Monitor 2009-12-10

Renegades 64-52 over West Valley

OPINION

Ohlone plans for disasters

SPORTS

NEWS

FEATURES

Campus gets Swine Flu vaccine

Personal views of this year

– Page 4 – Page 6

– Page 8

Fremont, California

Vol. XXXVIX No. 14

– Page 2

December 10, 2009

Let it snow...

Photo by Liz Frantz

Monday morning commuters who looked up at Mission Peak might have wondered what the white stuff was.

It was the most snow the Bay Area had seen in years, and at the lowest elevations. More snow fell at higher

elevations in the Santa Cruz mountains and in the Diablo Range east of San Jose. The snow here is in the hills above Cougar Drive, off Mission Boulevard, just south of the Ohlone campus. By noon, most of the snow was gone.

Ohlone lagging in quest for federal funds?

By Kathryn Dixon Staff writer Ohlone has received nearly $400,00 in federal workforce investment funds, and more is on the way.

However, other community colleges have taken greater advantage of the federal programs, including College of the Desert,which received $1,150,800 in one Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program.

Ohlone apparently has courses that might qualify for that program, but did not apply.

The Alameda County Workforce Investment Board has contracted to

pay Ohlone College $110,000 in federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funds to train 30 students in Cisco computer classes next year.

According to Roy Bertuccelli, workforce development specialist for the Alameda WIA board, Ohlone will also receive $55,000 to $60,000 to provide five additional computer classes.

This year the WIA board also paid Ohlone $192,000 to provide workshops in job searching and career planning at the NUMMI automotive plant in Fremont. It is scheduled to close April 1, 2010.

The WIA board is also pay-

Students protest funding reductions

By Anna Biaritz Roldan Staff writer More than 30 students rallied in front of Hyman Hall Tuesday in the Civic Engagement Club’s speak-out against budget cuts.

Despite the cold weather, students and a number of faculty members filled the benches and concrete seats. Some spoke of their own experiences and what they want done about the lopsided educational system.

Freshman Tanya Abarado told how she and a friend tried to sign up for Tagalog and Italian classes this fall, but were disappointed to find out that the classes were cancelled. Abarado tried to sign up for other classes, but they were also full. As a result, she is a part-time student.

“I am the kind of student who wants to [graduate from Ohlone] in two Continued on Page 3

ing Ohlone tuition of $2,625 per student, with a maximum of 25 students in a class for two classes in photovoltaic design and installation (ENVS 104). These classes, packed with students, were developed by Dr. Gail Carli, dean of the Health Sciences and Environmental Studies Division and are taught at the Newark Center for Health Sciences and Technology.

The Alameda WIA board lists a course in biopharmaceutics, (BIO 100) on its list of Eligible Training Providers (ETP) and will pay tuition of $3,875 per student for a maximum of 25 students in a class. This course

Monitor back Feb. 1 This is the final Monitor of the fall, 2009 semester.

The Monitor will not publish during finals week.

Anyone interested in joining the Monitor staff should email monitor@ ohlone.edu.

The Monitor will resume publication on the first day of spring semester, Feb. 1, 2010.

was developed by Dr. Ron Quinta, dean of the Science, Technology and Engineering Division years ago. Although the course no longer exists, a student looking at that listing can still apply for an equivalent course and try, as an individual, to obtain WIA tuition to enroll.

Quinta said, “The Biomanufacturing-Biopharm class was a program we offered for several years with funding that came from the Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. then later from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. That program (class) was specifically offered to retrain dis-

placed workers so that they would be eligible for jobs in the biotech industry in the Bay Area.”

When the funding ended, the training program was put on hold.

The courses remain in the catalog, but Ohlone awaits funding from sources such as the WIB to offer the program again.

The ETP is a list of training providers in every county which are funded by the Workforce Investment Act. It is online at http:/etpl.edd. car.gov/wiaetplind.htm. According to Bertuccelli, since the Recovery and Reinvestment Act, known as Continued on Page 3

Delay of layoffs is made official

By Kyle Stephens Staff writer The Ohlone College Board of Trustess voted unanimously to “postpone indefinitely” the layoffs of classified staff, making formal the settlement with California School Employees Association (CSEA) announced at the Nov. 18 meeting.

CSEA President Linda Evers thanked the board, and Trustee Richard Watters said “It’s great not to lay off any employees.”

Ohlone administrators, faculty and classified workers will take pay cuts to help make up a $700,000 deficit in the district’s budget caused by a mid-year reduction in state funding.

In other action, the “March in March” protest March 22 in Sacramento against cuts in education was discussed by Faculty Senate President Bob Bradshaw and ASOC President Kevin Feliciano. Various Ohlone student and faculty groups are planning to attend.

2

Opinion

monitor December 10, 2009

Jeff Weisinger Gloria Franco Manika Casterline Nazia Mastan Jillian Sanchez Sports editor: Nick Zambrano Photo editor: Japneet Kaur Online editors: Max Stephens Kyle Stephens Staff writers: Miguel Cerda Ankita Chhabra Theresa Gutierrez Anika Dokes Kathryn Dixon Naijia Qadir Kelsey Bloom Lesly Hernandez Hyder Alikhan Tomás Ortega Shelby Lacy Jacob Schabert Ean Taijeron Tolo Dayo Photo staff: Manal Bejaoui Tara Lynn Lanning

David Epperson Stuart Dawson Ian MacDonald Jimmy Patten Cheryl West Nelam Rafiq Ad manager: Anna BiaritzRoldan Ad staff: Christy Marovich Editor in chief: News editor: Opinion editor: Features editor:

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 General Excellence Fall 1994 General Excellence Fall 2000 General Excellence Fall 2004 General Excellence Fall 2005 Offices are located in Room 5310 on campus, 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont 94539-5884. 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

Cartoon staff: Adviser: Printer:

Ibrahim Badawy Bill Parks F-P Press

2009, a year in review from the top of the hill

By MANIKA CASTERLINE Opinions editor

Obama The end of 2008 ushered in the promise of political change with the victory of Barack Obama and he began ’09 by uniting us under his message of hope during his inaugural address in January. He was even honored with a Nobel Peace prize this autumn. However, Greg Mortenson, author of “Three Cups of Tea” was more deserving of it, in my opinion.

But, that is not to say that his

presidency has been an easy ride in his first year. We still are involved in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,the economy is still in the process being stimulated by the economic stimulus bill and (seriously) this summer the GOP presented the scare tactic of “death panels” regarding heath care policy.

If Canada can achieve universal health care, why can’t we?

Vampire everything The Twilight saga and True Blood. But, most importantly are you on Team Edward or on Team

Jacob?

I honestly wish Buffy Summers would just come back and slay those suckers.

Rihanna Seriously dude, how do you get away with domestically abusing Rihanna, Chris Brown? Rihanna is one of the rare talents out there right now.

And then Brown’s song “Forever” goes on to be featured in a YouTube video that has garnered a bunch of hits.

It is an injustice. It really is.

Television The breakout hit of the year has been Fox’s “Glee,” which premiered in May after the season finale of “American Idol”and it is a shining star in the world of television. I am sick of hearing how every other fangirl wants to (insert rhymes with Puck here) with Puck though. I’d rather do that to “Glee” actor, Matthew Morrison.

World Series The N.Y. Yankees won. It is not that surprising. Not that I really know anything about baseball.

But, really it is not. Big freaking whoop. I’m just including this to appease our Editor-in-Chief, Jeff Weisinger. Let’s pretend we are in an “Empire State of Mind” for his sake. Otherwise I really could not care less.

Deaths It was not a good year to be a celebrity. Michael Jackson, the music.

Farrah Fawcett, the flip. Sen.Ted Kennedy, the last brother. Walter Cronkite, ultra journalist. Patrick Swayze, the dirty dirty dancing. Bea Continued on Page 6

Make my wish come true, all I want for Christmas is you

By MaNIKA CASTERLINE Opinions editor I must strongly empathize that there are not many things that fill me with glee during this time of the year. Take into account that I work in retail, however, instead of being the Grinch who stole Christmas, I opt to be Rudolph and spread at least some seasonal contentment.

After Christmas sales Hello, we are in a global economic recession. As it is, I’m an extreme shoppaholic. The only other excuse is that I don’t get paid that

much and I have always been a discount shopping Asian. Some items are investment pieces, okay. Or at least that is my justification.

Mistletoe In this case, it is less about the mistletoe. It is more about who you hope to get kissed by. It is a moment that is built up to and bound by the obligation of tradition.

Now that is something to “tweet” about you social networking birdies.

A kiss underneath the mistletoe is an act of fearlessness for those of us who the rest of the year are the

ones that are defined as reliable, trustworthy, and as detail oriented book worms.

The only exception to this and there is apparently an exception, the mentality of whatever it takes.

Sometimes there is only one way to the top. And that is to be on top.

I’m just saying.

But, in the frosty air lingers the question that given the option who would you kiss underneath the mistletoe?

The safe route is to pick a celebrity. As if you were actually going to hook up with them. That would be a Christmas miracle.

The only possibility of that occurring is if they were seriously intoxicated, which if Amy Winehouse is your choice then by all means “yes you can.”

That is not to say that my personal preference is not an idealistic wish like the prospect of peace and good will for all mankind.

However, a mistletoe initiated makeout ought to be a legitimate act of desire rather than one of being under the influence of substances.

It should be reserved for the individual who you have spent months falling in love with. The person that

puts a sparkle in your eyes when they enter a room. The person who despite the flaws that they are the first to recognize and vocalize, they are still someone special to you.

And hopefully not a person who needs to be shaken by the shoulders in order to realize what kind of couple the two of you have the potential to be.

Starbucks It is red again, right? The cups are the first indication of change.

This year the tagline is, “Make your spirits bright. Wish.”

Continued on Page 6

Campus Comment >>> -

Who would you kiss underneath the mistletoe?

Anibale Corte BIOCHEMISTRY “Brad Pitt.”

Princeton Faure OPTOMETRY “Alicia Keyes”

Marshall Lyons ARCHEITECTURE “Megan Fox.”

Kirstie McCune

FORENSIC ANTROPOLOGY “My girlfriend.”

David Orluck WILDLIFE

“Anibale!”

News Ohlone lagging in quest for federal funds?

3 MONITOR

December 10, 2009

Continued from Page 1 the federal stimulus was enacted, a provider is no longer required to be on the list in order to receive WIA funding. WIA pays eligble students up to $5,000 for tuition.

The Alameda WIA Board administers federal WIA funds in Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Richmond and Oakland.

Dr. Leta Stagnaro, Associate VP of Academic Affairs, is a member of the Alameda County WIA Board and interfaces with it regarding the Newark campus. Dr. James Wright ,VP of Academic Affairs, handles the Fremont campus.

According to the “Federal Stimulus Matrix (Draft) dated 9/14/09, published by the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges online (url: http://www. cccco.edu/Portals/4/Executive/ Board/2009_agendas/Sep_09/ Federal%20Matrix.pdf), other than the programs identified by Bertuccelli, Ohlone did not apply for any other WIA programs or other federal stimulus and federal and state agency programs which are listed.

Eric Alborg, spokeman for the California Recovery Board which manages federal stimulus funds for the state, said, “I took the liberty of looking at our Web site (recovery. ca.gov) and the federal Web site (recovery.gov) and do not see any awards for Ohlone College yet I do not see any awards for Ohlone College yet.”

An example of a community college which outpaced Ohlone

in receiving WIA funds is San Diego Miramar Community College, which received WIA funding of $400,000 for bio-tech training programs. WIA also provided $400,000 for a solar-HVAC program to San Diego City College.

WIA provided $400,000 to San Diego Mesa Community College for its mental health worker certification program. San Diego Continuing Education received $400,00 for its Certified Nursing Assistant training program. The College of the Desert received $1,150,800 ifor training programs in “industry-driving demand occupations” and $173,065 for GED preparation classes. Chabot College received $288,000 for a two-year program to work with the Alameda WIA board and its Rapid Response Team to provide Transition services for dislocated workers.

Coastline Community College expects to receive a total of $207,558 to teach classes in accounting and bookkeeping, process technology and customer service sales. San Francisco City College received $214,000 for a CityBuild construction training program and Marin Community College received $106,500 for a dental assistant program.

There is still more money to be awarded through the WIA and the application process is ongoing for many programs. Still open for applications are WIA grants in California of $80.9 million for adult employment and training activities, $189 million for youth activities,

Students protest budget cutbacks Continued from Page 1 years but it’s hard with all the budget cuts,” said Abarado.

Another victim of class cuts is Anisa Dave, who asked a rhetorical question: “Without education how would we lead this country?” He also said, “Without education we will not go further.” Dave wanted to transfer this year, but was not able to since the classes he needed to sign up for were full. He said, “We grew up learning that education is a will but now they are saying it’s a won’t!”

Many students said they are frustrated with the tuition increase at the California State University and University of California systems.

Thomas Briseno said, “I can barely afford books and tuition.”

Briseno, who wants to transfer

to UC Berkeley, said how disappointed he is with the UC tuition fee hikes, which have preventing him from transferring.

History Professor and Adviser of the Civic Engagement Club Heather McCarty encouraged the students to write legislators to let them know how important education is.

McCarty gave March in March as an example of how appealing to the state government works. She said that earlier this year there were plenty of planned cuts that did not happen because of the March in March, where they sat down with the legislators and told them what they wanted. She ended her speech by saying that community college is the elevator that gets students to the middle class, but with the budget cuts it cannot serve its purpose.

and $189 million for “Youthbuild” activities. The Department of Labor is providing $225 million to California WIA boards for disclocated worker programs and applications can still be made. According to the matrix, Ohlone has not applied for these funds yet.

In addition to WIA funding, the Department of Labor has directly funded $750 million in competitive grants nationwide, of which $500 million is for green jobs and $220 million is for health care sector and other high growth and emerging industries. The first of these grants of $220 million is for health care sector jobs and went so far to Riverside College ($400,000 for allied health training), to San Diego Miramar ($339 for a Medical Laboratory Technician Program), and to San Diego Mesa College ($400,000 for a radiology tech training program).

Ohlone can still receive tuition for its individual courses from the WIA if eligible individuals choose Ohlone’s courses and WIA agrees to fund the individual. Ohlone lists only the course in photovoltaic design and one in biopharmaceuticals on the ETP. Ohlone potentially misses WIA-funded tuition for individual classes because it has only two classes on the list. Hundreds of colleges list many coursers on the ETP. For example, California State University East Bay has 73 courses on the ETP list, including chemical dependency studies, java programming, paralegal studies, art museum and gallery studies, human resources management and other technical subjects. According to Bertuccelli, Cabrillo College lists all of its classes on the ETP list to attract as much WIA funding as possible.

The college or a professor can apply at Eastbay Works for funding for an individual course and/or for the funding of a program of courses. The application is online at (http://eastbayworks.com/categories.php?id=324 The application must meet WIA criteria. The WIA focuses on four categories of persons seeking job training: (1) dislocated adult workers; (2) unemployed adult workers; (3) disabled workers; and (4) youth workers. It requires that the course have a vocational interest.

According to Bertuccelli, “WIA does not fund poetry courses. Yet it will fund English as a second language course.” The WIA wants the course to fit the needs of the top “100 demand occupations” which are listed at http://www.

labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/article. asp?articleId=654 Ohlone has ian office of grants development and states its policy on line in a notice entitled “Why We Wait: Not all grant projects, even those that offer large amounts of money, are worth pursuing.

Almost any grant project requires some financial or other resource commitment on the part of the institution.”

The district adheres to the policy of only pursuing grants that comply with our mission and goals and which fit with current activities.

For the most part, grants have to bring in an amount of money substantial enough to offset costs for the district’s budget.

Smaller grants require almost the same amount of work at the back end, but do not offset enough costs warrant the amount of time and of resources required for supporting the grant.

All government and many of the private grants require a budget manager’s time to track costs, manage budget requests, complete reports, conduct audits plus managing the actual grant project.

Because of the amount of work involved in developing budgets and developing proposals for grants that are not awarded, these considerations should all be taken into account before proceeding with a grant proposal.....See: (http://www. ohlone.edu/org/collegeadvancement/grants/whywewait.html) Contrary to Ohlone’s “wait” position, some colleges have taken the risks of providing new or updated course and programs to be eligible for WIA and other stimulus funding during this recession.

For example, the Patricia Arack, editor of “City Currents,” a publication of the City College of San Francisco stated in an article entitled “Federal funds stimulate CCSF programs:” “To date CCSF has received in excess of $28 million in federal stimulus funding, helping to take some of the sting out of the severe budget cuts the college has suffered.

‘More is coming,’ said Chancellor Don Griffin on Flex Day August 14 and added, ‘Grants to the college have doubled from last year, providing some relief.“’ The risks of providing seed money for new programshas paid off for some community colleges.

For example, the Green Job Corps and Green Job Pilot Program provided $10 million in federal stimulus funding and $10 million in local funding for job training and

community service work in California’s emerging green economy for 1,500 at-risk youth. Awards of stimulus money went to the Workforce Institute, San Jose/Evergreen Community College District, Santa Clara ($937,873), Peralta Community College District consisting of Berkeley City College, Laney College, Merritt College and College of Alameda ($937,511), City College of San Francisco ($931,087), Shasta Community College ($650,606), Los Angeles Community College ($937,890). Even though Ohlone is in Fremont, the home of NUMMI, the federal stimulus fund provided $500,000 for hybrid car training in 2009 to Chabot and City College of San Francisco.

On Nov. 19, 2009, NUMMI workers were certified to receive funding pursuant to the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program administered by the U.S. Employment and Training Administration. According to Bertuccelli, each laid-off NUMMI worker will be allowed to report to EDD and meet with a TAA specialist. After a skills assessment, the worker may look for jobs in the private sector.

If a NUMMI worker cannot find a job, he or she will be provided with $10,000 in tuition money along with supplies and books. The worker can choose courses at Ohlone College.

Many workers will look at the ETP list for assistance. Hopefully by that time, Ohlone will have more courses listed so that it can receive some of these funds. In addition, Ohlone can develop a program of courses which are intensive and vocational in nature and meet the needs of laid-off NUMMI workers and it can submit an application for WIA funding.

Solar and technology jobs are opening up in Fremont. Solyndra, which makes solar panels, recerived $535 million in federal stimulus finds, has 3,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent manufacturing jobs available. On Nov. 27, the Department of Energy provided $4 million in stimulus funds to Amber Kinetics in Fremont to develop flywheel technology for low-cost bulk energy storage applications.

Ohlone is in excellent position to obtain funding for courses in solar and green energy. NUMMI workers may also seek work in areas such as biotechnology, nursing and child education and may need English and mathematics courses to get up to speed in today’s job market. . As Dr. Carli said, “Ohlone College will be happy to support reeducation and retraining of NUMMI employees.”

Features Bake sale to raise money for dance crew 4

monitor December 10, 2009

By Jeff weisinger Editor-in-Chief It might have been cold and windy, but that didn’t stop the Bliss Dance Company from their goal of reaching Arizona.

“It was horrible, but I tried my best to stay warm,” said Karla Silva, member of Bliss.

Silva, along with Alex Dratell and Michelle Frye, sat outside Building 5 Wednesday afternoon, selling cookies, bear claws, almond cakes, candy canes and Snapples in hopes to raise money to go to a dance convention in Arizona in March.

“This would be amazing for each and every one of us,” Silva said.

Fundraising director Ami Treager came up with many ideas for the dance company to raise money for the big trip.

Treager, along with several other members of Bliss, decided that the bake sale would be the easiest way to raise money, and the dance crew will also hold a fundraising booth at the upcoming Ohlone flea market on Saturday.

The bake sale lasted two days, this Tuesday and Wednesday, with Tuesday’s sale being accredited to people who already were fans of

the dance company.

On Wednesday, they seemed to reach the masses of Ohlone students and their sweet teeth.

As much as the company wants to travel to Arizona for the competition, nobody wants to go more than dance crew director Kassie Begley.

“Kassie’s confident we can make it and compete,” Silva added.

The entry fee for the competition is $1,000 per person, but Silva, along with the rest of the Bliss Dance Company can be the first to represent Ohlone in Arizona in March.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger Karla Silva, Alex Drattell, Michelle Frye of Bliss Dance Crew brave the cold to send their group to Arizona.

‘In Debt We Trust’

By Cheryl West Staff writer

Photo by David Epperson Registered nurse Katie Vigano gives Ohlone Nursing Counselor Janet Corcoron the H1N1 shot.

H1N1 vaccine arrives on campus

By Shelby Lacy Staff writer The swine flu H1N1 vaccine has arrived at Ohlone. On the evening of December 8th, 160 doses of the H1N1 vaccine arrived at the health center.

The students with first priority to the vaccine are the health science students and also the staff as they are in contact with the infected patients.

Those students must reserve the vaccine by December 10th by six

pm. The extra vaccines will proceed to the next priority group on December 12. This group includes students and staff with chronic illness and are at high risk of complications from the H1N1 such as asthma.

For students, the shot will cost $10, for staff it will cost $20, and they will be available by appointment only in the health center in Building 7..

All 160 doses must be administered before the break beginning on December 18th.

“I think it's great, I feel very

fortunate that we were able to get some doses of the vaccine”, said Sally Bratton, director of the Ohlone student health center.

Bratton is hopeful that Ohlone receives enough doses for everyone.

It has been asked that nobody call, email, or drop in to request an exception as the rules were made by the CDC and the health office will be busy attempting to coordinate the distribution of the doses.

The health office will not answer any questions or answer questions about the status of the distribution.

In 2007, local residents Paul Rea and Jane Bark founded the Tri City Documentary Series. The series features documentary films with the goal of giving our community a better sense of political and social issues.

Some previous documentaries covered topics such as 9/11 conspiracies, the environment and global warming, the war in Iraq, the media and the crisis in the Middle East, and the decline of electric, eco-friendly cars. At the end of each film, there is a discussion held.

The audience is encouraged to speak out on the issue presented in the film, and present their thoughts about what has happened and what can be done about this issue at hand.

The screenings are also an important medium in which the directors can inform those who are not aware of the implication of the topic presented within their films and to provide different views on issues that they may know little about.

Award-winning director Danny Schechter’s “In Debt We Trust” will soon be featured in The Tri City Documentary Series. The movie will display and dissect how America has dug itself into a deep grave of debt, affecting the economy

immensly. The film will also touch on how our debt is affecting the lives of Americans.

Problems dealing with deceiving credit card advertisements, the outrageous rise of college credit interest, bankruptcy, scams and several other important topics regarding our debt are discussed by government officials in the film.

Trillions of dollars are owed in consumer and national debt. What was once a “factory dominant economic engine,” is now dominantly “mall” driven.

“This is a problem involving millions of people and billions of dollars yet it is downplayed and rarely discussed in all of its disastrous dimensions,” said Schechter in his personal statement about the film.

The Alameda County Library – Fremont Main Branch has generously sponsored the series since 2007, giving Rea and Bark a place to bring guest speakers and to show their chosen films.

Sally Pine, Fremont Library Director said, “The debate and discussion following each film is what inspired the sponsorship.” Not to mention the growing popularity.

“In Debt We Trust” will be showing at the Fremont Main Library on Dec. 12 at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free. You can find more information about the series at http://www. tricityperspectives.org/

Holiday delights to brighten your nights This weeks article was inspired by, of all things, an episode of Gilmore Girls.

Rory had been in London for Christmas that particular year, so Lorlelai had waited to celebrate chritmas with her daughter. In order to try and recapture the Christmas spirit, Lorlelai and Rory decided to go to Weston’s coffee shop and drink candy cane coffee. That got me thinking about how many places here in the Bay Area have holiday specific beverages. Amazingly, the only thing I could come up with was Starbucks, which does NOT count. So then I thought how easy it would be to make holiday drink at home.

I went out in search of the perfect holiday drinks to share with you all.

The first holiday drink I want to share is called the White

Christmas Cocktail. I found it on the blog, “Cocktails and small Bites.” This is a great cocktail if you are having a few girlfriends over, and you want to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

This is a fun and quick Christmas cocktail, that is as tasty as it is easy. The White Christmas Cocktail makes 1 cocktail.

Ingredients: ½ oz white Crème de Cacao 1 oz Southern Comfort 4 oz egg nog Chocolate shavings for garnish The instructions for making this drink is to 1.Fill a cocktail shaker about half way with ice.

2. Add all ingredients, except the chocolate shavings.

3. Shake until mixed and strain into a glass.

4. Garnish with the chocolate

shavings.

The next holiday beverage I want to suggest is a new twist on a classic, Vanilla hot chocolate. I found this recipe on The Examiner’s website. I picked this particular drink because I am a huge, hard core hot chocolate fan, and I felt that the vanilla twist in

ever had to use a vanilla bean in a recipe will tell you that they are beyond expensive, so I would suggest using vanilla extract instead.

Ingredients: Vanilla Hot Chocolate Makes 8 Servings.

8 cups milk Pinch of salt 1 cups granulated sugar 1/2 vanilla bean, split crosswise and scarped or alternately 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

3 ounces white chocolate By candy bar, coarsely chopped Ashley Mck2 ounces milk chocolate enzie candy bar, coarsely chopped 1/4 cups unsweetened the drink was a cool, new, and in- cocoa powder teresting way to spice up an oldie Instructions: but goodie 1. Pour milk and salt into a However, the recipe calls for medium-size saucepan. Place vanilla beans. Anyone who has over medium heat and cook, stir-

Food Diva

ring, until the mixture is hot. Do not boil.

2. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.

Add the seeds to the saucepan (or the vanilla extract).

3. Add the chocolates and cocoa and stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Don't rush this step by turning up the heat, or the white chocolate may burn.

4. Pour the hot chocolate into four mugs and serve immediately, topped with marshmallows, if desired.

These are just two drinks that I tried, which really got me in the Christmas spirit. The holidays are a great time to eat and enjoy some drinks with your family, maybe even share some great recipes.

Just make sure to be safe and enjoy all the quality time with some delectible food.

Features

Decmber 10, 2009

monitor

5

Happy Holidays from the Monitor

Monitor staff, Fall 2009, from top left: Bia Roldan, Shelby Lacy, Jimmy Patten, David Epperson, Nick Zambrano, Bill Parks.

Second Row: Kyle Stephens, Manika Casterline, Nazia Mastan, Gloria Franco. Third Row: Jeff Weisinger, Manal Bejaoui, Anika Dokes, Jillian Sanchez. This photo was electronically modified to fit in additional staff members.

How we went from St. Nick to Santa Claus

By EAN TAIJERON Staff writer “Santa Claus is about as scary as it gets for babies. It’s like taking a 4year-old to a frightening Halloween movie,” said Tom McMahon.

When you think, “Santa Claus,” images of an overweight elderly man in a red costume come to mind.

What most don’t know is Santa is an old legend/folktale with a long line of happy Christmas happenings.

It is believed that Old Saint Nicholas was born sometime around 280 A.D. in an ancient city in modern-day Turkey.

Raised as a devout Christian, Nicholas’ parents died in a tragic accident leaving, him to take care of himself. Following direction from Jesus, Nicholas was to “sell what you own and give money to the poor.” His love of children and parades of gift giving also grew into a career for Nicholas.

Just how did Saint Nick become a Saint? Nicholas, being the Christian that he was, became a bishop to a church in his town. Much admired for his unnatural kindness and heroism, St. Nicholas became the subject of many legends.

One of the best known St. Nicholas stories is that he saved three poor sisters. During that time, in order for a woman to become married, she must be presented with a dowry.

Saint Nicholas, being the gernerous person he was, served the man with a one pouch of gold coins for each of his daughters.

Saint Nicholas would throw the pouch through the window and it would land into either a shoe or a stocking that would be hanging above the fireplace to dry.

This has now been fabricated into Santa loading your holiday stockings with goodies worth smiling for.

He was a hero and an icon of

charity back then. Now, he’s the big guy in red that gives well-behaved children presents, and misbehaved children lumps of coal.

Saint Nick turned into his modern form in 1823 in the poem, “A Visit From Saint Nicholas,” more commonly known as, “The Night Before Christmas,” by writer Clement Clarke Moore.

Moore included such details like the names of Santa's reindeer; Santa's laughs, winks, nods and the method Saint Nicholas uses to return up the chimney.

Children naturally wanted to know where Santa Claus came from, where he lived when he was not delivering presents, and if he like red more than green.

In order to keep the illusion alive, parents fabricated the famous legend as years passed, adding that Santa Claus lived at the North Pole, owned magic reindeer and befriended elves who were excel-

lent craftsmen.

This, of course, would provide parents an easy scapegoat as to why their children could not visit Santa Claus.

He simply lived in secret, so as to keep the spirit and magic of Christmas a growing obsession and fascination.

Like most legends, Santa Claus is one of morality, integrity, kindness and humility.

His job all year round is to help little ones achieve their goal of landing on the “nice” list.

Some parents choose to keep their children away from the idea of Santa Claus. Some religious practices forbid it and the idea of “lying” to one's child is simply unbearable.

Ohlone Psychology Professor McMahon said, “Parents get so excited to have their child’s photo taken with Santa that they sometimes forget how terrifying it might

guilty pleasure of watching re-runs of Frosty the Snowman.

This unique line-up includes a Jazz and Rock combo on Friday Dec. 11, 2009 at the Jackson Theater at 7:30 p.m. The concert features a blend of James Bond theme songs, Latin songs from the 1960s and a tribute to the late Michael Jackson.

All these musical genres will be performed by the Jazz/Rock combo classes at Ohlone.

That very same weekend is the Christmas Spectacular! at 7:30 p.m. Saturday Dec. 12, 2009 at the Jackson Theater. This show will feature many old holiday favorites and special guests. The Silicon Valley Brass Band will perform at the Christmas Spectacular!, also performing in this Second Annual Christmas show will be the Ohlone Community Band, the Ohlone

Wind Orchestra and Ohlone Tuba Ensemble. This concert will be a night to remember for anyone that loves classical music and will be the perfect way to celebrate this festive holiday.

The following weekend is also packed with Christmas time treats.

The 24th Annual Christmas at the Mission Concert will take place at the Old Mission San Jose, down the street from Ohlone. The show starts on Saturday December 12, 2009 at 8 p.m. and the next day the show will go on Sunday December 13, 2009 at 4 p.m. The Ohlone Chamber Singers will perform contemporary songs as well as our favorite Christmas Carols.

The show will be interactive with the audience and will be asking them to sing along to the carols.

The 24th Annual Christmas at the

Mission Concert promises to be a great event to go to on the days following Christmas. With all the commercialism that surrounds Christmas and the Holidays, it is hard to see what they are really about. The point of Christmas is to spread cheer and pay tribute to family and friends and to go out of

be for the child.” A huge guy in a red suit does not exactly make for a wonderous Christmas treat to some toddlers.

“The malls resonate with horrifying screams from small children who do not want to meet the big man in the red suit. If Santa frightens your child, begin by watching him from afar. Follow your child’s lead. If he or she is uncomfortable with the situation, then let him or her be.”

Santa Claus has been used not only as an example of a person with good ethics, but nowadays he’s used as a sales booster, and a popular addition to advertisements.

Around Christmas time, Santa not only gives gifts to the youth, but to the economy as well.

Despite his current status as an attraction to children, he still remains a symbol of that special time of year, for family, togetherness and holiday spirit.

Performances are music for Ohlone’s ears

By Najia qadir Staff writer It is finally that special and cheerfully familiar time of year.

When the nights are glowing with Christmas lights and you are pulling your jackets out for the chilly weather. It is easily forgotten that Christmas time is not a time for getting material possessions from family and friends, or hunting down holiday sales. It is a time to appreciate your loved ones and a reminder for everyone to spend more quality time with those close to you.

This year you can ring in the holidays at Ohlone College. There is a wide range of performances to enjoy with family and friends. These shows are bound to get anyone in the Christmas spirit without the need to indulge yourself in the annual

your way to be kind to others.

All these performances would make an enjoyable night for those who wish to get into the Christmas spirit. Tickets to all of these shows are available on the Ohlone College website at http://scboxoffice. ohlone.edu. You can also reach the Smith Center at (510) 659-6031.

News In a disaster, what would Ohlone do?

By Hyder Alikhan Staff writer Ohlone College is a large campus. So, if for instance a natural disaster occurred at Ohlone, what would happen?

Floods are not a major concern for the Fremont campus as it is not in the flood plain zone and is elevated to some extent.

In the event of an earthquake, the intensity of the earthquake would be the determining factor.

If buildings and structures are damaged and/or destroyed, campus police, facilities personnel, and college staff and faculty would assist in providing first aid and rescue of persons, if possible.

First aid kits and an emergency operations center would be established with an organized command staff and action plan.

“Any disaster would be one that involved the entire community or the entire Bay Area. An earthquake

that would cause severe damage to the college would also have the same devastating effect on the surrounding communities,” said Steve Osawa, Chief of Campus Police Services / Safety and Security (CPS).

There are some supplies available on campus, such as emergency blankets, water, first aid supplies, various tools and flashlights.

Since the Ohlone Community College District has no student housing, most students would have to leave the campus and go to their homes.

Injured students, staff, and faculty would receive immediate first aid and then be transported to a medical facility for treatment.

An assessment would be made as to the structural integrity of each building and structure by professional engineers and a determination made as to the college district’s ability to resume its educational function.

The Cha Cha Slide

Photo by Hyder Alikhan

L.I.S.T.O (Latinos In Science & Technology at Ohlone) organized a fun study session for all Ohlone students, held Tuesday Dec. 8 and Wednesday Dec. 9 at the Fremont campus cafeteria.

Everything’s good this holiday Continued from Page 2 in place of those broken promises is the holiday menu.

The decadent Cranberry Bliss Bar and the Eggnog Chai are my personal favoritesand they are only around for a limited time.

Have you met me? Then why are you giving me a gift card or a

Four Ohlone students brave the cold, moving and grooving to the Cha Cha Slide. This event was held at the bottom of Building One stairs near the Palm Bosque Wednesday, sponsored by Campus Activities.

A year in review: Winners, losers Continued from Page 2 Arthur, the golden girl. (You know for all the two“Golden Girls” fans who read this publication.)

Iran This summer, the disputed Iranian presidential election led to a green revolution. By, green we aren’t talking one of the eco conscious nature.

The Iranian youth led movement was in opposition to the result of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s bid to win reelection against challenger Ali Akbar Mousavi.

And when exposed a media crackdown, while the tech-savvy became citizen journalists via Twittter and YouTube.

Also, you dropped a bomb on me...well... at the rate you are going it is a possibilty. And it would make speech and debate team hypotheticals a reality.

Tour de France Lance Armstrong made a comeback to the sport of cycling this year and found himself on Johan Bruyneel’s team Astana.

The quandary was he was not the team leader like he was accustomed to being. However, his teammmate Alberto Contador won the Tour de France. Armstrong returns next season with a team of his own creation, team Radioshack.

Music Oh, can’t you seeeee, how rude you can beeeee? Yeah, of course I’m looking at you, Kanye West. We also have our first African American president. So, why can’t we get our first gay American Idol aka Adam Lambert?

And apparently Lady GaGa is being called this year’s Madonna.

It must be all that singing about disco sticks and the hermaphrodite speculation.

6

Relax with your cookies

Alternative presents

Photo by Jimmy Patton

December 10, 2009 monitor

gift set from Bath & Body Works and/or The Body Shop? You fail, so please don’t even bother. However, I always win because my yearlong detail-oriented ways help in purchasing the perfect gift.

Snow I have never seen snow before.

It is symbolic of a winter wonderland.

Pie Who does not like pie? IT’S PIE! The traditional dessert staple for whole season.

Pie time starts on Thanksgiving and sets the precedent for crusts that crumble in your mouth. Pecan. Apple...Dutch apple...Apple crumble.

It certainly tops any freaking fruit cake, that is for certain.

Campus Events December 10 Retirement Party. Free food, punch and soft drinks Bring a dish for 6 people if you wish. Dress: Festive and fun! Be there or miss the best party in town! Room 7101, Building 7, first floor, Fremont campus Contact Lesley Buehler E-Mail: lbuehler@ohlone.edu 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

10 Learning Disabilities Informational meeting Room 7107, Student Services Center, Building 7, Fremont campus 12:10 to 1:30 p.m.

10 Freshmen Connection Fundraiser: The Peer Mentors are holding a fundraiser at Panda Express from 4 to 10 p.m. The fundraiser is for Freshmen Connection Day program, that helps freshmen become more involved with Ohlone along with meeting new people. Due to the budget cuts, we there is no funding for snacks/food at any events on Freshmen Connection Day. Panda Express is located in Pacific Commons, off Auto Mall Parkway. They will be contributing 20 percent of sales to the program. Panda Express, 43384 Boscell Road, Fremont, CA 94538.

11 Last day for Fall 2009 semester instruction.

11 Jazz/Rock Combo classes, led by Tim Roberts, present a night of musical variety, featuring a collection of James Bond theme songs, Latin tunes from the ’60s, and a tribute to Michael Jackson.

The group includes a six-piece horn section, rhythm sections, and talented singers. Jackson Theatre, Smith Center, 7 p.m.

12 Fall 2009 Final Exams begin. For the schedule visit : http://www.ohlone. edu/org/admissions/ fallfinalexamschedule.html 12 Ohlone College Super Flea Market is held the second Saturday of each month throughout the year at Parking Lots E and H of Ohlone, Fremont campus from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

12 AUDITIONS: Spring Dance Production in the Smith Center Dance Studio, 10 a.m.

12 Men’s Basketball, away vs. Feather River College in Quincy at 3 p.m.

12 A Christmas Spectacular.

Community Band, Ohlone Wind Orchestra, and Tuba Ensemble and special guests, the Silicon Valley Brass Band, directed by Tony Clements, performing holiday music, featuring George Roumanis' epic new work, Evergreen Christmas: A Symphony of Carols, and Alfred Reed’s Russian Christmas Music.

Jackson Theater, Smith Center, 7:30 p.m.

14 Distance Learning Committee meeting Online: cccconfer.org, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

14 Citizen’s Oversight Committee meeting, Bond Measure A, 6 p.m.

15 HIV Testing Clinic, Student Health Center, Room 7302, Building 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

15 TechComm Meeting Administration, Room 1407 (ITC), Fremont campus, 2 to 3 p.m.

15 Inter Club Council (ICC) meeting in Room 6105, Building 6 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

15 ASOC meeting in Room 6105, Building 6 from 4 to 5 p.m.

18 Fall 2009 Deadline to request printed full grade report for pickup. Request them from the Admissions and Records Office. These reports will be available for student pickup at Window 1 in Admissions and Records in the second floor lobby of Building 7 on the Fremont campus at a day and time to be announced.

An ID will be required for pickup. To submit your request online visit: http://www. ohlone.edu/org/admissions/ form_gradereportrequest.html 21-23Jr. Renegades Holiday Baseball Camp for players ages 7-14. The camp will cover (in detail) very important skills that do not get covered as much as they should at the youth levels.

Cost is $180 and includes an Ohlone Baseball Camp T-shirt.

December 10, 2009 monitor

7

The camp will be taught by Ohlone College Head Baseball Coach Jordon Twohig and his coaching staff and current players. Check-in is at the baseball field on the Ohlone College Fremont campus, 9 a.m.

24 - Begining of winter break. Ohlone College

closed Dec. 24-29 31 - January 3 Holiday Break, campus closed

January 4 Fall 2009 Grades available via WebAdvisor

February

1 Spring semester classes begin. Monitor returns.

12-13 24th Annual Christmas at the Mission with the Ohlone Chamber Singers: “Angels’ Breath” Celebrate the holidays with music composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, contemporary arrangements of familiar carols, audience-participation caroling, and a surprise or two (à la King’s Singers).

For an additional treat this year, the beautiful pipe organ, positioned in the Mission’s balcony, will be featured by the playing of Janet Holmes, our accompanist. Mission San Jose, 43300 Mission Blvd., 8 p.m.

Read the Monitor Online at http://ohlone.edu/org/monitor

The Monitor invites your comments. Letters should be 250 words or less and include your name and relationship to Ohlone. Letters become property of The Monitor and may be edited for spelling and length. Campus Events listings are free for college-related events.

To have your event added or to place an ad, contact Jacque Orvis at (510) 659-6075 or e-mail monitorads@ohlone.edu

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Page 8

Renegades pillage the Vikings

By Tomás Ortega Staff writer Renegades forward Reggie “Big Ranch” Jones’11 second-half points gave his squad the spark they needed to outscore the West Valley Vikings 64-52 Saturday afternoon.

Jones’ first half presence wasn’t felt as heavily and it showed, seeing the Renegades down 32-24 at the halfway mark.

“It was an attitude change in the second half,” Head Coach John Peterson said. “They needed to impose their will defensively.”

The Renegades squad, anchored

by Jones, did just that, limiting the Vikings to just 17 points in the second half. Meanwhile, the Renegades more than doubled their first half offensive output, scoring 40 points in the second frame.

“We make everyone on the other team beat us, not just one player,” Jones said.

The Renegades opened the game on fire, going on a 11-5 run to start.

Guard Isaiah Moore collected two blocks in the first seven minutes of the game and the Renegades looked to run away with it quick. Unfortunately, a few key turnovers by the Renegades and strong offensive bursts by the Vikings propelled them past the Renegades on a 12-0 run that put them ahead by six.

The Renegades had no answer defensively against West Valley’s Devon Mynhier, 10 first half points, and Drew Phillips’ 12 points.

The second half though, was a different game altogether. Phillips collected just six points in the second half and Mynhier just four points.

“Coach inspired us at halftime and told us what we needed to hear,”

By nick zambrano Sports editor

Tweeting the news

Photos by David Epperson

Quaran Johnson, right, guards his West Valley counterpart. Below, Reggie Jones backs down a defender. He had 19 points for the game.

Jones added.

Offensively in the second half, five different Ohlone players had at least five points. Maurice Briggs’ six points fueled the Renegades’ 14-0 run, where they originally saw themselves down by five to the Vikings. The Renegades went on another 10-0 run as time expired, capped by a pair of Quaran Johnson free throws to put the game well out of reach.

Over the semester/winter break, the Renegades will be in constant action on the road, including a tournament hosted by the West Valley Vikings in Saratoga.

The Renegades’ final game of the 2009 calendar year is slotted against Consumnes River College in Sacramento on New Year’s Eve at 1p.m.

Twohig, No. 19 Ohlone ready for 2010

By Jeff Weisinger Editor-in-chief “Every year’s a new year, every game’s a new game.”

Renegades Baseball Coach Jordon Twohig has always been an “even-keel” type of coach, and with the 2010 season right around the corner, he’ll look to lead the No. 19 Ohlone Renegades to the State Championship in May. “I think the team’s looking really strong after fall ball,” Twohig said.

The Renegades played 10 Fall-ball games against other schools during this fall semester as they prepare for another run at a State Championship in 2010.

“For 20 years, Paul Moore built

this all up,” Twohig mentioned.

“And he made it to the Final-Four and we’ve yet to do that. But that’s our goal. I think there’s a bar that’s been set. There has been a bar set at Ohlone, where we win championships. That’s what we do here, set, first and foremost, by our athletic director Chris Warden.”

Ohlone’s turnaround from a .500 record in 2008, under former coach Tom Kunis, to a new school record 37-11 record in ‘09 ended in disappointment as the Renegades lost in the semi-finals to San Jose City and to Cosumnes River.

This year’s team will be different however. Last year’s squad rolled over teams with an experienced rotation that recorded a team ERA

of 3.34 and young lineup that bat a .328 average and scored a team total of 371 runs.

This year’s squad looks to be the opposite of 2009, with a young pitching staff and an experienced lineup that’s bringing back a majority of the ‘09 starters, Twohig is confident that his team will be as successful as they were last season.

“I think those guys are better,” Twohig added. “They’re a year better and a year more skilled. They know what it’s like to face a pitcher who’s crafty and against a guy who throws 95 miles per hour.”

Steven Ramos, Cody Foster, Zack and Jeff Johnson, Michael Ussery and Ryan Walterhouse return

to the 2010 lineup with sophormore lefty Roberto Padilla leading, a young Renegade rotation.

“He’s really coming into his own,” Twohig said about his returning left-hander. Padilla finished 2009 with a 4-4 record and a 3.64 ERA with 57 strikeouts and 28 walks.

“The biggest thing for us is the pitching,” Twohig said. “And if they do what we think they can do, watch out. It’ll be a fun season.”

The Renegades kick off their season with their first three games on the road, starting at Diablo Valley College on Feb. 6 at noon. They’ll play their first home game on Feb. 16 against Los Medanos at 2 p.m., kicking off a four-game homestand.

Last season, Ohlone led the Coast Conference in batting average with an overall team BA of .327, they also led the conference in runs batted in, with 223, and in runs scored, with 299.

The Renegades also had seven players finish the season with a .300 or better batting average, with an 8th player batting over .290, an almost unheard of statistic.

Ashley Nahale is one of the top offensive players from last season to return this year Nahale batted.361,

to go along with 4 HR’s, and 36 RBI’s a year ago. Nahale was the epitome of a contact hitter, striking out only five times all season.

Another key returner to this year’s squad is Julyssa Perry. Perry batted .340 last season with 15 RBI’s, and 18 stolen bases.

The Renegades didn’t just dominate last season on the offensive side, pitching was just as much a factor in finishing league play nearly undefeated as the hitting. The Ren-

egades held down the opposition to just 55 earned runs all season in 316 innings of play.

Departed sophomores Kelly Colker and Kendall Beermann were the stars of the pitching staff last year. Colker finished with a 26-7 record, a 1.27 ERA, with an astonishing 211 strikeouts in 219 innings pitched.

League play will begin Feb. 16, against the College of San Mateo.

Ohlone prepares for approaching season

By Jacob Schabert Staff writer The Ohlone Renegades Softball season is set to begin Feb. 2, opening up against Modesto College. The Renegades dominated the Coast Conference last season in route to a 39-10 overall record, going 16-1 in conference play.

If the Renegades can hit the ball close as well as they did last year, then Ohlone will be set offensively.

Swing away

I’ve been in the journalism game a while, and it’s tough.

We tend to be like bloodhounds because the information we have to gather is hardly ever given to us on a silver platter. To you we appear nosy, but in reality, we’re just trying to do our job.

However, in this day and age, the information we’ve pined so much for can easily be gained by a 13-year-old boy. It goes without saying that in the technological era that we’re in, journalists - or anyone in the media, really - are assuming the roles of cyber-victims. And with being the victim, we are forced to either adapt or become obsolete.

And adapt is what today’s media has chosen to do.

Twitter itself has become a primary source for the sports world. Because of its simple “what are you doing” format - or as some call it, “tweeting” - credible sports reporters have blitzed the social networking website because of its popularity among today’s athletes.

For instance, on the day of Allen Iverson’s “retirement,” NBA reporter JA Adande was one of the very first to break the news.

How did he do it?

Through his own personal Twitter account.

It was a total domino effect.

First, Iverson’s people themselves released the announcement on the website. Then Adande got a hold of it. Finally, ESPN announced the news and named Twitter the lead source. If ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports, has resorted to using a public website for its information, then what is in store for the rest of the media industry?

When it was first announced, I thought the idea was completely brainless. I told myself time and time again that I would not lower myself just to get those facts and leads.

I caved. I was forced to adapt.

After hearing ESPN and Fox Sports News continuously using Twitter as a source and even hearing about the Ohlone basketball team having an account, I had no choice. It was a growing essential to me and my choice of profession.

From what I’ve experienced, using Twitter as a source is okay, to an extent. Aside from getting scoops, it does allow you to interact with your favorite athletes on a more personal level.

If it were the absolute last line of hope, then it would be even better. At this rate, we’ll be discussing what LeBron James has for breakfast in no time. Come on now, this world is all about “survival of the fittest,” but let’s please edge on the side of reason.