COURIER VOLUME 110 ISSUE 14
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December 4, 2014
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EDITORIAL Issues with the Police Chief position need to stop
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PCC’s stem cell culture on cutting edge Hannah Gonzales Staff Writer
At the back of the Science Village there is a bungalow that houses the Biological Technology Program at PCC. Run by Dr. Pamela Eversole-Cire, the program is host to a program that allows a select number of students to spend a year interning and developing their own stem cell projects. Funded by Proposition 71, which was passed by voters back in November 2004, the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative was allotted $3 billion to fund stem cell programs. In 2005, PCC was the first community college to offer it’s students training in stem cell culture and in 2009 it was again the only community college to receive the the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Bridges to Stem Cell Research Award, which issued $1.7 million to the Stem Cell
Training Program. “Several years after CIRM was established we applied for the grant,” Eversole-Cire said. “It’s a prestigious award. We’re very proud of our program.” The CIRM program was designed to offer students additional research and educational training. The opportunities for the students who apply and qualify are enormous. “[Students] are selected to participate in a one-year paid internship and can choose to intern at one of three local universities,” Eversole-Cire said. “Currently this year we have eight students. We can fund up to 10.” The program is so renowned that students who have already earned their B.A. or B.S. often apply for the program to gain a specific skill set that will either help them get a job or use the opportunity to gain experience to apply to Paul Ochoa/Courier a graduate school. George Tseng differentiates mouse stem cells into neurons in bungalow 27 in the Science Village on Monday Nov. 24. BIOTECH page 2
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Board to search for interim police chief Philip McCormick Editor-in-Chief
The Board of Trustees has begun an official process for finding an interim chief of police after it fired Don Yoder at its Nov. 17 meeting. There is no timeline for getting a permanent person for the job, according to Superintendent Steven Robert Miller. Matchan “In speaking for the administration,” Miller said, “there is not a timeline for filling the permanent position. A process had begun to fill the position with an interim director of campus police and safety services (police chief).” Miller said that in the meantime, Steven Matchan would remain as the acting director of CHIEF page 3
Final version of accreditation report released to campus Daniel Johnson News Editor
Daniel Nerio/Courier Pamela Kay and the Tap Chicks performing a dance number to the audience along with the 2015 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Royal Court at the event High Tea at the Pasadena Senior Center in Pasadena, Calif. on Monday Nov. 24. SEE MORE IN SCENE.
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PCC officials recently released the final version of the Accreditation Self-Evaluation report, which at times paints an unflattering view of the school’s recent history. The report has been the subject of extensive discussion and revisions by both administration and Academic Senate members, with the Planning and Priorities Committee (P&P) having the final say on what was included. “I believe that the final version of the self-evaluation accurately describes the last six years,” wrote committee co-chair Stephanie Fleming in an email. “It may not reflect any one person or group’s perspective, but it does include the multiple perspectives that currently exist
at PCC.” The report details recent campus difficulties, including 10 pages on the conflict over the elimination of winter intersession and the schisms that followed. “A variety of incidents/situations occurred that undermined trust and collegiality,” the report states. “Faculty felt that there were instances of faculty not being told the truth, particularly in regards to the cancellation of the Winter intersession.” “Some campus members have expressed concern that there has been a general lack of respect for norms of public discourse and professional behavior,” it adds. Members of both parties acknowledged collegiality among Senate and administration as an issue.
“For the most part, the level of collegiality was very good throughout this lengthy process,” said Fleming. “However, there still continues to be issues of trust on our campus and these concerns have had some impact on the latter stages of the process.” “P&P made themselves the final content-editing body and they are finished with the document, so when exactly is the Academic Senate supposed to have a chance to give feedback?” said Senator Melissa Michelson. The senate will meet Monday to discuss the report in greater detail. Michelson alleged that the committee did not allow the Senate adequate time to review the report. ACCREDITATION page 3
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NEWS
2 COURIER
December 4, 2014
Student president wants Pepsi deal Philip McCormick Editor-In-Chief
Associated Students (AS) President Jordyn Orozco is pushing for the school to make an effort to renew its lapsed contract with Pepsi to boost revenue for student services. “It’s something that is near the top of my list to get done before I transfer,” Orozco said. “A huge part of our budget comes from food services with a contract, we would know for sure how much money we would be getting year to year.” The contract with Pepsi would essentially grant the company exclusive rights to sell soft drinks on campus in exchange for guaranteeing a set amount of money that would be allocated towards the AS budget, the Student Service Fund and the PCC General Fund. Orozco said that 60 percent of food services’ net profits go to the Student Service Fund, which helps provide
support to programs on campus that help students. He said that the other 40 percent went to help support the AS and partially support maintenance for food services on campus.
Senior Vice President Robert Bell said that renewing the contract had not been a priority until now, but he understood the need to change that. “I know why our student president
wants to get this done,” Bell said. “I’ve been talking to Orozco and will be working to get a new contract in place before he transfers out.” Both Orozco and Bell explained that previous contracts with Pepsi had made the school around $250,000 per year. “Right now,” Orozco said, “we are just ordering supplies from them as we need them. Without the contract, we aren’t guaranteed a certain amount of money a year. With the contract in place, Pepsi would assure us at least the set price that we negotiated on with them.” Bell said the next step would be to start negotiating with competing companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi and see who offered more. “We would like to start this process next semester,” Bell said. “This is something that we need to get done for the students and I’m always here to help students succeed. I’m confident that we’ll have a contract in place before the end of next semester.”
Bachelor’s degrees at PCC unlikely in the future Matthew Kiewiet Staff Writer
PCC is currently discussing a possible proposal to become one of 15 California community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees, according to Assistant Superintendent of Academic Student Affairs Robert Bell. In March of 2014, Dean Barbara Freund and PCC’s nursing faculty began developing a curriculum for SB 850, the law passed by the state senate and signed by Governor Jerry Brown in May that would allow community colleges to offer
BIO-TECH “I came here specifically for the CIRM internship which is pretty unique,” said Tim Hunt who has a B.S. in molecular biology from the University of Washington. “It’s CIRM funded which is something that California did rather proactively in terms of funding stem cell research.” Since there are only 10 spots in the program, the application is rather extensive. “They have had to participate in the Biological Technology program. They’ve had to complete the core series and also all of the other courses to earn a certificate in bio technology,” said Eversole-Cire. “They then enter the application process and attend a one week program that I designed to offer additional training.” After students participate in the one-week program hosted by Dr. Eversole-Cire, they must submit a resume and a letter of recommendation to a committee who then decide which students will be participating in a sixweek trial prior to the official internship. The students work in the lab and after six weeks the committee meets again to determine the final students who will be participating in the program. “It is selective,” Eversole-Cire
four year degrees in certain fields. Progress was halted when changes to the bill made it so that community colleges could not offer such classes if these programs were taught at a Cal State. CSU Los Angeles offers nursing degrees, which means PCC cannot, Bell said. If this is the case, it is extremely unlikely that PCC will take advantage of SB 850. As of now, the nursing program is the only one with the credentials needed to offer a bachelor’s degree. A substantial amount of funding along with a considerable amount of additions to the faculty would be needed. PCC does not have room for either.
said. “It is a long process for them, but the students have an opportunity to meet with multiple professors and get a sense of which lab is going to be a good fit for them.” Starting September 1, the students have a year to either intern at the California Institute of Technology, the University of Southern California, or the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. The students also attend a bridge meeting in San Francisco to present their finished research in July. The program ends in August. In addition to performing research at the universities they’re interning at, students also learn coursework, participate in a high school outreach component, go through a variety of training activities, and host a seminar series that various professors are invited to. “I think it’s great,” said Laura Lim, who already has a B.S. from UC Berkeley. “Initially I joined because I had a volunteer position at a hospital doing research and I wanted to take a class to supplement lab skills. I would like to go to graduate school eventually.” The goal for CIRM is to train students at the undergrad and masters level. Students train to be qualified in stem cell research for either the workforce or to
“I am not enthusiastic about community colleges offering bachelor degrees,” said Board of Trustees President Anthony Fellow. “Most B.A. granting institutions are those with professors with doctorates who have distinguished research records, which you need to have to go through the tenure ranks, which takes about six or seven years. A B.A. also requires upper-division courses. I think our nursing program had these two essentials. I did support the B.A. in nursing, but I am, in general, not supportive of community colleges offering B.A.s.” This bill potentially provides excellent opportunities for PCC’s students in the
future, as well as a much more appealing option financially if the CSUs and UCs continue their tuition increases. However, it is far from a small undertaking by the college, and certainly cannot happen at the drop of a hat. “Any community college that considers applying to offer one of the 15 authorized community college four-year programs will need to make sure it is accomplishing its basic two-year mission and that the four-year program will not compromise that or be a distraction,” said Dr. Ross Selvidge.
Paul Ochoa/Courier George Tseng differentiates mouse stem cells into neurons in Bungalow 27 in the Science Village on Monday, November 24.
continue working in the bio-tech industry. When not at their internships, students work on their research. The lab on the PCC campus has everything from a cell culture lab to new microscopes. “We are a bio level system one because we only work with mouse stem cells in class,” Eversole-Cire said. “They perform all the manipulation in these units called bio safety cabinets. This creates a sterile environment for the students.” Most of the equipment that
the students use is donated from various local companies that support the program. Students working on their research must also comply with safety regulations while working in the lab. “They have to wear proper clothing,” Eversole-Cire said. “They work with live cultures which are mouse cells. There are certain precautions they have to take.” The students participating in the CIRM Bridges Research program just don’t commit their
time to their research, but to also giving back to the community in and around Pasadena. “It’s called the high school module,” said Karol Lu a former participant of the CIRM program who now works part-time for Dr. Eversole-Cire. The module is a way for the CIRM program to easily inform high school students about stem cells. The mini course, which runs from one and a half to two weeks, is in a mobile stem cell lab.
NEWS
December 4, 2014
COURIER
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President Miller goes to the White House Monique LeBleu Staff Writer
Interim superintendent/president Robert Miller will meet President Obama, the First Lady, and Vice President Joseph Biden today during the second White
CHIEF campus police and safety services. Even though the position that has seen four chiefs in four years, Miller said that the administration did not foresee any difficulties in attracting potential candidates for the position. Details as to why Yoder was fired have yet to be released and Yoder did not return calls requesting comment on this story. The board said only that he was terminated “with cause.”
ACCREDITATION Earlier this semester, several senators, including Michelson, spent two days making revisions at what has been referred to by the participants as a retreat at a nearby hotel. The committee evaluated those changes, but Michelson said the committee delivered the final report with inadequate time for the senate to evaluate its current state. “P&P delivered the hard copies on Monday of a three-day work week. By then, it was too late to put it on the agenda for this week,” said Michelson. ”So no, the senate has not been given a fair hearing because of the lack of time, and this could have been avoided.” P&P committee co-chair Matthew
House College Opportunity Summit in Washington D.C. The White House College Opportunity Day of Action will be held at the The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, where Miller will attend in behalf of PCC and join over 300 college presidents and other education leaders.
“The Summit is focusing on increasing access to higher education, especially for those that are traditionally disadvantaged,” said Ryan Cornner, associate vice president of strategic planning and innovation. “Each of the institutions that are invited have made a commitment to increase college access. And those
commitments will be announced at the Summit.” In addition to the announcements, the summit will serve as an opportunity and support for colleges to collaborate and “focus on building networks of colleges around promoting completion,” according to a White House press release.
“The reasons for the decision are confidential,” Board President Anthony Fellow had said. “The District respects the right of privacy of its employees and former employees and will not comment further on this matter.” The Board’s vote was 4-2, with Trustees Linda Wah and John Martin voting against firing Yoder. Both Trustees declined to comment, citing Board policy. Wah said that the Board had been “asked to respect Yoder’s privacy.” Yoder is the fourth police chief that PCC has had since 2011. He replaced
Stanton Perez as chief of police in January 2013 after Perez resigned due to issues about the eligibility of his pension from his former job with the California Highway Patrol. Before that, Frank Scialdone served as interim chief while the school searched for a new chief after Peter Michaels mysteriously went on leave and then retired. Miller said that the administration would bring forth a recommendation regarding the chief ’s position in relation to the campus police and safety services’ needs.
“The Board will then review this information as they consider qualifications for the position,” he said. Associated Students President Jordyn Orozco said that the Board had to look more closely at candidates for certain positions moving forward. “I think the school is so used to rushing someone into the position,” Orozco said. “We have some really good people who can hold the fort down, while we prolong the hiring and screening process.”
Jordan responded positively when asked if he felt the senate feedback had been helpful. “All feedback that was submitted on the Self-Evaluation was extremely helpful,” he said. “Comments and suggested changes that were submitted by the Academic Senate were reviewed for inclusion and edited by a member of the Academic Senate Executive Board and members of the college administration.” He added that the committee then reviewed each revision and determined whether or not to include or edit it. “This process improved the final document by incorporating additional perspectives,” said Jordan. The 400-plus-page document is divided into four main areas: institutional effectiveness, student services, resource man-
agement, and school governance. Within these four groups, there are a total of 129 individual standards that the school addresses. Each standard receives a descriptive summary of what actions and policies are relevant to following it, a self-evaluation that discusses how effective the measures are at keeping the school in compliance, and finally a section that details any “actionable improvement plan” that may apply. Once approved by the Board of Trustees, the report will be sent to the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), who will evaluate it for accuracy when representatives visit the campus in March. In all but 10 standards, the self-evaluation section contains the sentence: “Pasa-
dena City College meets [the standard].” Several of the standards that are missing this language cover significant aspects of PCC’s recent history, including the cancelation of winter intersession, fulltime faculty hiring practices, and the role of the school’s president. However, Jordan said that the absence of that language does not mean that PCC is failing to meet a standard and he stressed that there is no requirement for such a statement. More likely, said Jordan, the author of a given section may have chosen to present the evidence and let the report’s recipients judge for themselves. “It could be that the author wanted to leave it up to an ACJCC team member to make that determination during the upcoming site visit in March,” he said.
WE START AS STUDENTS WE LEARN BEYOND THE CLASSROOM WE SERVE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND THEN WE TAKE ON THE WORLD
At CSU Channel Islands working side-by-side with professors, non-profit leaders and professionals is an opportunity for every student. They bring theory into practice. They learn how problems can be solved. These are more than field trips or internships to put on resumes. These are the lessons on which to build careers. SERVICE-LEARNING: CI students volunteered to assist a community women’s shelter as part of the United Way Ventura County’s Day of Caring 2014. Service-learning is a direct expression of the University’s mission and a critical component of the curriculum and programming. During the 2013-2014 academic year, CI students served more than 22,500 service-learning hours, engaging more than 1,570 students in academic service-learning.
LEARNING THROUGH EXPERIENCE Learn more at go.csuci.edu/pcc
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OPINION
4 COURIER
December 4, 2014
Courier Violent protests do more harm than good
2014 JACC General Excellence Award-Winner Editor-in-Chief Philip McCormick Online Editor Mick Donovan News Editor Daniel Johnson Opinion Editor Justin Clay Asst. Opinion Editor Hannah Gonzales Features Editor Kristen Luna A&E Editor Samantha Molina Asst. A&E Editor Anthony Martinez Lifestyle Editor Monique LeBleu Sports Editor Daron Grandberry Photo Editor Nagisa Mihara Asst. Photo Editor
Hannah Gonzales Asst. Opinion Editor
Despite the decision of the grand jury not to indict former police officer Darren Wilson for the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, violent protests took place in Ferguson as well as other parts of the country. Regardless of a dedicated police presence it was the protestors who took advantage of the situation and turned what was supposed to be a peaceful protest into violent vandalism that endangered the community. People were upset and understandably so. What happened in Ferguson was tragic and the events that followed even more so. The shooting of Michael Brown not only set a divide between Ferguson’s police and
Concepcion Gonzalez Online Photo Editor Daniel Valencia Scene Editor Keely Ernst Copy Editor Kristen Luna Staff Writers: Ahmad Akkaoui, Reina Aldape, Daniel Axume, Dezarae Balbas, Joey Calderon Guzman, David Grubaugh, Tiffany Herrera, Matthew Kiewiet, David O’Connor, Ashley Park, Sho Tanaka Staff Photographers: Ansis Hoheisel, Eric Haynes, Erica Hong, Ryan Kevin, Chris Martinez, Daniel Nerio, Kevin Peraza, Scott Spencer, Daniel Vega-Warholy, Saul Villegas, Tiffany Yip, Eric Haynes Faculty Adviser Nathan McIntire
twenty-one buildings and ten police cars were destroyed. As the community of Ferguson tries to come to terms with what happened back in August it is acts of violence like this that only hurts the community more. And regardless of a large police presence and more than 2,000 additional Guardsmen in the St, Louis area, it is hard to police a community with a police force that has become the symbol for oppression, either real or perceived. People have to remember that the police are doing their job and if that means arresting protestors that are engaging in harmful activity then so be it. Ferguson’s police officers have to deal with more than just verbal threats these days. Many of them have had to wear riot gear for the first
time in their lives and have been pelted with bottles and rocks.A few have even relocated their families after activist hackers made public the names and addresses of officers. Ferguson’s police didn’t sign up for protests and riots. They certainly didn’t sign up for threats and verbal harassment. Yes, there should have been more transparency about the case of Michael Brown and there should have been more of an outreach on the part of the police force to the African-American community. However, citizens in Ferguson and elsewhere need to remember that these officers are also part of the community which has been through so much since the death of Michael Brown.
rative that has been disproven over-and-over again.” The SLPOA’s logic on this issue is as clumsy as their acronym. I encourage everyone to read the full statement, complete with its multiple ham-fisted uses of football parlance (“Someone needs to throw a flag on this play,” “That is way out of bounds”) that is then immediately pointed out as being a use of football parlance. It is the comedic equivalent of an adolescent boy furiously tugging on a bra strap while proclaiming how awesome he is. Aside from the Farva-esque attempts at wit, the statement highlights a disturbing disconnection from reality by its authors. The assertion that the players were perpetuating a narrative that Darren Wilson executed Michael Brown in cold blood is incredibly
shortsighted. To conclude that the Rams players who made the gesture did so in order to troll police officers is, frankly, bizarre. The gesture has been forged in the persistent state of antagonism between urban police forces and residents and stoked by individuals on both sides who are driven by ignorance to inflict damage on their community. Citizens who use the death of a teenager as an excuse to loot and pillage their own community sit squarely in the same category as police officers who use force over brains and engage in arbitrary power trips. They are both part of the problem. The Ferguson situation is not an illustration of a divide along racial or economic lines; it is a divide between those who
believe that a community subsists on the altruistic stewardship of its inhabitants and those whose ignorance and violent behavior undermines that stewardship at every turn, whether by a brick through an innocent window or a bullet through an innocent body. Even though I’m loathe to quote Richard Nixon, I do believe there is a silent majority of civilians who want to raise their children in peace and police officers whose primary concern is preserving that peace through engagement, discussion, and understanding. This majority must make obsolete the minority crowd that uses a grand jury finding as an excuse to loot a Target or takes a frustrated gesture of protest personally.
St. Louis Police Union needs to get over it Daniel Johnson Staff Writer
Paul Ochoa Chief Photographer
citizens, but also brought to light racial tension between citizens and the predominatley white police force. So when on November 24, a St. Louis County grand jury announced that it would not indict Wilson, it set off protests that resulted in looting and damaged property. U.S. citizens have the right to protest. However, there’s a difference between protesting peacefully and rioting. In response to the grand jury’s decision, some protestors decided that violence was the right action to take despite the Brown family and local officials asking for a peaceful protest. There were bricks thrown through windows, an empty police car set on fire, and businesses set on fire and looted during the hours the rioting took place. In the end
St. Louis is making a serious bid at overtaking Las Vegas as the world capital of terrible ideas. In the latest triumph of the moronically tone-deaf, a St. Louis police association has publically protested the “hands up, don’t shoot” gesture made by five St. Louis Rams players before their game against the Oakland Raiders Sunday. To be fair, putting your hands up in front of 45 guys in Raiders jerseys is just common sense. The St. Louis Police Officers Association (SLPOA) released a statement expressing “profound disappointment” with the players, saying they ignored “mountains of evidence” and “publically [perpetuated] a nar-
VOICES:
Do you think the grand jury made the right decision in the Ferguson case?
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The Courier is published weekly by the Pasadena City College Journalism Department and is a free-speech forum. Editorials and comments are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the institution and its administration, student government or that of the Pasadena Area Community College District. The Courier is written and produced as a learning experience for student writers, photographers and editors in the Journalism Department. Phone: (626) 585-7130 Fax: (626) 585-7971 Advertising (626) 585-7979 Office: 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., CC-208 Pasadena, CA 91106-3215 © Copyright 2014 Courier. All rights Reserved.
“No, there is no justice. I have friends of all different races, and they will never understand the fear black people go through.”
“No, you can’t just kill someone or make assumptions based on their appearance. You can’t judge a book by its cover.”
Jevon Shields Sociology
Jonathan Henderson Electrical Engineer
“No. It was not a fair case and [Officer Darren Wilson] should deal with the consequences.”
Amalia Gomez, 20, Criminal Justice
“No. The system is not built to serve the people but make decisions based only on “evidentiary proof.” It does not protect individuals.”
Omar Macias Sociology
Reporting by: Ashley Park
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 clay.courier@gmail.com Corrections The Courier staff endeavors to ensure accuracy in all aspects of its reporting. if you believe we have made an error, please contact us at (626) 585-7130 or via email to mccormick.courier@gmail.com
“No. I think the prosecutor and the way he presented the case was biased. If that was the way the case was presented to the Grand Jury, the decision is wrong.”
Lauren Day Sociology Photos by: Erica Hong
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December 4, 2014
OPINION
Editorial: When will PCC finally find a police chief who sticks? PCC will see its fifth employee in four years in the police chief position in Steven Matchan after the Board of Trustees decided to fire Don Yoder two weeks ago at its Nov. 17 meeting. The college has still not issued a statement explaining the firing of Yoder. This needs to stop. The campus is owed an explanation when the Board of Trustees fires an employee, especially one with the title of police chief, “with cause.” Safety of the students on and around campus should be a priority. The only way to ensure the safety of the community is to hire a police chief that can serve in the position for more than a full year and become comfortable with the campus and its various groups. Yoder had been the fourth police chief that the school had hired since 2011. He replaced Stanton Perez as chief of police in January 2013 after Perez resigned due to issues about the eligibility of his pension from his former job with the California Highway Patrol. At some point, it seems like less of a coincidence and more of a problem in the hiring process. Jordyn Orozco said it best when he said that the Board had to take more time while vetting a candidate. “I think the school is so used to rushing someone into the position,” Orozco said. “We have some really good people who can hold the fort down, while we prolong the hiring and screening process.” Before that, Frank Scialdone served as interim chief while the school searched for a new chief after Peter Michaels mysteriously went on leave and then retired. Michaels was yet another chief that had rumors floating around as to why he really left. Things like this only hurt the school’s image and reflect poorly on the board. The administration needs to stop making these types of embarrassing blunders. The next selection for campus Chief of Police should come only after a thorough process of background checks and proper vetting.
Cartoon by Mick Donovan
COURIER 5
Hungry? Stop by the salad machine! Reina Aldape Staff Writer
A new “kiosk” vending machine has surfaced in a Chicago food court that sells jars of fresh salads and snacks, offering patrons a healthy alternative to the quick and easy fast food chains. Farmer’s Fridge, sitting in the middle of its neighbors McDonalds and Dunkin Doughnuts, offers an array of salads, veggies and humus, fresh fruit, wraps, and more made fresh daily for under $10. Entrepreneur Luke Saunders founded Farmer’s Fridge with the idea of making healthy food as easily accessible as junk food at an affordable price, in a low-income area in downtown Chicago. The goal is “to turn a vending machine into a veggie machine,” according to the company’s website. All salads and snacks are made fresh daily with nutrient-packed ingredients and delivered to the vending machine. Salads start at $8, with weekly specials knocking off a couple bucks. After 6 p.m., salads are discounted as low as $1. Salads and snacks are made from local and organic ingredients. The packaging, down to the lids and utensils, are all recyclable and biodegradable, making Farmer’s Fridge good for the body as well as the environment. The concept is great, the menu is irresistible, and the benefits are uncanny. So why haven’t more “veggie machines” been popping up? We are living in a time where obesity continues to be a leading public health problem in the United States. About 68.5 percent of adults and 31 percent of children are either overweight or obese, according to the Food Research and Action Center. With the body mass index highest among adults in the lowest income group and the lowest education group, these families do not have the resources to afford what Farmer’s Fridge has to offer. You can bet your bottom dollar that low-income families would rather stop by McDonalds and grab four burgers, some fries and cokes for $10 than fork up the dough for some organic leaves in a biodegradable jar. Unless they wait until after 6 p.m. to take advantage of the price reduction on these salads. Why go through the hassle of taking a trip to the grocery store and spending $50 on ingredients to make a home-cooked meal for your family when you can take a trip through the drive-thru of your favorite fast-food chain and scarf down a greasy cheeseburger before you even step foot in your house? Fast food is just that, it’s fast food that is affordable. These “veggie machines” are competing with many fast food restaurants that now offer healthy alternatives; you can get a salad for under $5 or substitute your French fries for apple slices. Now it may not be as fresh or nutritious as Farmer’s Fridge but if it saves you a couple bucks and comes with a toy, that sounds like a deal. Implementing these “veggies machines” in other low-income cities may be a hip, new concept that will attract attention, but spending $50 bucks a month on lunch a week will get old, and quickly. As long as McDonalds and other fast food chains are around, Americans will be living in the fast lane, only slowing down for the drive-thru.
SCE
6 COURIER
Ryan Kevin / Courier Jamyang Jinpa refilling his chak-purs with vibrant colored sand for the exquisitely detailed Sacred Sand Mandala at the USC Pacific Asia Museum on Nov. 11.
Angelo McCabe and Michaela Escarcega audition for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” at the Black Box Theater on Aug. 29. Nagisa Mihara/ Courier
Justin Clay/Courier Performace artist Go-Go Amy eats fire during a stage show at Haunted Hollywood Sports on Sept. 26.
Christopher Martinez/Courier Alexandria Sloate screams into the microphone while Francisco Marin plays bass with their band at a show at the Industrial Estate on Sept. 6.
E. Hong/Courier Dance rehearsal for the show “Full Tilt” on Nov. 18, 2014. “Full Tilt” directed by Roberta Shaw is a contemporary dance work featuring PCC students. Concepcion Gonzalez/Courier Vistors look at Frogtown Salo(o)n part of the Big City Forum exhibition at the Armory during ArtNight Pasadena, on Friday, Oct. 15.
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December 4, 2014 COURIER
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Keely Ernst/Courier Madison Triplett (second from right) is named as the 97th Rose Queen on Tuesday night, Oct. 21 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium Plaza. PCC students Veronica Mejia and Mackenzie Byers (second and third from left) are members of the Royal Court.
Daniel Valencia/Courier Jessica Lauren Taylor spreads out her fan on Sept. 30. She is a PCC student curently working towards her bachelors in dancing and theatre arts, is an experienced dancer whos has worked in a variety of dance companies such as City of Ballet of Los Angeles. Ansis Hoheisel/Courier A Huichol elder in traditional Wixarika dress admires her people’s intricate knitworks prior to the screening of “Huicholes: The Last of the Peyote Guardians” at PCC’s Harbeson Hall on Nov. 20.
Bunches of wire sit on a work bench to help students practice soldering for the PCC Automotive Electrical Systems class on Nov. 3. Kevin Peraza/Courier
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Scott Spencer/Courier Compton player attempts to steal the ball from Lancer Ani Hemelians in a home game at PCC’s Robinson Stadium.
Eric Haynes/Courier Alaa Alsenan and Chris Jefferies are remachining an engine by cutting out the valve seats in the cylinder head from the engine in the Engineering and Technology class.
SCENE
8 COURIER
December 4, 2014
Daniel Nerio/Courier Freshman utility Sharon Perez palms the ball before Long Beach freshman attacker Brandy Hoffman at the Aquatic Center on Oct. 1.
Paul Ochoa/Courier PCC Marching Band opens up Homecoming Week in the quad on Nov. 4.
Tiffany Yip/Courier Cancer survivor Danielle Aguilar smells the flowers in front of the Center for the Arts building on October 16.
Daniel Vega-Warholy Rock singer Josh Mannen performs with his band “Drunk In The Garage” at The Colorado Bar after the 37th Occasional Doo Dah Parade on Nov. 15.
Saul Villegas/Courier Ruby of “Ruby’s Camp Bimbo” makes her way through the 37th Occasional Doo Dah Parade on Nov. 15.
FEATURES
December 4, 2014
COURIER
9
She++ hopes to add women in tech Anthony Martinez Staff Writer
Purple and white balloons accompanied simple, hastily-made signs with “She++” scrawled in black marker dotted throughout campus. For most, the phrase is a foreign combination of a word followed by plus signs. But to tech-heavy individuals, the message is clear: these posters were directing foot traffic to a female-focused computer science lecture in the UU forum. Playing off the coding language C++, the She++ event provided a dedicated space for women interested in computer science and similar fields. Elizabeth Burd, the vice-chancellor of learning and teaching at the University of Newcastle in Australia led off the guest presentations by sharing sound advice for women trying to break into computer science. Video game industry veteran Brandii Grace dispelled some myths about why women aren’t prominent in these fields, shooting down the archaic idea that women cannot comprehend the subject matter while positing the theory that women view technology differently than men. Jillian Greczek and Orjeta Taka, USC robotics grad student and iRobot lead roboticist, respectively, followed with presentations explaining the impact of robotics in the medical field. Joining the Q&A panel were former PCC students Natalia Alonso and Lan Dang. Alonso, a Cal State Northridge computer science student, and Dang, a software engineer for Jet Propulsion Laboratory, were invited to show current students that there are opportunities in these fields and that attending community college does not hinder the abilities of budding techies. “I just really think that if you’re into something, just do it,” said Dang. “Don’t let feeling like you’re the only one there stop
Eric Haynes/Courier She++ members Joseph Chin, Sergio Vasquez, Derek Nowicki, Irving Morales, and Joanne Lee were giving away t-shirts and collecting donations at their event held by the Computer Science Club of Pasadena City College on November 21.
you.” Dang oversees a local group of Linux users and realized she’s usually the only woman at the meetings. While she recognizes this as a problem, she’s against the idea of dragging women into the field just for the sake of diversity. “When I hear people talk about joining these women’s groups, I’m just like ‘join any tech group,’” she said. Originally a computer engineering student, Alonso turned to computer science which felt like a more comfortable career path to her. Like Dang, Alonso has ties with NASA and JPL since her senior project consists of a collaborative effort on CubeSat, a small, compact satellite for space research. Although she agrees that She++ and similar events are great experiences, the fact that women still need to seemingly prove their abilities is problematic. “It kind of sucks that we’re still asking these questions [like] ‘why do women want
to get into computer science?’ I don’t know, the same reason that anyone would be interested in any particular thing,” she said. “It’s just because they like it … not [because] they have some ulterior motive like ‘I’m proving something to someone.’” As complicated as the event sounds, the event’s origins lie in a simple classroom conversation, which sought to find a reason why there was a disproportionate amount of men compared to women in computer science classes. Waverly Chin, one of three women in her class, found it necessary to fix this issue. “I think that it’s very important to create these sorts of events and definitely a community, because women make up 52 percent of the workforce but only make up 20 percent or less of the technology industry and that’s a huge problem,” she explained. “Maybe women need to be encouraged, or they never thought about [computer science], so I decided that I would start this event and get it going around PCC.”
Originally planned for an audience of about 60, word of mouth turned a small gathering into a proper crowd. Time factored against Chin and her team, however, as they only had six weeks with a mere one meeting per week. Additionally, a lack of funding posed a major threat for the organizers. Without the assistance from the PCC Foundation, the event would not have come to fruition. Up to 80 percent of funding came from the Foundation, according to Chin. Despite the obstacles, the event found success based on its turnout. The forum was a sea of white T-shirts printed with She++ across the chest. Although aimed at women, half of the audience consisted of men. “One of the things that I really want to get out there is that people shouldn’t be afraid of programming, [both] men and women,” she noted.
Charismatic PCC One host pursues indie filmmaking Monique LeBleu Staff Writer
Longtime Lancer Lens newscaster and independent film producer Laila Hajjali will soon leave PCC with two certificates and ambitions to start her own production company. A host since the inception of PCC One News in a Minute, the producer/director is working on a third certificate after already earning two in film and television. Charismatic and friendly, she brightens a room when she enters with her smile and instant calm and ease. A PCC student since 2007, Hajjali chose PCC at the urging of her brother who spoke well of the programs and because they live very close by. As student worker, she is a PCC One producer and shoots and edits PCC education videos while also working as an editor for the talk show Every Way Woman that airs in San Diego. With one feature film already under her belt as producer, as well as several award-winning shorts, Hajjali is in the throngs of making two feature films outside of PCC. “She’s extremely charismatic and people want to be around her,” said David Steiman, a media production specialist for Lancer
Lens and producer for PCC One. “She cuts loose and she’s awesome. She’s brave. She’s willing to do anything. [As host] she gets comedy. She gets delivery. She’s it. She’s the whole package.” Hajjali spoke fondly of the early encouragement she received from film professor Stana Milanovich in a make-or-break moment. Still not knowing what major she wished to pursue at PCC after having failed her film final, Milanovich pushed Hajjali to move forward. “‘I see potential in you,” Hajjali said of Milanovich. “I think you can do really good at this. So why don’t I give you a second chance.” “She really did help me out,” Hajjali added. “She is this first person to encourage me in this field.” Hajjali soon found herself fascinated and eager to learn everything in film and television that PCC had to offer through the technical class, eventually moving on to the production classes where she found her niche. “You get to be the producer, director, and [Assistant Director],” she said. “You create a project and you have students crew for you.” It was here that she went on to independently produce the short films “Time and Home,” which won first place in the 72 Hour Films competitions in 2013 and
Concepcion Gonzalez/Courier Laila Hajjali, PCC One host and producer, in the C building on Wednesday, Dec. 3.
2014. Hajjali met the film’s director and fellow PCC student Moses Navarro on Facebook, where the two clicked and continue working together outside of PCC. “Him and a bunch of other people from those [film] classes, we kind of created this group of filmmakers. And we are kind of a family,” said Hajjali. Hajjali gravitates toward pro-
ducing independent films and funding for her projects goes beyond the help of family and friends. She uses crowd funding sites and investment proposals and a clip of the project scene to show investors and family members. “The best route we’ve taken was Kickstarter or Indie Go Go or Go Fund Me,” she said. “And
we’ve always reached our goal, which is good.” The film Lost Angelas exceeded its goal, raising more than $4,600 with over 65 backers through crowd-funding. And as both director and producer on the documentary project “Sibling Warrior: Healing My Brother’s Autism,” the struggle to raise funds continues. But Hajjali and the film’s supporters move forward using social networking fueled with the hope to further raise awareness on autism and treatment. Hajjali has much in mind for the future, which not only includes producing others’ projects but starting her own production company and studio as well. “I want to do films first, then maybe move into television owning my own studio like PCC One has,” she said. Something small where we can create maybe a talk show or a television shows and sell that to different networks,” said Hajjali. Hajjali’s exit, as with any other student who moves on to bigger and better things, is both bittersweet and hopeful. “Don’t think we’re not all broken up by it,” said Steiman. “But if she keeps doing what’s she’s doing, she will be successful. She’s tenacious.”
LIFESTYLE
10 COURIER
December 4, 2014
‘Insensitivity’ showcases top comedy in Pasadena Monique LeBleu Lifestyle Editor
his work with Lisa Lampanelli (The Queen of Mean), writing and performing for her roasts, including that of William Shatner. His sharp-tongued Battleground Earth roast of Tommy Lee featured infamous quips on the Mötley Crüe rock star’s famously large appendage. “The funny thing about roasting Tommy Lee is that Tommy is known for so many things. That most of what you roast him on are actually kind of compliments,” said Bartnick. “Nobody’s going to be mad about how much God has given them!” McCown got his start doing open mic nights on Sundays at the Comedy Store, which evolved into a regular gig for the last 11 years. The two comics got to know each other while performing at the Comedy Store and other venues, and the idea for the podcast came from a post-show conversation. “We worked on Playboy Radio together,” said McCown of Bartnick. “We were standing on
Based on their web podcast Insensitivity Training on All Things Comedy, Joe Bartnick and Cort McCown have teamed up to bring their brand of politically incorrect comedy to The Ice House. Both comedians showcase a variety of high profile, lowbrow guest comedy artists of every ilk. “We’re not sensitive comics and we just want a place where people can come and speak their mind,” said Bartnick. “We don’t censor anybody.” Including themselves. Bartnick, a comic and serial roaster who has appeared on Comedy Central and the DiscovPaul Ochoa/Courier ery Channel, is also a hardcore Comedian Joe Bartnick poses at the Ice House on Thursday, Nov. 20. Bartnick and Cort McHockey fan who has merged his Cown will perform at the Ice House the first Tuesday of each month as part of their Insensitivity passions with his other Podcast, Training lineup featuring top comedians. Puck-Off. But the comedy team said McCown. “The world is so The podcast is often shot the Ice House in October, an of Insensitivity Training has had politically correct today. It’s so in locations convenient to the annual event as well. a variety of guests stemming PC. And for what? Why? Who’s guests, making scheduling on Insensitivity Training will feafrom the hosts varied interests really getting angry about all this the go easier for all, enhancing ture hot and new comics, such as well. stuff. It seems like everybody is the comfort level for guests to as Bill Burr, Nick Youssef, and “We’ve had musicians, and apologizing.” speak their minds. The comedy Kevin Shea. we’ve had playmates and we’ve Both Bartnick and is unhindered. But fair warning: the show will had strippers…and we McCown credit a favorite PCC student Marissa McNutt likely have the no holds barred just had the top five hair “[The show] is not for the faint podcast that was conworks at the Ice House part time approach and promises equal dresser in the world, ducted casually during while she is finishing up her precolor in language and subject of heart either. This isn’t an but he was also one of requisites to nursing school. matter. the top five goaltenders audition for the Tonight Show. a golf game of guest comedian and actor Rob She has been working at the “[The show] is not for the in the world,” Bartnick It’s Insensitivity Training.” Riggle. Riggle was a first Ice House since June of 2013 faint of heart either,” said Mcsaid, referring to Canaresponder on 9/11 and is and looks forward to the line of Cown. “This isn’t an audition for dian hockey player Eli a lieutenant colonel in the top comedians who cross the the Tonight Show. It’s InsensitivThomas. Marine Reserves. threshold passed her box office. ity Training. Don’t be sensitive or the patio of the Comedy Store A Pasadena resident whose “Rob’s schedule was so hectic. “It’s pretty cool,” she said. you won’t have fun!” one day and I said you know, we heart is half in New York, He had just wrapped filming on “Maz Jobrani comes her all the Insensitivity Training with should do a podcast. And that’s Bartnick works the comedy club Dumb and Dumber II. So it was time and Jo Koy…he’s an aweCort McCown and Joe Bartnick circuit and is one of the headlin- kind of how it started.” like ‘Look, let’s go hit some golf some guy!” at The Ice House and continues ers in Bill Burr’s All In Tour and “[We went into it] to not have balls and we’ll do a podcast!,’” The PCC Stand-Up Class every first Tuesday of the month was recently on Live at Gotham. any reservations or opinions. To But Bartnick is best known for be absolutely as free as possible,” said Bartnick. Grad Show was just recently at at 8 p.m.
Ayanna Winter Guard begins season with a whirl Hannah Gonzales Staff Writer With flags twirling, the students participating in the Ayanna Winter Guard practiced drills last month to prepare for their 2014-2015 season. Unlike the Lancer Color Guard, Ayanna starts after the fall Lancer Band season. Returning stu-
dents are encouraged to join and new students are required to go through auditions. “A good handful transfer over into the indoor program,” said Raul Torres, a choreographer and instructor. “Which is great because then we have them from the day they start which is August though April. So we see them often.” The Ayanna Winter Guard
Concepcion Gonzalez/Courier Elli Oliver doing drills during practice in the W building on Nov. 22, 2014.
practices Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some Saturdays to prepare for upcoming local and state championships. Students practicing come and do stretches in a group as well as learn the basic fundamentals of ballet and different types of dance. “It’s a challenge for choreographers because everyone has their own sense of style,” Torres said. “It takes a couple of weeks and then they get into it and it comes together.” Along with Torres the Winter Guard has three additional instructors which include Joey Leon, Enrique Miramontes, and Deborah Seeley. “[Leon] helps with the choreograph,” said Miramontes, who is the caption head of the Winter Guard. “He makes them look good together.” With the help of Torres and Leon, Seeley helps the students perfect their body movements. “She does a lot,” Torres said. “She teaches this one, she teaches the Lancer one, and she’s the head director of the Tournament of Roses one.” Some of this seasons Ayanna participants have also qualified for the Tournament of Roses Honor Band. According to Torres, the stu-
dents who wanted to participate had to have tried out in an audition with about 100 others from various high schools and colleges. “Here we have three out of the Ayanna Winter Guard who will be participating,” Torres said. Each of the participating Ayanna members has to pay a $250 fee as well as fundraise. This helps cover overnight trips and costumes. The Ayanna Winter Guard will be participating in local competitions as well as traveling to Fresno and possibly Arizona to compete. “The past two seasons we’ve done very well,” Torres said. “Our first season we were undefeated locally. Last year we took second in championships. These kids work hard so it pays off in the end.” This season, the Winter Guard is mostly composed of returning members. “At first it’s going to be hard,” said Ashley Santillana, a second year member. The beginning of the Winter Guard season is filled with drills as new and returning students practice with flags, sabers, and rifles as well as learning new dance routines. “The finished production hasn’t been set in stone. We’re just in the beginning stages,” Torres
said. “They’ll review techniques. We’ll go through each piece of equipment. Into the season when we have our production set we clean up the dirty edges for their competitions.” The Ayanna Winter Guard takes part in the Southern California Championships and the State Championships. Winter Guard competitions are based on points, which the participants earn by not dropping their props and their body alignments when moving. In total there are three judges that watch out for mistakes; an equipment judge, a separate movement judge, and a general effects judge. “These kids handle it well,” Torres said. “I call them kids, but their adults. The handle it very well and people outside looking in say ‘I can handle this, I can do this perfectly,’ but once you hand them a flag and tell them to spin it and walk at the same time it’s a whole new ballgame for anyone.” The first competition that Ayanna will be participating in is on January 30th at the Southern California level. “State Championships get very intense,” said Torres. “But at the end of the day as long as the members are having a good time and making memories, that’s what matters to us.”
SPORTS
December 4, 2014
COURIER
11
Lancers show promise despite slow start
leading scorers Keith Langston and reserve forward Jaryn Taylor as well as poor shooting from the field. The pair combined to shoot a disappointing 5-of-20 from the field before both fouled out in the second half. The Lancers were also outrebounded 46-27, including 17 untimely offensive rebounds. According to Swanegan, an
ankle injury will keep returning sophomore center Faruk Oyalade on the sidelines for the next couple of weeks. The Lancers should get a boost in production from freshman guard Dejon Williams and 6-foot-6 forward Donell Tuff. Both Williams and Tuff played in their first game of the season against SBVC after competing
for the Lancers football team. Already the tandem has been a positive improvement for the young squad. “They bring physical and mental toughness that we were lacking at the beginning of the season,” Langston said. Against SBVC, Tuff was the lone positive in the paint for the Lancers, recording seven
points, seven rebounds and three steals. Although Tuff ’s energy and physical play was on display during his first collegiate start, like the rest of the team Tuff struggled from the field, connecting on only 3-of-10 field goals and 1-of-7 free-throws. Another bright spot for the Lancers has been the continued improvement of reserve guard Andrew Harper. Against SBVC, Harper gave the Lancers a spark off the bench with eight points, two rebounds and two assists on 3-of-7 shooting from the field. Harper’s energy and defensive intensity remained a positive for the Lancers. “Our guard play has to get better,” Swanegan said. “We have young guards who are still learning what we want done. We’re looking for consistency at the guard position. I’m looking for someone who can run the offense and get other people involved.” The Lancers next play at the 42nd Santa Barbara City College Classic Dec. 11 to 13.
team. With the departure of five sophomores from last season’s squad and an early season-ending injury to the team’s lone returning sophomore, Saige Spence,
the Lancers finished the season with a 5-16 overall record, good for sixth place in the South Coast Conference. Although PCC missed the postseason for the first time in
six years, the Lancers’ improved tremendously over the 2014 season. “Our confidence improved over the season and I’m hoping that the experience the ladies gained this year will help next season,” head coach Bill Sanchez said. With a completely new roster the Lancers struggled out the gate, losing their first nine matches. They wouldn’t get their first win of the season until a three-set sweep over East Los Angeles College on Oct. 10. In her first season playing organized volleyball, freshman middle blocker Chy’annea Hodges became one of the Lancers’ most improved players. The 5-foot-9 middle blocker was important for the Lancers on both sides of the net, leading the team in total blocks (32) and finishing second in total kills (134). Hodges attributed the volleyball season for her improved footwork on the basketball court. “I think I became more faster
and more of a critical thinker on the court,” Hodges said. Another bright spot for the Lancers volleyball team this season was the emergence of freshman outside hitter Lahiz Longobardi. Longobardi quickly became one of the Lancers’ most productive players on offense, leading the team in total kills (215) and kills per set (3.4). Although Longobardi had a successful season statistically, the Brazilian native is already focused on helping the Lancers return to playoff contention. “We can improve our organization on the court and we definitely need to work on being able to bounce back and finish the game strong if we fall behind,” Longobardi said. Longobardi expects the Lancers to be much improved next season. “I never wanted the season to end,” Longobardi said. “Next fall we’re going to be ready, better communication definitely and an improved defense.”
Daron Grandberry Sports Editor
From the outside looking in it’s easy to assume that the 201415 Lancers men’s basketball team is in the midst of a rebuilding season. With an overall record of 1-5, and having lost five consecutive games, the team has their work cut out for them if they intend on repeating last season’s successful playoff run. Despite an embarrassing home-opener against region No. 4-ranked San Bernardino Valley College on Nov. 21, in which the Lancers were heldto their lowest point total in 52 years during a 73-30 thrashing, head coach Michael Swanegan and the players remain focused and confident that they can turn the season around and compete on a nightly basis. “[Against San Bernardino] we just didn’t play a good ball game,” Swanegan said. “We didn’t play very well and we couldn’t hit any shots but that’s just one game. Against SBVC, the Lancers were affected by foul trouble to
Tiffany Yip/Courier Freshman guard Demetrius Overstreet defends against freshman point gaurd Justin Fletcher during the men’s basketball practice at Hutto-Patterson gymnasium on Wednesday.
Lancers look to rebound after rebuilding campaign Daron Grandberry Sports Editor
The 2014 season proved to be a rebuilding campaign for the Lancers’ women’s volleyball
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Daniel Valencia/Courier Outside hitter Lahiz Longobardi spikes the ball for a kill as the Lancers play against La Harbor on Oct. 22.
SPORTS
12 COURIER
December 4, 2014
Men’s soccer produces mediocre season David O’Connor Asst. Sports Editor
An inexperienced men’s soccer team produced the worst season at PCC in five years by compiling an overall record of 5-13-3 and a dismal 3-10-1 finish in the South Coast conference. The Lancers fielded 19 freshman in their 24-man squad, which exposed these 18 year olds against more seasoned, stronger and tactically astute 22 and 23-year-old opposition. According to head coach Edgar Manvelyan, this was the major reason for his team’s displeasing season. “The biggest thing was that all nineteen freshman were 18 year olds and three of the five sophomores we had, only three of them were starters. We were a very young team and immature, which hurt us a lot,” Manvelyan said. Another huge liability for PCC was their inability to convert countless scoring opportunities. Out of the 72 teams in the state, PCC was the fifth worst team in shooting efficiency, capitalizing on just 9.7 percent of their 277 scoring chances with 27 goals in 21 games. What makes this statistic even more glaring is that the Lancers had the fifth most shots at the net in California. The leading scorer was co-captain George Barba, a defender who netted four goals in 21 games. Sophomore midfielder and co-captain Victor Manchaca lamented the loss of key striker Kevin Geddes, who broke his foot early in the season and was unable to return. Geddes netted three goals in his six appearances.
Ansis Hoheisel/Courier George Barba, a 2014 All-SCC First Team defender, attempts to regain possesion of the ball during the Lancers’ 1-0 loss to Long Beach City College on Oct 21. Barba led the team with four goals.
“We lacked a good striker. If Kevin wouldn’t have gotten injured he would have been a great help. He definitely had the qualities to be a really awesome striker and could have changed each game,” Manchaca said. Manvelyan was unable to replicate his best-ever coaching performance last season after leading the team to a No. 10 ranking in Southern California, third in the South Coast Conference. “This has been the worst record I’ve had and it has been the worst result at home,” Manvelyan said. “We don’t usually lose at home. It’s very difficult to play at our field and we didn’t do well
this year.” Even though Manvelyan wasn’t happy with the team’s overall results, he didn’t lose sight of his main focus as a coach: to prepare his sophomores for soccer at the four-year university level. “Our job and number one priority is to get these kids to the next level and all of my five sophomores will transfer and play soccer at the next level,” he said. “As a coach you’re happy with that because you did your job. As far as the team in how we did, I was not too happy with the results that we had”. The turning point of the Lancers’ season was their emphatic
8-2 loss to Cerritos at home and they never recovered from this humbling. Prior to that game, PCC started the conference season with a promising 2-1-1 record that indicated they had the potential to compete for a playoff spot. But the wheels fell off during two consecutive games where they conceded 12 goals, leading Manvelyan to bench captains Barba and Manchaca for the beginning of the next game against Long Beach. Lackluster defense and questionable accountability also contributed to a poor season that yielded only five wins. In numer-
ous games the Lancers gave up the opening goal, which made it overwhelming trying to carve out wins coming from behind. “Nobody wanted to admit to any mistakes and overall we’re a team and if one makes a mistake we all fall,” Manchaca said. “Lack of communication in the formation and moving side to side they broke our defensive lines and we didn’t know how to properly switch side to side. The organization we had was just awful in the second-part of the season and it just tore and it was very hard to come back.” Barba blamed the team’s unfortunate season on the extremely high level of play in their conference, ineligibility, injuries, lack of contingency plans and inadequate mental fortitude from the freshman players. “We have the hardest conference in the state, so you’re automatically put into that high intensity. So as a freshman you don’t expect the high level to be there,” Barba said. “Some of our athletes had to register for classes half-way through the season and we had a lot of injuries, which set us back a lot because it was difficult to fill in those gaps and it was tough to adjust by putting an attacking player in as a defender.” Manvelyan insisted that PCC will come back stronger than ever next season with a squad filled with talented sophomores and will push for the playoffs and also challenge for the league title. The recruitment process has gotten underway as the Lancers attempt to atone for a disappointing season by regrouping and building for next year.
Badminton team holds high hopes for upcoming season Anthony Martinez Staff Writer
With the upcoming season rapidly approaching, the women’s badminton team is shaping up to be a promising mix of new and returning players eager to reclaim the SCC title. “This is the deepest and biggest team we’ve had in probably four or five years,” said coach Bill Sanchez. “I think it’ll be a very, very good team.” Entering his eighth season as head coach, Sanchez has high hopes for this season. Besides the obvious goal of winning matches, he wants each player to improve and create bonds that will hold the team together. “You always hope that we just get better every match,” he said. “Improvement is key. Our daily goal is to be a little bit better than the previous day and once the conference starts we’ll be a well-oiled machine.” Freshman Rebecca Tzou already feels comfortable on the squad and confident in the team’s abilities. Continuing the family legacy set by her four sisters, Tzou joined the team
hoping to further her skills. “I really enjoy it, [Coach Sanchez] is really good, and we have a nice, tight-knit group,” said Tzou. “We’re very supportive of each other and I really enjoy that because I know some other teams, there’s a lot of fractions…so it’s not a cohesive unit.” Bonding is just as important to the team as practicing is. Without trust and respect for each other, the team cannot be succeed since badminton is not a wholly individual sport; doubles requires a team of two working as one. There will be many opportunities to bond over the course of the season, as the team will travel and often times have to stay overnight. Returning Sophomore Yingwen Lin also shares Tzou’s determination to strengthen her skills in addition to making more friends. “I joined the team last year and it was good, but I didn’t play well, so I want to improve this year,” said Lin. By giving each practice her greatest effort, Lin hopes to be
Nagisa Mihara/Courier Returning sophomore Yingwen Lin of the PCC Badminton team will be a key contributer for the Lancers this season. Lin and twin sister Yinghong are also doubles partners.
a well-rounded player. While friendships and improvement are integral elements to the team, Lin has her eyes on the prize, particularly the conference title. “I hope we can win the South Coast Conference this year,” she said, referencing the team’s prestigious history.
“[The team] has a long history of being the champions, and I hope to live up to that,” Tzou added. For five consecutive years, from 2009 to 2013, the team walked away with the SCC championship title. That streak was broken last year, when the
Lancers took second place in conference with a record of 8-4. Whatever challenges the team may face, optimism, along with raw talent, should drive the Lancers into a competitive mindset determined to reclaim the championship title.