PCC Courier 11/15/12 by PCC Courier

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Pasadena City College

Healthy alternatives wanted Page 9» Volume 106, Issue 11

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

Online edition pccCourier.com Facebook PCC Courier Twitter @pccCourier November 15, 2012

Board OKs new hires

Playoff bound Women’s soccer team players Taylor Gore, left, Amanda Papac, Danielle Busta and Cassandra Orozco celebrate during the half time break on Friday Nov. 9. After a 12-4-5 record, the women’s soccer team heads to the Southern California Regional Playoffs today. Below: Midfielder Jennifer Hernandez breaks away from a pack of ECC Compton Center players in Friday night’s game at Robinson Stadium.

Photographs by Makoto Lane / Courier

7 positions are filled CHRISTINE MICHAELS Staff Writer

are professionals who are also faculty, and their role is to help students with educational and career goals,” said Davis Anderson. “The coaches are para professionals and their role is to help students follow through on the educational and career goals by getting them engaged on campus and using resources,”. Students usually drop out for personal reasons, according to Lily Tran, first year coach.

New and vacant positions were filled after the Board of Trustees approved seven new hires at the Nov. 7 meeting. The new positions were created to fill the Business and College Services Team. The Executive Director of Business Services will be Joseph Simoneschi, who will be responsible for “managing and integrating a program of broad, comprehensive business services,” according to Office of Human Resources description. The Interim Director of Fiscal Services will be Maria Descalzo, who will be acting as the district’s chief financial officer and controller and will be in charge of all fiscal services operations and plans on campus, according to the job announcement. The Interim Associate Dean for Curriculum and Program review will be Matthew Jordan. Jordan will be working closely with the Curriculum and Instruction committee and the director of institutional effectiveness. The Instructional Designer

Continued on page 9

Pathways program receives prestigious award MARY NURRENBERN Staff Writer

The First Year Pathways program will receive the Chancellors Student Success award given out by Chancellor Brice W. Harris, as part of the Community College League of California’s annual conference on Friday. The Pathways program works with students graduating from district high schools. It focuses

on helping students identify and complete their academic goals, according to Brock Klein, interim associate dean, teaching and learning center. “If students can make it through the first year, their chance of completion in college increases,” said Klein. Through the program students participate in Summer Bridge programs which are also called Jams. Some of the jams have been for ESL, Design and Math.

They are two-week, no cost programs which integrate instruction and structured supplemental support with engaging orientation to college activities, according to Klein. The other element to help the students is counselors and coaches according to Shelagh Rose, faculty lead, Pathways. Counselor Cecile Davis Anderson explains the differences between the counselors and the coaches. “The counselors

Tips offered for staying healthy on a tight budget NICHOLAS ZEBROWSKI Managing Editor

Students were given a chance to learn more about eating healthy and staying fit Tuesday at a healthy food workshop organized by Cross Cultural and Student Health Centers. The workshop included a presentation by Lilibeth Katigbak, a Dietetic Intern from California State Polytechnic University Pomona, who spoke about nutrition concepts, nutri-

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tional facts labels, tips for shopping and eating out, and gave detailed information about nutrients and how students can eat healthy. Katigbak explained that eating healthy is key to succeeding as a college student. "[Healthy eating] is a preventive form of medicine," Katigbak explained. "If you are healthy you are not spending money on medicine," she said, adding it is a great way for college student to not only stay healthy, but save money.

Win streak Women’s basketball starts off season undefeated Page 12»

"We want to raise awareness on what we're eating and how we can be healthier," Katigbak said. Katigbak is currently working on her post graduate studies after graduating Cal Poly Pomona with a Bachelors Degree in Nutrition. Her presentation is part of a nine-month practical experience requirement of her degree program. Student Health Services Coordinator Jo Buczko explained that the workshop

was to give students a chance to learn how they can stay healthy. According to Buczko, healthy eating can help students do better in their classes. "[Healthy eating is important] so students can handle stress and have more energy," Buczko said. Buczko herself tries to stay healthy by eating smart and staying active. Nursing student Crystal Del Real attended the workshop to Continued on page 9

Trip to Asia Instructor reveals treasures of Chinese study abroad program Page 8»

Buren Smith/Courier Lilibeth Katigbak explains nutritional food at a workshop Tuesday.

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News

Courier

November 15, 2012

Ujima program fosters family, success CHRISTINE MICHAELS Staff Writer

When walking into the Ujima “household”, the smell of baked potatoes and bread rolls was overwhelmingly pleasant and hunger-inducing. “Don’t take that roll before you offer it to our guest,” said Ujima Counselor Gena Lopez to one of her 40-odd students. Every Tuesday, first-year college students huddle and walk in groups to the small Ujima office, covered in posters hailing African American success stories such as Martin Luther King, Jr., and Ujima Pathway founder Jacqueline Doddes. “Ujima is Swahili for collective work and responsibility,” explained Lopez with a bright smile and a soft voice. The Ujima Pathways program has stood up to its name and duty of keeping hundreds of black students on the path towards a collegial lifestyle since Doddes began it in 1999. Ujima’s mission is to be an empowerment source for students coming from a different background, where the focus on school is not as strong, according to Lopez. The program, which is geared towards black students, aims to build a collegiate mindset, according to Ujima members. Ujima student Timothy Smith, physical therapy, believes the program’s familylike environment aids in keeping him motivated to do well in school. “It’s a really close-knit group. We call it

Makoto Lane / Courier Ujima counselor Gina Lopez with club members in their home room CC224 on Oct. 30. The Ujima pathways program seeks to empower students from all different backgrounds.

the family,” he mused. “It keeps us in line. This program keeps us whipped into shape.” The program splits students into two different comprehension levels – Ajani, meaning “he who wins” in Swahili, and Nsaa, meaning “excellence and authority” in Swahili, according to Lopez. The Ajani group

is comprehensive in English 400, while the Nsaa group is comprehensive in English 100. “People in my cohort may think on the same level, but we each bring a different perspective into the group,” she said. Chelsee Glover-Odom, undeclared, felt the entire program is there to build not just a collegiate mindset, but also a college character. “[Ujima] transforms you … it’s a character builder, and a personality builder, too,” she said. Lopez felt the program’s goals were

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met with not just a family setting, but with a system of reciprocation. “We have to get involved. If we serve you, you serve us. It’s about the ‘we’,” Lopez said. Lopez is proud to be a member of the Ujima program by helping students. “[Ujima] gives under-served students the opportunity to build a community. It is an empowerment program. [Counselors] have to get involved. It’s all for the students and better for the students,” she said.

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November 15, 2012

Courier

Women veterans star on television AMANDA PIMENTEL Staff Writer

At the age of 27, Tamieko Martin enlisted in the army as she decided that her dancing career, at her age, was becoming difficult to achieve. Martin was stationed in Germany as a Unit Supply Sargent. After serving for six years Martin’s army career was cut short as she suffered an injury overseas and was no longer able to serve. Martin, as well as, Krystal Shamburger, Navy, were selected as the two main guests to appear on the new season of the Ricki Lake show. The segment titled “Fatigues to Fabulous” focused on the lives of woman veterans after leaving the military. These two women veterans as well as students were able to share their stories and raise awareness about life after the military for women veterans. Ricki Lake gave all guests on the show complimentary makeovers. But the surprises did not end there. Martin’s boyfriend, Conrad Lindsay, teamed up with the Ricki Lake show producers to give her the surprise of a life time. Lindsay took the opportunity to profess his love nationwide and proposed to Martin. “I’m so happy to have shared my special moment with the Ricki Lake show. It’s something I could keep for life and look back on,” said Martin. “But as a broadcast journalist student I would have liked the opportuni-

Teresa Mendoza / Courier Tamieko Martin, a student veteran, was selected as a guest to appear on the new season of the Ricki Lake show in the segment titled “Fatigues to Fabulous”. Martin was stationed in Germany as a Unit Supply Sargent but due to an injury overseas she was unable to continue her army career.

ty to sit down with Ricki gain some of her knowledge and advice on the industry, she has so much experience I would have liked some direction but I am also beyond grateful for

what she did for all of us.” “I am overjoyed that the nation as a whole is starting to understand and recognize that a quarter-million female veterans have served this country because

for too long that population has been silenced,” said Carol Calandra, case manager for the veterans’ resource center. “It was with great pride that we could join forces to educate the coun-

try.” The Ricki Lake show had contacted the veterans resource center on July 2 because Lake was coming back to day time television, and wanted one of their first programs to bring awareness on how much femininity had been lost for female service member said Calandra. “The show wanted them to embrace their sexiness,” she said. “You spend so long in your fatigues that you forget how to be a woman. You forget how to be sexy, but when you are at war none of that matters,” said Calandra. Twelve veterans were given the opportunity to be a guest on the show and after many interviews, two were chosen. “[Martin] is very influential in bringing female veterans together. She wants to help other female veterans. She is amazingly beautiful inside and out and that is why I believe they chose her,” said Calandra. Homelessness, suicide, sexual assault are real issues that veterans deal with: 17 veterans a day commit suicide, 107,000 sleep on the streets on any given day and this population includes woman, the Ricki Lake show wanted to honor these woman the best way they could by showing these woman how beautiful they are, said Calandra. The show aired Sept. 6 and was played on the Piazza so that the campus could enjoy their fellow veterans sharing their stories of life after the military.

Speech and debate team victorious at contest TIFFANY HERRERA Staff Writer

PCC’s speech and debate team, ranked sixth in the nation and second in state, won eight first places in competition on Saturday at CSU Northridge. According to Instructor Joshua Fleming, one of the team’s advisors, team members placed first in eight events that they entered. “[Four] of those [first] places went to new novice competitors, so we’re really excited about that,” said Fleming in an email. Tory Tunzi, communications major, placed first for Programmed Oral Interpretation and Poetry Interpretation. “Programmed Oral Interpretation is like a mix of all the different genres,” said Tunzi. At a meeting before the competition, Tunzi was confident in the team. “It’s a different dynamic because last year we [had] so many [people returning] and a bunch of first-years,” he said. “So this year we have a couple of [people returning] and a lot of new people…By the end of the year [I think] we’ll have good chemistry together and we’ll be able to compete really well,” said

Tunzi. Fleming agreed with Tunzi’s assessment. “[This is] a huge rebuilding year. [It will be] a fun year but we’re starting from scratch,” said Fleming. Diego Madero, art history major, is the team’s go-to for debate but didn’t compete in the debate events on Saturday because he picked another event. “I am taking another event, which is Persuasion,” he said. “[I will] try to polish that and take debate into our next tournament which is at the end of the month.” Vanessa Giles, theater major, competed with a piece in prose from a memoir. She explained that the piece has a message. Giles, who recently starred in the production of Hecuba, compared her speech competitions to acting. “It’s kind of like acting but not quite. There are a lot of rules that come with [the competition],” she said. “It’s fun to do. It’s not anything like being on stage…It’s much different than I thought it would be.” According to Fleming, another thing that has the team excited is they just received a brand new full time coach, Cindy Phu.

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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

November 15, 2012

Opinion

Courier

Editorial

New law rips ‘community’ out of California’s two-year colleges Section 3 of Senate Bill 1456, also known as the Student Success Act of 2012, states: “It is the intent of the Legislature to ensure equal education opportunity for all Californians.” The problem with the statement is the Student Success Act does anything but provide that. The new law has essentially changed the mission of a community college from educating the community to focusing on only students who are working towards an occupational certificate or transferring. With changes to repeatability, priority registration, and most importantly funding requirements, lifelong learners have been taken out of the picture. The Student Success Act seems to show that the lawmakers up in Sacramento no longer see lifelong learning as something worthwhile, but as a financial

liability. According the SSA, college funding will be based on the number of Full Time Equivalent Students’ (FTES) graduation and transfer rates. Senator Alan Lowenthal, coauthor of SB 1456 said: “It is unacceptable that more than 50 percent of community college students are not graduating or transferring within six years.” According to the PCC Extension website, about 12,000 community members enroll in non-credit, no-grade courses each fiscal year. With the college currently having over 24,000 students enrolled, fewer than half take lifelong learning courses. It makes sense then, that nearly half of community college students do not transfer or receive a degree, because they are not looking for either.

Scene Editor Max Perez

Funding for a community college should not be based on transfer and graduation rates, alone. Lifelong learning is being financially extinguished by the state Legislature. The SSA has not only cut lifelong learning, but it has also made it more difficult for lifelong learners to stay in those non-credit, no-grade courses. Course repeatability has been virtually eliminated, meaning lifelong learners will no longer be able to retake a class. Registration priority will be based on grade point average. What does this mean for life long learners who do not receive a grade for their classes? President Mark Rocha felt the consequences for lifelong learning at community colleges were regrettable. “It absolutely breaks my heart … the funding is being dimin-

ished … the budget forces us to make choices … we have to allocate our funds to higher priorities [like transferring],” he said at an Oct. 11 news conference. Rocha explained the college is trying to get more revenue through fundraising by the college’s foundation. The next question is, will fundraising alone be enough to keep lifelong learning for our community? The state is forcing community college students to move forward with a transfer degree or a certificate in order for colleges to receive more funding. What can students working towards certificates or transfer do to help lifelong learners continue their studies? Hit the books, do your homework, and get out of here, before the other 12,000 students are kicked out.

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Staff Writers: Alfonso Ardon, Ander Arostegui, Raymond Bernal, Yeyson Caballeros, 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 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. 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 Facebook:

Comments recently posted to stories published online The following comments were posted in response to ‘Students are not commodities, education is not a business,” part II: I can’t resist another analogy – the huge interstate highway system built during the Eisenhower administration at about the same time that the education “Master Plan” was drafted. It was the greatest infrastructure project ever built – but now our highways and other parts of our infrastructure are deteriorating because there’s no money to maintain them. Our roads and bridges and electrical grid are crumbling under stresses they were never designed to carry. I’m sorry that faculty members and students have been surprised by the swift reduction of class sections, but in this world everything has to be paid for with money – and riots in Spain and Greece don’t give me confidence that things are going to improve. -Bear Stearns I am a former PCC student. I am truly outraged and saddened by the commentary following Professor McCabe and Professor Juge’s op ed Piece in the Courier. PCC was one of the top transfer colleges in the California Community College system while I was a student and remains one of the top transfer institutions in the state. Therefore, I am at loss to understand why the current college administration and the Board of Trustees would want to fix something that is clearly not broken by changing the calendar, hiring new administrators and managers and purchasing a $10.5 million software system while cutting classes so desperately needed by students. -Angry Lancer I really believe it takes guts and thick skin to be able to write something so raw and powerful. Let us not forget that there have

been tensions on campus about these issues, and nobody has spoken up so loudly and clearly as these two esteemed professors. Professors Juge and McCabe are wonderful and highly educated persons whose educated and deeply insightful view of how our college community has changed shows us a different perspective on our surroundings. In essence, I think it is fair to say that their educated opinion matters, because they said what nobody else had the courage to say. -An educated opinion matters more The following comments were posted in response to “Marijuana: a convincing economic argument for legalization”: Estimates show that marijuana is America’s number one cash crop. However, marijuana remains untaxed. This is a new source of income for our nation, an income we desperately need. Over 500 of the nation’s top economic professors have shared their opinion in supporting the removing the prohibition and imposing the taxation and regulation of marijuana as a way to slow the federal deficit. Ending marijuana prohibition would save the U.S. $7.7 billion annually. That is nearly as much as Congress’ proposed Budget Control Act. Think of the jobs it would create, the court time I would save and the jail space it would free up for actual criminals. Isn’t it time we at least open the floor for debate? -Electedface I wholeheartedly agree with the logic, but I find one small problem with the numbers you are focusing on. A look at the entire picture is much more of a dramatic point. Please check the Department of Justice National Drug Intelligence Center report entitled “The Economic Impact of Illicit Drug Use on American Society.” It is a breakdown

ONLINE POLL RESULTS Online, we asked: How do you feel about the presidential election results?

Results as of 5 p.m. Wednesday: Disturbed: 29% On the fence: 5% Relieved: 47% vote Thrilled: 17%

at pccCourier.com

of state and federal expenditure fighting the war on the drugs. The study details in just one year $193 billion was spent on it. Marijuana is a critical lynchpin sustaining police department drug squads, private prisons, rehabs and psychiatrist who partake in the war against drugs and suck on the government tit. The ONDCP also releases a similarly named report that discloses their expenditure.With pharmaceutical grade opiate derivatives causing massive organ damage to a growing addicted society, maybe it is time to even offer heroin legally. What is the cost of the lack of quality control and instruction provided by a legitimate company verse a thug? How many overdoses could be prevented and organs saved when we start to approach drug abuse as a disease with education and health care?! Numerous studies have shown marijuana can act as a alternative to depressants like alcohol or stimulants like amphetamine: what is the savings in that? An eminent scientist on the subject Donald Tashkin concludes that even after a half a century of heavy use, no COPD, emphysema or cancer risk. You cannot say the same for anything cannabinoids is an alternative to. -Egadsno The following comment was posted in response to “School officials ecstatic over the passing of Prop. 30”: The cuts are NOT behind us – Proposition 30 really only balances the state budget. The financial situation for K-12 schools remains dire. It still costs $1,100 to take one class at CSULA, and the tuition at UCLA is still $15,000 per year. If that doesn’t indicate the end of the education “Master Plan” then I don’t know what does. -Lehman Bros Make your voice heard! Visit pccCourier.com and post a comment to one of the Courier online stories.

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.

November 15, 2012

OpEd

Courier

Does Electoral College still work? Y E S

Current system better filters the popular vote

CHRISTINE MICHAELS Opinion Editor

When writing the U.S. Constitution, the founding fathers did not trust the judgment of ordinary Americans, and saw the Electoral College as a means to prevent the election of someone unsuitable for office. To this day, the Electoral College still prevents the less informed public from voting an unsuitable candidate into the highest office in the land. This does not mean that the average American voter’s vote does not count towards who will become president. In this year’s presidential election, the swing states such as Ohio had more Mitt Romney campaign advertisements than traditionally Republican voting states, according to the Congressional Research Service. One can say this is because Romney wanted the popular vote in those swing states. But if anyone watched the presidential debates, he or she would see who the clear winner was. The Electoral College’s representation is in a way a better-filtered popular vote. According to Tom Landsford’s academ-

VOICES:

ic article in 2008’s ‘Presidential Election Process,’ when Americans go to the polls they vote for the electors in favor of a certain presidential candidate. Voters get their voices heard through the Electoral College. Not only does the Electoral College allow voters to indirectly let their voices be heard by choosing their government’s leaders, but it also maintains a federal system and government representation in presidential elections, according to uselectionals.org. This governmental representation is decided by the voters’ majority party preference. In California, for example, if 50.1 percent voted Democratic and 49.9 percent voted Republican, the Electoral College would vote Democratic in the presidential election. The popular majority party preference in each state is what makes the Electoral College vote one way or the other, according to the Congressional Research Service. Do not hate the Electoral College because you believe your voice is not heard. Your vote still counts, just in a more condensed way.

N O

It doesn’t always reflect the will of the people

PHILIP MCCORMICK Staff Writer

It’s been just over a week since the presidential election and once again, the question about whether or not the United States should keep the Electoral College has come up. The Electoral College should be abolished and the majority vote should determine who the president is, no matter what his or her political party affiliation is. In 2000, Al Gore won the popular vote 48.38 percent over George Bush’s 47.87 percent but because Bush received more Electoral College votes, he won the presidency. Do you believe that’s right? Shouldn’t the voters decide the fate of this country? The 2000 election clearly showed that the Electoral College can, and possibly will again, fail the nation’s will as to who should be the president. Bush was the Electoral College’s president, not the peoples’ president. If someone in Texas voted for President Barack Obama but the state he or she lived in had more votes for Mitt Romney,

so the state went ‘red’ for Romney, it would seem that person’s vote didn’t count. This is what happens in so-called ‘safe’ states. Your vote doesn’t seem to count as much as it would in a ‘swing’ state and so the ‘safe’ states are usually called before any votes have even been counted. All of this also contributes to discouraged citizens who may not want to vote, because they feel that it won’t matter in the end. Their vote holds no value to them and why should it? The Electoral College has already determined that their state is going to go into one of the political party’s corners. Every American’s vote should count. It’s their right to vote and they should be heard, no matter how far to the right or left their views are. The Electoral College should either be amended so that it would take the popular vote more into account, or it should just be abolished.

How will the passage of Proposition 30 affect you?

“Ideally I would like a larger roster of classes since the school is very overcrowded and it’s very difficult to get classes.” Shani Shafrir, Health and nutrition

“I hope that winter session is brought back and that more classes are added so I can graduate sooner.” LisaRey Morales, Graphic Design

“I hope it’s going to bring the winter intersession back or just make tuition cheaper.” Victoria Jinenez, psychology

“It’ll make things at school better and make it easier for students to study and graduate.” Billy Han, Photography

“It’ll gives us a chance to open up more funds for students, specifically community colleges that have been cancelling a lot of classes.” Sarah Hamil, Nursing

“I don’t want to put too much weight on it. A lot of people are speculating that it might not do anything. The money is there but who’s to say it’s actually going to go in the right direction?” Natalia Guerrero, Undecided

“I’ll get more classes and I’ll get out of here as soon as possible. That is the goal of everyone here at PCC. So I think it will be very effective and help me out a lot.” Georgette Guevara, Communications and broadcasting

“The school Board said they wouldn’t cut classes if it passed, so I’m hoping the teachers will be able to hold them to that promise. Hopefully I’ll be able to get classes a little easier now. I think it’s good for education.” Sean Regan, Political Science

“It’s a good thing, but I’m kind of iffy on it, even when I was voting for it. It just seems like the government will have more control over the schools rather than the schools themselves.” Marina Gutierrez, psychology

“I’m going to be more optimistic about my future, and I’m not going to be depressed as I was before about budget cuts, and classes being cut. I’m very happy that it passed because it will benefit a lot of schools. Mariam Mkhitaryam, Astronomy

Reporting by: Anthony Richetts, Photos by: Max Perez

SCENE

October 25, 2012

Courier

WHAT HAS BEEN ENDEAVOURED

Endeavour sits as the centerpiece for the California Science Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new exhibit on Nov. 12. Photos by Max Perez and Alexis Villanueva

The Endeavour parks for spectators to take pictures as makes its last trip to the California Science Center along Crenshaw Boulevard on Oct. 13. Photos By Concepcion Gonzales and Teresa Mendoza

The Space Shuttle Endeavor, on its voyage across California toward Los Angeles International Airport passes by Griffith Observatory and the surrounding area on Sept. 21. Photos by Max Perez and Junko Inoue

Features

Courier

November 15, 2012

Instructor treasures study abroad program to China TERESA MENDOZA Staff Writer

Looking through photographs from the most recent study abroad program trip to Beijing, Language Instructor Cathy Wei is excited to share memories about her first trip to mainland China. A Taiwan native, Wei had an interest in seeing more of China and in the spring of 1997, she took a sabbatical leave from teaching to travel there. “When I realized how big China is…seeing all the different people from the north, south, east and west, it broadened my horizons. There are 55 minorities that are completely different, their faces, their customs their languages and it’s truly amazing how they can still communicate,” said Wei. Wei spends more than 13 hours per day on campus and when she isn’t teaching she prepares her classes, advises the global club, acts as chair of the Pasadena Sister Cities Committee's China Subcommittee and as the vice president of the Chinese Language Teachers' Association of Southern California. In 1997 with her inexhaustible energy she organized the college’s first travel abroad program to Beijing, China, which was offered to students for three consecutive years during summer sessions,

according to Wei. Concurrently, Pasadena’s Sister City Committee invited Wei to join them in the effort of building up the relationship with its sister city Xicheng District, Beijing. The study abroad to China program had been on hiatus for 13 years but it resumed in spring 2012. According to Wei, during the break PCC offered scholarships to students that took Chinese for three semesters allowing them to spend a semester in Taiwan or China. The force behind Wei’s mission is fueled by her belief that “language is a messenger of a culture’s values and stories.” She sees her work and influence through the eyes of her students and their achievements. Wei recalls a student who participated in the program in 1999, USC graduate, Chad Blackwell, presently a successful business owner in China. “Chad donated the money needed for the students to travel to Shanghai…allowing for a more extensive experience. [Chad] also offered scholarships and internships to PCC students that want to study in China,” said Wei. Business major Teresa Sung of Taiwan descent, decided to participate in the study abroad program last spring while learning about barriers and language in a cultur-

Courtesy of Cathy Wei

Above: PCC Students and staff visit Qianmen Gate in Beijing on the first week travel in February.

Left: Language professor, Cathy Wei created the study abroad program in Beijing in 1997. Wendy Garcia/Courier

al geography class. “I really wanted to learn more Mandarin and experience my own heritage and culture,” said Sung. During the program the students stayed in international dorms at Capital Normal University, said Daniel Adamczyk. “We met students from Korea and Russia that did

not speak any English but everyone was able to connect speaking in Mandarin,” he said. Students took business, Chinese literature, and language classes. “The language classes were extremely fast paced four hours every morning, learning 20 to 30 words a day,” said Adamczyk, international

relations major. This semester he is re-taking Chinese level 2 to improve his writing. “My grandfather is the only one that speaks the language in my family,” said Adamczyk. “I often try to practice my Mandarin speaking to him and he is always correcting me, but he has a big smile when I try to speak.”

Counselor guides student athletes through experience YEYSON CABALLEROS Staff Writer

A counselor, an instructor, a mentor, Michael McClellan begins his days in a variety of ways. Some days his mornings may begin in the classroom, teaching courses such as personal growth and development. The next day it might begin as a counselor, following up with appointments with student athletes and faculty members; or even meeting with student athletes to guide them and advise them on methods of succeeding and coping with life. Whether it is for academic reasons or for personal ones, McClellan believes in accessibility and the ability for student athletes to be able to communicate with him when any problem, issue, or concern arises. “I have an open door policy, students have access to me all day long,” he says. As the director of the Athletic Zone program, his open door policy draws athletes from every sport into the study hall facility for his counseling, guidance and advice. Being a student athlete himself at the University of Oregon, McClellan has been successful on both sides of the educational spectrum. As a student athlete has was admitted with an athletic scholarship and double majored in rhetoric communication and history. He then acquired three different master degrees from different institutions. He has worked with the empowerment programs on

behalf of the counseling division such as the UJIMA program and is also a tenured faculty member. His knowledge and expertise won him the 2009 state counselor award of the year given by the 3C4A. He was also nominated last year by students for the Risser teacher award. According to Greg Altounian, a college assistant under his observation, McClellan’s knowledge of the academic system and its applications is what makes him so effective. “He has the most knowledge of all of us. He is an important figure in the athletic department and in our [student-athletes and faculty] lives,” says Altounian. Many alumni such as Miranda Doing have benefited from McClellan’s experience in the academic environment and experience in life. “The advice he gave me had value because I knew he was once a student athlete and he was so good at it. Knowing that he made it validates his word,” said Doing. McClellan’s commitment to succeeding and to his students’ success is backed up by his resume. And although his success speaks for itself, McClellan is still understanding of the struggles that student-athletes undergo during their time in college according to Altounian. “He has not only succeeded, he has also failed as well. He knows what it feels like to be a studentathlete,” he said.

November 15, 2012

Courier

AS wants healthier snacks in machines Pathways program wins award Continued from page 1

PAUL OCHOA Staff Writer

With the support of the Associated Students behind them, representatives from HUMAN Healthy Vending were out in the Quad on Tuesday offering free samples of their healthier snack and drink alternatives which would be provided in their vending machines. “We are doing a taste test to make sure the students like the [products],” said Andrew Bott, AS vice president for business affairs. With PCC’s vending contract with Pepsi in limbo, the college has a choice between Pepsi again, Coca-Cola or HUMAN (Helping Unite Mankind And Nutrition) Healthy Vending, according to Bott. Bott, who has been working toward getting vending machines with healthier food on campus, expressed his and the Associated Students support for HUMAN Healthy Vending. “Our contract with Pepsi is expired, the AS has endorsed HUMAN in sticking with PCC’s pledge to be environmentally friendly we decided to recommend [it],” said Bott. Bott also explained how the HUMAN vending machines offered not only more variety and healthier products but the machines themselves “are sustainable and use less electricity,” said Bott. Alex Michael, easy nutrition specialist, explained HUMAN’s goals. “We were founded in 2003 on the principle [that] where vending machines exist

“We are available to check in with students (on a regular basis),” said Tran. The students appreciate the work the counselors and coaches do. “My coach encourages me to ask questions and offers advice,” said Jorge Pacheco, medical assisting. Program outreach assistant Javier Carbajal Ramos helps to fill in the details about the back-

ground of FYP. “The FYP started two years ago and has 800 students involved,” said Carbajal Ramos. The program aims to grow. “We are planning to expand next year to 1200 students. We want to continue till all students have access to the program,” said Klein. The award is well received by the Pathways program. “I am excited, it has been a lot of work,” said Rose.

Staying healthy on a tight budget Continued from page 1

Justin Clay/Courier Students wait in line for free samples of healthy alternatives to junk

today they need nutrition. [We are] a nutrition company first and looking to make an impact through the vending machines,” said Michael. Adam Washington, international business, felt the snacks were good but lacked flavor and overall were a good choice for PCC. “They’re pretty good [but] not as flavorful. If we had healthy [food] vending machines people would use them and it would get PCC healthier,” said Washington. Charmine Bolton, liberal arts, liked the idea of having a vending machine on campus that provide good tasting snacks that are also healthy. “Most people snack at school so if you’d have something that tastes good and is healthier that

would be good,” said Bolton. Michael Delaney, philosophy enjoyed the food and liked the convenience it would bring people who might be vegetarians or vegans and have to get their food off campus. “I think it’s good because a lot of students are vegetarians or vegans and they have to go out of their way to get [organic food]. The food is really good. I can see myself enjoying it,” said Delaney. Washington explained HUMAN’s reason for success is their providence of general value to the students. “We believe the greatest values in the world; personal or business comes when you can provide general value to others. [That is] why we are so successful because we put students first.”

learn more about health management. "I wanted to learn how to manage my health on a college budget, they gave me a lot of information," said Del Real. Plates of vegetables, fruits, and other healthy snacks were offered at the workshop. Alma Primero, psychology

major, went because of concerns with the rise in obesity. "[I attended] because obesity has gone up a lot and it is just a way for students to know ways to get healthier," Primero said. "[The workshop] gave students an idea of what there options were…the food offered was an example what students could eat," he said.

Board approves seven new hires Continued from page 1

for Online Learning will be Katherine Dacco. The Director of the Teaching and Learning Center will be Brock Klein. The new Director of Facilities will be Rueben Smith. The new hires will work under Assistant Superintendent and Vice President of Business and College Services Robert Miller. Miller looks forward to working with his new team. “I am very encouraged about the future of our college and the contributions this new team will

make. These professionals represent the very best of what’s needed to support our college and the students our faculty and staff support with passion and resolve every day,” Miller said. Director of Institutional Effectiveness Crystal Kollross felt relieved and happy to have a new Business and College Services team. “We are exceedingly relieved. I’d like to thank the whole state for passing Proposition 30, because none of these consent items would have passed without it,” Kollross said.

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November 15, 2012

Courier

Opera performance takes audience on emotional thrill ride

Protesters march around campus on Thursday demanding that the school properly allocate Proposition 30 money for more classes. One of the chants was “Prop. 30 passes, we want our classes.”

CHRISTINE MICHAELS Staff Writer

Concepcion Gonzalez / Courier

Prop. 30 passage prompts rally EMILY CHANG-CHIEN Staff Writer

Students caused quite a commotion on Thursday when they gathered in front of the C Building, calling for the proper allocation of Proposition 30 funds for more classes. According to protester Kelly Camacho, English and fine arts, no particular student organized this rally. “Every student is a leader,” Camacho said. “Every student is affected by the crisis in spending priorities on campus.” According to Camacho, students — many of whom were complete strangers to one another — came together in support of each other and empowered themselves by taking direct action. “They brought the idea of student power to our ,” Camacho said. Caesar Balatios, business and

culinary, passed out fliers and talked to bystanders. Balatios was one of the many students whose graduation was delayed because of the cutting of classes. “This can happen to [other students] if we allow [the Proposition 30] money to not go to [the students],” Balatios said. “All I am telling [the bystanders] to do is to come join us [and] let the administrators know that we are here and we need that money.” Protester Yoana Pena, history, feels that the passage of Proposition 30 warrants a retroactive change to the academic calendar. “We really need to pressure the administration to go back to the old calendar.” she said. “Winter intersession is really important to all of us.” “[The administration] needs to fully fund all of the classes, not

increase class size, but definitely make new sections. Enough with the wait lists … we need new classes [and] new class sections,” Pena said. However, not everyone was thrilled by the demonstration. The protesters marched throughout campus making trips to the C Building, R Building, V Building, L Building, CC Building and Shatford Library. The protesters upped their vigor as they trailed through the second floor of the R Building, opening classroom doors, hitting doors, and urging students to “walk out for their education.” Students and instructors stared at protesters, bewildered, as protesters screamed into classrooms. David Zepeda, undecided, admitted that although he agreed with the message of the protesters, he found the door opening rude.

Upon leaving Harbeson Hall on a freezing and windy Friday night, one left ‘Opera Scenes’ feeling like he or she just got off one of the most wild, phenomenally sung and emotionally packed musical roller coasters of all time at PCC. ‘Opera Scenes,’ directed by Anne Marie K. de la Vega, took its audience to a musical experience like nothing before for $10. Sitting at most 50 feet away from the stage, the singers’ voices shocked the audience with wave after wave of goose bumps. The foreign opera pieces from European composers Mozart, Gounod, Donizetti, Verdi, and Bizet, did not have to be sung in English for the audience to understand the emotions and situations. De la Vega’s quick run through of the situation occurring before each opera scene gave the audience a briefing of what was to be sung. The first note of the evening, sung by Clare Bellefeuille- Rice, was heard so loud and clear it sent shivers throughout the room. Her part as Gianetta in the scene “Saria possibile” from Donizetti’s ‘L’elisir d’amore,’ kept the audience enthralled with her surprise as a once poor Italian man was declared the sole heir to a millionaire’s fortune. The audience began to laugh when the once poor and now drunk Italian Nemorino, played by Micah Howlett, was amazed at how well the elixir he bought was working to catch the attention of the town’s women. Howlett, a returning opera singer, felt great to be back on stage. “[I] felt confident [on stage]. It was very nostalgic for me, since I

haven’t been singing opera for a while. But it feels good to get back into it,” he said with a smile. The professionalism of the entire performance made the $10 ticket well worth its money. Elizabeth Mercado, opera singer Victor Mercado’s younger sister, believed the performance was amazing. “Coming from a music background … the sound is awesome. I totally like it,” she said. In one of the most memorable scenes during the evening, Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto’ scene “Un di, se ben rammentomi,” the audience was taken to a tavern in Italy, where the Duke of Mantua, played by Franz Stary, seduced Maddalena, played by Natalie Ringger. Stary’s soothing, well-experienced voice seduced not only Maddalena, but also the audience. But on the other side of the stage, a distressed Gilda, played by Japanese opera star Ai Miyagi, clung to her stern father Rigoletto, played by Arturo Dumindin. Miyagi and Dumindin’s distressing, sorrowful, emotion filled singing deeply contrasted the seduction occurring on the other side of the stage. Dumindin, whose voice is powerful on the stage, was soft and quiet when describing his pride about the overall performance. “We weren’t perfect, but it was very, very good,” he said with a smile. Overall, de la Vega’s direction of the ‘Opera Scenes’ was heart wrenching, laugh inducing, and fantastically executed. One should definitely get a chance to see these performers sing once again before they hit the big stage.

Library receives additional funds MARY NURRENBERN Staff Writer

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The Shatford Library usually receives $20,000 in award money from the Student Services Fund for purchasing new textbooks. This year it was surprised to receive an extra $8,000, according to Pearl Ly, interim assistant dean, library services. The library provides textbooks for students to use in the library. This requires maintenance such as processing and mending, according to Ly. “We have considered cutting these services before, but decided to apply for extra funds instead,” said Ly. When looking for a candidate to receive an award the SSF looks for services that clearly benefit the student body, according to Simon Fraser, Associated Students President and SSF committee member. The library got the award because it was a needed project and so many students spend time inside the library (using textbooks), said Ly. Each week 3,000 textbooks are used which causes the covers to get worn out and the binding to

come apart, according to Ly. $3,000 from the award money will be used for repairs and supplies and the remaining $5,000 will go towards student workers, said Ly. “We will be able to have extended hours in finals week (because of having the extra money),” she said. Library users were happy. “I use the textbooks three days out of four that I am here,” said Shanell Laurence, occupational therapy. “It is good that they will be able to keep them in good shape.” “It is rare for a college to have a textbook collection as extensive as ours,” said Jared P. Burton, librarian. “Last spring a survey was conducted by the library to see what the reaction would be if the library discontinued the textbook collection. Overwhelmingly the students showed alarm and distress over such an idea.” Students share in the excitement of the library receiving the award. “I think it is great that the library got the award, it can use the help,” said Thet Noe, political science.

November 15, 2012

Courier

Family basketball tandem keeps it professional Father son duo debunk favoritism stereotype EMILY CHANG-CHIEN Features Editor

The sound of stampeding feet pounding against the floors echoed throughout the basketball court as players feverishly dribbled a basketball. The faint smell of perspiration permeated the gymnasium as the players demonstrated relentless drills. Men’s basketball team coach Mike Swanegan watched his team pensively as he shouted encouragement to various players. From his gaze and the attention he paid to every player, one would not realize that Swanegan Sr. is the father to shooting guard Mike Swanegan, Jr. Swanegan Sr. admitted that being the father to a player is difficult at times. “But at other times, it’s good to see him grow and blossom the way [I] want to see him grow,” he said. However, Swanegan Jr. faces immense pressure from teammates and the crowd. He believes that outsiders think that the coach favors his son. “[It is] stressful, most of the time, walking around school and being asked if you are the coach’s son,” he said. “There is never a day where I don’t get

asked that.” Swanegan Jr. has felt the difficulty of being the son of the coach since his freshmen year. He feels that he must live up to the role that the public has bestowed upon him. “I have a lot of expectation for myself, from staff members to teammates, to my dad and to my family,” he said. “If I don’t live up to that, I put a bad name on the family and on my dad as well because he works here.” However, Swanegan Sr. thinks differently. “My expectations for him are no different [than] for the whole team in general: to play to the best of [their] ability, and to be productive out on the floor,” Swanegan Sr. said. Shooting guard Marquise Tolson notes that Swanegan Sr. treats Swanegan Jr. as a regular player. According to Tolson, there is a time and place for business, and another for a relationship. “On court, they are player and coach,” Tolson said. “I mean, that is his son, but he gets no leeway, he’s got to do the same thing that everyone else [has] to do. … There [isn’t any] favoritism at all.” Guard Evan Brooks echoed this sentiment and added that

Men’s soccer dominates in season finale with a win over El Camino BENJAMIN SIMPSON Staff Writer

On a cold and windy afternoon in Compton, the men’s soccer team dominated its last game of the season. PCC played El Camino CollegeCompton Center on Friday winning by a score of 2-0. Despite winning their last game, the men’s soccer team finished 4th in the South Coast conference and 17th in the Southern California region. The first 14 teams in the Southern California Region enter the playoffs, so the Lancers just missed the playoffs this year. Scoring was set off in the 15th minute with a cross by Vahagan Manoyan. He spent the first 15 minutes bringing the ball down the left wing, crossing the ball over and over again. One of the many crosses he made went around the keeper and found Irving Rosales on the far post. “I was playing right wing, I was touching the end line,” said Rosales, “and I finally made that run down the line, where I

should have been the first 15 minutes, the keeper came out and I chipped it over him.” The second goal came in the second half, as the Lancers pushed the ball forward again and again. Kevin Ramirez took a free kick from the 25-yard-line, looping it in to the near post, where Manoyan headed the ball back over the defenders and Brandon Flores finished it off by heading it over the goalkeeper. “The game was dominated by us in the second half, we had more opportunities,” said Flores. “When we got there we did what we had to do. We were waiting for the playoff seating, so we had to win that game,” said Coach Edgar Manvelyan. “We went there to win the game, … we changed our whole lineup, we just kept pressing, kept pressing, kept pressing. In the second half we put all our sophomores in, a sophomore congratulations, [by that time] we had control of the game fully.”

Jordan Harris / Courier Lancer Guard, Mike Swanegan ,left, stands next to his father, Head Coach Mike Swanegan, in the HuttoPatterson Gym Nov. 03.

the father and son have a lot of love for each other. Brooks emphasized that the coach does not play favorites. “He treats [Swanegan Jr.] like a player; he wants him to get better, and [Swanegan Jr.] doesn’t disappoint,” Brooks said. “[The coach] lets him know when he makes a mistake, and he lets him know when

he does [well].” However, the stress of being the coach’s son has taught Swanegan Jr. valuable lessons. “It has taught me how to deal with stuff on my own, and it has made me grow up a lot,” he said. “It has taught me how to mature and take criticism from a lot of people. The best positive is that he is my dad and coach.”

Both father and son have a good relationship Swanegan Sr. happily said. “One thing I try to [instill] in him is that once we get on this floor, it’s not father and son; it’s coach and player,” he said. “Once we leave the gym, we are back to father and son. So a sad day can turn into a happy day after practice.”

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November 15, 2012

SPORTS

Women’s basketball 3-0 in first 3 games PHILIP MCCORMICK Sports Editor

The women’s basketball team went 3-0 in the Veterans Day Tournament held in the HuttoPatterson Gym over the weekend, getting off a great start to the season and building hopes that this team can get to the playoffs again. “We have high hopes for this season,” said Guard Charnequoia Jackson. “And it felt really good to get off to an unbeaten start.” The highlight of the tourna-

ment for the crowd had to be watching a new star being born in Center Kaitlyn Parks, who had three strong performances. Parks really out-shone the competition in games one and three, scoring 19 points and 15 rebounds in the first game and 23 points and 14 rebounds in the third game. “[Parks] is doing a great job as a freshman for the team,” said Guard Stella Ghazarian, who had 18 points and 7 rebounds in the first game. “She does a wonderful job at getting us much needed rebounds and every-

thing else she does is just an extra.” Games two and three were very close, but game two felt a little too close for Head Coach Joe Peron, as the Lancers won by only one point, 47-46 being the final score. “I don’t believe that I have ever had a team score under 50 points in a game,” said Peron. “But we are playing some really good teams this weekend.” PCC played Southwestern College in the first game, Irvine Valley College in the second and Cypress College in the third.

The Lancers handled Southwestern pretty well, but had trouble with both Irvine Valley and Cypress. The game against Irvine Valley went down to the wire. The Lancers enjoyed an early lead in the first half, but went into a shooting slump and couldn’t hit any of their shots. With 14.7 seconds left in the game, PCC needed a stop… And they got it, along with the win “A win is a win,” said Peron. “I thought that there were too many whistles, but in the end, we found a way to come out on

top. Cypress College gave the Lancers a run for their money as well, but PCC had the upper hand in the final two minutes. At the end of the third game, the final score being 58-52, the Lancers had an unbeaten record. “We have so much talent on this team,” said Parks, who also received the Most Valuable Player award of the tournament. “I’m happy that we were able to sweep the tournament and get off to an awesome start.”

Women’s soccer gets playoff berth with a win over Compton ANTHONY RICHETTS Staff Writer

Justin Clay/Courier Freshman Kaitlyn Parks shoots a hook-shot in the paint during PCC's 67-59 win over Southwestern College on Friday in the Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium. The Lancers victory was the first of three straight in the Veterans Day Classic.

Volleyball’s 11-game win streak snapped ADAM MITCHELL Contributing Writer

The women’s volleyball team stumbled on Thursday, losing 3-1 to the El Camino College Warriors in Torrance. The ECC Warriors came out firing taking the first two games 25-19, and 25-22. The Lancers took the third game 25-16, but that was all they could muster, losing the fourth and final game 25-23. The match took place at El Camino College and the home crowd was out in force. In front of the raucous home fans even the warm-ups seemed to take place at a fevered pace. Coach Tammy Silva noted the mood. “The home crowd was the difference,” she said. “[Our team] played more consistently than last game but the crowd was a huge factor.” There were miscommunications up front for the

Lancers for most of the first two games, resulting in 11 unforced errors in the first game to go along with 13 in the second. “We are not going to win with that many unforced errors,” said Silva. Despite the tough loss the Lancers came out in the third game and played well, sparked by good play from both Jackie Valle-Acosta and Kailey Faust. Jennifer Estrada also was a great help on defense with 18 defensive digs through all four games, but all proved to be not enough as game three was their only victory. The loss moves PCC and ECC into a two way tie atop the conference, both with 11-1 conference records. The Lancers don’t have much time to reflect on the loss turning around quickly to play Cerritos in the next match-up. It is a good match-up to have coming off a loss; the Lancers dominated Cerritos in their last meeting 3-0.

The women’s soccer team dominated El Camino College Compton Center Tartar with a daunting 8-0 victory in the last game of the regular season at Robinson Stadium on Nov. 9. From the start of the game, the Lancers proved the old adage that the best defense is a good offense by gaining control of the ball early and maintaining a strong offense throughout the game with great passing and multiple steals. The Tartars were no match for the Lancers that day and they played a very weak game from the start. In the first half, PCC managed to take a three-point lead. Eight minutes into the start, Lancer forward and top scorer Vanessa Capra scored the first goal of the game with an assist from Midfielder/Forward Lizbeth Rodriguez. Thirteen minutes in, PCC Forward Cassandra Saavedra, with help from one of the Tartars, scored a second goal. With two behind, Compton managed to pick up the pace, but even with the ball in scoring range, they managed to botch perfectly good opportunities to score and had the ball constantly stolen from them. With six minutes left

in the first half, Capra managed to score an unassisted goal, bringing the Lancers’ lead at the end of the first half to 3-0. Seven minutes into the second half, Forward Nancy Nunez scored a goal with a combination of assists from Capra and Rodriguez, bringing the score to 4-0. PCC Midfielder Taylor Gore took advantage of a botched pass out of the Lancers’ scoring zone from ECC Compton’s Ivonne Amaya and scored the Lancers’ fifth goal. Half way through the second half, the Lancers’ top scorer Vanessa Capra took a hit in the knee by one of the Tartars’ and had to refrain from playing the rest of the game. But even without their top scorer, the Lancers still managed to maintain their strong offense. “The game overall was a success. We were able to control ball and pass,” said French. “It was an issue because before where we would be playing kick ball and we needed to relax and stay calm, and we’re going to need that for the playoffs because the teams will be more competitive than this.” The playoffs for the Lancers begin today against Santa Monica College at Occidental College at 3 pm.

Forward Vanessa Capra charges after the ball downfield eventually scoring two of the eight goals by PCC in Friday night's game at Robinson Stadium. PCC beat ECC Compton, 8-0. Makoto Lane / Courier