02/27/2014

COURIER VOLUME 109 ISSUE 6

The independent student voice of PCC. Serving Pasadena since 1915

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PASADENA CITY COLLEGE

EDITORIAL Was this realignment plan thought out?

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PCC triumphs at Camellia Festival

February 27, 2014

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Crummie pleads not guilty to murder Christine Michaels and Raymond Bernal Staff Writers

STORY ON PAGE 3>> Charles Winners/Courier Jose Ortiz of PCC’s Herald Trumpets plays at Temple City’s Camellia Day parade on Saturday. This is PCC’s third year participating in the festival.

Senate announces election candidates John Peters II Asst. News Editor

The Academic Senate announced the nominees for their Executive Board at its meeting on Monday, and three out of four Board positions are uncontested, including the race for board president.

Eduardo Cairo is running unopposed for President, Patricia Rose has no challenger for Secretary and Manuel Perea faces

no opposition for Treasurer.

Two faculty are running for the Vice President position: incumbent Earlie Douglas, a business instructor, and Kris Pilon, who teaches career technical education.

When Senator Gloria Horton asked if there were any other nominees, silence filled the room.

“I am a little surprised that we are not running against anyone,” said Rose, who teaches English.

This will be Cairo and Rose’s second year on the Executive Board.

Cairo, a social sciences instructor, said he is running for reelection because he believes there is a path that the campus should take and he hopes to be part of that process. He added that a second term will allow for continuity.

“I think it takes a year to really learn what’s going on,” Rose said. “I think next year (the

board) will be far more effective.”

This will be Perea’s first term on the Executive Board. He said the current Academic Senate leadership has done some great things this year and he’d like to be more involved in Senate activities.

“I believe in shared governance and think a strong and unified Academic Senate is essential for faculty to maintain ELECTIONS page 3

PCC transfer rates drop 20% Paul Ochoa Staff Writer

Transfer rates this year for PCC students to California universities have dropped by nearly 20 percent compared to last year, according to Dina Chase, director of degree and transfer services.

PCC only transferred 1,475 students to the University of California and to the California State University’s in the 2012-2013 year. “The school sent 572 students to UCs and 903 students to Cal States,” said Chase.

As for the transfer data for the 2012-2013 to independent and out-of-state institution, the numbers have not yet been released.

PCC, which transferred 1,834 students in

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the 2011-2012 year, dropped from fourth in transfers to fifth in the state.

The decrease in transfer rates is not something only affecting PCC but other Community Colleges as well, said Chase.

The decline in transfer rates can be attributed to a number of things, according to Cynthia Olivo, dean of counseling. The admission preferences of the CSU system, which gives students applying from designated service areas preference and enforces higher admission requirements for students applying from outside their service area, have contributed to the decline, she said.

“Our local CSUs are Cal State LA and CSU Northridge. Our students have to meet

TRANSFER page 3

THE GREAT SKY LIZARD Discover the PCC student behind an up and coming children’s book.

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Photo Illustration by Daniel Valencia/Courier

An 18-yearold Pasadena man pleaded not guilty this week to a murder charge after prosecutors alleged that he shot a Photo Courtesy of Pasadena PCC nursing Police student to Deprtment death earlier this month, according to a court official.

Jonjon Crummie surrendered and was arrested on Feb. 17 at a medical center after Pasadena Police announced that he was a suspect in the slaying of 19-yearold Irais Acosta.

Crummie faces one count of murder with the special allegation that he used a handgun.

He was charged last week and entered his not guilty plea on Tuesday.

Close friends and family somberly waited for the arraignment at the Pasadena Courthouse on Tuesday.

Eva Acosta, Irais’s mother, insisted that Crummie was guilty of killing her daughter and said she believes Crummie will try to use an insanity defense.

“He is trying to put forward the story that he is not mentally stable,” said Angel Olvera, who was translating for Acosta.

“Obviously he was mentally stable enough to know what he was doing and to run away and turn himself in.”

Alexandra Kazarian, a public defender representing Crummie, would not comment on her client’s plea when reached by the Courier Wednesday.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Crummie on March 19, according to a court official.

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NEWS

2 COURIER

February 27, 2014

Students get a taste of soul food Jessica Arceo Staff Writer

The Associated Students helped PCC celebrate Black History Month on the Quad last Thursday in hopes of giving students a better understanding of black culture through food.

To make the day happen, Auriana Duffy, Vice President for Cultural Diversity, reached out to a number of trucks and came across Postcards Central American Soul Food.

“I loved the menu, I loved that they were black owned and operated,” Duffy said.

Duffy felt that students could get a better sense of African American history by tasting dishes offered by Postcards that were named after influential African-American historic figures, such as Langston Hughes and Alice.

“I feel like this is a good one that could get the whole entire campus involved regardless if you’re black, white, Indian, green, yellow...you’re gonna want food and it’s gonna be free, and while you’re getting this you’re gonna get a little education on top of it…,” she said.

The food truck had a decent turnout as students were drawn in by their curiosity over African-American soul food and their

excitement over the food being free.

While many of those in line were trying soul food for the first time and did not know much about it, they really seemed to enjoy the dishes.

Postcards was able to provide the school with three of their signature dishes from their regular menu.

Students were able to sample “The Signature”, which had chicken, macaroni and cheese, and greens. It is a best seller for the truck and proved to be the more popular dish among the students, according to owner and chef Greg King.

The truck also offered a dish named “The Verdict”, which was similar to “The Signature” but with brisket. Students were also given a chance to taste “The Greatest”, named after Muhammad Ali, which had fish and dirty rice.

“It’s good but different,” said attendee Elaine Morales.

Tecumseh Shackleford, a PCC student, thought the food was “bomb” and was happy that PCC was celebrating Black History Month.

King explained that soul food had developed from its southern roots even before slavery and usually incorporates ingredients such as ham hock, mac and

Photos by Daniel Valencia/ Courier Students wait patiently as the food is being prepped. Postcards Soulfood truck visited PCC’s quad as a gift from AS to remember Black History Month on Thursday.

cheese and collard greens.

It’s traditionally a southern African-American staple that families share when they get together during special occasions and is prepared differently in each household. Soul food is also traditionally full of seasonings and usually involves frying or braising, which makes it quite decadent and full of calories.

Postcards had chosen to provide its customers with a more healthy fusion of soul food by opting to bake their meats instead of frying them and providing more greens.

“It can be healthy, it can be good for you and it can be something that you can eat everyday,” King said.

King felt that through the historically named dishes on

Catherine Molina is one of the first to obtain her food. She ordered a tostada with chicken, greens, and mac’n cheese.

their menu and having students actually taste soul food, they were able to provide those who attend with a little more education about soul food and what it is about. He thought it was a great

event for PCC to put on and that it showed “we really love our students, we support our students and we want to provide things for them that teach them beyond the classroom.”

Associated Students stumped by election code bylaws Jessica Arceo Staff Writer

Proposed changes to the ASPCC election code bylaws that would provide for more campaign contribution transparency have stalled in the Associated Students Executive Board and Supreme Council.

The amendment to the bylaws would have candidates disclose a list of their supporters who helped them during their campaign and a deadline of when to disclose so as to be more accountable.

The item was first brought to

the Executive Board for approval, but was sent to the Supreme Council for modification as members were mainly confused by the wording.

Chief Justice Thomas Hatfield brought the item to the Supreme Council for revision.

He brought it back to the board with the changes made, only to have it sent back again to Supreme Council where it did not move any further and will be brought back to the Executive Board next Wednesday.

“I think it was a feeling of confusion and sort of they didn’t know why it didn’t pass or

sort of died in the meeting,” said AS President Jordon Orozco.

Orozco felt that the changes were relatively minor and the focus of the meeting was on more important things, such as the budgets for two events and an upcoming “pick your career/ major fair” bringing awareness to the fact that PCC has a lot of students who are undeclared.

“Statistics and data show that when you have a declared major, you are likely to succeed in school quicker and get your bachelor’s quicker, but it’s important to find something you like,” Orozco explained.

The Executive Board and Supreme Council also passed budgets Wednesday for Health Food Day and a Ujima trip for 40 students to visit the Pasadena Playhouse. The trip, organized

by VP for Cultural Diversity Auriana Duffy, will allow students to be exposed to a different form of art that some may not have had the opportunity to experience. “It is to educate students and also expand the limited horizons that some of the students may have as first year students, not having gone to a play,” Orozco said.

The Executive Board and

Supreme Council also approved a budget for the Health Food Day event to promote healthier eating habits and healthier food choices by having vegan/vegetarian friendly food on campus from Green Earth Vegan Cuisine. “This would promote better eating habits, and would inform the students that there are other food options that will sustain them without depriving them of proper nutrients,” the AS meeting agenda states. The money for both events will come from other committees, such as campus activities, external affairs, etc.

calling the decision a waste of time and resources.

Interim Director of Public Relations Valerie Wardlaw said in a statement that the appeal was filed because “the board believes strongly that the current normal academic calendar is best for students.”

“The Board believes strongly that the current normal academic calendar is best for student success,” the statement reads. “Of the 112 community colleges, 87 do not have winter sessions. The reason is that the current normal calendar synchronizes with Cal State Los Angeles and PCC’s major transfer targets.”

In addition to the calendar conflict, the faculty’s other concerns include compensation, working conditions, benefits and receiving full Cost of Living Adjustments, according to a recent survey taken by the Faculty Association.

Faculty Association President Roger Marheine said the treatment of adjunct professors and financial compensation are also among the important issues the faculty members hope to negotiate with the district next week.

“We haven’t had a pay increase in seven years,” Marheine said.

“Of course management has routinely gotten pay increases.

Another issue is the treatment

of part-time faculty members.

Part-timers have no job security, no healthcare and low pay.”

Wardlaw said that other colleges are able to pay their adjunct faculty higher salaries because they have higher class sizes and lower health benefit costs for full time faculty.

Faculty members also remain opposed to the realignment of the college into six divisions, arguing that it gets rid of the current deans and places more management work on the new department chairs.

However, the college continues to argue that realignment will eliminate unnecessary levels of administration.

“Having fewer schools saves administrative costs that can be put into more classes and support for students,” Wardlaw’s statement reads.

“The other major benefit to students is enabling better scheduling of degree programs so that students can get a full schedule and graduate in three years or less.”

According to the school’s website, the PACCD has made many proposals to the PCC Faculty Association to resolve the dispute over the academic calendar, but so far both sides have stood their ground. The two sides return to the bargaining table on Friday, March 7.

Faculty Association to restart negotiations with District

Daron Grandberry Staff Writer

With PCC’s Faculty Association and the district scheduled to begin formal negotiations next week, both students and faculty members remain concerned about the lengthy number of disputes between the district and faculty members.

The Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) ruled in favor of the Faculty Association’s Unfair Practice Charge over the cancellation of Winter Intersession in December.

Faculty groups on campus have criticized the administration’s decision to appeal the ruling,

NEWS

February 27, 2014

COURIER

3

PCC Honor Band triumphs at Camellia Festival

ELECTIONS Continued from page 1

the rights granted through Board policies,” said Perea, who teaches English.

Pilon hopes the Board members and the Senators can achieve several things next year including: updating the Senate bylaws, providing vision and direction at

TRANSFER Continued from page 1

Charles Winners/Courier PCC’s cheerleaders make an appearance on behalf of the college at Temple City’s Camellia Day parade Saturday morning.

recalls Viscara of his time in the mid-60s. “We had fraternities back then. It was a totally different environment than it is now.

It wasn’t as built up. It was more small town--more parochial.”

According to Vincent Yu, a local of 25 years who is celebrating at his 5th festival as a Temple City councilman, the parade and festival is older than the city, which was incorporated in 1960.

“This a grand celebration that

we have,” said Yu. “The festival proceeded our city’s history, so the festival is actually a long tradition in our area. We’re very proud of it and proud to be a little city.”

At the close, festival-goers were treated to two bands and a beer and wine garden in the evening, where the festival lasted until 11 p.m. just for its platinum anniversary.

PCC, and focusing on the 10+1 issues.

“I think that the Academic Senate is one of the most important bodies on the PCC campus,” Pilon said. “What distinguishes PCC and draws students here is the level of concern for students and dedication of the faculty.”

Cairo said an alliance that

included himself, Pilon, Rose and Perea was formed for this election. “When we assumed there was going to be an opposition, we wanted to form a slate so that all four of us could get elected as we were all on the same page as to the goals and methods by which we wanted to accomplish these goals,” he said.

According to Cairo, Douglas

was not part of the slate because she was unsure if she could continue as vice president. When she realized she could, the other three members of the slate had already asked Pilon to join them.

“From our perspective, we see (the VP election) as a win-win. If Douglas wins, our slate continues. If Pilon wins, she will bring different perspectives and ideas

to the team,” Cairo said.

Cairo added that the first thing the new executive team will do is meet to prioritize goals. “We will certainly be much stronger next year about reinvigorating the faculty role in the college,” Rose said.

Voting begins March 18 and ends March 27. The winners will be announced on March 29.

enough counselors and believe an automated degree auditing system would greatly help.

Keanu Moningka, communications, who is planning on transferring, has not visited the counselors office because of how busy it can get.

He thinks an automated degree auditing system would be more helpful to students.

“I’ve never spoken to my counselor,” he said. “I’m just winging it and taking classes which I know will help me transfer.”

Paola Munoz, biochemistry, who plans on transferring to UC Riverside, has also never visited a counselor and feels an automated degree auditing system would better help guide students toward their transfer goals.

“It’s usually really busy,” said Munoz. “I’m kind of just going with the list of classes I need to take to transfer and later I’ll go see a counselor.”

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slightly higher admission requirements for nearly every CSU,” Olivo said.

The amount of applicants and international students might also play a role, Olivo said.

“The college that has the most transfers to the UC system— Santa Monica College—had over 1,000 applicants to nearly each UC school,” Olivo said. “Coincidentally, they have three times the amount of international students enrolled at their college than PCC. International students pay nearly four times the amount of in-state fees and are on a strict timeframe to complete transfer goals.”

To help boost transfer rates, Olivo said PCC is in the process of implementing an automated degree auditing system.

Colleges with higher transfer rates have an automated degree auditing system, which allows the college to counsel students and identify if they have met transfer requirements electronically.

“It helps support and remind students about the transfer process,” Olivo said. “Students are also able to use the system to monitor their own progress.”

Some students who plan on transferring feel that the some of the problem lies within the current system not having

said Nanette Fish, the festival’s director, of local Gabe Lopez’ scheduled flight that began at the El Monte airport just for the event and referencing Pasadena’s own world renowned parade.

For Fish, the festival’s director of seven consecutive years, and a volunteer for 14, the annual celebration is a family affair, where her daughter Lainie was a princess in 1999.

“She’s in the parade now!,” Fish said proudly. “She’s driving the Mayor, so you can’t miss her.”

Holding grandstand seats was fifty-year local and 11-year Pasadena City Councilman Fernando Viscara, a PCC alumnus.

Viscara mostly enjoyed “watching all the kids and their displays and the bands” in the festival. He also spoke warmly of the good times he had at PCC as a sociology major, where he spent four years prior to transferring to Cal State LA to earn his M.B.A. and a degree in sociology.

“That was a different age,”

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On a perfect day in the San Gabriel Valley, families lined the sidewalks of Las Tunas Drive to await the pending mid-morning community parade on Saturday--day two of the 70th Annual Temple City Camellia Festival celebration during its namesake’s expected bloom.

In their third year of participation, the college was represented by the members of the Herald Trumpets, cheerleaders, and ambassadors, who joined the 87 entries that comprised the parade line-up, according to Alan David De La Vara of the PCC Office of Community and School Relations.

“Temple City is one of the school districts we work with,” De La Vara said of PCC’s participation in the annual parade and festival. “It’s great, it’s always fun, and we have a good time.

We like being a part of that.

The crowds seem to get a kick out of it, so we’re impressed

with the response from the crowds.”

Seven Camillia-adorned floats, as well as numerous bands, clubs, and community groups from local areas such as El Monte, Rosemead, and Pasadena, also wowed the crowds, along with a royal court of 1st grade King, Queen, Princesses and Princes, who are chosen in an annual contest to serve as ambassadors for the city and ride their own float.

First grader Aiden Garner‘s winning theme contest entry, ”Oh ,The Books You Will Read,” after the Dr. Seuss book, was chosen from 300 entries.

Garner’s prize was a space in the parade, riding proud in a chauffeured vintage black Model A Ford.

While volunteers checked in city officials and other dignitaries in the grandstands--many of whom were still in the parade--a 1940 Stearman bi-plane soared overhead, returning as if in encore to the cheering crowds.

“That’s our Stealth Bomber!,”

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Monique A. LeBleu Staff Writer

bschool.pepperdine.edu

4 COURIER

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

OPINION

February 27, 2014

Editorial: Oops they did it again Did this administration make absolutely sure that the realignment of the college’s academic divisions would withstand legal scrutiny and follow Chancellor’s Office policies? Does comprehensive data exist to support such realignment? Were reasonable voices heard and, most importantly, is it in the best interest of students?

If this administration’s infamous record is any indication, the answer is probably no.

Let’s review the record.

Cancelling of Winter Intersession was vehemently defended in 2013 by this administration and the District. But a judge from the State of California’s Public Employment Relations Board found that such cancellation was in violation of the Educational Employment Relations Act. The District was ordered by the judge to cease and desist from unilaterally changing the school calendar without allowing the Pasadena City College Faculty Association an opportunity to bargain.

Whether realignment will hold-up to such legal scrutiny has yet to be seen. There could still be another cease and desist order in this administration’s horizons.

The administration also defended its decision to add an Extended Spring term in 2013 and yet again they were ordered to rescind this action.

This time the order came from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO).

“The district had incorrectly acted to extend the spring term without first receiving approval from the CCCCO, as required under Title 5. To correct this infraction the district will rescind that action and instead offer the courses as part of the summer term,” according to internal emails from the CCCCO to the administration obtained by The Courier at the time.

Changing Extended Spring to Summer One caused a myriad of transfer problems that should not had happened for hundreds

of students.

Are we sure that this new realignment is following all applicable CCCCO regulations or is a barrage of internal emails from the Chancellor’s Office on its way to the administration’s inbox?

We wont get into the “PreWreck” fiasco. We’ll let that speak for itself.

Where’s the data?

Has the administration put forward comprehensive data to support such realignment?

In a letter dated Feb. 12 to President Rocha from the professors in the humanities school, such data was requested.

“To date, the administration has not presented a data-based rationale for the upheaval of the school’s administration structure, which was revealed only a week ago campus-wide, nor has campus-wide feedback been requested,” the letter read. “Decisions like these need to be planned, feedback from all constituents received and considered, and data acquired, reviewed and

analyzed. All of this takes time and should not be done at this accelerated pace. What’s more, policies and procedures should be followed when doing so…”

This administration has a history of ignoring reasonable voices like they did with Winter Intersession and Extended Spring.

We urge the administration to listen to the concerns of students, faculty and staff in regards to this new realignment, not to ignore them yet again.

Otherwise, the administration can pick its own cliché: “One who does not remember their past is condemned to repeat it,” for instance.

Or: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting a different result.” Or the ever popular: “Oops they did it again.”

We’re all in this together and if we are to continue to educate students and prepare them for their futures we must do this together or not at all.

Sports Editor Daron Grandberry Asst. Sports Editor

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Online Photo Editor Benjamin Simpson Scene Editor Billy Skelly Social Media Editor Concepcion Gonzalez 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, Christopher Martinez, Mary Nurrenbern, Barney Soto, Daniel Valencia, Rocio Vera, Charles Winners Faculty Adviser Nathan McIntire Photo 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.

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Regoogoozation

Letter to the editor: On block scheduling at PCC The way we currently schedule our classes is not just inconvenient, it’s poor planning. At the moment, our classes start and end on this campus every five minutes. Almost all our classes have no respect for the 10 minute ‘passing time’ to allow a student to get from the R building to the Center for the Arts without leaving us gasping for air by the time we get there.

Many of our morning classes cut right through the ‘campus hour,’ a block of time on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. that allows us to engage in life on campus outside of the classroom.

Many students find themselves needing to take an early morning class and a late night class, because the ones they

could take in the middle overlap by just five minutes. Any class that overlaps another means making a difficult choice on which one to take.

For many of us who have part time jobs, families, and other responsibilities to take care of, the complete inconsistency from day to day and hour to hour can cause havoc.

Block scheduling simply says the following: “All our classes shall start and end on the hour or the quarter hours. And that our classes will be consistent: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, versus Tuesday and Thursday.”

That’s it.

What does block scheduling mean for us as students? It means that all the problems I listed above go away: no more

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. f you believe we have made an error, please contact us at (626) 585-7130 or via email to michaels.courier@gmail.com

five minute overlaps. No more random start times each day. It’ll be even less likely that we end up with a day having a morning class, a five hour break in between, and then an evening class. It creates consistency and allows us to schedule our part time jobs, our families, and our lives much more easily. It makes it easier to preserve the college hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Scheduling in hours, instead of minutes, can only do good things for us as students.

I’ve advocated on many issues on this campus in the last few years. And I haven’t always agreed with the college’s administration. This time, I am in support of an administrative change as part of the Board’s goals to improve the success

of our students. The only side I will ever take on this campus is the student’s side; my side.

This time, I am in support of an administrative change as part of the Board’s goals to improve the success of our students. The only side I will ever take on this campus is the student’s side; my side.

While I haven’t agreed with everything that the college has done, and have loudly and passionately spoken against some changes – such as the removal of the Winter Intersession – this is one change that I wholeheartedly support as being the right thing for students like us at Pasadena City College.

Respectfully, Student Trustee Simon Fraser

ONLINE POLL RESULTS Online, we asked: What do you think of PCC’s new website?

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Vote at PccCourier.com

OPINION

February 27, 2014

COURIER 5

Is Pasadena ready for Chick-fil-A? Christine Michaels Editor-in-Chief

NO

Imagine just getting out of prison for a major offense.

You plan to move into a new town where most of your neighbors already know about your crimes against humanity.

This is the case for Chick-fil-A, the Atlanta-based food chain that was recently under fire for slurring homosexuality and funding numerous anti-gay organizations. The franchise plans to open a new restaurant right next door to our college, which has already publicly expressed its discontent with Chick-fil-A and its homophobic history. The only thing holding the restaurant back is a Pasadena City Council zoning hearing next month and the voice of the public.

Last year, CEO Dan Cathy openly stated that the federal government’s ruling to strike down the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act was a “sad day for our nation; founding fathers would be ashamed of our gen. to abandon wisdom of the ages…”

This chicken place should be concerned with how it may soon serve a college campus whose leaders have been outspoken with deep dislike for it.

Last week, openly gay Student Trustee Simon Fraser became red-faced with

VOICES:

“I don’t mind. I really don’t go around here to eat, it’s like whatever they want to do.”

Jocelyn Barron, undecided

anger that Chick-fil-A planned to come next door, stating that students who plan to eat there should be well aware of the restaurant chain’s history of homophobia.

“I would not think that Dan Cathy 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. “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.”

Robert Miller, senior vice president of college and business services, also did not support Chick-fil-A’s plans to open next door.

“As a corporation, Chick-fil-A has not shown itself to be supportive of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities, Miller said in a press release. “As a result, out of respect for our LGBT students, faculty, and staff, the college is not in favor of granting the conditional use permit and will appear at the Board of Zoning Appeals hearing to register its strong concerns.”

If Chick-fil-A wants to come here, it should be ready for its main consumers, the college campus community, to be absent in its lines.

Matthew Kiewiet Staff Writer

Soon after Pasadena was named America’s second “gayest” city by Matthew Breen of Advocate.com, it became known that Chick-fil-A chose to open a new location on Colorado Boulevard.

It may not sit well with some, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with this.

Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy is not moving into our gay-friendly city with the intention of spreading hatred.

He just wants to sell his delicious chicken.

Cathy has already opened locations in 11 (soon to be 12) of the cities listed in Breen’s story titled, “2014’s Gayest Cities in America.”

Cities on this list include chart-topping Washington D.C. and No. 23 Tampa, Florida, with 26 locations in the city or within a 20 mile radius.

Most notably, the fifth most homosexual-friendly city, Atlanta, has a whopping 68 locations in a 20 mile radius.

NCAA football fans also may have noticed that the Chick-fil-A bowl game takes place in Atlanta as well.

It is also a little outdated to call for a boycott of Chick-fil-A because of where Cathy chooses to donate his money.

In September of 2011, Chick-fil-A stat-

YES

ed that it would stop donating to anti-gay organizations.

According to their tax forms, they were telling the truth.

Chick-fil-A then released the following statement: “Over the past three years alone, Chickfil-A has given more than $68 million in contributions to over 700 different educational and charitable organizations around the country, in addition to providing millions of dollars in food donations.

While we evaluate individual donations on an annual basis, our giving is focused on three key areas: youth and education, leadership and family enrichment and serving the local communities in which we operate. Our intent is to not support political or social agendas. This has been the case for more than 60 years. The Chickfil-A culture and service tradition in our restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect and to serve great food with genuine hospitality.”

Cathy is entitled to his views, just as the residents of Pasadena and its surrounding neighborhoods should be free to protest Chick-fil-A’s presence in their city.

However, this would be as effective as a boycott of the Sochi Olympics due to the Soviet war in Afghanistan.

The battle is already won. It’s time to leave the past in the past, and just enjoy the chicken.

What do you think about Chick-fil-A possibly opening a restaurant across from PCC?

“I would like to try Chick-fil-A but at the same time there’s a part of me like ‘I don’t know, they don’t support gay people.’”

“I think it would be cool. I don’t think it would be an issue.”

Timothy Watson, psychology

“They would do absolutely great. Everyone loves chicken, quick and easy.”

“That would be pretty good. I like Chick-fil-A, [it’s] delicious.”

Pasha Moreno, theater arts

Steven Ceja, undecided

Michael Garcia, film

Reporting by: Tiffany Herrera

“I like Chick-fil-A but I don’t support that they don’t support gays…I could live without Chick-fil-A.” Joana Hernandez, baking and pastry

Photos by: Andrew French

Pasadena is so gay, it’s straight friendly Christine Michaels Editor-in-Chief

If anyone has been to Pasadena, let alone this campus, it’s obvious how diverse and open the community is to all lifestyles.

Within the last few months, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights have come to the forefront in the United States.

In California, same-sex marriages have finally been legally recognized in the courts. What

about gay rights at the local level?

According to The Advocate’s annual review of America’s “Gayest Cities,” Pasadena ranked number two on the list, just behind Washington D.C. Wow. How did this town of less than 140,000 happen to be so high on the list of thousands of cities in the entire country to be considered gay-friendly, one might ask?

The ranking system comprised a few criteria, including the number of city-wide and

state-wide “out” elected officials, the number of female elected officials, how many lesbian couples owned houses, the number of gay bars, and even how many Lady Gaga (who is an active advocate for the LGBT community), Pink, Mariah Carey and Jonas Brothers concerts were held.

The little old town of Pasadena currently has two “out” elected officials, two gay bars, and let’s not forget about the LGBT-accepting churches such as the Good Shepard Church, which boasts a rainbow on its

website along with many links to community LGBT activities.

Another LGBT-friendly house of worship is the All Saints Church, which not only advocates for marriage equality, but also has AIDS workshops and tolerance lectures for progressive Christians.

How many LGBT community members are on our campus?

Let’s see… Simon Fraser the Student Trustee, Associated Students President Jordyn Orozco, both elected officials, are openly gay.

Communications instructor and LGBT outreach mentor AC Panella is openly transgender.

Many of your classmates and and/or coworkers are probably part of the LGBT community as well. Heck, the LGBTQQ (Queer or Questioning) Queer Alliance club on campus is considered a “cool” club to join (by the way, the Big Gay Prom is always a ball NOT to miss out on).

When looking at the statistics, it seems like Pasadena is so gay it’s straight friendly.

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A&E

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February 27, 2014

‘Company’ christens new theater

husband, Harry (Raymond Barcelo), which signify the force of nature uniquely present in their marriage.

The bittersweet number, “Sorry Grateful”, features Harry (Raymond Barcelo) and the other husbands and men school us on the intricacies and contradictions in both the longing of lost freedoms and the desire for

security and comfort within a committed relationship. A funny, lighthearted moment comes when Jenny, David and Bobby get stoned and longing and desires are revealed.

“You Could Drive A Person Crazy,” which features the three girls that Bobby dates—April, Marta and Kathy—exhibits the lovely voices of Kira Alemania,

Ariana Raygoza, and Caitlin York and is reminiscent of the 1940’s Andrew Sisters.

The ensemble backed “Marry Me A Little” features an amazing performance by Aria Curzon, whose sweet but manic and neurotic Amy delivers a machine gun quick, perfect staccato performance.

“Ladies Who Lunch” is another signature Sondheim piece that includes a moving and powerfully commanding performance by Seymour, whose plight of the “woman of a certain age” prompts Bobby into an epiphany with her actions yet brings out the truth of her husband’s enduring and sincere love for her.

“Being Alive,” Bobby’s moody, powerful final piece featured a moving Gubelman as his over-all feelings culminate to a decision that is left to mystery.

Although occasionally dotted with an errant off-key note or upstaging prop, ‘Company’ still sports a solid, vocally strong cast that takes their audience with them on a romp that shows us what it means to be in good company.

“Basic things. I actually made them hand baste, hand running stitch, hand backstitch, [and] hand over stitch,” instructor High above campus in the Katherine Sterling said. “And we fourth floor of the R building did little swatches that were eight sits the fashion classroom. Lines inches long and by the end of of sewing machines, ironing each one they were like ‘I love boards, and designing tables are my sewing machine. I love it.’” everywhere. Mannequins are Beatriz Rosales, historical scattered across the room, some reproduction, values the sewing wearing dresses and some sitting technique lessons. “[I learned] bare in a closet in the back. a lot of different…sewing finPieces of fabric are scattered on ishing methods by hand which tables and counters. is nothing I had actually done Students’ finished projects before,” she said. “It’s something of purses, sweaters, and other different [and] it takes a lot of clothes are pinned on the walls time to make it all nice and pretor hung up on hangars. Signs are ty and consistent.” posted on all the Leslie Galvan, walls, doors, cabifashion and hisnets, and machines torical costume, for anything from said the most students selling enjoyable thing their textbooks to about the class rules of the classis the creative room. freedom. “It’s the Every Friday the fact that we have historical costume the opportunity to making class of be able to expand five students is our minds and get meshed with anothcreative for once,” er fashion class. she said. “Because Despite having being a fashion to share their inmajor you have structor’s time with to be by the book a much larger class, Nagisa Mihara/Courier the students have Beatriz Rosales, fashion major, shows her costumes des- and what people learned a lot in the gin for the play, “Pygmalion”, as an assignment during the would wear now. six weeks they have Historical Costume Making class at the R building on Feb. So this class gives you the oppor21. completed so far. tunity…Sky’s the “[We learned] steps one would take to getting a limit.” how to analyze a script and job as a costumer.”

An example is the main proj[how] costume photos fit,” While they may not have startect Sterling gave her students. “I Lauren Ward, historical costume, ed actually making the costumes, had them thinking about what said. “To figure out what each they have learned a lot about era they wanted to costume and character wears in what act. Also sewing.

I gave them a time frame,” Ster-

ling said. “It had to be [from] 1300 to 1900. And it had to be a person of wealth: upper class merchant, noble, or royal.”

Then the students had to choose the gender, country and era. She had them narrow that down to a 25-year period.

“Mainly because you could wear your mother’s dress and it would still be in fashion,” Sterling said.

“They made clothes to last a long time.”

The students were split in their decisions. Two students chose the bustle era, also known as the Victorian era. “They will have the skirt, the drape piece,

which has all different kind of styles, and the corset,” Sterling said.

Another two students are doing the Regency era. “That’s your Jane Austen look,” Sterling said.

“And then I have one student who is doing Queen Elizabeth.”

After six weeks of learning the basics while the other class is sewing and making clothes all around them, they are finally getting the opportunity to start their costumes.

With a smile on her face Sterling said, “We are finally getting to the part which I consider really fun.”

Monique LeBleu Staff Writer

PCC’s theater department christened its new Black Box Theater in the Center for the Arts building this weekend with its inaugural production of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s “Company.”

‘Company’ centers around the character Bobby and his friendships with five sets of couples and three girlfriends, exploring the conflicts between his desire to maintain his single status and his admiration for the security and comfort within the couples’ relationships.

The scene is set with a minimalistic New York skyline imprinted on a wall of brick on the small and centered double-decker stage, while the orchestra, perched atop and visible through enclosing banisters, begins the Overture.

‘Company’ opens in silence, as Bobby (Oscar Gubelman) is greeted in surprise for his 35th birthday party, which moves forward a series of vignettes and musical numbers that outline his unique friendships with each couple, along with the occasional date or odd tryst with the girl-

Nagisa Mihara/Courier Keri Seymour as Joanne singing her solo, “Ladies Who Lunch,” at the Black Box Theater on Feb. 20. Company opened on Friday, Feb. 21 and will be running for two weeks.

friend of the moment.

Joanne’s (Keri Seymour) honest and sarcastic “The Little Things We Do Together”, moves the couples through a number which showcases the dynamics in each relationship. In a slightly-awkward but comical physical display, Sarah (Faith Carrion) lets loose her recently learned Karate “chops” on her

Where history and fashion come together Tiffany Herrera Staff Writer

how to budget a show.”

Catherine Li, fashion design, said that she learned a lot about history and the changes in fashion. “How people wear [clothes] and the fabric [used],” she said.

“And now the clothes that we wear.”

Erin Sullivan, historical costume, said that the class has learned how to costume a play but have not started making the costumes yet.

“I learned how to do costume research for any type of show,” she said. “We read a book about costuming, so we learned how to [do] action plans and all the

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LIFESTYLE

February 27, 2014

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Miracle focus pills or study crutch?

Samantha Molina Staff Writer

“Smart pills” such as Adderall and Ritalin have gained popularity among college students as a study aid over the years, but how safe are they and do they actually work?

Students without prescriptions are using these “smart pills” as a way to improve their focus at school or to keep them awake and alert for an all-night cram session.

Adderall and Ritalin are two of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to PCC staff psychologist Dr. Gail Ellis. These medications are central nervous system stimulants and make focusing on day-today activities like school or work easier for those with ADHD and even for those not diagnosed. But like any medication, it should only ever be used when prescribed.

“You either take them and they work or you don’t take and they don’t work,” Ellis said. “There is no real downside to these medications, which is why I believe they have become so popular.”

“Although you cannot overdose on the pills you can get very ill which is why you should only take them if they have been prescribed to you,” Ellis added.

About one in ten children in the United States meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, which will follow them into adulthood, according to a study conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Photo Illustration by Joseph Adajar/Courier Adderall is a drug prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) but is commonly used by students without prescriptions as a study aid.

With an increasing number of people diagnosed with ADHD these “smart pills” are one of the more accessible drugs.

A growing demand for these medications used to treat ADHD even led to a shortage in 2012 as reported by the Food and Drug Administration.

“I am diagnosed with ADHD and some of my friends often ask me for some pills but I don’t give them out because I don’t know how it will affect them,” Michael Yu, sociology, said.

“People who need it do really need it and should use it but it should not be

used by people without a diagnoses or prescription,” Ellis added.

Even though students without prescriptions can easily access these medications they might not work and may other health problems.

“None of these medications work for everybody, you can go buy some from a friend but you don’t know what it will do to you it may work, it may not work, or it might interfere with something else that’s going on in your body that your doctor would know about but you wouldn’t.”

Not all students resort to these medications for a quick boost some still opt for

an energy drink instead.

“I’ve heard of many students taking Adderall but I have never tried it,” Sarah Henderson, psychology, said. “I just stick to drinking energy drinks which are not all that healthy but a lot safer than taking someone else medication.”

Although these “smart pills” may be seen as a relatively safe drug, the safer alternative is a simple cup of coffee.

“Students who feel like they want to increase their focus and concentration just for a test should just pick up a cup or even an energy drink,” Ellis said.

Healthy eats under $10: Stuffed peppers Tiffany Roseler Asst. Online Editor

Salads and tiny portions are often associated with a healthy lifestyle and stores like Whole Foods or Sprouts give the impression that healthy living is a bit pricey.

But in reality healthy habits don’t mean salads at every meal and emptying out your pockets. In fact, you can eat well and naturally on a college-student budget. So ditch the ramen and drop the processed hamburger for these wallet-happy recipes that can all be prepared for under $10.

On the Menu this week: Beef-stuffed peppers with brown rice • Total Cost: $8.39 • Prep Time: 15 minutes (I’m a slow vegetable preparer) • Total Time: 30 minutes • Serves: 2-4 • Calories: 259; Fat: 12; Protein: 22; Carbohydrates: 16 I had all the spices already. To save money, use whatever spices you may have or borrow from you neighbor! I still had meat left over that didn’t fit into the peppers, which I could save and plenty of rice to last me awhile. The peppers also gave me three meals, since one at a time was enough.

INGREDIENTS: • 4 green bell peppers - $3.69 • 1 large egg, lightly beaten (optional) • 1 (14-ounce) jar spaghetti or tomato sauce, divided - $.69 • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/2 teaspoon cumin • 1 onion (chopped) - $.44 • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper • 3/4 pound ground beef (use beef with an 85/15 meat to fat ratio) - $2.30 at $2.99/lb • 1 cup of uncooked brown rice -$.99 for a 1lb bag Grated Parmesan cheese or cheese you have on hand

Mary Nurrenbern/Courier A healthy meal of roasted green bell pepper stuffed with ground beef, onions, spices and topped with parmesan cheese. On the side is wild rice with shots of ketchup. This meal was made for $8.39.

DIRECTIONS: Directions: 1. Start off with cooking your rice, so that by the time your peppers are done, so is the rice. Follow the directions on the package.

2. Cut off tops of bell peppers, and remove seeds and membranes. Cut the edible parts off the tops, and chop them up to add into the meat mix.

3. Combine egg, 3/4 cup spaghetti/tomato sauce, and next five ingredients in a pan over medium-low heat. Cook meat thoroughly but be careful not to over cook it. Stuff peppers with beef mixture; place peppers in a lightly greased microwave-safe baking dish that can hold all four peppers.

4. Don’t forget to check on your rice!

5. Microwave at HIGH 12 minutes, giving dish a half-turn after six minutes if your microwave doesn’t have a turntable. Spoon 1-tablespoon spaghetti sauce over each pepper and sprinkle with Parmesan/any cheese. Heat remaining spaghetti sauce, and serve with bell peppers and brown rice. Enjoy!

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FEATURES

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February 27, 2014

New children’s book preaches dino morals Aubrey Quezada Features Editor

Brought to life by a lonely hopping dinosaur and a Sky Lizard who may be a reptilian version of God, Nathan Minier confronts the questions of who we are and why we are here in his classic story of an underdog who doesn’t quite fit in.

Written and illustrated by Minier, “Stevie the Hopposaurus” tells the tale of a special dinosaur that was dropped out of the sky by a wizard called the Sky Lizard.

Stevie tries—to no avail—to make friends with the other dinosaurs but they shun him and question why anyone would have made a creature so different from everyone else.

One day while Stevie makes yet another attempt at befriending the other dinosaurs, another Hopposaurus called Wunder comes to town, much to everyone’s dismay. But when the Hopposauruses greet each other with a high-five, they cause a frenzy when a “wonderous whammy of glorious rays” bursts from their hands.

The eruption of light is seen all through the town and the dinosaurs gather to witness Stevie and Wunder work miracles and dispel superstitions. When one of the dinosaurs asks if the Sky Lizard is real, Stevie and Wunder tell the others that it doesn’t matter as long as they are good and treat everyone with kindness and respect.

“Stevie has this unbroken spirit,” said actor Matt Shea,

who played an integral part in the editing process of the story.

“He keeps a smile on his face and keeps pushing on, and that’s something that everyone can relate to. It’s the human experience. If you don’t give up, you’ll find your place and won’t have to hide who you are, and that’s beautiful.”

“Stevie the Hopposaurus” is available on Amazon and through Minier’s website, hoposaurus. com.

Minier began working on the story in December 2012 and because he couldn’t get anyone to read it, he put together a short film narrated by Adam Croasdell, who has appeared in an episode of “Supernatural” and was a recurring character on the British soap opera “EastEnders.”

The video won Best Homegrown Film at the 2013 Rumschpringe International Short Film Festival in Lancaster, Pa. “Nate has created a project with a big heart and a great message,” Croasdell said on his website. “It has been a pleasure to have been asked to narrate this tale, and to have it win its first award at Rumschpringe.

Hopefully ‘Stevie’ will plant good seeds in the young minds exposed to it.”

Carlos Ramirez, a ceramics instructor at PCC, said that on the drive home one day, his oneyear-old son Cosmo was cranky from sitting in his carseat for too long, so Ramirez’s wife played the video for Cosmo.

“To our delight he was immediately enchanted by the narra-

tion and colorful illustrations,” Ramirez said. “‘Stevie the Hopposaurus’ is a charming book written with a keen sense of humor while touching earnestly on deep themes of individuality, acceptance and the search for a happy life. Above all, Nathan Minier’s book is a beautiful guide to children of all ages on how to be a good person in the world.”

Though the book and accompanying video are bright and colorful enough to appeal to children, Minier said that he never really saw it as a children’s book. For Minier, the book is more of a commentary on whether God exists or not.

“I want people to take from this whatever speaks to them… I would like it to stir up new ideas in peoples’ minds, maybe give them new questions or maybe confirm something that they’ve always felt,” Minier said.

Unfortunately, Minier almost put aside art altogether when he was scolded for crafting a clay sculpture of a demon in his art class at the Christian school he attended in Lancaster, Pa. Despite the diabolical nature of his sculpture, Minier’s artistic talents were recognized from a young age and he was invited to participate in a prestigious art program. But he wasn’t content with just drawing fruit and scenery.

“I took a 17-year break from drawing in the fourth grade,” Minier said. “After that I didn’t really want to make art anymore because I didn’t want to get in trouble anymore. I didn’t want to have people scaring the crap out of me.”

A few years ago while on a meditation retreat in Escondido, Calif., Minier rediscovered his creative talents when he found a pack of Crayola markers and a

Photos by Benjamin Simpson/Courier Nathan Minier discusses his children’s book “Stevie the Hopposaurus” at the Bru Coffee House in Los Feliz on Feb. 18.

drawing tablet.

Three of his paintings were featured in the 2013 PCC Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition.

Doug Harvey, an LA Weekly art critic who was one of the judges for the exhibition, described Minier’s piece entitled “Way Cheaper,” as “the most perplexing in the whole show,” according to Minier.

After studying film in Pittsburgh, Pa., Minier moved to California with the hopes of pursuing a film career. He soon found it to be unfulfilling and now studies industrial design at PCC. Minier is currently working on his next book, “Dr. Keith and his Rainbow Teeth,” in which he focuses on the theme of friend-

ship while also delving into the lengths people will go to in order to be noticed in a celebrity obsessed culture.

Shea said that even though Minier’s books are marketed as children’s books they are multi-layered and a little dark.

“I remember distinctly the first time Nate showed me his drawings. They were mostly sketches and doodles, but I could just tell that he’s very creative and I could tell from his characters that he is trying to forge new territory,” Shea said. “Within this world we need shadows and light, and Nate’s work is uplifting because he’s not afraid to use those shadows to bring out the light.”

Inscape mag showcases creative writing from students Kristina Wedseltoft Staff Writer

The student-run Inscape literary magazine has been published every spring since the 1940s and showcases some of the best writing compositions produced by PCC students.

Manuel Perea is filling in as faculty advisor for Christopher McCabe, who was unwell during the semester.

“I love seeing the work of students I’ve taught be selected for the magazine,” Perea said. “It’s great to give students this opportunity.”

Since Inscape is a student-run magazine, Perea’s main role as faculty advisor is to give editorial advice and provide guidance in making sure the magazine is published.

The editors this year are Jordan Wheatley, Alysha Alberts and Robert Parsons, who are all volunteering their time.

“They’re all committed writers,” Perea said. “Raw talent only goes so far, and this is an affirmation of their commitment and skill.”

Any PCC student, regardless of major, is welcome to submit their work in the categories of fiction, creative fiction and poetry. Students serve as editors of the magazine, review submissions during the first 10 weeks of the fall semester and

Christopher Martinez/Courier A collection of Inscape’s previous issues dating as far back as 1975.

design the layout.

“It was difficult to get into the swing of things at first,” Wheatley said. “It was challenging not too be too critical.

However, once I got a feel for the type of writing that was being submitted, much of it being phenomenal. I had a lot of fun with it.”

“It’s great to see your peers being put into [Inscape], it’s great to see them published in a campus publication,” Parsons said.

Perea said one of the biggest obstacles is finding people who will commit and see the magazine all the way through.

“I would feel at unease if I didn’t

volunteer my time and there was only one editor making sure the magazine was published,” Parsons said. “This magazine definitely requires dedication and time.”

The editors have to find the time to work together, which Wheatley described as a big obstacle, but the editors were able to figure out the time commitment the magazine required. The editors were not willing to let their advisor or the magazine down.

“I’ve enjoyed working together as part of a team of editors,” Alberts said. “But I would say the biggest obstacle is trying to synthesize all the various editorial tastes and authorial styles into a cohesive

product.”

As Inscape develops, there tends to be a central theme that just seems to evolve with the stories, and this year lends itself to a slightly creepy and eerie feel, according to Parsons. In previous years the magazine hasn’t necessarily been categorized by the types of writing, but rather what the editors find to be cohesive. The stories are typically accompanied by original artwork created by students.

“My fellow editors and I want to show people how talented our PCC writers are, so many of the submissions this year blew me away,” Wheatley said. “I want people to read the magazine and be proud of what our students are able to produce.”

Perea as well as the student editors hope the magazine this year is appreciated by students and McCabe.

“I hope that this year’s magazine is as unique issue that stands out and I hope it functions as a tribute to our Professor, Mr. McCabe,” Alberts said.

The copies of the original publication “Pipes of a Pan” that date back to the 1940s can be found in the library archives.

Inscape will be available for sale in the upcoming month and will be sold in the English Department office for $5 or three for $10. All proceeds are put back into the English Department fund, which will partially fund the magazine in years to come.

SPORTS

February 27, 2014

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Baseball hancuffed in first inning vs.

Rio Hondo Andrew Salmi Asst. Sports Editor

Sometimes it seems that in a blink of an eye, a game can become out of reach. That was the case for the Lancers after just the first inning of a game against Rio Hondo College, when an error with two outs in the inning opened the flood gates in route to an 8-1 rout of PCC on Saturday at Jackie Robinson Memorial Field.

The Roadrunners scored seven unearned runs off of five hits in the first inning, all occurring with two outs. Rio Hondo first baseman Alex Campos hit a routine ground ball to Lancers sophomore shortstop Bobby Fraijo, who bobbled the ball, and Campos was able to beat the throw out by a step.

Without the bobble, the Lancers and freshman starting pitcher Zach Britt would have gotten out of the inning without giving up a run.

However, the mistake proved extremely costly as Rio Hondo capitalized by smashing three singles and two doubles off a Britt.

“Zach (Britt) is going to be a very quality pitcher for us,” said head coach Evan O’Meara. “But he’s too young and inexperienced in his ability to overcome a deficit like that. It was enough to shake his confidence.”

While the Lancers (who are now 3-8 on the season) only allowed one more run the rest of the game to Rio Hondo, PCC’s offense was unable to get anything going.

The lone RBI came from sophomore catcher Jason Clark, who smashed a double down the right field line.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t get anything going,” said Clark. “Hitting with runners in scoring position is always something that we work on in batting practice and even before the game.”

Sophomore second baseman Kai Nakamura, who has scored in each of the three games he’s started since becoming eligible to play last week, was the only Lancer to cross home plate on the day.

Freshman standout center fielder PJ DeZotell, who leads the team in every offensive category, continued his stellar play with a single and a double against Rio Hondo.

Despite the nightmarish start to the game, freshman pitcher Joseph Magdaleno came in to pitch 4.1 solid innings in relief of Britt and allowed only one run.

Fraijo, who normally has been a very solid defensive shortstop, committed four errors in his past two games, including the backbreaker in the first inning hosting Rio Hondo. Coach O’Meara is confident Fraijo will immediately bounce back from this setback.

“He’s been a steady infielder all of last year and through the first handful of games this season,” said O’Meara. “He’s just having a rough patch. We’ll get back to practice next week and start hitting him more ground balls.”

The game on Saturday was very disappointing for the Lancers, who despite losing their last three games had scored eight runs in each of their previous two games.

This included a 9-8 extra-inning loss to Rio Hondo in Whittier on Feb. 19, in which PCC rallied from a 7-3 deficit in the top of the ninth inning to tie the game.

Rocio Vera/Courier P.J. DeZotell, who is one of PCC’s baseballs best hitters, poses for a picture after a game against Rio Hondo College at Jackie Robinson Memorial Field on Saturday.

DeZotell plays larger-than-life Andrew Salmi Asst. Sports Editor

Listed as the smallest player on Pasadena’s baseball roster at a little over 5’7 and 155 pounds, P.J. DeZotell’s size does not translate whatsoever to the immense amount of production he’s provided so far for his team.

DeZotell, who won the “Southern California Player of the Week” award in California Community College Baseball for the first week of the season and has continued his solid play since the first game.

“I was very honored to be included in such an elite category and very satisfied to accomplish a feat like this so early in my college baseball career,” said DeZotell regarding his award. “My

teammates were just as happy as I was when they found out I won the award and hopefully it will give us confidence throughout the season.”

Through the first seven games of the season, DeZotell erupted for 10 hits in 26 at-bats (.385 batting average) and nine runs batted in, which at the time was the most among players in the South Coast Conference. He has cooled off a little, now standing at 10 runs batted in and 14 hits in 11 games.

“P.J. is a very fundamentally sound player and he deserved the player of the week award,” said sophomore teammate Jason Clark, who plays catcher for the Lancers.

“He always seems to be the one who starts or keeps a rally going for us. It’s always motivating to see someone

on the team win an award as honorable as that because it makes us all want to do better.”

DeZotell said he uses his physical stature as extra motivation. He mentioned Houston Astros second baseman José Altuve, who made the All-Star Team last year despite being the shortest active player in MLB at 5-foot5-inches.

DeZotell also credited New Orleans Saints running back and dynamic return specialist Darren Sproles, who is only 5-foot-6-inches, as an inspiration.

“I’ve mostly been 5-foot-6inches tall since my sophomore of high school at St. Francis (La Cañada),” said DeZotell. “Altuve’s an inspiration to all us short guys and he’s really fun to watch.”

DeZotell also attributes his success to the coaching of Evan O’Meara, who is the head coach of the PCC baseball team.

“Coach O’Meara often preaches about playing baseball one pitch at a time,” said DeZotell. “We never let the last play or pitch affect the possible outcome of the present pitch. We are a very young but talented team and we should definitely scrap out some wins together soon in league play.”

O’Meara has been pleasantly surprised by the output of production in the 2014 season so far by DeZotell.

“He has some extraordinary capabilities,” said head coach O’Meara. “He’s simply been a super addition for us as a solid center fielder and hitter.”

No. 4 seed for women’s basketball Daron Grandberry Sports Editor

The Lancers women’s basketball team was rewarded with a No. 4 seed in the 2014 CCCAA Women’s Basketball Regional Championships and will host the No. 13 seeded College of the Canyons. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium on Friday.

The Lancers (21-7, 10-3) finished in second place in the South Coast Conference, North Division, behind Mt. SAC. The Cougars finished the regular season in a threeway tie with Moorpark and Cuesta College in the Western State Conference, North Division.

“Of course we want to try to work our inside game,” head coach Joe Peron said.

“Defensively we have to do a better job than we did against them in December. We’re going to try to isolate them and play better defense.”

Billy Beans Skelly Members of the Lancers women’s basketball team pose in the Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium on Wednesday.

After winning eight of their final 10 regular season games, the Lancers once again won 20 or more regular season games for the 11th time in the past 12 seasons.

The Cougars finished the regular season winners of five of their last seven games and catapulted to the top of the Western State Conference, North Division.

“We want to get in the paint early and get our fast-

break going,” sophomore point guard Desiree Loving said. “We have good shooters on the outside so we have to make them respect our outside shots to open up the paint for us.”

The Lancers are led by a balanced attack of sophomores in Loving, guards Skai Thompson, Tyler Crockom and center Kaitlyn Parks.

Loving finished an impressive sophomore campaign

averaging 12.8 points, five rebounds and 4.8 assists. The pesky defender and floor general is an extension of the head coach, according to Peron.

“You don’t win basketball games without a point guard,” Peron said. “Desiree is Joe Peron on the floor.”

Although the Lancers are up against the sophomore tandem of Keiona Mathews (25 points, 10.8 rebounds) and Shawn Kolani (16.3 points and 8.3 assist), look for the Lancers to establish 6-foot-4 center Kaitlyn Parks inside early and often.

“KP is almost 100 percent and we’re happy to have her back to complete our roster,” assistant coach La’Nette Dillard added.

Parks finished the regular season averaging 12.3 points and eight rebounds The winner of the game will take on the winner of No. 5 Long Beach City/No. 12 Mt. San Jacinto game on Wednesday.

SPORTS

12 COURIER

February 27, 2014

Men’s basketball playoff bound Daron Grandberry Sports Editor

After a 10 year drought, the Lancers men’s basketball team received a No. 12 seed for the upcoming Southern California playoffs and will travel to play No. 5 seeded Saddleback College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Saddleback Gymnasium on Friday.

The Lancers (20-9, 8-5) earned the No. 11 seed in the 2014 seedings, but were moved to No. 12 to avoid a South Coast Conference match-up with No. 6 East Los Angeles.

“We know we are up against a pretty good team,” sophomore forward Taj Spencer said. “Rebounding and free-throws are going to be key for us. It’s win or go home.”

The Lancers finished in second place in the South Coast North Division as they finished a game behind East Los Angeles College. The Gauchos (24-5, 10-2) won a share of the Orange Empire Conference title.

Although the Lancers have not won a road playoff game since 2003, this year’s team is confident in their capabilities against the state’s top defensive team.

“We just have to spread the ball and make them work harder on defense,” sophomore forward Rashad Smith said. “We have to take the best shot each possession. We have to play tough on the boards and connect from the free-throw line.”

The Lancers’ last playoff game was a 68-63 home loss to

Billy Beans Skelly/Courier The Sophomore Four: (left to right) Bryce Clifton, Taj Spencer, Jeffrey Dockett, Rashad Smith, pose for the camera in the Hutto-Patterson Gym, Tuesday.

eventual state champion Compton College in 2004, and last played a road playoff game in 2003 when it lost to Antelope Valley in the opening round of the SoCal Regionals.

“We just have to go out there and compete,” head coach Michael Swanegan said. “Rebounding and free-throw shooting is very important. We have to play our A-game. We’re going down there to win. Saddleback is not unbeatable.”

Although the Gauchos last won the state title in 2010, the Lancers remain focused on their goal of bringing a state title back to PCC.

“We all want to win,” sophomore point guard Jeffrey Dockett said. “With this being our final year, we want to go out on top.”

Spencer finished the regular season as the No. 22 scorer in the state, averaging 18.1 pointsper-game while collecting 8.1 rebounds-per-game. Dockett averaged 15.2 points and 3.9 assists while 45 percent from the field during the regular season.

“Both of them [Spencer and Dockett] bring their leadership abilities to the team,” Swanegan said. “They are both great offensive players and our team has really benefited from their

Badminton eyes success in 2014 Kristina Wedseltoft Staff Writer

PCC’s badminton team is already hard at work preparing for the upcoming season with coach Bill Sanchez’s goal to “play well, work hard.”

“We’re pretty young,” said Sanchez. “Experience in competing may be a big challenge, but give us a month.”

Sanchez is in his seventh season coaching the Lancers badminton team is excited to see his team improve weekly as they become closer as a team.

Alejandra Palacios is returning for her second year on the team and is enthusiastic about the upcoming season.

“I’ve been playing for six years, ” Palacios said. “This year my goals are to make to top three in doubles and just to have fun!”

Palacios understands that a successful season comes with hard work and dedication.

“People think it’s easy and not a sport, but I like when I’m challenged,” Palacios said.

Yinghong Lin is eager for her first year on the team. Though she was concerned with the

difficulty at first, she is looking forward to being able to travel with her teammates.

“I think it’s fun to play doubles,” Lin said. “Rotation [is key], if you can play well you can win.”

Running drills last week, the team looked energized, enthusiastic and ready to work hard.

Sanchez recognizes there is a challenge among players to balance academics and badminton, especially since the team has had one of the highest GPAs on campus for the past seven years,

according to Sanchez.

The Lancer badminton team has five consecutive South Coast Conference Titles (2009-2013) under Sanchez, and is hoping to make it six this year.

“We just get better as the season goes,” Sanchez said.

“It’s great to see at the end of the year how much we’ve improved.”

This Friday, the badminton team travels to Grossmont College for the Grossmont individual tournament in El Cajon to open the season.

Josh Balmadrid/Courier Wen Shen practicing for the upcoming badminton season on Feb. 18.

production.”

Although both Spencer and Dockett have led the team throughout the regular season, the contributions of fellow sophomores Smith and Bryce Clifton are just as important according to Spencer.

“It’s going to be a full team effort,” Spencer said. “Both of them [Smith and Clifton] have really stepped up when we needed them most.”

In the final two games of the regular season, Smith emerged as a starter, averaging 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in the Lancers’ last two victories of the season.

“I’ve just been playing hard

and doing what my team needs from me,” Smith said. “My teammates and coaches continue to show confidence in me and we’ve all been playing pretty well as a team.”

Although his averages don’t always reflect his importance, Clifton will also be important if the Lancers are going to make a playoff run.

“His numbers don’t always reflect his importance but he [Clifton] as well as Rashad does the dirty work for us.” Spencer said. “They provide us with the intangibles. We’re going to need a full team effort on Friday.”

The Gauchos are led by four all-conference players, including conference MVP Eric Thompson and his 13 points and 8.7 rebounds-per-game.

The Gauchos enter the playoffs as the No. 1 defensive team in the state, allowing just 53.6 points per game. The Lancers rank No. 29 in the state, averaging 75.6 points per game.

The Lancers last faced Saddleback in the opening game of the 2012-13 campaign when the Gauchos defeated the Lancers 66-63 in the opening round of the Ventura College Tournament.

“We’re going to come out ready to play,” Spencer added.

“We’re going into their house but they’re going to have to match our intensity. If we know our assignments and talk on defense everything will take care of itself.”

Softball routed at home Tiffany Roesler Asst. Online Editor

Defense. Defense. Defense.

Its importance is something that coaches can’t emphasize enough. It’s branded in athlete’s brains and crammed down their throats. Yes, offensive stats are beautiful and look terrific on paper, but offense won’t be enough to stop a strong team.

That has proven to be an issue for women’s softball over the course of the season, and was most apparent in Thursday’s brutal 10-1 loss against stateranked No. 9 Mt. SAC (12-2, 4-1), the Lancers’ archrivals.

“We struggled a little bit with defense,” said head coach Monica Tantlinger. “We gave Mt. SAC more opportunities at the plate to capitalize and didn’t close the door when we needed to.”

“Our defense wasn’t as confident, which led to mental errors,” added pitcher Casey Ramirez.

Ramirez pitched all five innings, allowing six earned runs while tallying one strikeout after facing 30 batters.

“Ramirez pitched an amazing game,” said Tantlinger. “The

score does not reflect that, but she really executed pitches superbly. I am so proud of her.”

Despite the loss, the Lancers (5-11, 0-5) have shown more competitiveness all around, especially at the plate.

Designated hitter Audrey Serna had one hit and scored the only run on the board, which occurred in the second inning.

Second baseman Justine Zavala had one hit and one RBI. Short stop Maddy Gianoli and right fielder Breanna Rodrigo contributed one hit apiece as well.

The first inning set the tone for the game. The Mounties dished out five hits and five runs—one of which was unearned. The Lancers made three fielding errors.

“Obviously the score is not telling of progress, but we did grow from this game,” Tantlinger said. “We still have time to accomplish goals this season and the team seems to be on board.”

PCC is up against LA Harbor Seahawks (0-12, 0-5) at LA Harbor College at 3 p.m., but the contest will be postponed if it rains.