COURIER
Sports
Pasadena City College
Badminton in first loss of season Page 12>> Volume 105, Issue 8
The independent student voice of PCC. Serving Pasadena Since 1915.
The next step to recovery
Online edition pccCourier.com Facebook PCC Courier Twitter @pccCourier May 3, 2012
Key panel OKs minor changes to divisions Major realignments shelved CHRISTINE MICHAELS Staff Writer
Blair Wells/Courier United States Marine Corps Veteran Jaclyn Paxton leads a discussion with a group of administrators and faculty at the Road Home 2.0 Conference in the Creveling Lounge on April 26.
Re-adjusting returning veterans explored GALEN PATTERSON-SMITH Online Editor
The second-ever Road Home symposium at PCC taught community college administrators and faculty across California about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and helping veterans adjust to student life on April 25 and 26. Harold Martin, a psychology instructor, described the life of active and reserve military members. Martin explained how some veteran’s participation in wars can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. According to The Department of Veterans Affairs, PTSD is a mental health problem that can occur after someone goes through a traumatic event like
war, assault, or disaster. It can also be described as a psychological conditioning to war or a ubiquitous survival mindset. Martin described common circumstances of developing PTSD as “long elements of boredom followed by horror.” Martin, a 20-year military veteran and admittedly afflicted by PTSD, shared stories both from his experience and those of his students who have suffered from the disorder in an effort to help the audience more clearly identify signs of PTSD in students. “They may think they can do this, whatever it is, and keep doing the wrong thing over and over again. It’s up to us to help them,” said Martin. Daniel Chenowith, from U.S. VETS, an organization dedicated
to helping veterans, told about his experience as a psychologist working with veterans often with severe cases of PTSD. “I’m working with a group right now that, because of symptom severity, are not ready to return to campus yet,” said Chenowith. Chenowith explained that PTSD can also come from military sexual trauma or MST. MST is severe sexual harassment or rape within the military. According to Chenowith, 15.1 percent of females involved in current military actions have reported cases of MST, while 0.7 percent of men have reported it. Joseph Currier, assistant professor of clinical psychology at Fuller Seminary, discussed his Continued on page 11
Police arrest suspect in library backpack thefts PHILIP MCCORMICK Staff Writer
Campus Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the thefts of student backpacks from the Shatford Library, officials said Friday. The man was arrested after six reports to police during the first week after Spring Break that someone was stealing electronic items in the library and then dumping them into trash cans, said Chief of Police Stanton Perez in an interview Friday. Campus Police Officers Mike
De Spain and Tyler Robins approached Christopher Sanderson on April 26 in front of Harbeson Hall. They suspected him in connection with the thefts and had him sit on their campus police car, while they had the dispatcher check him out. Sanderson did not have any evidence on him that connected him to the thefts, said De Spain in an interview Monday. “He is our prime suspect in the theft cases,” said De Spain. ““We believe that he must have dumped any evidence that he
Speak out! Should cigarette taxes be raised by $1 per pack? vote at pccCourier.com
had in the D Building.” In attempting the arrest of Sanderson, Robins suffered minor injuries and had to go to the St. George Medical Clinic, which is down the street on Colorado Boulevard and Allen Avenue, to have his injuries treated. Robins said that Sgt. Steven Matchan made him go to the clinic to get checked out, before he could resume his duty. “The man sat down for a second and then bolted,” said De Spain in an interview Monday. Continued on page 11
A significant committee voted Monday to move a few programs to different divisions and restructure others, but no major changes to the teaching divisions were recommended thus far. The Planning and Priorities committee voted unanimously to recommend continuing with the interim deans in the Math and VAMS divisions. Committee member Ed Martinez explained the former deans had retired. “In the meantime, while [the college] is deciding to restructure divisions, having interim deans makes sense,” he said. By unanimous vote, the committee recommended the Computer Science program be moved to the Math division, while the Kinesiology Health and Athletics Division would be moved to the Natural Sciences division. Architecture and fashion programs would be moved to the Visual Arts and Media Studies (VAMS) Division, if the proposal follows through. While there was a rigorous debate at the public comment hearing held on April 24 over recommended changes, the committee greatly considered the positions of division speakers. Visual Arts and Media Studies division Instructor Kay Yee was upset at the proposal to shift certain programs into her division, explaining that VAMS students
need transferrable units to go to four – year universities. “Our priority is student success and accessibility,” she said. On the other hand, divisions such as the Kinesiology Health and Athletics and Computer Science were in favor of the proposal. Athletic Coordinator John Woods supported the shift to the Natural Sciences division. Computer Science Instructor Paul Wilkinson asked the committee what the school motto was. “Student success is our top priority,” the room replied. Wilkinson is in favor of the proposed move of the Computer Science program into the Math Division, since the majority of Computer Science students are required to take many math courses. “I have students taking longer to get their degrees than it took me to get my doctorate,” he exclaimed. Changes in the Business and Engineering & Technology divisions to a Business and Workforce Development Division, the divisions likely will remain separate after a close 7/6 vote from committee members. Some instructors strongly opposed the proposal, including Business Technology Instructor Brenda Raynor. “A degree in the changed division won’t carry the same weight as a Business Continued on page 10
May Day commemorated by march
Blair Wells/Courier Students march through the Quad on their way to the May Day rally on immigration rights on Tuesday.
Art alfresco
Norton Simon
Artist shares inspiration with students during drawing session
Famous museum offers students a glimpse behind the scenes
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News
Courier
May 3, 2012
Interview tips may help you land a job GALEN PATTERSON-SMITH Staff Writer
It’s no secret that the U.S. economy is suffering. Millions of Americans have been laid off in recent years as a result. The unemployment rate for California as reported by the Employment Development Department, has reached 11 percent in March. Bearing an incredible burden of both getting a job and higher education are college students. Matt Juranek, psychology, believes that the key to doing well in an interview is staying calm. “Mainly just keep yourself calm, and try to smile a lot,” said Juranek. Juranek has landed six job interviews this year alone. “[Employers respond to] being dressed well, and polished shoes. I know that for a fact,”
said Juranek. Like many challenges in life, some believe it is best to learn as much as you can about the position before the interview. April Flores, kinesiology, suggests that preparation is vital for interviews. “Research the position, and know exactly what you’re going in for,” said Flores. “Arrive 15 minutes early to prep yourself and carry a resume’ with you,” she said, and like Juranek, Flores advises to “always have a smile.” “The things we always emphasize are: being prepared, do research, and remember that you’re not just being interviewed, it’s also your opportunity to interview the employer,” said Yajaira De La Paz, job developer at PCC. Located in the L Building, the Career Center has two employment special-
ists, whose goal is to assist students with resume’ building, interviewing skills, in addition to conducting mockinterviews, De La Paz said. The Career Center also offers many helpful tips for job interviews such as learning the interviewer’s name, and how employers look at several characteristics of the interviewee, including maturity, commitment, and health habits. Lancerjobs, an employer on-sight database, is available, free of charge, to all PCC students and alumni, and can be accessed through the Career Center. The Career Center will also host a job fair for students and alumni on May 17, in the Creveling Lounge from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will include different employers from different industries and will provide lunch for students on a first-come, first-served basis.
Blair Wells/Courier Cindy Huerta and Yajaira De La Paz look for employment opportunities on the Lancer Jobs web site at the Career Center
Museum work discussed at Norton Simon NICHOLAS ZEBROWSKI News Editor
Max Perez/Courier Students take a guided tour of the Norton Simon's modern collection during the museum's first ever College Night.
PCC students were among 218 that attended the first Norton Simon Museum College Night on April 27. The event allowed students a chance to visit the world famous museum, and attend a panel discussion with museum officials. Students from art history classes were there for extra credit. Other students from CSU Fullerton, El Camino College, and UC Riverside were present. “We wanted to provide information that could help [stu-
dents] make decisions on a museum career [out of] a university,” said Lynn LaBate, head of education at the Norton Simon. The event offered free gallery tours, art making activities, and an open panel discussion. The panel discussion gave an opportunity for students to ask questions to museum officials, including Natalie Montoya, a former PCC student who now works as Reception Security at the Norton Simon. Her job entails managing reception and administration offices, checking in visitors, and recording the status of employees. Montoya and other officials at the discussion emphasized the importance of volunteering and keeping in contact with instructors and mentors if a student wishes to follow a career in museum work. “I believe working at the Norton Simon is the best decision I’ve made in my career,”
Montoya said during the discussion. “Whatever you choose to do, the sky is the limit if you’re hard working,” she said. Assistant Curator for the Norton Simon Melody Rod-Ari also emphasized the need for a Ph.D if a student wishes to succeed in a museum career. “The general feeling is that it was a successful event,” said Leslie Denk, director of public affairs in an email. Museum officials are planning to hold the event annually. The Norton Simon Museum was founded in 1922 as the Pasadena Art Institute. It is a nonprofit institution that was established to maintain a museum and library of art and to encourage the study of fine art. It has been a Pasadena landmark, attracting visitors from all over the world. The museum contains works by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, and hundreds of other noteworthy artists.
Counter-terrorism efforts of LAPD told by officials PHILIP MCCORMICK
Staff Writer Counter-Terrorism efforts at The Los Angeles Police Department have increased dramatically since 9/11, an LAPD official told PCC students recently. “Before 9/11, local state law enforcement agencies were uninvolved with counter-terrorism,” said LAPD Deputy Chief Michael P. Downing. “Now we are really involved with counterterrorism, but the system needs a little more structure work.” Downing talked to the students in Administration of Justice class about counter-terrorism police work and how it and its structure has changed in Los Angeles since 9/11, on April 25. LAPD’s Intelligence Staff rose from 35 people, to about 800 people after 9/11, said Downing Downing is the commanding officer for the Counter-Terrorism & Special Operations Bureau, which controls five operational divisions within the LAPD. These divisions include Major Crimes, Emergency Services Division, Metropolitan Division, Air Support Division and Emergency Operations Divisions. Downing was also appointed interim police chief in
October 2009 until the permanent police chief was appointed in November 2009. “Now I know we are better protected,” said Steve Melnick, who is majoring in Administration of Justice. “After hearing that there have been 28 failed terrorism attacks against LA, I feel safer.” “I could have asked him 400 questions,” said Chief of Police Stanton Perez, who teaches the class, when Downing opened the discussion up for questions. Perez said that he had been reaching out to major agencies to see if he could get someone to come talk to his students about their experiences on the job. “I never thought we would get him,” said Perez Students listened carefully to everything Downing said. They were taking notes and asking questions whenever they had the chance to. Downing gave out challenge coins to those who asked really god questions, or answered some of the questions he in returned asked them. “We’ve got to get the message out there that we are doing well with our intelligence,” said Downing. “We’ll continue to foil terrorism as best we can.”
News
May 3, 2012
Police Blotter
April 25 A student reported that his bicycle had been stolen at the B Building. No one witnessed the act.
CICELY CHISHOLM Staff Writer
April 25 A student reported that his bicycle had also been stolen, but like the first theft, nobody witnessed the act.
April 27 A student came to the PCC Police Department front counter and returned $350 dollars that his friend found in a Bookstore locker. A subsequent review of video cameras revealed the “friend” who allegedly found the money actually stole the cash from a wallet inside a Bookstore locker. The stolen money and wallet were subsequently returned to the owner. The student was cited and released for the theft. - Compiled by Philip McCormick
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Associated Students elections underway
April 23 and 24 There were a series of backpack thefts in the library. (Story on page 1)
April 25 Three men pushed a student off his bicycle in attempting to steal it. The men attempted to flee, but campus police arrived quickly on scene and detained the men. The student did not press charges however, so the men were identified and released.
Courier
Natalie Sehn Weber/Courier Judge Kevin C. Brazile talks about the importance of paralegal assistance while Judge Deborah L. Christian, left, looks on.
Budget cuts hurting courts MICHAEL MCGRATH Staff Writer
California’s courthouse staff has been reduced by state budget cuts and trials will take even longer to process, according to Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile who spoke on campus on Tuesday. “With the current budget cuts, courtroom staff has been cut, not the judges,” said Brazile. He also warned that an additional $125 million would be cut if the Gov Jerry Brown’s tax initiative doesn’t pass in November. Brazile appeared as part of the PCC clubs Phi-Alpha-Delta PreLaw Fraternity and Paralegal Association’s Law Day, with booths promoting careers in the
legal field and guest speakers, “No courts, no justice, no freedom” was the motto. Law Day, while raising awareness for the budget crisis that faces state courtrooms, also focused on the services the legal profession provides to our society. “[Law Day is the] recognition of law and the role it plays in our society,” said Elaine Fong, faculty advisor to Phi-Alpha-Delta. Elaine defined Law Day as a fair that promotes the freedom that law provides to each citizen. Paralegal Association President, Rosanne Hawkins said, “We wanted to focus on the non-profit legal service providers.”
The 2012-2013 Associated Students Executive Board general election has started with an official candidate list available in the Office of Student Affairs. Competing for the 12 positions, candidates will try to win the votes of the student body for president, nine vice president positions, chief justice, and student trustee. “It’s important to be part of the PCC community, especially since education is being threatened with budget cuts,” said Natasha Tiscareno, nursing. “It’s crucial to be involved in and aware of our student government.” According to the ASPCC website, campaigning is scheduled to begin on May 7 at 8 a.m. and will end when the voting period ends on May 17 at 11:59 p.m. Students can vote online starting May 16 at 8 a.m. The link to the voting page will become available on the PCC website, as well as the AS website once as the voting day gets closer. The Office of Student Affairs will also have voting booths available during the two days in the Quad, along with activities like jousting. Food will also be available for those who have proof of voting to draw in more student involvement. “Typically we never had
events outside of just candidate’s forums,” said Mon-Shane Chou, current vice president for public relations. “We’re trying to get more student involvement in voting, and hopefully more will be involved in the future.” Students who wish to see who is running and find out what the candidate plans to do for the PCC community can attend three candidates’ forums. Candidates running for president, student trustee, vice president for academic affairs, and vice president for student services will be on May 8. Candidates for vice presidents for external affairs, business services, cultural diversity, and internal affairs will speak on May 10. Vice presidents for campus activities, public relations, sustainability, and chief justice will appear May 15. All forums will be held from 12-1 p.m. in the Galloway Plaza. “I’m glad there are going to be forums. The student body will really know whom they’re voting for. It gives the candidates a chance to prove themselves,” said Tracy Manning, biology. Candidates will also have an opportunity to address students at an AS Town Hall on May 7 from 5-7 p.m. in the Creveling Lounge. Election results will be posted on May 18 at 4 p.m. in the Office of Student Affairs on the election bulletin board.
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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 Brenda Renteria 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, 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.
May 3, 2012
Opinion
Courier
Editorial
Concept of $180-per-unit justified The idea of a two-tier tuition system with a $180-per-unit fee, as originally proposed at Santa Monica College for high-demand classes, feels like price gouging at the gas pump. However, no one is required to own a car and incur the expense of its operation and upkeep. Equally, no one is required to get a college degree and incur the expense that is involved. The idea of the tuition raise is, actually, justified. If one feels definite about pursuing a college education then one must be willing to accept that it will come at a price that will, hopefully, pay-off down the road. A person wouldn’t refuse to go to work simply because the price of gas is too high. The alternative is to embrace public transit, skip college and go straight into the work force. But how competitive would that make a prospective employee in the current economy? There is no question that as the price of living in California goes up, so does the operating expenses in all industries as they attempt to stay afloat. Chancellor of California Community Colleges, Jack Scott, said, “trag-
ically, we as a state have failed to properly fund community colleges, and our economy will suffer as a result.” The proposed higher tuition tier would apply only to a special session or set of classes that would be offered only once all regular sessions had filled up. That scenario only creates more dissent over the issue of which students get priority for registration. The key to this issue is that frequent tuition hikes at public colleges and universities do nothing to improve the educational environment for students. While it is admirable that SMC is pushing for budget solutions that will help students continue on their educational path, the college has alienated many students and some state officials. Students who protested the proposal were pepper sprayed. Also, Chancellor Scott has questions about the legality of such a tuition system. Colleges and students should agree on a respectfully increased cost for all regular sessions of high demand transfer classes, with the extra funds going directly to funding all necessary classes sessions, not to the state general fund.
A system where students and colleges have more control over their money would incentivize everyone to perform, provide and deliver at a higher level. The success of a college would be based on the number and success of the students they serve. Budget cuts would be less of an issue and students would have an easier time transferring, justifying the respectfully higher cost per unit. Tuition of $180 per unit is extreme, but ambitious students should recognize that SMC’s solution however wrong has opened the door for creative solutions that can change an obsolete state system. Students must recognize the benefit of paying more per unit for classes that are essential to their educational progress, especially if they see a direct benefit in the quality of their education and on their campus. If students want to be competitive in the current California job market they better have a car and an education. The expense may be more than students think they can handle, but if it were the difference between having a future or scraping by or a lifetime of success, which would they prefer?
Changes in priority registration will not help CICELY CHISHOLM Staff Writer
Those attending a community college know how difficult it can be to get classes. The PCC website says current registration priority places students with the highest number of completed units since spring of 1982 near the top of the list. First and second year students especially face a challenge of getting on the waist list of a class that is in high demand. It isn’t uncommon for some classes to be completely full within the first few days of registration opening so students with later registration dates don’t have a chance to get in. The Board of Trustees approved at its March 7 meeting a new policy to start giving first year experience (FYE) students higher priority as to help quicken the transfer process, but the initiative will only hinder a majority of other students and should not be pursued.
When the Strategic Enrollment Management Planning Principles are implemented, students straight out of high school will find it easier to get an English or math class before someone who has been at PCC for longer. In the next few years, those students who have earned their way to a better registration date will be pushed back again. It’s easy to see how some will be upset at that change. Every community college student knows how important his or her registration date is, and even a few hours can ruin a planned schedule. The state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended for the 2011-2012 year a way to prioritize registration, saying that continuing students who are making satisfactory progress toward transfer or graduation should be given top priority. New students who have completed certain requirements, like applying for financial aid or counseling, are given next priority. Finally, non-matriculated students, students looking
to just learn, and students who aren’t making progress towards an educational goal will wait until open registration. The California Community Colleges Student Success Task Force put forward similar recommendations as well, calling for priority for students advancing their academic needs. Not all students are looking to transfer though. Many students are at a community college to learn new skills for a job. There are also students who are looking to expand their knowledge by taking classes in different areas. A community college isn’t just about transferring to a four-year university, or obtaining an associate’s degree. It’s also a learning experience. The new policy only reinforces the idea that a community college is a simple stepping-stone to a university, and it isn’t fair to students who have worked to earn their registration date.
Best of the web The following comment is related to “‘Million Hoodie March’ seeks to expose prejudice” (April 2) Minorities should be working together, not against each other, for the advancement of civil rights. The whole situation is truly tragic. Saddened in south pas The following comments are related to “Scaring smokers will not help them quit” (April 4) For those PCC students who are currently enrolled and attending and interested in quitting smoking, remember Student Health Services offers a Cessation Smoking Service. For a $15.00 enrollment fee, a smoker
can get access to six-eight one-toone personal counseling sessions and free nicotine replacement aids, if necessary. Attend all sessions....get the $15.00 back! Call/or stop by D-105 for an appointment: 626-585-7244. Hope to see you there. Jo Buczko, Coordinator Student Health Services The only thing that these ads do is piss the smoker off. We are well aware of what could possibly happen to us if we continue smoking. We don't need visuals running across our tv screen to be made aware of the effects. Some of us want to quit for those reasons already and kick ourselves in the butt because we
ONLINE POLL RESULTS Online, we asked: Would you pay $180per unit if it was the only way you could graduate or transfer? Results as of 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: 44% Yes 56% No vote at
pccCourier.com
continue to fail at quitting. Some of us feel bad already that we haven't quit yet. Thanks for re-enforcing that feeling. Do these ad scare me? Yes they do, but they don't scare me straight. In fact the very moment I get angry over these ads is the very moment I grab a cigarette to calm my nerves. Here's the problem... cigarettes are very addictive which means that they are extremely hard to give up. Yes there are products out there to help one quit, but some of us can't even use the products or the tastes (gum & lozenges) are horrible. I personally cannot wear a patch without getting a rash and I most certainly don't need to take a drug to combat another
drug. Anonymous The following comment is related to “Bullies must be held responsible for suicides” (March 28) There is no evidence linking Clementi's death to Ravi's actions. That is why he was not charged with murder. It is very clear that Ravi will never be convicted of Clementi's death unless there is new evidence. To say that Ravi should be held accountable for Clementi's death without evidence is extremely cruel and unconstitutional. It is much crueler than anything that Ravi did to Clementi. Anonymous
Note to Readers Letters to the Editor
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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.
May 3, 2012
OpEd
Courier
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Should capital punishment be abolished? Y E S
The death penalty is unethical and should be done away with
CHRISTINE MICHAELS Staff Writer
Some students question the effectiveness of the petitioners that persistently ask students to sign for tax breaks or abortion rights, but as of April 23, petitioners have gathered 555,236 signatures to abolish the death penalty in California. This number greatly exceeds the 504,760 required signatures to have the proposal put on the ballot in California. Secretary of State Debora Bowen has agreed to put the proposition on the November ballot. Obviously, people want to get rid of the death penalty. Not only is it unethical to kill, it is unethical to have everyone suffer from the high expense of something that is not being carried out as planned. While the state is scheduled to execute 10 more inmates this year, there have been no executions since 2006. With the continuing trends, more executions are doubtful to occur. In the country alone, out of 78 death sentences given in 2011, 43 inmates were executed. This leaves 35 inmates who are still put into the high security death row prisons, left over. The U.S. as a whole has 3,149 inmates
who are simply sitting and waiting in death row for their execution. Some have been there for over 20 years, such as cult leader and murderer Charles Manson. If the proposition passes the November ballot, the death penalty will be abolished, and the death row inmates would be put on life with out parole. While ethically speaking, some may say that justice would not be served to these inmates who have murdered, such as Charles Manson; there would be no chance for them to be released. Not only would there be no releases made, but according to lobbyists in favor of the proposition, the abolishment would save a severely debited California over $62 million each year, with the closing of the country’s largest penitentiary, San Quentin Prison. Yes, the death penalty seems to hold some justice for those families who are suffering from losses, but at what cost must this justice be put up to? There is an injustice to the state as a whole in having the death penalty upheld. With the state budget crisis, Californians are suffering enough financially.
VOICES:
N O
The death penalty serves justice and must be revamped
NICHOLAS ZEBROWSKI Staff Writer
Over 500,000 people have signed a petition that has put a bill that would abolish the death penalty in California on this November’s ballot. If the death penalty is abolished in California family and friends of victims of murders will not get the justice they deserve. Although California has only executed just 13 people since the law was re-introduced in 1978, the state should not abolish capital punishment. The problem with the death penalty lye in the way the courts deal with those on death row. Supporters of the bill state the massive amounts of money spent in courts on appeals, stays, and other things used to delay executions. By taking people convicted of first-degree murder off death row and giving them life in prison, will this really lower the cost to the taxpayer? Prisons are already packed in California; the focus should be put on speeding up the death row process. According to the Death Penalty Information Center there was 723 inmates on death row in California and 3,189 in the United States. No inmate has been put to death in California since 2006.
By law people are able to view executions to confirm the death of the person. Families of murder victims have the right to verify that a person the person that hurt their family has been put to death. Take for instance Anders Breivik, the 33 year-old Norwegian that killed eight people in a bombing in Oslo, and gunned down another 69 people, mostly teens at a nearby youth camp. Norway abolished the death penalty years ago, so Breivik is facing only 21 years in prison, maybe longer if the government decides to differ from laws. Breivik himself in court called his potential punishment “pathetic” in court and said that acquittal or death should be the only outcome in his trial. California is well known for violent crimes. The death penalty is a just way of dealing with the worst of society. There is little reason to change some ones death sentence to life sentences. California has not seen anything like that of the Norway massacre, but letting these types of criminals survive is unjust. Putting someone that has purposely and violently taken a life should lose the right to live. The state needs to revamp the death row process, not abolish the practice.
Should the death penalty be abolished in California?
“We should keep it, [or] when someone is murdered his or her family isn’t given justice.”
“To a certain extent we should keep it, for the murderers and rapists. The circumstances really determine that.”
Kento Kano, 20, sociology
Tony Bunrostro, 18, graphic design
“No but I believe the procedure should be expedited. There are people on death row for 20 years and it’s just taking up space.”
“Yes. It would be better if they were kept in prison for the rest of their lives instead of being killed.
“I don’t think we should get rid of it… If the crime they committed was severe then they should die.”
Kevin Edgley, Art
Ivan Rivera, Undecided
“We should get rid of it, because it’s the same thing as murder.” Issac Yoo, 19, mechanical engineering
“They should abolish it because they could have made a mistake and punished the wrong person.”
“We should abolish it because the judicial system is imperfect and they could make a fatal mistake.”
Brendan Mai, 19, psychology
Ariana Marcia, 19, english
“I would say yes. The death penalty is too severe.”
“No. Some people deserve it for what they have done. They need to take the consequences seriously.”
Destinie Lopez, Undecided
Minjin Pack, Pre-nursing
Sam Cho, Biology Reporting by: Michael McGrath and Tiffany Herrera, Photos by: Buren Smith and Nikki Debbaudy
SCENE
Courier
May 3, 2012
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East LA College catcher, Megan Coronado tags Lancer Kayla Moore as she slides into home plate during the PCC vs. ELAC game at Robinson Park on April 19. Moore is the Pitcher/Outfield er for the Women's Softball team. Teresa Mendoza/ Courier
Spring Fling Lancer athletes compete for collegiate glory Lancer Cynthia Gutierrez clears the shuttlecock during a game against El Camino College Torrance on April 18.
Natalie Sehn Weber Lancer Caleb Wood competes in the Men’s Javelin Throw at the Mount San Antonio College Track and Field Invitational at Hilmer Lodge Stadium in Walnut on April 14. Wood placed 14th in the competition.
Kevin Balmadrid/ Courier
Natalie Sehn Weber Mount San Antonio's Aaron Price, left, Lancer Ron Spears and Saddleback's Timothy Smith race in the Men’s 100-Meter Dash at the Mt. SAC Track and Field Invitational on April 14. Spears placed 10th in the race.
Teresa Mendoza/Courier Malik Gillins competes in the long jump event at the Tiny Lester meet on Saturday. Malik's pre-game ritual: "I stretch and pray."
Teresa Mendoza/Courier PCC sophomore Nikki Salas attempts to steal second base as ELAC's Natalie Gutierrez tags her out in the South Coast Conference Game at Robinson Park in Pasadena on April 19.
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Arts & Entertainment
Courier
Dutch pianist serenades audience
Concert band performance a triumphant stand ANTERO BARRANTES III Staff Writer
MERCY FABILA Staff Writer
Students and piano enthusiasts were serenaded by famed Dutch pianist Eline Bergmann inside the dimly lit Harbeson Hall at PCC on Saturday. The performance marked her U.S. debut as she played classical pieces from celebrated composers, including Frederic Chopin and Franz Schubert. The audience was attentive during the intimate performance as she gave brief introductions of the composers in between songs. “Chopin’s Ballade in G Minor is very famous. I always dreamt of playing it when I was very young and here I am playing it today,” said Bergmann in a softspoken voice. Bergmann began playing the piano at 6 years old. After competing and winning awards for her performances, the pianist turned to teaching in order to inspire the youth. “In Amsterdam, I teach 13-18 year-olds in a preparatory class and it is my goal to inspire the young. I started teaching at 15 years old so it was something I was already passionate about,” said Bergmann. “I always wanted to share what I knew.” Bergmann played pieces from
May 3, 2012
Daniel Nerio/Courier Pianist Eline Bergmann performs at Harbeson Hall on April 27.
five composers, including Estampes by Claude Debussy and a piece from Romeo and Juliet by Sergei Prokofiev. Audience members waited after her concert to speak with her and compliment her talent. “I really liked the performance. I just appreciate piano and she’s a great pianist,” said Finnegan Pitchford, 23, computer science. “The show was terrific and brilliant! I also have been playing the piano for over 10 years so I am a huge fan of piano,” said Keira Song, 22, business. Although Bergmann is an accomplished pianist in Europe, the hall did not fill up.
“I read about this show on the school website and that is why I am here,” said Pitchford. “I just wish more people would have came.” According to Bergmann, a friend who knows a PCC instructor told her about the college’s concert hall and she became interested in performing on campus. The pianist hinted at the opportunity to return to PCC as a performer or an educator. “I would love to teach a master class or a short-term class here,” said Bergmann. “Before I came here, I checked out the website and saw that the college has a wonderful music program.”
From start to finish, the sounds of the PCC Concert Band at Sexson Auditorium on April 27 were nothing less than triumphant. Before the show, dressed in formal black attire, one of the evening’s musicians Anthony Davalos anxiously awaited for the night’s show to begin. “I’m looking forward to making this a real good performance,” said Davalos. “We’ve now had more time together playing as a band.” Davalos, one of eight tuba players, couldn’t wait to play ‘English Folk Song Suite,’ which he said is enjoyable due to its variation of movements. “Basically it will show all our abilities…musical and technical,” he said. As the audience members situated themselves, Band Conductor Kyle Luck welcomed everyone, introducing the opening guest performance, the North Dakota State University Saxophone Quartet. The four individuals set the mood nicely, and the PCC band, part of the audience, was just as motivated to keep the ball rolling. The 68 musicians made their way backstage. Curtains were drawn, and the applause of the home crowd began. Adjusting their instruments, the musicians awaited the signal from the conductor and then commenced ‘English Folk Song Suite,’ played in three parts by composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.
It was a sound of victory, building as it played out and more powerful than before, with variety through its ups and downs like a roller coaster. The unique detail of each group of instruments including flutes, french horns, clarinets, trombones, various percussions, and many others, all added to a larger sound. “Somehow I can never get tired of hearing that piece,” said Conductor Luck, speaking towards the audience. The band would go on to play four more pieces, all of which told a different story. Among them, ‘Over One Hundred Years,’ by Stephen Paulus, demonstrated what Luck explained as Pointillism, a pixilation like quality. ‘Dance of the New World,’ by Dana Wilson gave the audience the rhythm and feel of Latin America, with particular percussion beats from its various regions. “This is my sixth year as conductor and this was a piece that I’ve wanted to play for a long time,” said Luck after the show. The band finished the evening with ‘Seventy-Six Trombones,’ a fitting arrangement for the occasion, described by Luck as a ‘lighthearted’ and ‘clever.’ It started with a single marching drum, then a whistle, and then all joined, in all of their glory, a marching band off to war. “I was nervous coming into the performance,” said Oboist Paola Martinez. “But I just take deep breaths, and know that everything is going to turn out right.”
Daniel Nerio/Courier PCC Lancer Bands performs at the Sexson Auditorium on April 26.
Arts & Entertainment
April 12, 2012
PHILIP MCCORMICK Staff Writer
PAUL OCHOA Staff Writer
Justin Clay/Courier Grammy winning composer Gordon Goodwin plays the piano along with members of the Big Phat Band and jazz ensemble during a concert held in PCC's Sexson Auditorium.
“It was freaking awesome,� said Anthony Davallos, industrial design. Goodwin and the Big Phat Band played their Grammyaward-winning rendition of “Rhapsody In Blue,� which was mesmerizing and modernized but still kept its essence and was even jazzier than the original. “It rekindled my love for jazz,� said Wendy White, music. The concert featured a game show section hosted by Goodwin in which the contestants were audience members answering obscure questions about the members of the Big Phat Band, being booed off the
stage if they answered incorrectly, and winning prizes for answering correctly. After wrapping up its performance with an intense saxophone-fueled version of “Play That Funky Music� which drove the crowd wild, the band finished its set with “Race To The Bridge� but was brought back by audience demand for an encore. The final song of the night, was the fan favorite, “Jazz Police.� “It was great and very energetic. It showed the difference between the Big Phat Band and the Lancer jazz bands and there wasn’t much of a difference, “ said Pablo De Lazaro, music.
Student juried art exhibit to open Friday JESSI ALVA A&E Editor
Artworks of selected students will be exhibited at the Pasadena Museum of California Art this month in an event called Tomorrow Today: A juried Student exhibition from PCC. The opening reception is scheduled for this Friday from 6 to 8pm and admission will be free. Art and design students will exhibit art that ranges from conceptual projects to more traditional style pieces, according to a press release of the show. “We received over 300 submissions this year,� said Brian Tucker, Associate Professor of Art. “A collection of class assigned and
independent work will be judged by known artist, Christopher Miles,� said tucker. This is the second exhibition co-organized by PCC and PMCA and aims to show off the talents of students and serves as an opportunity for them to show off their talents as they move forward with their studies. Many art students go on to complete their art programs from other institutions such as UCLA and CALArts, the press release said. Miles, an established artist, curator and art writer will be the juror for the exhibition. Miles’ writings have appeared in Artforum, Art in America, LA Weekly, and the Los Angeles Times. He is the Chairman of the
Department of Art at CSU, Long Beach. He has contributed to many other exhibitions including the Hammer Museum’s exhibit Thing: New Sculpture from Los Angeles, which received the 2005 award for “Best Thematic Exhibition nationally� from the International Association of Art Critics. The museum is located at 490 East Union Street, close to Old Town Pasadena. Regular hours will be Wednesday- Sunday from noon to 5:00 pm. Regular admission price is $7 for adults and free for children ages 12 and under. Seniors and students will be able to get in at a discounted price of $5.
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Famous trombonist advises jazz band
Grammy winner performs Two-time Grammy award winner Gordon Goodwin and his Big Phat Band performed to an enthusiastic crowd on April 13 at the Sexson Auditorium. The first half of the concert consisted of Goodwin playing with the PCC Lancer Studio Jazz Ensemble and the PCC Lancer Jazz Big Band, which held their own with the two-time Grammy award winner. “I felt like it was a good performance and I was excited to share the stage with Goodwin,� said Isaac Rawley, music, who played in the PCC Jazz Band. “Simply put, amazing! Definitely a once-in-a lifetime opportunity,� said David Diaz, music, who also played on stage with Goodwin. After a short intermission Goodwin took the stage again but this time playing with his Big Phat Band, which had a very energizing intro and continued to make the place swing
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Hidden on the side of the Shatford Library, one would never have known that a worldclass trombonist was lecturing and giving to members of the PCC Studio Jazz Band and Lancer Jazz Band on April 25. “Lets take it from the top,� said Andy Martin, leading the band members in two songs, critiquing them where they needed some work and praising them when they did well. Martin is a trombonist in Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band who played a concert on campus April 13, spoke to the students about various issues they had been having such as nerves and advised how they could play better with their instruments. Andrea Wilkerson, director of jazz studies, had been trying to get Martin to come talk to her students for a while. “We bring in a lot of great players to talk to the band and just give them insights in to their experiences as a musicians,� said Wilkerson. Martin was pleased with the invitation, he said. “It helps give them some idea of what their future careers might be like.� The students listened to Martin with great interest, as he poured out knowledge one would expect from someone with his record, telling them stories and experiences he has had in his career. “This was great!� said Danny Galaneru, a trombonist for the band who already has a major in music. “It was really awesome to
Neil Protacio/Courier Big Phat Band Trombonist Andy Martin advises the PCC Studio Jazz Band.
get that type of information from someone as well known as [Martin].� Martin broke out into a trombone solo during one of the songs and it seemed as though what had started out as a lecture, turned into a jam session. “It’s real fun to see the students play with someone who has had the tremendous experience that someone like [Martin] has had,� said Wilkerson Martin has worked on the soundtracks of movies like “Armageddon�, “Spiderman�, “Patch Adams� and others. He is also first call trombonist at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater and has played for Broadway hits such as “Wicked�, Disney’s “The Lion King� and “Hairspray�.
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May 3, 2012
Courier
League of Women Voters encourages students to vote
Drawing students learn from local artist
RAYMOND PECSON Staff Writer
MARY NURRENBERN Staff Writer
Hillary Mushkin held a presentation and a draw in for Lynne Bermans beginning drawing class on Monday. Mushkin has been working on an art project since 2003 called the Incendiary Project. Its premise is if there were a war in Los Angeles what would it look like? “The more I have dealt with thinking about war, the more questions come up,” said Mushkin. Mushkin told the students that she started the project after the talk of war in Baghdad in 1991. It raised questions. She began looking at art from previous wars and comparing them to Los Angeles and how we see war. After Mushkin’s presentation, the students had an opportunity to show their own perspective during a draw in. They gathered on the grass in front of Haibeson Hall across the street from the U.S. Recruitment Offices. The students were encouraged to use whatever perspective they chose. They sat in silence with charcoal, pencils and rulers, putting their emotions on paper. Mushkin uses many different
Blair Wells/Courier Los Angeles based artist Hilary Mushkin leads a community "draw-in" outside of Harbeson Hall involving students and faculty on Monday.
materials in her work. At the event she and students broke out string and measuring tape to map out the distance from the recruitment office to the grass they sat on. This was a change of pace for the class. An opportunity to expand their viewpoint, while they sat in the sun. I learned I can do beliefs and opinion through art,” said Francis Ramos, fine arts. The class is currently working on a homework project based on how they look at space. “I had Hillary come and speak because she provides an introduction to more experimental drawing opposed to traditional,” said Berman. “I learned some people can be playful in there drawing,” said
Jennifer Steenken, math. “Hillary has her view but this exercises for the students to have an open range of interpretation,” said Lynne Berman, drawing instructor. Mushkin stresses showing your depiction of where you are at in your life. She works in video, drawing and animation and recently did a similar project in El Segundo at the Los Angeles Air Force Base. Mushkin works as a professor of media and visual arts at Orange Coast College. Mushkin plans to continue working on this project for another eight years. She is currently working on the project in a series with KCET and also has a website which shows her work.
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The League of Women Voters updated students about the upcoming elections and registered first-time voters in a visit to campus on Tuesday. Volunteers from the organization set up a small booth at the Quad to help interested passersby fill out voter registration forms. “We’re here to give anybody a chance to join in the democratic process [but] young people are one of the groups the League tries to focus on,” said volunteer Blair Miller. With the primary election in June fast approaching and a presidential election coming up
college students’ votes could be crucial and registering now would make them count. “If I don’t want a new president then I have to vote for Obama to stay. I can’t let my vote go to waste,” said Edwin Ceron, Economics.. Voting looks to be more important compared to recent years, as voting in favor of a tax increase in California could save schools from future budget cuts. “[The tax initiative] is just one reason that made me want to sign up to today. I really just needed to get involved more,” said Jake Martinez, engineering.
Divisions restructured by panel Continued from page 1
Technology degree,” she said. The proposal before the committee includes a shift in the Business Technology division to a Business and Workforce Development division. By a close 6/4 vote, the committee recommended the Community Education Center continue to have a full dean, who would report to the Vice President of Education Services instead of the Vice President of Instructional Services. “The reason we voted to have the CEC dean report to the Vice President of Educational Services instead of the VP of
Instructional Services is because frankly, Instructional Services is very busy,” said Ed Martinez in a phone interview. CEC Instructor Dean Camon said the Center accommodates about 15,000 unique students and over 140 faculty members on 24 off – campus sites. If the proposal were passed, the CEC would no longer have a full dean, and instead would have an assistant dean reporting to the vice president of educational services. The recommended changes to divisions were a major departure from the original plan of fall 2011, in which all deans were to be replaced with faculty chairs.
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Courier
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Event shines light on sexual assault in the military NATALIE SEHN WEBER Multimedia Editor
The shroud that conceals the subject of sexual abuse of women in the military was hurled out the door of the Creveling Lounge on Apr. 26. The occasion was the screening of the documentary, “SERVICE: When Women Come Marching Home,” by Marcia Rock and Patricia Lee Stotter. The film shows the impact of Military Sexual Trauma on women veterans. The film was presented as part of PCC’s Veterans’ two-day conference, “Road Home 2.0 - The Next Step.” Over 100 people attended the event and a fivewomen panel discussion followed the screening. U.S. Army veteran BriGette McCoy, who appeared in the documentary, was present at the screening. In the film, she described her experiences with sexual trauma. “Before my 18th birthday, one
of the non-commissioned officers raped me,” McCoy said. “30 to 60 days later, another NCO made sexual advances.” When she later went for counseling and was asked if she’d ever been sexually harassed during her service, McCoy said she laughed. “I said, [do you mean] when I first got there, or when I left?” McCoy expected great opportunities ahead when her military service ended in 1991. Instead, she found herself struggling to just get by. “I went through a severe depression, I attempted suicide… The list goes on and on,” McCoy said. At that time, however, the Veterans Administration programs were mainly male-oriented, she said. Years later, McCoy created an online forum that allowed women veterans to discuss issues such as sexual trauma. She realized that access to women-oriented care at the VA
PCC alumna and Air Force veteran Megan Rodriguez speaks to an audience on a five-women panel discussion April 26. Natalie Sehn Weber/ Courier
Veteran event offers advice Continued from page 1
traumatic growth. “Because of the wars, we’re putting our service members in positions where there are no clear moral decisions sometimes,” said Currier. Carol Calandra, case manager at the Veterans Resource Center at PCC, and Patricia D’OrangeMartin led a workshop centered on helping other community colleges maximize veteran programs across California. The duo regaled their audience with stories of veterans near the brink of mental destruction, successfully finding meaning in life again through a hard-working group of individuals dedicated to helping veterans. “[Veterans] sure have taught me a lot in terms of relationships,” said Calandra. A seminar titled “Boot camp for administrators,” led by Harold Martin, showed officials from other community colleges how they can help veterans on
their campuses. “Educating is a huge part of what this is about,” said Linda Sinclair, faculty leader of veterans resource center at Santa Monica College. A workshop led by Lauren Andersen and Kathleen Green, instructors at PCC, explained how social networks, like Facebook, helping veterans in their classes and their private lives. It was an emotionally charged seminar, complete with studies of veterans behavior in class and how their experience can help improve other community colleges. The symposium screened the documentary “Service: When Women Come Marching Home,” with one of the co-directors of the film, Marcia Rock, talking about her experience in making it. “This was an excellent conference,” said Rebecca Otten, coordinator of pre-licensure nursing programs, Cal State Fullerton.
Suspect charged in library thefts Continued from page 1
[Robins] was quick to tackle him to the street.” Perez said that Sanderson is being charged with resisting arrest. Sanderson has a criminal record, Perez said. Perez said that it was quick thinking by the dispatchers and cadets that had led to the arrest. Dispatcher Jose Garcia had been going through many hours of
video from the security cameras on campus trying to find out more about the suspect and his patterns, said De Spain. Robins said a cadet saw Sanderson walking from the library towards the D Building and alerted him and De Spain to the activity. “This should be a lesson for students and faculty to safeguard their valuables,” said Perez.
Natalie Sehn Weber/Courier Director Marcia Rock, left, introduces Army veteran BriGette McCoy. McCoy was in the documentary, "SERVICE: When Women Come Marching Home," which was screened at the Road Home event.
was a pervasive problem. According to the documentary, recent advancements have been made in the women’s healthcare services provided at the VA. Separate entrances, more privacy and the choice of one’s care provider’s gender are just some of the improvements. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Kelsey De Santis said she’d personally found the women’s center at the VA to be a great improvement. “It [has] a sense of home [and] makes you feel comfortable,” she said. De Santis suggested that a
female section in the Veterans Resource Center might attract more women. PCC alumna and Air Force veteran Megan Rodriguez said there’s no VRC at the college she’s currently enrolled. “It’s my goal to develop a VRC there that models [PCC’s] so we can have a better support system,” Rodriguez said. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jaclyn Paxton said there is new protocol where investigations of sexual assaults will be handled by outside command. However, she feels an urgency to see greater progress towards
the prevention of MST. “My stepdaughter [has joined] the Army. I’m petrified for her,” said Paxton. Navy veteran Stephanie Stone said MST isn’t exclusively a women’s issue. Although one out of every five women self-identify as victims of MST, Stone said, so do one out of every 100 men, as well. The documentary, “SERVICE,” addresses a myriad of issues that affect women veterans. Director Marcia Stone hopes that the film will be used in the future in military training programs.
COUR IER
May 3, 2012
SPORTS
Baseball ends on 3-game losing streak Lancers struggle all season to find their stride NICHOLAS SAUL Sports Editor
The Lancer baseball team concluded its nightmare season with a 3-6 home loss to the visiting Warriors of El Camino on April 27. PCC finished the season with an abysmal 6-30 record in which the team had a season total of only three home runs. PCC looked to avoid a threegame sweep at the hands of El Camino in which the Warriors killed them 19-7, and 11-0 in the two previous meetings. “At least they were competitive today,” said Head Coach Bill Sanchez. “They were not competitive the last two games, they were lackluster and lethargic, and today they came to play.” The game started off well with PCCs best pitcher Will Emerson shutting out El Camino through three innings, but PCC was unable to capitalize; scoring only one run off a David Halstead single. Halstead proved to be PCCs most consistent batter, hitting three singles and two RBI. The Lancers struggled on offense all season, being outscored by their opponents
Freshman swimmer wins 200 m butterfly title Staff Writer
Freshman Stephen To made a comeback in the final 50-yards to win the title in the men’s 200yard butterfly at the CCCAA State Championships at East Los Angeles College. To was fourth after the first 50 yards, seventh after 100 yards and third into the last turn and pulled away from De Anza College’s Danh Bui and Orange Coast College’s Michael Kim. “I followed our race strategy to not fall too far behind,” To said “I swam smart and well and it paid off.” To’s individual victory helped the Lancers finish in15th place at the CCCAA State Championships held on April 26-28 at the East Los Angeles College swim stadium. To also finished fourth in the men’s 100yard butterfly.
Anthony Richetts / Courier Justin Dingman, catcher, swings for a strike against the El Camino College Warriors at Jackie Robinson Field on April 27. Below: Tyler Dominguez, shortstop , hits a pop foul in the Lancers' loss against the El Camino College Warriors
360-143, and scoring double digit runs in only one game. Justin Dingman, catcher, attributes the team’s offensive ineptitude to the season’s difficult schedule: “We started off playing really good teams; we just figured it out too little too late,” he said. “With this group of guys though,” Dingman added. “Only good things can come.” PCC did play a strong defensive game, converting on multiple double-plays and a successful tag out at home. At the bottom of the ninth, down three runs, the team still played with purpose in an effort to bring a positive end to an otherwise dreadful season. “They didn’t give in today, they didn’t quit and they battled
hard,” said Coach Sanchez. “We just didn’t come up with the win.” There have been individual bright spots in a largely miserable season. Sophomore Matt Chavez had team highs in batting average (.362), hits (47), and RBI (30) earning him a spot on the all-conference first-team. The lefty hitter and mustache-sporting followed it up with a signing with New Mexico Highlands. Coach Sanchez is looking to improve upon the team’s academics to aid eligibility. “We gotta do a better job of keeping ourselves in school better, and not being ineligible when the season begins, “ he said. “As long as they stay eligible we should be ready for next season.”
Badminton suffers first loss of season NICHOLAS SAUL Sports Editor
Ronald Johnson/ Courier Alyssa Boyt and Gabby Anjani pursue the birdie in their doubles game on Wednesday.
The women’s badminton team’s postseason aspirations ended on Wednesday with a loss to San Diego City in the Southern California Regional Championships. The previously undefeated Lancers lost 16-5, with a final record of 13-1. “We played well, but they are really good,” said Head Coach Bill Sanchez. “It’s been a while since we’ve seen somebody this good.” The Knights dominated a strong Lancer team, taking nine of the 12 singles matches, and four of the five doubles matches. PCC singles’ number one, Angie Ortiz, won her first match but lost at the hands of the Knights’ number one, LanAnh Nguyen. According to PCC Sports Information’s Robert Lewis, the loss was
Ortiz’s first after 44 consecutive wins. “I’m pretty depressed, but they were good competition,” Oritz said. “I messed up a lot in my singles game, but I think we did good as a whole.” The number one singles match between Ortiz and Nguyen had an intensity absent in all of the team’s regular season matches, calling for volunteer line judges to referee the normally casual scorekeeping. The other Lancers who pulled off victories were singles number four, Kiwi Liang, and singles number five, Gabby Anjani. “No matter what happened, I still think we had a great season,” Anjani said. With the loss, the team forfeits a slot for the CCCAAA State Championships but the all-freshman team is still South Coast Conference champs.