PCC Courier 10/09/2014

COURIER VOLUME 110 ISSUE 7

The independent student voice of PCC. Serving Pasadena since 1915

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PASADENA CITY COLLEGE

October 9, 2014

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Academic Senate adds more shared governance

Chick-fil-A to open and offer jobs Philip McCormick Editor-in-Chief

Justin Clay Staff Writer

Chick-fil-A plans to open in December and will be looking to hire PCC students after the controversial fast food restaurant went through a long 10-month process of getting approved.

“They are offering employment opportunities to our students,” said Yajaira De La Paz at the campus career center. “And they have 70 positions that they are trying to fill.”

De La Paz attended the Associated Students (AS) executive meeting Wednesday with concerns, noting that she knew the school had been against the restaurant opening up across the street. She said that the manager of the new Chick-fil-A approached her via email asking if it would be okay to send recruiters on campus to offer positions to students.

“I can’t say no,” De La Paz said. “[That’s] because we are funded by tax paying dollars. We could actually get a lawsuit if we close the doors to them completely.”

De La Paz said that she had to be sensitive to the needs of everyone in the situation and that she was asking for the Associated Students’ opinion. AS President Jordyn Orozco said that although they couldn’t take a position on Chick-fil-A at the meeting, the executive board members could voice their individual opinions on the matter. “[Chick-fil-A] is a really good company,” Student Trustee Marshall Lewis said. “I have three queer friends who work at the one in Azusa. So it’s not what everyone thinks it is… I see no problem with Chick-fil-A giving jobs to students.”

“I think students need to be offered a job wherever they can get it,” Orozco added. “I think that this is a great opportunity for students to get jobs and I know that a lot of them are looking for one.”

The rest of the executive board seemed to be in CHICK-FIL-A page 3

Keely Ernst/Courier ARTHOUSE: Chinese artist Xi Hou stands in front of her piece titled “Fire I” during the opening night of her show “Xi Hou: Mappings” Tuesday, on Sept. 30 at Laemmle Theatre’s Playhouse 7. Hou is one of many L.A.-based artists being exhbited in the Laemmle Theatre. Pictures on page 2.

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SENATE page 2

Two PCC students on Rose Court Samantha Molina Staff Writer

Daniel Valencia/Courier Yajaira De La Paz from the carrer senter takes part in the Associated Students meeting and discusses Chick-fil-A.

In its ongoing effort to promote shared governance, the Academic Senate is adding a student representative to its ranks as well as representatives from the Classified Senate and Faculty Association.

The Academic Jordyn Senate has had its Orozco share of complaints directed at the school’s administration for what they feel to be blatant violations of shared governance, so members of the group decided it should represent interests beyond those of the faculty.

“The executive committee is aware that decisions made by the senate most of the time tends to affect students,” said Academic Senate President Eduardo Cairo.

“Since we’ve been complaining about the lack of shared governance on this campus, if we are going to proceed, the best thing we can do is to provide a seat at the table for representatives of the Classified Senate, the Faculty Association and a representative

Two PCC students were selected from a group of 31 finalists to be princesses and Rose Queen candidates for the 2015 Tournament of Roses Royal Court.

First year students Mackenzie Joy Byers and Veronica Sara Mejia were chosen out of 700 Pasadena-are girls to act as ambassadors for the Tournament of Roses. The girls were selected based on poise, speaking ability, academic achievement, and community and school involvement.

The two girls will join five

other princesses including Gabrielle Ann Current, of Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, Bergen Louise Onufer, of Mayfield Senior School, Simona K. Shao, of Westridge School; Emily Alicia Olivas Stoker, 17, of Temple City High School; and Madison Elaine Triplett, of John Marshall Fundamental High School.

Byers, a Pasadena resident, was homeschooled until eighth grade and recently graduated from Temple City High School where she was president of the show choir and acted as commissioner of the arts for the

I LET THE HAUNT N BEGIN Bellflower Haunt S offers zombies, I guns and a PCC discount D PAGE 8>> E

ROSE COURT page 2

Courtesy Photo PCC Students Veronica Mejia (left) and Mackenzie Byers.

ROCK 4 PEF Benefit concert raises money for music education

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NEWS

2 COURIER

October 9, 2014

Instructor nominated for NAACP award Ashley Park Staff Writer

The Harlem Renaissance movement has influenced English professor Gabrielle Pina for as long as she can remember.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that her play, “Letters From Zora: In Her Own Words,” was shaped by one of Harlem Renaissance’s most prolific authors: Zora Neale Hurston.

“I am my mother’s only child, and my mother always gave me material from Zora Neale Hurston, Maya Angelou,… and from all of the other literary luminaries, so I have always been a fan,” said Pina.

The play, starring Pina’s longtime friend and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sister Vanessa Bell Calloway, “explores Hurston’s controversial views on integration, segregation, and social justice,” according to Beacon Media News.

Furthermore, Hurston, who received backlash for her personal life and accusations of plagiarism in her professional work, was portrayed in ways that Pina did not see as fitting.

“I have always believed that Hurston was woefully misunder-

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school’s Associated Students, according to the Tournament of Roses website.

“I’m just so excited to go out into my community and really explore the unique beauty of Pasadena and be able to influence it in some way,” Byers said in an interview with Pasadena Star News.

Mejia is majoring in communications and is a member of the Lancers track team, the release states. After college she hopes to work as a mental health counselor.

Mejia’s family is one of the

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of the student body with a member of the Associated Students.”

The student representative will not have an official vote, but will act in an advisory role.

“They will not have a vote at the table but I believe that this is one way of showing them that we hold their opinion in high regard,” said Cairo.

The Board of Trustees has a student representative that also acts in an advisory capacity.

“Students are the reason faculty are here in the first place,” said Associated Students President Jordyn Orozco. “A representative on the senate would help faculty gain perspective when it comes to student needs inside and outside the classroom.”

Orozco said that if asked, he will step in and take on the role

stood, and I wanted to be a part of ‘correcting the record,’ so to speak,” said Pina.

For Pina, writing her play was a way to express and explore more deeply her admiration for the artists during the Harlem Renaissance and what they represented and how they helped shape art and literature. So when she received news about her 2014 NAACP Theatre Award nomination for Best Playwright, and the nomination Bell received for Best Lead Female, it was an unexpected honor.

“No… I was not expecting it at all,” said Pina. “I received a text from [Bell], and I didn’t believe her. I kept making her explain and explain, and she was screaming on the phone.”

Although the nomination for her might have come as a pleasant surprise, Pina always knew Bell was deserving of her nomination.

“I saw her, and I absorbed her energy… and she was perfect,” said Pina. “It is a phenomenal performance. It is majestic. You know she is Zora Neale Hurston when you leave.”

The play, which was brought back to the Pasadena Playhouse by popular demand in May, will

longest standing Mexican-American families in the city of Pasadena moved here in the early 1900s.

Byers and Mejia succeed PCC student Sarah Hansen, who was named to the court last year.

“The college is thrilled to have not one, but two princesses to help the world usher in the New Year on January 1st,” Interim President Robert Miller said in a statement. “We congratulate Mackenzie and Veronica and wish them the very best as their great adventure begins.”

The Announcement and Coronation of the 97th Rose Queen and Presentation of the Royal Court is on Oct. 21 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium Plaza. of the student representative and he stresses the importance of having a student voice in the senate.

“I think it would give more focus to those who may not be directly involved with student life as well as encourage faculty to actively engage the student population they teach,” he said.

File photo by Concepcion Gonzalez Academic Senate President Eduardo Cairo.

Eric Haynes/Courier English instructor Gabrielle Pina of Pasadena City College has been nominated for an NAACP award for her work on “Letters From Zora”.

be featured again in the future for audiences to enjoy once more.

“It will be coming back again in the future. Absolutely. Zora will take control of the world!” said Pina enthusiastically.

But until then, Pina is still trying to wrap her head around the unexpected praise and support she has received.

“It’s been crazy. I can’t keep up,” said Pina. “I have to stay focused on my own focus just to accept it and get through it.

Keeping busy is probably good for me right now… I want to focus on my actress [and] focus on my director so we can continue to give the best performance ever.”

The NAACP Theatre Awards

will be announced on November 17, 2015. Pina is currently working on pre-production for her second play “Dreaming Of Harlem Under A High Southern Sky,” another work influenced by the Harlem Renaissance.

It premieres at the Bovard Auditorium in the University of Southern California on March 28, 2015.

ARTHOUSE AT LAEMMLE

Photos by Keely Ernst Theater patrons view Chinese artist Xi Hou’s art during the opening night of her show “Xi Hou: Mappings” on Tuesday, September 30 at Laemmle Theatre’s Playhouse 7 in Pasadena.

Hou is one of many L.A.-based artists being exhibited in Laemmle Theatres President Greg Laemmle’s new endeavor “Art in the Arthouse”.

October 9, 2014

Police Blotter

September 29 A man was reported to be insulting passerby and throwing substances at vehicles near Lot 1.

A female student had gotten into trouble for a quarrel about traffic on campus. Another woman argued over the subject but she left after someone interfered.

September 30 A female student who had been stalked in 2012 was contacted by email from a professor that an unknown man asked her attendance in class.

A woman suffered from pain in the Women’s locker room in the W Building. She was sent to

CHICK-FIL-A Continued from page 1

agreement with Orozco and Lewis. De La Paz said that she was grateful to get feedback from the AS. Pasadena City Councilman Terry Tornek had asked the council back in April to review plans for the Chick-fil-A to open a franchise in the old Burger King building on Colorado at a council meeting. He was concerned about the expansion of the drive-through, which he called a non-conforming use.

The restaurant plans were originally approved by the city last December. However, Tornek appealed the approval and sent it to the Board of Zoning.

Students and the PCC administration vehemently opposed the restaurant’s proposal because of

NEWS

the Health Center.

October 2 An officer reported a man threatened a woman after she refused to give him her phone number.

A female student reported to the campus police that she was stalked by her ex-boyfriend.

An officer contacted him and informed to him stay away from her.

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Compiled by Sho Tanaka Chick-fil-A’s history of supporting anti-gay groups.

Interim Superintendent Robert Miller was at the meeting last April, but did not say anything on behalf of the college during public comment.

“This was an example of public policy at its best,” Miller said afterwards. “The process went through a complete and careful study by both staff and elected officials. This is the outcome and I respect it.”

Chick-fil-A development supervisor Jennifer Daw did not return requests for comment.

She said last April that the company is excited to come to town.

“We’ve wanted to be in Pasadena for such a long time,” she said. “Chick-fil-A looks forward to being a part of the community and giving new job opportunities to it.”

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Eric Haynes/Courier Construction taking place at the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Bonnie Avenue in Pasadena for the new Chick-Fil-A restaurant, which is scheduled to open soon.

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4 COURIER

Courier 2012 JACC General Excellence Award-Winner

Editor-in-Chief

Philip McCormick Online Editor Mick Donovan News Editor Paul Ochoa Opinion Editor Justin Clay Features Editor Kristen Luna 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, Joey Calderon Guzman, Hannah Gonzales, David Grubaugh, Tiffany Herrera, Daniel Johnson, Matthew Kiewiet, Anthony Martinez, David O’Connor, Ashley Park, Sho Tanaka

Staff Photographers: Justin Clay, Keely Ernst, Ansis Hoheisel, Erica Hong, Ryan Kevin, Chris Martinez, Daniel Nerio, Paul Ochoa, Kevin Peraza, Scott Spencer, Ian Tomlin, Daniel Vega-Warholy, Saul Villegas, Rayna White Faculty Adviser Nathan McIntire Photo Adviser Tim Berger

OPINION

October 9, 2014

Climate change agreement far off Hannah Gonzales Staff Writer

On September 23, 2014 world leaders met for the global climate summit hosted in New York by the U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The goal of the meeting: to bring awareness to the issue of climate change and encourage political goodwill for a legal universal agreement in Paris next year.

More than 120 world leaders talked about their plans for climate change and listened to speeches made by representatives from communities that are being affected by climate change.

It should be noted that the goal global climate summit last month wasn’t to sign a universal climate treaty. The climate summit wasn’t even a part of the U.N. Framework Convention

on Climate Change. It was a unique event that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, a longtime advocate for the awareness of climate change, planned and implemented. Unlike 2009’s UN climate summit in Copenhagen, which ended in failure, this year’s meeting was met with enormous public support and a general sense that things were going to get done.

Companies and governments pledged to cut emissions. Investors pledged money toward green investments. Gas and oil industry leaders planned to reduce methane emissions by the year 2020.

However, pledges aren’t binding agreements and it’s unclear whether or not companies, such as those that deal with oil, gas, and coal reserves, who pledged their support will even make an impact if they don’t act quickly.

And there’s another problem.

Fossil fuel companies aren’t looking to change their policies regarding climate change. The Guardian reported that both ExxonMobil and Shell said they would continue doing business in fossil fuels for years to come regardless of government policies. It’s hard to see the positive impact of the climate summit meeting when there is still a lack of response from companies that make a huge amount of money dealing in materials that are bad for the environment.

It all comes down to economics. Countries and industries don’t want to cut emissions, which is considered bad economics, in case they fall behind their rivals.

This results in nations that don’t want to change their climate policies.

Yes, it is a step in the right direction, but it’s not enough.

How can there be an interna-

tional agreement next year when Russia still produces massive amounts of coal and Germany burns more coal than ever? And lets not forget about Japan’s rising emissions from the Fukushima disaster or the United States and China who are the top two carbon emitting countries.

Perhaps the best course of action isn’t a burden-sharing global treaty, but self-interested nations taking actions on their own to reduce their dependency on fossil fuels and start investing in low-carbon alternatives.

Regardless of whether it’s a universal agreement or unilateral plans, rising CO2 emisions don’t stop for anyone and the sooner nations take action the sooner we can save our environment.

Dating in real life or dating on the net?

David Grubaugh Staff Writer

Online dating is a phenomenon that spawned a billion dollar industry based solely on people’s desire to find someone to spend the rest of their life with. Sites like eHarmony and Match take all the things that attract one person to another and simplify it down to a formula for mass consumption.

Some mediums for meeting people don’t ask for a whole lot from their users. The app Tinder simply requires users to have a Facebook profile to link to the app. From there, the app will pull the user’s age, photos, first name, and a compressed “about me” from their page.

Other sites that make a lot more claims about their effectiveness require a bit more preparation and a lot of effort to get the desired effects. Sites like eHarmony boast huge numbers

of marriages coming from their site. According to an eHarmony press release, the site is responsible for 25 percent of all marriages when the couple met online. The company also contends that couples are more likely to stay happy and stay together if they meet on eHarmony.

The idea that 25 percent of married couples that met online come from eHarmony becomes a lot more significant when one looks at a study conducted by the New York Daily News. The study states that, of the 19,000 people who married in the United States between 2005 and 2012, “more than one third of U.S. marriages begin with online dating.” Beyond that, “22 percent met through work, 19 percent through friends, nine percent at a bar or club and four percent at church.”

Finding success stories about couples who met each other online isn’t a difficult task.

However, online dating is not a flawless concept. Lying on the internet is one of the easiest things there is to do.

The show “To Catch a Predator” has been around since 2004 and focused on the attempts of older men trying to lure younger boys and girls to their homes using online messengers like MSN and AIM. A more recent show, “Catfish,” aired in 2012 and focused on figuring out whether or not someone is being truthful online by setting up real life meetings between the two parties.

These programs highlight some of the very real problems with online dating, and that is that sometimes people lie, and there’s a chance that these people have very malicious intent. One such story is of Terry L. Smith Jr., who admitted to raping half a dozen girls who he met online including a 21-year-old girl who was lured to his home when he said that,

they were just going to watch a movie, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

Attacks like these are preventable by being incredibly prudent when choosing who a user is going to meet up with. Reverse image searches on pictures can disprove someone’s appearance, and sometimes checking other sites for a user’s username can pull up some information that someone might not want you to know. Having your first meeting in a public place is a deterrent for crime, and keeping in contact with a friend about your location and status is incredibly important.

The big thing about online dating is that it’s a lot like offline dating. Users meet new people, get to know those people, sometimes they end up friends, sometimes they end up hating each other, and sometimes they fall in love.

VOICES: Would you trust an online dating site in order to find the one?

Advertising Manager 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.

“No, because you never know what’s on the other side of the screen.”

Miguel Novel, Electrical Engineering

“I had an experience and it was just too weird.”

Andrea Arias, Nursing

“No, because a person can be fake behind the computer.”

Michael Cheng, Economics

The Courier is written and produced as a learning experience for student writers, photographers and editors in the Journalism Department.

Phone: (626) 585-7130 Fax: (626) 585-7971 Advertising (626) 585-7979 Office: 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., CC-208 Pasadena, CA 91106-3215 © Copyright 2014 Courier.

All rights Reserved.

“It’s a great way to meet others, but I think there’s more to finding the one.”

Nicole Renee Geiger, Music

“My neighbors met online and they got married, but isn’t for me.”

William Horlacher, History

Reporting by: Ahmad Akkaoui Photos by: Rayna White

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 clay.courier@gmail.com Corrections The Courier staff endeavors to ensure accuracy in all aspects of its reporting. if you believe we have made an error, please contact us at (626) 585-7130 or via email to mccormick.courier@gmail.com

ONLINE POLL RESULTS Online, we asked: Should the Board rescind Rocha’s severance package ?

Results as of 5 p.m. Wednesday:

Yes: 86% No: 13%

Vote at PccCourier.com

A&E

October 9, 2014

COURIER 5

Rocking out for better music education Mick Donovan Online Editor

“Where you goin’ tough guy?” he said.

The boy stopped dead in his tracks, waited a moment, and turned around. He stared at the man who had called him out and the crowd erupted with laughter.

A 3-year-old boy had wandered onto the stage and walked right up to Brian Aubert and Nikki Monninger of the Silversun Pickups.

Aubert then invited the rest of the kids onto the stage to “play” along with them. The brighteyed children rushed over at the opportunity. Audience members laughed and the outdoor amphitheater was transformed into an intimate space for friends and family alike to enjoy music in the warm fall air.

This was only how the night came to a close for the benefit concert held by the Pasadena Education Foundation (PEF) this past Sunday.

With the aim of raising funds to promote a better musical education program in the public schools of Pasadena, PEF invited acclaimed musical artists the Silversun Pickups, Ozma, Taylor Mathews, Melissa Polinar and the Serenegades to perform.

“I think it’s so important nowadays because so many music education programs have been cut, so it’s just really important to raise some awareness, and to put it back into education,” Monninger said “I think it’s really important to get exposed early, and then at that point you can make the decision if you want a career or not.”

All of the musicians who performed got their first taste

Ryan Kevin /Courier Brian Aubert and Nikki Monninger of Silversun Pickups performing an acoustic session at Rock4PEF in Farnsworth Park Amphitheater in Altadena on Sunday.

of music early on and most of them from the public school system before going on to higher education.

Members of the band Ozma, who are Pasadena natives, appreciated the education they received and are thankful for the opportunity to give back.

“I teach music at the Altadena Academy of Music. I studied a lot of music within the Pasadena Unified School District, so I’m really happy to be able to give back to the musical education

community in this way today,” said Daniel Brummel, bassist of Ozma.

Melissa Polinar, also thankful for the chance to give back, made note of how important music education is not just for the sake of learning the arts but for what it teaches children in other areas of life as well.

“I’m thoroughly in support of [music education]. Not just because I’m a musician but because when I was a kid, music education helped me with my

studies and helped me cope with emotional stress,” Polinar said. “People always ask me if I get nervous on stage. I think I don’t really get all that nervous because of that. Because of my music education. It’s because I was thrown on stage, rehearsing all the time, it becomes second nature so it builds up confidence for kids.”

Some kids already know firsthand how much their musical education has given them. The Serenegades, winners of the

Battle of the Bands held by PEF recently, are still in high school.

The group not only participates in their respective schools’ bands but also study at the Burbank Music Academy (BMA), which is where they formed the band. They have competed in multiple Battle of the Bands and this past Sunday found themselves on stage with big names in the industry.

Kids are often forced to find other means of music education these days as it has been steadily declining in public schools.

“I noticed it with my nephew, literally, the difference between the people that have fancy schools and the people that go to public schools. I don’t want it to just be private schools where kids learn about art. That would be very sad. It would just be a bunch of rich kids who know about art and a bunch of normal kids who don’t know [crap] about art,” Aubert said.

The benefit concert was a great success, Monica Lopez from PEF said, but in a society that puts so much emphasis on sports, mathematics and reading and writing, how does the importance of arts education get weighed out so easily?

“Music is not really a spectator’s sport,” Mathews said.

“Sometimes it gets lost in the shuffle because you don’t see what effect or what impact it’s having on kids. Being able to come over and speak about [how] it meant a lot to us, seeing us play and doing what we love, and representing this foundation, it’s just really cool to see.

You see, this is our end result, this is our game winner.”

Old art gallery remembered in faculty art exhibit Dezarae Balbas Staff Writer

“Conference Center,” an art exhibit in the Boone Family Art Gallery cleverly named in remembrance of the old art gallery in the quad, displayed the art work of the faculty members of the school of Visual, Media and Performing Arts last Thursday.

The previous art gallery, which is now the conference center was converted due to the demands of prior administration.

This inspired Brian Tucker, director of The Boone Family Art Gallery, to name the event, “Conference Center” as a reminder of the previous art gallery that was taken over.

The annual event for faculty members gives them a chance to step out of the classroom and display their talents through their unique creativity. This year was the first year it was held in the new Art Building.

The event presented the work of 37 professors who bravely previewed their artwork including photographs, water colors, digital art and jewelry. A new professor, Clandra Carballada, displayed her first piece and was very excited to share her pastel drawing on tracing paper.

“I was inspired by dance movements,”

said Carballada, who taught her first Foundation Drawing course this past summer.

Carballada, along with the other professors, felt that it was important to step out of teaching mode to indulge in their own personal inspiration.

“It’s important to keep it up,” Carballada said. “It would be unhealthy not to.”

Professor Allan Harrison also presented his talent through a beautiful oil painting on plywood. He advised that the title of his art piece had no significant correlation to his inspiration.

“The meaning is in the process of the work,” Harrison said, who teaches Painting and Life Drawings.

Other art pieces included a pair of earrings created by Professor Sarah Rudd, who teaches Intro to Jewelry and Metal Fabrication Art. She pieced together sterling silver, garnets and pearls and felt inspired during her visit to Oaxaca, Mexico. Mahara Sinclaire, who teaches the Daniel Nerio/Courier Basic Color and Composition class, preSketching for Design professor Poe Tan’s “Poe Boxes” on display as part of the viewed her oversized acrylic painting that faculty “Conference Center” exhibition in the Boone Family Art Gallery on Thursdemonstrated her thoughts on “artificial day, Oct. 2. happiness” shown through media. tradition, serving as inspiration for art fans and other viewers who come to the galTucker added that the art pieces comand aspiring artists. lery.” pleted by professors also created a sort of “I hope that the art gallery becomes a “Conference Center” will be open until “conference” or meeting place of different place for investigating and debating ideas the end of the month and will also be ideas and approaches to art. The success of the event has allowed it to be an annual through art,” said Tucker. “For students open during Pasadena Art Night.

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Melanie Olivares, 21, animation, parries a classmate’s lunge during an exercise in

Concepcion Gonzalez/Courier Catherine Peralta, anesthesia tech, warms up in the cycling class in the GM Building.

Concepcion Gonzalez/Courie Coach Ward warms up his class before going outside to run the cycling class in the GM Building.

Concepcion Gonzalez/Courier Concepcion Gonzalez / Courier Coach Sanchez does drills with Zin Win Maw during the badminton classes in Rebecca Tzou, English, backhands the shuttlethe GM Building. The classes are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 a.m. cock during the badminton classes.

This Indoor Bootcamp focuses on core trainin

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October 10, 2014

Keely Ernst/Courier the Beginning Fencing class.

er

Keely Ernst/Courier Business major William VanStralen, 22, lunges at art major Kenny Vu, 22, during an exercise in Beginning Fencing.

Concepcion Gonzalez/Courier Steven Lay, biology, practices his swings in the tennis classes.

Keely Ernst/Courier is designed for all fitness levels and ng for overall good health.

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Concepcion Gonzalez/Courier Stacey Torres, known as “The Killer� by her classmates, plays King of the Court.

Keely Ernst/Courier Karen Harris cracks a smile as her class works on their core during Indoor Bootcamp.

LIFESTYLE

8 COURIER

October 9, 2014

Haunt a-mazes with zombie interaction Philip McCormick Editor-in-Chief

As the military truck slowly makes its way to its final destination, you hear it. A slight groan, feet shuffling close by and suddenly you realize you’re surrounded by the undead.

Luckily, this unforgettable haunt lets its customers shoot the zombies before they get too close and try to infect them.

Haunted Hollywood Sports (HHS) is offering a haunt unlike any during the Halloween season.

What other theme park or event

would give its participants loaded airsoft rifles and allow them to shoot attacking zombies?

“The Airsoft environment is kind of different from a normal haunt,” marketing coordinator Jerry Paxton said. “We call these attractions Killhouses. We have three this year. We’ve branched out this year, also adding four mazes and three ‘scare zones.”

The way the Killhouse works is the participant is given a gun, vest and facemask at the beginning. The objective is to make it through the Killhouse with the flag that’s attached to your vest still there, allowing these

zombies to get up close and personal. If the participant has their flag ripped off, they have to start over or move on to the next attraction.

The mazes are not for those who might be claustrophobic.

The maze Venom starts off in pitch black, where participants must feel their way through a tight corridor. Once that’s over, monsters and screeching maniacs lurk around each corner waiting to be approached.

“This haunt is intense,” performer Dangerous D said.

“I performed at Rob Zombie’s haunt last year and that had some scary shit. But I think letting the customer be able to shoot zombies is taking it to another level.”

Besides the mazes and Killhouses, HHS will also have performers every night its open, like Dangerous D, who enjoys having his tips stapled to his face (if they are $20) and his chest.

Paxton said they would have bands and magicians.

This year, HHS will offer college nights, including a PCC night. Students will receive discounted tickets on Oct. 17.

“We thought it would be great to offer college students an affordable haunt,” Paxton said.

“We hope it’s a big turn out.”

Photos by Justin Clay/Courier Performance artist Go-Go Amy eats fire during a stage show at Haunted Hollywood Sports on Friday Sept. 26.

Adapted classic horror gets Wicked in the cemetery Monique LeBleu Lifestyle Editor

“‘Do not mind the Sprites.

They will not bite…hard,” quips a gypsy. “The Pagans have no respect for the dead!,” says another, as pagans, sprites, fairies and woodland creatures come out from the shrubbery to dance and entertain through the lush grounds and walkways, greeting patrons that await the Wicked Lit experience.

For five years, the Mountain View Mausoleum and Cemetery has been the home of annual autumn productions of Wicked Lit, a theatrical walk-through that guides 105 willing victims through each of the three classic horror literature works adapted for the show.

The experience begins when the frame guide character Franz

Mesmer (Dustin Hess) leads the audience through a corridor lit with early industrial revolution electric light into the Pompeian Court mausoleum. Greeted by “Bavarians and gypsys” in “Pagan versus Steam Punk” costumes, Mesmer instructs participating audience members to tie up his wife (Elyse Ashton) for a demonstration. Eager to get the “party started,” Mesmer quips “Maybe later we could play ‘Pin the Tail on the Demon Hellhound!’”

Aurora Long and Charlie Mount, co-playwrights and co-directors of Spirits of Walpurgisnacht, the opening and frame show for Wicked Lit 2014, explained that Walpurgisnacht in German folklore is believed to be the night of a witches’ meeting in the forests.

Long brings a background in

Daniel Vega-Warholy/Courier Wicked Lit 2014 pre-show frame Co-Director Aurora Long in front of the Mountain View Mausoleum in Altadena.

Shakespeare, which is likely why the opening of the piece has a very Midsummer Night’s dream feel with fairies and other woodland creature characters.

“When everyone is safe protected in the lobby–when they go off to see the other three shows– then the spirits and demons can interact with them,” Long said.

Dracula’s Guest, one of the three pieces, takes place on Walpurgisnacht, where traditionally bonfires are lit to protect against evil spirits.

With a background in magic instead of an actual bonfire, Mount thought of using technologies new to the industrial revolution in the turn of the 20th century and asked the designers to create an “electrical bonfire” in a “Nicola Tesla meets Dr. Frankenstein” steam punk-esque display created by Kurtis Bedford.

The frame of the show is laced with comedy designed to warm up the audience with magic and moody atmospheric music that primes the audience for what’s to come. And it has to be flexible enough for events and late-comers who might cause a pause. So it’s dotted with bits of improvisation, magic and levity in order to accommodate the starts and stops.

“We wanted something light and funny, because the rest of the night is pretty dark and scary,” said Mount. “So as a counterpoint, we’re pretty tongue-in-cheek. I guess we are about as scary as the Addams Family,” he said.

Audience members are arranged in groups of 35 directed by the color dot on their program and are then given some rules, such as “turn off all nonsteamed powered devices.” Then they are sent off to embark on Dracula’s Guest, which is based on the original first chapter to

Photo courtesy of Ellen Smiler/Unbound Productions Dustin Hess as Franz Mesmer during the Wicked Lit 2014 PreShow. Performances run from Oct. 2 to Nov. 8.

Dracula, The Monk, a Gothic story of evil’s attempt to bring a monk into damnation, and Las Llaronas, a Mexican folklore about a murderous mother who cries along the coast and through time for her drowned children.

“Each of the directors works with the production, the actors, the design, and the full 360 of what the audience experiences,” said executive director Jonathan Josephson.

With past productions at other locations, such as History Lit at the Fenyes Manson in Pasadena, and Wicked Lit at the Greystoke Mansion in Beverly Hills, Unbound Productions has several things in the works for the future and is looking again to the Pasadena area.

“We are also developing Mystery Lit,” Josephson said. “We have a Sherlock Holmes play that we are hoping to produce very

soon. The play is called ‘Holmes, Sherlock, and the Consulting Detective.’”

Wednesday performances are the least expensive and there are group rates for students, but Josephson offered a suggestion for those who are eager to see the show but facing a financial impasse.

“It’s an expensive show to put on. But at the same time, we don’t want to turn anybody away because they can’t afford it.

So email us at info@wickedlit. org, and we will figure something out.”

Wicked Lit runs from October 3 to November 8 at the Mountain View Mausoleum and Cemetery in Altadena. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $70. For more information go to wickedlit.org.

LIFESTYLE

October 9, 2014

COURIER

Halloween made easy with pop-up shops Ashley Park Staff Writer

Halloween is the one day of the year when it’s considered acceptable to be dressed as outrageously as possible. One might even say that for this holiday, more is more.

It’s a chance to become one’s alter ego, a favorite superhero, a frightening monster, or even a satirical version of a celebrity or public figure.

“It’s the best holiday because of the costumes and candy…

My friend and I have actually been planning our costumes

The front entrance to Spirit Halloween is a quick walk away from PCC on Colorado Boulevard on Sept. 30.

already,” said Joseph Señas, political science. “We know we want to do something crazy, but we’re not exactly sure what.”

With pop-up shops like Spirit Halloween Store that only open during this spooky season, preparing for Halloween has become easier.

Home décors and ready-made costumes are abundantly available for everyone looking to get into the spirit.

Unsurprisingly, costumes have trends that change annually depending on current events and popular movies, shows, or celebrities.

“Classic superhero costumes, like Superman or Batman, are always the most popular choice, no matter what,” said Kathleen Labagh, a Spirit Halloween Store representative. “We are definitely seeing costumes like Elsa from “Frozen” and “Game of Thrones”related costumes being very popular this year too. On the other hand, Minion costumes from “Despicable Me” are losing popularity… We usually offer discounts for unpopular costumes.”

Customers also take advantage of the discounts that are offered once Halloween is over.

“We’re the busiest two weeks before Halloween, when people are getting their last minute details ready,” Labagh said.

9

Photos by Ian Tomlin/Courier Spirit Halloween Store packed the walls with all different types of costumes for everyone, on Sept. 30. Costumes from both the animated movie “Frozen” and the television show “Game of Thrones” are popular this year.

“However, and most people don’t know this, but we’re extremely busy the two weeks after Halloween, right before the store is closed for the year. That’s when we have the best sales.

People will buy decorations and costumes for next year too.”

Although it’s more convenient to buy ready-made costumes at stores like Spirit Halloween Store, some people prefer to put together their own costumes

with clothing they already own or with clothing they buy at second-hand thrift shops.

“Costumes you can put together are usually so bad that it’s actually good,” said engineering student Andy Liang. “Readymade costumes try too hard.”

The idea of a more affordable costume is also appealing to college students who don’t want to break the bank.

“It’s cheaper to put together a

costume,” said English student Danielle Santiago. “It’s also a chance to be more creative! People should take advantage of it.”

Once Halloween day arrives, however, it doesn’t matter if more people are wearing readymade costumes or costumes they’ve made on their own.

It’s all about trick-or-treating, binging on candy, and getting in to the creepy, crawly holiday spirit with friends and family.

Veteran serves up hearty homestyle fried chicken David Grubaugh Staff Writer

Located about a quarter mile from the Pasadena City College main campus, next to a Starbucks, is Major Dave’s Chicken, a fried chicken restaurant that ups the ante on quality with fresh ingredients and special preparation.

Major Dave’s Chicken was opened in August by Maj. David Caldwell United States Marine Corps Reserves. “Major Dave” had been in the Marines for 18

years and, like many veterans, had difficulty finding employment after his return from Afghanistan a little over 2 years ago.

“I got sick of knocking on doors and not finding work, so I just decided to open my business. Thought that if I can’t get a job then I’ll make my own job,” Caldwell said.

He then took the funds he had been saving since his deployment, along with a small amount of crowd funding, and created Major Dave’s Chicken

with his partner and fiancee Jill Bush, a teacher at Polytechnic School in Pasadena.

Major Dave’s prides itself on its use of only the freshest ingredients that Caldwell believes sets them apart from other fast food restaurants. “We use a much better product,” Caldwell said.

“It’s never frozen, American grown, free range, no gmo feed, no hormones, no steroids, no processing.”

Major Dave’s also prepares its chicken in smaller batches with

Christopher Martinez/Courier Eddie Rafael, a PCC student and TV production major, is trying out the spicy chicken breast and Major Dave’s original recipe chicken leg with a side of bourbon beans.

the same recipe that Caldwell’s father used when he was growing up. “I thought it would be interesting to open a fried chicken restaurant that was like home cooking, like comfort food, but it’s made of a better quality product,” Caldwell said.

As for how it tastes, restaurant patron Samantha Green got the spicy chicken and “liked it a lot,” she said.

“The crust was crispy and not too thick. It was also seasoned very well, like it actually soaked into the chicken and didn’t just sit on the surface.”

Green also mentioned that the bourbon baked beans were excellent and made for a wonderful side, especially for someone

looking for a different protein besides chicken as the baked beans, along with the toasted Brussel sprouts, contain bacon.

“I got the Kale Ceasar Salad with the regular chicken and the whipped cauliflower, and it was really good,” said restaurant patron Sarah Miller, who also mentioned that the cauliflower was a good substitute for the lack of mashed potatoes on the menu.

Students can find Major Dave’s Chicken at 163 N. Hill Ave. in Pasadena. Students and veterans who visit the establishment will also be welcomed with a 10 percent discount with a valid ID.

10 COURIER

FEATURES

October 9, 2014

Lancer Card gives students access to entertainment Reina Aldape Staff Writer

Besides obtaining a higher education, being students at Pasadena City College has its monetary benefits. As enrolled students at PCC, students are all required to get a student ID, the LancerCard, which allows access to an array of resources the campus has to offer.

Such access includes resources like the computer lab, Learning Assistance Center, the physical fitness facilities, and the hundreds of books at Shatford Library.

But the LancerCard also offers a variety of discounts on entertainment outside the school campus.

Music lovers can purchase discounted concert tickets to select

events at the Hollywood Bowl and the Walt Disney Concert Hall for as low as $10 to $20 dollars.

However, there are provisions that require all students interested in such tickets to be enrolled as a full-time student and they must register and set up an account on the LA Phil website.

Museum patrons can embrace the cultures of a variety of institutions with ease on their wallets.

The Norton Simon Museum in Old Town Pasadena offers free admission to students with a valid ID. Other Museums like Pasadena Museum of California Art, Pacific Asia Museum, and the Pasadena Museum of History offer discounted rates to students with their LancerCard ID. With your student ID patrons can enjoy a midnight showing of

a new release at a matinee price.

And for the adventure seekers, the adrenaline junkies, and those who love a good theme park, the LancerCard offers discounts at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia and Universal Studios Hollywood in Burbank.

With Halloween right around the corner, students can save up to $30 for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios.

These discounted tickets can be purchased through the park’s website or through the student bank on campus, according to Tsianina Sturges, the Student Affairs assistant.

For more information on these discounts, visit the student bank located at B203 in the Student Services Building.

Photo illustration by Daniel Nerio

Former sergeant leads veterans club on a mission Dezarae Balbas Staff Writer

Former sergeant and now chemical engineering major Mark Castanon is leading the Veterans Club on an operation to raise funds and awareness for a clinic that all former soldiers in the San Gabriel Valley will be able to benefit from.

After leaving the Army two years ago, Castanon wandered on to campus and began adjusting to new life as a civilian.

His leadership instincts led him to yet another team on another mission. The mission was to bring forward the important problem of inadequate medical attention for veterans. He and his team are now proceeding to raise funds for the Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, also known as CBOC. “Most of us that who have to go see medical have to go to West Hollywood,” said Castanon. “And the VA (Veterans Association) is not known to be very good and we can’t schedule our own appointments, they have to schedule them

for us so sometimes it inzations like The Rotary terferes with our classes.”

Club and The American Castanon explained Legion. that this extreme inconPatricia D’Orvenience forced him and ange-Martin, coordinator other veterans to choose of the Veterans Resource between their education Center, shared that she and their health, none of and the fundraising which should be comprocommittee are receiving mised. a lot of support from “I was here full time the community due to and I worked here so I Congresswoman Judy was here for 12 hours a Chu, D-Pasadena, who day,” said Castanon. “For has been a strong voice me, I can’t give up money, in the veteran’s clinic I can’t give up my educaproject in her re-election tion so to go get checked campaign. in at the VA, whenever In true combat fashConcepcion Gonzalez/Courier ion, Castanon is keeping they want is difficult.”

Mark Castanon, the president of the Veterans The CBOC will serve his head down and leadmore than 50,000 veterans Club in the W building on Sept. 23. ing his team until they in the San Gabriel Valley, cannot go no more. schedule further appointments at a also generating potential opportu“It’s a lot,” Castanon said. “It’s larger hospital, if needed. nities for healthcare professionals. always best not to look at the very The proposal for the fundraising In addition, healthcare students will of the CBOC was approved at the top of the hill, you know. Just keep be able to complete clinic work and end of spring semester of this year. going.” finish off internships.

Castanon plans to expand the The Veterans Club plans to raise As for veterans, they will be able money by participating in campus Veterans Resource Center so that to come in for minor appointit can properly accommodate the events like the flea market and ments, get screened, and then keeping in contact with organi800-plus veterans here on campus..

Castanon came a long way himself before returning to school. After taking a year off to spend time with his two sons, he found himself struggling to adjust to student life.

“When I first came here, I had a lot of trouble adapting and so I didn’t participate in any of the things,” Castanon said. “I learned quickly that doing it on your own is not going to work so one of the things I did was join the club, became an officer and now I’m the president. I’ve come a long way from where I was two years ago.”

His experience as a leader placed him in his comfort zone and guided him successfully from the battle field to campus soil.

The San Marino Rotary club supports this project and is holding a fundraising event for their 5th Annual Rotary Interact All City Talent Show to support the PCC Veterans Health Center of the Foothills on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. at Huntington Middle School, 1700 Huntington Drive, in San Marino.

Author gives life and career advice to creative writing class down.” They waved their arms in the air and after the countdown, they would jump up and yell, “blastoff!” Their song was a way As a kid, author and actor for them to celebrate and prepare Aaron Hartzler used to sing in his for the Rapture, when Jesus living room alongside his siblings would come down and carry a song they called “The Countthose who are worthy up into Heaven.

Author Aaron Hartzler grew up in an evangelical, fundamentalist home in Kansas City, Missouri.

According to his religion, he didn’t qualify for the ascension.

In his new memoir called “The Rapture Practice,” he Paul Ochoa /Courier explores the sexAaron Hartzler giving a lecture on writing his uality and religion memoir “The Rapture Practice” in a creative that surrounded his writing class on Sept. 30. experiences during Kristen Luna Features Editor

his high school years.

“It wasn’t a take down of my life and my parents,” Hartzler said. “I wrote this book for those kids growing up like I grew up… you can find happiness in you and not depend on other people.”

On September 30, students in the creative writing class on campus were attentive and enthusiastic when Hartzler gave a passionate lecture on the struggles and triumphs of becoming a published author.

He professed to the class that from the moment the idea to write a book was planted in 2006, to when it actually was published, spanned seven solid years. As he began to explain the road to being published, he gave them a piece of advice that he remembers hearing constantly.

“Just write,” Hartzler said. “I had to write a lot of crap to get to anything that was worth publishing…all that writing has to be

there for when the opportunity presents itself.”

Hartzler has four siblings but abstained from recognizing them in his book. One student was curious as to Hartzler’s reason for leaving them out of his story.

“We know a lot about your mom, we know a lot about your dad but what about your siblings?

Why weren’t they really included?” asked PCC student Megan Prough.

Hartzler goes on the explain that he decisively left them out because he wanted to tell his version of events, and that each sibling has their own versions of the events that took place growing up in their household.

Out of his whole family, his younger brother Caleb was the only one who asked to read the book before it came out. Hartzler remembers feeling extremely nervous about how his brother would interpret the book. But on

the contrary, he received his best review so far when his brother told him that he now does not have to explain why his parents have not yet met his husband because he can just show people Hartzler’s book.

“I knew at that point I had captured the truth of the essence of what went on,” Hartzler said.

“At least the essence of what we had experienced was there.”

PCC student Marina Padilla, physical therapy, is a student in the creative writing class and loves Hartzler’s memoir.

She describes growing up in a household where religion was forced upon her. She said that her teenage daughter believed her life was horrible until she read the book and her views on her own life transformed.

“I am grateful for your book,” said Padilla.

SPORTS

October 9, 2014

COURIER

11

Rooting for the away team: When is it OK? Paul Ochoa Staff Writer

Sports are more than just a game to many. They are form of entertainment that can help the morale of a city, its economy and bring its people together. So is it ever OK to root for the away team?

Most will say that if your city has a team then you should root for them as a sign of support and pride in your city. Freddie Barrow, engineering, agrees with this point of view but also does not see anything wrong with rooting for an away team, as long as it’s in moderation.

“I have pride for my team,” said Barrow. “I’m from New Orleans so I have to rep that but at the same time I like the Clippers. I’m a Saints fan but I like Peyton Manning.”

Victor Ramos, biology, also adheres to this point of view but feels that it is appropriate to root for the away team only if your city does not have a home team to root for.

“Living in L.A., for certain sports I root for the home team

but with football I go outside of the state and root for the Green Bay Packers,” said Ramos. “And I don’t think that there’s anything wrong with that since L.A. doesn’t have a football team.”

Even though their city might have a team, some, like Cedric Crane, business management, choose to adopt another team based on personal reasons. A native of Texas, Crane was raised a Dallas Cowboys fan but grew to like another team as well.

“I’m from Texas and I am a Cowboy’s fan but from my own knowledge of football I am a Baltimore Ravens fan,” said Crane.

Crane feels that it is OK to root for multiple teams because the reason most root for a team is not one of choice but tradition.

“A lot of people choose the teams they do because of traditions of their families or where they live,” he said.

Evan O’Meara, the former PCC baseball coach, also feels that professional sports are fair game as far as what team’s people can root for.

“I don’t really care about pro-

fessional sports too much,” said O’Meara. “It’s more of an entertainment value in pro sports.”

But as far as school sports go, O’Meara says that part of being a student is showing support for your school.

“You have an obligation as a student to root for the team that bares the mascot or the school you attend,” he said.

While rooting for the away team might not always be popular, it is something that can add flavor to the sports community in which you live in.

Yvette Bastidas, art, feels that it is just adds to the diversity that makes this country so great.

“I think it’s a good thing,” said Bastidas. “If you go to school with different races, why not live in an area with people who go for different teams.”

So the next time you are at the ballpark and the home team doesn’t win, just remember it might be a shame for you but a victory for someone else.

a touchdown and have enough time to have a shot at tying the game.

As it turned out, quarterback Dejon Williams’ pass was picked off by the Falcons for the second time that night. The game was over, sending the Lancers to a 2-3 season record.

“I felt good out there,” Williams said. “We looked good too, but couldn’t finish plays. I threw two bad passes that I wish I could get back.”

Williams threw for 354 passing yards in the game, while the offense gained 456 total yards.

Running back Justin Carroll scored the only two Lancers touchdowns, one from a 33-yard pass and the other on a 4-yard run.

“It was a breakout game for [Carroll,]” Williams said. “He had a beast of a game tonight and we know he’s capable of doing more

of this.”

On the defensive side, PCC wasn’t all that bad. The Lancers recorded three interceptions and defensive back Austin Alexander made nine tackles in the game.

The problem for the Lancers defense was not being able to

Cartoon by Mick Donovan

Football can’t sustain win streak against Cerritos Philip McCormick Editor-in-Chief

Coming off of back-to-back wins for the first time since 2010, the Lancers football team looked to upset the No. 7 ranked Cerritos College Flacons on Saturday.

Unfortunately for PCC, even though it had the most yards gained between the two teams, it fell short of its third victory.

The final score was 27-17.

“It was a tough loss,” head coach Fred Fimbres said. “We feel like we let one slip away. We can’t let that happen.”

The Lancers scored in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 10 points and were able to get the ball back and march back down the field a few minutes later.

With a little under three minutes in the game, it looked like PCC would finish the drive with

contain the Falcons on fourth downs.

“We need to do a better job out there on defense,” Fimbres said. “The last two games, the defense did great. We need to go back to playing like that… But Cerritos is a really good team. We

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Scott Spencer/Courier Running back Justin Carroll, who scored two touchdowns in Saturdays game, breaks a tackle.

didn’t expect this to be an easy game and it wasn’t.”

With this loss, it’s been 11 seasons since the Lancers last beat the Falcons.

PCC travels to face East Los Angeles College on Saturday.

Game time is 6 p.m.

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October 9, 2014

Sophomore defender leads by example David O’Connor Staff Writer

Sophomore defender George Barba took a chance against some of the world’s best undiscovered U-20 soccer players.

He embarked on a potentially life-changing journey by signing up for the “Nike Chance,” an international competition that only offers one Nike Soccer Academy professional contract.

To put this into perspective, the Nike Soccer Academy is located in England and is sponsored by the Premier League, the most lucrative professional club soccer league in the world. Academy players live, breathe and eat soccer in top notch facilities while being coached by world class technical staff.

Barba managed to qualify for the National Section of the Nike Chance in Oregon just over three years ago. He was set to be pitted against 49 other teens who only had one thing on their mind: a professional soccer career in England. The four best players would progress to the International section and compete in Barcelona for the cherished contract.

Six weeks prior to the Oregon trial, Barba was competing in an international tournament when he suffered a left lateral meniscus tear, which meant he had to undergo surgery and pull the pin on his dream. This heartbreaking injury changed the course of Barba’s soccer career and left him wondering what could have been.

Barba’s big dream of playing professional soccer began at the local park at the age of six. Barba’s father taught his son crucial skills at such a young age, which

Concepcion Gonzalez/Courier 2013 All-SCC defender George Barba has been a key contributor to the men’s soccer team.

The co-captain and kinesiology major was instrumental in the Lancers’ 1-0 victory over then No.5 Mt. SAC last Friday.

prepared him for his battles with international adversaries years later.

“My dad taught me the basics when I was little and helped me to anticipate plays,” Barba said.

“My father would challenge me by putting me in scenarios that would prepare me for game situations.”

Barba competes in the modern era of sports that produces

faster, stronger, bigger and robot-like athletes. He is unlike the typical athlete. His attitude and soccer IQ sets him apart from his contemporaries.

“I am open minded to different techniques, formations and I feel that I read the game very well,” he said. “This helps to simplify things, which allows me to slow down on the big plays.”

The lessons Barba learned

from his father are having a profound impact on the PCC men’s soccer team. As captain, Barba feels that it’s his responsibility to guide his players on the soccer field, but also in the classroom.

“I feel like I’m a father figure because I want my teammates to get the most out of their college education and to keep on working hard on the field as well,” Barba said.

Head coach Edgar Manvelyan has known Barba since he was 9 years old. In this time, Manvelyan has seen Barba grow exponentially in all facets of his game.

“George is a natural lefty who is very versatile in different positions,” Manvelyan said. “He is disciplined at the back, has a beautiful cross and hits a 40 yard ball right on a dime. His one on one situations are very good and George has great speed.”

Over the summer Barba impressed Manvelyan with the way he communicated with his teammates. This resulted in Barba being awarded one of the two captain’s armbands.

Fellow defender David Abeyta also endorses Barba very highly on all levels.

“George is an amazing player who never complicates things and his left foot can hit any target from anywhere. He is the leader and looks after us,” Abeyta said.

Year after year throughout his youth soccer career Barba played against some of the best players in the world. The pinnacle of his soccer career took place in Dallas, TX, which hosts the annual International Youth tournament for the best clubs in the world.

“I have played at the highest level and know how to handle the pressure,” Barba said. “We have made the final and the final four most years.” Cal State Los Angeles is Barba’s target for next year. He wants to study kinesiology and captain the Golden Eagles’ soccer team. Becoming a physical therapist or coaching youth soccer are career options he’s weighing.

Women’s soccer remains undefeated at home Matt Kiewiet Staff Writer

The Lancers women’s soccer team got back into the win column by shutting out El Camino College 1-0 at Robinson Stadium on Tuesday afternoon to improve to 2-1 in SCC conference play.

Coming off a tough loss at Mount San Antonio, the Lancers were determined to bounce back.

“Every loss is super tough,” said freshman midfielder Rachel Schroeder, who scored the games only goal. “It gives you that motivation to get back out there and get another win.”

After a physical, scoreless first half, the Lancers came out with a very high-pressure attack in the second half. Sophomore defender Danielle Busta sent a booming kick deep into El Camino territory. The Warriors’ goalkeeper came up to field the kick, but she mishandled the ball and Schroeder was right there to take

advantage. The ball deflected off of Schroeder, behind the goalie, and eventually rolled easily into the net following a love tap from Schroeder’s left foot.

El Camino had a few opportunities late in the second half.

“Stand your ground!” echoed from the Lancers’ bench. Their defense did just that, as they halted each attack on their goal.

“We had a lot more communication [than the previous game],” said sophomore forward Christine Salas.

Not only has the Lancer defense been stellar this season, but they have yet to allow a goal on their home turf. That is the definition of protecting their house.

“The effort was the difference [on Tuesday],” said head coach Reggie Rivas. “They gave 100 percent for each other.”

PCC will host LA Harbor at 3 p.m. at home on Friday afternoon as they look for their third conference win and maintain their perfect record at home.

Daniel Valencia/Courier Sophomore defender Karina Costilla passes the ball during the Lancers 1-0 victory over El Camino College on Tuesday. The women’s soccer team is currently 4-4-2 on the season and undefeated at Robinson Stadium.