Glendale College
Lane Closures Will Continue Through 2015 See pages 8-9
www.elvaq.com
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Volume 104, Number 1
News
Features
Sports
The newCollege Lab/Services building reaches the 2nd floor. Page 2
JPL and GCC experiment with joint teaching program. Page 10
Vaquero football destroys East L.A. in season opener. Page 14
2
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
www.elvaq.com
NEWS
elVaquero Construction Gradually Nears Completion EDITOR IN ChIEF
Agnessa Kasumyan ARTS EDITOR Alexandra Duncan PhOTO EDITOR Sal Polcino STAFF WRITERS Louise Andersson Aimee Yeghiayan Beck Emiliano Chavez Kristine Dizon Melinda Ebrahimi Kendall Faulkner Elie Georges Anahit Kardzhyan Miyu Kawamura Rikard Kohler Jennifer Rodman R.J. Saunders
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Richard Kontas NEWSROOM MANAGER
Sal Polcino DESIGN ADVISER
Charles Eastman FACULTy ADVISER Michael Moreau mmoreau@glendale.edu ADVERTISING Jeff Smith jsmith@glendale.edu
Send Letters to the Editor El Vaquero accepts story ideas from the public. To submit an idea or suggestion send e-mail elvaquero.eic@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. All letters must include the full name, address and phone number of the writer. You will be contacted before publication. El Vaquero is a First Amendment publication.
EL VAQUERO Glendale, CA 91208
elvaqed@gmail.com First copy free
By Melinda Ebrahimi EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
A
s students rush back and forth from the hilltop parking lot to their classrooms, construction workers toil away in the sweltering heat to complete the Lab/College Services building, where an open parking structure and the culinary arts building used to reside. Although construction began in July of last year, the new building has been in the works for ten years. GCC’s former president, John Davitt, launched plans for the building in 2004. Measure G, which is a $98 million bond that was approved in 2002, is funding fourteen percent of the construction costs. A portion of the bond has already been used to fund the health sciences building and the upper parking lot. Eighty-six percent of the funds come from the 2006 Kindergarten-University Public Education Facilities Bond passed by California voters in 2006. The starting costs estimated at $64 million; however, due to the economic crisis of 2008, the budget was lowered to $36 million. “It’s a $36-million project,” said Nelson Oliveira, director of facilities and chair of the campus development committee. to be a $42 million project.” starting to take a noticeable shape; however, Oliveira said that there have been a few setbacks, including underground water and hidden drainage that had to be dealt with before construction continued. “We call it unforeseen, unforeseeable conditions because we couldn’t have planned for it,” he said. “They were not exposed and under the soil.” Fortunately, the state provided $1.38 million to cover the costs of the unanticipated problems. The new building is going departments. Student services divisions, such as counseling, admissions and records, the Aid, in addition to EOPS and
Photo by Sal Polcino
LAB/COLLEGE SERVICES BUILDING TAKING FORM: The new building is expected to reach completion by
the culinary arts department and some classrooms. The building will also have a patio with a contain two large classrooms, a DSPS department for disabled students, the lobby, and a coffee house the journalism department and the El Vaquero newsroom. Once construction is complete, the other buildings on campus, including San Rafael, San Gabriel, Camino Real, and Aviations Arts, Administration, and Sierra Madre will have open space. A program called secondary effects has already initiated plans for the empty spaces. The Administration and San Rafael buildings are also scheduled for remodeling. The building will hold the campus’ mailroom and processing area while instructional services will replace the old mailroom.
www. elvaq.com
the San Rafael Building will be modernized and the restrooms will be upgraded as well. The San Fernando buildings will eventually be demolished and used as an extension to the gym. The classes that are currently in the San Fernando bungalows
are also looking for a donor to name the building after. Although construction was originally expected to
of the San Gabriel building. The new structure is also following LEED guidelines. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, promotes
Melinda Ebrahimi can be reached at ebrahimimelinda@gmail.com
Under
LEED,
establishments
or platinum. The Lab/College Services building is currently urinals that use reclaimed water. Although the building is currently referred to as “Lab/College Services,” members of GCC’s campus developments committee are working on a new name. “We wanted to set up a contest where the students will have the opportunity to name the building,” said Oliveira. A campus-wide email will be sent out for name suggestions. Once suggestions are sent in, the development committee According
to
Oliveira,
they
have pushed it to December instead. As of now, one-third of construction is complete.
On the Cover:
E
into one lane on Verdugo Road by Towne Center. Lane closures will continue until the Glendale Public Works water pipe replacement project ends in late December. The project the old pipeline. Photo by Sal Polcino
IN THIS ISSUE News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11 Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Lifestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
www.elvaq.com
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
3
NEWS
Former President’s Legacy Seen Throughout Campus the college that allowed all groups
F
ew people have such a lasting
involved.
that their death elicits universal grief.
his entrance as distinct and as powerful as his presence on
teaching.
take place on Sept. 18 in the
external relations.
travel and took a great interest in the lives of his grandkids. His food to the poor through Brothers
Michael said. “He was a great Up until the last few weeks of would also scowl at students
to
congratulate recipients of
open to suggestions and treated regardless of how high their position was.
was the Patrons Scholarship
John Davitt received positive accreditation
— an event that he took special interest in. Jennifer Rodman can be reached at jrodman530@student.glendale.edu
4
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
www.elvaq.com
NEWS
Students Advised to Apply For Financial Aid Early By Melinda Ebrahimi
O
ne of the most dreaded experiences of starting a new semester is waiting in the notoriously long, tedious line at
a FAFSA application, Hurley “Otherwise, the only thing you are applying for is the fee Students who receive BOG B may also be eligible for BOG C
According to Patricia Hurley, aid director, the long line outside
EOPS is a state funded program for low-income students
procrastination, as students wait until the very last minute to
educational support, including priority registration, tutoring,
As a result, not only do they have to suffer through a seemingly endless queue, but many have to initially pay for
“We usually help out new students,” said Angel Maraveles, a student worker at the EOPS
takes four to six weeks before FAFSA can refund them once To avoid the wait and costs, Hurley suggests that students should apply a semester prior to the term they are seeking begins with FAFSA, a free application for federal student aid that offers a variety of programs and BOGs for both Students must reapply every year “A BOG, whether it is A, B or C covers the enrollment fee, which is the $46 per unit for however many units the student
for BOG A or BOG B, have completed no more than 45 degree applicable units, and register in 12 or more units per completed both the math and “Once you pass 45 units, we take you as a student who has already accomplished the Students who complete the EOPS program participate in a small graduation ceremony after
to students through the FAFSA
There are many factors to take
low-income undergraduate and sometimes graduate students money to cover their higher
Two common reasons why students use up their Pell Grant at GCC is that they take classes they do not need or change
However, the Pell Grant is limited to six years or 12 semesters of being a full-time
suggests speaking to a counselor
income but also assets, how many members there are in a family, and how many of these members
only receive money to cover their unit costs, but also 50 percent off middle-
some students make the mistake of using up their Pell Grant at GCC, leaving them to fend for
The Pell Grant is another form
Fortunately, students that attend
However,
many
Students with BOG B only Although students who qualify
it to increased awareness among
Students who would like to
“The whole point of college offers available to them should is to get you to your destination, or make appointments with the During the 16 years that Hurley has worked at GCC, she has
Melinda Ebrahimi can be reached at ebrahimimelinda@gmail.com
Retired, Long-Time GCC English Professor Dies By Emiliano Chavez
“He would stay at school much longer than he needed too,” said
to make his students not only understand his classes but also
O
Doyle described Craven as a “real gentleman” who truly cared about the well-
He was also passionate about history, and was dismayed that many students were not interested
retirement, Craven donated a
students “have an unshakable faith that history is the story of dead people unconnected to them
ne does not usually enter a classroom expecting to hear an instructor speak with a British accent was only one of the multitude of characteristics that John Craven, who passed away in to missionary parents, Craven was only 5-years-old when his
Later that year he married Shirley Stoft and also began teaching at GCC full-time, launching a career that spanned Craven developed single-unit classes designed to help students whose writing skills were at a
innovations in composition, the winner of the John Craven Award
often be found in the Learning
Craven, he stated that he accepted “the challenge and duty” of trying
Services for professors to use in English instructor Steve Taylor described Craven as a “seeker of a small club that would discuss philosophy, politics, and current “Dropping Pebbles in a Pool,” a A memorial service for Craven
more interested in history, he donated his collection of historical videos and DVDs, mostly on British and European history,
Emiliano Chavez can be reached at lanoism@gmail.com
www.elvaq.com
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
5
FEATURES
New Professors Welcomed to Several Departments By Rikard Kohler
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
T
he fall semester welcomed 11 new full-time professors to GCC faculty. The divisions receiving professors are English, mathematics, and visual arts, in addition to biology, chemistry, and health. Newly hired English professors Reid Kerr and Gabriel Gomez both aim to incorporate creativity into their course curricula. Gomez, an active playwright whose three-actor play “Scar Tissue” was named in the anthology of “Best American Short Plays,” said that he likes to bring his own experiences as a creative writer into the classroom. He hopes to boost them improve their writing. “The best thing I can do is teach [the students] how to learn,” said Gomez. Kerr, who teaches English 101 and 104, believes that GCC emphasizes creativity in their instructors. A music enthusiast, Kerr focuses his 101 classes on music and will have his students write an album analysis for their classes, he urges his students to observe the world around them more thoroughly. He asks the students to set apart and describe the differences they observe in order to help them become more descriptive writers. His goal is to have his students write papers that engage both writers and readers. Alla Ghahramanyan, who taught mathematics at GCC parttime for 13 years, was hired as a full-time instructor for the fall semester. Having earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in applied mathematics in Armenia, she teaches calculus and fasttrack math, which is a course that compresses Math 141 and 101 into one semester. To appeal to a generation that is enthralled by the world of social media, Ghahramanyan uses Facebook to connect with her students, creating groups where they can ask questions and get help for the course material. Katherine Valenzuela, a San Francisco Giants fan, said that she is not “the stereotypical
math teacher.” Hired to teach intermediate algebra, calculus, and statistics, Valenzuela wants to prepare students for life after school by teaching them how to become responsible college students who can take care of themselves. “I try to make the class fun, even at the expense of my pride,” she said. The visual and performing arts department welcomed professors Paul Sherman and Amy Oliver. Oliver, who teaches Photography 101, 122, and 130, wants her students “to create images that are powerful and personally important.” While teaching at Ventura College, Oliver arranged to have her students’ work featured at a local cafe and hopes to offer her students at GCC the same opportunity. Sherman was a part-time instructor at GCC for eight years, teaching music courses before he was hired full time. A professional oboe player, he has been teaching music since high school. He plans to take music from around the world and introduce them into his classrooms. During the weekends, he likes to ride motorcycles with other GCC professors. No stranger to the campus, chemistry professor Ali Jabalameli also taught at GCC part time before he was hired as a full-time instructor. Applying his experiences as a longtime professor and researcher at Cal State L.A.’s nuclear magnetic research facility, Jabalameli hopes to help improve the chemistry department. He plans to do this by coming up with new experiments and manuals for his students. Adam Roberts, who taught anatomy, physiology, and biology at UCLA and Moorpark College, joined the biology department as an Anatomy 120 instructor. He said that as long as students work hard in his class and put in effort, teaching in a more episodic manner to divide up his lessons and help students grasp the concepts more thoroughly. “Whenever possible, I approach the learning process with stories, not only with direct
elvaq.com
Photo by Rikard Kohler
NEW HIRE: Math instructor Katherine Valenzuela teaching her statistics class. facts,” he said. Marisa Zakaria, an avid Cleveland Browns fan, is a business instructor and entrepreneur who is teaching Business 101 and 106 this fall. Apart from establishing and running a production company called 4 Reelz, Zakaria has 15 years of experience in the corporate world, having worked for companies like Avery Dennison, a manufacturing
company, and DTZ, a real estate company. Zakaria wants to provide her students with the most creative and innovative learning environment while maintaining critical thinking as a central theme. With her background in entertainment, she plans to she met throughout her career to speak in her classroom. “I’ll just keep it fun and engaging
for the students,” she said. The college also hired a new coordinator for the Student Success Center. Maria Czech teaches non-credit courses in math and science to students who are trying to obtain the equivalent of a high school diploma at GCC. Students can do so by passing the HiSet or GED exams. Before teaching at GCC, Czech worked at Cal State Northridge’s Elementary Teaching Department for 11 years. Her goal is to help her students “overcome their fear of studies” and become “lifelong learners,” as receiving the equivalent of a diploma will help them move on to higher education Jorge Mena, who worked as a Fitness center lab technician and physical education coach, began teaching full-time as a Health 101 instructor and is currently the head coach of GCC’s women’s soccer team “I love being here,” Mena said. “I love making an impact in the students’ lives. This is my home.” Rikard Kohler can be reached at rikard.kohler@gmail.com
6
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
www.elvaq.com
COLUMN
The Thought Corner: Knocking Millionaires Off Their Pedestals By Ani Mosinyan
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
O
ne summer afternoon, I decided to distract myself from the overwhelming heat by looking through Ted Talks inspiring for my next blog. I James Cameron, the mastermind behind “Avatar” and “Titanic.” Needless to say, his speech was what you would expect – brilliant and energizing. I was ready to write, but in the back of my mind I began thinking that I should probably stop watching so many motivational speeches, particularly from mega-millionaires that the average person cannot relate to. It was beginning to feel unnatural following the advice of a man I had nothing in common with. Sure, he is awfully successful and knowledgeable about what it takes to reach the level of success that he did, but for once I just wanted to hear ordinary people talk about how happy and content they are – despite not having millions of dollars at their disposal. The idea of success is advertised unrealistically. Multi–millionaires that present
motivational speeches to average Joe audiences only make up 1 percent of the population in the United States. Yes, many of them revolutionized the world with their innovative ideas, and I admire their hard-won successes, but it has become somewhat redundant to hear about how these moguls have managed to monopolize the country. I want to hear an everyman talk about how the he loves his job, manage to travel and balance his jobs with a personal life. I want to hear him say that he is successful not because he made millions, but because his is surrounded by a happy family and great friends. For me, somebody like this is more inspiring than a Donald Trump or Christy Walton. I recall last year in my poetry class, when we had a guest speaker Campbell. He looked as if he had just stepped out of the ‘70s and into our classroom; the man was a character. He introduced himself, told us a bit about his life and work and began to read some of his poems. He had passed out a thin book containing his poems to the class, titled “Happy.” As he walked around the room, sharing
with us his stories and words, I knew that this man was indeed happy. He may not have created wireless communication, he may not have owned a six-bedroom house overlooking the hills of Los Angeles, but he was happy with himself. He had made a life for himself through his ability to create powerful imagery and words that affect others. It makes complete sense to me that he decided to title his book the way he did. Billionaires make up a very meager percent of the population, yet the majority of the American population is led to believe that people can only be happy if they have an overstuffed bank account. Hearing pep talks from hard to get to where they are is inspiring, but it’s unlikely that anybody in that audience is going to go home, have an epiphany of sorts, and become a “gazillionaire.” Ultimately, motivational speeches inspire nothing but false hope and hollow words. When I think of success, I think of happiness – the two go hand in hand for me. But I want a realistic approach to success. I know I may not become the next Oprah Winfrey of national
Photo by Steve Jurvetson
NOT THE AVERAGE JOE: Multi-millionaire motivational speaker Tony Robbins promotes his methods.
television or be named the sixth most powerful woman in the world, but I want to one day say that I traveled, met great
to succeed in life and not just in their careers or businesses.
regardless. We need people to set these examples – not billionaires, but people who can relate to the average American and say “I’m not swimming in cash, but I’m happy.” We must look to the people around us for inspiration; people we work with every day, the ones
one another by our vocational successes rather than our personal qualities and character. We can set great goals for ourselves and we can dream big, but we must never measure our happiness solely in dollars or our achievements in our professions. In order to do this, we must start listening to the advice of great individuals around us, not the people we see on the news every week. We must not live to work but work to live. Only then will we have truly succeeded.
on a Tuesday morning with a cup of coffee in their hand and a slightly, disheveled look for having to wake up before the sun to beat the two hour commute. We need to read about men and women who know how
on work and the accumulation
Ani Mosinyan can be reached at ani.mosinyan.9@gmail.com
For More online stories, more photos, slide shows and breaking news. To join online forums, discussion boards, comment on articles, and add events to the calendar
go to
www.elvaq .com
www.elvaq.com
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
7
FEATURES
9/11 Day of Service and Donation Drive Ends Thursday EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
T
o observe the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks, the Center for Student Involvement is working with School on dedicated to providing homeless children with educational materials and tutoring, for the event on campus. In 2009, Hoover Zariani, director for student involvement, and Nane Kakosian, a student services coordinator, thought of ways to honor individuals and families affected by the 2001 terror attacks. Concluding that a great way to start was to help young children, they came up In collaboration with School on Wheels, they hold fundraisers and collect school supplies. School on Wheels reaches out to children in homeless shelters, foster homes, parked cars in which children live, motels, and domestic violence shelters. The
enough, more involved.
people
get
that because homeless children are already underprivileged, providing them with new Monetary donations are collected as well, but even something as simple as pencil is helpful.
School on Wheels has been
extra credit for their contributions Jocelyn Heaney, an adjunct English professor, said that although she would rather students volunteered on their own initiatives, she still offers extra credit as an incentive.
supplies is a powerful talisman has worked with them since then. Advertising for the event begins in August so that they can collect as many donations as possible contributions are still accepted until the end of the month. said Kakosian. Donations can be dropped off Madre
building,
room
267,
trains tutors who can offer help and guidance.
is open Mondays to Thursdays between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. All kinds of backpacks and
one of the student ambassadors for CSI, spreading word about the
however, they must be new and unused. Kakosian said
for a child with so little else in
because first-time donations often lead to several more. T h e turnout for the charity d r i v e reached beyond everybody’s expectations.
the executive director of School on Wheels. Students can also contribute by volunteering as tutors. CSI helps train students in the process of becoming tutors. According
received thousands of dollars in donations. During their most successful years, they were able to donate more than 50 backpacks full of supplies to School on Wheels.
opening experience for many students, whose unconscious biases toward homeless families are demolished. GCC faculty and staff members have also been involved with the event, as some professors offer
friends like Glendale Community College, School on Wheels is able to bring smiles to the faces of hundreds of homeless students Meek. Despite their success, CSI aims
to accomplish more. After every year’s event, they think of and plan ways to increase collections for the following year. Their goal this year is to inform more people sale on Sept. 11 to raise money. Last year, they managed to raise $200 to $300. will visit GCC in Sept. 11 to recruit volunteers for their causes, using the anniversary of the terror attack as a platform to spread good deeds around the campus and the community. Zariani said that although memorials are usually sad events, the volunteer fair on campus to honor the victims of the attacks. where you can have a positive impact in the memory of those think that those people didn’t just die in vain, that we are remembering them by doing Louise Andersson can be reached at landers917@student.glendale.edu
elvaq.com
‘Why Men Love Bitches’ Falls Way Short of Expectations EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
A
t a time when dating rules seem more complicated than ever, hundreds of dating guides
offering unhealthy advice and confusing unlucky-in-love readers even more. Argov tries to convince readers that they are the reason their relationships do not succeed. Her simple solution, however, suggests that all of their problems will disappear if they follow one instead of making a home-cooked and pour some Kool-Aid. For optimal indifference, the meal dessert. Argov’s reasoning is that this will force a woman’s partner
to take her out for every meal. To top off her deliberately should also refuse to carry her own weight in a relationship and refrain from undertaking something as simple as offering to drive. In reality, completing such tasks does not make someone a pushover as Argov suggests – it just shows that a person is willing to compromise and put in an effort to make the relationship work. Argov indicates that a bitch is men and still has them begging at her feet. She is not afraid to walk out of a relationship or do anything necessary to get what she wants, including using fear as an incentive. Argov’s dreamgirl is not supposed to care too much about her partner or overthink every aspect of her life. Argov repeatedly contradicts herself throughout the entire
book. In one instance, she writes that women should note that men do not like it when their partners make them look bad in public but goes on to encourage readers to do exactly that. The author confuses her readers, making it unknown what she really wants them to do. In another instance, she tells a story about a friend who received weeks before he told her that he wanted to see other women. Instead of simply saying no, she agreed to meet him but ended up standing him up, making him wait in the rain for three hours. that Argov describes is absolutely horrible. She is rude, conceited, and essentially cares about nobody but herself. She seems like the last person a man would want to date long term, and more like a nightmare than a dreamgirl.
engage in such childish and immature behavior, Argov is encouraging women to play the same games they often chastise men for. A woman should not have to play manipulative games in order to make herself appealing to the opposite gender. If she feels the need to do so, there is already something wrong with the foundation of the relationship. Although some may think that because Argov’s tips and ideas are so outlandish they must be satire, they unfortunately are not. Argov seems to truly believe that following her guidelines will lead you to a successful relationship. Argov is right to advise women not be pushovers in order to assert their independence. Regretfully, she goes about it other cancels plans, simply stop making plans with them. Do not use this as an excuse to be rude or obnoxious.
does
not
meet
everybody’s
tastes and enjoy different types more appropriate ways ways to improve a relationship than just most part, do not love bitches as Argov suggests. Although she successful. It is apparent that she relationships are one-sided and doomed to fail due to lack of communication and teamwork. rounds with young women everywhere, but it falls short of offering useful, healthy advice that a modern, independent woman can follow without losing her self–respect. Aimee Yeghiayan Beck can be reached at aimeeyeghies@gmail.com
8
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Glendale Public Works Re F
orward thinking inspectors and engineers from the Glendale Public Works Department began a water pipe cleaning, lining, and replacement project in early 2014 along a 2-mile stretch of Canada Boulevard and a section of North Verdugo Road near Towne Center. The Canada Boulevard Infrastructure project is scheduled for completion by the end of the calendar year. This will prevent an event like the devastating middrought pipe break at UCLA in July, where a 93-yearold pipe burst and sent around 20 million gallons of water pouring onto the campus and surrounding roads.
during the morning and afternoon commute, as lanes will be closed off. Parking Lot 34 on Canada
Boulevard is partially closed during the project to stage city vehicles. Glendale Water and Power workers and campus facilities set up a temporary bypass from the school’s water main on the sidewalk outside the Santa Barbara building
fed from the same water as our regular fresh water,” said Dan Padilla, manager of operaions. “This allows us to keep our campus running at the necessary pressure that the city cannot supply until their work is completed.” The bypass will be in place until the city completes their work during the next two weeks.
Story and photography by Sal Polcino
Glendale College Bu
Earth yields to progress as walls, fl
Photos by Sal Polcino a
www.elvaq.com
epairs the Past as...
uilds the Future
floors and windows emerge
and Rich Kontas
See story page 2
9
10
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
www.elvaq.com
FEATURES
Rocket Scientists Welcome GCC Students and Faculty By Emiliano Chavez EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
S
cience geeks who build robots that can take over the world are typically what come to mind when people think of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. However, the facility is not as out-of-this world or detached from the public as people may think. GCC faculty and students have the opportunity to work at JPL through the Glendale Community College-Pasadena Community College Career Technical Education Community Collaborative. JPL, located in La Canada Flintridge, is where most of NASA’s technology is researched and developed. Some of JPL’s greatest accomplishments include Earth’s only interstellar probe Voyager 1 and the rover Curiosity, which is currently patrolling the surface of Mars. The purpose of the program is to connect teachers and students to the research resources of JPL. Media Arts instructor Ryun Hovind, who describes himself as a visual communicator, said he acted as a translator of sorts during his time there. He was tasked information and turning it into animated visuals that an average audience could understand. Hovind hopes the presentation will show a picture of JPL culture
that the public is not used to, describing it as a “controlled environment” that is conducive to science. “JPL is huge,” he said, comparing the laboratory’s size to Disneyland. “It’s an amazing resource that a lot of people don’t know about.” Part of the presentation will include a slideshow and video demonstration on the process of levels of acid in ocean waters have become a growing environmental concern. As excess carbon dioxide pollutes the atmosphere, acidic levels in the ocean elevate, poisoning the marine environment and killing off key food sources. JPL’s website contains an immense amount of other environmental concerns. GCC media arts students Jobi Javier and Julio Espino assisted in cameras, designing sets, and providing voiceovers. Espino said the experience reminded him of watching Bill Nye the Science Guy as a child. “I like the idea that they are trying to get young people into science,” said Espino. Javier, who acted as a technical assistant, said that what he hopes viewers will understand the consequences of their everyday actions in relation to the environment after watching their presentation.
Photo by Ryun Hovind
WEIRD SCIENCE: Media Arts student Jobi Javier dons goggles to prepare for an experiment, top photo. JPL research scientist Joshua Willis and Media Arts teacher Ryun Hovind talk with oceanography professor Laura Tennen-
Hovind described Javier and Espino as very valuable resources. The video will also be posted on the JPL website and
The presentation will also address other topics, such as the effects of climate change on the oceans, and the history of the Los Angeles River.
Laura Tennenbaum, an adjunct oceanography professor, worked as a faculty intern at JPL for three years before she was hired by the lab as a full-time science communicator. She described her time interning as an empowering experience. Although the topic of climate change is one that can leave people feeling pessimistic, Tennenbaum has a more positive outlook. “Being a professor makes one hopeful for the future because you’re teaching the next generation,” she said. The faculty who were involved with this program will share their JPL experiences in the form of a lecture and video demonstration Sept. 23 in CR 177 at 12:30 p.m. Emiliano Chavez can be reached at lanoism@gmail.com
Photo by Jobi Javier
el
m o c . q a v
www.elvaq.com
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
11
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
College Film Festival Aims to Inspire By Miyu Kawamura
T
his year, GCC’s Film Collective will celebrate Thanksdent Film Festival. Participants Nov. 28 and 30. Julio Espino, the president of the Film Collective, a club on came up with the idea of holding a competition to promote the Media Arts department and encourage students interested in making movies to work on their skills. “Nowadays, people do have talent but don’t pursue it because people tell them not to, telling them to become doctors or lawyers instead,” said Espino. will open up people’s eyes to the fact that digital media and videomaking skills are important to acquire. The media arts department hopes to make the festival an annual tradition in order to promote cinematic culture on campus and eras and an extensive number of Apple computers that are perfect regular art classes are welcome those who are not enrolled in these classes should check with staff before using any equipment. major students and faculty can enter the contest. The competition is divided into two different video length sections, with short from 10 to 15 minutes. The festival even has a category dedicated to smart phones for the amateur directors who do not have costly cameras. Jobi Javier, Vice President of Film Collective will feature one
“I’m looking forward to seemakers with no formal training,” he said. Three judges will evaluate the submissions: Ryun Hovind, a lab manager and media arts prohead of the media arts program, and Michael Eberts, a mass communications professor. A fourth judge and celebrity appearances are also possible. Hovund said that he would likes to see comedies and not too plots that get into the viewer’s head. He and the other judges will not pay attention to the type of equipment that was used, as a lot of good material can come from non-expensive cameras and even iPhones and iPads. They are actually looking forward to seeing incredible work from amateur The judges will distribute ries, including writing, editing, acting, directing, and storyline. All of the points will then be the judges will decide on a winner for each category, including movie, best actress/actor for a short, best comedy, and even best music video. As of now, the winners will however, other prizes are being taken into consideration. On the last day of the festival, the participants will be served 10 students have already decided There is a $15 advance submission fee due by Oct. 20. Between Oct. 21 and Nov. 12, registration fees will be $25.
an be reached at liveinsun820@gmail.com
Have you seen our magazine? Online Exclusives at: glendalecollegeinsider.com
Photos by Tomik Ghoukasian
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: Top photo, Tomik Ghoukasian holds the slate during production of “BFF Real Talk.” Middle photo from left to right: Michael Aumentado, Armen Nichfosian, Jobi Javier, Julio Espino and Brittney Harrill
12
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
www.elvaq.com
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Summer Movies Sizzle and Score at Box Office -
T
his summer’s sizzling heat brought forth a refreshingly
genres, with some topping the
-
-
Spanning the time from MaAlexandra Duncan can be reached at alexandran.duncan@gmail.com
Here is a brief overview of some of this summer’s greatest saw “Sin City: A Dame to Kill -
This sequel has four overlapping storylines that follow -
it “visually stunning but emotion-
-
entangle themselves in the mys-
-
-
Gunn, was arguably the most an-
-
-
www.elvaq.com
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
13
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Students Audition for the Theater Spotlight By Alexandra Duncan
EL VAQUERO ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
J
ust four days into the new semester, students trickled into the auditorium to audition for three “absurdist” theater productions: “Play,” “The Bald Soprano,” and “Action.” While some students paced across the lobby, anxious for the spotlight, others seemed remarkably calm, with one student draped over a paisley armchair, his leg dangling as he furtively glanced at the looseleafed script before him. Jeanette Farr, a theater arts instructor and director of all three productions, said the fact that students had shown up to audition for plays that were written nearly half a century ago said a lot about absurdist theater. “I’m excited to try something really relevant and challenging,” said Farr. “Something these actors haven’t tackled before.” “Action” by Sam Shepard, “The Bald Soprano” by Eugène Ionesco and “Play” by Samuel Beckett all feature characters in comically serious and nonsensical situations. “These are the kinds of plays that really serious actors should take on, much like the late Robin Williams and Patrick Stewart in ‘Waiting for Godot,’” said Farr. Characters in absurdist theater are often entrapped in frustratingly hopeless situations,
forced to carry out repetitive and meaningless tasks in a plot that has recurring patterns. Absurdist plots also require audiences to contemplate what happens when human life no longer holds any purpose or meaning. “These three plays say something about communication, human connection (or lack thereof), and our relationship to technology,” said Farr. For Shaghineh Gharapety, an international student from Iran, her audition for the role of Liz in Her only previous experience came from plays she acted in as a child in her native country. “I feel more like myself when I act,” she said. “I really like to feel what other people are feeling and see what other people see.” Joshua Archer just started his Archer plans to have a career in theater as well as a side job in photography. “I’m not looking for a piece of paper [to read from],” he said. “ I’m here to learn things that will help me become the best performer that I can be and to give me a lot of the tools and experience to further my skills as an actor.” Freshman Cisalee Luce theatre arts department as well. “Out there I’m a mess,” Luce said, referring to the world outside of theater arts. “In here,
there are people who do what you do and like what you like.” Luce auditioned for the part of Mrs. Martin in “The Bald Soprano” and has acted in several plays in high school, including “Twelfth Night” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.” “In theater, you get to be someone you’re not,” she said. “Right now, I’m a lowly freshman. But onstage you can be whatever you want. Onstage, you’re the inside of yourself. You’re who your heart and soul want to be.” Anthony Leyva, a veteran actor and stage manager for all three plays, has performed in productions like “Almost, Maine” and “Firebugs,” auditioned for “The Bald Soprano” as the Fire Captain. “In absurdist theater, you realize things don’t make sense,” Leyva said. “That’s what I like about these plays. I like things that happen for no reason.” Shepard’s “Action” will star Michael Ashby as Shooter with Fernando Lim as his understudy, Fernando Vasquez as Jeep, and Nicole Brock as Liza. Gharapety will perform as Lupe. In Ionesco’s “The Bald Soprano,” the roles of Mr. and Mrs. Martin will be performed by Joenhel Cayanan and Marissa Bazikian, while Archer and Brit Coleman will play Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Leyva will share the role of Fire Captain with Christopher Camey and Angela Thompson
Photo by Alexandra Duncan
GAZING UPWARDS TO THE SPOTLIGHT: Joshua Archer practices
his dramatic facial expressions while preparing for auditions.
will perform as Mary. Lastly, Beckett’s “Play” will and Mandy Araujo as W2. “Play” and “The Bald Soprano” will be performed on the mainstage through Saturday at 8 p.m. and
Sunday at 2 p.m. “Action” and “Play” will run in the auditorium studio theater from Oct. 30 to Nov. 9 at the same times.
Alexandra Duncan can be reached at alexandran.duncan@gmail.com
SPORTS
Men’s Soccer Battle to Draw with Hornets By Kendall Faulkner EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
T
he Vaqueros’ mens soccer team is working hard to change its performance after a weak preseason. Their preseason began with a 2-2 tie against Irvine Valley College; however, the next two games resulted in losses, with a College and 4-0 against Los Angeles Harbor College. “We need to connect better,” said team captain Akram Abdulrahman. “We are still The men played the Fullerton
College Hornets with a tie in a scoreless game Friday. Despite a score of 0-0, onlookers were on the edge of their seats with anticipation through injuries and continuous goal attempts. Fullerton College started the game off strong and kept the ball near Glendale’s goalkeeper on failed attempts by Fullerton, GCC coaches were able to encourage
reversed the negative energy of his players. After a few substitutions, the Vaqs came out stronger. As the
of the game, Fullerton College’s forward Enio Dominguez was hit by a cleat to the right side of the
by the team’s athletic trainers. “It was a 50-50 ball,” said Fullerton’s Head Coach Alex Perez. “Dominguez went for a header and the [Vaquero] player swung his leg to kick.” The game continued with many saves from the Vaqueros, which caused rivalry on the had to be broken up by fellow teammates as the passion of the game took over. “It was the heat of the
moment,” said Valladares. “I am not trying to play dirty or get a red card, but it is the intensity of the game.” As the Hornets switched goalkeepers in the second half, Dominguez was seen being treated for his injuries. Forward Satsuki Ito, a foreign exchange student from Japan held his ground during a previous game by avoiding two penalty kicks. “He will not go down,” said Vaqueros Head Coach Laura Matsumoto about Ito. Coach Matsumoto substituted and encouraged players on and three minutes and 28 seconds.
“Let’s see if we can get the goal and get out,” she said After ending in a draw, Glendale’s men soccer team still has one more game before the season commences. “We battled,” said Matsumoto. “I am proud of them.” The Vaqueros are looking forward to the start of their season at Citrus College on Tuesday “We need to play together, pass the ball as much as we can, play coherently and take chances,” Abdulrahman said. Kendall Faulkner can be reached at kendallafaulkner@gmail.com
14
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
www.elvaq.com
SPORTS
Vaqueros Turn the Huskies to Mush Scoreboard R E S U LT S Cross Country: Aug. 30 : Mark Covert Classic women — finished first men — finished third Sept. 6: Fresno International women — finished second men — finished sixth Men’s Soccer: Aug. 27: Irvine Valley 2-2 Aug. 29: Cypress 2-1 L Sept. 2: LA Harbor 4-0 L Sept. 5: Fullerton 0-0 T Women’s Soccer: Sept. 5: Grossmont 0-0
UPCOMING Men’s Soccer: Tuesday: at Citrus 4 p.m. Sept. 19: vs. Canyons 5 p.m. Sept. 23: vs. Allan Hancock 7 p.m. Women’s Soccer: Friday: at Oxnard 4 p.m. Tuesday: vs. LA Harbor 7 p.m. Sept. 19: at Compton 4 p.m. Sept. 23: at San Bernadino 4 p.m. Cross Country: Friday: So Cal PreviewWoodley Park, Van Nuys 9 p.m. Formore moreinformation informationvisit: visit: For www.glendale.edu/athletics www.glendale.edu/athletics
William Fennessy for a 71-yard
By Kendall Faulkner
W
ith a team composed of many returning sophomores, head coach John Rome was feeling optimistic before the His positive attitude was in place for good reason, as the Vaqueros demolished East Los Angeles College with the over-
helped add an extra point to the scoreboard, bringing the VaqueFennessy earned Glendale a opportunity, which positioned running back Cory Watkins for took advantage of their position and running back Cory Watkins
Glendale started with a coin toss loss and two penalties within
added the extra point, putting the Vaqueros in the lead with a score
and unsportsmanlike conduct; however, the team soon pulled it
Glendale intercepted the ball from the Huskies and added seven more points to the board, mak-
The Vaqueros quickly made their way to the end zone but
-
“I was impressed defensively, the way we ran the ball and made
them three points against the East
With great defense in the third quarter, defensive back Deron Smith had two intercep-
As the weather reached 99 degrees, the scorching heat led to overheating and cramping among the players, especially for Dante
Clay added six more points to the board and Reynoso ran in an extra point, which put the Vaqs 38
“I wasn’t prepared today, but it isn’t about me, it’s about my -
humble, but I do want to go out there and show them what I can
As the quarter continued, running back Richard Ruiz was
With 10 minutes and 45 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter, Glendale added its last
Shortly after, in a surge toward victory, running back Tru Jarvis added six more points to sisted with an extra point, bring-
The Vaquero’s football team is
After a few incomplete passes and a 10-yard lead for the Huskies, the Vaqueros successfully retrieved the ball and threw a complete pass to wide receiver
Photo by Sal Polcino
BREAKING TACKLES Vaqueros wide receiver William Fennessy blows
past a charging Huskies’ defense, Running back Robert Jones goes head to head with the Huskies’ front line throughout the game as the Vaqueros embarass East L.A. College 41-0 in the home opener, bottom.
every game as a championship game,” said running back Robert
Kendall Faulkner can be reached at kendallafaulkner@gmail.com
Get: photos, breaking news, online stories, View: slide shows and broadcasts. Join: online forums and discussion boards. Add: events to the calendar, all at …
www.elvaq.com
Photo by Kendall Faulkner
www.elvaq.com
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
15
Calendar On Campus EVENTS
from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For details call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5805.
Club Rush Week — Representatives from campus clubs will be recruiting in Plaza Vaquero from Monday Sept. 15 through Thursday Sept. 18 between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Volunteer Faire — Sponsored by the Center for Student Involvement, the event includes
John Davitt Memorial — Celebrate the life and times of the long-time Glendale Community College president at the Auditorium on Sept. 18 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Holistic Healthcare— Panels, booths and resources as well as be available at a conference cohosted by the Alcohol and Drug Studies program and the Armunity program of Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. The event takes place at the Auditorium on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For registration information call (818) 638-5407 Swap Meet — Open air market at the upper campus on Sept. 21
that will be on hand to give students the opportunity to sign up for volunteer and service training. Sept. 11 in Plaza Vaquero from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Transfer Fair — Representatives from California universites and state colleges will be on hand to speak with students about the transfer process on Sept. 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the San Rafael Plaza. For more information call (818) 240-1000 ext. 5820 or visit the transfer center in
for Student Involvement presents its 9th annual Pack a Backpack event. Donors are asked to bring new school supplies to plaza Vaquero on Sept. 11. Donations go to underprivileged children. Donations can be dropped off at the
to Thursdays. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.I
MOVIeS The Anonymous People— The Alcohol and Drug Studies club ymous People” at Kreider Hall 12:30. Free admission. Friday Flix— A screening of the
GCC Remembers 9/11 — Flags and videos will be on display around campus all day Thursday. Sponsored by ASGCC, the Veterans Association and the 9/11 remembrance committee. Pack a Backpack — The Center
will be shown Friday in honor of the passing of Robin Williams. Shoes” will be screened Sept. 19. Mike Petros will facilitate a disand drinks are encouraged. Free 12:30 p.m. in SG 334.
arT GallerY
Free MOneY
Student Art — The exhibit “Sculpting in Time” showcases various clay sculptors in the GCC Art Gallery located in the library through Oct. 9. Admission is free. Gallery hours on Mondays and Wednesdays are 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday hours are noon to 5 p.m. Friday hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information call (818) 2401000, ext 5663.
Scholarships— There are more than 500 scholarships available at Glendale Community College. To apply visit www.glendale.edu and log into MYGCC. Deadline for spring is March 20, 2015.
PlaneTarIUM Afternoon with the Stars — Students and staff can attend a free lunchtime program highlighting the planetarium’s features. “Tour of the Solar System” will be presented on Monday from 12:30 to 1 p.m. in CS 257 and the Ring and Moons of Saturn on Sept. 22. Shows will take place most Mondays throughout the semester. For more information visit www.glendale.edu/planetarium or (818) 240-1000, ext. 527
Financial Aid — FAFSA workshop Tuesday at 9 a.m. in SF 108. Entrance Loan workshops at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Sept. 23. Sign up required. For more information, call (818) 240-1000 ext. 5916.
ParKInG Lot Closures — Due to the Canada Boulevard construction project, City Lot 34 will be closed to student parking through December for construction staging. City Lots 30, 31, 32, 33 and the Civic Auditorium garage may still be used for student parking unless restricted by the city for an event. Lot B (the open parking lot area structure) will be open.
Around Town THeaTer Glendale Centre Theatre — The Glendale Centre Theatre’s production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” will run through Nov. 22 Orlando Alexander and Danny Michaels direct this Tony Award winning musical. Alexander is also the choreographer. Visit www.glendalecentretheatre.com or call (818) 244-TKTS.
MUSIC Brand Library Series — Los. Angeles. studio guitarist Carl Verheyen of Supertramp will perform at the Brand Library and Arts Center Plaza on Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.. Admission is free to all. For more information visit www. brandlibrary.org or call (818) 548-2030
Glendale Noon Concerts — The First Baptist Church of Glendale features classical and third Wednesday of each month. The Arioso Duo with Cynthia Elon harp will perform “A French Program” on Sept. 17 at 12:10 p.m. Free admission to all. 209 N. Louise St. in Glendale. For details call (818) 242-2113. Opera Singers — The Crowell Library and the L.A. Opera Talk series celebrates the opening of opera season with performances by soprano Mariana Ramirez singing pieces from “La Traviata” on Sept. 21 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The library is located at 1890 Huntington Drive in San Marino. Admission is free. For information visit www.crowellpubliclibrary.org or call (626) 300-0777
GET YOUR EVENT LISTED on the calendar page
eXHIBITIOnS Pasadena Art Exhibitions — Exhibits at the Pasadena Museum of California Art include “Burning Down the House” and “An Opening of the Field: Jess, Robert and Their Circle” 490 E. Union St. in Pasadena. Runs Sunday through Jan. 11, 2015. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors. For information visit www.pmcaonline.org or call (626) 568-3665. Free Day — Descanso Gardens’ free Tuesday will feature experts with water conservation tips on Sept. 16. The gardens are located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada-Flintridge. Admission is free every third Tuesday of each month. Classic Cars — The Autry Museum features classic cars pre-
sented by their owners in the museum. Saturday features Alfa Romeos from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Free admission. Does not include admission to the museum. 4700 Western Heritage Way in Los Angeles. For more information call (323) 667-2000.
bitious National Art School project. Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information visit www.brandlibrary.org or call (818) 548-2030.
eXerCISe
Reel Art Series — The Brand
Pop-Up Series—Free yoga instruction outside the Alex Theater on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Presented by Prana Nata Yoga and Glendale Arts. Free Latin dance instruction Tuesdays through Sept. 23 at the Glendale Galleria on the second level of Bloomingdale’s wing. Classes are from 6 p.m. tp 8 p.m. The Glendale Arts Pop-up series appears in various locations throughout the city. Free admission. For more information call (818) 243-2611
Spaces,” an award winning documentary about Cuba’s am-
Compiled by Sal Polcino
MOVIeS Glendale Library — The Glendale Library presents “Apricot, Blessed Tree of Armenia,” a 30 minute documentary by director Shirak Khojayan on Thursday at 9 p.m. The library is located at 222 E. Harvard St. Admission is free. For more information call (818) 548-3288.
t Email details to Elvaqed@gmail.com. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible. t For details call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349. Deadline iwws Sept. 19 for the Sept. 24 is-
16
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
www.elvaq.com
LIFESTYLE
Welcome Back Vaqueros
Photos by Anahit Kardzhyan
BARBECUE: Students get a hot dog and top it with their favorite condiments which they wash down with Kool-Aid provided by ASGCC. (top) Representatives of GCC clubs and organizations get ready to recruit members for the fall semester.
By Anahit Kardzhyan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
S
tudents gathered in Plaza Vaquero for Tuesday’s Welcome Back BBQ as ASGCC served them hot dogs, popcorn, and refreshments during lunch hour while entertaining them with music. The student body government has been hosting the Welcome Back BBQ keep students refreshed and excited about upcoming weeks, providing them with a distraction from homework assignments, projects, and deadlines. Student activities coordinator Tzoler Oukayan said that everything here was organized “by the students, for the students.”
ASGCC members were determined to make the newcomers feel welcome, along with returning students and faculty members, by providing them with complimentary refreshments and entertainment. Campus activities representative Chris Ramos managed the music while the vice president of hot dogs with the help of fellow members Ani Sarkisyan and Anita Shirinyan. During this time, various organizations on campus lined tables in the plaza for Club Rush. With more than 40 different ones to chose from, students are encouraged to join clubs and get involved both on campus and in the community. Anahit Kardzhyan can be reached at anahit.elvaq@gmail.com