Volume 111 Fall 2009 Roundup Issue 6

The Roundup will not print an issue for the week of Oct. 28.

Walking through the struggles

Pierce’s GSA walks for a cause

The Pierce College Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) was one of 1,648 teams at the AIDS Walk Los Angeles on Sunday.

The 25th anniversary of the walk was attended by more than 30,000 walkers and raised more than $3.1 million, according to James Leahy, team coordinator and fundraising specialist for AIDS Walk Los Angeles.

Leahy said the number of teams and walkers has steadily increased over time, with the first walk having 4,500 participants.

The Pierce GSA team had 36 members, according to GSA President Chris Murphy.

GSA member Liz Komen said the GSA team raised approximately $1,400. By raising more than $1,000, Murphy agreed to complete the walk in a dress. She lived up to her end of the bargain, arriving in a black dress and brown Dr. Martens.

“Sometimes I feel more feminine and sometimes I feel more masculine,” said Murphy, who identifies herself as a genderqueer. She had to purchase the dress specifically for the event because she did not own any.

Celebrities of all kinds were present at the event, including AIDS czar Jeffrey Crowley and President Barack Obama.

“I think there has been some complacency,” Crowley said, stressing the important of college

in Los Angeles

students to “re-engage” their efforts.

Attending AIDS Walk Los Angeles was stop seven of a 14-destination trip across the country intended to “develop...a national strategy” for AIDS, Crowley said.

Former Pierce student and music icon La Toya Jackson was also at the event.

Jackson, who said she took a 6 a.m. business law class at Pierce, urges the youth to get more involved.

“Youth can spread the word faster with all the texting and blogging and twittering,” Jackson said.

The very upbeat and festive mood was momentarily interrupted

Mall construction delayed Improvements on mall postponed until January

Jeff Sandstoe / Roundup

Interim President Joy McCaslin announced at a faculty luncheon Thursday that the final construction on the mall will be postponed.

The Mall was supposed to be completed in September but has been postponed due to “underground complications,” according to David Tsao, project director of Swinerton Management and Consulting. Swinerton is in charge of construction on campus.

These complications included the removal and replacement of brittle piping in the area, some of which had been in place for the past 50 years, according to Tsao.

Other obstacles in the way of completion, Tsao said, were the relocation of electrical wiring and

farm lines.

All of these procedures are costly and time consuming, according to Ed Cadena, deputy project director.

According to the California Public Contract Code, the Mall project was given a budget of $3.9 million and an allowance of up to an extra 10 percent for changes.

Cadena said the unexpected underground replacements exceeded the $385,900 that was allowed for changes.

In order to not violate the code, all remaining work to be completed on the mall project is subject to new bidding and approval by the board members of the Los Angeles Community College District.

Tsao said the re-bidding process is what is expected to delay the completion of the Mall until Janu-

ary.

A total cost estimate for the new construction is yet to be determined.

New features on the mall will include palm trees and a fountain, said Richard Berliner, chief architect for the mall project.

“There will be a sundial as well as a big Brahma bull statue,” he said.

There will also be structures such as the “Big Bench,” and the “Big Table,” which will serve as a meeting place for students to congregate, according to Berliner.

“This is a great project,” McCaslin said. “The Mall is designed for students. It makes the campus a lot more interesting.”

jsandstoe.roundupnews @gmail.com

Blood drive in Great Hall Oct. 29

American Red Cross ditches the van to see more students

as the walk turned onto La Cienega Boulevard and a group of protesters began yelling at the crowd.

Don Stewart, 55-year-old construction worker, was one of the self-proclaimed “bible preachers” protesting.

“The only way to stop AIDS is to stop the sin that started it,” Stewart said. “I’ve been attending these sodomite parades for over 10 years.”

As the protestors yelled into the crowd, a volunteer for the walk, Ken Hansen, cheered the walkers

Farmhouses called “uninhabitable”

Former president Garber justifies the demolition of the farmhouses on El Rancho Drive

for the farmhouses, located across from Parking Lot 8.

“The houses are uninhabitable and they do not need to be maintained any longer,” Garber said. “You wouldn’t want your worst enemy living there.”

Garber said one of the houses contained asbestos.

The American Red Cross will be hosting a Blood Drive in the Great Hall Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In previous years, the Red Cross had a donation van come to Pierce. Although mobile and easy to set up, it also presented problems; its lack of size forced students to wait in line, often under a blaring sun.

“With the donation van, we could only admit two people every 20 minutes,” said Mynor Ar-

royo, an associate for the American Red Cross. “Now that we will be located in the Great Hall, we will be able to up that to four or five donators every 20 minutes.”

There will be free pizza provided for students who donate, according to Amr Abushami, chair of ASO’s Public Welfare committee and the student behind the planning of the blood drive. Free T-shirts will also be given away.

Large video screens will provide entertainment for students while they are waiting to donate, Abushami said.

Adjunct professor Dr. Lynda Toth questioned Interim President Joy McCaslin’s decision to demolish farmhouses on campus during the American Federation of Teachers meeting Thursday.

Pierce College will be competing against other Los Angeles Community College District community colleges in the in the Red Cross’ new “Campus Challenge.”

The school that donates the most units of blood will be crowned the winner and will receive a trophy inscribed with the school’s name, the total units of blood donated and the total number of lives saved.

“Each donation saves approximately three lives,” Arroyo said.

Jeff Sandstoe / Roundup SEE BLOOD DRIVE PAGE 3

McCaslin explained the houses, which were used to house the animals caretakers, contained hazardous materials.

“Who will be around when a horse dies in the middle of the night?” asked Toth.

Toth believes demolishing the houses is a tragedy.

“When good people do nothing, evil will persist,” said Toth.

The sheriffs will work alongside the agricultural technicians during the day and weekends, according to McCaslin.

She also said a video surveillance system will be installed to monitor the animals.

After the meeting, former Pierce College President Robert Garber explained why he made the decision

“Free rent in exchange for work and somebody living with their family (on campus) is unnecessary,” he said.

Garber said the demolition decision had nothing to do with Swinerton and that it was made long before their relocation was decided upon.

“The board questioned the first time (Pierce) renewed the contract for the houses,” Garber said. Garber declined to comment any further on keeping the agricultural tradition at Pierce.

“I don’t work here anymore. It’s not my problem,” he said.

sberry.roundupnews@gmail.com

Louie Heredia / Roundup

WALKING — Bill Davis (left) and John Keiffer, both school teachers in Burbank, hold hands as they walk down La Cienega Boulevard for the AIDS Walk Los Angeles in West Hollywood. Over 30,000 people attended the event and raised $3,146,206 in the walk’s 25th year.

Elliot Golan / Roundup

Louie Heredia / Roundup

SUPPORT — Ken Hansen speaks through a megaphone cheering and supporting walkers for the AIDS Walk Los Angeles as self-proclaimed “bible preachers” protest.

Shannon Berry / Roundup

While the Brahma colors are red and black, we are seeing a lot more “green” on the Pierce College campus this semester.

The planet is in big trouble environmentally, not just with climate change, but with the depletion of natural resources as well. We should be very proud of fact there are buildings on this campus that have been built to address both concerns.

The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) is making a $6 billion effort to ensure all nine campuses are moving toward being more “green,” and that endeavor should be celebrated and commended.

Pierce College’s three construction projects—the Center for the Sciences, the Child Development Center and the Student Services Building—have all been developed to be more sustainable and promote conservation.

LACCD Builds Green is the bondfunded program in charge of making the district more sustainable. The majority of the money comes from Propositions A, AA and Measure J.

According to their Web site, the $6.8 million Child Development Center will feature low-flow plumbing, energy-efficient light fixtures and daylight views so less electricity is needed to light rooms.

The $40.2 million Center for the Sci-

ences buildings will have better energy performance and a “higher percentage of recycled and locally procured materials than ‘non-green’ facilities,” according to LACCD Builds Green.

The Student Services Building, which will now house most of the offered student services in one place, will feature similar energy-efficient components.

Already in place at Pierce are solar panels on top of Parking Lot 6 that produce 171 kilowatts of electricity to help provide power to the campus. This is the same amount of energy used by an average washing machine annually.

The S. Mark Taper Foundation Botanical Garden sits on two acres of land in the

COLUMNS

Halloween is an observance that will never grow old

Halloween, also known as All Hallows Day, should be celebrated for a variety of reasons. According to its origins, Gaelic culture, Halloween is the day the boundary between the living and the dead is dissolved and the dead come to harm the living world. In an attempt to ward off the spirits, people wore costumes and danced around bonfires.

A more contemporary and important reason to celebrate this holiday is because it will help give a boost to the struggling economy.

The National Retail Federation expects Halloween sales will reach $5.77 billion this year. The large amount of money that comes from the purchase of costumes, props and treats will help stimulate the economy. Aside from money being spent on costumes and candy, it is expected Halloween attractions will also turn a huge profit.

The Haunted House Association believes attractions such as haunted houses, mazes and fairs will generate more than $1 billion for the economy by creating thousands of jobs this year. If boosting the economy and keeping evil spirits away still does not persuade you, then how about doing it just because it is ridiculously fun?

Halloween stores around the Valley promise a variety of costumes ranging from pirates to vampires. Juggling midterms, full-time jobs and the pressure of bills, many students may want to escape all the responsibilities of being themselves for a day and turn into anyone they choose.

There is no reason not to party it up with events such as raves, night clubs and amusement parks boasting all-night, Halloween-themed entertainment.

“Halloween is my favorite holiday. There is no reason good enough for me to miss out on celebrating it,” said nursing major Brittney Becaria, 21.

bnegulescu.roundupnews@gmail.com

Cartoon by Shannon Berry / Roundup

middle of campus, home to more than 615 plant species.

The Department of Water Resources has stated that 2009 will be the third year of drought in California. The drought tolerant nature of the garden has helped to reduce water consumption by 70 percent, a savings of 901,533 gallons of water annually.

In recent years, “green” building has moved from ugly, tire-lined domes to the beautiful structures that have been erected on our campus.

So as more and more “green” begins to cover the campus, perhaps it will help inspire us to bring it off campus as well.

Abusing the rules is taking it too far

Communication, not sexual harassment, is the best soltuion in the work place

Walking across the dining room floor, I noticed the much older lady give me a wink.

Having served her in the past, I walked over and felt as she put her arm around my back. After telling her party the dinner specials, her hand slid slowly down my back, and with a firm grip, she winked again.

We all encounter sexual harassment of some sort, whether we find it in the workplace, at school or around peers.

Sexual harassment is a serious offense, but it seems the meaning has been skewed. The term has turned into a game, of sorts, in which only the popular kid is allowed to play.

The fact you don’t like a person should not be the sole reason to accuse them of sexual harassment.

It is healthy to be part of an environment which allows you to express yourself, and if you do so by showing more affection than others, so be it.

The ability to express emotion and sentiment should not be limited, but clear boundaries must be set between each group of people respectably.

Each individual should make it clear what they do and don’t allow. If you don’t like a person, be

blunt and tell them how you feel.

Being as straightforward as possible is the most effective way of getting the message across and should always be the first step taken before crying harassment.

Filing for sexual harassment should not be applicable for people who are not directly involved with the actions. To obsess over the actions of others and suggest you were sexually harassed is preposterous and should not be allowed.

Those actions do not concern you.

There are actions that should not be permitted under any circumstances, however—namely, physical abuse and assault.

Although the number of reported cases have declined, it is important to seek safety when in need of help.

According to statistics compiled from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the number of sexual harassment grievances filed has decreased by 3,379 over the last decade.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission can be reached toll-free for advice and information at 1-(800) 669-4000.

Beatrice Negulescu / Roundup

Anibal Ortiz / Roundup

Oct. 31 is a stimulus plan that can help the economy

The building of environmentally friendly structures are leading to a “greener” campus

AIDS Walk in Los Angeles

Continued from PAGE 1

along.

“You’re amazing, AIDS Walk,” Hansen yelloed through a megaphone. Though many walkers were offended by the protest, some accepted it as “freedom of speech.”

“I think it’s fine. I don’t have to agree, but people have the right to protest,” said Bill Davis, a 47-yearold teacher from Burbank.

The man holding Davis’ hand had a different view of the protestors.

“I think we should just stand there and make out,” said fellow teacher John Keiffer, 54, who once took a rodeo class at Pierce. The two men debated about tolerance versus confrontation while they walked hand in hand.

The path the walk followed was blanketed with stands of snacks and refreshments at every turn. More than 1,700 AIDS Walk volunteers were also placed throughout the

Blood contest

Continued from PAGE 1

The donation day goal for the Red Cross will be 42 units of blood.

Valley College has currently donated 62 units of blood, according to Abushami.

“I really want to beat them,” he said.

“The average donation time

is between 30 to 45 minutes,” Arroyo said. “Students usually say after donating that the worst part is the finger prick at the beginning.”

Oct. 29 will be the first day Pierce participates in the event.

jsandstoe.roundupnews @gmail.com

TO DONATE BLOOD:

• Must be at least 17 years old.

• Weigh more than 110 pounds.

• No tattoos within the past year.

• Eat breakfast.

• Eat iron-rich foods, such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans, raisins and prunes.

• Drink lots of fluids, but refrain from caffiene.

• Wear clothing with short sleeves or sleeves that can easily be rolled up.

course with megaphones cheering the walkers along.

Amenities included free HIV testing offered by the JWCH Institute, a nonprofit community health organization. There was also a constant stream of music coming from either live groups or radio station stands.

One such group, Jameson Moss and the Thrillers, volunteered their time.

Moss, 18, is a music major at Santa Monica College and called AIDS Walk a “great cause,” adding

ON CAMPUS

he would like to perform again next year. The walk was extended to represent much more than AIDS by some. One of those people was George Takei, most known for his role on the series Star Trek.

“We are marching for the ideals of our democracy,” Takei said.

egolan.roundupnews@gmail.com

NEWS IN BRIEF

McCaslin’s decision on waiting lists

Dr. Joy McCaslin, interim president of Pierce College, has decided to support the Academic Senate’s decision and allow department chairs to choose whether they want to use waiting lists. She still supports no waiting lists.

Student Services building dedication today

The dedication for the new Student Services building is today at 11 a.m. Guest speakers include Dr. Tyree Wieder, interim chancellor of the LACCD, Dr. Joy McCaslin, interim Pierce president, and Shani Simms, ASO president. Tours will be given of the new building. Refreshments will served immediately after the ceremony.

Offices closed until Monday

The Admissions & Records, Graduation Office and Outreach & Recruitment are closed until Monday to move into the new Student Services building.

College Fair Nov. 4

Over 50 Colleges and Universities will be on campus to answer questions Nov. 4. CSUN, UCLA and many others will be present.

LACCD meeting today

There will be a Los Angeles Community College District board meeting in the Great Hall today at 3:30 p.m.

Paralegal Studies Program

SHERIFF’S BLOTTER

The sheriff’s office said that no reports have been filed in the last week.

Burke Bryant / Roundup

CRANE Construction worker, Scott Gerrard prepares a crane to lift several ice tanks into place for the new energy conservation system at Pierce College.

‘Now under new leadership’

President Shani Simms tries to change the attitude of the ASO during her first 100 days in office

Recruiting members. Planning school events. Packing and preparing for a leadership conference in Sacramento, Calif. Packing and preparing for a lobbying trip to Wash., D.C. And not to mention trying to keep up with a social life.

These are all fresh on the plate for Shani Simms, Pierce College Associated Students Organization president.

Simms’ first 100 days in office have flown by.

Since being elected in July, Simms has tried to build a strong bond throughout the ASO. With previous presidents squabbling with fellow members, she has strived to bring her senate together.

With the high turnover and the flack ASO has had in the past, Simms’ humility has helped her stay grounded.

“One of the things I’ve really worked on is making sure we all get along as leaders,” Simms said. “If we are bickering and fighting we won’t be able to do anything for the students.”

During the summer, the ASO found itself without its elected vice president from the spring semester. Thanks to Simms’ recruiting efforts when the fall semester started, there were three senators up for the newly opened seat.

Recruiting students to ASO has been one of Simms’ strong suits.

“By the first meeting we had a pretty large ASO,” said Brad Saenz, ASO adviser. “(And) it was really all because of (Simms).”

As for the students and faculty, Simms has kept her relationships strong by changing the ASO’s constitution to uphold better representation of the entire campus.

The ASO constitution requires each student to represent an academic department. In prior years, there

were two senators per department.

The proposed change would allow there to be more academic departments represented by having only one senator per department.

Although some felt the change wasn’t beneficial to the school since it makes joining ASO harder, the motion passed, 9-0, with three abstaining votes.

One decision that wasn’t controversial in Simms’ 100 days of office was the planned lobbying trip to Wash, D.C. at the end of October.

Although ASO attends a yearly leadership conference in Sacramento, Calif., Simms has successfully organized ASO’s first lobbying trip in two years to Washington D.C.

The Pierce ASO will be lobbying a bill that affects community college federal financial aid, according to Saenz. Simms booked a meeting with California Senator Diane Feinstein’s aide.

There are many plans in the works for ASO and Pierce students when they return.

Pierce will host a talent show called “Pierce’s Got Talent” and have multiple blood drives this semester. A 5K run is planned for the spring.

“’Now under new leadership’ is this year’s ASO theme,” Simms said.

lreyes.roundupnews@gmail.com

Lorrie Reyes / Roundup

Aisha Ahal / Roundup

LEADER — ASO president Shani Simms will lead a delegation in Washington, D.C. in order to lobby for a bill that affects community college federal financial aid.

One of the things

I’ve really worked on is making sure we all get along as leaders.

-Shani Simms ASO President

“ ”

Lasting memories

Benches and bricks around campus help to embellish and reminisce

Memorial benches and legacy bricks are sold in hopes of beautifying the campus through commemoration and donations expressing appreciation for Pierce College.

Barbara Heller, senior secretary of academic affairs, bought a bench to commemorate her mother who passed away four years ago.

“I visit often, sit down and talk to my mother,” Heller said. “It’s a spiritual experience for me. I don’t bring flowers; I just bring my thoughts and feelings”

The Botanical Garden, located in middle of the Life Science and Math buildings, has featured memorial benches since 2003. The plaques on the benches bear the names of faculty or family members who have passed away. Others have purchased benches as a contribution to the beautification of the garden and Pierce campus.

The memorial benches cost $800, which includes the bench, plaque and installation, according to Dr. James Rikel, instructor of life sciences.

Heller has been working at Pierce for 18 years and says Pierce is special to her. She feels the memorial benches are a great way to acknowledge someone and in return receive a sense of gratitude.

“It’s very beautiful watching students using the benches while they read or study. It’s so peaceful,” Heller said.

Legacy bricks have been sold by the Foundation for Pierce College for about five years. These bricks are to memorialize family or business names while sup -

porting Pierce’s Agricultural Education Center on the corner of Victory Boulevard and De Soto Avenue.

“Legacy bricks are an opportunity for people to demonstrate their love for Pierce and honor the people that they care about,” said Dennis Washburn, director of the Foundation for Pierce College.

“The bricks are one way to bring attention to the farm itself and have the people who have purchased these bricks come and enjoy the activities of the farm and see their contribution,” Washburn said.

The price of the legacy brick depends on the size. A 4x8 brick is $100 and an 8x8 brick is $500.

Larry Kraus, associate vice president, purchased a legacy brick with his and his wife’s names engraved.

“It reminds us that we have a fundamental legacy of agriculture at Pierce College which we are trying to mature and promote,” he said.

According to Washburn, about 150 bricks were displayed in the market patio of the Farm Market last year, but because of wear and tear they were removed and are being conserved until a more preserved area is made for them.

“The idea of a plaque or legacy brick is to have it last for a long time,” Washburn said. “We want to make sure that we are able to maintain and pursue the bricks to give that to give a lasting memory.”

hramirez.roundupnews@gmail.com

Helen Ramirez / Roundup

Christina Colucci / Roundup

DEDICATED — Melissa, 20, a business major, sits on a bench in the Pierce College Botanical Garden dedicated to the memory Carmelita Thomas, former interim president who served Pierce College in 1999.

Courtesy of the Foundation for Pierce College

BRICK ROAD— The legacy bricks will be placed at Pierce’s Agricultural Education Center in support and to commemorate family, friends or businesses.

Ready,set, practice!

With auditions having come and gone, the dancers that gather on Sundays at Pierce College’s North Gym can now focus on rehearsing for their upcoming concert.

The concert, titled “Montage... the World... the Culture... the Dance,” will be taking place on the Performance Arts Building’s main stage, Nov. 21 at 8:00 p.m. A second preformance will take place on Nov. 22 at 2:00 p.m.

Folk dances from around the globe will be featured in the concert, including such countries as Holland, Brazil, Israel, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, and Germany. Each country has its own distinctive style of folk dance.

“Dance is great for the body and brain,” said dance instructor and Director of the concert Marian Weiserin. “Dance is so challenging, so exciting, so wonderfully artistic. Everyone should dance.”

Live music will also be played at the event. Different styles of music will be played for each individual country or region. The choreographers choose the songs that are going to be performed, with Africa’s portion of the concert scheduled to include live drumming.

No more auditions are going to

be held for this semester. The Oct. 18 audition dates that were posted on the Pierce College schedule of classes were incorrect, according to Weiser. Auditions for the concert occured Sept. 20.

Rehearsals have been taking place every Sunday since Sept. 20 and can begin for some dancers as early as 7:45 a.m.

“Rehearsals are extremely exhausting,” said Pierce College student and dancer Dianna ChutukHynick.

Chutuk-Hynick has been rehearsing for her roles in the folk dances from Holland and Africa. She is able to make it through the tiring rehearsals because she is “passionate about dance.”

“They really work hard - they have no choice,” said Weiser when asked about her dancers work ethic.

The concert is funded by the dance club, which raises money by conducting bake sales and car washes. Money is also raised through the concert’s ticket sales.

“Anybody can belong to the dance club,” Weiser said. “Anybody that has interest in supporting the performance groups on this campus. Anybody can belong.”

ksorto_roundupnews@ yahoo.com

What's happening in theater:

“Death of a salesman”:

Premiers: Oct. 23

Price: $15 general, $12 students

Synopsis: The story of a salesman, Willary L Lyon, who Struggles to find the level of success he aspired to Achieve in his life. written by Arthur miller, directed by RosZa horvath.

“The world...the culture...the dance”

Premiers: November 21, 8:00 p.m.

Price: $10 General admission, $8 students

Synopsis: Annual folk/ethnic dance concert

Bringing Broadway to Pierce

future

Elliot Golan / Roundup

The ancient stained walls of Gene Putnam’s office tell of his lengthy tenure at Pierce. Chair of the Theater Arts department, he has been a member of the faculty for more than 20 years.

Rumors of him retiring have surfaced recently. Though Putnam has decided not to retire immediately, he intends to make his decision around “the first of the year.”

“If I stay, it would be for one more year,” said Putnam. He sighted his private life and economics as his reasons for “rethinking it(retirement).”

Putnam speaks of his time at Pierce very fondly.

“We’re not the size of the math or life science(departments),” Putnam says laughing.

“We have an emotional relationship with the students,” he continued.

Putnam credits his entire department and students with what he calls “theater magic.”

“As a director, you’re in control of(the) conceptual and rehearsal process. When students(are) on stage, you are not in control,” said Putnam.

A very animated man, Putnam holds a pair of glasses in his hand, constantly flowing as he

speaks of his work.

“I was really proud of all the work we did for Jekyll & Hyde,” said Putnam. He then sighted Miss Saigon, which the department performed over summer, as his best work.

-Gene Putnam Theater Department Chair

“It just keeps getting better and better,” said Putnam. “My luck is going to run out.”

Students have noticed his dedication.

“His car is usually the first their in the morning and sometimes the last to leave,” said Allison Gilvezan, 22-year-old film major and assistant to Valorie Grear, professor of theater arts.

Putnam took over as chair of the department in 1997and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and geography from California State

University, Fullerton. He also earned a Masters degree from the school in design and technical direction.

Putnam sights the new Digital Arts building at Pierce as a reason to stay. Putnam said they are merely in the “vision process.”

RoZsa Horvath, an instructor of theater arts on campus spoke of being sad for Putnam’s departure.

She added that Putnam has made the program “Broadway caliber.”

Michael Gend will be replacing Putnam as chair of the department when he leaves. He’s currently an adjunct professor on campus. Gend is a former student of Putnam’s.

Though several attempts were made to contact Gend, he was unreachable.

Regardless of his pending retirement from academia, Putnam intends to remain in theater.

“I’m going to do theater. I just don’t know when, where, or how,” said Putnam.

egolan.roundupnews@gmail.com

Alina Popov / Roundup

OFFERING DIRECTION — Pierce College Theatre Department chair Gene Putnam gives instructions during rehearsal of “Private Lives” in the Dow Arena.

I’m going to do theatre.

I just don’t know when, where or how.

Director Gene Putnam remembers the past, contemplates

Kevin Peyton / Roundup

Changing the lineup

Former pitching coach John Bushart

baseball’s head coach

John Bushart, former assistant baseball coach for the Brahmas, will be replacing head coach Joe Arnold.

Bushart is excited to take on the new job and considers it a great opportunity. He became head coach when Arnold left the team this summer due to personal issues.

“I love the game,” Bushart said. “I’ve been

take

playing it since I was a kid.”

Bushart played for CSUN from 1990 to 1993 and graduated with a degree in kinesiology.

“It’s what you want to do,” Bushart said, “when you are around baseball that long.”

Bushart went on to play for the Anaheim Angels minor league team from 1993 to 1995.

He then started coaching at Kennedy High School. One of the players on the team was his cousin Jon Garland, who pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. After Garland graduated, Bushart got a call from Bob Lofrano, Pierce College athletic director, to be an assistant coach.

“Bob Lofrano was the reason I came to Pierce,” Bushart said.

“None of the coaches here are full-time teachers,” Lofrano said. “They get paid to coach.”

All coaches have other jobs or careers on the side to make ends meat. Bushart is a part-time talent recruiting scout for the Milwaukee Brewers and teaches private pitching lessons on the side.

Pierce College offers 11 sports and coaches only work part time.

Coach Arnold played for Pierce as a baseball player from 1991 to 1992. He then went on to play at CSUN for another two years and eventually started assisting coaching for the Brahmas. He coached with Lofrano for 12 years and became head coach in 2008.

Arnold had been discussing his situation to Lofrano and Bushart for the past month. He made it official two weeks ago.

After hearing the news of Arnold’s departure, Lofrano made a call to Bushart.

“I knew at the end of summer,” Bushart said. “So when Bob called, I kind of knew what was going on.”

Bushart said it’s disappointing to see Arnold leave, adding he was a big part of the program and is the big reason why the program works today.

“Family comes first,” Lofrano said. “And now we can move on.”

Lofrano said Bushart is a hard worker who is always prepared on and off the field.

“He is real quiet, unassuming, and self-confident,” Lofrano said. “So, he will do just fine.”

The Pierce College football team continued their winning ways as they beat the LA Southwest College Cougars in Los Angeles, Calif. Saturday night 24-0.

Leading the way for the shut out win was the defensive line of Pierce (with an overall record of 4-2 and 3-0 in conference).

The defense proved to be far more superior to the Cougar offense. An offense that struggled to look consistent the whole game.

Short in stature Cougar quarterbacks Marcell Dejean (5 feet 9 inches tall) and Robert McCullough (5 feet 11 inches tall) struggled to see over their offensive line and Brahma defensive line.

“The pass rush and tackling played better than it has been,” said Josh Phillips, defensive coordinator for Pierce.

The defense responded well from the previous week against West Los Angeles College, giving up 527 yards of total offense.

Giving up a mere 154 yards on defense and forcing two interceptions and a fumble, the defensive game plan was played with consistency.

The play from the defense showed on the Cougar faces as more than half of the team was seen sitting on the bench throughout the game. With every turnover caused by

the defense, there was a collective sigh as the heads of the Cougar team feel beneath their heads.

“They responded big time from last week’s game,” said head coach Efrain Martinez. “We had to show something, and we did. They came out and played well. They shut the other team out, and that’s what I was hoping for.”

The play of Pierce defensive back Brandon Turner symbolized the defensive performance of the defense.

In a better position for the ball than the Cougar receiver, Turner intercepted his fourth ball of the young season.

“I got beat against East LA for a touchdown, so that’s been hunting me. So I’ve started looking back for the ball more,” said Martinez. “I looked back that time and it was there.”

With Turner being recruited by Oregon State University, he has been making plays all over the field throughout the season.

No one appreciates this more than his head coach.

“He’s special,” said Martinez. “We have had guys that go to BCS [Bowl Championship Series] schools at cornerback, during the times that I have been here, and he’s the best. There’s something about that kid. He knows where the ball is and knows how to get to the ball.”

However, the offensive

production from Pierce didn’t match the point they put up. Only posting 267 yards worth of offense, the struggled playing for a full four quarters. “We didn’t execute. We left a lot of points on the field,” said Martinez. “We just didnt play with that killer instinct—and that worries me.”

After putting up season highs in passing yards and touchdown passes in the game against West LA College, Pierce quarterback Matt Wabby threw for 155 yards with two touchdown passes and an interception Saturday.

“We are better than we have played,” said Phillips. “There are assignment errors. Most of the time, we are our own worst enemies.”

However, the coaching staff is optimistic about the young football team and its up coming growth.

“I was really pleased with the defense. I was pleased with the special teams play,” said Martinez. “The offense, we did well, but not as well as I wanted too. We still have to work on things.”

The Brahmas will be playing Santa Barbara College (with an overall record of 2-4 and1-2 in conference) in Santa Barbara this Saturday Oct. 24 at 6:00 p.m.

Ahal / Roundup SHUTTING THEM DOWN — Freshman Markus Cantrell (29) makes a run in Brahma’s

Fuller / Roundup

After losing the first set 17-25, the Pierce College women’s volleyball team went on to take three consecutive sets 25-7, 25-20, 25-14, against the Corsairs of Santa Monica College in a matchup of Western State Conference Southern division rivals.

Head Coach Nabil Mardini called the teams’ performance “outstanding.”

“We did a good job of taking Santa Monica out of their system,” said Mardini. “That’s key in volleyball.”

In a game in which both teams displayed tremendous energy and effort, both Mardini and asistant coach Brad Lyans were happy with the effort their players put into the game.

“I am very, very happy,” said Mardini. “We haven’t played like this in a long time.”

After dropping the first set, the Lady Brahmas went on to rout the Corsairs in the second set.

“I had a good feeling we were going to win this match after that performance,” said Lyans.

Mardini credits the teams’ second-guessing of themselves for the slow start in the first set.

“They second-guess themselves, and they lose confidence, and they don’t play their game. When you don’t second-guess yourself and you trust your instincts, you are going to be OK. That was the key. As soon as they built confidence they fed off each other and they just played hard.”

Brahmas break Bakersfield

Jeff Sandstoe / Roundup

The Lady Brahmas beat the Bakersfield College soccer team in a 2 -1 victory on Friday.

“This was one of our hardest games of the year,” said head coach Adolfo Perez.

“The drive up there is always tough for us,” Perez explained. The distance of the trip caused the team to start without three of their starters.

Both of the team’s goals were scored by midfielders, the first was by Rachel Kove and the second by Megan Quinn.

Bakersfield was one of the few teams that beat the Lady Brahmas last year.

The Lady Brahmas are now 6-0 in their conference and have a total record 10-1.

Their next game will be at home against Glendale Community College on Tuesday.

By The Numbers

8

Shutouts

0 Times shut out

44 Total goals

7 Total goals allowed 3.7 Average goals per game

“They gave us a little scare in the first game,” said Lyans. “The last three sets we were loose. We served tough.”

The Lady Brahmas took a 10-5 advantage in the third set after a long rally was finished on a kill from Megan Mckee. A Corsairs comeback would be in the works however, cutting the lead to 12-10, forcing a Pierce timeout. The Lady Brahmas would eventually be victorious on the set.

The Lady Brahmas record improves to 5-11 overall and 1-2 in conference play. The Corsairs meanwhile fell to 2-9 overall and 0-4 in conference. Pierce had lost four consecutive games heading into the contest.

When asked if this victory could be a turning point in his teams’ season, Mardini replied, “I hope so, with all the injuries its been a bad year.”

“The conference has not been won yet,” said Lyans. “We’re only three matches into this conference. We’re now 1-2. If we build from this point, [we] easily, easily could win the conference.”

Sophomore Brooke McFerren led Pierce with 18 kills on the evening, followed by freshman Reanna Hill, who contributed by providing 13 kills.

The Lady Brahmas will hit the road to face off against Bakersfield on Tuesday before returning home to take on West L.A. College on Oct. 23.

.6 Average goals allowed per game