monitor
ohlone college Vol. XLIII No. 6
ohlonemonitoronline.com Fremont, California
March 29, 2012
Abortion images spark debate By MANIKA CASTERLINE Editor-in-Chief
Several eight-foot high posters depicting bloody scenes of abortion flanked the Ohlone Free Speech area near the Palm Bosque on March 26 and 27. The group also passed out brochures displaying the same type of graphic content within its pages. However, the material had a warning on the outside of it similar to how animal rights groups that have also used the free speech area, with pamphlets labeled for images that may not be suitable for viewing. Psychology professor Sheldon Helms sent an email out on Monday stating, “I have already heard from numerous students, including one young lady who was brought to tears by the experience of viewing these pictures. “My advice is for faculty to inform students that the people are there, and that there are graphic images that they may want to avoid if possible. This might be done by using a different path to the parking lots or by simply avoiding looking at the images as they pass,” Helms said. Ohlone College President Gari Browning said, “We’re following the law,” in allowing the group on campus, which had vacated the Free Speech area by March 28.
GARRETT YEE/SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR
Ohlone Trustee Garrett Yee visits construction sites in Afghanistan as part of his yearlong U.S. Army deployment. For his latest letter and photos, see page 6.
Ray of light offered in ‘Out of Darkness’ event By ASHLEY LAM Features editor
Ohlone’s 2012 Out of Darkness Walk pays tribute to campus security guard Stewart Dawson, who committed suicide in 2010. The walk, which is now open for registration, will begin at 11 a.m. April 24 at the Ohlone Fremont campus. Opening remarks kick off the walk and the walk officially begins at noon. “I usually introduce the president of the Northern California Chapter, who says a few words about the incidence of suicide, the impact it has on survivors, how we can come together to remember them and how we can help
those who are at risk,” said Sally Bratton, Out of Darkness Walk organizer and Ohlone’s student health center director. Students and faculty are invited to walk twice around the circumference of the campus down to Mission Boulevard and up around the fire gates to raise suicide awareness. “This event was created to remember our campus security guard, who committed suicide December 2, 2010. His name was Stewart Dawson. It really shook the campus as he was so loved and appreciated and no one knew he was in such pain. This was a great way to gather those who loved him to remember him,” said Bratton. James Keogh, a campus
security officer, worked with Dawson and they became good friends. They worked swing shift together and first met at Tower Records in San Mateo where Dawson was working as a loss prevention agent. After losing touch for several years, the two friends were finally reunited at Ohlone, said Keogh. “Dawson was working the disabled parking enforcement with Fremont (police) and I was working with Ohlone College when we met again. He later was hired by Ohlone College and our friendship grew,” Keogh said. “Stewart cared a lot about people and animals. He was well known for making people feel like they mattered. He was
equally known for sending out announcement e-mails concerning the various wildlife habituating at Ohlone College and providing photos to boot. He would stop whatever he was doing to help anyone or any animal at any given time,” said Keogh. The message that the Out of Darkness Walk is getting at goes hand in hand with the CDC stating that suicide rates are increasing due to factors such as the economic decline and among those that are of working age. “I think any students, staff or faculty who have been affected by someone who has committed suicide, threatened suicide or may be at risk for suicide would love to come
together to see the support that is available to them. It helps them feel less isolated and alone with the process,” Bratton said. “If one person can be helped by having an event like this then it is well worth it. I hope students and faculty will realize that they are special in their own right.” I hope they take the time out of their busy days to acknowledge the people that have meant something to them. I hope they live life to its fullest with no regrets. I also wish they would know that no matter how bad things get that someone cares a great deal about them and that life is always full of possibilities,” said Keogh.
OPINIONS
2 monitor March 29, 2012
Kony 2012: A look at a mad man
Print Matters The print industry is dying,
or rather, we are being told that it is in fact dead because we journalists don’t cushion the blow by utilizing phrases such as passed away, right? Now it has become weird to be constantly defensive of the print edition when the industry of news is moving toward Tweets and citizen journalism. I feel vintage for embracing the printed word, but really the fundamentals of language should not be restricted into a box of characters. I feel vintage for a lot of reasons, though. When was the last time you picked up a newspaper that wasn’t this one? When was the last time I held a newspaper that wasn’t this one? Well, Sunday’s edition of the New York Times, but it’s rare that I don’t type in NYT.com as my first resort. I naturally spend the majority of my waking and non-waking hours occupied with thoughts of newspaper. Over spring break, a contingent of the Monitor staff went to the Journalism Association for Community Colleges (JACC). The question of what is the trajectory for this industry is evident. The answer is muddled. One thing that is obvious is that the Monitor isn’t the only journalism program that is feeling the effects of the statewide cuts to higher education. Cuts have meant an even higher turnover of students. In my time on the Monitor, I have seen people take the class not because they are genuinely passionate about journalism, but just because they need a certain amount of units. To me that’s disheartening because I’ve wanted to be a journalist since I was 13 years old. I have grown up idolizing CNN’s Christiane Amanpour. The time at JACC strengthened my resolve that not abandoning what appears to be a sinking ship can be the most rewarding experience of all. Passion, drive and commitment are qualities that I have learned in my time here. It hasn’t been the easiest road to travel these past few years. I have gone through four advisers and countless staff. To spend a few days with students who understand my mindset was inspiring because really without passion, aren’t we lost?
By CLAIRE EWING Staff writer
College student guilty of bullying May be sentenced to 10 years in prison By SOPHIA VAUGHN Staff writer
Rutgers College student Dharun Ravi, whose trial ended on March 13, was found guilty 15 counts of invasion of privacy, hate crimes and other charges stemming from the suicide of his roommate, Tyler Clementi. The jury did not find Ravi guilty of any direct involvement with the suicide of Clementi in September 2010. Ravi was on trial for recording Clementi with his webcam while Clementi was having sexual relations with
LETTERS
another man in the dorm room they shared at Rutgers University. He then broadcast it among students and twittered about Clementi following his recording. Clementi was faced with spiteful acts of cruelty and bashing on the internet. He then committed suicide by jumping off the George Washington Bridge. Due to the spiral of events after Ravi made the video, he was charged with numerous counts of invasion of privacy, hate crimes and bias intimidation. Clementi’s death stirred up activism aganst bully-
TO
THE
ing and crimes aganst the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender community. Cyberbullying is the new age of bullying that teens are faced with. Clearly this trial will set an example for years, giving some hope to gay youth that there is justice for their victimizing. Ravi will be sentenced on May 21. He could get up to 10 years in prison. As we get closer to Suicide Awareness Day and the Out of Darkness Walk on campus April 24, This case will definitely be on the minds of students everywhere in the United States.
EDITOR
If you would like to send a letter to the editorial staff of the Monitor, you can do so via e-mail Monitor@ohlone. edu or send them via post office to Monitor Newspaper c/o Ohlone College 43600 Mission Blvd. Fremont, CA 94539. All letters must be signed and include the title and publication date of the story. All letters will be published in the next edition.
In his YouTube video about Joseph Kony, a Ugandan rebel leader and the leader of the Lord’s Renaissance Army (LRA), activist Jason Russell tells his son: “Where you live shouldn’t determine whether you live or not.” Russell, a filmmaker and original co-founder of the nonprofit organization Invisible Children, titled his video “Kony 2012.” It recently went viral in the past few weeks. In this video, Russell goes into the gruesome depths of what really goes on in Uganda with Joseph Kony still alive. The things that are being done are beyond comprehension, beyond any stretch of the imagination. In the beginning, The LRA had a strong support from the public, but its members soon turned on the support to purify the Alcholi people of Uganda. In this attempt of purification, Kony is responsible for the kidnappings of an estimated 66,000 children, who are made into child-sex slaves and child soldiers. They’re ordered to kill their parents, so if they do escape, they have no home to go back to. They’re ordered to brutally kill and mutilate neighbors and other Ugandan people, according to Russell. This has been going on for almost 26 years and 99 percent of people haven’t heard of Joseph Kony. He remains invisible because many, many times he has preached of peace, but the obsession with the power he held took over and set him in a blind rage to where his offerings of peace were now invalid. Kony is the worst living criminal and the most wanted man by the International Criminal Courts. Although this is going on in Uganda, there are still things that we can do. Visit invisiblechildren.org, purchase the action kit and attend the “Cover The Night” event held in San Jose. People such as you are going around and putting up posters all over the city. Making Kony famous is crucial at this point, so that 99 percent of people who don’t know him will be lowered to zero. Russell’s goal is to have Kony captured in 2012. We all can be a part of it. Take 30 minutes out of your day, watch the Kony 2012 video, and re-post it. If u have any media site accounts repost this video.
NEWS Monitor honored at state convention March 29, 2012 monitor 3
ohlone college
monitor Editor-in-Chief: Manika A. Casterline Features editor: Ashley Lam Sports editor: Joe Nichols Opinions editor: Joe Nichols Online editor: Isabella Ohlmeyer Staff writers: Thomas Phy Isabella Ohlmeyer Marra-Marie Magsakay Heather Hegeman Deeba Nabizad Sophia Vaughn John Hughes Allen Krimmel Distribution manager: Joe Nichols Photo staff: John Hughes Sophia Vaughn Claire Ewing Shamir Eijaz Graphics: Amy Scott Scott Pegueros Ad manager: Jamie Madamba Ad staff: Amy Park Adviser: Jeanie R. Wakeland JACC NorCal Student President: Manika A. Casterline Printer: FP Press
Contact us: Offices: Room 5310 Call: 510.659.6075 E-mail: monitor@ohlone.edu Read: http://www.facebook.com/ Ohlone.Monitor
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. The Monitor is funded by the district, by the Associated Students of Ohlone Collegeand through advertising revenue. The Monitor is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, Journalism Association of Community Colleges.
By MONITOR STAFF
With the 2010 retirement of longtime Monitor newspaper adviser Bill Parks, the publications program went through multiple advisers and proved over spring break that what doesn’t kill them makes them stronger. Monitor Editor-in-Chief Manika Casterline was elected as the NorCAL Student President for the Journalism of Community Colleges Association (JACC) 57th annual state conference held in Burbank, California from March 22-25. “I’m so honored to represent this part of California,” Casterline said. “We are the home to great student papers such as Contra Costa Community College’s The Advocate and my personal favorite The Guardsman by City College of San Francisco,” she said. Casterline was up against a student from Sacramento for the position of NorCal president. Former Monitor cartoonist Simon Tang also received a
fourth place award for his work during Fall 2011. The Monitor took six students to the conference, which has on-site competitions and workshops designed to cultivate skills. “It was refreshing to see 70 schools filled with students who are passionate about jouralism as much as I am and to bond with many of them was so rewarding,” Isabella Ohlmeyer who serves as online editor said. Staff writer Heather Hegeman said, “JACC was an amazing learning experience, being thrown into such a fast paced, high energy environment with so many other journalism students from across California.” “Every student their brought a passion for photography and newrtting that was inspiring,” Hegeman said. While JACC is an educational conference, the organization encourages students to socialize with each other. Students also bonded over traveling to Burbank. The Monitor staff took a bus with
COURTESY OF JACC
SoCal President Tanya Flowers, a Los Angeles City College student, State President Melissa Cano, a Rio Hondo College student and NorCal President Manika Casterline, an Ohlone College prepare to host the JACC awards March 24.
students from five other Northern California schools. “We have countless inside jokes because of JACC like the word ‘man-kini’ and ‘what’s up with that?’ Then
there was the infamous room 730 keynote party,” Casterline said. The NorCal conference will be held at Sacramento State University in September.
Speaker says just relax and breathe as seminar focuses on chilling out By ISABELLA OHLMEYER Online editor
When presenter Jane Malmgren began her seminar titled, “How to Achieve a State of Relaxed Focus for Improved Performance,” a roomful of Ohlone College athletes and various students eager to learn about how to become utterly relaxed in stressful situations listened. Malmgren started by having the student-filled audience breath deeply in and out in a slow manner. She explained the difference between baby and adult breathing. The respiratory rate for newborns is 30 to 40 breaths per minute, which is faster than an adult rate of 12 to 20 breaths for minute. Because they are breathing so rapidly, it can cause them anxiety.
The purpose of the breathing exercise was to have the students simply relax themselves and remain present. “Part of our challenge is to find out how we experience the world,” said Jane Malmgren. The Speech and Communication Studies Department hosted the third Speech Speaker Seminar Series of the semester March 16 at Ohlone. Malmgren holds a masters of arts degree in speech communication, has taught relaxation therapy and public speaking, according to the Ohlone College website. Malmgren discussed a few scenarios throughout her presentation which may cause a person to become stressed. For example, if a person walks into an exam angry and tense, the brain will not be working well and may not
be able to perform well on the test. Malgrem suggested that the audience let go of that anger and fill their minds with positivity. “This will change the result of how students perform on the test,” Malmgren said. “We can rehearse what we like to see happen, before they happen. If you keep telling yourself that you will not do well on your upcoming test, that is the result you will get in return,” she said. “However, if you change your state of mind into positivity and say to yourself you will do well, that will show on your test.” Malmgren advised student to count down from five to one and to think to themselves that they are more calm. “Our minds are very pow-
erful, but we cannot do much with them unless they are focused,” Malmgren said. She also suggested learning yoga and hypnotism to be in a more relaxed state of mind. Ohlone biology major Kristian Guintu said she liked Mamgren’s workshop. “I like how she connects to us by asking a lot of questions,” Guinto said. In a combination of educational experience and work experience in her chosen field, Professor of Speech and Communication Studies and faculty adviser of the Speech Club Brenda Ahntholz said that Malmgren was the appropriate fit for presenting this workshop. She concluded the presentation by saying, “I was so lost in my thought thinking of how to relax.”
FEATURES Mark your calendars for Friday the 13th; James Randi is coming to Ohlone campus 4 monitor March 29, 2012
By ASHLEY LAM Features editor
For centuries, Friday the 13th has reeked of superstition. Friday the 13th has been associated with bad luck and even stock market crashes since the 1800s. Ironically, James Randi, a man known for his career as a professional magician, will be coming to Ohlone this April 13. Also known as “The Amazing Randi,� Randi is a retired magician, author, lecturer, archaeologist and astronomer. James Randi will give a talk called “Prophecy, Divination and Faith Healing� at 7 p.m. in the Jackson Theatre. This talk will cover topics including his investigation of self-described psychics, clairvoyants, faith healers and all manner of strange pseudoscientific claims over the past several decades, said Sheldon Helms, a psychology professor and head of the Psychology Club. A night with James Randi, an intriguing character, will answer many questions concerning superstitions and other irrationalities. “The most remarkable thing about James Randi is that he has kept his sanity. At the age of 83 and after so many decades of dealing with all manner of quacks and kooks, Randi is the same affable, avuncular, good-natured chap he has always been. That’s not easy to do when you’re under constant attack by people trying to make a living off of the credulous and desperate, but Randi carries in with a wink and a smile,� said Helms. Randi’s past expertise in the profession as a magician gives his talk a unique and insightful perspective on psychology and how human behavior speaks to social structure. “Since Randi is a magician, he has an impressive grasp of how the human mind works and how people can be deceived or convinced to
believe in things that aren’t true. He also knows how to ensure proper testing of people who make such claims, which is why all Prophesy, Divination, of the professionand Faith Healing als refused to be Why do How are Why do people people believe paranormal and embrace tested by him. To hoaxes? pseudoscientific faith healing, claims illusions? financial guruism make the offer a and psychic predictions? bit more enticing, The James Randi Educational Foun dation offers $1 million to anyone who can show, under proper testing conditions, proof of their supernatural or occult claims. So far, the prize remains unclaimed,� Helms people and to invite them into www.smithcenter.com said. the world of critical thinking. As an educator, Helms said I’m not only looking forward to he is excited to have such a seeing him again, but I’m also prominent name in the field of very excited that the Ohlone psychology to come and speak Psychology Club is able to at Ohlone. bring him to Ohlone College so that hundreds of students and community members can ‘The James benefit from Randi’s years of Randi Educational work and his wisdom,� said Helms. Foundation offers “Prophesy, Divination, and $1 million to Faith Healing� is a talk that anyone who can affects each and every one of show, under proper us. Young, old and anywhere testing conditions, in between, those attending proof of their will have something to learn supernatural or at this talk. occult claims. So Helms said that Randi’s far, the prize talk is especially important remains unclaimed’ to younger generations. “We live in a world that --Sheldon Helms teaches us to think noncritically. Even with all of our scientific advances, a majority of the world believes in all manner of nonsensical “I have met James Randi things such as ghosts, good on numerous occasions, most luck charms, urban myths, of which have taken place at conspiracy theories, spiritualhis “Amazing Meeting,� a ity and quick medicines. On four-day conference on sci- the odd occasion that someone ence and skepticism held does express skepticism, she each summer in Las Vegas. or he is often accused of being He is one of the most down- closed minded or culturally to-earth “celebrities� you insensitive. That needs to could ever meet. That is due stop. James Randi was one in part to his personality, but of the first public figures in also demonstrates that he is the 20th century willing to really in this game to educate come forward and demand
James Randi
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PHOTO COURTESY/ SHELDON HELMS
Professor Helms and James Randi met at “The Amazing Meeting� in Las Vegas in 2011.
that people show real evidence for such claims. As much as we give lip service to critical thinking in the educational arena, we often shy away from the big claims for fear that we will ruffle somebody’s cultural or belief-based feathers. James Randi operates without that apprehension and he is a very powerful role model for young people in this regard.� For those who are interested in attending a night with James Randi, visit Ohlone’s box office or go online to order tickets at: www.ohlone.edu/org/ smithcenter/box.html. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for general admission. “Even if you are not able to attend Randi’s talk on our campus, keep an eye out for other skeptic-based groups and events in your area. On April 21, the SkeptiCal 2012 conference will be held in Berkeley and will feature a long list of scientist and skeptics who speak on topics related to Randi’s area of expertise,� said Helms. For more information, Helms suggested that those
James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) logo.
interested can find a long list of skeptic and science groups on MeetUp.com, that will most likely “meet in your neck of the woods.� All in all, there is a bigger lesson that Randi has to teach us. “Randi is unapologetic in his skepticism, and invites us to be so as well. This lesson goes far beyond simply teaching people what to think and instead teaches people how to think. The list of people who have been influenced by Randi’s example reads like a who’s who of science, magic and skepticism, and includes millions of people who exist outside the public eye,� said Helms.
Be heard at this month’s Soul Surge event By SOPHIA VAUGHN Staff writer
has been surprised by new from all walks of life showcase a new enriching cultural original material. Ohlone‚ Smith Center is one experience or simply show They say laughter cures the the largest theatrical and per- their natural talent. soul, so here is a chance to open up and get a laugh or two forming art companies at Ohlone Soul Surge. Soul Surge will take place on in Northern today 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the California cafeteria, building 5, second so Ohlone floor. This is an open mic event students are that allows students to express not lacking talent. their creativity. Open mic Performance slots will inis an event clude singing, dancing, acousMARRA-MARRIE MAGSAKAY / MONITOR that allows tic music and poetry. At each event the audience s t u d e n t s Soul Surge audience members on March 1.
Students can interact with each other, kick back and enjoy campus life for a short moment. While relaxing they can all have a bit to eat alongside free entertainment. For more information about Soul Surge, contact Campus Activities. Campus Activities is in Room 7210, Building 7, on the second floor, of the Fremont campus. For details call (510) 659-6255 or email campusactivities@ohlone.edu.
Soul Surge Open mic event! Sign up at 11 a.m. Limited performance slots. Ohlone students and acoustic music only.
WHO: Ohlone WHAT: Soul Surge WHEN: March 29 WHERE: Cafeteria, Building 5, second floor, Fremont Campus COST: Free CONTACT:Campus Activities
FEATURES Have an appetite for Lionsgate’s highest grossing film? ‘Hunger Games’ sets record
March 29, 2012 monitor 5
By SOPHIA VAUGHN Staff writer
“Hunger Games” opened March 23, a long anticipated book made into a big screen production. Opening weekend brought in $155 million, and viewers did not leave disappointed. From start to end, the movie is action packed and thoughtfully dramatized. Written and directed by Gary Ross with the help of author Suzanne Collins and with Billy Ray writing the intriguing film, viewers see they left no stone unturned. Taking place in the future after Earth has met its doom from war and poverty, “Hunger Games,” portrays the new world separated by districts with the government as ruler. Each year, 12 districts sacrifice two young candidates, a female and a male, to compete in a winner takes all, fight-toyour-doom competition. Each candidate knows their upcoming fate is death, but the tradition continues every year to intimidate the poor and hungry district residents. When the lead character, Katniss (played by Jennifer Lawrence) finds out that her young sister is chosen, she quickly volunteers to take her place, in an extreme turn of events. Tributes is the title given to the contestants.
COURTESY OF / LIONSGATE
‘Hunger Games’ is playing in theaters nationwide.
They are lavished with food, clothes, makeovers and a trip to the capitol on a cutting edge flying train ride. Once in the capitol, tributes are trained and bet on. In a cruel fashionable way, tributes are used to entertain the rich. Until reaching the capitol, viewers will only see the cast in dole, meager clothes. The theatrical costumes and outrageous makeup are a surprise. Katniss is expected to return home as a victor to District 12; her mother and young sister depend on her. However, this is somewhat impossible considering her competition is against 22 teens who have trained all their lives for the event. She
uses her natural survival instincts and self -taught bow and arrow skills to succeed in the death match. In a twisted turn of events, Peeta (played by Josh Hutcherson) and Katniss are matched together as an unlucky couple. Somehow this young love portrayal turns in their favor. Instead of just one victor as in prior years there will be two. Katniss‚ true love, Gale, (played by Liam Hemsworth) is at home cheering her on. Ultimately the‚ “Hunger Games,” will bring out all emotions. Even with all the death, there will be some laughter and smiles. Casting was amazing. Actress Jennifer Lawrence does
PHOTO COURTESY OF / LIONSGATE
Photo above: Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth star in ‘Hunger Games.’
not miss a beat. Woody Har- Shields (Primrose) and Josh relson (Haymitch) is amazing Hutcherson (Peeta) fit into as a sometimes drunk mentor. their roles naturally. Young stars such as Amandla Stenberg (Rue), Willow
High school students from all over Bay Area flock to appear on the Ohlone’s main stage By ISABELLA OHLMEYER Staff writer
The luck of the Irish came to Ohlone on March 16 and 17 during the St. Patrick‚ Day-themed Annual High School Theatre Festival held throughout the Ohlone College campus. Thespians are defined, according to freedictionary. com, as an actor or actress of or relating to the drama and the theater.
The numerous high school students who participated in the festival are considered thespians in the theater world. These thespians have prepared all year for this moment to compete and hope to win an award or two in their selected categories. The various categories that the high schoolers competed in both on March 16 and 17 include one act plays, mini and maxi musicals, dramatic monologues,
women, contemporary monologues, one-acts humorous, world dance and technical/ design entries. The three beginning rounds of each category began March 16, with various judges in each room to deliberate and decide if chosen acts are talented enough to make it to the final round on March 17. Along with the judges, there was one Ohlone College student room host per room to introduce and conclude each round. High school room monitors also assisted the room hosts in timing each round and monitoring the door. High school participant in the one-acts humorous category Nicholi Everoy was filled with nerves before his performance, but also he developed appreciation for the Ohlone College
campus. “I like it a lot,” he said. “Although there are a lot of stairs and walking, the classrooms are fun to perform in.‚ The theater festival was a well-blended combination of volunteerism from both high school students and Ohlone College students. Ohlone College psychology major Irina Trigueros volunteered to be a room host for the first time this year and said she had enjoyed every aspect of it. “The festival was entertaining and a lot of hard work, but I enjoyed seeing the performances,” she said. Former Ohlone College student Patrick Hilt came back for the second time as a judge for the festival. As a person who used to volunteer for the festival, he had a different perspective judging the event. “It was great seeing so much talent and people that want to
pursue a career in acting. I saw good people and horrible people,” said Hilt. The iLLusion Dance Company performed and the Student Rep one act play, “Southern Belle,” showcased their theater talent before the anticipated awards ceremony occurred in the Jackson Theatre. The Ohlone Jazz/Rock combo musicians serenated the participants and got them prepared for the announcement of the winners. Lowell High School took home the majority of the awards at the event. The awards they recieved included the biggest award, a revolving festival trophy called “The Festival Sweepstakes Award.” It is the award given to the school that received the highest number of acting, dance, design, video and technical points.
NEWS Patience is a universal virtue to be learned 6 monitor March 29, 2012
By GARRETT YEE Contributing writer
In February, I re-learned the lesson on patience, especially with travel during the winter in Afghanistan. With my last letter, I was on the way back to Afghanistan with short notice. Although the trip started off in a hurry, it took a while to get to where I needed to be. I departed Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, in a rush on the last day of January heading for the flight terminal destined for Afghanistan. I had a little less than an hour to gather all of my travel items together, draw my weapon from the arms room and get to Ali Al Saleem, Kuwait, before 0015 on Feb. 1 (that’s 15 minutes after midnight). I got to the air terminal just in time to catch a C-17 aircraft to Kandahar in the southern part of Afghanistan, so the trip started off well. I arrived early the next morning ready to go (by the way, staying up all night for a flight is normal around here). I stayed in Kandahar for the day then took an evening C-130 flight out to Camp Holland on Forward Operating Base Tarin Kowt, which is run primarily by the Australians. My team member Sgt. 1st Class Lopez greeted me at the airfield around 1 a.m. The flight took longer than normal due to poor weather; however, I got to sit in the jump seat in the cockpit of the aircraft so I didn’t get motion sickness. After spending a day with SFC Lopez walking the ground and looking over projects, I took a C-27 aircraft (looks like a small C-130) back to Kandahar. For the second time in a row, the flight crew invited me to sit in the jump seat with the pilots. Wearing night vision goggles while listening in on the flight crew dialogue makes for a different experience. For the next two days, I tried getting out of Kandahar and up to Camp Phoenix in Kabul; however, due to the poor weather, several flights got cancelled. I had been booked for flights that had a 0200 show time, 0400 show time, 0800 show time and several others. I would show up at the air terminal and sit for a few hours and then be told the flight got cancelled or redirected. Finally on my seventh attempt, I was able to catch a C-130 aircraft to North Kabul Area International Airport. The Kabul area was getting heavy snow and so I was beginning to think I wouldn’t make it any time soon. After spending the night at the “temporary” lodging (spellcheck comes up with
At left: Ohlone Trustee Garrett Yee, who is serving with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, went to an elaborate mall during a layover in Dubai. Below: A gentle snow fell in Afghanistan when Yee flew to Kabul. GARRETT YEE/ SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR
GARRETT YEE / SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR
the word tent), I met with some of our engineering team members before catching a ride back to Camp Phoenix. I spent no more than four days at Phoenix before I had to head out to Al Udied, Qatar. For the military, Qatar is a unique place. Bottom line is that it is a good place to visit from time to time. I had to take a commercial flight through Dubai in the UAE to Doha in Qatar. Getting through the security at the civilian terminal at Kabul is quite an experience. The guards are very thorough on the pat down and it requires plenty of patience. From Dubai to Doha, I flew on Qatar Airways, which provides great customer service and even the economy seats are very comfortable. I had a few hours layover
to catch up on some duty free shopping. I will say that living in a war zone, then stepping into an ultra-modern international setting such as Dubai feels strange, to say the least. I was fortunate to be booked on Qatar Airways to Dubai so I had a very comfortable trip. However, once I got to Dubai, I found that my flight to Kabul had been cancelled due to weather. With the next flight out in 24 hours, I had no choice but to stay at Dubai International Airport Hotel over night. I can think of several less desirable places to get stuck, Kandahar, for example. I rented the room for only 18 hours because it was $70 more for the full 24 hours, but it was very nice, just like in the travel brochures. I stayed in Kabul for about 10 days before I had to fly out
to Forward Operating Base Sharana. Sharana is a large base sitting at more than 7,000 feet altitude. The air is cold and crisp with snow all around. After visiting the Sharana “Town Square,” which is where they have the barber and post exchange, we had a special dinner with the soldiers involved with communications in support of the Brigade Combat Team. Following dinner, we had a cigar gathering in the gazebo. The next morning, we took a tour of the various construction sites and then later that night, we had dinner at the Turkish compound where they made a brick oven to cook pizza. The next day we took a C-130 fixed wing aircraft back to Bagram, spent the night there and then at 0500 the
next day, showed up to the rotary air passenger terminal and caught a space available fight to Kabul. For the remaining few days of the month, I hunkered down in Kabul and didn’t leave Camp Phoenix due to activity taking place right outside the gate. As I look back on the past four months, the constant travel has helped to pass the time. At the same time, it takes a physical and mental toll. I never seem to catch up on sleep with so much to do. I received a few care packages this month. Of course we share these with each other and it always makes the day. I took a photo of the mountains on the flight back from Bagram to Kabul. It’s amazing how a fresh carpet of snow seems to clean things up.
EVENTS
March 29, 2012 monitor 7
Ohlone Dean Ron Quinta to retire after 22 years
‘ I’m not too keen for celebrations. I like to do my work and do my job’
By MARRA-MARIE MAGSAKAY Staff writer
preciation party planned by Shairon Zingsheim, associate vice president of human An Ohlone College chap- resources and training, will ter is coming to an end for take place on April 10 at the Ron Quinta, dean of science, Fremont campus at 4 p.m. to technology and engineering, 5 p.m. where his hard work and “Dr. Jim Wright requested dedication toward the college me to plan the party. All has become a daily routine. employees, part-time and Quinta has been working at full-time and even retired Ohlone College for about 22 employees are invited,� said years and his contract ends Zingsheim. in 2012. Quinta was bashful about For his hard work, an ap- the event.
--Ron Quinta
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Ron Quinta, Ohlone dean of science, technology and engineering, (shown far right) receives the Excellence in Leadership Award in 2008 from the California Community College Association for Occupational Education. In the back is Jim Wright, Ohlone vice president and deputy superintendent of academic affairs.
“I’m not too keen for celebrations. I like to do my work and do my job,� he said. Quinta’s first job, outside the university he attended, was at Ohlone College from 1970 to 1974.In 1990, he can back to Ohlone as a full-time biology instructor. “I love teaching. It was hard for me stop teaching,� he said. An administrative position opened so Quinta decided to apply because he had administrative experience from a different college. “As administrator, I attract
more money to the college through grants, ideas for programs, external funding for students,� he said. For 10 to 15 years, Quinta was able to secure grants from the Community College Chancellor’s office, which “ranges around $300,000.� In 2008, he was awarded the Excellence in Leadership Award by the California Community College Association for Occupational Education. Quinta has been dean for about 15 years. “As Dean of Science, Tech-
nology and Engineering, I learn about each subject so at meetings I can explain what they need and help programs get what they need,� he said. His programs, such as Learning Alliance for Bioscience and for computer tech, is to “help students not on a pathway,� said Quinta. One of his goals is to “help someone find their niche, especially with students like NUMMI, advance education training.� “I love Ohlone,� said Quinta. He likes the community college level. “At community college you are working with diverse people try out new things. Students at other colleges were already set on what they want to do,� said Quinta. Quinta’s decision to retire is to pursue other things, such as work as part-time faculty and work on other assignments. “I love this place. I hope I can still be a resource,� he said.
March 29 - Soul Surge Cafeteria, Building 5, second floor, Fremont campus 11 a.m.
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SPORTS
8 monitor March 29, 2012
Lady Renegades lose to Lady Rams of Fresno City By JOHN HUGHES Staff writer
Fresno City College Rams had to beat the Lady Renegades and in order to go on to beat San Jose City College to become the March Madness Gold Division champs before going on to triumph over Silver Division to win this year’s March Madness Tournament championahip game. The 20th Annual March Madness Softball Tournament, sponsored by Ohlone, was played March 10 and 11at the softball fields at Fremont Central Park Sports Complex. The Lady Renegades defeated Hartnell College 7-2 in their first game March 11. They needed to beat Fresno City College to become the Gold Division champions. Ohlone had defeated Fresno City 4-3 by mounting a bottom of the seventh inning comeback two weeks prior to the Tournament, at Ohlone. The Fresno City Rams kept scoring to create a 14-6 lead going into the seventh inning. The Lady Renegades were down to their last three outs, trailing by eight runs.
The first and second place teams of each pool, would play for the Gold Division Championships. The third and fourth place teams would play in the Silver Division on Sunday. Ohlone defeated Merced College 12-9 in the Saturday morning game. In the afternoon game the Lady Renegades lost to Feather River College 2-3. Ohlone pitcher Brittany Wright with her teammates, shut out Gavilan College in the 3 p.m. game 8-0. The victory placed Ohlone in the Gold Division forthe games for Sunday. Team awards were provided to both division winners JOHN HUGHES / MONITOR and the runner up of the Gold Division. Ohlone Softball player Sara Ragusa makes contact against Fresno City College pitching during Coaches and individual the March Madness Tournament March 11, awards were also provided for Renelle Traylor, Mariah Bus Driver” Barr. The tournament format was all Gold and Silver first place Nisbet, Megan Tyler and “He was loved by all, he Saturday teams played a Pool winners. Kaley Marden all provided would show up on Friday to Play style tournament. An All Tournament team some great hitting, but came help prep the fields and stay Four pools consisting of was selected by all of the up short with Ohlone losing until dark to finish,” said four teams played each other. coaches. 11-9. Ohlone Softball Head Coach The teams with the best The All Tournament team This year’s tournament was Donna Runyon, remember- win loss records played in a consists of 18-20 All Tourdedicated to umpire Walter ing Bob in the tournaments single elimination tournament nament players at the end of “Walt” Wood and Bob “The program. round Sunday. Sunday’s play.
Baseball team finds groove, wins 10th straight victory Seventh-place Renegades beat first-place Panthers from Hartnell College By THOMAS PHY Staff writer
The Ohlone Renegades are starting to find their groove as they took down Hartnell College over spring break, marking their 10th straight victory. Ohlone started the season with a rather tough schedule, losing to third-ranked Sierra College and splitting games with sixth ranked Diablo Valley. Now the Renegades have caught fire during recent against teams within their conference. Ohlone, ranked seventh in the state, came into the game versus Hartnell with a 15-7 record and a first place standing in the Coast Pacific Division. The 10-7 victory was lead by key RBIs from left fielder L.J. Kalawaia and right fielder Matt Owen who combined for six hits at the plate on Thursday. Altogether Ohlone combined for 17 hits, with only one of which being for extra bases, a double off the bat of Kalawaia. Starting pitcher Trent Allianic picked up the win, going 7-2/3 innings with five earned runs and seven strikeouts while Scott Benton pitched a clean ninth inning to earn the save. “It was a good team win.
JOHN HUGHES / MONITOR
L.J. Kalawaia is safe at first base, helping Ohlone build a 6-2 lead over visiting Hartnell College on March 22.
Trent Allianic pitched well for us,” Head Coach Julian Russell said. “It was good all around team execution on offense, and good defense and good pitching.” The Renegades have played high scoring games throughout the season, a testament to their offensive firepower and while their pitching and defense has sputtered at times this year, coach Russell stuck by his squad.
“Our pitching is doing great. Our team ERA is second in conference and our batting average is first in conference,” Russell said. Russell also praised Owen, a sophomore from Foothill High School who at only 5 foot, 10 inches, is one of the smaller guys on the team but has managed to be one of the most vital as well. The “scrappy gamer” has played nearly every game of
his Renegade career, according to Russell and is hitting .277 on the season with a .382 on base percentage. “It was a team win, [we had] good pitching until the end and timely hitting all around by our whole lineup,” said Owen said of the victory over Hartnell. The Renegades extended their streak Tuesday to 11 games with an 11-0 victory over Gavilan College in which
starting pitcher Dylan Morrow went for a complete game shutout on the road. The Renegades will look to continue their winning streak when they face Skyline College today.
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