VOLUME 111 ISSUE 5
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February 26, 2015
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EDITORIAL
Students should have more say on commencement speaker choices
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Students blamed for commencement debacle
Kristen Luna Managing Editor
After he was chastised for his handling of the commencement controversy last year, Board Member Anthony Fellow now insists that students have had too much input in the selection of the school’s graduation speaker. Last year, the school weathered a scandal when commencement speaker Dustin Lance Black was invited, disinvited and then re-invited to speak at last year’s ceremony. At last week’s board meeting, Fellow blamed too much student input for the incident, which made national headlines. “We ran into problems last year because the students had too big of a voice and it was very problematic,” Fellow said. “I got the brunt of it and I love Mr. Black more than anybody, I am a fan of his. But I got the brunt of it in the press, that it was my fault.” Student Trustee Marshall
Lewis was quick to disagree and sided with the students. “I don’t think the issue was that students had too big of a voice, I mean it is their commencement after all,” Lewis said. “I’m from a university and the president never asked students who is going to be the commencement [speaker],” replied Fellow. “It is the president.” To which Lewis countered, “With all due respect, this is not a university.” “I know, but it should start acting like it sometimes,” said Fellow. Board Member Linda Wah was supportive of letting the superintendent take the lead but also agreed that the students should have a say in the decision. “We should pick someone who resonates with the students,” Wah said. “I walked out one year and I heard students felt very disenfranchised and disengaged and I do not think that’s what we want.” Student Trustee Marshall Lewis acknowledged that the
Kristen Luna/Courier Board member Anthony Fellow speaking about the list of commmencement speakers presented to the board at their meeting on Feb. 18 in the Creveling Lounge.
policy calls for the committee to announce a suggestion to the superintendent. The superintendent then makes a suggestion to the board that the board votes on based on the review. “I think we’re getting ahead
of ourselves,” Lewis said. “This is about students so although we may love all these people and wish this upon them to speak for us but I think the student voice is what we should be listening to. It is their graduation.”
academic affairs at Los Angeles Valley College, according to PCC President Robert Miller. Academic Senate President Eduardo Cairo said that Jordan’s exit couldn’t have come at a worse time, since the accreditation visit team from the state is coming next week. “That the accreditation liaison officer leaves right as our accreditation visit team is arriving is bad timing,” Cairo said. “We
were told by planning and priorities committee chair, Stephanie Fleming, on Monday… there was no other explanation as to why he had left until the Council on Academic and Professional Matters (CAPM) meeting Wednesday.” Miller said that the announcement at the planning and priorities committee meeting was a mistake and apologized for that “misstep.” He also said
Board Member Ross Selvidge addressed his disapproval for not being able to solicit any possible suggestions to the committee and questioned whether board COMMENCEMENT page 2
Creator of accreditation report resigns suddenly Philip McCormick Editor-in-Chief
Matthew Jordan
File Photo
Matthew Jordan, one of the creators of the school’s accreditation report, suddenly resigned from his position as the interim dean of instructional support at a crucial time during the accreditation process, according to school officials. Jordan resigned his position after getting a job as the dean of
that the reason they were trying to keep it quiet until the CAPM meeting was because Jordan had asked that it not be publicly announced. “I believe that he was fearful that people would contact LA Valley and perhaps speak of him in ill ways,” Miller said. “I made the determination to respect his wishes… I had planned to tell [the senate’s executive JORDAN page 2
Calendar Committee to propose academic calendar with winter Keely Damara Staff Writer
Despite discord among committee members, student groups and faculty over the proposed reinstatement of winter intersession—culminating in the Associated Students formally agreeing to support winter and voting to censure English professor Roger Marheine—the Calendar Committee will submit an academic calendar including a winter term to the College Council. The calendar meeting last Thursday afternoon was moved to a third-floor class-
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Snowboarding, ski, and music enthusiasts gather at the Rose Bowl
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room in the C building from a meeting room downstairs to make room for the students and faculty present for public comment. Student Trustee Marshall Lewis said that English professor and Faculty Association member Roger Marheine approached members of the Associated Students in the hallway before the meeting, aggressively pointed his finger in their faces and asked each if they were “for or against winter.” “He was very loud and hostile,”
Photo Illustration by Daniel Valencia
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2 COURIER
NEWS
February 26, 2015
Contract between FA and district approved Matthew Kiewiet News Editor
As expected, the agreement between the PCC Faculty Association and the Pasadena Area Community College District was passed unanimously at Wednesday evening’s Board of Trustees’ meeting following the ratification of the document by 98 percent of the voting faculty. Among other things, the new contract would compensate the faculty with an annual raise dating back to the 2012-13 aca-
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members should be considered part of the campus community. He then referred to procedure AP5950, which states that the committee shall solicit suggestions from all members of the campus community and recommend candidates to deliver the commencement speaker address. According to Senior Vice-President Robert Bell, the policy states that the committee should consist of three students, a member of the classified staff, administration, and a faculty member who then do outreach to their respected constituent groups to solicit names of respected candidates. The policy also calls for the shared governance group to be involved; it does not speak to
demic year through the current academic year. This will be the first raise the PCC faculty has received since 2007 and breaks down to an increase in salary of 2 percent for 2012-13, 2.79 percent for 2013-14, 3 percent for 2014-15, and 3 percent for 201516 with an additional 1 percent raise for adjunct faculty. “I hope the Faculty Association appreciates what this board has done,” said Trustee Anthony Fellow. To which FA President Julie Kiotas responded, “The faculty
believes that this is a fair contract, and long overdue.” This agreement marks the end of an extremely turbulent bout between the two parties that lasted for years. As each motion passed, the entire room breathed a noticeable sigh of relief. Trustee John Martin asked for a 20 second period to reflect on the matter because he was so glad that it was over. “I’m just very grateful,” Martin added before the board moved on to the next item on the agenda.
recommendations directly from board members. “I am disappointed that I did not have an opportunity to propose somebody that I had talked with last year during all that folderol,” Selvidge said. Board President Berlinda Brown stated that when trustees give their opinions, it “puts the superintendent in a precarious position” and wondered if the superintendent, with the support of students, should be the one to make the final decision. “I know that when the trustees give their opinions it carries a lot of weight,” Brown said. Board Member Jeannette Mann offered a suggestion of maybe revising the procedure to include input from board members. “I think in the past, the board members have been consulted,
so maybe you might want to look and see if the board members could make any suggestions they have at the beginning of the process and not at the end,” Mann said. “I think where we get into trouble is when at the very end, the board members have suggestions, so maybe that could be revised or looked at.” The Commencement Speaker Committee is now working to contact and prioritize the list of 11 speakers. They will discuss their revised list with the superintendent and present to the board their final suggestion at the next board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 4.
Daniel Valencia/Courier Julie Kiotas, head of the Faculty Association, speaks at the faculty meeting on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, in the Creveling Lounge.
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board] at the CAPM meeting. Miller said that Kathleen Scott, associate vice president of academic affairs, would be taking over as the accreditation liaison. He said she was more than qualified to take on the task. “When we hired Scott,” Miller said, “one of the main things we were looking for was someone who was experienced with the accreditation process. She has been through at least one full [accreditation] cycle, if not two or three, when Ventura College was placed on warning by the state. She spent three years leading the charge to get that taken care of.” Scott said that it was pretty standard in other accreditation processes that the accreditation
from academic affairs. She accepted congratulations at the CAPM meeting. Miller said that Fleming would be continuing in her capacity as faculty self evaluation chair.
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February 26, 2015
COURIER
Courier Former police chief leaves innovative legacy
2014 JACC General Excellence Award-Winner Editor-in-Chief Philip McCormick Managing Editor Kristen Luna News Editor Matthew Kiewiet Online Editor Justin Clay and Mick Donovan Opinion Editor Hannah Gonzales Features Editor Mick Donovan A&E Editor Anthony Martinez Lifestyle Editor Ashley Park Sports Editor Daron Grandberry Asst. Sports Editor David O’Connor Photo Editor Nagisa Mihara Online Photo and Graphics Editor Daniel Valencia Asst. Online Photo Editor Traece Craig Scene Editor Keely Damara
Staff Writers: Ahmad Akkaoui, Daniel Axume, Ericka Bernabe, Nataly Chavez, Alex Chhuon, Keely Damara, Alan Flores, Monique LeBleu, Diego Linares, Samantha Molina, Neil Protacio, Luis Rodriguez, Aaron Salazar, Sammy Wu Staff Photographers: Brittany Chavez, Traece Craig, Victoria De La Torre, Mick Donovan, Shaunee Edwards, Michelle Gonzalez, Eric Haynes, Erica Hong, Kristen Luna, Mary Nurrenbern, Michael Osborne, Scott Spencer, Daniel Valencia, Tiffany Tip, Max Zeronian Faculty Adviser Nathan McIntire Photo Adviser Tim Berger 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. 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.
Monique LeBleu Staff Writer
Retired PCC Police Chief Peter Michael died on February 6, 2015. He was 61. Chief Michael came to PCC as Director of Police and Safety Services in 2008 after retiring from the Glendale Police Department as a lieutenant. Services were held at the Burbank Elks Lodge. Michael came during the planning and construction of the B Building, which houses the current Police and Safety Services Department, Community Business Center, and he was very active during the process. He implemented the PCCPD’s system for documentation of reports and was instrumental in the design of the current police department and development of the campus Emergency Operation Center located in the Campus Center, according to Chief Steven Matchan. The E.O.C contains back-up generators and technology such as TVs, computers, and backpack gear for mobile response. This same E.O.C is often used during the Pasadena Rose Parade and outside entities come to look at it and for training. It has smart boards, tie-ins to cameras systems, a 3-D mapping of the campus, food, water, gas, light, flashlights, and other supplies in place to provide campus
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said Lewis of the incident. “It’s characteristic of Calendar Committee. I mean, it happens and it’s this community we’ve created around here where everyone wants to argue and be hostile.” Faculty and students from many disciplines including dental, languages, graphic communications and television production spoke in support of bringing back a calendar with a winter intersession. They cited reasons including the strain that two back-to-back summer sessions has on students, affording ESL students the opportunity to continue with their English studies without a break and giving students more hands-on time learning skills in highly technical programs such as dental hygiene. Representatives from the Students for Social Justice club, whom Marheine was the faculty adviser for at the time of the meeting, presented their petition to bring back winter intersession during public comment. At the time of the committee meeting, the club had collected 937 signatures in support of winter intersession. The Associated Students’ survey results found that 64.6 percent of the 856 students polled who have attended PCC for two or fewer years said they’d prefer a calendar with a 6-week intersession between fall and spring semester. Additionally, 41.41 percent of the 297 students
File Photo by Jesus Gomez Former PCC Police Chief Peter Michael
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Matchan. “Vehicle thefts have declined in the parking structures.” Rarely wearing a uniform in daily life on campus, Michael was casual and approachable. “He understood that not only are our jobs stressful—police and safety—but everyone on campus,” Cody said. “Students are coming from all walks of life, different jobs, different neighborhoods, single parents, parents trying to get an education, so he understood the stresses. He tried to de-stress everyone as much as possible and make light of everything.” To begin his career, Michael spent a year with the LAPD Science Academy before he was hired by the Glendale Police Department. After graduating the L.A. County Sheriff ’s Academy, he worked in patrol, was in the Air Unit as a helicopter pilot, and also worked in hostage negotiations, according to Chief Matchan. He became in charge of the Community Resource Department at Glendale P.D. and developed a Mobile Field Command Force as well, and both are still in place today. He was promoted to sergeant, and then later lieutenant, before retiring early at 55. He came out of retirement to work again in downtown Los Angeles in the private sector before he decided to apply as Chief at PCC.
assistance for up to five days for nearly 5,000 people. Adjunct history professor Robert Cody, who was head of Technology Services at the time he retired, worked closely with Michael in installing the technology in the E.O.C. “That was considered to be state of the art and it is certainly ‘the best Emergency Operations Center in the State of California,’” continued Cody, directly quoting from the Chancellor’s office. “Chief Michael played a critical role in the development of the Community Business Center, [including] passport applications, Live Scan, etc.” “He [also] thought of having cameras located in our parking
structures,” said Chief Matchan. “And of course, in our campus main areas quad area, as a tool to help us solve crimes.” Matchan, who has been with PCC for 11 years, had worked with him during his early years at PCC and prior to Michael’ retirement in 2011. “He convinced the [PCC] administrative staff—since we serve so many students and staff—that we are our own city, an entity, during a crisis emergency incident,” said Matchan. Michael retired from PCC in the middle of 2011, and the campus video surveillance systems were implemented that fall. “It has helped us a lot… and acts as a deterrent,” said
polled who have attended PCC for more than 3 years said they had taken classes during a winter intersession in the past. Lewis clarified that Associated Students do not support the SSJ petition. He said the information attached to the petition and being distributed to students is not factually accurate and focuses too much on past events involving the cancellation of winter intersession. “There was a stat sheet at the top that said if you’re transferring, summer doesn’t count for transfer – that’s false,” said Lewis. “Every single calendar is going to have four sessions – two intersessions and two normal sessions. The summer after spring, as it sits now, does not count for transfer because you’ve already taken two summers.” SSJ President Renee Haserjian expressed frustration with the AS getting hung up on semantics in an email following the Wednesday AS meeting. “We made an effort to educate our fellow students on the merits of a winter intersession, as opposed to simply sending out a neutral survey without any explanation or historical contextualization,” said Haserjian. “We feel that it was irresponsible for Associated Students to dismiss our petition, which represents the voices of almost 1,000 students who wanted winter intersession to return.” Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Kathy Scott
said she is not opposed to a winter intersession, but that she thinks the process is moving too quickly. “We have a new president coming in and I don’t think the Erica Hong/Courier board – to be Roger Marheine pleads his case to reinstate totally honest winter intersession during the Calendar Comwith you – is mittee meeting on Thursday, Feb. 19. going to supAssociated Students meeting port this right now,” said Scott. and said that his 25 years on the Professor Lydia McDonald from the Languages department Calendar Committee has made said reinstating a winter interses- winter intersession an emotional topic for him. sion is long overdue. “Two years in a row this “My remarks were inapprocommittee voted to reinstate priate; they were not collegial winter. Two years in a row our – they were wrong both in subrecommendations were not stance and tone,” said Marheine. even submitted to the Board of “I would like to move forward Trustees,” said McDonald. “Igin a genuine dialogue of respect noring the history and ignoring and collegiality and that we have students for years – yes, you are different students now. Some more communication between of you are still here, others are the meetings.” gone, but their reasons and arguA clause in the newly apments are just as valid.” proved Faculty Association Marheine was replaced by contract for 2013-2016 states Tony Jugé as faculty adviser that calendar negotiations can of Students for Social Justice be reopened pending the Public following the Calendar Meeting. The Associated Students voted Employment Relations Board’s to censure Marheine at their decision on the Pasadena Area meeting on Wednesday in an ac- Community College district’s tion that Lewis hopes will raise appeal of their 2013 decision awareness within the shared that the district violated the Edgovernance groups of the imucational Employment Relations portance of civility, respect and Act by unilaterally implementing professionalism. a 2012-2013 trimester calendar. Marheine apologized at the
4 COURIER
+STYLE
SCE
AIR
A crowd watches Diplo DJ on on Saturday at the Rose Bowl in two-d
Samantha Molina Staff Writer
The city of Pasadena was home to the U.S. debut of Air + Style, a sports and music festival featuring an eclectic mix of 18 musical acts from EDM to hip-hop artists and everything in between, plus a 150-foot tall snow-covered ramp. Throughout the day, attendees freely roamed the festival grounds. Beyond the two music stages and giant ramp, Air + Style included an arcade, food trucks and numerous merch and food vendors scattered all over the outside of the Rose Bowl. Host and renowned snowboarder Shaun White’s own band, Bad Things, opened up the performances on the main stage followed by Phantogram, Diplo and Kendrick Lamar. Eighteen-year-old Yuki Kadono took 1st place in the snowboard competition after landing a switch backside 1620 triple cork—the “the first time a trick of this nature has ever been stomped in competition,” according to Transworld Snowboarding. The scene was not the same for the second day of the festival. From start to finish, rain drenched the attendants of the festival. Kristen Luna/Courier Alex Schlopy, 22, catches air on the Big Air Jump during Ski Round 1 on Day 2.
A first for Air + Style was the inclusion of a ski competition on Sunday, but due to safety concerns brought on by the weather, it could not carry on past the first round. The standings from round one were used as the final results ending with USA’s Gus Kenworthy taking home gold. Day two’s sporting events may have been cancelled because of the constant downpour, but it did not prevent the music acts from taking the stage or dampen the spirits of the festival goers. “The rain was annoying and a huge inconvenience but it was kind of cool experience watching some of my favorite bands in the pouring rain,” PCC student Ben Owens said. “I was bummed that the ski competition was canceled but overall everything was great.” Though the festival included many big-name artists, not everyone was satisfied with the performances. “I don’t know what was going on with the sound but the quality was terrible,” PCC student Emile Sicardi said. “I could barely hear Diplo’s set from the back of the crowd.” Although Air + Style encountered a few hiccups, White was impressed overall with the turnout. “This event has been a dream of mine, so seeing it come to fruition with all of the people who came out, all of the athletes and the artists—it’s amazing,” White said on Air + Style’s website. “It exceeded my expectations for sure.”
Kristen Luna/Courier Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips plays the Main Stage on Day 2.
Julie Stag
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Samantha Molina/Courier n the Main Stage on Day 1 of Air + Style 2015 n Pasadena. This year marks the first time the day event has been hosted on American soil.
February 26, 2015
Daniel Valencia/Courier Alexis Krauss of Sleigh Bells performs on the Flood Magazine Stage on Day 2 of Air + Style.
Daniel Valencia/Courier A ski slope was constructed at the Rose Bowl for a skiing competition that took place at the Air + Style event.
Kristen Luna/Courier e Edwards of Deap Valley rocks out on the drums on the Main ge on Day 2.
Kristen Luna/Courier Tom Walisch, 27, views his score after his first jump on Day 2 .
Kristen Luna/Courier Matt Walker, 26, lands his run down the Big Air Jump during Ski Round 1 on Day 2.
Samantha Molina/Courier Diplo DJs on the Main Stage on Day 1.
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6 COURIER
OPINION
February 26, 2015
Students should have more say in commencement
It looks like the Board has, once again, put its foot in its mouth. At last Wednesday night’s Board meeting, Student Trustee Marshall Lewis emphasized the need for more student input in the selection of a speaker this time around. But former Board President Anthony Fellow was quick to say that he thought there had been too much student input in the process as it was, blaming last year’s commencement debacle on the students. “We ran into problems last year because the students had too big of a voice and it was very problematic,” said Fellow. “It’s really the president who invites [the speaker], no one else.” Last year’s fiasco saw the Board of Trustees on the “hot seat” for rescinding Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black as speaker of commencement because of leaked private photos. And it was Fellow’s own words, not the wishes of the students, that caused the firestorm. “With the porno professor and the sex scandals we’ve had on campus this last year, it just didn’t seem like the right time for Mr. Black to be the speaker,” Fellow told the Courier, touching off the controversy. “We’ll be on the radio and on television. We just don’t want to give PCC a bad name.” It’s safe to say that ultimately it was Fel-
low’s words and the Board’s decisions that fueled the negative media frenzy from the likes of Huffington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and blogs across the Internet. After a string of controversies arose one right after the other, Black was ultimately reinstated as commencement speaker. It seems as though Fellow, and perhaps other members of the Board of Trustees, have forgotten the point of commencement: to celebrate the scholastic achievements of students. For many, the associate’s degree is the key to opening the doors to a university. For others, the walk down the stadium is a step into the working world. Students, if anything, should have the loudest microphone in this process than any other party. Isn’t it them who contribute to PCC’s high ranking as a community college? Board Member John Martin made a sarcastic comment about how they might as well just invite President Barack Obama – to which we reply, what would be wrong with that? Are Pasadena City College students not worthy of hearing the President of the United States address them? Lest we forget what the Board did as damage control by appointing Eric Walsh, Pasadena’s disgraced Director of Public Health, who preached outrageous,
Alex Chhuon Staff Writer
occupying the third of our Chinook.” in power that have lied to the public, Although, Williams’ original report was Williams is not a politician. He is a journalist and the job of a accurate, somehow NBC cites Williams journalist is to report the truth, no matter “on the receiving end of an ambush how uninteresting. directed at the 3rd Infantry Division.” Whether or not Williams convinced the writers of NBC to exaggerate his experience, NBC failed to check their facts and spread misinformation. The decision for Williams to return to the nighttime news is critical to both the news world and those that watch it. Many media insiders believe Brian Williams will return some time after his six-month suspension due to his star power and presence at NBC. However, if Williams was to return to the NBC Nightly News, it would send the message to the media that lying is acceptable as long as the journalist has enough sway, they can get away with it. How could viewers believe anything the media says? Although it can be argued that some of the media will embellish their stories despite the consequences, pardoning Williams completely will only encourage this activity. Woodland Hills Campus If Williams were to 6300 Canoga Avenue be further punished, the (818) 932-2460 media will at least watch their step. While plenty media Keep analysts trivialize Williams’ case and compare him to similar politicians
homophobic sermons and bogus devil claims involving Beyoncé of all people. It is not known how the board could have missed his controversial sermons, yet leave it to the students of PCC to do a thorough evaluation. The board even discussed having a board member on the commencement committee. This would be a mistake. The board policy, as it stands, has the school’s superintendent sending out the invitation. This is completely understandable, seeing as the superintendent is the face of the school. But it should not be mistaken that he is merely an ambassador. In most commencement speeches, the speaker usually points out the fact that it is the students’ day. Dustin Lance Black himself did so last year, when he spoke at Robinson Stadi-
Cartoon by Mick Donovan
um. The school should do their best to honor their alumni with a memorable celebration rather than brushing them off like dust.
NBC should have fired news anchor Brian Williams I was never on a Chinook helicopter that was under fire from a RPG, and neither was Brian Williams. Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News since 2004, was suspended without pay for six months by the network giant for embellishing and exaggerating his account of his experience in Iraq. “It was no more than 120 seconds later that the helicopter in front of us was hit,” Williams said on CNBC in 2005. In 2005, Williams asserted that the helicopter in front of him was targeted by an RPG, but in the future Williams claimed that he was in the helicopter under fire. “We were in some helicopters. What we didn’t know was we were north of the invasion. We were the northernmost Americans in Iraq,” said Williams to David Letterman in 2013. “We were going to drop some bridge portions across the Euphrates so the Third Infantry could cross on them. Two of the four helicopters were hit, by ground fire, including the one I was in, RPG and AK-47.” Being on Letterman must had bloated his head so he shifted his account to a dangerous story featuring him. Williams would continue to support this story in the years to come. Every word that has and will come out of Williams’ mouth is now in question. If he has so blatantly embellished the truth on this story, what’s to stop him from exaggerating the truth in other stories? Who’s to say he hasn’t already? NBC? Apparently not. In 2003, the year Williams released his accurate original report, NBC published the book “Operation Iraqi Freedom” where they imply that Williams’ was in a helicopter that was under fire. “Brian Williams … ended up on the receiving end of an ambush directed at the 3rd Infantry Division,” said NBC. “The NBC team went along for the ride,
If NBC wants to at least project an image of morals, ethics, and most importantly credibility, they have to fire Brian Williams as news anchor of the NBC Nightly News.
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February 26, 2015
FEATURES
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TVR takes its students behind the camera Hannah Gonzales Staff Writer
Most students just need to deal with homework and tests. However, for the students participating in the television production class (TVR), they have to worry about producing and managing a cast while dealing with the technical side of television production. Barbara Naylor teaches television production at PCC. Naylor started as a teaching assistant in graduate school and continued teaching part time after she finished her studies. “I’ve instinctively gravitated toward teaching in one form or another my entire professional life,” said Naylor. “My course load at PCC has always included video production classes.” Naylor’s courses include various genres so that students grasp what it’s like to actually work in the television industry. Students in Naylor’s class aren’t expected to simply take notes. They also participate in several projects to broaden their knowledge about TV production. “There’s intensive lectures and lots of hands-on experience,” said Naylor. Students must learn how to effectively apply visual language into a shot selection, use professional terminology to talk to personnel, mark scripts, and how to best use lighting. Students must also juggle directing and producing successfully while dealing with a rotating group of actors. “It’s very stressful,” said Sebastian Chairez, a communications major. “You’re dealing with the whole crew and also the actors.” Although the courses are intensive, Naylor has high expecta-
tions for all of her students. “We set the bar high because the entertainment industry is competitive and unforgiving,” said Naylor. “There’s a lot at stake for everyone, hours can be grueling and the pace is fast.” Naylor’s expectations, however inflexible they may be, are for the benefit of the students. Naylor knows that the industry expects perfection when it comes to content creation and so she incorporates industry attitudes and expectations into every class. “I expect students to invest in their work and pay attention to detail,” said Naylor. “I temper that with a supportive and flexible teaching style.” Naylor’s investment in her student’s success at TV production often propels students to set the bar higher. “She’s taught me to be more organized with my production packet,” said Chairez. “I have to put a lot more thought into it.” Students in TVR courses must stretch their abilities and work autonomously all to work towards their ultimate objective: a polished and captivating method of communicating with an audience. “In the intermediate class, TVR 16A, students create talk shows, PSAs or commercials, a music video and a conflict scene,” said Naylor. “The projects in TVR 16B are similar but more complex.” Students in 16B are expected to be more familiar with the course and therefore get a more work-intensive load. They must complete two scenes in which there must be an emotional tone and conflict which is often an essential element of engaging storytelling. In addition to planning and producing, students must
also take into account different locations which they incorporate into productions such as short web series, music videos, promotional videos, and lifestyle news magazines. Each class in TV production that students take is designed to build their skills until they are ready to enter the work force. “In TVR 7 students learn to work at each station in a TV studio- lighting director, technical directing on a switcher, camera operator, audio board, computer graphics, media manager, and camera control,” said Naylor. Students must hone their technical skills in TVR 107 and in TVR 16A they work on learning how to direct.
“They become very well rounded which is important for their career success,” said Naylor. “Especially in the early years when your career trajectory can be unpredictable.” With the amount of information students are expected to know and the projects they must complete by the end of the semester, it’s not surprising that many are nervous about performing to Naylor’s expectations. They still have fun and learn a lot from each other. “It’s very exciting seeing your ideas translated from the page to the screen,” said Naylor. “Lifelong friendships have been forged in TVR classes, even some business ventures.”
Students who excel and come ready to learn often leave PCC ready to begin working in the television industry. Former students get jobs working for Disney, Fox, NBC and many other companies. “Our program has been in existence since the 70s so alumni are everywhere in the entertainment industry,” said Naylor. Some of the more prominent alumni include Bryan Fugal, who directed an Imagine Dragons music video, and Jessica Chandra who landed a job at Nickelodeon’s Animation Studio. Naylor is always looking to improve the classes and build on what students need to learn to be successful.
used in politics and government. Girl Geek Dinners was founded by Sarah Blow in London, England in 2005, and has been expanding to popular cities all over the world such as Paris, New York City, Dubai, and Los Angeles. The goal of Girl Geek Dinners is to provide a forum
for women, and their male guests, of all different backgrounds and careers to learn, communicate, and network in a job field that is still mostly male dominated: technology. “We try to get women to participate and host events that can further professional careers and
also develop personal friendships,” said Sophia Viklund, the Founder and Head of Strategic Relations for backCODE. “We want to invite and hear from everyone, women and men. We are inclusive.” With Girl Geek Dinners’ growing popularity, attendees were of a broad and mixed crowd. California Institute of Technology students, Aashrita Mangu, electrical engineering major, and Alicia Lanz, physics major, were both present as invited guests. “The topic of women in science is relevant for both of us because we are both one of them,” said Lanz. “I’m interested in networking and seeing what other people are doing with science and technology. I don’t have a lot of contacts outside Caltech, especially with my narrow field, so it helps broaden my horizons.” However, technology and science are not bound to specific careers. As both technology and
science expands into a variety of careers, it’s crucial for women to receive the proper education so they may continue to grow into their profession. “It’s essential to show young people what’s out there, technologically, and help them get their foot in in the job market,” said Jan Perry, the general manager of the Economic and Workforce Development Department for the city of Los Angeles. “It’s also helpful for ‘incumbent workers’, who are adults who had been trained in one career and, for whatever reason, may have to join a different career, to be properly introduced and educated to these new technological advancements.” Girl Geek Dinners’ growing community proves that these forums encourage women to empower one another and learning and teaching others. “The most important thing for us is human relationships,” said Viklund. “We welcome everybody to join us.”
Mary A. Nurrenbern/Courier Vanessa Giles, Jacob Chan, and Harrison Seidel rehearse for a student written scene while Daniel Roa, adjusts a light during the advanced TV production class on Tuesday, February 17, in C125.
Technology: it’s not just about the boys anymore Ashley Park Staff Writer
Southern California Public Radio hosted Girl Geek Dinners last Thursday to help professional women and female students come together for an evening discussion of how big data is
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Erica Hong/Courier Christina Lu moderating a panel with Alex Schaffer, Ed Honowitz, Maya Hutchinson, and Jan Perry for the L.A. Girl Geek Dinners at the Crawford Family Forum at KPCC on Thursday, February 19, 2015.
A&E
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February 26, 2015
New artist in residence speaks Slanguage Samantha Molina Staff Writer
“Stepping into an art fair for the first time was like a cow visiting a butcher shop.” This is how Mario Ybarra Jr. described his experience as an artist attending a large international art fair to his friends back home in Wilmington. “It was a little like the Slauson Indoor Swapmeet,” Ybarra said. “I was just shocked to see so much art in one place.” Ybarra is Pasadena City College’s annual artist in residence for 2015. The residency includes two gallery exhibitions and the premiere performance by Karla Diaz. At the Boone Family Art Gallery, “Like a Cow Visiting a Butcher Shop…,” features a series of vibrant paintings by Ybarra and a 13-minute music video starring artists Karla Diaz, Raul “Spew” Vasquez, Antonio de Jesus Lopez, and Emilio Venegas Jr., all members of an artist collective known as Slanguage. Based in the Harbor area, Slanguage, which Ybarra cofounded with Diaz in 2002, centers their practice on “a three-pronged approach to art-making including education, community-building, and interactive exhibitions.” The six pieces emerged from a project of the same name that Ybarra presented at the ARCO-
madrid contemporary art fair in Spain in 2013. “To be frank, I chose this installation for the artist in residence exhibition because we needed a place to put the work,” Ybarra said. The second exhibition, “Noise/ Light,” housed in the newly opened Gallery V-108 features
works from Seven Slanguage artists including Yadira Agredano, Armando Cortes, Carmen Maria Hernandez, Antonio De Jesus Lopez, Monica A. Martinez, Gloria Elisa Margarita Sanchez and Emilio Venegas Jr. Cortes’ work, “Balance Piece No. 3,” prominently featured in the center of Gallery V-108, dis-
plays a series of pots suspended by ropes on a large wooden frame. “I love mass production, things like Legos and bricks, so I decided to mass produce pots,” Cortes said. “This piece is sort of a self-portrait in a way, I am the pots just floating in the air.” Carmen Hernandez has been working with Slanguage since the
age of 16. She has two pieces featured in the exhibition, a diptych titled “Internal” and a triptych titled “External.” “The basis of my work comes from something bodily,” Hernandez said. “I had a lot of fun working on the ‘Internal’ pieces because I was able to work more freely.” Focusing on art education, the collective has organized numerous artist residencies in museums across the United States and abroad. Fostering dialogue about the meaning and value of contemporary art, Slanguage has used their studio space to develop relationships between diverse artists, students, communities, and organizations. “We don’t just teach art education, we use art as a vehicle for education,” Ybarra said. Ybarra’s weeklong residency on campus began with a public lecture about the artist solo work and his involvement with the artists in the Slanguage collective. The residency will conclude with a live performance by Diaz. She will perform “Fearless (Except when Riding a Roller Coaster),” a series of vignettes about fear based on dreams, newspaper clippings and the artist’s memoirs. “Like a Cow Visiting a Butcher Shop…” and “Noise/Light” will be on view through April 4 in the Boone Family Art Gallery and Gallery V-108.
side to Pasadena during the Arts Crawl that will encourage them to come back. “We have Space art center, which is our local gallery and art studio, to coordinate special events,” Feldmann. “Then we have food trucks and loud music.” Space, a non-profit organization, also hosted events both in their gallery and in front of city hall. Children and adults could participate in the free paper lantern activity that was set up for them. However, the main attraction for people attending the Arts Crawl were the galleries and live musical performances that took place both in indoor and outdoor venues. The South Pasadena Gallery exhibited works by painter Tom Field and ceramics sculptor Junzo Mori. Along with appearances by both artists, there were also free snack and drinks. “Tom Fields and Junzo made this lovely art and it’s right here in the Chamber of Commerce Gallery,” said Feldmann. Other stores also held special events. Marz, an independently run store, had Buttah Boys Bakery come and sell cookies. “The owner of Marz invited us,” said Travis Crain, one of the founders of Buttah Boys Bakery. “We’re hoping to open a brick and mortar store. Hopefully in South Pasadena.”
Dotted along the street and inside shops were also pop up bands such as T-Mac, Flood and the Bounty, and Pieces of My Heart. “We do original Americana folk tunes that are criminally romantic,” said Deb McCurdy, one of the band members. “It’s so satisfying. Even if we play for only a handful of people.” However, for business owners, the Arts Crawl was more than just luring in potential custom-
ers. It was also a way to bring the community closer together. “It’s nice to have all the local businesses involved in doing things,” said Heather Aruka, one of the founders of Mix n’ Munch. “We try to get the community involved by letting them draw and put their art up. We’re not necessarily known for our night life so it’s cool to start bringing in other people.” Besides the mini gallery of paper and crayon on drawing, Mix
n’ Munch also hosted teenager Ryan Soohoo’s handmade duct tape wallet event. Customers could buy a wallet and children could craft one of their own with the many colorful tapes that Soohoo brought with him. “I stated three years ago when my cousin showed me some duct tape stuff,” said entrepreneur Soohoo. “It’s fun cause I get to show my stuff here. It’s cool that people walk through here and look at my crafts.”
Keely Damara/Courier PCC student Eddie Horta, 22, takes a close look at Mario Ybarra Jr.’s art at the exhibition of “Like a Cow Visiting a Butcher Shop...” on Monday night in the Boone Family Art Gallery.
Arts Crawl draws in crowds to South Pasadena Hannah Gonzales Staff Writer
South Pasadena isn’t known for its nightlife. However, the Arts Crawl, an event that teams up businesses and artists, is a way for businesses to encourage both locals and visitors to spend some time, and money, in South Pasadena. Along with later opening hours, businesses also hosted events geared towards adults and children. The quarterly event took place on Feb. 21 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and included open galleries, food trucks, and live musical performances. The Chamber of Commerce established the Arts Crawl to give people in the community a reason to come to South Pasadena’s business district and for visitors to come and explore. “What we do is get all of the stores to open up late and to host artists and musicians,” said Scott Feldmann, former president of South Pasadena’s Chamber of Commerce. “We also try to create art space economic development strategy. So the more we have arts, the more it gives people a reason to come to South Pasadena to explore.” According to Feldmann, the Arts Crawl is an opportunity for people to explore South Pasadena’s many independently owned shops. He wants people to discover a more relaxed and unique
Tiffany Yip/Courier A participant at the drawing workshop facilitated by local artist Ann Elizabeth Sobieski at Centre Barre during Arts Crawl in South Pasadena on Friday.