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Volume 105, Issue 10
Eight percent fewer sections to be offered in the fall. NICHOLAS ZEBROWSKI News Editor
The number of class sections being offered this fall has been cut by almost 8 percent from the
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previous year. The number of sections will drop from 2,361 last year, to 2,180, officials said this week. This cut is on top of an 11 percent reduction in the number of class sections in fall 2010. Since 2007, there has been an overall 26 percent reduction in the number of classes offered in the fall semester: 2,950 class sections were offered in fall 2007, 770
more than planned for this fall. Robert Bell, vice president of student and learning services, said the reductions in class sections are necessary in case Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax initiative does not pass in November. The November tax initiative, if approved, would raise millions to support California schools. “This is where we are now, based on the numbers we have,” Bell
said in an interview. According to Crystal Kollross, interim dean of institutional effectiveness, PCC offered 2,361 sections in fall 2011, and had 25,888 students. “[We] tried to reduce sections but maintain seats,” Kollross said about the cuts. “[We are] doing it in such a way to maximize access to students,” Bell said. This is not a
May 17, 2012
worst-case scenario he added. ”The worst case scenario would [to cut sections] to about 2,000.” Specific reductions were made in a recent meeting with Bell and division deans, and affect different areas of the school. Bell said that stand-alone classes and lowenrollment classes were the first to be cut. Continued on page 11
Gloomy outlook seen if tax hike measure fails NICHOLAS SAUL Staff Writer
Megan Carrillo/Courier New Chief of Police Stanton H. Perez is seen in his office going over the police reports.
New chief aims to protect campus F.E. CORNEJO Staff Writer
Just weeks after his appointment, PCC’s new Chief of Police Stanton “Stan” H. Perez recalled the moment he knew he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement. He was 13 years old and was riding his bike in an unsafe area near his home in Sacramento, when a highway patrol officer approached him and asked if his mother would approve of where he was playing. Perez responded that his mother did not approve of him playing in that location.
Taking him by the hand, Perez said the “spit and polished” officer guided him back home. Perez was deeply impressed by the fatherly and protective officer and everything he represented. “I have attained the things I have in my career, not because I am so super wonderful that nobody has these skills,” Perez said, “but because people took me under their wings and they gave me opportunities.” The impressions made by that officer are reflected in Perez’s view of how his department will serve the campus community. “Our approach here is a lot
more… campus policing, community policing that you feel in your heart,” he said of discussions with President Mark Rocha and Vice President Richard Van Pelt. “Police are here to protect and to provide a service and we are not heavy-handed and we take a really gentle approach,” Perez said. Incidents of unnecessary police force like at Santa Monica City College or UC Davis could never happen at PCC, he added. Van Pelt praised the background of Perez, whom he said “comes from a distinguished Continued on page 11
California community colleges will face dire consequences if the governor’s tax initiative is rejected by voters in November, Community College Chancellor Jack Scott said Tuesday. Scott predicted colleges could face a further $600 million funding shortfall in addition to $809 million in cuts since the 2008-09 year. The Community College League of California addressed Gov. Jerry Brown’s ballot proposal in an online conference call Tuesday morning. Essentially, if the tax initiative passes, California community colleges will receive $300 million in additional revenue, whereas if it fails, they will experience $315 million in trigger cuts — a $600 million swing. “If the ballot [measure] fails it will be a tragedy [for] higher learning,” Scott said in the web conference. “There are no other options for us.” Gov. Brown, whose tax initiative includes a ‘Millionaire’s Tax’ and a small increase in the sales tax, is faced with a $16 billion budget gap. He urged voters on Monday to “increase taxes temporarily,” adding that “this is the best that I can do.” Although the 2012-13 year will
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vote at pccCourier.com see an increased block grant for full-time equivalent students (FTES), consequences of the failure of the initiative will also include a 6.4 percent workload reduction on top of the trigger cuts, Scott said. Currently, opinion polls show the tax initiative passing with 54 percent in favor and 46 percent opposed, but Scott and Community College Vice-chancellor Dan Troy urged the more than 300 people viewing the web conference to not bank on its passing. “There is no clear legislative response if the initiative fails,” Troy said. PCC is currently preparing for both possible outcomes: “We are in the process of developing a 2012-13 budget to assume the non-passage of the November ballot initiative,” said Richard van Pelt, vice president of administrative services. “It will have a contingency plan to deal Continued on page 11
Accomplished writer inspires many to vote TERESA MENDOZA Contributing Writer
A strong advocate and supporter of undocumented youth and the Dream Act, Evelyn Cortez-Davis, author of “December Sky: Beyond My Undocumented Life” has many roles. “I was an illegal immigrant, I’m a working mother, a taxpayer, a college graduate, a civil engineer, a public servant and an
independent voter that participates in every election,” she told a rapt audience on Thursday. All seats were filled at the Creveling Lounge as a large turnout of students, faculty and members of the community gathered eagerly to listen and meet Cortez-Davis, the keynote speaker at the 2012 Borders of Diversity Conference. Cortez-Davis spoke about her immigrant experience and the importance of higher education
in redefining the image of immigrants today. At age 12 she fled El Salvador “to escape a civil war and economic despair,” she said. Along side her mother and two sisters, she endured a treacherous nineday trip, crossing three borders to arrive in the United States. Cortez-Davis talked about her life in the shadows and silence, yet striving to get an education and find her voice, eventually Continued on page 10
Claudia Gonzalez gets emotional as she talks with author Evelyn Cortez-Davis, at the 2012 Borders of Diversity conference in the Creveling Lounge. Blair Wells/ Courier
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News
Courier
Police Blotter May 3 A vendor reported a theft of a diamond pendant that was valued at $3,500. The theft allegedly occurred in April during the flea market. There are no suspects or witnesses. May 3 A man who was intoxicated was causing a disturbance in the Vosloh Forum. The man was arrested for being drunk in public and transported to the Pasadena Police Department jail. May 4 A student reported that his vehicle was vandalized while it was parked on campus. After reviewing security cameras, it was determined that this vandalism did not occur on the campus. May 5 A woman possibly suffered a stroke while in her vehicle in Parking Lot 5, level 3. Minutes later, Pasadena Fire Department responded and examined her. Thereafter, she was transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital. May 6 A vendor reported the theft of candlesticks worth approximately $800 that occurred during the flea market. May 7 A professor reported the theft of 27 potted plants worth $198 that occurred in Parking Lot 7. May 8 A physical disturbance was reported between a man and woman. The responding officer determined that the couple was having a verbal argument. May 9 A delivery truck was turning right from the loading dock when the trailer struck the side of the IT Building. Damage was minor and consisted of a small dent to the building. Facilities inspected the building and determined that there was no structural damage. Compiled by Philip McCormick
May 17, 2012
PCC transfer rate up 25 percent MICHAEL MCGRATH staff writer
The PCC transfer rate jumped almost 25 percent last year, officials reported. A total of 2,895 students transferred to another college in 20 1011, a 24 percent increase from the previous year, according to the Institutional Planning and Research Department. “PCC has been one of the top transfer rate community colleges in the nation, and that’s a proud tradition we will continue to maintain,” said Vice President of Educational Services Robert Miller. Transfer rates for students going to in-state and out-of-state colleges have risen, while the rate for students going to private colleges has fallen slightly, according to Interim Director of Institutional Planning and Research Crystal Kollross. “[PCC is] catching up to Santa Monica, in regards to total transfer rates,” said Kollross. Santa Monica College had 2,062 students transferring to either a UC or CSU while PCC has 1,921, according to CSU chancellor’s office. Miller and Kollross were both excited about PCC’s new program to offer Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) and the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degrees that will almost
Blair Wells/Courier Yazmin Gonzalez, community culture, collects information about transferring to UCLA at the Undergraduate Admissions table during UCLA Day in the quad on May 9.
guarantee admission to a CSU. “PCC leads 112 of California’s community colleges in the number of chancellor’s approved transfer curriculum majors,” said Miller. “The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a CSU campus,” according to the degree
and transfer programs page of PCC’s website. According to Miller, every community college has its own region for which a specific CSU will guarantee admission to a student. CSULA would be the college for the PCC region, said Miller. PCC’s available AA-T degrees are art history, communication studies, history, psychology, sociology, studio arts, and the-
ater arts, while English is still pending approval according to California community colleges chancellor’s office. Administration of justice, geology, and mathematics are the only approved AS-T degrees while business administration and physics are still pending approval, according to California community colleges chancellor’s office.
Dean of library retiring after 32 years KARLA SOSA staff writer
After working at the Shatford Library for 32 years, Mary Ann Laun has decided to retire and pursue other goals. “I would like for people to remember me as a passionate person and always saying yes to students,” said recently. Laun started at PCC in 1980 as a librarian and in 1995 she became the Dean of the Library. “I’m really glad I was able to work here. I’m really proud of all the things I was able to accomplish,” said Laun.
In summer Laun will be awarded the 2012 Community and Junior College Libraries Section and EBSCO Community College Learning Resources Leadership Award. In 2008, the library won an award for Excellence in Academic Libraries. “I decided to submit an application to see if the library would win the award,” said Laun. On Friday morning Laun got a phone call, letting her know that the library had won the award for Excellence in Academic Libraries. “I was so excited when I got the phone call. The next week we were giving out free ice cream to students, I just wanted to share my excitement with everyone … I was really proud of my staff, it was all team work,” said Laun. While Laun i retiring she still
plans to be part of PCC. Laun will be volunteering at the college archives, “I love Pasadena and its history,” she said. Laun also plans on volunteering at the Altadena Library. “I want to teach adults how to read, I want to share that gift with them,” she said. Laun still wants to be involved with libraries, but also has other plans. She wants to focus on her garden and travel, and visit her daughters who live in northern California. “There’s a possibility that I might go on a trip to Asia with other professors that are retiring. We want to go to Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand, we’re still planning that trip,” said Laun. Laun graduated from UCLA and majored in English, and got her master from Cal State Los Angeles.
Teresa Mendoza/Courier Librarian Mary Ann Laun is planning to retire at the end of summer intersession.
Full access online tutoring available GALEN PATTERSON-SMITH staff writer
24 - hour tutoring is being implemented via website through a company called Smart Thinking, beginning in June, officials say. The program is a one-year trial that will allow students access to tutoring anytime of the day and any day of the week.“They thoroughly train their tutors,” said John Wood, director, Learning Assistance Center. “They have a very good reputation for tutoring,” said Wood. According to Leslie Tirapelle, interim director of distance education, Smart Thinking is being used in community colleges and universities across the country
successfully. Some classes require students to submit papers to Smart Thinking before turning them in to their instructors.“The idea is not to replace tutoring services we have on campus, it’s to enhance them,” said Tirapelle. The current tutoring program is award winning, by the standards of the National Tutoring Association, Wood said. According to Wood, the school trains an average of 60 tutors, who are certified by the National Tutoring Association every semester. “We need to make sure that online students have access to the same services that on-theground students do,” said Tirapelle, “We want students
and faculty to be assured of the quality of the tutors.” The trial is funded by a grant from the Associated Students Student Activity Fee Initiative, ensuring that students won’t have to pay to use it, said Wood. Smart Thinking will allow all students direct access to tutoring from their home, 24/7 and for all subjects. But some students believe that the ease of access could cause students to procrastinate more and even become dependent on the service.“I like the idea, but that would make procrastination easier,” said Douglas Matthews, engineering. “It’s a very good, on-demand service,” said Tirapelle. “Our goal is the success of students.”
News
May 17, 2012
Codes link physical, online worlds
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Voting has begun in AS general elections CICELY CHISHOLM AND PAUL OCHOA Staff Writers
RAYMOND PECSON Staff Writer
Almost everyone has seen one: the little square images that look like digitized ink blots appearing on ads outside store windows and in newspapers. They’re called “Quick Response” codes, or QR, and they allow access to information in the physical world from a link on the internet by pressing a button. “The future [will be on] handheld devices and QR codes are an easier way to get across information,” said Carole Robinson, who provides instructors with monthly workshops on new and innovative ways to teach. QR codes work like a barcode, said Robinson, but instead of a scanner you have your smart phone or iPad. Robinson showed teachers and staff at a workshop on May 9 how to download and use free QR reader apps. She demonstrated by firing up an app on her iPad and like a scanner used the tablet’s camera to snap a picture of a code on her desk. Immediately after “scanning” the code she was sent to a website on the internet via the little square image, like clicking a link on a web page.
Courier
Natalie Sehn Weber/Courier Distance education specialist Carole Robinson teaches faculty and staff how to create and use QR codes in the LL Building on May 9.
According to Robinson these codes are not just an easy way to access web sites from a phone, but as a tool for people you know to grab a hold of your personal information and instantly save it to their phones. Like a business card these codes can hold a phone number or an e-mail address. Some teachers even see these codes as having more possibilities. “I could use QR codes on [business] cards but I can also use them on course outlines. I can get something from a class that a student might have missed and put it on a code,” said English instructor Donna Mungen. At the workshop, Robinson also showed how to make a QR code by using websites like GoQR.me. On the site, users can link personally designed QR codes to URLs, documents, videos or photos, then save the
codes to a computer or print them on coffee mugs, t-shirts or business cards. “[The use of QR codes] is common in Japan. You can shoot [the QRs] off the television [during a TV] show then send in your opinions about the show,” said Miki Sumitomo, Japanese linguistics instructor. QRs are being placed on many items nowadays, even something as mundane as a bundle of bananas. Robinson explains that QRs are for immediacy, and mean someone wants you to look at something right away. The square codes are already being implemented in high schools as Robinson showed in a YouTube video. In the video students at a high school used QR codes to check grades, look at lectures and listen to podcasts. “You can now receive a code instead of having to take a lot of notes,” said Robinson.
Voting in the Associated Students 2012-2013 Executive Board general elections is under way, with results expected on Friday. Students can vote online on the official PCC website, where a banner will link students to the voting page, and in the Quad today. Voting officially ends at 11:59 p.m. tonight. The Courier will publish the results in its online edition as soon as they are available. Candidate forums took place last week in the Galloway Plaza, where hopefuls stated what they would bring to AS and the campus, as well as why people should vote for them. Myra Whittington, candidate for vice president for student services wants to make tutoring services more convenient and make students aware of AS. Hanna Israel, candidate for Student Trustee, wants to be a representative of students at large, and will walk into Board of Trustees meeting with the opinions of the AS, Inter Club Council, and all students. Simon Fraser, candidate for AS Board president, is trying to make students more aware of AS. “I want students aware of their student government and engaged with us. I want enough students rallied behind us,” said Fraser. Miranda Alvarado, candidate
for vice president for academic affairs, wants to work for better communication between the deans and students. Structure is the reason Anna Torres is running for vice president for internal affairs. Andrew Bott, candidate for vice president for business affairs to make sure students receive the proper information. “As a student activist, I really want to make sure that students are represented,” said Bott. Student representation, making the right choice, and helping future pupils were some of the reasons students present at forum are voting in the elections. Mike Abi-Farah, Biology is voting because he wants future students to have good representation. “Even though I’m transferring it’s still good to leave the future students with a good slate,” said Abi-Farah. Student Esther Rubio is voting to see the right people selected. “I’m voting because I want to make sure the right people get picked and to make sure they reach out to the students in different buildings and not just the CC Building and the Quad,” said Rubio. Daniel Perea,current Associated Student’s vice president for internal affairs, feels it is his duty to vote. “It’s my duty not only as a representative of the Associated Student’s but as a student at PCC to decide who will be leading the student leadership,” said Perea.
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May 17, 2012
Opinion
Courier
Courier Obama’s gay marriage stance a political ploy 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 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, Tiffany Herrera, Amar Kasopovic, Edwin Lee, Michael McGrath, Raymond Pecson, Luis Rodriguez, Karla Sosa, Colin Sum
ANTERO BARRANTES III Staff Writer
President Barack Obama’s endorsement of same sex marriage is a strategic maneuver in the game called re-election. It was all just a matter of when the announcement would come. It shouldn’t be a surprise that the president gave his endorsement of LGBT marriage in an interview with ABC last week. The president explained how his view on the issue has been evolving throughout the years. Vice President Joe Biden’s previous remarks resulted in a quick reassurance from the president. Biden has formally apologized to Obama for using a forceful hand on the matter. Biden believes homosexuals are entitled to the same rights as heterosexuals, and is comfortable with gay marriage.
Obama acknowledges the fact that the American view on homosexuality (especially among younger people) is changing—this demonstrates a political figure’s flexibility to a shifting society. At first Obama did not endorse same sex marriage. For the president endorsing gay marriage was only a matter of time, a waiting game. Let’s not forget, four years ago ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ was still a reality for gays and lesbians. And the Obama administration during its third year made the necessary moves to change that. Both the President and his advisers realize abrupt changes could only complicate future reelection probabilities with a Republican backlash, but that baby steps throughout the years can get the job done. Obama asserted that his
Christian faith has supported his view on the matter, stating that it isn’t only about Christ sacrificing himself on our behalf, but also the Golden Rule, treating others the way you would want to be treated. Republican candidate Mitt Romney at Liberty University’s commencement ceremony on Saturday reaffirmed his opposition to gay marriage, stating that matrimony is between a man and a woman, in his word, an ‘enduring institution.’ When it comes to homosexuality, sticking to old policies and views could lead to a loss of votes in our younger generations (college students and graduates), a situation well analyzed by the president and his advisers. With both candidates zoning in on the November elections, liberal and conservative views on same sex marriage can help
determine what is anticipated to be a close race. In a survey conducted by the New York Times and CBS News, 67 percent say Obama had made the endorsement for political gain, while 24 percent believe the president’s decision was based on his moral conscience. Obama’s intentions can be sincere, but there’s no doubt he realizes the importance of such a move. Endorsing gay marriage was a strategic move, one well played at the right time. President Barak Obama’s interview with ABC’s Robin Roberts Vice-President Joe Biden interview with Meet the Press Mitt Romney remarks on gay marriage at Liberty University Commencement ceremony this past Sunday.
Best of the web The following comments are related to “Death penalty gives victims justice” (May 2) Victims' families are divided on the death penalty. Responses to tragedy vary far more widely. SAFE California is supported by more than 700 victims' family members who believe that the death penalty is a hollow promise for victims. Many of them support replacing the death penalty... The shocking truth is that nearly half of all murders go unsolved every year in California, in an average year. By voting "YES" to SAFE California it will offer some measure of support to victims. Anonymous So using violence with violence makes perfect sense? How is that saying crime is
VOICES:
wrong? And, why does the crime rate spike up on the weekend's of any executions? It’s obviously not deterring crime and just wasting billions in tax payer money. Anonymous The following comment is related to “Death penalty should be abolished” (May 2) We should end the death penalty because we often use it based on the race of the victim (racism), location of the crime (geography), career path of the prosecutor (politics), identity of the victim, poverty of the victim, seldom because of the worst of the worst. After all, even though we have 724 men and women on death row. Since it is done in our name, it makes us all murderers. The money is just a conven-
ient selling point, but I'd hate to think we'd bring it back if California balanced its budget. Christy The following comment is related to “Event shines light on military sexual assault” (May 2) People need to go to the site www.theusmarinesrape.com. It tells the story of how even a congressman helped the Marines allow a rapist to go free and how they purposely mishandled the case. A sheriff's department is backing the victim up with her evidence, they don't have jurisdiction, but are trying to get those who do to do something. Semper fidelis wasn't meant for rapists! Anonymous
Would you invest in Facebook stocks?
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
“A couple of years ago I would say yes, but not anymore. Facebook is not that important.” Ani Grigoryan, undecided
“I wouldn’t. I’m not a person who buys stocks. Plus, Facebook is for socializing, not business.” Naoni Padilla, child development
“I would, but not a whole lot. I want to test it out because there is a tipping point for everything.” Chad Ladines, communication
“I would. It seems like a fast growing business. It’ll get better and better.” Talin Puni, undecided
“No. They are selling it for a reason. It will be a bear market soon.” Juan Carbajal, art
“Yes. You have to learn how to make money out of people. I would do it ASAP.” Jose Espinoza, architecture
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.
ONLINE POLL RESULTS Online, we asked: Do you support President Obama’s stance on gay marriage? Results as of 5 p.m. Wednesday: 88% Yes 12% No
vote at pccCourier.com
“Something better will eventually come out. Everyone hates timeline, so no.” Marissa Medine, business management
“No. Facebook is going downhill. People will get fed up with all the format changes.” Nathan Pino, communications.”
“No. Eventually it is going to be outdated and something better will come along.” Alyssa Medina, business management
“I wouldn’t. They sell your information. They’re wildly unethical.” Eli Holshtin, undecided
Reporting by: Edwin Lee, Photos by: Justin Clay and Neil Protacio:
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 email to cornejo_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) 5857130 or via email to protacio_courier@yahoo.com.
News
May 17, 2012
Courier
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Realignment plan adjusted again CHRISTINE MICHAELS Staff Writer
Major modifications were made to a key committee’s realignment proposal after a heated debate at an Academic Senate meeting on Monday. The Priorities and Planning committee’s realignment plan, which entailed changes to divisions, adjustments to dean positions as well as realignment of some programs, was adjusted once again at the Senate meeting, revealing more concerns with the proposal. The academic Sentate voted unanimously to appoint permanent deans to the Visual Arts and Media Studies and Math divisions for the coming fiscal year.
Senate Secretary Martha Bonilla fought to offer the Math and VAMS deans permanent positions. “It would honor them more…I’m hesitant to leave these departments in this nebulous position,” she said. The original proposal to maintain permanent deans for the Library, Social Sciences, Languages, English, and Natural Sciences, Health Sciences and Performing and Communication Arts divisions was supported with a 17 to 2 vote. Proposed changes to the Business and Engineering and Technology divisions were debated over whether to continue with three dean - level vacancies. The vacancies include Director of CTE and Workforce Development,
and deans for the Business and E & T divisions, according to Vice President of Educational Services Bob Miller. Faculty Association President Roger Marheine expressed major concern with the vacancies. “I’m uncomfortable with voting on anything [regarding the vacancies] without further discussion,” he said, disrupting a vote on the proposal. Miller explained the Senate would be voting to keep the positions as they are. The vote was split with 8 yes and 10 no, leaving changes to the divisions currently on hold. Community Education Center representative Danny Hamman was concerned over the proposed changes to the CEC, which the
Planning and Priorities committee decided would have a permanent dean who would report to the vice president of educational services, Miller, instead of the vice president of instruction, Bell. “The status quo for the last two months was to report to the VP of Educational Services, but the status quo for the last 30 years was to report to the VP of Instruction,” said Hamman. “We would be willing to report to Educational Services, but only as an interim plan, since we understand Dr. Bell is very busy,” he said. Academic Senate President Ed Martinez explained the proposal was done “for practical reasons, since Dr. Bell does need a break.” Hamman argued that the
change to report to Ed Services seemed to “separate [CEC] from the college.” Martinez moved to modify the proposal so the CEC dean would report to the VP of Instruction after July, 2013. The vote was unanimous in approval. With the modification, the vote was also unanimous to accept a permanent CEC dean. By unanimous vote, the Senate supported moves of Architecture and Fashion into the VAMS division, the Kinesiology Health and Athletics division to the Natural Sciences division, and Computer Science programs to the Math division. The modified proposal will be considered by College Council on June 27.
Library shifts to a new database CHRISTINE MICHAELS Staff Writer
The Shatford Library is shifting its current database to a new catalog database, according to library Dean Mary Ann Laun. The new database, called “Worldshare,” will be “funded state - wide for all libraries,” said Laun via email. “Students have easily embraced it and [it is] appropriate for our undergraduate level.” Last year, college catalogs state – wide cost over $37,000, according to Laun, so the new database will be much less costly. The change was made, Laun explained because “change is a way of life in libraries.” The new database interface is similar to the heavily used PSYarticles database at the library. Access Services Librarian and team leader of the database implementation team, Pearl Ly, said she is very happy to have the new catalog up soon. “It’s better for students, and [‘Worldshare’] is more organized. It’ll be more clean and easier for students to navigate through,” said Ly. “The new catalog also works ‘in the cloud,’ [meaning], we won’t have a server on campus anymore since the new catalog is entirely internet – based.” The library has a physical server that is used to keep the current, yet outdated catalog “Voyager” running, according to Ly. “‘Voyager’ is 12 years old,” said Ly. “The server we
Daniel Nerio/Courier Librarian Pearl Ly shows The Pepperdine University website search interface OCLC's that will be the Shatford Library’s new website search interface.
have will give out soon, so the change will save us money and our Librarian, Dan Haley, and IT programmer Jeff Laun, won’t be using as much time working to keep the server running.” Ly explained the cataloging process is excruciatingly complicated. “If you go down to the first floor of the library, you will
see at least four people cataloging all of the sources here,” said Ly. “We are glad, library – wide, that this shift was approved, too.” Director of Management Information Systems Dale Pittman approved the catalog shift. It’s really a functional kind of system. I liked it,” he said.
Activist campaign in Mariana Islands GALEN PATTERSON-SMITH Online Editor
Gabriela Castillo / Courier Political science major Kelvin Rodeo is fighting for change in his native country of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.
Student activist, Kelvin Rodeo, political science, has launched a new campaign in his struggle for change in the government of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. The campaign is part of a micro-blogging service called Tumblr. Rodeo, inspired by the effectiveness of the occupy movement earlier this year, decided to start a similar campaign. “I noticed I haven’t been reaching my target audience,” said Rodeo “I got to thinking I should do something like that.” Rodeo came to the U.S. in 2007 after spending the first eighteen years of his life on the island of Saipan, which is part of the CNMI. He joined the NAVY and was honorably discharged after four years of service, when he began attending PCC. The purpose is to re-inspire people to not lose faith in the CNMI. Many have lost hope,
said Rodeo. “Most of the people I talk to [in the CNMI], especially kids, are saying they’re just going to leave when they graduate and have no plans to return,” said Rodeo. Immigration is rapidly becoming more of an issue in the CNMI, whose population in 2000 was 69,221 and shrank by roughly 20 percent to 53,883 in 2010 according to the census bureau. The Tumblr page, titled Anothercnmiispossible, asks people to post a picture, holding a sign stating their vision for a better CNMI. Participants hold the sign in front of their face, showing just part of it, granting anonymity to them, according to Rodeo. The CNMI is plagued by nepotism and corruption, said Rodeo. “Although we don’t agree on all issues, we agree in greater transparency, honesty, ending corruption and misspending [within the government],” said Ed Propst, a public school sys-
tem worker in the CNMI. Although Rodeo has created the page for the public, people still seem reluctant to participate. “It’s been around for two months and I still have only four entries,” said Rodeo. According to Rodeo, the problem is that people praise the work he does, but not enough people take action. “Ideally, what I’d like to happen is for it to [gain popularity] and people start adding things,” said Rodeo. Rodeo urges citizens of the CNMI to take action and encouraging them to make a difference. One entry on the Tumblr page, posted by Galvin Deleon Guerrero, states: “My CNMI is a place where bright, talented, innovative people…live JFK’s mantra, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” “I’m 6,000 miles away and I’m not giving up hope, but I can only do so much,” said Rodeo.
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Max Perez/Courier Students wait to board the Metro Gold Line at its stop on Allen Ave, the closest stop to PCC. Justin Clay/Courier One of the electric carts used by the PCC Campus Police, parked in the Quad. Cadets use them to patrol the campus.
Getting from A to PCC Antonio Gandara/Courier Garen Erganian, 21, mechanical engineering major, stands proudly in his Toyota Tacoma truck on Monday.
Blair Wells/Courier A rare sight on campus, this sleek Honda CB400 Four Super Sport is sighted in the parking lot. Blair Wells/Courier A skateboarding student takes a break on campus in the afternoon sun.
Blair Wells/Courier A decked out bike is chained up to one of the many bike racks near the Quad.
Antonio Gandara/Courier John Edwards, 24, Natural Sciences, takes advantage of the less crowded parking lots on campus toward the end of the semester.
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Art & Entertainment
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May 17, 2012
Dancers rehearse for performance BRANDON DREXEL Staff Writer
As dancers jump and spin, choreographers give critiques and offer advice. It’s all in an effort to perfect the upcoming performance “ChoreoTales”, which begins on Friday in Sexson Auditorium. “The concept of “Chore-Tales”, has to do with stories expressed through movement,” said Director Cheryl Banks-Smith. “ Some of the dance narratives are literal and others are more abstract but inspired by some aspect of literature.” she added “I asked the student choreographers
of our Dance Performance class to draw from authors, novels, poetry, lyrics from music that inspired them and use that as the starting point of their choreographic explorations,” she said. The pieces are narrated by a live poet, said Banks-Smith. “We’ve been rehearsing the performance for nearly 12 weeks,” said Adriana Benevento, a student choreographer. She said it was difficult to create choreography due to, “so many different backgrounds of dancers.” “Trying to make everyone look good was tough,” she said. “It’s been pretty stressful,” said
Chris Curry, another one of the student choreographers. Curry’s piece is titled “My Ear Shall Catch Your Voice”, and is the final piece. Curry, who takes the class as an independent study, says that he sometimes only gets 20 to 30 minutes to rehearse, but adds that he makes up for time by rehearsing with some of the performers on their downtime. “[The best part is] seeing development and growth of the dancers,” said Banks-Smith. “I’m concerned about technical details,” she said, adding that the technical aspects can be tough. “We’ve got a good group, everyone’s supportive,” she said.
Daniel Nerio/Courier PCC Student Ashley Thweatt prepares for the Choreo-Tales, Poetic Trails
Poets compete for cash prizes in contest
Choir offers hope in song BRENDA RENTERIA Staff Writer
The Gospel Choir was dressed to the nines on Saturday night at the Spring 2012 concert at the Sexson Auditorium, where the choir was ready to sing praise. The choir started off the concert by belting out the upbeat song “Better Days” by Jonathan Nelson, proving that choir members don’t need microphones to get their message across. This number was a great choice to help put the audience in a cheery dancing and clapping mood. At first, the nervousness of some of the choir members was apparent as their bodies looked stiff, they danced and clapped on stage, but the nerves seemed to subside with every song and were absent by the final number. The concert was filled with gospel music ranging from joyful, upbeat numbers “I’m Healed” to more somber heartening pieces “I Love To Worship You.” The Gospel Choir showed great vocal range in every number, and when intermission was over, several individuals were
Biannual event nonors three students DUSTY EARL Staff Writer
Anthony Richetts/Courier Doc Hayes, a tenor of the PCC Gospel Choir, steals the show, singing "The Song of Moses" at the Gospel Choir's event at PCC's Sexson Auditorium on May 12.
given the occasion to shine. The solo of the night belonged to tenor Doc Hayes as he performed “The Song of Moses.” The song started off slow with Hayes starting with spoken words before the choir broke through with song. Hayes’ solo felt so genuine and heartfelt that by the end of the song he had tears running down his face and some audience members had tears in their eyes. Audience member Angela Brown appreciated the show, “I love gospel music, and I come watch the [gospel] choir every chance I get,” she said. Brown continued clapping and dancing
in her seat throughout the show. Before the intermission, as the performers walked off stage, Choir Director Betty Griffin Keller, couldn’t resist and took the microphone, singing the final notes of the song, “there’s no one like you,” as the crowd clapped and sang along. Soprano, Lucia Padin, the first solo of the night, sang the slow ballad “I Love To Worship You.” For a tiny, young woman, Padin had one of the biggest voices of the night, and her fellow choir members cheered her on as she belted out the high notes. Prior to the last number, Keller asked all the mothers in the audience to stand as choir mem-
bers passed out carnations to all the mothers and the eldest mother in the crowd received a bouquet from Keller herself. The last song of the night was “Jesus Center of My Joy,” which was proclaimed the choir’s anthem by Keller. The audience seemed mesmerized by the choir as it kept their focus on the choir the entire time. By the end of the performance many of the audience members were on there feet cheering. Keller closed out the show by thanking the audience and saying, “I love you all; you’ve done a great job.”
Third annual sustainable living event scheduled VERONICA CRISAFULLI Contributing Writer
The Associated Students’ Sustainability Committee will sponsor it’s third annual Sustainable Living Week starting Tuesday, with a series of sustainability documentary screenings and workshops run by local organizers with environmental groups like Transition Nela, Can Coffee, and Arroyo Seco Foundation. “The goal is to inform students of on-campus programs, resources, and activism,” said the committee’s vice chair and geology major Jason Carmen. “It’s also an opportunity to network with these local organizations.” Mike Lara, the city of
Pasadena’s recycling outreach consultant, has confirmed his participation in the event along with Pasadena’s Department of Water and Power. “We’ll also be giving away fair trade coffee and vegan food,” Carmen said. Since Spring 2010, the Sustainability Committee has consisted of a body of student leaders who propose sustainability policies and organize on-campus events in efforts to promote awareness of environmental, economic, and social issues on campus. This includes a progressive zero-waste policy and consistent educational documentary screenings in the Quad. Carmen reflects on his activism and the committee’s
main goal. “I’ve learned how to make changes on campus,” he said. “What we’re trying to do is express how sustainability equally involves economics, social justice, and environmental issues. These are all relevant to climate change and our impact on the planet.” Replacing grass with drought resistant plants and replacing light bulbs with LED lights are just a few of the committee’s short term goals that would mean less dependence on Pasadena’s Department of Water and Power. “[In the fall], many of PCC’s facilities will be fuel-cell powered, meaning they will produce their own electrical power,” said
AS Vice President of Sustainability Hanna Israel. She wants to make PCC energy independent and act as a resource for the community. “What we need is a sustainability resource center,” Israel said. “Then we would be institutionalizing sustainability and letting all of our students know what we’re doing.” In addition, Israel notes that integrating sustainability across the curriculum is a necessary goal, and that she is happy with the handful of empathetic teachers who have already done so. “All faculty should help make the connection by encouraging our students to make ethical and environmental lifestyle choices,” said Israel.
A poetry slam competition was held at PCC May 8 in the Creveling Lounge. Participants were from the PCC Speech and Debate team that in March took second place in the California Community College Forensics Association State Championship Speech & Debate Tournament. The second of a biannual event, was hosted by Joshua Fleming, performing arts, and coach of the speech and debate team. Entrants stepped up to the microphone and recited original works, part poetry part spoken word. Several judges dispersed around the crowd scored each performance and those with high enough scores moved on to the final round. First place honors, and a cash prize of $50 went to Kevin Lopez. Second place and $25 went to Cassie Yeager. Both had also earned gold medals in the state competition. Lopez, was elated. “It feels great to come in first, especially since I got second in the last [poetry slam] competition,” he said. Yeager was pleased with second since it was her first time competing in the slam, and is “looking forward to competing again in the next one,” she said. Fleming said the turn out was good. “It’s a great way to get people interested in speech and debate, and get the word out about the team,” he said. Fleming hopes the event will draw in prospective team members. “There’s a lot of talent on campus,” he said.
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Chinese ensemble shows its talent
Modern dance brings it on
Spring concert features popular and traditional music COLIN SUM Staff Writer
KARLA SOSA Staff Writer
The Modern Dance Production of PCC presented Suite Entertainment, which included soundtracks from different movies, in two performances May 11 and 12. “We’re artists, composers. We’ve gone beyond that term of choreography, to being dance composer. It’s fresh, renovated, our moves are something that haven’t been done before,” said Catrelia ‘Rikki’ Magee the Artistic Director. When the production was about to start the Catrelia “Rikki Magee gave a brief speech and talked about the dancing program and what students have been working on. Before everything started Magee showed a picture slide show of the work that students have been doing. The first dance performance included the entire group of dancers in the dance production. Catrelia “Rikki Magee composed the dance. Later throughout the production students also did solo performances. The dances included salsa beats and romantic beats. All of the students created their own
Courier
Minela Dela Cruz/Courier Avon Tsai, 19, performing arts, dances to a number from the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack, "Jai Ho," on May 11 in the Creveling Lounge.
dances. “The students had to do research of the moves they were going to do and why they were going to do those movements,” said Magee. Sherry Djie, dance, preformed a production from the soundtrack of Memories of a Geisha. “It took me two months to do my routine. I wanted to do this song because I’m Japanese and I wanted to share my culture with the rest of the audience,” said Dije. Richard Diaz, dance, said this was his first time performing in front of an audience. “I haven’t taken a dance class before and but this was a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s a lot of hard work, but the experience was amazing, I’m really glad I took this class. I’m feeling a lot more relieve now that the production is over,” said Diaz
A spring concert showcasing the various talents of the PCC Chinese Music Ensemble was held at Harbeson Hall on Saturday. The ensemble played several mixes of popular and traditional Chinese music composed by students and faculty members, according to ensemble director Cynthia Hsiang. Also in attendance were two guest soloists Zhiming Han and Yunhe Liang. “They [guest soloists] are very kind and have been playing with us for 10 years,” Hsiang said. “The Music Department is [also] very supportive and generous [enough] to help us.” As listed on the program, the first few performances were done in groups while the latter part of the concert was performed through solos, duets, or smaller groups. Instruments used were the erhu, dizi, guzheng, and yangqin, Hsiang said in an introduction speech at the beginning of the concert. Others used were the piano, drums, and cymbals. “The erhu is a Chinese twostring fiddle and is similar to the violin,” Hsiang said. “The only difference is that the bow [of the erhu] cannot be removed. [The erhu] is standard for opera and ensemble. The dizi is a Chinese
Students and staff members take a bow after the Chinese music Ensemble concert directed by Cynthia Hsiang on May 12.
bamboo flute and is a universal instrument. “The yangqin is the Chinese butterly harp and a type of hammered dulcimer,” Hsiang said. ”It is played by striking two sticks [hammers] against a stringboard. The person playing [the yangqin] would sit in the center and act as a conductor. The guzheng, or zheng, is a Chinese long zither and an ancestor to the Japanese koto. It sounds very pretty and is similar to the guitar. [The zheng] can be played in an ensemble or as a solo.” Hsiang said songs that were played ranged from popular classics like “Butterfly Dreams” by An Huang to more modern ones like “East Wind Breaks” by popular Taiwanese singer Jay Chou. “I usually pick tunes suitable to the instrument or that are eas-
ier for students to pick up,” Hsiang said. “I also include songs from [previous] centuries. I want [my students] to experience different styles from other centuries.” The PCC Chinese Music Ensemble is also part of a class offered by the Music Department. Chinese music major Frances Ching, who played the erhu alongside the other performers in the ensemble, said she and the class practice every Thursday night. In a phone interview with Hsiang, she said the one-unit class is available in the spring and fall semesters and students can retake the class up to a maximum of four times. However, she also said students can come back to volunteer and play as part of the ensemble.
‘Avengers’ gets students pumped PHILIP MCCORMICK Staff Writer
PCC students are raving about the blockbuster hit The Avengers, as it continues to be number one at the box office after two weeks from its release. “The movie was really epic,” said Mindy Sato, majoring in general health and who saw it twice. “Joss Whedon is a great director and lets his cast interpret their roles as they see fit.” The movie has an all-star cast starring Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Evans as Captain America, Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk and Chris Hemsworth as Thor. It is a nonstop thrill ride, with action scene after action scene. The Avengers is the hottest movie in the United States right now, having shattered the opening weekend box office record by bringing in $200 million. It was one of the most anticipated movies of the year and it did not disappoint. “It was a fantastic movie,” said
Jash Weikle, who is majoring in multi-media. “Strong colors work out well for a cinematic movie such as The Avengers. It helps that you know who is fighting who in the fight scenes, if you can recognize their colors.” The Avengers tells the story of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.E.I.L.D getting four super heroes to team up and save the world from an attacking alien force. But to do that they must work out their differences and fight together as a team or risk losing everything they hold dear. “It was a well put together film,” said Cesar Martinez, who is majoring in TV film. “And there was a good balance between the super heroes.” It took Marvel five motion pictures, that pre-queled the movie, to finally get to The Avengers. Each super hero had his own movie and Iron Man had two. Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, has said that there will be a sequel and that it is already in development.
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Women veterans share their stories NATALIE SEHN WEBER Staff Writer
Veteran men’s stories are well recorded, yet women's roles in the armed forces have been largely overlooked. On any given day, only a handful of women veterans can be found using PCC’s Veteran’s Resource Center, including U.S. Navy veteran and paralegal studies major Lisa Castañeda, 23. Castañeda works part-time at the VRC and uses its tutoring services. “There are about 200 women veterans on campus [but] I could probably count on my fingers and toes how many I know here,” she said. Castañeda’s military career began as many do. She left for boot camp straight out of high school. She served five years working on an aircraft carrier as aviation boatswain’s mate. Her job: to help prepare jets for take off. Castañeda would hook one end of a 75pound bar to a jet, the other to a catapult. The bar held back the jet as it reached full throttle, then the catapult slung the jet into flight. “It’s a man’s job,” she said. “I was the only female in my work center for almost a year.” Gaining the respect of her male peers was a fulltime job, Castañeda said. “On the flight deck, a guy had to prove himself once,” she said, “[but] a woman had to prove herself every day.” Veteran Kelsey De Santis, 23, was often the only woman in her unit during her five years of service. De Santis was in high school and considering the U.S. Navy when her passion for martial arts sent her in an entirely different direction. Since the age of 16, De Santis had competed in Muay Thai fighting.
A U.S. Marine Corps recruiter told her she might become a martial arts trainer if she joined the military police. “I really lucked out. I didn’t even know there were female Marines,” De Santis said. She would attain the highest security clearance and transferred to the Presidential Helicopter Squadron. Her unit transported President Obama and cabinet members. De Santis later trained hand-to-hand combat to Marine Corps martial arts instructors. Her students were men, in the top 10 percent and the majority outranked her. “As a women in a leadership position, [some men] definitely tried to buck up to me,” she said. She learned to diffuse such situations by holding her ground and speaking tactfully. Despite being in the minority, De Santis said it was still the best experience that she’d ever had. Similarly, criminal justice major Magdalena Castillo, 28, found the military life suited her. Castillo said joining the military was her first choice after graduating from high school, so she joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 18. “I really had nothing going for me at the time,” she said. Castillo completed four sea-based deployments in the Persian Gulf and one south of the Equator. “The ship was my job,” she said. As boatswain’s mate, Castillo painted and cleaned the aircraft carrier. She manned its anchor. She even drove it. After serving eight years, transitioning back to the civilian world was a challenge, she said. “If you didn’t have a set plan when you got out, it was difficult to [find] housing, employment and enroll in school,”
Natalie Sehn Weber/Courier Student veterans Megan Rodriguez, Kelsey De Santis, Lisa Castañeda, Magdalena Castillo and Armi Sandoval take a break outside PCC’s Veterans Resource Center.
Castillo said. Being a civilian requires an entirely different set of skills, according to U.S. Navy veteran and business major Armi Sandoval. Sandoval spent much of her ten-year military career working in offices on the USS John F Kennedy aircraft carrier. She became accustomed to someone else managing her day-to-day actions, she said. “Now, I’m basically free [which requires] more self-motivation,” Sandoval said. Fortunately, PCC veterans’ counselors helped her acclimate to college life, she said. Veteran Megan Rodriguez, 22, was attending PCC when she joined the U.S. Air Force and became an airman first class. “[As an airman,] you’re basically at the
bottom of the hierarchy,” Rodriguez said. A member of the security forces, her job required rigorous training but the protective gear she wore was designed for men’s bodies, she said. A petite woman, her protective vest fell below her hips. “I couldn’t run as fast, so my full potential was limited,” Rodriguez said. Although she recently transferred to another college, she still visits PCC’s VRC. “They have a very strong support system and advocate for veterans,” Rodriguez said. Each woman said she’d like to see more women at the VRC. “I can talk to [civilian] students, but I relate to female veterans on an [entirely] different level,” said Castañeda.
Tips for employment interviews available at job fair PAUL OCHOA Asst. News Editor
Getting a job is not as easy as it used to be in these hard economic times, but to help students with this dilemma PCC is having a job fair today in the Creveling lounge from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Career Center had a workshop on interviewing for a job on Monday to prepare students for the job fair. James Marsh, who works at Cal Works and has had experience in interviewing, talked at the workshop about how important the interview is to getting a
job, and how there are certain things to do in an interview to land or lose a job. Marsh emphasized showing up to the interview on time and knowing where it will be. “Pick a time that is best for you. If they’re going to take the time to interview you, you don’t want to waste their time, try and think of your schedule ahead of time. Always know where you are going and who you are meeting,” said Marsh. He also talked about the importance of making an impression on potential employ-
ers by dressing professionally and showing up early. “You want to look church nice, not club nice he said.” Be on the conservative side. Be early so you have a little getting-lost time or time to relax if you are nervous. It also just looks good.” He tells students to prepare and do research on the company they are interviewing with. “Always prepare ahead of time, do a little research on the company and also be ready to talk about yourself,” he said. The little things also matter said Marsh, like eye contact and
remembering the interviewers name. “Look the person in the eyes and try to remember their name so you can thank them for their time after. Have fresh breath and don’t chew gum.” “Ask them questions so you can find out who you are working for and it looks good, don’t ask about money.” After an interview, Marsh advises students to call or email their potential employer. “You want to follow up with the interview with a phone call or an email because sometimes
they interview people and put it on the back shelf,” he said. Krishna Arajagopallan, communications, attended the workshop and described it as informative. “It was really informative and I learned a lot of things I did not know before,” said Arajagopallan. On tips for the job fair Marsh told students to bring multiple copies of their resume, to keep the resume at one page, have confidence, sit up straight, give clear answers and try to be descriptive.
Conference brings discrimination to light Continued from page 1
graduating from UCLA. It was not until the immigration amnesty of 1986 that Cortez-Davis could finally feel comfortable with the sound of her own voice, she said. “I was determined to speak for those who could not speak for themselves…I marched on campus, I spoke at rallies, I wrote to the Daily Bruin,” said Cortez-Davis. Throughout college, financial pressure continued to be an everyday companion until she graduated, she said. In addition to her story of achievement, Cortez-Davis urged supporting the federal Dream Act and gave several examples of immigrants who, thanks to higher education, have made a difference and become exemplary citizens. “I’m living proof that investing in the education of youth, regardless of immigration status, makes financial sense for our state and for our country,” Cortez-Davis said. “How do we hack into this highly motivated group of bright, young people who may include some of our future doctors, engineers and entrepreneurs?” she asked. Cortez-Davis encouraged people to help illegal immi-
grants bridge the gap “to go from underground, to understood.” English instructor Mikage Kuroki was chair of the conference themed Bridging Communities: Looking Forward/Looking Back. “I wanted something that would connect to [both undocumented and legal students] and empower them,” she explained. “[The] undocumented students issue is a big [one] and the Dream Act is something that people need to know about,” said Kuroki. Dressed in a professional business suit, carrying a black canvas bag with the imprint of an “illegals crossing” sign, Cortez-Davis talked about the importance of voting: “If you can’t vote, your voice should not be limited…call on us who are free to speak…everyone’s voices matter in the immigration debate,” she said. Cortez-Davis invited her mother to the podium, thanked her for her efforts and wished her a Happy Mother’s Day. The applause continued for minutes. “I cried a lot of times when reading your book,” student Pei Zhao, a nursing major, tells Cortez-Davis. She said that her family encountered similar struggles
Sabrina Hsu/ Courier Yenny Ruedas, Joi Briana Perez, Daisy Vargas presented their project about discrimination in the Creveling Lounge.
to Cortez-Davis’, and that the book inspired her. Cortez-Davis wrote her first book to maintain a record of the experiences of her family “as amnesia insurance” for future generations “[We must] not forget where we began and why we are here in the first place,” she said. “I’m simply an ordinary person who was granted an extraordinary opportunity to live the American Dream,” says Cortez-Davis.
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New chief has long career in law enforcement Continued from page 1
career in law enforcement, both in the military and civilian arenas. He also comes from a background of emergency management planning and implementation.” Prior to his 27-year-career with the CHP, Perez said he enlisted in the Air Force three days after his seventeenth birthday. After the CHP, Perez had a brief run for El Dorado County sheriff. His career is vast for a man of only 55 years, but he was humble and soft spoken as he
descried the interview process for his PCC position. “Without question [it was] the most involved, most rigorous, most challenging process that I have ever gone through,” he said. “Chief Perez was chosen from an initial pool of dozens of candidates,” Van Pelt said of the arduous selection process. “We narrowed the field down to eight highly qualified people, who were interviewed. That was then reduced to four finalists, then two, and Chief Perez was selected.”
President Rocha praised the newcomer. “I did interview Chief Perez for the position and I can tell you we are very fortunate to have a leader with such a distinguished record of accomplishment,” he said. “I know that Chief Perez will enhance the safety and security of the entire college community and continue the tradition of our campus police department as a service organization.” With a long career of public service it isn’t surprising that Perez has had to deal with
Fewer class sections to be offered in fall
years ago, Perez is more concerned with the success and well-being of the officers and cadets under his wing. He noted that the most traumatic moments in his career involved removing someone from their position or breaking the news of a fallen officer to their family. “I love being the person who guides somebody through life. I love that ability to take care of somebody,” Perez said. “I always see the world and my life in the greatest possible perspective.”
Gloomy outlook for budget if initiative fails Continued from page 1
Continued from page 1
Bell said that division deans worked with faculty on what options were available. Officials plan to offer more seats in some classes, especially English and Math classes, and others in high demand. “[The] key is the budget driving a lot of this…we are being forced to offer [fewer] class sections,” Bell said about the current state budget. According to Bell, things could be much worse. “[Glendale college] has already cancelled summer, and is in talks to cancel winter 2013,” he pointed out.
adversity and challenges. However, Perez said he prefers to diffuse potentially dangerous situations by using every verbal negotiating tactic available, even in dealings with gang members. That philosophy that has served him well and possibly minimized the number of enemies that he may have racked up as a result of performing his duties. The inherent personal dangers associated with his job don’t seem to bother Perez. As an embodiment of the “spit and polished” officer he met all those
“We are hoping that [the tax initiative] will pass, but it would be foolhardy and mismanagement if we did not have a plan in case it does not pass,” Bell said. Roger Marheine, president of the PCC Faculty Association said he did not yet have a specific number for the cuts. “The FA has maintained that
while Sacramento has been in crisis, PCC has been storing away significant amounts of cash… while cutting classes,” Marheine said in an email. “[PCC] has an educational obligation to its students to maintain programs…sadly the PCC administration has not lived up to that standard.”
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with the passage option.” Dissecting and explaining the fiscal situation during the web conference was Scott Lay, president and CEO of the Community College League of California. Lay’s main point was that passage of the initiative would restore Proposition 98 to the funding levels it received in 2007-08. Proposition 98 requires a minimum percentage of the state budget to be allocated to K-14 education. Lay stressed the significance of this increased revenue to Proposition 98 because of the cuts community colleges have experienced in the past few years. “Community colleges
have been cut $809 million since ’08-09,” Lay said. “If the tax measure fails, more automatic trigger cuts will occur.” In the next few weeks hearings and legislative committees will meet and will have until June 15 to send the 2012-13 budget to the governor. And, by Jan. 1 of next year, trigger reductions will take effect if the revenue targets are not met.
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May 17, 2012
SPORTS
Badminton wins fourth SCC title BRENDA RENTERIA Asst. Sports Editor
The all freshman women’s badminton team has won its fourth consecutive South Coast Conference title finishing the season with a record of 13-1, with one team member wining the state championship. The Lancers received their only loss to San Diego City College (SDCC) in the Southern California Championships Semi Finals, where the team was beaten 16-5. Although the team lost its chance at a state team title with the loss to SDCC, a few of the players would continue on to the Southern California Individual Championships. Player, Angie Ortiz, made PCC history on Saturday by winning the state singles championship at SDCC bringing the first state title to PCC in 13 years. Cynthia Gutierrez would battle her way through the tournament to place in the top eight. The team this year consisted of all first year collegiate players and the number one seat Ortiz had an undefeated record of 44-0 until the team faced SDCC in the SoCal Championships. In the five years that Coach Bill Sanchez
Angie Ortiz used aggressive defense to wear down her opponent Evonne Zheng, the number one seed from City College San Francisco, becoming the first singles winner in PCC history.
has been in charge of the team his career record at the end of this season is 53-10. The team has won 36 straight South Coast Conference Games starting back from the 2010 season. “Two years ago no one covered us and our team had to hustle two days before the season just to make sure we had uniforms,” said Sanchez. The coach believes the credit for making this a successful program goes to the players of the 2010 season not him. Players like Assistant Coach Jessica Nguyen-Le and her teammates put this program on the map for PCC by playing their hearts out, he said. “Now, we have great support not just from PCC but all of Pasadena,” said Sanchez. “I’m proud every day of this team because they play hard,” said the Coach. This year’s team has grown so close; no one knew each other at the beginning of the season and now they have turned this season into one of the most fun seasons I’ve coached.” The Lancers have yet to win a state championship but the coach is optimistic, “I have the confidence that [the players] have the experience to compete,” said Sanchez.
Ronald Johnson / Courier
Top hoops player signs with Division 1 team NATALIE SEHN WEBER Multimedia Editor
Natalie Sehn Weber / Courier Star player Givon Crump has accepted a scholarship to CSU Fullerton
Basketball Lancer Givon Crump, 22, has signed with CSU Fullerton’s NCAA Division 1 basketball team, according to Coach Mike Swanegan. A four-year scholarship is included in the deal, according to Sports Information Specialist Robert Lewis. During his single semester at PCC, Crump placed seventh in the state for scores and assisted the Lancers towards second place in the SCC North Division, Lewis said. Crump was the team leader in points and rebounds, scoring 20
a game and grabbing 7.4 boards. Crump also showed off his range by shooting 37% from behind the arc. For those unfamiliar with basketball terminology, Crump’s position, small forward, sounds incompatible with his 6-foot-7 frame. However, it corresponds well with his athletic skills. “The small forward position shoots, dribbles and rebounds…whatever is needed to help the team win,” Crump said. Although Crump traveled to Hawaii and Utah to explore other colleges’ offers, he said Fullerton’s head coach, the team’s record and its players
influenced his decision. “Coach Bob Burton has been out to see me play and I’ve [watched the Titans] play quite a few times this season, so we have a great relationship,” Crump said. “[The Titans] finished second in conference last season and have a lot of returning talent,” he said. “I think we can build on that last season and hopefully win the big West conference.” As a freshman, Crump played for Bailey University and Fresno State, and was then recruited by Coach Swanegan to play with the Lancers. A communications major, Crump plans to continue train-
ing in radio and television production at CSU Fullerton and is considering a career as a radio host. Crump’s taste for basketball can be traced back to his youth in Washington D.C. “Growing up, my friends and I used to [to play basketball] at the park all the time,” he said. “I developed a love for the game.” Crump said an additional influence was his father, who is an Athletic Amateur Union coach for the Arizona Magic Basketball Club. When asked if his father pleased about Crump’s signing with the Titans, he smiled. “Definitely,” Crump said.
Bicycle riders pedal around campus DUSTY EARL Staff Writer
All across Los Angeles County, everywhere you go, there are bike paths and bike racks. Groups of riders, some quite large, can be seen, day and night, sharing the road with sedans and SUVs. Some ride for leisure, some for exercise, some out of necessity, but they all have one thing in common, and it has two wheels. PCC, with thousands of cash, and time-strapped students, is no different. The bike racks are frequently full, just as the parking lots fill with cars. Jasmin Olvera, ceramics, relies on her bike in conjunction with bus and rail to get to campus. “I don’t have a car, so I ride my bike pretty often.
Whenever I need to get somewhere,” she said. One appeal for students who ride to class is to avoid the cost of fuel and parking. Nick Gomez, international relations, divides his commute to class between riding his bike and driving. He doesn’t ride for leisure, “I’m more into saving money,” he said. Enrique Roman, television operations chooses to ride his bike to class instead of driving his car. “It’s easier than fighting for parking in the lot. It gets me to the center of school right next to my class. It saves me a lot of time and money,” he said. The bikes themselves are as varied as the riders. From mountain bikes to
beach cruisers, any type of bike can be seen chained to a post or flying past you on campus. Gerardo Casas, criminal justice, is looking forward to riding more since recently purchasing a brightly painted, neon green and yellow racing bike. Casas prefers his bike to other modes of transportation for a variety of reasons. “It’s a personal gain for me because I want to start losing weight and being more active, and a bike is the best way. You also save gas money. It’s a winwin,” he said. Whatever the motivation to ride, cyclists show no signs of slowing down, just as long as their legs don’t get tired.
Antonio Gandara / Courier Eduardo Remes-Maasberg, engineering major, is one of the many students who ride to campus.