The independent student voice of PCC. Serving Pasadena since 1915
INSIDE:
ONLINE EXCLUSIVES AT PCCCOURIER.COM
PAGE 7>>
A BIKERS BALANCE
PCC professor toes the line between school and her life on the track
PAGE 6>>
SPEAK OUT!
As a student, do you think it’s important to join clubs?
Voteat at Vote PccCourier.com PccCourier.com
September 11, 2014
Ryan Kevin/Courier Veronika Sorrow standing in front of MeowMeowz! 1 Stop Rock Shop, a multifunctioning store that hosts band performances and sells punk themed merchandise.
PR director parts with college
THE GRAPHIC LIFE
GRFX class teaches students how to excel outside of the classroom
The punk starts Meow
PASADENA CITY COLLEGE
COURIER
VOLUME 110 ISSUE 3
File photo by Nagisa Mihara Valerie Wardlaw. Philip McCormick Editor-in-Chief
Months after the widely publicized commencement debacle involving alumnus Dustin Lance Black, former Interim Director of Public Relations Valerie Wardlaw has “moved on” and no longer works at the college, according to school officials. “Her last day was yesterday,”
Interim President Robert Miller said on Wednesday, declining to elaborate on the circumstances of her exit since it was a “private personnel matter.” “She has moved on from PCC…[Wardlaw] provided a great service to this college for the year she worked for the Foundation and for the year she was the Interim Director of Public Relations,” Miller wrote in an email. He also said that in the interim, media production specialist David Steiman and publications supervisor Gilbert Rivera would be taking over public relations duties for the school. One of their first tasks will be finding out why there is a gap in press releases from Oct. 29 to April 29, which no longer appear on the school website. “I’m sure it’s not intentional,” said Steiman. “But Gilbert and I will look into it and find out what happened.” Miller said that the college would be looking for someone who specialized in strategic com-
munication and marketing. “We want to start doing more on our website and on social media,” Miller said. “But we also want who ever we find to be able to take of the traditional role of a public relations director.” Wardlaw wrote multiple press releases on behalf of the District in April regarding Black’s initial snubbing as commencement speaker. Los Angeles Times writer Robin Abcarian singled Wardlaw out in a piece critical of the college, writing that she attempted “a tortured explanation” on behalf of the Board of Trustees about how the controversy unfolded. Wardlaw did not return phone calls requesting comment on this story. Wardlaw previously served as a special projects consultant for the PCC Foundation and has a background in marketing, public relations, and communications. Prior to her employment at PCC, she worked for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Women’s Health Division.
New president promises better climate Philip McCormick Editor-in-Chief
Interim President Robert Miller pledged to create a better campus climate and form of communication between his administration and the faculty Monday morning in an open letter to the college. Miller said that PCC had not been the college that he knew and loved for a while. That he knew the faculty was frustrated and angered by the campus climate. “It’s clear that the campus has a lot of work to do,” Miller said in an interview. “In that regard, we have an obligation to address these issues for the students.” He also said that it would take frank and respectful conversation on the differences the district and faculty had to rebuild LETTERS page 2
Officials say asbestos in buildings not a threat Paul Ochoa News Editor
PCC has hired a construction company to renovate the R-Building’s men’s restrooms and remove asbestos from the building. Executive Director of Facilities and Construction Services Rueben Smith said that while the building does contain asbestos, when encapsulated or undisturbed it is not hazardous to those in the building. “Asbestos is a scary word but if handled properly some people don’t even know there’s asbestos in the building,” said Smith. All the asbestos in the R-Building won’t be removed Smith because it would be too costly, Smith said.
“It would take 100 percent renovation to say it’s asbestos free,” said Smith. Exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of cancer, other nonmalignant lung and pleural disorders, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other cancers, according to the National Cancer Institute. It was used for strengthening cements and plastics as well as insulation. Smith also said the problem is locating the asbestos, which was embedded in the building when it was built in the 70s. “It’s an old building so we don’t know where the asbestos is unless we’re renovating it,” said Smith. Jack Schulman, Director of Mea ASBESTOS page 2
Concepcion Gonzalez/Courier The exterior of the R building, which is one of the buildings that contain asbestos.
NEWS
2 COURIER
September 11, 2014
AS President returns for a second term Samantha Molina Staff Writer
After running unopposed in the 2014-2015 elections, Jordyn Orozco enters his second term as president equipped with the experience to continue leading the Associated Students. The South Pasadena native began his foray into student government in 2012, Orozco started as vice president for cultural diversity and later became the vice president of internal affairs before being appointed as president of the Associated Students. “Being president was very different from previously being vice president,” Orozco said. “People look to you for all the answers; you definitely have a lot more responsibility.” With his first term as president behind him, Orozco said he wants to continue to improve his leadership skills and involvement with the Associated Students. “Looking objectively at last year I had a hands off, laissez-faire leadership style with the [executive] board, this time I want to be even more hands on and involved with the vice presidents,” Orozco said. He also plans to continue
Daniel Vega-Warholy/Courier Associated Students President Jordyn Orozco. Orozco was elected to a second term in the 2014-2015 elections.
fighting for community college student voices to be heard. “I want to survey students as much as possible and get their actual input,” Orozco said. “I want to make sure student voices are heard not only on our campus but statewide.” With years of experience in student government, some of the vice presidents that make up
the Executive Board are confident that Orozco will lead them to success. “I think it really benefits AS to have Jordyn back because he has a lot of experience in student government,” said Irving G. Morales, vice president for cultural diversity. “I’m comfortable approaching him when I have a problem because of his
MILLER
ASBESTOS
Continued from page 1
trust among all faculty, staff, and students. “I believe that together we have the opportunity to make PCC better than it ever was,” Miller said. “I pledge myself to this effort. The work begins with consistent communication that is accessible throughout the college.” Academic Senate President Eduardo Cairo said that the executive committee has “a lot of faith” that the senate can work together with this administration. He said that Miller had done othing so far to discourage the senate’s trust and that it had good will moving forward. “We look forward to working with [Miller],” Cairo said. “[The senate] hopes that together, we can undo the changes to the violated shared governance and we can get a fair contract.” Newly elected Faculty Association (FA) President Julie Kiotas said that the FA is hopeful that it will receive a new contract this semester. “Miller assured us that the Board of Trustees will have a new offer in September,” Kiotas said. “The district’s negotiating team is going to the board with recommendations at its Oct. 1 meeting,” Miller added. “I am confident that the District and faculty can collaborate with each other for the students’ sake.” Miller emphasized that on Flex Day (Oct. 1), the faculty and staff would review the ModernThink survey that measured
knowledge of all the different positions.” Emily Samvalian, vice president for business affairs, agreed. “He did a good job last term and I’m sure he will do even better this time,” Samvalian said. “Jordyn is a great leader and with his experience he will bring the best out of all of us.” In addition to being involved
Continued from page 1
File photo by Blair Wells Interim President Robert Miller in his office.
working conditions on campus. The college “must work together” to interpret the findings and find its way forward, he said. “ModernThink was a survey conducted last spring to see how the staff and administration’s feelings were about working at PCC,” Miller said. “We are going to really sit down and look to see what we can do to improve those feelings so we can make a better climate at PCC.” Unlike past president, Mark Rocha, Miller is a PCC alumnus and said he wanted to return the school to the PCC he remembered. Miller attended PCC after high school and came back as an adjunct instructor for telecommunication and radio classes. He eventually left PCC but returned in 2005 when he was hired as the associate dean of academic support. Since then, he was promoted to vice president of business services and now interim president. “I am very content with where I am,” Miller said in the letter.
“In life and at PCC. I am also content with who I am, a proud member of the PCC family.”
sure P, said the first step in the abatement process involves determining if the space is hazardous and then removing all furniture and equipment from the area. A fully licensed abatement contractor, in this case 1st California Construction Inc., then comes and sets up a containment area with samples being continuously monitored during abatement and afterward to make sure the area was abated correctly. Then all abated material is removed from the site and
with the Associated Students, Orozco has also served as the president of the Queer Alliance from 2010 to 2012. “A lot of my job was getting the club back to its feet since it had been dwindling almost to a point of none existence,” Orozco said. “I created the first Big Gay Prom along with my board members the first year I was president and also got the club up to almost 60 participants.” Orozco will be graduating from PCC with four A.A. degrees and two A.A.T.s. He wants to transfer somewhere with a good anthropology program. “I plan to get my Ph.D in anthropology with an emphasis in archaeology,” he said. “I also want to specialize in criminal psychology and I ultimately want to work for a CSI behavioral unit.” With his second term as president well underway, Orozco wants to lead the Associated Students into a successful year. “Ultimately I want to provide the Executive Board with the resources they need to be successful,” Orozco said. “Somehow I want to leave something behind for future leaders.” disposed of properly. The R-Building is not the only building on campus that contains asbestos. An Asbestos Inspection Report conducted by CF Environmental, Inc. in 2001 lists the C, CC, D, E, HH, U, V, W as buildings that also contain it. The cost of renovation is estimated at $520,000 and is part of the second phase of the R-Building restroom renovation, the first being remodeling the women’s bathroom. Schulman said the renovation should start some time between the end of September and the start of October.
OPINION
September 11, 2014
Courier
2012 JACC General Excellence Award-Winner Editor-in-Chief Philip McCormick Online Editor Mick Donovan News Editor Paul Ochoa Opinion Editor Justin Clay A&E Editor Samantha Molina Lifestyle Editor Monique LeBleu Sports Editor Daron Grandberry Photo Editor Nagisa Mihara Chief Photographer Concepcion Gonzalez Online Photo Editor Daniel Valencia Scene Editor Charles Winners Staff Writers: Ahmad Akkaoui, Reina Aldape, Daniel Axume, Raymond Bernal, Dezarae Balbas, Hannah Gonzales, David Grubaugh, Tiffany Herrera, Daniel Johnson, Matthew Kiewiet, Jamie Lawlor, Kristen Luna, Anthony Martinez, David O’Connor, Ashley Park, Lucy Patrikian, Sho Tanaka Staff Photographers: Keely Ernst, Ansis Hoheisel, Erica Hong, Ryan Joaquin, Chris Martinez, Daniel Nerio, Kevin Peraza, Scott Spencer, Paul Tedrow, Ian Tomlin, Daniel Vega-Warholy, Saul Villegas, Rayna White Faculty Adviser Nathan McIntire Advertising Coordinator Daniel Nerio
The Courier is published weekly by the Pasadena City College Journalism Department and is a free-speech
COURIER 3
No such thing as digital privacy Jamie Lawlor Staff Writer
Last week, a collection of photos emerged via an anonymous 4Chan user with fully convincing nude photographs of over 100 female celebrities, among them superstars Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Upton and Ariana Grande. Prone to curiosity, many people in the web-surfing world viewed the photos within hours, and with that came the quake of nauseating reality that in this digital age, there is truly no such thing as privacy. The incident was the result of an Apple iCloud hack from an exceptionally savvy perpetrator, who is currently on the run and under investigation by the FBI. Whatever this hacker’s intention was exploiting private, intimate photographs, it was unfortunately a success, and most celebrities confirmed that the suggestive self-taken portraits were indeed real. At this point, many of us wondered if our phones can be hacked too. Since the answer is certainly yes, it’s clear that our private content could be extracted by a hacker and posted online instantly. What does this mean for our text messages, our passwords, and our payment information? One thing is for sure: the same officials who promised all that private information would be safe would also promise this of our private photos too, which is now clearly a lie. Mary E. Winstead, another actress whose private photos were leaked, stated via Twitter that they had been deleted long ago, spurring even more mystery as to how they were obtained. The positions that these celebrities hold as world-renown idols chilled the public all the more as they gazed directly into the private sex lives of Academy Award-winning millionaires, completely against their will. After all this time the entertainment industry and media has sensationalized these public figures as superior to the rest of us, society now learns just how human these pop culture icons really are. Overall, the debacle brings every leading concern with today’s Internet society to light at the same time. For starters, it reveals the pitiful extent people go to in documenting their lives digitally, living through their laptops and smartphones. Is it necessary for people to send nude
VOICES:
Photo illustration by Concepcion Gonzalez
photos to each other rather than saving intimacy for being together in person the way everyone did before 21st century technology? Why is it so important to communicate and publish photos of one’s self in a virtual setting in the first place? More importantly, this incident reminds society just how despicable their obsession with hierarchy and celebrity really is. Perhaps if Jennifer Lawrence was not plastered on every magazine cover, displayed on everything with a screen, and showered with golden awards and millions of dollars for the simple task of acting in movies, marketed to the world as the messiah of beauty and elegance, the reveal of her private parts would not be quite so devastating. Finally, the world has been warned of the
stranglehold technology has on the individual’s private affairs. If a pedestrian hacker from an online forum is able to access a person’s private photos, imagine what the U.S. government is capable of. It seems at this point in time, the damage among us is permanent, in which case our best course is to accept. Accept that our vulnerable private lives are potentially in worldwide distribution. Accept that celebrities are not the prophets society pretends they are. Accept that happiness is not achieved through “selfies” or “followers.” Accept that our presence as defined by this virtual platform called the Internet should not define who we really are.
Do you think the campus will change drastically with Rocha gone?
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
Phone:
“I don’t know. It all depends on the next person. But if it’s politics as usual then probably not.” Travis Farwell, biology
Reporting by: Tiffany Herrera
(626) 585-7130 Fax: (626) 585-7971
1570 E. Colorado Blvd., CC-208 Pasadena, CA 91106-3215 © Copyright 2014 Courier. All rights Reserved.
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 mccormick.courier@gmail.com
DATE WI T
@
YOUR PC
Office:
TO
H
(626) 585-7979
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 clay.courier@gmail.com
ouri c c
e r. c o
Advertising
Note to Readers
Photos by: Paul Tedrow
STAY UP
the Journalism Department.
“Yes. I think that [President] Rocha took this campus back a few decades from what it had progressed.” Crystal Gonzalez, medical assistant
w.pc
writers, photographers and editors in
“I don’t think it will change too much. It’s a community college and the type of people that come here aren’t too interested in the school’s personal politics.” Bruce Mcclurg, economics
ww
as a learning experience for student
“The tension is going to be gone because he’s the one that carried the tension. I think people are going to take a breath and say ‘we’re excited to work for the new guy.’” Robert Peters, engineering
NEWS.
The Courier is written and produced
“A lot of people are happy that he is gone. I think it’s going to die down a little bit but we have to fix the problems he created. Then after that we will be ok.” Snefen Hines, journalism
m
District.
C
Pasadena Area Community College
6 COURIER
SCE
ENE
September 11, 2014COURIER
7
LIFESTYLE
6 COURIER
September 11, 2014
‘Badass’ professor: racing weekend warrior
Ashley Park Staff Writer
In a brightly lit office in Building V, there is one desk that stands out significantly. The clutter of textbooks, the scattered papers, and the multiple framed photographs aren’t what makes this desk pop out though. This significant desk has a computer with a rotating screensaver of a professional looking motorcyclist, zooming sideways on a track field. “How did you guys know about this? Do you guys just keep files on everybody?” the tattooed owner of the desk asks. By “this,” Jessica Valentine, the Pasadena City College math professor of seven years, means her hobby of motorcycle racing. Valentine rides a Honda CBR600RR that can reach speeds up to more than 145 mph. She has already received professional lessons in motorcycle racing from the Yamaha Champions Riding School and even raced in the WERA Motorcycle Roadracing West finale in Las Vegas. Valentine’s journey to motorcycle racing hasn’t always been a constant, smooth ride. She rode
Photo Courtesy of Jessica Valentine Math Professor, Jessica Valentine, at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, April 2014, on her CBR 250 with race number 3.14, “the approximation for pi,” Valentine notes.
dirt bikes when she was younger, but she eventually stopped when her time and energy became consumed with marriage, her children, and her professional career. Now that her children are all grown up and she has found more stability, she has been able to find time again for the hobby
and the thrill she constantly craved. But that’s not to say that splitting her time between her passion and responsibilities is not a constant juggling act. “It’s a lot, but how do you balance anything?” she asks. “You have to be sensitive and sacrifice… I sometimes have to
the hair got huge and it never stopped being big,” said Sorrow. Being a devoted Siouxsie Sioux fan for the past 26 years, Sorrow relishes in paying homage to a band that has impacted her life both musically and emotionally. “She was the first female artist I ever looked up to,” Sorrow said. “The music was powerful, and it was awesome. Her voice was amazing; she had a very unique look, so you know as a kid it was kind of like, ‘Oh wow this is incredible.’” In spite of the negative connotation that musicians who perform in tribute bands are not original, Sorrow is as innovative as they come. In 2010, Sorrow formed her own post-punk band named Untoward Children with boyfriend Adriel Mederos and best friends Tim Thayer and Brian Schreiber. “…We’re all 10 years apart and we all bring our own favorites to the table and somehow it just works because there’s a core right down the center, the common
thread that we all love,” she said. “We all love a lot of the same bands spanning all eras.” The band’s EP was released in January, four years after their first session and debut show at MeowMeowz!, Sorrow’s “1 Stop Rock Shop” on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena. “…We packed it so deep that people had to stand outside on chairs and look in,” Sorrow said. “It was awesome. All up and down the aisles behind the counter, there were a lot of old friends.” Established in 2001, MeowMeowz! originally opened on eBay and in eight years developed into the rock ‘n’ roll thrift shop that exists today that sells 60s, 70s and 80s recycled clothing, punk rock footwear and accessories, jewelry, hair dye, posters, stickers and everything punk inspired. The store also serves as a local art gallery, rehearsal space and hosts all age’s shows. “I’ve always loved shops like this in the 80s and they’re all gone,” Sorrow said. “I decided that with the music, the clothes and that scene being kind of like a yesteryears thing and so many things being available online I said, ‘you know I should do this’ and I did it.” Nocturna band member Mederos, also works at MeowMeowz! and describes Sorrow as being “the best boss out there.” “She’s honestly the raddest, most unique woman I have ever met,” said Mederos. At 17 years old, Sorrow remembers going to her first clubs and hearing bands like The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and the Cocteau Twins—music that she fell madly in love with. Those nights in 1992 would eventually
give up racing for my family or to grade papers. It’s a big part of my life, but it’s not my career.” Even with so much on her plate, it seems like Valentine strives to go above and beyond. Although she spends up to eight days a month for her racing, according to her students and colleague, Professor Silvia Talaoc,
she always returns graded tests and work on time, is always enthusiastic during class, and is never late. “The Math 150 instructors work very closely throughout the semester; each are given tasks to complete in order to help share the load,” Talaoc said in an e-mail. “Jessica was consistently the first instructor to turn in her contributions to the group during the Spring semester.” For someone who has a hobby that requires so much courage, Valentine is surprisingly shy when her students want to give their own insight and opinions on her hobby. She rushes out the room before she can witness the impressed nods and surprised looks when they are informed of her motorcycle racing. “She mentioned once that she will sometimes ride her motorcycle to class when she is running late,” says student Danielle Torres. “It’s very cool.” “And also, compared to other professors, you can tell she’s more alive, active, and present.” student Brennan Yu says. “She’s badass.”
Alum’s one stop rock shop is the cat’s meow Kristen Luna Staff Writer
In 2008, a former Pasadena City College student from the Los Angeles area ascended onto a shadowy stage at an underground club in Santa Monica and performed her debut as a punk rock legend. Channeling singer Siouxsie Sioux for her band Nocturna: Homage to Siouxsie & the Banshees, the performance would launch her onto a melodic journey that is both tenacious and unconventional. Born in Hollywood, 39-yearold Veronika Sorrow grew up in a melodious household with both parents singing and playing guitar, which over time lead her to learning keyboards, guitar and eventually bass. “I grew up in a Beatles, Rolling Stones kind of household. That was my first introduction to Rock n’ Roll so I always loved classic 60s, 70s rock ‘n’ roll and then I discovered music on my own and
Store owner, Veronika Sorrow, in front of the main stage at MeowMeowz! 1 Stop Rock Shop in Pasadena, on Sept. 3.
Photos by Ryan Kevin/Courier MeowMeowz! 1 Stop Rock Shop in Pasadena, on Sept. 3, a shop that functions as an art gallery and a musical venue.
lead her to open her first underground gothic club, Wake. But with the death of Wake in 2002, Sorrow decided to open her second club, FUNERAL, and has since been successful in keeping it alive. FUNERAL was also the venue where her band, Nocturna, played their first show. “I’ll stay at a venue as long as I possibly can until something goes haywire with management or owners, which is sometimes inevitable,” Sorrow said. “I started in Costa Mesa, then Eagle Rock, Hollywood, West Hollywood, I’ve had a few in Pasadena back in the day, and now I have a cool spot in Baldwin Park.” With MeowMeowz! located in Pasadena and with Sorrow having lived in the area for the past 19 years, she has high hopes that the city will expand small local businesses instead of buying them out, thereby turning the east side of Pasadena into another Old Town. “… It’s still pretty relaxed right
here. You can still get away with a lot, and be creative,” said Sorrow. “And since I have this physical spot here it’s almost like a base. It’s not like this ethereal idea, it’s an actual physical thing that people can come and visit and pick up flyers for even other shows and come catch a show here or just be aware of what’s going on in the underground, so to speak.” Between promoting Nocturna, Untoward Children, MeowMeowz! and FUNERAL, Sorrow has a lot on her plate at the moment but also has big dreams as to what she would like to accomplish in the future. “I think my ultimate goal, honestly, is to incorporate all of them under one roof,” she said. “I envision having a two-level building that I own where I can have a live venue, food, shopping, just everything. Just a one stop that’s mine and I live upstairs, and have a roof patio. That’s my ultimate.”
September 11, 2014
FEATURES
COURIER
7
GRFX preps students for life outside classroom Hannah Gonzales Staff Writer
The Graphic Communications (GRFX) Program, encourages the students to not only learn how to screen print, but to also strive for success in ventures that relate to the industry. Kristin Pilon an instructor and head of the GRFX Program, said it includes two parts: screen printing—the art of laying down ink, using polyester screens, on different mediums such as textiles—and digital imaging. Pilon works closely with David Cuatt, an assistant professor who teaches Photoshop and Adobe InDesign to students. According to Cuatt, an example of collaboration between screen printing and digital imaging is the display case in front of V106 that features self-portraits of past students. “[Digital imaging] helps to get what you want to screen printing,” Cuatt said. “It really helps if screen printing students take digital classes.” Pilon also helps students learn the business aspect of the screen printing industry.
“A lot of students come in here to print [textiles]. They want to start designing their own line of t-shirts and so they come in here to take our textiles classes and learn about that,” said Pilon. The program focuses on preparing students to work in the real world. “Students learn job-getting skills that can be applied in the screen printing industry,” said Erika Ruvell, an adjunct faculty instructor in the program. According to Pilon, students in the program have a chance to learn more about the business aspect of the industry when the program does jobs for local businesses. “It’s kind of like live jobs where it really matters that things look good, so they can’t get fingerprints all over the t-shirts and the artwork has to be well printed and designed,” she said. “They have to work with the customer to make sure everything is being done right, so it’s an introduction on how to run a business.” Starting in the Fall of 2015, the GRFX program will be offering five certificates. The state is encouraging the program to
Paul Tedrow/Courier John Miner teaches Beginning Screen Printing students how to put artwork on a screen.
move students along as quickly as possibly through the program, Pilon said. “We are going to teach essential things and teach them more densely,” Cuatt said. “We are going to encourage the students to hit it really hard. We want to be sure people are focused and have job skills in mind and
employment.” However, according to John Miner, an adjunct faculty instructor, the changes that will be made to the program will have positive and negative consequences for the students. “They will get a certificate quicker, which is the positive, but in the long run they’re going
to receive a lot less training so I guess they’ll have to make up for that on their own,” said Miner. “We’ll keep going as much as we can, offer as many classes, take on as many students as possible and put people out there in the community to get jobs, start businesses, and better themselves and society.”
with domestic violence organizations has been a part of my healing,” Christie said. During numerous points along the way, Shirley felt like giving up and turning around, but every time she did she thought back on what her daughter told her through a text message conversation they had when she was in Chicago. “She said to me, ‘Whatever you do, you’ve already made us very proud mom.’ But she said to me, ‘I know that if you do, turn around, that you’ll be very angry with yourself,’” Christie said. She smiled, with a hand over her heart, and remarked that was what kept her going. “I want people to learn to be nice to one another. I believe that there are good people out there,” she said. Christie began her education in anthropology at PCC many years ago and now plans to attain a Ph.D in the same field. “If I can do this [ride] then I can do anything,” said Christie. Christie is only one of the thousands of abuse and domestic violence victims in the U.S. today. Her father sexually abused her when she was 9-years-old and the abuse continued until she was 18. She made attempts to get away from him before but to no avail. “I was 18. He wouldn’t allow me to leave the house,” she said. “I tried to leave one time and he dragged me back and threw me against the front porch. I still have a scar on my upper lip from that.” Finally, Christie’s younger sister had her boyfriend call the police and her father was arrested. Being the eldest of her siblings, it was up to her to
decide what should become of her father after he was released from prison. “He was in jail for three days,” she said. “Since I was 18 and I was the only one who was raped, I was the one who was to make the decision of whether he would stay with the family or not, and I felt a great deal of pressure because my mother didn’t work. Who was going to pay the bills? My father was very good about paying bills.” Christie’s father died on Memorial Day in 1985 from a heart attack and she regrets never getting the chance to confront him. The idea of making a pilgrimage by bicycle across the United States first stirred in Christie’s thoughts over 20 years ago as she worked with quite a few domestic violence organizations. Christie was told repeatedly throughout school that she was not only ugly but stupid as well, which led her to discover that self-esteem is a huge obstacle for most abuse victims. As one of the final steps in Christie’s journey to healing, she decided to embark on a trek that
would pit her against odds that would make most turn around. Extremely steep trails with no shade in 100-degree weather and no place of refuge for miles is only one example of the difficulties she faced. Moving forward, as all things do, Christie is able to smile now. Noting that it feels as though a weight has finally been lifted, Christie believes the trip succeeded in being the final step to overcoming her shame and anger and the future looks bright. She even hinted that a book may be in the works. “It’s over,” she said, her expression lighting up.
Alumna bikes across the country to overcome troubled past Mick Donovan Online Editor
On an island in the middle of a lake off the coast of Ireland is a pilgrimage site called St. Patrick’s Purgatory. Catholics journey to this entrance to purgatory where the do not eat, sleep or wear shoes as they search for a deeper meaning and connection to God. Running with this idea of enlightenment through suffering partially prompted Shirley Christie to embark on a 3,000 mile bike ride against 90 mph
headwinds, limited funds, a lot of isolation and harsh environments. Christie had just arrived in Pasadena the day before, ending her trek across the United States on bicycle that started in Boston only three months ago. Aside from using the trip as a means of therapy to overcome the remnants of shame from her past, the ride was also a vehicle to raise awareness in the general public over the amount of domestic violence in America. “I’ve been thinking about this for 20 years, at least. I went as part of my healing. My work
Erica Hong/Courier Shirley Christie celebrates her return to Pasadena after a 3,000 mile bicycle trek across the country.
SPORTS
8 COURIER
Football can’t sustain momentum Phillip McCormick Editor-In-Chief
In a game that saw 35 penalties called, the Lancers football team couldn’t capitalize on the El Camino Warriors’ mishandling of the ball and lost its 13th straight home game Saturday night. The final score was 37-20. “This was a wake up game,” said freshman quarterback Dejon Williams, who finished the game with 227 passing yards, one touchdown pass and a mean black eye from having his helmet knocked off in the second quarter. “It will help us bounce back and we’ll get back out there and play better next game,” Williams said. For the Lancers, the momentum looked to be completely on their side late in the fourth quarter. PCC had just scored backto-back touchdowns, one from wide receiver Ahmad Springer and the other from Ricky Blair, and it looked like the Lancer lead would hold going into half time. “We let our guard down and they exploited that,” Blair said. Instead, Warriors wide receiver Devante Jenkins caught an 18-yard touchdown pass with 27 seconds left in the half, making it 20-14. The Lancers would never recover. “We came out of half time slow,” Blair said. “We sort of gave up towards the end of the game.”
Freshman runner Celso Martinez is rapidly exceeding expectations on the Men’s Cross Country team, recently placing second among PCC runners in the 4-mile race at the Rio Hondo Classic on Friday. Prior to the preseason, it looked very likely that Martinez wouldn’t be on the team and would use this season as an opportunity to benefit from training sessions with his teammates under coach Armand Crespo’s tutelage. “I wasn’t sure if I would run him this season or give him the next 12 months to develop, which is something that I battled with at times,” Crespo said. “He has quietly moved up and hasn’t even been in the Top 2 runners during team workouts. His performance on Friday sort of surprised me, but didn’t due to the kind of person he is.” Martinez is a runner who relies on his competitive instinct, positive attitude and ability to block out negative threats while he is racing. “My strength is that I really like to compete,” Martinez said. “If a runner is in front of me during the race, I’ll do my best to beat them. I try to stay focused and not let any bad
Water polo prepares to contend Daron Grandberry Sports Editor
Justin Clay/Courier Sophomore wide reciever Ruben Lawhorn avoids a tackle during PCC’s 37-20 loss to El Camino on Saturday at Robinson Stadium. The Lancers have lost six consecutive home games dating back to last season.
Both teams made sloppy mistakes and the Warriors piled up 20 penalties to the Lancers’ 15. The total loss of yardage on penalties for both teams equaled 333 yards, or more than the length of three football fields. The last time PCC won on home turf was in 2011. The Lancers also haven’t beaten El Camino since 2004. A bright spot for PCC going forward could be the play of
Springer. Springer had two touchdowns, one of which he ran in himself in his one-play quarterback stint, and added 77 yards receiving. “[Springer] is one of the few returning sophomores,” Head Coach Fred Fimbres said. “He played as well as we know he can play. He’s a captain on and off the field. It hurt us that he wasn’t healthy last season, but he should really help our offensive
line this year.” There were occasional good plays in Saturday’s game and with Williams as quarterback this season, having weapons like Springer and Blair to throw to, it might just take a few more practices to get things right for the Lancers, Fimbres said. PCC travels to Grossmont College Saturday to face the Griffins at 3 p.m.
Freshman runner exceeds expectations David O’Connor Staff Writer
September 11, 2014
influences affect me. If someone is cheering for runners from another school, I’ll imagine that they’re cheering for me. Even if no one is cheering, I believe that I can win, because I like to stay motivated.” Martinez was hugely influenced by his former high school running coach Michael Thatcher. Besides being a powerful role model, Martinez felt in awe of Thatcher’s presence and achievements. “Mr. Thatcher competed at U.S. Nationals and won some medals,” Martinez said. “He became a great role model, because I felt like I was looking at an Olympian, which is something I knew I wanted to become one day. He was the perfect coach because he kept us focused 100% and made sure we also enjoyed the sport.” It’s clear that Martinez has held on to this Olympic mindset, as he has lofty goals for this season. “I’d like to break the 21-minute barrier for the 4-mile race and, beyond that, become the number one runner at PCC and get as close as possible to winning my events,” Martinez said. Over the summer, the Cross Country team stayed and trained at Mammoth Lakes for a week. This involved some very intensive high altitude training and
Nagisa Mihara/Courier Freshman runner Celso Martinez at Robinson Stadium on Monday. The national security major finished 33rd (21:49) at the Rio Hondo Cross Country Meet last Friday.
allowed the team to bond away from training. “This trip helped us to prepare for the season, as the workouts were more difficult than what we were used to because we had less oxygen to breathe in,” Martinez said. “When we came back to PCC the workouts seemed like a piece of cake. We also got to see more of each other’s personalities,
which built more friendships within the team.” Off the track, Martinez is working towards majoring in national security. He is currently pursuing administrative justice over the next two years and intends to transfer to a major university. Martinez will next compete at the So Cal Preview on Friday, Sept. 19 at Van Nuys.
Despite a disappointing 2013 season, head coach Terry Stoddard and the Lancers water polo team expect a noticeable improvement to both the offense and defense since five sophomores will be returning for the upcoming season. Entering his 16th season as head coach and director of the Lancers Aquatic Center, Stoddard will rely heavily on the production of his returning sophomores led by 2013 All-South Coast Conference First Team selection Stephanie Velasco. “What’s in the past is in the past,” Stoddard said. “This year we have five returning sophomores and I’m sure with their competitiveness they want to begin the season with a win.” The Lancers return four sophomores from last year’s team that finished last in the SCC. The biggest addition may be the return of sophomore driver Lisa Munoz who last played with the Lancers in 2010. “Lisa has really brought a mature atmosphere to the team,” Stoddard said. “I’m really excited about her return and the ladies are excited to have a good year.” With the addition of Munoz, opponents will have to think twice about how they will defend Velasco, who was the focus of many opponents’ defensive schemes last season. “It’s nice having Lisa on this year’s team,” Velasco said. “Having someone like Lisa on the team is a huge advantage for us because she’s familiar with how we play and she doesn’t have to learn as much as the new players do. We have a lot more experience on the perimeter this year.” The Lancers also return sophomore goalie Alenoush Aslanin, who led the Lancers last season with 129 saves. “Alenoush Aslanin is our returning goalie and she has improved dramatically,” Stoddard added. “We’re in better shape starting out this season, whereas last season we had holes that needed to be filled.” With the addition of Munoz, the Lancers are prepared to be a more balanced team on defense with an even better attack on offense, according to Stoddard. “We don’t have to do as many things in the pool because we have a balanced defense and a balanced attack on offense,” Stoddard said. “We’re going to be focused on fundamentals.” “As a team we just have to remain confident in our skills and our game,” Munoz added. “We’ve improved a lot [since training began], as far as our conditioning goes and we’ve improved our teamwork tremendously. I think working together we’ll do well.”