COURIER
Porn
Pasadena City College
Another adult film star visits Page 2» Volume 107, Issue 8
The independent student voice of PCC. Serving Pasadena Since 1915.
Online edition pccCourier.com Facebook PCC Courier Twitter @pccCourier March 28, 2013
President wants college to focus on the positive
Let the games begin
Rocha airs views on ‘crisis’ JONATHAN AND ADAM
BILES MITCHELL Staff Writers
Teresa Mendoza / Courier Athletes from St. Francis, Maranatha, Woodbridge, Lakewood and Monrovia high schools run the 200m dash at the Pasadena Games at Robinson Stadium on Friday. Woodbridge placed first and second, followed by St. Francis in third place.
AS recommends bank card ID BENJAMIN SIMPSON Staff Writer
The Associated Students Board has recommended connecting the Lancer ID card and a US Bank debit card. If adopted by the Board of Trustees, US Bank would take over the disbursement of all student financial aid, and all students would receive a student ID with their photograph, the PCC logo, the US Bank Logo and the
Mastercard logo. “We are heading into the 21st century,” said Simon Fraser, president of the Associated Students. “We know that technologies like these are needed and widely used and we are lagging behind the rest of the community college system.” If the new debit card is adopted, students will have two options. The first is to not activate the card, and receive their money from US Bank by check
or by direct deposit into the student’s bank account. The other option is for students to sign up for the debit card and receive their funds directly on the debit card. If students sign up for the debit card, they will have the choice of a basic or deluxe card. The basic card will allow only deposits from PCC onto the card, while the deluxe card will allow deposits from friends, Continued on page 6
The Rocha Years TIMELINE: Major college milestones during the tenure of the current president/superintendent.
Accentuating the positive efforts of his administration, President Mark Rocha explained his views about the school’s problems at a news conference for journalism students on Tuesday. In particular, Rocha addressed the recent votes of no confidence into his administration, saying that the results don’t accurately reflect everyone’s opinion. Rocha quickly dismissed the ad-hoc faculty committee’s vote as misleading, referring to the fact that there are 390 full time faculty at PCC, of which only 213 participated in the vote, adding that the vote was not sent to any of the adjunct faculty. “Do the math,” Rocha said. Rocha also reiterated that the Board makes the official school decisions – he merely makes recommendations. He also claimed that the vote of no confidence taken by the Associated Students Board was an incomplete survey of the campus’ true opinions. “Not one single student got up [at the Board meeting] and said ‘I can’t transfer,’” Rocha said.
July 1, 2010: Dr. Mark Rocha is selected by the Board of Trustees as President/Superintendent, the fourth in four years.
Sept. 29, 2011: Rocha states the college will be considering a realignment of the teaching divisions in his State of the College address.
Photo illustration by Buren Smith, Photo Editor
Speak out! Should the restrictions on gay marriage be lifted by the Supreme Court? vote at pccCourier.com
Timeline continued on page 4
Associated Students officials say they are continuing to see problems with transfer of courses to CSUs despite assurances from administrators. AS President Simon Fraser responded this week to claims that the problems were minimal. "I do not appreciate the claims from the administration and [President Mark] Rocha in particular," said Fraser, "that there are no students affected by this. I have two – right now. "We are finding out that people who put down [in their transfer applications] that they
Shuttlecock
Inspiration
Badminton wins 39 games in a row
Chicano poet ignites spark in audience
Page 8»
Page 6»
Additionally, he said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Robert Bell handled all cases of transfer problems that were brought in for help, and that students with transfer issues should have come to Bell for help, but only a few students have done so. Since the Board of Trustees cancelled Winter Intersession last year, students have been citing their difficulties in transfer Continued on page 7
AS cites continuing issues with transfer BENJAMIN SIMPSON Staff Writer
Nov. 6, 2010: Project 90, Education master plan has its first meeting to discuss student success achievement targets.
Matthew Chan / Courier PCC president Dr. Mark Rocha speaks at a news conference on Tuesday.
are going to take a class in summer, are being auto rejected by a lot of the institutions. Here is the problem with making a drastic change when you don't know what the impacts are. This is where you end up." At a news conference for journalism students on Tuesday, Rocha claimed he was not aware of any students who are having problems transferring for fall. Rocha encouraged those who are having a hard time transferring to talk to Assistant Superintendent Robert Bell. "Bring your letters to Dr. Bell and he will take care of it," he Continued on page 7
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News
Courier
March 28, 2013
Another adult film star visits the campus PAUL OCHOA AND JONATHAN BILES
Staff Writers
Just three weeks after adult film star James Deen stirred the campus up, another adult film star Jessica Drake appeared. Drake, just like Deen, was on campus to speak to Hugo Schwyzer’s Humanities 3 class, unofficially titled “Navigating Pornography”. “This is not a job fair,” Drake jokingly told the class before the lecture began. She also briefly discussed her own education. “I was in your seats, I was going to school in Texas, I was a psych major [and] also stripping to get through school,” said Drake. On the differences between Drake and Deen, Schwyzer commented. “With Jessica Drake, she’s an educator too. Deen is not in the education business – he’s a performer and an entertainer. Drake is a little bit older than James and she comes at this from the perspective of someone who wants
to educate, someone who wants to transform people’s lives,” said Schwyzer. After being in the adult industry for years – on both sides of the camera – Drake found that there was a dire need for an updated sex-education class. Drake is currently studying sexual instruction and is working towards becoming a licensed sex coach. “More realistic sex education is what we need. Using pornography for sex-ed is like learning to drive by watching the ‘Fast and Furious’,” said Drake. Drake also discussed some misconceptions people might have about the pornography industry and the changing demographic of fans. “Everybody thinks they know what porn is like. A lot of people think that we just show up and have sex with anyone who is on set. But I don’t do that, I only do it with people I have chemistry with,” said Drake. “It used to be long lines of guys and occasionally you’d get the reluctant woman; that stopped. It seems
there were men and more women coming out, they wanted to be a part of it. “ Aside from the adult industry Drake talked about communication in relationships in regards to sex. “It all goes back to communication and consent. People naked and vulnerable are very tender people; you don’t want to make them feel like they’re doing it wrong,” she said. It was very evident that students in attendance liked that Drake was a female performer as opposed to a man like Deen. Evan Rivkin, film, felt the lecture was better rounded than the previous one. “It was informative, entertaining and more well rounded than James Deen. I appreciated the openness of it all,” said Rivkin. Lauren Duckworth, English, also appreciated the fact that Drake is a woman and saw that as comforting. “I loved hearing from a woman and felt more comfortable asking questions,” said Duckworth.
Justin Clay/Courier Adult film actress Jessica Drake speaks in the C Building on March 20. Drake spoke to Hugo Schwyzer's humanities 3 class about the adult film industry and sex education.
Food For Fines helps students pay library fees KARLA SOSA Staff Writer
The Library will be hosting its second Food For Fines event to help students pay their library fines.
Food For Fines will be from April 1 to 13 at the Library, said Jared Burton, Librarian. “Food for Fines was created last year by Pearl Ly who is now Assistant Library Dean,” said Burton.
According to the Shatford Library website, students will get $2 in current fines waived for each can or package of food donated during the drive. The Library staff will be writing down the names of the students
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Fines, said Lauren Bauer, Library Technician. According to Bauer this year the library staff is working really hard to put the word out about this event, so students can take advantage of it. There’s a limit to how much students can get waived. “Students can’t get more than $20 waived,” said Burton. Donations will be accepted only at the Circulation Desk. The items that are in special need are: peanut butter, rise, pasta, beans, canned meats (tuna fish, beef stew), canned vegetables and fruit.
April 1 Academic Senate Board Meeting - 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Circadian. April 2 CSU Los Angeles Rep. visit – Transfer advisement 10 a.m. L110. University of Phoenix Rep. visit – Transfer advisement 10:30 a.m. Quad. Converse University Rep. visit – Transfer advisement 1 p.m. L110. April 3 UC Berkeley Rep. visit – Transfer advisement 9 a.m. L110. Writing workshop with Andrew Lam – 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. C333. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. For information call Dr. Tooktook Thongthiraj. (626) 585-3162 Board of Trustees Meeting – 6 p.m. in the Creveling Lounge. This will be a joint meeting with the Associated Students. April 4 The Art Institute of California Rep. visit – Transfer advisement 10 a.m. Quad. UC Los Angeles Peer Advisor visit – Transfer advisement 10 a.m. L110. CSU Los Angeles Rep. visit – Transfer advisement 10 a.m.
L110. Pat Sheridan, tubist - The Pamela L. Girard Guest Artist Master Class series 7:30 p.m. Harbeson Hall. Tickets sold at the door only. April 5 Percussion Ensemble – 7 p.m. Vosloh Forum (UU Building). Tickets sold at the door only. $5 general admission, $3 students, seniors, and staff. April 8 UCLA-STEM Program Rep. visit – Transfer advisement 9 a.m. L110. CSU Northridge International Rep. visit – Transfer advisement for international students. 10 a.m. L110. April 9 CSU Los Angeles Rep. visit – Transfer advisement 10 a.m. L110. April 10 CSU Northridge Day – Transfer advisement 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Quad. Schedule your appointment in L110. April 11 UC Los Angeles Peer Advisor Rep. visit – Transfer advisement 10 a.m. L110. CSU Los Angeles Rep. visit – Transfer advisement 10 a.m. L110. Compiled by Tiffany Herrera
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that donate cans, that’s how students will be able to get their fees waived. “The purpose of Food For Fines is to help students pay their fees at the library, whether it’s to pay for late books or returning a laptop late,” said Burton. According to Burton the food cans that are donated by students are taken to food banks. “Last year we delivered the food to two different food banks,” said Burton. “We were able to waive $560.83 [in fines] because a lot of students participated,” said Burton. The library is using different social media to promote Food for
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March 28, 2013
Courier 2012 JACC General Excellence Award Winner EditorinChief Nicholas Saul 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 Assist. Arts & Entertainment Editor Vivian Meza Features Editor Luis Rodriguez Assist. Features Editor Shelly Maldonado Sports Editor Philip McCormick Assist. Sports Editor Jonathan Biles 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: Aerika Dave, Tiffany Herrera, Adam Mitchell, Tiffany Roesler, Andrew Salmi, Benjamin Simpson, Karla Sosa
Opinion
Courier
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Cuban embargo has run its course JONATHAN BILES Staff Writer
In 1960, the United States government imposed a full trade embargo on the nation of Cuba. Fifty years ago, Cuba was a hotbed for Communism and Soviet Union collusion – an unsettling neighbor for an already weary post-war U.S. – but those days are over. Fidel Castro is gone, his brother Raul has loosened restrictions on Cuban citizens operating and owning businesses and morefreely travelling to the United States. Raul Castro has said that this term in office will be his last. The Cuban Embargo is an antiquated
law that seems more like an adolescent grudge than an effort to protect the United States’ national security. Cuba is a non-threatening, impoverished nation whose citizens’ lives have been maliciously affected by an archaic embargo. Cuba has not been a legitimate danger to the United States for decades, yet it remains one of the four countries that the State Department lists as “State Sponsors of Terrorism” – along with Iran, Sudan and Syria. In this era of hyper acuity concerning terrorism, Cuba is never mentioned. Every year since 1992, the United Nations has voted in favor of the U.S. lifting its
embargo against Cuba. In 2012, the vote was held again and passed 183-3 in favor of lifting the embargo. The UN Secretary General’s office provided a report on Cuba that stated, “The economic damage accumulated [by the embargo] over more than 50 years, until 2011, amounted to one trillion, six billion dollars.” The report added that the “blockade [was] one of the main causes of Cuba’s economic problems and the major obstacle to its economic and social development.” The embargo against Cuba is an outdated remnant of the Cold War and shows an inconsistency of American political doctrine towards other nations. One of
America’s leading trade partners is China – a communist country that is riddled with environmental and human rights violations. As a purported shining light of world liberties and freedom, the United States’ image is tarnished by the treatment of an island nation that threatened our shores when President Barrack Obama was three years old. Every American ally except Israel supports and trades with Cuba, making the United States look like the petulant child of world politics. The issues that caused the embargo were relevant and pressing – in 1960 – but no longer hold up. The embargo against Cuba is no longer warranted.
Consumers responsible for healthy choices VIVIAN MEZA Staff Writer
As a consumer the choice is given at almost every restaurant: drink a free healthy beverage or pay a few extra bucks for a drink that can cause health problems over time. New York's effort to enforce laws banning drinks high in sugar will be a waste of time. The government should not make the decision for the consumer on what to eat or drink; individuals should make the healthy choice for themselves and their family. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “In 2009–2010, over 78 million
VOICES:
U.S. adults and about 12.5 million U.S. children and adolescents were obese. Almost 41 million women and more than 37 million men aged 20 and over were obese in 2009–2010.” Consumers have been told repeatedly how bad drinks high in sugar are, and as a result have seen the consequences of unhealthy choices made by family members or friends suffering from obesity and diseases like diabetes or heart problems. Obesity is a serious problem in the U.S. but people continue to buy fattening foods and drinks. Individuals are the ones to choose how they want to live their lives. “If the consumer can
be influenced with comprehensible nutrition information and a variety of healthy food choices, perhaps individuals can begin to address weight gain on a personal level,” explains The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The government should provide better health education for Americans. People will gain more by being taught about what they should eat and how to exercise. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, “The health care professional, in assuming such a role, can transform their interaction on this topic from clinical resolution to thoughtful prevention, thus helping consumers develop and
reinforce strategies for eating and physical activity that reduce overall individual health care risk.” Additionally, the environment plays a part in the choices made by people. According to the CDC, “A person may choose not to walk to the store or to work because of a lack of sidewalks. Therefore, it is important to create environments in these locations that make it easier to engage in physical activity and eat a healthy diet.” Americans living in a better environment would be compelled to make healthier choices. So, next time as a consumer, choose water.
What could we improve on campus?
Staff Photographers: Jordan Harris, Teresa Mendoza, Caitlin KellyThompson, Lissett Matos, Mary Nurrenbern, Benjamin Simpson Faculty Adviser Warren Swil Photography Adviser Rachel Fermi Advertising Coordinator Anthony Richetts
“More communication and explanation about the changes [the administration] is making.” Gregory Sanchez, undecided
“Cooperation between faculty association and students.” Edwin Mena, hospitality management
“I liked having some time off between winter and spring. I feel like the calendar changes have condensed things.” Edward Tahmassian, biology
“Registering for classes.” Wyatt Vindyck, undecided
“Trying to accommodate the number of people trying to get classes.” Junho Hung, biology
“Classes being cut and registration. ... There is no priority for student satisfaction.” Samyrha Saba, environmental science
“I don’t agree with the calendar change. I’m trying to transfer and it has made it really difficult for me. It’s a hassle.” Allison Laufer, communications
“When [the administration] spends money, make sure [what it’s used for] is fully functional.” Vijah Rich, art history
“With all the money we [pay], we should at least be allowed free parking.” Sydnee Grant, dance
“[There is a] lack of assistance [in the] counseling department. Students [are forced to be] independent.” Ryan Lisman, psychology
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: What are your thoughts on Pope Francis I? Results as of 5 p.m. Wednesday: He seems nice. There’s a new pope!? Does it affect me at all?
2% 10% 86%
vote at pccCourier.com
Reporting by: Shelly Maldonado, Madison Miranda Photos by: Matthew Chan, John Novak
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.
Courier
March 28, 2013
The Rocha Years
Compiled by: Christine Michaels Designed by: Concepcion Gonzalez, Buren Smith
February 2012: The Calendar Standing Committee receives an administration proposal for a 2012-13 “student” calendar with out a winter session.
July 1, 2010: Dr. Mark Rocha is selected by the Board of Trustees as President/Superintendent, the fourth in four years.
May 2012: Officials report the PCC transfer rate jumped over 25 percent since 2011.
September 2012: “24/7” online tutoring made available for students. Administration confirms two six-week sessions may be offered in summer 2013 depending on the outcome of Proposition 30.
Nov. 6, 2010: Project 90, Education master plan has its first meeting to discuss student success achievement targets.
Sept. 29, 2011: Rocha states the college will be considering a realignment of the teaching divisions in his State of the College address.
June 9, 2012: President / Superintendent Mark Rocha announces that Facilities Supervisor Alfred Hutchings and Vice President of Administrative Services Richard Van Pelt are under investigation for a bribery probe. The District Attorneys investigators cleared out boxes of files and computers from the facilities building for their investigation. The two are placed on administrative leave. June 19, 2012: The Board of Trustees fires Van Pelt and Hutchings.
Sept. 5, 2012: Board of Trustees cuts the college budget by nearly $7 million, resulting in a cut of almost 600 class sections. Sept. 11, 2012: Former Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott, a former PCC president, says the CCC system is in financial distress and that PCC must cut classes, or else the college will go bankrupt.
Feb. 27, 2013: The Associated Students Executive Board votes unanimously on a no confidence motion in the administration of President Mark Rocha, along with a resolution of censure. One of the main reasons cited was confusion over whether summer classes would be transferable to CSUs and UCs in the fall.
Nov. 2, 2011: A faculty poll in the Social Sciences division shows over 90 percent of faculty do not believe the administration has done a good job of making reasons for a proposed realignment clear. Over 200 people attend a Board of Trustees meeting where multiple members of faculty argue shared governance was at risk with the implementation of a major division realignment.
July 2012: The College is awarded at $3.9 million grant for the Design Technology Pathway program.
Aug. 29, 2012: The Board of Trustees holds a contentious meeting, interrupted by protests, where it officially eliminated winter session for 2013. It also approved the realignment of the teaching divisions, two new hires to replace former employees Hutchings and Van Pelt, and the new $10.5 million Administrative Information System Ellucian. All these matters were approved despite the protests of hundreds attending the meeting, along with the arrest of former student Lawrence Gandara.
January 2013: Enrollment is up six percent. The College has its biggest spring session in over five years, and over 750 classes are projected to be available during the summer sessions. Nov. 7, 2012: Proposition 30 is approved by voters, allowing the college to get a possible $6.7 million, which the Board plans to use to add more classes.
March 2013: The name of the first summer session is changed to Extended Spring in an effort to help students transfer the classes to fouryear institutions for the fall 2013 semester.
March 13, 2013: The AS presents its votes of no confidence and censure to the Board of Trustees, the Calendar Standing Committee presents its recommendation for a 2013-14 calendar with winter, and an Ad Hoc Faculty Committee presents the results of its vote of no confidence. Faculty Association members and other members of the community speak during public comment about the lack of shared governance on campus. Rocha defends his administration after over 200 people attending the meeting leave.
Jan. 7, 2013: Spring semester starts, in the dead of winter.
March 20, 2013: Administration sets the dates for Extended Spring registration. The official schedule of classes will be made available on April 8, the same day registration begins.
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Features
Courier
March 28, 2013
THIS MOMENT BEGAN WITH A CHOICE. Concepcion Gonzalez / Courier Poet Juan Felipe Herrera reads poetry from his book, "187 Reasons Mexicanos Can't Cross the Border" in the Creveling Lounge on March 19.
Award winning poet leaves students inspired VIVIAN MEZA Staff Writer
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Laughter and nostalgia were felt among the audience as award winning Chicano poet Juan Herrera read selections of his poetry reading on Tuesday in the Creveling Lounge. With the collaboration of Puente Program and the Latino Advisory Committee, students and faculty were given the chance to listen to poetry from Herrera himself. Herrera enjoyed discussing with and hearing from students about bettering their lives and putting their lives into their writing and expressing themselves. “[Students] are a whole new part of this big wave of Mexicanos and Latino culture in the United States. They’re right in front of the wave and I remember when I was starting out and how different it was then, and I can see what they are now. And it’s a beautiful thing to see.” President Mark Rocha, also a fan, introduced Herrera. “This evening is a special night for me, a privilege. Juan Felipe Herrera is my hero…Juan Felipe was like the godfather; he was the one whom we drew inspiration from,” Rocha said. Through the night students enjoyed the lively and humorous
narration of Herrera. Valarie Roque, communications, was looking forward to event. “It’s great that the members of the Latino committee are doing more things to get Latino authors and let students know that Latino poetry it is literature,” she said. “The fact that we have someone come from a Latino background is great. I loved it.” Students were inspired by the Herrera’s poetry to know more about their family background. Gonzalo Martinez, communications, said he’s looking forward to going back to his family to ask them questions about how it was for them. “All I know is about me, me, and me but I don’t know about my past. Herrera going talking about Mexico, I really don’t know about my past so I would really like to know more about my history”, he says. Afterwards, Herrera said the students also inspired him that night. “Every time I see young people, I’m really moved by their sincerity and how they are full of life,” he said. “A new society, minds in the making. And something really beautiful is taking place; it’s hard to put into words. I cannot be reduced to what the media says about Latinas, Latinos, Mexicanos and human beings.”
Merged Lancer I.D., bank card recommended by A.S. Continued from page 1
card, while the deluxe card will allow deposits from friends, family or employers. Scott Thayer, assistant dean of student affairs, said it was initially narrowed down to three banks. “We had Higher One, a federal credit union in Pasadena, and US Bank,” said Thayer. “We ruled out Higher One instantly,” said Fraser. “We were determined to not allow any fees for students above and beyond what any other regular bank charges than a free checking account.” According to the United States Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Education Fund, “Higher One, makes 80 percent of its revenues by siphoning fees from student aid disbursement cards.” Tal Vaadia, US Bank regional sales manager for campus banking, in his presentation to the AS, was upfront about US Bank’s
reasons for wanting to be at PCC. "What we are hoping is that we do such a good job that you will choose to remain loyal US Bank customers." “They [US Bank] are not making money now, it is an investment for them,” said Fraser. “This program in particular, is good for students because it is not a predatory scheme.” According to Joseph Simoneschi, executive director of business services, the only cost savings to the college will be in time saved as the college will not need to print and hand stuff 13,000 checks into envelopes twice a semester. “We know that this is not going to result in anyone losing their job on campus,” said Fraser. Simoneschi said that it would “streamline processes so that college staff would be able to dedicate more time responding to student questions and other needs.”
March 28, 2013
Courier
Just keep swimming The Lancers defeated Rio Hondo 161-50, lost to Long Beach 166-90 at a three college competition on March 22. At left, Michael Chiodo, swam an impressive 2:09.73 taking first place in the 200 individual medley freestyle. Below, Arolyn Basham, placed first in the 50-yard breaststroke at 32.78 and second place in the 100-yard breaststroke at 01:11.99 with 13 points total. “I am excited for the rest of the season and hope that we remain healthy and injury free,” said Basham.
Teresa Mendoza / Courier Lissett Matos / Courier
AS cites more transfer problems Continued from page 1
said. One student stopped by the Courier office on Wednesday afternoon to describe his problems transferring to Humboldt State University. On Feb. 8, Chanze Jennings received an email from Humboldt, saying that summer courses will not be accepted for transfer. ” I had been following this in the Courier,” Jennings said. He then emailed Simon Fraser, Rocha and Trustee John Martin. “Rocha wrote back that he was going to have Bell take care of it. [Bell] never emailed me,” he said. At the AS meeting on Wednesday, Fraser said Bell will be creating letters for students who are having problems with transferring to four-year colleges. They will be available at the counseling offices. Bell is also planning on sending out emails to all the colleges about the transfer issues. There is also a plan to send out an email to all PCC students asking if they are having problems with transferring. The AS in February passed two resolutions; a no confidence resolution, citing problems with shared governance, and a resolution to censure the administration. The problems with the removal of winter have come to light five months after the vote by the Board of Trustees in August. Students were assured by the
administration that summer courses would be accepted for concurrent fall transfer to fouryear universities. But now students are receiving rejection letters from universities, according to Fraser, because the universities do not accept summer courses for concurrent transfer. “I also want to clarify what [Rocha] said and what [Trustee Geoffrey] Baum said … that [the AS] had been characterizing that the college had been doing nothing,” said Fraser. “I want to be very clear that nowhere have we said that. We said that the college has made efforts, it has made those efforts too little and too late. The problem runs deeper, according to John Fraser, AS vice president for external affairs, who said in an email that there has been a continued lack of shared governance, of interaction between the administration and the students. “The students have beseeched Dr. Rocha’s administration to deal with the problems with shared governance. We were ignored,” said John Fraser, who said he was speaking for himself, not the AS. He suggested that if there is no change, the electorate should take notice. “If the voting representatives on the Board are unable to maintain their responsibilities on behalf of the communities they represent, then someone who can should take their place.”
Rocha wants to focus on the positives Continued from page 1
-ring and have been blaming President Rocha and the Board of Trustees. But Rocha said that the public perception of him is due to lack of understanding of administrative processes. “There are a lot of good things that are going unreported,” Rocha said. “When there’s a conflict in the college, you have to be responsible and report the truth.” The school’s president repeated the refrain “Moving Forward” and attempted to prove that the college is clearly better off because of his administration. He said that while community colleges around the state are losing enrollment, PCC has increased its enrollment. Additionally he said that the school did not have a labor agreement in place when he arrived, and that there were problems with accreditation until he came. “We haven’t laid off a single person and have offered salary
and benefit increases,” Rocha said. “But until we reach an agreement with the Faculty Association, it’s going to be difficult to have a collegial environment.” Rocha said that the issues being reported are not doing the administration justice. “The things that matter most are that teaching and learning are improving, and in some cases, improving dramatically,” Rocha said. The most significant improvement – and the apparent primary benefit of the cancellation of winter – is the increase of persistence, he said. Starting and stopping the school year is a handicap to students, especially those who are on the remedial level of English and math, he said. “A big stoppage in the calendar doesn’t help,” Rocha said. “The longer gap you have in the calendar, the more students you lose from fall and spring.”
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COUR IER
March 28, 2013
SPORTS
Column
Lancers host Pasadena Games
March Madness is for underdogs JONATHAN BILES Assist. Sports Editor
KARLA SOSA Staff Writer
Teams from Colleges, universities and high schools from around California and even out of state participated in the 70th Pasadena Games at Robinson Stadium on March 22 and 23. The men’s 4x400 M Relay Pasadena ‘A’ runners Christian White, Bryant Johnson, Kymoni Bellamy and Chineek Favors took first place with a time of 3:16.84. “We have a good amount of schools participating this year,” said Larry Wade, track and field head coach. “I want for the athletes to get out of this event as much as they can. It’s their time to show what they can do, and hopefully they can get a scholarship and go to a four- year school.” Sabrina Martinez was racing for the first time in a track and field event. “I’m excited and a bit nervous, I just want to go out there and run,” said Martinez. Martinez is also a former basketball, and was invited to join the team by Coach Wade. Nicky Hutchinson, came to support her husband Eugene Hutchinson who would be participating in the high jump. “He and I were both on the team at CSU LA – we have always been cheer-
Teresa Mendoza / Courier Lancer Chineek Favors receives the baton from Derrick Shepherd in the 4x100m relay race at the Pasadena Games at Robinson Stadium on March 23.
ing on each other,” said Hutchinson. Tori Bowie, short distance runner, is currently in training for the USA Track and Field try-outs. “I’m here to practice and to make sure I’m in shape for June,” said Bowie. Caleb Wood got second place in men’s javelin throw finals with a distance of 52.35 meters. Rossha Harris got third place in
women’s javelin throw with a distance of 34.98 meters. In the men’s 400-meter Dash Christian White took second place with a time of 47.44 seconds. The Track and Field team will be participating in the Long Beach Challenge Meet, in Long Beach City College on Saturday March 30.
Badminton crushes El Camino College PAUL OCHOA Staff Writer
The women’s badminton team triumphed over El Camino College on Friday at home in their 39th consecutive conference victory, when the match ended in a staggering 19 to 2 victory for PCC. On the victory, Coach Bill Sanchez expressed his satisfaction with the results but feels that there is always room for improvement. “Our team motto is ‘always better tomorrow than we are today’,” said Sanchez. The game, which began in a very casual manner, seemed more like a practice than a match with Sanchez’s strategy going into it being to play the less experienced players at the top to give them some training. “We’re trying to push their levels and have some of the kids that play at the bottom play at the top so they get some experience, maybe get beat. It gives them experience,” said Sanchez. Alice Liew, freshman felt the playing time helped her make improvements in her game. “I’ve been rusty [and] it’s been helpful to just play more,” said Liew. Lettermen Angie Ortiz also feels that in order to make improvement in badminton players need to face a superior
Concepcion Gonzalez/Courier Alice Liew gets ready to serve the shuttlecock to her El Camino College opponent on March 23.
opponent. “That’s usually how you learn in badminton, you play better people. We all need a little challenge to get better,” said Ortiz. PCC suffered an injury during a doubles match, which resulted in El Camino’s second point due to forfeit. The player injured was lettermen Grace Espinoza, who had just recov-
ered from knee surgery. On the injury, Sanchez commented that it was not too serious and she will return. “She’s coming off knee surgery but the trainer doesn’t think it’s anything. [It’ll] slow her down for a week or so,” said Sanchez. The Lancer’s next match will be at home against East Los Angeles on March 27 at 3 p.m.
Every March, 68 college basketball teams are selected by a committee and seeded into a tournament in which they will play each other over the course of three weeks to decide a true national champion. It may not be the most efficient way to determine a national champion but it is absolutely the most exciting. The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, also known as March Madness, is a nationwide sporting event that entices even the most casual of fans into watching a game or two. The story lines throughout the tournament are infinite and the drama is omnipresent as so-called “Cinderella teams” play against powerhouse programs and sometimes come out on top. Unlike football, where teams must field a team of 85, a powerful college basketball team need only assemble 13 players. Any team can compete, any team can win. This year’s “Cinderella” is the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles, but “Cinderella” is a pejorative term for these Eagles. Their run is not by accident. They beat both Georgetown and San Diego State – who were heavily favored – by ten points each. They are just a good team, period. They’ve shattered the model of what it means to be an underdog. Florida Gulf Coast University, or FGCU, had its first on-campus classes in 1997. The men’s basketball team was ineligible for the tournament until it entered Division I play in 2011. In two short years, FGCU has won its conference and is the first NCAA tournament 15-seed to clinch a spot in the Sweet Sixteen. This sudden change in success is due to the recruitment and development of high-quality players and a style-of-play philosophy by FGCU coach Andy Enfield. Enfield is a 43-year-old, former Johns Hopkins basketball player who was a shooting coach for the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics after college. He married a former Victoria’s Secret model and left basketball behind for an entrepreneurial career. Enfield founded a startup in 2000 that managed real estate and medical personnel contracts called TractManager. In 2006, he left the company – then valued at $100 million – for an assistant coaching job at Florida State University. After five years in Tallahassee, he became the head coach of FGCU. Enfield has turned the beach-front, Fort Myers school into a high-flying basketball wunderkind in only two years, and is now possibly the hottest coaching commodity in the country. Barely qualifying for the tournament, FGCU was widely regarded as an underdog – and still is. But its playing style, Enfield’s style, is infectious. Team members shoot unconscionable threes, are constantly dunking, throw up lobs and alley-oops and actually play unselfishly. They play like a team that is actually having fun. They have nothing to lose, and they play like it. No other sport presents an opportunity like this. College football is glacially advancing towards its own March Madness-style playoff system but the Southeastern Conference – who has won the previous seven consecutive football national championships – will still dominate that “tournament”. College basketball’s playoff structure – and parity within the ranks of the sport – allows a 16-yearold school that people last week would have identified with hurricanes and spring breakers, a legitimate shot at a national championship. And that makes for an exciting three weeks in March.