el Don
sPorts: Freshman running back
Eric Pesante scored two TDs leading the way to a Dons 38-7 blowout victory over the Citrus College Owls Sept. 5. 10 style: Take a
break from your textbooks and dig into these coming-of-age reads, from old classic novels to hip narratives. 5
SANTA ANA COLLEGE
liFe: Flu season
brings the risk of contracting H1N1, a new strain of the virus which targets those aged 18-25, but it can be prevented. 9
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009 • VOLUME 87, ISSUE 1
SAC parking renovations irk students Construction, class shortages contribute to congested lots By Portia Bode and Lourdes Serrano el Don Staff Writers From the middle of parking lot 7, Melba and Rita Valencia make the half-mile trek to class after a long Thursday morning trying to find a single spot. This fall semester, students at Santa Ana College find it harder than ever to find parking even with the inclusion of additional spots on and off campus. Aside from having to wake up hours earlier to get to class on time, daily parking permits have gone from $1 to $2 since the first day that construction began. “It’s very unfair, parking prices go up, but parking spaces go down,” Melba said.
MAKe clAss on tiMe •Don’t drive alone. Take turns with a friend and carpool. •Invest in a bus pass to save gas, money and parking spots. •Arrive early and spend your time preparing for class.
Please see scArce, Page 4
BANKRUPT state debt forces california educators to make tough choices Story by Michelle Wiebach • Illustration by Alex Cooper Long lines, overcrowded classrooms, increased fees and shorter hours for student services this semester are a glimpse into California higher education’s new reality. As a result of the state’s worsening budget crisis, officials at colleges statewide have drastically slashed classes and programs, eliminated scores of adjunct faculty, fired thousands of classified employees, and scaled back vital student services. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state legislators have cut funding from California’s higher education budget more than any other state in the union, affecting about 3 million college students. In order to close the state’s $60 billion deficit, California legislators reduced funding to its 110 community colleges, 23 California State University campuses, and 10 University of California campuses.
“We are entering a time where we need to reinvent ourselves,” Erlinda Martinez, Santa Ana College president, said to faculty and classified employees at her annual “Beginning of the Year Meeting” on Friday, Aug. 28. Instead of doing “more with less,” IN DEPTH campus officials are faced with the PART 1 bleaker proposition of “doing less with less,” Martinez said. “We have to look at our priorities and decide what is the most important.” The state funds the Rancho Santiago Community College District from property tax revenues and other sources. The district then divides those funds between Santiago Canyon College and SAC.
Please see budGet, Page 3 read staff editorial, Page 8
Obama offers defense of plan President lays out key points, dispels rumors by naysayers By Kathie Espinoza el Don Editor in Chief President Barack Obama addressed a joint session of congress last Wednesday in hopes of clarifying issues concerning his plans for universal health care. “There are now more than 30 million American citizens who cannot get coverage. In just a two-year period, one in every three Americans goes without health care coverage at some point. And every day, 14,000 Americans lose their coverage,” President Obama said. The president made clear that the uninsured are not
the only ones who deal with health insurance issues. Many insured Americans contend with lapses in coverage, suspension of benefits and refusal to insure as a result of preexisting conditions. Obama denounced “scare tactics” that have been used by some who oppose the plan to gain support for the causes, and those who are using the health care debate as an opportunity for political gain.
Please see heAlth, Page 4 read opinion, Page 9
NEWS
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SANTA ANA COLLEGE el Don • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Around the world in 3 days Thousands crowd Orange Plaza for annual International Street Fair By Meg Faulkner el Don Staff Writer
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Revelers join arms in dance as live music plays on Greek Street, one of a dozen cultures represented at the Orange International Street Fair.
For many locals, the Orange International Street Fair is like a reunion. “You never know who you’ll run into,” said Ken Chaney, a volunteer selling beer at the fair. “You see the same faces every year. Some folks don’t show up for a year or two, then you’ll see them back again. They’re like old friends.” Chaney and his wife of 50 years, Mary Lou, have worked on Denmark Street since the street fair began in 1973. They are members of the Danish Lutheran Church of Southern California, which sponsors a food and beverage booth on Denmark Street. Proceeds from the booth support local charities, including the YMCA, Salvation Army, Second Harvest and Mary’s Kitchen. Nearly half a million people flock to Orange’s historic district each year for the street fair, which features food and entertainment
representing countries and cultures around the world. Within four city blocks, fair-goers can enjoy tacos and Corona on Mexican Street, gyros and loukomathes on Greek Street, or Italian Sausage and peppers on Italian Street. Many visitors don’t realize that the fair is more than bratwurst and beer — it is a massive fundraiser for local charities. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are raised through corporate sponsorships, and non-profits like the Danish Lutheran Church raise additional funds through their concession booths. Local schools get in on the action as well, with fundraisers ranging from ice cream carts to trash patrol. With temperatures in the mid-90s, crowds gathered under 10 X 10 foot canopies equipped with misters. The heat did little to deter visitors; in fact, it seemed mild compared to past years. “This is nothing,” said David Gonzalez of Aliso Viejo. “I’ve been here when it’s over 100. And they didn’t have the misting booths then.”
CAMPUS, LOCAL & STATE
News You Can Use
rENT-A-BOOK With the rise in tuition and fees, you can save money on your textbooks by renting them. At www.dontbuytextbooks.net students can rent a textbook for 50 to 85 percent off the list price. Choose to keep the book for a semester, a quarter or 60 days. At the end of the rental period, either buy the textbook or place the book in a prepaid envelope and return it by mail. For an even cheaper option, some books can be purchased as e-books accessible from a computer or mobile device.
GO CLUBBING
Golden Ticket
They’re called the The Inter-Club Council “Golden Four,” and you meets every other need them if you’re Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. planning to transfer to a in U-106. Members disCalifornia State University cuss the club’s activities or a UC in the future. and gain knowledge of The “Golden Four” are self-government. At least one representa- math, English, critical tive of each of the current thinking and oral communication. “Now, more clubs must attend every than ever, it is important meeting as required by to plan carefully,” Transfer the Inter-Club Council Center Director Martha Constitution. Vargas said. She also Santa Ana College currecommends using sites rently has over 25 clubs such as assist.org to help that students can join. find transferrable classes. The next meeting will be held Sept. 24. -Dawn McDougall -Felipa Peñaloza
Wonder Wall
music Fun
You may wonder what happened to the display on the south wall of the art building. The renovation in January 2009, and decades of sunlight, prompted a new display. Ceramics teacher Patrick Crabb inspired the clay works that make the current display. The project, Crabb said, “went beyond the norm,” but still reflects the students’ thoughts and interpretations.
The 2009 Target Neighborhood Concert Series presents the 9th Annual Concert in the Park on Saturday Sept. 19 at Morrison Park in Santa Ana. The Undercover Girls, an all-female classic rock tribute band, will play live music from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The show is free and open to all ages, and a table for eight can be reserved for $25 by calling 714-834-0556. Morrison Park is located at 2801 Westwood Ave.
-Dawn McDougall
-Allison Lujan
- Hugo Pacheco
aPPLY NOW The Asian American Journalists Association is offering $500 to $1,500 grants to full-time journalism students. Students must be enrolled in 12 units and plan to pursue a career in journalism. The deadline is midnight Sept. 18. Winners will attend the AAJA’s Trivia Bowl on Oct. 2. The Trivia Bowl is a scholarship fundraiser, that provides winners with an opportunity to meet industry professionals. For more information and details visit aaja-la.org. -Dawn McDougall
Transfer Scare
watch the hump
2010 transfer students are not being accepted by CSU campuses because of budget cuts. For more information visit the University Transfer Center in S-110 or call 714-564-6165.
Watch out for the hump! Or rather the speed bump. You can find this blooper on the north east edge of campus. -Allison Lujan
-Alex Cooper
NEWS
SANTA ANA COLLEGE el Don • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009
Budget: programs suspended due to lack of funds and Media Studies Chairman Charles Little said. About 10 percent of fall semester The Full Time Equivalency Student classes have been cut, while 12 pertarget has also been reduced by about cent of classes were cut last spring. 3.4 percent, meaning the college With talks about mid-year cuts, receives less money from the state. “hopefully spring semester will be Overcrowding and fewer class secthe same as last spring,” Norman tions have already made campus life Fujimoto, SAC vice president of acadifficult, and many students were demic affairs, said. surprised to learn that officials were On average, each of the 18,322 forced to increase tuition and other students registered at SAC is taking fees this fall. about 10.5 units — less than full time Community college tuition — even with the 10 percent reduction increased to $26 per unit from $20 in fall semester classes. last semester; parking almost doubled Crowded classrooms are a direct from $16 to $30 and the health fee result of students packing their more than tripled, rising from $5 schedules into a tighter time frame. to $17. Fewer course offerings nearly The college is responsible for the doubled enrollment in many increased parking and health fees, core classes. but not the tuition fees. The district College funds in multiple decides that figure based on the categories have been cut by about state budget. $5.2 million. “It’s unfair,” nursing major Brittany Classes that averaged about 25 Strahan said of the new semester fees. to 30 students in the past now “You come to a community college have upwards of 50 to 70 students, because it’s cheaper compared to a with more hoping to add on through four year school. “ waitlists and petitions. Four athletic teams and programs Some professors have suggested such as glass blowing have been opening more course offerings suspended, while others, like theater, because they would be able to fill have been drastically reduced. them with wait-listed students, but “We’ve been hit harder than the college has no funds to accommo- other performing arts,” Valinda date the extra classes, Fujimoto said. Tivenan, theater arts department “We have enough new journalism chairman, said. students to add three additional news “We do have lots of production writing classes,” Communications costs, which is a reason for cuts.”
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Continued from page 1
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Only one play is scheduled for proHours for vital services like the duction this year, compared to four library, math lab, writing center, and plays in previous years. health center have been reduced, Board Trustee Brian Conley said but not cut. “We want to keep education is most effective when it them instead of getting rid of them,” molds well-rounded individuals. Fujimoto said. Unfortunately, Conley observed, The stinging cuts could not have when cuts are enacted, the arts and come at a worst time. physical education, receive the brunt In a recession, those who have of the impact. been laid off go back to school, espe“There’s a difference between suscially to community colleges to learn pension and elimination of programs,” new occupational skills. Martinez said. “Suspension” means Students who want to transfer a temporary hiatus for a program, are feeling the cuts. “I have to stay whereas “elimination” means it is another year,” Marco Solis engineercompletely cut. ing major said.
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The kiln at the Fine Arts Building has been shut down this Fall.
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NEWS
SANTA ANA COLLEGE el Don • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009
Scarce: students scrambling for spots Continued from page 1 Students feel that the college is overbooking available parking, resulting in few spaces to accommodate them. Severe budgets cuts, as a result of California’s fiscal crisis, have triggered reductions to course offerings, forcing more students into fewer classes and increasing parking lot congestion at peak times, college officials say. At 5:30 p.m. last Wednesday, about four cars per row, on average, lined up waiting for spots to open. In general, the hunt for parking spaces intensifies during the peak hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. “If students will leave extra time and come early enough, be patient and are a little creative, they won’t have a problem finding parking,” Lt. James Wooley, SAC Safety and Security supervisor, said. Commuters can park curb side on the lots located on 15th Street and College Avenue, where there are about 200 spots. Wooley suggests that if students park in a lot that is further away and walk, they would still be able to arrive to class on time. Human resources major Ken Young suggests coming to campus
earlier. “It’s all about timing,” said Young, who arrives about two hours before class. “I’d get other stuff done that way.” Some frustrated with the lack of parking close to classroom buildings, have chosen to park in the city rather than pay $30 for a permit that may or may not secure them a space. But free parking in Santa Ana is scarce and can be unsafe. Most businesses surrounding SAC, including those at the Target shopping center just north of 17th Street, have teamed with local towing companies ready to haul away vehicles parked there for long periods of time. Jennifer Lopez, a psychology major, used to park on College Avenue but was concerned about getting tickets. Her solution was to give up driving to school all together. “I walk to school. I don’t live that far anyway,” Lopez said. Construction of a new Child Development Center in the main lot has compounded the issue, eliminating about 100 student parking spaces. As for the Valencia sisters, they say that they will be here at least an hour early for classes and continue to search for a parking space.
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Fed up commuters often wait around for about 30 minutes on average before finding parking.
Students drive through each row of the nearest lot to campus in hopes of finding a close spot.
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Health: reforms would keep private insurers in check Continued from page 1
Olivier Douliery MCT
President Barack Obama addresses Congress about the health care plan and talks about the benefits of carrying it out.
Like the requirements for car insurance, individuals would be required to obtain health insurance. Three basic goals are in the plan: “Provide more security and stability to those who have health insurance, provide insurance for those who don’t, and slow the growth of health care costs for our families, our business and our government.” The president assured those who already have health insurance that they will not be required to change plans or doctors. He said he also intends to establish regulations that prevent insurance companies from dropping people from coverage when expensive treatment is needed, or placing a cap on the amount of coverage for prolonged illness. Obama emphasized that health reform cannot occur without employers and insurers teaming up to provide coverage. The president also addressed controversial rumors. “Some of people’s concerns have grown out of bogus claims spread by those whose only agenda is to kill reform at any cost.” He denied the establishment of the controversial “death panels” that some plan critics say would purportedly end the lives of elderly people who prove too costly to be insured.
During the president’s address an unprecedented breach of protocol occurred when Rep. Joe Wilson, (R-S.C.), yelled, “You lie!” after the president said that the health care reform plan would not benefit illegal immigrants. Obama assured Congress that the money used to fund health care would only be taken out of funds within the existing system that is currently “full of waste and abuse.” “I will not sign if [the bill] adds one dime to the deficit now or in the future. Not a dollar of the Medicare trust fund will be used to pay for this plan,” the president said. Projected to cost about $900 billion over 10 years, the health care reform will cost less money than the Iran and Afghan wars, Obama said. He hit a poignant note when speaking about Ted Kennedy and the perils of having children who are seriously ill. Though the reform plans for health care are complicated and confusing, the president said he is holding on to hope. “I still believe that we can act when it’s hard. I still believe we can replace acrimony with civility and gridlock with progress. I still believe we can do great things and that here and now we will meet history’s test, because that’s who we are. That is our calling. That is our character,” Obama said.
BY THE
NUMBERS
66%
Polled in favor of the health plan after the speech
29% Oppose the health plan
70%
Believe Obama’s plan will move the country forward source: CNN poll Sept. 10, 2009