The independent student voice of PCC. Serving Pasadena since 1915
PASADENA CITY COLLEGE
COURIER
VOLUME 109 ISSUE 5
WHAT’S INSIDE: SOCHI PCC Alumna takes on translating at the Sochi Olympics. PAGE 8>>
DOG THERAPY Pet your troubles away with these furry friends.
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February 20, 2014
PCC STUDENT SLAIN Friends, family mourn the loss of Irais Acosta Christine Michaels and Raymond Bernal Staff Writers
Friends, family and neighbors grieved Tuesday a the memorial site of 19-year-old PCC nursing student Irais Acosta, who was fatally shot inside a Pasadena home over the weekend. Acosta’s boyfriend Jonjon Crummie, 18, allegedly killed Acosta early Sunday morning in his apartment in the 1500 block of North Raymond Avenue in Pasadena. Crummie surrendered to Pasadena Police Monday afternoon with out incident and is custody, according to a Pasadena Police Department press release. Crummie was charged with murder using a handgun on Wednesday and will be arraigned on Thursday, according to a press release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office. Shots were reported around 8:45 a.m. on Sunday and police arrived on the scene to find Acosta dead on the ground, according to the Pasadena StarNews. The college released a statement on Sunday regarding the shooting of Acosta and extended its condolences to her family. “Irais was a first year student who dreamed of becoming a registered nurse,” the statement reads. “The college extends its
Charles Winners/Courier Bethany Martinez sits by her friend Irais Acosta’s memorial on North Raymond Avenue in Pasadena Tuesday.
deepest sympathy to the Acosta family, friends, and the entire PCC community in this time of loss. Pasadena City College is a family and this impacts us all.” At Acosta’s house, merely blocks away from the crime scene, a memorial was held on the sidewalk. Members of her family stood quietly fixing pictures, sweeping leaves and dirt away from lit candles in her memory. A water jug filled with dollars and coins stood near a picture of a smiling Acosta. “We’re trying to raise money for her funeral,” Esmeralda Acosta, a member of the family said. “Any donations, any help
Website facelift
Photo Courtesy of Pasadena Police Suspect Jonjon Crummie was charged with murder on Wednesday. SHOOTING page 2
College against Chick-fil-A Christine Michaels and Kristina Wedseltoft Staff Writers
Justin Clay Online Editor
A year of development and the installation of a new IT system has culminated in the launch of a new version of the college’s website that will be improved upon over the next year. The site has been improved visually with a photo slider on the homepage depicting photos of campus life. The site also has improved graphics, with larger and more colorful banners. The menus are also easier to navigate compared to the last design and it takes fewer clicks to find what the user is looking for. However, some students have complained about the search engine not allowing for more than one-word searches. Select members of the PCC community, mostly students, but also Trustees, faculty, assistants and student leaders, were invited to become “beta testers,” meaning that they had a chance to try out the site and give feedback as
we can get.” Laura Fernandez , a PCC student and friend of Acosta, visited the memorial and lit a candle. “I knew her since middle school. I was shocked when I found out. We hadn’t seen her in so long … she was taking up a lot of classes,” Fernandez said. “Her life was shining and all of a sudden she was gone.” Acosta’s older brother Juan wanted to thank PCC for their support in this time of grieving. “I would like to say to her classmates at Pasadena City College to remember her for how joyful she always was and how she was always the life of the
Image of the new PCC website
well as identify any issues that might be problematic before the site went into general use on Feb. 13. In all, more than 1,000 people were selected as beta testers. Valerie Wardlaw, PCC’s Public Relations Director, helped develop the new design. Wardlaw says that the previous design was outdated and needed to be more user-friendly. “The students say that it looks new, cool and fresh and those are all things we like to hear from students,” said Wardlaw. BETA page 2
The college opposes the plans of a restaurant with a history in supporting anti-gay groups from opening near the campus. Chick-fil-A, which in the past admitted to donating money to anti-gay organizations, plans to open up shop on the corner of Bonnie Avenue and Colorado Boulevard across the street from campus in the empty building that formerly housed a Burger King. Robert Miller, Senior Vice Presidnet of Business and College Services, said in a statement that the college “is not in favor of ” giving the restaurant permission to open across from the campus. “As a corporation, Chickfil-A has not shown itself to be supportive of [LGBT] communities,” he said. The restaurant was originally OK’d by Pasadena to start up in December last year, however District 7 trustee Terry Tornek appealed the approval, according to Annabella Atendido, the As-
sociate Planner for Pasadena. A second look to approve Chickfil-A’s opening will be held on March 19 this year according to Atendido. However, many community members at the December hearing strongly opposed its opening, according to Atendido. Along with city members, PCC constituents are disheartened the restaurant wants to come here. Student Trustee Simon Fraser aired his dislike to Chick-fil-A coming near PCC. “I would not think that Dan Cathy [the CEO of Chick-fil-A] and his homophobic band would be welcome here and I would be very disappointed in all people who consider themselves LGBT allies who would go and eat there,” Fraser said passionately. “When a business makes a point of making its public views part of the public record, then by eating there you are implicitly supporting the idea that gays are significantly lesser people than everyone else.” A second hearing to consider Chick-fil-A’s request will be held on March 19, according to Atendido.
NEWS
2 COURIER
February 20, 2014
PCC steals show at Black History Parade Daron Grandberry Staff Writer
Pasadena residents, marching bands and drill teams marched down Fair Oaks Avenue on a beautiful sunny day Saturday for the 32nd Annual Black History Parade and Festival. Hosted by The Black History Parade and Festival Planning Committee and the City of Pasadena Jackie Robinson Community Center, the theme for this year’s parade was, “Black History: A Legacy for the Present and our Future.” This year, the parade featured 77 entries, including musicians, dancers, equestrians, local youth groups, dignitaries and commu-
nity leaders. The parade included two Grand Marshals this year: Gary Moody, community activist and president of the NAACP Pasadena Branch, and Shirlette Butler-Elder, childcare advocate and director of Butler-Elder Family Child Care. The annual parade also saw its share of Lancers as the Pasadena City College Band and Herald Trumpeters took part in the festivities, as did director Gena Lopez and PCC’s Ujima Program. “I think the PCC band stole the show,” parade goer and Lancers student Cherice Turner said. “I never knew our band was that good. They really sounded good and I enjoyed the band. We
Jorell Brittenum/Courier The John Muir High School drumline performs at the 32nd Annual Black History Parade in Pasadena on Saturday.
don’t get a lot of marching bands in the Black History Parade but I hope the Lancers will be back next year.” The annual parade and festival is a major celebration where the Pasadena community recognizes the achievements of African Americans and the contributions they have made throughout
Upward Bound program receives $330,000 grant Kristina Wedseltoft Staff Writer
Upward Bound, a pre-college program helping students develop the skills and motivation needed to be successful in college and beyond, just received a $330,000 grant for scholarships and college support, according to Heba Griffiths, Interim Associate Dean of Student Life & Upward Bound Director. The Upward Bound program supports students from low-income and/or first generation four-year college scholars in developing strategies for attending college and navigating the tricky tasks involved with college applications and applying for scholarships starting in high school. “Think of it as family,” Juan Pablo Careon, Trio Coordinator for Upward Bound Math & Science said. “It’s great to give students this opportunity and see them come back.” Upward Bound received the funds from The California Community Foundation, which contributed $110,000, and the College Access Foundation of California, which gave $220,000. The College Access Foundation of California has been funding Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math & Science since 2010. And this year, when the program realized they need more money, they reached out to The California Community Foundation. Upward Bound grants are federal fund grants that must be reapplied for every five years. This year both Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math & Science re-applied for grants previously received as well as wrote for second grants that they received to help with students in the El Monte Unified School District. This is the only Upward Bound program in California that receive their grants directly, meaning students don’t have to go through a second source to apply for the scholarship money. Griffiths is an upward bound alumna and she came back to work for the program to give back to the community and to help improve the lives of the students in the program. In years past, Upward Bound had only enough resources to help students in high school, but with these grants the program will have more flexibility in supporting students. As budget cuts increased, the program lost funding so receiving this grant “was a breath of fresh air,” Griffths said. The grant will mostly be used for scholarships for students in their first and second years in college, as well as advising. The rest is used to hire an alumni advisor/scholarship specialist to help work
with the students in college to insure retention and graduation. This is to help with the mandate by the Department of Education, which requires the students to graduate from college. “If they can complete their first two year successfully, they’re more likely to graduate from college,” Careon said. Applying for these scholarships can be an intense process because students who were involved in the program their senior year don’t automatically receive a scholarship. Students must apply for the scholarship and then applications are rated by staff and faculty. The amount a student receives depends on their need and the cost of attendance. Students must also demonstrate they are also applying to at least three other scholarships. “They have to understand this is just not going to be handed to them,” Griffiths said. “We also want them to be comfortable with the idea of applying for scholarships.” Jazmine Trochez and Milly Correa have both been involed in Upward Bound since attending Pasadena High School and will receive a scholarship from the grant. “Upward Bound was the biggest influence in my life,” Trochez said. “I initially didn’t want to join because my brothers were in it, but it made me see things in a different way.” Throughout high school Correa was determined to go to college and knew she would have to work hard to achieve her goals. “I saw this as a resource to help me get through the [college] application process,” said Correa. “It’s the main reason I joined the program and the scholarship shows me I’m doing well.”
Christopher Martinez/Courier Heba Griffiths , left, the Upward Bound Director, poses along with Juan Pablo Careon, the TRIO Coordinator of Upward Bound Math and Science at PCC.
the community and the United States. In her first time participating in the annual parade and festival, Ujima student Kiara Shaw expressed how much she enjoyed participating in the parade and what black history means to her. “Walking in the parade was fun and different,” Shaw said. “It was great to be able to walk with
the Ujima program and come together to celebrate our history.” Fellow Ujima Student Erin Bourne echoed the same thoughts when asked about her participation in the parade. “We’re here to celebrate our history, our heritage and our accomplishments.” Bourne added. “It’s a beautiful day to celebrate.”
BETA
look and its ease of use. “It’s a lot more attention grabbing and it’s also easier for new students to navigate and link to services,” he said. Emmanuelle Carrasco, Secretary of the Associated Students, was also invited to be a beta tester. “Some of the content has been updated to make it more user friendly, and while a lot of the content is the same, it feels more organized,” she said. The new site is device responsive, meaning that it will adapt to the size of whatever device it is accessed from. There is a plan to change the photos on the site weekly and new videos will be added Monday through Friday during the school year.
Continued from page 1
The feedback tab will still be present on the new site for a year in order to continue to try and continue to make the site better. “We’re gonna remain in the beta testing phase for about a year, so even though the site is live we will still continue to get feedback which we will use to try and perfect the site,” she said. One of the students who was able to participate in the beta testing is David Zepeda, the Associated Students VP for Campus Activities. Zepeda praised the new design for it’s modern
SHOOTING Continued from page 1
party.” Juan Acosta said. Neighbors gathered around a second memorial outside the crime scene on Raymond Avenue on Tuesday, leaving behind empty beer bottles, candles and flowers to honor her. Bethany Martinez, a close friend of Acosta, sat on the sidewalk with tears in her eyes drinking a bottle of wine to herself. “How do you expect us to feel,” she said. “This is terrible.” Martinez got up and poured what little remained in her bottle over the memorial flowers beside her. Javier Vasquez, who used to live in the same apartment as Crummie, was somber yet said he was desensitized to shootings in his neighborhood. “If you were raised in this city, nothing phases you,” Vasquez said. “People [grow up] with a lack of education, a lack of good parenting. They don’t know how to deal with these kinds of situations.” Vasquez recognized Crummie from around the neighborhood,
he said. “I always used to see him in the community and he didn’t look like a dangerous kid,” Vasquez said. “He looked like a normal kid. He just hanged around with the wrong crew…” According to a Pasadena Police crime report, two homicides were reported from 2011 to 2013. Acosta’s death is the first recorded homicide of the year. Acosta’s father had a special message for her college classmates. “I would like for all of her Pasadena City College friends to know that they are welcome to my daughter’s services, so that we may all say our final goodbyes and we can all bury my dear daughter together.” Baltizar Acosta said. A memorial in honor of Acosta was held on Tuesday evening at her house. in Pasadena. The family is accepting donations to fund Acosta’s funeral. Donations are also accepted by the family at www. gofundme.com/IraisAcosta and a car wash fundraiser is planned for this Saturday and Sunday at the Burger King on the corner of Lake Ave. and Orange Grove Boulevard.
February 20, 2014
Courier
2012 JACC General Excellence Award-Winner Editor-in-Chief Christine Michaels Managing Editor Philip McCormick Asst. News Editor John Peters II Online Editor Justin Clay Asst. Online Editors Tiffany Roesler, Aerika Dave Opinion Editor Raymond Bernal Asst. Opinion Editor Tiffany Herrera A&E Editor Samantha Molina Asst. A&E Editor Lucy Patrikian Features Editor Aubrey Quezada Asst. Features Editor Monique LeBleu Lifestyle Editor Paul Ochoa Asst. Lifestyle Editor Janel Leonard Sports Editor Daron Grandberry Asst. Sports Editor Andrew Salmi Photo Editor Antonio Gandara Asst. Photo Editor Nagisa Mihara Online Photo Editor Benjamin Simpson Scene Editor Billy Skelly Social Media Editor Concepcion Gonzales Staff Writers: Jessica Arceo, Matthew Kiewiet, Emma Koffroth, Mary Nurrenbern, Robert Tovar, Kristina Wedseltoft Staff Photographers: Joseph Adajar, Josh Balmadrid, Jorell Brittenum, Victoria De La Torre, Andrew French, Chris Martinez, Mary Nurrenbern, Barney Soto, Daniel Valencia, Rocio Vera, Charles Winners Faculty Adviser Nathan McIntire
OPINION
COURIER 3
Gay NFL player: Yay or nay? Tiffany Roesler Asst. Online Editor
Michael Sam just finished his career as PRO Missouri’s successful defensive end, with All-American honors and as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Sam is also a National Football League draft prospect. But that’s not it. He also just publicly revealed to the world that he is gay. In a sport filled with alpha males, high testosterone levels, and violence that fans hold season tickets to cheer on – it’s hard for people to digest news like this. And the world’s reaction revealed just that. People like Alexis Rose Bank tweeted things such as:“So, message to Michael Sam and those like him: NOBODY WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT A MAN WHO LIKES TO SUCK C***. GET BACK IN THE F***ING CLOSET.” As well as kind words that Michelle Obama tweeted.“You’re an inspiration to all of us, @ MikeSamFootball. We couldn’t be prouder of your courage both on and off the field. –mo.” In fact, if you were to Google “Is the NFL ready for openly gay player,” your screen would look like it’s in a conflicting argument with itself. Every other headline from publications big and small say yes and no – in that exact alternating pattern. Former and current NFL players are backing up both sides of this heated debate with reasons that feed both the little angel and devil on the league’s shoulders. The reality is that the NFL is as ready as it will ever be, because if not now, when? 2013 was a year that the LGBT community should be proud of. Many battles were won, starting with the Supreme
VOICES:
Court’s decision to strike down Andrew Salmi the Defense Against Marriage Staff Writer Act, which paved the way for the legalization of same-sex marAs the 2014 NFL riage in over 10 states, and the CON Draft approaches in Boy Scouts’ allowance of openMay for Michael Sam, ly-gay youths into their ranks. the former Missouri defensive Hell, even the Pope said, lineman and SEC Defensive “Who am I to judge?” and conPlayer of the Year, knew that veyed that people with same-sex coming out proudly as an openly orientation should be integrated gay football player would draw a into society. large amount of controversy. Times are, indeed, a-changing. “I understand how big this It wasn’t a matter of if this is,” he said in an interview with was going to happen, but when. ESPN. “It’s a big deal. No one And the NFL knew it would has done this before. And it’s have to face the kind of a nervous inevitable. Now, process, but I it’s time to welknow what I want come that change. to be ... I want to The league rebe a football playleased a statement er in the NFL.” on Twitter welI believe the coming Sam. “We reason he calls admire Michael this whole process Sam’s honesty and “nervous” or courage. Michael “scary” is the way is a football player. a good amount of Any player with people in today’s ability and detersociety still react mination can suc- Photo Courtesy of Fifteen so negatively to ceed in the NFL. Minutes Public Relations someone being We look forward homosexual, esFacebook page to welcoming pecially with Sam and supporting Michael Sam in potentially being the first openly 2014.” gay player drafted in the NFL. A survey conducted by ESPN. “Hopefully it will be the same com’s NFL Nation and ESPN like my locker room (at Missouri, The Magazine asked players four where he came out to his teamtrue-false questions about their mates and coaches in August of thoughts on having a gay team2013),” he said. “It’s a workmate. Out of the 51 anonymous place. If you’ve ever been in a contributions, 44 said that their Division I or pro locker room, teammates sexual orientation it’s a business place. You want to didn’t matter to them, and 39 act professional.” said that they would be comThis is what Sam hopes for fortable with showering next to once he plays for an NFL team, them. but unfortunately, he will not Breaking barriers is never quite get the equal treatment he easy, and doesn’t happen quickly. deserves. However, there are But it happens, and anyone is as clearly different extremes regardready as they will ever be. ing the opposition or acceptance I guess we’ll just have to find of Michael Sam being a gay out in May, when the NFL draft football player, whether that be starts. from NFL fans, owners, coach-
es, players or the general public. There have been a handful of NFL coaches and executives who had been granted anonymity in an interview in exchange for their honesty against a homosexual player being part of an NFL organization. Pete Thamel, a writer for Sports Illustrated, was able to uncover a select amount of quotes but still gave the sources anonymity.“I don’t think football is ready for (an openly gay player) just yet,” said an NFL player personnel assistant. “In the coming decade or two, it’s going to be acceptable, but at this point in time it’s still a man’s-man game. To call somebody a (gay slur) is still so commonplace. It’d chemically imbalance an NFL locker room and meeting room.” Some NFL scouts are convinced that Michael Sam’s sexual orientation alone will cause his draft stock to plummet, despite the 11.5 sacks he had last season that led him to the SEC Defensive Player of the Year award.“I just know with this going on this is going to drop him down,” said a veteran NFL scout. “There’s no question about it. It’s human nature. Do you want to be the team to quote-unquote ‘break that barrier?’” It is really disturbing that there have been plenty of instances where a college player’s draft stock is barely affected by past criminal issues and arrests. But when Michael Sam, who was projected as high as a third round pick by some analysts and scouts, might have his draft stock actually go down simply because he is gay? It’s understandable if his draft stock goes down because of poor testing, but having his draft stock plummet solely because of him being gay seems very unethical and against equal rights in the workplace.
How gay friendly do you think Pasadena is?
Photography Adviser Tim Berger Advertising Coordinator Daniel Nerio
The Courier is published weekly by the Pasadena City College Journalism Department and is a free-speech forum. Editorials and comments are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the institution and its administration, student government or that of the Pasadena Area Community College District. The Courier is written and produced as a learning experience for student writers, photographers and editors in the Journalism Department. Phone: (626) 585-7130 Fax: (626) 585-7971 Advertising (626) 585-7979 Office: 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., CC-208 Pasadena, CA 91106-3215 © Copyright 2014 Courier. All rights Reserved.
“I didn’t even know we had gay people but I’m open and friendly to meet them.” Wysper Erigio, theater
“I don’t see any oppression in the city but I also don’t see any strong activists’ things going on.” Cole Hoover, music
“I think in Pasadena it’s probably one of the more mixed culturally in terms of social equality.” Steve Tse, kinesiology
“I believe Pasadena is pretty gay friendly...So I’m pretty sure it’s ‘yay’ for gays.” Benjamin Ramirez, theater arts
“I guess we are friendly with the gays, but I’m not sure.” Jonathan Bias, broadcast journalism
Reporting by: Janel Leonard / Photos by: Daniel Valencia
Note to Readers Letters to the Editor The Courier welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be about 300 words and may be edited by Courier staff. All letters must contain your full name and a correct daytime phone number. Letters can be delivered to the Courier office in CC 208 or sent by email to raymondjbernal@gmail.com Corrections The Courier staff endeavors to ensure accuracy in all aspects of its reporting. If you believe we have made an error, please contact us at (626) 585-7130 or via email to michaels.courier@gmail.com
ONLINE POLL RESULTS Online, we asked: Is the NFL ready for Michael Sam? Results as of 5 p.m. Wednesday: Yes, who cares if he’s gay?: 67 % No, it will create problems: 13 % Who’s Michael Sam?: 20 %
Vote at PccCourier.com
4 COURIER
SCENE
February 20, 2014
COURIER 5
6 COURIER
FEATURES
February 20, 2014
Classic comedy’s sex strike hits modern nerve Monique LeBleu Asst. Features Editor
Casting is set for Germaine Greer’s version of Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata,” a classical Greek comedy that addresses the conflicts between sex, love, infidelity, coercion and manipulation in a sex strike for “peace” during wartime. These themes will comically collide in a provocatively teasing political power-play. Morality aside, the play in two acts addresses love, lust and other emotions in existing and enduring love between partners, versus the use of women’s inherent power to withhold sex for a political end. With a grueling rehearsal schedule to begin in early March, “Lysistrata” is due to open in April. Albert Virgen, who is at PCC to get his transfer units toward an English degree, auditioned for the character Kinesias, whose wife Myrrhine is conflicted in her love for her husband while attempting to keep his sexual attentions at arm’s length in order to effectively adhere to her agreement in the strike. When asked if he was nervous about his pending cold read, or comfortable with the sexuality inherent with the characters and subject matter, Virgen just smiled. “It’s a comedy, so you have to have this sort of lightness of
Photos by Nagisa Mihara/Courier Director Heather Corwin watches the auditioning students for the play “Lysistrata” in the Little Theater on Feb. 7. Lysistrata is scheduled to open on stage April 25.
spirit and the ability to play— almost like a clown—and I’m excited to go in there and show my stuff,” he said. “They tell me that sexuality is a strong suit of mine. I’ve never really noticed, but you get a lot of second-hand opinions, so I do feel comfortable. It’ll be like playing myself.” Virgen began his audition by placing his hand within the front of his pants in order to feign the result of what would be his own erection—a prompt from
the original script notes that the aroused men are to sport phalluses under their “Togas.” The result was pleased tittering and laughter from his audience—the director, stage manager and the assorted actors who awaited their turn at the stage. After being asked for a callback audition Thursday, Virgen has been cast as Nikias, an Athenian senator intent on keeping the status quo. Heather Corwin, the play’s director and an acting and direct-
Where preparing to return to the workforce balances with
© 2014 National University 13818
“I have two young kids.”
• • • •
ing instructor at PCC, is using physicality to enhance and spotlight the clear sexuality written within the text. “I’ve had more time in these auditions than I would normally,” she said. “And what we try to do in these auditions is figure out if people are capable of making big choices. And that’s really what playing is about—what acting is about.” Jacquelyn Holder, theater and business management, recently played Zoe in “Zoe’s Perfect Wedding” at PCC and read for several parts in “Lysistrata.” Striking in her near cherubic prettiness, she had already completed her audition with the monologue from the play’s title character and was later asked to read for the part of Myrrhine, for which she has been cast. “I see her as someone who is very sweet and seems very innocent on the outside,” she said. “Kind of like pink glitter. But when she’s with her husband, she’s more like a lioness. In reference to recent political events that have occurred in Japan, where a sex strike is currently in effect, Holder talked further on how the subject matter guided her in her audition. “‘Lysistrata’ is a story that really speaks to me, and I feel like it’s very timely,” she said. “The story is appropriate for now, because some things never change.” Ned Kirby, theater and philosophy, a classically handsome
actor clearly comfortable in his own skin, is seeking to work with Corwin for the first time. He spoke fresh from his audition for Demostratus, for which he has since been cast, a key character opposite that of the title character, Lysistrata. “I’m really excited, although the male roles are a bit shorter,” said Kirby. “You put in it what you can, and whatever happens, happens. There’s some incredible characters and I am dying to work with Heather. She’s amazing,” he said. “I’m eager to work with her.” During the audition and rehearsal process, Corwin is encouraging further open student and patron discussion on the play’s subject matter with a blog that is available for comments at www.lysistratasexy.blogspot.com. With the discussion of sex in intramarital and extramarital relationships a common hotbed for controversy, adding fuel to the proverbial fire is what might be considered by some to be morally reprehensible: the use of sex to manipulate. Whether the end justifies the means in sexual coercion is up to the viewer. With the play’s 20 character cast chosen, rehearsals are to begin the first week in March in preparation for its scheduled opening April 25 in the new Little Theater in the Center for the Arts Building.
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Director Heather Corwin watches the auditioning students for the play “Lysistrata” in the Little Theater on Feb.7.
LIFESTYLE
February 20, 2014
COURIER
Bulking up: Do you even lift, bro? Lucy Patrikian Staff Writer
Being fit and keeping in shape is more than a routine; for some, it is a lifestyle. Want to venture on your own fitness journey? PCC is crawling with avid gym goers who were eager to share their two cents on what a fit lifestyle really takes. “Nobody has ever regretted going to the gym. Don’t view it as a chore, more of a favor to yourself,” said Katia Mahserejian, part time PCC student, full time athlete, fitness junkie and trainer. “When I first started working out, it was really difficult to keep at it because I expected results so soon. Finding the perfect regimen is difficult but once you train consistently and eat healthy, results come in no time.” It’s easy to get pumped for the gym one day and go right back to bumming it on the couch the next. So, how do you stay motivated? Harout Davtyan, sports medicine major and Nutrishop athlete, revealed a little secret. “Just remember, summer bodies are made in winter,” he said. “Look at yourself in the mirror, do you feel skinny or fat? Use that as motivation to get started. That’s how it began with me, now I wake up every day feeling unsatisfied which drives me to workout harder. Persistence is key, Davtyan noted. “Don’t quit in the first week like everyone else, and if you have friends who work out, go with them to work out to learn proper exercises and create your
Charles Winners/Courier Jesse Mihm does bicep curls during his body building class in the Hutto-Patterson gym on Feb. 13.
own routine,” he said. Marine veteran Kelmin Jones agrees that finding friends to go with really helps people keep up with the lifestyle.
Pet your worries away Aeika Dave Staff Writer
Do you ever feel like your brain is going to explode with the stress of studying for a big exam? Do you just need a hug to let go some of the tensions you carry? Well, the Shatford Library may not have hugs, but they do have wagging tails and furry friends to help melt away your big test worries. The week before finals, PCC Students can let go and pet their way to a more calm, relaxing and not so tense week of exams. From noon to 1 p.m. in the Rotunda room located on the 3rd floor in the Shatford Library, therapy animals will be available to help students de-stress. For more than 15 years, Diana Ashkenasy, Instructional Media Coordinator at the Shatford Library, has devoted herself to promoting pet therapy. Ashkenasy has had her therapy pet Milo along her side since he was just six months old. Milo, a rescue American Kennel Club Bichon Frise, is a happy-go-lucky dog. His tail constantly wagging, he is a companion for life, said Ashkenasy. Ready for success with his vest on, Milo loves doing his job. “To give students an alternate outlet relief of stress is what we are trying to bring,” Ashkenasy said. All the therapy dogs, along with Milo, have been through what the Humane Society offers as a part of its obedience programmed
Concepcion Gonzalez/Courier
Diana Ashkenasy, the instructional media collection coordinator for the library, with her therapy pet Milo.
classes. About $100 pays for six hour-long sessions with about 10 to 15 other dogs in the class. These classes range from “Kindergarten” to courses in good citizenship. Walter Butler, a librarian and instructor, organizes these events known as De-stress for Success. Many more students are having issues reliving stress and remaining positive, he said. Student Alex Mejia has used the program and recommends it. “I think that De-stress for Success is an awesome way for students to unwind,” he said. “Sometimes all we need is a wagging tail and wet nose to make our hearts and mind a little less heavy.”
“I was fit for 13 years because of the people that were around me. Sometimes peer pressure is not a bad thing,” Jones said. “Don’t try to be like that guy with
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all the muscles on your first week. They were not born that way but they cared enough to continue their training to reach their goals.” Even without any fitness freaks around, gyms offer personal trainers that will help get results. Regimens can also be found on YouTube and Google. There are even websites like bodybuilding.com that provide full programs for specific body types. Want to get big? Winter is the primetime for bulking. “Though a lot of people just overeat and assume they’re bulking, there’s strategy to it,” Mahserejian said. “You maintain the same ‘diet plan’ of healthy eating without emphasizing portion control. That way all the bulking is done in a healthy manner.” All those supplements, protein shakes/ bars, and different items are beneficial to workouts, but they are not necessary. Maintaining a healthy diet or making shakes at home works just as well at a much more affordable cost. “The initial couple weeks of training are the hardest,” assures Mahserejian, “When you set a goal for yourself and believe it is something you can accomplish, you’ve already done half the work. Once you start getting results, it’s more than enough motivation to push yourself.” Attaining a dream body takes a mere fitness regimen and good diet plan. No one should hesitate to start his or her own fitness journey; all it takes is finding motivation.
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SPORTS
COURIER
From Sochi, with love
February 20, 2014
Men’s basketball coach reaches milestone with 200th win Kristina Wedseltoft Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of Fernando Vaughn Fernando Vaughn at Sochi Olympics 2014. Vaughn is working as part of the Aeroflot team of translators. Philip McCormick Managing Editor
After extensively studying the Russian language at PCC, Fernando Vaughn has found himself interpreting that very language at the Sochi Winter Olympics. “My time in Sochi has been amazing,” Vaughn said in English. “I’m having the time of my life over here and couldn’t ask for more.” Vaughn is currently working at the Winter Olympics as part of the Aeroflot team of translators. Aeroflot is the largest airline in the Russian federation. He took Russian 1, 2, 3 and 4 while he was at PCC in 2010 and 2011. Russian language instructor Dina Mokhnatkin said that she could attest to Vaughn’s active involvement and full dedication to studying Russian. “I am truly very proud of his achievements,” Mokhnatkin said. “We wish him continued success.” Throughout his experiences in Russia, Vaughn expressed his gratitude toward Mokhnatkin for everything that she had taught him and his classmates. “For Mokhnatkin, our teacher, our
protector, our supporter, our provider and our Russian mother, there are not enough words in the English or Russian language combined that can express the gratitude and respect I have for her and what [she] did for me and us all personally,” Vaughn said. “She truly played and fulfilled all those roles for us both in America and in Russia, and then some.” According to Vaughn, Mokhnatkin helped open his eyes to a whole new and beautiful society and culture. He said that she encouraged him to join the Strategic Language Initiative (SLI) program and that without her, he would not be where he is today. Vaughn was accepted to participate in the SLI program for intensive Russian immersion in 2010. In the summer of 2011, Vaughn participated in the study abroad component of the SLI program, studying for six weeks at the Russian State University for the Humanities in Moscow. “Before we joined the program, we were told that it was going to be exceptionally intense and that the sights we would see abroad in Russia were going to change our lives,” Vaughn said. “They were absolutely right. In the first
summer the high quality training we received in grammar and conversational speech was truly invaluable and the perfect foundation for our experience in Russia.” His final project, which was presented at Russian State University for the Humanities, was done entirely in Russian. Mokhnatkin said that Vaughn was enjoying all of his time in Sochi and Russia. “In Moscow and St. Petersburg,” Vaughn told her in an email. “I was left in such awe by the craftsmanship of man and elegancy of the Russian culture. The most memorable sights that I’ll hold close to my heart were the White Nights in St. Petersburg and the Petergof palace.” Vaughn has goals of becoming an English teacher abroad and ultimately wants to pursue a career as a translator. “Aside from the tourism,” Vaughn said. “The language training and diploma we received in the Russian State University for the Humanities in Moscow are invaluable assets that I can apply to my future career. Which I currently already am, today.”
Softball dominates in victory Tiffany Roesler Asst. Online Editor
Women’s softball reminded everyone of its offensive ability in yesterday’s 15-2 drubbing of Chaffey College (2-6,) after suffering a 4-3 loss to El Camino on Tuesday. PCC is now 4-9 overall, and 0-3 in the South Coast Conference. The Lancers scored in all five innings against the Panthers. Designated hitter Audrey Serna led the way with a 3-run home run in the first inning—her first of the season. Outfielder Vanessa Contreras also had a 2-RBI triple hit. From then on it really was a complete team effort. “Our hitting became contagious,” said pitcher Casey Ramirez. “The level of energy in the dugout increased dramatically, which set the tone for rest of the game.” According to head coach Monica Tantlinger, at least seven different players drove in runs in the successful effort, while freshman pitcher Alissa Barcena only allowed three hits. “We need to attack the ball tomorrow Photo courtesy of PCC athletics like we did today,” said Tantlinger. “ConSophomore pitcher Casey tinue to have quality at-bats and work to Ramirez pitches against Oxnard get the first out of the inning.” College on Tuesday. Against El Camino (7-5, 4-1) the
team found itself struggling to stop the Warrior’s 3-run rally in the bottom of the third inning in Tuesday’s 4-3 loss against the Warriors. Despite the defeat, left-handed Ramirez faced 26 batters and recorded three strikeouts with no walks. “Ramirez was on and threw a great game,” said catcher Allie Lacey. “It sucks that we couldn’t get her another W in the win column.” The Lancers came out Wednesday swinging hard, scoring all their runs in the first inning. Pitcher Breanna Rodrigo and shortstop Maddy Gianoli got the ball rolling with back-to-back singles. The bases were loaded after Lacey was walked, and Gianoli scored by default after first basemen Sara Quintero was walked. “We came out strong batting, putting up three runs in the first inning. But after that we weren’t able to score any runners,” Lacey said. The Lancers are set to play Long Beach City College today at Robinson Park at 2 p.m. “I feel confident about going into today’s game,” Ramirez said. “Our level of play is improving because we’re learning from our mistakes as a whole.”
With an 80-68 victory over LA Trade Tech, Lancers men’s basketball coach Mike Swanegan achieved a monumental feat Wednesday, recording his 200th career win. Swanegan has been coaching basketball for 30 years and has always known he wanted to coach. He earned his bachelor’s degree in health, physical education and recreation at Langston University and received a master’s degree in education from Azusa Pacific University. “I always knew what I wanted to do,” Swanegan said. “Coaching was my number one since high school, [so] in college my mind was already made up.” Swanegan is in his 7th season coaching at PCC and this year the Lancers have had a successful season (19-9 overall) and are currently looking for a spot in the playoffs this season. While this career victory is a milestone to many supporters, Swanegan has a few other important things on his mind at the moment and views this win just as any other. “I haven’t really put any stock into it,” Swanegan said. “I’m more concerned about these playoffs and winning this conference.” Sophomore forward Taj Spencer agreed and said the team is focused on “getting the win to make sure our coach is proud.” Swanegan credits much of his success to his players as well as his passion and love for his job. He also realized that over the many years of playing and coaching, he has taken something from other coaches. “Players are always the biggest inspiration,” Swanegan said. “These wins mean that I’ve had decent players that we’ve been able to send out to the next level.” Spencer is looking to transfer to a 4-year university to play basketball and described Swanegan as a great coach and a positive influence. “He’s one of kind, you’ll never meet anyone else like him,” Spencer said. “He has such a passion and I admire that a lot. This is a huge milestone and I’m happy for him.” The Lancers basketball coaching staff still keeps in touch with many previous players and even travels to other states to watch them play because they enjoy seeing everyone succeed. “You liked to see them grow,” Swanegan said. “Basketball is an avenue to get players to where they are today and helps in lifelong situations.” Swanegan hopes to continue his successful coaching style and to encourage his players to get to the next level of life and basketball. “Coach Swanegan loves the game,” La’Nette Dillard, assistant women’s basketball coach, said. “He’s a great teacher and mentor to the kids.”
Josh Balmadrid/Courier PCC’s Basketball head coach Michael Swanegan stands in front of his trophies that his team won for the lancers on Feb. 11. His combined preps/college victory total is up to 361 wins in 25 coaching seasons.