editor of “Los Angeles Noir” Denise Hamilton. Auditorium. 12:20 p.m. Free admission. FLEX opportunity. ONE ON ONE: Patt Morrison Denise Hamilton interviews Patt Morrison Central Library Auditorium 6:30 p.m. Denise Hamilton and Los Angeles Noir writers, Gary Phillips and Hector Tobar. Panel discussion & book signing. Central Library Auditorium 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 Oct. 28 Oct. 29 - SG334 - 12:30 p.m. The Big Sleep (1946: 114 min; NR) Summoned by the dying General Sternwood, Philip Marlowe (Humphrey Bogart) is asked to deal with several problems that are troubling his family. Marlowe finds that each problem centers about the disappearance of Sternwood’s favoured employee who has left with a mobster’s wife. Each of the problems becomes a cover for something else as Marlowe probes. Also starrring Lauren Bacall as Vivian Rutledge.

ONE BOOK/ONE GLENDALE EVENT: A talk by Pulitzer Prize-winning L.A. Times journalist Hector Tobar. Kreider Hall (SR138). 12:20 p.m. Free admission. FLEX opportunity.

Faculty/Student Book Group 12:20 - 1:30 pm (AD243) FLEX opportunity. Oct. 29 Friday Flix “The Big Sleep” 12:30 - 3:00 p.m. (SG334) FLEX opportunity.

Note: off-campus events are held at the Glendale Central Library at 222 E. Harvard St.. For information, call (818) 548-2030.

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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

L.A. Writers Reading Series Packs Kreider Hall By Derek Stowe

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

emoirist Bernard Cooper and L.A. Times book critic David L. Ulin inspired a jampacked Kreider Hall on Oct. 6 at the second annual Los Angeles Writers Reading Series hosted by GCC English faculty members Jocelyn Heaney and Claire Phillips. Heaney and Phillips founded the series to give students the opportunity to meet the authors of the books they are reading in class. The reading series gives students a glimpse into the career of writing. The audience gave the writers a warm reception as Ulin prepared to read from his forthcoming work “The Lost Art of Reading” due out in November. In it, “Ulin investigates the challenges and rewards of reading in the age of technological distraction,” said Phillips in her introduction. “Our culture suffers from a lack of serious, deep thought,” said Ulin. “Conversation is mostly emotionalism versus thoughtful consideration. Reading generates empathy for other people, those unlike ourselves, other ways of thinking, being, and a quietness of stillness.” “I’m so used to reading with a pen in my hand,” said Ulin, quoting from his book, “that I miss it with a physical ache when I read for pleasure.” He was reading rather quickly as if to mimic the high speed at which he must read to himself. “This is what re-reading ‘The Great Gatsby’ had to offer, a balance of first and second sight,” he said referring to his high school impressions of the book versus those as a father eager to help his son with his homework. “The former was more fun, the latter was more sinful.” Ulin then compared the art of reading to the uncertainty of being lost at sea hoping to reach the shore. “Reading is like navigating a sea of words not knowing where the words

may lead.” he said. To further illustrate this idea, Ulin read from his account of a family scubadiving experience in Hawaii on a choppy sea. The swift currents and haystack waves got the better of his wife, Rae and son, Noah, and they spent most of the excursion suffering from sea sickness. Ulin detailed the events with precise and exhaustive language inspiring the attentive GCC audience to listen intently with the hope of learning how to be just as explicit in their own writing. Ulin’s writing style was captivating, especially when he made an allusion to the movie “Jaws:” “This is where eternity might bear its teeth.” To help explain the art of good writing, Ulin quoted a passage from the 1933 essay “100 False Starts” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: “We have two or three great moving experiences in our lives [where we are more] caught up, and hounded, and dazzled, and beaten, and broken, and rescued, and illuminated, and rewarded, and humbled [than] ever before.” In other words, writers should be entitled to invent any number of new stories based on the same few fundamental life-changing experiences. When Ulin’s applause died down, Heaney introduced Bernard Cooper, a renowned memoirist, essayist and fiction writer (“The Bill from My Father” and “Guess Again”). First, Cooper talked about his humoristic memoir, “The Bill from My Father.” His father was a divorce attorney when there was no such thing as no-fault divorce. Litigation was his life, and his father was adept at making up stories that were “based on the truth, but not really.” He was also a master of the “firm but detached language of his profession.” Cooper read, “When I was 28-years-old, my father sent me a bill for his paternal services totaling $2 million. The bill itemized the amounts he had spent on me such as food, clothing,

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

Photo by Richard Kontas

HONEST EMOTION: L.A. Times book critic David L. Ulin (left) and memoirist Bernard Cooper after their readings.

tuition and incidentals.” For example, $72,000 for clothing brought to mind “a warehouse crammed with shirts, pants and jackets past.” Several in the audience snickered. His father’s bill was an “abstract, unpayable enormity.” Cooper’s loves, fears and struggles had been boiled down to nothing more significant than a check for a cup of coffee. “What an expensive life I had lived,” he said. “Your obligations to your father are considerable,” his father had written, “and the only way to impress upon you is to compensate your father for the fiscal burdens he bore on your behalf.” “I was being charged for my upbringing!” Cooper read to uncontrollable outbursts from the audience. “Was this candid camera, April Fool’s day or retribution for some unknown transgression? I didn’t ask to be born. Had I known I would be charged for my boyhood, I would have eaten fewer snacks.” Cooper’s “even more preposterous counterclaim” might have included “chronic insecurity, $90,000; narcissistic wounds, $75,000; oedipal complex, $15,000; [not to mention] hurts for which there is no restitution,” to which the audience responded with more controlled giggles. “The punitive spirit of the counterclaim was gratifying

… yet depressing,” he said acknowledging that resorting to this would have been exactly what his father had desired. Cooper confirmed that his father had in fact sent such a letter but died three years before “The Bill from My Father” was published. To explain this unusual writing technique, Cooper said that writing the memoir was a way for him to figure out what his now deceased father had truly intended by this letter. Unlike prose that is written with the ending already in mind, Cooper explained that “sometimes, writing can be in order to answer a question or to go on an exploration to find something that will serve as the truth.” “Good writing can come from small things that gain significance by writing about them,” said Cooper as he read from his “strange kind of mongrel” prosepoetry “The Fine Art of Sighing.” “A kettle hisses, a balloon deflates, your shoulders fall like tube-like pears.... Sometimes I saw my mother’s back expand, then heard her let loose one plummeting note, a sigh so long and weary it might have been her last.” To write in depth about something as trivial as sighing can be humorous. Cooper ended by referring to the natural function of a sigh, “What begins in sorrow might end in relief.”

All in all, the readings were well received. “It was a great balance between understanding the work that the students studied, and the art of writing,” said Heaney. “The students were excited because they got to ask about the writers’ story as well as how to improve as writers themselves. The authors’ insights on the writing process came from years of experience.” English faculty member and published poet Bart Edelman said, “Both writers brought a wonderful and intriguing sense of their own experiences to the audience regarding what it means to fuse your own personal memoir, if you will, to the fine and intensive craft of writing, especially as it pertains to creative non-fiction.” To express their appreciation for these two Los Angeles writers, English 104 students formed a line to have their textbooks signed by Cooper and Ulin. The students were all smiles and the collective inspiration was more tangible than a rainbow after a rainstorm. For more information the English department can be reached at (818) 240-1000, ext. 5606.

Derek Stowe can be reached at derek_stowe@elvaq.com

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT/SPORTS

Muse Rocks Excited Fans at Staples Center By Adriana Orellana EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

he English alternative rock band Muse delivered an energetic mind-blowing performance to thousands of devoted fans at the Staples Center on Sept. 25. Ticket orders were so overwhelming that the band added a second performance on Sept. 26. To see Muse live is to watch three musically creative men enjoying the work they have built on since they formed in Devon, England in 1994. When the lights dimmed, three cloth towers stood in the middle of the stage. The audience looked perplexed and excited by what seemed to be the silhouettes of men going up the stairs inside the towers and falling off the top. After watching the white silhouettes move through the black background towers, the cloths dropped onto the stage, revealing three smaller stages within the main stage. As soon as the first notes of “Uprising” were heard, the crowd rose to its feet and the people in the pit began to jump and sing the chorus, “They will not force us… They will stop degrading us… They will not control us…We will be victorious… So come on.” The powerful chorus set the tone for the night. It was almost as if the audience members wanted to make its presence known, and that they too, would not back down. Undoubtedly, Muse is one of the best sounding live performance bands, even though its recordings sound remarkable as well. The lyrics to Muse’s songs combine power, politics, love, and even a feeling of being in space. With Matthew Bellamy’s talent at vocals, lead guitar, and piano; Christopher Wolstenholme at bass and backup vocals; and, Dominic Howard at drums and percussion, Muse captivates and amuses the crowd with its unique sense of music style, combining alternative rock with space rock, electronic rock, and even classical music. Throughout the concert, the great sound of the band’s set list, together with the green, red and purple lasers and strobe lighting, helped to get the crowd pumped

up. Most of the attendees were on their feet for the entire 19 songs that Muse performed, while a few even crowd-surfed through the pit. From the top of the center, crew members threw gigantic eye balloons, which dropped confetti when the audience threw them around and popped them. Muse performed well-known songs such as “Resistance,” “Starlight,” “Time Is Running Out,” “Supermassive Black Hole,” “Undisclosed Desires,” as well as “Plug In Baby,” “Stockholm Syndrome,” and “New Born.” The band also pleased the crowd with a few riff jams. It was rewarding to see that Muse is a band that wants to connect with every one of their fans. Howard’s drum platform rotates hypnotically at various times throughout the concert in order to be able to face the fans sitting behind the stage. Wolstenholme paraded around the stage as he showed off his bass playing skills, and while banging his head, pumped up the crowd even more. But it was Bellamy who really owned the show from the beginning, especially with his silver, shiny, and extremely eclectic outfit, which blindingly reflected the lights of the stage back onto the audience. Bellamy paraded around the stage as he connected with the fans, thus bringing enthusiasm to the rest of the band and to the entire audience. At times, he even stuck his head into the light reflectors, as if to get a high off the power of the music. The ultimate part of the show was watching Bellamy sliding on his knees across the stage. All three members of Muse complement each other, which enabled the band to perform at its best. Having originally ended the concert after the 16th song, “Unnatural Selection,” Muse fans were left thirsty and wanting more. They let the band know as soon as Bellamy, Howard, and Wolstenholme left the stage. The audience kept clapping as they lingered in the darkness of the Staples Center, even as Bellamy’s red guitar kept whining after he had thrown it onto the stage floor. A sea of small lights overtook the darkness as the fans started waving their lit cell phones to let their presence be known. Audience members stayed in

STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS: Chris Wolstenholme (bass guitar),from left, Matthew Bellamy (guitar/vocals), and Dominic Howard (drums), prove that the British trio’s music is relevant and vital even after 16 years.

their spots, cheering for the band a few more minutes. The audience seemed a bit confused when they saw people walking around on the stage. The lights slowly went back on and out came Muse onto the stage once again. The crowd went wild, cheering and clapping even louder, and the band went onto perform three more songs, with the last one being their wellknown hit “Knights of Cydonia.” Once they started to play the last

song Muse fans began to sing along, knowing that they had just seen a great rock band and a tremendous performance. The concert ended on an impressive note as pyrotechnic effects went off during the last few seconds of the song. Passion Pit, an electric pop band from Cambridge, MA, and formed in 2007, opened up the concert with a few of their own songs, which included “Moth’s Wings” and “Little Secrets.”

Vocalist Michael Angelakos’ voice brought soul to the music which was danceable, fun, fresh, and memorable. Both the mellow and upbeat rhythms of Passion Pit’s music were a good way to start the night. Muse fans left the concert in high spirits, having just seen an astonishing live show that will be surely be remembered. Adriana Orellana can be reached at adriana_orellana@elvaq.com

Photo by Louis Roche

TACKLING BREAST CANCER: President/Superintendent Dawn Lindsay, Esther Kim and Board of Trustees President Anthony P. Tartaglia gather before the GCC vs. Pierce College football game to give support for The Day of Pink.

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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

SPORTS

The Vaqueros’ Sports Week in Review

Photo by Louis Roche

SHE’S GOT LEGS AND KNOWS HOW TO USE THEM!: Lady Vaquero Sharis Harootun dribbles away from harms way using the Sharis special. More sports stories available online at www.elvaq.com.

BEND IT LIKE BENKHELIFA: Souileman Benkhelifa, 24, seems to be emulating Lebron James as opposed to David Beckham by literally dribbling away from Vaquero Gustavo Gomez 4, and Tomas Jolon, 18.

Photo by Louis Roche

12 ON 12: Lady Vaquero Brittany Frederick, 12, goes for the kill.

Photo by Louis Roche

AN ARMY OF ONE: Omar Sanchez-Berrara, 25, attempts to break past the 50-yard line.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

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SPORTS

Lady Vaqs Battle Corsairs, Lose Booty By Brandon Gardner EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

lthough Glendale College was on the losing end to Santa Monica in a Western State Conference match Friday, they did make the Lady Corsairs fight for every point and game, ultimately falling 25-22, 25-17 and 25-22. The closeness of the games kept the fans on the edge of their seats as all three games went back and forth and at the end, everyone in attendance applauded the efforts of both teams. Santa Monica gained the early edge and managed to hang on at the end to win 25-22. Sophomore

outside hitter Jessica Alvarez had several kills and setter Roxy Domines hustled all over the floor to set up her teammates. The second game ended with a score of 25-17 in favor of Santa Monica as errors piled up for the Lady Vaqs as they couldn’t quite maintain the momentum they had in the first game. Game three was much like game No. 1, as Glendale fought to the very last point but could not come up with enough big plays to extend the match to a fourth or even a fifth game. Alvarez had a solid match with 12 kills despite having to rest for a few points after colliding with a Santa Monica player after a play

at the net. Outside hitter Brittany Frederick had nine kills and hitter and middle blocker Sara Kert ended the game with 5 kills and setter Roxanne Domines ended the game with 28 assists. When asked about the Vaquero performance volleyball coach Yvette Ybarra said she did not quite know how to answer that question. “We fought at certain points. We really struggled with errors which made competing very difficult,” said Ybarra, whose team is 4-9 overall and 0-2 in WSC play. When asked about needed improvements, Ybarra said that the Lady Vaquero’s needed

improvement in every aspect of the game. “We need to pass and serve receive,” she said in regards to the most crucial needed improvements. “We need to be aggressive.” On a good note, Ybarra said that there were improvements in comparison to passed games. “We didn’t miss as many serves this game,” Ybarra said. “Santa Monica is known to have a great [volleyball] program,” assistant coach Jocelyn Abad said. “We tried to play up to their potential,” Abad added. “There’s definite room for improvement next time we see them. The players were truly feeling

the frustration at the end of the game. “So frustrating. We can’t seem to pull it together as a team. We have great practices but it doesn’t come out in games,” Lady Vaquero Sara Kert said. “We need to have faith in each other,” she added. The Vaquero’s will play on the road this week at West Los Angeles College on Tuesday and at Los Angeles Pierce College on Friday. Both matches start at 7 p.m. See additional photo on page 13

Brandon Gardner can be reached at brandon_gardner@elvaq.com

Vaquero Sports Summaries Scores Men’s and Women’s Cross Country: Oct. 1 — Foothill Invitational meet Glendale women — finished first Glendale men — finished second Saturday — So Cal Preview meet Glendale women — finished second Glendale men — finished sixth Women’s Volleyball: Oct. 1 — lost to Ventura 3-1 Oct. 5 — lost to Bakersfield 3-1 Friday — lost to Santa Monica 3-0 Women’s Soccer: Oct. 1 — lost to Citrus 2-0 Oct. 5 — lost to Santa Monica 7-0 Friday — beat L.A. Mission 2-0

Football: Oct. 2 — lost to Valley 27-21 Saturday — lost to Pierce 42-40 Men’s Soccer: Oct. 1 — beat Moorpark 1-0 Oct. 5 — tied College of the Canyons 2-2 Friday — lost to Santa Barbara 2-1 Women’s Golf: Oct. 3-4 — finished 5th at Morro Bay

For more information see: http://www.glendale.edu/athletics/

Upcoming Events Men’s and Women’s Cross Country: Friday — Meet at Santa Barbara. 3 p.m. Oct. 26 — WSC Finals at Crescenta Valley Park. 3:30 p.m. Women’s Volleyball: Friday — at Pierce. 7 p.m. Tuesday — vs. College of the Canyons. 7 p.m. Oct. 22 — at Citrus. 7 p.m. Women’s Soccer: Friday — at College of the Canyons. 4 p.m. Tuesday — vs. Pierce. 7 p.m. Oct. 22 — at Bakersfield. 5 p.m. Oct. 26 — vs. Citrus. 7 p.m. Photo by Louis Roche

REACH FOR THE SKY: Lady Vaquero Jessica Alvarez, 2, slams the ball over the net towards the Santa Monica College Lady Corsairs.

Women’s Golf: Monday — at Valencia. TBA Oct. 25 at River Course. TBA Football: Saturday — at East L.A City College. 6 p.m. Men’s Soccer: Friday— vs. Citrus. 7 p.m. Tuesday — at L.A. Mission. 4 p.m. Oct. 22 — at Allan Hancock. 4 p.m. Oct. 26 — at Moorpark. 4 p.m. For more information see: http://www.glendale.edu/athletics/

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d n d l w d y

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Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010

CALENDAR On Campus EVENTS Hispanic Heritage Celebration — Cultural booths, food music and performances. Sponsored by ASGCC Campus Activities. Free. Thursday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Plaza Vaquero. For information call: (818) 240-1000, ext. 3033. Workshop — On Thursday a UC Personal Statement workshop will be held from 12:20 to 2 p.m. in SF 113. “Fantasy of the Femme Fatale” — Historical/literary perspectives of the femme fatale. A faculty-led panel discussion featuring Nancy Getty, Elizabeth Kronbeck, Robyn Fishman and Piper Rooney. Free. Monday at 6:50 p.m. Student Center.

Swap Meet — The monthly event is held in the upper campus parking lot Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5805. Board of Trustees — The monthly meeting takes place in Kreider Hall on Monday at 5 p.m. For information visit: www.glendale.edu/boardoftrustees. Guest Speaker: Hector Tobar —Pulitzer Prize-winning L.A. Times journalist Hector Tobar. Another in the One Book/One Glendale Los Angeles Noir series. Free. Oct. 20 from 12:20 to 1:30 p.m. Kreider Hall. Mural Dedication — The new ASGCC funded mural in the downstairs food court created by studio arts student Manny Bracamonte will be dedicated. Food court at 2 p.m. on Oct. 22.

Town Hall Meeting — Topic will be GCC’s accreditation issues. Oct. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Center.

MOVIES Friday Flix: — A screening of the classic 1974 Mel Brooks comedy “Blazing Saddles” with Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder on Friday. On Oct. 22: Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 “The Shining” with Jack Nicholson. Films are free at 12:30 p.m. in SG 334. Discussions facilitated by instructor Mike Petros following the screeenings.

FINANCIAL Free Money — Apply now for scholarships to be awarded in 2010-11. Do you have a 2.5 GPA and 12 completed units? Scholar-

ship opportunities await you. The deadline is Friday. for more information visit: www.glendale.edu/ scholarships or call (818) 2401000, ext. 5591. Food for Thought — Applications for nutritional gift cards for low income students are available and are being accepted through Oct. 22 at noon. For more information call: (818) 240-1000, ext. 5905 or visit the Center for Students with Disabilities, second floor in the San Rafael Building.

WORKSHOPS “Learn to Meditate” — Medication is said to help to clear and calm the mind. Free. Every Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. in AD 205. For more information call (818) 551-5192.

PLANETARIUM “Evening with the Stars” — This planetarium show will introduce the stars, constellations and planets Friday at 7 and 8:30 p.m. and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. No late arrivals. “Spontaneous Fantasia” — A real-time animation created live for the full-dome digital theater by Technical Academy Award winner J. Walt, a programmer, artist and composer. Oct. 23 at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the door. General admission is $15 and $6 for children under 12. For more information, visit www. glendale.edu/planetarium or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5275

Around Town EVENTS “Trophallaxis” — The Hive Gallery. An open-mic event held in conjunction with Los Angeles’ recurring (second Thursday of the month), Downtown Art Walk. Attendees are encouraged to share their poetry, writings, music or other artistic skills. Free. Thursday. The event runs from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Open-mic is at 9:30 p.m. The featured band “Tresles” goes on at 10:30 p.m. 729 S. Spring St., Los Angeles. For more information call (213) 955-9051. “Halloween Horror Nights” — Universal Studios Hollywood presents the fifth annual installment of the event. Featuring all new scare zones and trams, including Rob Zombie’s “House of 1000 Corpses: In 3D Zombievision,” and the “Vampyre” mazes. Open Friday, Saturday and assorted dates through Oct. 31. 100 Universal City Plaza, Hollywood. For more information visit www. halloweenhorrornights.com or call (800) UNIVERSAL. “SDM Cancer Relief 25th Anniversary” — Alex Theatre. Susen Daniel Memorial Cancer Relief Fund celebrates 25 years with a Masters of Comedy themed event. Starring comedians Sugar

Sammy, Dan Nainan and Rajiv Satyal. Also featuring the classical Bharata Natyam Dancers, Dr. Malini Krishnamurthy, Reetu Patel and her Mad Bollywood Dance Company and Miss India America Melanie Kannokada. All performance will be in English and will be family appropriate. 216 N. Brand Blvd. One show only at 6 p.m. on Saturday. For more information visit www.alextheatre.org or call (818) 243-2539. KRLA’s Townhall 2010 — Alex Theatre. Dennis Prager, Dennis Miller, Michael Medved and Mike Gallather participate in KRLA’s townhall panel. 216 N. Brand Blvd. One show only on Sunday at 5 p.m., gates open at 2:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary. For more information visit www.alextheatre.org or call (818) 243-2539. “Counter Culture, Counter Cinema” — Pacific Design Center’s Silver Screen Theatre. MOCA and Charles S. Cohen present “Counter Culture, Counter Cinema: An Avant-Garde Film Festival” co-curated by David E. James and MM Serra. This event was programmed from the collection of The New American Cinema Group/New York’s Film-Makers’ Cooperative. Covering 50 years, these films

and videos explore sexuality, politics, communal experiments and transgressive film appropriations. 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. Thursday through Saturday only. For more information visit www.moca.org or call (310) 289-5223.

EXHIBITIONS “Still Life” — The Getty Center. This exhibition presents some of the innovative ways photographers have explored and refreshed this traditional genre. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. Runs through January 2011. Museum hours vary. Admission is free and parking is $10 per vehicle. For more information visit www.getty.edu or call (310) 440-7300. “Action/Reaction”— Pasadena Museum of California Art. “Action/Reaction,” features designs that respond to current events, whether sociopolitical or economic, in a creative or innovative way. Rose Apodaca curates Fashion; Stewart Reed curates Transportation Design; Louise Sandhaus curates Graphic Design; Alissa Walker curates Product Design; and for the first time in CDB history, Architecture is included as a category, curated by

Frances Anderton. 490 E. Union St., Pasadena. General admission is $7 and $5 for students and seniors. Runs through Oct. 31. Museum hours vary. For more information visit www.pmcaonline. org or call (626) 568-3665.

MUSIC Chopin and Schumann — Glendale Noon Concerts presents pianist Rosa LoGiudice performing 3 Nocturnes by Frederic Chopin. She will be joined by violinist Jacqueline Suzuki performing the Fairy Tales by Robert Schumann. The Glendale Noon Concerts is celebrating the bicentennials of both composers. Free in the Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Glendale, 209 N. Louise St. Runs from 12:10 until 12:40 p.m. on Oct. 20. For more information visit www.fbcglendale.net or call (818) 242-2113.

THEATER “Great Expectations” — A Noise Within presents the West Coast premiere of the Charles Dickens classic. Adapted by Neil Bartlett. Directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott and Geoff Elliott. 234 S. Brand Blvd. Opens Oct. 23 and runs through Dec. 19. Ticket

prices and show times vary. For more information visit www. anoisewithin.org or call (818) 240- 0910. “Camelot” — Glendale Centre Theatre. Runs through Saturday. Admission prices and showtimes vary. 324 N. Orange St. For more information, visit www.glendalecentretheatre.com or call (818) 244-8481.

WELLNESS Free Yoga in the Park — Runyon Canyon Park. Free yoga lessons are offered everyday at 10:30 a.m and 6 p.m. 2001 N. Fuller Ave., Los Angeles. For more information call (323) 666-5046. “Letting Go of Bad Habits The Confidence to Change” — Brand Park Whispering Pine Teahouse. Learn simple yet effective meditations to shed the limitations that bind us as we improve ourselves and be of benefit to others. 1601 W. Mountain St. Admission is $12 per class. Sunday 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. No prior meditation experience is necessary. For additional information, visit www.meditateinla.org or call (323) 223-0610. Compiled by Richard Kontas

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

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VAQUERO VIEWS

In this Issue: Halloween Horror Nights p. 8-9 & Film Noir Events p.7 More online at www.elvaq.com Photo by Louis Roche