Volume 111 Fall 2009 Roundup Issue 3

Swine flu vaccines coming to Pierce

The vaccinations will be given for free starting mid-October

As the H1N1 virus, more commonly known as swine flu, continues to claim victims, the Health Center is taking action to protect the Pierce College student body, faculty and staff.

The Health Center, which is located in the Campus Center, will be administering H1N1 vaccines starting mid-October.

Beth Benne, director of the Student Health Center, estimates it will be another week after the vaccines arrive before they will be made available to the public.

Benne, who has been at Pierce for 16 years, envisions a clinic-like setting where the vaccines will be administered to all who wish to receive one.

No appointment will be necessary, and the Health Center will focus its manpower into the all-day event.

This kind of event has never taken place at Pierce before and

Benne says she “will do the best [she] can to get people in and out.”

The California Department of Public Health is giving the vaccines to Pierce at no cost, so the vaccines will be free for everyone who wishes to get one.

The vaccines will be beneficial to those who cannot afford to get them from the doctor’s office and they could play a large role in helping to keep the Pierce population in good health.

Benne is still figuring out the specifics since the CDPH expects all campuses to follow strict guidelines regarding who gets the vaccine.

Anyone with an allergy to eggs. Also, any person with a chronic condition will have to be thoroughly evaluated.

Brittany Mangrum, psychology major, 21, thinks “H1N1 vaccines are a great idea.”

“They will help put students’ minds

See VACCINES page 3

Walkout to protest cuts Cal Grant checks delayed

U.C. campuses take a stand against increased fees

Students and faculty from the University of California System walked out Sept. 24, the first day of class.

The walkout was intended to protest against the recent budget cuts and fee increases that have occured this academic school year.

From all over California, students and staff from University of California, Los Angeles, U.C.

Berkeley, U.C. Irvine and other U.C. campuses rallied against the U.C. system for recent fees, layoffs, cuts in enrollment and furlough days.

At noon, UCLA students rallied outside at the Bruin Plaza. Some classes were canceled because of the protest and some professors used the first day to inform students of the budget cuts.

“We are gathered here to let the public understand that we are getting taken advantage of,” said Maria Ponce, political science major at

UCLA. “As students, our right for education is being taken away and we are not going to allow that!”

Students and faculty gathered at the Bruin Walk to hand out fliers informing new students of the budgets cuts.

UCLA faculty has received 4- to 10-percent budget cuts and are forced to have furlough days. Furlough days are academic days faculty members are forced to take off, cutting the class time and curriculum for students.

Budget cuts have added more stress to students all over California.

Farmhouses scheduled for demolition

The houses on El Rancho Drive are scheduled to be demolished in early October to make room for the relocation of Swinerton Management & Consulting offices.

Until recently, one of the houses on El Rancho Drive housed the farm’s agriculture technician, Bill Lander, his wife and two sons. The family also had two dogs and two horses.

Lander lived on the campus and was employed almost 30 years as the agricultural technician and equestrian manager at Pierce College.

“I was living there for over 25 years,” Lander said. “In February, I received a call saying that I needed to be out by the first of June. They

threw us out in the street.”

But Lander’s main concern is still the animals.

“Now, who are the trained employees that will respond to an emergency?” he asked. “Who will take care of the animals? I was there for any type of emergency with the animals. Ask the administration: Who’s going to be there when a horse gets out?”

Lander is a recognized expert in animal and crop production for the county and city of Los Angeles. He oversees about 18 horses, 36 cattle, 50 to 60 chickens and 60 goats, along with a number of other animals.

“I believe we always need to have a trained agricultural specialist on the campus, 365 days a year and 24 hours a day,” said Dr. Leiland Shapiro, pre-veterinary science program director and profes-

sor of animal sciences. “There are plenty of other locations where Swinerton can place its trailers. The farm should be reserved for our animals and farm personnel.”

According to David Tsao, college project manager of Swinerton Management & Consulting, Swinerton will be on campus for the next four to five years.

“We have outgrown our current office space. It is only big enough to hold 12 people,” Tsao said.

Tsao further stated the new office will hold 20 people. The area will be fenced off for the new temporary trailer, as well as a private parking lot. The lot will comprise an estimated 24 to 25 spaces.

Robert Garber, former Pierce College president, made the decision for Swinerton to relocate their offices.

“He wants to keep us all to-

Understaffing has resulted in the Financial Aid Office issuing students’ checks late

Beatrice Negulescu / Roundup

The cost of of education has risen by the thousands, reaching higher than a 30-percent increase, not including books and utilities for student living. Budget cuts have also made it hard for minority students by limiting helpful resources.

UCLA had approximately more than 500 students and staff attend the event — a small amount compared to the amount of students who attend the University — but students and staff did get their

See UCLA page 3

When students prepared to kiss summer goodbye and head back to the classroom, they did not anticipate the delay in the arrival of their Cal Grant checks.

“I was unable to buy my books on time this semester since I did not receive my Cal Grant check before school started, like I usually have for the past two years,” said Houtan Sarraf, 23-year-old art major.

Cal Grants are a simple way for college students to get money they are not required to pay back.

Depending on which Cal Grant

you are awarded, the money can be used for tuition, living expenses and even school supplies. In order to receive a Cal Grant, students must meet the academic, financial and eligibility requirements listed at CalGrants.org. Year after year, many students depend on their Cal Grant checks to arrive in a timely manner so they are able to cover the increasing cost of school materials. This year was no exception.

“I rely on my Cal Grant money to help get school materials, and

See CAL GRANTS page 3

gether for more efficiency,” Tsao said. “It was up to the college. The district already approved the construction contract.”

Pierce, originally Clarence W. Pierce Junior College, started out as a school for agriculture.

Founded in 1947, the school’s main disciplines were those focused on agricultural techniques, landscaping and herding. The houses have been on the campus since the beginning.

“The importance of these homes was, and still is, to provide security for our farm, farm animals, farm equipment and irrigation lines during evening hours, holidays and weekends,” Shapiro said. “In addition, these personnel are the first individuals counted on when we have disasters and need facilities for our community.”

According to Lander, Garber regarded the buildings as old and indicated he did not like them. Lander

said there was a master plan that was supposed to be executed under which the houses were going to be modernized.

“The administration says they support the farm, but it looks like they want it to perish,” Lander said.

Louie Heredia / Roundup

LOCKED OUT— A chain-link fence surrounds the houses on El Rancho Drive as Swinerton Management & Consulting prepares to knock them down to make room for a parking lot.

Two houses in the agricultural area will be destroyed to make room for parking

Shannon Berry / Roundup

Beatrice Negulescu / Roundup

Jalima Maldonado / Roundup

Sayed Balkhi / Roundup

BUDGET CUTS— UPTE union members encourage the students to protest against proposed budget cuts by The Regents as they march their way to Murphy Hall where Chancellor Gene Block’s office is located.

Help needed for soccer team

Women’s soccer team lacking commitment from students

At community colleges, sports teams and their accomplishments can easily go unrecognized. They’re not exactly No. 1 on most sports fans must-see lists.

Pierce College is no exception.

It’s time to give a nod to one of those teams that deserves a little recognition.

The women’s soccer team, the only soccer team at Pierce College, is entering just its ninth year of existence. At the time of this publication, its total record was 147 wins, 24 losses and 27 ties.

Their winning percentage over that time is a whopping 75 percent. That’s impressive by any standards, especially consid-

ering it’s spread over eight years.

They have been Western State Conference Southern Division Champions for the last four years, and six of the last eight.

Add to that the fact they’ve made eight consecutive postseason appearances and you’ve got a team worth noticing.

Despite that, most people who attend the games are family and friends of players.

It’s not a reach to say there are more soccer fans than that at Pierce.

So how is it that this team can’t get more people to come out and watch them play?

Their games are just as exciting as any professional sporting event, and hey, guess what — they’re free.

Last year, the Lady Brahmas played Moorpark in the first

LetteR to tHe editoR

The regression of California

Dear Roundup,

The portrayal of fee raises as being merely six dollars per unit is disingenuous at best.

It takes away from the gravity of our situation.

It is not six dollars per unit, but rather $72 per full 12-unit course load. $72 represents many things to many students on our local campuses.

From a week’s groceries to someone working two jobs to a month’s phone bill for a single mother, it represents, in its totality, disincentive.

When fees were increased by seven dollars per unit in 2003 (from $11 to $18), California experienced a 5.2-percent decrease in enrollment, or slightly over 90,000 students.

After a prolonged period of growth, our own government estimates the adjusted loss in students to be near 175,000.

Turning away nearly 175,000 students for a state that is already starved for college graduates is irresponsible.

Yes, it is true that California faces bleak and uncertain financial times, both now and in the future. Nonetheless,

the only remedy to that is a strong educated workforce that is ready and able to meet the challenge of replenishing our state’s coffers.

Where will these people come from if not from fouryear universities, but community colleges?

Where will our innovators and entrepreneurs come from if not here?

Who will attract businesses if not skilled, educated workers from our own state?

How many of these people will we turn away with escalating fees coupled with reductions in service?

We are hurting the very people who would be tasked with picking up the pieces of a state in ruin.

An investment in students is an investment in the viability of California.

Turning students away for momentary fiscal gain is shortsighted, misinformed and detrimental to the progress of California.

Hosea Dixon Student

[For advertising call Julie at (818) 710-2960]

Reporters: Calvin Alagot, Shannon Berry, Laura Corral, Paula Duran, Andre Fuller, Ashley Green, Elliot Golan, Adrian Herrera, Eimantas Kiseliovas, Eduardo Lagunas, Jalima Maldonado, Tyler McGee, Sarah Mednick, Beatrice Negulescu, Kevin Peyton, Alina Popov, Helen Ramirez, Lorrie Reyes, Matthew Rubinfeld, Jeff Sandstoe, Gizette Segura, Eunice Virgen

Photographers: Aisha Ahal, Jason Alan, Takahiro Aono, Burke Bryant, Courtney Coles, Christina Colucci, Danny Duarte, Jill Durgan, Melissa Elder, Ryan Gall, Ayda Memary, Kody Robinson, Galit Royker

round of the playoffs. They ended up scoring the tying goal in the closing minutes of regulation and then winning in penalty kicks. It doesn’t get much more exciting than that.

Yet the crowd still almost entirely comprised family members and friends. The game was on a weekend, and was played at Moorpark, which is less than an hour away from Pierce. It wasn’t exactly hard to get to.

Let’s give some credit where credit is due. Eight years of winning consistently should be enough to get some attention.

So for anyone who’s never been to a soccer game, Friday would be a good time to start. Pierce vs. crosstown rival Valley at 4 p.m. at the Soccer Pit (that big grass field next to Lot 7).

Open Mic “God Style” should be an event where all performers can give their own opinions and express their own feelings of how they feel about God.

Taking place today at the Student Community Center, the Open Mic “God Style” is an event where students are allowed to perform poetry, songs, raps, music, monologues and more.

There are plenty of skeptical Pierce College students who think the subject is narrow and closeminded. The event shouldn’t be considered a narrow subject or push performers away merely because it is centered around a religious subject.

Open Mic performers have the right to say how they feel about anything in general, without offending anyone. Performers and audience members should arrive with an open mind to new ideas and opinions.

We are all adults.

We should stop making God such a touchy subject.

We should come to understand that in a country like the United States, we should always be open to a different point of view and that everyone’s opinion about God is different.

Performers should not be limited to speaking a certain point of view. On the contrary, it should empower performers to step up and say how they feel about the subject in general.

This event should allow performers to express what they truly feel, and I do not think the performers should be there just to “praise the Lord” but to say how they feel about God.

the editorials. Cartoons and photos, unless run under the editorial masthead, and columns are the opinions of the creators and not necessarily that of the Roundup.

The college newspaper is published as a learning experience under the college journalism instructional program. The editorial and advertising materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff. Under appropriate state and federal court decisions, these materials are free from prior restraint by the virtue of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the L.A. Community College District, the college or any officer or employee thereof.

PIERCE COLLEGE

NEWS BRIEFS

Student Services opening Oct. 21

The Student Services Building dedication ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 21 at 11 a.m.

The actual move-in will take place Oct. 29 to avoid conflicting with the opening. The delays were not because of construction.

“We just recently decided to not move in before the grand opening because the move-in itself will be pretty messy,” Joy McCaslin, interim Pierce College president, said. “We want to make sure it’s pristine for the grand opening.”

Guest speakers will include Dr. Tyree Weider, Los Angeles Community College District interim chancellor and Shani Simms, president of the Associated Students Organization at Pierce.

HIV/AIDS Awareness Week canceled

HIV/AIDS Awareness Week has been canceled due to the Health Center being moved to the new Student Services Building.

It was supposed to take place the same week of the move, but has been cancelled.

The spring semester event is on schedule for March.

SHERIFF’S BLOTTER

Sept. 15

5:15 p.m.: Visitor injury; high

Delays in Cal Grants

Continued from PAGE 1

pay for rent,” said speech major Hamid Nicoo, 24.

As California attempted to close a $26 billion budget gap, many assumed any solution would involve more cuts in education spending.

This idea hit closer to home as speculation arose that school budget cuts were responsible for an understaffing problem at Pierce’s Financial Aid Office. This problem would cause students to receive their Cal Grant checks later than usual.

Anabel Rodriguez, a student worker in the Financial Aid Office, confirmed the staffing issue.

“But we just recently hired a couple of students, so we should be back on track. But the delay in Cal

COC newspaper canceled College of the Canyons’ print newspaper was dropped due to budget cuts

Calvin Alagot / Roundup

College of the Canyons’ 40-year-old student newspaper, Canyon Call, was canceled last month due to the dropping of several advanced journalism classes.

COC now lacks the resources required to sustain a student publication.

Canyon Call has been replaced as the main distributor of news on campus by a weekly online broadcast called Cougar News, found at www.cougarnews.com.

Mark Ehresman, a former editor in chief of the Canyon Call, expressed his feelings regarding the cancellation of the paper.

“I think it’s terrible that people aren’t going to have the same opportunity as when I was there. I learned more in those two years than I ever learned in any classroom,” Ehresman said.

There are only two journalism classes that remain at COC — Mass Media and Society (J-100) and Beginning News Writing (J105). All of the advanced journalism classes have been dropped due

to “low enrollment.”

“That firsthand experience can’t be duplicated by some story you write for a class,” Ehresman said.

Currently enrolled beginner journalism students, rather than writing for print, are posting their stories on a blog.

“I had the amazing opportunity for two years to speak my mind. I had a platform to express everything I felt,” Ehresman said. “It was a great part of my life and I had a lot of writers and editors that felt the same way.”

Craig Leener, a former sports editor for the Canyon Call, is the head of the coalition of concerned students, educators, journalists and private citizens who are mounting an effort to save the Canyon Call.

Leener started www.savethecanyoncall.com “to increase the awareness that the newspaper is gone.”

“With the Canyon Call students have the opportunity to voice an opinion,” Leener said. “Now, with the newspaper gone, if you want to voice an opinion you’re out of luck. That’s 25,000 students right now

without the opportunity to express their first amendment right of free speech on campus.”

The cancellation of Canyon Call is not an isolated event. Several student publications throughout the Southern California area have either been canceled or put online due to budget cuts.

California State University, Northridge’s Sun Dial is no longer in print and has had to go online.

The CSU Dominguez Hills Bulletin no longer exists.

The Cerritos College Talon Marks was canceled because of low enrollment and budget cuts, just as the Canyon Call was, and was recently reinstated with mass support from the community as well as a petition drive.

Links to sign the petition to save the Canyon Call can be found on Leener’s Web site at www.savethecanyoncall.com.

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Grants is due to the high volume of applicants for Financial Aid,” Rodriguez said.

As of Sept. 22, Pierce has received 13,847 financial aid applications, with nine months remaining for more applications.

“(Because of) he current increases on educational costs and reduction of courses at CSU, U.C., (and) all community colleges, our district has experienced growth in financial aid applications,” said Anafe Robinson, director of financial aid, scholarships and veterans, in an e-mail.

“As a result of this increase across our district, all Pierce College Student Service Offices have experienced similar challenges on services.”

Robinson did not attribute the

late distribution to staffing issues.

“The Pierce College administration has been supportive of staffing concerns. However, we are all in a limited financial situation due to the state budgets,” she continued. “The State of California released Cal Grant funds to all colleges and universities on Sept. 10. As soon as the Cal Grant funds were received by LACCD, eligible students were disbursed their Cal Grant funds.” In these uncertain financial times one thing is for sure; according to Rodriguez everyone in the Financial Aid Office is working really hard to make sure the students receive their financial aid.

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Free swine flu vaccines available mid-October

Continued from PAGE 1

at ease regarding infection.”

With a recent outbreak of H1N1 affecting an estimated 2,000 students at Washington State University, the vaccines are sure to help alleviate stress in students, faculty and staff alike.

There have been 2,000 vaccines ordered and Benne expects a great interest will be shown in them.

Benne confirms the faculty on campus have been among those to show the most interest in the vaccines, saying that “with a captive audience of 30 to 60 students per class [she doesn’t] blame them.”

In the summer, it was said that

the H1N1 vaccines would be a series of two shots.

Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, has recently confirmed in a telephone conference that current research has shown only one shot will be required, making the vaccine available sooner than planned.

When asked how she feels about administering the H1N1 vaccine since the FDA has just recently approved it, Benne answered, “If the human trials have been completed, I feel confident about administering the vaccine.”

The Health Center is using a variety of tools to help spread word about the H1N1 vaccines, some of which include the Pierce College Web site and speaking to members of the Faculty Senate.

Benne stands strong on the idea that the best way to deal with the H1N1 virus is “prevention, prevention, prevention.” She seems very enthusiastic about keeping the campus population informed about the H1N1 vaccine.

Benne has been seen hanging up giant posters everywhere, alerting the college of prevention and handing out hand sanitizer.

More information about the swine flu and prevention tips is available by visiting http://www. cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/.

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UC students protest cuts

Continued from PAGE 1

point across. At U.C. Berkeley, around 5,000 students not only walked but marched for student rights. They boycotted their classes in the big-

gest rally in years.

U.C. Berkeley undergraduate Aaron Ruvalcaba said “There is no way America is going to get educated if the the fees increase we

need to fight back.”

jmaldonado.roundupnews @gmail.com

These cuts are made for walking (out on)

Top

Middle

Middle Right— Dr. Bob Samuels, a lecturer, at UCLA speaks to police officers protecting the door to Murphy Hall, during a walkout to protest The Regents budget plan for U.C. schools. Los Angeles, Calif. Sept. 24th, 2009

Bottom Left— A crowd of UCLA students, faculty and UPTE union members gathered during an organized protest against The Regents budget proposal for U.C. schools.

Students and faculty walked out of classes from the University of California system Thursday.

The event was intended to protest budget cuts and fee increases which have taken place during the year.

UCLA students walked out of their classes at noon and met around Bruin Plaza to hand out fliers to inform incoming students. Certain classes were canceled and other teachers used

the time to inform their students about the cuts.

“We are gathered here to let the public understand that we are getting taken advantage of. As students, our right for education is being taken away and we are not going to allow that!” said Maria Ponce, UCLA political science major.

UCLA faculty have received cuts of 4 to 10 percent cuts and have been

forced to take furlough days.

The cost of a college education has risen thousands of dollars for students.

Students will be paying even more next year. Budget cuts have also made it hard for minority students because it has gotten rid of resources that were useful for students.

UCLA had approximately more than 500 students and staff attend the event — a small amount compared to

the amount of students who attend the University — but students and staff got their point across.

At U.C. Berkeley, approximately 5,000 students marched for student rights and boycotted their classes.

“There is no way America is going to get educated if the fees increase. We need to fight back,” said Aaron Ruvalcaba, Berkeley undergraduate.

Top Left— A crowd of UCLA students, faculty and UPTE union members gathered during an organized protest against The Regents budget proposal for U.C. schools.

Right— A UCLA student protests against The Regents budget proposal for U.C. schools

Left— A UCLA student holds a sign showing the tuition increase since 1960 during a protest against The Regents budget proposal for U.C. schools.

Bottom Right— One of the many posters seen at the protest against The Regents budget proposal for U.C. schools.

Photos by Sayed Balkhi Danny Duarte

Students will have the opportunity to discover the array of majors and programs Pierce College offers at the first “Meet Your Major” career fair Oct. 22.

Students who are having trouble choosing a career will be able to learn, research and find information about possible major options from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. on the south end of the Mall, near the Victory Lot.

Joanna Zimring Towne, counselor and career center coordinator, said Pierce counselors often get visits from students who do not know what major or career to pursue.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to talk to faculty directly and learn about the different programs that are offered here at Pierce,” Zimring Towne said.

The event is designed to help students discover possible major options and career choices, in addition to career outlets.

“It’s good for everybody,” Zimring Towne said. “For students who are either choosing between majors, or students who just have no idea, and even students who think they know what they want to do.”

The vast majority of departments will be participating by offering information about available programs.

“Hopefully it will open their eyes to the different opportunities available to them,” Zimring Towne said.

Because of the limited counselors, not all students are able to get one-on-one feedback.

Counselors present at the event will be able to give students some resources to help narrow down possible options. The student can then make an appointment to meet with a counselor for further discussion.

“They may not be able to leave the fair knowing exactly what they need to do, but they will leave the fair knowing how to find out what they need to do,” Zimring Towne said. “What their next step should be, and where they can go for more information.”

Zimring Towne explained why there will not be any career workshops available due to the insufficient staff and funds.

“Definitely starting next semester we are going to have workshops available to students in terms of networking, resume writing, and career exploration,” she said.

Students attending the fair can expect a variety of career options and a chance to discover the many opportunities a major can offer.

“We are really trying to improve the career services available to students, so this is part of that initiative. We are hoping to make it an annual event if it goes well,” Zimring Towne said.

Tips and tricks or

conscientious effort

“‘I’ before ‘E’ except after ‘C’” is just one of the phrases we learned to help us remember things as kids.

Tips and tricks for studying have been a part of students’ modus operandi since entering school. At the college level, things do not need to change.

“Once you learn to read, you can’t not read something,” said Anthony Gabrielli, Pierce College professor of political science.

Reading is a passive function, according to Gabrielli.

“The problem is recollection,” Gabrielli said.

Gabrielli believes text is absorbed into the brain without the reader needing to vocalize the words in their mind. He suggests students clear their minds and develop keys for remembering the information.

Gabrielli said that scent is a key he has had success with.

“When reading political science, use coconut. When reading for psychology, use lavender,” he said.

Gabrielli picks up a 100-page political science book, flips through it quickly, and states he could read it in about 20 minutes. He said this form of speed-reading can greatly assist students in getting through all they need to assimilate for classes.

Gabrielli began mastering this method in graduate school after finding out he would be required to read a daunting 50,000 pages in his first semester.

With many students juggling school, in-class time, work, and study time, time management can be a concern. Gabrielli has yet to have a student return with a success story.

“Students don’t have as much success because of the speed at which things are happening. They don’t have time to try something new,” Gabrielli said.

He insists that though the method will likely not work the first or sec-

ond time, “practice, training, and being dedicated” is essential.

“They don’t trust their eyes,” Gabrielli said. He believes this is the main reason students are unable to read at this pace.

Students have many different problems when it comes to studying.

“Memorizing all the information is tough,” said Pierce student Sasha Mazor, 17, as she sat reading outside of the campus library. She said writing down important information is the best way for her to remember course material.

However, today’s academic structure often offers more resources than the classic textbook. Many classes and textbooks come with accompanying online material.

Kinesiology major Tylea Powell, 18, is thankful for this.

“It gives a specific format of what they’re talking about,” Powell said about Web sites used for studying.

Pierce students also have access to the Center for Academic Success, formally The Learning Center, on campus. The Center for Academic Success is located in Room 1613, north of the S. Mark Taper Foundation Botanical Garden.

It offers a range of services from free subject-area tutoring to computer-assisted learning programs. The Center also has an adjacent computer lab for easy access to resources.

“There are no tricks. There is only conscientious effort,” said Kathleen Boddicker, Center director.

The problem is repetition, according to Chris Yun, 22-year-old math major.

“It’s about doing the same thing over and over,” Yun said.

His belief seems to be in line with Gabrielli’s.

“Your brain is like any other muscle in your body. If you train it, it will do what you want it to,” Gabrielli said.

Pierce students and teachers share how to get by in those hard classes

Elliot Golan / Roundup

Gerard Walsh / Roundup

BRAINIAC— Nursing major Andy Jacinto, 26, studies for his classes in the library. Many students have grueling schedules and can spend hours reading and preparing for their tough course loads.

Gizette Segura / Roundup

Fall into fun at the Harvest Festival

The Farm Center’s annual event returns with rides, food and scares

Temperatures rose to the upper 90s during the Pierce College Farm Center’s fifth annual Halloween Festival, which opened Thursday and runs through Nov. 1.

Despite the heat, there were numerous families who withstood the blaring sun hoping to get a jump start on the festivities the season had to offer.

While the catchy bluegrass music that blared throughout the 22-acre farm echoed to the distant corners of the festival, event workers searched for any inch of shade to keep cool.

begins to settle in as the air begins to cool.

As the wind picks up and the children’s activities close, the popular Creatures of the Corn Haunted Trail and the Night Adventure Corn Maze during Fright Fair Scream Park After Dark can open.

The Factory of Nightmares haunted house,

McBroom, Farm Center manager. Students and faculty do receive discounts on produce in the Farm Market.

With no discounts being given to Pierce Students and the same general concept as previous festivals, what would make a Pierce student attend the festival this year?

“ ”

One Pierce College student who will be attending the festival is Stacie Wight, the newly hired pony ride attendant and current veterinary technology student. She has helped the Farm Center in the past and is excited to be working at the festival.

Wight Pierce College student and Harvest Fest worker

“We provide a positive atmosphere to the community,” Wight said.

In addition to pony rides, other popular daytime activities include the corn maze, pumpkin picking — with pumpkins as large as 85 pounds — a bungee bounce, carousel, a petting zoo with newly built suspended walkways for the goats and a variety of other events sure to keep a kid’s eyes brightly lit at each turn of the head.

As dusk arrives, the feeling of fall finally

which has new scares and will be “much scarier than last year,” according to third-year seasonal worker Michelle Romine, will open its doors tomorrow.

Admission to the Halloween Harvest Festival for both the day and evenings is $4.

Attraction tickets must also be purchased for each activity, which range from $10 to $20 each in the day and $12 to $30 each at night.

There are currently no student discounts for Pierce College students.

“We are not giving student discounts (for the Halloween Harvest Festival),” said Kathy

Halloween Harvest Festival Info: Sept. 25 through Nov. 1

Hours of Operation: Sunday –Thursday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday- Saturday 10 a.m. - 12a.m.

Prices:

Festival Admission: $4 Day Multi Pass: Adult - $15 Child - $13 (Includes corn maze, hay ride and two activity tickets) Night Multi Pass $20 (excludes corn maze)

Please visit www.halloweenharvestfestival.com for additional information.

“I’m not sure if I will be going,” said Pablo Saldarriaga, full-time Pierce College student. “Money is a little tight this year and I’m not sure if it’s worth it.”

Although prices seem steep — costing $12 if you only go to one attraction, plus an entrance fee — the Farm Center has a way to balance a portion of the scale with a Metro Pass discount. Admission to the festival is free if you present an MTA ticket dated the same day. A $2 admission discount coupon for the Fright Fair Scream Park After Dark can also be found at the festival’s Web site.

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Did you know:

One thing that sometimes goes over- looked with all the entertainment value of the festival is the crops themselves, and the hard work it takes the Farm Center to put on the seasonal events.

Amid difficulties with soil, warm weather, and space, the Farm Center still finds a way to keep all edible crops pesticide free, water conscious, educational and entertaining, according to field manager Jeff Bloom.

We provide a positive atmosphere to the community.

-Stacie

Lorrie Reyes/ Roundup

Christina Colucci / Roundup

PUMPKIN— Jennifer Leon, 21, admires the Pierce College-grown Baby Bear pumpkins at the fifth annual Halloween Harvest Festival.

strikes the right chords

Throughout the concert there was an excitement, yet calmness that went through everyone in the building as the anticipation for the new concert season began.

Playing Saturday at the Pierce College Performing Arts Building, the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra opened its doors for the first of many times. With long lines waiting outside the building, there was a sense of urgency as people walked in.

The 2009-10 concert season for the San Fernando Valley Orchestra Symphony opened with a first place award (at a statewide competition) given to Maestro James Domine for the piano piece, “Bacchanal from Ancient Scenes Suite,” performed by pianist Tiffany Lu.

From the very beginning, Domine made the audience feel at home with his witty and well-timed jokes.

Carefully chosen for the opening concert, Domine delightfully put together well-deserving musicians who were not only ready for the stage, but have succeeded beyond their years.

Isabel Smith, a junior at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, played the “Conus Violin Concerto.” Receiving the Maestro Award for “top instrumental performance” at the San Francisco Music Festival in 2007, Smith is one of the best and young violinists in California.

With every loud clap given, you could hear whistling in the background as standing ovations were being given out to seemingly every musician who performed. The musicians did a wonderful job of making their presence known.

None did more so than Isabel Smith. With every brush against the strings, you could feel the excitement coming from the violin of Smith. Very calm and collective, Smith’s performance gave a sense of maturity and patience.

Tiffany Kang, 11, played the third movement of Kabalevsky’s “Violin Concerto.” Learning how to play the violin at the age of six, Kang was blessed from the very beginning. Whether it was playing for the University of California at Irvine radio station or performing “Summer” from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Irvine City Hall, Kang’s musical talents were shown at the orchestra’s opening act.

In a fast-paced piece, Kang found her place in the performance early and often. Playing among musicians who very well could be her parents and grandparents, Kang performed admirably on stage.

While on stage, everyone who had an instrument had a great poise about themselves. The control of the performers gave a sense of maturity. It was as if this was not their first concert performance of the 2009 season.

“Portraits of Rochelle: I Theme,” “II

The Four Children,” “III Eschet Chayil (A Woman of Valor)” and “IV Finale” played

soon after the Kang performance. With a sense of love for each musical note played, the “Portraits of Rochelle” was played very passionately. As the piece went through, it felt like a movie was being played. From the beginning to the end, there was a sense of happiness and sadness that was moving to everyone who heard the piece performed. For the finale of the event, the orchestra played Symphony #1 in D major: I Andante mesto: più Allegro, II Romance; Andante grazioso, III Menuetto, and IV

Finale; Allegro molto.

The last piece was wonderfully played. Much like “Portraits of Rochelle,” “Symphony #1 in D major” was portrayed as a piece with its ups and downs. However, toward the end, there was this uplifting and satisfying feeling that left the audience wanting more.

Led by a highly regarded composer, conductor, guitarist, novelist, poet and playwright, Domine and the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra played beautifully without any such “hiccups” in the

performance. Although for Maestro and his reputation this is not surprising, it is still refreshing to hear good music played.

Art department paints itself green

The art department continues to be renovated as teachers and students hope to return to their art classrooms up on the hill soon.

This weekend has been used to finish up connecting the solar panels that will serve as the energy source for the new art department buildings. Currently, art classes normally taught in the art buildings are spread throughout the campus, especially in the Village trailers.

Professor Constance Moffatt, who has been teaching art and architectural history at Pierce since 1991, hopes to return to her classroom as soon as possible.

“The trailer, where I teach now, is long and thin, making it difficult to connect with students since I can only see half of the class at any time,” Moffatt said.

“I teach art history and typically we use a projector to show images,” she continued. “The projector bisects the room, as well as creates two groups of students instead of one unified group.”

The recently installed solar panels double as the shade for the Performing Arts parking lot. Pipes have been run underground, where the energy travels to an inverter pad.

The inverter pad, which was cemented into the ground this weekend, changes the power from DC to AC.

“(The whole project) was supposed to be done already, but we ran into problems with the Department of Water and Power,” said Eric Sanford, foreman of the construction being done by Rosendin Electric.

The solar panels will turn out more than 700 kilowatts to power the new buildings, but it is more than what will actually be used and that creates a problem with the Department of Water and Power.

The excess energy needs to be used, or it will be wasted.

When asked when the project is foreseen to be complete, Sanford laughs.

“We’ll probably run into some

more problems. It just happens,” he said.

According to Sanford, the projected completion time for the project is five weeks from this past Monday.

“I hope they do a good job on the remainder of the project, since this will be the last time I think I’ll see any improvement projects in my career here,” said Moffatt, who is enthused that the department is going ‘green.”

“I’m totally on board with solar power. My husband and I have a house in Hawaii powered by solar panels,” she said. “He is a green architect.”

With every brush against the strings, you could feel the excitement coming from the violin...

Gerard Walsh / Roundup

STRINGS— Isabel Smith, of Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, play ‘Conus Violin Concerto’ with the San Fernando Valley Symphony at Pierce College Sept. 26, 2009.

Ashley Geren / Roundup

Andre Fuller / Roundup

PReVieW Women’s Volleyball

Breaking even

Lady Brahmas tie Moorpark Raiders at

Things seemed pretty grim for the Lady Brahmas Friday as they faced the Lady Raiders of Moorpark College in a game that ended tied, 3-3.

Nearing the end of the first half, Moorpark had the lead by two points until forward Michelle Oakes scored the first goal for Pierce in the 35th minute.

“We all kept fighting,” Oakes said, “and coming back after two goals is really hard.”

In the 42nd minute of the first half, Oakes leveled the score at 2-2 after being fouled and scoring her penalty kick.

Betty Ramirez, goalkeeper and one of four team captains, dove and just barely saved the ball. Ramirez did not get up and the crowd sat quietly.

The field stood still for a moment, but she got up and brushed it off. She hurt her wrist and would be substituted the second half.

“I think there would’ve been a big difference if I didn’t let those two goals in,” Ramirez said concerning the two goals the Raiders had made.

Those two goals Ramirez missed were the first two she has missed this entire preseason.

The game raged on until the first half came to an end under the oppressive heat of the sun, which hit a high of 106 degrees.

Oakes started off the second

half with her third consecutive goal in the 9th minute, taking the lead, 3-2.

“I didn’t score those on my own,” Oakes said. “I definitely had a lot of help from my teammates.”

Number thirteen of Moorpark’s Raiders tied the game in the 18th minute.

The remaining half hour of the second half seemed exhausting as both teams fought for the victory, but the score stood at 3-3 as the referee blew his whistle at the end of the game.

“We get down 2-0, very discouraging, but we found a way to come back and found a way to take the lead, but then we made a mistake and then they tied, “said head coach Adolfo Perez. “You always want to win but I think the game deserved to be a tie.”

The Lady Brahmas currently stand with four wins, one tie and one loss.

“We picked a very difficult preseason in order to prepare for the season,” Perez said.

Of the six teams the Lady Brahmas played this preaseason, four of them were championship teams from last year, according to Perez.

The Western State All-Conference starts Tuesday with a home game against College of the Canyons’ Cougars.

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Lorrie Reyes / Roundup

The 2009 women’s volleyball team plays its first Western State Conference Northern Division game against Moorpark tonight at 7 p.m. at Pierce College’s North Gym.

The Lady Brahmas only have three returning players from last year’s 32-2 WSC team and have lost Sarah Martin, their 2008 player of the year. Martin will be out the entire season due to stress fractures in her back.

Returning middle blocker Brooke McFerren will try to lift the rookie team to victory this year.

“It’s going to be lots of work, more than last year,” admits McFerren. But if we can work hard, we can achieve the goals we set out.”

One piece of the puzzle still in place is head coach Nabil Mardini, who has been with the team since 2000. He will try to lead Pierce College to its ninth WSC championship.

The Lady Brahmas went 4-8 in preseason play as they prepare to open up the regular season tonight.

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FULL SCHedULe

9/30 vs. Moorpark

10/9 vs. Canyons

10/13 @ Glendale

10/16 vs. Santa Monica

10/20 @ Bakersfield

10/23 vs. West L.A.

10/27 @ Citrus

11/3 @ Canyons

11/6 vs. Glendale

11/10 @ Santa Monica

11/13 vs. Bakersfield

11/17 @ West L.A.

11/19 vs. Citrus

All games at 7 p.m.

iNJURY RePoRt

Sarah Martin - Will miss entire season due to stress fractures in back

Calvin Alagot / Roundup

Gerard Walsh / Roundup

NICE SAVE — Pierce College soccer midfielder Megan Quinn reacts to a save by Moorpark’s goalie at Friday’s game at the soccer pit.

Gerard Walsh / Roundup

BATTLE FOR POSSESSION — Pierce College midfielder Ani Eishoei battles with Moorpark defenders for possession during Friday’s game at the soccer pit. The game would end in a 3-3 tie.