Sports
Badminton defeats Compton Page 12 Volume 105, Issue 5
COURIER Pasadena City College
The independent student voice of PCC. Serving Pasadena Since 1915.
Stepping into the future
Online edition pccCourier.com Facebook PCC Courier Twitter @pccCourier March 22, 2012
Idea of free speech limits firmly opposed PCC President Rocha calls ‘time, place, manner’ policy unnecessary PAUL OCHOA AND MICHAEL MCGRATH Staff writers
Blair Wells/Courier Instructor Amy Oliver uses her “Smart” room in the R Building to help in her explantation of photography.
Classroom tech update underway CHRISTINE MICHAELS Staff Writer
A technology update is underway on campus, with hopes of completion before June 2013, according to Vice President of Information Technology Dwayne Cable. The “Smart 18” plan has three component. One of these is that all 264 classrooms will become ‘smart’ classrooms, according to Interim Dean of Institutional Effectiveness Crystal Kollross. In addition, all full time faculty will have desktop computers replaced with laptop docking stations, and all adjunct faculty will “possibly acquire laptops they can check out,” said Cable. “There’s a tech master plan,” said Cable. The plan includes a
Leverage Technology Advisory Committee, “made up of two representatives from [each of the 14] academic divisions,” he said. To upgrade each classroom, smart boards, laptop docks, projectors with cameras, and screens will be added. The laptop docks will be connected to the podium as well as the PCC network. “[Faculty] will be able to unplug [their laptops] and walk out of the classroom,” said Cable. Instructors will be able to bring their laptops to class and just plug them into the docks provided. This will help keep each faculty members’ information with them at all times, instead of on a desktop in a classroom that other faculty members have access to, according to Cable.
If a teacher does not have a laptop, one will be provided for him or her. “[Faculty] has a choice between Mac or Windows…I want them to have what they are comfortable with,” said Cable. Another possible update is the introduction of college email addresses for each student at pasadena.edu. Many students already have at least two email [accounts] according to Cable. “It’s most likely to roll out by fall…I have four or five email [accounts] myself!” said Cable. Upgrading the PCC website is a high priority for Cable. “Oh look at this! This is just awful...we have been working Continued on page 10
PCC President Mark Rocha is firmly opposed to a ‘time, place, manner’ policy that would limit protests and demonstrations on campus. “I don’t see any need for it,” Rocha said when addressing journalism students March 15. Rocha also said, however, that there is an appropriate time for protests and that the protesters in February were not dealing with the real problem and were just expressing anger. “Once expressed, you have to deal with the problem,” Rocha said. “I really feel that the protests are valid, but you have to direct the protests at the right place. These funding decisions are made in Sacramento.” Rocha said that the problem is not PCC, but the economy, and that the solution is to fund education. “If you fund education, the better you will be able to fund everything else,” Rocha said. The ‘time, place, manner’ policy has been a controversial topic of discussion before and was ultimately shelved last year by the Academic Senate. At the Board of Trustees meeting on March 7, mention of a revival of the policy by Board Vice President John Martin drew wide attention, prompting stu-
Antonio Gandara/Courier PCC President Dr. Mark Rocha speaks with journalism students about current events.
dents to write letters of disapproval. “While it may be true that the board felt ‘threatened’ by the protests, that does not give them the right to limit our freedom of speech,” wrote student Andrew Bott in a letter to Rocha, the Board of the Trustees, and various news organizations. Both Board President Geoffrey Baum and Rocha have denounced talk of reviving the policy. “There is no desire or attempt to restrict freedom of expression at PCC,” Baum Continued on page 10
Suspect arrested in campus bicycle theft MICHAEL MCGRATH Staff Writer
A bicycle theft suspect was arrested last week after the quick communication between PCC campus police and Caltech, and a stolen bike was returned to its owner. The victim, Phillip Nunez, English, received his bike back March 14 after the suspect was found riding it around Caltech. After reporting it stolen March 9,
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Nunez was relieved and surprised, to get back his bike from the Pasadena Police Department. “I was shocked at to even get the bike back,” said Nunez. Bicycle thieves, some of whom make a living solely off the profit from stolen bikes, are becoming bolder and even breaking locks in front of a crowd, said Sgt. Steven Matchan of the Campus Police. “Some of these thieves are professionals and are able to steal a bike in one to two
minutes,” said Matchan. “This year to date there have been six bikes stolen from [students at] PCC in which two arrests have been made and two additional suspects have been identified,” said Matchan. He advised students to lock their bikes in bicycle racks, and with secure steel U-locks. “I’ve heard of wire locks being cut by simple gardening shears,” Continued on page 10
Justin Clay/Courier Victor Aquino recently got his bicycle back from campus police after they discovered that it wasn't properly locked.
Spinning
Theater
Packed cycling class helps participants get into better shape
Rehearsal start for musical production ‘Into the Woods’
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News
Courier
March 22, 2012
College mobile app makes debut BRENDA RENTERIA Staff Writer
A new PCC mobile application is now available for free download for all Apple products. “The PCC mobile app is up and running,” said President Mark Rocha. “It’s a great step forward.” The new app is currently available only for the iPhone, iPad, [and iPod touch] but it will be available for Android and Blackberry soon, said Director of Public Relations Juan Gutierrez.
The app keeps the users up to date with the latest PCC news, events, and enables search for courses, access to the full staff directory, search for library books, Blackboard access, and sports results. “If an instructor is using Blackboard, students can also access their classes via the app to view assignments, announcements, grades and course materials,” said Leslie Tirapelle, interim director of distance education. “The implementation of a
mobile app is part of the college’s strategy to become a global community college -- and supports a key educational master plan signature goal to offer cutting-edge learning environments,” said Tirapelle. “There is a vision to offer PCC students many more capabilities via mobile devices in the near future.” The app has been in the works for over a year, said Gutierrez. A committee comprised of faculty and staff from the Distance Education Department,
Information Technology Services Department, Web Services Office, Natural Sciences Division, Title V Program, and with input from First Year Experience students [all helped with the development of the app], Tirapelle said. Currently students aren’t able to use it to register for classes, look up grades or unofficial transcripts. “The app is a game changer. [Everyone] can be on top of the news daily,” said Rocha.
Louis Cheung / Courier The new PCC mobile app features a staff directory, a class search, and other menus.
Guitar strums passion into music instructor ANTERO BARRANTES III Staff Writer
Blair Wells / Courier The Clothesline Project, sponsored by the Cross Cultural Center, celebrated Women’s History Month by having students write on T-shirts, inspirational messages directed towards women who have suffered from violence.
Women’s week raises awareness CICELY CHISHOLM Asst. Features Editor
The Clothesline Project was a success at Women’s Week, a series of events on campus that aimed to empower women through different aspects of their lives, occurring from March 1215. Sponsored by the Cross Cultural Center and headed by Patricia Garcia and Jimena Cuenca, the events celebrated Women’s History Month, which is March. Participants wrote inspirational messages on T-shirts directed towards women who have suffered from some form of violence. “It’s about women empowerment and giving women a voice. It’s also for men who believe that violence against women isn’t right,” said Cuenca. “Historically, women are subjected to violence more often than men. We as women shouldn’t be afraid anymore.” A table was set up in the Quad with various shirts and markers. The completed shirts were then hung up for people to read. “Stop the Abuse” and “Stop the Violence” were among the messages. “The Clothesline Project went great. We ran out of shirts, and the next day, people stopped to read the T-shirts. It’s great they stopped to reflect on what they read,” said Cuenca. A workshop on eating healthy
Blair Wells / Courier The Clothesline Project is a visual display of shirts with graphic messages and illustrations that have been designed by women survivors of violence, or by someone who loves a woman who has been killed.
was led by a member of a public health department. “Healthy eating and body image affect women. It challenged the skinny image and focused on healthy instead,” said Cuenca. Those who attended were given a healthy recipe calendar to use. The week ended on March 15 with an event called ‘Take Back the Night’, where people were invited to march in solidarity of women who have suffered from violence. Whistles, flashlights, and pamphlets on how to stay safe at night were offered.
Those in attendance appreciated the events. “I loved everything they planned. They tried to address important things that everybody should know,” said Christina Green, accounting. “Healthy eating, working out, self-defense, and basically knowledge and awareness of abuse.” Garcia and Cuenca were pleased with the week and are already planning another. “We’re planning to have [Women’s Week] again in May and we’re really going to advertise it that time,” said Garcia.
For Instructor Ron Berman, teaching students how to play the guitar is more than a job. It’s a passion, one that requires patience, communication, and a love of music. Before he came to PCC, the thin, dark haired highly spirited Berman found out who he was and what his values were, through the music he devotedly pursued and mastered. “As you play a piece of music, you have the harmony, melody, rhyme, bass, chords; all are put together on this piece of wood and metal you can carry around,” said Berman, explaining the similarities between life and the guitar. “It’s like holding a little universe in your arms; there’s so much music you can get out of it.” One of Berman’s first teaching jobs in the 70’s consisted of visiting a maximum-security prison in Massachusetts to instruct inmates one-on-one guitar. Knowing what the inmates were in for was not of Berman’s concern, but rather he pointed out that the important thing was helping them in their willingness to learn. “Ultimately what mattered, were two people sharing music,” said Berman. Originally, Berman started out playing the clarinet, but because Rock n Roll was so popular with bands like the Beatles, for the young Berman the guitar was its ultimate symbol. Berman remembered the first strum he took on his brother’s Sears Robuck acoustic guitar. “When my brother finished playing it, I grabbed it and strummed my first chord, saying to myself: wow; this is great!” he said. The rest was history. In his early twenties, while playing in a summer rock band, Berman got a chance to play alongside headliner bands with professional musicians, sparking an interest to pursue a music career As an undergrad at North Eastern University, majoring in Music and Journalism, Berman was exposed to the likes of jazz musicians; Miles Davis and John Coltrane, and influential jazz guitarists such as Barney Kessel, West Montgomery, and Jim Hall. After graduating from North
Max Perez / Courier Music instructor Ron Berman.
Eastern, Berman took a break, than later got into the New England Conservatory. Berman smiled, remembering a time when he and a colleague premiered a concerto piece by jazz composer and teacher George Russell. “George Russell was a wonderful teacher and composer,” said Berman, “he made us feel as if anything was possible,” recalling what Russell had told him, “Just do it, don’t think you can’t do it.” It is the same philosophy, that Berman patiently instills into his students. For Berman, when it comes to teaching, patience is a good quality, being able to communicate your passion, and share it with the students in order to light their “fire.” Daniel Valido, Art, former student of Berman, recalls being encouraged to keep trying his best, “It was his encouragement that made me not give up, and what kept me going was just that.” “I was trying…and Berman influenced that in me,” said Valido. “Every time I play, I’m proud to have been in that class.” “No matter what anybody tells you, don’t let anyone stomp on your dream,” said Berman, “don’t let anybody tell you; you can’t be this, or you’re too old to start to do that.” “If you truly want to do something and you feel it in your core, you should pursue it.”
News
March 22, 2012
3
Trial of student in slaying postponed until next month
Sickness postpones veterans’ payments
NICHOLAS ZEBROWSKI News Editor
GALEN PATTERSON-SMITH Staff Writer
Some veterans are not receiving their GI Bill payments because their paperwork has not been processed due to sickness. Veteran counter clerk Nancy Chung was sick for two weeks, causing some veterans to not receive their payments on time. Chung is responsible for certifying classes, contacting the Department of Veterans Affairs, checking grades and evaluating transcripts for nearly all of PCC’s 800 veterans. “While I wasn’t here, no one was doing the work,” said Chung. Still putting the finishing touches on fall semester’s paperwork, Chung was bombarded with hundreds of requests for classes from the veterans on campus as well as by voicemail and Email, regarding not only winter session, but spring session as well. “Over [in the L Building] there is 15 people doing 30 people’s jobs,” said Jairo ‘Sauce’ Garcia Saucedo, English. Sauce works in the Veterans Resource Center and has been receiving phone calls from many upset veterans on campus regarding their GI Bill payments.
Courier
Teresa Mendoza / Courier Veteran's Services desk limited its hours of operation to two hours last week in order to process veteran student certifications.
“My processing time is four to six weeks, the VA is another six to eight weeks,” said Chung. Some students may not see payments for 12 to 14 weeks, said Chung. “It’s a lack of resources and knowledge for what can be done,” said Saucedo Though not all veterans at PCC are using their GI Bill, for some, it is their only income. The setback could cause lapses in bill payments and force them into difficult circumstances with the very essentials in life. Eddie Yi, radiological technician, is a former Army infantryman who doesn’t believe the current system is efficient. “It really is a whole lot of work for one person,” said Yi. However, some students believe that the lapse in payments is the fault of the students and no one else. “It’s not [Chung]. Students
need to check to see that their paperwork is straight before the semester starts,” said Jeff Jordan, engineering design technology and Coast Guard veteran. “[The setback] hasn’t affected me because I’m proactive. I take proper steps to ensure my paperwork is correct,” said Jordan. To prevent future mishaps, students should check their paperwork and make sure everything has been certified correctly in advance. If further help is required, they can walk to the L Building and ask a clerk at the veterans counter. If all else fails, they can contact the VA by telephone. The GI Bill was introduced after World War II. It’s intention was to give every American service member the ability to pursue higher education after their service to the country.
The second trial involving a former PCC student accused of killing his girlfriend and covering her body with kitty litter has again been postponed. A new hearing was set in court on Tuesday for April 10. “[The trial] is not really delayed that long,” said District Attorney Steve Ipson. “We’re expecting to go to trial in May.” Isaac Campbell is accused in the slaying of his girlfriend Liya Lu, both former PCC students. Campbell has admitted to concealing her body in a trash and filling it with kitty litter and hiding it in a friend’s garage in Arcadia for over a month. Campbell looked pale and skinny at the short hearing.
The case went to trial last year, after a hung jury caused a mistrial partly because no cause of death could be determined due to the mummification of the body by the kitty litter. Medical Examiner Dr. Pedro Ortiz found no cause of death, but labeled the manner of death a homicide considering the evidence. Ipson has argued that Campbell may have killed Lu with a martial arts chokehold. Public Defender Jim Duffy says that Lu was fatally hurt when thrown onto the futon by Campbell after an altercation. Campbell was arrested in Minnesota, where he fled to after Lu’s body was found. In court Campbell said he did not call emergency services because of a bad history with police.
100% TRANSPARENCY VISIT WWW.PASADENA.EDU/FACTS. THE WEBPAGE OFFERS: UÊ / iÊ >ÌiÃÌÊv>VÌÃÊ ÊÌ iÊÃÌ>ÌiÊLÕ`}iÌÊVÕÌÃÊ> `Ê ÜÊÌ iÞÊ>vviVÌÊ*
° UÊÊ-ÌÀi> }ÊÛ `i ÃÊ vÊ> Ê >À`Ê vÊ/ÀÕÃÌiiÃÊ iiÌ }ð UÊÊ À i ÌÊ > >}i i ÌÊ ÃÌ ÀÞÊ> `Ê«À iVÌ Ã° UÊ `Ê ÕV Ê Ài° The webpage will also provide answers to questions like: Q: Was the live video feed of the Feb. 22 Board of Trustees meeting disrupted? A: No. What may have looked like interruptions in the feed were times when the camera focused in on the PCC logo on a projection screen within the meeting room while the Board meeting was not in session. This has always been the practice for the video streaming of Board meetings. Q: Will the campus be closed during the academic Spring Break, April 16–22? A: Yes. While there will not be any faculty working during this timeframe in any event, it means that all campus offices will be closed, so with a few exceptions administrators, managers, classified and unclassified hourly workers will not be on campus.
Check back periodically for up-to-date information and how you can help advocate funding for education at the state level.
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Courier 2011 JACC General Excellence Award Winner EditorinChief Neil Protacio News Editor Nicholas Zebrowski Assist. News Editor Paul Ochoa Online Editor Galen PattersonSmith Assist. Online Editor Ander Arostegui Arts & Entertainment Editor Jessi Alva Assist. Arts & Entertainment Editor Mary Nurrenbern Opinion Editor F.E. Cornejo Assist. Opinion Editor Philip McCormick Sports Editor Nicholas Saul Assist. Sports Editor Linda Pineda Features Editor Mercy Fabila Assist. Features Editors: Cicely Chisholm, Christine Michaels Photo Editor Gabriela Castillo Assist. Photo Editor Teresa Mendoza Chief Photographer Daniel Nerio Online Photo Editor Louis Cheung Scene Editors Buren Smith, Max Perez Social Media Editor Justin Clay Multimedia Editor Natalie Sehn Weber Staff Writers: Antero Barrantes III, Brandon Drexel, Dustin Earl, Jesus Gomez, Tiffany Herrera, Amar Kasopovic, Edwin Lee, Michael McGrath, Raymond Pecson, Brenda Renteria, Luis Rodriguez, Karla Sosa, Colin Sum Staff Photographers: Kevin Balmadrid, Katherine Bussey, Megan Carrillo, Nikki Debbaudt, Minela Dela Cruz, Steven Fuel, Ya Ling Hsu, Ronald Johnson, AnthonyRichetts, Sasha S. Tracy, Steven Valdez, Blair Wells Faculty Adviser Warren Swil Photography Adviser Tim Berger Advertising Coordinator Anthony Richetts The Courier is published weekly by the Pasadena City College Journalism Department and is a freespeech 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) 5857130 Fax: (626) 5857971 Advertising: (626) 5857979 pccCourierAds@yahoo.com Office: 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., CC208 Pasadena, CA 911063215 Email: pccCourier@yahoo.com The first copy of the Courier is free. Additional copies are $1 each © Copyright 2012 Courier. All rights reserved.
March 22, 2012
Opinion
Courier
Editorial
Brown’s tax measure deserves support California Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposal to increase taxes for only the top income brackets, known as the Millionaire’s Tax Initiative, and a small hike in the sales tax would balance the state budget, preserve public safety funding and prevent the further decimation of public education. This is the one proposal currently on the table that has the best chance of fixing the state’s budget mess, and it deserves widespread support. Opponents of the initiative have gone to great expense to fight the tax increase, simply because they have the wealth to do so. Their wealth could be used in more productive ways. Many people in California are facing real financial hardships: foreclosure, unemployment, illness, homelessness and hunger. It is silly that in the face of an economic crisis, the wealthy are once again depleting the state’s
resources just to get out of paying more in taxes. College students, young and those more mature, want a better life, not a handout. The state’s economy will not recover without educated citizens who become innovators and industry builders. The state’s colleges and universities have spent the first part of their spring semester in total upheaval. Sudden additional budget cuts have faculty and staff in fear of losing their jobs, students’ educations are at best derailed and administrators are campaigning like politicians to keep their funding and their students. Community colleges have closed class sections and reduced class sizes on campuses that already suffer from overenrollment. Due to the cuts, students who were on track for completing their Associate’s
Degree in order to transfer are stuck. On Tuesday, officials from the CSU system announced that it will close the majority of its campuses for spring 2013 admissions. High school graduates who had planned on applying to a CSU will now be forced to attend high-priced private universities or flood over-crowded community colleges. Wealthy opponents of Brown’s initiative are attempting to sway the minds of voters, who would actually benefit from the initiative, by harping on the sales tax increase. With the help of Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Brown’s office announced last week that the initiative has been revamped to lower the proposed sales tax increase from one-half percent to a quarter percent. The new version also raises the
tax increase for the top two income brackets. In addition, the income tax increases will be extended for an additional two years, through 2018, while the sales tax increase will end after 2016. The wealthy may object to the tax increase and say it is unfair, but really what is so unfair about being wealthy? When faced with all the people who have truly suffered because of the economy, driving last year’s Bentley isn’t such a bad thing. The revenue from the tax increase would not only stimulate the economy with a new generation of eager and educated people who will become homebuyers, business owners, overall consumers and tax payers. California needs this initiative; it is the only solid chance we have of pulling ourselves out of this hole.
Protesters’ verbal attacks cloud messages to Board PHILIP MCCORMICK Assist. Opinion Editor
Five weeks into the school semester and the protests against the budget cuts are still going strong, but they’re not getting the job done and are not being directed at the right source of the problem. Only in Sacramento can these problems be properly addressed. It’s always better to be levelheaded and in a situation like this, protesters will not be taken seriously unless they are willing to at least sit down and talk about the issues and debate in a well-mannered fashion. They did not do this at the Feb.
22 board meeting. Campus Police Officer Tyler James Robbins said that the board meeting was open to everyone in accordance with the Brown Act, but that police could let in only so many people at a time because of the fire code. Protesters just had to wait for people to leave and the campus police would let them in one at a time. “They didn’t want to go in,” said Robbins. “They just wanted to stay outside and continue protesting.” Kevin Lou, engineering, said the protesters were “bringing light to the schools mismanagement.” Lou is a member of the
Engineering Club and was present at the protests in the Quad during club week. Any school can mismanage the money it gets, but this isn’t just about the school. The state is broke and that makes things more complicated than just hiring back the teachers who were reassigned and reinstating the sections that were cut. “I am proud of the actions of this administration,” said PCC President Mark Rocha. He said that the students who were making these statements about the school’s “mismanagement” should send him an email or somehow get in contact with
him. “I hear you,” said Rocha. “Tell me what [you think] is broken and only then can we try to fix it.” All in all, the protests aren’t doing anything other than putting more strain on an already tough situation. If protesters really want to make a difference, they should talk to California Gov. Jerry Brown. “These protests are valid,” said Rocha “[The protesters] have to direct the protests at the right place, though. They should be protesting in Sacramento where they’ll be heard.” Rocha is right.
Best of the web
Forced retirement? The following comment was posted in response to the news article “Community college chancellor announces retirement” (March 6) Hmmm, the timing of this seems too coincidental, no? The crisis in community colleges has reached new heights and the chancellor steps down. Just saying. Skeptical Student
Tempers rise The following comments were posted in response to the news article “New policy limited add codes” (March 14) It certainly seems to have caused major dislocations in some classes. Just check the anthropology teacher quoted above, who has 45 students in a room that can accommodate 200.
A one-size-fits-all approach will backfire because it can not take into account exceptional circumstances, and it seems there were many of these. Frustrated
asked how much was really saved by pushing all that institutional memory over the side? After all the incentives, it probably amounts to peanuts. Taxpayer
I wonder if the administration has talked about whether or not this was a good idea. Add Code Victim
Contraceptive debate
Savings questioned The following comment was posted in response to the news article “Faculty ratio may lead to penalty” (March 14) The law of unintended consequences! In their haste to force longterm faculty to make way for inexperienced but cheaper rookies, the administration overlooked the state mandate for full-time faculty to teach 75 percent of classes. Has anyone
ONLINE POLL RESULTS Online, we asked: Does the PCC web site work for you? Results as of 5 p.m. Wednesday: 52% Yes 48% No vote
at pccCourier.com
The following comments were posted in response to the opinion article “Contraceptive mandate is justified” (March 14) Until Rush Limbaugh has female body parts, he really ought to just keep his ugly thoughts to himself. Elisa Marie
Students feel betrayed The following comments were posted in response to the editorial “Transparency yes: Censorship no” (March 7)
In this age when almost everyone has a sophisticated digital camera in a pocket or purse (in their phone), surely smart officials would know it is virtually futile to censor a video feed in this clumsy manner. Didn't it occur to them that someone involved in the events would record them on video? And then, post them to the Web almost immediately? Kudos to the photographers/ reporters who did film the protest, and to the Courier for publishing the video. Observer This editorial is right on! This was a blatant act of censorship, whoever was responsible. If it was the director of public relations, as your front page story last week hinted, then he should be reprimanded. It's as if the board is scared of its own tail. Transparency? Duh! First Amendment buff
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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) 5857130 or via email to protacio_courier@yahoo.com.
March 22, 2012
OpEd
Courier
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Voices
How can the state’s budget crisis be fixed?
“Tax different things, including medical marijuana. That would help with cuts to education and health.”
“They should cut down on the stuff we probably don’t need. It makes no sense to spend money on classes we don’t need.”
“Email and tweet your congressmen. It’s your generation that has to stand up because it’s affecting you.”
Francesca Baloh, nursing
C.J. Peralta, speech pathology
Jim Gonzales, ceramics instructor
“We need to spend less money on stuff we don’t need and use it for classes and teachers.”
“I hate to be all Robin Hood about it, but we need to tax the rich more.”
“We should have fundraisers, maybe sell chocolates. And tax the rich too.”
Alexa Uchiyamada. paralegal science
Rebeccah Sanhueza, English
Juan Preciado, undeclared.
“Politicians should understand that our top priority is education…we don’t want uneducated people to be our next leaders!”
“Focus our voices at government officials. We could offer fundraisers, or charity for students.”
“Stop spending so much money on jails and prisoners when other programs are more important and need the funding.”
Salina Ho, nursing
Lori De Los Reyes, psychological development
“Protest and tell teachers to take lower pay.” Antonio Real, sociology
Carlos Diaz, business economics
“Have bicyclists pay DMV registration fees to use city streets.”
“Flat tax across the board, everybody pays for their fair share.”
Efren Hernandez, communications
Chris Colburn, nursing
“Stop paying [school or college] administration high salaries when student tuition keeps rising.”
“Clowns on the left, jokers on the right, it doesn’t matter if they’re Democrats or Republicans.”
Jessica Rusk , college assistant
Collette Armstrong, music
“Legalize marijuana.”
“Stop supporting prisons.”
“Better financial management.”
Scott Cole, nursing
Sheyla Alarcon, medicine
Rene Shaw, finance
Caleah King, bookstore employee
Robert Kuo, environmental science
“If we have to sacrifice technology for the greater good of students getting their classes so that they can go further into their education then that’s what we should do.”
“Alone we can do nothing. We need to get together and protest at the state level.”
“Stop spending money outside the country, [like] on wars. We spend too much money on what only benefits the top 1 percent and not the bottom 99 percent. That only hurts us.” Armen Ovsepyan, nursing
Reporting by: Jessi Alva, Ander Arostegui, Cicely Chisholm, Dusty Earl, Amar Kasapovic, Michael McGrath, Christine Michaels, Raymond Pecson, Brenda Renteria, Galen Patterson-Smith, Karla Sosa, Colin Sum, Mercy Fabila Photos by: Sabrina Hsu, Ronald Johnson, Justin Clay, Steven Valdez, Anthony Richetts, Neil Protacio, Daniel Nerio, Kevin Peraza, Max Perez, Kevin Balmadrid, Blair Wells, Buren Smith, Natalie Sehn Weber
SCENE
Courier
March 22, 2012
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Gerardo Morales, music, rehearses a guitar melody concealed behind a flagpole near the southern entrance to the Wi-Fi lounge. Morales said the music division’s overcrowded practice rooms had inspired him to seek out the quiet spot. Natalie Sehn Weber/Courier
Justin Clay/Courier Tina Oh, psychology, waits for a friend in the area between the E Building and the Shatford Library. The walkway between the two buildings provides privacy as well as shade.
Blair Wells/Courier Abraham Cardenas, undecided, finds a quiet spot in the Jameson Amphitheater to practice for percussion class.
Personal Space Where to find a spot off the beaten path
Blair Wells/Courier Alaina Marasa, 23 undecided, finds a peaceful spot next to the Mirror Pools to decorate her banjolele on Wednesday. Although not very private, the pools are an oasis on campus for Marasa.
Natalie Sehn Weber/Courier Kevin Orantes, graphic design, makes phone calls and listens to music in a hallway that divides the IT Building. Orantes happened upon the less-traveled corridor while trying to find a spot to "chill out."
Minela Dela Cruz/Courier An inconspicuous stairway that leads to the bottom floor of parking lot 5 is a hidden place. There is very little foot traffic allowing for some private space on a busy campus.
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Arts & Entertainment
Courier
March 22, 2012
Artist in Residence shares works, thoughts COLIN SUM Staff Writer Photographer Abelardo Morrell recants his past as an inspired photographer to an overcapacity audience during his lecture as the 26th Artist in Residence. “I wanted to capture the realism of craziness,” Morrell said to students and faculty at the Vosloh Forum on Monday. “I seek craziness everywhere.” Morell presented slides of photographs of his past and also the work he has produced during his lecture. Morrell stated that his work made him feel “reborn in an artistic way.” He said that his new approach to photography changed everything – from the way he shot photos, to the camera he used, and even his sense of emotion. “I decided everything around me would be my subject,” Morell said. “I interacted with things that were solidly in front of me than things that were abstract.”’ Morell described “Camera Obscura,” a technique he is most known for and one that he used for one of his first photographs, as ‘essentially a small room with an opening looking out’. “I would poke small holes into people’s rooms so that images would pop out,” Morell said. One of the examples of his
photographs integrating the camera obscura technique was on the poster for the Artist in Residence, which were handed out to eager audiences. In his career as a photographer, Morell has traveled to different countries, put together a piece on Alice in Wonderland, and has also worked with neurologist and writer, Oliver Sacks. Melanie Willhide, photography instructor, said that Morell’s work is the “perfect marriage” of old and new ideas that does not discredit his work. Morell gave thanks to Willhide and complimented her work for putting the Artist in Residency together. “Melanie can run the whole city if she wanted to,” Morrell said at the start of his lecture. At the end of the lecture, students and faculty were invited to a reception at the Art Gallery where more of Morell’s work was displayed. In attendees was Eileen Cowin, a photographer and also an Artist in Residence of Pasadena back in 2009. “The lecture was fantastic and his work is brilliant,” said Cowin. “I understand that people want to know more about the technical aspect of his work but when it all comes down to it, it’s way bigger. His work is so poetic, so different. It really shows a new way to look at things.” “The honesty of his [camera
Artist in Residence Abelardo Morell speaks during his lecture at Vosloh Form on Monday. Daniel Nerio/Courier
obscura] pieces intrigued me,” said Craig Attebery, art instructor, who loved the whole process it took to create each of Morell’s piece rather
than the final product. “What he’s doing really reflects on the pieces.” Students attending the lecture all shared one sentiment:
inspiration Sonia Cardona, art, is taking photography for the first time. She said she was inspired by the lecture. “It took me to a whole other level and gave me a different aspect of photography,” Cardona said. Daniel Carrillo, art major, found that Morell’s “TentCamera” technique was an interesting way of projecting an image on the ground. “He makes [camera obscura] look beautiful and easy,” Carrillo said. “It was an extremely good and wonderful welcome,” said Morell. “The [art community here] is very lively and healthy, and I hope [art] students will get inspired to choose their own ideas to work with.” According to Brian Tucker, art gallery director, the Artist in Residence usually generates a large audience, but this may be an exception. Morell will be on PCC campus this week, March 19 to 23, to meet with students and create photographs for the PCC Art Collection with assistance from the Huntington Library. The Art Gallery exhibition of his works will be displayed until May 5.
Students rehearsing for the musical Into the Woods in the Sexson Auditorium. The play will premiere on March 30. Teresa Mendoza / Courier
Rehearsals underway for spring folk-tale musical BRANDON DREXEL Staff Writer
While vocal director Karen Benjamin, lets her fingers dance on the piano, director Whitney Rydbeck observes his performers with certain intensity as they rehearse the musical, “Into The Woods” in a studio room in the Saxon building. Rydbeck occasionally jumps on stage to talk to performers and offer them advice. It’s a chaotic scene, but for the cast, it’s just another night of rehearsal. Rydbeck wastes no time as he has actors move from one scene to another. He watches the placement of the performers and shows passion for the show. After rehearsing a particular scene, Rydbeck says, “That was brilliant.” The musical, “Into The Woods”, tells the story of certain folktale characters such as, Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Jack and The Bean Stalk and others, said
Rydbeck. He added that in the first act, everyone lives happily ever after, but in the second act we ask, “Are they happy?” The second act focuses more on the actions taken in life, said Rydbeck. “All actions have consequences,” he said. Into The Woods, will be accompanied by a 19 piece orchestra says Rydbeck. The performance will premier March 30th at 8 p.m. in Sexson Auditorium. Rehearsals for the musical take place at least four times a week, sometimes there can be six days of rehearsals a week. Each rehearsal is about three hours long. Aubrey Huebner, music major, is on campus for 11 hours during some days, says that, “Anytime you do a show it can be stressful,”Huebner said. However, for her it’s all worth it, “The stress doesn’t matter,” she said. Peter Epstein, said the cast is working together. “We’re gellin’ as a cast.” he said. “Performing is in your blood.”
Features
March 22, 2012
Courier
Instructor writes a dramatic love novel
An ancient story gets a younger audience BRENDA RENTERIA Staff Writer
Assistant professor publishing first novel KARLA SOSA Staff Writer
David S. McCabe, assistant professor, will be publishing his first novel this May. McCabe started working on his novel in 2007, which started out as a novella with 127 pages. “I didn’t feel satisfied with what I had, and I felt that the characters had more to offer,” said McCabe. That was why his novella turned into a novel. “Without Sin” is a tragic love story about a U.S Border Patrol Agent and former Navy Seal named Garrett Harrison, who falls in love with Angelina Marguerite, a 17 year- old prostitute. McCabe got the idea for this novel from an online news article. The article “Lured To Mexico, Young Girls Often Unable To Return” mentioned how the San Diego Police Department, US Border Patrol, and FBI arrested two brothers, who kidnapped young girls from Mexico and took them to Oceanside to become prostitutes. The girls were later deported back to Mexico, since they were brought to the U.S. illegally. “This story is completely different from the other book that I’ve written,” said McCabe. His first book was “Toward a More
Courtesy of David S. McCabe
Perfect Union: Creating Democratic Classroom Communities,” and written for aspiring teachers and others interested in education. “Without Sin” was dedicated to the AB-540 students he works with, one of his friends who passed away, and to his wife. Thalia Torres, a CSU Los Angeles Alumni, has written a review for Amazon.com, and has been promoting it. “‘Without Sin’ is an amazing
novel that is easy to follow and understandable,” said Torres. “I could not help but imagine every chapter as a script and visualize it as a movie.” McCabe is currently working on his next novel “Road to Canon.”
Laun said. “Each session where the author addresses the students is my favorite event throughout the city,” said Laun. “Many students have never met an author personally and each author has been so gracious and stayed to autograph books for them.” The Shatford Library had purchased about a 100 copies of the book and gave them to students and staff on a first come first serve basis during the first two weeks of the spring semester. The library has kept some copies of the book at the Circulation Desk for students to check out. This marks the tenth anniversary of the One Story program and the fourth year that PCC has sponsored the event, said Luan. A complete list of events can be found at the Pasadena Public Library web site: http://cityofpasadena.net/library/news_eve nts/ocos/2012/community_eve nts/.
Two on campus events are planned in conjunction with the City of Pasadena’s One City, One Story program with this year’s selection of “People of the Book” by Pulitzer Prize winner Geraldine Brooks. The book is a New York Times best seller and was inspired by the true story of an ancient volume known as the Sarajevo Haggadah. The New York Times review described it as a “schematic and histrionic, piling serial tales of suffering onto the Sarajevo Haggadah and those who determined its fate.” Author Brooks will be discussing her book on campus on today at 2 pm in the Creveling Lounge. She will share her experiences as an author and then answer questions from the audience. “It’s an interesting book about a historic manuscript. It takes the reader from 1400 AD - 2001 and travels through Spain, Vienna, and Bosnia and also gives a great history lesson,” said Division Dean of English Amy Ulmer. “I loved this book. It captured my interest from the opening chapter and held my interest throughout the book. I rarely reread books but this one I am rereading! I love historical fiction and this one is a great one,” Library Director Mary Ann
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March 22, 2012
Courier
Student threatens division dean NEIL PROTACIO Editor-in-Chief
Across from PCC 626-578-9512 Open til 10pm nightly
A student was placed in psychological services on Tuesday after he verbally threatened to kill a division dean. The student entered the Visual Arts and Media Studies office and talked to secretary Nhi Truong regarding a late add to a class he had been attending since the first day of school, said Interim Dean of Visual Arts and Media Studies Joseph Futtner. After Truong had told the student that it was too late to add and that he still had not fulfilled the prerequisite for that particular class, she contacted his instructor, whom Futtner said had no reports about the student. Futtner then talked to the student and told him that it was too late and that the deadline was on March 9. “Then he said in a quite voice with such strong conviction, ‘Oh yeah? I’ve got [gang] connections, and I’m going to kill you,’” Futtner said. “’You take those glasses off because I’m going to kill you.’” Futtner walked back to his office and instructed the division assistants to contact campus police. The student grew suspicious and began moving towards the door, Futtner said. “I tried to clarify if he was just kidding,” Futtner said. “Then he said, ‘you think I’m kidding?’”
Campus police arrived shortly after the call and the tone had changed completely, Futtner said. “He was telling them that he was just kidding,” the dean said. The student, who is described as a male in his late teens or early twenties, was escorted by campus police to the Psychological Services Department. According to Chief of Police Frank Scialdone, the student was “very cooperative and posed no threat.” “No arrest was made and Pasadena police will not have to get involved,” said Scialdone. According to Scialdone, the student was placed in psychological services after campus police made assessments based on their communication. “Whether or not he gets released is not on us, Scialdone said. “He can be released by psychological services or detained on a psychological hold.” According to Futtner, the student had previously been identified by both campus police and Psychological Services as a student in need of attention. Because of this, a team of campus police and doctors on campus are implementing new ways to help students and make campus safer. “From my point of view, the people who immediately handled the situation were the best,” said Futtner, addressing Officer Tyler James Robin and Officer Alan Chan, who were the officers who replied to call.
Free speech policy opposed Continued from page 1
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replied to the letter. “However, the board is responsible to protect the safety of students, faculty and staff.” “Who opposes freedom of speech or student safety?” Martin wrote an email to the Courier. “Let’s encourage both.” A proposal for a three-semester academic calendar without a winter intersession was another topic that Rocha discussed with the journalism students. “Because of state budget cuts, there have been fewer and fewer classes in [intersession] semesters,” Rocha said. The proposal now is for a ‘trimester’ calendar where the classes in winter will be absorbed by the fall, spring, and summer semesters. According to Rocha, the absorption of the winter 2013 intersession is not a way of cutting classes as it will “make more classes available.” “You might not be getting everything you wanted, but you’re getting a bit of what you need,” Rocha said to the students. “The college is still open, classes are still open … as hard as things are, there’s always hope.” The trimester proposal is just one of
many negotiating positions by the administration. Others concern salaries, cost of living adjustments and the “Carnegie Hour.” “This is all a proposal to the union,” Rocha said, “and is the proper way for the Board to approach the situation.” According to Rocha, integrating the “Carnegie Hour” will streamline the registration process by preventing overlapping class schedules. Despite a dire budget situation, Rocha said that there are no plans to cut salaries or benefits for the faculty at PCC as “it is not the district’s goal.” The three-semester proposal is one of three measures that was presented at the Board of Trustees meeting on March 7. The topic, however, was not up for board discussion because according to General Counsel Gail Cooper, the public needs to understand the proposal before it can be detailed. The proposal will be set for a public hearing at the April 4 meeting of the Board. Additional reporting by Brandon Drexel, Raymond Pecson, and Amar Kasapovic
Classrooms getting tech upgrades Continued from page 1
like crazy [to update the website],” he said. A web advisory team of about 20 volunteers is fixing current data and redesigning the website to make it more user friendly. Cable has also been working with President Mark Rocha and Vice President Van Pelt to update information on the website. Rocha explained in person that the PCC mobile app is also already running, with the PCC website available on smart
phones. According to Vice President Richard Van Pelt via e - mail, the classroom upgrades “will be [paid for by] the General Obligation Bond, Measure ‘P’. The money cannot be used for any other purpose than was approved by the voters ten years ago [at PCC],” he said. The Measure P bond is used for the construction costs for the buildings on campus.
Campus police up bike safety 1705 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91105 *Cheese extra. © 2012 The Johnny Rockets Group, Inc.
Continued from page 1
said Matchan. “Last year alone there were 38 bike thefts at PCC,” he said. Last month Chad Chanachok, fire technology major, had his bike stolen from the bike rack in front of the V Building. “It was custom built and worth $1,500,” said Chanachok. Chanachok said he remained doubtful
he would get his bicycle back, especially because the security guard he talked to said the camera wasn’t operational yet. “Cameras are pointed at the bike racks, and record 24/7,” said Matchan. “We watch the videos to discover trends and hopefully locate suspects,” he added.
March 22, 2012
Courier
11
Lancers keep things rollin’ in spin class EDWIN LEE Staff Writer
The spinning class offers a low impact activity with a lot of positive returns. Students fill up the cycling room each semester with hoping to add the class. Retired Coach Greg Smith originally helped to create and find funding for the popular cycling class. After he saw the program at an expo in Las Vegas he knew he wanted to bring the program to PCC. Smith then began a five-year build-up of the class by slowly getting stationary bikes and sound equipment needed for the class. “I started the program, got it going and repair the bikes,” he said. His first class was in the summer of 2000. “Students are less stressed after this class,” he said. Smith has seen amazing results with students having to take fewer pills for his or her medical conditions. In an interview, Coach Thomas Maher said cycling is a different and fun exercise.
With low impact, there is a low possibility of injuries. “[It’s] A fun activity that gives students the chance to get off of their feet,” said Maher. The students spin to the music of different eras, ranging from The Beatles and The Beach Boys to Michael Jackson. With different styles of spin styles which include: a standing position and a climbto-jump exercise which is used for firstime spinners. After a quick warm up song the students are underway with their hour long routine. “Students are able to raise their heart rates while at the same time increasing their metabolism,” Maher said. Students get a social environment where they can make new friends and exercise at the same time. “Each semester students will be lining up along the lockers waiting to add the class,” Maher said. The popularity of the class increases each semester.
Kevin Balmadrid/Courier Cyclists in Thomas Maher's class endure the high-demand regiment as they await the next step of their ride in the GM Building on Tuesday.
Badminton team impressive in season-opening win against visiting ELAC BRENDA RENTERIA
Staff Writer In the badminton season opener against the East Los Angeles College, the Lancers kept their winning streak alive by beating the Huskies 15-6. The Lancers have now won 24 straight conference matches and have not lost a match since the 2010 season. The current Lancer team is consists of all incoming
freshman. “This is the first time with a brand new team; I’ve always had returnees before,” said Coach Bill Sanchez. Nerves were definitely in the air for the Lancers as the Huskies forced Gabby Anjani, Grace Espinoza, and Beatriz Bermudez all into three set matches. Alyssa Boyt, a transplant from Texas and a newcomer to the game was nervous, “I was shaking
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during my first match; I definitely had first game jitters,” she said. “Alyssa has only been playing [badminton] for eight weeks and she’s picked it up fast,” said Sanchez. To Cynthia Gutierrez the season opener was her first competitive game since graduating from Azusa High School in 2004. Gutierrez struggled at the beginning but pulled out wins in all
four matches. She has not lost her competitive edge as she went for the kill at every chance she had. “It’s been a long time since I’ve played and found myself really tired through all of my matches,” said Gutierrez. With her doubles partner, Angie Ortiz, they were responsible for eight of the 15 scoring points. Ortiz who is playing at the No. 1 seat and Gutierrez playing at the No. 2
seat wasted no time blowing the competition away by not losing a set the entire game. Having a whole new team might scare some coaches but not this coach, “This is a good group filled with hard workers,” said Sanchez. Grace Espinoza, Bermudez, and Gutierrez, all came from Azusa High School. Their high school Coach Bob Colera was there to cheer them on.
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Master the leader in you. Kevin Balmadrid / Courier Sophomore pitcher Will Emerson throws a pitch in the Lancers’ 10-9 comeback victory over the visiting Huskies of East Los Angeles College. The Lancers’ victory was capped off with Sophomore Sean Stone’s walk-off RBI.
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COUR IER
March 22, 2012
SPORTS
Track and Field performs well at Cal Relays Team experiences individual bright spots with three top finishes PAUL OCHOA Staff Writer
Anthony Richetts / Courier Freshman Caleb Wood positions himself for one of his many javelin throws at the California Relays. Wood placed third in the event.
The PCC Track and Field team placed in the top three in several events at the California Relays at Cerritos College in Norwalk, on Friday. Lancers finished in the first three in three of the events. In the women’s 400m dash, men’s 400m dash, men’s 4 x 100m relay, men’s long jump, and men’s javelin throw. Freshman, Malik Gillins placed third in the men’s long jump. In the men’s javelin throw freshman Caleb Wood placed third overall. The men’s 4x100 meter relay placed fourth overall. For the women, Jakae Bridges placed second in the women’s 400m Dash. “This is the second largest meet on the west coast,” said Larry Wade, head coach. Freshman Marco Mendoza, shot put and discus, went into the event a little bit nervous. “[Being] a little nervous in a way shows
Anthony Richetts / Courier 400 meter relay runner Devin Rojas crosses the finish line at the California Relays
you care, but you can’t be too nervous,” said Mendoza. Coach Wade said this meet was like a practice to prepare his team for the bigger competitions. “These meets are like quizzes to see where our weaknesses are so when the major conferences come we are prepared for them,” said Wade. “After this weekend I expect us to get better and better at what we do.”
Swim team has strong showing in loss to Mt. SAC TIFFANY HERRERA Staff Writer
Despite winning 11 events, the Lancers lost the swim meet on Friday at Mt. San Antonio College. PCC team members placed first in the Women’s 50 Freestyle, 50 Breast stroke, 100 Breast stroke, 100 Individual Medley, 100 Butterfly, 200 Medley Relay, 1000 Freestyle, the Men’s 200 Individual Medley, 200 Butterfly, 500 Freestyle, and 1000 Freestyle. “We came out on fire,” said Coach Terry Stoddard. The first half of the meet, events one through fourteen, PCC won half the events. The Lancers had no divers, losing the next two events by default. The sec-
ond half of the meet, events 17 through 30, PCC won six out of thirteen events. “ [The loses] hurt. [It was] hard to come back from that,” said Stoddard. Mikela Velasquez, Giselle Mendieta, Paige Watroba, and Courtney Jensen won the Women’s 200 Medley Relay. Jensen finished her split at 2:01, beating Mt Sac’s Michaela Randolph who finished at 2:09. Mendieta won the 50 Breast stroke at 34 seconds by about six seconds and the 100 Breast stroke at 1:15 by about six seconds. Velasquez won the 50 Freestyle at 25 seconds by about two seconds and the 100 Individual Medley Relay at 1:04 by about a second. Watroba won the 100 Butterfly at 1:05 by about a second. Jensen won the 1000 Freestyle at 11:42
by about two seconds. Cario Liu won the Men’s 1000 Freestyle at 10:18 by about 33 seconds,the 500 Freestyle at 5:00 by about 17 seconds and the 200 Individual Medley at 1:59 by about 11 seconds. Stephen To won the 200 Butterfly at 1:05 by about 11 seconds. We were outstanding and performed well but not having divers really hurt us and Mt. Sac was just better today, Stoddard said. The weather was cold and it had been lightly raining. The stands were fairly empty and all the swimmers’ belongings were under their tents. Swimmers, their family members, and friends were sitting cheering the PCC team on. Stoddard said the freshmen like
Watroba and Mendieta pulled their weight and did their job. The sophomores came back and were “stellar,” he said. “I did a lot better today than I have this past season,” Jensen said. All the swimmers work hard at practice and all the hard work is paying off, despite the loss to Mt. Sac, Jensen said. For each event the coaches from either side were shouting and cheering on their swimmers. The swimmers who weren’t in the event were close by the pool shouting encouraging words for their fellow team mates. The few people in the stands were cheering the swimmers on. You could here people screaming “yeah, come on!” or “Go PCC!”. The other side you could hear the same shouts for Mt. Sac
Badminton destroys Compton in 21-0 win EDWIN LEE Staff Writer
The Lancers came out with their second win of the badminton season when they went up against the ECC Compton Tartars on Friday with a score of 21 to 0. Angie Ortiz had a fantastic day with scores of 21-5, 21-7, 213, and 21-2 in her singles matches. Coach Bill Sanchez looked relaxed as the matches got underway. Sanchez gave advice to the players about their swings. “Every game, regardless of the level of the opponents, you still
have to focus and be game prepared,” he said. Freshmen Kimberly Huffman never touched a racket prior to joining the badminton team. “I accidentally joined the class in fall,” said Huffman. She was trying to join another athletic class but accidentally signed up for the badminton class. She soon enjoyed the sport and joined the team in spring. “She likes badminton,” she said, because the sport is non violent and the birdies don’t hurt when they hit her. Huffman played a doubles match with Grace Espinoza and won 21-6 and 21-8.
Freshmen Espinoza, kinesiology, showed little fatigue after her matches. She began playing badminton at high school. “The sport is [more] difficult than people say,” said Espinoza. It requires skill and being able to get into your opponent’s mind and throwing him or her off their game. “[Badminton] is a unique and different,” she said in response to other sports. Espinoza finished her singles matches at 21-6 and 21-7. During practices, Sanchez focuses on what will benefit the players. “We don’t practice negative thinking or not achieving the task,” he said.
Daniel Nerio / Courier Freshman Alyssa Boyt prepares to serve the shuttlecock in the Lancers’ dominating home win against ECC Compton.