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Opinions
Board of Trustees approves controversial raise for President Browning
NEWS
FEATURES
Starstruck presented “Annie” during winter break.
Are Bikini Baristas a good idea for business?
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monitor
ohlone college Vol. XLII No. 1
The “B” Side By MANIKA CASTERLINE Editor-in-Chief
“Going downhill” I am beginning to think that the older I become, the more I’m pushing against the nature of things changing, or rather, the idea that I no longer have control over the rate at which my surroundings are evolving. The phrase that I've been hearing lately is the claim that Ohlone is “going downhill.” The harshest criticism lately has been towards President Gari Browning, whether it is uttered in public or behind closed doors. Morale isn't high and individuals are not necessarily happy about the direction she has chosen to take. She hasn't exactly gone above and beyond when it comes to campaigning for Measure G. In fact in the context of political field work, volunteer work is rarely paid. She should not be the rare exception. Ohlone's reputation in our immediate community hinges upon the diversity in students, faculty and administration who happen to all be united here. Unfortunately, this incident tarnishes the college as a whole and the perception will be that while we preach the “Ohlone way” we don't practice it. I also personally don't appreciate the lack of transparency from our administration or how after the fact gender pay inequality was invoked by several board members as a justification. It is disrespectful to us and outright appalling that our administration believes that this conduct is even remotely acceptable. This incident blatantly runs contrary to what the Ohlone way is: the idea that for better or for worse we all face challenges as well as triumphs together.
ohlonemonitoronline.com Fremont, California
January 24, 2011
Security officer’s death stuns campus By MANIKA CASTERLINE Editor-in-Chief
Campus Security Officer Stewart Randal Dawson died unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 28. Officer Dawson has worked at Ohlone as a campus security officer since August 19 2002. He was born on July 27th. 1976 at the Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto and grew up in Fremont. After graduating from Mission High School in 1994, Dawson went on to complete
an associate degree in Administration of Justice from Ohlone College. Chief of Ohlone campus police, Steve Osawa informed the faculty and administration of the death in an email that said “It is with deepest sadness and sense of grief that I inform you that Stewart Dawson died last evening by taking his own life.” Dawson leaves behind his parents, Cathy and Chuck Dawson. He also is survived by his stepmother Trish and sister Christiana Brands.
Photo courtesy Campus Security Stewart Dawson was a lifelong resident of Fremont and an Ohlone College alumnus.
Tribute To Stewart Dawson
tact with after just one or No matter where people two times. He would even went, Stewart knew someremember people he saw on body. Stewart Dawson was not television. He would see someone Friends teased him sev- across the parking lot and just an employee at Ohlone, he was a great friend and eral times for his ability to say, “Hey, I know him. I’ll considered a brother to remember things so quickly be right back.” and clearly even if several some. He would start talking to Dawson was very genuine- years had passed by. the person he recognized ly caring, funny, extremely smart and loved all people and especially animals. Dawson had this amazing ability to make people feel they were special whenever they talked to him. He was there to lend an ear if someone needed to talk and would go out of his way to protect them if he saw they were being treated unfairly. Dawson could also make many laugh by changing the lyrics to songs to make them fit a particular situation and could recite his version of movie quotes at a moment’s notice. At times, he would make people laugh at his own expense and he didn’t seem to mind that because he knew he was making them happy. It is not surprising he was extremely loved, even to the Photo courtesy Campus Security point of many considering him a close friend in a short Campus Security officer, Stewart Dawson, at period of time. work patrolling Ohlone Fremont campus. Dawson was also extremely smart. By his own admission, he had a photographic Whenever I would make a even if the person didn’t rememory, which comes in very helpful in the law en- comment about his memory, member him, but he would he would always say that I carry on the conversation forcement field. He would remember ve- could have his type of mem- until that person finally rehicles, license plates or ory if I practiced hard, but I membered him. persons he came into con- am still unable to achieve it. We would always joke By GWENETH MURPHY Safety Officer
around by saying, “Who doesn’t he [Stewart] know?” because he truly knew just about everyone. His love for animals was bigger than anything else. If there was a creature roaming around the campus (it didn’t matter which campus it was), he could tell people everything about it. Dawson had no problems handling tarantulas because he said they were really gentle creatures and that at one point, he had one as a pet. Dawson also had no problems dealing with cranes, rattlesnakes, ducks, squirrels, deer, horses, bats or cows to name a few. With each animal he came into contact with, those around him got a lesson about the animal even if they hadn’t requested the “extra” knowledge. I had nicknamed him “Nature Boy” because of all these things. He took pride when I would call him by that name, especially after the animal lesson of the day. It is rare to find someone like Stewart and this little tribute does not pay justice to the type of person he was. For that, we would need the entire newspaper. We all are lucky if we meet just one “Stew” in our lifetime because he was a person of true genuineness and love. We were lucky to have had him be part of our lives because he was truly, bigger than life.
OPINIONS
2 monitor January 24, 2011 Editors-in-chief:
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
News editor: Features editor: Opinions editor: Sports editor: Online editor: Cartoonist: Staff writers: Ad manager: Ad staff: Adviser: Printer:
Manika Casterline Jillian Sanchez Tina Karimi Sarah Hashemi Hassina Obaidy Kyle Nordeen Kol Parsons Amy Scott Kathryn Dixon, Dion Baker Jr. Anna Biaritz Roldan Dustin Findley William E. Wallace FP Press
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.edu 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.
Bikini baristas, a smart local business idea By HASSINA OBAIDY Opinions editor
Has selling and serving coffee jumped to a different level? In the 21st century, it definitely has. In Fremont, bikini baristas are serving hot and cold drinks at Your Coffee Cups, which opened during the summer of 2010. The coffee business is actually a small, bright pink drive thru hut where customers can purchase a 16-ounce “C-Cup” for just $1.85. The first thought that comes to mind when hearing about girls wearing bikinis to serve their customers is that they are using their sexuality as a trade off. However, in this case, the baristas are choosing to wear
a skimpy little outfit and serve coffee in a drive thru hut. Although it is a bit offensive given that the business sells coffee cups in bra sizes starting from a “B-Cup” to a “D-Cup.” So what happens if a customer drives in and orders, “I want a cup of steaming hot coffee in THAT size,” pointing at the barista’s breast? If I were a bikini barista, I’ld probably make a funny joke so I wouldn’t lose my job or pour that hot cup of coffee on their head. Then again, I would never wear a bikini and serve drinks. Also, some people have no choice, but to use their sexuality in order to make a living and get somewhere. Yes, it’s not the most intelligent action that someone
can engage in, but in this generation that’s what many people do even if they know it’s wrong. The owner, Robert Martinez, was an out of work general contractor, was in desperate need to pay his son’s college bills according to the Oakland Tribune. Since most of these types of coffee businesses are making good money across the United States, Martinez opened the first one in the Bay Area. The idea of a barista wearing a bikini is a smart idea. People want to see something different and this definitely attracts everyone, mostly men. It’s no surprise that most of these customers are men and these girls do get hit on,
but they probably get great tips as well. According to the Oakland Tribune, the baristas make an average of $50 in tips on just a four-hour shift. For someone who just serves coffee on a $9 per hour salary, that’s amazing. The truth is that there is no doubt that these girls have to be attractive and in good shape. If an over sized female wore a bikini and served customers hot drinks, thirsty men would probably not purchase their coffee from them. In the past, Fremont has always been a family friendly city. Compared to other cities, Fremont is considered safe because it isn’t a place where clubs and bars are flooding
over the streets. Thus, do the bikini baristas have the ability to change this family friendly city? Frankly, it may not happen. It didn’t when Hooters was opened so why should it now? These bikini baristas are just trying to make money and pay their bills. With unemployment on the rise and a new business opening, people are hungry for any job. Honestly, there is nothing wrong with it. These female baristas are comfortable with the environment and in their own skin. They brew and serve coffee with confidence and enjoy it. They are not stripping for customers to make the business better. Who knows, maybe there will be men in boxers or briefs selling frozen yogurt to women.
evident—“Burlesque” and “Nine” are both recent examples of flashy movies complete with rousing musical numbers by the likes of Cher. On the one hand, these films are extremely out of
place considering the current economic climate. It is interesting that we race to see these films when they reflect lifestyles that are far out of the reach for the average person, especially now, when most people are
lucky to be able to have jobs and pay the bills. However, I happen to think that times like these are when we need frivolity the most, especially in our entertainment. Such amusements are
harmless, and may in fact serve a beneficial purpose by providing much needed escapism. The admittedly shallow antics of Christina Aguilera on the big screen provided a counterpoint to real life.
Flashy movies are an escape from real life By TINA KARIMI News editor
Glitz and glamour are the new calling cards of Hollywood. The trend toward loud, brassy, costume films is
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Features/News
“Annie” comes to Ohlone
Photos courtesy of StarStruck Theater
The StarStruck Theater debuted “Annie” at Ohlone Smith Center from Jan. 8-23. Lori A. Stokes, Artistic Director of StarStruck, directed the musical. Grace Groeniger (top left), as Annie, starred alongside Trevor Meyer, as Oliver Warbucks, and Chesley Sue (top right), as Grace Farrell. StarStuck is currently holding auditions for their upcoming show, “Guys and Dolls”, which will run from July 29- Aug. 13 in the Smith Center.
President Browning to receive 14 percent raise By MANIKA CASTERLINE Editor-in-chief
Despite Governor Jerry Brown’s proposed budget that will cut an estimated $4 million from California community colleges, the Ohlone college Board of Trustees has approved a raise and a contract extension for Ohlone College President Gari Browning. Browning didn’t mention the contract during her Spring State of the College address on Friday and there was no question and answer time scheduled because Browning had another engagement to attend. After the unanimous vote of consent from the Board of Trustees, President Browning recanted her offer to donate her raise to the Ohlone foundation and claimed that she needed to deliberate more as to what her future course of action will be. Browning’s contract will run until July 2014 and grant her a 14 percent raise, which will increase her annual salary from $207,000 to $226,390. In addition, the contract will also provide her $500 a month for any travel expenses she may incur and $2,458 for housing. Tim Roberts, the College Council co-chair said, “Dr. Browning was hired here as a rookie president with no track record. Our hiring committee thought she had potential, but
we didn’t know how her quiet college, not the administra- went on to say that if Browning approach would hold up on the tion.” were a man the board would job, under pressure.” At the Jan. 12 board meet- not be having this argument. Roberts continued, “We ing, four members voted in Ohlone job placement specan congratulate ourselves favor of Browning’s contract cialist and CSEA member on getting a great Narda Mamou deal for these said, “I think they past 3 years, but brought up the now it’s time to woman’s equality back up our bet issue as a way to on what is now save face. I think a proven entity she’s done a good and lock in this job. She’s done arrangement.” her job. The raise Board Presihas nothing to dent Richard nothing to do with Watters cited in a her being male or December email female.” to the Ohlone “I don’t think faculty, staff and we’re going to have administration a lot of reaction that the reasons from students beas to why Browncause we’re kind ing deserved a of invisible as far raise included as the students that when she are concerned bestarted at Ohlone cause we’re not her first order of teaching them or business was to counseling them. fix the accreditaWe’re just runtion warning. ning the operaBrowning also tion,” continued recently camMamou. paigned for the Greg BonacGraphic courtesy Matt Artz’s blog corsi was the only passage of MeaNews of Browning’s raise sparked public sure G. trustee to vote CSEA repre- backlash when announced in December. no on Browning’s sentative Jackie contract while Whitehouse commented, and there was a discussion newcomer Jan Giovannini“These accomplishments are among several board mem- Hill decided to abstain from reasonable considering her bers regarding the premise the vote based on the fact that position.” of gender pay equality as part she was not on the board when CSEA Labor representative of the justification for giving the negotiations were being Barbara Mays said, “Employ- Browning a raise. discussed last year. ees are the backbone of this Board member Garrett Yee Bonaccorsi said, “Fairness
is an ingrained quality for every educator. What strikes me about this agreement is that it does not feel fair. “While hundreds of students and employees are facing cutbacks in one form or another, the agreement will greatly increase the compensation of one person.” “No single individual no matter how gifted can do the job alone. It takes a team.” Watters had written, “In addressing the topic of a raise this year, the president told the board that the time for such an action was not good, and that it would be poorly received by the Ohlone faculty and staff. “In order to reduce the cost to the district for an increase and to show good faith to all district employees, she offered to give back a substantial portion to the college general fund through the Foundation.” The controversial contract was first approved by the board during a closed session meeting in November. The agreement was not on the board agenda until the Dec. 8 board meeting when the details were fully disclosed. UFOand SEIU members had their contracts approved during the Dec. 8 meeting while CSEA’s contract remains under negotiation. For detailed coverage of the President’s address go to ohlonemonitoronline.com