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Western Sun Volume 51, Number 2 n Nov. 7-Nov. 20, 2016
Undefeated at home
The Golden West football team played its first home game in its 50year history on Oct. 22 on Golden West Field. A sellout crowd of more than 2,000 saw the Rustlers defeat the Palomar Comets, 35-25. The Rustlers (top) run onto the field to a boisterous crowd. Sophomore running back Gabriel Ford (below) puts the finishing touches on a 65yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Story on Page 8.
Photos courtesy of Golden West promotions department and Golden West athletic department
The newspaper of Golden West College, Huntington Beach, California
n www.gwcwesternsun.com
2 NOV. 7-NOV. 20, 2016 | THE WESTERN SUN
NEWS
Donations to Golden West Foundation surge past $8.6 million By Austin Swartz Staff writer Two new members were inducted into the Alumni Pillar of Achievement on Oct. 20, celebrating their successes after graduating from Golden West College. Rod Cox, Chief of Police in Cypress, and John Furbish, Golden West’s first Student Body president were both honored while joining the other 103 members on the Pillar. The Pillars of Achievement is a 25 year old tradition that honors esteemed alumni of Golden West College and is filled with former students who have shown they embody the integrity of the school that helped shape their character. The pillar can be located in the President’s Courtyard of Honor which also houses the Pillars of Support and Circle of Donors recognition wall. The school’s Donor Wall was also
updated including three new members to the Premier Pillars of Support and seven new members to the Golden Society. A donor is placed onto the Premier Pillars if they make a contribution of $100,000 or more. A donor may enter the Golden Society if they contribute at least $25,000. The generous new benefactors of the Premier Pillars are: The Assistance League of Huntington Beach, The Waltmar Foundation and The Womens Club of Huntington Beach. Additionally the Golden Society has expanded to now include; Jaima and John Bennett, Costa Mesa Women’s Club, Fountain Valley Woman’s Club, Richard and Kathy Nguyen, Ann M. Owens, Kathlyn Strople, Sergio and Kathy Suarez. Each was given a plaque to commemorate their charitable gifts. To this date more than $8.6 million has been donated to the Golden West College Foundation which has allocated nearly eight million of that to
Austin Swartz | Western Sun
A representative from the Waltmar Foundation is given a plaque to thank the company for their genorosity. student scholarships. With these funds the foundation wishes to advance academic programs and educational
opportunities while bringing oceans of opportunity for the student body.
Tailgate party a good start to Homecoming festivities on campus By Casey N. Wilson Editor-in-chief Who says you can’t teach an old school new tricks? On Oct. 22, Golden West hosted its very first homecoming tailgate and game on campus. The family friendly tailgate opened at 10 a.m. Not only were there bounce houses and giant hamster balls on water for children to play with, there were balloon animals, face painting and various arts and crafts. Several programs from GWC made an appearance including the Veterans Office, EOPS Care, Financial Aid and Cosmetology. The GWC bookstore had plenty of college paraphernalia for sale, including shirts and sweatshirts. Cosmetology was doing
Courtesty Golden West promotions department
A photo booth and hot dog cart were tailgate options. braids with glitter and colors. People could enjoy sitting in a
truck for a full immersive game experience or eat at the two food trucks;
Tri Tip Man and Ninjas with Appetite. There was also a photo booth complete with feather boas and hats as props. Catchy 80s music played off to the side of the football field while people were able to relax at the tables under the shade or enjoy fun carnival games at various booths. Everyone was anxious to get the game underway. Head coach Nick Mitchell said, “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to play a home game actually at home and not like the previous 50 years at our arch rival campus.” More photos from homecoming on pages 4-5.
NOV. 7-NOV. 20, 2016 | THE WESTERN SUN 3
OPINION Repeal the . . . wait, what? “Women are not fit for politics” “If women are the only thing stopping the Greatest President (sic) this country has ever seen – why not #repealthe19th?’ lection analyst and statistician Nate And the hits just kept coming. Silver recently released maps of the This has been an unprecedented election, United States demonstrating the with two of the most unpopular candidates in country’s stark political and gender electoral history: and yet, as odious as they both divisions: one map illustrated that if only women voted in the 2016 presidential elec- may be to most of us, one’s transgressions are clearly far worse than the other’s. tion, Hillary Clinton would win by a landslide; Donald Trump outright lies on a regular another showed that if only men voted, Donald Trump would clearly win. These findings imbasis, denying things he not only is documented as saying, but statements recorded on audio mediately erupted in a Twitterstorm, as fervent Trump supporters lit up social media platforms or video (the Chinese are responsible for the global warming “hoax,” Obama and Clinton with the hashtag #repealthe19th. started ISIS, etc); he uses Twitter as a platform The 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution is the one that gave women the right to vote to malign and degrade anyone he feels antagin this country, but it’s amazing to see how many onizes him, then claiming himself as victim of a smear campaign (as he did with former Miss would be willing to give it up: Universe Alicia Machado); he has admitted to “I would be willing to give up my right to sexual assault, then continuously downplayed vote to make this happen” tweeted one Trump his words as “locker room talk” that all men take supporter. part in (which this writer and many other men “This is why we need to repeal and not retake umbrage with); and with his poll numbers place the 19th amendment” suggested another. plummeting, Trump now repeatedly claims that “Women’s suffrage is a force of chaos and destruction” claimed yet another. the election and media are rigged against him By Thomas DeMartino II Staff writer
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(because he’s a “winner” – and if he’s not winning, it’s someone else’s fault, never his.) Yet, somehow, these kind of things still aren’t even enough for his most rabid supporters to jump ship. He’s a misogynistic bully – boorish, sexist and classist, perpetuating the Horatio Alger myth that any American can pull themselves up by their bootstraps to become just as successful as he (even though he himself came from money, with his father gifting him a “small” multimillion dollar loan when he first struck out on his own.) He exemplifies the worst aspects of American culture that the rest of the world resents us for, and even revels in it. Perhaps it’s no wonder he still has so many fans: he personifies the most reprehensible parts of the human id, permitting his followers to emulate and justify his atrocious behavior, as well as their own. How else could they rationalize stripping from women the rights they fought so long and so vigorously for? After an interminable election season, the final reckoning approaches: think about what you want this country to represent to its citizens and the world at large, and vote your conscience on Nov. 8. Your future – and rights – depend on it.
An invitation to wallflowers By Austin Swartz Staff writer
I
f I told you that talking to more people around campus and participating in school events could help bring up your grade point average, would you believe me? Well you don’t have to simply take my word for it as the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) has released a survey showing a positive correlation between student’s grades and their level of social activity. Based on the CCSSE’s findings, students who involve themselves in campus activities have a better learning and academic experience. From this, we can infer that students who are engaged in positive social activities are more likely to be happy, leading to an overall increase in productivity. This evidence is given to us by a study conducted by the University of Warwick which concluded that happy people are approximately 12 perc more productive than their depressed counterparts.
Fear not my fellow introverts as this is not a call to action through cumbersome amounts of small talk. In fact it’s not the amount of talking that begets prosperity, but instead having substantial conversations is the most effective method at generating overall happiness in a person. The aptly titled study ‘Eavesdropping on Happiness’ tests this theory and proves that substance is more valuable than incorporeal chit-chat. Thankfully this means you are not reliant upon strangers to fill the silence but can have confidence in an inner circle of trusted colleagues that already have an established base of common interests. Luckily Golden West provides several events per semester that can act as ice breakers to introduce students to an untapped source of potential acquaintances. Each of these studies confirm; students who utilize on-campus activities generally experience higher developmental benefits as opposed to those who stay secluded. Ultimately the decision is contingent upon each students’ willingness for growth. Hopefully this
One study concludes that happy people are approximately 12 percent more productive than their depressed counterparts. comes as a calling card to wallflowers everywhere that getting out of your comfort zone and conversing with others can pay huge dividends in the future. To sum it up; the more effort you put in, the more you get in return.
4 NOV. 7-NOV. 20, 2016 | THE WESTERN SUN
Photos by
GREG PARK and TIM YARNELL Courtesy of the Golden West College promotions department
NOV. 7-NOV. 20, 2016 | THE WESTERN SUN 5
IT WAS
ALL HANDS ON
DECK The Rustlers football team had a successful debut on their home field on Oct. 22, defeating Palomar 35-23 in front of a sellout crowd at Golden West Field. Sophomore running back Gabriel Ford (No. 6, above) takes a handoff from quarterback Adam Vance en route to a 116-yard rushing day. Sophomore wide receiver Zimari Manning (No. 4, far left) had a big day, too, catching two touchdown passes, including this one-handed catch. Freshman wide receiver Samuel Flowers (No. 81) gets both hands around this pass and lands just short of the goal line.
6 NOV. 7-NOV. 20, 2016 | THE WESTERN SUN
ENTERTAINMENT GWC Career Fair a sucess By Madison Hopkins Staff writer
Over 35 Orange County employers set up booths at Golden West College in hopes to find the motivated career oriented student their company has been searching for. Students dressed in their best business casual attire, combed their hair, and perfected their resumes to meet face to face with numerous employers. Booths were set up along the quad allowing students to meander around and meet potential employers to gain information about the businesses. It was truly a wonderful, interactive experience for both the job seekers and those that were hiring. “I am here to look at all of the booths to find a part time job to gain work experience. I am going to nursing school and this event has helped me interact with people in the industry I hope to work in,” said Mike, a Golden West student.
MADISON HOPKINS | Westerm Sun
Students are excited and anxious to meet with prospective employers in the quad during the Career Fair.
Career Assessment, Grad School Preparation, How to Interview, and Resume Do’s and Don’t’s were all workshops Golden West hosted
throughout the week to prepare students for their job interviews. Many students experienced interviews on the spot. Some stu-
dents were even hired on the spot. Complimentary pizza was given to students who RSVP’d to the event.
THEATER REVIEW
“The Shape of Things” shapes up nicely By Thom deMartino Staff writer
W
hen it comes down to it, who are we — really? Are our identities in the eye of the beholder that perceives us: or are we instead the sum of our experiences and actions, knowledge and nature? “The Shape of Things,” which recently finished an all-too-brief run at the GWC Stage West Theater addressed many of these questions. The humdrum life of Adam (Brent Bannister) is turned on its ear by his chance encounter with a vivacious young woman who prepares to deface a statue -- the awkward part-time
security guard humbly requests she step back, and the two exchange playful banter until she clarifies: “I don’t like art that isn’t true.” Such is Adam’s introduction to the incendiary, avant-garde Evelyn (Abby Rossi) — his world will never be the same. As his relationship with the artistic catalyst deepens, Evelyn’s influence inspires him to make changes in his life: with his diet, his attire, and exercise — bolstering his confidence and self-esteem. His former roommate, acerbic alpha male Phillip (Tomas Nova) and his fiancee, the demure and unassuming Jenny (Taylor Windle,) are taken aback by their formerly maladroit friend’s metamorphosis,
as well as his fiery and opinionated “better half.” But at what cost will his changes come? The entire cast had stand-out and powerful performances: special acclaim, however, must be given to the two leads — with their deft exchanges, banter, and undeniable chemistry kept the show light, even in some of the heaviest moments. They both owned their respective roles — Bannister shined, and Rossi scintillated — and you would have sworn they were the very characters they inhabited. Ironically, it was Bannister’s first outing on the stage. “I never did any acting [before this], this is my first performance” he confessed. “I’ve really
enjoyed it... it was intense the first time, but now that I’m doing it, it’s worth it. I love it.” Director Rory Cowan shed light on such a complex psychological piece: “I read the script years ago... it blew me away. Just on the page, I knew it was very solid and well-defined... [in directing,] I just tried to stay as close as possible to the structure... I just really believed in the script.” Though the performances are over, Golden West is certain to see more impressive work from the talented group of actors who brought Adam’s trials and tribulations to life, as well as from the Stage West Theater.
Four stars.
NOV. 7-NOV. 20, 2016 | THE WESTERN SUN 7
Photo Poll
How are you coping with the death of our beloved Harambe?
Clowns: You either love them in carnivals or circuses or you hate them in haunted houses or in scary movies.
“I’ve spent most nights crying myself to sleep but I know Harambe wants me to be strong.” – Jesse, computer sciences major
Clowns Aren’t That Funny Anymore By Madison Hopkins Staff writer Remember the good ol’ days when the only things we had to fear were razor blades in Halloween candy or hearing Satanic verses when music was played backward? Society is continuously progressing and clearly these things America once “feared” became not scary enough. Its 2016 and the new nationwide/global panic are clowns. Of course, not the balloon-twisting-Ronald-McDonnaldrodeo-bull-teasing-does-silly-things-in-a-circus-clowns, but the psychotic-Stephen King-chainsaw-holding-chaseyou-till-you-can’t-run-anymore clowns. What began as “the kid who cried ‘clown’” and complaints of clowns luring children into forests in a small town in South Carolina has turned into a nationwide phenomena that has everyone feeling like they are living in a horror film. From California to the New York Islands, clowns have been spotted in the headlights of vehicles, chasing people holding weapons, even in school yards. Not a day goes by without clowns in the headlines. Communities across the globe have been perturbed by clown sightings and threats that have caused people to get arrested, schools to send out warning letters, Halloween costumes to be banned, and even some unexplained deaths and beatings. Germany has announced “zero tolerance against clowns” as the scare is spreading throughout Europe. German psychologist and threat management expert Jens Hoffmann “Scaring others has a long tradition, especially during Halloween but this has now gotten out of control; there is a major bandwagon effect.” So what are these strange random occurrences of killer
clowns across the globe? Is it a prank gone too far? Do people find a thrill of masking themselves and causing horror unto others a strange satisfaction? Could these clowns be a metaphor of putting on our masks as an outlet to act out? After all, no one knows what really lies under the makeup and the big round nose. Possibly a marketing technique for the remake of the movie “It” coming out next year. There are a group of radicalists who believe that because the clowns are mainly taunting people and make it difficult for law enforcement to put a stop to it, the clowns are not just people in costumes but demons from another portal. This came from a Native American belief that has branched back almost 200 years with clown sightings all over North America. Demons or not, in reality, the world has much bigger issues to focus on. Long term issues that could affect the globe on a much larger scale. Should we thank these killer clowns for distracting us from the harsh realities we have to face every day? It’s no coincidence that this crazy killer clown sensation is erupting in this election season. Historically, urban legends are always sparked by societal fears. Clowns are a medium of chaos and chaos is the overwhelming factor in in this day and age. The clowns are not just in the US, but outside of our boarders. There are so many global affairs that society has on our plate, not to mention the two clowns that are running for office in our own backyard. Should we be losing sleep over the clown hysteria? No, however, we do need to wake up and face the reality that there are much bigger issues to be addressed.
“I’ve still taken this really badly, I even made a tee shirt in remembrance of him” –Ethan, child psychology major.
“We think it’s dumb, we are more concerned about people –why do they think it’s OK to feed a gorilla a child?” – Max, sociology major and Robert, civil engineering major. Photos by MADDIE HOPKINS
8 OCT. 31-NOV. 13, 2016 | THE WESTERN SUN
SPORTS
How to win the Battle of the Bell in 8 minutes By Austin Swartz Staff writer
Eight minutes. That’s all the time it took for the Rustlers to put 20 points on the board to start off the Battle of the Bell. That alone would be all they would need to defeat local rival Orange Coast College 39-18 on Oct.29 at LeBard Stadium. In an attempt to replicate their quick start of the previous week, Golden West opened the scoring on its first drive that saw quarterback Adam Vance connect with Kahari Kilgore for a 41-yard strike down the field. The offense would have little time to rest though as the Pirates running game would go on to fumble on the very first play of their next drive. This time the offense focused on its run game, allowing Desmond Bowden to gain AUSTIN SWARTZ | Western Sun 21 yards on the drive and punch the ball into the end zone from the Desmond Bowden is off and running against Orange Coast. Bowden gained 112 yards and scored a TD. 1-yard line. However the PAT was blocked worst enemy as it dropped four ers, Kahari Kilgore and Sheldon College, 40-28, and in the process and returned for two points by the fumbles and gave up two intercep- White who had a touchdown each. losing sole possession of first place Orange Coast special teams. In tions. Desmond Bowden carried the ball in the Southern Conference. bizarre fashion this would happen Adam Vance put up five touchfor a season-high 112 yards and a Golden West (4-5, 3-1 in conferyet again later in the fourth quardowns for 251 yards. His favorite touchdown. ence), can still earn at least a share ter, but by then it was too little too target was Zimari Manning who *** of the conference title by defeating late for the Pirates as they faced a he connected with seven times The Rustlers’ four-game winFullerton (8-1, 3-1) in the regu28-point deficit. In the end, Orange for 80 yards and a pair of touchning streak came to end on Saturlar-season finale on Saturday at 1 Coast turned out to be its own downs followed by Samuel Flowday, losing to visiting Grossmont p.m. at Yorba Linda High.
ROUNDUP
Men’s and women water polo win conference titles
The men’s and women’s water polo teams clinched Orange Empire Conference titles over the weekend. The men finished its season undefeated (26-0) by beating Riverside, 17-8, for its title, while the women defeated Orange Coast College, 10-2. Both teams will compete in the
Southern California Championships this weekend being held here at Golden West. The women finished with a 22-5 regular season record. Women’s Volleyball The Rustlers continued their winning streak by sweeping Santiago Canyon 3-0 on Nov. 2 and then Fountain Valley 3-0 on Nov. 4.
They will be playing Riverside at 6 p.m. Monday. The women are 14-4 overall and 10-3 in conference play. Men’s Soccer The men are still undefeated, having beaten Fullerton, 1-0 on Friday. The team is 12-0-6 overall and 8-0-4 in the Orange Empire Conference. The team will play back-to-back home matches
against Irvine Valley at 3 p.m. Tuesday and again at 3 p.m. on Thursday against Orange Coast. Women’s Soccer The women got their third victory of the season, defeating Fullerton 3-1 on Nov. 4. On Tuesday, they will be playing at Irvine Valley at 3p.m.