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beloved instructor dies unexpectedly.. . . . . . . . . . . . .

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planetarium searches for new life.. . . . . . . . .

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la artwalk offers spooky surprises. . . . . . .

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lady vaqs win championship. . . . . . . . . . . .

Volume 97, Number 4

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February 14, 2012

Occupy the Streets of LA at GCC

By Angel Silva

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

O

ccupy LA at GCC marched through Plaza Vaquero in solidarity with the national day of action and national student strike day on Nov. 17.

After meeting near the first floor cafeteria at 12:30 p.m., several members carried the long poster they had created for the event which said Occupy LA at GCC Rally. They marched to the front of the San Rafael Building where they chanted “Drop tuition, not bombs” and “Solidarity with Berkeley.”

One member, Leah Setaghian, called out “Show me what democracy looks like!” with a megaphone and the other members responded back in unison with “This is what democracy looks like!” Some of the 11 members raised yellow posters with the words “Democracy is not an auction. Reform is our only option!” above their heads, which they also chanted.

[See Occupy, page 3]

IN THIS ISSUE Letters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 News.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Center Spread.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Entertainment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Photoillustration by Derik Stowe

SKY HIGH! GCC’s all-digital dome provides entertainment and education for the campus community. See related story page 4.

Dream Act Gives Hope to AB540

By Vanessa Duffy

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

S

tudents are one in the same when it comes to meeting the education requirements, but many don’t have an equal advantage, until now.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed the California Dream Act into law on Oct. 8.

The California Dream Act is not the same as the Federal Dream Act, which grants a pathway to citizenship.

There are two parts to the California Dream Act that will assist illegal immigrants in their goals to achieve higher education effective January

2013.

The first part of the bill, which Brown signed in July, allows illegal immigrants to apply for private scholarships.

The second grants access to Cal Grant programs for UC and CSU institutions.

Before this bill, a student’s immigration status would determine whether or not he or she would pay in-state fees, which are $36 per unit at GCC, or the out-of-state fee which is $181 per unit, in addition to enrollment costs.

“The Dream Act benefits LIVING THE DREAM: Gov. Jerry Brown signs AB 131, the second us all by giving top students a half of the California Dream Act, into law. This law allows students who qualify for a non-resident tuition exemption under AB 540, to be eligible

[See Dream Act, page 4] to participate in state-administered financial aid programs.

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Wednesday, February 14, 2012

www.elvaq.com

LETTERS

El Vaquero Letter to the Editor: Michael Lao Passes EDITOR IN CHIEF Jessica Bourse GRAPHIC DESIGNER Raul Espinosa STAFF WRITERS

Eric Bourse Alex Gonzales Jane Pojawa

Angel Silva

Vanessa Duffy Marlon Miranda Isiah Reyes Derek Stowe

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Richard Kontas Roger Lai Kenta Yamashita Tex Wells

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Jane Pojawa

COPY EDITOR Agnes Constante FACULTY ADVISER

Michael Moreau

mmoreau@glendale.edu (818) 551-5214 ADVERTISING Jeff Smith jsmith@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000, ext. 1427 Send Letters to the Editor El Vaquero accepts story ideas in news, features, profiles, sports and entertainment from the public. To submit an idea or an article, e-mail the editor at elvaquero.editor@gmail.com or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349.

Member of the Journalism Asssociation of Community Colleges

Letters may be reproduced in full or in part and represent only the point of view of the writer, not the opinion of El Vaquero or Glendale Community College and its district. Letters must be signed and typed and include the full name and address of the writer.

El Vaquero is a First Amendment publication.

EL VAQUERO 1500 N. Verdugo Road Glendale, CA 91208 (818) 240-1000 ext. 5349

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Michael Lao, the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department Chair, died suddenly in his sleep of a heart attack while visiting family and friends in the Philippines on Aug. 16. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched. He is survived by his wife and fellow instructor, Faye Lao, who wrote the following eulogy for his memorial service.

Dear brother, sisters, family and friends.

To every one of us, Michael meant something special in our lives. To me, he was a teacher, husband, a friend, a mentor, and a role model of generosity and kindness.

It was through his eyes in the early years of our marriage that I understood the power of giving of yourself to help others, and how nourishing giving for the sake of giving and spreading help and joy to others could be for the spirit.

To you he’s a brother, an uncle, a friend, or father figure.

But what we share in common is that we all received Mike’s infinite generosity of heart, hospitality and care. Mike would always have a nice encouraging word to say to anybody he met, and always sought to be a mentor and teacher of life’s lessons. To his students, Mike was their dad away from home—someone who taught not only business skills but life lessons in how to be a decent and generous, giving human being.

FULL OF LIFE: Michael Lao, the Hospitality and Tourism Management Chair, was an inspiration to live life to the fullest.

In recent years, nothing inspired Mike more than to wake up in the morning knowing that he could contribute to growing a hospitality program at school and watch the program and his students’ lives and careers thrive under his guidance.

Mike had so much to give, so much that he wanted to do for others, that he never stopped moving, never stopped thinking of new projects. He was always in a hurry, because I believe that as a spirit, he knew his time was short on this earth and that he better appreciate every moment of it to compress his work and play into one of his favorite mottos, “work hard, play hard.”

Mike used to always say “Life is short—be happy, don’t sweat

the little stuff. Be grateful and be content.” Though I never wanted to believe he was hinting at feeling ready to move on. I would say to Mike that mom lived to almost 80, dad to over 90. Surely he had many decades left to work hard and play hard.

But he meant what he said — he was on borrowed time and made sure that every minute counted to make a maximum impact on everything he did for others.

There is so much more that can be said about Mike that would take days, weeks to speak about. So many funny stories of his huge appetite for life, food and fun. He could outlast 20-year-old students on day field trips — like the Energizer bunny that can do two field trips, three

meetings, eat four meals in one day, and still have energy and room for shopping and coffee at night.

No one who has ever met Mike and seen his enthusiasm for life can ever forget how infected they are by his funloving, bright spirit and his famous appetite. He could kill half a dozen lobsters and more food in one sitting than anyone I know. He could peel crab shells faster than anyone I know, and he could drink the hottest noodle bowl without second degree burns. And he never got fat!

Mike was a teacher of life to all he met. A friend to those who were unemployed, misguided, confused, or beaten by life.

[See Lao, page 3]

Letter to the Editor: Celebrate Diversity!

Dear Editor, I want to thank the El Vaquero and Ashley Carey for the story about the GCC Gay-Straight Alliance in the June 8 edition.

I have a couple of thoughts I’d like to share about the article, the mission of the GSA and tolerance.

It is vital to reinforce that the struggle for any group’s rights is a struggle for human rights. If we do not accept and respect the diversity and experience of the human race then we promote fear, abuse, violence and exclusion.

The GSA exists to initiate dialogue among the straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender,

queer, questioning, allied and, even, homophobic communities.

It is through dialogue that understanding and respect are established. In this regard I find the use of the word “tolerance” to be incorrect and unproductive.

Speaking for myself, I do not want to be tolerated. I do not want to censor anyone’s opinion.

It goes without saying that I do not want anyone to suffer violence but isn’t dialogue a key to averting violence?

Homophobia and many forms of racism, sexism, etc exist all around us. We must engage these attitudes to challenge these attitudes. The push for tolerance

and the resulting silence will help no one.

An important part of the GSA mission here at GCC is to raise awareness and support through our allies. Many people on this campus, if not in the LGBTQQ community, have LGBTQQ brothers, sisters, cousins, children, parents, friends, students, colleagues, etc. These people are our allies and it is of the utmost importance to give our allies the courage to speak up when they encounter homophobia or any other type of fear and hatred.

It is only the larger voice of humanity speaking out that will significantly impact the struggle

for human rights. Regardless of one’s political, social or religious views the world IS an unbelievably diverse place and I celebrate that diversity and choose to give voice to that diversity.

Thank you so much!

Sincerely, Mark Gens Co-advisor, GCC GSA Instructional Lab Tech, Studio Arts

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Wednesday, February 14, 2012 3

NEWS

Occupy: Campus Community Hates Being Poor [Occupy, from page 1] Setaghian explained that a week before the rally, nonviolent protesters were being attacked by police at UC Berkeley after they joined arms. The Occupy movement called a national strike day where students across the nation can protest in solidarity with Berkeley students, against police brutality and for Occupy goals.

“It is basically to honor the Berkeley students who were attacked by police when they were just linking arms,” Setaghian said.

“They were told by the chancellor of the school [Robert Birgeneau] that police have the right to break that up with violent force.”

Luke Ponnet, history major, wants students to know that Occupy LA at GCC is a civil rights and civil liberties group that is promoting the Constitution and Constitutional rights to speak out against government when it is overstepping its bounds. It is also a group that is dissatisfied

with the way corporate greed has infiltrated the government.

“We need to get our voices heard,” he said. “We need to have our cause understood by the student body. If we don’t have a student body, we are nothing.

We are the masses. We are the 99 percent.”

While the rally went on, the Troy Davis Band performed during the same time. The music boomed from the loudspeakers and across the campus overpowering some of the group’s rally cries.

The Occupy group chanted during the band’s intervals and occasionally when they sang.

A small crowd gathered in front of them, while others stood at a distance taking photos.

The group staked a spot on the sidewalk leading to the plaza for the remainder of the rally. They cheered when an Associated Student representative yelled, “We also have Occupy LA over there!”

Obituary: Hospitality Teacher Enjoyed Life to the Fullest [Lao, from page 2] Always encouraging those who had lost faith in themselves and in life, he would know how to heal and renew hope for them when they were lost and discouraged. He found jobs for countless students, helped family members succeed at their jobs, inspired countless more to have focus and a sense of direction and purpose in life. And he did it all with a smile, and a promise of more gifts to come from him—with few thoughts for his own rewards.

I will never forget all of his lessons to me as a husband.

Be kind, loving, generous, patient, giving and forgiving.

Always live for the moment and enjoy the day. Always be grateful for the day and for what tomorrow brings. And never hold a grudge.

Mike is looking at us with great amusement, love and care. He is happy. He is exactly where he wants to be right now. He left this earth on his own terms--happy, peaceful, accomplished, and leaving a legacy of love to all he has touched.

He has a message for all of us. Be happy. Be true to yourself.

Embrace today.

And above all, embrace your future without fear. You never know what pleasant surprises it may bring you.

And we have a message for Mike. Be in pure joy and light. Be the bright spirit you always are. Enjoy your return to the Source, from where you came. Return to the Source of your Grace and your bright light on this earth. The Source, our God of infinite love, joy, wisdom, and abundance. We love you. You are always in our hearts.

“We got a shout out by the Gabriel Building for an informal student body, which is awesome,” meeting where they discussed the Ponnet said. “That was really cool protest and future events. to have the student body actually “It was not as powerful as I know that we wanted it to were there.” be,” Ponnet J e s s i c a said. “Mostly Farrell, the main because the point of contact students at GCC for the group, were having a said she was musical rally, there to march which was in support of good. The music the students was awesome, of Berkeley. but we couldn’t Farrell and overpower the .

Sarah Gould are DJ or the PA both the heads system. In the of the events ­—Luke Pommet future, if we committee for do a rally, we Occupy LA at would want to GCC. make sure that we don’t schedule “I am here to be a part of an a rally around another event educated group of people who especially one with a PA system.” want to be a part of something Ponnet joined Occupy LA at and although I have defiance GCC after he heard the college inside of me from childhood, I had meetings and has been have learned to grow out of that involved for about a month. He and know the right and wrong has participated in the Occupy way of doing things,” Farrell movement in Downtown LA, said. “I feel that I want to be part Occidental College and Pasadena. of a group that will give respect “I really feel for the movement and not be cocky in the sense that especially the student’s concerns we are doing the right thing or the about the movement and wrong thing.” unemployment,” Setaghian, a After the rally ended, the political science and history members moved to the San major, said. “We are about to

“We need to get our

voices heard ”

enter the workforce, but there is nothing out there for us. That was a big thing for me.”

Nov. 17 was declared National Student Strike Day by Occupy Colleges. A large rally was planned at Cal State Dominguez Hills where various colleges planned to meet. Many in the group had classes in the afternoon and were unable to attend.

For Farrell, who is an anthropology and psychology major, school is important. As much as she would have loved to join, she realized she could not miss class since she is trying to transfer from GCC. Farrell first heard about Occupy LA at GCC after Gould approached and asked if she had heard about the movement. She researched about it and attended the meeting.

“I felt like this is the movement that could open the doors to all other movements in the sense that it could give people the power instead of the corporations having the power,” she said. “It would be enough to move forth in smaller things.”

Angel Silva can be reached at asilva827@student.glendale.edu

Photo by Kenta Yamashita

BOOK ’EM: Officer Rony Aharonian searches a car in parking lot B on April 4, following a stop for a hit-and-run

accident. Medical marijuana was found inside the vehicle. The driver had an expired prescription for the drug, casting its legality into question. It is the policy of the campus police to issue a citation whenever drugs are discovered in the posession of a student; the courts ultimately decide legality. The campus police have been extra vigilant in recent weeks following a string of vehicle break-ins and vandalism.

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www.elvaq.com

FEATURES

S e a rch for Li fe at GCC ’s P l an et ar i u m

By Derek Stowe

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he planetarium was filled to capacity last week for two showings of “Exo-planets: Searching for Life-Sustaining Worlds,” just one in a series of free 30-minute tours of outer space being offered every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

The colorful dome atop the Cimmarusti Science Building is an all-digital theater for viewing star fields in four dimensions. Students, visitors and faculty have been entering the Sky-Skan dome to observe the universe since fall 2003.

Computers simulate three dimensions of space and one dimension of time while audience members recline in seats by Recaro, the seat designer of Lamborghini, Ferrari and Porsche.

“Exo-planets blew my mind,” said astronomy student Harrison Martin-Sandoval, 19. “It was breathtaking. I didn’t realize there were so many other solar systems

with planets just like ours. I liked being able to see the different exo-planets up close.”

The latest advancements in technology, such as the orbiting Hubble telescope, have made it easier to identify planets orbiting other suns.

Some exo-planets lie within the Goldilocks Zone, a temperate zone where water would neither be completely frozen solid nor steaming hot. Such planets may be capable of supporting life.

“That’s kind of the Holy Grail for astronomers; we would love to find life on other planets,” said planetarium director and host Jennifer Krestow. “As yet, we don’t know if any of these planets harbor life.”

“In the past few weeks, astronomers have found another 124 planets, bringing the grand total discovered to 687,” said, Krestow, who holds a doctorate in physics from the University of Toronto. “And Sky-Skan is good about sending software updates.”

Before Krestow dims the lights for each show, she asks

the audience to lean forward while she reclines all the seats automatically. Then she explains how nine computers drive the six projectors to super-impose images of the night-time sky upon the underbelly of the dome.

While discussing the astronomy involved, she controls the size, angle and motion of the objects.

In “Exo-planets,” she traced the orbital paths of the planets in each solar system chosen by the audience. The color-coded elliptical rings made the planets easier to recognize.

Most impressive was zooming out beyond the Milky Way to see what the galaxy looks like from afar.

Early planetariums used oldfashioned optical-mechanical projectors using a dumbbellshaped body with many tiny lenses and an internal bulb. Compared to digital LED stars, their focus is much crisper and brighter.

“But you can’t fly through space like we did,” said Krestow referring to her ability to digitally zoom beyond the night sky

as seen from Earth. “Griffith Observatory still uses an antique mechanical projector, along with the newer digital system.”

Human beings have mass, so by definition, traveling at the speed of light will never be possible, she said. Therefore, taking a ride in the planetarium is the best way to experience what that would be like.

Besides “An Afternoon with the Stars,” full-dome movies designed for kindergarten to fifth grade are available through the Science Center Outreach Program. Science center director Jean Lecuyer, who holds a doctorate in astrophysics, said he invites many K-12 students.

“We get about 4,000 kids a year,” said Lecuyer, who helps students discover how exciting science can be. “The the kids tell us, ‘Wow, this is cool.’”

Groups larger than 48 are split in two. While one group enjoys the planetarium above, Lecuyer and other science instructors direct science activities in the science center below.

Glendale Unified School District statistics suggest that the planetarium field trips and the teacher-training program provided by the college in 2005 and 2008 contributed to the astonishing gains made by gradeschoolers in science.

The percentage of students who achieved an advanced score on their eligibility science test increased from 12 percent in 2007 to 39 percent in 2011. The percentage of students who scored below basic level decreased from 19 to 11 percent, respectively.

“It’s not all due to us, but we’ve helped push them in the right direction,” said Lecuyer. “We really like to see the expression on students’ faces when they discover each phenomenon we cover in the science activities. It’s a really good program.”

The first field trip of the semester was Oct. 11 when a group of 72 third graders arrived from Wilson Elementary School in San Gabriel.

[See Planetarium, page 5]

Dream Act: New Law Gives Hope to AB540 Students [Dream Act, from page 1]

she sent out letters requesting financial sponsorship, she received a letter from Homeland Security that her request had been denied and that she was on deportation investigation.

“America is not so rich that it can afford to waste all of its talent,” said Perkins.

Vanessa Duffy can be reached at vduffy399@student.glendale.edu

El Vaquero

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“It is still unclear whether the financial aid will be ready

by January 2013 or if that is when students can apply,” said Greg Perkins, counselor for the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services on campus. “If it means that financial aid will be open to apply, then students wont see the money until fall of that year.”

Perkins has a handful of stories of students he has worked with whose dreams have led to a dead-end road.

“A student came to me two years ago and she wanted to be a nurse,” said Perkins. “She had good grades in all her classes, glowing recommendations and hours and hours of volunteer work at hospitals. Cal State L.A. said she was accepted but they needed a copy of her driver’s license…. She never called them back.”

He also spoke of an Armenian student he worked with, who was studying to become a doctor. The student received high grades, was in the scholar’s program and was accepted into UC Berkeley. When

chance to improve their lives and the lives of all of us,” said Brown in a statement.

To qualify for the state-funded financial aid, a student must meet the requirements of the AB540 waiver.

AB540 is a California law that allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition. There are several qualifications a student can meet, but the most common is that the student graduated from a California high school or attended for three or more years.

That student will also be required to sign an affidavit.

While the AB540 legislation has provided a certain amount of relief for illegal immigrants, students had to pay out-of-pocket for tuition before the passing of the California Dream Act. “I’m not Mexican enough to go to Mexico so I’m stuck in between two worlds,” said AB540 student Andres Aguilera, 19. “I don’t need anything given to me.

I just want the opportunity.”

Aguilera came to the U.S.

from Mexico when he was 4 years old. He is a member of Voices Organizing Immigrant Communities for Educational Success on campus, which works to help pass the Federal Dream Act. The new law is opposed by many Republican politicians who say that it encourages illegal immigration and that it isn’t fair for legal students.

However, the California Dream Act states that qualified immigrants can receive state funding only after all the legal residents apply, thus creating competition among many students for a resource that has been significantly diminished.

“I know many students at this school who get financial aid and take it for granted,” said VOICES member and AB540 student Cynthia Gonzales, 19.

Although the California Dream Act encourages the futures of aspiring students, there are still some aspects that need to be clarified.

The VOICES club panel organized a presentation about the details of the new law on Oct.

Arts and Entertainment @ your finger tips.

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com

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Wednesday, February 14, 2012 5

FEATURES / OPINION

Science: planetarium seeks Opinion: This School has No Spirit life in other galaxies

By Marlon Miranda EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

[Planetarium, from page 4] Third graders usually learn about the phases of the moon, but teacher Jenny Mizokami said her class had been studying about the solar system and the elements. So, she requested the fifth grade program, which focuses on the solar system and molecules.

Their experiments covered light, energy, and the properties of gas when let out of a balloon.

“Coming to the planetarium was a perfect fit because they got to see everything all tied in together,” she said.

Andrew Ngo, 8, said he loved the planetarium and the “Molecularium” movie.

“It was good and fun. We zoomed into all the planets, and we saw the stars and the sunset. I learned about the solar system, the atoms we’re made of, and things we don’t know about.”

Briana Valenzuela, 7, said that if she was going on a spaceship, she would bring her teacher.

“Because I have snacks and Bachy’s (a dipping sauce for snack foods),” said Mizokami.

Zooming through outer space will require plenty of snacks. “A one-way trip to Mars would take six months with existing technology,” said Krestow.

“The hardest aspect of space travel for humans is dealing with zero gravity,” she said. The heart, the muscles and bones begin to atrophy within two weeks without exercising against gravity.

Staying informed about the universe is important. According to JPL’s asteroid watch site, a 67-meter object will soon come

within 300 million miles of Earth. In 2029, another one, the 270-meter asteroid Apophis, may even collide with the blue planet.

“If it does, it would be enough to take out an entire city,” said Krestow. “Or, it could explode on impact with the atmosphere causing huge meteors to rain down. If it hits a shallow part of the ocean, there would be a much bigger wave than if hits deep.”

The free exhibit today and next Wednesday will explore the moons of the solar system, particularly of Jupiter and Saturn. Upcoming exhibits are posted outside CS 257.

“Spontaneous Fantasia, the Omnicentric Universe” is a monthly audio-visual concert performance and is scheduled for Nov. 12 at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Adult admission is $15 and $7 for children under 12.

In it, artist/programmer/ composer J. Walt Adamczyk dazzles the audience with live animations of his own universes, planets and trees. Adamczyk won an Academy Award in 2006 for technical achievement.

“The hardest aspect of being director of the planetarium is that people don’t know when shows are, or that we even have a planetarium,” said Krestow.

Due to a low turnout, the $15 planetarium show “Evening with the Stars” will not resume until February.

For more information on the planetarium readers can visit www.glendale.edu/planetarium or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5275.

Derek Stowe can be reached at derekgem@yahoo.com

F

ans don’t win games the players do. But who do the players lean on in the closing moments in the decisive seconds of a game? Who do they depend on for motivation during a tough stretch? It isn’t called home field advantage for nothing.

Imagine the disappointment of the home team as they get booed when they have the ball, or the shock of hearing the visiting school’s chant!

This happens in most sporting events in Glendale. Stands are filled with fans of the opposing school and the Vaquero faithful are nowhere to be found.

Grant Lee, psychology major, has attended GCC for two years. However he has never attended a game or a rally. He loves sports, just never got into it on a community level.

“It’s not like a university; it is just a community college,” said Lee “I might be more inclined to support my school team. I just don’t see the point of it in a community college.”

Where is the pride?

When student’s graduates from Glendale, their diploma will have GCC written on it. If they are not ashamed of where they got their education, then why be ashamed of supporting that same school team?

Community college might be just a mean to an end to some students a two year stop before transferring to a university. Why not enjoy it for all the school has to offer?

Photo by Richard Kontas

CHEER: GCC’s Cheer leader keeping the school spirits high to keep the moral up with in students!

There is nothing more thrilling than being apart of an electrifying crowd when hundreds of voices turn to one and chant for a mutual advantage, cheer with every success and groan with every misstep. Fans get to watch the transformation of a player into a star and a team into a powerhouse.

It’s like watching a reality show, but with more action.During GCC sporting events, some parents show up, maybe a girlfriend or two. But no fans of the game or of the school.

How can the Vaqueros enjoy their home field advantage when the opposing school brings more people, louder people and people who have a love for their school?

Nathan Serrano, a nursing student has a love for sports. He tries to attend as many home games as possible; he has been humiliated multiple times while attending games.

“It’s embarrassing to be like a lone wolf out there. You scream as loud as you got, and others feel like it’s not cool to cheer. My single voice is drowned out by a herd of voices from the other team. I tried bringing friends but no one seems to be into it,” said Serrano.

Lack of school spirit is hurting GCC, without a fan base teams won’t be afraid to play in Glendale. There are no rally monkeys in the stand or upside down hats. Where is the tradition?

The beauty and pageantry of collegiate sports is a traditional right of passage most don’t ever get to feel. Student’s should show a passion and represent their school, their future Alma mater.

Once a Vaquero, always a Vaquero!

Marlon Miranda can be reached at MMIRAND721@student.glendale.edu

Campus Comments Have you experienced any problems adding classes?

Hasanna Jackson 22

Alejandro Lopez 19

Nareg Rostami 21

Music

Undecided

Electrical Energy

“I had no problems.

I have nine classes.”

“The system showed a speech class was open but it was closed.”

“I have OPS priority registration, so I was ok.”

Tara Lall 22 Communications “I am on top of it. Other students have a tougher time.”

­­—Compiled by Nik Brkic and photographed by Luis Rodriguez

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Wednesday, February 14, 2012

CENTER

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SPREAD

DEATH VA L L E Y Victor Alfonso Magana Chavez Sept 1, 1984 – August 27, 2007 ictor Chavez was driving erratically on northbound Palm Drive when he drove his Ford Thunderbird through a red light and swerved into the southbound lane colliding head-on with an ambulance in full-response mode. The accident occurred just before 9 p.m. on a Monday night. He was drunk.

Victor Chavez died at the scene. So did his front seat passenger. The two passengers in the back seat were severely injured. None of them were wearing seatbelts and all of them had been drinking Victor Chavez was 22 years old his blood alcohol level was .24 percent, which is three times the legal limit. It is a rate that suggests that he drank more than 10 alcohol-based beverages and that severe drunkeness, even possible alcohol poisoning, was in effect.

The ambulance driver, Kohl Hetrick, 20, suffered a collapsed lung, numerous fractures and a broken back. It took two hours to free him from the wrecked ambulance. His passenger, paramedic Jessica Reynolds, sustained only minor injuries. Both paramedics were wearing seatbelts. Hetrick’s injury ended his career as an ambulance driver. In 2009, Hetrick’s doctor diagnosed him with “permanent stationary status,” or permanent disability with no future improvement to be found.

Chavez’s irresponsible driving resulted in the death of one of his closest friends.

V

Xavier Santos January 20, 1987 – August 27, 2007 avier Santos, also known by nicknames “Sweet Cheeks,” “Mr. Cheeks” and “Sabi,” died at the scene of the accident. He was extremely close to his family and friends, a fiercely protective clan who were emotionally devastated by Sweet Cheek’s death. Xavier Santos was 20 years old.

According to statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 42,000 people are killed in traffic accidents every year in the United States. Alcohol is a factor in about 40 percent of all fatal accidents, excessive speed in 30 percent. In 2008, nearly three out of every four teen drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes after drinking and driving were not wearing a seat belt and the motor vehicle death rate for male drivers and passengers ages 15 to 19 is almost double that of their female counterparts. They are less likely to wear seatbelts and more likely to be distracted by passengers. Two crosses on Palm Drive represent a fading memorial to two young men who need not have been statistics.

–story and photo by Jane Pojawa

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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“The Immortals” Top Box Office

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Singh’s visually stunning new epic “Immortals.”

By Eric Bourse

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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ans of Greek mythology who are still reeling from the pain from last year’s snooze fest, “Clash of the Titans,” shouldn’t avoid this year’s visually stunning but flawed fall blockbuster, “Immortals.”

“Immortals” is directed by Tarsem Singh (“The Fall,” 2006).

The screenplay is by sibling duo; Charley and Vlas Parlapanides and is adapted loosely from the ancient Greek mythology of Theseus.

The film stars Henry Cavill of the “The Tudors” as the film’s hero, Theseus, a peasant trained by an old man, played by John Hurt (Ollivander from the “Harry Potter” films). That old man is actually Zeus in disguise, played

by Luke Evans (“The Three Musketeers,” 2011).

The plot thickens when King Hyperion, played by Mickey Rourke (“Iron Man 2,” 2010) who is on a quest to find the Eprius Bow and unleash the Titans to destroy the Olympians and claim himself as a god, raids Theseus’ village and kills his mother and makes him a slave. Hyperion isn’t exactly an ideal house guest.

Theseus escapes with the help of an oracle, Phaedra, played by Frida Pinto (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” 2011) and a thief, Stavros, played by Stephen Dorff

(“Bucky Larson,” 2011). The trio then embarks on a journey to slay Hyperion.

Singh continues his signature style from his previous films, “The Cell” (2000) and “The Fall,” and creates a visually stunning movie. From the gold and sparkling costumes, the large set pieces cleverly blended with CGI and striking cinematography, Singh’s art direction is a constant treat for the eyes.

Singh offers a contrast to the gorgeous imagery with its beautifully choreographed yet brutal action scenes. Most of the fight scenes move at a brisk and violent pace. There are also quite a few scenes in slow motion but it isn’t overdone and is mostly used when the gods partake in the battles.

Despite being eye candy, the storytelling and editing aren’t as graceful. Unlike Singh’s magnum opus, “The Fall,” “Immortals” lacks character development as well as exposition.

Although established in the mythology, Theseus’ relation to the gods is only explained as “he’s been touched by the gods.”

Audiences unfamiliar with Greek mythology might be confused with the names of the gods as most of their names aren’t mentioned.

There are major changes to the mythology as well. Theseus’ famous battle with the minotaur

is in the film but it’s context and scope is significantly changed to match the rest of the film’s plot. There are also deaths of Greek gods in the film which are drastically different from their fates in the ancient tales.

Although these changes may come across as disappointing to some viewers, the changes are understandable considering the convoluted nature of the mythology as well as simplifying and condensing a story for a twohour movie.

The editing towards the end stumbles. Some of the transitions between the three major battle scenes that occur at the same time prevent the viewers from becoming emotionally invested in each one.

There is also a very noticeable continuity gaff during the death of a major character. His mouth is covered in blood in one shot, then the next shot shows his mouth clean, and then back to being covered in blood again.

It is by no means a perfect film or completely faithful to the mythology but succeeds in creating a visceral and visually satisfying experience. Most importantly, it’s entertaining.

The movie runs 110 minutes and is rated R for strong bloody violence and a scene of sexuality.

Eric Bourse can be reached at ebourse741@student.glendale.edu

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By Angel Silva

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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ARMED AND DANGEROUS: Theseus, played by Henry Cavill, is one angry peasant bent on revenge in Tarsem

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alifornian author and essayist D.J. Waldie spoke to a full audience in Kreider Hall Oct. 19 on his book, “Holy Land: A Suburban Memoir” and on his life in Lakewood in the 1950s.

“My story is very much about the experience of growing up for tens of thousands of Angelenos who came of age in the 1950s and 1960s, who grew up in the little houses on little lots like those in Lakewood,” said Waldie. “This book, though quite specific in terms of characterization of a particular place, is really about a lot of different places.”

“Holy Land: A Suburban Memoir” is an autobiography written in 2005 composed of sections — 316 in total — describing the day-to-day accounts and aspects of living in post-World War II suburbia.

According to Waldie, all portions are a “typewritten page” of around 250 words and at least a sentence in length.

Sections are divided by loose associations, ranging from anecdotes about his life to the logistics of Lakewood. “ ‘ H o l y Land’ began as collection of bits; it was always in the form of bits,” said Waldie.

“The bits stand alone like a little house, a little lot on the gridded street — [they’re] all connected to each other by the common fate they share.”

“Holy Land” has more than Waldie’s personal anecdotes on life in a suburban area. It includes facts and figures on the construction, development, and economy of Lakewood and the areas near it.

Composed of Waldie’s bits, suburban data and photos taken of Lakewood and the surrounding area, Waldie composes an argument for the

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merits of suburbia as opposed to the ideas that areas like Lakewood lack culture.

“I bring all of that into the story because I believe that deepens the implications,” said Waldie. “When we talk about who we are in a place and we don’t know enough about the physical realities of the landscape, we lack something in our knowledge. In other words, place-mindedness — becoming sensitive to the meaning of place — includes the seemingly insignificant details of landscape, water production, land use history, all of that.”

Waldie began his reading with “12,” an account of the developers of Lakewood asking the photographer William A. Garnett to take a series of aerial photos of the progress of the suburbs’ construction.

Waldie continued to read excerpts from “Holy Land,” including a story of a man dubbed as “Mr. H,” the neighborhood compulsive hoarder who collected broken appliances and strewed them on his lawn, the discovery of his dead father in the home’s bathroom (resulting from tachycardia, or excessive beating of the heart), and the death of an Episcopalian family’s baby and how his mother baptized the body to console the mother.

Other, more lighter topics included the display of childrens’ models of Calishopping center and the constant rate of construction of the suburbs after WWII. Waldie finished his reading with the final week of Lent at Lakewood — entries “313,” through “316.”

“313,” an account of the ceremonies of Holy Thursday, particularly the washing of the feet of the Lakewood residents and the awkwardness that that brought to both the men of Lakewood and the priests.

“315” speaks about his participation of the veneration of [See Holy Land, page 9]

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, February 14, 2012 9

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Art Walk brings Culture, Food, and Art to LA

By Isiah Reyes

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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very second Thursday of the month, thousands of people from all walks of life congregate at the Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk to admire works of art.

That was the original intention.

But since the Art Walk began in September 2004, the artwork has become the second attraction at this event. The main attraction is now the music, food, and nightlife experience.

This month’s Art Walk seemed like an alternate version of Bourbon Street, with live music on street corners and tourists wandering around looking for things to buy.

For those who do go for the art, there is a lot to enjoy.

The artwork inside the galleries is fantastic. It ranges from photography, to paintings, to elaborate sculptures to pottery.

Some artists even create the work on the spot so people walking by can witness how it’s made.

The art in all the galleries differs greatly, from humorous pieces to sinister drawings. There is something to cater to every taste.

There is also live music in different galleries, such as The Hive Gallery, which had a DJ mixing his beats. In addition, vendors sell jewelry, clothing and books.

Food is also a big draw at this event. Competition is strong as

Photo By Isiah Reyes

GOT BLOOD?: Every second Thursday the LA Artwalk brings food and culture (and sometimes anime vampires) to the masses.

food trucks compete for sales in an alley that is packed to the brim with people. Some of the trucks include Lobsta Truck, Slammin’ Sliders, Slap Yo Mama, and the The Bun Truck.

In fact, the food has such a grapple-hold on the event that it could be called “Truck Walk” or the “Food Walk” and people still wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.

Inside the Temple of Visions art gallery, patrons really take in the art and the venue has a lot of space. The Hive gallery on the other hand is tight and gets hot

and stuffy.

Every gallery offers its own ambiance. Most of the galleries are on Spring Street, but they scatter over the surrounding blocks. All the galleries are free of charge.

The police officers at intersections help pedestrians cross the street because there are just so many people. It’s the people wandering around with no interest in art who drag the experience down. All they add is the smell of booze and marijuana that permeates the air. They block sidewalks and most of them don’t

even enter a single gallery.

Back in July, a baby lost its life and a mother was severely injured when a Cadillac lost control during a parallel parking maneuver. Even though the car’s driver, about 22 years old, passed initial DUI investigations and didn’t appear to have been under the influence of anything, more officers are present than in the past.

More officers on patrol is a good thing. Once the Art Walk finishes around 10 p.m., the after parties begin in bars and nightclubs and go on as late as 2

a.m. With so many people in the area, things could get out of hand.

One trip to the Art Walk could either be cheap or expensive, depending on what you do. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. but with so many people, there is practically no street parking available. Parking in a lot is typically between $5 and $12.

The food is reasonably priced.

Although the event can be hectic and the focus has shifted from art to the nightlife, it’s good that such an event even exists.

It takes away the stigma that downtown only has homeless people and nighttime zombies roaming its streets.

Businesses and restaurants near the Art Walk also want to impress possible patrons and draw attention, so they’ll possibly have better service that night. Not necessarily a guarantee, but one can hope.

Overall, those interested in art and want to see some really creative work, this is definitely the place to be. Those not into art and just want a place to go with friends and have a good time, this is also the place to be. Either way, everyone should visit the Art Walk at least once before they can’t get the chance to.

For more information, go to http://www.downtownartwalk. org.

Isiah Reyes can be reached at haisikin@gmail.com

Campus Presentation Features Local Author [Holy Land, from page 8] the cross, and how the members of the church would go to the figure of Jesus and kiss the figure’s face.

“They came forward. . . and kissed the feet of the figure of Jesus on the cross. If I was holding the cross I tried to keep it as steady as possible. If I was holding the square of starched white cloth, I was supposed to wipe the feet of the figure. I wasn’t sure if this was reverence or something that had to do with hygiene. The cloth I carried grew bright red from the lipstick I wiped from the feet of Jesus.”

“316,” speaks of the Latin verses spoken at the ceremonies,

particularly Pange Lingua, a traditional Good Friday hymn.

“Sweet the wood. Sweet the nail. Sweet the weight you bear,” were the final words of his reading.

During the question and answer session, Waldie addressed the common stereotype of the “meaning-free, soulless, dehumanizing” suburb.

“It has been a common trope in American cultural criticism to regard mass-produced, postwar suburbs as [writer] James Howard Kunstler describes it. . . the place where evil dwells. I do not subscribe to Kunstler’s view,” said Waldie.

Waldie also commented

on how the lifestyle that once existed during his childhood was vanishing today.

“The place I describe in ‘Holy Land’ seems to be a disappearing option for many young people and older,” said Waldie. “The better life that my parents found in Lakewood and the better life that their working class neighbors, men and women who worked with their hands manufacturing all the good things in life — that good life is shifting away. I suspect that you should consider strongly how this country can modify its present political and economic structures to provide more of that good life that I had as a child.”

“Do you ever feel your father’s or mother’s spiritual energy?” an audience member asked.

“Oh, not in the way that you might be suggesting,” said Waldie. “But they end up in my prayers every day, so I suppose I might conjure them up every morning as I walk to work.”

Ultimately, the book focuses on locations and the effect that they have on people, said Waldie.

“Even though your life experience may be radically different, this book might have you think about how your place has influenced your life,” said Waldie, “what marks the place from you come has placed on your soul, on your heart.”

Waldie hopes that readers are inspired by his book’s format of bits and apply it to their own lives. “[The different bits’ connections have] a quality that is material, it’s a real connection but it also has a lyrical, a poetic quality,” said Waldie. “So I’m suggesting when you walk out of this room and see the different bits of your life, you might compose a poem out of it.”

“Holy Land: A Suburban Memoir” can be found online at www.amazon.com.

Angel Silva can be reached at asilva827@student.glendale.edu

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Wednesday, February 14, 2012

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SPORTS

Rain Can’t Stop Lady Vaqs, New SoCal Champs time of 18:00.6. Angela Martinez came in third place with a time of EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER 18:01.

“Our top three were great,” he Lady Vaqueros were said Lopez. “I’ve never had a unfazed by frosty winds and team with runners finishing in pouring rain as the team won first first, second and third place. place in the Southern California Karen even went the wrong way Cross Country Championships at for a brief moment but she ran so Guasti Regional Park in Ontario fast it didn’t matter.” on Friday.

Grace Graham-Zamudio The Lady Vaqs came in first finished in 18:25 to take ninth place with 27 points, while place. Nohemi Martinez came Orange Coast in 12th place took second with with a time of 100 points and 18:37. Laura L.A. Trade Tech P l u e m e r took third place finished in with 101 points.

14th place “ T h e y with a time of absolutely 18:39. dominated,” The men’s said Head Coach team came in Eddie Lopez. fourth place “After the first with 157 400 meters, our points.

San team took over.”

Bernardino Four Lady ­—Alec Nelson Valley finished Vaqs filled the in first place top 10 and filled with 68 points. the top three as well.

L.A. Trade Tech took second Karen Rosas finished the place with 75 points and San 3-mile race in first place with Diego Mesa took third with 122 a time of 17:54. Alyssa Selve points. Daniel Herrera of Cerritos finished second place with a College finished in first place

By Eric Bourse

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“I thought running in the rain was fun”

with a time of 19:58.

Mizrael Mendez, the top runner for Vaqueros, finished in eighth place with a time of 20:37. Isaac Diosdado finished in 23rd place with a time of 20:59. Alec Nelson came in 33rd place with a time of 21:10 and Jesus Gutierrez came in 42nd place with a time of 21:19.

“I had a bad race,” said Mendez, 18.

“I run well on flat courses like the one today but I didn’t have it in me today. I was chasing the runners in the lead but they got away from me.”

The rainy weather proved to be an obstacle as well as a welcome challenge.

“I thought running in the rain was fun,” said Nelson, 18.

“There were a lot of guys slipping because of the mud in the first mile. I loved it.”

“The weather got really crazy,” said Rosas, 20, sociology. “When it seemed like it was going to stop, it got worse.”

The next challenges for

Photo by Eric Bourse

IT’S EASY AS 1,2,3: The Lady Vaqueros cross country team decimated the

competition by winning first place at the SoCal Regional Championship meet on Friday at Cucamonga-Gusti Parkin Ontario. From left to right:Karen Rosas came in first place in 17 : 54. Alyssa Selve came in second finishing in 18 : 00.

Angela Martinez came in third place with a time of 18 : 01.

the Vaqueros are the state championships in Fresno.

“The women’s team has to stay healthy and continue their preparation and they are going to try to break the team’s total time record,” said Lopez. “The men’s team is going to be facing tough competition but they are up to the challenge.”

“Today’s loss for the men’s

team was a wake up call for us,” said Nelson. “We are going to bounce back from it and be ready for the championship race.”

The State Championships will take place in Woodward Park in Fresno at 10 a.m. on Nov. 19.

Eric Bourse can be reached at ebourse741@student.glendale.edu

Golf Program Brought Back After 26 Yea r s

By Alex Gonzalez

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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olf Coach Greg Osbourne has taken a program that was dropped 26 years ago to one that competes at the state level.

When Osbourne took over as head coach in 2007 for the men’s golf team there was a fresh start.

Before Osbourne there wasn’t even a golf program to begin with.

The school dropped the program in 1985 because of budget cuts.

But then in 2007 Glendale decided to bring back golf to the school. But the winning did not come right away. For two years, Osbourne had his work cut out for him.

“We were lucky to be here,” Osbourne said.

When years three and four came the team started to turn it around and start to win.

In fall of 2010, the men’s team came through and won its first

tournament, beating nine other colleges and making heads turn around the community.

When the regular season ended, freshmen Nick Quintanilla, team most valuable player, and Brennan Amirhkizi, team most improved player, represented GCC in the Southern California Regional tournament. A tournament that determines if you can reach the state tournament.

The following spring, the team continued on its path to success and finished second in the Western State Conference which qualified the Vaqueros to play in the Southern California Regional.

They placed second and that made them eligible to compete in the State Championship. As a team the Vaquero’s finished seventh in the California Community College Athletic Association State Championship.

Players from all over the area decided to come to Glendale and

play for Osbourne.

“Thank you to the players for choosing to come and play… they made the decision,” said Osbourne. “It’s rewarding for me to see what were doing; its incredible.”

Because of all the success the men’s team was generating, the school turned to Osbourne to coach the women’s team. He made an immediate impact on the team.

The star of the women’s program was Tammy Panich. She played under Osbourne in 2009 and 2010. With Osbourne as her coach, she finished first in league competition and was named Player of the Year in the Western State Conference in 2010.

Panich tied for second in the Southern California Regional and that qualified her to compete in the California State Championship.

Panich also accomplished a Glendale first when she became

the California Community College Athletic Association State Champion in 2010.

Since the championship, this season’s Lady Vaqs have been solid. They placed second in their first four tournaments, and first in their last two.

Osbourne likes the way the women’s team is performing and likes how they are coming together.

“The girls bond together like a family,” said Osbourne “They mesh perfectly.”

Freshman Vicanda Ma has been playing the game since she was 12 and commutes from Northridge to Glendale, just to play for Osbourne.

“He’s really nice,” Ma said.

“He will never make you pay to practice and he inspires us more when we’re down. “ Diana Hernandez, also known as “The Senior Leader” to Osbourne, is in her sophomore

year and knows what kind of coach Osbourne is.

“He’s a very competitive coach, very dedicated,” said Hernandez. “Yes, he wants to win but he also wants us to have fun and succeed. Coach is right, we are like a family and when we go out to a match, its almost like a family outing.”

The girl’s team looks forward to finishing at the top this year and each of the players hopes to accomplish her individual goals.

On Monday, Glendale took second place at a WSC tournament.

The next game for the Lady Vaqs is on Oct.17 at Oakmont at 11 a.m. The team will also play on Oct. 24 at Twin Oaks at 10 a.m. Both are WSC tourneys.

Alex Gonzalez can be reached at agonzal251@student.glendale.edu

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Wednesday, February 14, 2012 11

Calendar On Campus RALLY Glendale Community College — Help bring awareness to the local community about GCC. Rallies will be at the corner of Mountain Street and Verdugo Road. Banners and posters will be provided. Meet at 5 p.m. in front of SM267 (next to the upstairs cafe). Sponsored by the Center for Student Involvement and the Student Activities Office.

Thursday, May 4 and 5. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 3033.

EVENTS Spring Carnival — Fun, games and a $2 pie in the face toss. A GCC Leo Club fundraiser for the L. A. AIDS Walk. Thursday in Plaza Vaquero from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Leo Club. Saturday in Parking Lot F from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pizza Sale — Buy a slice or a combo with drink. Sponsored by the EOPS Club. Thursday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Outside the AD building.

Cinco De Mayo — Celebrate the holiday. ASGCC presents a dance show and other festivities.

May 5 in Plaza Vaquero from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

MEMORIAL Mike Wheeler’s Celebration of Life — The campus community will hold a Celebration of Life for English Professor Mike Wheeler.

Open to all. Today in the Auditorium from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

LECTURES

Campus Clean-Up — Join with ASGCC members on a campus wide clean up. Thursday in and around Plaza Vaquero from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Humanities/Social Science Lecture Series — “State of the Earth: A Planetary Check-Up.” Speaker is GCC geography professor and sustainability coordinator Mike Reed. Thursday in CS177 at 12:20 p.m.

Car Wash — To benefit the L.A. AIDS Walk. Sponsored by the

“Pongo in Peril: Orangutans and Rainforests in Borneo” —

Speaker will be Biruté Galdikas, considered the world’s foremost authority on the orangutan. Free.

Seating is limited to the first 350 people. May 6 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. A book signing will follow the lecture at 8:30 p.m

FINANCIAL Financial Aid Fair — Financial aid information and prizes will be available for students. May 10 in Plaza Vaquero from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5916.

SERVICES Evening Child Care — Services are available for 2 to 5 year olds. Free or low cost. Monday through Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. Offered by the GCC Child Development Center. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5665 or 3340.

MOVIES “Blood Diamond” — Enjoy a movie and refreshments, donations appreciated. To benefit

Funds for Darfur. May 5 in SC212 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Friday Flix: — A screening of Steven Spielberg’s 2001 film “A.I.: Artificial Intelligence” on Friday. Then on May 6: Director Rob Reiner’s 1987 film “The Princess Bride.” Films are free at 12:30 p.m. in SG 334. Discussions led by instructor Mike Petros after the screenings.

from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5918.

National Nurses Week — Join the Nursing Department for “Research Across the Curriculum.”

May 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Student Center. Snacks will be served. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5270 or 5878.

MUSIC

PLANETARIUM

Faculty Recital — The first in the Spring semester series of concerts and events from the Music Department. Free. Thursday at 12:20 p.m. Auditorium Stage.

“Spontaneous Fantasia” — A real-time animation created live for the full-dome digital theater

by J. Walt, an award winning programmer, artist and composer. May 7 at 5:30 and 7 p.m.

No late arrivals. Tickets may be purchased at the door. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5275.

Invitational High School Choral Festival — Choirs from local high schools join the GCC choirs.

Coordinated by Jayne Campbell.

Free. Tuesday at 7 p.m. Auditorium Stage.

CAREERS Technology Career Fair — Learn about majors in various GCC Technology division categories. Tuesday in Plaza Vaquero

ASGCC Join Student Government — Petitions available in SC201.

Now through May 6. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 3033.

Around Town POKER Poker Tournament — VW Dads Club. GCC’s Power Soccer program is holding a charity fundraising event. $50 buy-in gets you $500 in chips. Prizes will be awarded. Saturday, starts at 6 p.m. 1728 Canada Blvd. For more information call Cindy Wells at (818) 951-7323 or Kelly Wong at (213) 300-3638.

FESTIVAL 10th Annual Armenian Festival — Glendale Civic Auditorium.

Featuring costumes, music and dance troups, games, food and pasteries and more. 1401 N. Verdugo Road. Saturday from 1 p.m. to midnight and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $3 For information call (818) 500-1343,

or visit www.arswestusa.org.

THEATRE “George Gershwin Alone” — Pasadena Playhouse. Hershey Felder portrays Gershwin, the first popular composer to use jazz as the foremost musical element in the serious concert hall. Tickets prices for this 10th anniversary performance vary. Through May 8. 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena For more information call 626-356-7529 or visit www. pasadenaplayhouse.org.

“The Chairs” — A Noise Within. This Eugene Ionesco production is directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott. 234 S. Brand Blvd.

Runs through May 21. Ticket prices and times vary. For more information call (818) 240- 0910.

MUSIC

formation call (818) 242-2113 or visit www.fbcglendale.net.

“Noche de Tango 2011” — Alex Theatre. Tango singers Carlos Bosio and Esther Segovia, with a 5-piece tango orchestra conducted by Maestro Dino Durand and the Buenos Aires Dance Company. 216 N. Brand Blvd. Saturday at 8 p.m.. Tickets prices vary.

Photo/video recording is not allowed. For more information call (818) 243-2539 or visit www. alextheatre.org.

EXHIBITIONS “College Night 2011” — LACMA. Free admission to all college students with ID. Explore the special exhibition “David Smith: Cubes and Anarchy.” Also “Human Nature: Contempory Art from the Collection.” Thursday at 8 p.m. Free parking in LACMA lots. Resnik Pavillion.

Dou Grazioso — Glendale Noon Concerts presents Flutists Mark Frankel and Ruth Kasckow. They will perform Baroque, Classical and Modern works. Free in the Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Glendale, 209 N. Louise St. Runs from 12:10 until 12:40 p.m. May 4. For more in-

“Magna Carta” — LACMA. One of only 17 surviving manuscripts, this 1217 charter, issued in the name of King Henry III, from the Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford will be on display. Runs through May 5. Ticket prices and hours vary. Art of the Americas Building, level 2. 5905

Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information call (323) 8576000 or visit www.lacma.org.

“Facets of Asia: Photographs

by Sandra Chen Weinstein” — Pacific Asia Museum. This exhibition documents daily lives and religious practices in India and China. Runs through Sunday.

Ticket prices and hours vary. 46 N. Robles Ave., Pasadena. For more information visit www. pacificasiamuseum.org.

WELLNESS Free Health Clinic — Open Tuesdays 5:30 to 8 p.m. or until full. 134 N. Kenwood St., third floor, room 330. For information visit www.glendaleclinic.org.

Compiled by Richard Kontas

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VAQUERO VIEWS

the

SKY is the LIMIT It’s not just newspapers anymore. GCC’s Journalism program teaches reporting skills applicable to any media, whether print, broadcast or online.

Register for Spring Classes January 9 – 16 Classes Start February 13