El Va uero l e n d a l eCC o m m u n i t yCC ollege GG lendale ommunity ollege
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Volume 97, Number 7
faculty, staff retirement list.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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police officers receive promotions . . . . . . . . . . .
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list of
2011 graduates.. . . . . . . . . . . . 16 sako chapjian concludes baseball season.. . . . . . . . . . . . .
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June 8, 2011
Contract Battle Ends With Classes Set for Summer By Lillian Wu
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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he Board of Trustees faced disagreement from members of the faculty over the side-letter of agreement between the college district and the Faculty Guild during the regular board meeting on May 16, but in a special meeting on May 20, the board ratified a renegotiated agreement which allowed for 200 summer classes and reduced the faculty pay to 60 percent of their regular short session pay. The agreement allowed for summer school to go ahead, with 70 fewer classes that last summer. Without the agreement, there was the danger that there would be no summer school at all, guild representatives said. In a tentative agreement reached just Tuesday, the Guild Executive Board agreed to a reduced workload and pay for college counselors, who are also represented by the Guild. The side letter of agreement reduced the workload and pay of counselors this summer by about 20 percent. The board had disagreed with original language in the agreement that stated that the “Guild shall receive ‘credit’ for the savings from the 60 percent pro-rata rate reduction and the reduction in class offerings in the summer 2011 session and winter 2012 as their proportionate share of the College’s budget deficit. This was removed from the agreement, [See BOT, page 2]
IN THIS ISSUE Letters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 News.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Center Spread.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Entertainment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-14 Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Photo by Shaun Kelly
DANCE FEVER: Daniel Kim and Zhanna Petrosyan perform in the end-of-semester dance showcases. Read about it online at www.elvaq. com or fol-
low this shortened link: http://tinyurl.com/dance052511.
Coach John Cicuto Retires After 36 Years By Lillian Wu
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
J
ohn Cicuto believes in the balance of academics and athletics, but with more emphasis on academics. As the men’s athletic director at Glendale Community College since 2007, he has encouraged student athletes to succeed both on and off the field. “I love all sports. I see what sports can do to make them successful in life. Other
people just see the end results of the contest,” he said. This year Cicuto is retiring from teaching with 36 years of service. Cicuto became a full-time instructor at GCC in 1975. He was the instructor for health and physical education courses. At the same time, he became the assistant football coach for the Vaqueros. In 1989 Cicuto became the head football coach. His last year of coaching was in 2008. [See Cicuto, page 8]
Photo by Emmanuel Belviz
GIVE UP, YOU’RE SURROUNDED: Coach John Cicuto has been the center of the football team for most of the last 36 years.
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Wednesday, June 8, 2011
www.elvaq.com
NEWS / LETTER
El Vaquero editor in chief Jane Pojawa COPY EDITOR Agnes Constante STAFF WRITERS Michelle Bowles Nik Brkic Alex Campos Ashley Carey Toni Davis Vanessa Duffy Christine Gillette Kate Krantz Vaughn Lawrence Marlon Miranda Adriana Orellana Luis Rodriguez Derek Stowe Shearson Unda Erica White Lillian Wu
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Mario Camino Tex Wells
Shaun Kelly Kenta Yamashita
Production Manager
Jane Pojawa
design adviser Charles Eastman
Board of Trustees, Faculty Reach Agreement For Summer School [BOT, from page 1] but language was added to protect adjunct faculty against pay cuts. The savings from the 60 percent rate reduction will be applied to reduce any pay cuts for adjunct faculty in the fall 2011 and spring 2012 semesters. Ramona Barrio-Sotillo, outgoing president of the Guild, attended her last board meeting May 16. She reminded everyone that the adjunct faculty is the majority of the Guild and they have taken a pay cut in the recent past. “We are interested in protecting the adjunct faculty from any further cuts that
faculty adviser
Michael Moreau
mmoreau@glendale.edu (818) 551-5214 advertising Jeff Smith jsmith@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000, ext. 1427
they have already experienced, because they are the most vulnerable of our faculty on campus,” Barrio-Sotillo said. The decision about summer school was made on May 20 before a scheduled board retreat at 9 a.m. The board of trustees ratified the revised side letter agreement between the district and the guild. In the new agreement, besides scheduling 200 classes for the summer 2011 intersession, the pay rates for full-time libarians was reduced to 60 percent for the summer. Nursing instructors’ daily pay will also be reduced to 60 percent. The agreement specified, as well, that nothing in the agreement will be “construed
El Vaquero accepts story ideas in news, features, profiles, sports and entertainment from the public. To submit an idea or an article, e-mail the editor at editor@elvaq.com or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349.
Member of the Journalism Asssociation of Community Colleges
Letters may be reproduced in full or in part and represent only the point of view of the writer, not the opinion of El Vaquero or Glendale Community College and its district. Letters must be signed and typed and include the full name and address of the writer. El Vaquero is a First Amendment publication.
EL VAQUERO 1500 N. Verdugo Road Glendale, CA 91208 (818) 240-1000 ext. 5349
Send E-mail to: editor@elvaq.com First copy free Additional copies $.25
Photo by Tex Wells Lillian Wu can be reached at Lillian_Wu@elvaq.com
Sports Teams Enjoy Championship Season Glendale teams advancing to state competition and two individuals winning state he boys of destiny. titles. Karen Rosas ran circles How could anyone have around everyone. Can’t keep known that in the summer of up with Jones. Golfers make a 2010, the baseball team that statement. Alex Sarkissian hit was working out on Sartoris a tennis ball better Field or in then anyone. the Verdugo Alex Sarkissian Gym when Those may seem like a bunch was little known outside Stengel Field of Glendale when of disjointed was not the season started statements but in available, but by the time May reality, it is a clue would battle rolled around, he had in to arguably o p p o n e nt s the greatest and injuries every opponent who sports season for to have its was brave enough Glendale college greatest to take the court athletics, the season ever. spring season of Or that the against him, 2011. men’s golf and When Karen team, only Rosas hit the four years finish line to win since being the 5000 meters reinstated in at the state meet on May 21 at 2008, would make those early American River College and mornings on the football the baseball season ended field and practice rounds pay with a third place finish at off to finish second in the the state championships Western State Conference at Bakersfield College that and Southern California same night, the spring season Regional’s, and finish seventh officially ended with four at the state tournament in
By Alex Leon Send Letters to the Editor
to require the district to schedule a winter 2012 or a summer 2012 intersession.” Gordon Alexandre, chief negotiator for the Glendale College Guild, said the agreement was not ideal, but that both sides had negotiated in good faith. “We are not pleased with the terms that were negotiated,” Alexandre said. “It has caused tremendous problems in the bargaining unit. It has caused tremendous problems between the guild and the board.” The next Board of Trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., June 20 in Krieder Hall.
SPECIAL TO EL VAQUERO
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vanquished
35-0 in all 70 consecutive sets won.
their first ever appearance. Or that Karen Rosas, a member of the 2009 state championship cross country team for the Lady Vaqueros would have what it takes to not only win one 2011 state track and field title in the 10,000 meters on Friday May 20 but have enough left in the tank to win the 5000 meter title the next night. Or that she survived a crash with another runner during the 5000 meters to not only to recover quickly enough to retain the lead after trying to help the other runner up. Or to be thanked by a few runners and coaches after the race for setting such a good pace as the race leader, that other runners could set personal best times for their efforts. How about the pressure facing Alex Sarkissian, the 2011 state champion in men’s singles for the Vaqueros. He was little known outside of Glendale when the season started but by the time May rolled around, he had [See Sports, page 14]
COME TO ORDER: Anita Quinonez Gabri-
elian, newly installed president, prepares to call the board meeting to order on May 16.
The Board of Trustees announced May 16 that the following instructors have been granted tenure: Michelle Ann Blanes-Ramirez Sevada Chamras Richard Coleman Richard Cortes Byron Delto Daphne Paige Dionisio Ashot Djrbashian Lara Kartalian Kohar Kesian Michelle Kim Maria Kretzmann Janet Langon Denise Angela Leong Hazel Anne Ramos Marian (Piper) Rooney Benjamin Salazar Rosemarie Shamieh Kristina Shroyer Murray Stach Timothy Vale Thomas Voden
www.elvaq.com
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
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NEWS
New Officers Elected to Attrition of Faculty, Student Government Staff Marks End of Spring Semester By Erica White
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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he student body has spoken and elected Senator of Campus Activities Suzanna Sargsyan as the new ASGCC president. Voting took place May 18 and 19 with booths nestled close to the administration building in the El Vaquero Plaza. Only 1,537 of the estimated 25,000 GCC students participated in the elections, despite candidates ambushing students walking around campus. “Campaigning was like being a vulture and the students were the prey,” Rashon Washington said. Washington is a 21-yearold architecture major with plans to transfer to Cornell in the fall of 2012. Washington won Vice President of Campus Relations after his opponent Artur Galstyan withdrew his candidacy. Washington said he ran because of peer pressure from friends assuring his victory. But he also hoped to meet new people and to become more familiar with the campus. For two days during the election candidates
campaigned aggressively. Swarms of flyer-pushing, quick-talking and handshaking student government wannabe’s converged on groups of students. The candidates talked over each other, touting their qualifications and ballot numbers like telemarketers or auctioneers. On the GCC Facebook page, student Mary Furchtgott complained of multiple candidates walking into the classroom during a test, urging people to vote for them. The candidates interrupted the class without asking the teacher’s permission to make an announcement. “I understand the desire to get your name out and garner more votes, but to me, that tactic was just rude,” Furchtgott said. A spokesperson for the ASGCC Facebook page promptly apologized saying that candidates must get permission beforehand to enter classes. Furchtgott wasn’t the only one annoyed with candidate behavior. Candidates to were also upset. Darvill Rodriguez won one of the three senators of administration seats up for election.
Rodriquez, 18, said the campaign was good but, “I noticed some people playing dirty and against the rules. They’d tell people not to vote for their opponents and tell voters to just vote for their numbers and just leave after voting for them. It’s unprofessional and shows what kind of person and candidate they really are.” Even with the few complaints, most candidates said they had fun running and they’d do it all over again. Incumbent Suzanna Sargsyan said she loves GCC and the student body. “Even though it’s exhausting running a campaign, it is an amazing experience. It is a very educational opportunity to hold a position in the student government,” Sargsyan said. Sargsyan along with other ASGCC members went to Sacramento to participate in the March in March, a march in protest of cuts to higher education, and said she will continue to advocate against budget cuts. See list of officers at elvaq. com.
Erica White can be reached at Erica_White@elvaq.com
Many familiar members of the campus community will not be rejoining the campus in the fall semester due to retirement, resignation, and in several cases, their untimely death. All will be missed.
Employee
GOLDEN RETIREE: Joan Watanabe shares details of some of her experiences during her 23-year
career at Glendale Community College, along with what promises to be a challenging future. In addition to her tenure at GCC, she has also taught at Cal State University Northridge, El Camino College, Scripps College and the prestigious Otis College of Art and Design. She will continue to do creative digital art combinations for national magazines and motion picture studios.
Time at GCC
Ahenkorah, George
Lead Warehouse Operator
28 years
Apablaza, Judith
Student Services, Counselor
22 years, 8 months
Beauchemin, Brian
Physical Education
32 years, 4 months
Boehret, Pamela
Instructional Services
14 years
Borquez-Dougherty, Susan
Scholarship Office
13 years, 8 months
Bugayong, Eduardo
HR Manager
22 years
Buehler, Paul
Planetarium
not available
Capka, Donna
Student Services, Counselor
12 years, 5 months
Cicuto, John
Physical Education
35 years, 8 months
Coblentz, Theresa
Physical Education
28 years, 9 months
Combs, Sharon
Dean for Admissions and Records
22 years, 8 months
Cook, Joy
Associate Dean of DSPS
24 years
D’Alessandro, Georgiana
Life Skills Non-credit Business
11 years, 7 months
Darakjian, Vivian
Library
21 years, 3 months
Ferdman, Ida
English
not available
Garret, George
Business
10 years
Harlan, Ronald K.
Dean Instructional Services
32 years, 7 months
Holden-Ferkich, Karen B.
Community Education
30 years, 4 months
Horan, Josephine
Enrollment Services Tech
16 years, 5 months
Kissell, Kelly
Casas Program Manager
9 years, 10 months
Mack, David
Assoc. Dean Instructional Services
34 years, 4 months
Montgomery, Connie
Instructional Support Specialist
24 years, 3 months
Nicholson, Vicki
Human Resources Associate VP
25 years
Ranchez, Prudencio
Nursing
30 years, 8 months
Rodemich, Christine
Nursing
31 years, 1 month
Rosen, Ellen
Nurse Associate
9 years
Sing, Susan
Art
31 years, 9 months
Spangler, Dianne
Physical Education
36 years, 8 months
Taylor, Robert
Program Manager PACE
43 years, 9 months
Tsuyuki, Makoto
Social Sciences
31 years, 9 months
Vescelus, Carmelinda
Non-credit Business
36 years
Wagg, Steven
Police
24 years, 4 months
Washington, Michael
Warehouse Operator
18 years, 5 months
Watanabe, Joan
Photography
23 years, 9 months
Williams, Richard
Philosophy
39 years, 8 months
Witt, George
Math
34 years, 8 months
Zavala, Alicia
Food Services
11 years, 10 months
Zavala, Benjamin
Custodian
15 years, 7 months
Employee
Photoillustration by Tex Wells
Department
In Memory Of: Department
Time at GCC
Christine Chocano
Computer Lab Tech
1998-2010
Steve Coots
Physical Education
1977-2010
Francoise Grand-Clement
Mathmatics
2006-2011
Dinh Luu
EOPS Counselor
1982-2010
Mike Wheeler
English and Humanities
1989-2011 Compiled by Lillian Wu
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Wednesday, June 8, 2011
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NEWS
Kurasz and Abou-Rass Recieve Promotions By Adriana Orellana EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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rin Kurasz and Samir AbouRass were both promoted to sergeant of the GCC Police Department effective June 1. Kurasz and Abou-Rass were chosen for the position of sergeant after their qualifications, tenure, and post certificates were reviewed by a panel consisting of GCC Superintendent/President Dawn Lindsay, Human Resources Associate Vice President Vicki Nicholson, Vice President of Administrative Services Ron Nakasone, and Glendale Police Department Lieutenant Gary Montecuollo. “We will work as a team, with one of us being the day sergeant and the other the night sergeant,” said Kurasz. “Currently, I am the day sergeant and Samir is the night sergeant. We will work on a six-month rotation, and we will continue to keep the campus safe and strive to get better.” Kurasz and Abou-Rass will continue to work on enforcing traffic regulations (such as texting while driving and failure to stop at stop signs), and the new smoking policy. They will issue warn-
ings and citations, which also applies to moving violations. “We want to educate students on not texting or talking and driving,” said Abou-Rass. “All traffic laws are enforced on campus. Students cannot talk on the phone and text while driving just because they are in a parking lot, or not respect the signs posted. We have a joint authority with the Glendale Police Department.” “We want students to know that we are here for them,” said Kurasz. Kurasz was hired by the campus police department 12 1/2 years ago. She has a bachelor’s of science degree in criminal justice, and a minor in sociology from Cal State L.A. She attended Glendale College’s administration of justice program. Previously she had worked for three years for the Burbank Airport Police and for the L.A. City Park Rangers. Abou-Rass has worked 14 years as a full-time police officer at GCC, and 23 years in police work altogether. He has a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Cal State Northridge and a master’s degree in Public Administration. Abou-Rass is also an adjunct faculty member
Minor violations make a major impact at GCC By Michelle Bowles EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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he campus police have responded to 70 incidents in the last two weeks, including smoking, traffic, and jaywalking violations. There hasn’t been anything major,” said police Capt. Erin Kurasz. “We’ve just been issuing minor tickets.” Students are still expected to follow GCC regulations and only smoke in the designated smoking areas. A map of these locations can be found in the Admissions building and at the Police Department. The GCC police do their best to help students with car problems such as providing jump starts. At the same time they are maintaining a clean and orderly parking lot.
Jaywalking is defined as an illegal or reckless pedestrian crossing a roadway. Jaywalking can be crossing between intersections, walking outside of a crosswalk, or not crossing when not signaled by a light. An example of jaywalking is students trying to cross Verdugo Road to get to the food court. Jaywalking may seem like a harmless act, but the GCC police continue to issue tickets to protect the safety of students and drivers. The jaywalking laws are strictly enforced and will continue to be. The Glendale Campus Police continue to ensure that the campus remains a safe and clean place for students, faculty and staff.
Michelle Bowles can be reached at Michelle_Bowles@elvaq.com
for speech communication. He was the student body president when he attended GCC and was also a police cadet at the college. “I have loved law enforcement since I was 9 years old,” said Abou-Rass. “I got really into it when I was in junior high and a deputy sheriff went to talk to us about what it was.” Kurasz and Abou-Rass, who have known each other since 1986 from their Crescenta Valley High School days, also did work for the Crescenta Valley sheriff’s station. Kurasz will remain the acting police captain of the GCC police until a permanent chief of police is hired. The position of application for police chief closed on May 27 and a recommendation for the new chief will be given to the Board of Trustees on July 18. Abou-Rass said in case of an emergency, students should contact the police by calling (818) 240-1000, ext. 4000, or just dial 4000 from any campus phone. He also recommends having the number on speed dial for the safety of the students. Adriana Orellana can be reached at adriana_orellana@elvaq.com
Photo by Tex Wells
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Sergeant Abou-Rass with GCC’s Circle K
International (affiliated with the Kiwanis Club) president Suzanna Sargsyan, who is the newly elected ASGCC president, at a fundraiser to provide riceand-bean meals for underprivileged families.
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Wednesday, June 8, 2011
5
FEATURES
Titanic Sails into Legend in Lecture By Adriana Orellana EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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nglish professor Susan Henry concluded the Humanities/ Social Science Lecture Series for the spring semester with a factual and interesting lecture, aptly titled, “Titanic: Sailing into Legend.” On May 26 at Kreider Hall, patrons were handed a boarding pass similar to the one passengers used to board the Titanic in 1912. On the back of every boarding pass was the name of a passenger on the Titanic, and the audience found out at the end of the lecture whether the passenger they were lived or died. “Why are we so obsessed with the Titanic and the story behind it?” asked Henry, who has taught at GCC for 22 years. “There have been other shipwrecks, natural events and disasters, and we continue to be fascinated by the Titanic. There are some people who know about the Titanic from bow to stern. I am not one of those people but I do notice a pattern,” Henry said referencing terminology she used in her English class. Among the characteristics that Henry said make a good fiction story are an engaging plot, colorful characters, intriguing setting, symbols, theme, and irony. “There have been many myths as to what happened on the Titanic and what was said about it,” Henry said. “One of the misquotes in James Cameron’s movie ‘Titanic’ was that they said the Titanic was unsinkable. The White Star Line Company actually said it was PRACTICALLY unsinkable.” The Royal Mail Steamer Titanic departed from Southampton, West England on April 10, 1912, with 2,207 passengers on board. The lifeboat capacity was for 1,178 people. The length of the ship was 882 feet and its height was 175 feet. It weighed 46,329 tons. One of the facts presented was that out of the four funnels that the ship had, only three worked and vented exhaust. The fourth one was just for decoration. The Titanic was sailing at 22.5 knots on April 14 when it struck the iceberg with the starboard side at 11:42 p.m. The weather that night was not stormy like many people have
said, but rather it was clear, “like a Christmas starry card,” said Henry. The water was 28 degrees. The Titanic sank at 2:20 a.m. At 4:10 a.m., the Carpathia picked up the first lifeboat with Titanic survivors. From the first class passengers 60 percent survived; 44 percent from the second class; 25 percent from the third class; and 24 percent of the crew survived. The dead totaled 1,717 souls. After the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, the first movie about it came out 29 days later. It was called “Saved from the Titanic,” and some of the scenes were filmed in a bathtub. The 1997 version of “Titanic”, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, will be re-released in 3-D on April 6, 2012. In a press release, James Cameron said the images will be more powerful than ever, and the experience will be epic for fans and newcomers alike. During the lecture, Henry showed a picture of what is thought to be the iceberg that the Titanic hit. The picture was taken by a passenger on another ship, and it shows what appears to be red paint from the starboard side of the ship. “The Titanic maybe would have been saved if it had hit straight onto the iceberg,” Henry said. “It would have been damaged but maybe only two of the bottom compartments would’ve filled up with water, rather than more, which made it sink because too much water got into the ship.” After the sinking of the Titanic, many books, plays, movies, games, songs, and television shows have been released about it. Thomas Hardy wrote a poem on the sinking of the Titanic titled “The Convergence of the Twain,” which is the convergence of two big things: the Titanic and the iceberg. The first big Hollywood production on the Titanic, titled “Titanic,” was released in 1953, followed in 1958 by the movie “A Night to Remember,” a British version, which was more factual. Henry said the 1997 version of “Titanic” is 92 percent accurate. There was also a musical on the Titanic that won Tony awards, but it didn’t tour because the production was too expensive to set up the sinking version of the
ship in various theaters. Henry said there are also many jokes regarding the Titanic, none of which she told. Henry said the aspect of foreshadowing was presented by Morgan Robertson who wrote the short novel “Futility” in 1898. In the novel, a British passenger liner, called the Titan, which was said to be unsinkable, hits an iceberg and sinks in the North Atlantic Ocean. Most of the passengers on the Titan died because there weren’t enough life boats to save them. Henry went on to talk about some of the passengers on the Titanic. It is unknown how Captain E.J. Smith, who was 62 years old when the Titanic sank, died. His body was never recovered. Smith was considered “the millionaires’ captain” because many wealthy people wouldn’t sail without him. Smith was known for taking ships on their maiden voyages. Henry said Smith, who was about to retire, or probably already had, was persuaded to take charge of White Star Line’s Titanic. John Jacob Astor, who was the richest man on board, died when the Titanic sank, but he had put his seven-months pregnant wife onto a lifeboat. They were 30 years apart in ages. Astor was rich from old money that his family had made from opium, fur trade and real estate. Astor built the Astoria Hotel, which was joined with his friend Waldorf’s hotel becoming the luxurious WaldorfAstoria Hotel in New York City. Margaret Brown, who in the 1997 movie is the woman who teaches Leonardo DiCaprio’s character how to spit, made her fortune from new money with her husband J.J., an engineer, when they received stocks from a mine. She was from Hannibal, Miss. and moved to Colorado. Brown was never called Molly, as her name appears on “Titanic.” Brown, was on board lifeboat No. 6, and “Unsinkable Molly Brown,” got Henry interested in the Titanic, because she was the one who convinced the life boat crew to go back to look for survivors, while keeping them rowing and singing. Later on Brown became a philanthropist and created a fund for survivors of the Titanic and started a literacy group. Isidor and Ida Straus, also died on the Titanic. They were the coowners of Macy’s department store with his brother Nathan. In
A CENTURY OF QUESTIONS: The Titanic’s tragic voyage has resonated with audiences for 100 years in ways that other disasters and shipwrecks have not. the 1997 Titanic movie, the Straus couple are seen laying together on their bed as their room fills up with water, but they were actually sitting on deck chairs when they died. “We have been together all these years, why should I leave you now?” said Ida Straus when they told her to board the lifeboat. They put their maid on board the boat instead. The designer of the ship, Thomas Andrews, died on the ship. He was in his late 30s. Generally, Andrews has been portrayed as a good guy. As the Titanic started to sink, it is said that Andrews worked hard on getting people onto the lifeboats, and he eventually started tossing deck chairs overboard to give people something to hang onto to stay afloat and wait to get rescued. J. Bruce Ismay was the son of the founder of the White Star Line and the chairman of the company. He is generally seen as the villain because he told the captain to speed up the ship in order to get to the destination of New York sooner and to get excellent reviews. After the Titanic sank he was forced out of White Star Line and received a lot of bad press, and eventually withdrew from the public eye. The last character to be presented and described was Harold Bride, who was 22 years old when he was working on the Titanic as a junior wireless operator. After he was rescued and put on another ship, he kept on working and sending distress calls. At that time the distress calls were CQD and SOS, which had just been introduced. Bride quit working for the company and
became a traveling salesman. He kept his identity secret. Many influences came into play during the sinking of the Titanic, such as humans versus nature, humans versus machine, humans versus fate, upper class versus lower class, and chaos versus order. “The Titanic was in the middle of nowhere, 400 miles south of Newfoundland and 300 miles east of Nova Scotia,” said Henry, “It became the end of an era where the British controlled 25 percent of the dry land in the world.” Henry said that at The Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas there is the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit, which contains a tub filled with water at 28 degrees, and people can put their hands in to feel how cold the water was when the Titanic sank. There are also replicas of parts of the Titanic at the exhibit. “When I went to the exhibit there was a piece of the Titanic, which said Do Not Touch, and obviously I touched it,” said Henry to the audience members who started laughing. “Moments later, I started feeling some bad vibes, so I sat down and said about five Hail Marys.” In 1985 the Titanic was discovered at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, and jewelry, luggage, letters, and postcards, were among the items retrieved. “There are many disasters that have happened,” said Henry, “Some we respect. Some, like the Titanic, we exploit.”
Adriana Orellana can be reached at adriana_orellana@elvaq.com
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Wednesday, June 8, 2011
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FEATURES
Audiology Technology Aids Hearing Disabled By Christine Gillette EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
A
udiologist Courtlandt C. Warner discussed the Oticon Streamer, a new development in hearing aid technology, a Bluetooth device that serves as a gateway between hearing aid instruments and electronic devices, with GCC’s lip-reading class on May 26. Warner, an audiologist at the Burbank Hearing Clinic,
demonstrated how the Streamer allows those with hearing disabilities to stay connected by just the click of a button on the device. The device is worn around the neck and allows users to enjoy a hands-free binaural connection to their mobile phones, landline phones, TVs, PCs, mp3 players and car navigation systems. He demonstrated how clear the sound is with instructor Stela Fejtek, by stepping outside the room, walking down the hall and
Gay-Straight Alliance Raises Funds for Center By Ashley Carey EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
L
ast Thursday, in place of the usual rotation of hip-hop and electronic music from the DJ’s turntables, Plaza Vaquero was filled with positive indie-pop songs from bands like Of Montreal. The bubblegum soundtrack set the mood for the campus’ first GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) public fundraising event. The club hoped to raise $1,000, enough money to enter the YPC (Young Professionals Council) Beach Volleyball Classic on Aug. 6, a charity event to benefit the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. Though this GSA was just founded, it is not GCC’s first. “The first one was started in the late 1980s. I know because I was one of the ones involved as a student back then,” said Hoover Zariani of the Center for Student Involvement. “However, it is the first GSA in at least three to four years or so, if my memory serves me correctly.” The event was a combination of promoting visibility and rais-
ing funds, said Mark Gens, GSA’s co-adviser. Aside from fundraising, the club hopes to promote tolerance and support for LGBT — lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered — students and faculty on campus. “GCC tends to be more on the conservative side in a lot of ways,” Gens said. He pointed out cases like public displays of affection, wherein same-sex couples deal with more abuse than their hetero counterparts. “They feel like they can’t speak out,” he said. Carlos Melendez, a dance major, says GCC is a safe campus for those with alternative lifestyles. He can’t recall a case regarding lack of tolerance toward LGBT students, he said. “We’re here to meet friends and allies,” Melendez said. “To promote toleration.” The club offered free chips and soda to passers-by, and sold Skittles, an appropriate candy tribute to the rainbow symbol of homosexual tolerance. Ashley Carey can be reached at Ashley_Carey@elvaq.com
elvaq.com
closing the door while Fejtek remained inside the class. Warner asked her to start talking and he would come back afterward and repeat everything she said. He was able to repeat every word Fejtek said. “This extends the benefit of the hearing aid, which are still very good on their own,” Warner said. “So often we have people saying, ‘I can’t understand my TV or my cell phone,’ and now there is a solution for that.” Today 30 million Americans have hearing loss. On average one out of three Americans aged 65 and older have significant hearing loss and two out of 100 children under the age of 18 have hearing loss, a disability that is not as uncommon as some may think. Fejtek, a speech therapist who has been instructing the lipreading class for 15 years, said that besides teaching the students about the anatomy of the ear and how to lip-read, she also guides them through aural rehabilitation and how to accept hearing loss. “Not a lot of people realize how much hearing loss can affect
someone,” Fejtek said. “Many people don’t want to go into society because they can’t hear and this leads to a lot of isolation and depression among those who suffer from hearing loss.” Warner also discussed how untreated hearing loss can lead to sadness, worry, anxiety, depression, emotional turmoil, less social activity and paranoia. Some of the warning signs of hearing loss are when sound is audible, but the person cannot understand what is being said, and has difficulty hearing at noisy places like restaurants or where there is distance, like at places of worship. Edeltraut Schober, a student in the class whose hearing has diminished with age, said she relies a lot on lip reading and saw the benefits of taking this class. “Since I need to lip-read, as soon as I heard about this class I knew this was something I had to check out to help me through this,” Schober said. Warner, like the students and Fejtek, has hearing loss. At the age of 3, he was diagnosed with severe sensorineural hearing loss,
which develops in the inner ear. It can be caused by noise exposure, the natural aging process, medications, and genetics, which accounts for 95 percent of all hearing loss. Warner is clinically certified by the American Speech-Hearing Association, is board certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences, and holds a master’s degree in audiology. The lip-reading class is a noncredit course that is free and can be joined at any time during the semester. The class is offered by GCC and is taught at the Adult Recreation Center in Glendale at 201 E. Colorado Blvd. on Mondays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. Fejtek said the only prerequisite is to take an audiogram to prove that the student wanting to take the class has hearing loss, and it can be anywhere from mild to severe loss. “We’re a class that acts like a support group for all of our students,” Fejtek said. Christine Gillette can be reached at Christine_Gillette@elvaq.com
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Wednesday, June 8, 2011
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FEATURES
Club Hopes to Make Positive Impact By Vaughn Lawrence EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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he members of the environmental club care about the world around them. While speaking to current president Sarinea Meserkhani and vice president Julia Clark, Meserkhani came across a baby bird that had fallen from its nest. Meserkhani picked up this baby bird without hesitation and began attempting to nurse it back to life. Though her attempts were unsuccessful she never gave up on that bird. The bird was dead but her hope and appreciation for life were not. The Environmental Club is an accepting place for students who care about the environment and want to make a difference. This semester the club held an Earth Day event that Meserkhani called “the best thing we did all semester.” For Earth Day the club invited 12 environmental organizations to campus, a live band called Masxs, and an organic food truck. There was also a visit from Izzy Cycles, a local bicycle shop that allowed students to test drive bicycles. A Chevrolet Volt was displayed in Plaza Vaquero. The Volt is one of very few
100 percent electric cars on the market. Although they are sometimes thought of as the group that picks up trash, the Environment Club is determined to make policy changes. Through its membership in the California Student Sustainability Coalition it hopes to make a long-lasting impact on GCC and the world at large. The members of the club will attend a fall convergence of the coalition at which college and high school environmental programs come together to network. There will be workshops and discussions of environmental solutions. At the retreat students maintain their usual low negative impact on the environment by consuming organic, vegan, locally grown and purchased food. Along with attending the CSSC convergence, the Environmental Club plans on being the most fun club next semester. During this semester’s club rush environment group had 50 people sign up on their interest form. Clark said that in hopes of being the most fun club on campus they will have a nonbureaucratic leadership system. The club will be a relaxing
environment where students can come and be a part of a conversation. Students will also have fun and make friends while getting work done. “It’s actually getting commitment from people that’s the hard thing,” said Meserkhani. Of the 50 who signed up in the spring, only five attended consistently. Clark and Meserkhani are both committed members of the club. Clark joined the club to find like-minded people on campus. She is a 19-year-old environmental science major and after going to a meeting in spring 2010 she decided not to return. She only attended one meeting because she thought the club was not getting anything done. She joined again this semester because the club was now more active on campus. Next semester Clark will be the president of the club. As president she has already planned to have movie screenings to invite speakers to the campus. One of the speakers will be from Generation Waking Up, which is an organization that teaches students about the current global challenges. The club might also participate in a major clean-up held by 350. org on Sept. 24. The goal of 350. org is to lower the number of parts per billion of carbon dioxide
in the atmosphere from 392 to below 350. Clark said she wants to make a long-lasting impact on the campus. “It just doesn’t sit right with me to know what happens and not do anything about it,” said Clark. She knows the process toward making a difference takes multiple steps and requires people to have hope. “The first step toward change is caring, and the next step is caring enough to do something about it,” said Clark. Meserkhani, who is the outgoing president, has an interesting history with the club. When she first joined the club she was unhappy with how the meetings were run and tried to take over. She was not able to take control but would eventually be appointed vice president. Meserkhani is a 22-year-old anthropology major, and she has made a lasting impact on the
Environmental Club. “We might seem angry, but we are really nice people,” said Meserkhani. The Environmental Club is not going away. They have a president, Clark, and a vice president, Rashon Washington, who is also the newly elected Vice President of Campus Relations. The club will become more and more important as humans continue to destroy the world around them, and luckily for GCC there is a group of dedicated students willing to make a change. “If we don’t care, who’s going to?” said Meserkhani. Students who want to do more than pick up trash and have fun, but wish to make a positive impact on the environment may want to join the Environmental Club. Vaughn Lawrence can be reached at Vaughn_Lawrence@elvaq.com
Photo by Tex Wells
GREEN GROWER: Bill Easley received an award from the board of
Photo by Agnes Constante
SPECIAL DANCES: The spring semester concluded with a number of showcases, including members of Vic-
tor Robles’ dance class for disabled students. Student Zoe Johnson, left, and instructor Victor Robles, right, after Johnson’s performance of “Dance with Me” by Orleans. See story on page 8.
trusteess for the role he played in the beautification project on the corner of Mountain Street and Glendale Avenue. Easley, grounds department supervisor for the last 15 years and a 20-year veteran of the department, oversaw the planting of a variety of drought-resistant trees and shrubs that includes blue fescue, coyote bush, large blue fescue, orchid rock rose, prostrate rosemary and tall blue oat grass. Easley’s award was presented to him by Tony Tartaglia, immediate past president of the Glendale Community College Board of Trustees.
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FEATURES
Disabled Students Shine in ‘Special Dances’ By Kate Krantz EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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s the curtains opened student Devin Miles moon walked across the stage wearing his gold jacket. The words, “It ain’t too much for me to jam” played in the background. His voice echoed through the room as student Sevak Sulahian sang his heart out to Christian Muerin’s dance of “Greatest American Hero.” Hips swung as students shimmied back and forth to the beat of Maria Lopez’s “Macarena.” Palms and fingers signed lyrics to “Yesterday” by The Beatles. While the dancers took their final bow and the curtains closed to a cheering audience, it was easy to forget these dancers have disabilities. On Thursday, their class showcase “Special Dances,” proved that dance is physi-
cally therapeutic as well as fun. “It’s pretty difficult for a lot of people to step backwards, especially for my son,” said father Dave Miles. “But he can do that now.” Like other community colleges, GCC provides an adaptive physical education program, however it is the only campus that offers Dance 150: Physical Reintegration as a part of the curriculum. The key objective of the program is to shape the students to be as self-reliant as possible. For example, if one student were to attend a family picnic, he could join in on a volleyball game that he wouldn’t have been able to be a part of before. During the half hour window between finals, dance instructor Victor Robles, in association with the dance students, transformed SN 104 into a full-fledged theater. “I know it seems simplistic but
using sports to build their confidence gives them a sense of self,” said Robles and in addition, it’s beneficial for balance and coordination. This was their fourth annual performance after their first show at the spring 2007 potluck. At this production, the students passionately took the stage while smiling from ear to ear the whole way through. Nervousness was not a factor. “They forget that they have [a disability],” said Robles. The music is so profound and motivates them so much that they come up with ideas and images for what they want to convey.” However, the students chose their own songs. Student Zoe Johnson decided upon “Dance with Me” by Orleans. Normally seated on her power chair, Johnson was given the chance to try a new set of controls
as she twirled round and round as the wheels of her chair spun on the dance floor. “My favorite thing is getting off my chair, and this is so important to me because it gives me a sense of freedom and independence,” said Johnson as her caregiver Suzy Fabros translated for her. Next up, student Thomas Espinosa performed a solo to “Deeper Than the Night” by Olivia Newton-John, with his naturally flowing par de bourrees, chasses, shanay turns and kick ball changes. While the music transitioned from soft rock to hip-hop, with her slick and sassy flare, student Veronica Madina danced to the beat of “Men in Black.” Lastly, the dance team of Hasmik and Marine swayed scarves like waves rippling in the ocean to the melody of instrumental music. The dance production couldn’t
have been more breathtaking. According to Robles, dance is about performing and expressing through movement and the students accomplished just that. “The show was heartwarming and inspirational, said audience member Francis Dournayan. “This is something I’ve always known [about the disabled students program] but not something I’ve ever seen. I have faith in the ability to overcome obstacles, especially in people who have the power to do so like the performers we saw in today’s show so it didn’t surprise me. It was very beautiful nonetheless.” The students proved to the audience that dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another.
Kate Krantz can be reached at kate_krantz@elvaq.com
Coach John Cicuto Retires After 36 Years [Cicuto, from page 1]
meeting 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled time. John Rome said he took great During his coaching years, pride in succeeding Cicuto as Cicuto and other GCC coaches head football coach in 2007. He follow the philosophy of returned to GCC in 2001 after developing student athletes leaving to coach at other colleges. academically, socially and “One of the reasons I wanted athletically. to teach at a Without a question, c o m m u n i t y “It does not do any good if college was they are good because of what I will athletically John Cicuto,” but not good is the day-to-day Rome said. academically. It “He is a wastes time. We very highly [But] are preparing principled them for the man. He I don’t miss the next level of is about education.” academics The coaches first, but he have taught is also about some traits to the student athletes the social development of the that they live by on a daily basis. students.” The first is accountability, which As a coach, he deals with means that once students turn 18, students daily and also recruits they are accountable for all of student athletes to come to GCC. their actions. “There is nowhere better than Responsibility is getting to getting an education at GCC,” he school on time and being prepared said. with their assignments. Many of the former student Punctuality is another trait. athletes return to GCC to thank Cicuto said the coaches and Cicuto and the coaches, but he student athletes run on “Vaquero tells them that they did all the hard time,” which means arriving at a work. His greatest experience is
“
miss
contact.
paperwork”
seeing them attend and graduate from a four-year institution. “For every step they take, they are taking two steps forward,” Cicuto said. “We would not have such a strong alumni if it weren’t for Coach Cicuto because of the impact that he had on the young men,” Rome said. “All of them carry a piece of those lessons with them.” Cicuto graduated from Fresno State University. His father pushed him to become a business major even though he did not want to be one. He changed his major again in his senior year to social science with an emphasis in history. “My goal was to become a history teacher, but my course changed,” he said. After being a substitute teacher in Fresno, he moved back to Southern California and taught at his alma mater, Notre Dame High School. That was when he started to coach football. His teaching experiences spanning from kindergarten through college have helped him greatly. For each grade that he taught, he wanted his students to succeed and perform well. He wanted to find ways to motivate
them and to be excited about classes. There are some aspects about teaching at GCC that Cicuto will miss. One is coming into work and seeing the people he has worked with every day. The second is seeing and talking with the students. “Without a question, what I will miss is the day-to-day contact. [But] I don’t miss the paperwork.” Cicuto also praised how the classified employees, faculty, administrators and the board work together at GCC. “Everyone has their own interests,” Cicuto said. “But as far as the academics, they are interested in what is best for
Glendale College rather than their own department.” Although Cicuto will not be teaching anymore, he will continue to be the men’s athletic director for one more year at GCC. Next year, he will also oversee the women’s athletic teams because women’s athletic director Theresa Coblentz is also retiring. Instead of eight sports, he will oversee 16 sports and there will be two assistant athletic directors to help him. “I cannot give the campus enough accolades for my appreciation over 36 years,” Cicuto said. Lillian Wu can be reached at Lillian_Wu@elvaq.com
El Vaquero is always looking for interesting story ideas. Do you know of anyone on campus with a compelling life story? Are you involved with an innovative campus program that the whole campus should know about? Do you have any ideas for improving the campus experience? Have you witnessed a possible news story that we may not know about? Please contact us at:
editor@elvaq.com or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349.
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Wednesday, June 8, 2011
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FEATURES
Student Turned Publicist Lives Her Dream establish City Walk within the eyes of the consumer and that Los EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER Angeles is the place where they rom general public to public want to be,” said Valdez. “It was relations, former Glendale what I was supposed to do.” student Cheryl Valdez grew up Valdez was born and raised going to Universal City Walk to in Tujunga, right off the 210 see Sugarcult in concert, dining freeway, with her parents and at Gladstone’s and searching for younger sister. celebrities. Now, She went to four she represents it. different schools “I wanted to do When Valdez and eventually was in high graduated from school, she was Skyward Christian and I didn’t care High a social butterfly, School, with phones glued where she received where it got me. to her ear lobes. her diploma and I just wanted to On any given kissed her jail-like night, she dialed the educational career several phone goodbye. of the numbers and By the time persuaded friends she stepped onto trade.” to go to parties the GCC grounds, and concerts and Valdez fell into —Cheryl Valdez pitched why those an instant state of were the best distress and didn’t ideas. have a clue what major she was “I was the central nucleus wanted to pursue. to bring people together,” said Valdez knew she had to attain Valdez. her associate’s degree but that At the age of 25, Valdez works would not be enough to keep her as a publicist for a business sane. with a lot going on: Universal “When I was at GCC, I was City Walk. She generates public one of those kids who didn’t awareness for stores, restaurants know what they were doing in and events. To do that, she school,” said Valdez. “Since I was contacts her “friends,” the media, little, all I knew was that I loved such as the L.A. Times, NBC, to write, read the news and watch CBS and KTLA. it on T.V.” “All of the things I do really Listening to lectures and studying for exams was not her idea of fun. So, to avoid boredom, she sifted through the class schedule catalog every semester and chose one class that she knew absolutely nothing about. Free Pregnancy Tests In her last semester, she found Are Available a public relations course offered • Visit or call the Asian by the public relations director Pacific Health Care for the San Fernando Valley Red Venture – a community Cross. She immediately signed health center. up and after one class, she was • Family Planning Serhooked. vices (STD Testing, “He was so captivating and it Birth Control Methods, all made sense. I aced the class, of etc.), course,” said Valdez. • E mergency ContracepAfter a year and a half at tion Pill (ECP), and GCC and commuting between • F ree Pregnancy Tests Pasadena and Pierce community (walk-ins available) colleges, she hopped over the rainbow and moved with friends APHCV to Las Vegas to appear on MTV’s 1530 Hillhurst Ave., “True Life: I’m Moving to Suite 200, Los Angeles, Vegas.” CA 90027 But the big city lights of Vegas (323) 644-3888 did not attract her for long so she www.aphcv.org clicked her heels together three times and wished herself back To place an ad in the El Vaquero, home. contact Jeff Smith, at She then transferred to Cal jsmith@glendale.edu
By Kate Krantz
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public relations
experience reality
Classifieds
State Northridge, where she decided that the publicist slippers fit and pursued a degree in communications. Valdez was constantly obsessed with looking for internships whether she was paid or not. “I wanted to do public relations and I didn’t care where it got me,” said Valdez. “I just wanted to experience the reality of the trade.” Valdez landed her first internship at Murray Weissman and Associates, where she helped produce films with Lionsgate, such as the infamous “Borat.” Soon after, she worked as a junior publicist for Solters and Digney Public Relations Corp. (now, Digney and Corp. Public Relations), catering to numerous accounts, one of them being Universal Studios Hollywood. As the relationship between Valdez and the Universal publicity department grew, she was presented with the possibility of a lifetime to fill in as a replacement publicist for an employee on maternity leave. When she was more than halfway finished with college, she was offered a full-time position as the lead account executive for Universal. With such a proposal on the table, she decided to put her degree on hold and jumped on the opportunity. Since maternity leave is five to six months, Valdez was hesitant to take the risk because she didn’t know if she would be hired after the employee came back. Nevertheless, she was eager to work in corporate public relations so this was her shot. Unfortunately, she was let go and continued interning to become a publicist. After a few public relations agencies, she was called back to take the position she currently holds and has been working there for a year. Since then, to say she has been busy would be an understatement. Valdez begins her day at 9 a.m. and is supposed to leave by 6 p.m., but that is hardly ever the case. Between finding news angles, managing the media, contacting celebrities, attending meetings, writing press releases and tip sheets, it’s remarkable that Valdez finds time to breathe. “When you’re a City Walk publicist, there is always something happening so you have
Photoillustration by Jane Pojawa
ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE: Publicist Cheryl Valdez works at Universal City Walk, a job environment that combines elements of a movie studio, a theme park and a shopping mall..
to stay late because if you miss a beat, it’s all over,” said Valdez. “I think this year The Wall Street Journal named the publicist as the second most stressful job in the world.” And every day at the end of work, she leaves a to-do list on her desk before she drives home. However, the work doesn’t end there. “Since I am a publicist and own a Blackberry, I receive emails constantly and when I go to sleep at night, I have to keep my phone [by me],” said Valdez. “Being a publicist is not all fun and games.” According to Valdez, the most challenging part about being a publicist is trying to find the tiny news nuggets in every story. For example, in order to promote a new program at city walk called “the awesome date” (two movie tickets and dinner for two for $25 per person), Valdez pre-planned answers for a couple while Hal Eisner from Fox News interviewed them about the program. “Everything has to be perfectly orchestrated,” said Valdez. “[Most] everything that you see on the news is probably very
well-coordinated by a publicist to make sure that they’re getting the right message across. If you’re trying to convey a message, you have to be extremely detail oriented.” Regardless of her social skills, there is always potential for rejection. Valdez explained that if, for instance, she were to call an LA Weekly staff writer to pitch an event, it is likely that the person on the opposite end of the line will not even care about her first name. Despite the occasional abrupt phone click, she brushes it off and goes right on to the next news agency. After all, her client is Universal and on behalf of them, it is essential to get any and all coverage. Eventually, Valdez aspires to begin her own public relations agency. But for the time being, there is still so much to learn. “At the end of the day, I truly love Universal City Walk and it was apart of whom I was as a kid.” Thanks to Valdez, visitors can create the same memories she once had. Kate Krantz can be reached at kate_krantz@elvaq.com
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Wednesday, June 8, 2011
GRADUATION
for class of is just the
2O11 graduation
Beginning
Photos by Kenta Yamashita
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MOVING ON: Associated Students president Janet Shamilian, above, addresses the graduating class and the gathered crowd. Shamilian, center from left, Board Member Tony Tartaglia, Board Member Ann Ransford, Congressman Adam Schiff, President/Superintendent Dawn Lindsay, and board members Anita Quinonez Gabrielian and Armine G. Hacopian; President Lindsay presented Schiff with an Honorary Associate in Arts degree for his service to the college. Bagpipers, above right, lead the procession to Sartoris Field. Nataly Varela, bottom right, graduated with honors and an associate in science degree.
oals were achieved and lifelong dreams were made on June 3 at Sartoris Field. More than 560 students received their associate’s degree and more than 230 students received certificates of completion in various vocational programs. The ceremony started with Superintendent/ President Dawn Lindsay congratulating the graduating class of 2011. Lindsay recognized their accomplishments and thanked them for completing their goals. After the pledge of allegiance the graduates listened to Joenhel Cayanan and Rachel Freed sing “You Raise Me Up,” a song made popular by
Josh Groban. Congressman Adam Schiff was the recipient of an honorary associate in arts degree. The class of 2011 met at the library and walked down to the football field. Faculty and staff greeted them there and cheered as they walked past them. The dream of graduating might take longer than expected for some students, as is the case of Anthony Reymundo who, at 52 years old, was overjoyed and satisfied to be receiving his AS degree. “I feel accomplished; education is the key to success. I started a long time ago and have learned a lot in my time at GCC. This isn’t the end but just
•
Story by Marlon Miranda
the beginning,” said Reymundo. During these hard economic times and massive budget cuts, the class of 2011 were not discouraged from attaining an education. They felt that this is only the beginning and nothing would sway them from furthering their education. Ulises Reyes, who received an associate’s degree in business administration and will be attending CSUN in the fall, wished all Glendale’s students good fortune and had some encouraging words. “Never give up. If you have a hard time getting the classes you
need, just keep moving forward. Don’t let your discouragement influence you. As I am ready to take the next step, I wish all the upcoming classes the best of luck,” said Reyes. The students interviewed all had words of praise for their professors, giving them credit for aiding them in going this far. Ana Torres, who received a general education certificate as well as an associate’s degree in criminal justice, had gone to other colleges and recognized that GCC has stand-out professors.
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT o o
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The Hangover 2 Offers No Surprises By Alex Campos EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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angkok has them now. Director Todd Phillips (“Due Date,” “Old School”) followed up his most successful movie, “The Hangover” with a formulaic sequel with a fitting title: “The Hangover Part 2.” The film is focused around the marriage of Stu Price, played by Ed Helms (“The Office,” “The Daily Show with John Stewart”). After the events of the first “Hangover” movie, Stu just wants a bachelor brunch with his two best friends. Phil Wenneck, played by Bradley Cooper (“The A-Team,” “Limitless”) and Doug Billings, played by Justin Bartha (“National Treasure,” “Failure to Launch”) talk him into having a celebration before his wedding in Thailand. Allen Garner, played by Zach Galifianakis (“Due Date,” “Up in the Air”), eventually gets his invitation to the wedding, and is upset when Stu’s brother-in-lawto-be joins the gang for the trip. After a beer on the beach, Stu, Phil and Allen wake up with no recollection of the events from last night. The plot focuses on the guys trying to figure out what
happened the night before. This movie is absolutely hilarious, mostly due to Allen’s cluelessness. Everything Allen says is comical, either due to the actual line or the way Galifianakis says it. Galifianakis has a charm about him that makes saying “Ooh a monkey” a memorable line. If this movie were the first in the series, it would be an instant cult classic, much like the first “Hangover” movie. Unfortunately for this movie, it fails to bring anything new to the table. This movie is painfully formulaic and seems to just follow suit of the first movie. There were a few direct references to the first film in this one, and the rest of the film just seems like an exact copy of the first with a little added raunchiness, including more nudity. This film also lacks the surprise element that made the first one so great. Most of the outrageous, hilarious scenes are shown in the trailer, including the monkey and Stu’s, now controversial, Mike Tyson face tattoo. Recurring characters like Leslie Chow, played by Ken Jeong (“Knocked Up,” “Role Models”) and Mike Tyson and add humor to the movie, but also add onto
ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK: The Hangover Part 2 doesn’t break any new ground and isn’t likely to be nominated for an Oscar, but it’s still an enjoyable movie to watch with friends. the lack of originality. Rumored cameos by Bill Clinton and Mel Gibson would have added nicely to this film. They did not appear. Although seeing how the drunks’ night in Thailand went down is a hilarious ride through strip clubs, monasteries and tattoo parlors, this film fails to live up to the first one. It is still a decent film and should be seen with friends, NOT PARENTS. Overall, this is a good movie
for what it is. None of the actors are going to be winning Oscar’s for their roles, and this movie doesn’t use groundbreaking camerawork. It continues Phillips’ legacy of top notch comedy movies, and keeps the “Hangover” franchise going strong, with rumors of a third movie in the making. The upped raunchiness that comes with a trip to Thailand adds to the hilarity of the movie. The parallels between this film and
the first one keep it from being an instant classic. It doesn’t hold up to the first “Hangover,” but standing alone, it is a great young adult comedy that deserves it’s high box office success. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Alex Campos can be reached at Alex_Campos@elvaq.com
Mighty ‘Thor’ May Be a Bore to Audiences By Derek Stowe EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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f you liked the 2008 films “Iron Man” and “The Incredible Hulk,” then Marvel Entertainment’s 2011 release of “Thor,” the hammer-wielding god of thunder and fertility, may be a must-see. “Thor,” except for the rare quip, is directed with excessive seriousness by Kenneth Branagh (“Henry V,” 1989), and stars Chris Hemsworth (“Star Trek,” 2009), Anthony Hopkins (“Silence of the Lambs,” 1991), and Natalie Portman (“Black Swan,” 2010). “Does he need CPR? Because I totally know how to give that,” says Portman’s teen sidekick Darcy Lewis, played by Kat
Dennings (“40-Year-Old Virgin,” 2005). Darcy has just laid eyes on the “totally cut” Hemsworth, whom they have struck with their jeep. But the latest heart-throb to grace the silver screen wakes up more eager to hold everyone in a headlock than to verbalize: Thor has nothing much to say. Unless you can get past the implausibility of an Aryan superhero swinging a hammer fast enough to produce a tornado and then travel through a “Bifröst” worm-hole to a different realm of the universe, then this movie is NOT for you. Every 10-year-old dreams of a hammer that could do all that Thor’s can, but why would an adult movie-goer want to see a
comic-book character film rated PG-13? Certainly not merely for a glimpse of Best Actress Oscarwinner Natalie Portman and how she falls for the nauseatingly handsome, Australian-born soap star Hemsworth. That is, unless it’s family night. What looks like a worthwhile action-adventure-blockbuster in previews, is a far cry from being an epic. Thor and his sinister brother Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston (The Gathering Storm,” 2002), are raised by Norse god Odin, played by Hopkins, and his goddess-wife Frigga, played by Rene Russo (“Tin Cup,” 1996). Branagh should know better than to wangle a war based on the death of a few guards at a castle.
MANUAL LABOR: The god of thunder gets a taste of the human experi-
ence in “Thor.”
When Thor goes against Odin’s edict and with a small team
unilaterally seeks out revenge [See Thor, page 13]
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Wednesday, June 8, 2011
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Independent Filmmakers Showcase L.A. By Agnes Constante EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
T
he New Filmmakers Los Angeles presented a series of shorts on May 21 that positively highlighted the city of Los Angeles. The shorts were entries for a contest hosted by On Location: Los Angeles Video project, six of which received prizes. A one-minute short directed by Varda Hardy, titled “Ode to Los Angeles,” won first prize in the contest. She was awarded a production package worth $100,000 from Equilibrium Entertainment, $1,000 cash, and a two-week filming permit. Hardy said there were 26 people involved in the one day it took to shoot the film, and that they went to 10 locations. In her speech she said she was grateful but that she was also initially unsure about making the short. “I was so resistant [to create this
film] at first because I [thought], ‘OK, I’m going to have to make another free film and I’m going have to ask everyone for favors all over again and work really, really hard for nothing, which I’ve done over and over and over again,” Hardy said. Two other productions (“You Are Home” directed by Shannon Latimer and “Dear Babushka” directed by Natan Moss) won first place and were each awarded $500 cash. A one-minute short by Karl Polvernio, titled “Los Angeles — Not Just Angels,” and a fourminute short by Luc Delamare and Caroline Dunaway, titled “This is LA,” won honorable mentions. The audience also got the opportunity to participate in the judging process, by voting for their favorite video. The winners of the audience award were the shorts by Hardy and Moss, who won grand prize and first place, respectively.
Photo by Shaun Kelly
INDIE HEART OF HOLLYWOOD: New filmmakers strut their stuff at festival of short films. Opening remarks by industry professionals emphasized that Los Angeles is the film capital of
Movie Review [Thor, from page 13] on the Frost Giant intruders, he is stripped of his superpowers and cast down to earth. He crashlands in the present-day desert of Puente Antiguo, New Mexico amidst a tornado-like, Bifröst transporting event. His hammer lands separately as a U.F.O. causing quite a fuss with Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics Directorate. S.H.I.E.L.D. is Marvel Comics Universe’s equivalent of the CIA. The rest of the movie involves a god out of his element. In “blending in” with Jane, played by Portman, and her team of scientists, Thor learns the charm of humanity. But he hardly proves to be a god of fertility. The love interest between Thor and the young tornado-scientist Jane is left unconsummated by nature of the Disney-owned venture’s covenant with parents. There is only a hint of a romancein-the-making, which moviegoers 14 and older surely yearn for. But with a little imagination, even the most unimpressive acting can pique one’s interest as long as there’s an aura of love. Powerless without his hammer,
Thor goes from being too clumsy and stubborn to too polite. He discards his fiery Nordic, rapeand-pillage mentality in an effort to prove himself worthy of one day being king of Asgard. While his fit physique makes the ladies onscreen and in the audience swoon, guys will find themselves looking on with strained resistance, feigning admiration. Although repeated jumps from one realm to another serve to keep the audience from dozing, the parallel progress of the two sons vying for one throne is more like a bad soap plot. Especially annoying are the “Capital One” character look-alikes. “What’s in your wallet?” One wasted ticket stub for one abysmal movie? The few panoramic scenes and impressive symmetry of the Asgardian architecture cannot make the film’s shortcomings endurable. The computergenerated imagery is nothing special. Thor’s character evolves from a boyish, urge-ridden and vengeful ruffian into a sensitive, compassionate guardian of the human race. But the way he makes friends and spreads hope
through an act of self-sacrifice is way too predictable. Besides the inter-galactic transport, most special effects involve the frost giants. Unfortunately, the maxed-out speaker volumes for the icecrunching and Bifröst machine are capable of ripping through even the beefiest of human eardrums. The only true effect appears to be barely audible dialog. Perhaps a special type of earplug is required. Unless Aryan abs, Norse mythology and Marvel trivia sound appealing, Thor is not worth seeing. Forget paying extra for 3D. There are no real mind-boggling effects. Who wants to watch a soap opera in 3D? One-dimensional directing with marginal acting, except for Anthony Hopkins, along with meager special effects and a feebly driven story-line afford “Thor” a lower than anticipated rating. 2 out of 5 stars
Derek Stowe can be reached at derek_stowe@elvaq.com
the world, and the independently produced projects presented Saturday evening at Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood proved this statement true. A total of 22 shorts were screened that evening, and each uniquely portrayed Los Angeles as the ideal destination for tourists. Among the evening’s attendees included producer, director, and writer Demian Lichtenstein (“3000 Miles to Graceland,” 2001), and “(500) Days of Summer” producer Steven Wolfe. The event was presented by
New Filmmakers Los Angeles, a non-profit organization that aims to showcase the works of emerging filmmakers worldwide. It also provides entertainment to Los Angeles professionals and moviegoers by hosting monthly screenings and forums where filmmakers can discuss projects and network with others in the film industry.
Agnes Constante can be reached at Agnes_Constante@elvaq.com
LACMA Presents New Tim Burton Exhibition By Christine Gillette EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
T
he eerie yet always comforting mind of Tim Burton is explored through a retrospective exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and displays the evolution of his work as a film director, an artist, writer, illustrator and photographer. The exhibition, which opened May 29, sends viewers on a nostalgic journey with more than 700 drawings, paintings, storyboards, puppets, sculptures, and films to guide the way. Also, two large-scale outdoor outworks were installed for the exhibition,
including a topiary inspired by “Edward Scissorhands” (1990) and an enormous figure of Balloon Boy, a character from his book “The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and Other Stories” (1997). Burton, who was born and raised in Burbank, has said that much of his inspirations and influences stem back to the suburban environment he grew up in and his childhood feelings of alienation from such a place. Although he felt detached, it led him to create highly acclaimed work that reflected his Hollywood suburb life like [See Burton, page 14]
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SPORTS / ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
New Exhibit Honors Filmmaker Tim Burton [Burton, from page 13] Scissorhands” (1990) and “Beetlejuice” (1988). Burton studied at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), and worked as an animator for Walt Disney Studios before he branched out on his own and began making feature films. Britt Salvesen, department head and curator of the Wallis Annenberg Department of Photography and organizer of this exhibition, said the exhibit displays Burton’s full range of creativity. “Most people have a good sense of his style, but seeing the show demonstrates how persistent his vision is and how evident it was from very early on, before he was even thinking about making full-scale feature films,” Salvesen said. The exhibition is divided into three major parts: “Surviving Burbank,” “Beautifying Burbank,” and “Beyond Burbank.” In the first major part, “Surviving Burbank,” viewers venture into the personal realm of where Burton received much
of his creative influence. Early sketches, illustrations, and Super 8mm films that he made during his time at CalArts display the transformation of his alienation into an imagination that is now internationally praised with enthusiasm. “Beautifying Burbank” shows the change in Burton after his study at CalArts and work at Disney Studios. His stylistic sense of the body and mind and how it reacts and connects to others, and the world of Burton’s creatures emerge in this part. Then the world of his feature films as a director of liveaction and animated films is revealed in “Beyond Burbank,” through sculptures, costumes, storyboards, and other artworks. Many students recognize him for “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993), but Burton released five feature films before that including “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure” (1985), “Batman” (1989), and “Batman Returns” (1992). Prior to LACMA, the exhibition opened at The Museum of Modern Art in New York; The Australian Centre for
the Moving Image in Melbourne, Australia; and The Bell Lightbox in Toronto, Canada. After its visit here, the exhibition will travel to La Cinémathèque française, Paris. Known almost exclusively for his feature film work, Burton also displays many personal projects and pieces that are only seen at the traveling exhibition, many of which come from Burton’s own archive. For this particular exhibition, hundreds of artworks that have never been exhibited before will be displayed, giving viewers an opportunity to see the entire range to his creative output. Burton’s exhibition is organized by The Museum of Modern Art, New York, and will be open to the public at LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., from May 29 to October 31, 2011. The price for tickets for his exhibition is $20 for adults and free admission for children under the age of 18. Photo by Ian Cervantes
ART WITH A BITE: Entering the exhibit hall at LACMA iss much like
Christine Gillette can be reached at Christine_Gillette@elvaq.com
entering the disturbed mind of one of today’s most innovative filmmakers, Tim Burton.
Letter to the Editor: Teams Enjoy Extraordinary Season [Sports, from page 2] vanquished every opponent who was brave enough to take the court against him, 35-0 in all and 70 consecutive sets won. His victories in the Ojai Valley Invitational in singles and in doubles with GCC teammate Trevor Campbell as well as in the Southern California Regional’s in singles set a benchmark that may never be equaled. Sarkissian and Campbell were also a big reason why Glendale advanced to the Southern California Regional’s in team play, even though many teams tried to find ways to not have their best players face Sarkissian. Men’s track and field runner Neil Jones was another great success story for the Vaqueros in track. He was one of the state’s best in the 800 and 1500 meters throughout the season and was a member of the team’s 4 x 400 meter relay team, as well as having the top grade point average for male student-athletes as well for 2010-11. He was part of Photo by Richard Kontas
a group of seven men and women that earned All-American honors in track and nine that represented Glendale at the state meet. Let’s also not forget the great spring seasons that Sindi Concebida, Samantha Sismundo and Sevana Zargarian had in women’s tennis, advancing to the Southern California Regionals in singles and doubles. And for Lady Vaqs softball player Nancy Pinedo, who not only earned All-WSC first team honors but was honored as one of the best players in Southern California.. But to get a true feeling of how special the 2011 spring sports season was for Glendale College, the ball truly got rolling in the winter season when the men’s basketball team earned a Southern California Regional playoff berth for the first time in several years and every athletic department staff member and many athletes from different sports supported their efforts. Accomplishments aside, that feeling of togetherness from GCC faithful was really the constant vibe
OUTSTANDING ATHLETE: Karen Rosas is the fastest woman in Calif. in the 10,000 (37:19.69) meters and 5,000 (17:38.67) meters events.
that made almost every home game this spring and many on the road a sea of cardinal and gold faithful cheering every success and clinging to their seats when their Vaqs were down to the last stretch run, inning, golf hole or point. Never was that more evident then for the “destiny boys’’, better known as the baseball team, that had so many come from behind victories that nobody had to worry when the team fell behind as they would find a way to hit or pitch their way to victory or make one appear out of nowhere if that was the case in later rallies that secured first ever playoff series victories in the Southern California and Super Regionals. As was the case then when the fans rose to their feet to salute their heroes wearing GCC over their hearts and Vaqueros on their backs, the 2011 springs sports season will go down in history as one of the best ever, if not the best. Now let’s get ready for the 201112 season and more memories to put in our personal scrapbooks. Alex Leon, Sports Information Director can be reached at aleon@glendale.edu
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SPORTS
Sako Chapjian, Glendale’s Home Run Hitter By Derek Stowe EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
A
t 6-feet, 190-pounds, Sarkis “Sako” Chapjian, racked up 13 homers over the past two seasons for Glendale and will be batting clean-up in the California Collegiate League this summer unless Major League Baseball picks him up first. Third baseman Chapjian, a sports psychology major, was an Armenian Youth Camp counselor at the Big Pines County Park facility for the past four summers. He attended AYC as a camper for many years, where is friends first nicknamed him “Baseball” because he was the only Armenian who played baseball. Most play soccer. But this summer, the 21-yearold plans to play baseball exclusively: 58 games in 60 days. His Collegiate League team, the first-ever Glendale Angelenos, is one step away from the majors. “This is the only thing he’s ever taken seriously,” said his mother, Zovig, who goes by Zo. “He works hard and loves to play and always has since he was 9. As a little boy growing up, he was easy to shop for — just give him a ball and he was happy. I’m proud
of anything he does out there.” Chapjian, a WSC allconference, first-team selection attended Foothill Christian Elementary, Duarte High, Hoover High and Citrus College before transferring to Glendale. He started out a fire protection major, but along with baseball, it was just too demanding. Batting clean-up for the Vaqs for two years, “Mr. Clutch” Chapjian proved his worth to the team. Away against Bakersfield, he drove home the only run off a double. When Bakersfield came to Glendale, he nailed the gamewinning grand slam. In a double-header against Cypress on May 7, he launched three homers and drove in 8 runs. Focused from the first pitch to the very last of every game, Chapjian, who hit one grand slam in 2010 as well, continues to push himself to be better. “I practice as much as I can on the field, in the batting cages and in the weight room,” he said. “I couldn’t tell you how many times I took him to batting practice, but it was religiously a lot,” said his father, George. “It kept him out of drugs and other trouble. It kept him busy, and we spent a lot of time together.”
Photo by Mario Camino
BASEBALL HAS BEEN BERRA, BERRA GOOD TO ME!: Like
Garret Morris’ Saturday Night Live character Chico Escuela, Sako Chapjian loves baseball and credits it with providing his life’s happiest moments.
With the help of Chapjian in this spring’s super-regional playoffs of May 13, 14 and 15 at Rio Hondo, the Vaqueros beat Palomar 9-2, Rio Hondo 7-6 and Southwestern 11-5. Then at the state tournament in Bakersfield May 20 and 21, Glendale beat Santa Ana 13-6 allowing this year’s Vaquero team to become Southern California Champions. They finished No. 3 in the state behind first-place San Joaquin Delta of Stockton and second-place Ohlone College of Fremont. The Vaqs went 0-2 in their only other state appearance in 1980. “Sako’s progressed from a decent ball-player to one of the top ball players in our conference,” said Vaq’s baseball coach Chris Cicuto. “Socially and athletically he has definitely made extreme strides.” But dealing with the obsession to win has not been easy for Chapjian. “He absolutely hates to lose,” said George. “Even when he was a kid, if he lost a game he would cry. He’s one of these kids who’s very, very competitive.” On the other hand, if he wins, it’s a joyous occasion. “You’ll see him jump up and high-five people with a big smile on his face, which stays with him for days,” said George. “I got in trouble once with one of the other kids’ mothers when I told him to wipe that smile of his face.” When he arrive at GCC, Chapjian was not quite so focused. “We’ve been tough on Sako for the last two years, and this year we didn’t have to because he grew up,” said Cicuto. “He matured. He understands the values of academics and how he conducts himself on the field. He’s figured out how to be a really strong baseball player.” Chapjian found that attending to grades pays off. He’s been offered scholarships at Cal State Dominguez Hills and Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla. “Since [last season] we’ve let Sako be himself and he’s definitely taken the bull by its horns and become the player that we always thought he could be.” said Cicuto. “We’re real happy for him.” Chapjian is poised to sign the first major league contract that comes along, which could be any day. “It’s what he wants to do.”
Photo by Mario Camino
HERE COME THE ANGELENOS: Glendale’s new baseball
team, of which Sako Chapjian is a member, will be sharing Stengel Field with the Vaqueros. The Angelenos have recruited top collegiate players for their 42-game summer season. Team president and head coach Tony Riviera announced that former Major League All-Star Brady Anderson will be the hitting coach, and former Atlanta Braves shortstop Andres Perez Thomas will serve as the infield coach. The Angelenos’ first game, to be held July 13, will be televised by FOX Sports.
said George. “I hope it happens. Most kids would want to play ball if they could, if that’s what their dream is. We’ll celebrate. We’ll have some friends over, throw a little party.” Chapjian is full Armenian. Zo is second generation since she was born and raised just outside of Philadelphia after her parents arrived in 1959 to be married in the U.S. She now works as an administrative assistant for Duarte Unified Elementary School. George is first generation. He was born in Lebanon and immigrated to the U.S. with his parents at the age of 7. A USC graduate, he is now the director of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Marine in Long Beach. The only thing he doesn’t like about school is waking up early in the morning to beat the 210 traffic from Duarte, said Zo. “But he’s always smiling,” said George. “He’s a goodnatured kid, and very sociable.” “Sako is a very protective big brother to his two sisters Careen, 17, and Aleena, 12,” said Zo. “He’s always been very considerate of others. He had a girlfriend his senior year in high school, but now baseball is his girlfriend.” Chapjian’s earliest baseball memory was at the age of 10 playing with the 11 and 12-yearolds in little league and beating
all the other teams in his area. His team was one round away from going to the little league world series but lost to a team with players “two times bigger.” Chapjian’s most influential ballplayer as a child was Ichiro Suzuki, one of the Seattle Mariners’ greatest batters and now holding the MLB record for the most hits in one season: 262. His current idol is the all-time leader in home runs for the Florida Marlins, Dan Uggla, who now plays second base for the Atlanta Braves. “He’s my idol because of the time and dedication he puts into baseball and in the weight room for baseball.” Chapjian’s favorite walk-up music to listen to as he approaches the plate is reggae. “It calms me down while I hit: slows my body down, which helps me to see the ball better.” Chapjian’s record speaks for itself. In 35 regular season games he had a batting average of .310 with 36 RBIs. Baseball is his life. To see Chapjian’s stats, readers can visit the GCC athletics page or search SpincoStats online. Derek Stowe can be reached at derek_stowe@elvaq.com
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GRADUATION LIST
Glendale Community College Candidates For Graduation- June, 2011
Associate in Science Degree
Artineh Amiriyan Taisuke Ito** Ikue Muto** Rina Tanaka** Miho Wuest*** Janik BoghdeserianDershky(H) Ignacio Florece** Anna Gabrielyan*** Gohar Gasparyan Anna Ghlijyan* Stella Grigoryan Nancy Ho (H) Adrine Khachatrian Anik Khochou Mary Knyazyan Hisae Konishi Maurice Kuitse** Silva Markosyan Meri Matevosyan*(H) Lolita Mkrtchyan**(AGS) Seda Shadkam Armenoohi Zeinalvand Ashraf Hanna-Alla Carmen Gharibian Anet Khachatourians-Tabri(H) Odet Makaradi** Asuka Maejima** Loosineh Moradi*** Meline Sarkhoshyan Kenta Yamashita Haroutiun Keshishian Sedick Gharibian*** Carmen Martinez** Beata Sokalska-Bochniak(H) Anush Boyajyan
Rita Douzdjian**(AGS) Veronica Espinosa Amalya Galustyan Anaheed Kahramanian** Maria Kechichian Karineh Margosian Nelli Nersesyan Heranoush Sarkissian Ailin Shamirian Emelinda Triggs* Nataly Varela(H) Ai Iwai*(H) Dibjyot Bhasine*** Harout Aristakessian(AGS) Marianna Ghazarian** Dennis Ma(H) Susan Matevosyan Avaran Fisher** Grant Hardyment**(H) Corey Lee*(H) Christopher Vallejos Maneh Abrahami(H) Caroline Allahverdi**(H) Jasmen Artunian Alvard Arzhumanyan Klara Ayvazyan Adrine Baghumyan Katrin Beikjani Susie Boghosian-Shad Jasmen Davoodimasihi Anet Esmailian Habibeh Farahi Satenik Karapetyan Karine Khostikyan Lilit Martirosyan Greta Panossian
Sergio Quezada**(AGS) Sona Shahumyan*** Anzhela Tadevosyan* Rima Vali-Jan(H) Jasman Vartane Kristine Atshemyan Hasmik Grigoryan Diana Bittinger**(H) Arturo Agluba** Mary Joan Alcantara(H) Vanessa Atighi Ani Ayrapetyan** Karin Azarian Dominique Bagsic**(H) (AGS) Aramis Bell** Melinda Blaney Ryan Bradford**(H) Andrew Braga**(H) (AGS) Antonio Bueno Stephanie Bugsch Danielle Carr (H) Phongsak Chouchomsuk** Maria-Michelle Constantino*** Magaly Correa** Cassandra Craig*** Krista Dall** Jill Davidson** Vagan Davtyan** Emmylou Dela Cruz-Agatep Mikhail Deleon Angelica Devera Jennifer Dineen** Tricia Dobbins Brittany Donofrio** Pierre Angelo Ebreo(H)
Nina Eme* Anthony Ervolina Nicholas Esqueda Dale Fassoth** David Fitzpatrick Destiny Floyd**(H) (AGS) Mauricio Garcia** Aida Gasparyan**(H) Soraya German***(H) Karen Gibson**(H) Heather Gilbert**(H) Serey Glenn Joy Ann Guinto** Amy Heck** Courtney Hogenson**(H) Donna Holguin Anna Karagyan Margaret Kelly Lilian Khachatorians Armenuhi Khachatryan** Jeffrey Kim** Bradley King**(H) Emma Knowles Cristine Kocharian** Jordan Kottle Justin Leas John Lee** Jay Liu** Rochelle Long Janette Lopez Sonday Mcginnis(H) Sonya Mikaelian Kristen Mogensen Stephanie Molina**(H) Sarah Neigenfind** Jamina Carla Lia Ortaliza**
Melissa Paez**(H) Rhodabelle Paguirigan** Robin Paige*** Frida Papazyan* Anna Parvanian Manuel Pascual**(H) Courtnay Pasiczniak Reena Patel Megan Penman John Puen** Linda Quinn Cresta Ramos(H) Christian Ruvalcaba(H) (AGS) Lana Sandoval Lorena Santana-Standard(H) Karla Santillano** Rachelle Saturnino**(H) (AGS) Liza Schmit**(H) Alyssa Spotts Ashley Srebnack Viktoriya Stepanyan** Monika Talley**(H) Debra Thomas Maria Cecilia Thomas Portia Trinidad** Esmeralda Trujillo Amanda Tsurutani Ryan Vallesteros* Dana Joyce Vargas Wendy Zambrano Kasumi Kawabata Latoya Thurman(H) Raffi Diradourian**(H)
Associate in ARTS Degree Armen Akopyan(H) Goarik Akopyan(AGS) Karmen Asatryan(H) Tacuma Bellford Biviana Garcia Robin Page(H) Rebecca Sanchez Juan Torres Arsineh Amirkhanian(H) (AGS) Thanunthorn Subannaayutthaya(H) Katie White(AGS) Zhenik Agazaryan(H) Garineh Amarkarian*(H) Arby Artoonian* Anna Babakhani** Jongsun Baek Luis Benavides** Siouzanna Benliyan Samvel Changlyan** Beatrice Corral**(PACE) Tehmine Derhoukasian* Karina Duenas Pilar Fontenla(H)
Svetlana Grigoryan*(AGS) Lida Hakobyan** Koichi Hamasaki Ying Han** Anna Harutyunyan*(H) Eugenia Hsieh* Emineh Issaian(H) Kristi Kelly**(H) (AGS) Robert Kurtz(H) Beatrice Macharia*** Katherine Malek Stepanians** Helma Malekian(H) (AGS) Avaga Marksi Avo Masihi Yousefian(H0 Armine Menemshyan** Joanne Meraz Lolita Mkrtchyan*(AGS) Sergio Murillo**(AGS) Linh Nguyen*** Lilit Ohanjanyan** Tomomi Ozaki* David Petty Ulises Reyes** Shakeh Shahijani-Zarneh Gayane Simonyan*(H)
Avetis Sogomonyan** Jongil Song Ishkhanuhi Terteryan**(H) (PACE) Marine Tovmasyan Vardush Tsatryan(H) Laura Vallejo Celia Vasquez Jing Wang Nicole White** Shiori Yamaguchi**(PACE) Anzhelika Zaborskikh***(H) (AGS) Ai Iwai**(H) Laura Ortega Joohee Paik** John Michael Rogers Kathryne Bradford**(H) Aaron Cohen Yui Goto Hiroko Haruta Aoi Ito** Takae Kadokura Hiroyuki Nakabayashi Masato Nakamura**
Hitomi Orihara*** Kaori Sakaguchi(H) Miyu Sasaki(H) Ayaka Takahashi Rina Tanaka** Akane Yamashita* Tomo Yoshida*** Jin Hee Kim(H) Piunik Adamian***(H) Aida Agadzhanyan* April Aguilera Ani Akopyan Redentor Alegre* Nareh Allahyari* Christopher Almacellas** Gury Alvarez Salin Amirian Haykanush Arakelyan(H) (AGS) Naira Arakelyan* Liana Arshakyan Arutyun Arutyunyan Anni Aslanian Lina Avadessians Anahid Avedian
Ledea Avedissian* Zohreh Babakhanlo Ani Badalyan Hector Baez Siyouneh Baghdasarian(AGS) Samuel Bai** Nayirie Balian Isabel Basurto** Emily Boghoskhan Anasheh BoghozianGharaghani*(AGS) Ninla Boguspour-Babrodi Sona Boyajyan* Raffi Brodeyan** Georgann Bruce Nicolas Bryant Timothy Calica***(H) Israel Can*** Elena Cardenas Aiza Cayanan** Joanna Chacon** Mireille Charbel Natalie Chavez** Stephanie Chicas Gloria Choe(H)
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GRADUATION LIST
Associate in ARTS Degree, continued Sindi Concebida Jennifer Corona** Marie Cozannet Jw Cradduck Carl Cristiano** Elizabeth Curtis*(H) Shara Davoodi**(AGS) Armine Davoody John Delancie* Elaine Delgado Cyntia Dersaroian(AGS) Daniel Diaz Kimberly Dominguez** Karina Estrada Shaun Finn** Narine Gabry* Celia Gaeta Beayna Galoustian*** Varazdat Galstyan Diana Garcia** Ivano Gargiulo(H) David Garyan Tamar Ghadimyan** Shaunt Gharibian* Astineh Ghazarian Andrea Gomez Edith Gonzalez Melania Gourehzar Austin Grout Catalina Guasco Juan Guillen** Brittney Hacek**(H) Elin Haghnazarian Arbi Haghverdian Kristine Hakobyan(AGS) Narek Hambardzumyan** Lena Haroutunian Marina Harutoonian Ellin Hatamian Delilah Hernandez David Herrarte Hrair Hovasapyan** Nash Hutter* Elina Ishkhanyan** Samvel Jayatyan Kristine Kaneichi Aida Karapetian Lusine Karapetyan Katy Keller Jose Kerch-Cisneros** Elin Keshish-Mousa(AGS)
Arin Keshishian** Anna Khachatryan** Lusine Khachikyan Cloudin Khanlary(H) Vivian Khodabakhshi(AGS) Shuhei Kosaka*** Seda Krisian** Suesyn Lam Samuel Ledadom*(H) Corey Lenaris Candy Liu* Meghmik Makaradi* Poulineh Manasi Anaeis Manoukian**(H) Sona Manukyan Alenoosh Mardiroosdolatabadi(H) Meline Mardirosyan Hripsime Margaryan(H) Gagik Marghosian-Gardabad** Lizette Mariscal** Camille Maristela** Cesar Mata Armine Matevosyan Diana Medrano* Zorineh Megerdichian(AGS) Sarinea Meserkhani**(AGS) Susanna Mirzoyan* Ruzanna Mkrtchyan**(PACE) Juan Murillo-Restrepo Nyre Najarian Arpine Nazaryan Arpine Nazaryan Sarah Niller Jason Nong Ani Oganyan(H) (AGS) Sevak Oganyan Tina Ohanian*** Paul Palutikof(AGS) Mona Papuchyan(H) (AGS) Kishore Patel* Selin Petrosians*** Alfred Reganyan** Courtney Reid Primavera Reza Bielka Rodriguez* Savina Roman** Monica Rosales Susan Rosero** Kathryn Rowley Moises Ruiz** Darleen Sahagun
Liana Sahakyan Luis Salas** Bianca Saleebyan(AGS) Braven Saleebyan Annalylia Sanchez** Arsineh Sargsyan Matthew Sarun** Gourik Savadians*** Ziad Sedki* Alan Shahbazi*** Mania Shahenian* Adrineh Shahnazarians(H) Hasmik Shahnazaryan*(H) Araz Shamirzaeian Michael Sherwin***(AGS) Alvin Shirin-Yans(H) Christine Shirvanian Deveron Shudic**(H) (AGS) Carlos Sosa Alma Soto Ashley Stanman** Ani Sultanyan** Jaqueline Talavera Qu Tang Yassaman Tarazkar** Liya Tarverdi Emin Terzian* Ron Thammasuckdi** Marianne Tomlin Anna Torres Billy Torrez Betsaida Vazquez(AGS) Danny Villatoro Kishan Wijesinghe** Lori Woodyard(PACE) Bahan Zardakhsho** Edgar Zatikyan Arbi Avanesian** Shogoiq Banalian** Debby Barrios*** Bruce Bent***(H) Dibjyot Bhasine** Abraham Campos Yue Cui**(H) Marc Delatorre** Rhona Jane Francisco** Ronald Garcia Cynthia Geragosian Kristine Ghazarian** Natalie Guevara** Sarah Hammer
Ziad Jamil Arlet Keshishi(H) (AGS) Jean Khajarian Sarineh Khajehsari Wallis Lahtinen-Hicks** Sanghee Lee Shinhye Lee Elena Litwinko(H) Sara Lo** Aren Paria** Ji Suk Park Alix Piller Gemma Rosas(H) (AGS) Jared Sanchez**(H) (AGS) Julian Sarkisov*** Celine Sarkissian Ani Setareh Vanesa Silva* Jenmi Sipaque Tri Tran Malgorzata Wilczek Stephanie Zavaleta Hasmik Zeynalvand**(H) Amy Hirsch(AGS) Chloe Vignolles-Jeong Daniel Casey Arpi Baghoomian Dietrich Diller Yevgeniya Zarubina** Armond Abdalian-Changani** Savana Aghamal Christina Almanza(AGS) Yader Arita Rita Assoian(AGS) Tiffany Baix Brian Baker Steven Batista Fidel Cantu* Brian Casey Sandra Dale(PACE) Rosa Deltoro* Violet Dersahakian** Jophinale Elorta Gabriela Estrada(PACE) Anita Eyvazi Lidia Ferman** Craig Galka***(H) Ani Gasparyan Kenzie Gerr Arpine Gharibyan(AGS) Anna Grigorian***
Nicole Guice Rita Isayan Sargis Isayan*** Ryotaro Ishimoto Gregory Jimenez Tagui Ketunyan*** Rodrik Khachik Arthur Kurpiewski(PACE) Edwin Lopez(H) (AGS) Adleida Manoukian Kathy Martinez(H) Lily Mcdonald Jacob Meza Michael Millard** Natalie Miller Nina Moore* Katelyn Mori(AGS) Hermine Nazaryan Talia Nicoghosian Bryan Ortloff Allison Palilla**(AGS) Taminie Panich Isaac Pedraza(AGS) Diana Riggle(H) Keith Rodriguez(H) Maria Romero Miguel Santana Andrea Stevens Terri Torres* Carlos Villarreal Amy Wright Collette Yousefian Ariel Gaughan Hayarpi Nersisyan(H) Caesar Ribeiro*** Andrea Moncada Mary Josephine Riveral(H) Shawnie Wise-Hawkins Choi Ying Wong Mabul Marulanda-Montoya(H) Marine Chikneyan Loosineh Moradi Francesca Ranieri Yuki Sagahara Ji-Young Kim Nina Reed Daniel Caballero Katelyn Dorroh John Fox Armond Keshishian Vicky Moon
CANDIDATES FOR CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION ACCOUNTING Gohar Azaryan(H) Andre Bandari** Zhaklin Barseghyan** Gohar Gevorgyan Hayk Hayrapetyan** Gayane Hovasapyan*** Linda Libertoos Marian Montalvo-Destemple(H) Linet Onanian**(H) Lusine Paruryan** Hasmik Sahakyan**(H) Kristine Zargarian**(H)
ADMIN OF JUSTICE Armen Dekermanjian** Hugo Enriquez** Marine Injigulyan** Sergik Kazaryan** Trevor Wingett*** ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Odet Abedian Shakeh Babakhan-Vartanian*** Marita Baghdasarian(H) Anet Khachatourians-Tabri(H)
ADVERTISING ARTS John Tannatt ART Pamela Yasmin Boria-Jesson* Vesselin Dimitrov** Meline Sarkhoshyan AVIATION ADMINISTRATION Roberto Rosales**(H) Kenta Yamashita
BEGINNING CULINARY ARTS Anna Hernandez**(H) Becky Homan**(H) Stela Hovanesian*** Edna Isayan*** Nazeli Khachatryan** Virginia Lopez** Jonathan Oganesian Josue Ortiz** Diego Rabaza-Notaro**(H) Cynthia Rizzoli***
BOOKKEEPING Jasmen Amirian Grace Cho**(H) Gohar Gasparyan Anna Serdakovna Gevorgyan** Ishkhanuhi Terteryan**(H) (PACE)
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GRADUATION LIST
CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION, continued CHILD DEVELOPMENT/ TEACHER INFANT TODDLER Vardouhi Barsegian*** Elia Nazarova*** Lidoosh Nazaryan-Darberoody**
DENTAL FRONT OFFICE/ BILLING AND CODING Renee Ervin(H) (AGS) Emma Mailyan(H) Vardeni Movsisyan Emma Nanyan
CHILD DEVELOPMENT/ MASTER TEACHER Angelica Rivera** Vartohi Zakarian***
DESKTOP PUBLISHING TECHNICIAN John Tannatt
CHILD DEVELOPMENT/ TEACHER SCHOOL AGE CARE Claudia Bruder-Gavafian Jaqueline Talavera CHILD DEVELOPMENT/ SITE SUPERVISOR Angelica Rivera** Vartohi Zakarian*** CHILD DEVELOPMENT/ TEACHER Khatoun Babaian Griselda Barajas Armineh Barani(H) Maral Bedrosian***(H) Amalya Galustyan Adrineh Jahangirikaramians Maria Kechichian Zoya Khachatourian Lousin Krumian Karineh Margosian Jennifer Meza Angelica Rivera** Anahit Shahverdyan
DIETARY SERVICE SUPERVISOR Liza David(H) Virginia Lopez* Ciarra Paminiano** Margaret Van Vleet**(H) DRAFTING/ELECTROMECHANICAL DESIGN Marta Munoz** ELECTRO/MECHANICAL FABRICATION TECHNICIAN Marta Munoz** ENGINEERING/ELECTROMECHANICAL DESIGN Miro Zaroukian(H) FINANCIAL PLANNING AND INVESTMENT Raymond Masihiatakhanian**
FIRE TECHNOLOGY David Berberian**(AGS) Steven Dearmond** Coy Reyes*(AGS) FLIGHT ATTENDANT Angelina Escobar-Santin Paola Mora*** Salvador Osegueda* Saki Takahashi GENERAL BUSINESS Golden Ma* Anahita Sarkissian*** GENERAL OFFICE Hamaspyur Abrahamyan Rima Aghakhanian Rubina Akopian Zhenik Amirkhanian** Rozik Ayvazian Aida Baghdasarian** Kelaris Geragousian** Ruzanna Gevorgyan(H) Hasmik Gorji Odet Makaradi** Edna Marderosian**(H) Sedik Margosian Lyudmila Omelchenko** Narine Sargsyan Selina Sarkissian**(H) Vrejouhi Sarkissian Naira Soghomonyan Areknaz Tamazyan
Rima Vali-Jan(H) Harmin Yaghoubian** INSURANCE PROFESSIONAL Aram Balian* MACHINIST Smyleen Rojas** MANAGEMENT Michael Feuerstein**(H) Anahita Sarkissian*** MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICESMEDICAL FRONT OFFICE Lala abed-Cheharmehali**(H) MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING Lala Abed-Cheharmehali**(H) Kristine Atshemyan Carlos Casillas***
Emma Mailyan(H) Dulce Morales***(H) Phoenix Rupp**(H) Armine Zograbyan***(H) MUSIC Julian Jaramillo(H) PILOT TRAINING Abram Aghakhani*** REAL ESTATE Debra Budge**(H) (AGS) Helena Echegoyen***(H) Julio Espinoza-Montes* Alexa Green** Paul Huld** Henry Lee**(H) Sung Seo**(H) Kerri Stimson(H)
(H) Honors (PACE) Project for Adult Education * Completed in Summer 2009 ** Completed in Fall 2009 *** Completed in Winter 2010 (AGS) Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society
COMMUNICATIONS Victor Castellanos(AGS) Elizabeth Hakopian* Tina Ohanian*** Christina Torossian* COMPUTER APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST Nicholas Pietrantonio COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS Suren Sahakyan**(H) COMPUTER PROGRAMMER Hyuk Lee(H) COMPUTERIZED ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST Gloria Choi Anastasiya Novikava(H) (AGS) DANCE TEACHING Ai Iwai**(H) Atsuko Nishiuchi*(H) Christian Scott(H) Daphne Sterling Arlene Vidor*(H)
Photo by Roger Lai
CONGRATULATIONS: The class of 2011 is off to pursue further education or a place in the job market. See photo feature pages 10-11.
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Calendar On Campus EVENTS Burbank School of the Ballet — Presents its annual recital at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on June 18. Tickets are $18. Mainstage Auditorium. For more information call (818) 845-8856. Swap Meet — Upper campus parking lot. June 19 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free and open to the
public. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5805.
registration available June 20 through 23.
ACADEMIC
Fall Semester — Apply by June 17 for priority registration.
Spring Semester Ends —Today is the last day of spring semester.
TRANSFERS
Summer Intersession — Walk through registration is June 15. Open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Classes start June 20, with late
Cal State Applications — Transfer to CSU (Quarter system) institutions. Now through June 30, students can apply to Cal State
LA, Cal Poly Pomona, CSU Bakersfield and CSU East Bay. For more information call (818) 2401000, ext. 5442.
MEETINGS Board of Trustees — Special budget study meeting. June 20 at 5 p.m. in Kreider Hall. The regular monthly meeting is at 5 p.m. June 27 in Krieder Hall.
PLANETARIUM “Evening with the Stars” — This planetarium show will introduce the stars, constellations and planets. June 17 and July 15 at 7:30 p.m. June 18 and July 16 at 6:30 and 8 p.m. Ticket prices vary. No late arrivals. For more information, visit www.glendale. edu/planetarium.
Around Town EVENTS Glendale College Foundation Golf Classic — Oakmont Country Club. The 29th annual event will be on Monday. Participants must preregister by Friday. 3100 Country Club Drive. For more information, call (818) 551-5199.
CONCERTS KCRW Summer Nights — One Colorado Place. Diego Garcia in concert. Also KCRW DJ Anne Litt will open and close the show. Saturday from 7:30 until 9:30 p.m. Free. One Colorado Place, Old Pasadena. For more information visit www.krcw.com/summer-nights-2011.
as well. June 18 at 6:30 p.m. 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. For more information, call (626) 445.6708 or visit www. pcomusic.org. Summer Night Swing with Patti Austin and Tierney Sutton — The Americana at Brand. Modern jazz vocalists Patti Austin and Tierney Sutton join Matt Catingub and the Glendale Pops Orchestra in this tribute to Big Band greats Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, and Duke Ellington. Free. Event is standing room only. June 30 at 8 p.m. 889 Americana Way. For more information visit www.alextheatre.org
THEATER
Schumann’s Piano Quartet in Eb Major, Op. 47 — Glendale Noon Concerts. Featuring Jacqueline Suzuki on violin, Victor de Almeida on viola, Pam de Almeida on violoncello and Rosa LoGiudice on piano. Free. First Baptist Church of Glendale, 209 N. Louise St. Runs from 12:10 until 12:40 p.m. June 15. For info visit www.fbcglendale.net.
“Bat Boy: The Musical” — Alex Theatre. Music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe. Tells the story of a half-boy, half-bat found in a cave who learns to speak and gains a family, romance and a home, until society takes it all away. 16 N. Brand Blvd. One show only, Monday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets prices vary. For more information call (818) 243-2539 or visit www.alextheatre.org.
Concert in the Park: A Festival of Popular Music from the Classics and the Theater — Sierra Madre Memorial Park. The Pasadena Community Orchestra presents its annual event. There will be a Kids’ March led by the drum line of PCO and balloons
“Twist: An American Musical” — Pasadena Playhouse. Written by William F. Brown. Directed by Debbie Allen and featuring music by Tena Clark and Gary Prim. Starring American Idol finalist Tamyra Gray. Opens Tuesday and runs until July 17. Ticket prices
vary. 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. For information call (626) 356-7529 or visit www.pasadenaplayhouse.org.
EXHIBITIONS “Art in the Streets” — The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. The first major U.S. museum survey of graffiti and street art featuring paintings, mixed media sculptures, and interactive installations by 50 artists. 152 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles. Runs through Aug. 8. Museum hours vary. For more information call (213) 621-1745 or visit www. moca.org. “A Revolutionary Project: Cuba from Walker Evans to Now” — The Getty Center. This exhibition looks at three critical periods as witnessed by photographers before, during, and after the country’s 1959 Revolution. Runs through Oct. 2. Museum hours vary. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. Admission is free and parking is $10 per vehicle. For information visit www.getty.edu. “Paris: Life & Luxury” — The Getty Center. This exhibition depicts the rich material ambiance of Paris during the mid-18th century. It brings together a wide variety of objects—from candlesticks and firedogs, to furniture and clocks, dressing gowns and jewelry, musical instruments and games. Runs through Aug. 7. Mu-
seum hours vary. “Tim Burton” — LACMA. Featuring over 700 drawings, paintings, photographs, moving-image works, storyboards, puppets, concept artworks, maquettes, costumes, and cinematic ephemera, including art from a number of unrealized and little-known personal projects. Runs through Oct. 31. Ticket prices and hours vary. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information call (323) 857-6000 or visit www. lacma.org. “The Sound of One Hand: Paintings and Calligraphy by Zen Master Hakuin” — LACMA. Hakuin’s self-taught, spontaneous, and inspired painting and calligraphy, expressed the mind and heart of Zen for monks and lay followers alike. Runs through Aug. 14. Ticket prices and hours vary. “Urban Asia: Photographs by Kirk Pedersen” — Pacific Asia Museum. Pedersen captures urban cityscapes throughout Asia including Japan, China, Taiwan and Malaysia. Runs through June 26. Ticket prices and hours vary. 46 N. Robles Ave., Pasadena. For more information call (626) 4492742 or visit www.pacificasiamuseum.org. “Three Fragments of a Lost Tale: Sculpture and Story by John Frame” — Huntington Li-
brary. Featuring intricately carved sculptures that bring together a body of work including still photography, and stop-motion animation. Runs through June 27. Ticket prices vary. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. For information call (626) 405-2141 or visit www.huntington.org. “Clayton Brothers: Inside Out”— Pasadena Museum of California Art. Featuring paintings and mixed-media installations, the exhibition surveys the brothers’ edgy aesthetic inspired by California skateboard and surf culture, punk rock, folk art, cartoons, and street art. 490 E. Union St., Pasadena. Runs through Sept. 4. Museum hours vary. For more information call (626) 568-3665 or visit www.pmcaonline.org. “George Herms: Xenophilia (Love of the Unknown)” — Pacific Design Center Presenting Hermes work alongside pieces by Rita Ackerman, Kaari Upson and Aaron Young to name a few. Runs through Oct. 2. 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. For info call (310) 289-5223.
WELLNESS Free Health Clinic — Open Tuesdays 5:30 to 8 p.m. or until full. No job or sports related physicals. 134 N. Kenwood St., third floor, room 330. For info call (818) 243-2105, ext. 202. Compiled by Richard Kontas
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VAQUERO VIEWS
Sindi Concebida Hits One Over the Net
Photo by Tex Wells
POWER PLAYER: Lady Vaquero Sindi Concebida plays tennis like a king: Billie Jean
King. She plays the power game. Her serve travels at 75 plus miles per hour, blowing away many of her opponments. Concebida hits in the number three spot this season after moving up from number five, and she is captain of the team.
By Luis Rodriguez EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
S
indi Concebida has only been playing tennis for three years, but she looks like she was born with a racket in her hand. “I picked up my first racket in coach Donaghy’s beginning tennis class,” Concebida said. “I actually never intended to play college tennis. I fell in love with the sport and just picked it up pretty quick. “As far as professional goes, I’d love to, but in order to go professional you would have to start as a child and I’m too late for that one. “Coach Donaghy has been there since the first day I picked up my racket. My first season I started out at No. 5 singles and by my second season I was team captain and playing No. 3 singles for the team. They say for only three years of tennis, I’ve become a
great player.” Her record is especially good considering that most players at level 3 have played for years and two of them went on to play at the state tournament this year. Her record is 2-8 for the conference. According to fellow player Sevana Zargarian, the best part of Concebida’s game is her mental strength. “I feel that a mental game is crucial in tennis,” said Concebida. “If your mental game is weak not even great strokes can help you. “I never give up even when I face tough opponents and just because I might not be able to beat them, I never give them anything. I make sure they earn the point and I fight ’til the very end.” GCC’s loss: she is transferring to UC Riverside. Luis Rodriguez can be reached at luis_rodriquez@elvaq.com