The independent student voice of Pasadena City College. Serving Pasadena since 1915
PASADENA CITY COLLEGE
COURIER WHAT’S INSIDE:
FROYO Discover the delicious benefits of frozen yogurt. PAGE 7 >>
VOLUME 107 ISSUE 1
Students beat the heat by jumping into the Aquatics Center. PAGE 6 >>
PCC gaming, manga, and fantasy enthusiasts join together at the Anime Expo. PAGE 7 >>
JULY 11, 2013
Antonio Gandara/ Courier After months of delays, the new Center for the Arts building is finally nearing completion. Faculty and staff will be moving into the new facility in just a few short weeks.
TRANSFER
College scrambles to fix Fall transfer fiasco The college struggled for more than two weeks trying to make good on a promise administrators made to students that the classes they took in Extended Spring would be transferable for Fall 2013. The cancellation of the Winter Session left a lot of students unable to transfer because they wouldn’t be able to complete the number of units needed in the spring. But the administration guaranteed students that it would schedule courses
the college would call Extended Spring, which they said would allow the classes to be accepted by the universities. However, the college moved ahead with its plans without getting approval from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. When the Chancellor’s Office ruled that the college could not label transcripts as Extended Spring, the administration realized the severity of its mistake. They were informed that all of the classes had to be labeled as “summer,” according to
Robert Bell, senior vice president of student and learning services. No universities accept classes labeled “summer” on transcripts for the upcoming fall term. Bell and a team of counselors and college staff began lobbying each university to take the units so students wouldn’t be penalized. The UC and CSU systems, with the exception of CSU San Diego and CSU San Jose, are allowing a one-time only exception for PCC students who successfully completed Extended Spring, even though
District releases details of harassment complaint Christine Michaels Editor-In-Chief
ANIME EXPO
Opening New Arts Horizons
Christine Michaels Editor-In-Chief
GET WET!
ONLINE EXCLUSIVES AT PCCCOURIER.COM
College officials released details about a claim filed by a Courier staff member alleging sexual harassment and retaliation by journalism instructor and Courier adviser Warren Swil today. Swil, who was put on administrative leave on March 28, has been the focus of an investigation following complaints of sexual harassment and retaliation. Journalism student Raymond Bernal filed a claim for $100,000 with the college on May 22. The claim, which was rejected by the board of trustees on June 5, listed the accusations, but only stated that the claim was filed against an unnamed district employee. With the claim rejected by the board, Bernal is able to file a lawsuit. Although people speculated that Swil, 61, was the subject of the complaint, his identity was not confirmed until today. In the complaint, Bernal asserts that in early January following winter break, Swil called him into his office, closed the door, and revealed naked pictures of himself taken on a boating trip. Bernal said that when Mr. Swil pointed to the naked picture, smiled
and asked him what he thought about the picture, he tried to change the subject to other pictures depicting sexually benign subject matters. The complaint also states that “Undeterred, Mr. Swil grabbed the second group of pictures, again pointed to a picture of himself naked, smiled and asked Mr. Bernal what he thought about that pictured. When Mr. Bernal changed the subject a second time, Mr. Swil was visibly disappointed and acted as if he had not received the desired response to his provocative pictures. As Mr. Bernal left, Mr. Swil said, ‘Let’s keep this between you and me.’” Bernal originally filed a complaint with Joe Futtner, dean of the visual arts and media studies division, prior to Swil being put on administrative leave in late March. Bernal said he “was unsure if Mr. Swil had made a sexual advance or if Mr. Swil simply felt more comfortable sharing risqué photographs with him.” Both Swil and Bernal are gay men. Bernal, 49, also claimed Swil retaliated against him by giving him bad grades on articles that were written for the Courier. According to the complaint, before the
SWIL page 2
the classes are labeled as “summer” on transcripts. Patricia McCormick, television production major, was one math class away from transferring to CSU SD when she spoke with a counselor at the school who warned her there was no guarantee the Extended Spring classes would transfer for the fall. “I talked to the counselor to tell me what was going on. I wanted to know if I could take any summer classes for transfer. She pretty
TRANSFER page 7
AWARD
Don Eckmann named Classified Employee of Year Paul Ochoa Staff Writer
A hard worker his whole life, Don Eckmann, facilities services supervisor, has come a long way since he first started working construction for a family friend at the age of 12. “I started around my dad’s house with a contractor he knew and then worked for his company,” said Eckmann. He learned early about hard work–that’s why it was no surprise when Eckmann was awarded the 2013 California Community College Classified Employee of the Year Award. “It’s nice to be recognized and when I found out it was exciting. To say it wasn’t wouldn’t be truthful,” he said.
AWARD page 6 John Novak/Courier Don Eckmann, an employee since 1988, was honored with top employee award.
NEWS
2
Officials face off over adviser punishment The PCC Faculty Association Supports Professor Warren Swil June 27, 2013
The placing of Professor Warren Swil on administrative leave by Pasadena City College for alleged misconduct is unprecedented. After carefully reviewing his case, I believe Professor Swil has had his civil rights violated. In my ten years as a PCC Faculty Union (FA) leader, both as Grievance Officer and currently as President of the FA, I have never known the college to place a tenured faculty on administrative leave for the stated allegations. Two pertinent facts cloud Professor Swil’s case and strongly suggest the college’s unilateral and unprecedented treatment is retaliatory and prejudicial. As a dynamic and expert journalism professor, and as the faculty advisor for PCC’s student newspaper, the Courier, Professor Swil has spent much of the 2012-13 academic year advising student journalists who have covered the unilateral cancellation of Winter Session, 2013. To their credit, the Courier’s student writers have bravely covered the traumatic effects of Winter’s cancellation, accurately and comprehensively. The removal of Professor Swil came at a critical time when his students were producing some of the finest pieces of investigative journalism that the campus has ever seen. The retaliatory actions taken by PCC’s administration have had a chilling effect on the student journalists, and indeed on the entire profession of journalism. Of interest, is that Professor Swil left the country of South Africa, during the dark days of Apartheid because open and free journalism was not tolerated. Ironically, he suffers a similar fate at PCC. Second, the fact that Professor is openly gay would seem to have significant bearing on the college’s unprecedented action. Despite the fact that recent Supreme Court rulings have potentially caught up with general public opinion on the rights of gays, Pasadena City College pursues a gay professor in a classic case of overkill. Only a few years ago, a case of this kind would have been handled by district professionals in a humane and orderly fashion. However since the coming of the current college president and the hiring of an in-house attorney, a mean-spiritedness prevails. We welcome the findings by an Independent Investigator who will reveal the facts of Professor Swil’s case. Hopefully, Professor Swil’s long ordeal will be over, and he will be allowed to return to his teaching and advisory duties. Sincerely, Roger Marheine President, PCC Faculty Association Prof Warren Swil’s Defense Team
FA President implies gay witch hunt; District cites legal obligations.
PACCD Official Statement Association statement of June 27, Response to Roger Marheine/Faculty 2013
deliberate disregard of the Mr. Marheine’s statement reflects ment n a complaint of sexual harass District’s legal obligations whe ntly, orta imp e Mor ber. faculty mem is made by a student against a tect the ssly disregards the need to pro Marheine’s statement wreckle not only is nt ses. Marheine’s stateme student complainant and witnes dents stu s age ate of fear that discour false but it contributes to a clim ber. mem lty nt against a facu from bringing forward a complai nt, ine’s libelous and false stateme rhe Ma is g Particularly shockin the and s stee Tru of rd Boa , that the offered with no proof whatsoever for ion liat reta a are l Swi or fess ing Pro administration’s actions regard and l civi of s not meet any standard Swil being gay. This comment doe t. responsible professional conduc ea recently led an effort to approv The Superintendent-President ts exis t tha n litio Coa the Safe Zone Board resolution and funding for the in ts den stu and f staf all faculty, to create a safe environment for s upon Marheine to take the Safe call t tric Dis The . nity LGBQT commu Zone Coalition training. tment of Professor Swil is inhuTo suggest that the District’s trea ed the facts. Professor Swil was plac mane or disorderly is to ignore e hav ld wou ch whi , a private meeting on paid administrative leave in d nde atte and zed ani conference org stayed private but for the press or Swil Swil the following day. Profess or fess Pro h wit by Mr. Marheine pending time tenured faculty member, continues in his status as a full investigation. the outcome of an independent comrequest has led to the student’s Ac A California Public Records ws sho ort rep ss adena Sun. This pre plaint becoming public in the Pas inst aga ing liat the District is reta that Mr. Marheine’s claim that nity is ludicrous. The college commu rier Cou the in Swil for bad press estiinv an s uire req t tha nt complai knows now that there is a serious . ined t investigation must be mainta gation, and the integrity of tha the t tha tion e up with a new accusa Mr. Marheine has therefore com s Thi . gay is fessor Swil because he District is prejudiced against Pro worthy of any member of the PCC not is and accusation is despicable community. polily follow the law and the Board District will continue to zealous cies as concerns this matter.
Swil
Continued from page 1
alleged sexual advances, Swil regularly gave Bernal high scores on articles. But after the incident, he said Swil began giving below average marks on articles that other members of the staff, including the Courier editor-in-chief at the time, Nicholas Saul, found to be very well written. One such article, which focused on places where students hook-up for sex on campus, was slated for publication by Saul, but when Swil read the article, he gave it a near “0” mark, according to the complaint. When Mikki Bolliger stepped in as the Courier’s interim adviser, she read Bernal’s revised article and gave it an “A” grade. The article ran in the Courier’s print edition. Bolliger said, “The story Raymond wrote was very well done; however, you also have to remember that I only saw a revised copy.” Swil declined to comment on the complaint. The complaint also states “Mr. Swil began to criticize Mr. Bernal, and stopped giving him the same level of attention he provided before his sexual overture. Mr. Bernal became afraid to speak with or interact with Mr. Swil. Some days, he would show up to class, get to the door and turn around due to the fear and shame he suffered as a result of Mr. Swil’s
conduct.” Bernal maintains that “classmates noticed both the change in Mr. Bernal’s demeanor as well as the change in Mr. Swil’s treatment. Mr. Bernal sought treatment at U.S.C. Medical Center for symptoms of depression, anxiety, headaches and stress caused by Mr. Swil’s treatment.” Bernal, who said he did not want the complaint made public, explained to the Courier that he did not wish to injure Swil’s reputation as a professor. However, Bernal’s lawyer, Kevin Rehwald, explained in a statement that the college’s General Counsel Gail Cooper was required to release the “private internal complaint” against Swil because of a public records act request filed by the Pasadena Sun. “Bernal regrets that his private complaint will be released. However, we understand PCC’s legal obligations. Due to [Bernal’s] affiliation with the Courier … [he] has decided to release his complaint to the Courier first,” Rehwald said. Swil’s lawyer Michael Anderson explained that he did not find the complaint to be completely verifiable. “After reviewing the student’s complaint, I do not see the claim as having merit,” Anderson said.
3
2012 JACC General Excellence Award Winner Editor-in-Chief Christine Michaels
Managing Editor Philip McCormick
Online Editor
Madison Miranda
Opinion Editor Raymond Bernal
Arts & Entertainment Editor Paul Ochoa
OPINION
Courier
Editorial
.Damage is done;
apology needed T
of the Winter Intersession and the addition of an “Extended Spring” term have caused a myriad of headaches, both for students planning to transfer in the fall, and college he cancellaTion
While the college was given numerous warnings beginning in early February that students may not be able “Not one single student got up and said ‘I can’t transfer,’” said President Mark Rocha during a news
College System expressed concerns about admitting “[CSUCS] need to keep things on schedule and to tions would make them vulnerable to lawsuits and The email continued and said, “Do the best you can some opportunity for students to appeal on an individual basis but there was nothing at the system level that
Features Editor
Emily Chang-Chien
To date, 200 students have gotten up to express is-
Lifestyle Editor
These students took Extended Spring classes because
Luis Rodriguez
were working feverishly with other colleges and univercollege with the incorrect impression that everything
PCC erroneously believed that the four-year colleges
Sports Editor
of-goods that there were no problems with Extended
Andrew Salmi
college that it was not in compliance with Title 5 and
Assist. Sports Editor
So what did the administration know and when did they know it?
Adam Mitchell
Photo Editor
Antonio Gandara
the administration was aware of transfer issues students
from the CCCCO, as required under Title 5 Section be problems with Extended Spring came via an email this infraction, the district will rescind that action and instead offer the [extended spring] courses as part of
Online Photo Editor John Novak
Scene Editor John Novak
Social Media Editor Concepcion Gonzalez
Staff Writers:
Anita Wang, Kelly Rodriguez Murillo, Robert Galicia
Staff Photographers:
Jorge Guadalajara, Lissett Matos, Stephanie Sanchez, Matthew Chan
Faculty Adviser Mikki Bolliger
Advertising Coordinator
“We will NOT be accepting summer session 1 [extended spring] course work for requirements to be admissiissue, why didn’t they know? We believe the entire student body should have been There was no shortage of students and college orgatration and the board not to cancel Winter Intersession
given the students more information to make informed
Voices throughout the campus, which were expressing these very concerns, were loud and clear, but the
The reason why the administration felt the need to cancel Winter Intersession and replace it with Extended
One of these voices was student Sarah Belknap, Board about possible consequences due to the calendar
We believe it’s unconscionable for students to be not forget that we are talking about students’ education, editorial published on March 21, months before Extended Spring even began said, “Questions have arisen about these classes [extended spring] and whether they will be transferable for fall admission at CSU and UC
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The Courier is published weekly by the Pasadena City College Journalism Department and is a free-speech forum. Editorials and comments are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the institution and its administration, student government or that of the Pasadena Area Community College District. The Courier is written and produced as a learning experience for student writers, photographers and editors in the Journalism Department.
Note to Readers
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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
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March 15 said: “The Board has made each of those decisions centered on what it believes to be in the best interests of student success, improved student and fac-
hand raised for over an hour [to tell them that] transfer
Daniel Nerio
Phone:
“Clarify that the district had incorrectly acted to
dents and faculty would be welcome and much needed But, it would be impossible to move forward unless this steps forward and owns-up to its colossal mistake and publicly apologize to the students,
SCENE
4 5
FEATURES
6
Aquatics Center open to public facility with clean locker rooms and
Justin Clay Contributing Writer
With temperatures in Pasadena soaring near the 100s, many people in the community are looking for ways to keep cool. One of the ways people at PCC are beating the heat is by taking a dip at the Aquatics Center. PCC’s Aquatics Center is open to the public during the summer and guests can swim recreationally for $2 and swim laps for $4. Many summer youth camps come to the center to swim and many of their counselors prefer the Aquatics Center for its safe and well-run environment. “The pool is safe and there are
Concepcion Gonzalez / Courier The Aquatics Center, located adjacent to the W Building, is open to the public for a small fee.
Jesse Ying, a former student and counselor for a youth camp. “I would recommend coming here for I took swimming lessons when I was a student here and this is one of the best swimming facilities in Peter Kazanjian, another camp counselor, also praised the organization of the Aquatic Center. “It’s an ideal setup. It’s a beautiful
said. Kazanjian says that this is the eleventh year their camp has come to use PCC’s swimming facility for their summer swimming program. Valerie Mitchell, the interim athletic secretary, says that the pool is a welcome relief to the community in the summer. “The water temperature is maintained at a comfortable 80 degrees 50-meter Olympic-size pool that has a four-foot shallow end and is handicap accessible. “They also offer swim lessons for youth, teens, adults and private lessons at the Aquatic Center. PCC Extension Summer Swim Program ends on Aug. 2. Recreational swim hours are Monday through Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lap swimming hours are Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information on group or private lessons can be found by visiting www.pcclearn.org or by calling (626) 585-7608.
Staying safe underneath the scorching sun Anita Wang Contributing Writer
Summer calls for poolside activities, having the perfect tan, and anything that involves the beach. Although it is a season for fun, it is also one that can cause health hazards such as heat stroke and dehydration. Since the heat wave decided to strike early this summer, everyone must remember to take precautions when exposing themselves to the sun. Dr. Armando Pacheco M.D., of White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles and PCC’s athletic trainer Rudy Aguilar explained how to stay safe and healthy and emphasized how important staying hydrated is in preventing heat-related problems. well hydrated before you enter the heat. Ever catch yourself constantly feeling extremely thirsty, then you go chug gallons of water? Don’t make the mistake of consuming large amounts of water when you are already dehydrated. This can cause an imbalance in your sodium-water concentration which can lead to more serious problems. Keep yourself hydrated 24 hours before you go into the heat. For people who are constantly ac-
Award Continued from page 1 When Eckmann arrived at PCC in 1988, he had plenty of experience working in construction and even supervising small construction crews. But, he started his career here as a carpenter. When a supervisor position opened in 2000, Eckmann’s previous experiences got him the job. Jack Schulman, director of Measure P Projects, who has known Eckmann since he began working at PCC, said Eckmann received the award because he takes his job seriously. “The awards are given
tive for two or more hours, Aguilar recommends drinking Gatorade to replace what is lost during workouts. But there is a misconception that drinking gatorade will prevent dehydration. “I don’t give Gatorade to all the sports teams, only for the ones that are constantly moving a lot, like said. “The baseball and softball teams usually just get water because those who are not doing moderate to intense workouts for two or more hours, water should be the main source for hydration. Pacheco recommends wearing sunscreen whenever you’re in the sun and not only when you hit the beach or pool. Whether you’re strolling the park or walking your dog, sunscreen should be applied. Not only does sunscreen help prevent rashes due to sensitivity to the sun, but also wrinkles, sunburn, skin degeneration and skin cancer. You should get a sunscreen that blocks both UVB and UVA rays and has at least an SPF of 30. “Try to wear proper clothing, preferably light-colors and material like cotton that allow your skin to help limit the amount you perspire. But let’s face it, sweating is almost
because of the support to students and staff, and Don has always made man. Eckmann attributes his hard work ethic to his father whom he described as the type of man that broken as opposed to taking it to Sears. “My father did everything out of necessity. He was the type of person who could read a book and then rebuild a car engine. My whole family is that way, [but my] work ethic Anni Kocharyan, accountant
inevitable in summer heat. A heat stroke can occur when your sweat doesn’t evaporate (caused by humidto evaporate in order to cool down your body, but if you choose to wear a trendy leather jacket or pants, you might be at risk for heat stroke. Pacheco said it is important to know your limits This is especially for the avid runners, devoted athletes, and hikers. It’s understandable to want to lose those extra pounds or give your best performance during practice, but your health yourself unable to think straight, you might be dehydrated. When this occurs, go hydrate and rest in shade. To feel the best way possible, try to eat healthy. Dr. Pacheco explains that extremely greasy and heavy foods can cause diarrhea while salty and sugary foods tend to make you thirstier. All of them can lead to dehydration. Aguilar says he advises his athletes to not consume alcohol, processed foods and sugary drinks The Courier doesn’t want to deprive you of to-die-for foods. Just make sure you drink enough water. It’s summertime. Free your mind, explore, and have tons of fun. Just remember to stay safe and healthy.
clerk II, who has been working with Eckmann for nine and a half years, describes him as an overall good man. “[He is] very pleasant, hard working, helpful and an understandKocharyan. Despite receiving such a prestigious award, the humble Eckmann is not the type to let it go to his head. Instead, he sees it as a validation of a job well done. “It’s not going to change my attitude on what I do.
John Novak / Courier Janet Escudero, child development, cools her feet in the Mirror Pools on Wednesday, trying to beat the heat.
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7
Madison Miranda Online Editor
With the temperature rising as summer wears on, students have turned to frosty treats as a way to keep cool. Frozen yogurt and ice cream are snacks that people across campus have been enjoying to beat the heat. Some frozen yogurt places such as Cherry On Top and Yogurtland give consumers the freedom to create their own personal desserts by providing a topping bar. The bar allows customers to add any quantity and as many toppings as they like, at a price. Other shops, like Pinkberry, make the portions and add topping amounts behind the counter. The person ordering has less control this
way, but some people don’t mind. Johnny Villay, history, loves the strawberry yogurt from Yogurtland. “I like frozen yogurt because we can put candy and fruit on it,” he said. Others choose ice cream as a refreshing snack. David Gomez, art, is one of those people. “I prefer the creamy texture and taste of it over frozen yogurt,” said Gomez. Ketty Wang, biology, would choose ice cream over frozen yogurt because she feels ice cream is the superior snack. “I prefer ice cream because frozen yogurt sounds like a wannabe ice cream,” she said. Joshua Truong, kinesiology, would also rather have ice cream than frozen yogurt.
Concepcion Gonzalez/Courier Student serves herself peach flavored yogurt as a snack at Cherry On Top. July 5.
“It always brings out the little kid in all of us,” said Truong. “For me, frozen yogurt is more like a snack and ice cream is more like a dessert,” said Ashar Ali, biomedical engineer. While ice cream is a tasty treat, some feel that frozen yogurt is a healthier alternative. “It’s healthier than ice cream and not as sweet,” said Amy Flores, speech pathology. Her favorite flavor is Heavenly Vanilla from Froyo Life in Montrose. While both have similar calorie counts, 120+ per cup, frozen yogurt seems to be the healthier of the two. According to Buzzle.com, frozen
LIFESTYLE
Weighing out the benefits of frozen treats
yogurt has a few advantages over ice cream. Frozen yogurt has probiotics and is digestible to those with lactose intolerance. It also has less fat, 0-4 percent, compared to ice cream, 1018 percent. Ice cream has more fat and sugar, while frozen yogurt has more calcium and protein. In one cup there are 3-5g of protein in ice cream and 5-9g in frozen yogurt. In one cup there are 30-50g of sugar in ice cream and 20-45g on frozen yogurt. In one cup there are 100-150g of calcium in ice cream and 200-300g in frozen yogurt.
L.A. Convention Center creates a haven for anime fans Kelly Rodriguez Murillo Staff Writer
Every summer for four days, the Los Angeles Convention Center brings tens of thousands of people from all over the world to celebrate their obsession with all things Japanese. The Anime Expo is a place where attendees sport elaborate, custom-made costumes, which pay homage to various characters from anime, games, comics and manga. This act is known as cosplay, and attendees dress up in their favorite characters’ likeness. Outlandish outfits made out of leather, adorned with capes, plastic swords and guns, as well as other accessories, are considered the norm. PCC students and alumni were in the middle of the expo’s action. “This is my fourth year going,”
said Judith Santiago an alumna pursing her major in psychology. “I love everything about Anime Expo: the art, the stories, the characters. I just wish I was part of the anime world.” According to art instructor Richard Osaka, anime is different from western animation styles, and is best when it retains its Japanese roots. “I believe that the Asian point of view genuinely separates anime from American animation,” said Osaka. “Points of view [include] narratives that include cultural references, style of drawing, geographic locators, and a nebulous Eastern vibe that viewers sense immediately.” The convention hosted many panels that featured directors, authors, illustrators and scriptwriters. The expo also is home to an enormous exhibition hall where limited edition merchandise is sold like action figures, cards, posters, shirts
Blotter
room on the second floor of the library. Her roommate followed her through the Science Village to the library. She hid in the bathroom until officers came.
and even body pillows depicting various anime characters. Attendees said the environment gave them a chance to let loose and offered an escape from reality. For some, it is even therapeutic. “I grew up watching anime like Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, and coming to this convention just brings me sappy nostalgia,” said Ryan Yao, biology. “Anime is my childhood. I was [an] only child and my parents were always working, so I was comforted by anime.” This year’s Anime Expo had the largest number participants ever with approximately 60,000 people in attendance— according to the event’s website—making it the largest project managed by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation. Tickets are now on sale for Anime Expo 2014.
two men positively identified by the victim. The men were transported to Pasadena Department Jail for questioning. The phone was not recovered. April 22 A man reportedly attempted to steal a woman’s purse while she slept in the library. An area check was conducted and the man was questioned. After running a Wants and Warrant check, officers escorted the man to PCC Campus Police for further investigation.
Lisett Matos / Courier Christina Gates, Alyssa Lopez, and Zoe Harold strike a pose at the Los Angeles Convention Center for the Anime Expo on Sunday, July 7. missing and the damage to the lock was repaired. May 13 Three men were reported stuck in the phone booth on the second floor of the C Building and yelling for help. When officers arrived, the booth was opened and a strong odor of burnt marijuana wafted out. One of the men attempted to flee. He was arrested and issued a citation for resisting an officer.
April 11 A woman was reported to be hiding from her roommate, who was stalking her, in the women’s bath-
April 16 A woman reported a man snatched her iPhone out of her hands near Lot 5. Officers detained and questioned
April 29 Staff reported a person had attempted to break into C 415 by damaging the lock. Nothing was reported
May 15 A woman reported being attacked by a man on the North of the L Building lawn. Pasadena Police Department searched for the man with ground and helicopter units,
TRANSFER
warned the college that it may fall out of compliance with Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations if it proceeded, but the administration went forward anyway. The college learned in early June that the Chancellor’s Office ruled that the college was not in compliance with Title 5, according to emails between Bell and the Chancellor’s Office. They were told if the Extended Spring term remained non-compliant, the college would be at risk of losing up to $16 million in Proposition 30 funding, according to Robert Miller, senior vice president of business and college services. Administrators moved quickly to correct the situation. On June 24, the counseling office sent out an email to the 8,400 students who attended the Extended Spring term stating the classes they were taking would be labeled as “summer” on their transcripts and instructing students with concerns to contact them. At least 200 students
contacted the college through a student services hotline and form found at Pasadena.edu/complete. More than 190 of the students who aired concerns with their transfer are being granted admission by their respective universities, Bell said. The college has until July 15, the transfer deadline, to ensure all students who experienced problems will get their units accepted for fall. Putting Strategy Into Action The college called and emailed more than 20 universities using 10 groups consisting of up to three counselors and administrators each, known as Transfer Success Teams. Bell believed that the strategy allowed for the teams to “hyperfocus” on specific universities and students who were at risk of losing their transfer units. “With each respective team, they have taken the lead [these last weeks],” said Bell. “They are carrying direct advocacy for students.” Dean of counseling Cynthia Olivo created the “complete transfer” form
and opened a hotline for students who were concerned about transfer in late June. “The teams were able to get that information and reach out to the institutions. We separated by [the] universities students applied to,” she said. “We really wanted to make sure that students could enter into the institution[s].” Bell said the stress from having students at risk was pushed aside with the aid of the teams. “You go through all of the anxiety, but [we’ve] stayed focused to work to keep students unharmed,” he said. “It’s all of the teams, though. They have done a miraculous job. It’s not much short of a miracle.” But many argue on campus that the problem wouldn’t need resolving if the administration had heeded warnings from various shared governance groups on campus. Former Associated Students President Simon Fraser said the Extended Spring fiasco could have been completely avoided if the shared gover-
Continued from page 1 much told me there was no guarantee the classes would be accepted,” she said. McCormick also said the counselor advised her to take her math class at a different community college because “they didn’t know what PCC was doing,” she said. She plans to go to Palomar City College in San Diego County this fall so she can be sure to transfer to CSUSD next year. “I’m irritated, because I got put back another year for transferring. I’m disappointed with PCC in general,” she said. Early Warning Signs While many shared governance groups, including staff, faculty and students on campus, warned the administration repeatedly that the universities would not accept Extended Spring classes, the administration went ahead with its plan. As early as Feb. 8, the Chancellor’s Office
but came up empty. The woman sustained a minor laceration on her right knee. June 24 A student reported her backpack stolen from a cubby in the Bookstore while she paid for her textbooks. June 26 Construction workers reported flooding in the construction site for the Performing Arts building. Officers discovered a copper pipe had been cut during an attempted theft. Officers reported about an inch of water on the floor of the main stage and dressing rooms. There was approximately $10,080 of property damage.
nance process was followed. “Respect the process which is designed to fully consider decisions like this and avoid the malpractice that we’ve had this year.” Robert Miller, senior vice president of business and college services, argued personally that it was never his intention to inflict harm on students, and that the Transfer Success Teams show the college’s effort in resolving a problem with transfer. “At the end of the day, nobody wanted to harm students,” he said. “ We acted in good faith. We decided to do what we considered was best for students. That’s what we’re here for.” Fraser, currently the Associated Students trustee, hopes the winter intersession issue will be revisited by the board. “I hope the Board of Trustees will be receiving an agenda item on how our calendar should look for the future that is fully comprenhensive and takes into the account all of the issues that an academic calendar has and not just the negotiable impact,” he said.
SPORTS
8
Arrests during the 2013 NFL offseason skyrockets
Andrew Salmi Sports Editor
Following a thrilling Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans which resulted in the Baltimore Ravens edging out the San Francisco 49ers by a score of 34-31, a very eventful National Football League offseason for 2013 was underway. Many big name players moved on to other teams, as well as intriguing draft selections over a span of three days were made in May for the NFL Draft. However, the NFL offseason has most notably been highlighted by a darker aspect: the rise in arrests of NFL players since the Super Bowl in early February. Since early February, there have been more than 30 players have been arrested for various crimes ranging from DUI, battery, robbery and even murder. This disturbing trend was brought to national attention when former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was arrested for allegedly murdering his friend Odin Lloyd, a semi-pro football player whose body was found only half a mile from Hernandez’s residence in North Attleboro, Mass. Hernandez allegedly even destroyed his cell phone and home security footage in an attempt to cover his tracks. According to labor economist Stephen Bronars, during the period of 2000 to 2006, the NFL averaged 17.7 player arrests during the offseason. Halfway through the 2007 offseason, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell implemented a new player conduct policy.
However, it seemed to have a negative impact on the players instead of benefitting them. From the span of 2008 until the present day, the NFL has averaged a shocking 28.5 player arrests per offseason, which is a 61% increase from the time between 2000 and 2006. To many people who don’t make nearly as much money as the players in the NFL, it is baffling how a football player could throw his life away for these criminal offenses. Especially in the case of Aaron Hernandez, who signed a five-year contract extension in the 2012 offseason that guaranteed him $16 million and a maximum value of $40 million in additional money. Despite the strict policies regarding player conduct in the NFL, the misconduct during the offseason still continues to rise over the years. What needs to be done here? This is a serious problem that needs to see improvement immediately.
Head Coach Mike Swanegan, right, giving orders to his recruited players. Justin Clay/ Courier
Despite focus on local talent, athletes come from far and wide Jonathan Biles Contributing Writer
All community colleges in California are prohibited from offering athletic scholarships, providing housing or incentivizing students in any way to come to PCC and play basketball – yet they fill the roster with students every semester. PCC recruits heavily in the Pasadena school district and surrounding districts. But according to California Community College Athletic Association rules, the coaching staff is prohibited from making first contact with a player outside of the local districts. A fellow coach or a player’s family must make first contact with PCC coaches if they are interested in being a Lancer. While out-of-state players are rare, there are a few that fill the men’s basketball roster. Star freshman point guard Jeffrey Dockett is from Memphis. In conference play, Dockett leads the Lancers in minutes played, points per game and assists. But even with his talent,
Dockett still had to try out. “If I didn’t make the team during tryouts, I would have gone back to Memphis,” Dockett said. “Everyone in Memphis knew me, so when I was choosing a college; I knew I could get more exposure in California.” Freshman forward Bryce Clifton came to PCC from Portland, Oregon. He wanted to play basketball at a Southern California school and discovered PCC through a family friend. Clifton contacted the PCC coaches first and tried out for the team as any player would. “I flew to California and got a tour of the school,” Clifton said. “[PCC] was one of my top schools and I felt that it was the right choice.” Before being allowed to try out, PCC student-athletes must enroll in the school, register for a minimum of 12 units and maintain a 2.0 GPA. If an incoming freshman student-athlete did poorly in high school classes or on standardized tests, that player has to stay two years and have at least 48 transferable units to play on the next level.
Bryce Clifton even considered attending PCC’s archrival school, Mt. SAC, but ultimately decided on playing for the Lancers. “I visited Mt. SAC but I felt that PCC was a better school academically,” Clifton said. “And the whole feel on [PCC’s] campus was better.” PCC student-athletes are placed at an inherent disadvantage due to the school’s inability to offer benefits similar to those of a four-year university or other states’ community colleges. The bright spot for a student-athlete, basketball or otherwise, is the benefit of an education and playing experience under a high-level coaching staff. While a career in basketball is obviously the dream of most of his players, head coach Michael Swanegan’s main objective is to get his students an education. “My goal for our players is to get them a full scholarship and have them graduate from a university,” Swanegan said. “Getting their degree is the most important part for me.”
Clippers continue to thrive, big spending Lakers left in limbo Anita Wang Staff Writer
The basketball world has been quite eventful during off-season, at least for Los Angeles. As the Clippers tried to get Chris Paul to stay, the Lakers strived to do the same with Dwight Howard. However, the Clippers prevailed with Paul as the Lakers failed with Howard. The Clippers were also able to obtain Doc Rivers, former Celtics coach and one of the best in the game. Along with a new coach was a three-team trade that let go of Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler in exchange for Milwaukee Bucks’ J.J. Redick and Phoenix Suns’ Jared Dudley, both who can fill in the roles left by Bledsoe and Butler. As far as the Clippers, it seems they got a fair upgrade for what they traded. Thoughts are mostly on who Paul’s back-up will be now with Bledsoe out of the picture and if they can execute on defense. Eyes are on their big man,
DeAndre Jordan, who is a good defender, arguably one of the best recently. But will he be enough on the defensive side? Another good addition is their 1st round pick Reggie Bullock from North Carolina, who is expected to play their two or three spot. Howard was offered a $30 million deal in which he turned down in hopes for a better chance at the championship with the Houston Rockets. Yet even with the best offer on the table, Howard decided to leave after just one year. With only the 48th pick in the draft, Howard would have been more beneficial than not. Considering Howard’s
level of inconsistency in his only season with the Lakers, time will only tell whether or not it was a good decision for him to leave Los Angeles. Howard should expect one heck of a welcoming when he sets foot in the Staples Center this coming season. What is there to do for the Lakers now? Everyone knows the team has some of the most notable players, but youth and athleticism is definitely not on their side. Being well over their salary cap, there aren’t too many satisfying options for them to pursue. The Lakers will now have a $29 million luxury tax that they must pay. This is very large, considering the other
29 teams in the NBA have to pay a combined $41 million in luxury taxes. As of this week, the Lakers signed center Chris Kaman to a one-year, 3.2-million deal, which is a big downgrade from Dwight Howard. Also, former Laker, Jordan Farmar, has reportedly agreed to a contract to rejoin the Lakers this upcoming season. An amnesty clause, which allows a team to wipe one player off their payroll, was put in effect in order to be able to add some potential to the roster. The Lakers decided to amnesty Metta World Peace, who critics claimed was being paid too much for what he had to offer. He isn’t known for being a great player, but he is known for his intensity and do-anything-to get-the ball attitude that a lot of players don’t have. Amnestying Kobe Bryant was also rumored but wasn’t done, as loyalty called for it and he is a monumental factor in the marketing aspect. Amnestying him would
have meant a ton of money for the team to spend. With Kobe’s injury and recent Achilles surgery, it isn’t guaranteed how much and when he will see the court this upcoming season. Maybe the Lakers should plan for the 2014-15 season. With only Steve Nash left on a contract and hopefully a better draft pick, that season sounds way more promising. Whatever the Lakers decide to do, or end up having to do, all the fans are sure to be in distress for this coming season. Let’s hope they can work with what they have.
Dwightmare Stats 2012–13 Season
PPG RPG BLKPG PER 17.1 12.4 2.4 19.48
Career 18.3 12.9 2.2