PCC Courier 02/14/13

COURIER

Warped!

Pasadena City College

Bassist performs at Tour Page 5» Volume 107, Issue 5

The independent student voice of PCC. Serving Pasadena Since 1915.

Online edition pccCourier.com Facebook PCC Courier Twitter @pccCourier February 14, 2013

Fired school official files suit Hutchings seeks over $1 million; claims wrongful termination and sexual harassment NICHOLAS SAUL Editor-in-Chief

A high-ranking fired school official has filed suit against the

district, the president and the school’s legal counsel claiming wrongful termination, defamation, and sexual harassment.

Alfred Hutchings, former facilities supervisor, was fired in June after it was announced that he and former Senior Vice President Richard van Pelt, were being investigated by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office for solicitation of bribes.

The lawsuit, filed on Feb. 6 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, is seeking damages in excess of $1 million.

In documents filed with the court, Hutchings alleges that President Mark Rocha and General Counsel Gail Cooper used the bribery scandal as pretext to fire him in retaliation for his harassment complaint.

In a statement provided to the

Courier, the District said the lawsuit had been filed “by a former employee who was discharged upon substantial evidence of serious misconduct.

Hutchings' claims are entirely unfounded and they will be vigorously defended. The District will make no further comment on this matter,” the statement said.

In the lawsuit, Hutchings

‘Hairspray:’ can’t stop the beat

claims the reasons for his dismissal “were designed to coverup and conceal [their] retaliatory motives against [Hutchings].”

The ‘retaliatory motives,’ mentioned refer to the allegation that Cooper made numerous, unsolicited sexual advances towards Hutchings.

The range of Cooper’s alleged sexual harassment includes Continued on page 7

New computer system in beta testing stages CHRISTINE MICHAELS News Editor

Matthew Chan / Courier Lead actors Jessica Young, dance, and David Park, music, practice their song and dance routine for the upcoming musical "Hairspray," inside the Sexson Auditorium on Feb. 8. Story / Page 6

Online classes filled within 36 hours JONATHAN BILES Staff Writer

On Feb. 4, PCC announced that twenty new eightweek, short term, fully online courses were being offered, beginning March 11, but all were filled within 36 hours.

No on-campus meetings are required. The classes include English 1A, English 900, Sociology 1, Political Science 1, Health Education 44, and Nutrition 11.

Leslie Tirapelle, interim director of distance education, said that PCC’s online presence and providing

greater access to students is paramount to the school’s development. The demand for these classes was so substantial that the marketing campaign has been pulled and the Distance Education Committee is planning to lobby for the funding of similar online classes.

“We didn’t know that the funding for these classes was available until Proposition 30 passed,” Tirapelle said. “There was not enough time to get these ready for the beginning of spring semester, so we are starting them now.”

The new Administrative Information System (AIS) Lancerpoint, a product that cost $10.5 million so far and is expected to transform student interactions with the college, will begin its implementation next week, according to officials at the Feb. 6 Board of Trustees meeting.

Lancerpoint, the new computer system with which all students will interface with the college, will replace Lancerlink, the 1980s information system that runs on old software.

Director of Fiscal Services Joe Simoneschi told the Board the computer system is meeting its milestones just six months after its launch. “We are at the cusp of integrating the system,” he said.

The AIS will be used to receive and accept applications for the summer and fall terms beginning Feb. 28, according to Dean of Counseling Cynthia Olivo.

Olivo also explained beta testing of Lancerpoint will begin in March. “Our plan is to have a smaller mock registration … and then a larger mock registration with students,” she said. “We’re working with [Associated Students] President [Simon] Fraser on that.”

Lancerpoint Project Manager Ted Fause explained the mock registration will help to work out any possible kinks in the system before it is Continued on page 7

Continued on page 7

Study abroad programs impacted by new calendar TERESA MENDOZA Staff Writer

Due to the elimination of the winter intersession, study abroad programs offered by the college have had to be radically rearranged, officials said.

The Spanish program to Costa Rica was cancelled

and the English program began in snowy Oxford in January instead of the usual March start.

According to Instructor Joseph Sierra the program to Costa Rica had been offered every year with the Languages and the Natural Science divisions alternating one year on and one year

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off. The programs combined the study of Spanish language and Latin American culture and biodiversity.

“When winter was cancelled, the Spanish program in Costa Rica turned into the summer program in Madrid,” said Sierra.

Language Instructor Loknath Persaud, who is in

charge of the Spanish program in Madrid, explained that students would benefit from completing eight units.

He added that most of the afternoons and a few of the weekends would be free for students to explore the culture and the city.

Environmental Science Continued on page 7

Right at home

Squeaker

Alumnus coaches players to focus on academics

Buzzer‐beating three‐pointer leads to basketball loss

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Teresa Mendoza / Courier The Board of Trustees and school officials meet to discuss Lancerpoint, the New Administrative Information System in the Creveling Lounge on Feb. 6.

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News

Courier

February 14, 2013

Counselors help boost transfers to 4th in state ADAM MITCHELL Staff Writer

Despite being hugely outnumbered, counselors at PCC are helping students transfer to California public Universities at some of the highest rates in the state.

PCC ranked fourth in the state from 2011 to 2012, for transfers of students to all public California universities, and the academic counselors provide a variety of services aiming to help students have the best chance at academic success, officials said.

According to Interim Associate Dean of Admissions and Records Dina Chase, in the 2011-12 academic year the college transferred a total of 1,834 students to both the University of California and the California State University, with 609 transferring to UC and 1,225 to CSU. Edward Martinez, a counselor and former president of the Academic Senate, is kept busy counseling students. “I see an average of 11 to 12 students per day for scheduled appointments,

but when we do drop-in services it can go up to 30,” Martinez said.

According to Martinez there are only 17 full-time counselors, and a handful of additional parttime employees dealing with over 26,000 students.

“There is no shortage of students,” said Martinez, “Sixty to 70 percent of [PCC] students declare the interest to transfer.”

The counseling services offered aim to provide the student with an individual plan for educational success. With many different specialty transfer programs also available, there are options for everyone interested in transferring, officials said.

Specialty programs such as Chicanos/Latinos Advancing in the Values of Education, Rights of Passage in Education, Fast Track, and the Scholars program, can benefit students in a number of different ways.

According to the PCC website, students must meet all requirements necessary and maintain their status in these programs, and in doing so they can receive

Mary Nurrenbern/Courier Edward Martinez, counselor discusses the counseling services at PCC on Feb 11.

added benefits such as guaranteed admission.

According to Martinez, with such a high demand for transfers

the counselors are also heading out onto campus more often to spend time in the division offices, offering more specialized

and individualized help that is needed during the transfer process.

Immigrant issues discussed at forum Annual student advocacy trip to In an interview, Assistant Dean Kim Miles said the college is encouraging stu- Sacramento planned for March VIVIAN MEZA Staff Writer

Immigration issues for students were discussed at a forum presented by United without Boundaries and By Any Means Necessary’s known as BAMN on Feb. 6.

Speakers discussed the applications for financial aid, scholarships and the Dream Act. The deadline for scholarship applications due on Jan. 18 was extended through Feb. 13.

Maria Rodriguez, Rehabilitation Services and president of United Without Borders, said the college is not where it needs to be.

“The point is that [officials] didn’t make these adjustments at the time necessary.

Now, us as undocumented students have to rush,” Rodriguez said. “PCC is not moving as fast it should be moving. Other colleges in California have granted their Dream Act money. However here at PCC we have not seen that money. The Dream Act money for Fall 2013 will be up.”

Undocumented students are encouraged to submit applications for the Dream Act before the March 2 priority deadline despite glitches.

dents to participate. “There have been a few hiccups along the way because it is new,” she said. “The application launch was delayed, [and] there been some issues with the information from the application and how the California Student Aid Committee is processing them. We’re doing everything we can to encourage Dream Act students to participate in all of the financial aid programs.”

At the forum, speakers expressed how immigration rights should improve.

Lead attorney of BAMN, Shanta Driver, spoke passionately to students at the forum. “ [For immigrant rights], undocumented students have been the strongest fighters, the boldest fighters, the most consistent fighters, the people who refused to sit down and shut up…What you do matters most,” she said.

According to Rodriguez, United Without Borders is continuing to fight for the voices of undocumented students to be heard.

“We are still pushing to make [PCC] a better campus not just for certain students but for all students,” she said.

BENJAMIN SIMPSON Staff Writer

The annual March in March trip to Sacramento for students to influence their statewide representatives on education issues is planned for March 4.

The March in March is the most important day for student advocacy for community college students, said John Fraser, Associated Students vice president for external affairs. Last year we overturned the cuts to the Cal Grants which would have cut 30 percent of grants for students, simply because of advocacy on that day.

Transportation and meals are paid for by the Associated Students.

Students will have the option of traveling to Sacramento by plane or bus; those traveling by bus will not need government identification to travel.

"It was an amazing event," said Paul Tran, East Asian Culture and Language Major, about attending March in March last year.

"When we got there, we rallied with the rest of the colleges, we started marching and screaming for our rights ... and headed straight up to the capital."

According to Simon Fraser, president of AS, while the students are gathered in front of the Capitol building, a 10 to 12 person Lobby Committee from PCC will be inside to talk directly to representatives about what is best for students and PCC. While the issues to be brought up by the Lobby Committee are not yet finalized, two of the main items are the budget changes to life-long learning limiting students to 90 subsidized units and a change to the Board of Governors Fee Waiver, forcing students to apply through FAFSA and pass federal government restrictions rather than the current state restrictions.

To sign up for the trip contact the Office of Student Affairs (CC-105) or email Fraser at swfraser@pasadena.edu.

Production studio receives huge upgrade ARIANNA LOCATELL Contributing Writer

The Performing Communication Arts Division has upgraded its television production studio, installing new equipment and progressing the quality of the equipment the students use: opening new opportunities for students.

According to Barbara Naylor, television and radio instructor, outdated equipment in the television production studio was replaced, for the first time in decades, with high-definition electronic technology during summer and fall 2012.

Naylor said the new technology will enhance students’ learning experience.

“They’ll be getting a better education because it’s all digital now; it was analog before,” she said.

CORRECTION Due to a reporting error in the Feb. 7 issue, the name of a student in the story "Black History Month celebration kicks off" was misspelled. The correct spelling is Aaron Nininger.

Hitachi cameras, Grass Valley production switchers, and Aja media management and editing systems have been added to the studio.

With the new equipment students pursuing education in broadcast journalism, television operations and television and radio production will be able to produce a higher caliber of work.

Patrick Jordan, a teaching assistant for the television and radio department, said student projects have improved since the introduction of the new technology.

“Quality is so much better because we’re using modern, up to date equipment,” he said.

Naylor said the new technology has changed the way in which audio and visual operations are performed, allowing students more freedom in their work.

“How you do sound is different, how you do lighting is different and one of the nice things is there are more options with the new technology. It gives them more creative freedom,” she said.

TVR instructor Carmen Porreca points out that the new technology will

also facilitate students gaining experience relevant to the professional communications industry.

“Now students get state-of-the-art operation training and job training -the more skills you have, the more jobs you get,” Porreca said.

“Being in Los Angeles, this is one of the best facilities on a community college level. For those who maybe can’t afford to go to UCLA or somewhere like that, it’s really important to have,” he said.

Funded by grants from Minnesota Public Radio, Porreca estimated the new equipment cost $750,000.

“It was really bang for the buck,” he said. “Some items were even purchased at a discount price because some companies want students to be trained on their technology.”

According to Porreca, PCC has been a leader in quality television production education for over 20 years and the refurbished studio enables the school to carry on its legacy.

“We weren’t keeping up, but now we’re back to where we’re supposed to be,” Porreca said.

Justin Clay / Courier Instructor Carmen Porreca sits in front of some of the new state of the art television production equipment in the C Building's TVR studio on Jan. 23.

February 14, 2013

Opinion

Courier News Editor Christine Michaels Assist. News Editor Teresa Mendoza Online Editor Anthony Richetts Assist. Online Editor Madison Miranda Opinion Editor Emily Chang ‐ Chien Assist. Opinion Editor Raymond Bernal Arts & Entertainment Editor Paul Ochoa Features Editor Luis Rodriguez Assist. Features Editor Shelly Maldonado Sports Editor Philip McCormick Assist. Sports Editor Benjamin Simpson Photo Editor Buren Smith Assist. Photo Editor Matthew Chan Chief Photographer Justin Clay Online Photo Editor Antonio Gandara Assist. Online Photo Editor John Novak Scene Editor Concepcion Gonzalez Staff Writers: Jonathan Biles, Aerika Dave, Tiffany Herrera, Vivian Meza, Adam Mitchell, Tiffany Roesler, Andrew Salmi, Karla Sosa

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Tipping the scales

2012 JACC General Excellence Award Winner Editor­in­Chief Nicholas Saul

Courier

Full-letter grade system is unfair EMILY CHANG-CHIEN Opinion Editor

The full-letter grading system at PCC is a commodity for students. However, this system encourages students to slack off, offering no reward for higher achieving students, while supporting laziness and complacency for those hanging on the borderline. According to the school website, PCC uses the letter system to grade the quality of work done by students. Expressed with grades of A through F, as well as a series of other letters, the current system is quantitative. GPA is calculated on a whole number basis from 4 – 0.

“In the current system, in a class that is graded on a 100-point scale, if one student receives 89 points and another receives 83 points then both students would receive a B as their final grade, a 3.0 grade point average in the class,” said the Academic Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Plus / Minus Grading in Jan. 24 Courier article.

On the other hand, a plus/minus system is qualitative.

According to a survey from Northern Arizona University titled “Student and Faculty Views of Plus-Minus Grading Systems,” this system raises or lowers GPA by 0.3 or 0.33 grade points. The

VOICES:

89-point student will receive a B+ grade and subsequently a 3.7 GPA, while the 83 points might receive a B- grade, a 2.7 GPA. The community college community supports a diverse population of transfer students and lifelong learners. Ultimately, GPA only matters for transferring students, while the lifelong learners are unaffected. Whether one’s grade is a solid letter, plus or minus, a one-third grade point difference can make a huge impact on one’s GPA. Additionally according to the NAU survey, which obtained its results through research projects, students are motivated to work harder under a plus/minus system. “The chance of earning a higher grade may be a motivator, but the risk of earning a lower grade might be an even stronger motivator [to maintain grades] according to one study [“The Effects of the Use of Grades as an Incentive],” says the document.

The plus/minus system encourages students to perform at their optimum, grading students accurately for the time and effort they invest in their respective classes. No longer will students who earn borderline grades be punished, nor will they have to be lumped together with the student who barely skates by.

Plus/minus plan could hurt college transfer rates CHRISTINE MICHAELS Staff Writer

It is fair to say that if one attends a college, he or she is attending to do their very best, no matter if the grading scale is based on a full letter grade, or a plus/minus grade system.

But at a community college, a place where the students are diverse in their paths to success – be it the student who couldn’t afford to go to U.C. Berkeley or the student whose grades simply didn’t make the cut for Berkeley.

It would be not only unfair, but harmful to let those who do their best and are a few points away from an A+ suffer by lowering their grade point average (GPA).

PCC is ranked in the top ten of the state for the most associate transfer degrees (ATD), according to Dean of Counseling Cynthia Olivo.

To transfer out to a CSU, however, the minimum GPA with an ATD is 2.8.

Let’s say a student whose B average grades were to stay on the full letter scale, he or she would be able to transfer a CSU with a 3.0, according to a presentation given by history Instructor

Susy Ling at an Academic Senate meeting in January.

But if the plus/minus system were implemented, and that student with a B average received 79 percent in a few classes, his or her GPA would drop below the required 2.8 to transfer.

That student would be stuck at PCC. With the administration constantly speaking about how transfer rates are abysmal (last semester fewer than 700 students transferred to CSUs, according to Director of Institutional Effectiveness Crystal Kollross) and need to go up, it simply is counterproductive for the college to switch over to a plus/minus grade system.

Yes, the A + students will get their 4.0, and the B + students will get their 3.0 and all the glory that goes along with it.

But for those students who are at a community college for a better chance at higher education, and for an administration that needs to really work on transfer rates, it would be wise to shelve a plus/minus grading system and stick to what works.

After all, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.

Should the campus be entirely smoke-free?

Staff Photographers: Jordan Harris, Teresa Mendoza, Caitlin KellyThompson, Lissett Matos, Mary Nurrenbern, Bridget Sanchez, Benjamin Simpson Faculty Adviser Warren Swil Photography Adviser Rachel Fermi Advertising Coordinator Anthony Richetts

“Everybody should do what they want. [The campus] is a public space.”

Roxy Chavez, criminal justice

“The 20-foot smoking policy is enough. The campus should not be made smoke-free.”

Calvin Chacon, undecided

“It’s [a smoker’s] right to smoke, but it should be done in designated smoking areas.”

Trevor Salazar, art

“The school already does a horrible job of enforcing the policy anyway.

What difference would it make?

Angela Thaneeyankul, undecided

“Yeah, because it’s unhealthy for us all with the second hand smoke everywhere, regardless of the smoking areas.”

Steven Fuel, communications

“Not everybody smokes. It’s not good for your health.”

Bruno Talla, business administration

“[The college] should add more smoking areas. What about us smokers?”

Rudy Diaz, electricity

“When I go to school, I think it should be a place of free breathing.”

Patrick Berardi, undecided

“No matter if the policy even gets enforced, you can’t just stop smokers from smoking.”

Erroll Cayald, clinical psychology

“The policy we have now isn’t being enforced, and if they change it, it won’t be enforced anymore than it is now.”

Sam Resnick, history

The Courier is published weekly by the Pasadena City College Journalism Department and is a free‐speech forum. Editorial opinions and com‐ ments are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the institution and its administra‐ tion, student government or that of the Pasadena Area Community College District.

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

Phone: (626) 585‐7130 Fax: (626) 585‐7971 Advertising: (626) 585‐7979 pccCourierAds@yahoo.com Office: 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., CC‐208 Pasadena, CA 91106‐3215 The first copy of the Courier is free.

Additional copies are $1 each © Copyright 2013 Courier.

All rights reserved.

ONLINE POLL RESULTS Online, we asked: Should Cardinal Roger Mahoney be excommunicated?

Results as of 5 p.m. Wednesday: 42 percent Yes 57 percent No

vote at pccCourier.com

Reporting by: Christine Michaels, Photos by: Lissett Matos

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 e‐mail to changchien_courier@yahoo.com.

Corrections The Courier staff endeavors to ensure accuracy in all aspects of its report‐ ing. If you believe we have made an error, please contact us at (626) 585‐7130 or via e‐mail to saul.nicholas@yahoo.com.

SCENE

February 14, 2013 Concepcion Gonzalez / Courier Dylan Twemlow, left, and Patricia Nguyen, relax together between class in the Quad, on Feb. 13. They have been together for two years.

Love blossoms on campus Pablo De Lazaro, music, left, and his girlfriend Alyssa Esparaza, music, drink coffee at Starbucks on Colorado Boulevard, on Feb 11. The couple has been dating for over a year.

Mary Nurrenbern / Courier

Dianne Choi , Accounting, and Jayden Choi, Engineering, celebrate their reunion for Valentine’s Day on Feb. 12. Jayden attends school out of state.

Lissett Matos / Courier

Jose Martines, nursing, and Ada Chavez, architecture, walk off campus after class, on Feb. 13. After two years, Martinez can easily express his eternal love for Chavez.

Concepcion Gonzalez / Courier Ceci Zhang, communications, and Roner Zhong, business, kiss while walking to parking lot 4, on Feb. 13. They have been together for a year and a half.

Concepcion Gonzalez / Courier

Features

February 14, 2013

Courier

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Bassist rocks music gig at Vans Warped Tour 2012 MADISON MIRANDA Staff Writer

John Novak / Courier Simon Nagel with two of his favorite guitars in Hollywood on Feb. 9.

Nagel purchased the guitar on the left from one of his idols, Allen Hinds, and the metal guitar is a custom built by French guitar maker James Trussart.

Typically a fedora wearer, Simon Nagel occasionally sports a Mohawk and black nail polish for performances. His normal outfits consist of Converse shoes, leather jackets and denim jeans.

Coupled with his ear and lip piercings, Nagel's look screams rockstar.

Nagel was the bassist for the “electronic based” band Neo Geo featured in The Vans Warped Tour 2012 House Of Marley stage. He played with the band for about eight months and is currently the bassist and backing vocals for the heavier rock band Knee High Fox. "This was my first time playing Warped Tour, but Neo Geo has played previous years," he said.

Nagel, music major, has been a student at PCC for the last year and is currently taking 12 units.

He says the History of Rock Music and recording classes he is taking are his favorites.

“PCC seemed like the nicest community college to me when I

was checking them all out. I heard it had a great music program too, which is what I'm obviously into," said Nagel, who lives in Hollywood.

Nagel, 24, also attended Musicians Institute in Hollywood for 18 months and completed the G.I.T. guitar program.

“I'm playing bass right now in my band, but my main instrument is guitar," he said.

“If I had to pick the single best part of Warped, I would say [it was] getting to hang [out] with new fans everyday," said Nagel.

He says he liked how accessible the bands were for the fans. He also says meeting and hearing new bands play were highlights for him.

Nagel decided to quit Neo Geo right before the New Year, and is focusing his efforts on school and playing in Knee High Fox. He said it was really difficult to juggle being a member of both bands and having a full class schedule.

“It takes a lot of getting used to, being a student and being in bands because of scheduling, but

that's why you have to prioritize," said Nagel.

One of his teachers feels he has found a good balance.

“Simon does a great job managing his commitments," said Daniel Cole, who teaches the recording class Nagel is in. “If he has a conflict, he lets me know in advance and gets his work done."

Ruben Helmstadter, music major and pianist, has shared several classes with Nagel during the last two semesters and is familiar with his musical career.

Helmstadter noted how a few times Nagel had to miss afternoon classes to play gigs, but he feels Nagel has found a good balance. “He seems to manage [school and music] pretty well," said Helmstadter.

Nagel also feels that he has worked out effective time management between music and class. “It also helps that I'm studying music, so a lot of times what I'm studying I can correlate with what I'm doing at the time music-wise," Nagel says.

Swim team looking to build off of last season’s success Stoddard is optimistic with promising new swimmers and a returning state champ AERIKA DAVÉ Staff Writer

After a very challenging yet successful past season, Head Coach Terry Stoddard says he is more than excited about the upcoming 2013 men’s and women’s swim season.

Stoddard is enthusiastic about incoming freshmen Darren Smith, a sprint specialist, and Chris Anderson who is a diver.

Stoddard believes that Smith and Anderson could potentially bring PCC some good looking scores this season.

Returning to the team is Stephen To, who won a state championship in the butterfly stroke, and Michael Chiodo,

who specializes in the backstroke.

Stoddard said that he is proud of the returning men and women athletes.

“It is tremendously challenging to balance academics and sports yet at the same time still containing proper preparation and discipline,” he said. “Our team has that discipline and for that I’m glad.”

On the women’s team Paige Watroba, an individual medley/butterfly specialist, will be taking the lead along with three incoming freshman.

“The overall camaraderie of the team this season is what I’m pleased with. We are all so close simply because it’s a small group of girls; it’s a great feeling,” Watroba said.

Incoming freshman Arolyn Basham, from La Salle High School, is versatile and due to that she may find herself doing many different events.

“I am excited to be here and

ready to kick the season off with a good start,” Basham stated.

Stoddard says that Shannon Cheung, who was born in Hong Kong but grew up in South Pasadena, is also on an aggressive academic/athletic track, along with incoming freshman Emily Fredricks.

Stoddard thinks the only area of concern may be in individual events due to losing key sprinters to the armed services.

“Three advance sprinters enlisted in the U.S Coast Guard, Marines and Navy,” Stoddard said. "They decided to put their education on hold and serve our country. I am very proud of those three men," she said.

The first official competition takes place on Feb.15 with the South Coast Conference (SCC) Penthalon/Relays at East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park. After that there is a meet every week until the end of April.

Head coach of the swimming team Terry Stoddard is seen at the Aquatic Center Jan. 29.

Caitlin KellyThompson / Courier

Many flock to caffeine joints, despite potential risks VIVIAN MEZA Staff Writer

Bridget Sanchez / Courier Barista John Peters makes a latte at Bean Town Coffee House in Sierra Madre. Bean Town is a popular coffee shop for many students.

During those long nights of studying, students sometimes need to take shots… of caffeine that is.

The campus is surrounded by coffee and teashops, like Starbucks, Tea Spot, the school’s Java Hut and many others.

Energy drinks, like 5 Hour Energy, are other alternatives to help students stay awake.

But drinking beverages high in caffeine may cause unwanted symptoms that can make it harder to concentrate for students who rarely drink caffeine. Keyra Chrismon, Health Sciences, can relate. “It makes me feel more anxious,” she says, “ [I drink]Dr. Pepper when I study. I try to avoid drinking coffee or energy drinks.”

"One of the dangers is that there’s not regulation as far as the amount of caffeine in the beverages and it could really vary,” explains PCC dietitian Laurie Gray. “Depending on how much somebody drinks and what the concentration of the caffeine is, they could be getting a really big dose of caffeine which could get them those side effects of feeling anxious, headache and having a rapid heartbeat.”

Symptoms could worsen for students who are not aware of having health problems.

“Sometimes people don’t know that they may have some kind of heart ailment and [if] a person takes in a lot of caffeine it can cause them to become very erratic and causes them to go to the ER,” Gray said. “Just that effect

of having too much caffeine from such a concentrated amount is probably what makes people feel frightened which might cause them to go to the E.R." Local coffee and tea shops offer beverages with less caffeine and allow customers choose how strong they want their drink to be. One nearby shop, AU79 Teahouse, offers a variety of caffeine drinks but specializes more in tea.

Runnie Chen, Teahouse employee, explains, “We can adjust how sweet [the customer] wants the tea. We also advise customers if the tea will be strong. A lot of people don't know there [are many] different varieties of tea being offered [in our store]."

There are healthy ways to stay

energized, Gray said, " The best advice is to get some rest, there's nothing you could do to function well in what you're trying to retain for an exam.”

However, she said some foods will give a feeling of alertness.

Food that are good sources of proteins tend to make people more alert than food with concentrated amounts of carbohydrates, Gray said.

“A lot of pasta tends to make you feel sleepier,” Gray said.

“On the other hand if [you] eat something leaner, like some lean chicken or non-fat milk. it can actually increase neurochemicals in the brain that will give [you] more of that feeling of alertness.

Just good healthy dietary changes could make a difference."

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Arts & Entertainment

Courier

February 14, 2013

Piano recital showcases college diversity CHRISTINE MICHAELS Staff Writer

While sitting in the full audience in Harbeson Hall, one could wonder why so many people would come to listen to PCCs 12th annual piano honors recital, which had some mixed talent.

But after every set, Review be it the spectacular pianist Sally Emilia, or the two novice piano students JoAnn Merrill and Victor Benitez, the audience clapped its loudest enthusiastically.

The reason? According to piano instructor and the evening’s M.C. Philip Young, diversity.

“This is a big event for us … we represent what PCC is with its diversity,” he said after the concert.

And with the audience’s reaction to each performance, it is evident that the diversity of talent, background, and experience each student pianist played out on the keys is what made the night so

Benjamin Simpson / Courier Sooyong Chu, violin, and Sally Emilia, piano, left, perform Johannes Brahms's Sonata for Violin and Piano, Op. 78 'Vivace ma non troppo', with Xinyi Wang's help turning music pages, at the twelfth annual piano honors recital at Harbeson Hall on Feb 9.

memorable, and brought the college’s diverse community together through the shared passion of music.

Beethoven’s famous Moonlight Sonata performed by music major and pianist Xinyi Wang soothed the audience and kept everyone

relaxed in their seats, allowing the notes to carry them away.

Blind music student Leo Mora nodded his head with the movement of the Sonata. “This is magnificent,” he whispered while tapping his fingers as if he himself were playing the song on the piano.

The best performance of the night was Johann Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in D Minor, played by international student Sally Emilia, whose ability to easily transition from an uplifting major key tone to a sudden minor down shift of angry tone kept the audience on its toes and immersed in her spectacular performance. It was easy to see her love and passion for piano in the way her body moved with the music she played, and the audience definitely felt it with each emotion played out in the song.

Audience member Anete Sepanian, communication, appreciated the performances. “I really enjoyed it. This was the first con-

cert I’ve ever been to, and I didn’t know what to expect, but that was awesome,” she said excitedly.

Yet another memorable performance was by the duet of newcomer piano students Benitez and Merrill, who played a rendition of Franz Schubert’s Zwei Landler.

While the composition was not necessarily difficult, their joy in playing the piano was evident while they were on stage, which kept the audience light hearted.

“I think we did good considering our nerves,” said Merrill with a smile. Benitez stood next to her, chimed in and said: “It was a good performance for all of our colleagues. I think we all did wonderful.”

Young added with a grin, “We are very grateful for what the piano brings us.”

The piano honors recital definitely highlighted not only talent, but also a togetherness of the community, under the shared passion for music.

‘Hairspray’ production prepares to dazzle audiences EMILY CHANG-CHIEN Staff Writer

Sass, spunk, passion and a whole lot of dedication — these words can only begin to scratch the surface of what it takes to be a cast member of the musical Hairspray. Unbeknownst to others, a core group of students has been hard at work in the Sexson Auditorium, singing, dancing and acting away in preparation

for its opening on Feb. 22.

Directed by Theater Arts Instructor Richard Kuller, the cast consists entirely of students who are triple threats: people who can sing, dance and act, all at the same time. “This show is bigger and more complicated than any we have ever done,” Kuller said.

“You know what a popular show this is,” Kuller mused. “It’s got more moving parts than most of the shows we have ever done.

It’s got more dances, more moving body parts, more scene changes — scene changes happen during numbers instead of after them — a lot of difficult timing, [and] we’re going to have a big orchestra.”

“This show is an undertaking, for sure,” said choreographer Christopher Curry, kinesiology.

Walking into the auditorium, one can see how meticulously each cast member practices,

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whether they are a principal actor or a member of the ensemble.

From small groups vigorously running routines, to Kuller scrutinizing and adjusting dance numbers and songs, no person is left lazing around.

According to stage manager Kira Alemania, music, the auditioning process started during winter break. Subsequently, rehearsal began on the first day of the spring semester, lasting four and a half hours a day, six days a week, with occasional breaks inbetween.

Lead actor David Park, music, who plays Link Larkin, elaborated. “[We rehearse] everyday, at least five hours a day, with a few days off. It’s been really long and tough and stressful for sure, but also it’s really rewarding. [The audience] won’t know how much effort and work went into all of this.”

Although the cast rehearsed without props, costume, and makeup, they still worked scrupulously. Even then, lightheartedness underlies the atmosphere.

“We’re all family now,” said Joseph Garcia, theater, who is playing Corny Collins. “I like the camaraderie, that’s the best part — the family part. Even better when you’re on stage and people are applauding and laughing, that’s the most thrilling thing about theater, and that’s why I do it.”

With the calendar winding down till opening day, the cast is feeling the pressure.

“A lot of effort and a lot of money went into this,” Kuller said. “At this time, in almost every show, people are feeling a bit of panic.”

“But, as the song [Another Op’nin’, Another Show] says: ‘Four weeks, you rehearse and rehearse, three weeks and it couldn't be worse. One week, will it ever be right? Then out o' the hat, it's that big first night!”

Kuller sang enthusiastically.

Curry echoed this sentiment.

“We’ll pull through of course, we always do—that’s show business.”

Hairspray officially opens on Feb. 22 at 8 p.m.

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Matthew Chan / Courier Director of the upcoming Musical Theatre Production "Hairspray" instructor Richard Kuller watches his actors perform their first full rehearsal on Feb. 8 at the Sexson Auditorium. Hairspray opens on Feb. 20.

Sports

February 14, 2013

Courier

7

Lancers softball dominates Santa Monica BENJAMIN SIMPSON Staff Writer

Two Lancer pitchers held Santa Monica College to five hits and one run over ten doubleheader innings at Robinson Park on Feb 9.

With the Pasadena bats also hammering out 17 runs over the same ten innings, the Lancers controlled their last preseason games.

The first game started simply, with Melissa Izumida on the mound for Pasadena.

Izumida pitched masterfully.

In the first inning it was three up, three down for Santa Monica.

In the second inning it was again three up, three down.

The third was the same.

As was the fourth.

In the fifth, the pattern continued.

One out, two outs, then a single, to break the no hitter. And then the third out.

Pasadena won the first game 8-0, with Izumida throwing a five inning shut-out with eight strike-outs, just missing a onehitter by one out.

When asked about her performance in the game, Izumida discussed the hitting.

“We finally got our timing down, we did great, we came out strong and we ended strong,”

Teresa Mendoza /Courier Freshman Jazmin Hernandez slides into third base and is tagged out by a Santa Monica player at the game in Robinson Park on Saturday, Feb. 9.

she said.

About the one hitter, she said: “This is one of my best games so far, so I am proud of myself, practicing and trying to keep my head in there, just not letting little mistakes get to me. It helps a lot.”

In the second game Santa Monica came out strong with one run in the first inning, but after that it was all Pasadena,

with the Lancers winning with a score of 9-1.

Cierra Newton, who pitched five innings for Pasadena in the second game, not only pitched a four-hit game, but she also got two hits and two RBI’s in the second game.

“Today we played a lot of defense, we had a good approach at the plate, and we stayed pretty focused,” said

Newton, praising her teammates. But about her pitching she added: “I could have done better.”

Allison Lacey had a strong outing in both games, getting four hits, including two doubles, and four RBI’s.

“We did a lot of hitting focus in practice. That’s pretty much what we have been doing all week, so it worked out well for

us,” said Lacey.

The two wins against Santa Monica finished the Lancers preseason with a record of 6-5.

“It was good, especially because we ended up on a good note before we start conference,” said coach Brittany Williams after the game.

The Lancers began their season at East Los Angeles College on Feb 12.

Fired official sues district, claims wrongful termination, sexual harassment Continued from page 1

inappropriate sexual solicitation, groping, emails, and phone calls.

“Cooper telephoned [Hutchings] at home and harassed [him] and [his wife],” the suit claims.

The document also alleges that Hutchings felt threatened if he didn’t respond to Cooper’s sexual advances favorably.

The complaint mentions

Benedict Lastimado, the former vice president of human resources, who suddenly left the school last year citing ‘family matters.’

“Cooper had said to [Hutchings] that [he] ‘had better not get on her bad side like Ben did,’ ” the suit alleges. “Cooper told [Hutchings] that she was responsible for having Dr. Lastimato [sic] terminated.”

In the suit, Hutchings also claims that van Pelt informed

him that he “’would most likely be terminated,’ and that he (van Pelt) would likely be retaliated against by Cooper for reporting Cooper’s sexual harassment.”

In addition, Hutchings alleges that the school never took the necessary steps to investigate the matter fully before firing him and van Pelt.

After both men were fired in June, lawsuits aplenty have since been filed.

LED Global, a lighting firm

that lost a $5 million contract, immediately launched a lawsuit against van Pelt and Hutchings, and another against the school itself. They claim they lost the contract after not submitting to the bribery solicitations.

They also claim to be the whistleblowers that prompted the DA’s investigation into Hutchings and van Pelt.

The investigation is still ongoing with no timetable for completion.

File Photo/Courier General Counsel Gail Cooper

Computer system to undergo first tests New online classes filled within days Continued from page 1

fully implemented. “[The mock trials will] exercise every square inch of the product line … from a technological side, we are installing a piece of software that will replicate 5,000 students so that [the registration] part of the system will not be exposed to students for the first time in April,” he said.

The Lancerpoint portal was also highlighted during the presentation.

“We believe we will be able to have a better sense of community … and have more effective, timely and meaningful communication … for student success,” explained Olivo.

Trustee Linda Wah requested success measurements for the project.

“Being a business person I always look … at the bottom line. … I’d like to see performance goals, I’d be interested in them,” she said.

Trustee Geoffrey Baum was intrigued to see how students react to the new system.

“I’m so impressed that within a period of six months, we are about to launch a revolution in IT at PCC,” he said. “I’m eager to hear more after this launches. I want to hear more from students after the launch.”

Fause explained the project could not be done without the work and diligence of the community.

“We [have] had seven consultants … and 50 training sessions [for Lancerpoint] since Sept. 10,” he said. “A project this ambitious cannot have one group working on it.”

Board President John Martin was enthusiastic about the start up of Lancerpoint. “I think I can speak for my colleagues and say charge on!” Martin exclaimed.

Continued from page 1

The eight-week courses will mimic summer or winter intersession courses, where the weekly hours are doubled – allowing them to be completed in half the time, according to Tirapelle.

Kathleen Green, who volunteered to teach a version of English 1A during the eight-week course, has never taught fully online courses before.

“I’ve taught web-enhanced courses before and use Canvas in my classes now, but this is the first time I have taught online only,” Green said.

“The teachers haven’t seen the new online shell yet and we have a teacher’s training session planned for Feb. 23.”

Dina Chase, interim associate dean of admission and records, says that these courses will count for the same number of credit hours as an in-person class and will

be placed normally on a student’s transcript.

“The Santa Rosa system currently used does not differentiate if a class was taken online,” Chase said.

While the courses will count the same as in-person courses and not appear differently on college transcripts, Green is wary of some students’ treatment of these courses.

“Online courses aren’t for everyone,” Green said.

“They can work well for some, but can be a detriment for others. Students have to be totally self-motivated.”

Tirapelle says this is the start of a grand online platform expansion.

“This new online system is a newer, more progressive and more innovative program,” Tirapelle said.

“We are working towards offering fully online degrees in the near future.”

Change to a three-semester calendar affects scheduling for study abroad programs Continued from page 1

Instructor Darcy Mack said that in the first year of the Natural Science program to Costa Rica the students had a unique experience. “They learn in such a different way there… nothing can actually make it hit home quite as much as actually seeing it,” she said.

“It’s just invaluable to be able to go to a place and see things for

yourself.”

There is a possibility to alternate the Costa Rica and Madrid programs in the summer, said Persaud. However, it would be difficult to preserve the continuity. “Both programs [could] be injured…we may struggle to maintain enrollment,” he said.

In Costa Rica students in the Natural Science program would explore impressive rainforests, biological reserves, a volcano

and rivers, studying climate change, pollution, ecotourism, biodiversity, habitat destruction and conservation. For the Spanish program students would have stayed two weeks near the capital, San Jose and two in the oceanfront village of Flamingo Beach.

“There is just no equivalent experience here. It is a rainforest, so they have a lot more biodiversity,” said Mack.

Winter would be the best season to travel to Costa Rica, according to Persaud because the weather is hotter and with more rain in the summer.

Both Persaud, Mack spoke about exploring the possibility of offering the program to Costa Rica in the summer, taking into account weather and enrollment factors.

According to Mack the trip would be competing with other

programs for enrollment.

“A rain day lowers the amount of learning that can happen because you can’t see the animals or what is going on. It wouldn’t necessarily make it impossible but it would definitely take away from [the experience],”said Mack. “It would be far better for the program [to take place] in winter, there is no doubt about it.”

COUR IER

February 14, 2013

SPORTS

Men’s basketball beaten at the buzzer Last second three pointer gives game to ECC JONATHAN BILES Staff Writer

After a double-digit comeback, the Lancers men’s basketball team was defeated by a lastsecond three pointer by El Camino College, losing 71-70 on Feb. 6.

The Lancers were losing by 12 points with 17 minutes remaining in the second half and finally retook the lead with 5:45 left in the game. PCC sophomore guard Chris Smith drove to the basket and put the Lancers up 70-68 with 3.8 seconds remaining. The loudest Hutto-Patterson Gym crowd in recent memory was instantly quelled by El Camino College’s Joshua Wilson, who hit a game-winning three point shot.

“The kids came back and fought hard but it wasn’t enough,” Lancers Head Coach Mike Swanegan Sr. said.

The Lancers fall to 7-15 on the

season and 3-6 in South Coast Conference play. El Camino improves to 7-13 with a similar 3-6 conference record.

A bright spot for the Lancers is the return of point guard Smith, who provided 15 points. Smith, who had been unable to play for weeks due to a knee injury, was cleared by Lancers trainer Alfonso Flores and played over 20 minutes in the narrow loss.

“I’m just happy to see [Chris] back on the court,” Flores said.

“We’ll continue to rehab his knee for the next few weeks, but his progress has been great. It showed tonight.”

Smith did not expect to play as long as he did, nor did Coach Swanegan intend to play him for that long, but the necessities of the game demanded it.

“You never know how long you can play a kid coming off of an injury,” Swanegan said. “We trusted Chris with the ball and

he played an excellent game.”

Smith wanted the focus to be on the team itself, not his return.

“We wanted to get movement early and make their defense work,” Smith said. “We had a good comeback and played tough but it wasn’t enough. This is a tough way to lose.”

The Lancers’ bench players outscored the starters 47-23. PCC was kept in the game by sophomore forward Marquise Tolson’s ten points, sophomore shooting guard Evan Brooks’ nine points, and freshman forward Bryce Clifton’s seven points, including a breakaway dunk that energized the entire arena during PCC’s comeback drive.

“Momentum is an important thing,” Swanegan said. “We picked up the pace of the game and made some stops to get the momentum but there isn’t much you can do when the other team makes a shot like that.”

Matthew Chan / Courier Lancer guard Mike Swanegan’s four three pointers were not enough to beat the Warriors in a nail biter game on Feb 6.

Lancers baseball team gets dealt two crushing losses ANDREW SALMI Staff Writer

The baseball team took a step backwards on Feb. 5 with an 11-4 loss at Grossmont College and then on Feb. 7 the Lancers were buried from the start with a 16-2 trampling at the hands of Irvine Valley College on the road.

The game visiting IVC was a nightmare for PCC, since the team also gave up a grand slam home run in the bottom of the third inning to IVC freshman second baseman Dallas Porter.

Against IVC, sophomore starting pitcher Trevor Gleason could not make it out of the first inning, giving up seven earned runs before being replaced by freshman pitcher Rick Espana after only recording one out.

Jordan Harris / Courier Sophomore Anthony Martinez gets nailed in the head by the opposing pitcher, advancing him to first base Feb. 9. The Lancers lost 4-3.

“Trevor’s outing that day was very unfocused. He didn’t execute his pitches well and got

behind in the count to every batter that he faced,” said Head Coach Evan O’Meara. “Our hit-

ters got sad and weren’t able to separate their play from the pitching performance.”

The Lancers managed to score their only two runs in the top of the fifth inning, in which sophomore David Halstead and freshman Angelo Robledo scored.

Gleason, who had a fantastic start on Feb. 1 against Antelope Valley College, will look to rebound in his next outing.

“I wasn’t feeling 100 percent when I went out there,” said Gleason. “I just couldn’t find it, but I plan on coming out strong next game.” While visiting Grossmont College, which is in El Cajon, the Lancers had more success in the early part of the game. PCC managed to score three runs in the top of the fourth inning, making the score 5-4 in

favor of Grossmont. However, the Lancers didn’t score another run the rest of the game while Grossmont tallied six more runs.

“We need to pitch better,” said Coach O’Meara. “We didn’t offer much in terms of hitting support either, but what’s difficult is that the guys let the pitchers dictate how they felt about the rest of the game.” Sophomore outfielder Tarik El Abour, who took the 2012 season off, was a standout player for the Lancers against Grossmont, having two hits and a walk in the game.

Through four games, he statistically is one of the Lancers’ best hitters, tallying four hits in nine at-bats with a great .643 on-base percentage.

He has also scored four runs, the most on the team.

Alumnus Greg Altounian helps athletes pursue their goals TIFFANY ROESLER Staff Writer

There’s no place like home, and for alumnus Greg Altounian home is in the Hutto-Patterson gym hallways and field of PCC where he started out his collegiate soccer career in 2006. Now he is the men’s soccer team administrator and a college assistant in the Athletic Zone.

Love of soccer may pump through his veins, but Altounian’s passion for the game has turned into a vision of helping other players transfer, participate at the next level and most importantly, succeed academically.

He sacrificed pursuing a professional career after his dad, former Assistant Soccer Coach Warren Altounian, died in spring 2011.

“I put playing on the backburner,” said Altounian. “PCC was what I knew best, [so] I decided that I would become part of the men’s soccer team over the next few years.”

His role as team administrator is to handle travel, game reports, locker room set-up, game day setup, athlete itineraries, letters to instructors regarding courses they need to miss due to games and to help players with scouting. He’s the team’s very own soccer dad.

“He does more than just that and we are fortunate to have him in our program,” said Men’s Head Soccer Coach Edgar Manvelyan. “Greg has a big heart and he will give it all to his team [and the] program. He enjoys his role as team administrator and I am very proud of him.”

Altounian’s collegiate soccer career at CSU Dominguez Hills has helped him set high standards and push for positive change in the program.

“We want our student-athletes to end up wanting to go to a university and transfer out like I did.

Not too many others have.”

Altounian’s emphasis on putting academics has changed the approach players have taken when facing studies head-on.

“He always pushes me to my limits because he knows I can do better in school, [but] it’s just that I’m stubborn,” said soccer player Victor Menchaca. “He expects a lot from me as a player and student, more as a student. He always would tell me to put school first, then soccer.”

His ultimate goal is to continue working with athletes even if that means leaving his PCC home.

“Its very hard to leave this place,” said Altounian.

Benjamin Simpson / Courier Greg Altounian relaxes on the field at Robinson Stadium on Feb 5.