Gallery Students showcase their art Page 9» Volume 106, Issue 12
COURIER Pasadena City College
The independent student voice of PCC. Serving Pasadena Since 1915.
Online edition pccCourier.com Facebook PCC Courier Twitter @pccCourier December 6, 2012
Police chief to step down Perez to leave after only eight months on the job PHILIP MCCORMICK Staff Writer
Chief of Police Stanton Perez will have to step down from his position as of Dec. 12 due to an eligibility issue with his retirement program. Sergeant Steven Matchan will
act as Interim Chief until a new candidate is found for the position, officials said. “I’m in shock,” said Perez in an interview on Monday. “I wanted to work here for 10 years or more… But I can’t fix what has happened and I have to move forward.” Perez was hired by the Board of Trustees in April after a long career in law enforcement with the California Highway Patrol. He replaced interim Chief Frank Scialdone. An official statement from the
college said that this was necessary due to a state law passed on July 1(three months after Perez was hired) that would prohibit Perez from acquiring his pension from his previous job with the California Highway Patrol. “This is not a move that either Chief Perez or the College wished to make, but we must follow the law even though we disagree with it,” said President Mark Rocha. “I thank Chief Perez for his service to the College. The PCC Police and Safety Department
will continue its open and supportive service to the campus and extended community.” Perez said that he appreciated everything that the administration had done to help him out in this unfortunate situation. “President Mark Rocha, Senior Vice Presidents Robert Miller and Robert Bell tried every which way to find a way to keep me here,” said Perez. “For that I thank them and adore them.” Though Perez will be stepping down as chief, he will be teachContinued on page 11
Wendy Garcia / Courier Chief of Police Stanton Perez.
18-week semester strongly opposed
Just dance
CHRISTINE MICHAELS Staff Writer
Schneider, the investigation is ongoing with no completion timetable. “It’s impossible to determine when the case will be completed,” she said. “We investigate these matters until we are satisfied and find out if it is a
Strong opposition towards shifting to an 18-week semester was expressed at the Academic Senate Town Hall on the Carnegie Hour on Nov. 29 in the Creveling Lounge. In 2004, the college switched from an 18-week, 54 hours of instruction semester running on the Carnegie Hour to a compressed 16-week semester also with 54 hours of instruction. The change was made to accommodate for the lack of attendance in the former second summer session, and creation of a winter session, according to Philosophy Instructor Philip Ricards. Many speakers at the meeting said that class scheduling was the primary problem, and not the length of the semester. Associated Students President Simon Fraser said the biggest issue students have was class overlap times. “We are running right to the bell. We need to take into account that weird start and stop times hurt students. We are not having a consistency,” Fraser said. Assistant Superintendent and Vice President of Business and College Services Robert Miller said more block classes needed to be offered. Block courses consist of a set of classes that must be taken together. “What I have heard is the biggest need is block classes for students. There is a certain need to improve how we offer classes,” Miller said. Natural Sciences Instructor Paul Jarrell said scheduling
Continued on page 10
Continued on page 11
Alexis Villanueva / Courier The dance "Aqua Vitae" composed by Amber Alonso is performed on Nov. 30 at the Sexson Auditorium. Story / Page 8
Open letter to Board of Trustees cites ‘crisis’ EMILY CHANG-CHIEN Staff Writer
An open letter sent to the Board of Trustees cites a crisis of confidence in the administration among faculty, and claims that mismanagement may result in the loss of state funds, according to Faculty Association President Roger Marheine, who wrote the letter. “The premature elimination of Winter has triggered a crisis,” Marheine wrote. According to the letter, the cutting of over
1,000 class sections over the past three years, as well as cancellation of Winter Intersession has put the school in a predicament. “We are now under our [full time equivalent student] allotment and are in danger of losing state apportionment,” Marheine said. In an email reply, Board of Trustees President Geoffrey Baum deemed the letter to be an act of “passionate advocacy." “Through our actions and the very generous contract offer to faculty—which was
rejected by you and your colleagues on the PCCFA leadership—the Board of Trustees has made clear its policy priorities for the District,” Baum said in his email. Marheine elaborated in a separate email that the state allocates a certain amount of funding for all community colleges based on Full Time Equivalent Students (FTES), which is a formula. “We are in danger of losing funds because the state sees [PCC] as losing Continued on page 11
Hearing set in ex-employees’ bribery lawsuit NICHOLAS SAUL Editor-in-Chief
A hearing in a lawsuit filed against two fired former school officials will be held on Dec. 14 when the defendants will challenge filed complaints, according
to court documents. The complaints that former Vice President Richard van Pelt and former Facilities Director Alfred Hutchings face are bribery allegations on top of a host of hedonistic requests. Van Pelt and Hutchings were
fired in June after the school found out that the two men were being investigated by the District Attorney’s office for ‘conflicts of interest.’ According to the Assistant Head Deputy of the DAs Public Integrity Division, Jennifer
2
News
Courier
December 6, 2012
New arts building to face more delays EMILY CHANG-CHIEN Staff Writer
Completion of construction of the Center for the Arts building has been delayed at least three months from its tentative March 2013 date, officials said. According to Jack Schulman, director of Measure “P” Projects, the initial completion date was set for mid-December. However, issues arising from the previous contractor and other unforeseen circumstances pushed the completion date back to March 3. However in the latest negotiations, this completion date was not achievable. As a result, a new date was agreed upon which would allow for the most amount of time to complete the project, while guaranteeing time for move-in and a smooth start to the fall semester. The completion date is slated for July 1, said Schulman via email. The general contractor Schulman was previously negotiating about, BNBuilders, was not hired because its anticipated completion date was later than July 1. As a result, Kemp Bros. has become the new contractor, said Schulman. Performing and Communication Arts Division Dean James Arnwine, whose division will relocate into the structure when it is complete, took note of the new contractor. “The new contractor has been working very aggressively,” Arnwine said. “[Progress] seems
Police Blotter Nov. 19: Staff reported a student in R-405B, who was mentally unstable and needed to be escorted to Psychological Services. The student stated that he was going to jump from the fourth floor of the R Building. A subsequent investigation found that the student did not wish to kill himself; he only made the statement in anger/sadness at being unable to complete the dental hygiene program. The student was transported to Psychological Services for further examination.
Triana Melendez / Courier Construction workers are seen on the Center for the Arts Building on Nov 14.
to be going quickly.” Schulman echoed this statement and added that Kemp Bros. has hit the project full speed. “They have brought out a large crew to help get and keep this project on track,” he said. “They are very excited to be here and look forward to a successful completion.” Visual Arts and Media Studies Interim Dean Joseph Futtner, whose division will also relocate to the new structure, and
Buy Back Event at the Bookstore!
Arnwine have begun discussion relative to both the division’s realignment and the occupancy of the new building. According to Futtner, the Performing and Communication Arts division and Visual Arts and Media Studies division will be merged into a single unit come fall. “[The new division is] tentatively known as the ‘School of the Arts, Design and Media,’ and [will be] housed primarily in the new Center for the Arts,” said Futtner via email. Arnwine is optimistic that things will go well. If the completion date goes as planned, both divisions will be have a month and three weeks to move into and adjust to the new build-
Summer plans still pending NICHOLAS SAUL Editor-in-Chief
Sell your books back for CASH and take advantage of our Buy Back SALE while you’re at it! 20% off all regularly priced LOGO merchandise including Lancerwear items. Pick up a hoodie for the holidays or shop our SPIRIT section for great gift ideas!
Buy Back and Sale dates: December 10th – 14th Hours vary, see store for details. Offer excludes already discounted merchandise.
ing, Arnwine said. However, in light of recent weather conditions, Schulman said that progress might be slowed by heavy or extended rain. He added that exterior work on the structure and site-work are affected by even light drizzle. Schulman elaborated that rain presents many physical issues from slipping and falling due to wet surfaces, to dangers of electrical equipment malfunctioning in wet conditions. According to Schulman, roofing is not scheduled to start until Dec. 10, and will not be complete until Feb. 21. “Depending on the amount of rain, some work can continue in the floors below,” he said.
Although Proposition 30 was approved by voters on Nov. 6, final plans for utilizing its windfall will not be presented until mid-December, officials said. Among the plans in the works is the addition of 500 more class sections to the spring 2013 semester, and the submission of final plans for summer term at the next Board of Trustees meeting, according to an official District statement. “We should have plans finalized for recommendation to the Board on December 12,” said PCC President Mark Rocha in an email. According to an official calendar distributed in midNovember, the Summer Academic Term will run from May 13 through Aug. 2. According to a District state-
ment, current plans for summer calls for two, six-week sessions “with classes offered in both summer sessions,” a guarantee that could not have been made until Proposition 30’s passage in the recent general election. The state is expected to restore $6.7 million to the school’s budget, money which will be received in June 2013 in a lump sum ‘balloon payment.’ The school’s summer sessions look to cater to students on the cusp of graduation and/or transferring. “All current, continuing students will be offered the classes they need to graduate and transfer on time by the end of June,” the statement says. “These plans are tentative based on the current information from the state Chancellor’s office.” Other top priorities will be the expansion of the veteran’s program.
Nov. 21: Bookstore staff reported three unknown men acting suspiciously and possibly stealing unknown items. The three men would come inside the Bookstore as a group and two would walk upstairs as one would remain downstairs to distract Bookstore employees. A review of security cameras found the men taking books and hiding them in the waistband of their pants. An investigation is pending. Nov. 21: Staff from CEC-100 reported that a man was kicking on the door. The man was upset because he was unable to obtain his transcripts due to the campus being closed. As a cadet arrived the man yelled at him and ran out of the building. There was no damage to school property. Nov. 21: Staff from C-257 reported a man not affiliated with the campus verbally disturbing the class during a film presentation, and challenging a student to a fight. The man had entered the classroom after following his ex-girlfriend and challenged another student to a fight because he requested the man to be quiet. An officer responded but the man was gone upon the officer’s arrival. The ex-girlfriend was escorted to the D Building, and then escorted to her vehicle at the end of the day. Nov. 28: Staff reported three students acting suspiciously in the Bookstore. An officer responded and discovered one of the students had a stolen book and was hiding it inside the waistband of his pants. The incident was captured on a surveillance camera. The student in possession of the book was arrested for burglary and transported to Pasadena Police Department for booking. Nov. 28: Staff reported a student passed out during class and needed medical assistance. An officer responded and discovered that the student had simply fallen asleep. No medical assistance was needed. Dec. 1: A female student was in an E-Building restroom when a person opened the restroom stall door. The person then grabbed the student’s underwear, and after a short struggle fled the area. Campus Police issued a crime alert for the suspect. The person is described as an Asian, with a thin build, light complexion, black hair, and wearing a light blue hooded sweater. It is unknown whether the suspect is a man or a woman. Complied by Anthony Richetts
News
December 6, 2012
Courier
3
Faculty opposed to calendar process NICHOLAS ZEBROWSKI Managing Editor
Makoto Lane / Courier A student was arrested after a book went missing from the Bookstore and was escorted by campus police Nov. 28.
Police make arrest in bookstore theft PHILIP MCCORMICK Staff Writer
Campus Police Officers Jose Arechiga and Steven Matchan arrested a student after finding an allegedly stolen book from the bookstore in his possession Nov. 28, police said. Chief of Campus Police Stanton Perez said that the man was arrested in front of the Mirror Pools. “The officers approached three suspects,” said Perez. “They searched them and found a book in one of [the men’s] waistbands. We arrested the one with the book and sent him down to be booked at Pasadena Police
Department.” Student Anthony Gilmer was seen being walked up the stairs between the Bookstore and the CC Building towards the campus police station. He was yelling that he was innocent. “We checked the video from the Bookstore,” said Matchan in an interview on Monday. The man was seen on the recording. “Now he will wait until his court date,” Matchan said. A student who works at the Bookstore had reported the men to a supervisor, who called campus police. “The officers returned the book which had not been dam-
aged,” said Bookstore Manager Leslie Thompson. “It really bums me out, because it’s not like these students are stealing these books because the need them. They don’t represent the rest of the students.” Thompson said there is usually a cadet present in the store during the rush hour. She also said that there is a bag check in the area so that officials can stop more thefts before they happen. “You are always going to have these kinds of thefts,” said Thompson. “We just try to limit these, but in a way that doesn’t discourage other shoppers.”
Strong opposition to the process by which the new threesemester calendar was adopted was expressed in a survey of faculty by the Academic Senate. At the Nov. 19 Academic Senate meeting the results of the survey, which was sent to all faculty two weeks earlier, were presented by Nancy Rutzen on behalf of the Academic Senate Election Committee. The survey asked if faculty members agreed with the process by which the new calendar -which omitted winter intersession- was adopted. Out of the 341 faculty votes received, 259 opposed the process, 31 faculty supported it, and 51 said they had no opinion on the new calendar. The Academic Senate plans to present the results to the Board of Trustees at the Dec. 12 meeting. The survey received responses from around 30 percent on the entire faculty. One hundred seventy two of the anonymous ballots had comments from faculty. The Academic Senate voted to have the comments transcribed and presented to the public on its website. Several of the anonymous comments were read to the meeting “It is time to take back our col-
lege from rogue leaders,” said one commenter. Another faculty member wrote, “I support any decision that benefits our students. “There is a lot of truth in this survey that needs to be read by many people,” Rutzen said during public comment, before presenting the results. Rutzen and the rest of the Senate Election Committee strongly believed that the ballots should be kept private until the Academic Senate decides how to present the information to the Board of Trustees. “We do not want to give [the results] until the Academic Senate decides [in] what format to expose the survey,” said Rutzen on behalf of the Senate Election Committee. Academic Senate President Dustin Hanvey agreed that the information needs to be compiled properly before being presented to the board. “It would be a good idea to bring the results to the Board of Trustees,” said Hanvey. Most Senate members agreed that there has been a manipulation of truth. Hanvey said that the Senate wanted the Board to know where the faculty stands on the process of adopting the new calendar. “We wanted to see how they faculty felt,” said Hanvey. “The plan was to present the results to the Board.”
for a reason • Research since 1986 – 26 years • Leader in Southern California • Hospital-based • Experienced medical team • Several books and hundreds of articles published
Join Our Research Study Volunteering for research studies of investigational drugs can help advance medical science.
Japanese born in Japan and 2nd & 3rd generation Japanese American 20-55 years old Women postmenopausal or surgically sterile • Study-related procedures at no cost to you • Compensation up to $4,275
1-888-CC-TRIAL (228-7425) www.cctstudy.com
4
Courier 2012 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 Photo Editor Buren Smith Assist. Photo Editor Antonio Gandara Online Photo Editor Teresa Mendoza Scene Editor Max Perez Staff Writers: Raymond Bernal, Yeyson Caballeros, Tiffany Herrera, Alan Lopez, Mary Nurrenbern, Amanda Pimentel, Luis Rodriguez 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 The first copy of the Courier is free. Additional copies are $1 each © Copyright 2012 Courier. All rights reserved.
December 6, 2012
Opinion
Courier
Marijuana shouldn’t be legalized MARY NURRENBERN Staff Writer
When considering legalizing marijuana in the state of California, it is automatic to bring up Colorado and Washington, since it is legal there. Yet a person could also think of the old adage; If everyone jumped off a bridge would you? California most likely would model the legality of marijuana similar to Colorado, so let us take a look at the Colorado law (Amendment 64) recently approved by voters. One ounce of marijuana is the allowable amount for personal use in Colorado, according to the Colorado Municipal League website. The website also says “possessing, growing, processing or transporting no more than six marijuana plants, with three or more being matured” is legal also. According to the web site Oregon.gov, a typical plant produces half a pound to a pound of marijuana.
It is time to do the math: according to asknumbers.com, one pound equals 16 ounces. So if you have three plants at a pound each then you can have 48 ounces. Can you see the conflict? The amendment says two different things and which do you think the public is going to go with? One ounce or 48 ounces? The more the merrier saying comes to mind. This leads to bigger issues in the amendment. Nowhere does it mention work rules. You can smoke five ounces of pot before driving school children on a bus and get away with it. Shouldn’t there be specific regulations for operating machinery or driving vehicles? It is left up to the company to make these rules. This means school children, riders of public transportation, and all passengers in a vehicle driven by someone else is at risk of an accident. On the national institute on drug abuse website it states that “According to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drugs other than alcohol (e.g., marijuana and cocaine) are involved in about 18 percent of motor vehicle driver deaths.” According to drugfreecalifornia.com, marijuana is the leading cause of accidents in young people. There are 127 million current users of alcohol in America and, because of restrictive drug policies, only 15 million smoke marijuana. In spite of this, alcohol was only involved with 15 percent of injured drivers compared to marijuana at 26.9 percent. Per capita, marijuana smokers cause 18 times more injury accidents than alcohol, according to drugfreecalifornia.com. Do we want to just follow along with what the other states are doing or do we want to blaze a trail and keep people on the road safe? Pot smoking causes many people to get hurt every year, it is just not worth the hassle to have it be legalized.
Condoms are unnecessary for adult films YEYSON CABALLEROS Staff Writer
As the country voted for a new president, a subtle yet controversial proposition was being voted for in Los Angeles. It is the story of a clash between optimism and reality. According to yesonb.info, the newly approved Los Angeles County Measure B will require condom use in any adult film scene. The idea behind the measure is that as a safety issue, it may decrease the number of people at risk of being infected with a sexually transmitted disease. Unfortunately, this is nothing but wishful thinking in regards to what it will resolve, and an incorrect approach to an STD epidemic. Not only is it weak in theory, it is a waste of taxpayers’ money by having health inspectors present, and also an overly dramatized issue that already has necessary safety procedures in place. Outside the pornographic film sphere, according to the Center for Disease and Control (CDC) website, each year approximately 19 million more infections are being recorded in the United States. With that being, said Measure B is designed to affect a relatively small group of people. One of the biggest STD’s found among
VOICES:
“”‘It was kind of tough. Most of the classes were closed by the time I tried to register.” Andrew Espindola, undecided
pornography is gonorrhea, according to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). Their data shows that adult film actors are 64 times more prone to be infected than the whole LA community in total. Yet, a study done in 2010 by the CDC shows that since 2007 the rate of people with gonorrhea in the west is lower than every other region in the country, ranging at 50 per 100 thousand in population. Nevertheless, the use of condoms is not the way to halt the spread of STD’s.
The only thing the use of condoms will do is quarantine the issue inside the boundaries of pornography. But what about when those performers who have contracted or carry the disease are involved in unprotected sexual intercourse outside these boundaries? At the same time if a performer were to be infected, why would he or she be allowed to perform?
It is counter-intuitive to enforce the use of condoms as a solution. The amount of money spent on this measure is far too much considering the impracticality of its solutions. As a matter of fact, according to votersedge.org the amount of money spent by the AHF funding the campaign for the measure was calculated at over $1.6 million. In the midst of an economic slump, funds coming from organization such as the AHF that deals with the issue of STD’s could have been used in a much more productive fashion such as research, aid for those affected, and STD awareness. Also, the California Occupational Health Agency (CAL/OSHA) already requires the pornography industry to do bi-monthly testing of actors and the use of condoms in certain films. So instead of throwing out a health system that is already practiced and wasting money on its replacement, why not focus on making it better? The reality of it is that although the intentions of this measure are good, there is no concrete evidence of its ambitious effect. The confinement of this measure to a specific county just simply cannot create the substantial impact it attempts to have.
How was your experience registering for classes?
“bad. [there were not many classes. I want to transfer this year but I dont think I can get enough classes to transfer.]” Lucy Zhang, business
“My experience was good because I’m in pathways and it helped a lot.” Melissa Luong, Math
“It was horrible... it was really hard getting 12 units.” Laritza Arias, child development
“”Rather easy I guess...I [had] a decent priority.” Lsean Armatrading, computer science
Reporting by: Tiffany Herrera, Photos by: Wendy Garcia
ONLINE POLL RESULTS Online, we asked:What will you be doing on Dec. 21, 2012? Results as of 5 p.m. Wednesday: Preparing for the end of the world: 20% Going about my regular routine: 20% Last minute Christmas shopping: 60%
vote at pccCourier.com
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.
Features
December 6, 2012
Courier
5
Past homecoming queen shines brightly EMILY CHANG-CHIEN Features Editor
The Quad is the gathering place for all sorts of hustle and bustle. From students meandering to class, friends congregating around planters and Associated Students hosting flamboyant events — the Quad is the core of student activity. However, sandwiched between the ruckuses are students quietly studying away. One such student is former homecoming queen Garnet Reyes. Reyes, sociology and criminal justice, is 23-years-old. On the surface, Reyes is an upbeat individual with a contagious smile. Despite her bright and bubbly disposition, she is a full-time student, single mother and pregnant, and a woman who has overcome extreme obstacles. According to Reyes, her will to succeed was brought about by her upbringing in a rough neighborhood fraught with violence and failure. At a young age, Reyes lost to gang violence two brothers, one of which passed away in her arms. Since then, Reyes has held true to her favorite quote: “When the world says, ‘give up,’ Hope whispers, ‘try it one more time.’” Reyes, at PCC since fall 2007, decided in her first semester to run for homecoming queen in hopes of becoming more active in the student body. Reyes won. However, the glory was short lived. According to Reyes, homecoming festivities lasted for two weeks. Her roles were limited to appearances at the standard parade, homecoming game, Associated Students hosted events. “I wish I had more duties at the time,” Reyes reflected. “I wish there was more to being homecoming queen [than just] a title, [that it’s] something more that represents PCC.” Winning homecoming queen has not impacted her life in the long run, Reyes said, “but it was an experience I will cherish forever; it was one of the happiest days of my life.” Reyes’ life has changed drastically since
Concepcion Gonzalez / Courier Garnet Reyes, sociology / criminal justice, 23, and her daughter Emerald Jade Reyes play with water in the Mirror Pool on Nov. 26.
her first semester victory. Since then, she has given birth to daughter Emerald Jade Reyes, now a little over 2-years-old — and is six months pregnant. As a single mother, Reyes has been forced to balance being a
full-time student, as well as maintaining two jobs. Psychology and sociology instructor Michelle Ireland-Galman said it was an honor to have Reyes as a student because
Local boba joints have followings of their own
Actress teaches and directs from experience
YEYSON CABALLEROS Staff Writer
SHELLY MALDONADO Assist. Features Editor
When performing and communication arts instructor Anita Adcock steps on campus, she toggles between teaching academic courses — channeling her acting background to coach students — and directing one of several plays in production. Instructor, director and actor, Anita Adcock blends her many professions to teach her students an important lesson about the world of theater. During her time working mainly as an actor in England, France and the U.S., Adcock has performed in numerous plays, including several Shakespeare and Moliere works. Through her experience she has been able to incorporate real life lessons about the hardships of becoming a professional actor. “Students need to know how much discipline it is going to take to be an actor. A lot of young actors think it is going to be easy, and they don’t have to be there on time, and they don’t have to have their lines learned,” Adcock said. “They think it’s easy because good actors make it look easy.” Additionally, Adcock finds it important to address one of the most difficult aspects of the industry: “Constant rejection, even if you’re good. There are a hundred people out there and you’ve got to be better,” she said. “I tell my students when they don’t get a part that there will be another one. It doesn’t mean they’re bad, it just means they’re not right for that part.” Students who take one of Adcock’s classes, including Rehearsal and Performance, Voice and Movement For the Performer, and History of Theatre Arts, speak highly of her teaching style. “[Adcock] knows her craft and field of study, gives good lectures [and knows how to make it] interesting. She cares for her students, has a clear
of her strong motivation to succeed. “I remember a scholarship statement [Reyes] wrote telling that she works at two jobs to support herself and her daughter and that she takes two busses and one train to come to school everyday!” IrelandGalman said, via email. “I know that even with those challenges, she maintains a grade point average to be proud of and keeps a positive outlook with her vision aimed toward a bright future for herself and her children. If that is not motivated, I do not know what is!” Reyes mused that the birth of her daughter has been her greatest source of motivation. “After having her, I have never gotten below an A grade in all my classes,” she said. Social sciences instructor Tony Juge has seen Reyes effortlessly show her concern for the oppressed and less fortunate. According to Juge, Reyes has also made clear her advocacy for the youth who have been drifting away from mainstream society. "[Reyes is] a dedicated student, a good mother, an advocate for social justice and a young woman full of energy who, I believe, will make something very special out of her life,” Juge said, via email. “When the PCC community talks about student success, I see [Reyes]. Success is not measured just in terms of GPA, or just graduation rates but in terms of intellectual growth, maturity and humanity. She is all of the above." Reyes has admitted that her life is difficult to balance. “I refuse to give up … because I want my children to know that you can succeed no matter what,” she said. Reyes has been a recipient of numerous scholarships from General Scholarship, Associated Students, sociology and criminology. She intends to graduate in the summer with two Associate in Arts degrees, two Associate in Science degrees and the Administrative Justice certificate.
Concepcion Gonzalez / Courier Instructor, director and actor Anita Adcock blends her many professions to teach her students an important lesson about the world of theater.
understanding of theater arts [and its] history,” said Christian Hernandez, English. Franciska Wijaya, business, finds Adcock's teaching style remarkable, noting that there is not a dull moment in her three-hour lectures. "She's nice, passionate, and knows what to say," Wijaya said. "She is not boring." As for Adcock’s current and future productions, she sims to direct something completely different than previous endeavors. “I’m currently reading plays for next semester. I want to do something modern and American,” Adcock said. “They often want me to do English things, so I want to do something different. Just because I’m English doesn’t mean I only have to do English plays.”
A variety of boba establishments catering to students and locals are located north of campus in between Hill and Bonnie Ave.; each respective store has attracted its own following. Situated on the Colorado strip, four establishments: Tea Spots, Teaser Jungle, AU79, and the campus cafeteria offer handcrafted Boba drinks. It is a common thing to see a handful of cups with the logos of these establishments in the trashcans around campus, said custodian George Cervantes. “I always find [students] walking around with little black gumball looking things inside their drinks, regardless of the time of day,” he said. “I have never tried it myself, but I am interested in doing so someday.” Opinions vary on which establishment has the best boba, said biology major and faithful Tea Spots customer, Salvador Rosales. He adds boba drinks edge is determined by the consistency of the treat; Tea Spots' boba is always reliable.“Tea Spots' boba is hands down the best around campus. It’s chewy not slimy; that’s one of the [biggest] factors with boba. The texture has to be just right,” he said. The different method of making boba tends to differentiate from one place to another. According to Rosales, the inclu-
sion of boba in different types of drinks such as milk teas, fruit drinks and regular iced tea, distinguishes the drink in appearance, texture and overall experience. David Chung, a part time worker at Teaser Jungle says that to make a good batch of boba one must remain true to the roots. “I was raised with boba made by Taiwanese hands. Only we know how to properly make boba. I have tried boba done in other ways and there is a clear difference. Here at Teaser Jungle, we make it the right way.” Alberto Aguilera, a Teaser Jungle fan says that the store -which has been open longer than Teaspots and Au79 -- has the best boba due to its freshness and culturally preserved recipe. “It’s a really small and quiet place not many know of. But once you’ve tried it you stay faithful as a customer,” Aguilera said. The chewy gum-like tapioca ball seems to stir different opinions about how it is made and who makes it better, adds Aguilera. “On campus, the boba is similar to the one from AU79. It is descent, but a little to slimy at times. My only issue with it is its price,” he said. It seems that the texture of this tapioca treat is what makes or breaks a boba drink. Whether it is in a smoothie, a milk tea or on a regular iced tea, the popularity of boba continues to attract crowds to different joints.
SCENE
December 6, 2012
Courier
7
Ryan Yamamoto / Courier The highlight of the night for many, South Central LA rap group, The Pharcyde, performs one of its many hits at the Eagle Rock Music Festival on Oct. 6.
Buren Smith/Courier Fiodor Otero, 22, film, removes a mask in the dressing room below the Sexson Auditorium on Nov. 21.
Max Perez / Courier The Space Shuttle Endeavour, on its voyage across California toward Los Angeles International Airport passes by Griffith Observatory and the surrounding area on Sept. 21.
YEAR IN PICTURES Zombies attack students at Run For Your Life at Robinson Stadium on Oct. 30. Justin Clay/Courier
Jordan Harris / Courier Defensive lineman, Gary London, sophomore, gets his feet set to tackle Orange Coast's player in the Robinson Stadium Sept 8.
Lancer Alfredo Folgar pushes through the opposing teams at the Men's Cross Country Mt. SAC invitational on Oct. 12. Alexis Villanueva / Courier
PCC Modern Dance Production perform at the Sexson auditorium on Nov. 30. Teresa Mendoza / Courier
Jenny Anzaldo, music, left, and her twin sister Jessica Anzaldo, music, warm up for the day outside their apartment building in Hollywood on Nov 18. Cicely Chisholm / Courier
8
Arts & Entertainment
Courier
December 6, 2012
Hot L Baltimore is full of fun and drama ANTHONY RICHETTS Online Editor
A run down hotel and a cast of strong-willed dreamers set the stage for the Theater Department’s production of Landford Wilson’s “Hot L Baltimore” over the weekend in the Little Theater. The story takes place at the Hotel Baltimore, a soon-to-be demolished hotel along the railroad tracks that house a group of dreamers who fail to meet their goals in life and have to take everything at face value. “It’s a very interesting play because there’s no plot,” said Director Whitney Rydbeck. “It’s just a day in the life of the hotel, and a story about people on the fringe of society who are just trying to survive. Some with hopes and dreams of pulling them-
Review
Triana Melendez / Courier Jessica Wingenbach and Kevin Chrisney quarrel during the performance of Hot L Baltimore in the Little Theatre in the C Building on Nov. 29.
selves out of their situation, some with accepting life as it is and going with it, and some on a search for something and giving up. It’s a cross-section of a lot of people in our society today; we see ourselves in them.” It is in fact the people that make the play enjoyable to watch and provide a good blend of comedy and drama, making this play, as Rydbeck calls it, a drama-dy. The cast does a great job bringing these energetic and strong-willed characters to life. Michaela Escarcega’s fast paced line reading works for her character as the eager-to-please everyone, attractive, and yet airheaded call girl, Girl (her character is constantly trying to decide on a name). Olivia Huelett, a last minute entry into the cast with only a month’s practice, pulls off perfectly the sassy and boisterous April, one of the most entertaining and amusing characters
of the entire show. Stephen Castillo’s character of hotel employee Bill shows how stressed one can be when dealing this chaotic group of patrons. The play is highly amusing and is full of laughs but is balanced with a side of seriousness. However, some of the seriousness does come off as a bit dull, notably a monologue from the character Millie, played by Kitty Kroger. Also not all the actors seem to fulfill their roles, such as Evan Langle, who’s character of hotel manager Katz comes off as fake as the accent he is trying produce for his character, and Kroger’s Millie, who seemed to have no significance to the story whatsoever. All in all the play is highly enjoyable and makes a great way for an adult audience to enjoy a weekend evening. Further showings of Hot L Baltimore Dec. 6, 7, & 8 at 8 p.m.
Modern dance performance captures human nature TERESA MENDOZA Staff Writer
The Modern Dance Production took to the stage in the Sexson Auditorium over the weekend to showcase a collection of original choreography by students. The show explored the faces of human nature, some dark and others light with opening and closing musical pieces
Review
from famous composers such as Biggi Hilmars and Don Davis. Under the direction of Catrelia “Rikki” Magee, the dancers captivated the audience, representing human behaviors with a variety of dance styles including modern, ballet, jazz and tango. The show consisted of several group pieces and solos representing stories of love, abuse, violence, pain, survival, organic life and struggle.
“I chose to put the “Matrix” last because it was a great grand finale, but all of the dances I love equally,” said Magee. “[The dancers] put [in] so much heart and soul reaching into their visceral, getting deep into their gut.” The show had an exhilarating and haunting feel with color changing pools of light, and dancers in both simple and celebrating costumes performing to
Teresa Mendoza / Courier The Modern Dance Production performed "Suffrage" composed by Lavantae Cartwright at the Sexson Auditorium on Nov. 30.
Have your AA Degree? eg ee e You Y ou o Can Attend Law School. Trinity Law School upon completion You Y ou o can attend Trinity of your Associates Degr ee. Go straight to law school. Degree. eat education with money,, and get a gr great Save time, save money FREE!* unlimited opportunities. Apply today FREE !*
*Application fee waiver code: JCA213 morre information: www For more www.tls.edu .tls.edu
provocative music works that blend classical, alternative, popular and electronic. The program included original choreography by dance students Amber Alonso, Lavantae Cartwright, Javier Torres, Alan Perez, Kyla Sickles, Diana Ulloa, Maritza Lopez, Alexandra Cervantes and Arcadia Cervantes. The choreography was inspired by the choreographers’ personal experiences and views of the current world. “I thought it was fantastic, visually spectacular,” said Dance Instructor Debra Lucas, a member of the audience. “The dancers did wonderful work in terms of music and space…the passion that they have and expressed in all of the movements.” In the number choreographed by Javier Torres entitled “Bolero,” groups of dancers dressed in white (the angels) and red (the devils) run to and fro across the stage taking their turn to swirl and leap and as the angels exit, the devils enter until they are face to face in battle. The angels are defeated, forced to dance with the devils. “We try to be as good as possible but there is always something pulling us down. I want people to turn on a light bulb and say, No more!” said Torres.
“The inspiration for the composition began with the story of a toy maker wanting his dolls to fall in love with him…the idea changed around to a battle of good and evil…a mash up of how life really is,” Torres added. Dancers agree that being in a group, they feed off each other’s energy and are motivated by healthy competition. “On stage, I see everyone else doing their best so I feel we all try our 200 percent and we become one…it’s a cool energy,” said Alonso. “[In Relationships] having to be the abuser I have to go deep inside, and having Amber there to help me react, allows me to do what I have to do as a character,” said Lavantae. Amber Alonso’s “Relationships,” and Lavantae’s “Suffrage” and “Aggression” express the complex psychology of close relationships. In the “Relationships” femalemale duet, Alan Perez and Alexandra Cervantes are splendidly full in their movement. The vignette piece begins with Perez conveying the excruciating pain of loneliness and depression moving his chest in and out, hands pressing on it and on his head as if trying to suppress the pain. The vignette ends with Cervantes becoming Perez’s light and passion.
Arts & Entertainment
December 6, 2012
Courier
9
Art Exhibit displays wide variety of talent LUIS RODRIGUEZ Staff Writer
The Annual Juried Exhibition of Student Art, which showcases pieces including popsicle sticks, wire, coffee, stone, wood and bronze as mediums, opened Nov. 28. A total of $1,200 was awarded to 12 students, $100 each, for their art on Wednesday at a ceremony in the Art Gallery. Rebecca McGraw, senior curator of Pomona College Museum of Art was chosen as an impartial judge to select which pieces were chosen from a pool of almost 300 for both the gallery and awards. “We bring in someone who doesn’t know the students and just looks at the art,” said Brian Tucker, director of the Art Gallery. McGraw managed to bring together mostly avant-garde works. The eclectic collection of work looked like it came straight from an urban studio in Brooklyn. “It’s really tough to curate a student art exhibition,” said McGraw. “This one was particularly challenging because there was so much outstanding work and it was such a pleasure to spend time with. All of the work was worthy of inclusion. What I look for is execution, creativity and passion. I’m attracted to work that’s personal, quirky, committed and intelligent. I like art that tries to make sense of the world today and our place in it.” All of those attributes were captured in a piece titled “Childhood Monsters” by Kristen Torralba, industrial design. “It’s called ‘childhood monsters’ because when you’re a kid it’s not really the monsters under the bed that scare you… it’s the girls that call you fat and ugly,” said Torralba. “It’s based on an old photograph and I wanted to make them as scary and ugly as they are on the inside.” “I like it. It’s eerie and dark,” said Desiree Hernandez, photography, commenting on Torralba’s work. Many of the artists expressed modesty about being selected.
Concepcion Gonzalez / Courier Elissa Callen, illustration, 19, and Sam Medeiros, art, 20, discuss the little details in "Fetish and Bone" on Nov. 29.
“I didn’t think that people would like something I did for fun. I went to the room of pieces that didn’t go in and they’re amazing. I feel like I have more potential and I just want to make more stuff now,” said Mabel Che, art, who was honored with an award. Roland Percey, photography
Library offers extended hours YEYSON CABALLEROS Staff Writer
With finals right around the corner, the Shatford Library has extended its hours to accommodate students looking to do some extra hours of studying. Librarian Marissa Reyes is expecting the library to be full the whole of finals week. “Last year the countless number of students walking in and out of the library was incredible, but not unexpected,” she said. The influx of students during this week can become a little stressful and difficult, according to humanities major Oscar Villanueva. He is planning to be one of the first students to enter the library during finals week in order to claim a seat. “Last year the only time I had to study was during the afternoon,” Villanueva Said. “Unfortunately, it seems like the whole school was inside the library at the moment I went to go study. It took me almost a whole hour to find an actual seat and when I did, there were too many distractions to study,” he said. According to Business major Alex Dreves, some students are more concerned with textbook availability then having a seat. She says that it is hard to find a textbook necessary for a class during finals week. As a matter of fact, the high demand for certain textbooks is the biggest dilemma for students as well as the library,
especially considering textbooks assigned by common and popular courses, said Reyes. “Every semester it is always a tedious issue I deal with. I try to arrive as early as possible to find the textbook I need to study, but it is always in use and it postpones my studying time,” said Dreves. One of the biggest features most used by students provided by the library is the study rooms available for groups of students looking to get together to study as a whole, said Reyes. With a total of five rooms, the library tries to uphold the policy of two people or more to a study room, as stated in the rules and regulations posted on the doors of the study rooms. Communication major Luis Flores said that what tends to happen is the combination of two to three groups in a room in order to consolidate room and space. “For finals week I have a group of three that is looking to get a room to study. If that’s not possible we are hoping someone will share his or her room with us,” he said. Librarian Dan Hayley said that it is hard to cater to every students' needs. “There are times that we have three to four kids waiting for some assistance. Devoting the appropriate time needed to certain students is the only way we as librarians can be of help. We try to answer and guide every student with the time given,” he said.
instructor, highlighted the importance of artists using school as a stepping stone to a career in the art industry. “All students in the Visual Arts and Media Studies division should be aspiring to show their work and the sooner the better,” said Percey. “I started out in school. If you look
around virtually everything in your surroundings has been created by an artist.” “All the artists should feel proud of their accomplishments,” said McGraw. The exhibit will be open to the public until Jan. 18.
VISIT OUR STORE AT GLENDALE GALLERIA
WOOL-LINED FOR WINTER WARMTH
PALL ADIUMBOOTS.COM
10
December 6, 2012
Courier
Short comedies get laughs
We have a seat We waiting for you. Top T o op ranked business school. Supportive environment. environment. Completely online.
Marketing, Management, Finance, Hospitality & T Tourism, ourism, o and MORE! Find out mor e: more: isenber rg g.u g.umass.edu/onlinebba u isenberg.umass.edu/onlinebba
Life. Experienced. It’s what makes Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles so different.
There’s so much more to college than classroom and textbooks. Life is here, just waiting to be experienced. Mount St. Mary’s College gives you the freedom to take your education well beyond the ordinary, and into real-world adventure you won’t find anywhere else. Join us. Merit scholarships up to $16,000 per year 16:1 class sizes ❇ Full curriculum; graduate on time ❇ Small, private college feel on two stunning campuses in LA
Learn more at msmc.la.edu
ALAN LOPEZ Staff Writer
Nestled in the cozy Little Theatre of the C Building, Anton Chekhov’s Short Comedies shaped into form with the help of some solid acting and direction. The short Review comedies, which are all one-scene acts and take place in late 19th century Russia, are brief, but concise satirical pieces which make light of some basic and some complex human emotions and interactions, such as love, marriage, and greed. “The Defenseless Creature,” which revolves around a woman seeking to extort money from a banker, was the most engaging performance of the night and also featured the best acting of all the five scenes. The central characters of the banker and the woman trying to extort money from him are played by Stam Hill and Monique Petrossian, respectively. Together they deliver an enter-
taining performance of a woman who is domineering and demanding, and a man who is stubborn and constrained in giving up his money. Both characters are portrayed accurately with comedic effect and also deserve a nod for best actors of the night. “The Arrangement” is a piece that deals with a young man losing his innocence and his father who is there to not so much guide, but push him along. The father, played by Stam Hill, takes his son, played by Fernando Castro, to a brothel, of all places, to guide his sheepish son to what he perceives to be the gateway to manhood. Coincidentally, “The Arrangement” is also the most comical piece of the night due to the subject matter, which is blanketed by plenty of tension- diffusing comedic dialogue. Overall, the five scenes which are presented to the audience are entertaining and satisfying. Credit must be given to Suzanne Hunt Jenner for her direction of the acts.
Concert offers glimpse into past BENJAMIN SIMPSON Staff Writer
Phillip Young, instructor and director of the Schumann’s Ghosts concert, began the Saturday night show in Harbeson Hall with a slow haunting piano piece that filled the room with shadowy sounds. It was Schumann’s last piece, Young told the audience, written just before an attempted suicide and two years in an asylum. “We will try to absorb you into the crazy and beautiful world of Schumann,” said Young. The performance Review began with Pedro Castro on clarinet and Betty Yang on piano playing Fantasiestück (Fantasy Piece), Op 73, no. 1. The piece seemed to begin where Young’s introduction left off, with a beautiful haunting melody played by Castro. Moving and swaying with the notes, obviously in love with the music, Castro enthralled the audience. It was an evening where the performers continually outdid expectations in their skill at the instruments and voice. Patrick Tsoi-A-Sue sung Nacht und Traüme (Night and Dreams), D. 827 by Schubert as this was a night not just of Schumann but those he knew or
those he influenced. Tsoi-A-Sue was accompanied by Siyang Deng on piano, and despite standing quietly on stage, and seemingly never opening his mouth, he projected his deep voice all over the room. The song speaks of dreams and night and Tsoi-A-Sue sung it with the calm and peace it deserved. Sooyong Chu on the violin and Sally Emilia accompanying on piano played Sonata for Violin and Piano, Op. 78 by Brahms. With the bow floating back and forth with ease. Sarah Lin and Xinyi Wang played dueling piano’s to Schumann’s Etude in Caononic Form, Op. 56 no.1, with practiced judgment. But it was after the last song, Trio in D minor, Op 49, no 1, performed by Erika Salas on violin, Sooji Hong on cello and Michael Cooper on Piano when the deep notes flowed out of the cello through the room and into the gut, with the perfectly balanced violin dancing over the top. It was not until it was over that I realized that Young had succeeded in sending the room back 200 years. The screaming guitars, pounding drums and amplified sound of today was forgotten for a few hours, as haunted dreams and troubled lives came alive in Harbeson Hall.
Hearing set in bribery lawsuit Continued from page 1
viable case. Our priority is examining the evidence.” The plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the two men, LED Global — a company that lost the bidding for a lighting contract for the school — also claim to be the whistleblowers in the DAs investigation into the two men. Possible details that sparked the DAs bribery probe were revealed in the lawsuit filed by LED Global on July 26. The two plaintiffs, LED Global’s Robert Das and Saila Smith, claim that van Pelt and
Hutchings solicited a payment of $250,000, first-class travel, fourstar hotel accommodation, cigars, and prostitutes on an excursion to India in exchange for the awarding of a $5 million lighting contract. The lawsuit also claims that Hutchings implicitly threatened Das and Smith by hinting that he had beat and killed people during his stint as a former Los Angeles Chief of Police. Van Pelt and Hutchings deny all allegations. John Schmocker, the attorney that represents van Pelt and Hutchings filed a cross-complaint in September.
December 6, 2012
Courier
11
Police chief to step down after 8 months Continued from page 1
-ing full time for three classes in the spring. These will be Homeland Security, Criminal Procedure and Community Relations. “[Rocha, Bell and Miller] added two classes so that I could stay here and teach,” said Perez. “I’m grateful that they did so… I would hate to have had to move out of Pasadena.” Over the past eight months, Perez had set up new safety programs that did not exist before he was appointed to the position. Among them, he implemented bicycle theft prevention and registration, rape aggression training and child safety seat inspection. “I really wanted for this [police] department to incorporate the same beliefs of what a police officer should be,” said Perez. “And that is for officers to be as friendly and helpful to the students, staff, faculty and surrounding community.” Perez said he felt that the department had been “extremely” successful in this and hoped
Wendy Garcia / Courier Police Chief Stanton Perez will leave after complications with his retirement pensions.
it would continue to flourish in the future. Student Trustee Hanna Israel said it was shocking news to
hear and that Perez had been nothing but good for the school. “It’s really unfortunate,” said Israel. “He has always been good
to the Associated Students and all students in general. I hope the next chief is half the [person] Perez is.
Associated Students President Simon Fraser echoed Israel’s sentiments. “It's disappointing that a sheer technicality around retirement is preventing our chief of police from continuing the excellent job he started,” Fraser said. “I hope fervently that the administration continues to work on fixing this issue.” Campus Police Dispatch Officer Heather Meier said that Perez had brought a lot of “optimism” to the police department and was a great chief. Other officers felt the same. “It has been a fantastic eight months having the chief here,” said Officer Tyler Robins. “He made us feel like a family. It’s rare to find an officer at his level who is still so humble about everything. It’s sad to see him go.” Perez said that he was thankful to the PCC community for letting him in and making him feel welcome during his time as chief of police. “I will miss it,” said Perez. “But I have to brush myself off and keep on going.”
Open letter to Board of Trustees cites loss of confidence Continued from page 1
enrollment,” Marheine said. “Thus now the college wants to raise class sizes to get as many students as possible to meet its FTES number.” “Faculty and students are thus being punished because of the college's mismanagement, in particular the cutting of winter [session].” In a Nov. 26 reply to Marheine, General Counsel Gail Cooper
said his letter is replete with misrepresentations. Cooper refutes the letter’s claim that the elimination of Winter 2013 is a “crisis” and issue of “mismanagement.” She says that the faculty and students are prepared to start Spring 2013. She added that faculty, students and other individuals who had issues with the start date, have been accommodated. “In the wake of Proposition 30’s success, and in compliance
with the law, the Administration is planning to add many sections for spring and summer,” Cooper said. “The college will meet and earn its state-assigned FTES apportionment.” Both Cooper and Baum feel
18-week term is opposed Continued from page 1
needed to be more consistent, especially with block classes. “You really need to have every class scheduled consistently. We don’t have that,” he said. “Until you get everyone on the same blocks you are going to have the same [scheduling] problem.” History Instructor Eloy Zarate explained that scheduling needed to be rationalized for both fulltime and part-time students. “Most students are not full time students. Blocking may really hurt our students. It’s very important that we start at a different position. We start at scheduling. I want to hear what is best for students with scheduling. Scheduling first, students’ needs first, and then we have to look at everybody else,” Zarate said. At the town hall, President Mark Rocha said it was important to discuss how to make classes more accessible to students. “It is important to discuss this because graduation and transfers are our top goals. We want students to come in to achieve their goals in a reasonable amount of time,” Rocha said. “The key to graduation and transfer is if students are full time, which is also a qualification for financial aid,” he said. Another argument to focus on scheduling came from counselors, who explained that eligibility for
financial aid runs out after 90 units are covered. Counselor Patricia D’Orange Martin said that students who need financial aid have to waste it on random classes to attain fulltime status. “Financial aid is cracking down … what are we going to do now if students can’t get 12 units? [Many students are] losing financial aid sooner than they have to because they are accumulating units they didn’t really need,” Martin said. Another argument against returning to an 18-week semester was that students would be too fatigued to complete the course, thus lowering retention rates. Political Science Instructor Charlotte Williams talked as a former PCC student and instructor during the 18-week semester system. “The weeks after Christmas were a dreaded time. The students were brain dead … you also had the largest number of students who just disappeared from classes,” Williams said. Academic Senate President Dustin Hanvey said a committee should be formed to study how to make classes more accessible to students. “We should talk about the whole package … we need to get people on the committee who are willing to do the research. We can take it to the administration,” Hanvey said.
that Marheine’s efforts are futile because the FA rejected negotiations for a new faculty contract. Marheine ended his letter with a plea to the Board: “We are PCC. We deserve better. We are at a leadership moment,” Marheine
said. “We need visionary leadership that responds to Shared Governance committee input. We need confidence in your leadership at this moment of crisis.”
COUR IER
December 6, 2012
SPORTS
Volleyball misses out on state finals BENJAMIN SIMPSON Staff Writer
In the foyer of the Pierce College gymnasium, the women’s volleyball team members sat looking tired and dejected. Their hopes of winning against Pierce on Nov. 27, and going on to the state finals, had just been dashed in a three game sweep. Coach Tammy Silva talked about the team’s great season, something to be proud of, but there was nothing much to say as the cheers for Pierce’s third trip to the state finals in three years continued inside. The first game began evenly, with points swapping back and forth, but once the scores got into the teens, the Lancers began to look tired, like they were missing a piece of energy, and Pierce college picked up the pace, eventually winning the game 25-16. “We didn’t go to our utmost potential, we are so much better than this,” said Cassandra Delacruz after the game. The second two games went in similar fashion, with the three games ending 25-16, 25-19, 2518.
Kailey Faust worked hard the whole game, keeping Pasadena in the game, chasing after the ball and ending up with 29 of Pasadena’s 30 assists. “It didn’t turn out how we wanted or expected, but they are a really good team,” said Faust. “We fought hard and never let up, so, I am satisfied.” Both Jackie Valle-Acosta and Viridana Gallardo had eight kills and Noralia To’omalatai ended up with six, but that was not enough on this evening. “We had a great season. We ended up 21-5, we can’t complain … we made it to the top eight in the state,” said Coach Silva. Pasadena ended the season with a number of players leading the South Coast Conference in individual stats. Valle-Acosta is number one in hitting percentage (.442), with To’omalatai in second (.336). Valle-Acosta is number one in blocks per set (.97), with Megan Callan in third (.82). Faust is number one in assists per set (10.18). Jennifer Estrada is number three in both number of digs (238) and digs per set (3.72). and To’omalati is number three in kills with 195.
Buren Smith/Courier Pasadena libero, Jennifer Estrada, digs a spike by a Pierce College attacker at the regional playoff game versus the Brahmas on Nov. 27. The Lancers were defeated in straight games losing 3-0.
“The season was great,” said Faust. “We had our ups and
downs but in the end we all came together as a team … this is
a great team, and I’m sad the season is over.”
Cross country puts best foot forward at state meet TERESA MENDOZA Staff Writer
For the first time in 11 years, both the men’s and women’s cross country teams raced at the CCCAA State Championships in Fresno on Nov. 17. Head Coach Armand Crespo emphasized the significance of both teams qualifying for the state championships and the dedication of the athletes. “We could start a tradition and work our way up the ranks for the men and stay steady with the women,” Crespo said. The Lancers’ success as a team was most evident in the women’s 15th place standing at state and 11th in the Southern
California championships and with several personal records among the individual athletes. Sweat and drive took the men’s team to the state championships, executing great races in all the competitions. “We were 22nd and we ended up being the 17th Southern California school without our number one runner, who possibly would’ve put us 17th overall,” said Coach Crespo. Racing as a team was the continuing principle for the Lancers as the season progressed. Among the women runners, freshmen stepped up to finish with their best times for the team. “Kailadnni Chaves ended up
being our fifth [woman] with a life-time best, Arielle Barragan-Steimer had a great race almost breaking 20 minutes, and Diane Lombardi had a fantastic race,” Crespo said. “Christina Shamirian, placing third for us, will be our leader next year and Melissa Hadloc raced hard with Linda Flores-Barillas finishing a fine first season.” The course to the championships demanded hard work and the team suffered many setbacks on the way, losing several runners to injuries. Kevin Cano led the way for the men’s runners with his best race, but Francis Lee did not finish due to a back injury.
“Oswel Caal ran great to be our third man and Faustino Gil, having the race of his life, was second. Our sophomore team captain, Brian Sacripanti was fourth, with Charlie Camacho finishing a great first season in great fashion,” Crespo said. The team will wrap up cross country for the year and then get ready for track and field. “[We] come together with the great athletes that we recruited for track and try to move forward as a team from last year. Also, [we want to] make sure that our athletes are in position to graduate … and to get scholarship monies for their future,” said Crespo.
Cheer squad brings spirit, pride to sports season PHILIP MCCORMICK Sports Editor
The Lancers Cheer Team shows off its skills in a demonstration in the quad during Homecoming Week, Oct. 11. Yamamoto / Courier
Flying through the air hoping there will be hands to catch you as you come down is a scary thought. The Lancer Cheerleading team does just that at every football and basketball game. Most people don't think that cheerleading is a sport, but Cheer Instructor Tracy Bodis believes that the athleticism, courage and strength that goes into cheerleading makes it a sport. "It takes a lot to be a cheerleader," said Bodis, "more than what most people think it takes." These high-flying athletes have to have been on their high school cheer teams to even be considered to be a Lancer cheerleader, said Bodis. Out of the 60-70 women who
show up to tryouts, only 23 were picked to be on the team this semester. They also have to maintain nine units if they hope to make and stay on the team said Cheer Captain Trisha De La Vega. "It's a five day process," said De La Vega. "We have them do different routines and dances, then cut the tryout number down to those who performed the best." The cheer team mainly cheers for the basketball and football team, which means it has to attend fall games and spring games. “They are there through-out the season to support us,” said Stella Ghazarian, who plays on the basketball team. “The cheerleaders work just as hard as us.” The intense time schedule they have keeps them on campus all school year, said Bodis. "The cheer team works through
fall, spring and summer," said Bodis. "We practice six hours a week, and that doesn't include the time we spend at games." De La Vega said team members even have to cheer in the rain at times. "If the football team plays in the rain, we have to show up and do our job too," she said The cheerleaders have their share of injuries too, just like all other athletes at PCC. "Some of the girls have had broken noses," said De La Vega. "And others broken fingers. They take tough falls sometimes." Bodis said that being a cheerleader also helps to teach socializing skills, being versatile and teamwork. "It’s really fun to be out there cheering," said De La Vega. "We really encourage people who have been on high school cheer teams to come try out this spring."