Monitor 2010-2-25

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Four Renegades receive league honors

OPINION

Club Days hits the slots with a Casino theme

SPORTS

NEWS

FEATURES

Black History month looks at historical figures

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Fremont, California

Vol. XLI No. 4

I always feel like somebody’s watching me – Page 2

February 25, 2010

New budget crisis: Layoffs back on table

By KATHRYN DIXON Staff writer After classes were cut, workers were furloughed and early retirements were taken to save $700,000 last semester, Ohlone workers might have thought the threat of layoffs would go away for the rest of the year.

But they would have been wrong.

Layoffs are back on the table.

Several knowledgeable sources said at least five preliminary layoff notices will be sent to untenured teachers by March 15, and that layoffs are in the works for Student

Services, including counseling and DSPS. Ohlone’s new budget crisis ($1.6 million this time) and the proposals to deal with it, including layoffs, will be discussed at the Budget Forum scheduled Monday at 2 p.m. in the Jackson Theater.

Because of state law, teachers to be laid off in the fall must be notified

by March 15, so those receiving the notices might not lose their jobs if other budget solutions are found by fall.

As Ohlone begins preparing the 2010-’11 budget, it must include an expected net loss of $1.6 million in

‘Conflict and Hope in the Congo’ focus of World Forum

By DENISE ANN BURGAN Staff writer The Smith Center will host a World Forum presentation entitled “Conflict and Hope in the Congo” on Tuesday starting at noon in the Jackson Theater.

The guest speaker, Bridget Nolan is an international expert on displaced populations and the former director of global strategies for HIV prevention Tuesday at noon.

Influential nations in the world benefit from the vast resources coming from Africa’s Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

It is a country that is still suffering with the effects of a series of armed conflicts and the breakdown of an effective government.

Formerly known as Zaire, conflict in the DRC has resulted in an estimated 5.4 million deaths since

the outbreak of fighting began in 1998. Deaths are mostly attributed to malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, and malnutrition.

Indigenous natural resources in the DRC are diamonds, tin, copper, as well as the highly sought after mineral Columbite-tantalite (coltan), which is pertinent to the production of computers and mobile phones.

A report by a United Nations panel and the U.N Security council described the trade in coltan as having “social effects akin to slavery,” citing the exploitation of labor, expropriated riches and the denial of rights, all of which have contributed to the conflict in the Congo.

The Ohlone College World Forum series has invited the college community to engage in dialogue about important global issues since 2005.

Continued on Page 3

the college’s final 2009-’10 budget, which is carried forward.

President Gari Browning presented this figure to the Board of Trustees on Feb. 10. The faculty is already feeling the impact of the budget deficit, even though this budget is far from finalized.

According to Dr. Alan M. Kirshner, president of the United Faculty of Ohlone (UFO), said “What we can glean is that there will be a minimal of at least five March 15 letters sent to non-tenured faculty.

Please understand that these letters are not necessarily layoff notices.

The state requires that if any faculty

will not be hired back in September they must be notified by March 15.

Sacramento does not know what the budget will be for the next year, so we do not. The adminstration is only preparing for a worst case scenario that might mean layoffs or even the closing of departments.’’

Fortunately, the college expects additional savings from SERP, the early retirement plan, to provide about $1 million in additional savings in 2010-’11. If everything would remain the same, Ohlone could face only a $600,000 deficit at the start of the new 2010-’11 budget year.

However, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed state budget dictates that Ohlone’s deficit will expand to the point that worst scenarios must be faced.

The college is now scrambling to prepare its 2010-’11 budget in face of the governor’s draconian cuts.

He may revise his budget in May. The legislature votes on it in June.

In January, the governor proposed state budget did offer two rays of hope, one of which seems to be flickering away. His budget provided $126 million to community Continued on Page 6

Casino Royale for Club Days

Photo by Joeseph Florez

Campus Activities went for a Casino theme for this semester’s Club Days, held Tuesday and Wednesday. Approximately 15 clubs had tables in the Cafeteria. See story, more photos on Page 6.

College Council focuses on financial situation

By TINA KARIMI Staff writer Currently, the college does not have a set budget or a projection, due in large part to the lack of information from the state. The brunt of the funding for community colleges has always come from the state level.

The evolving state of Ohlone’s budget and the Educational Master Plan were major points of discussion during the Feb. 22 College Council meeting.

Due to California’s shaky financial footing, Ohlone had a $700,000

budget shortfall for 2009 and that is not including the steep cuts to the funding of Ohlone’s Deaf services program.

Gov. Arnold Schwartzenegger is currently petitioning for $7 billion of stimulus money from the federal government.

Until the state revise in May, administrators will not have the full picture of the college’s status.

As “winds begin to blow from the state, ” in the words of Councilmember Mike Calegari, the College Council will not be able to accurately update the budget scenario until it presents a final number to

the Board of Trustees in June.

Even though all the information about Ohlone’s funding is not available at this time, there are certain decisions that cannot be delayed until June.

For this reason, there is going to be a Budget Forum on MondayMarch 1. This is meant to include both faculty and administration, in which budget questions will be taken and there will be an opportunity for the college community to provide input.

The possibility of layoffs will also be discussed. The deadline to give notice to faculty and advisers

is March 15, though administrators will do their best to avoid acting on these possible layoffs.

College President Dr. Gari Browning summed up, “We are all trying to avoid layoffs as much as we can, working with a constricted budget.”

Dr. Browning has also drafted a letter to the California Community College Chancellor’s Office regarding the strain that has been put on Ohlone due to the 49 percent cut in funding to services that are required by law to be provided to Deaf and hard of hearing students.

College Council also endorsed

the Educational Master Plan on Monday. The Educational Master Plan is a meant to, “(provide) a comprehensive and strategic framework for planning, implementing and evaluating the learning programs and services at the college, in accordance with the college mission, values, goals and institutional planning processes,” according to the January draft of the document.

One aspect of the plan is to expand Ohlone’s environmental science offerings, as well as possibly building a new environmental learning laboratory.

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Opinion

monitor February 25, 2010

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Editors in chief: Jeff Weisinger

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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.

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Opinion

Spy cameras: will we give up privacy for security?

By kyle stephens Co-Editor-in-Chief Unless you’ve been under a rock the past week (which is actually a pretty good hiding spot from prying eyes), you should be aware of a recent incident involving a school spying on one of their own students, in his own home.

The parents of Blake Robbins, a Pennsylvania Lower Merion School District student, are suing the district for invasion of privacy among other things, for the school disciplining him for “improper

behavior in his home.”

Apart from questions of how far does a school’s jurisdiction extend, how this accusation was evidenced is more scary: each student in the district gets a laptop, all equipped with webcams.

Unbeknownst to students and their parents, not even in some fine-print disclaimer, this webcam can be remotely activated and used to observe those using the laptop.

This was intended as a security measure (the laptop manufacturer offered it as an option when they sold the machines to the district),

but it doesn’t seem to imbue much security in terms of keeping things from being stolen if no one knows about it.

Nothing has been conclusively proven yet, though so far Robbins alleges what was seen as taking a pill in lieu of dealing drugs was him merely having some candy.

Whatever he ultimately did or did not do, the implications of trust, on both the student and administrative side, are very worrisome.

School districts do have a right to protect their property, but not to overstep legal requirements of

search, probable cause, among other things. In any court, this evidence would be inadmissable for lack of a warrant – a blanket search for missing computers is that and that alone, and even then using the cameras, without prior informing of their existance and possible use is sketchy.

Students should also be able to trust their administrators, and to use educational materials (laptops etc.) without walking on eggshells, afraid that any wrong move will result in disciplinary action – tear a page in a textbook and have to

pay for a new one?

These are just broader examples of what can go wrong with the mistrusting mindset, let alone what it can mean if your teacher can make sure you’re doing your homework, or whatever else you may be doing.

The sending and receiving “Telescreen” of George Orwell’s 1984 seems all too real now. While we often hope for the written word to spring to life, we must also be wary of what dangers advances in technology can bring – stop and wonder who is watching you.

artist, it’s practically a given that your album will leak. Every step of the way, major music labels have not adapted to these changes, hurting their own profits, the artists and music in general.

Artists and labels have criticized the Internet. Labels complain that it bleeds away their money. But the criticisms of the artists are more intriguing. Aside from artists’ sentimental recollections of speeding down the road on a Tuesday afternoon to pick up a new CD, artists point out that while the Internet makes it easier for new artists to get discovered, these musicians sometimes find it more difficult to establish themselves.

Of course, the Internet may

provide the advantage of allowing new artists to get their music out to a large audience and attract many more people to their live shows.

Live shows and the sale of merchandise are two of the biggest ways in which musical acts make a profit (or rather, for new or independent acts, or bands signed to smaller labels, make a living). Bands can build an audience for their live shows right away by using new media.

The rise of music websites makes it possible for artists to publish music on their own that could potentially reach millions of listeners, but it also makes it easier for music fans to download songs for free, thus, if a new band is not making money in another arena (ticket or

merchandise sales), it will not be able to stay afloat. Even major, established record labels will sign fewer artists and take fewer chances. The result? Music becomes over-saturated, with artists trying to somehow distinguish themselves within the bubble of radio-friendly music in order to garner enough attention to stay relevant or to be signed to a major label to acquire more resources.

But many of the industry’s woes are a direct result of trying to pander to the radio and sell CDs in a time when both are quickly becoming obsolete. Podcasts and Internet radio are gaining prevalence. Music is bought, sold and stolen online.

Everything the music industry had

stood on is rapidly falling apart. The industry is starting to see the writing on the wall and acknowledges the Internet as the primary vendor of music.

It is likely a new industry will arise—one that is more concerned with nurturing artists’ careers than trying to pander to trends. There will be so much variety available on the Internet that trying to make it to the Top 40 will no longer be viable. Music vendors will be forced to find artists who sound different, and will deliver more than a one-hit wonder. This will lead to a paradigm shift in the music industry. Power will be based not with corporate music, but with listeners, There Continued on Page 3

The music industry copes with the end of an era

By TINA KARIMI Staff writer Many of us dimly remember Napster, the Stone Age version of Limewire, essentially being sued for providing people with free music.

Free music! Over the Internet!

“What’s next,” musicians and executives muttered, “leaking CDs?” Perhaps if music labels had tried to embrace a new way of marketing music back then, the industry wouldn’t be in shambles today.

Now, there are numerous ways of listening to music for free, illegal downloads are commonplace.

Music for the most part is on the computer, not the racks of record stores, and if you’re a well-known

Campus Comment > > > Do you think Tiger should return to golfing?

Aaron Loverro MARINE BIOLOGY

“He should focus on his family right now ’cause he messed up a lot.”

Casey Parks UNDECIDED

“Not until he reestablishes himself as an acceptable role model.”

Alex Duran SOCIOLOGY

“He should do community service first.”

Megan Brown

Leroy Gilchrist

ART HISTORY

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

“Yes, He's a great golfer and womanizing has nothing to do with golf.”

“Yes he should because what he did is just being blown out of proportion.”

News Forensics Prioritizing goals

By MANIKA CASTERLINE News editor

By DENISE ANN BURGAN Staff writer

Ohlone’s forensics (speech and debate) team clinched victory this weekend at the Northern California Forensics Association (NCFA) tournament held at Modesto Junior College.

Newcomer Gilbert Doan placed as a finalist in the novice division of Program Oral Interpretation while his teammate, Brandy Munoz, was a finalist in the event of novice Extemporaneous speaking. Munoz was also the first place novice for her 10- minute long informative speech on the topic of the role of the pig in modern medicine.

Two weeks ago, at Los Positas Community College, Omar Cardin took first place for his informative platform speech as a novice competitor.

Despite having a team that primarily consists of fresh faces this competitive season and a new coach, Nicole Sandoval (who used to be an assistant coach for the SFSU team), alongside Professor Kay Harrison, they are maintaining a legacy of producing winners just as they have in seasons past.

Ohlone took third place among schools with limited entries at the NCFA tournament Ohlone’s next tournament is the California state championship, which will be held from March 1821 in Fresno.

Students who are being turned away from universities have resorted who are applying to community colleges, but they have found it nearly impossible to register for courses.

Meanwhile, the fee increases continue, ranging from 136 percent to upwards of 180 percent per unit.

The California State Senate President Pro Tem, Darrell Steinberg, (D-Sacramento), alongside student leaders representing Cal State East Bay, UC Santa Cruz, and Ohlone College, participated in a live web cast direct from Sacramento on Tuesday night.

Kevin Feliciano, who serves as the ASOC President, as well as Region IV Senator for the Student Senate for California Community colleges, also took part in the online panel.

Steinberg’s theme was “State Wide Conversation - Student Fees In Higher Education’’ led the discussion on the impact of fee increases by stating, “higher education is critical to the future of our state.’’

State law says, “the primary mission of community colleges is to offer academic and vocational instruction at the lower division level.’’

However, the massive budget cuts that have happened due to the

statewide budget deficit have forced schools to reassess what they do and whom they serve.

It also presents logistical challenges to faculty and administrators who are attempting to figure out where costs can be cut.

The biggest quandary of course being how to make the most out of the depleting pool of resources.

Class sections have been cut across the board. And prerequisite courses are being filled past capacity.

However, state leaders have urged colleges to prioritize three course areas: vocational education, remedial education, and classes that prepare students to transfer to a four-year university.

Steinberg called the community college the “work horse’’ of higher education, the “bridge’’ to a fouryear university, providing basic skills in these otherwise difficult times.

Students were encouraged to send, via email, examples of how they had been adversely impacted by the budget cuts and the fee increases.

Pre-taped,“day in the life’’segments, which documented students, that struggle as a result of the budget cuts and fee increases were included in the web cast.

It depicated what most students are experiencing right now.

The web cast will be available at democrats.sen.ca.gov/archives.

Continued from Page 1 Then-Ohlone President, Dr. Doug Treadway, shared the following statement regarding the event, “When world problems seem overwhelming, merely thinking about them may lead to despair. History shows that people can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles by taking small steps together over a long period of time.”

“Attendees, whether they are students, faculty, or members of the

community gain awareness of issues ans become motivated to reconsider the world in which they live,” said Sarah Daniels, who works in the President's office.

Daniels continued, “World Forums are one more way that Ohlone college promotes ongoing education for everyone.”

The Congo forum will be held on March 2 at noon in the Smith Center.

A question and answer session will follow the presentation

Waiting Continued from Page 1 It is also projected that the Newark Campus, where many of Ohlone’s environmental studies and biotechnology programs are based, will undergo a 39 percent expansion over the next 15 years, requiring 100-150 additional parking spaces.

The Educational Master Plan was endorsed by Faculty Senate last week, and will be brought before the Board of Trustees in March.

World Forum

And the beat goes on

Continued from Page 2 will be better music overall, as listeners will from now on be able to preview the products they purchase.

Will people still want music for free? Yes. It will be a challenge for artists to ensure that fans care and are invested enough in their art to support the music with money. Artists will be forced to have more ingenuity; the industry executives will be forced to make sure they are making worthwhile investments.

Finally, the industry has realized that today’s music fans all live in the 21st Century. The style is minimalism; the demand for instant gratification is high. No longer are they willing to drive to the record store (for today’s music fans have better things to do with their scarce gas) to buy a CD they haven’t fully experienced. Ever since the Internet became involved in the music industry, labels and industry bigwigs have fought against it.

Now, there is no more running, nowhere to hide.

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February 25, 2010 monitor

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Features

monitor February 25, 2010

Dr. Carter G. Woodson

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Malcolm X

President Barack Obama

Many contributed to growth of Black History Month

By Anika Dokes Staff writer February is Black History Month, a nation-wide celebration that provides the opportunity for all Americans to reflect on the significant roles that African-Americans have played in the shaping of U.S. History.

Throughout the month, Ohlone's African American Student Alliance has celebrated the history of African Americans and the path former activists paved for the the future.

Events such as the Black History Awareness Month opening ceremony and the upcoming Soul Surge – Open Mic, Thursday, Feb. 25 have greatly influenced Ohlone’s awareness of Black History Month.

It is the time of the year when African-Americans can celebrate the past and present, reflect on their heritage, culture and how far we have come in understanding the struggles and sacrifies others

have made.

The roots of Black History Month can be traced back to the early part of the 20th century.

In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, “Father of Black History” also author, publisher, editor, educator and an African-American historian, promoted the observance of “Negro History Week” during the second week of February.

Woodson, the son of a former slave, was the second AfricanAmerican to earn a doctorate in history from Harvard University in 1912.

He chose February as the month to honor two Americans who greatly influenced the lives and social conditions of African-Americans.

The people he chose were former President Abraham Lincoln, who was born on Feb. 12 and abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass who was born on Feb. 14 because their birthdays were close together.

Woodson also chose this month because of its significant number of historical events that have occurred in the month of February.

For example, on Feb. 3, 1870 the Fifteenth Amendment was ratified, granting African-Americans the right to vote.

Feb. 1, 1960 a group of college students in Greensboro, North Carolina began a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth’s lunch counter.

On Feb.12, 1909 the established of the National Association for the Advancement of Color People (NAACP) was founded in New York City.

On Feb. 21, 1965 Malcolm X, a militant leader who fought for nationalism, was shot to death by three black Muslims.

On Feb. 23, 1869 Dr. W.E.B. DuBois civil rights leader and founder of NAACP was born and on Feb. 25, 1870 the first AfricanAmerican U.S. Sen. Hiram Revels took office.

Woodson was an active promoter of black education and founded The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and The Association Publishers on Sept. 19, 1915.

The Association is now known as The Study of African-American Life and History and continues to promote the study of Black History all year to honor Dr. Woodson’s legacy.

In 1976, this celebration was renamed Black History Month which we celebrate today.

It’s important for students to not only understand past history of African-Americans but to use this history to help move forward and to make contributions.

In addition, it’s important for everyone to understand human rights for all people.

Society needs to remember how much African-Americans have affected the culture and history of the United States.

However, it’s extremely signifi-

cant for everyone to find a way to honor it in a manner that is meaningful to them, such as going to a church event, a parade or just a moment of silence to reflect on the world and how you impact it.

The main question AfricanAmericans are asking themselves is, “How I am going to celebrate Black History Month?” Either way, celebrating this month is important to everyone.

African-Americans have contributed and made great progress over the years.

The election of Sen. Barack Obama as America’s 44th President demonstrates that Americans as a whole are willing to come together and advance the cause of racial equality.

As Marty Meehan said, “As we celebrate Black History Month, we should be grateful for the achievements they made and inspired by their legacies to continue their work.”

Music, PTA Program, Civil Engineering and Health Sciences.

The large number of scholarships, even during these tough economic times, is due largely to HOSTS. HOSTS, which stands for Helping One Student To Succeed, is a scholarship program where an individual donates a sum of $500 that pays for individual student s semester fees up to 15 units. There have been $13,000 new donations.

Smith attributes this to altruism, the idea that people want to help other people and “if they feel that they can make a difference then that’s what they should do.”

One thing that has helped the HOSTS cause is that past scholar-

ship students are profiled.

Online there are stories of students who have made it through college due to the help of these scholarships.

Not only are there a record number of scholarships being offered but also it has never been easier to apply for one, thanks to STARS. STARS is special software that the foundation purchased a year ago that was designed to help students apply for scholarships electronically.

Compared to the old system where students had to fill out mounds of paperwork; for example, if a student wanted to apply for six scholarships then six different forms would have to be filled out.

With STARS, students apply by filling out personal information and the applications are sent through filters like major, gender, GPA, residency etc. The system shows which scholarships a student would qualify for.

The STARS program has made it easier for the foundation to evaluate the applications as the faculty can now review the submissions online when they have a chance and post scores online, rather than gather together in a room to review each individual paper.

Last spring was Ohlone’s first use of STARS and every semester more problems are worked out and the site runs much smoother.

The scholarships available are

constantly being updated as well as the charts of requirements that tell students which scholarships they qualify for.

Not all scholarships are offered through STARS. Fifty Ohlone College Foundation Scholarships are available while thirty are Foundation FAFSA Scholarships for students showing financial need through FAFSA processing.

Certain scholarships such as nursing go through the Registered Nursing Programs online page.

The scholarships are a form of desire to graduate. With nothing to lose and plenty to gain, why haven’t you checked out the different scholarships available? After all, who hates free money?

In England, the daffodil is referred to as, “Lent Lily” because of its long association with lent.

In Wales, it’s said if you spot the first daffodil of the season, your next 12 months will be filled with wealth.

Also being the March birth flower, the daffodil holds tehe meaning of rebirth, respect, regard and unrequited love.

Despite being a March flower and having various significant meanings in different cultures, daffodil days is a good cause

and is a great way to promote cancer research and support a cause that’s always in need of hope.

The ACS has successfully raised 25 percent more than the original goal and today is the last day to donate and buy a loved one a daffodil.

There are a variety of donation packages, ranging from $10 to $100 and donors can choose who to send their daffodils to.

To donate online, visit the SOAR fundraising page.

New scholarships pave the way for graduates

By Dave Sheffer Staff writer Is money so tight that you question your ability to continue going to Ohlone?

Dave Smith head of Ohlone Foundation said the one thing he knows for sure is that if you don’t apply for a scholarship you’re not going to get one.

Ohlone is offering 117 scholarships and more than 100 students will benefit from this and your chances of getting one have never been better.

Many scholarships are for students with specific majors, including Chemistry, Deaf Studies, IPP Program, Engineering, Math,

Daffodil Days succeeds in smiles and hope

By Jillian Sanchez Features editor Daffodil Days is a campaign run by the American Cancer Society (ACS) that brings hope to the battle against cancer. Every year, ACS sells daffodils and various daffodil bouquets to raise money and awareness of cancer.

Cancer affects every one out of two American men and every one out of three American women.

The goal is not only to raise awareness and money to the orga-

nization but to also bring hope to those who have lost loved ones to cancer or are battling cancer.

Daffodil days is one of American Cancer Society’s oldest fundraising programs as well as being one of the most beloved.

During the last 14 years, the program has raised more than $240 million to support American Cancer Society's battle against cancer.

In Chinese culture, it is said that if a daffodil is forced to bloom during the new year it will bring your home good luck.

Features

February 25, 2010

monitor

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Photos by Cynthia Lee Katona

Students will be given the opportunity to immerse themselves in China’s food, temples, gardens and artwork.

Summer in Shanghai and Suzhou, China

By Sarah Hashemi Staff writer China’s industrialization in the past decade can be somewhat of a mystery.

Despite China’s communist government, their economic progress has made the United States economy appear stagnant in comparison.

Skyscrapers seem to appear over night, entire suburbs can transform into big cities in a few short years, and their growth is far from hindered.

According to the United States Department of Treasury, as of December 2009, China holds nearly 21 percent of the United States debt, which is approximately $755.4 billion.

Their escalated economical growth has attracted global attention, from the economist to the average student.

To witness this vast industrial revolution in China is a once-in-alifetime opportunity that Christine Bolt, the professor of Business

Administration at Ohlone, wishes to share with 10 lucky students.

This will be Professor Bolt’s second trip supervising a study abroad, the first being Australia in 2007. But this Global Business Immersion program in China will be quite different from the annual study abroad program.

The main difference is the time span: the Australia program runs an entire semester, the China Immersion will only span 24 days, June 1-24.

The price is also reasonable because Ohlone recently won a Business and International Educational grant from the U.S. Department of Education, which subsidizes the trip.

This grant will aid in future study abroad programs. Due to the grant, the price for the China Immersion program has been cut nearly in half—the $1,999.00 covers airfare and tours.

Students will experience Chinese culture first hand in order to broaden their understanding of China’s

economy and customs.

This trip is designed for students to visit famous international companies and landmarks.

Students will earn two nontransferable credits for attending the trip, writing a paper, creating a resume and other simple tasks.

Professor Bolt has personally been to China four times since 1999 and is passionate about sharing her experiences with her students.

“China is amazing. Until you see it, you can’t fathom it,” she said. A detailed itinerary can be found on the Ohlone website by searching study abroad in China.

This itinerary shows some pictures that can give students a slight idea of what to expect during the three weeks.

Professor Bolt said that students should take advantage of comparing China’s economy and culture to the United States. Application deadline is March 1.

Applicants should be aware of the severe culture difference, and while this program is supervised,

they will face obstacles an average tourist encounters.

Eddie West, director of International Programs and Services at Ohlone, said he believes study abroad is a stimulating experience every student should take advantage of, because “the minute a student leaves their home country for a first time, that instantly is eyeopening.”

West’s job focuses on three primary areas: overseeing of international students, faculty exchange, and study abroad.

In the past year and a half, a formal process for study abroad proposals have been established, allowing anybody—faculty or student, to submit a proposal.

By contacting West, or Kay Harrison, professor of Speech and Communication Studies as well as the Study Abroad Coordinator, students can request information about study abroad and a formal proposal application. The only requirement is the proposal must be realistic and feasible.

Upon submission, a study abroad committee reviews the proposal. If approved, the committee will find a way to make the program possible by contacting study abroad coordinators, such as CAPA or ACCENT. So far only two formal proposals have been submitted, but West said he hopes that this will increase along with an increase in student interest.

West has also supervised study abroad programs and said the Global Immersion in China will be extremely beneficial to students’ understanding of the global economy.

He expects China to be the next superpower, and to have the opportunity to witness their growth first-hand is priceless. Students interested in study abroad programs should contact Christine Bolt, Eddie West or Kay Harrison.

One should always remember: “The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”—Saint Augustine.

Speech Club sells Silpada designs

Photos by Allie Drago The Speech & Communications Department is selling Silpada-designed jewelry in the Cafeteria until Friday 11 a.m.-1p.m. It is handmade and samples will be available.

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News

February 25, 2010

Close to Home

By Nazia mastan Columnist

‘I wana March’ ‘‘We as students, faculty, and staff should be more of a priority in the state because education drives the community, our resources as a state, our hopes for a future, allows us to progress globally, and it should be available to whomever may so chose in California,’’ said Andie Morhous, President of Ohlone’s Civic Engagement Club.

An excellent way to get involved in your immediate environment would be to contribute your time and brain to something you interact with daily, school perhaps?

The easiest way to contribute to the vitality of your campus is by joining Ohlone’s Civic Engagement Club.

The club puts forth efforts to bring much-needed funding to the California community college system. The cuts that I had touched on in the previous column were due to the budget deficit that our school is facing, these cuts are a means of patching up the fiscal gap. However, the Civic Engagement club spearheaded by Morhous is going beyond Ohlone’s problems and is conducting events to bring home the money; well, bring the ‘‘neighborhood’’ money.

According to Morhous, an across-the-board cut by California’s State legislature has taken money from kindergarten through Ph.D level educational institutions, this is what I refer to as the ‘‘neighborhood.’’

Her vision for the Civic Engagement Club is to stand up for schools who are not in as good of a financial condition as Ohlone is, though it may seem implausible to us.

Inspired by former Ohlone Professor Matt Freeman’s U.S. Government class, Morhous started working for the Obama campaign.

Morhous said,‘‘Community organizing is the best because people don’t really feel like volunteering unless they feel connected.’’ Ohlone is something that we are all connected to. Thus, we should all take a stand.

The best way to do so is to participate in the Civic Engagement Club’s March in March, which will be held on March 22 in Sacramento.

The Civic Engagement Club has organized transportation for 500 people to the March in Sacramento and is planning on providing snacks to the attendees.

The club is working on asking staff to make March 22 a ‘‘lenient day,’’ so attendees of the march will not miss out on vital information.

The buses will be leaving Ohlone around 7 a.m. and returning at 5 p.m. In order to secure transportation you must sign up at www.theasoc.com/march.

Ohlone College budget to be revised Continued from Page 1 colleges throughout the state to fund 26,000 new full-time students.

It is expected, however, that new enrollment will exceed state funding to support it. The recession has pushed displaced workers, the unemployed, and underemployed into community colleges. Ohlone may have more new students yet not have enough money from this new funding to support them.

In its 2010-’11 budget, Ohlone also will have to add back $200,000 in salaries paid for by Title III which have now lapsed, and pay $130,000 for partial salaries of three employees who were paid with bond money.

The bond is now near to depletion.

Ohlone will have to pay for step and column (automatic salary) increases of $300,000. The $100,000 election cost for the board of trustees which occurs every two years must be paid. Ohlone has lost a one-time grant of $112,00 from Washington Hospital. A loss of parity funds for a categorical program reduced by 64 percent must be paid in the

next budget cycle. Any increase in pension costs and medical costs must be included. Another factor to be considered in preparing the 2010-’11 budget is that in 2011-’12 other post employment benefit costs of $500,000 at today’s rate must be reinstated.

The American Graduation Initiative is mending its way through the Congressional labyrinth. If passed it will require a college to show it deserves challenge grants because of innovative curricula or programs. Some innovative programs are expected to include building partnerships with businesses and the workforce investment system.

The key to the many grants will be whether workers can learn in order to earn. Internships and job placements will be important.

Ohlone, a college which transfers most of its students to 4-year colleges and universities, is now faced with the reality that most new funding for community colleges emphasizes vocational and workforce training. The state is

funding CTE vocational-type classes and the federal government is providing Workforce Investment Act funds and other stimulus funds for vocationally oriented classes.

The American Graduation Initiative may be passed and require new curricula oriented to promote the workforce. Will Ohlone emphasize the type of courses required to obtain this funding? Will Ohlone partner with businesses, hospitals and other institutions order to obtain this funding?

Ohlone conserved funds last year, people suffered salary cuts, the number of courses was cut, summer school was cut back, the onetime rainy day fund was used, and Ohlone avoided a potential budget disaster caused by deep state cuts in funding. In May, the Governor will do a “revise” of the budget, and Ohlone will be better able to calculate the 2010-’11 budget. How the legislature decides to vote in June is anybodys guess. But after they vote, Ohlone’s budget will near completion in September.

According to Schultz, “The Finance Office is assessing the expense side right now. We are combing through all of the SERP savings and costs, the effects of the furloughs, assessing the fixed costs for and additional savings as well as looking to what has to be added to the budget for next fiscal year. On the revenue side we are reviewing the variable revenue sources to see if there is more that can be added even in the vacuum of apportionment information.”

President Browning is making the budget process transparent through postings on the college’s website and meetings. She and Mike Calegari,vice president of the office of administrative services, will provide full information about the 2010-’11 budget on March 1 at 2 p.m. at the Jackson Theatre in the Smith Center.

They will discuss how Ohlone will face its anticipated budget deficits in 2010-’11. Questions and input from the audience will be encouraged.

Photo by Amy Kent

Students attend the Casino Club Days in the cafeteria. The event featured several activities for attendees such as blackjack and guessing games. Club Days is a chance for clubs to make their presence known as well as to recruit new members to their organizations.

Casino Club Days, a big success for ICC

By NOAH LEVIN Staff writer With semester now in full swing, this week’s Inter Club Council meeting kicked off with praise for this semester’s Club Day. Activities Program Coordinator Rene Gonzales addressed the assembled club representatives, “I am very proud of the level of professionalism I saw out there.” However, due to the sudden rain on the first day of the club event, recruiters were forced to crowd into the cafeteria.

ICC Chairperson Ngan Vu noted that, “…it was a challenge to fit everyone inside,” but all clubs present were able to set up tables and

attract new members. Some club representatives noted that many club recruiters could afford to be more out-going.

Vu went on to remind club representatives that all clubs on campus must have a consistent representative and a meeting room reserved by the Friday deadline.

LIFE Club representative Kevin Feliciano then brought up the issue of ICC attendance with the amassed delegates.

Feliciano and other representatives contended that attendance has been an on-going problem with ICC members for the past couple of semesters. A committee was promptly formed, and will convene

weekly to surmise the situation and to devise a solution.

The Attendance Committee consists of Audrey Harris from Latinos in Science and Technology at Ohlone, Ain Mobeen from the Muslim Student Association, James Renteria of the Business and Economics Club and Dennis Smith of the American Sign-Language Club.

Gay/Straight Alliance representative Tim Thu was voted in as the ICC’s new secretary. The sole candidate to be nominated during the session, Thu will begin his work recording minutes for the council immediately, noting that he has “been working with [Vu] for long

time.” Thu’s duties will include keep track of events from previous meetings.

The Asian-Pacific American Student Association (APASA) renewed its funding request with the ICC the week. Club representative Anthony Ambor took the podium with a request for $172.80 to purchase an ad in the Monitor to campaign for APASA’s efforts in support of the Bone Marrow Registry Guide for Leukemia patients.

The ICC approved the funding request, and the request will now move onto the Associated Students of Ohlone College (ASOC,) where it will face its final round of approvals.

Sports/Campus Events Renegades bring the ‘House’ in thriller

February 25, 2010 monitor

By jeff weisinger Editor-in-Chief On the road, top of the ninth, two out, and your team is down by six.

For the “fire-at-will” offense that is the Ohlone baseball team, this was the exact situation they found themselves in on Wednesday at the College of San Mateo in their 10-9 win.

Tanner Laran sparked a Renegade rally that would go 13 batters long with Ohlone scoring eight runs on seven hits, three of which were home runs.

The offensive explosion by the Renegades came after Ohlone struggled against Bulldogs left-hander Josh Trejo, right-handers Justin Burns and Garrett Treadwell and for the first eight and two-thirds innings.

“I think that it was just a matter of putting a couple of things together,” said Ohlone Head Coach Jordon Twohig.

After Laran walked, Ohlone catcher Michael Di Rocco sent a

Burns pitch over the fence for a two-run home run to cut the Bulldog lead to 8-4.

Treadwell hit Renegade Mark Mercer with the next pitch, putting him on first, then walked Michael Ussery, which brought in Doug Caldwell to pitch.

Caldwell thought he was done when he struck out Steven Ramos, however the ball hit the dirt and Ramos ran to first, beating the throw to keep the rally alive. Cody Foster laced a Caldwell pitch through the infield to bring in Mercer from third, cutting the deficit to 8-5.

Then, with the bases loaded, up came Ryan Walterhouse. Despite Caldwell struggling to get CSM out of the game, Bulldogs Head Coach Doug Williams kept the righty in and Walterhouse capitalized on the struggling righ-hander, sending the second pitch he saw over the center-field wall to complete Ohlone’s comeback, giving them the go-ahead 9-8 lead.

“I just knew the pitch selection and just tried to hit it back up the

7

Photo by Joseph Florez

Ryan Walterhouse, 13, hit a grand slam in the ninth, which sparked Ohlone’s eight-run rally in their 10-9 win over San Mateo. middle,” Walterhouse said.

Zach Johnson‘s solo homer right after gave Ohlone the 10-run total.

Justin Kuks struggled in his first start, going just three innings while

allowing five runs on seven hits (two of which were home runs) and had one strikeout. Freshman George Asmus entered the game with one out in the bottom of the fourth, pitching 4 1/3 innings, allowing one

run on three hits with five strikeouts in his first win of the season. Alika Pruitt earned his first save of the year, pitching just 2/3 innings in the bottom of the ninth with one strikeout and one walk.

Read the Monitor Online at http://ohlone.edu/org/monitor or www.ohlonemonitoronline.com 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 Bia Roldan at (510) 659-6075 or e-mail monitorads@ohlone.edu

February 25 Soul Surge: Open Mic in the cafeteria, Building 5, noon-1p.m.

25 Speech Brown Bag Speaker: Networking and Social Media: Expanding Your Web Contacts for Educational and Job Opportunities by RaeAnn Ianniello, professional trainer & instructor of Speech & Communication Studies, in Room 6205, 1-2 p.m.

25 Men’s Baseball, home vs. Solano College, 2 p.m.

25 Women’s Softball, away vs. Mission College, Santa Clara, 3 p.m.

25 Informational Meeting about the Respiratory Therapist Program, Room NC-2222 at the Ohlone College Newark Center, 6- 8 p.m.

26 Men’s Basketball Regional Semifinal Playoffs.

26 Women’s Basketball Regional Semifinal Playoffs.

27 Men’s and Women’s Swim/Dive, home vs.

NorCal Pentathlon.

26 Spring 2010 Last day to petition to complete a class on a credit/no credit basis.

27 Men’s Baseball, away vs. Solano College, noon.

26 Men's and Women's Swim/Dive home vs.

College of San Mateo, 2 p.m.

27 Women’s Softball, away vs. Solano College/College of the Siskiyous

27 Fremont Symphony Presents: Adam Neiman in recital. Tickets may be purchased from the Fremont Symphony website at http:// www.fremontsymphony. org, Jackson Theatre, Smith Center, 8 p.m.

March 1 Budget Update Forum at the Jackson Theatre, Smith Center, 2-3 p.m.

1 Curriculum Committee Issues meeting in Room 1407 / NC-1317, 3 p.m.

2 HIV Testing Clinic Student Health Center, Rm 7302, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.

2 World Forum: Conflict and Hope in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at the Jackson Theatre, Smith Center, noon to 2 p.m.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Page 8

Reggie Jones, 3 others named to All-Conference

Peterson: “We’ve exceeded expectations”

Now at the tail end of the year, Peterson and the Renegades (22-4, 11-1) are prepping themselves for a deep playoff push that begins this weekend.

“I think we exceeded them (expectations), I didn’t think we’d be very good,” Peterson said.

However, Peterson is quick to praise the great chemistry that has come together. To account for that, three Renegades have been selected to the All Coast Conference First Team. Scott Clark, Lavon Gray and Reggie Jones all received honors late last week.Quaran Johnson received honorable mention as well.

Boasting four first-team selections, Peterson was not short with the compliments. When Scott Clark came into discussion, all that was praised was his sacrifice and dedication.

“He sacrificed a lot of his own game because he was 25 points a game in high school and now he’s 10 a game.

So he’s made a lot of sacrifice in order to help the team win,” Peterson said.

Johnson’s role on the court has been deemed “the commander.”

His voice carries on the court and he’s never afraid to deliver the message that Peterson wants to deliver.

Speaking of delivering, Johnson leads Ohlone in assists, averaging almost four per game.

Coming off an MCL injury that forced him to sit out most of last season, Lavon Gray has established Ohlone’s post game, collecting 155 rebounds and while average 7.4 rebounds a contest. His unique ability to rebound in traffic has led Peterson to believe he is one of the best rebounders to play at Ohlone.

Jones, on top of being selected to the team, was also named the Coast Conference Most Valuable Player and named to the All-State team. The sophomore standout has averaged 14.2 points, five rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game, this season.

These are great numbers for the New Jersey native, who Peterson thought would be a question mark coming into the year.

According to Peterson, Jones came into the season 25 pounds overweight and displayed some rust, having not played in five years.

“We told him either, ‘you’re going to make something of yourself, or you’re not.’ Then he chose to buckle down and make some changes,” Peterson said about Jones’ journey.

Just recently, Jones has verbally committed to CSU Stanislaus.

Due to their impressive record, Ohlone earned the number one seed in the North Regional Playoffs but do not know yet who they will be playing. The add-in game between West Valley and Shasta took place last night, but the results of that game were not available at press time.

Either way tip-off is set for Saturday at 7 p.m. at Epler Gym.

A prime factor in Ohlone’s early scoring difficulties were the slow starts by star guards Jasmine Rubin and Ganeaya Rogers. Rubin scored only six points in the first half, while Rogers was held to just three.

Fortunately for the home team, freshman guard Crystal McLaughlin stepped in to pick up the slack and scored 12 first half points. Holding just a 21-15 lead with 3:17 to go in the first half, Ohlone closed out the period on a 7-2 run to take a 28-17 lead into halftime.

Ohlone’s offensive malaise carried over through intermission, and an early second half De Anza surge threatened to spoil the Lady Renegades’ festive night.

Ohlone’s lead had been trimmed back to six at 34-28, prompting a visibly agitated Allender to call timeout. During the recess, Allender could be seen intently counseling her group.

When play resumed, a different Ohlone team took the floor. On their fifth possession after Allender’s timeout, Rubin saved an errant ball and, falling out of bounds along the

baseline, hit guard Ashley Valenzuela who was slicing down the lane for a lay in.

With Ohlone now leading 46-30, De Anza Coach Arden Kragalott finally called for time with 9:16 left in the game. It was the cap of a lightning 12-2 assault. De Anza would never again get within single digits of Ohlone.

Rubin rallied from her slow start and finished with 19 points and was key on the Ohlone run that finally seized control of the game.

“I saw a lot of opportunities,” Rubin said of her second half burst.

“I try to get my teammates the ball, but if anything isn’t working, I’m usually the player who picks my team up. I felt like I just needed to take over.”

Rogers never got back on track offensively, finishing with just seven points, but still managed to make an impact with eight assists and three steals. Allender praised Rogers’ defense and all-around floor game, saying of the sophomore guard.

“She’s one of those players where the team gets on her back.”

By Nick Zambrano Sports editor Coming into this season, Ohlone Head Basketball Coach John Peterson had low expectations. He accepted the fact that his team was young and inexperienced and knew the postseason was outside of their reach.

FINAL SCORE Chabot: 50 Ohlone: 73 Photo by Alex Glanville

Helping her own cause: Pitcher Jessica Varady connects for a double. The Livermore High alum went 2-3 with a run batted in.

Freshmen impress in debut

By Nick Zambrano Sports editor After opening the year with eight straight games on the road, the Ohlone softball team found solace when they stepped onto their home diamond last Thursday. They found even more solace when they came away victorious against Foothill College, 8-0.

UP NEXT: Thurs. Feb. 25 at Mission 3 p.m.

Before Foothill, travelled as far as Visalia to get their games in. In that span, the Lady Renegades have gone 4-3-1.

“I am so glad we didn’t have to get into a bus to play,” Ohlone coach Donna Runyon said jokingly.

With a great balance between sophomores and freshmen, Runyon has the amount of youth and experience to get the results that she

desires. On top of that, there hasn’t been a shortage of production from the freshmen.

“Freshmen have to step up and when they get their chance to play, they take advantage,” said Runyon.

Against the Owls of Foothill, freshman pitcher Jessica Varady pitched a gem for five innings. In those five innings, Varady gave up only two hits and struck out six.

She now possesses a record of 5-2 for the season.

“She (Varady) is developing into a pitcher that will get to the next level,” said Runyon. “She has made the adjustment from 40 feet in high school to 43 feet in college and she’s done it very quickly.”

Without a doubt, Varady’s biggest support came from fellow freshman and battery mate, catcher Stefanie Hatley.

Hatley opened the floodgates in the second inning with her RBI double. The California High alum fell a home run short of completing the cycle but flirted with the center

field fence in every at-bat. She finished the game going 3-3 with a triple and two RBI’s.

In the second inning, the Lady Renegades cracked the scoreboard for four runs and almost batted around the order. Out of the five hits that Ohlone collected in the second, four of them were for extra bases.

The Lady Renegades ended the game in the fifth inning after sophomore Mariah Jones’ two-run double. Immediately after Jones knocked in Hatley and Jamilyn Cruz, the game was called due to the mercy rule. Jones finished with three RBI’s.

“It’s huge,” Runyon said about the production. “I honestly think that I’m pleased not just with score and what we did, but I’m pleased with how we’re coming together.”

However, the housewarming will be short lived as Ohlone will hit the road again for three games. Before returning home to face Chabot on March 4, Ohlone will make stops at Mission, Solano and De Anza.

Ohlone finishes league perfect

By Kevin Yin Staff writer

Photo by Alex Glanville

Letting it fly: Jasmine Rubin floats the ball to the hoop. She finished with 19 points.

Next game: Sat. Feb. 27, vs. Shasta/ West Valley 7 p.m.

The Ohlone Lady Renegades celebrated the careers of four sophomores Wednesday night with a win, a conference title, and a perfect season.

The Lady Renegades defeated the De Anza Dons 55-37 on an emotional “Sophomore Night” at Ohlone.

The game marked the final home appearance for sophomores Jasmine Rubin, Ganeaya Rogers, Ashley Valenzuela and Krysta Lajander. With the win, Ohlone finishes conference play 12-0, and officially claims their second consecutive Coast South Division conference title.

“This is a special group of kids,” Ohlone Head Coach Julia Allender said. She added with a wry touch of humor, “I laid some responsibility on them. They didn’t take it willingly, but they took it.”

Ohlone came into the contest averaging 66.9 points per game, but with 10:34 in the first half the Lady Renegades had managed to build only a 10-3 lead.