November Issue

Mt. San Jacinto College

NOVEMBER 2014

theTALON By students, For students

ONE FREE COPY

VOLUME II ISSUE III

MSJC Eagles Battle Victor Valley at Homecoming Game

MSJC’s football team braved rainy weather on Nov. 1 in an endeavor to dominate the Victor Valley Rams during the annual Homecoming game.

The Eagles played aggressively against the formidable opponent, but fell just short of victory, losing to the Rams 28-21.

As the last game on home ground,

Photo and article by Renzy Reyes

the Eagles fought to improve their season’s record of 3-4 while entertaining the spirited Homecoming crowd. The Rams held an undefeated record of 7-0 coming into the game, setting the stage for a tough battle at MSJC’s Carl Quandt Stadium.

At the start of the game, the Rams scored twice, including an end zone

catch by Joshua Thompson (WR). The Rams were close to increasing their 14-0 score when Ronald Gaither (DB) gave MSJC hope with a crucial interception, running 93 yards for the touchdown with five minutes left in the first half.

Continued on page 10

Passing of Measure AA Foreshadows Successful Future

By Jeana Robbins and Danielle Carter Tripp

On Nov. 4 a total of 73,315 community members of Riverside County, voted YES on the passing of Measure AA. The 25-year facilities bond of $295 million will allow the Mt. San Jacinto College district to improve infrastructure, double classroom space, and expand resources for students. Previously, MSJC was one of only eight community colleges throughout California to not have attained a facilities bond within the last 30 years.

Continued on page 5

Campus News Page 5

MSJC students gathered together to the support the measure during the AA Rally at MVC.

Sports Pages 10 & 11

Holiday Specials Pages 6 & 7

Club Blurbs The S.A.T.O.R.I Garden Movement

Are you looking to make a difference on campus and in our community? Join Active Minds today, where it is our mission to empower students to change the perception about mental health!

Our club’s goals include planning campus and community outreach events where we not only play games and offer entertainment in hopes to reduce the typical high stress associated with college life, but also to provide individuals suffering from mental health issues with the resources and encouragement necessary to they know they are not alone.

Active Minds at MSJC works with students to educate entire campus communities about mental health. We want to ensure students can understand what they’re going through, know where to get professional help on campus, recognize ways to talk to friends they are worried about, and feel supported and accepted while living with a mental disorder.

We currently meet every other Thursday from 12:30-1:30 in RM. 1202 on the San Jacinto campus and in the SGA conference RM. 1007 on the Menifee campus.

If you are interested in joining or learning more about our club contact the club President, Brianna Ranger at branger123@student.msjc. edu or the faculty co-advisor Ammanda Moore at amoore@msjc.edu.

Thanks!

The Animation Club

The animation club is a place to watch, practice, and create 2D, 3D and stop-motion animation. If you want to learn the ins and outs of animation and see what happens behind the scenes, this is the perfect place for you.

It does not matter if you are new to the field of animation, currently in an animation course, or if you have taken courses in the past and are a bit rusty; come work on assignments, or practice skills you may not have known you possess. What better place to take your ideas, and make them an animated reality?

The Science, Agriculture, Technology, Organic, Research and Intelligence Garden Movement is focused on educating students, staff and the public while helping the communities of San Jacinto and Hemet.

The club focuses on topics such as industrial agriculture, environmental issues, water conservation, organic gardening, and geographic information systems (GIS).

S.A.T.O.R.I Gardens will work with Valley Beautiful, a nonprofit organization that maintains the gardens at the Estudillo Mansion and Ramona Bowl. They hope to assist with any of the organization’s local projects and teachings of water conservation, drought tolerant landscaping and sustainable gardening.

For those interested in careers pertaining to the themes of the S.A.T.O.R.I Garden Movement, joining the club can help members gain knowledge and experience while connecting with the communities in the Inland Empire.

Meetings take place on Tuesdays at the Menifee Valley Campus from 12-1 pm in RM 1008 Exal Vega, Club President evega155@student.msjc.edu

We meet 12- 2 pm every Tuesday & Thursday in RM 409 at the Menifee Campus.

Robert Cuevas, Club President Rcuevas508@student.msjc.edu

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Want to have your club featured in the Talon: Email thetalonsubmission@gmail.com

Club Blurbs

On Saturday Oct. 25, twelve registered nursing students and SWANS faculty advisor, Regina Marks, gathered at a local homeless shelter to provide a hot breakfast for residents.

Valley Restart Shelter in Hemet, Calif. is dedicated to moving people from a state of homelessness and into a high level of self-sufficiency and independence by providing resources for essential needs that allow residents to thrive within the community.

The SWANS club works to support the Valley Restart Shelter in providing meals twice every semester through various fundraising opportunities.

Registered nursing students volunteer their time to shop, prepare and serve home cooked meals to the men, woman, and children of the shelter.

It is the goal of SWANS and the entire Nursing Department to dedicate efforts in giving back to the community and those in need.

Additional fundraising and donation opportunities are open throughout the year to all students, faculty, and community members so be on the lookout in the upcoming Talon issues for details on how you can give back to your community!

Check us out at:

SWANS members and MSJC students gather outside the Valley Restart Shelter of Hemet

Facebook.com/msjctalon and Instagram at msjctalon

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Campus News Lady Eagle’s Soccer Team Emerge Victorious in the

Veterans Day Games

By Royce Bunyard

In celebration of Veterans Day, the reception of the Veterans Day the Eagles Veteran and Dependent trophy, a shimmering three-columned Organization (EVDO) hosted the prize mounted by a gold eagle. first annual Veterans Day Games Student spirit and morale was at the Menifee Valley campus. On heightened with the advantageous Nov. 6, MSJC students rose to the efforts of EVDO in their aim challenge to compete for the coveted to educate the student body in Veterans Day trophy by partaking in an exciting and competitive way. military themed activities and games.

Political Science major and

“The school typically brings in a inactive member of the Reserve, Robert speaker for Veterans Henrickson, day,” said Leah Have you ever ran views the event Becher, Nursing through a forest as a good way to major and president carrying a 7 pound bring awareness of EVDO. “This to the veteran M16 rifle to grab c o m m u n i t y year, we wanted to change the venue a an ammo box that of MSJC. bit and encourage weighs more than “It brought more student enough to save lives attention to the involvement.” fact that we are and run back to

The event here by involving your platoon? attracted eight different student MSJC clubs and groups,” said sports teams, including members of Henrickson.

“Everyone enjoyed the women’s softball and soccer team the healthy competition because as well as the Communications Club. their friends were involved.”

Students were challenged physically and After an impressive turnintellectually with American history trivia, out at the Veterans Day Games, an MRE eating contest, a water balloon students are awaiting the chance to “grenade” toss, and a tug-o-war. The compete once again for the coveted women’s soccer team titled “That’s It” Veterans Day trophy, which will won with a total of 58 points, narrowly remain in the possession of “That’s beating the Veterans Center team by 1 It” until next year when they will point. “That’s It” was rewarded with be called to defend their prize.

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Cont...pg. 1

Passing of Measure AA

Through the efforts of many students and community members, The Yes on AA campaign ushered in a 58.53% approval rate in what college President/ Superintendent Dr. Roger Schultz has called a “tremendous grassroots effort.”

All bond funds will be carefully delegated to specific infrastructure projects throughout the district and monitored by an expanded citizen’s oversight committee which will conduct annual audits.

Measure AA will aid MSJC in what is anticipated to be a much needed and overdue renovation of the San Jacinto campus as well the expansion of the Menifee, Temecula, San Gorgonio Pass and potential Wildomar campuses.

See the following websites for answers to frequently-asked-questions, and details of planned expenditures of Measure AA funds: www.msjc.edu/MeasureAA/Pages/Frequently-Asked-Questiobs.aspx www.msjc.edu/MeasureAA/Documents/ PotentialBondProjects.pdf

Corrections

The article MSJC’s Foundation Hosts Sunset Jazz and Wine Festival Honoring Local Veterans, published in our October issue, has been recognized as containing inaccurate information. Corrections include: 1. Although the beer was donated to the event by Garage Brewery, the wine was donated and/or discounted by Rancho Bellesante’ Vineyards and Speranza Winery.

2. AFTH proudly supports MSJC’s veteran center, however, it was other organizations and private parties that furnished the campus center.

3. MSJC veterans cannot be sponsored directly by donating to AFTH. The sponsorship of $30 was only for a ticket to the Jazz Fest via the Foundation.

-Talon Staff

Want to write for The Talon? Contact us at TheTalonSubmissions@gmail.com

Holiday Specials All The Stuff-ing Your Teachers Never Told You: A Brief History of Thanksgiving

By Sandi M. Colby

Most children in elementary school are taught a “Disney-fied” version of Thanksgiving: the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth and befriended a group of peaceful natives, the Wampanoags, who taught them how to survive in the New World, and as a gesture of appreciation, the Pilgrims invited the natives to join them for a feast to thank them—thus Thanksgiving was born.

Some of the details are correct, but the real story of how Thanksgiving became a national, legal holiday is even more interesting.

Many historians agree that the first Thanksgiving probably took place around November of 1621 when the Puritans arrived in Plymouth during a harsh and deadly winter. The Wampanoag tribe was peaceful and helped the new arrivals by teaching them where to hunt, what was safe to eat, and how to cure common diseases. Because of their help, the settlers had a very plentiful summer and an abundant harvest in the fall; there would be plenty of food for the entire winter. To celebrate, they invited their new friends over and reveled for three whole days.

For the next 150 years there was no established day of Thanksgiving.

There were instead multiple days for settlers in New England to gather and pray together, similar to a day of Sabbath.

Some of the settlers later moved south and intermingled with new people in other colonies. Eventually, these days of giving

thanks became less religious and more about togetherness and the celebration of personal blessings. By the start of the American Revolution, all 13 original colonies had their own version of Thanksgiving that they celebrated each fall.

The Continental Congress declared the first national observance of Thanksgiving in the fall of 1777, but it was a somber affair because of the war. George Washington kept the holiday, each year declaring a November day as the national day of giving thanks. Other presidents kept it alive, but by 1815 it fell out of favor and faded away.

The holiday began to be celebrated again as an attempt to bring the country back together after the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln was convinced by Sarah Josepha Hale, an influential writer and editor of that time, who started a letter-writing campaign in favor of Thanksgiving. He made the declaration in 1863 and proclaimed that the last Thursday of November would be the national day of Thanksgiving. It still was not a permanent holiday, but future presidents stuck to the day he set and made their own declarations every year.

The next evolutionary step for the holiday came in 1939 when the country was still hurting from the Great Depression.

Retailers convinced President Franklin D. Roosevelt to push Thanksgiving forward by a week to stimulate more shopping for the holiday season. Unfortunately, the sales did not increase enough to help, and the decision to celebrate Thanksgiving on the third Thursday instead of the fourth created a divide within the country. Many people refused to change to the new day, and for two years Thanksgiving was celebrated twice.

In 1941 Congress finally stepped in and voted to make Thanksgiving a permanent national holiday. They put it back to the last Thursday of November, and also recognized it as a legal holiday.

Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Mushroom Recipe Facebook.com/msjctalon Contributed By: Catherine Begorre, MSJC Physical Education Instructor/ Yoga Instructor/ San Jacinto Unified School District Adapted PE Specialist

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Want to contribute? Email us at TheTalonSubmissions@gmail.com

Holiday Specials

Retail

Debate

TheGREAT Thanksgiving

The Talon staff asked MSJC students what their plans for the holidays are and here’s what they had to say: Veronica Morales Theater Major

Standing in line at 5 am on Black Friday, the Friday after Thanksgiving, has become an honored American tradition.

In recent years though, there has been a push by retailers to get shoppers out even earlier. This year, owners of stores such as Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Walmart plan to open their doors as early as 6pm Thanksgiving evening.

Owners of other stores, including Costco, Nordstrom, and GameStop, announced their plans to remain closed on Thanksgiving. They will keep their Black Friday sale on Friday.

In response to stores opening on Thanksgiving, petitions asking shoppers to boycott have started circulating on social media sites. They urge people to take a stand and help retail employees enjoy the holiday with their families.

Many employees support the boycott, but others are bothered by it. Not everyone wants the day off and some are grateful for the extra hours—particularly because the hours are usually double pay or the employees are awarded bonuses for coming in that day.

So which side of the debate do you fall on? Share your opinion on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/msjctalon

Dolores Cota Social Behavior Science Major

Jonathan Brown Psychology Major

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving which means I am asleep till noon. I really don’t know how people stay out in the cold, camping in front of a store for a week. It all baffles me, but I assume it must be fun, a bonding experience of some sort. I just don’t have the energy to wake up that early on a regular day, let alone after I’ve just eaten a pound of potatoes, pumpkin pie, and turkey.

Brianna Esquivel Dance Major

Our plans for Thanksgiving always start at 4am. We get up, do the whole turkey thing and get everything prepped, and by noon or 2 o’clock we’ve eaten. By then we’ve gotten out ads together and we’re looking at where we’re going to head. The majority of the time we start at Toys ‘R’ Us or we go to Ontario Mills— which is the most fun. Sometimes my husband and I will split up; he’ll get in line at GameStop and I’ll go to J.C. Penny’s to get the pajamas and stuff like that. We look forward to the shopping even more than Thanksgiving dinner!

I’ll probably end up going out with my girlfriend and her family and help them get gifts.

After years of working retail, especially working at Walmart, I’ve seen things… and let me tell you, Black Friday is a scary, scary, scary place. I will be participating as little as I can.

I’m just going to stay home and stay away from the craziness!

Share your opinions

Facebook.com/msjctalon

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Arts Gallery of Contemplation A visit to “The Windhover” at Stanford University.

A faculty Feature BY John Seed

I often tell my MSJC students that I became an artist and art professor because of one very influential teacher I had in college. His name was Nathan Oliveira and when I first took a print-making class with him in 1976 a light went on in my head telling me “I need to be an artist.”

Professor Oliveira was a very thoughtful man, and before he died in 2010 he had made plans for his final gift to the students of Stanford University where he taught for 30 years.

The Windhover building is built to be quiet. Its thick

walls are made of rammed earth, and the flow of water from two small fountains provide soothing sounds. Its light is controlled by electronic louver drapes and overhead skylights. The building takes its name from a Gerard Manley Hopkins poem that describes the flight of a falcon in spiritual terms that suggest resurrection. Oliveira’s large paintings feature wings and abstract forms that are meant to be uplifting and calming.

In September I visited Stanford – it is my 35th reunion year – and was able to experience Oliveira’s dream-come-true. It is a building called “The Windhover” that is both a gallery for four of Nathan’s paintings and also a contemplative center. Although the center is overseen by Stanford’s Religious Studies Department, it is not a church. It is meant as a place of quiet where students can relax and calm their minds. Cellphones and electronic devices must be turned off before entering, and the building is only for the use of Stanford students and staff with a valid ID.

Visiting “The Windhover” made me ask this question: do we have enough quiet spaces at MSJC? Our libraries are generally calm and quiet, but “The Windhover” isn’t quite the same thing. It is there to remind students that deep thought and contemplation can fuel the imagination. We need something like it at MSJC: after all we are “eagles” and we need places that will inspire our minds to soar in peace.

For more Seed, visit JohnSeed.com

Write.

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Create.

Meetings every Friday 1-2pm Rm 417 MVC If you are interested in submitting an article, email TheTalonSubmissions@gmail.com

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Sports

MSJC Homecoming Game cont...pg.1

Tensions grew during the second

half as the Eagles fought to reclaim their turf and offset the 14-7 score in their favor.

During the third quarter, MSJC’s Zach Chessar (QB) tied the game with another decisive play as he found Jamion Lindsay over the Rams defense for an 82 yard touchdown, evening the score 14-14.

With the momentum rolling to MSJC’s side, the Eagles scored with an incredible run by Zach Chessar placing the Eagles in the lead 21-14.

Chessar broke through multiple tackles,

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scrambling 29 yards to the end zone with 6 seconds left in the third quarter.

Victor Valley came back and tied the game with a run near the goal line by Shaun Williams Jr. (RB), as he dodged the pile-up near the end zone to tie the score at 21 with 6:32 remaining in the game.

MSJC was unable to score on their next drive as the Rams received the pigskin with 2:30 left. Victor Valley entered into the red zone after several decisive penalties and a notable catch by Devanote Miligan (WR) during the Rams 2-minute offense.

Williams Jr. sealed Victor Valley’s final touchdown with a 7-yard run and only 11 seconds left in the game.

Despite their loss to Victor Valley, the Eagles have secured a final season record of 4-6, reclaiming the Palms to Pines Trophy against College of the Desert.

Sports Lady Eagles Conclude Their Regular Season (16-9)

By Talon Staff

The MSJC volleyball team fought hard during their last home game of the season for sophomore night on Nov. 14 against the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference (PCAC) leaders Grossmont College. Grossmont is the 3rd ranked team in the state.

MSJC lost the first set of the game with a score of 25-19. The crowd loudly cheered for the lady eagles when they overtook the Griffins in the next two sets with a score of 25-21 and 25-22.

MSJC played their hearts out during the final third set, but unfortunately lost to the Griffins with a final score of 15-12.

Sophomores Alissa Theis, Kriston Hilkey, Taylor Kushner, Sam Salcido, and Lesha Leota received heartfelt recognition before the game for their excellence during their tenure at MSJC.

The Eagles finished up the volleyball season with a loss against Mira Costa on Nov. 19 and Mesa College on Nov. 20.

Players Taylor Kushner and Iesha Leota were standouts during the Wednesday night game against Mira Costa. Kushner made 17 kills total while Leota helped the offense with 10 additional kills. Teammate Alyssia Theis achieved a high of 31 assists.

During the Thursday match, Theis had 38 assists while player Ashley Cork displayed her defense skills with 28 digs.

The Lady Eagles ended the season with an overall record of 16-9.

The team is eagerly awaiting to see if their hard-work this season has paid off in being selected to participate in the upcoming Southern California Regional Volleyball Championships. Go Eagles!

If you are interested in covering MSJC sporting events, contact The Talon at TheTalonSubmissions@gmail.com

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: 01 1 O R TNSFE

W TRA O H

Tis the season to transfer!

As the November 30th submission deadline to apply to UCs and CSUs approaches, many students are beginning to take the steps to transfer to a four-year university.

If you are a student who is looking forward to submitting their applications to transfer during the upcoming Fall semesters, this transfer 101 guide offers tips and advice The Talon staff thinks every student should know.

Decide which college is right for you

Not all college systems are the same. This is a fact you must recognize from the beginning of your community college experience.

If you’re looking to go to a public four-year college in California, you must decide between attending a California State University (CSU) or a University of California (UC). Cal States are a great option since they are typically cheaper than UCs and their programs are oriented more towards hands-on field experience and for preparing you for a career after you graduate. UCs are well known for their dedication to a research based curriculum as well as the opportunities students are granted by being a part of one the world’s consistently high ranked college system.

k coc student who has procrastinated on my applications, this is the most important tip, hands down. Starting the application process early will give you the time to review your application multiple times to guarantee that the information is correct. It will also allow you to seek out help from professors, friends, family and anyone else who is willing to be candid with you.

Pea ees n w Sha By

Be Ahead of the Curve and Have an Academic Plan

Each system and individual school will differ on the courses they want you to take. After selecting your dream school, you need an in-depth academic plan regarding the general Ed. and major preparation courses you need to take to reach your academic goals. Research the articulation agreement between MSJC and your school of choice. For most UCs and Cal states, you can use assist.org to ensure you are taking the right classes.

Know Your Deadlines

Many students fail to realize that you must submit your application one year prior to the Fall semester you intend to enroll at the four-year university.

The deadline for the Fall semester for the CSU/UC application every year is November 30th.

Sear this into your memory! If you miss the deadline, you’ll have to await an entire year to apply again.

But if the November 30th deadline slips your mind, several CSUs/ UCs accept applications in June and August for the winter or spring semesters/ quarters.

Start Your Applications Early

I have no place to talk on this subject since I am the Queen of Procrastination, but speaking as a

Warning! If you are applying to a UC, be prepared to condense your life into 1,000 words in the essays known as your personal statement. Also, ask your counselor about the types of information that the school will request in the application so you can be prepared, such as tracking down those pesky tax documents.

Bonus Tips Visit the schools! Choosing a school is like buying a new home.

You need to feel comfortable on campus and get the vibe that you can and will succeed there!

By visiting the counselors often, you can adjust your plan accordingly as your goals may shift. This ensures that you stay on track throughout your time at MSJC. The application process can be pricey on its own, so applying prematurely should be avoided at all costs. Before you begin your application, talk with a counselor to make sure you meet the 60 transferable unit requirement as well as additional requirements for the school you are applying to.

Attend the transfer workshops that are offered throughout the year, including those that focus on personal statements.