Monitor 2013-9-12

OHLONE COLLEGE

THURSDAY

MONITOR Ohlone braces for change

SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 Vol. XLVI No. 1

FREMONT, CA OHLONEMONITOR.COM

Syrian student opens up about troubled homeland

budget LOUIS LAVENTURE Editor-in-chief

SHANNON SORGE Online editor Major construction is coming to Ohlone in the spring.

On Jan. 27, construction will begin on a five-level parking structure to be built over lots M, N and O, located at the top of Pine Street on the south side of the property.

The structure will blend into the hillside, and each level will have a graphic representing the hierarchy of spirits in the Ohlone tradition, officials said.

The new parking structure is part of a series of projects that will transform the Fremont campus over the next four years. They are being paid for through the $349 million Measure G bond, approved by voters in November 2010.

The $19.5 million parking structure will provide a total of 905 spaces, along with motorcycle and bicycle parking.

To prevent the hassle of driving around within the garage and searching forever for a spot, there will be a parking meter near the entrances and exits (one outside level one on the south side of the structure, and the other outside level five on the east side of the structure) that will display how many spaces are available within the structure.

College officials still haven’t decided how much parking will cost.

For those who get dropped off for school, there will be a “drop off” circle adjacent to Continued on page 3

Board approves new

LOUIS LAVENTURE / MONITOR

Ohlone College student Enad al-Atassi fled Syria after participating in peaceful protests.

YAHYA BURHANI Staff writer Enad al-Atassi fled Syria two years ago after he fell afoul of the government.

He wound up as an international student at Ohlone.

Now, as the United States debates a possible military strike on his homeland, Atassi recalls how he became involved in the antigovernment protests that began in January 2011.

“So I have two choices: one, to go behind my people, be in danger and fight for freedom and dignity,” he said. “The other, to go on the regime side and be safe. I chose freedom and dignity. … I participated in almost every protest in my neighborhood. For the first six months the protests were completely peaceful except for the regime. They started killing people in my neighborhood. You have to

fight for yourself.”

The ensuing civil war between government and rebel forces has killed more than 100,000 and created 2 million refugees, according to the United Nations.

President Barack Obama has threatened to order missile strikes against Syria after reports that the government there used chemical weapons Continued on page 3

The Ohlone College Board of Trustees voted unanimously Wednesday night to approve the district’s budget, which is based on the first increase in state funding in more than five years.

The state hasn’t returned revenues to 2007-2008 levels, but it did offer the first cost of living adjustment since 2007 and restored funding to the tune of about 30 Ohlone class sections, officials said.

Ohlone President Gari Browning said during her state of the college address last month that she hopes to increase the number of full-time staff members.

Last year, Ohlone spent more than the school brought in – another thing that the college’s financial team is trying to repair.

“We project the budget and try to predict our budget using all the knowledge available,” said Farhad Sabit, director of business services.

“Sometimes things happen out of our control that cost money, and we have to be ready for that.”

Sabit was standing in for Ron Little, the vice president of administrative services, who would normally present the budget.

“That is why our total budget decreased and you see the discrepancy in the total numbers.”

Trustees approved the budget after deliberating over several key pieces.

They pointed out that it is their best estimate, based on projections that have been gathered statewide.

No more smoking on campus as ban takes effect MARISSA MARTIN News editor Bad news for smokers: Ohlone has introduced a campus-wide ban that includes the parking lots where students, staff and faculty previously could light up.

Smoking is now prohibited in all college vehicles, buildings, indoor and outdoor facilities, disabled and general use parking lots, and all open

areas of district property.

The nearest spots to smoke or use “e-cigarettes” are the sidewalks on Mission, Witherly and Pine Streets. The policy took effect on the first day of classes, Aug. 26.

In 2000, Ohlone became the first smoke-free campus in Northern California, although the policy included designated smoking areas.

Since then, the health department at Ohlone has been

pushing toward an entirely smoke-free campus, parking lots included.

Sally Bratton, director of health services at Ohlone, has been working for 13 years to put this new policy in place.

“I was shouting from the tree tops,” Bratton said, describing how she felt when the policy first came into effect. “I was very pleased.

It was a long time coming.”

When asked if there was anything keeping Ohlone from going smoke-free, Bratton responded, “It really wasn’t that difficult.”

She credits the student government, faculty and staff, and the low percentage of smokers on campus for the lack of trouble getting the policy enacted. Compared to the nationwide average of 19 percent, only 7 percent Continued on page 3

MAGDALENA JURYS/ MONITOR

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MONITOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

NEWS BITES Flu shots available The Ohlone College flu vaccinations arrived on Monday just in time for the fall season. There will be a few clinics for all students, faculty and staff at the Newark campus. The cost for a vaccination is $10 for students and $20 for staff and faculty. Email notifications are being sent out by the Ohlone Student Health Center, and more information can be obtained on its website at www.ohlone. edu/org/healthcenter/.

New hires announced Ohlone has announced the hiring of Abby Hirashiki as the interim director of the Ohlone Tri-Cities One Stop Center, after conducting an internal search. The position was left vacant after Tina Dodson resigned to take a position at Diablo Valley College. Hirashiki will remain in the position until a search for a permanent director can be completed.

She has experience at both the Ohlone and Las Positas College centers. Also, in May, Ohlone hired Farhad Sabit as the new director of business services. Sabit, who has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in public administration, previously worked at the San Leandro Unified School District and the San Jose/Evergreen Community College District.

NEWS

No arrests in student’s slaying LOUIS LAVENTURE Editor-in-chief No arrests have been made but the investigation is ongoing in the killing of former Ohlone College student Alberto Santana-Silva, police said.

Investigators still have no suspects in the May 12 slaying near Grizzly Peak, University of California at Berkeley police said.

Santana-Silva, 21, tried to break up an argument early that morning that was eventually settled.

Shortly afterward, while Santana-Silva was sitting in his car, someone shot him to death, police said.

Police released a description of two suspects in May. One was a Hispanic or Filipino man in his mid-20s to mid-30s, about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weigh-

ing about 200 pounds.

The second was an Asian woman about 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds.

She was described as having black hair tied up in a pony tail and wearing a black shirt and black shorts.

Santana-Silva’s sister, Maribel Santana, described her feelings about her brother’s loss.

“Miss you so much lil bro but I know you’re our angel now and you’re watching over us!! You’ll always live in my heart!”

S a n t a n a - S i l v a was an Ohlone student for two years.

He also worked at Chipotle in Fremont.

Anyone with information can contact the Berkeley police department at 510-981-5900 or the campus police at 510-642-6760.

COURTESY OF MARIBEL SANTANA

Former Ohlone College student Alberto Santana-Silva was shot and killed in Berkeley in May at Grizzly Peak.

Ohlone eliminates free speech zone

Ohlone makes top 10 Ohlone was named one of the top 10 community colleges in the state of California in an article published by www.cheaponlinecolleges. org. The rankings were based on graduation, transfer rates and academic standards.

It noted the diversity of Ohlone, which has students from more than 30 different countries as well as the Center for Deaf Studies program. California ranks 24th nationally in community college graduation and transfer rates. There are 112 community colleges in the state.

Athletic trainer honored Head Athletic Trainer Jeff Roberts was named the Ohlone College Faculty of the Month for September.

Roberts boasts an impressive resume, which includes being a member of the 2000 Stanford Rose Bowl team and 1998 Final Four team as well. Roberts is entering his sixth year here at Ohlone as the head athletic trainer and associate professor of kinesiology. Roberts is also the athletic trainer spotter for the National Football League as part of the concussion management program and injury video review system at all Oakland Raiders home games.

--Compiled by Louis LaVenture

MAJTABAH WALAI / MONITOR

Students at Ohlone College were paid $1 to watch a four-minute video by the group FARM, which stands for Farm Animal Rights Movement.

MITCHELL WALTHER Staff writer Ohlone no longer has a “free speech zone” – time to pull out the picket signs and ticker tape.

The college changed its “speech: time, place and manner” policy in 2011 based on a recommendation by the Community College League of California, but many people on campus are unaware of the new freedoms.

Ohlone and many other schools, including San Francisco State University, now allow students, employees and members of the public to protest more or less wherever they want.

Last week, the Farm Animal Rights Movement held a demonstration in the Quad in which FARM members offered to pay students $1 to watch a four-minute video. At one time, this

sort of event would have been restricted to the area down by the palm trees in front of Building 1 known as the “free speech zone.”

Ohlone’s policy now says officials “shall not prohibit the right of students to exercise free expression” in “areas generally available to students and the community.”

All common areas are now open for students to organize and voice their opinions.

We won’t see any revolts in Hyman Hall quite yet though, as offices, classrooms, warehouses, locker rooms and other facilities are still considered “non-public forums.”

The policy also says that touching, noise amplification and stopping the flow of student traffic is off-limits. So protestors can leave their megaphones at home for now.

The 2011 regulation is still news to some Ohlone faculty and staff. Officials came out to see why FARM members had set up shop in the Quad instead of in the free speech zone.

“Every public space on campus is a free speech area and we called and made sure beforehand, so I am not sure what the confusion was about,” FARM member Annie Fitzgerald said.

Campus police officers showed up and confirmed their right to be there, though, so the demonstration went off without a problem. Still, more than two years later, many people don’t know about their freedoms on campus.

Protesters still will need to watch the issues they choose to promote. Ohlone policy prohibits speech that is “defamatory” or “obscene,” or “which so incites others as to create

a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on district property or the violation of district policies or procedures, or the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the district.”

Trustees plan to make some further changes to the free speech policy, but they intend only to clarify some points, not to impose any further restrictions, officials said.

So will the giant posters of half-born fetuses litter the quad someday like they did the palm trees in past semesters?

Only time will tell.

Ohlone’s free speech policies are available on the college’s website at www.ohlone.edu/ o r g / b o a rd / p o l i c y / b p chapter3/bp3900.html and www.ohlone.edu/ org/board/policy/apchapter5/ap5550.html.

NEWS

MONITOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

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MONITOR Major construction scheduled OHLONE COLLEGE

Continued from Page 1.

STAFF: Editor-in-Chief: Louis LaVenture News editor: Marissa Martin Features editor: Magdalena Jurys Sports editor: Louis LaVenture Opinions editor: Amelia Neary Photo editor: Tam Duong Jr. Online editor: Shannon Sorge Monitor Staff: Yahya Burhani Erika Heredia Sruthie Kondamoori Alizaib Lodhi Luis Morales-Medrano Hung Ngyuen Santiago Perea Mary Joy Tantingco Majtabah Walai Mitchell Walther Adviser: Rob Dennis Printer: FP Press

California Newspaper Publishers Association

Journalism Association of Community Colleges

JACC AWARDS Online general excellence Enterprise news writing News writing

CONTACT US: Offices: Room 5310 Call: 510.659.6075 E-mail: monitor@ohlone. edu Read: facebook.com/ Ohlone.Monitor www.ohlonemonitor.com

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 fifth level of the parking garage (on the north side), along with a socialization area in the space between the structure and the “drop off” area. There also will be two sets of staircases, along with two sets of elevators to maneuver through the levels within the parking garage.

Ohlone President Gari Browning said there will be a study to calculate how many parking spaces will be available while this new formation is under way, and depending on the number of existing spots, will determine the amount of classes that are to be held at the main Fremont campus.

The remaining classes will be directed to the Newark campus until the garage is completed in the summer of 2015.

In Spring 2015, construction crews will begin tearing down buildings 1, 2 and 8 to make way for a new core of academic buildings. Once demolition begins, classes, offices and other facilities

COURTESY OF THE CITIZENS’ BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

This artist’s rendering shows the planned new parking structure, which is scheduled to be built on the south side of campus beginning in the spring. The structure, which is expected to cost about $19.5 million, will provide 905 spaces.

that were located in those buildings will be dispersed among portable buildings, temporary facilities and the Newark campus.

“I was unaware of Ohlone’s new construction project due to the fact that this is my first semester here, but I’m sure that the building of the

new parking structure will slow up traffic and ease the movement around campus as construction seems to always do,” student Riley Walter said.

“I would be completely fine with attending the Newark campus for the majority of my classes, con-

sidering that it is actually closer to my house.

The campus is much more modern and recently renovated as well, so it’s not too much of an issue for me.”

For more information about Measure G construction, go to www.ohlonebond.com.

Student flees Syria amid protests Continued from Page 1. on its own people, killing as many as 1,400.

Atassi said he supports the missile strikes.

“I surely don’t want any foreign country to get into my country, any military into my country,” he said. “If your skin is itchy you have to scrub it with your nail, but your nail (is taken) over under torture, so you have someone (else) to scratch it.”

Atassi, 20, who now lives in Fremont, grew up in the city of Homs in western Syria as part of a prominent family, he said. His father’s uncle, Hashim al-Atassi, served as the country’s first president.

“He was like a grandfather to me,” he said.

His cousin, Nureddin alAtassi, also later became president. He was overthrown and imprisoned by his defense minister, Hafez al-Assad, the father of current President Bashar al-Assad.

“My family opposes the regime for the last 40 years,” Atassi said. “My father had to go to the secret intelligence for questioning every six months. The regime hates us so much because they know what we do.”

Atassi majored in mechanical engineering at university, but school “became like a prison,” he said, and he decided to go to Lebanon. He was arrested at the border.

“I stayed arrested for three days, it was a terrible three days – you can’t even imag-

ine,” he said. “My father had to pay $40,000 to get me out of prison. They told me that I had 72 hours to get out of the country or we’re going to arrest you.”

He again went to Lebanon, where he tried to supply medical aid to Syria.

“But it’s also dangerous in Lebanon because of Hezbollah and other parties in

Lebanon that support the Syrian regime, so I move to Egypt and try to start my life there,” he said. “But it’s also difficult, they have their own problems, their own revolutions and they’re fighting each other every day.”

He decided to come to America, first settling in Illinois. Then he visited an uncle in Fremont and de-

cided to stay.

Now, he works the night shift as a shuttle driver to Oakland International Airport, and takes classes at Ohlone during the day.

He hopes to transfer to the University of California, Berkeley, in two years.

“Actually, I missed Syria before this killing,” he said.

“I miss my friends, my family, my sisters, everyone.”

Campus smoking ban takes effect Continued from Page 1. of students and faculty at Ohlone smoke, Bratton said.

She added that those who want to smoke near campus should not do so across the street toward the hills.

The area, covered in dry grass, is susceptible to fires and she advises students to go to the bottom of the hill to smoke.

Students on campus praised the new policy.

“I’m glad there are no more designated smoking areas because the second hand smoke triggers my asthma,” Danny Nguyen said.

When asked about campus awareness of the new policy, former student government senator Rowan Sandhu said, “The school has given students and faculty enough time to learn about the new policy, where they can smoke, and where they cannot smoke.”

Chief of Police Steven Osawa said campus police is “in concurrence” with the new smoking policy, and that it should have been implemented a while ago.

When the Newark campus opened in January 2008, it was a smoke-free campus, so it did not make sense that one campus was smoke-free and the other was not, he said.

When asked if the new rule has been problematic for people to follow so far, Osawa said the only problem has been awareness of the new smoking rule.

No new “No Smoking” signs have been posted around the campus, so police have only issued warnings so far to those who have been caught smoking.

To help get the word out, the Health Center has launched the 30 people 30 days campaign.

During the campaign, a team of volunteers will

be handing out “smokefree” buttons and other information about the new policy through Sept. 25.

Ciggy Buttz, the smoke-free mascot, also is doing the rounds.

Campus police will begin to issue fines next semester, once the no-smoking signs have been posted around campus.

Officials still are debating how much violators will be charged.

In a message to the campus, Ohlone President Gari Browning encouraged faculty, staff and students to help get the word out about the new policy.

“Eliminating exposure to second-hand smoke improves the learning and working environment for everyone,” she said.

For more information, call the Student Health Center at 510-659-6258 or Campus Police Services at 510-6596111.

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MONITOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

FEATURES

Ohlone student works on ‘Lone Ranger’

MAJTABAH WALAI / MONITOR

COURTESY OF JULIAN BONFIGLIO

Ohlone College student Julian Bonfiglio shows what he normally looks like and how his skiils with makeup can transform him into something unrecognizable.

Amelia Neary Opinions editor Hi Ho, Silver!

The famous tagline that’s been around since The Lone Ranger first hit the airwaves 80 years ago has now become part of a major motion picture, and an Ohlone student had the privilege of working with the creative minds in the makeup department.

Julian Bonfiglio was part

of the team that brought Johnny Depp’s character, Tonto, to life.

He was responsible for creating the mold for Tonto’s old-age makeup that is seen throughout the film.

Bonfiglio has studied makeup for five years, earning a certificate from the Cinema Makeup School in Los Angeles.

He worked 14 hours a day for two weeks straight to ac-

complish the grueling task of building the prosthetics that covered Depp from the top of his head to the bottom of his torso.

“I had no idea how big it was,” he said, when asked what it was like to be a part of a project of this magnitude.

This rewarding yet nerveracking experience allowed Bonfiglio to work with renowned artists such as Oscar-winning makeup de-

partment head Joel Harlow (2009’s “Star Trek” and the “Pirates of the Caribbean” saga). He has also worked with key makeup artist Mike Smithson who has worked on hits such as “Avatar” and “Lincoln” and was nominated for an Oscar for best make up in 1999 for the comedy hit “Austin Powers: The SpyWho Shagged Me.” Bonfiglio has put his talent to use in the music scene as

well, doing effects for music videos for the Swedish pop band Miike Snow.

When he’s not rubbing elbows in the entertainment industry, Bonfiglio is gearing up for the upcoming Halloween season.

He is currently working at Santa Clara’s Great America, doing prosthetics for the “Halloween Haunt” seasonal attraction, as well as teaching private make-up classes.

Minorities flourish in accounting outreach program LOUIS LAVENTURE Editor-in-chief An all-expenses-paid trip to Colorado is usually a prize on a game show, not something offered by a community college.

However, a partnership between community colleges and the Accounting Scholars Development Program changed all of that for many minorities enrolled at community colleges.

The program is designed to help minority accounting students who are planning to transfer to a four-year university from a community college.

Former Ohlone student Maria Leon was encouraged to apply for the program by one of her instructors, Jim Andrews.

“At first I didn’t really think I was going to do it because of all of the stuff that was required,” Leon said.

“I had to provide letters of recommendation, official transcripts and a personal essay about why I wanted to do it.”

The American Institute of CPAs runs the program,

COURTESY OF MARIA LEON

Left to right: Robert Galvan, Maria Leon and Muhammed Cisse during a CPA workshop in Denver.

which this year was held at the University of Denver.

“The dorms we stayed in were really nice and everything was paid for, even our meals,” Leon said.

“We got to go to lectures, workshops, Ernst & Young and even got a tour of the Colorado Rockies stadium.”

Jim Andrews was very pleased that Maria and an-

other Ohlone student were selected to participate in this year’s program.

“The program is underwritten by large national accounting firms and is designed to convey “cultural capital” to high-performing Hispanic and African-American students,” he said.

“Two of our students were chosen for this highly com-

petitive program and I hope next year that we can have even more selected.”

Leon moved to the U.S. from Mexico when she was just six years old. Her family settled in Fremont and has been here ever since.

“I was a little intimidated at first, especially when it came to applying for internships,” Leon said.

“Everybody I met had similar feelings about being scared but even though they were scared they still did it and it made everything seem possible to me.”

Leon also met another person while in the program who also migrated here from Mexico early in his life, which gave her even more confidence in her abilities and potential.

She said that she always enjoyed math, and accounting appealed to her meticulous nature.

“As long as I can remember I always liked math,” she said.

“Accounting caught my eye because I am extremely organized and precise, so that stood out to me.

Leon has transferred to Cal State East Bay, where she will begin classes Sept. 25.

Her major is business administration with an emphasis on accounting.

“I am really excited and I like what I have seen so far from CSUEB,” Leon said.

Anybody interested in applying can contact Jim Andrews at JAndrews@Ohlone. edu.

FEATURES

Goes The Mashup!

Photos By Erika Heredia The much anticipated Pop Goes The Mashup event indeed was true to it’s name. There was singing, crooning, dancing, choreography, rapping and even some comedy.

They were all mashed up to make a dazzling show last Thursday, Friday and Saturday on the Fremont campus outdoor stage.

The stage was electrified from the very beginning by local band Six Steps North.

Several acts contributed to the night of entertainment including the Bliss dance group whose moves captivated the audience.

Choreographers Cassie Begley and RJ Navaeta guided their dancers to the music stylings of Fred Alim.

Top left: Danielle Perez flashes a smirk while Huy Ha shows off his break dancing skills by balancing on his head upside down. Top right: Danielle Perez spinning during one of the dance numbers for Pop Goes The Mashup. Above: Gabby Wood, singer in the band 6 Steps North, belts out a tune on the opening day of the mashup event last week in Fremont. Above Right: Ohlone instructor Fred Alim strums the guitar on stage during rehearsals last week on the Fremont campus outdoor stage. Right: Angel Patino, Senchal Rodriguez, Felicity Morris and Michael San Pedro fall in line during the “Transit” dance portion of the Pop Goes The Mashup event last Thursday.

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MONITOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

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OPINIONS

MONITOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

MARY JOY TANTINGCO / MONITOR

Ohlone’s parking lot problems MITCHELL WALTHER Staff writer There’s nothing like the moment when you walk out after your first day of class only to find a yellow parking ticket resting on your windshield.

The feeling of disbelief grows as you realize that section “N” is not included in your confusing alphabet of “B’s, C’s, D’s, G’s, K’s” and all the other letters of your parking pass. Now you’re stuck with a $45 ticket, an outrageous fee that actually

trumps the $35 you paid for the parking pass itself.

With math, science and history up on the hill, you don’t need an English lesson printed on your parking pass; you just need a place to leave your vehicle.

First-day tickets are more common than you may think. Freshman Alina Jaunteman, 18, had one served up before her first day was out.

“I was fined for parking incorrectly my first day at Ohlone,” she said. “I think it’s unfair for the campus

security to go around ticketing people on the first day of school, when many students are probably new to the campus and not totally aware of all the parking restrictions. They just hand out a fine that’s more expensive than the parking permit itself.”

The campus police website makes it painfully obvious that officers won’t issue warnings at the beginning of a semester: “There is no grace period during the first few weeks of each semester.

Parking rules are enforced

from the first day of each semester through the last.”

But how then are new students supposed to learn the parking rules without having to pay a fine to do so?

Caleb Prewitt, 19, a second-semester student, said the lowest levels of parking should be made free, as they are fairly far down the hill in the first place, and they are always open.

However, 19-year-old sophomore Alex Morgan has another opinion.

“We need parking per-

mits because if we didn’t then anyone could just park in our parking lots,” he said. “However, the cost of permits should be dropped because the revenue gained is an insignificant amount.”

Regardless, the convoluted letter system of parking needs to be replaced, or a grace period should be introduced. In doing so, the college would stop taking advantage of a lot of new students, and a lot of cash would stay in the pockets of those who keep this school going.

permit? Where is my class?

All of these questions are extremely valid and can be tough to figure out if you don’t do a little bit of research.

Before I started attending Ohlone in the summer of 2012, I came to the campus and I found where my classes were ahead of time.

I also found out which parking lots require which permits so I could avoid any ticketing fines.

Building 5 can be a challenge all on its own, navigating the three levels of the highest building on campus.

The Monitor newsroom often gets mistaken by confused students looking for their classroom.

More often than not, they’re looking for the classroom just around the corner atop building 5.

Do not just assume that everything will be easy to find or for that matter even easy to get to physically.

If you park on Mission Boulevard or in the bottom parking lots where semester permits are valid than expect a trek up Ohlone Mountain before you reach your desti-

nation atop campus.

Give yourself some time to make it to class and buy a permit if you need to because those lines can get pretty lengthy, especially at the beginning of the semester.

Don’t be afraid to come to the campus and wander around ahead of time to make yourself familiar with the campus, otherwise your first day could be a disaster.

Seasoned students know that parking higher makes for less travel distance so

some prefer the daily permit machines.

“Why would I buy a semester permit when I have to park so far?” Alaina Vasquez said. “I would just rather pay the $2 a day and park literally about a minute from all my classes. Nothing is worse than showing up to class late and sweaty, which happens all the time.”

Don’t assume that things will go according to plan.

Take control of your college experience and know what you’re doing.

Plan ahead to avoid stress on campus LOUIS LAVENTURE Editor-in-chief The first day of school can be an anxiety-ridden experience regardless of what grade you are in, especially if you don’t know where to go or how to get there.

At first glance, Ohlone College can seem like a daunting task to navigate if you are not familiar with the campus.

Where can I park with a semester permit?

Why do I have to buy a $2 daily permit to park closer if I already have a semester

CAMPUS COMMENT

What do you think of the book prices at Ohlone?

CRYSTAL DE LOS REYES

STEFAN FRASER

THOMAS COOPER

JAVED KUSHZAD

CANDY DE LOS REYES

“I think they are so expensive so I just go online and buy them there.”

“They are pretty expensive and a lot more should be available to rent.”

“I just really feel like they could be a lot lower.”

“They are way too high and I can order them online at a much cheaper rate.”

“Honestly, I get my book stuff online and just buy food or snacks here if anything.”

SPORTS

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MONITOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Ohlone hires Curran as baseball coach LOUIS LAVENTURE Editor-in-chief

America’s pastime will have a new look at Ohlone College in the rapidly approaching 2013-2014 season.

The school hired Michael Curran as the new head baseball coach for the Renegades.

Curran spent the last two seasons coaching at West Hills Community College in Coalinga, where he led the Falcons to a 29-43 overall record.

Ohlone College Athletic Director Chris Warden elaborated on the new hire.

“Last year the Athletics department was allowed to search for a full-time position. After a lengthy discussion around this topic, it was decided that we would go out for a full time, kinesiology instructor who would be assigned as the head baseball coach. The process concluded at the end of May with our new coach Michael Curran being hired. He has already started the recruit-

ing process and has been on campus teaching over the summer. His full-time position starts with this fall 2013 academic year.”

Curran will replace Julian Russell, who was an assistant coach on the last Renegade team that won a state championship before taking over as head coach three seasons ago.

Russell, who had a record of 72-51, took over after his former teammate and head coach Jordon Twohig accepted a job at the University of Washington.

Russell declined to comment for this story, and Warden wouldn’t say whether the former coach applied for the new position.

“All I can say is that the hiring process was very extensive with a lot of candidates throughout the country applying,” Warden said.

“After multiple rounds of interviews concluded, the position was offered to Mike by the District, and he accepted.”

Former Ohlone pitcher Jackson Zaru-

bin talked about his former coach and his style.

“He just gets it,” Zarubin said.

“He knows what we need to do and how to communicate it to us.

Coach Russell is awesome to play for.”

One advantage that Curran will have is in the recruiting department.

Curran has been highly involved with the Central California Blaze Baseball Club, which displays talented high school and college players from all over the central part of the state.

Curran had a lot of success at Washington Union High School in Fresno County, where he won a state championship.

He also had one-year stints as an assistant coach at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks and at Fresno State University.

Curran will usher in a new era for Ohlone Renegade baseball with 16 returning players from last year’s team listed as freshman or redshirt freshman.

TAM DUONG JR. / MONITOR

New Ohlone baseball coach Michael Curran throws batting practice to the Renegades during a practice last week at the Fremont campus.

Strong pre-season bodes well for men’s soccer team LOUIS LAVENTURE Editor-in-chief No playoffs, no problem.

The Ohlone College men’s soccer team and head coach Jan Eric Nordmo must feel some type of way about how last season ended.

Missing out on the state playoffs despite having two of the best players in the Coast Conference in departing sophomores Michael Beigarten and Greivin

Pacheco Quesada definitely contributed to the bad taste left in everyone’s mouth.

However, Pacheco Quesada is back as an assistant coach and Nordmo is excited about the prospects on this year’s squad.

“We have a very talented large group this year and a number of new exciting players,” Nordmo said.

“Probably our best recruiting class in a couple of years and trainings

are going very well and look very competitive.”

Miguel Montoya, a James Logan High graduate, is one of the new exciting players on this year’s team.

“It’s fun to be out here practicing and trying to get better,” Montoya said.

A returning player from last year’s Renegades is Kennedy alum Dominic Hertz, who will see a lot of time on the pitch for the Renegades in 2013.

TAM DUONG JR. / MONITOR

Dominic Hertz pushes the ball forward against Merritt College last week at Central Park.

“Just trying to condition and get in shape so I can be ready for the season,” Hertz said.

The next home game for Ohlone will be at 4 p.m.

Tuesday, when the team

takes on Marin College at Central Park in Fremont.

Hopefully a return to the state playoffs will be in the cards for the 2013 Ohlone Renegades men’s soccer team.

8

SPORTS

MONITOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Battle of national champions

TAM DUONG JR./ MONITOR

Above left: Johnny Morales uses a perfect stiff arm to evade the tackle of Jad Gore. Above: Connor Baer has his eyes on the football as Angelo Archibald attempts to break up the pass. Left: Maryland School for the Deaf defender Diamani McNeely forces a fumble from California School for the Deaf quarterback Zane Pedersen.

A matchup in the making for years finally came true. Maryland School for the Deaf Orioles, 2011 national champions, came to Fremont to take on the 2012 national champion CSD Eagles.

The Orioles were able to hold off a late surge by the Eagles to secure a 16-6 victory for Maryland in the first game of the 2013 season for both teams. CSD will take on Calistoga High School at 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Fremont campus.

Ohlone volleyball team off to perfect start LOUIS LAVENTURE Editor-in-chief Perfection.

That’s what the newest version of the Ohlone College women’s volleyball team has achieved early in the 2013 season.

Coach Jeremy Penaflor has his squad off to a great 5-0 start despite the loss of their huge presence at the net from last year’s playoff team in the forms of Selina Samorano and Elise Menicou.

“Generally, our team will have a different dynamic than last year’s team,” Penaflor said.

“Last year we had talent and experience in almost all positions. This year’s team doesn’t have that, but I don’t think that has really affected what the girls are capable of as a group.”

The Lady Renegades have a solid group of returners led by the hard-hitting sophomore Brittany Creel.

Creel was one of four Lady Renegades to be named to the 2012 Coast Conference South all conference team.

Creel is also the lone returning all conference performer for Ohlone and coach Penaflor.

Taylor Presley will have

This group works really well together and as each person steps onto the court, their roles and responsibilities will be clearly defined.

MARY JOY TANTINGCO / MONITOR

Emily Marden dives for a dig as teammates Taylor Presley and Jovita Nunez look on last week in Fremont.

the tough task of replacing a dominant defensive specialist from last year’s team, Lindsey Calabrese.

Emily Marden, Jackie Class and Marcela Chinn also are returners from last

season’s playoff team.

“This group works really well together and as each person steps onto the court, their roles and responsibilities will be clearly defined,” Penaflor said.

“This year’s group has such a different style of play.”

Last year’s team finished the season with a 19-5 overall record and an impressive 8-2 in conference play.

They lost to Sierra College in the first round of the playoffs.

Some of the early victo ries have come over Mendocino College and College of the Siskiyous.

The Lady Renegades were able to control both of the matches for wins, which will go a long way come playoff seeding.

Up next is the Ohlone College Classic, which is scheduled for all day at Epler Gymnasium on the Fremont campus today.