Sept 18 2013

El Va El Va El Va El Va

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L E N D A L ECC O M M U N I T YCCOLLEGE OLLEGE GGLENDALE OMMUNITY

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Volume 102, Number 1

Obama Signs Student Loan Interest Bill

L E N D A L ECC O M M U N I T YCCOLLEGE OLLEGE GGLENDALE OMMUNITY

By Jonathan Caballeros EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

S

tudents can breathe easier as President Obama has signed into law this month a measure to cut interest rates on undergraduate student loans to 3.86 percent, from the original 6.8 percent, after an impasse in Congress allowed interest rates to double in August.

“I think the essence of the American Dream is that anybody who’s willing to work hard is able to get that good education and achieve their dreams,” Obama said in a speech at Birmingham University, speaking to hundreds of community colleges across the nation. “The only reason [we’re] here today... is because we got a great education.”

The rates will be applied retroactively to loans issued from July 1. The measure does not allow interest rates to go above 8.25 percent.

“We anticipate that students come here to avoid loans,” Patricia Hurley, Financial Aid Director and Associate Dean of Glendale College said. “But the amount of students filing for loans has gone up since the economy has gone bad.”

So far 671 students in Glendale College have applied for student loans this year, up from 600 in 2012.

“This is going to help my family save a lot of money when I transfer out, “ Michael Stevens, 20, a GCC finance major who is transferring to a four-year college in the spring semester said. “The money saved is definitely going to go into my tuition, instead going to loan payments.”

[See Loans page 2]

IN THIS ISSUE News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7,10 Entertainment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Lifestyle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

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Photo by Kathy Bakowicz

September 18, 2013

President Brings Experience 50% to Glendale Campus

By Agnessa Kasumyan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

W

ith the new semester in progess, Glendale Community College is becoming acquainted with its first potentially long-term superintendent/ president since 2011. David Viar, formerly president of American River College in Sacramento, was selected for the position and took office in July.

As president, Viar hopes to rebuild an institution that has undergone 10 years of financially stressful times.

His career in education goes back a long away. Both of his parents, his aunts and uncles and grandfather were teachers.

“Education was really part of what I saw in my family and knew how important it is and what a special profession it is,” he said.

Though Viar initially preferred venturing out of the educational field, he always wanted to take courses that would benefit him were he to change his mind.

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NEW PRESIDENT: David Viar brings a wealth of experience to GCC after moving from Sacramento’s American River College.

[See Viar page 2]

Dreaming and w w Big w.elvaq .comFlying High at GCC

By Alexandra Duncan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he little Cessna 172 slowly crept up to the runway at Whiteman Airport on a hazy Sunday as GCC flying instructor Edwin Sahakian checked off the long list of procedures that guaranteed a safe flight before takeoff.

“Autopilot off. Brakes all clear. Master control on. Flaps are off. Transponder standby.

OK. Clear for take off,” he said into the microphone attached to his headset.

Speeding down the runway, the Cessna 172 slowly lifted off and leveled at around 2,500 feet in the air.

Photo by Kathy Bakowicz

FLY THE FRIENDLY SKIES: An aerial view of GCC as seen from an aviation department demonstration flight.

“Once you’ve seen the world from a little airplane, there’s nothing like it,” said Curtis Potter, Chief Pilot and

Department Chair of Aviation/ Administration of Justice Department.

Joshua Sanchez, 19, a pilot-

in-training at GCC, has wanted to fly since he was a little kid.

Now in his second year at GCC, he plans to obtain his private pilot’s license by Christmas.

Sanchez’s father, an aspiring pilot himself, was kept from earning his pilot’s license by his mother and grandmother who were concerned for his safety.

“They actually brainwashed me into wanting to become a pilot,” Sanchez said. His first flight was “exhilarating” and he highly recommends the program.

Sanchez has lofty goals.

His goal is to be an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), but to first get his private pilots’ [See Pilots page 4]

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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

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NEWS

El Vaquero President Viar Seeks to Build on GCC Success EDITOR IN CHIEF Sal Polcino MANAGING EDITOR Agnessa Kasumyan SPORTS EDITOR Jonathan Williams STAFF WRITERS Alexandra Duncan Aidan Rutten Ksenia Rabinovich Monica Tecson Lopez Alexander Davis Araks Terteryan STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kathy Bakowicz Seneyda Rodriguez PRODUCTION MANAGER

Jane Pojawa

NEWSROOM MANAGER

Richard Kontas

DESIGN ADVISER

Charles Eastman

FACULTY ADVISER Michael Moreau mmoreau@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000 ext.5214 ADVERTISING Jeff Smith jsmith@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000, ext.5493 Send Letters to the Editor El Vaquero accepts story ideas in news, features, profiles, sports and entertainment from the public. To submit an idea or an article, e-mail the editor at elvaquero.editor@gmail.com or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349.

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[Viar, from page 1] While attending law school, he knew that if he ever chose not to practice, he could teach at a university or use his law background in different ways.

After graduating from law school, he began working for a community college association in Illinois, applying his law degree to help community colleges with their legal issues and governmental relations, including working as a lobbyist for the association.

Though he said he was very happy in Sacramento, he chose to move to GCC in order to be closer to his son, Justin, and his family, as Viar and his wife were already frequently traveling to and from Glendale.

According to Justin, both he and his wife are excited to have his parents move near them. A fan of Glendale, he has lived in the city for about six years and knew his parents liked the area. Describing his dad as a leader, a great mediator, and a visionary who is very grounded in realism, he says his dad is skilled in bringing

people together and uniting them for a common goal, something he believes he can do for GCC. “He’s got a keen eye for improvement,” Justin Viar said.

“Every place he’s been, he’s left it a better place.”

Viar said his biggest challenge will be to take an organization that has been through “basically ten 10 years of difficult economic conditions” and assist in rebuilding its service to students, faculty, and staff.

“We have reached a plateau, I hope, in terms of how much money we have been losing and will now begin to see small amounts of money coming in, which will help us start to relook at where we are, what we should be doing, and how we can do better than what we’ve been doing,” he said.

During the summer, Viar began visiting with campus and community leaders in order to get their perspective on the college, what they felt its biggest challenges are, and pick their brains on how they could make more effective and efficient improvements.

He also walked around campus

Federal Student Loans [Loans, from page 1] On average, undergraduate students will save $1,500 per loan, according the U.S. Department of Education.

The department says that a student who is loaned $50,000 would have to pay back $69,000 if repaid in 10 years at the former rate, instead of just $60,000 at the new rate.

“It’s truly amazing,” Kymberly Flores, 19, a business management and economics major starting at UC Santa Cruz, said. “I’m very excited about paying less than I had to after I graduate.”

According to Arda Najarian, Loan Counselor and Assistant Director of Financial Aid, student loan rates are now based on the 10-year Treasury note, a government security, plus an addon rate of 2.05 percent.

Due to higher yields of notes being auctioned off, interest rates will climb more economically in coming years. In 2013, the 10-year closed at 1.81 percent.

In booming years, such as 2007,

rates went as high as 4.6 percent.

Although the rates have been lowered, some students try to find any way to avoid taking out a loan.

“I would try to do work study as much as I could,” Cristian Flores, 21, a computer science major in Los Angeles Community College said. “To put it lightly, there is no way I would get a loan if didn’t have to.”

According to Hurley, students shouldn’t get a loan unless they must, as the interest adds up over time.

“If you need to take a loan out here, at GCC, you need to go to a workshop to find out how or if you need to take out a loan,” Hurley said. “Always start by filing a FAFSA application. A loan is just another form of financial aid.”

Filling out the FAFSA application can tell you if need to apply for a loan, or if students qualify for any other federal aid, such as BOG, which waives tuition fees for community college students, and Pell grants.

“It’s a one-hour workshop

“considerably” in order to see where the different buildings and rooms were while getting a sense of what the campus’ biggest challenges are with facilities.

He said that due to the number of years the school has had to deal with the economic turmoil, the facilities and instructional equipment have not been maintained or upgraded on the level that they should have been.

With new revenue coming in, he said there needs to be a “major commitment within the college community to set aside money from our budget and to maintain the facilities we have.”

Because the school will be receiving from $500,000 to $600,000 from the California Clean Energy Job Act (Proposition 39), Viar and the governing board will look to see how they can use the money to ensure they make changes in energy and redirect money that can be saved from energy and utility costs to upgrading facilities.

According to Viar, the process of increasing revenue requires building on the work that others on campus have done. Impressed

with the “very good work” that has been done at GCC, he looks forward to working with faculty in order to “help build on that success.” Building relationships with alumni, retired employees, and community leaders and businesses is just part of the process, as he said it could lead to individuals donating funds to the campus.

Vice President of Administrative Services Ron Nakasone says they will also seek to increase revenue through enrollment and additional grants.

He believes Viar’s experience in Sacramento will be an advantage to GCC. Despite the challenges he will face, Viar is excited to work with an “outstanding faculty that has adjusted to meet the needs of the students and jobs of the future,” which he says has led to GCC’s great reputation throughout the region and explains why many students from outside the immediate Glendale city limits choose to study here.

and it will be offered at least once a week for fall and spring semesters,” Najarian said.

Most colleges don’t make a loan workshop a requirement to file for a loan, but Hurley and Najarian want students to know how and what they are filling out, making it a student requirement at GCC. Students who want to file a loan can call the financial aid

office at (818) 240-1000 ext. 5916 to take a loan workshop or they can visit the financial aid office website at www.glendale.edu/ financialaid to find out about office hours, FAFSA forms, and what types of loans are offered.

For more information visit www.studentloans.gov.

Agnessa Kasumyan can be reached at agnessakas@gmail.com

Jonathan Caballeros can be reached at jcaball942@student.glendale.edu

Club Rush Week in Progress

Photo by Monica Tecson-Lopez

RUSHING TO RECRUIT: Campus clubs and programs recruit students during rush week in Plaza Vaquero through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

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NEWS

Students React to New Smoking Ban

By Aidan Rutten

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

nother cool September night meanders along, while students dot the front sidewalk of campus as a lone maintenance man carrying several “no smoking” signs readies them for placement.

Returning and new students, faculty and staff are dealing with the April smoking ban across campus. Some are happy, others indifferent and some are displeased.

According to Chief of Campus Police Gary Montecuollo, police action has been courteous, if not generous. “Not many citations have been given for smoking,” he said.

In these early days of the ban, educating students is the most important goal.

“We’ve spent the latter part of spring and all of summer educating students about district property, and outlining where people can smoke,” Montecuollo said.

Smoking was officially banned on campus earlier this year in April, much to the disdain of smokers, a GCC press release said, however not much by way of protest has been presented.

It could be the calm before the storm, or perhaps the silent resolution of apathetic young adults.

It would appear that opinions vary across campus.

Eric Azar, 18, a non-smoker said “It’s a good thing it’s banned.”

At first glance, it may seem as though students are happy about the ban, but many remain unbothered by the whole situation.

Veno Zadorian, 18, a nonsmoking computer science major

said that it keeps the air clean. “I don’t like sitting next to someone smoking because the smoke would go right to me,” he said.

However, it seems to some that with such a previously big population of smokers, there would be more outrage.

Administration of justice major Jerry Barmaksezian said, “I think they shouldn’t ban smoking on campus. People should be able to smoke.”

GCC student Patrick Angel said “They have to make some

Trustees Allocate General Funds to Child Development

place for smokers on campus.”

Those who smoke are now pushed out onto the streets of Glendale. The curved road in front of the auditorium near the previous smoking area has become a popular smoking section, although campus police presence is picking up in that area.

Another problem developing from the smoking ban is increased litter on the street around the now popular unofficial smoking area.

Unless an officer witnesses first hand a violation being perpetrated, little can be done. “We try to encourage not littering as it is significant,” said Montecuollo. GCC assists the city in the cleaning of curbside litter, which reflects poorly on our campus.

“The complaints we’ve had were from a few — primarily faculty and staff,” Montecuollo said.

Smokers are now forced to move even further down the street to smoke and are getting dangerously close to the bus stop where they are subject to tickets from the city police.

Aidan Rutten can be reached at aidanrutten@gmail.com

By Aidan Rutten

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he Glendale Community College Board of Trustees met for the first time this semester on Sept. 9 at Kreider Hall in the San Rafael building to discuss several issues, including the budget and the driving and texting problem, at the beginning of this school year.

Among the issues discussed, it was recommended that Thursday be marked as an official “Drive 4 Pledges Day” for students to take the pledge to not text and drive.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Summary of Statistical findings in 2011, distracted driving caused ten percent of all fatal crashes in 2011 in the United States.

It was found that 3,331 died due to car crashes. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving not only puts the driver but also any passengers and other drivers on the road at much greater risk for an accident.

GCC holds the health and safety of its teenagers and adults as a chief concern, and through ItCanWait.com, a website advocating refraining from texting while driving, more than 2 million people have committed to never text and drive.

Another item on the agenda concerned the budget. It was approved for the 2013-2014 year, and it included $150,000 being transferred from the unrestricted

general fund to the restricted general fund for operating costs of the Child Development Center.

It was also suggested that the Board of Trustees approve the transfer of $1 million from the unrestricted general fund to the Self Insurance Fund for to the 2013-14 workers compensation insurance premiums.

This would ensure that in the event of a workplace injury or any damage to persons done would be adequately compensated Other topics included honoring promoted faculty members as well as welcoming new faculty members. Overall, it was reported that this academic year has started off well financially.

It was reported that the number of units enrolled is higher than in previous years, however actual student body headcount is down.

This meeting was dedicated to Blanche Donovan, who passed away this year. She is considered a pioneer in women’s athletics.

She was with the Glendale Community College faculty since the 1950s and started many programs which are still in place today that promote women’s physical education.

Aidan Rutten can be reached at aidanrutten@gmail.com

?

What do you think

Send a letter to the editor at: elvaquero.editor@gmail.com

Campus Comments How do you feel about the smoking ban?

Martha Morales 19

Justine Alberre 19

Arax Shahbazyan 20

Education

Liberal Arts

Computer Science

“I guess it is a good thing.

Not many people like the side effects of second hand smoke.”

“Thank you for banning smoking. I can now walk to class without smelling like smoke.”

“I honestly think it doesn’t make a difference.

I still see people smoking.”

Mario Dagher 20 Business Management “I’m a smoker.

With all the stress from school I can’t even enjoy a cig?

I’m going back to Burbank.”

­­— Compiled by Aidan Rutten and photographed by Ksenia Rabinovitch

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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

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NEWS

Student Pilots Get Their Wings at GCC

[Pilots, from page 1]

license at GCC, transfer, get his bachelor’s degree and join the Airforce.

“Flying is simple and easy, it’s landing that’s hard,” Sanchez said.

Another student on the flight path to get his pilot’s license is Angel Maravelas, 19, an aspiring Airline Transport Pilot.

“Ever since i was a kid, I loved the thrill of looking at planes in the sky and wondering how they worked,” said Maravelas.

His first flight was at the age of 7 where he went to Whiteman Airport. Pilots there were giving free one-hour discovery rides.

According to Maravelas, “it was scary” but as a child, he was “amazed. His inspiration comes from the Blue Angels, a team of top navy pilots that put on public air shows. On a personal level, his inspiration comes from his uncle, who recently passed away.

“He guided me through my childhood. He was the one saying ‘You can do whatever you want to do,’” Maravelas said recalling his uncle’s words of inspiration.

Maravelas plans on getting his private pilot’s license by the end of the semester and wants to go all the way to commercial flight training at GCC. The flight program opened his “eyes to so many things.” Maravelas said he saved “money and time.”

GCC owns two Cessna 172 airplanes for the pilot training program, both equipped with avionics, including Garmin 430 GPS navigation systems, in-flight traffic information service and terrain avoidance displays.

There are three requirements for earning a private pilot’s license and it takes two semesters to complete. The first requirement is passing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) knowledge test, which is made up of 60

Photo by Kathy Bakowicz

ABOVE GRIFFITH PARK: Student aviators look down at the observatory from 2,000 feet in the air. multiple-choice questions and requires a score of at least 70 percent to pass. Private Pilot Ground School is made up of two private pilot labs, an overall 48 hours of flight instruction and 11 hours of solo flight.

The second requirement is

a medical certificate signed by a FAA doctor who conducts a physical and checks vision, blood pressure and other bodily functions that directly affect flight.

The third and final requirement is flight training which is half oral exam and half flight. According to Potter, the exam “can last up to three hours. The instructor wants to be sure you know what you’re doing up there.” From there the Designated Pilot Examiner or DPE gives a recommendation and decides an aspiring pilot’s destiny.

Sanchez’s advice to young pilot’s was simply, “Get good grades, practice multi-tasking and just keep going.”

The cost for private pilot flight training at GCC, which cover lab fees, tuition fees, books, supplies, FAA knowledge test fee, FAA medical exam fee and FAA examiner’s fee is $8,000. According to Potter, obtaining a private pilot’s license can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $12,000.

Alexandra Duncan can be reached at alexandran.duncan@gmail.com

Look for these stories online:

• • • • •

Arena soccer is now open at the Glendale Civic Auditorium across from campus.

L.A.Woman - Art exhibit at Forest Lawn Good Ol’ Freda - Review of the Beatle’s secretary’s biopic.

Welcome Back BBQ - Slideshow.

Incredible photos from above campus and online exclusives at www.elvaq.com

stories • pics • sports

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FEATURES

GCC Educator Runs for State Assembly

By Agnessa Kasumyan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

W

hile most of us struggle to get back into student mode and survive the first few weeks of school, GCC’s American State and Local Government instructor Andra (Verstraete) Hoffman (D) is running for California State Assembly in the 45th district.

Hoffman has a long history with the school, having been hired 16 years ago when she was 35 and going on to receive her degree from Cal State Northridge to earn her credentials to teach.

A single mom, Hoffman had to juggle her way through school, work, and raising two children.

“Going back to school when you’re older is scary,” she said.

“Going to school with people who are 20 years younger — that’s scary. There were moments, like when running for office, I would think ‘what did I get myself into?’

But I have that personality where I’m determined and I’m going to succeed.”

Though Hoffman encourages students not to take time off from school and to get their degrees early, she managed to obtain her bachelor’s degree at the age of 40 and her master’s degree in public policy and administration at 43.

In addition to being a professor, she is also currently GCC’s Director of Governmental/ External Relations. During her years here, she has managed community service and teachertraining programs funded through grants while also running the job placement center to help students find jobs and internships both on and off campus.

As an Assembly member, Hoffman would like to stabilize funding and restore cuts to programs and services provided by community colleges. She is seeking to win the seat of former Assembly member Bob Blumenfield, who left the position open after being elected to the Los Angeles City Council.

According to Blumenfield, who is currently endorsing Hoffman, one of the biggest challenges he faced while in office was having to make decisions regarding “very painful and difficult cuts,” as a result of the economic crisis.

“Knowing you are making cuts and knowing that it could impact seniors and children and

students, but knowing that the consequence of not making those cuts would be worse — that was extremely difficult,” he said.

The state needs to grow in a “measured way” as the economy recovers, Blumenfield said, so that the spending expectations are not higher than what the state can deliver. “[Hoffman] is going to need to be thoughtful and measured about that, and be able to hopefully grow the programs in a smart way,” he said.

Vahagn Gharagyozyan, a political science major and president of the Scholars Program currently interning for Hoffman’s campaign, says that, as a teacher, she understands the impact state budget cuts have on students and has the real life experience necessary to be a great legislator and to “make a difference in Sacramento.”

Because of her administrative duties at the college as well as her teaching experience, Hoffman says she brings a “broad understanding” of how state government works. Having been both a faculty member and the director of governmental relations, which requires her to travel to and from Sacramento frequently in order to represent the campus, she said she recognizes issues that pertain to students, faculty, and collective bargaining while representing the district and the board.

“Often times, the district and the board don’t have the same view as the students and faculty,” she said. “What I bring is consensus and an ability to see both sides of an issue. I really hope to be able to be that bridge between business and labor.”

One of her goals is to fund programs that will make career guidance available to students, as she believes that though there are career options, students are not aware of the programs that can help them with their career and educational venues.

Having always had an interest in education, Hoffman also plans to fight for universal preschool, believing it to be a fundamental part of children’s education in the future. According to the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, one of the long-term benefits of preschool education is increased high school graduation rates.

Hoffman’s political consultant, Larry Levine, who has worked on over 120 campaigns in his 43-year career span, says he cannot think of anyone more qualified than Hoffman to represent educational needs and issues in Sacramento, especially with her management of job placement programs for students at GCC. Despite having been approached by other candidates, Levine ultimately chose Hoffman after speaking with her for two hours and working with Blumenfield to assess what kind of legislators the candidates would make.

According to Levine, Hoffman has “a wealth of real-life experience” and “a personal story that is so compelling and so welltextured” that he knew she was the kind of person he wanted to see in the legislature. With the struggles she has faced as a working mom facing the hardships of healthcare and going back to school, Levine says Hoffman has the kind of experience that will allow her to function well on a wide range of issues, particularly education.

Similarly, Blumenfield was impressed with “her journey, her passion, and her sense of vision of what the community could look

Photo courtesy Andra Hoffman

STATE ASSEMBLY: GCC Director of Governmental and External Relations (Verstraete) Hoffman running for California State Assembly.

like” and that she has the reallife experience to “back up that vision.”

Hoffman herself says that both her life and work experience have prepared her to take on the role of an Assembly member in Sacramento.

“I’m a 51-year-old woman who has raised two kids.”

Hoffman said. “I know what it’s like to be unemployed. I know what it’s like to fight for health care. I know what it’s like to fight for child care.”

Look for election results online at elvaq.com.

Agnessa Kasumyan can be reached at agnessakas@gmail.com

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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

GCC Celebrates 85

Photo by Seneyda Rodriguez

Women’s soccer:

Women’s volleyball:

Coach Jorge Mena, a GCC alumni, kicked off their season on Aug. 30 with a 0-0 tie against College of the Desert. Mena returned for his 27th year as head coach.

The Lady Vaqs responded with another two victories in two straight weeks against Oxnard College and Compton College. Their meeting with Rio Hondo College on Sept. 10 ended in a 1-1 draw.

Women’s volleyball began its season on Sept. 7 with a 3-0 loss at Cypress College.

The Lady Vaqs looked to bounce back when they hosted Chaffey College at home. They suffered a 0-3 defeat at home on Sept. 11.

Coach Yvette Ybarra began her 13th season as head coach of the Lady Vaqueros.

Cross Country: Head Cross country head coach Eddie Lopez shares the same expectations for this season.

“Our goal is to win conference,” Lopez said. “Our standards are very high.”

Lopez preached stressed that a strong performance on the field must match a strong performance in the classroom.

“They need to transfer,” he said. Cicuto’s ultimate goal is for students to transfer to a four year university.

Lopez was confident in how hard the Vaqueros work.

“No one works like we do,” Lopez said.

Both the men’s and women’s teams faced tough challenges last season and expect the same this year. The toughest opponents for the lady Vaqs this cross country season is will be Moorpark College.

“They have been [tough] for the last couple years,” Lopez said.

Lopez was very humble, especially when asked about the coaching staff. “I have great assistant coaches,” he said.

Assistant coach Bryan Ramos was on Lopez’s 1995 state title team, the first for GCC. Ramos helms the men’s and women’s cross country teams. “We have high expectations for both the men’s and women’s cross country teams,” he said.

Last year, both were inches behind American River College and Orange Coast College.

“The challenge for us will be to close the gap from American River College in the men’s side and Orange Coast College on the women’s side,” he said.

Coach Ramos believes this will work to GCC’s advantage. “They have the target on their backs and that puts the pressure off from us,” he said.

Team captains Elizabeth Nelson on the women’s side and Jorge Serrano for the men look to lead the Vaqueros to a state title.

According to Serrano, the season has gone smoothly so far.

Men’s cross country placed first in the team competition at the Mark Covert Classic on Aug. 31 while the Lady Vaqs placed third in the event.

Serrano said that Lopez has done a “great job” with the team this year, notably when it comes to getting them “in shape” and ready for the rest of the season.

“Coach Lopez has done a great job with this year’s team,” Serrano said.

Serrano said that coach Lopez has done an excellent job of getting the team “in shape” and ready for the rest of the season.

Men’s soccer: Head coach Joe Agoston returns for his 27th season. Men’s soccer began their season with a 0-0 tie on Aug. 27, followed by a 2-1 win on Aug. 30. The Vaqueros lost the following two games at home against Chaffey College 7-2 on Sept. 4 and 5-0 to Fullerton College on Sept. 6

Football: Last season the Vaqueros had etched zero wins in 2012 conference play and had just two wins overall. This year already looks better.

In a rare afternoon game, the Vaqueros hosted Compton College at Sartoris Field on Sept. 7 and cruised to a 28-0 lead at halftime.

The game was originally scheduled for a 6 p.m.

Quarterback Steve Miller threw for 154 yards on 13 for 22 and two touchdowns while running back Willie Youngblood ran for 258 yards. GCC beat Compton College 35-7. The Vaqs begin their season at 1- 1 with a loss at San Bernardino Valley College.

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5 Years of Sports

Photo by Seneyda Rodriguez

T

he Vaqueros football team capped its first home win in three years. While the Vaquero athletics department celebrated its 85th birthday last week, the fall semester began with high hopes for this upcoming season. GCC Athletic Director John Cicuto said, “the first week is always a challenge.” “Students can have a hard time adjusting,” he said.

Cicuto said that balance between the classroom and sports is key.

Photo by Sal Polcino

Some students even share dreams of pursuing a career at the professional level. Cicuto’s ultimate goal is for all programs to compete at a high level and to excel in the classroom as well. Cross country, football,women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, kicked off their seasons this fall semester. Women’s Golf is also under way with new head coach Natalie Guidry. Basketball starts later in the semester.

–Story by Jonathan Williams

Photo by Kathy Bakowicz

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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

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FEATURES

Future Firefighters Train Hard at Verdugo Fire Academy

By Alexander Davis EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

B

y the time he was 4, Robert Sepulveda was convinced he would become a firefighter.

Now, at 36, he is training the next generation of cadets at the Verdugo Fire Academy.

“I would throw a tantrum in the backseat of my parents car if they didn’t follow the fire engines down the street,” he said.

With many retirements in local fire departments and the constant threat of fires in local communities, firefighters are in high demand. Sepulveda is the man responsible for training the firefighters of tomorrow at GCC. Cadet Steve Hernandez, 26, said, “The training is very hands on, its awesome, but very demanding, we do a bunch of running and we build endurance, which is something you really need as a firefighter.”

A 10-year veteran of the Pasadena Fire Department, Sepulveda has been working as an instructor for Verdugo Fire Academy at GCC for seven years. He traces his passion for fire fighting back to his childhood home in Commerce, Calif., where he lived next to a fire station.

As the lead recruiter for the academy, Sepulveda is responsible for handpicking up to 60 cadets for the grueling, year-long course. He also holds the staff position, giving him a supervisory role over the other instructors.

Cadet Ryan Santos said, “The instructors are tremendous, even on their off time they are pushing us to be better.”

The recent fire that destroyed huge parts of Yosemite National Park is just one example of the need for fire academies that train firefighters. Sepulveda and other instructors are forced to balance their duties as firefighters and engineers in local fire departments with training the cadets.

“Some of our instructors have been sent out to battle these fires when they were assigned to be instructing at the college,” Sepulveda said. “This season is an example of how dangerous this job really is, as it has been the third worst season for firefighter fatalities ever recorded and it’s still not over as we approach the Santa Ana wind events in October/November,” he said.

The demands placed on the

shoulders of Sepulveda are what he has prepared for his entire life. The road to becoming a firefighter is never an easy one, and Sepulveda’s story is no exception. He joined The Explorers at the age of 15 (the minimum age requirement) and stayed until he was 21. He received his AS degree in Fire Science from Rio Hondo College.

After graduating, he took 32 fire department tests over eight years while volunteering for 24-hour shifts at the Monterey Park Fire Department He worked his way up to engineer at Pasadena and took on numerous responsibilities for the academy at GCC. “I consider this job to be a sport,” Sepulveda said. “I don’t see any NBA or NFL players lasting 30 years like firefighters do.”

Although physical fitness is a huge factor in selecting cadets, Sepulveda looks for other characteristics in the selection process, with attitude making all the difference in firefighting as it requires following orders and taking directions.

He also listed integrity and accountability as vital traits for cadets. Earning the respect of the cadets is a huge factor for instructors in the academy.

Sepulveda’s background in firefighting is key in gaining the respect of his cadets, who follow his orders and instructions in a military-like environment.

Cadet Michael Covington said, “At the academy we exclusively learn from firefighters, we learn from those who have done, and Sepulveda has done.”

Splitting time between the PFD. and the academy is a full time commitment for Sepulveda.

“The sacrifice is giving up my personal family time on Saturdays and Sundays that I’m not working in Pasadena,” he said. “I miss tons of parties and events because when I’m not working at the station on the weekends, I’m at the college instructing.”

His commitment and dedication, however, is not something that has gone unnoticed by the cadets.

“The instructors are great,” Cadet Lacey Mogan, 31, said. “We see instructors like Sepulveda going out of their way to stay extra hours and work with us.” said cadet Lacey Morgan, 31.At a meeting on Sept. 5, Sepulveda carefully outlined for

Photo by Anthony Walton

CLASS 16: The 2013 Verdugo Fire Academy cadets gave equpment demonstrations and welcomed GCC faculty members at a barbecue Thursday evening. the year-long course for people interested in the fire academy.

“I could go outside right now and teach any of you to pull a ladder, but you have to be willing,” Sepulveda said.

He stressed the importance of entering the academy physically fit. This way more attention

can be paid to studying rather than struggling to keep up with workouts. All cadets must become a certified Emergency Medical Technician before they graduate and they are advised to enroll in community service programs to gain a better connection to the community they serve.

Sepulveda encouraged anyone with the drive and motivation to enroll in the academy.

“Don’t think that because you’re 45 you can’t make this position,” Sepulveda said.

Alexander Davis can be reached at davis.alex60@yahoo.com

Friday Flix Spring Schedule Earn flex credit and watch classic movies on Blu-Ray in the GCCTV studios, SG 334, free every Friday at 12:30 p.m. througout the fall semester.

September

November

20 — Lawrence of Arabia part 1 (1962) 27 — Lawrence of Arabia part 2 (1962)

1 — Time Bandits (1981) 8 — The Big Trail (1930) 15 — American Beauty (1999) 22 — JFK (1991) 29 — THANKSGIVING - NO FILM

October 4 — Breathless (1961) 11 — Reservoir Dogs (1992) 18 — O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) 25 — Alien (1979)

December 6 — Animation Extravaganza!

WANTED: Letters to the editor.. .

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?

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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

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Insidious Chapter 2 Out-performs the Original

By Alexander Davis EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

“I

nsidious Chapter 2” is a rare example of a sequel bettering its predecessor, which is seldom seen in the horror genre.

The film, directed by James Wan (“The Conjuring,” 2013) who also wrote the screenplay revisits the Lambert family after father Josh, played by Patrick Wilson (“Watchmen”) rescued his son Dalton (Ty Simpkins) from a dark spirit world where he was held hostage by evil spirits seeking life in the human world.

Despite the return of Dalton, the Lambert family soon realizes that Josh is not the man they knew before he entered the spirit realm.

The film surpasses many others in the horror genre including the original film (“Insidious,” 2010) by skipping the usual gimmicks found in the beginning of the plot which rely on startling audiences more than actually scaring them and instead gets the audience right into the action. Josh’s wife Renai, played by Rose Byrne (“Bridesmaids,” 2011) is the first to notice that Josh is not himself.

The story begins with the

usual doors opening on their own and pianos playing by themselves, but quickly escalates into a maddening sequence of disturbances. Josh continually denies that anything is wrong and insists that Renai ignore the events that begin to torment her and the family.

This is Wilson’s second strong performance for James Wan after he played ghost hunter Ed Warren in “The Conjuring.” Wilson does a remarkable job in depicting the insanity and violence that the first film failed to capture.

The realization that Josh may not be who he seems causes Renai, and Josh’s mother Lorraine, played by Barbara Hershey (“Black Swan,” 2010) to investigate the events that occurred when Josh entered the spirit world. The character development of Josh is excellent as he slowly reveals the darkness within him after his encounter with the spirit world. He leads on the rest of the family who are unsure if the man they see is Josh or something else that returned in his form.

They seek the help of spirit guru Elise Rainier played by Lin Shaye

(“Maniacs,”2001) to uncover a dark childhood secret that may explain what happened to Josh in the spirit world.

E x c e l l e n t cinematography is a huge factor in terrifying the audience, which will leave the theater with more than just goosebumps.

The lighting and costume design during each scene is a vital part THE HORROR: Ty Simpkins gives a scary performance as Dalton Lambert in this chillof the film’s horror ing sequel. factor.

The film falls short in a few moments in the film, including great, but it will be remembered places, one being the attempted a murderous rampage through for its unique take of otherworldly comic relief that sticks out like the family home that will remind beings and the humans they a sore thumb. Specs (Leigh the audience of Jack Nicholson’s torment.

Whannell) and Tucker (Angus performance in Stanley Kubrick’s The film is rated PG-13 Sampson) the assistants of Elise “The Shining.” for intense sequences of terror Rainier play essentially the same Another highlight is the solid and violence and runs for 105 role as in the first film. They seem acting by Simpkins, who proves minutes. to only get in the way of any that children are more than just real progression in the film and helpless props in horror films. find themselves getting hurt and He comes through with a solid humiliated in ridiculous gags that performance that goes head to only take away from an otherwise head with any of the adult actors. excellent script.

“Insidious Chapter 2” will not Alexander Davis can be reached at davis.alex60@yahoo.com There are a few strong go down in history as a horror



Auditions Held for Fall Production ‘A Flea in Her Ear’

By Alexandra Duncan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

bout 30 hopeful theater arts students and aspiring actors auditioned on Sept. 4 and 5 for the first play of the semester, “A Flea in Her Ear,” GCC’s fall mainstage production, which will be presented at the main auditorium in November.

“A Flea in Her Ear” is a new version of Georges Feydeau’s farce by David Ives and will be directed by Matt Foyer. According to Foyer, the play is “great for students” and has a “really great audience buzz.”

The play, set in 1900s France, is about mistaken ideas. “Everybody in the play is either not getting enough sex or wants a lot more sex,” Foyer said. “[The play] entertains the idea of having affairs left and right and the

characters who aren’t [having affairs.]”

Auditioner Ren Madlangsakay, former vice president of the Theatre Guild showed her support by helping her fellow actors rehearse their cold readings.

“Why would I consider theater?”

Madlangsakay said. “I was so shy. How could I talk to someone without embarrassing myself?”

However, after her part as Yasmin in a past production at GCC, Madlangsakay is now considering a minor in theater arts and hopes to play a part on the main stage in GCC’s fall production. She is a preschool teacher and part-time student at GCC. A case of the butterflies got the better of nearly everyone. When second-time auditioner Therese Jacobsson auditioned she said it was “nerve wracking” but she enjoyed it.

Jared Ogassian, a GCC student whose first production acting role was in “Almost Maine,” called his audition experience “intense.”

“I never played a more antagonistic character. It was kind of an experiment,” he said.

Throughout the auditions, the French character names proved difficult to pronounce for many of the auditioners, but it was all in good fun as students quickly got acquainted with each other during preparation.

Ethan E. Followwill, an auditioner who moved to Glendale from England a year ago, had his first audition since he was 11 years old. On a chance encounter with Johnny Depp, Followwill was inspired to become an actor. He heard about “A Flea in Her Ear” auditions from a friend, which led him to GCC. “Auditions will be based on

Photo by Monica Tecson-Lopez

AN AUDITION AFFAIR: Students Lexie Laundy and Garni Barsikhi read lines in preparatin fot their audition.

talent, experience and direction,” Dina Dominguez, staff member of theater department said. The play has a lot of physical comedy and Foyer and Melissa Randel, Chair of the Theater Department will be choosing the 14 cast members based on comic ability as well.

Opening night for “A Flea in Her Ear” will be Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. and it will run to Nov. 10 and Nov. 14 to 17.

Alexandra Duncan can be reached at alexandran.duncan@gmail.com

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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

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SPORTS

Lady Vaqueros Soccer Dominates Preseason

By Jonathan Williams EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

W

omen’s soccer cruised to a 3-0 record in the preseason last Friday with a win against Hancock College.

GCC opened with a perfectly placed goal in the back corner of the net by Karen Lopez at the

14th minute.

“We caught them off guard,” Head Coach Jorge Mena said.

GCC headed to the locker room at the break with a comfortable 1-0 lead over the Bulldogs.

GCC came out strong and capped two more goals in the second half. Midfielder Jasmine De La Caridad Rocha went

down with a knee injury in the opening minute and athletic trainer Claudia Alvarez rushed to midfield to assess the situation.

De La Caridad Rocha was able to walk off the field on her own.

Elizabeth Mendoza scored on a pass from Daisy Mendez to put the Lady Vaqs up 2-0.

Cece Martinez collided with

the Bulldogs goalkeeper at the 34th minute which led to a Vaquero goal. GCC goalkeeper Andrea Guerra made a key save in the 44th minute which kept the lead untouched.

The Lady Vaqueros put a muzzle on the bulldogs and secured a 3-0 shutout.

Coach Mena urged they still

have a long road. “You never know how good youare until you play good teams,” he said. “We still have a long way to go.”

The Lady Vaqs look to keep the streak alive at home when they face Mira Costa on Thursday.

Jonathan Williams can be reached at haxial.jonathan@gmail.com

Vaquero Sports Summaries Results

Photo by Seneyda Rodriguez

Monet Estrada strikes a foward pass against College of the Desert on Aug. 30 at Sartoris Field. The Lady Vaqs tied with a 0-0 draw.

Men’s and Women’s Cross Country: Aug. 31 — Mark Covert Classic

women — finished third

men — finished first Sept. 7 — Fresno Invitational women — finished third men — finished third Friday — So Cal preview

women — finished second

men — finished second

Women’s Soccer: Aug. 30 — tied College of the Desert 0-0 Sept. 3 — beat Oxnard 4-1 Sept. 6 — beat Compton 2-1 Sept. 10 — tied Rio Hondo 1-1 Friday — beat Hancock 3-0

Scores

Women’s Volleyball: Sept. 4 — lost to Cypress 3-0 Sept. 11 — lost to Chaffey 3-0 Friday — beat Ventura 3-2 Women’s Golf: Monday — at College of the Canyons WSC placed first

Football: Sept. 7 — beat Compton 35-7 Saturday — lost to San Bernardino 45-18

Photo by Seneyda Rodriguez

Men’s Soccer: Aug. 27 — tied Irvine Valley 0-0 Aug. 30 — beat Cypress 2-1 Sept. 4 — lost to Chaffey 7-2 Sept. 6 — lost to Fullerton 5-0 Friday — lost to L.A. Harbor 7-0

Upcoming Events Men’s and Women’s Cross Country: Saturday — Mustang Challenge at

Santa Clarita 8:15 a.m.

Sept. 27 — Golden West Invitational at Huntington Beach 10 a.m.

Photo by Monica De La Cruz

Lady Vaquero midfielder Jasmine De La Caridad Rocha barrels in to the goalkeeper in a 0-0 home stalemate.

Women’s Volleyball: Friday - Saturday — at S.D. Mesa Tourney 10 a.m.

Sept. 25 — vs. Santa Barbara 6 p.m.

Sept. 28 — at Victor Valley 1/3 p.m.

Women’s Soccer: Friday — vs. Mira Costa 5 p.m.

Sept. 27 — vs. Pierce 5 p.m.

Oct. 1 — vs. Citrus 4 p.m.

Photo by Monica De La Cruz

Lady Vaquero forward Karen Lopez dribbles past a Roadrunners’ defender in a 1-1 tie at home against Rio Hondo.

Women’s Golf: Sept. 23 — WSC Santa Barbara at Santa Kristine Tuzon can be reached at Barbara GC ktuzon342@student.glendale.edu Football: Saturday vs. S.D. Mesa 6 p.m.

Sept. 28 vs. Antelope Valley 6 p.m.

Men’s Soccer: Friday — at Allan Hancock 6 p.m.

Tuesday — at L.A. Mission 3 p.m.

Sept. 27 — vs. Santa Barbara 7 p.m.

Oct. 1 — vs. Santa Monica 7 p.m.

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

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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

11

Calendar On Campus EVENTS Student Services Fair — Students can visit booths featuring information about a variety of services available to them. Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 pm. in Plaza Vaquero.

Volunteer Faire — More than 20 non-profit organizations will be recruiting students for various positions. Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Plaza Vaquero. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5580.

Transfer Day Fair — Representatives from UCs, CSUs, private, and out of state colleges will host transfer information booths. Oct. 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m. in San Rafael Plaza.

to Social Change Lecture Series — Geography professor Marla Conti will lecture on the demographic shift in the world poulation and the U.S. Free and open to the public on Sept. 26 from 12:20 to 1:30 p.m. in SR 138.

CLUBS I.O.C. Orientation Meeting — All new clubs and officers must attend an orientation meeting, club spaces will be raffled also.

Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in SC 212. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 3126.

I.O.C. Meeting — The first meeting for club repesentatives will be on Monday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in SC 212.

S.O.S. Grant Applications — Grants are available to support registered clubs and organizations. The deadline is Oct. 4. For more information visit www. glendale.edu/AS or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 3126.

Club Rush — Interested students can join the growing number of clubs and organizations that focus on a multitude of interests. Existing clubs are recruiting members and students are also encouraged to start new ones. Runs through ORIENTATION Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Plaza Vaquero.

Fire Academy Orientation — Learn more about GCC’s Fire Academy classes and application LECTURES process during this orientation.

Gene Research Lecture — The Oct. 3 from 7 to 8 p.m. in AA 108. first installment of the science For more information visit www. lecture series of the semester fea- glendale.edu/fire or call (818) tures GCC undergraduate biology 240-1000, ext. 5906. students who conducted gene research over the summer. Free on FINANCIAL Tuesday at 12:20 p.m. in CS 177.

FAFSA Workshops — Get help Shark Lecture — Great white- filling out your federal financial shark expert and author Ralph aid application. Free. Today at 9 Collier will lecture and host a am in SF 107., Sept. 26 at 4 p.m.

Q&A. Presented by the Glen- and Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. in SF 108 dale College Foundation and 365 For more information call (818) Sharks. Free on Wednesday from 240-1000, ext. 5384. noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Center.

Federal Entrance Loan Counseling Workshop — Learn how Cultural Diversity: The Road to apply for federal loans. Ad-

HAVE YOUR CAMPUS EVENT LISTED ON THE CALENDAR PAGE

vance sign up is required at the Financial Aid office in the San Fernando complex. Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in SF 105. Additional dates TBA. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5916.

Free Money — If you have a 2.5 GPA and 12 completed units this is your last chance to apply for scholarships. More than 500 scholarships totaling $300,000 are available. The deadline to apply is Oct. 16. For more information visit: www.glendale.edu/ scholarships or call (818) 2401000, ext. 5591.

TUTORING Learning Center — Tutors are available in a variety of subjects.

Referral from an instructor, counselor or librarian required. Computers available. Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in AD 232. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5333.

Math Discovery Center — The newly remodeled facility offers increased computer access and drop-in tutoring for math. Students must be be currently enrolled in a math course. Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in AS 103. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext.

5362.

MOVIES Friday Flix: — Students and faculty can attend a screening of part one of the 1962 epic “Lawrence of Arabia,” directed by David Lean and starring Peter O’Toole and Omar Sharif. Free. on Friday at 12:30 p.m. in SG 334. Then on Sept. 27 part two of the film will be shown. Students are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks.

A discussion facilitated by in-

structor Mike Petros follows both screenings.

PLANETARIUM

Students are encouraged to register online. For infow, visit www. glendale.edu/learningcenter or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5341.

Afternoon with the Stars — Students and faculty can attend a free lunchtime program highlighting the planetarium’s features. “Tour of the Universe” will be presented Monday and Sept. 30 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. in CS 257. For more information visit www.glendale. edu/planetarium or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5275.

“Proofreading Techniques” — Learn a variety of techniques for proofreading and practice editing passages. Free. Tuesday 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in AD 238.

ART GALLERY

“Quotation Integration” — Learn techniques for integrating quotes into your work in this new workshop. Free. Sept. 26 from 11 to 12 p.m.. in AD 238.

“Lazy Susan 3: Go Figure” — The exhibit showcases work by

by Judie Bamber, F. Scott Hess, Gegam Kacherian, Jim Morphesis, exhibition curator Mahara T. Sinclaire and Eloy Torrez. Opens Thursday and runs through Oct. 17. Free. Opening reception is Sept. 26 from noon to 1 p.m. and the artists’ reception is Sept. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. Call (818) 2401000, ext 5663 for gallery hours.

WORKSHOPS “Successful Interview Strategies” — Focuses on different interview styles and techniques, most common questions asked, dress code appearance and more.

Free. Monday from noon to 1 p.m. Career Center, San Rafael Building. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5407.

“Effective Resume” — Focuses on essential resume writing principles, formats and content. Monday from 2 to 3 p.m. and Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. Free. Career Center, San Rafael Building.

“MLA Requirements” — Learn about stylistic requirements mandated by the Modern Language Association. Monday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in AD 238. Free.

“Avoiding Vague Language” — Learn how to be more direct and less vague. Free. Wednesday from 11 to 12 p.m. in AD 238.

“Outlining and Essay Structure” — Learn to write a clear outline from your brainstorming notes. Free on Sept. 30 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in AD 238.

HEALTH Mental Health Counseling — Free and available to all students.

For information or to schedule a appointment visit the Health Center in the San Rafael Building. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nutritional Counseling — Free.

For information or to schedule a appointment visit the Health Center in the San Rafael Building.

Meditation — Guided by insight meditation facilitator JoAnna Harper and no prior experience needed. Free. Sept. 25 from 12:20 to 1:20 p.m. in AD 223.

PARKING Closure — Lot 31 will be closed 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 27.

Compiled by Eric Bourse

• Email the details to Elvaquero.editor@gmail.com.

• Call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349 and leave a message on our 24/7 event hotline, we’ll get right back to you.

• The deadline for the October 2 issue is Sept. 26.

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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

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LIFESTYLE

Students Welcomed Back with Big Bash

Upper two photos by Monica Tecson-Lopez, bottom photo by Kathy Bakowicz

FUN FOR ALL: ASGCC hosted the bi-annual event which featured free hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, music and a Spash Blast attraction. For exclusive slideshow coverage visit: www.elvaq.com