COURIER
Swimmer Meet state’s 200 meter champ
Online edition pccCourier.com
Pasadena City College
Page 8» Volume 105, Issue 11
Facebook PCC Courier Twitter @pccCourier May 24, 2012
The independent student voice of PCC. Serving Pasadena Since 1915.
Ocean defender
New ‘kitty litter’ trial underway Ex-student accused in girlfriend’s slaying NICHOLAS ZEBROWSKI News Editor
Nicholas Saul / Courier Guitar Instructor Billy Arcila overlooks the Marine Protected Areas off the Palos Verdes coast while on patrol.
Guitar teacher seeks to heal the bay NICHOLAS SAUL Staff Writer
Excitement was high. Reports had come in that a sea otter was spotted just off the coast of Palos Verdes. “This is it,” Billy Arcila thought. “Just one of these and it’s a sign that the MPAs are working.” Arcila and the group he volunteers with, The Santa Monica Baykeeper, never did find the otter in the Marine Protected Area (MPA), but the day was not lost… PCC instructor Arcila teaches two guitar classes part-time while running his online guitar store. Then, when the occasion arrives, he sets out to sea as a volunteer diver and scout to help in
For a gallery of photographs, visit Courier online pccCourier.com kelp restoration and the tracking of endangered sea animals. On May 3, Arcila was out on a runof-the-mill transect, recording data and observing if the local fishermen were obeying the newly created no-fishing zones in the MPAs. But that day was different, an otter was spotted not too far from where Arcila would be patrolling.
The otter sighting was significant: it could hold tremendous benefits for the kelp system and the coast biodiversity. According to Arcila, the number one cause of the diminishment of the kelp forests is an influx of sea urchin that eat kelp day and night unhindered. The sea otter is their number one predator; the only problem is Southern California hasn’t had any sea otters since the early 1900s. “The reason kelp forests are so necessary is other fish spawn there, it’s like an underwater forest,” Arcila said. “Over 800 species of fish live in these areas and depend on the kelp to live Continued on page 7
A new witness is set to testify in the second trial of former PCC student Isaac Campbell, accused of killing his girlfriend, PCC student Liya “Jessi” Lu in 2007. The witness will testify to hearing noises in Campbell’s apartment the night Lu was killed. For up to the Campbell’s second trial in the slaying is underminute way in Arcadia Superior coverage, Court after his first trial visit Courier ended in December with a hung jury. online “During opening statepccCourier.com ments [we] described a witness that will testify to hearing sounds in the apartment,” said Deputy District Attorney Steve Ipson. “We are in the middle of trial now.” The witness, who did not testify in the first trial, was the downstairs neighbor of Campbell. According to Ipson, the witness will testify to hearing arguing, followed by a loud noise, then silence. Campbell, who has been in custody since 2007, is accused of killing Lu in his apartment and storing her body in Arcadia in a trashcan filled with kitty litter. Campbell is facing second-degree murder charges. Campbell was studying architecture at PCC while Lu, who earned an Associates Degree in Arts in 2006, returned to study nursing. According to Campbell’s father, the two dated for years. The two month long trial last year ended with a mistrial.
Sustainable living event highlights ‘green’ solutions LUIS RODRIGUEZ Staff Writer
Beneath Wednesday’s brightly burning afternoon sun – which was powering a small solar powered generator – the Associated Students’ Sustainability Committee choreographed the second day of its third annual “Sustainable Living Week” in the Quad. “We have a lot of great organizations here,” said Juan Diego Ashton, AS vice president for
sustainability elect. The events continue with a free movie screening today. One of the organizations, Green Menu, was promoting healthier living via dining at vegan and vegetarian friendly restaurants with one of its member cards. “The Green Menu member card is $20 a year and you can enjoy discounts at over 400 restaurants. We’re constantly inviting more restaurants to
Speak out! Was the 30day jail sen tence for the Rutgers bully the right one? vote at pccCourier.com
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New officers elected to AS NEIL PROTACIO Editor-in-Chief
Nikki Debbaudt / Courier AS Vice President of Sustainabiity Hanna Israel discusses PCCs efficiency improvements at the quad.
Simon Fraser was elected as Associated Student Board president in the election last week and Hanna Israel becomes the new Student Trustee. The Students for Progress slate won all the open seats on the board in the Tuesday/ Wednesday vote while the proposed amendments on the ballot remain in limbo. “It feels great that Students for
Open Market
Women in politics
Art students, faculty display and sell off their artwork.
Local political leaders address contemporary issues.
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News
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May 24 2012
Local politicians focus on womens’ issues EDWIN LEE Staff Writer
Female political figures came together for a special forum to shine light on underlying issues for women in politics and business. The Women in Leadership political forum was hosted by the Feminist Club on May 15. The event not only aimed to motivate the next generation to become active leaders for their communities, but also informed about the experiences and obstacles each speaker had to endure in pursuit of her goals. The forum included Charlotte Bland, Los Angeles City College Board of Trustees, Dr. Marina Khubesrian , South Pasadena City Council member, Anita Finlay, author of “Dirty Words on Clean Skin,” and Linda Wah, a member of PCC’s Board of Trustees member. “Equality is not taken seriously,” said Finlay. “It’s a wide-
spread problem. When people make these shocking, offensive jokes, women are just expected to laugh it off.” The forum posed different questions as each speakers offered their insights on society and how they had to overcome such obstacles. Bland, for instance, answered the question of balancing life and work by saying “you need to take care of yourself. Women are natural nurturers so you need time to replenish.” --Khubesrian had to find a balance between family obligations and what she wanted to do. “Finding time to take care of myself was not available and it took me a long time to find that balance,” she said. Women’s portrayal in the media also became a focus of the forum as it affected society’s perception of them. “Women are at such a disadvantage. We’re seen as entertain-
Neil Protacio/ Courier Anita Finlay signs a copy of her book, “Dirty Words, Clean Skin” for political science major Yusun Park on May 15.
ment. This is a big issue that affects everyone,” said Finlay. “Woman are held to a higher and
different standard than men. A woman also faces a double standard compared to men.”
One issue in particular interest was that of news coverage on politicians. “Men get more coverage on their political stance,” Finlay said. “Women, on the other hand, get more coverage on their appearance.” “I want to see more women involved in changing the way the media portrays our females,” Bland said during the forum. “When I look at a Carl’s Jr. commercial and she’s eating a Jalapeno Burger upside down, I get offended. They’re selling her sexuality for a food commercial.” The event also dipped into race and ethnicity. Wah talked about how Asian ethnicity gives a person some edge but also works against Asians at the same time. “[Asians] are seen as quiet and not outspoken thus overlooked when higher positions are available,” said Wah.
Romance sneaks up on pair while on study abroad trip KARLA SOSA Staff Writer
It should come as no surprise that two students can find love while studying abroad in one of the most romantic places in the world. This is what happened with Katie Figueroa Russell, who met her boyfriend at the airport, while she was on her way to
study abroad in Italy last fall. Russell’s favorite memory was meeting her boyfriend James. “Getting to experience a budding romance in a place as wonderful as Florence made for storybook quality memories,” said Russell. “This is the sort of thing you dream of happening and it really happened! And what’s so
nice is that by meeting him, I had someone to go out and do things with rather than staying in because nobody wanted to take a walk.” Russell, fine arts major, went to the study abroad program because of the amount of art and history it offered. “As a Fine Arts major, seeing the original works
that are printed in every book is phenomenal,” she said via email. “Getting to experience another culture first hand was really valuable in shaping my opinions of the world and expanding my horizons.” Max Wong, 42, has her master’s degree from USC and is currently attending PCC to learn
different foreign languages. “I loved going to Italy. There was a lot to learn. Every day there was something new,” said Wong. This study abroad program costs about of $7,995. To get more information about the program, informational meetings are scheduled for June 5 in room C217 at noon and 6 p.m.
Job fair brings employers to campus PAUL OCHOA Staff Writer
A job fair in the Creveling lounge on May 17, gave students an opportunity to find work and maybe even a career. Sponsored by the Career Center, employers included the Los Angeles Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Citi Bank, the Navy, Goodwill, and the Boys and Girls Club. “We are hiring and looking for students that are interested,” said Elodia Lopez, representing the LAPD. Recruiters seemed pleased. “There is a lot of qualified applicants and a lot are interested in getting a career,” said Mark Cortez, Navy representative. There were volunteers present to help students get the most out of the job fair. “We are here to help guide the students and give them some helpful tips in order to present themselves in front of potential employers,” said Edgar Aleman, volunteer. Even though there was a wide selection to choose from, not all students felt it was enough. “It is great that there is some kind of opportunity but I wish there were more people,” said Stephanie Chhea, undeclared. Miguel Gallaga, business, was disappointed with the number of private companies present at the event.
Antonio Gandara/ Courier Veronica Lopez, fashion and merchandising, gets a business card from Eloisa Rudeen, a Mary Kay rep.
“I was hoping for more private companies to be here. So far I am not too thrilled,” said Gallaga. Steven Romero, fine arts, felt the job fair was good but there were not enough different kinds of businesses. “It’s not bad for a small little job fair but it needs a little more variety,” said Romero. The variety may not have been as large as some were expecting, but that didn’t stop others from gaining knowledge about certain careers.
PCC Pulse wins first prize at competition RAYMOND PECSON Staff Writer
The Public Relations Department earned five awards at the Community College Public Relations Organization Annual Conference, including first place for Pulse, the college’s online news blog, and second for social marketing. “Being recognized by both peers and industry professionals at CCPRO really shows that PCC is creating effective and compelling publicity materials,” said Juan Gutierrez, director of public
relations. According to Gutierrez, public relations is used in business and sports to supply information to a wide audience. In addition PCC also uses public relations to promote student and faculty successes, he said. “Pulse is an innovative solution for increasing transparency and communication on our campus [though] it’s designed for employees,” said Mon-Shane Chou, Associated Students vice president for public relations. Although Pulse is aimed toward faculty, social media is
now being used to inform students about campus happenings, said Gutierrez. He said that PCC is taking to Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter to communicate with students and staff. The school’s social media web pages and RSS feed are all linked to the PCC web site and are regularly updated. “Winning the social networking category is especially satisfying. It shows that the college is moving toward a more interactive and multimedia platform,” said Gutierrez. “It’s a low cost... way to connect with students,” he added.
May 24 2012
Opinion
Courier
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Courier Romney’s bullying past is still relevant
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
DUSTY EARL Staff Writer
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The son of Governor George Romney, young Mitt was a natural leader among his peers. John Lauber, one of Mitt's classmates, who was consistently bullied for being different and his perceived homosexuality, returned from Spring Break with a new bleached-blond hair style. This bothered Romney, who led a group of students to hold a sobbing Lauber down while he cut his hair. Gary Hummel, another target of Romney's, was a closeted gay classmate whom he taunted with shouts of "atta girl" whenever he spoke in English class. With growing concern over bullying in schools, especially of
Some may argue that a candidate's past has no bearing on his present character or with the campaign. However, the way they handle a shameful incident from their past tells you a lot about their present character. Earlier this month, the Washington Post published an in-depth look at the high school days of Republican presidential hopeful, Mitt Romney. The portrait they paint is far beyond the childhood prankster Romney claims to have been. In 1965, Romney was a cleancut high school senior at the prestigious Cranbrook School in
LGBT teens, one would hope that Romney would address this issue seriously. After the story broke, Romney went on Fox News Radio, and offered a general apology. Despite several eyewitness accounts, he couldn't recall the events in question: "Back in high school, you know, I did some dumb things, and if anybody was hurt by that or offended, obviously, I apologize for that… [Laughs] You know, I don’t, I don’t remember that incident…" Romney failed to take responsibility for his past bullying and glossed over his behavior as, "hijinks and pranks." He later said there was, "no harm intend-
ed," but the incident with Lauber was a downright hate crime, and coupled with the Hummel case, he sounds like a full-fledged school yard oppressor. Romney said that he changed, but his opinion of homosexuality hasn't changed. His lack of memory on the matter, while chuckling about it, is a winking admission to his homophobic base, and a denial to moderates. Politicians are held to a higher level of scrutiny, especially presidential candidates. A candidate with integrity embraces their past, however regretful, and shows how it made them the person they are today. Mitt Romney failed to do that, and instead showed his true colors.
Sports Editor Nicholas Saul
California’s revised budget is unbalanced, unfair
Assist. Sports Editor Brenda Renteria
RAYMOND PECSON Staff Writer
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
week. “You can never get it exactly right,” said Gov. Brown. Come November, voters might not get it “exactly right” as well. Anger will fuel some to vote “No” on Brown’s all important tax initiative, especially when funding for Medi-Cal and the income of our state’s union workers are now being put on the chopping block. We should have the right to be hesitant in raising our own taxes to relieve a budget deficit caused by others, but the unfair truth is we have no choice but to do so in order to save education and the economy. The rich are still being taxed comfortably like ordinary citizens, and more money is being
Gov. Jerry Brown’s revised plan to balance California’s budget by cutting more money from those who are still struggling will cause more harm than good. Brown pleaded with voters at a Capitol news conference on May 14. “Please raise taxes temporarily,” he said. But that’s become a lot to ask for now; we should be wary of paying more taxes in order to make up for years of government overspending and mistakes. The latest being a $7 billion miscalculation that saw an estimated $9 billion budget deficit in January balloon to $16 billion just last
VOICES:
spent to fund over-crowded prisons while cuts are still hurting schools, according to Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott. These issues already plague the average Californian, yet the governor still sees fit to cut healthcare for the poor while begging us to raise our taxes. What part of that sounds fair? Gov. Brown sees that the government’s mistakes are its people’s mistakes and we must face the consequences, “Money is not in the piggybank. It comes from the people...so when the money's not there, government has to cut back or you have to borrow. The fact is California is living beyond its means. This is the day of reckoning,” he said.
Yes, tax money does come from “the people” but how it’s spent is up to state leaders, and now that we know our money did nothing but create more debt we must fix it ourselves by paying more money. We are ultimately paying for mistakes we had no hand in. If there is any silver lining from Gov. Brown’s revised budget plan, it’s that education walked away unscathed, but only if we raise our taxes. Raise taxes or lose future funding to education, health care and income. That is the dire choice we are left with. We, the residents of California, are stuck doing the government’s job.
Do you agree with President Obama in supporting gay marriages?
Staff Photographers: Kevin Balmadrid, Katherine Bussey, Megan Carrillo, Nikki Debbaudt, Minela Dela Cruz, Steven Fuel, Antonio Gandara Ya Ling Hsu, Ronald Johnson, Anthony Richetts, Steven Valdez, Blair Wells Faculty Adviser Warren Swil Photography Adviser Tim Berger Advertising Coordinator Anthony Richetts
I agree with President Obama. People have the right to live their life.
Everyone has the right to marry the person they want to. I’m glad he supports it.
I like that Obama supports it, but then again he’s a politician.
Yes. As long as people are happy, that’s all that matters.
I’m really happy he supports gay marriages. We really are moving forward.
Gilberto Marquez, math
Angela Moya, nursing
Juliana Morales, deaf studies
Nicholas Phelps, business
Maria Cano, English
I agree with gay marriage. As a president he’s doing a great job.
I think it’s good that he supports gay marriages.
I don’t agree with gay marriages and I don’t agree with what he said.
Its about time we have a president that supports gay marriages.
Vinny Cloas, theater arts
Carl Egge, history
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.
I think Obama is confused, he shouldn’t be for gay marriages.
Phone: (626) 5857130
Thomas Holloway, communication
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.
Charlene Luu, business
Nick Broiher, chinese
ONLINE POLL RESULTS Online, we asked: Do you support taxing millionaires to fund education? Results as of 5 p.m. Wednesday: 69% Yes 31% No
vote at pccCourier.com
Reporting by: Karla Sosa, Photos by: Antonio Gandara
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.
SCENE
Courier
May 24 2012
Max Perez/Courier Dancers get their groove on in the Crevling Lounge on Thursday. There was a variety of fashions on display at the event.
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Teresa Mendoza/Courier Revelers jump to the beat of the music on Thursday at the Big Gay Prom
Footloose and Fancy Free Big Gay Prom proves to be fun, fashionable, and fabulous
Teresa Mendoza/Courier Students sweat it out on the dance floor during the Big Gay Prom at the Creveling lounge on Thursday. Kevin Clinton, 21, sociology, strikes a pose on the dance floor during the Big Gay Prom on Thursday.
TIFFANY HERRERA Staff Writer
Max Perez/ Courier
Louis C. Cheung / Courier Jordyn Orosco and Ashton Efron appear all dolled up in the Crevling Lounge on Thursday. The prom was a chance for many to show off their personal sense of style.
Over 100 people attended the second annual Queer Alliance Big Gay Prom in the Creveling Lounge on May 17. PCC students were joined by others from different community colleges who travelled to party at the prom. This year, the QA decided to give the prom an 80s theme. All around, revelers were dressed in 80s attire. Some wore Madonna inspired outfits. Some were just in 80s fashion. One woman was wearing bright spandex, no doubt inspired by Olivia Newton John’s “Physical” video. “There seem to be more guys in heels than girls,” said Joann Price, dance major, from Long Beach Community College. This was her first time at a college dance or party and she was very happy to attend. “I think I will come next year,” she said. Not everyone came dressed from the 80s. Many were dressed up in formal dresses or suits. “I love that at gay prom you can be yourself without being judged…I love that it was a gay prom [instead of] a normal prom which isn’t necessarily accepting,” Price said. Chelsea Newbold, biochemistry, agreed with Price. “It is great to just let loose and be myself for an evening without worrying about what other people think of me,” she said. This was her second time attending gay prom. Early in the night people were sitting around tables eating and talking. The DJ was playing music from the 80s. Little by little people walked on the dance floor and started dancing. Soon the dance floor was packed. Music from the 70s through the present was played all through the evening. Near the end, when “Thriller” was played, three men climbed on the small stage next to the DJ and danced the whole song. Everyone on the dance floor crowded around the stage and watched them. People were clapping and cheering them on. Partiers could get their pictures taken at the photo booth in the back of the room. There was a long line of people waiting to get a picture with their date or friends. Three scholarships were awarded by the Queer Alliance. Two for $250 and one for $1000. A popular event was the date auction. Every person who was being auctioned off for a date had to walk up on the stage and “strut their stuff”. Each bidding started at $1 and most ended up being sold at six or seven dollars. The highest bid of the night was for $25. About 10 people were auctioned, most were quite shy about it. The money that was raised from the bidding is going to the Queer Alliance.
Big Gay Prom attendees take a break from dancing to have a picture taken in the Crevling Lounge on Thursday. Louis C. Cheung/ Courier
A vibrant throng dances the night away in the Crevling Lounge during the Big Gay Prom. The annual event is sponsored by the Queer Alliance. Max Perez/ Courier
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Features
Courier
Humor used to help heal depression
Artwork for sale at open market Photography, sculpture, jewelry featured COLIN SUM Staff Writer
MARY NURRENBERN Staff Writer
Comedian Brian Wetzel had the audience in stitches as he conveyed a message of hope about chronic depression, something he knows about first hand and spoke to PCC about on Monday in the Creveling lounge. “It is important to be honest and proactive,” said Wetzel spoke to PCC on His first thought of suicide was at 19, he comically describes shaking and calling the suicide hotline. After the call, he figured the attempt was just a one-time thing, an “episode.” It wasn’t an episode. “Depression is a ghost you can’t put your hand on it but it is there,” said Wetzel. Mayra Jaimen, history, went to the lecture because she was able to get extra credit but she got more than that. “I am realizing depression is in existence with me but I am encouraged now to know there are resources,” said Jaimen. Wetzel kept the audience laughing as he talked about the many jobs he had during his depression. One of them was at a chocolate factory where the depressed side
May 24 2012
Daniel Nerio/Courier Brian Wetzel speaks to students about his experience as a comedian and depression May 21.
of him wanted to cut the heads off of the chocolate Santa Claus’s. At one point in his ongoing quest to deal with depression he was told he needed to be pulled back to the edge to get better. His response was, “better for what? “ He realized in time that he needed a reason to get out of bed in the morning. “You have to find a purpose for yourself,” said Wetzel. That purpose came nine years ago in a show titled “Side by Side: a journey with depression, a funny look at serious survival.” Wetzel performs for colleges,hospitals and theaters. This is his second visit to PCC put on by student health services in honor of mental health month “It is amazing (being back at PCC) I was here 5 years ago and I am reaching people,” said Wetzel. “He relates to students well, said Bianca Richards, counselor disabled student services.
The Art and Design Open Market at One Colorado in Old Pasadena on Sunday featured various artworks for sale created by PCC and Art Center College of Design students. According to a flyer at the event, the Open Market semiannually provides the public an opportunity to purchase artwork such as prints, photography, sculpture, fine art, and various other art forms created by students and faculty. It is located at a city block called One Colorado between Colorado Boulevard, Fair Oaks Avenue, and Delacey Avenue in Old Pasadena. All of the proceeds are given towards the artists, according to the flyer. The event also featured music presented by the L.A. Music Academy. “This event helps attract people to the area [One Colorado] to invigorate the market,” Daniel Mateo Stickar, undeclared, said as he showed off his various video game related pieces. “Customers are attracted through shops at One Colorado.” Shauna Davis, jewelry, who has been taking jewelry classes at PCC, said she sold a lot at the event. Davis showcased her “African inspired” tribal beads. “It’s a great opportunity for students [to sell] their own works,” Davis said. “I like the atmosphere. Everyone is really
Katie Bussey/ Courier. PCC art student Arontin Hartounian displays his "shoe art" with a Daft Punk and Lord of the Rings illustration at the One Colorado Open Market on May 20.
helpful.” Liwen Hsin, art, sold mainly wood reliefs and screen prints and said that this was her third time selling at the Open Market. College assistant and lab technician Hiro Westdorp, specialized in selling jewelry made from metals such as silver. “I like this market,” Westdorp said. “I was here since the beginning.”
Keiko Fukazawa, assistant professor, said she organized the event with fellow students in place of faculty coordinator Jim Gonzalez. Fukazawa said the Open Market originated in 2003 when former Dean of Visual Arts and Media Studies Alexander Kritselis came up with the idea to showcase artwork from PCC and Art Center students and staff in collaboration with One Colorado.
Awards gala puts spotlight on those from foster care MARY NURRENBERN Staff Writer
Fashionable jeans, dresses and suits lined the long blue velvet runway as students from Scholars Transitioning and Realizing Success, gathered for a group picture at the Rising Stars award gala on Saturday night in the Creveling lounge. The students from STARS had prepared for their moment on the walkway for six weeks as part of an enhancement series that teaches them to work on self-esteem and confidence. “We are here to encourage youth to do positive things,” said Theresa Reed, educational adviser of foster and kinship care program. The gala was held to raise funds for the Foster Kinship Care Education and Independent Living programs, but the focus of the night was the performing students and winners of the rising star awards. STARS is a support network on the campus that provides one- onone assistance to current and former foster or probation youths.
The awards are given to students whose good citizenship is often overlooked. They are not necessarily high achievers but with some acknowledgement can be motivated to accomplish amazing goals according to Reed. “I don’t have a high grade average but I still have opportunities,” said award winner Jessica Chandler, psychology. Awards were given to four students, Selenia Lagos, psychology, Jessica Chandler, psychology, Dejane Cooper, child development, Devon Johnson, health and communications. “It was an honor to be chosen,” said Johnson. Assemblyman Anthony Portantino’s, and State Senator Carol Liu’s offices presented certificates for the work done in the STARS program Performers and award winners are all foster care or former foster care children. “Keep God first, he can take you places you never dreamed of,” said Trevon Blackwood, a 15year -old student and one of the night’s performers.
Kevin Balmadrid/Courier Selenia Lagos, Devon Johnson, Dejane Cooper, and Jessica Chandler were presented the Rising Stars Awards at the Rising Stars Award Gala on May 19.
Arts & Entertainment
May 24 2012
Courier
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Seeking to heal the bay Continued from page 1
and survive. As the kelp disappears so does their habitat.” And the kelp has been disappearing; over 80 percent of it is gone now, with the sea urchin enjoying an underwater buffet, free from predators. This is why Arcila also dives with the Santa Monica Baykeeper (a non-profit ocean conservation organization) in these MPAs, and fishes out sea urchins and legally relocates them to other bodies of water. “We like to call it fishing for a cause,” said Brian Meux, Marine Programs Manager for the Santa Monica Baykeeper. Arcila’s quest for the fabled otter was cut short by a run-in with men fully aware they were fishing in restricted zones; men subverting the efforts of the MPA by coolly shouting out loopholes and justifications for being there. “Things will only change when fisherman take responsibility for their own actions,” said Michael Quill, MPA
Outreach Coordinator. At once an incensed Arcila and Meux began drafting ideas for buoys and landmarks; the birth of a new project, and a possible solution for those taking advantage of the MPAs loose, subjective borders. The Baykeepers have experience in successful projects, being a pivotal part of the creation of the MPAs. They recently won a lawsuit against Malibu over the city’s lax raw sewage disposal techniques. Arcila also knows a thing or two about successful projects. Just last summer Arcila was invited by the Galapagos National Park Rangers on a two-month expedition to track and tag sharks after he raised over $7 thousand for their program. During his stint with the rangers Arcila discovered and supervised the arrest of a group of fisherman who had illegally fished and de-finned hundreds of sharks. The image of hundreds of bloody dead sharks, Arcila says, is one of the most haunting images of his volunteering
Nick Saul / Courier Arcila examines debris fished out from the ocean.
career. While the otter was left unfound, hope remains for Arcila. “Solutions are hard to come up with but the problem is there,” he
said. “It’s like I don’t even have a choice, I have to do something instead of sitting around and ignoring it.
AS president elect is all about the helping the community CICELY CHISHOLM Co-Features Editor
It’s easy to tell how passionate newly elected Associated Students President Simon Fraser is about the PCC community and how AS can help. “The more I’ve gotten involved, the more I realized there needs to be change,” said Fraser. “The more I’ve tried to change things, the more I’ve realized you need to stand your ground against a lot of things. AS needs to be strong for the students. We’ve done a lot, but there needs to be more.” After joining the AS Supreme Council in the spring of 2010, Fraser hoped to improve the seriousness of the AS and show what
the college’s student government can do for the community, hoping to fix student apathy. “[There is] no one else for the job. Simon is meant for student government. He was born for this. He’s exactly what ASPCC needs,” said Hanna Israel, vice president for sustainability and newly elected Student Trustee. As president, one of Fraser’s top priorities is to help the students as much as possible. “I want to make sure the college realizes its priorities. Smart classrooms are great so long as we have students in those classes. Classes and seats in classrooms have to be first,” said Fraser. “There are going to be cuts, but the goal is to minimize the effects on students. That
means making the college realize whom they answer to.” Fraser added that the college and its administration must answer to the students, and praised the protests that occurred at the beginning of the spring semester. “I remember being the only person at the [Board of Trustees] table after everyone else had left. The only one listening to the mic check was me,” said Fraser. Fraser believes there needs to be two sides working together for change, though. One is the combined voice of a mass of people, and the other is getting representatives on the state level to listen and work on the same goal. “He has to be the quintessential person for the position,” said Daniel Perea, vice president for
internal affairs. “He has a passion unparalleled to anyone I’ve met on campus. He’s exactly the person needed in this time of crisis.” Fraser’s plans for AS all involve helping students, including building safe zones for undocumented and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered students, expanding the Cross Cultural Center, and continuing with sustainability projects, as well as further improving AS transparency. “I’d like to open AS a lot more than it has been. One accusation we get is that we [are holed] up in our office and never see the light of day. I want to continue services that should be here,” said Fraser. “We talk about class cuts, but we also need more counselors
Max Perez/Courier Newly elected AS President Simon Fraser
and a Lancerlink that works all day. I think students neglect those in favor of more classes but we need both.”
New officers elected to Associated Students Board Continued from page 12
Progress has swept for the third year in a row,” said newly elected AS president Simon Fraser. “All of the winners are fantastic. I think they will do the best job AS has ever done yet.” Fraser, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Council will be moving up to president while the Vice President of Sustainability Hanna Israel will replace Alex Soto as student trustee. “I’m absolutely thrilled that I will be working with the new board members. They had great ideas from the start,” said Israel, newly elected student trustee. “I am confident in every member of our slate to be able to carry out their term magnificently, and I intend to be a resource for them so they have the utmost success in their positions.” Moving up to take Fraser’s
position as Chief Justice is Diego Lopez who currently serves as a Justice of the Supreme Council. “I’m really excited to be continuing to work with the council,” Lopez said. “Hopefully we’ll get a lot of things done.” New to the executive board are Mirando Alvardo (Academic Affairs), Andrew Bott (Business Affairs), Fernando Becerra (Campus Activities), Jordyn Orozco (Cultural Diversity), Anne Torres (Internal Affairs), Peter Torres (Public Relations), Myra Whittington (Student Services), and Juan Diego Ashton (Sustainability). “I’m really happy that Students for Progress swept the board,” said Torres, the new vice president for internal affairs. “But I am shocked that I got 92 ‘no’ votes. I was running unopposed and I don’t know why
someone would vote no for me. On the other hand, I did get 661 ‘yes’ votes.” “It’s not really about winning,” said Becerra, newly elected vice president of campus activities. “It’s about making PCC a better college. I want to continue to work with my contest opponents.” Despite the wins, however, eight of the proposed amendments, many of which were changes to procedures and clarifications, seem to have failed in captivating votes from the student body. According to the newly elected President Fraser, a two-thirds vote was needed to pass the amendments. A flyer posted in the Student Affairs office says the constitution amendments are pending review of by-laws.
Sustainability event promotes efficiency Continued from page 1
join,” said Horace Leong, director of marketing for Green Menu. “We know people who save over $200 a year using the card,” said Leong. One of the more popular tables was for the Seeds of Change club, one of the earlier promoters of green living on campus, which was displaying a small solar gen-
erator. “It could power lights, laptops and a TV and doesn’t put out any carbon dioxide,” said Jason Carman, the committee’s vice chair and geology major. “We got it when the power went out after the big wind storm earlier this year but we got it the same day that the power came back on.” “It’s great because otherwise I
would probably just be throwing this stuff in the trash can,” said Mara Glenn, behavioral sciences, as she handed over a bag of batteries and an obsolete cell phone. This evening there will be a free movie screening and juice bar at 7 p.m. in the Creveling Lounge. It’s called ‘Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead,’” said Andrew Bott, AS vice president for business affairs elect.
COUR IER Column
May 24, 2012
SPORTS
LA hoops in a funk
Star ball player gets scholarship Chavez has stellar performance ANTERO BARRANTES III Staff Writer
NICHOLAS SAUL Sports Editor
Things are in flux in the Los Angeles basketball world. The Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs by Oklahoma City in an ugly game five loss, and the Clippers got the broom treatment from San Antonio in a dominant four-game sweep. There are more questions about the future of both franchises than there are Kobe shot attempts and Blake Griffin flops. The Clippers’ problems can really be traced to two sources: one, Blake Griffin is a onedimensional player with no semblance of a mid-range game, and his free throws are uglier than Steve Buscemi. And two, Head Coach Vinny Del Negro is about as adept at coaching as Michael Jordan is at hitting the curveball. But they have Chris Paul, whose name is always mentioned in best-player-in-thegame conversations, so they’re not too shabby. Everything that was wrong with the Lakers throughout the season was evident in their playoff elimination game against OKC. The Lakers heirapparent Andrew Bynum was a non-factor, Gasol put up another postseason stinker, and the entirety of the Lakers bench put up a whopping five points. OKCs bench scored 35. Kobe played hero ball scoring 42 points on 18-33 shooting, but he didn’t have a single assist. But then again, in order to have assists people have to make shots. The rest of the Lakers only converted on 16 of 42 shots. Their misfortune also came before the season started. First it was announced that Chris Paul would be signing with the Lakers in a three-team trade that would send away Gasol and Lamar Odom. At last the Laker point guard troubles would be solved, featuring the sexiest back court in the history of history. Then, hours later, NBA Commissioner David Stern renounced the trade with some sort of magical commissioner veto citing “basketball reasons.” The next few days saw Paul traded to the Clippers, and Odom to the Mavericks. Next up for both teams is wheelin’ and dealin’. The Clips have to find a way to re-sign their two superstars in Griffin and Paul, and the Lakers have to find out what they’re going to do with the mess of their contract situation. This summer will decide which LA team will be big dog for the coming years.
With a stellar performance in a tough-loss season, New Mexicobound, second baseman Matt Chavez concluded his second season with the Lancers, recalling what has been a journey filled with ‘hard work’ and ‘determination.’ Chavez believes that very combination has gotten him this far. “It’s night and day from where I was two years ago,” said Chavez. The six-foot, Spanish-Italian, 175 - pound sophomore, with an old school mustache, (which he considers to have morphed into a personality of its own), is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Outside of the diamond pitch, Chavez takes long hikes up Mt. Wilson and Mt. Baldy, setting aside a time to enjoy the simple things in life, taking in the sights and solitude of a mountain summit. Chavez’s dedication to Baseball also brings a fulfilling sense of gratification. “Initially I came out to the team tryouts, wanting to make the first cut,” said Chavez, something he had learned previously from high school. Once he made the first, it motivated him to make the rest, until ultimately his goal was to make the team. “I knew if I was given the opportunity to play…I’d be able to stay on the field,” he said. According to teammate Will
Emerson, starting pitcher for the Lancers, “Chavez’s work ethic and desire to get better every day ultimately landed him a spot on the first team all conference. “Emerson believes it was well deserved. “Matt was the ‘first guy here, last guy to leave’ type of player all year long,” said Emerson. Chavez said he didn’t really know what his future would be like after PCC, where he was going to go. “A scholarship to New Mexico Highlands University was all a result of hard work and the people who’ve helped me,” he said. Throughout his two seasons, Head Coach Evan O’Meara taught Chavez to never give up, to stay strong, and only then would he be able to succeed. “Matt is one of the most dedicated, hard working, selfless players I’ve had the pleasure to coach,” says O’Meara. “[He has an] on time, no excuses get it done type of attitude.” O’Meara added that Chavez deserves every accolade that has come his way. “Baseball at PCC has been a great experience for me, and I’ve learned a lot of things from O’Meara,” said Chavez. “Even though the record doesn’t show it, he still is a great coach.” Chavez knows there will be always be obstacles to face, so if he were to fail, at least he would land among the stars, getting closer and closer every time, until he reaches his goal. “Determination is more important than talent…never forget what you’re aiming for,” said Chavez.
Teresa Mendoza/Courier Lancers Baseball player Matt Chavez, will transfer to the New Mexico Highlands in the Fall.
Lancer swim champ advises discipline CHRISTINE MICHAELS Staff Writer
Lancer swimmer and state title holder, Stephen To has worked diligently to get to where he is today - well disciplined and well respected. To, born in Pasadena, was raised in Malaysia. To lived in Malaysia after his grandmother fell ill with cancer. “We wanted to be close to our family,” said To. His close ties to family have played a crucial role in his swimming development as well. “I started swimming when I was 9,” To explained. “My parents thought it was an essential life skill, like driving,” he said with a smile. To described Malaysia as very different from America. “Kids there are raised differently,” he said, “Parents are stricter, and the children usually listen.” According to To, he is grateful to live in the U.S., saying there is more freedom to go after one’s dreams. “Here, you can choose what you want to do,” he said. “The education system here isn’t perfect, but at least students get to voice their opinions more freely.”
Daniel Nerio/Courier Freshman Stephen To is the state title holder for the 200 meter butterfly.
Swimming has become an expression of his free will, according to To, who also swims for the club team run by aquatics Coach Terry Stoddard. “[To] is our go - to guy,” Stoddard said. “He didn’t win every event, but he got better
the more he practiced, and that honed him to work harder.” While To did not win every event, he did win the state title for the 200 meter butterfly, with a time of 1:50:52, nearly a second faster than the second place finisher at the competition, according to swimphone.com, a website used to record statistics statewide for swim meets. “I think I did well, because I was very well prepared. Coach helped us a lot for this competition,” said To. “[And] I beat my best times for all of my events,” he added with a small humble grin. Cario Liu, kinesiology major and swim team sophomore, has high hopes for To. Liu and To competed in high school swimming against each other’s schools, according to Liu. “I swam the individual medley and freestyle, and he swam the ‘fly all the time, but we never directly competed against each other,” said Liu. “He is a very good swimmer, and is going to be on the team for another year. I hope he can help the team grow, along with the newcomers after him.” To will be a sophomore on the swim team next year, and plans to beat his own personal records once again.