PCC Courier 11/08/12

Water Polo PCC ends season strongly

Page 8» Volume 104, Issue 10

COURIER Proposition 30 Pasadena City College

The independent student voice of PCC. Serving Pasadena Since 1915.

Online edition pccCourier.com Facebook PCC Courier Twitter @pccCourier November 8, 2012

School officials enthusiastic over voters’ approval of tax increase NICHOLAS SAUL Editor-in-Chief

Officials at PCC were jubilant Wednesday at voter approval of Proposition 30, the ballot measure that will restore about $6.7 million in funding for the college.

“The passage of Prop 30 is a

great thing for PCC and especially for our students,” said President Mark Rocha in an email sent out to the college.

“We will see a bright future for Pasadena City College where we are working together in unity for the greater good. The American Dream is alive and well at PCC!” Proposition 30 was approved

Tuesday with a 54 percent majority of California voters. It was proposed and supported by California Gov. Jerry Brown and avoids a $6 billion cut to schools statewide.

“Suffice it to say on this beautiful morning that everything’s going to be OK,” Rocha said.

“The cuts are behind us now and

we can move forward with our plans to improve access to classes for students.”

President of the Board of Trustees Geoffrey Baum echoed Rocha’s enthusiasm in an interview on Wednesday.

“I hope this means there will be no more cuts... last year we Continued on page 6

Key ballot measure will restore funds to college $910,000 on the way for additional classes RAYMOND BERNAL AND CHRISTINE MICHAELS Staff Writers

very long time…I was ecstatic that he was re-elected,” said Academic Senate President Dustin Hanvey. “I was very thrilled with the results of the election.”

Hanvey said he hopes that Obama will be able to get more work done on sustainability and energy independ-

California Community Colleges will receive hundreds of millions in funding after the passage of Proposition 30, officials said.

As much as $210 million for the current academic year could be coming to the state’s 112 community colleges after voters approved the tax increase measure on Tuesday, said California Community College Chancellor Brice Harris in a news conference on Wednesday morning.

Harris did warn that the proposition would not be a fix-all solution. “It certainly will not bring the system back to pre-recession levels, but it does get the state’s commitment to higher education and specifically community colleges headed in the right direction,” Harris explained.

Of the total, $160 million is to pay what the state owes all colleges, according to Harris.

The remaining $50 million is for adding more class sections in the spring semester, according to Harris.

Pasadena City College will be receiving $910,000 to add classes, according to the numbers from Chancellor's fiscal services division.

During the news conference, San Diego Community College District Chancellor Constance Carroll was enthusiastic with the voters’ decision on Proposition 30.

“We are celebrating today because [on Tuesday night] California came to its senses,” she said.

Los Angeles Community College District

Continued on page 6

Continued on page 6

Teresa Mendoza / Courier Pasadena Fire Department Captain Rich Clark of Station 32 adds fuel to a controlled fire during the fire extinguisher training for the Campus Emergency Response Team at the Robinson Stadium on Nov. 2.

Campus response team trains in vacant U Building PHILIP MCCORMICK Staff Writer

The U Building’s top three floors have ‘pancaked’ down and it is up to the Campus Emergency Response Team to go in and evacuate any surviving or injured students or faculty members. This was the scenario that Pasadena Fire Captain Rich Clark had given to the PCC CERT team on its first training day, Friday morning.

“It was a good exercise,” said Clark.

“There was a good level of participation and interest.”

Firefighters of the Pasadena Fire Department, Station 32, came to help start training members of the CERT team and used the U Building for a live training drill. The drill included three six-man search and rescue teams going into the condemned building and going room-to-room to “save” cadets,

who had been placed in random locations within the building. It was each team’s job to find and escort survivors out safely, with assistants from the fire fighters.

Some cadets were asked to play along with the drill and be survivors that were either injured, trapped or even dead. It was very dark in a few areas of the U Building, and CERT Continued on page 4

Campus community has mixed reactions to election results COURIER STAFF

The campus community Wednesday had mixed reactions to President Barack Obama’s re-election win, even though most showed overwhelmingly positive support for him over Republican challenger Mitt Romney.

Associated Students President Simon Fraser overall happy with the

Speak out!

How do you feel about the election results? vote at pccCourier.com

outcome of the election. “I’m very pleased with the result,” said Fraser. “[Obama] laid out plans for community colleges… I just hope he follows through with them.”

Many students and staff alike were pleased that Obama was going to see a second term, saying that they thought he would reduce the national deficit.

“I’ve been an Obama supporter for a

Women’s soccer

Historic teacher

‘Hat trick’ helps Lancers get closer to their play­ off hopes

The first African American to get a PhD in history from USC channels color­ ful past in his teachings

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News

Courier

November 8, 2012

Child Development Center hosts annual Halloween event TERESA MENDOZA Staff Writer

Superheroes, princesses, fairies, ninjas and Totoro celebrated the spirit of Halloween as three spidermen and the Child Development Center staff dressed as scuba divers lead the children on their annual trip to campus on Oct. 31.

The group of 30 children along with their parents and teachers, strolled around turning heads and drawing smiles on bystanders.

The event was organized by Associated Student’s Vice President for Student Services Myra Whittington and volunteers from the student services committee.

Dressed as a panda bear, Cecilia Banh, nursing, said: “[The event] brings parents and kids closer [and] to have fun.”

“It’s a nice safe thing for the children to do,” said Barbara Pancoska, dressed as a gypsy in the Office Services department.

Pancoska was handing out pencils, erasers and a liquid to blow bubbles. “Little bit of fun and something practical,” she said.

The planned tour to trick-andtreat throughout campus started at the IT building where the tunes of Thriller, the color orange and spider webs reigned.

The children lined up to get treats, shiny pencils and erasers.

Each parent asked their child, “What do you say?” and the sweet voices followed with, “Thank you.”

Next stop was the police in the student services building. Chief Stanton Perez had a permanent smile taking photos of his deputies with the little superheroes and villains alike receiving treats.

“This is something they will remember for a long, long time,” said parent Angela Quiroz.

Her little batgirl was so excited that the night before she kept repeating “I’m going to PCC.” “It’s a great thing for [the children] to see adults dress up in costumes,” said English Division Dean Amy Ulmer. “[The kids] get a day of college.”

Children chanting, “Let’s go, let’s go” entered the Admission and Records office where two witches and a cowgirl handed out play dough and granola

bars.

“I don’t know who is more excited, [the children] or us,” said Jeannie Sullivan dressed as a cowgirl.

The little troopers walked through the C Building, the languages division, English, and human resources departments on the second floor.

While outside the Office Services in the first floor/basement of C Building, that on this day it felt a little claustrophobic, Little Mr. Incredible decided to lie on the ground.

After his mom’s pleas to keep going, he complained of being hot but he refused to take off his muscular puffy costume shirt.

With stuffed treat baggies many parents were carrying and some children were still clutching onto, the group took a break in the Quad to have a rest and snack before heading to the Wifi lounge for the traditional group photo.

“This is such a great experience for the kids,” said Nicki Harmon, CDC director.

“We have been guests of the AS for 22 years. It is a long standing tradition.”

Cicely Chisholm / Courier Lynora Rogacs, social science instructor, gives children stickers in the Social Sciences Division office in the C Building on Oct. 3.

Senior Vice President on medical leave after undergoing surgery NICHOLAS ZEBROWSKI Managing Editor

Antonio Gandara / Courier Senior Vice President and Assistant Superintendent Robert Bell

Assistant Superintendent and Vice President of Instruction Robert Bell was hospitalized Saturday with severe back pain requiring surgery, according to an email sent by President Mark Rocha on Monday morning.

According to the email, Bell was experiencing back pain and trouble walking at work last week and received surgery on a bulging disc in his neck over the weekend.

“I am happy to report that the surgery was a success…and [Bell] is in his usual calm, optimistic self and very good spir-

Upcoming Events Today: CSU Los Angeles Rep visit 9 a.m. - L110 CSULA Day at PCC 10 a.m. – Quad, Piazza if it rains UCLA Rep visit 10 a.m. – L110 Open House for English majors: 11:30 a.m. Shatford Library Terrace Room Budget and Resource Allocation Standing Committee 2:30 p.m. – C217 University Rep. visit 2:30 p.m. – L110 General Transfer Advisement

Friday: University Rep Visit 9 a.m. – L110 General Transfer Advisement Retirees’ Board of Directors 1:30 p.m. – C239 Saturday and Sunday: Opera Workshop 8 p.m.

Harbeson Hall.

Tickets sold at the door. $10 Gen. Admission, $5 Student, Staff, Seniors Tuesday: UC Personal Statement Workshop 12:00 PM - L110

its,” Rocha said.

Assistant Superintendent and Vice President of Educational Services Robert Miller will be taking over essential academic tasks while Bell is undergoing a rehabilitation process.

“Dr. Bell will be gone for a reasonable period of time…I sus-

pect he may do some work from home,” Miller said late Monday.

“We have a variety of administrators helping the family [while Bell is gone],” Miller said.

According to Miller, Bell entered the hospital Saturday and underwent surgery around 10:30 on Sunday morning.

Bell was scheduled to return home from Huntington Hospital on Tuesday and to begin post surgery rehabilitation, according to Rocha.

“Characteristically, his main concern was for the smooth operation of academic and student affairs,” Rocha said.

November 8, 2012

Opinion

Courier

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Courier 2011 JACC General Excellence Award Winner Editor­in­Chief Nicholas Saul Managing Editor Nicholas Zebrowski Online Editor Anthony Richetts Opinion Editor Christine Michaels Assist. Opinion Editor Benjamin Simpson Arts & Entertainment Editor Paul Ochoa Features Editor Emily Chang ­ Chien Assist. Features Editor Shelly Maldonado Sports Editor Philip McCormick Assist. Sports Editor Karla Sosa Photo Editor Buren Smith Assist. Photo Editor Antonio Gandara Online Photo Editor Teresa Mendoza Scene Editor Max Perez Staff Writers: Alfonso Ardon, Ander Arostegui, Raymond Bernal, Geness Gilkey, Alan Lopez, Mary Nurrenbern, Elizabeth Piedra, Amanda Pimentel, Luis Rodriguez, Mykeisa Willis Staff Photographers: Cicely Chisholm, Justin Clay, John Garcia, Wendy Garcia, Concepcion Gonzalez, Gabriela Gonzalez, Jordan Harris, Makoto Lane, Triana Melendez, John Novak, Anar Nyantaisuren, Patricia Reyes, Daniel Valencia, Alexis Villanueva, Ryan Yamamoto

Cartoon by Triana Melendez

Are we there yet? The election is finally over!

BENJAMIN SIMPSON Asst. Opinion Editor

It’s the six-year-old sitting in the back of the summer vacation car. “Are we there yet? Are we there yet?”

That’s what this election felt like. Is it over yet? It’s been nine months since the caucus’ in Iowa, which is as long ago as when the glaciers receded from North America. No other country on this planet needs as much time.

Now that we are recovering from election overload, what can be done next time?

VOICES:

There are basically two types of elected government in the world.

The first is similar to ours, where the leader has a specific set time in office, and the dates of elections are known years in advance.

Then there is the British model where the leader has a maximum amount of time in office, usually four or five years, but the party and leader get to choose the date of the election. Usually when their poll numbers are up. In Canada there is a maximum of 36 days between calling an election and the vote. That’s only just over one month of electioneering.

Australia the maximum is 140 days, or four and a half months, which is still better than our nine months.

Can we completely change the way the United States elects our officials, so that we have snap elections rather than specific dates on the calendar? No. Then what else can be done?

There are two things that need to be done. Limit the amount of money spent on the campaigns.

In Canada the elections are kept short, partly because of the limited time, but also because the government limits the amount of

money that can be spent on an election. If the candidate does not have the money, they cannot campaign. Another thing that can be done is to put a limit on when the primaries begin. Iowa was on Jan. 3 in this election cycle. Nine months before the election.

It should be changed, so that primaries cannot be held more than three months before an election. Will this ever happen? Limit the amount of money the rich and powerful can donate to adjust the election? Move the primaries? I doubt it. But there is always hope.

And earplugs.

How do you feel about the presidential election?

Faculty Adviser Warren Swil Photography Adviser Rachel Fermi Advertising Coordinator Anthony Richetts The Courier is published weekly by the Pasadena City College Journalism Department and is a free­speech forum. Editorial opinions and com­ ments are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the institution and its administra­ tion, student government or that of the Pasadena Area Community College District.

“”I had a mixed reaction. I voted for Obama and even though he’s been a mediocre president.”

Yancy Satlin, automotive

“I was more enthusiastic about Obama four years ago, but I would still rather have him than Romney.”

Lacie Manviller, history

“I’m amazed at how divided the country is. I’m happy with an Obama victory, but it was a real nail biter.”

Adam Whitehead, biology

“I’m glad Obama won. I’m surprised that the vote was so close.”

Izzy Naeem, business

“I’m happy with the result. I voted for Obama because of his views on healthcare.”

Raquel Rojas, biology

“I’m thrilled that Obama won because as a student I feel that he will do more to help us graduate.”

Nanor Momdjian, music

“I think President Obama has a lot on his plate in the last four years, and not a lot got accomplished.”

Julia Warden, art

“I wanted Romney to win. I was confident he was going to win up to the point the he lost Massachusetts.” Bryan Garcia, criminal justice

“I don’t think any difference will be made.”

Brenda Toma, child development

“I am glad Obama will serve his second term as our president.”

Jonathan Mejicanos, kinesiology

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: When and for what should taxes be raised?

Results as of 5 p.m. Wednesday: Education: 44% Millionaires: 27% 27% Never:

vote at pccCourier.com

Reporting by: Justin Clay, Luis Rodriguez, Yeyson Caballeros, Photos by: Makoto Lane, Alexis Villanueva,

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 michaels_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 saul.nicholas@yahoo.com.

SCENE

Courier

November 8, 2012

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Makoto Lane / Courier CERT team leader Don Eckermann, facility services, supervises his team's room entry and readies to mark the entrances as they are cleared during a CERT training exercise in the U Building on Friday.

Using gasoline as fuel, firefighters prepare for the CERT firefighting training session in Robinson Stadium.

Makoto Lane / Courier

Disaster drill prepares Campus Emergency Response Team Continued from page 1

members had to use flashlights to see where they were going. One team even had to use a rolling chair to get a “survivor” out of the building and to safety.

“It was really worthwhile,” said Director of the Child Development Center Nicki Harmon, who took part in the drill as a search and rescue member. “We have to be prepared for something like this and what we did today is taking [our training] to a different level.”

The CERT team has 16 to 20 members currently, but aims to grow with more volunteers in time. Chief of Campus Police Stanton Perez said that the rescue team would also be used as a tool of the incident command center in other types of emergencies.

“It was a great opportunity for us,” said Perez. “[We] did a lot for a training drill.

It was almost like taking the final chapter test for a book you haven’t started yet. We hope to now build on the things we learned today, in future meetings.”

The day started off with a briefing of the events that would be held for the team, and then the firefighters talked to the staff about injuries and rapid training for triage. They also touched base on how to carry people out of a building and demonstrated how to use the Stryker Evacuation Chair, which the PCC Emergency Operations Center provided.

“I think everybody [learned] something from the days exercises,” said Firefighter Jerry Kenoly.

The staff and faculty part of CERT also got to put out controlled fires set by the firefighters from Station 32, which were ablaze on in the sand just behind the west goal post in Robinson Stadium.

Participants got a chance to grab a fire extinguisher and put out a fire; there were three of them, so that three people could put out a fire out at a time.

All of the firefighters thought that the events went well and were happy with what they taught the group. “There’s nothing like a live drill to dip their feet in the ‘fire’,” said Firefighter Chris Reno.

Makoto Lane / Courier Pasadena Firefighter Chris Reno from Station 32 describes how to turn off gas and electricity during an emergency in the Emergency Operations Center.

Teresa Mendoza / Courier Pasadena Fire Department sets up a fire extinguisher training for the Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT) at Robinson Stadium.

Concepcion Gonzalez / Courier Nimfa Aldana-Williams, child development specialist, marks the wall as 'clear' after checking the room to see if there was anyone inside the U Building.

Concepcion Gonzalez / Courier Firefighters Chris Reno, top, Josh Organ, and Jerry Kenoly show how to use the Stryker Evacuation Chair on the stairs next to the bookstore.

Makoto Lane / Courier Pasadena Fire Department Captain Rich Clark speaks to the Campus Emergency Response Team before the start of the drill.

Teresa Mendoza / Courier Pasadena Fire Department Captain Rich Clark from Station 32 instructs the Campus Emergency Response Team before the fire extinguisher training at the Robinson Stadium.

6 Courier

Features

November 8, 2012

Proposition 30 renews hope Continued from page 1

had a mid-year cut of $2 million that had us reeling,” he said.

“I’m hoping that this will give us financial stability so we know what resources we have to serve students.”

The implications of Proposition 30 not passing would have been devastating to the campus according to school officials.

“The defeat of Proposition 30 will have negative impacts on the colleges and universities and on faculty and all public employees,” said Trustee Anthony Fellow in an email before the election’s results.

“That is why the Board recommended a trimester plan and elimination of winter session as have most colleges,” he added.

“Proposition 30 is going to mean a lot for PCC. Education should always be first,” said Director of Child Development Center Nicki Harmon “[This measure] will make sure the CDC is able to keep its doors open.”

The end result of Proposition 30’s significance on the campus has not been fully calculated, but its positive impact on classes is beyond doubt, officials said.

“It will take some time to learn the details of this state funding,” said Assistant Superintendent of Business and College Services Bob Miller in a district statement.

“But today it is safe to say that the passage of Prop 30 will enable us to plan to add some classes to the Spring Semester… and certainly to offer even more classes in the Summer 2013 term.”

Associated Student President Simon Fraser said that he was partially disappointed that a tax measure had to be passed to fund education, but was pleased that Proposition 30 passed. “I am very proud of PCC and other community colleges for coming together and voting for this measure,” said Fraser.

Additional reporting by Christine Michaels and Philip McCormickk

College to receive additional funds Continued from page 1

Chancellor Daniel LaVista felt the passage of Proposition 30 was a wise investment.

“I think that this action by voters does help us in getting the support we need to address our education system that has been compromised over the last three years,” he said.

The community college system lost over 500,000 students in the last three years, according to

Harris.

Harris explained the proposition would add more student seats in classrooms around the state. “Proposition 30 will also open up access and we estimate an additional 20,000 students statewide,” Harris said.

Harris thanked the voters for all of the support provided for Proposition 30. “It will spare additional budget cuts that we feared would have come if the measure did not pass,” Harris said.

Election results get mixed reactions Continued from page 1

deficit.

“I am very thrilled to think that in four years he may make some progress in that field,” said Hanvey about energy independence. “I think [Obama] can find a way to deal with the budget crisis, I hope the election will help.”

In order for Obama to have a more successful term Julio Cuevas, political science major, said that he feels the president needs clear communication with Congress and it’s a roadblock to his policies.

“I feel that President Obama needs to focus on education because that is where the future is,” said Cuevas Some were not stunned that Obama came out as the winner, last night. “I was not surprised at

all,” said Associated Students Vice President for External Affairs John Fraser. “I went into the polling booth knowing he would pull it out.”

The country was clearly split down the middle Tuesday night, as the president won the popular vote by one percent, and that showed in some reactions coming from some students.

“I didn’t like that he won,” said Carlos Solis, history. “He has four years to live up to his promises.

He better get to work or something bad is going to happen.”

Other students who voted are not as optimistic about Obama as others are, but are willing to give him a chance. “President Obama has four more years,” said Steve Arredondo, graphic communication. “And then if he messes up, we can rip him apart.”

Features

November 8, 2012

Courier

7

Distinctive history teacher guides students SHELLY MALDONADO Staff Writer

Behind the clean-cut appearance, impeccable composure and assertive demeanor, is a man who begins his day at 6:30 in the morning when he is awoken by his 8year-old daughter, a valued portion of the day. History instructor Christopher Jimenez y West is a man who intermingles his past with the present and integrates it into his teaching.

By incorporating previous diversity work and his background as art curator into his curriculum, Jimenez y West brings a distinct teaching style to students that stretches beyond the classroom.

Previously, the history curator at the California African American Museum and lecturer at the University of Southern California, Jimenez y West has made several stops on his path to becoming a full-time instructor and admits that he had a very different outlook for himself as an

undergraduate student at University of California, Berkeley.

“If you had asked me where I saw myself I would have said vice president for student affairs,” he said. “Those were the people who I admired.”

After several years of participating in diversity consulting organizations and composing intricate exhibits at CAAM, Jimenez y West realized what his true calling was. “25 percent of my time was lecturing on either African or Mexican American history at USC, and I was curating [the other] 75 percent. I didn’t like the mixture anymore,” he said. “I realized that what I was interested in my day was teaching now.”

Social Sciences instructor Tracy Sachtjen spoke highly of her office mate. “There is no better advocate for students than Professor Jimenez y West. He brings to his lectures a level of intensity that challenges students to rethink the purpose of studying the past,” she said. “His deep dedication to PCC is reflected in his warmth and

Max Perez / Courier Christopher Jimenez Y West in his office on Oct. 29.

integrity.”

As an instructor, Jimenez y West has found a way to eloquently intermingle his past into the classroom. “My modern African history midterm project was a museum exhibit and the students, I think, fed off of my

love and passion for my curatorial work and really ran with some great exhibitions,” he said.

Additionally, Jimenez y West has worked on bringing a variety of projects to the campus including: the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American Lt. Gov. of the

state of California and an exhibit on the historic town of Allensworth. “The benefit I hope is a broadening and complexity to the historical narrative,” he said.

Former student of Jimenez y West, Humberto Ortiz, sociology / gender and women’s studies, says the instructor’s teaching style goes beyond the classroom.“His honest and passionate engagement with students is unparalleled. He has a gift for providing students with tools and advice that allows students to find answers and solutions on their own,” said Ortiz. “He has taught me many lessons about carrying myself with integrity and about treating other people with dignity.

He’s a wise [and] genuine man, and those qualities are what make him stand out.”

In spite of the many twists and turns that Jimenez y West has endured in his day, he passes on guidance, “Really try to be engaged and connected without making it about you because it’s not about you,” he said.

Laughter and fun help with acting fundamentals in a rooftop ‘heaven’ RAYMOND BERNAL Staff Writer

“He’s taking my picture today?

But, I’m not ready for my closeup!” shouts-out Stephanie Sanchez, paralegal studies, when she realizes that the press will be sitting-in on her acting fundamentals class.

Fun and laughter seem to be in abundance in this class. “It’s

always fun going back, being a kid and playing pretend,” said Sanchez. “It’s the only class I could come to and be myself. I can be a weirdo and I don’t feel [alone] because everybody else is a bunch of weirdos too.”

Class is usually held on the first floor of the C Building but on this day class was moved to a miniauditorium on the roof of the C Building, referred to by theater

students as Heaven. Hundreds of costumes from previous productions drape the walls of “Heaven” and stage props fill the informal but quaint auditorium, a perfect setting for an improvisational acting class.

One of the acting exercises is called Hitchhiker. Students pretend to be in a vehicle picking-up hitchhikers along the way, with each new hitchhiker bringing a

different emotion into the scene and the other students picking-up on that emotion.

Theater Instructor Suzanne Hunt Jenner explains; “Hitchhiker is for listening, reacting, and picking-up on other people’s emotions and it’s fun,” said Jenner.

A student who – most in class agree – really gets into character is Mariana Zepeda, nursing. “But

I’m really shy. I’m extremely shy but something happens when I’m in character,” said Zepeda. “Like today I felt sick. I actually had the stomach flu, but I came here and I feel so much better now.”

Zepeda explains how this class helps with her nursing career. “I want to work with children so I want to be able to comfort myself so that I may comfort them,” she said.

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COUR IER

November 8, 2012

SPORTS

Water Polo finishes season strongly LUIS RODRIGUEZ Staff Writer

Teresa Mendoza / Courier Sophomore Paloma Barrera #19 fights a Viking player to pass the ball to a Lancer teammate at the SCC Championship Tournament in Cerritos College in Norwalk, on Saturday.

The women’s water polo team walked away with a win on Friday at the Aquatic Center, beating Santa Monica College 86 and lost to Los Angeles Valley College 10-3 as part of the 10th Pasadena Mini Tournament on Friday.

“What happened at the LA Valley game is that they scored on us really quick in the first quarter,” said Paloma Barrera, center forward.

The Lancer concentrated their efforts on defense and ended the barrage of goals from LA Valley and scored on them.

The Lancers kept their heads up and found success against the Santa Monica Corsairs in a back and forth game.

Prospects were grim at the end of the first quarter with Santa Monica leading 2-0 but through the combined efforts of Barrera and Marisa Rack, utility, the end of the third quarter saw a turnaround with Lancers leading 6-5 with each player netting three

goals respectively.

An important goal came from Makenzie Blank, utility, in the fourth quarter which put PCC ahead. She shot the goal from the center of the pool in a flash. Her family went crazy in the stands.

The win was solidified when in the last minute Naoni Padilla, driver, put in the last goal with an assist from Giselle Mendieta, forward.

“We had trouble getting organized earlier on in the season, but now we’re starting to see people emerge as scorers,” said Coach Terry Stoddard speaking highly of his team.

Goalie Shelby Gregg played an impressive game as well with a total of 11 saves.

“We knew we were going up against a good team,” said Barrera remarking on Santa Monica’s earlier win of 16-3 When the Lancers emerged from the water after the buzzer Stoddard spoke to the now refocused and confident team. Many walked away with flowers in hand.

‘Hat trick’ gives women’s soccer a playoff hope BENJAMIN SIMPSON Staff Writer

Cassandra Saavedra’s three first half goals and a shot over the goalkeeper by Nancy Nunez gave the Lancers a 4-2 win at home against number one Cerritos and playoff aspirations for Pasadena with only one game left to play.

This was a must win game for Pasadena. The top 18 teams from Southern California head to the playoffs. Pasadena is now ranked 17th.

The whole team worked hard, but credit must be given to the Lancers back line in the first half, Danielle Busta, Heather French, Blanca Mercado, and Hallie White, because they stopped Cerritos cold. Every time the ball was passed forward they

attacked the ball, intercepting forward passes.

The first goal by Saavedra was from a free kick by Busta. The ball curled in from the 25-yard line, and there was a moment when everyone just watched the ball, except Saavedra. She headed it point blank into the net.

The second and third goals were from White’s long throwins. The second was a perfectly executed play.

“Me and Cassandra Orozco usually stand next to each other,” said Saavedra. “She will check forward and I will check back.”

Saavedra used the confusion to make a strong header into the back of the net.

But Cerritos showed its number one ranking in the second half, scoring two goals within a matter of minutes.

With nerves frayed and both teams fighting hard, it seemed like any outcome was possible, but it was the combination of Vanessa Capra and Nancy Nunez, Pasadena’s top scorers, who finished off the game.

Capra sent a perfectly weighted pass to break free Nunez from the defense. Nunez’s ball cleared perfectly over the goal keepers head to bring the score to 4-2 and clinch the win for Pasadena.

“Thank god it went in,” said Nunez with a smile.

“We knew that this was a game that we had to win,” said Coach Randy Lilavois. “We gave ourselves the best chance we possibly could to get into the playoffs.”

Pasadena’s last game is at home against ECC Compton on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

Triana Melendez / Courier Cerritos Lyanna Farran pushes Lancer Taylor Gore away as forward Vanessa Capra takes control of the ball on Tuesday

Women’s hoops team optimistic about season PHILIP MCCORMICK Sports Editor Guard Stella Ghazarian practices offensive maneuvering getting ready for Friday's season opener.

Makoto Lane/ Courier

The Women’s Basketball Team has been a bright spot for the athletic department in recent years, but since the 2008-2009 season, has yet to get to another championship. This year, Head Coach Joe Peron says that a new group of Lancers hopes to get back to the state championships.

“I always coach to win,” said Peron.

“Our first goal is to gel with each other.”

Last year the Lancers came up short, as they got into the playoffs, but lost the second game in the first round. It had been a very sound season before to the playoffs began, as PCC finished with a record over .500 (17-13) and the

coaches are optimistic about improving that record this season.

“There are high hopes for this team,” said Assistant Coach La’Nette Dillard.

“We are feeling good about this upcoming tournament, though.”

PCC fans should be excited about returning Shooting Guard Stella Ghazarian, who specialized in threepoint shooting for the Lancers last year and has been working hard to improve her game in the off-season for this season. Ghazarian also led the team in points per game last season and has been named as the team captain, said Peron.

“I’ve been going through more conditioning training during the off-season,” said Ghazarian. “I’m coming off of an injury, but I should be able to

play in Friday night’s game.”

In addition to hopes of a return to glory and a title, the women’s basketball staff has also organized events for some of the games. The most important event planned is Car Give-Away night. The event has not been set due to some minor legal issues, but the coaching staff is certain that the event will be scheduled in January.

“We are going to be giving away a 2012 Toyota Camry,” said Dillard. “It’s the first time it has ever happened. It’s all very exciting.”

Peron said that he felt that this year’s team would do really well. “It’s different every season, coaching different teams,” said Peron. “But I feel that this team has a good chance. It’s going to be a great season.”