Oct. 7, 2005

EL VAQUERO Glendale College

www.elvaq.com

Volume 88 Number 2

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2005

IN THIS ISSUE NEWS GCC authors offer new books.

Page 4

United Atheists take out the garbage.

Photo by Jane Pojawa

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PHOTO FEATURE

Campus War Protest Reflects National Movement.

Pages 8-9

ENTERTAINMENT

Go Betty Go!

Artist’s Passion Grows Out of Barrio

By OLGA RAMAZ EL VAQUERO

ARST AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

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hisked away at 6 months old from the dangers of the growing Mara Salvatrucha gangs in El Salvador, Manuel Bracamonte was brought to the United States by his parents who hoped to escape the violence and poverty that festered in their home country.

Growing up in the barrios of west Los Angeles, Bracamonte might as well have stayed in El Salvador.

Violence and dangers seemed to have been everywhere.

“In El Salvador it’s political, but here it’s about territory,” said Bracamonte.

At the age of 7, Bracamonte stumbled upon what would become his passion. While playing baseball in a dirt yard, he saw the older kids, the different colors and the animated characters that they would depict on the neighborhood walls.

“I don’t remember what they were writing, but I remember how they were doing it, and that image just stuck with me,” said Bracamonte.

He imitated the colors and characters he would see on the walls. Like his peers, he would eventually fall deeper into the art of graffiti. And along with the graffiti came his love for hip-hop.

As he grew older, Bracamonte soon realized that art and music were the only escape from the world he was living in.

During his teens, Bracamonte found himself inevitably immersed in the gang lifestyle. Not so much of a gang per se, but a group of young men who went out of their way to cause mischief on the streets.

“First we started as graffiti writers, everybody having a good time, destroying property. Then from there it led to slashing, fights, then jumping people, jumping people with bats, and then guns,” said Bracamonte.

His salvation from the gang lifestyle came in form of a summer program sponsored by Cal Arts. For a whole month, Bracamonte, along with other students, devoted their time to their art.

Slowly, he was letting go of the lifestyle that brought him run-ins with the police and clashes with his family.

Some of his main sup-

Photo byJane Pojawa

Manuel Bracamonte takes a reflective time out from the clatter of the city.

porters were friends from the group he affiliated with. According to Bracamonte, they were always

on a positive trip, encouraging him to go on and make See Bracamonte, Page 10

Photo by Olga Ramaz

Local group performs at Tower Records to mark album release.

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CLUB GUIDE

Campus Clubs for Fall 2005 Pages 13-14

N E W S ...................2-7 FEATURE.......................1 SPORTS .........................12 ENTERTAINMENT............11 CALENDAR....................15

Justice Coalition Clashes With Military Recruiters

By VIOLETA ARRAZOLA EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

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embers from the Justice Coalition, the Association of Latin American Students (A.L.A.S.), as well as other students who are against the war in Iraq and the Bush administration, clashed with military recruiters when they held anti-war protests on campus Sept. 27.

The protesters in Plaza Vaquero held up signs with anti-

war sentiments and even set up a coffin draped with the American flag. Atop the coffin was a Bush mask.

The Justice Coalition, which raises awareness about U.S. foreign policy and other pressing social issues, and A.L.A.S., a cultural club that promotes friendship among students and help students get through the college experience, got things heated when they began to dispute

with military recruiters who were on campus trying to recruit students.

Jo Takarabe, a nursing major, who has been a member of the Justice Coalition since 2003, said the confrontation between the protestors and the military recruiters was non-violent and that the protestors were just trying to make a statement. “One reason why we confronted the recruiters was because they tar-

get minority and working class students,” said Takarabe. “We want to create a cultural resistance for the students and say it’s not okay for them (military recruiters) to target students that might be vulnerable.”

Staff Sgt. Alex Garcia, a U.S. Army Recruiter, who has served the military for 11 years, felt the protestors inappropriately targeted them.

See Justice, Page 7

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Friday, October 7, 2005

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LETTERS

Guild’s Perspective on Ballot Measures Dear Editors: I am writing to explain why the Glendale College Guild, California Federation of Teachers Local 2276, has joined a broad coalition of educators, public health workers, police, firefighters, religious leaders and community organizers to defeat a dangerous and mean-spirited agenda placed on the Nov. 8 ballot by the governor and the corporate interests that he is representing.

This coalition, known as the Alliance for a Better California, is battling a array of highly deceptive propositions bankrolled by powerful special interests and Governor Schwarzenegger’s wealthy political allies in an unusual and expensive special election, forced upon the state against the will of the majority of voters.

However, now that this special election is unavoidable, we wish to dispel the false premises underlying several dangerous propositions.

Proposition 74 Proposition 74 seeks to extend the probationary period for public school teachers from the current two years to five years and to make it easier to dismiss tenured teachers after two unsatisfactory evaluations without giving them the right to defend themselves.

It’s an unfair attempt to make teachers the scapegoats for the failures of an under-funded educational system and to make a group that has been a strong advocate for improving the educational system less secure in its ability to oppose bad administrative policies.

Proposition 75 Proposition 75 is equally misleading and dangerous. It purports to grant protections to the paychecks of the members of public employee unions, including the Glendale College Guild, so that their unions cannot spend their dues in political campaigns without their permission.

This proposal ignores the fact that many of these unions already have built-in protections against such practices. Our

union allows faculty who enjoy the benefits of the union contract, but who oppose some of the positions of the union, to pay an agency fee rather than union dues to protect them against being forced to pay for activities they do not support.

In addition, our union has created a separate organization, Professors for Quality Education, to which union members who chose to do so voluntarily contribute to engage in political action so that union dues can be reserved for less controversial activities.

Prop 75 is in reality nothing more than a cynical attempt by the governor and his corporate allies to take away the ability of teachers, police, firefighters and other public employees to have any effective voice in protecting their own interests.

Remember that only a few months ago the governor proposed taking away the retirement pensions for all these public employees, but had to retreat abruptly due to strongly opposed public opinion. He wants to come after us again next year after he silences our political voices.

Proposition 76 Proposition 76 represents the gravest threat to public education, including the community college system, as well as to the healthcare and public safety systems.

This so-called “living within our means” proposal will immediately cut kindergarten through community college funding by $4 billion – approximately $600 per student at a time when California already has fallen to 48th out of 50 states in educational spending per student.

Under the guise of returning control of government spending to the people, it overturns the very popular Proposition 98 funding protections for public education enacted by a large majority of voters not so long ago. It creates a very “hair trigger” arrangement under which minor shortfalls in state revenues would allow the governor to declare a “fiscal state of emergency” and take all power over the budget away from our elected representatives

in the legislature and suspend previously enacted laws, as well as union contracts for teachers, police, firefighters and other public employees. It grants virtual dictatorial control of public spending to the governor and destroys the checks and balances in state government.

Proposition 78 Prop 78 is a generally weaker reform proposal on the same subject, which was bankrolled by large pharmaceutical companies as a way of undermining support for Proposition 79.

Proposition 79 Prop 79 is a healthcare reform measure which improves the availability of low cost prescription drugs supported by the majority of the state legislature and by the Alliance for a Better California.

There are several other significant proposals on the ballot that should be examined carefully, but the space available does not allow such an in-depth analysis of these or even the above-mentioned propositions.

For more information, go to www.betterca.com and www.voterguide.ss.ca.gov (the official state sponsored voter guide information).

The College Guild urges all eligible members of the campus community to register to vote, to educate themselves further about all the issues, (especially Propositions 74, 75 and 76, which affect public education so critically and directly), and to encourage their friends and neighbors to do their same.

The Guild will be working with the Associated Students and the League of Women Voters to sponsor voter registration tables at the El Vaquero Plaza and registration efforts in classrooms during the weeks of Oct. 3 and 17. The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 24.

Educate yourselves and vote to protect quality education, healthcare and public safety in California.

– Greg Perkins Counselor EOPS

More information about the upcoming election is available online: For general information about the issues: California Secretary of State Bruce McPherson: http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections.htm League of Women Voters: http://www.smartvoter.org/ca/state/ For general information for student voters, try these sites: Punk Voter: http://www.punkvoter.com Rock the Vote: http://www.rockthevote.com/home.php MoveOn: http://www.moveon.org These are official sites for various political parties: http://www.greenparty.org http://www.democrats.org http://www.republicans.org These sites do not have information about the Nov. 8 election, but they contain political viewpoints for minority voters: Armenian Youth Federation http://www.ayf.org Latino: http://www.svrep.org/latino_vote.html Latino:http://www.nahfe.org/hispanic_heritage_month_2005.htm

EL VAQUERO Glendale College Newspaper

Editor in Chief JANE POJAWA Staff Members VIOLETA ARRAZOLA PAULINE GUIUAN ELIZABETH LINARES ALISON GELLER OLIVER TAN OLGA RAMAZ KASIA FAUGHN Online Editor MCHAEL J. ARVIZU Design Adviser CHARLES EASTMAN Photography Adviser LIANE ENKELIS Faculty Adviser

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N E W S / C O M M E N TA RY

Campus Has High Rate of Minor Crimes

By KASIA FAUGHN EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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hile thefts on campus are in the hundreds and the number of burglaries have doubled over the last six years, Glendale Community College students have only a limited knowledge of the various police and safety services available to them on campus.

The most common on-campus crimes identified by Police Specialist Nidal Kobaissi were theft of unattended items, which he called an “opportunity crime,” and burglary. According to Kobaissi, the number of thefts has doubled over the last six years and is “in the hundreds” today. Exact numbers were not available, since theft is not considered a reportable statistic under the Campus Safety Disclosure Act. The numbers of burglaries on campus were seven in 2002, nine in 2003, and eight in 2004, and were a result of a twofold increase in burglaries from 1999, 2000 and 2001.

So how safe should one feel on the GCC campus? When asked how safe they felt, students Cindy Merida, Amber Lewis, Noureh Ghazarian and Jilbert Makarade, said they felt rather safe on campus. None of them has ever witnessed an oncampus crime or been a victim of one. However, Ghazarian reported that she knew of somebody who was harassed on campus, while Makarade reported having heard of “racial fights.”

Only one of the four interviewed students was aware of the various services offered by the GCC Police Department in an attempt to make the students and the faculty members feel safe on campus.

These are the police and safety services available on the GCC campus: 4000 is a an emergency telephone extension if dialed from any campus telephone during school hours.

There are eight emergency call boxes (ECBs) whose locations are marked on the campus maps; ECBs are connected to the Police Department

Communications Center and allow students to speak with a Police Dispatcher who automatically sends an officer to the ECB which was activated.

An escort service is available to all students who would like to be walked to their cars by a police officer or a police cadet; this service is available both on main campus and on off-campus sites.

Safety workshops are offered by the Police Department.

Although Merida, Lewis, Ghazarian and Makarade have no worries regarding their safety on the GCC campus, the Police Department continues to devise new strategies intended to protect students, faculty members and campus staff.

“The Chief of Police has provided the Board of Trustees with a strategic plan to complete the police department by hiring sufficient staff that will offer coverage 24/7, 365 days a year, like most other colleges,” Kobaissi assured.

Kasia Faughn can be reached at Kasia_Faughn@elvaq.com

Emergency Call Box Locations

Violeta Arrazola can be reached at Violeta_Arrazola@elvaq.com

Eight emergency call boxes allow the user to speak to a police dispatcher.

Atheists Adopt Section of Freeway Near Campus

Photo by Jane Pojawa The Atheists United maintain the Glendale Freeway Freeway, near the Mountain Avenue exit.

By JANE POJAWA EL VAQUERO EDITOR IN CHIEF

Part I hree men are picking up trash at the side of the freeway on a drizzling Saturday morning. One of them picks up a strip of nails discarded from a nail gun. “Someone’s lucky they didn’t drive over this,” he says.

They continue to work quietly and efficiently, knowing that they have four miles of road to cover before they are done for the day. They are volunteers, unpaid and largely unappreciated, performing a service for the community.

These three men — Steve Gage, Mark Rockoff, and Jon Nelson — are members of an organization that is, among other things, committed to protecting the environment for future generations.

They believe that everyone is entitled to equal rights; they support education, and the complete separation of church and state.

They believe that virtue is its own reward, and that people must accept responsibility for their actions.

They are opposed to bigotry and discrimination in all forms and encourage people to think for themselves.

The official membership of their organization is in the

T

thousands, but millions of people worldwide also ascribe to these principles. They do not evangelize or attempt to convert people to their beliefs, but do try to make available information to any who is interested.

These guys differ from other belief-based organizations: they will never knock on your door on a Sunday morning, burn a cross in your front yard, beg for money wearing saffron robes, call you an infidel or even a sinner, prevent you from getting medical treatment, tell you that you must accept abuse from anybody, or wage a war against any group that doesn’t share their beliefs.

They might make converts cover their heads — with a hard hat — and wear a reflective orange vest, if they’re going to collect garbage on the highway. The name of their organization is Atheists United, and they maintain the Glendale Freeway (2) on either side of Mountain Avenue.

The California Adopt-AHighway program alleviates some of Caltrans’ workload (saving taxpayers an estimated $14.5 million per year) and makes the freeways cleaner and safer. Groups that volunteer for this service pay a fee and are allowed to post the name of their organization on provided road signs, enhancing See Atheists, Page 6

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Friday, October 7, 2005

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NEW BOOKS

Writer Sets Murder Mystery in Burbank

By ALISON GELLER EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

Photo by Alison Geller

Jane DiLucchio, who teaches at the Garfield campus, center, and another local author, Taffy Cannon, right, chat and sign copies of their new books at Mystery and Imagination Bookstore in Burbank.

Jane DiLucchio, Division Chair of Continuing Education Business and Life Skills at the Garfield campus, has recently had her first novel published, a lesbian murder mystery titled “Relationships Can Be Murder.” It was released earlier this year by New Victoria Publishers.

The inspiration for this novel came to DiLucchio five years ago, while she was doing jury duty for the third time. The two previous times she had served on a jury, she was assigned to murder trials.

Waiting in the jury room, which she called a generally a mindnumbing experience, she started thinking: “Now why would somebody kill somebody else? Not a random killing. And I came up with

the idea of secrets. That if you had a secret that was vital to you, you might kill somebody else to protect that secret.”

Thus the basis of “Relationships” was formed.

The novel focuses on the relationship of the main character, Dee DelValle, and her three friends, as they try to solve the murder of a famous TV newscaster, a crime for which Dee DalValle herself is implicated as the prime suspect.

In “Relationships” everybody keeps secrets, even from their friends and lovers, until someone decides that one particular secret is so important that someone is willing to kill for it.

This is not DiLucchio’s first writing attempt. She first wrote a See DiLucchio, Page 5

Bart Edelman Serves ‘The Last Mojito’ at Vroman’s

By ALISON GELLER EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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n the middle of Pasadena, on the second floor of a magnificent bookshop, a large crowd is waiting to hear the readings of a poet.

On Sept. 30 at Vroman’s Bookstore, Bart Edelman, a professor of English at GCC and also the editor of Eclipse, the college’s literary journal, read selected poems from his latest book of poetry, “The Last Mojito,” as well as some poems from his other works.

He began the readings with a poem titled “Girls Like Linka” and finished it with “The Last Mojito,” which is also the title of his latest book.

The crowd ate up his poetry.

His poem “Courtship” was received with laughter and loud applause as was “Excuses (for English 103).”

Several GCC students and teachers were in the audience.

“I think he’s a very good writer,” said Danielle Baker, a student of Edelman’s. “He uses simple words to convey deep meanings.”

“I really loved it. He was wonderful,” said Ted Levatter, a professor of speech.

Dale Fassoth and Todd going to be something I would “The Last Mojito” is Yetenekian, both students of sleep through, but it turned out to Edelman’s fifth book of poetry.

Harnett’s, brought their friend be interesting,” said Wahl.

His others are titled: “Crossing Merrick Wahl along with them to the Hackensack,” “Under Edelman has been writing the reading. They all agreed that since high school; it began with Damaris’ Dress,” “The it was better than they had writing song lyrics and then grew Alphabet of Love,” and “The Gentle Man.” into poetry.

Poems from each However, he did not of these books are also get serious about writin multiple antholoing until around 1990, gies and textbooks. when he gained a lot of Several poems confidence in his work from “The Last by going out and doing Mojito” have already readings. been chosen to go into Edelman started colother works. lege as a political sci“It’s very nice, ence major, but when because editors are pickhe thought about going ing out a poem and to graduate school he they don’t know you, found out it was a lot of and it ends up in an textbooks, lectures and anthology that you voting patterns. respect…even a textHe then asked the book that’s taught at adviser, “What would Photo by Oliver Tan GCC,” said Edelman. Professor Bart Edelman reads from his latest book, an M.A. in English litSeveral of the “The Last Mojito,” at Vroman’s in Pasadena.. erature entail? And he English classes on said, ‘well, you read expected and that they liked the novels, poetry and plays,’” said campus use his books or textlast poem he read, “The Last Edelman. books containing his poems.

Mojito,” the most.

Michael Harnett, a professor So Edelman ended up with a A mojito is an alcoholic bev- graduate degree in English and of English, is currently using erage. The chapters in “The an undergraduate degree in “The Last Mojito” for his Last Mojito” are named after all Political Science from Hofstra English 102 class (Critical the ingredients in the drink: University in New York.

Thinking and Literary Analysis) When asked what he liked and “The Alphabet of Love” for Mint, Sugar, Lime, Rum, Ice best about poetry, he said, “I like his English 124 class and Club Soda. the immediacy and the compres(Contemporary Literature).

“I thought it [the reading] was

sion of a poem.”

Edelman has traveled all over the world to do literary research.

He spent time in India, Nigeria, Poland and Egypt, funded by grants and fellowships that he received form the U.S. Department of Education and the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.

Eclipse is one of the few Community College literary journals that contains both student and professional work.

In fact, about 20 percent of the journal is work done by students and 80 percent is done by outside authors. Students can find their work next to an author whose poem they just read in their textbooks.

Edelman says that the Eclipse is looking for student admissions of either poetry or fiction. Typed work may be submitted to the Eclipse office at LB 216 or placed in Edelman’s mailbox in the Administration building.

Alison Geller can be reached at Alison_Geller@elvaq.com

Friday, October 7, 2005

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5

NEWS

Forum Opens Debate on Special Election

By PAULINE GUIUAN EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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eachers, students, nurses, cops, firefighters and people with illnesses. All of them stand to either lose or gain depending on which ballot propositions get are approved in the California special election on Nov. 8.

For this reason, the GCC Social Science Department decided to conduct a panel discussion on the California special election, the first in a three-part lecture series. The discussion was held in Kreider Hall on Sept.

22. The four members of the panel gave comprehensive information on six ballot propositions and touched briefly on two others.

Mike Eberts, a GCC professor of Mass Communication, acted as moderator. He started the discussion by giving a background of the special elections. He encouraged students and faculty who were present to vote, because a lower voter turnout “works for the benefit of the con-

servatives.”

GCC Political Science professor Kathleen Holland began the discussion by speaking on Proposition 75, which affects public employee dues and is also known by the proponents as the “Paycheck Protection Act.” This proposition targets public employee unions, requiring them to get written permission from members each year to use a portion of their dues for political purposes. According to Holland, Proposition 75 could diminish the political power of unions and “does not address how much money corporations raise” in comparison. Also, the proponents of this act are mostly proconservative, pro-business and Republican forces.

“This forces union leaders to get consent to use money for political purposes,” Holland said.

Political Science professor John Queen spoke about Propositions 74 and 76, explaining that Proposition 76 was

“designed to transform the budget process” and was “triggered by the budget crises, when taxes plummeted.” This proposition provides mechanisms for dealing with every increase or decrease in the budget.

In good times, Queen explained, the proposition “places a new limit on state spending,” which can then add to the state’s reserves. In bad times, however, this allows the state to dip into its reserves and allows the government to declare a fiscal emergency in certain cases, such as if “the revenue is lower or if reserves decline by more than 50 percent.”

“This is a major transfer of budgetary power to the government, something we’ve never seen before,” Queen said.

Proposition 74, on the other hand, is aimed at public school teachers. This is an initiative that would increase their probationary period from two to five years and changes the dismissal process for teachers who receive

two consecutive unsatisfactory evaluations. In simpler terms, this “shortens the process to fire a teacher,” Queen said.

Chris Carson from the League of Women Voters spoke on Proposition 77, which amends the process for redistricting California’s State Senate, Assembly, Congressional and Board of Equalization districts and puts the process in the hands of a three-member panel of retired judges selected by legislative leaders. “It would be chaotic,” Carson said.

Economics professor Mark Maier did a comparison of Propositions 78 and 79, which are both targeted at prescription drugs. Maier explained that Proposition 79 creates a drug prescription program that includes a state-initiated rebate and will help seniors and families save money each year.

Proposition 78, on the other hand, “enables drug companies to sell at a discount voluntarily.”

“All of us stand to gain if 79

passes,” Maier said. “There are huge numbers if uninsured people with serious chronic conditions that do not buy pharmaceutical drugs because they can’t afford it.”

The members on the panel also briefly spoke about Proposition 73, which requires a parental notification provision for minors seeking abortion within 48 hours, and Proposition 80, which “allows for a partial re-regulation of utility companies and more protections for their markets.”

A question and answer portion then followed, and students and faculty were encouraged to express their views on the discussed propositions.

Other lectures in the Social Science Department lecture series include “Multicultural Matters” on Oct. 27 and “The Big One and How to Survive It” on Nov. 17.

Pauline Guiuan can be reached at Pauline_Guiuan@elvaq.com

Jane DiLucchio: ‘Relationships Can Be Murder’ Continued from Page 4 romance novel about 10 years ago. She had a scene that kept playing in her head, so she finally wrote it down and it became the basis for that book; in fact, the scene ended up being a whole chapter in the romance novel.

DiLucchio did not even think of trying to get her first novel published. It was just for her and her friends to read. What she did find out though, was that she was capable of writing a book.

And even though it took her five years to write “Relationships Can Be Murder” (she was writing only part-time) it seems to have been worth it.

She says she is pleased with reviews she has received.

Readers who live in the Burbank-Glendale area may recognize some of the locations Dee DelValle visits in the book, because she lives in Burbank.

“Dee jogs around Lake Hollywood, and up and down

Clark Street…on the new Chandler bike way and she teaches in Glendale Unified [School District],” said DiLucchio.

DiLucchio herself has been a resident of Burbank for the past 19 years and lives with Sue, her partner of 18 years, and their two cats, Murphy and Shania.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts at Occidental College and did her graduate work in education with a specialty in math at Cal State L.A. She has been a professor at GCC for 18 years and, prior to that, taught at Bret Harte Elementary School in Burbank, where she began her teaching career.

DiLucchio now teaches general education preparatory courses, mainly math and science, at the developmental skills lab on the continuing education campus.

“I love teaching people,

adults, who have hated math all their lives and have not had success with math,” said DiLucchio. “It’s so much fun when they begin to see that math can make sense and it’s not this horrendous, difficult, overwhelming, negative experience.”

In fact, she says, a student recently came up to her and said that he had never understood a math problem until she explained it to him. “And that’s better than any award you can ever get — when a student that has not had success with math really has that break through.”

As division chair, she doesn’t get to teach as much as she used to, and while she does miss it, she hopes her position enables her to help “advocate for all of our students and make a bigger impact on a lot more students than just the students in my classroom.”

She is currently working on two more novels. One is a sequel to “Relationships” and

the other is another murder mystery set in Santa Barbara and has no connection to “Relationships.”

She will be doing several book signings in October for “Relationships Can Be Murder.”

The first one was on Saturday at Mystery and Imagination Bookstore.

DiLucchio was there with two other authors, Taffy Cannon, author of “Paradise Lost” and Steven Schindler, author of “From Here To Reality.” They each read from their books and answered questions.

There is another book signing on Saturday at A Different Light Bookstore at 8853 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood.

For more information and to find out where “Relationships Can Be Murder” is sold, readers can go to the Web site, www.janedilucchio.com.

Alison Geller can be reached at Alison_Geller@elvaq.com

Wanted Graphic Designer, Conceptual Designer, Illustrator, or Storyboard Artist Contact: John (818) 361-0903

Attention Super Models: Our El Vaquero Photographers are looking for fresh talent. If you’re up for a photo session in the second week of November for an upcoming alternative fashion issue, drop us an e-mail. Extreme looks a p p r e c i a t e d . m/f

Oliver_Tan@elvaq.com

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N E W S / C O M M E N TA RY

Library Tightens Security After Spring’s Rash of Thefts

By PAULINE GUIUAN EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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ost students think that GCC is an extremely safe environment. Although this is mostly true, security on campus was threatened by a rash of thefts that occurred last semester in one of the least expected places on campus: the library.

The majority of the thefts were reported by students in the library from June 2 through 8, the finals week of the spring semester. The thefts occurred in the main circulation area of the library, particularly among the study cubicles where students had left their books and personal belongings unattended.

Wallets, purses and electronic devices such as cellular phones were among the items stolen, and these were taken at various times during the day from different study cubicles; these were repeated through-

out the week.

“These crimes involved no witnesses and no evidence,” said Nidal Kobaissi, a Police Specialist from the Office of the Chief of the Police Department. The police have been unable to identify the culprit, and none of the stolen items have been recovered.

Librarian Lucille Whalen says that some students even reported entire bags missing, along with their textbooks.

She says that it was “easier to monitor the students” years ago, when the library had long study tables, compared to now, when the librarians’ view of the circulation area is obstructed by the tall partitions separating each computer carrel.

Since the incidents, campus police have provided safety bulletins warning library patrons about thefts. These bulletins have been posted by the library staff around the entire library building and instruct students not to leave

their books, bags and other belongings unattended.

Also, although the library offers extended hours during finals week, the staff still try to keep the hours limited to what is still safe for the students. The library usually closes at 10 p.m. during finals.

The library staff assures the students that campus police still patrol the grounds at this time and that the librarians themselves keep a closer watch on people who enter the library. To date, no thefts have occurred since the spring semester.

Kobaissi calls the spring thefts “opportunity crimes.”

“The best measure is to inform library patrons that they should never walk away from their belongings,” he said. “If the items had not been left unattended, the thefts would never have occurred.”

Pauline Guiuan can be reached at Pauline_Guiuan@elvaq.com

Atheists Clean Highway Continued from page 3 their public visibilty. The are also required to pick up trash at least twice a month.

Participants must wear protective garments (hard hats, vests and gloves) and are not allowed to work in the rain. It is still a dangerous undertaking. Certain death will greet any pedestrian hit by a car at freeway speeds.

So, what would motivate someone to make this sacrifice?

“It keeps the sign up,” said Mark.

This particular sign has been vandalized repeatedly. People have tried to knock it over and have splattered it with paint. No other highway sign in the vicinity has been the target of this much abuse. Residents of the area are concerned enough to ask them about it. Is it the sign that is under attack or the United Atheists themselves.

The rejection of religious intolerance and persecution was the primary motivational factor for the foundation of the United States, and yet 300 plus years since the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, religious bigotry is stronger than ever.

The vandals have well-placed allies. No less a personage than former President George H.W. Bush had this to say, “I don’t know that atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered patriots. This is one nation under God.” Filled with religious zeal, any crazy, violent, or hateful activity is immediately justified.

Attention MySpacers, Bloggers, Yahoo Groupsters and All! El Vaquero is looking for students and faculty members who have taken a click-and-build Website and made it uniquely their own. The El Vaquero staff will be evaluating applicants and profiling our hit picks.

E-mail your name, contact information, and web address to:

Jane_Pojawa@elvaq.com

What is the worst trash? All three agree that cigarette butts are the worst (almost impossible to pick up, do not biodegrade) followed closely by packing peanuts. Glass and nails pose the most danger to motorists. Fastfood trash is pervasive.

Unexpected amounts of porn and condoms litter the side of the road and occasional road-kill rabbits and religious pamphlets add to the variety. At least 80 percent of highway trash is deliberately jettisoned from the car by the driver or passenger.

On that spring day, the three atheists workday was cut short by the weather; it started to pour.

They finished cleaning the drains, so water would not collect on the onramp, and headed back for their cars.

Five large bags of trash had already been collected. When asked what they thought about the community they serve, they were thoughtful and circumspect – many atheists, after all, describe themselves “secular humanists.” Can people just take responsibility for their actions in terms of not polluting our community with their trash and not polluting our spirituality with their prejudice? It may be that the testing ground is right here in Glendale.

Part II Five men are picking up trash at the side on the freeway at the end of the summer. In Pennsylvania, evolution is again under attack; religious fundamentalists are hell-bent on removing science from the public school curriculum.

The United Atheists clean the highway, as they have since 2001.

Their stated goals are, as they have always been, to preserve the separation of church and state, and to promote atheism, primarily through education.

The freeway maintenance See ATHEISTS, Page 12

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7

NEWS

The Days of Awe Herald the Beginning of a New Year

By ALISON GELLER EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

t sundown on Monday, the Days of Awe commenced, and the year 5766 began. This is the holiest time of the year for practitioners of the Jewish faith.

The “Days of Awe” refer to the 10-day holiday period that begins with Rosh Hashanah and ends with Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah, which is considered to be the Jewish New Year, is literally the “head of the year” and Yom Kippur (Oct. 13) is translated as the “Day of Atonement.”

Rosh Hashanah is on the first and second days in Tishri, seventh month of the Jewish year.

Unlike the secular American New Year, the Jewish New Year is a holy day, meant for prayer and not for public celebration.

Many rituals are observed during the Days of Awe. One tradition is eating apple slices dipped in honey on Rosh Hashanah.

“The apples dipped in honey are symbols of the holiday, life,

the spirit, happiness and a new start,” said Lyndon Stambler, a journalism instructor at GCC who practices the Jewish faith.

“The honey is a symbol of wishing for a sweet year,” said Richard Seltzer, another Jewish professor on campus. On Rosh Hashanah you say to others “have a sweet new year.” He teaches English as a second language and is an adviser to the newly formed French Club.

Followers of the Jewish faith are not supposed to work on Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur, nor are they supposed to go to school.

Instead they spend most of their day in the temple and with family and friends.

Both Stambler and Seltzer planned to attend services in their synagogues on both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Yom Kippur, the somber Day of Atonement, is observed by fasting. Asking for forgiveness and confessing of sins precede Yom Kippur.

“As Yom Kippur approaches, you greet friends and loved ones

by asking them to forgive you for anything you may have done to hurt them in the previous year,” said Seltzer. “It is a holiday when you confess your sins, but it is a communal confession, not a solitary one.”

It is believed that God writes everyone’s name in books on Rosh Hashanah and decides what will happen for the following year; who will have good fortune or bad, who will live and who will not.

Tradition says that God writes down his judgment on this day, then individuals have 10 days before that judgment becomes permanent to try and “alter God’s decree, [with] repentance, prayer [and] good deeds (usually, charity),” according to jewfaq.org. On Yom Kippur the books are sealed on everyone’s fate for the new year.

“On Rosh Hashanah, you open the gates for a period of repentance and on Yom Kippur you close them,” said Seltzer.

Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Oct. 12 and ends at sun-

down Oct. 13, which is the 10th day of the Hebrew month of Tishri, and the end of the Days of Awe. It is common for those who observe this holiday to fast from sundown to sundown and go to their synagogue for prayer.

“You have dinner before the sun goes down to begin your fast and then you go the synagogue that night and you basically fast overnight,” said Stambler.

“Fasting is different for different people. I don’t eat anything or drink anything for 24 hours. But some people do drink water.

Exceptions are made for people with health issues. Also, pregnant women are supposed to eat during the holiday.”

According to Stambler, by not eating one can focus one’s energy not on when the next meal will be, but on the bigger picture, to reflect on one’s life, and the bigger questions in life.

Yom Kippur is the “Day of Atonement,” when one looks at one’s past transgressions and atones for any sins committed

against humanity — one’s community, family and friends — and against God. “These holidays, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, are very meaningful to me,” said Stambler. “They’re very important. I mark my year by them.

This is my time to reflect, this is my time to take stock, this is my time to forgive and move on. It’s my time to prepare.”

Students with no family in the area are welcome to attend services at Temple Sinai of Glendale, 1212 N. Pacific Ave. “Students must bring their IDs, and they will be admitted,” said the temple’s office manager, Azo Khachatourian. Services are at 8 p.m. on Wednesday and at 10 a.m. on Thursday. For more information, contact the temple at (818) 246-8101 or www.templesinai.net.

Background information for this article was found on http://www.jewfaq.org/toc.htm.

Alison Geller can be reached at Alison_Geller@elvaq.com

Justice Coalition Clashes With Millitary Recruiters Continued from Page 1

“I don’t represent Bush, I represent the Army,” said Garcia, who spent a year in Iraq during the beginning of the war in 2003.

Garcia, who sees himself as a positive role model for students, felt that quarreling with the protestors would have not solved anything. “I don’t have much reaction to them, I’m just proud to serve America,” Garcia said.

The protest on campus was just one of the many rallies that have been held nation and worldwide to protest the U.S.-led war in Iraq, in which over 1,900 U.S. troops have been killed and about $204 billion has been spent to finance the war since it started in March 2003.

Yesenia Sanchez, a member of A.L.A.S., called the war in Iraq a waste of time and money. “We are here to try to stop the war in Iraq,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez also believed that military recruiters only recruit students to go to war. Garcia disagrees: “We don’t just recruit

students and throw them on the front line. We have many educational programs and traiing to help students out, not

pus tends to be apolitical so we want to make people think about what’s going on locally and internationally especially since what happened in New Orleans,” said Takarabe, who is referring to hurricane Katrina, in which nearly 1,000 people died after the hurricane struck the gulf coast.

President Bush took full responsibility for failures in dealing with the hurricane, after questions were raised about the government’s ability to respond to natural disasters as well as terror attacks.

The Justice Coalition and A.L.A.S. will continue their protests and take a different “tactical charge” Takarabe said, from week to week, until they have their voices heard and get their message across.

“ I don’t represent Bush, I represent the Army.”

— Alex Garcia just forfighting.”

Protestors also hope to open up the eyes and minds of students who might not be too informed or involved in what is going on in the world. “The cam-

Contributing reporter: Elizabeth Linares Violeta Arrazola can be reached at Violeta_Arrazola@elvaq.com

Photo by Oliver Tan

During a war protest on campus, members of the Justice Coalition express their opposition to the Iraq war and to military recruiting on college campuses.

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9

NEWS

Photo by Oliver Tan

Photo by Elizabeth Linares

At left: Two protesters, dressed as Dick Cheney and President George W. Bush, walk through the streets of downtown Los Angeles during the nationwide march on Sept. 24.

Photo by Elizabeth Linares

Above: Crossing the street in downtown Los Angeles, a woman marches with the Veterans for Peace, who were carrying 60 caskets representing the fallen soldiers.

A coffin symbolizing the nearly 2000 soldiers who have died in Iraq,is displayed by the Justice Coalition, a GCC student club, and other student clubs in a protest against the war in Iraq Plaza Vaquero on Sept. 27 and 29.

Photo by Elizabeth Linares

Campus Protests Mirror National Sentiments

Photo by Oliver Tan

Left: “Money for education, not for war,” is the chant repeated by student protesters on campus Sept. 27 and 29.

Above: Army recruiter Akbar takes a stroll with the “commander in chief” of the United States, portrayed by a woman activist.

Right: Expressing her frustration with the war in Iraq, a woman at the protest march held in downtown Los Angeles, acts out her feelings by kicking “Bush” in the face.

Far Right: Army recruiters on campus look on as protestors sound off about the war and current American policies.

Photo by Roshan Perera

Photo by Elizabeth Linares

Photo by Oliver Tan

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Friday, October 7, 2005

F E AT U R E

Bracamonte: ‘I Got To Make Moves’ Continued from Page 1 something out of his life through his art and music.

One of his biggest motivations to strive for success is his family. When Bracamonte first started winning competitions with his free style lyrics, he would take his winnings and hand them to his mother. That is when his mother realized that her son had talent and that his interest in both music and graffiti was taking a serious turn. He hopes that success may someday take them out from the dangers of the barrio.

“My parents put food on the table, but they struggled,” said Bracamonte. “There’s been times when I had to do things to help them out, but it shouldn't be like that.”

Among some of the material that Bracamonte writes and paints about are politics. Being a Latino, he knows what it’s like to be the underdog in a society that benefits the wealthy.

“A lot of people out here, they have it made and they don’t even appreciate it,” the artist said. “Walk a day in my shoes, or walk around Skid Row for a night, then go back to your little life and see how you think after.

During the summer, Bracamonte recorded a demo consisting of 10 songs - a mix of Spanish and English lyrics, dealing with such topics as the war, love and life.

A worker at the GCC bookstore for approximately four years, Bracamonte chuckles at the thought of setting up a rack in the bookstore and displaying his demo. “I wouldn’t even charge for it, just take it and listen to it.”

His co-workers at the bookstore are all too familiar with Bracamonte’s work outside the store, and as the director of the bookstore Anjali Stanislaus would say, it is interesting.

“Manny is a terrific person

Photo by Elizabeth Linares

The city of Los Angeles is not only home to Bracamonte, it is a plethora of inspiration for his lyrics and artwork.

who has great work ethics,” said Stanislaus. “It’s been fun having him around and seeing his accomplishments in both art and in his music.”

Recently, Bracamonte has been making his rounds at local clubs and bookstores, showcasing his talents as a lyricist and graffiti artist. He makes his own silk screen shirts, illustrating the Mayans. He wears his creations and promotes himself all the time, according to him, that is the only way that one can make it.

Everyday is a struggle for the now 26 year old Bracamonte.

His plans are to move on to an art institution and excel in his craft. But, with these hopes, there always comes doubt.

“There is always a what if, but I can’t ponder on that my whole life. I got to make moves.”

As he walked passed the demonstration against the war on Plaza Vaquero, he regretted not being among his peers to show his frustrations and resentment toward the war. He frequently appears at various events hosted by the Justice Coalition and the Association of Latin American Students (A.L.A.S.).

Student activist Joey Melendez, a member of A.LA.S. and various other groups on campus, shares similar views with Bracamonte in regards to the war and politics. Melendez is familiar with Bracamonte’s lyrics and is appreciative of his

unique, non-conformist approach to music.

“I really like the way he expresses himself in his songs,” said Melendez. “He raps about what is really going on out there and not about being rich, bitches and hoes, owning bling bling and expensive cars.”

Bracamonte only hopes that this war would end and create a harmonious balance amongst the people.

“I think that it’s time to stop talking and make some moves,” said Bracamonte.

He takes the time to contemplate on how he would like to be remembered. He repeats lyric after lyric until he stumbles upon one particular song he wrote for his goddaughter, nephews and nieces, or as he likes to say, for the kids.

“I was in it to make it better/love letters to distant lover are weaved and threaded into the beats and lyrics to keep the image of my face vivid.”

As he reflects on the world he lives in, his accomplishments, and what he has yet to accomplish, he goes into detail about the significance behind his artist name, Vdah.

“Vdah” means life, and the way I would want to be remembered, I guess just as someone who wanted to live and make a difference,” said Bracamonte.

Olga Ramaz can be reached at Olga_Ramaz@elvaq.com

Friday, October 7, 2005

www.elvaq.com

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E N T E RTA I N M E N T

Music

p r o f i l e

Local Band Goes Beyond L.A.

By Olga Ramaz EL VAQUERO ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

T

ypically, lunch time at Glendale High School consisted of bad cafeteria food, cramming for an exam, which followed lunch, an occasional cat fight, and what seemed like impromptu entertainment courtesy of the Associated Student Body.

But on one particular instance, a screeching guitar, booming drums, a thudding bass, and a voice reminiscent of a young Belinda Carlisle and a riotous Kathleen Hanna, broke through the monotony of the Friday afternoon with a bang.

A crowd of students flocked before the outdoor rally platform and watched enthusiastically as Go Betty Go ripped through their set. A blended sound suggestive of The Ramones, The Go Go’s and added to that, sassy Spanish lyrics that can burn just about any ex-boyfriend, was enough to steal some attention not only from the student body, but from the world.

GBG is composed of four girls, all brought together by chance encounters and their mutual love for music. But just don’t call them “a girl band.”

Their beginnings date back to the spring of 2000 when the band had its first rehearsal at the garage of guitarist Betty Cisneros, the same Betty from which the band got its name.

With Cisneros on guitar, Michelle Rangel on bass, and sisters Aixa and Nicolette Vilar on drums and vocals, respectively, the group ventured from gig to gig looking to make a name for themselves.

The continuous rehearsals, bar and club gigs here and there, appearances at the local television station KJLA, and the occasional lunch performance at Glendale High eventually snowballed into something bigger.

The years of perseverance and self-promotion paid off, but at the cost of some sacrifices.

Then students at GCC, the Vilar sisters were forced to dropout of school in order to pursue their budding musical career.

“We just got too busy with the

Photo by Olga Ramaz

Betty Cisneros shows off her guitar playing skills during a special in-store performance at Tower Records, Glendale, on Sept. 13.

Photo by Olga Ramaz

Members of the Glendale-based band, Go Betty Go, from left, Nicolette Vilar, Aixa Vilar, Michelle Rangel and Betty Cisneros, celebrate the release of their new album, “Nothing Is More,” with an in-store signing and performance at Tower Records, Glendale. Fans filled the store to capacity to support this hometown group.

band,” said Vilar. “There was no way that both of them [school and the band] could be done at the same time.”

As the drummer, not only did Vilar take charge as the backbone of the group, she took her duties as the band’s spokesperson very seriously, especially when it came down to booking gigs.

These gigs managed to snag the attention of some record label personnel, eventually leading to a deal in 2003 with Side One Dummy Records, a key factor that Vilar credits for the success of the band.

In 2004, the girls were invited to play a couple of Southern California dates on one of the most successful events of the summer, The Vans Warped Tour. This year, they were welcomed once again to play on the East Coast tour dates, sharing the stage with such established acts as The Offspring, Tsunami Bomb and Dropkick Murphy’s. But, living on the road for months at a time can have its share of troubles

and incommodities.

“There are times on tour when you don’t shower for days. We live like gypsies constantly moving from town to town and eating really bad food,” said Vilar. “It’s hectic. You miss your life at home and you wonder if you’re doing the right thing.”

With a record label backing them up, it was time for them to put out a full-length album. Thus far, the group had its music featured in a Vans Warped Tour compilation CD, “L.A. County Line,” a compilation CD showcasing the best local bands in L.A., a three- track demo, a song especially written for Activision’s Fantastic Four video game, and their “Worst Enemy” EP, which the girls did an instore for at the Tower Records in Glendale.

In January, the band finally confined itself in a studio and started writing new material for the album. The end result was “Nothing is More,” a record that combines new material as well as some gems the group limited to its shows and to a

three-track demo.

Sitting in the producer’s chair for this album was Ted Hutt, a member of Flogging Molly, a seven-piece outfit known for its unique hybrid of punk rock and Irish folk music.

Like with the EP, the group re-visited Tower and treated the fans with a live performance and signing. Some of the lucky attendees also received tickets to the group’s record release show at the Troubadour, in Hollywood.

Kids of all ages, some of them students at Glendale High who remembered vividly the special lunch time performances, and the others, family, friends, media, and music aficionados alike, showed up in support of the band.

Ripping through their set, the band took some time to thank everyone for coming to the signing. As they stepped off from the stage, the crowd began to ask for the infamous encore. They regrouped, giving the crowd what they wanted, “otra,” one more.

See GBG , Page 12

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S P O RT S

Vaqueros Sports Summaries WOMEN’S SOCCER The Vaqueros record is now to 7-3-1 and 1-0 in the Western State Conference with a loss to Canyons 4-0 on Oct. 4. The Vaqueros got a pair of wins last week, 5-1 over Mission Sept. 27 and 2-1 over Santa Monica Sept.

30 in their WSC opener. In the win over Mission , Janet De Lao had three goals and Jennifer Barrientos and Melody Mawhinney had one goal each.

The Vaqueros host Pierce Oct. 7 at Sartoris Field at 7p.m.

CROSS COUNTRY The Glendale men took first and the women finished third in the Bakersfield Invitational Friday. The men’s team scored 58 points to head the field behind a fourth place finish by Luis Castenada over the fourmile course in 20:51. Preston Richardson was eighth in 21:07, Ivan Perez was 10th in 21:23, Joseph Lopez was 16th in 21:45 and Alberto Ramos was 20th in 22:07.

Liliana Hernandez was the top finisher in the women’s three-mile race with a time of

19:37. Maribel Cespedes was next in 11th place, Ana Rodriguez finished 15th, Maria Castaneda was 18th and Leticia Camacho was 22nd.

The Vaqueros compete in WSC meet #1 Oct. 7 at Canyons.

FOOTBALL The Vaqueros won their second straight game Saturday 3321 over Harbor College at Sartoris Field. Now 3-2 overall and 2-1 in the WSC South, Glendale turned a 14-7 deficit into 33-14 lead before Harbor scored again in the fourth quarter.

The Vaqs gained 401 of their 443 yards on the ground and were led by running backs Jamal Rashad, who rushed for 195 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries and Brandon McCullough, who gained 171 yards and scored once on 25 carries.

Quarterback Steve Martinez connected with Darion Donnelly for a 34-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter.

Defensively, the charge was led by Jason Bonwell who led the team with 13 tackles, five

sacks for a loss and three hurries.

Matt Patterson had 11 tackles and intercepted a pass.

Glendale is off this week with a bye and returns to the field on Oct. 15 with a road game at Pierce College at 1 p.m.

MEN’S SOCCER The Vaqueros tied both their games last week and are now 16-3 overall and 0-0-2 in WSC play. They tied Santa Barbara 00 Sept.27 in their WSC opener and tied Oxnard 2-2 Friday.

Glendale plays at Mission Friday at 2 p.m.

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL The Vaqueros record dropped to 0-7, a three-game loss to Santa Ana College last Wednesday.

The scores were 30-19, 30-28 and 30-14.

Glendale plays at Oxnard Oct. 7 and hosts Hancock on Oct. 11.

Both games start at 7 p.m.

Photo by Oliver Tan

Outside hitter Christine Hyman, no. 11, goes for a kill. The volleyball team is short on wins, but plays with spirit. The young and hard working team is coached by Yvette Ybarra-Cephus. Go Vaqueros!

Atheists United: Philosophy and Freeway Maintainence Continued from Page 6 program is not their only form of civic outreach, but it is the most visible to the community. “We would like the public to acknowledge atheism as a viewpoint with integrity that has merit and should be given a place at the table in the marketplace of ideas for solving the world’s problems,” says Steve Gage, the

project’s spokesman.

The highway program is meant to attract like-minded people to the organization, to foster a sense of community among atheists, while at the same time demonstrating to the general public that atheists are a positive force in the community who care about the same things that most

others do.

When asked what advice he would have for college students who identify themselves as atheists, agnostic, or just uncertain of their religious beliefs, Gage had this to say: “I would first congratulate them for going to college. College campuses not only provide textbook learning, but

are also one of the few places where young people can be exposed to minority viewpoints, and ideas can be discussed without significant negative repercussions Atheists United has resources and incentives for students to start clubs or host freethought events at their campus. Contact them at (323) 666-

4258 or go to the website at www.atheistsunited.org For more information about adopting a stretch of California’s highways, check out http://adopt-a-highway.dot.ca.gov Jane Pojawa can be reached at Jane_Pojawa@elvaq.com

GBG: From Local Buzz to World Wide Blitz Continued from Page 11 they wanted, “otra,” one more.

The look of satisfaction on the girls’ faces did not seem to dissipate. One after another, the fans showed their love and support for their local band.

The show at the Troubadour proved to be a success. And as Vilar recalls, it was definitely an experience worth remembering.

“It was a sold out show and

the energy was incredible,” said Vilar. “Our record was only two days old and everyone at the venue was singing all of the new songs.”

Now that their album is out, the band is ready to head out in support of their latest material. A North American tour is at hand which includes a couple of shows in Calif. and Nevada, playing

alongside Flogging Molly.

Following these tour dates, they will go on tour sharing the stage with Relient K, Mxpx and Rufio.

They have gone beyond just being a local band. Fans in Mexico, Spain and other European countries all wait eagerly for a world tour, and so does the group.

“People in Europe just want us

to go already, and we honestly can’t wait. People are just excited and waiting for us to enter new continents,” said Vilar.

There is no doubt that GBG has come a long way from those days in a garage in Glendale.

From playing gigs here and there all throughout L.A. to playing at little kids’ parties for pizza and punch, this band is living proof

that perseverance and self-promotion definitely pay off.

“Just do what you love, and don’t let anyone stop you,” said Vilar. “Be true to yourself, [and to] the ones who love you, and be sure to pick up our new record.”

Olga Ramaz can be reached at Olga_Ramaz@elvaq.com

Friday, October 7, 2005

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CLUB GUIDE ASGCC SPONSORED ORGANIZATIONS FOR FALL ACADEMIC CLUBS Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS) Honor Society Every other Thursday, 12-1 p.m.

LB 222 Hoover Zariani 5789 To foster, promote, maintain, and recognize academic excellence and give service to the community AMP Math Club Fridays, 12-1:30 p.m.

CR 266 Sid Kolpas 5378 To create an environment where students learn and practice their math skills and discuss math problems English Club 1st/3rd Thursdays, 12-1 p.m.

LB 200 2nd/4th Saturdays, 12-1 p.m.

LB 210 Rosemary Kwa 3206 To promote literature and English as a major ESL Student Association (ESA) Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m.

SG 205A Paul Vera 5502 To help ESL students get through college while they study at GCC Honors Biology Club Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m.

CS 177 Ron Harlon 5367 To help introduce students to the different professional fields related to Biology Organization of Latinos for Higher Education (OLHE) Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m.

AD 217 Kevin Meza 5820 To promote higher edu-

cation throughout GCC

entertainment

Scholars Program

Nursing Society

Thursdays, 12-1 p.m.

SM 256 Gary Massion 5146 To strengthen the character of each student by encouraging high standards of scholarship and citizenship Philosophy Club Thursdays, 12-1 p.m.

CR234 Steve Bie 3028 To discuss and debate philosophical ideas and to learn and enjoy philosophy

1st Monday/mth, 2-3 p.m.

SF 106 Cynthia Dorroh 5270 To organize, represent & support the GCC nursing students in their pursuit for academic excellence Photography Club Tuesdays, 12:30-1 p.m.

SG 345 Melanie Willhide 5382 To share, discuss and critique photographs of the photographer or other photographers

Psychology Club Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m.

CR 226 Troy Davis 5425 To bring awareness of cognitive development, and social behavior

VOCATIONAL CLUBS Culinary Arts Club 1st Fridays/mth, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Los Robles Nancy Jordan 5818 To provide a place for Culinary Arts students to enrich the educational process related to the food and hospitality industry Future Educators Club Every other Friday, 12-1 p.m.

CR 137 Kim Bryant 5457 To provide a space for students interested in education, to learn about the alternatives in the field and the available resources Game Developers’ Club 1st Wednesday/mth, 12-1 p.m.

TBA Sandra Lakin 5478 To promote the technology, art, and business of interactive

POLITICAL CLUBS

‘05

Women’s International Liberation League (WILL)

and learn about Christianity

Tuesdays, 12:30-1 p.m.

LB220 Lisa Lubow 3257 To inform students on issues affecting women on political and cultural levels

Dance Club

RELIGIOUS CLUBS Campus Crusade for Christ Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m.

SR 116 Kristine Hannah 5773 To help students grow in their faith in Jesus and share God’s love

ACTIVITIES CLUBS Fridays 2-4 p.m.

SN 104 Phyllis Eckler 5646 To perform, to improve dance techniques, to be fabulous, and to serve the community Fitness Club Mondays, 12-1 p.m.

VG 108 Jon Gold 5845 To provide students with techniques in reducing stress throughout a variety of physical activities

Grace on Campus Justice Coalition Tuesdays , 12-1 p.m.

LB 205 Gordon Alexander 5469 To raise awareness about U.S. foreign policy and other pressing social issues Model United Nations

Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

SF 113 Glady Kabateck 5446 To expose genuine Biblical Christianity to those students who are interested through different community activities Korean Campus Crusade for Christ (KCCC)

Thursdays, 12-1 p.m.

AD 217 Cameron Hastings 3226 To provide students with the opportunity to learn about Model UN and participate in conferences

Tuesdays, 4-6 p.m.

CS 177 John Song 5767 To bring together GCC students who desire to know and learn about Jesus Christ with other fellow students

Political Awareness Club

SGI Club

3rd Tuesday/mth, 12-1 p.m.

AD 223 Richard Kamei 3029 To promote political awareness among GCC students

TBA TBA Caroline DePiro SF 118 To inform and educate our fellow students about Buddhism

Student Association for Global Awareness (SAGA)

Unshakable

Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m.

LB 222 Darren Leaver 5718 To encourge students to be more aware of their surroundings

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12-1 p.m.

AA 114 Joe Puglia 5918 To create an environment where students can seek

Music Club TBA TBA Peter Green 5622 To make music a part of campus life Pep Squads of GCC (team tryout required) Mondays & Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m.

SN Gym Melanie Brown 5592 To promote school athletics and activities Theatre Guild Wednesdays, 4:47 p.m.

AU 102 Ken Gray 5618 To promote the theatre arts

CULTURAL CLUBS Armenian Student Association (ASA) Thursdays, 12-1 p.m.

LB 210 Levon Marashlian 5463

See CLUBS, Page 14

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CLUB GUIDE ASGCC SPONSORED ORGANIZATIONS FOR FALL Continued from Page 13 To cultivate and promote an appreciation of Armenian history, heritage, culture and contemporary issues Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) Thursdays, 12-1 p.m.

LB 225 Fabiola Torres 3940 To promote friendship among students and to help each student with the college experience Club Anthro 1st/3rd Tuesday, 3-4 p.m.

Café Vaquero Wendy Fonarow 3949

‘05

To create a social environment where students and faculty can discuss culture and evolution through the study of anthropology

To promote international/inter-cultural interaction

the GCC Mediterranean communities

Mariah Ribeiro 5434

Persian Students Association (PSA)

French Club

Italian Culture Club

Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

TBA Richard Seltzer 5526 To promote diversity and cross-cultural understanding by exposing students to the French culture and language

Tuesdays & Thursdays 3-4 p.m.

LB 225 Flavio Frontini 5767 To explore Italian culture through art, language, and film

Mondays, 12-1 p.m.

SR 221 Paris Noori 5422 To promote Persian culture and create a friendly support system for newcomers

Mediterranean Social Club International Student Association (ISA) Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12-1 p.m.

SR 115 Kamara-Kay 5441

TBA TBA Javier Gago 5369 To promote fellowship, cultural, social, and educational activities among members of

OTHER CLUBS Delta Sigma Omicron (DSO) 2nd & 4th Tuesday/mth, 12-1 p.m.

SF 119 K.C. Camp 5402 To present the opportunities of life available to people with disabilities within the campus community

Philippines Cultural Organization (PCC)

Lambda League

Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m.

SF 104 Jonn Aque 5426 To promote Filipino cultural awareness in GCC and fundraise scholarship money

2nd/4th Thursday, 12-1 p.m.

CR 234 Hoover Zariani 5789 To offer students who identify as GLBTQ a place to discuss their feelings & issues, and socially interact with others of a similar affiliation

United Cultural Council TBA TBA Tom Hogue 5472 To bring awareness of cultural diversity Vietnamese Students Club of GCC 1st & 3rd Thursday, 12-1 p.m.

SF 104 Dinh T. Luu 5569 To help students develop friendships and support for one another, and to share the Vietnamese heritage with GCC

Robotics Club Thursdays, 1-2 p.m.

AT 211 Jennifer Hughes 5560 To study and discuss electronics and robotics technology Voces Del Mañana Tuesdays, 12-1:30 p.m.

CR 225 Greg Perkins 5571 To encourage and support equal and higher education for all AB-540 students

Hey, Ho, Lets Go! Are you in a band?

If so, El Vaquero wants you!

Get out of you garage and into the pages of our newspaper.

Got a demo? Got a gig? Got a record deal?

We got you covered.

Become the star of our next music profile.

Send your information or inquiries to: Olga_Ramaz@elvaq.com

Friday, October 7, 2005

www.elvaq.com

15

CALENDAR O N C AMPUS EXHIBITIONS Shakey Peanuts — The GCC art gallery presents sculptures

by Donald Morgan and Mason Cooley in an exhibition titled “Shakey Peanuts,” Oct. 15 through Nov. 12. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturdays are by appointment only. For more information, call Roger Dickes at (818) 2401000, ext. 5663 or visit www.glendale.edu/artgallery.

PERFORMANCES “Phanatics” — The Glendale College Dance Department presents “Phanatics” on Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. in the Sierra Nevada Dance Room. Admission is free. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5556.

Faculty/Alumni Dance Production — The Glendale College Dance Department presents its faculty/alumni dance production Dec. 9 to 11 in the Auditorium Mainstage Theater. Showtimes are 8 p.m.

Dec. 9 and 10, and 2 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11. Admission is free.

Call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5556.

GCC Jazz Band — The Glendale College Jazz Band will be in concert Nov. 20 at 4 p.m. in the Auditorium Mainstage Theater. Instumental arrangements of jazz and popular tunes will be performed.

Raymond Burkhart directs.

Admission is $7, and $5 for students and seniors. For more information, call (818) 2401000, ext. 5621, or visit www.glendale.edu/music.

SPORTS Applied Music Recital — The Glendale College Music Department presents an applied music recital on Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium Mainstage Theater.

Instrumentalists and vocalists from the applied music program will perform. Beth Pflueger directs. Admission is free. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5621, or visit www.glendale.edu/music.

Holiday Choral Concert — The Glendale College Music Department presents its annual holiday choral concert on Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium Mainstage Theater. Peter Green directs. Admission is $7, and $5 for students and seniors. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5621.

GCC Orchestra — The Glendale College Orchestra will be in concert on Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. in the Auditorium Mainstage Theater. Admission is $7, and $5 for students and seniors. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5621, or visit www.glendale.edu/music.

Chamber Music Recital — The Glendale College Music Department presents a chamber music recital on Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. in Auditorium Room 211.

Students from the chamber

Glendale Artists’ Market — The Artists’ Market is from noon to dusk on the third Friday of very month, 101 N. Brand Blvd. Local artists display their photography, jewelry, paintings and more. The market is an event sponsored by Glendale’s Arts and Culture Commission, the Parks, Recreation and Community

GCC Men’s Soccer — The men’s soccer team plays L.A. Mission at L.A. Mission on Oct. 7 at 2 p.m.

GCC Men’s and Women’s Cross Country — The GCC teams compete at College of the Canyons, a WSC meet, on Oct. 7 at 3 p.m.

GCC Women’s Soccer — The GCC team plays L.A. Pierce at GCC on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.

GCC Women’s Volleyball — The GCC team plays Oxnard at Oxnard on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.

GCC Women’s Soccer — The GCC team meets Bakersfield at Bakersfield on Oct. 11 at 4 p.m. and meets Citrus at Citrus on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.

GCC Women’s Volleyball — The GCC women play Hancock at GCC on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.

GCC Men’s Soccer — The team faces Hancock at GCC on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. and Moorpark at GCC on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.

GCC Women’s Volleyball — The women play Santa Barbara there on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.

LECTURE / FILMS Science Lecture Series — Glendale College’s Science

Lecture series are presented on Tuesdays. The series features: • Kaiser Permanente Director Dr. James Lau presents “The Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer” on Oct. 27.

• JPL senior systems engineer Trina L. Ray presents “The Cassini Mission” on Nov. 22.

The lectures will be held in Santa Barbara Room 243 from noon to 1 p.m. Admission is free. For more informaion, call coordinator Sid Kolpas at (818) 2401000, ext. 5378.

Cultural Diversity Film Series • Glendale College’s Cultural Diversity Program presents “Tug of War: The Story of Taiwan.”

The film is a historical look at democracy in Taiwan and the island’s relationship with China.

The screening is Oct. 13 in Student Center Room 212 at 1 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, e-mail Tom Hogue at thogue@glendale.edu.

Cultural Diversity Program Speaker — Joe Wang, a career diplomat and press attaché, will talk about the relationship between Taiwan and China. The lecture will be presented on Oct. 20 from noon to 1 p.m. in Kreider Hall.

Humanities / Social Science Lecture Series — Glendale Community College’s Humanities / Social Science Lecture Series are presented on Thursdays. The series features: • Norine Dresser, author and former GCC professor, will present “Multicultural Manners" on

Oct. 27 from noon to 1 p.m. in Kreider Hall. Dresser will give advise on how to avoid cultural paux pas in today’s multicultural society. Admission is free.

•A panel of experts will talk about what to expect if a high magnitude earthquake hits Southern California. “The Big One and How To Survive It” will cover the question of what we can do to survive The Big One and its aftermath. The discussion will take place on Nov. 17 from noon to 1 p.m. in Kreider Hall.

For more information, call coordinator Mike Eberts at (818) 240-1000, ext. 5352.

OTHER ACTIVITES Swap Meet/Flea Market — Glendale Community College’s monthly Swap Meet/Flea Market is held the third Sunday of every month on the college’s upper parking lot, on the corner of Mountain Street and the Glendale (2) Freeway.

Admission is free. Dealer spaces are available for $35. For more information, call (818) 2401000, ext. 5805 or visit www.glendale.edu.

Board of Trustees — The Glendale Community College Board of Trustees meets on the third Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in Kreider Hall. The board’s next meeting is on Oct. 17.

To submit a listing e-mail calendar@elvaq.com.

A ROUND T OWN

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EXHIBITIONS

music class will perform their final recital. Admission is free.

For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5829.

Service Division, and Tishman Speyer Properties. For more information, call (818)548-2780.

A

PERFORMANCES La Crescenta Verdugo Hills Women’s Chorus — The Verdugo Hills Women’s Chorus welcomes new members who share a love for singing. The women meet for rehearsals at 9:30 a.m. Mondays

at the La Crescenta Presbyterian Church, 2902 Montrose Ave. The chorus has been active for more than 50 years and performs at service clubs, retirement homes, churches and other venues. For more information, call (626) 403-5622.

VOLUNTEER Glendale Crime Stoppers — Glendale Crime Stoppers, a

community organization helping the city's police department solve crime, needs volunteers. For more information, call Glendale Crime Stoppers at (818) 2445656 or visit Crime Stoppers at http://police.ci.glendale.ca.us/cr ime_stoppers.asp Glendale Memorial Hospital — Volunteers are needed at Glendale Memorial Hospital. For more information, call the volunteer office at (818) 502-2373.

Glendale Public Library — Friends of the Glendale Public Library is seeking volunteers for the new book store at 222 E. Harvard St. Training is provided.

Call (818) 546-2538.

Glen-Park Retirement Communities — Four of the Glen-Park retirement communities are looking for volunteers to work in an atmosphere of love and understanding. For more information, call (818) 246-9000.

Friday, October 7, 2005

www.elvaq.com

16

E L VA Q U E R O P H O TO G A L L E RY Once a month the upper parking lot becomes a treasure hunter’s paradise when people open their garages, attics or basements and offer up a vast array of items to fit every taste and budget.

“Chico” takes a break from watching priceless arts.

M o n t h l y Tr e a s u r e Tr o v e T

Photos by Oliver Tan EL VAQUERO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Oliver Tan can be reached at Oliver_Tan@elvaq.com

he GCC Swap meet is the scene of numerous treasure hunts the third Sunday of every month. Eager buyers and those just looking for a stroll down memory lane, peruse the upper GCC parking lot while vendors patiently hope for sales. The event, which will celebrate its 11th year on Oct. 16, is held from from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There is no charge for browsing.

For those interested in selling some of their treasures, space is available for $35; contact Jon Harris at (818) 240-1000 ext. 5805. These fees go into the school’s general fund.

Above: Bron Greenfeather, sells homemade hand puppets.

Below center: Grant Chavez plays his guitar to attract customers.