Monitor 2005-5-12

Softball team out of playoffs

At Kidango, it’s all about the children

– Page 12

– Pages 6-7

MONITOR OHLONE COLLEGE

Vol. XXXX No. 16

A summer turning-point for Ohlone

Fremont, California

Thursday, May 12, 2005

Dancin’ in the Quad

By AMAN MEHRZAI News editor Reflecting on the past semester and looking forward to the future, Ohlone President Doug Treadway discussed key points of success and what to expect in the summer and fall of 2005.

“Wrapping up this school year, we had a fairly successful ‘smoke free campus’ initiative,” said Treadway. The initiative was a goal set by the president to make the entire Ohlone campus into a smoke free zone up to the parking lot, where designated signs and markings indicate where it’s okay for the students to smoke.

In early March, Treadway decided not approve the campus police’s request to carry hand guns on campus.

In February and April, the first two world forums were held with special guests talking about the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, with the second forum focusing on U.S. - China relations.

This summer, Ohlone expects its largest summer enrollment ever. A heavy marketing campaign focused on an increased budget will offer more classes for students to take.

In the fall, the campus plans to keep its head up in a budget hold pattern due to a forecast of a stagnant state funding that is causing colleges across the campus to cut back.

“We’re holding our own,” said Treadway, “we are expecting a flat enrollment while many colleges are losing out.”

Photo by Melody Marquez

Katherina Bui and Marilou Alejo, historian and vice president of the Asian Pacific American Student Association, perform a hula dance at ‘Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop,’ a festival in the Quad Wednesday to celebrate Asian Pacific American heritage month. See story on Page 4.

Board reviews Building 7 plans

A man and his cactus

By TONY C. YANG Staff writer

Photo by Inez Black

Larry Ferea, with the Building and Grounds Department, has brought welcome touches of color to the campus this spring with his flowering plants, such as this flowering cactus called an Eulychnia ritter E. saint pieana. His tips for success: Plant on a sunny grade to ensure good drainage. Rocky, sandy soil is best. Do not plant in an area where water puddles, as the roots will rot. And, entrust your plants only to people like Ferea, who have green thumbs.

The Ohlone Board of Trustees went on a field trip Wednesday, surveying the college’s buildings and grounds in preparation for a vote on a new student center.

Along with President Douglas Treadway and an architect, the walking tour gave board members a better feel for the physical layout of the college. This allowed them to better visualize the major changes they will consider in the coming weeks.

“We have 30-year-old buildings,” said Ron Travenick, director of Admissions and Records. “We have spots for 2,419 cars.” It is important to consider all the options, he said.

The college does have an estimated 10 percent of surplus space, which may be used for parking, but it is for contingency use only. He added, “It’s not an exact science.”

Trustee Garrett Yee supported the change: “I like the idea of integrating [the student center] onto campus.” The “L-shaped” proposal was a “great idea.”

Not everyone was enthusiastic.

“It’s great,” said Trustee Ruthe Foster. “But I am real concerned about our campus in Newark.”

Most agree, however, that there are current deficiencies that must be fixed. “The restroom facilities are not that great,” said Trustee Dan Archer. “They are small and aren’t accessible.”

If the restroom renovation, along with the rest of the master plan, is approved by the board March 25, the south edge of campus will become a construction zone for some time.

Administrators believe the benefits outweigh the negatives.

“Change is necessary,” Treadway said. “It is time to implement [the master plan].”

Adios from us This is the final issue of the Monitor for spring semester. Watch for us in the fall. We return the first day of school, Aug. 15. Don’t worry, be happy, and, as Bob Marley said, “Let’s get together and feel all right.”

2

MONITOR May 12, 2005

Associated Collegiate Press / National Scholastic Press Association All American 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 Regional Pacemaker 1988 Journalism Association of Community Colleges First in General Excellence, Northern California Fall 1994 General Excellence Fall 2000 Fall 2003 Fall 2004

OPINION Editor in chief: Sean G. Crawford News editor: Aman Mehrzai Opinion editor: Olivia Speranza Features editor: Alisha Francisco Sports editor: Steven Chavez Photo editor: Shari Wargo Cartoonist: Aden Scott Staff writers: Frankie Addiego, Britney Bindel, Clifton M. DerBing, James Hendra, Meenu Kaushal, Tahsin Khan, Jessica Losee, Marc McCord, Roun Tamaki, Tau Wang, Randal Woo, Tony C. Yang, Nick Zambrano Photographers: Inez Black, Lawrence Gerrero, Charlie Hebison, Daniel Kwan, Melody Marquez Ad manager: Shari Wargo Adviser: Bill Parks Printer: F-P Press

Offices are located in Room 5310 on campus, 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont 945395884. Call (510) 659-6075. Fax: (510) 659-6076. E-mail: monitor@ohlone.cc.ca.us Opinions expressed in the MONITOR are those of the respective authors and are not necessarily those of the staff, the college or the Associated Students of Ohlone College.

Unsigned editorials reflect the majority view of staff members. Advertising material is printed herein for informational purposes and is not to be construed as an expression of endorsement or verification of such commercial ventures by the staff or college.

The MONITOR is funded by the district, by the Associated Students of Ohlone College, and through advertising revenue.

The MONITOR is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, Journalism Association of Community Colleges, Community College Journalism Association, California Newspaper Publishers Association, College Media Advisers and Society of Newspaper Design.

OPINION

We are loud, we are proud and we don’t have the slightest clue what we are doing out here!

By SEAN G. CRAWFORD Editor-in-Chief While reading through the Monitor last week, I am sure many of you noticed the pungent aroma of irony that infiltrated the issue. The center of the front page contained a picture of a group of protestors holding up signs that claimed that the Monitor was squelching their right to be heard...the fact that they were aware their plight was scheduled to be on the front page didn’t seem to faze them though, I

admire their pluck.

Now really when it comes down to it, I was the one squelching their right to be heard.

When a member of the protest group presented a petition to save a teacher to me, I declined to run it because the teacher’s position was filled two weeks prior. The petition was pointless to run and it was no longer timely enough to run on the news page.

I asked the petitioner to write a letter-to-the-editor instead, but I was essentially blown off. What I am really

saying is, they should have just been holding up giant signs with “F’ you Sean!” plastered over them.

This event is indicative of a larger problem that has pervaded its way into American culture...the belief that if you feel oppressed, vocal protesting is the first and only answer, it worked really well during the invasion of Afghanistan guys.

While infiltrating the ranks of protestors last week (I walked up to them casually, but that is not very exciting), I noticed that possibly two of them

were aware of why the Monitor did not run their story, but they were mad nonetheless. Mad enough to protest, in fact, looks like it doesn’t take an unpopular invasion anymore.

This was a little disturbing to me, not the fact that a group of students wished to stage a rally. That is their right, really, their obligation as Americans. But I was disturbed by how few of these protesters cared at all about this issue of the Monitor. The group that filled the free-speech area below Building 1 did not intend as a whole to protest

the Monitor, they wished to voice their support for biology Instructor Dadbeh Rouhbaksh, ideally, getting him hired as a tenure track instructor.

However, because a few students felt that the Monitor slighted them, the rally became a protest and their message suffered for it. People were aware that the Monitor was a tool of the oppressive administration, “but who is Dadbeh Rouhbaksh?” Hopefully, Ohlone students will see the moral to this story and if not, at least they got a chucklefromtheaforementionedirony.

Toy Yorkshire Terriers and the lesbians who own them

By OLIVIA SPERANZA Opinion editor I have a wonderful group of friends that happen to be composed entirely of lesbians. Not only are these girls skilled in just about everything under the sun, they also somehow seem to have every aspect of their busy lives under complete control.

The only discrepancy I’ve uncovered is that all of these women appear to have their biological clocks set on fastforward. Each couple that I know is eager to start families, but don’t want to commit to having children. So what’s the next best thing? If you haven’t guessed already, it’s the toy dog that fits

in your purse, a Yorkshire Terrier.

As a means of compensation for children, I suppose, each couple jointly owns a dog. Altogether, five lesbian couples that I know have toy Yorkshire Terriers. Yes, every single one of them. That makes five couples and five small dogs. And it seems as if the smaller the dog is, the better.

The enigma of the yorkie continued to haunt me as couple after couple purchased the same breed of dog. I questioned the situation rhetorically to myself, “If your best friends have toy Yorkshire Terriers, wouldn’t you want to experience another breed, be different, acquire something new? Wouldn’t the attractiveness of having a dog com-

pletely original and your own be much less gratifying if two of your other friends have worn out the initial breaking in of the same dog?”

I’ve been utterly perplexed by this phenomenon among my friends until just recently. In order to give myself some clarification and reassurance that I’m not in some replicating wormhole of toy Yorkshire Terriers, I’ve drawn some conclusions as to why my friends have made such poor decisions in thinking outside of the “typical lesbian toy dog” box.

First of all, I think they’re all trying to perpetuate the stereo type that they’ve created within this circle of friends. By purchasing the same breed as the last

lesbian couple, they will continue the vicious cycle of one Yorkshire Terrier after another.

Secondly, one toy Yorkshire Terrier can cost upwards of $1,000. In breeding two purebred yorkies, you get two to three more, thus making a profit by selling their offspring. Monetary benefits are sought out by these girls, despite the fact that they will consequently be breaking apart a small family of yorkies. But that hasn’t seemed to bother anyone.

Finally, the last of my conclusions is that these girls want to steer sway from the Indigo Girls look and lean more toward the L Word image. Dressing in designer jeans, sporting high heels,

wearing lipstick and owning purses that they actually use is curving away from the stereotypical lesbian. By owning a dog that doubles as an accessory, I believe that they feel more like Paris Hilton and less like Melissa Etheridge.

So ultimately, since there is nothing I can do to change what has already been done, I guess I just have to accept the facts and be thankful that my friends aren’t pursuing endeavors to create a family composed of children from all walks of life that they can't afford to take care of.

Good luck to you girls; and to your ridiculous dogs I say, “Here come the lesbians!”

CAMPUS COMMENT > > > If you were evacuated to another planet, what one item on you would you bring?

SANDHYA SUDANAGUNTA Pharmacy “My clothes on me right now.”

SABBIR SATTAR Pharmacy “I'd bring my orange.”

ADAM MANNING Nursing “My laptop.”

MARK JANDRES City and regional planning

“My cell phone.”

KHRISTINE GERMONO Undecided “My sunglasses.”

May 12, 2005 MONITOR

LETTERS/OPINION

3

A plea for continued employment services at Ohlone EDITOR: My name is Corinne McCourt and I am the Director of Transfer & Career Services, at least will be until July 6, 2005, at which point I am being “retired” after 9+ years of service. I would like to take this opportunity to say goodbye to all of my friends; students past and present, faculty with whom I have worked, and the staff members with whom I have developed warm and wonderful relationships. I will truly miss each and every one of you.

When I look at the calendar and see how little time is left, I do feel sad.

I used to think it was the job itself that I was upset about, but I can find another job at another institution.

What I can’t find, and will miss, are my true friends.

And, now that I have your attention, I have two other topics I’d like to address. First, the loss of the position of Director of Transfer & Career Services (which will not be opened and re-filled after I leave) is

going to impact the students and faculty. Only one full-time staff member will remain. Students and faculty will need to become involved and voice their concern if they want to see the Center continue to function as it has for the past five years or so. One person simply cannot provide comprehensive services in Transfer, Career, Student Employment, Work Experience Education and Volunteer & Internship Programs. I encourage all of you to become involved and support TCS! Lastly, I’d like to speak to my colleagues who may have a disability, whether it is physical, mental or emotional, all of these are covered under State and Federal laws. For Ohlone staff members it has been very difficult to find information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or how to get a Reasonable Accommodation on our campus for a long time and before I leave I would like to offer some great resources for my colleagues

Suggestion for improving our counseling services

By JESSICA LOSEE Staff writer The management of students is certainly a hard job, but one major improvement could be made which would aid both students and faculty here at Ohlone.

The system right now stands that students go and make an appointment at the counseling window, usually with whomever they can speak to first about semester schedules, class problems, basic information for transferring and general advice in getting through this life-experience of college.

The only consistency in this system is that if students wish, they can return to the same counselor every time they need to speak to someone, and their file is on record for the counseling staff to access in the event that another staff member takes the student in for an appointment.

What I would propose is a simple, alphabetically organized system, which would assign each counselor a number of students by name. By assigning specific counselors to students, students would have stability in who they see for advice and counselors would be able to automatically tell which students are theirs.

For example, one counselor could have approximately 200 students to advise, all with names starting with A through part of the students with names beginning with B; the next

counselor would have the rest of the B group and through the C group, and so on. This would allow students to make appointments with only one person, instead of switching between available counselors when students need them, usually towards the end of a semester when students want to know what classes to take next.

Of course, in the event that a student fails to agree with their assigned counselor or vice-versa, the system would work only to a certain degree. In this case, the counseling department would be presented with the task of switching a student of one counselor to another; one which they could not only agree with, but also relate to.

It is tantamount that students are able to get the information to succeed and move on in their education, as the staff of the counseling department very well knows. This system appears to be more efficient, aside from actually implementing a plan to follow suit.

This is just a suggestion, I feel that improvements can be made and both students and staff would benefit if put into effect.

I appreciate the counseling department for all of their hard work, as I cannot comprehend what it would be like to advise a campus full of befuddled students looking to those few who have the wisdom, intelligence and drive necessary to keep us going on to bigger and better things.

Heroes of math contest EDITOR: Thank you for the May 5 article, “Math team places 9th in the nation.”

As Ohlone’s Student Mathematics League (SML) College Moderator, most of the data from the national SML came through me.

I failed to mention to your reporter the most impressive fact: of the million-plus students eligible to take the most recent exam, Ohlone’s David Zimmermann was Number 2 in all of the western United States, behind only someone from powerhouse Los Angeles City College!

And speaking of Los Angeles City College, our five-person team edged past theirs. I would like to highlight performances by Trang Nguyen, Merline Hidayat and Nick Shvachko, each of whom attended all or almost all of our practices and saw their scores jump.

Geoffrey Hirsch, Associate Professor of Mathematics

to check out. First of all, right here on our own campus we have a fabulous wealth of information in Martha Brown, Dean of Counseling. She has a broad knowledge of ADA and is a former Department of Rehabilitation Counselor, so she is very familiar with working with people with disabilities, the laws that impact the agencies that we deal with, and how to get appropriate services. I’m sure she would answer a quick question or refer you to the right place. She is NOT the staff’s Disability Coordinator, but is a good source for information, plus she has a great sense of humor. Look for Martha in the Counseling Office.

If you don’t feel comfortable in talking to staff on our campus, or would prefer to have internet information, here are some GREAT links: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ ada/adahom1.htm that will take you directly to theU. S. Dept. of Justice ADA Home page which is filled with so many different links, it is

powerful! It is one of the best sites to visit and you may find your answer right there. Another wonderful source, if you need a reasonable accommodation on the job, can be found at ‘JAN’ (the Job Accommodation Network), http:// www.jan.wvu.edu/ .

I encourage you to pursue what you need to work, or to continue working here at Ohlone no matter what your disability may be. The Office of Civil Rights investigation team made it clear that Ohlone needs to make the Reasonable Accommodation process a much more ‘friendly’ and inviting process to people with disabilities on this campus and I couldn’t agree more strongly. I hope that those of you out there that have been hanging back waiting to ask to have your office relocated due to your physical limitations, or to have your office evaluated by an Occupational Therapist due to your physical disability, or... ? The list could go on and on, but now is the time to step

forward and file a written request for a reasonable accommodation.

Perhaps you need an advocate for yourself? There are groups in the community that can help you, such as the Community Resources for Independent Living, which has its main office in Berkeley (510881-5743), and has a satellite office in the Tri-Cities area (925371-1531). Community Resources for Independent Living supports, empowers and teaches skills to persons with disabilities so that they may more effectively participate in daily community and life activities. CRIL teaches and advocates for change to remove barriers to access for persons with disabilities.

With this said, get out there and do what you need to do to live your life to the fullest! I wish you all a swell ride and a great trip. You never know when we might run into each other again. Goodbye and Peace!

Corinne McCourt, Director Transfer & Career Services

Ohlone College Bookstore’s 2nd Annual Student Appreciation Day! Tuesday, May 17th, Noon-1:30 p.m.

Join us for...

• 30 percent off selected items* • Includes clothing, general books, gift items and office supplies. (Open to everyone) • Enter to win 1 of 2 gift baskets and a leather-bound dictionary/thesaurus set!

(Drawing open to Ohlone students only.)

• Free giveaways -- clothing, keychains, candy and more! (Limited to Ohlone students.) * 30 percent off sale excludes textbooks, computer software/hardware, magazines, food and beverages, and graduation caps, gowns and announcements.

Discounts cannot be combined with faculty/staff discounts or already marked-down items.

Other books online at: www.OhloneBookstore.com

4

MONITOR May 12, 2004

Tony C. Yang

The Asian persuasion If I didn’t know any better, it seems like Asian Pacific American History Month is upon us, and damned if you don’t know how to use chopsticks.

Like the knight’s sword and bow, the keyboard and mouse are today’s weapons of choice. The skyrocketing influence of Pacific-rim pop culture (i.e.

Zhang Ziyi, Wong Kar-Wai, Jet Li, etc.) has become a global phenomenon. Indeed, white suburban hipsters often know more about the latest BoA, Naruto series or Hirajuku girls than the typical nose-to-thebooks Japanese teenagers.

The fact is, the typical American doesn’t have Asian friends.

This is an alien concept for us Californians, particularly in the almond-eyelid-rich Bay Area.

Where sushi, pho, lumpia, tandoori and kim-chee mix, they combine to form a powerful influence in a region. We grow in solidarity when we share the food of our neighbors, and we expand our political and social horizons, as well as our taste buds.

Dining with knife and fork was a challenge for some, the 1.0 generation, who never ordered drinks at restaurants, ate with chopsticks or their hands and preferred the indigenous flavors of their own cuisine to the melting pot of American-style dishes. On the other hand, a lot of native-born Americans, most of whom have never ventured far past their area code, much less borders, are just as reticent to try new things.

One time when I asked a friend to eat some Vietnamese noodles, she met my enthusiasm with skeptical eyes. “Are you sure it’s edible?” she asked. “I’m not sure it’s sanitary – you know how dirty those restaurants are.” I replied not by saying that I knew the sanitary conditions of hole-inthe-wall joints of any variety were suspect as hell. Instead, I talked about how flavorful and cheap Asian cuisine was; I went over how service was the same no matter what you tipped – poor.

Then I took her to a Pho joint in Milpitas and she asked me the biggest question of them all: “What’s that red rooster sauce?”

I said it was chopstick-learning sauce. The more you use, the better you get at. She tried it, and learned the art of chopstick slurping. Excellent. That’s how we roll – Asian-American style: 2.0.

When we appreciate and respect other people’s cultures and traditions, approaching each person-to-person interaction uniquely and individually, we also exemplify the ultimate respect for our own values.

So respect yourself – go out and eat some Asian food. And learn to use chopsticks.

FEATURES Ohlone’s hidden pond: Natural spring across parking lots revealed

By JESSICA LOSEE Staff writer Unbeknownst to many at Ohlone, the pond behind Building 5 is not the only body of water on campus.

Another one lies quietly within sight, but out of mind.

It is a small trek, across the parking lots on the southern side of Ohlone to the meridian between the road to the parking lots and the road up the hill to the bus stop at the very

top. But nestled within a coppice of underbrush and a few trees lies a clandestine spring, where all natures of wildlife live.

One can walk down to the edge of the pool before seeing the first “No Swimming” sign posted just at the edge of the water and once more in the middle of the pond.

Although the signs are posted, I cannot imagine ever wanting to swim in the spring, as it looks as natural as any that could be found

Photos by Jessica Losee

Ohlone’s hidden spring located across from the parking lots and nestled around brush. It is also is home to many animals such as birds, deers, insects, bobcats and pigs.

on our hilly campus.

The water is clouded with silt and one can see the skeeter-bugs darting across the surface; even a few frogs dare to show their green faces for a moment.

At one time, the school pumped water from the spring to the pond at the top of the school, but the school wishes to the spring to be left alone so that we do not disturb this organic setting.

In fact, the school recommends that people do not go down to the area, according to Simon Barros, Director of Facilities here on campus.

“We try to leave it as a natural

environment as much as possible,” said Barros, who said that the spring has been there for a very long time.

The front of the pond is mowed to allow relatively easy access, but the rest of the surrounding grasses and brush are left wild, leaving it a home to birds, deer, insects, and ticks. Recently, even a bobcat has been seen darting into the brush surrounding the area.

“At one time we even had [wild] pigs in that area,” said Barros.

Ohlone asks to leave the spring alone but its natural setting is inviting to those who just want to get away from a busy school day.

Festival in celebration of heritage

By MEENU KAUSHAL Staff writer Campus celebrated Asian Pacific American heritage festival on Wednesday, May 11 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the quad.

The Asian Pacific American student Association of Ohlone College (APASA) hosted their firstever festival, Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop in celebration of May, which is Asian Pacific American heritage month.

In 1990, President George H. W. Bush dedicated May to be Asian Pacific American Heritage month to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843.

This also marks the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869 in which the majority of workers were Chinese immigrants.

The street fair created awareness about Asian Pacific Americans amongst students and staff of the campus. Asian Pacific Americans used to be suppressed and alienated, but not anymore.

“We had a lot of support from

the students and staff. Several individuals stopped by our various booth to talk to our vendors. Those who didn't have much time to spare, still took a few moments to read our statistics and quotes on Asian Pacific American leaders," said Marilou Alejo, vice president of APASA. APASA invited vendors like GK Alliance, Mehrani O’Tehani Productions, Tri-City Health center, MEChA and others.

APASA hosted several entertainers such as a cultural dance put on by Desi Corner, another student organization on campus.

Food was also served at the event such as California rolls and fresh stir-fry courtesy of Fresh And Natural.

Julie Bugarin from Mehrahi O' Tehani Productions did a hula workshop. “The festival was a great representation of how APASA's year has been thus far full of inspiration, education and fun,” added Alejo.

This event was a sequel of other events that APASA has organized in the past. Since last year, APASA has hosted the following

Photo by Melody Marquez

Katherina Bui and Marilou Alejo got a hula lesson with Julie Bugarin during Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop, the Asian Pacific American Heritage festival. events: Children in China, Fortune Cookie Fundraiser, Wheelchair Foundation Fundraiser, Showcasing Our Youth, Rollin’ With APASA, and Bring a Book: Open Mic Night. APASA has also been actively involved during

Welcome Days, Club Days and Unity Week.

In addition, APASA also has an exhibit on Asian Pacific American history and pop culture. The exhibit can be found in the library until May 26.

Summerfest set to be staged in early July

By ANDREA ADAMS Staff writer The main attraction of Summerfest will be the play Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim.

Ohlone students and alumni as well as high school students and professional actors will perform in the newly renovated outdoor amphi-

theater by the Smith Center.

Tom Blank, associate professor of the theatre department, described the play as “very funny.”

The first act “completes the fairytales” of Cinderella, Jack of the Beanstalk, Red Riding Hood, and many more.

He added “the second half is very poignant about what the

people learn beyond the fairytale.”

Working outside presents unique challenges. The department will have to build the theater before they build the set and construct and stock two dressing rooms.

Technicians will bring the electronic equipment outside and back in every night.

But Blank said, “90 percent of

the play is in forest, what better way to see [it than] at night under the moon.”

He added, “The trees on the side [will] melt into trees on stage.”

Describing the show as more than just a play, Blank said “come for the play, stay for the view.” In the Woods will begin at 8:15 on July 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 in the amphitheater.

FEATURES School from a child’s perspective

By JESSICA LOSSE Staff writer Nestled beneath Ohlone’s baseball field is a clandestine paradise, a literal fountain of youth; sometimes one can here the faint echo of laughter when driving up the hill.

This is the place where the future plays.

Masterpieces adorn the great halls of the Child Development Center and Kidango in Building 19 as one walks in the great glass doors.

Children of students who attend Ohlone, as well from around Fremont gather here from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to be cared for while parents go to classes and work, offering convenient service to parents.

According to Mitchell Ha, director of Kidango, 62 students are currently enrolled in the program, all between the ages of infancy to five years.

Here the staff listens to what the children say and then base their learning off of experiences the children have in their daily lives, allowing the children to decide what they will do during the day.

“We teach through play,” said Ha, explaining that everything the children play with is age-appropriate and oodles of fun.

Even the rooms are designed around this philosophy; students are able to get into things, even go outside of the group and just sit and read or listen to music, play with blocks or make art if they wish.

See photos, Pages 6-7 “All of the projects come from the children with teacher support,” explained Ha. “We build around their interests.”

Each room is designed with play areas, which mimic kitchens and post offices among other settings, and wooden play forts to climb on.

There are even special yard areas for each classroom with certified play structures for each age group.

Everything in the rooms and on the playgrounds is at the children’s’ height, allowing them to explore the entirety of their extraordinary environment.

The staff at Kidango is certainly amazing; each of them must have a Bachelors or Associates degree in child development or on their way to achieve the certificates. Students in the Child Development program here at Ohlone are also required to observe for a certain number of hours during their semester, allowing them to learn more about the students through interacting and studying the children’s behaviors.

“It’s awesome,” said Monica Lineavage, mother of one of the facilities attending children. “It’s really a comforting feeling when he is in a good environment.”

Her son Isaac just shyly smiled, and buried is head in mom’s shoulder when asked what he thought of attending Kidango.

Event promotes higher education for Latinos

By MEENU KAUSHAL Staff writer Have you heard of the popular host of Lowriding with J.J. on KOHL 89.3 FM? Ohlone College will honor J.J. Amaya, tonight, Thursday, May 12 from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Smith Center, for his 25 years of service as host of his popular show.

The awards ceremony will recognize his efforts and achievements in radio and his volunteer work with the local Latino community. College will honor Amaya during the second annual event, Para Mi Raza II. “My experience on KOHL as host of the Lowriding with J.J. show has been one of personal growth. The biggest thrill to me is being able to open doors of opportunity for people through the magic of radio. I always welcome members of the community to publicize their events, scholarships or programs on the air to his listening audience,” said Amaya.

Para Mi Raza, which means for my people, is an event to promote higher education to the Latino community. The reason why the number of Latino students enrolled has decreased is because of “the elimination of Affirmative Action and cutting effective outreach programs,” said Brenda Arteaga, counselor in the committee.

The event is free and open to everyone. Last year, the event attracted about 250 people throughout the Tri-City community. “For a first time event, I think it did very well. The community definitely responded by showing up to the event which to me, means they want to see more things like Para Mi Raza,” said Renee Gonzales, Student Services Assistant of Campus Activites.

This year, groups of former and current Latino Ohlone College students visited various high schools throughout Fremont and Union City starting from May 2 to May 11. The students shared

their experiences as college students.

“The attendees get to meet oneon-one with counselors and financial aid staff from Ohlone and form a connection they might not otherwise get a chance to do,” said Gonzales.

The tour was started on May 3 at American High School from 11:40 p.m. until12:15 p.m. It was then scheduled on May 9 at James Logan High School, 11:15 a.m. until noon and 12:15 p.m. until 1 p.m. In Kennedy High School the tour was on May 10 from 11:30 a.m. To 12:30 p.m. The final tour was on May 11th in Irvington High School from 9:50 a.m. until 10:35 a.m.

At these tours, “student turnout was very good and they enjoyed hearing from Latino Ohlone alumni. The students were able to ask in-depth questions about Ohlone and their programs, especially the Puente Project,” said Arteaga.

The Puente Project is a new pro-

gram Ohlone is working toward introducing in the Fall to assist underrepresented students to succeed in college and transfer to a four-year institution.

After the tour a comedy group from Los Angeles, Chicano Secret Service will perform along with Aztec dancers. There will also be lowrider car show. Para Mi Raza II will also have food, games, music and giveaways Information about Ohlone College will also be provided. Admission and parking is free for the event.

“We’ll know if our events like Para Mi Raza make a difference if we see a significant increase in the attendance of Latinos at Ohlone College,” said Gonzales.

“This event is an opportunity to introduce the campus and higher education in a fun, entertaining way,” she added.

For further information about the event, please call Renee Gonzales, Student Services Assistant of Campus Activities at 510.659.7311 or go to www.ohlone.edu.

Students knocking on door for DJ fame

By MELODY MARQUEZ Staff writer The Bay Area is known as the heart for some of the world’s best and innovative scratch musicians, DJ Q-Bert, Shortcut, Mix Master Mike and Ohlone’s former student, David Causito also known as DJ DStyles.

Causito discovered scratching at age 12 when he experimented with his father’s home stereo. At age 15, he began performing at school functions and dances. “That was during a time when there were a lot of gangs and it kept me away from all the trouble that I could’ve got into,” Causito said.

“It made me focus more on music and making music rather than getting in trouble and going to jail.

Plus it was all about good music in general. It wasn’t about one specific type of music; there were not walls to separate the music. You could play any type of music and the crowds appreciated it.”

The evolution of the sound of scratch started with Grand Master Theodore, although some DJs say otherwise, and had evolved into a boom of intricate sounds to create a

composition of music.

The term scratching is not as fitting of a word as it seems. Basically, scratching is moving the record back and fourth to create the scratching sound. The combination of the movement of the cross fader and the back and fourth motion of the record on the turntable create different sounds. Just as the guitar player plays notes on the guitar, so does the scratch DJ with the turntable.

The turntable is an instrument that can be used to create technical compositions and has also been broken down into notes that are written into sheet music.

Like MC and break-dancing battles, where people compete either showcase style or head to head, there are DJ battles. The DJ creates a battle routine, which is usually three to six minutes and competes to find out who is the number one DJ. Current Ohlone student, Clarence Gaoiran, also known as DJ C-Plus, is an up and coming battle DJ. He is locally famous in the DJ community and has won various battles throughout California. DJ C-Plus belongs to the world-

Photo courtesy of www.djdstyles.com

Former Ohlone student, David Causito also known as DJ D-Styles scratches with fellow discjockey, Radar. famous DJ crew, Evolution.

Disco Mixing Championship (DMC) is one of the biggest DJ battles held all over the world.

Goairan along with his DJ group, Evolution had the opportunity to compete in this event. Evolution members, Illtraxx and DJ Ejay have won the teams division three years in a row. Illtraxx is current Vinyl Kombat’s 2004 U.S. Champion, 2nd place DMC champion in the US,

and has worked with such names as Nelly and Doug E Fresh. Also associated with Evolution is DJ Rocky Rock who is the current Philippines DMC champion and has worked with names such as Linkin Park and Black Eyed Peas.

The DJ is the fundamental part of hip-hop culture. You listen to it on the radio and in clubs, but the scratch DJ is not fully appreciated as much as the MC or the dancer.

May 12, 2004 MONITOR

5

Mark McCord

Don’t ever kiss and tell There is an old saying that goes one should never kiss and tell. Not only should you not “kiss and tell” but also you surely shouldn’t make a CD and a tellall book with all the details.

The world’s most powerful intoxicants are power, wealth and fame. The pursuit of any of the three can corrupt the souls of the most sanctified. The loss of any of the three can send a person to stand on the Golden Gate Bridge and contemplate the unthinkable; there is no telling what a person will do when their drug has been cut off.

For the last two years I have done extensive coverage for web sites and magazines about the founders of the hip-hop scene.

I’ve talked to damn near everybody from hip-hop grandfathers, Kool Herc and Afrika Bambaataa to Russell Simmons. I’ve heard some sad stories in the last two years: artists sleeping on park benches and artists being robbed by record companies. How would you like to sell 500,000 records and get a check for $200? But as bad as that stuff was, without a doubt or hesitation, many of them would cut off your pinky for another 15 minutes of fame.

That leads me to a young man whose 15 minutes of fame was up a couple of years ago, unfortunately, his next 15 minutes will be more like 5 minutes. The recent American Idol scandal centered on an ex-contestant named Corey Clark, who alleges that he had a sexual relationship with American Idol judge, Paula Abdul.

Personally, I believe him, but what I take issue with him for is cheapening himself and her, for his quest for more time in the spotlight.

In 2003, he made it to be one of the final ten finalists in American Idol. Let’s just say that Paula Abdul did help him out, she gave him an edge over ten others that worked really hard to get there.

The wrong thing to do to someone that has helped you in so many ways is to “kiss and tell”?

It is in poor taste to write a tellall book about anyone especially someone that has helped you.

When asked by the producers of American Idol, if he would help them with their investigation into his claims, he told ABC News reporter, John Quinones, “I don’t have any interest in helping American Idol out whatsoever, because they haven’t helped me out whatsoever.”

What about all of those weeks on television, singing to millions of people around the world? Without that show, Corey Clark could have never have gotten close to Paula Abdul, much less got into her hot tub. If fame is a drug then somebody call the Betty Ford clinic, we have found somebody that has OD’d from one hit off the pipe.

6

MONITOR May 12, 2005

KIIDANGO PHOTO SPREAD At left: Mikel Ramos, age 5, bikes with his friends. Below left: Sophia Escnitia, agu 5, rests on the jungle jim. Lower left: the Kidango Center offers stuffed animals for children to play with. At right: paintings by the children are hung throughout the Kidango Center.

Below: Mia Walrad, age 5, Ashley Nixon, age 4, and Ashley Faruya, age 5, begin their fun on the tire swing.

May 12, 2005 MONITOR

KIDANGO PHOTO SPREAD

A DAY AT KIDANGO Upper left: Sidewalk chalk is also available for children to use on the playground. Above: Head teacher Shilba Shah reads to Leila Griffin, age 4, while Sara draws Tareen, age 2 1/2, At left: This room in the Kidango Center has a play castle with a secret hideaway, or a place to sit on couches, underneath, tables, and more arts and crafts. Lower left: Kayla Cabral, age 5, draws some pictures during play time. Below, lower right: Nygee Jordan, age 4, takes a minute to 'hang out' with the jungle gym.

All photos by Daniel Kwan

7

8

MONITOR May 12, 2005

NEWS

Teachers protest for more funding

By FRANKIE ADDIEGO Staff writer What affect will Governor Schwarzenegger’s budget proposals have on the future of Ohlone College? How do California educators feel about certain Ballot Initiatives? An education-based organization called Alliance for a Better California will be holding mass protest rallies on May 25, during what they call Action Day. What this means for Ohlone is if the protesters are successful, there will be more money for education and certain ballot initiatives will not go through.

Among the protesters’ concerns is money the governor borrowed from the education budget. Other initiatives these groups oppose include redistricting, pension privatizing and spending caps.

In response to criticism from teachers unions, labor groups and public safety officials,

Schwarzenegger defended his stance by saying that the unions were influencing the masses through persuasion. He claimed that the unions were misinforming the people of the state of California and that he would refuse to be influenced by them. In an interview earlier this year, Schwarzenegger said regarding this issue, “We have a lot of people in Sacramento that are being shooed in and paid off by the unions... I’m not going to be the unions’ representative. I’m not going to be the unions’ governor.”

There will be two protest rallies in Sacramento and Los Angeles, respectively, which will pertain to the state’s funding of education, benefits for retirement, safety of patients and the job security of teachers. Public servants, including teachers and professors as well as nurses and firefighters, will lead the rally.

The California Federation of Teachers (CFT) web site says,

“The purpose of the Action Day is to focus public attention on the damage... to public education, to the programs provided to the people of California by state government and to the retirement security of all public employees.”

According to the CFT, who will represent only one of the many group present at the rally, the governor’s ballot initiatives are unfair towards public employees throughout the state. “The governor’s ballot initiatives represent attacks on teachers, nurses, fire fighters, police, and other public employees. Ultimately that means these are attacks on the people of California.”

Governor Schwarzenegger has been facing mounting criticism on his handling of the economy, particularly with public office positions such as education and police.

Anybody interested in getting more information can contact The California Federation of Teachers at (510) 832-8812.

Nurse’s Day celebrated, scholarships handed out

By JESSICA LOSSE Staff writer While students socialized in the cafeteria on the other side of room-dividers, dozens of nursing students and staff gathered to honor Nursing Week.

With a table of sandwich fixings, fruit, salad, and dessert, the nursing students of Ohlone College held a celebration, giving out scholarships and having a guest speaker.

Originally planned outside, rain forced the Nurse Day celebration indoors on short notice. Half of the cafeteria was divided off for there use, allowing them to assemble to honor students and staff that made special efforts to achieve high goals.

Kaiser Permanente, the Verle Waters Endowment, and the Mary Furagganan Memorial Fund funded some of the scholarships presented to the unsuspecting students.

“I am living proof that you are never too old to live your dreams,” said Tammy Valentine when accepting her award as the 2004-05 Outstanding Graduate.

Awards were also presented for the 40 et 8 Scholarship, which was given to four students from the Fall 2004 semester and two students from the Spring 2005 semester.

Guest speaker, Ester Johnson, an integrative therapist from Pathways Hospice, spoke about holistic nursing. Along with giving more control to patients, Johnson spoke about nurses keeping themselves healthy and happy to better help patients. “I was excited to come speak to the students,” said Johnson. “ I think it’s really nice that the school realized that nurses work hard and need to be recognized.”

A raffle was held for the event, prizes ranged from a George Foreman Grill to books on nursing. The raffle raised money to pay for the lunch and to aid the Nursing Club.

The father of Mary Furagganan presented the $250 scholarship to Abbey Serafino in memory of his daughter, a nursing student who was murdered in February of 2003. “We felt we should keep my daughter’s memory alive,” said father, Socrates Furagganan.

Theft reported in the finance department, locks changed

By INEZ BLACK Staff writer

OHLONE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION (EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2004) POLICY: OHLONE COLLEGE IS A DESIGNATED SMOKE FREE COLLEGE. REGULATION: SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN ALL COLLEGE VEHICHLES, BUILDINGS, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR FACILITIES, HANDICAPPED PARKING AND ALL OPEN AREAS EXCEPT FOR GENERAL USE PARKING LOTS. THIS REGULATION APPLIES TO ALL PROPERTIES AND FACILITIES OWNED OR LEASED BY THE OHLONE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT. SMOKING CESSATION For those interested in smoking cessation, please visit the Student Health Center. We are available to help you formulate a plan of action. You may also call the California Smoker’s Helpline at 1800 NO BUTTS.

Theft and unauthorized activity in the finance department resulted in corrective actions, including the replacing the department’s locks and an implementation of stringent restrictions of access to the area.

Less than $100 was stolen from the cash drawer in the finance department on March 29. Joanne Schultz, dean of business services, stated, “One theft, and some inappropriate kinds of activity [occurred], meaning that there were people in

Foundation Scholarships Corner Check out this week’s featured scholarships: ($500 each) Deadline Extended! Apply today

• JVA Business Services Scholarship for EOPS/ Care students • Fremont Bank Scholarship • Jones Hamilton Scholarship for Chemistry & Engineering Students • Pepsi International Students Scholarship • Washington Hospital Health Sciences New

• Comcast Broadcasting scholarships • PG&E Transfer student scholarship

Students can visit the scholarships web site to find out more information and to apply. http://scholarships.ohlone.edu

there that didn’t have any reason to be in there” The suspect(s) have not been caught and the measures taken are only precautionary said Schultz. “I’m not accusing anybody of anything...

I just know that the day the money was missing, there were several people in the office, mostly just in there talking. So, it’s better that it doesn’t happen anymore.”

In addition to the theft, some account payable files were reported missing that was returned anonymously through inter-office mail.

“We’ve had files missing,” said Schultz. The Department was not aware that the files were removed since they were not signed out in accordance with standard procedure.

“We didn’t know where they were and they came back to us. We were very lucky that they came back, but we also don’t know how many other files might be out there and that alerted us that people are taking them without letting us know.”

On May 9, a memorandum notified the Ohlone staff that the finance room doors were changed due to theft and unauthorized activity.

“The one thing I want to be clear about is that the department is very conscientious about everything that we handle, and it upset them a great deal,” Finally, she said, said Schultz as she assured that no private information was taken, “None of the student information was anywhere [when] anybody could have gotten to it.”

Ohlone Chief of Police, Steve Fajardo stated, “Thefts on our campus and campus offices are very uncommon.” He indicated that theft occurs in an office about once a year, typically when a woman leaves her purse out in the open.”

NEWS More to pay health fees

By FRANK ADDIEGO Staff writer It was an eventful year for Ohlone College, and the next few years will be even bigger. There will be a student center in place of Building Seven, a new satellite campus in Newark and we will be saying goodbye to some of our oldest and most venerable professors. The years 2006 and 2007 will see big changes for Ohlone.

Ohlone College’s Board of Trustees approved a resolution in support of AB982 student health fees. This means that students who receive financial aid will no longer have their health fees waived.

The Board approved this measure unanimously, with the exception of Nick Nardolillo who was absent from Wednesday’s meeting. This move may prove to be the cause of some debate.

Also, expect Ohlone to market itself more aggressively.

“The thing that really gets me,” said Trustee Dan Archer, “is that we don’t market ourselves.”

On Wednesday night, the Board reviewed enrollment trends. President and Superintendent Doug Treadway said that

Fremont schools had seen “a drop in their senior classes.”

It turned out that while Ohlone enrollment increased dramatically during the nineties, the immediate past has seen slight declines. The drops in enrollment were mainly among students from the 30-49 year-old range.

Demographically speaking, Ohlone’s enrollment was also comparatively weak among Hispanics and drop-outs were more prevalent among males than females.

The Board of Trustees also reviewed plans for a new Student Center. While a number of sites were considered, it will most likely be built in the wake of the demolition of Building 7. It may also be used as the new meeting place for the Board of Trustees.

Expect big changes also, as the Smith Center has built a new shell. The center plans to surplus its original shell. This authorization was made as part of the consent agenda. What effect it will have on the Smith Center or any other endeavors at Ohlone College remains to be seen.

The next two years will see Ohlone College come closer and closer to the completion of the brand new Newark Ohlone Cen-

Class focuses on women in the west

By OLIVIA SPERANZA Opinion editor “Who cooked the last supper?”

Professor Cynthia Katona asks this in her upcoming Women in the Western World class that is being offered for fall of 2005.

The first time this course was taught in California, Katona and two other women instructed it at Cal State East Bay. She was a major figure in the second wave of the feminist movement, leaving her with first-hand accounts and experience from this landmark event.

These simple words comprise the entire text of The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA): Section 1Equality of Rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of sex. Section 2- The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article. Section 3- This amendment shall take effect two years after the date of ratification. This amendment has yet to be passed.

Katona plans to cover this subject matter and discuss the struggles women are faced with in attempting to ratify this amendment.

“Women’s issues are prominent in the news again,” Katona said. Her course will be touching not only on these current events, but will also revisit women’s issues of the past. Due to the course comparing western culture with other cultures around the world, this class does meet the diversity requirement. Topics of discussion will include everything from religion to the American Revolu-

tion.

“All issues are women’s issues,” Katona said. Women in the Western World is expected to be a popular course for the night students. If too many Ohlone students enroll for this class, Katona may consider teaching it again at Ohlone in the future.

With only one paper assignment for the entire semester, Women in the Western World is geared to accommodate those who wish to concentrate on the subject matter.

May 12, 2005 MONITOR

ter. Bids have been awarded to contractors including Top Grade Construction and ISEC Inc. The campus undertaking will cost taxpayers more than $3 million, focusing on science and technology. Classes are expected to begin on the new campus in the fall of 2007.

Professors Howard DeWitt, Jim Klent, Dennis Roby and Gloria Reid are retiring this year.

The Board of Trustees approved their retirement. They also confirmed employment authorized by the President/Superintendent and the recapitulation of payroll warrants as portions of the consent agenda.

During the Board of Trustees meeting, the campus experienced a power outage. It interrupted the meeting for roughly one minute. It did not seem to interfere with business, although campus police did enter the meeting.

Patrice Birkedahl, Ohlone’s Public Information Officer for Campus Relations, said, “they were thinking someone might have hit a pole, but they just don’t know.”

The power outage shut down one of Ohlone’s main servers for a few minutes.

Become an Emergency Medical Technician During the Summer Holiday Classes starting June 27, 2005 Day and Evening Classes Available WestMed college 408-977-0723 www.WestMedTraining.com

9

10 MONITOR

May 12, 2005

CONTEST WINNER

CLEAR BLUE SKIES

By Nick Dinicola

I

t started as a light mist, which was normal enough in the colder seasons, and so no one thought much of it. The mist turned into a sprinkle, which turned into a drizzle, which forced the vain to finally open their umbrellas. The news called it a “light shower” and predicted clear blue skies for the day after. The drizzle eventually stopped and people prepared to go out the next day, but when the next day came the drizzle returned. And so it continued, on and off, on and off, for a few days more. The news ignored its mistake as usual and continued to predict clear blue skies for tomorrow.

Tomorrow came and went and still the drizzle did not stop. People looked to the sky for some sign, but all they saw were the same gray clouds that had hung over the city for the past week. Even with all the falling water the clouds had not changed in size or color. They were still the same shade of drab gray they had been since the mist. They covered the entire sky as far as the horizon and nowhere in that mass of haze was there even the slightest hint of blue. And still the news predicted clear blue skies for tomorrow.

The next day the clouds grew darker and the drizzle turned to rain.

The day after, the rain turned into a shower, then a stream, then it began to pour, then it began to downpour, the downpour turned into a cascade, then a deluge, then a torrent, then a flood, and by then the clouds above were as black as a demon’s soul.

The sewers backed up and the streets filled with water. Galoshes were of no use as the tide quickly rose above knee level. The authorities banned vehicular transport of any kind but that didn’t stop the masses. The threat of being tardy or of missing a deadline urged them onto the waterlogged roads. Exhaust pipes were submerged and the cars died, backing up the streets as far as the eye could see. Some abandoned their rides to the rising swell but most stayed behind and simply rolled up their windows.

Those that left worried about their paint jobs and CD’s as they waded through the now waist-high water.

Soon the tide was so high not

even the tallest man could touch the bottom. Then the current came. The current wiped the streets clean. Those foolish or unfortunate enough to remain in their cars were now swept away by the forming rivers. No one went outside, and instead barricaded themselves in the upper floors of their homes. But the water always found its way in. Whether it was from the plumbing, the heating, a hole in the wall or a crack in the window, the water always found its way in.

Next the suburbs were submerged.

The picturesque flower garden and well-manicured lawn were uprooted and spread across great distances.

The welcome mat had disappeared long ago, and now the house paint began to peel. The lower portions had long since been stripped away and now the upper portions followed suit. Families continued to climb to higher ground but it was all in vain.

Both parents, all three-and-a-half children, the dog, and even the white picket fence were washed away. And so the suburbs sank.

In the city the skyscrapers had become the last vestige of life. Hotels were filled with the recently homeless and corporate towers took on a temporary housing status. Every inch of dry space was filled with a person and, despite the hotel owners’ best attempts, the rooms remained free for all evacuees. Most people went straight for the top floor stopping just shy of the roof. When the highest parts of the buildings were populated, rooms, halls and all, only then did the refugees go one floor lower. And yet not even the tallest tower had room for all. Even the floors currently being flooded were inhabited with those simply hoping to stay afloat.

Food was provided at first, but it was grossly overpriced for someone who had just left their life behind.

Most of it was stolen and hoarded and brought to the top penthouses where it could be hidden in the minibars. Everyone who came afterwards flocked to the cafeteria for canned goods and frozen foods. The pantries and freezers were stripped bare and the thieves quickly made home in the upper levels. Everyone else resorted to raiding candy ma-

Nick Dinicola is the winner of the Fourth Annual Award for Prose, a writing contest initiated by Karen Rosenbaum, who taught creative writing, literature and composition for more than 30 years at Ohlone. chines as the water pooled at their feet.

The electricity had gone out long ago and the elevator shafts were shut to all. The only way up was the stairwell, and as the lower section flooded those poor folk who had nowhere else to go turned to the stairs for salvation. Only to find them locked by those above. The doors were thick and soundproof, so even when standing in the stairwell those above could not hear the drowning screams of those below as the lower floors were inundated with water.

The tiny spaces between the door and doorway were filled with whatever those above had on hand in order to stop the channel of water, and it worked. The stairs remained dry. But the water always found its way in. Whether it was from the plumbing, the heating, a hole in the wall or a crack in the window, the water always found its way in.

So the process repeated itself.

Those Above cut off Those Below as the water outside rose and invaded each floor. Those Below quickly revolted, fighting their way into the higher levels of the building. Umbrellas became spears, keys became knives, and pens became swords.

Those with real knives were feared, and those few with guns were considered gods. Those who lived in the penthouses immediately sealed themselves off from the rest of the building and survived on their own.

Those Below would constantly hammer away at each barricaded stairwell door of the upper levels and, through sheer tenacity alone, break it down and flood throughout the new dry land like the water they were fleeing from. The first twenty or so were always shot but then the guns clicked empty and the gods quickly fell. The rest of them re-

sorted to primitive slashing and stabbing. Being wounded was worse than being killed, as there was no first aid. Gangrene took many limbs and anyone who wasn’t able to go on was left behind to fend for themselves against the unstoppable rising waters.

Those Above then fled from Those Below to the locked penthouses in the highest echelons of the tower.

They banged on our door and begged and pleaded to be let in but the door remained locked.

No one knows what happened to any of them, but everyone assumes that they’re dead. A few days ago there was a lot of commotion on the other side of the stairwell door and we prepared for war, but it stopped after a while. Some speculate that Those Below, after killing off the last of their oppressors, were too weak to continue fighting and gave in to the inevitable.

The water is still rising. It’s currently outside the penthouse windows, low, but it’s there, and it’s showing no signs of slowing let alone stopping. A body was shoved up against the patio doors and got caught in the railing outside, so everyone inside was given a first hand look of their future. A feast for fish. Really colorful fish. They probably escaped from the aquarium.

Now when we look out the windows we can see beneath the waves, almost. The algae over the glass makes it hard to see outside at all. It’s amazing how fast that stuff grows. It is only a matter of time until the windows break from the pressure. I think one of them is already cracking.

Most people spend their time arguing about how or why it happened.

On one side, people compare this flood to the flood of biblical fame and say that it’s God once again

cleansing the earth. On the other side, people say the clouds are actually a mass of self-replicating nanomachines gone out of control.

Some agree with that, and go on to say that the nanomachines are the failed attempt by the military-industrial complex to control the weather.

I like to listen to them ramble on and yell at each other, but in all reality the how and why of it doesn’t matter anymore. Perhaps earlier, when the mist began, but not now.

I spend a lot of my time on the roof. Unlike the others I don’t mind being wet, and there’s no wind so it’s not like I can be blown away. The rain flowing over the sides does present some danger, but as long as I hold onto the guardrails I’m safe. I like to look out across the water at the other skyscrapers. The clouds block most of the sun so I can’t see much, but every now and then the flicker of candlelight or the flash of a gun stand out in the darkness as the few remaining people continue to fight each other.

More and more people are starting to join me on the roof. They don’t watch the water though; they just stand around and stare up at the clouds. I don’t understand how they can do it for so long, the constant hard rainfall hurts my eyes. I’d rather watch the other buildings be swallowed by nature. If I change my point-of-view just a little, it looks as if the world is sinking into that unrelenting blue mass that surrounds us.

It really is beautiful if people would just stop and look at it.

A lot of people are on the roof now and more are coming every minute. It would get crowded quickly, but most of them jump off.

They stand at the guardrails, mulling over a few final thoughts, then take the plunge. I can always tell who they are, unlike the others they don’t stare at the clouds; they look out across the great blue sea, probably at the taller towers around us. I’d like to think they’re looking at the sea, but I know better. Those few that stay on the roof continue to look up.

Not one of them care about watching the slow birth of a new ocean and would rather watch the clouds for some sight, nay even a glimpse, of that now long forgotten clear blue sky.

May 12, 2005 MONITOR

11

CAMPUS EVENTS MAY

12 Para Mi Raza II-- At 5 p.m. Join us in celebrating Ohlone's commitment to diversity, and KOHL D.J. JJ Amaya for his 25 years of service to our radio station. This free event will feature the L.A. comedy group Chicano Secret Service, as well as food and giveaway prizes. For more information call 510-659-7311

12

Student Rep. Second Bill-- At 8 p.m. in the Nummi Theatre from May 12-14. For more information visit the box office or call 510-659-6031.

13

24

Newark Center Groundbreaking Ceremony-

13

25

Board Meeting-- At 7 p.m. in the Child Developement Center.

26

Commencement Ceremony-- At 7 p.m. in the Epler Gymnasium. Friends and family are welcome to attend.

30

Memorial Day-- The Ohlone College Campus will be closed.

JUNE

8

Board Meeting-- At 7 p.m. in the Child Developement Center.

Academy of Art University Field Trip-- From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the Transfer and Career Center in San Francisco. Go to the Transfer and Career Center for more information about this tour.

13

College Council

Meeting-- From 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Library Video Conference Room, Building 1, Room 1307.

13 EOPS Awards Cer-

emony-- From 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Jackson Theatre. Join us in congratulating EOPS students as they complete their goals at Ohlone College.

14 Ohlone Community

Chorale-- At 8 p.m. in the Gary Soren Smith Center at Ohlone College. Moments With The Masters includes performances by the Ohlone College Community Chorale, Centerian Choir, Centerville Presbyterian Church, Fremont Christian High School, Advanced Vocal Ensemble, and Revelation Brass Quintet. The event also features Rachelle Perry-Ward (Soprano) and Michael W. Rogers (Baritone) from the San Francisco Opera. Call the Smith Center Box office for more information at 510659-6031.

15

Ohlone Wind Or-

chestra-- At 5 p.m. in the Smith Center. For more information contact the box office at 510-659-6031.

19 Chops Big Band-- At 8 p.m. in the Nummi Theatre. For more information contact the box office at 510-659-6031.

19

Book Buy Back-From 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from May 1926, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 20.

Sell your used books back to the bookstore to get some extra money for the summer.

20 Theatre Guild Ban-

quet-- Contact the Theatre Department for more information.

21

4th Annual Film, Video, and Multimedia Festival-- Contact the TV Department for more information.

http://ohlone.edu/org/monitor/

public.

Brown Bag Seminar Moved-- From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Room 3201. Jim Baxter will be discussing "Insects As Vectors of Disease Transmission."

Read the Monitor online:

- At 4 p.m. at 39375 Cherry Street Newark, California 94560 (behind Newark Memorial High School). The event is open to the

JULY

1

Summerfest 2005-- Into The Woods appears on July 1, 2, 8, and 9. For more information contact the Smith Center Box Office at 659-6031.

ONGOING The Monitor invites your comments. Letters to the editor should be 250 words or less and should include your name and relationship to Ohlone College. Letters become the property of the Monitor, and may be edited for spelling and length.

Free and Anonymous HIV Testing – Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Student Health Center, Building 16.

No appointment necessary.

Call (510) 659-6258 for more information.

Library Display Cases There are four display cases in the Library that feature different interest for those at Ohlone College. Through May Display Case #1 features Tri-Cities One-Stop Career Center in Newark: Informational Exhibit. Display Case #2 features a Complete Arkangel Shakespeare set, funded by ASOC. Display case #3 features Journeey to te past: Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Display Case #4 features Ohlone College Newark Center for Health Sciences & Technology. For more information call Librarian KG Greenstein at 659-6000 x5272.

Let your inner star shine!

Teach SAT courses for The Princeton review. No experience necessary; just great communication skills and the ability to suceed on standardized tests. Comprehensive training. Flexible hours; 3-12 hours/week. $17/ hour. Call 510-8457900 for more information.

THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MONITOR The 2005 Monitor Editors bid you a farewell and a wonderful summer. The next session of Monitor issues will begin August 15, 2005.

From left (clockwise): Shari Wargo, Photo Editor and Advertising Manager, Sean Crawford, Editor in Chief and a funky dancer, Olivia Speranza, Opinions Editor, Aman Mehrzai, News Editor and Alisha Francisco, Features Editor.

JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS For more information on Jobs & Internships visit Transfer & Career Services in Building 1, 4th Floor, Room 1405A. Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.

Closed Friday.

SALES ASSISTANT—Part time, $12.50/hour plus bonuses with flexible hours in Fremont.

Must have good language skills, basic knowledge of computer software programs such as Microsoft Word, and be people friendly and professional.

Duties include assisting sales representative in selling insurances to businesses, telemarketing prospects and scheduling follow-ups, assisting representative in presentation preparation, and assisting in special marketing events such as mailings, seminars, etc. #1434401 RECEPTIONIST—Part time, $10/hour from 9:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11:45 to 5 p.m. on Sundays in Newark.

Must have a clear telephone

voice, be organized and helpful, and like people. Duties include answering phones, greeting customers as they come into store, and some computer input.

See transfer & Career Services for more information ASSISTANT MANAGER—Full time, $300/week plus commission, hours to be arranged, in Newark. Must have retail and sales experience. This job requires working evenings and weekends. Training will be provided. Responsibilities include: sales, visual merchandising, managing and coaching a team, and staffing.

See transfer & Career Services for more information SALES MANAGER—Full time, $12-15/hour, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Fremont. Must be a self-starter and willing to pursue and generate leads independently.

No experience is required.

See transfer & Career Services for more information FINANCIAL PLANNING ASSISTANT—Full time, $13/hour, 25 hours/week in Fremont. Must have at least 1 year of general

financial services experience, be detail oriented, have computer and phone skills, and be hard working. Accounting or business administration majors are preferred. Duties include processing investment and insurance paperwork, maintaining client files, calling prospects and clients for appointments and meetings, and assisting owner.

See transfer & Career Services for more information CHILDCARE—Part time, $9/ hour, 14-16 hours/week in Fremont. Must have experience with infant care or ECE units.

Provide childcare at residence for 3 month-old. Provide interaction with baby, bottle feedings, walks, etc. #102579101 WEEKEND HELP—Part time, salary to be determined, weekends in Fremont. Have an active preschooler and need someone to help around the house for 5-10 hours per weekend. #1435050 OFFICE ASSISTANT/SECRETARY—Full time, salary to be determined and schedule to be arranged in Fremont. Must be reliable and have some computer skills. #1435058

MONITO ONITOR S P O R T S OHLONE COLLEGE

Thursday, May 12, 2005

All-Star gives advice

Page 8

Softball team wins game one, fails to advance in tournament

By STEVEN CHAVEZ Sports editor

Photos by

Steven Chavez

Former Major League All-Star Shawon Dunston stopped by the softball field last Thursday to give the team some last minute pointers before the Regional Tournament.

The Ohlone softball team had a great run this season. They among the final 32 teams in the state before finally losing to West Valley College and Taft College in the double-elimination tournament.

On the first day of competition, the Renegades defeated Taft 2-1 in their first game, putting Taft in the loser’s bracket of the tournament and sending Ohlone to the winner’s bracket finals.

West Valley defeated Solano College 4-1 in their first game, sending Solano to the loser’s bracket and setting up a matchup between the number six and seven teams in the state, West Valley and Ohlone.

It took West Valley 10 innings to finally get the win.

Sunday, Ohlone was set for a rematch with Taft.

Unfortunately for the Renegades, Taft was too much for

Photo by Taylor Dunn

Mallory Lantz takes a swing for Ohlone during the first game of the Regional Tournament last Saturday. them on this day, defeating them 7-4, ending Ohlone’s successful season.

With five sophomores on their team, all of them starters, including ace pitcher Kristine Beristianos, coach Donna Runyon is going to have her

work cut out for her trying to rebuild this team to keep them at a high, competative level.

The sophomores leaving the team this season are: Beristianos, Monica Carrazco, Mallory Lantz, Keri Macinsky and Lauren Pensa.

Faux-superstars will only fool you for a while The time we’ve all been waiting for has finally reached us, the end of the sememster. Although finals are still almost two weeks away, this is the final edition of the Monitor until the Fall semester begins.

The Final Score will be on hiatis until at least then, watching, waiting and anticipating the next folly or triumph from the world of sports.

For now, though, we’ll talk about something dear to my heart: overzealous, faux-superstar athletes.

Namely: Freddie Mitchell.

Any reader of my column could tell you that I don’t really have a problem with superstart athletes, my penchant for defending abra-

sive superstar Barry Bonds should have been your first clue.

I believe that superstars are now a permanent fixture in the games that we watch on television.

People gravitate toward superstars. Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Randy Johnson, Steve Young, Joe Montana, etc. People love a hero, someone that they wish they could be, but unfortunitly could never get their bodies to do the incredible things that these men could.

There is a double standard, though, when it comes to the athletes we embrace.

We are a nation of self-centered people. We think that people we

The Final Score

By STEVEN CHAVEZ Sports editor cheer for somehow owe us something and get upset when they don’t act in accordance with the way we view them.

There is another side to this though. I am petitioning a movement for calling them the fauxsuperstar.

Freddie Mitchell sits at the head of this class for me.

Nobody in his or her right mind would put Mitchell into the class of a superstar, most wouldn’t even consider him a star.

Mitchell would. So with the given information, we can assume that Freddie Mitchell is no longer, if he ever was, in his right mind.

This is the same guy that said the Eagles were going to win the NFL championship without Terrell Owens.

The Eagles had Owens in the championship game and he had an enormous game, but the Eagles were not able to defeat the Patriots.

I guess what I’m getting at is this: just because you were a first round draft pick and you were supposed to be a great player, doesn’t mean that you are a great player.

Mitchell was released from his contract with the Eagles last week.

Giving the typical soundbite, coach Andy Reid said, “We appreciate everything Freddie has contributed to the Eagles organization over the last four years. By releasing him now, it gives him the opportunity for a new start with another team in the NFL.” Yes, I’m sure that’s it Mr. Reid.

Anyone out there want a loudmouthed reciever that can’t back it up?

ChiRunning course has successful first semester

By STEVEN CHAVEZ Sports editor This semester, for the first time, students at Ohlone College had access to the teachings of a new running style designed for efficiency and injury-prevention.

That class is PE-365A2 and the class is taught by yoga instructor and certified ChiRunning teacher Shelli Stein.

ChiRunning is designed to align your body and its extremities into proper form while you run, making you a more efficient runner while helping to prevent the injuries associated with “conventional” running.

The runners in the class this semester were treated to long-term instruction, rather than the more typical two or three session ChiRunning course.

Students were not only given the fundamentals of ChiRunning, but also given nutritional advice from Stein, to help them lose weight and stay hydrated during their cardio workouts.

Perhaps the best part of this style of running is that anyone, of any age and fitness level, can participate and get the benefits. The age range for this semester’s

class was 19-62 (there were three students in their 60’s).

“People say that when you get older you can’t run as much anymore,” said Will Wu, a 62 years young ChiRunning student who has been running for over thirty years.

“The class has helped me take stress off so I can run well into my 80’s.”

Another student in the class may seem familiar to some on campus, Electronic Lab Technician Hartmut Fokken, who completed the Athens Classic Marathon last year.

“The teacher is very enthusiastic and it rubs off on you,” said Fokken. “I wanted to improve my running style. I have gotten some very useful pointers.”

Being a lifelong runner is not a prerequisite for this class though, just ask Eldred Nethercott, who took the class to help her recover from surgery.

“I had an operation. I’m here to get me going physically. The doctors were amazed with my improvements.”

Those improvements come from the minimal stress that ChiRunning puts on your body by minimizing impact, while still maintaining all the benefits one would expect from running.

Many of the students took this class after

Photo by Steven Chavez

The students of the first ChiRunning get stop for a brief photo-op before their class on Tuesday. The class will continue in the fall. taking Stein’s yoga class.

Running is not all this class offers, it also offers walkers the chance to align their bodies so they can get the same stress-free workouts of the runners.

“I was surprised that I needed to learn how to walk because I’ve been walking for

many years,” said student Peter Chee. “I can enjoy my walk in the correct way so I won’t hurt myself.”

The ChiRunning class will be continuing in the Fall semester and Stein hopes for any even bigger class then. There were about 15 students enrolled this semester.