Volume 114 Spring 2011 Roundup Issue 6

ROUNDUP UP

ASO fee usage labelled arbitrary

The Associated Students Organization (ASO) requires that all financial requests for the following year must be made by March 15, or any group vying for funds must undergo a petitioning process with its financial committee.

Similar to the LACCD, the ASO operates from a budget released prior to its effective year, with appropriations made beforehand to finance many school activities.

The ASO does not have unlimited funds of its own; with optional student fees granting them an average of $158,000 per year over the last decade, but it is reportedly very difficult to make use of the reserve fund.

Any clubs that don’t submit paperwork during the spring before each academic year are left with the responsibility of convincing the committee that their cause is worthy of support.

In effect, most of the ASO’s fiscal decisions are left up to three votes; those belong to President Daniel Axelrod, Vice President Febe Ruiz, and Treasurer Nima Jahanforouz.

“The senate doesn’t even know what’s going on in the finance committee meetings. If they look for it, they can find it, but no one really knows what’s going on until it gets approved by the finance committee,” said Senator David Bromberg, chairman of the scholarship committee. “Anything the finance committee doesn’t approve, I never see it in a senate meeting.”

For this reason, some who have gone through the process have grown skeptical of the finance committee and its objective approach to each group’s needs.

“They make it seem a lot easier than it is. They tell you that you just have to fill out the right forms, but it’s not that easy,” said Erin Hickey, president of the Street Dance Club on campus. “We’ve been trying for about a year now.”

During that same year, the Pierce Dance Club also requested funding from the ASO and received a complete renewal of the prior year’s budget of $2,000.

The Pierce Dance Club may have benefitted from submitting the right paperwork on time, but according to Hickey, the Street Dance Club has had to photograph forms before submitting them to the ASO to prevent additional copies from being improperly processed.

“It’s really discriminatory,” Hickey added. “It feels like this is a campus that doesn’t want its students to get involved outside of classes.”

According to Nima Jahanforouz, the ASO’s treasurer, the Street Dance Club’s inability to acquire funds was not a matter of favoritism; but rather, they failed to attend finance committee meetings when they were included in the agenda.

The Los Angeles Times recently published a six-part expose on mismanagement and misspending within the taxpayer-funded $6 billion BuildLACCD program – but little coverage was given to Pierce College.

A Roundup investigation of the recently completed $57 million Center for the Sciences project, dedicated in October 2010, uncovered unaddressed flaws in the construction process and within the center itself.

The Pierce Center for the Sciences (CFS), funded with Proposition A/AA and Measure J bond funds, is over 100,000 square feet, and took nearly ten years to complete.

A Roundup reporter made contact with a member of the college faculty who currently works within the center. The faculty member requested to remain unidentified in this article.

“They wouldn’t like it if they found out I spoke with you,” he said, referring to the

college administration.

On Monday, March 14, a Roundup reporter was shown a particular room in the new center that is currently unusable.

The ‘large animal dissection room’ in the Veterinary Technology building, room 91101, is meant to serve the very purpose its name suggests.

The room was intended as a place for veterinary students to examine large animal cadavers, complete with a heavy steel necropsy table for dissections.

It was touted by BuildLACCD as a highlight of the reinvigorated Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources at Pierce.

Nearly a year since the end of construction for the CFS, the room is not used for student instruction; instead it is used as a storage closet.

Upon entering the room, one is immediately confronted with the acrid smell of preservatives. There is no ventilation for the pressboard cabinets, which store cadavers kept in plastic containers and bags.

The necropsy table has no drain to steer

corpse fluids away from students, or a unit to collect the waste.

Small circular grates lie in the floor, meant to drain blood and feces directly to the sewer system – an illegal setup under state and federal law, according to the faculty member.

It is unclear who is responsible for technically completing this project.

“The issues are complex, nobody knows the ultimate plan,” said chemistry department chair Isidore Goodman, Ph.D. “It was a long and very complicated process, and I think we came out with a very beautiful building. Are there issues with the building? Yes.”

The problems within the center that faculty discovered upon moving in included doors mounted backwards, missing lights, tables with inexplicable holes in them and improperly installed bathroom fixtures.

The faculty offices are missing window treatments, and many professors have had to tape paper to the windows to block out the sun.

“Just little construction things that had

to be completed,” said William Duxler, chair of the physics department.

See Construction page 2

The modern languages department at Pierce College is preparing to cut its English and American Sign Language (ASL) classes. Currently classes scheduled for Fall 2011 are planned to continue as normal.

However, the district is facing the possibility that without the tax extensions proposed by Governor Brown, they would be forced to cut campus budgets by 15 percent across the board.

“I don’t understand why they are always cutting from education,” said Frank Gilmore, a 22-year-old art major. “Why don’t they take money from welfare programs first?”

Foreign language classes such as Italian, Japanese, and French only have one class available for each discipline level (French 1, 2, and so on). Therefore, if one class is cut, the entire program is cut.

“We don’t want to cut any programs if possible,” said Paul Whalen, dean of Academic Affairs.

“We don’t have any predispositions right now, it’s all too nebulous.”

ASL and Spanish classes are more numer-

ous and have a huge variety of classes and have the most room for cuts, according to Fernando Oleas the chair of the modern languages department.

“If they lay off all the adjuncts who will teach the classes,” said Oleas.

There are currently no official plans for the possible budget cuts according to Whalen, it is unknown exactly how extensive the cuts will be.

“When we get some direction we will begin meeting with [department] chairs,” said Whalen.

The school has already proposed a five

percent cut by eliminating half of the summer classes and the next winter session, according to Whalen.

“Education ceases to be a right and starts to be a luxury,” said Oleas. “Traditionally when fees increase they don’t decrease,” said Oleas. “That’s why I supported the protest.” Community college fees, like gas prices and books, have risen in recent years.

“It’s hard enough just trying to afford my classes,” said Jessie Schoolcraft a 24-year-old undecided major. “Now I have to worry about not being able to get into the classes I want.”

Vail/ Special to the Roundup

Meet you r A SO c a nd id ates

Meet your ASO candidates

Information Compiled by Michaia Hernandez, Fanny Cano/ Roundup

The Roundup takes a deeper look at your ASO electoral candidates. Remember elcections are going to be held April 11 and 12 from noon to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. in the Great Hall.

Candidate for Club Council President

EJ Tormes

Financial aid applications double Pierce has recieved a record number of FAFSA applications

I want to work on unity among clubs, and putting on more events that involve the entire student body. I mainly want to get the club members more involved with the student government, because student government isn’t just for senators and the board. It’s for everyone.

I believe that cutting the budget for education is really hindering students from exercising their rights to education. We need to get involved, and be active. We need to work on lobbying state officials more, writing to Sacramento, and phone banking senators.

Four semesters in student government, an ASO clerk for two semesters; current publicity committee chair, vice president of AGS, treasurer of leadership society.

Candidates for President

Ashley Wert

My goal for Pierce College is to help the students not only have faith in the school, but in themselves to change it. I believe that the students have a gift to change what our government is doing to us. I propose that we, the students, can make a difference by signing the petitions to abolish the injustice [of the current budget crisis].

One in seven students is not going to be able to afford an education at Pierce. This is a travesty, because everyone should be allowed the right to an education, regardless of their income. An education provides the opportunity for imagination, intelligence, and most importantly, a belief in yourself. This faith would be a gift- the thing that could drive students to follow their dreams, whatever it may be.

Gabriel Mellibosky

As president, I want to make Pierce College a more comfortable and accessible environment for higher education.

I will fight to keep Pierce College classes affordable and available. I will make every effort to provide more opportunities for scholarships and financial aid.

Ultimately I want to ensure students that Pierce College is and will continue to be a place of learning, and a haven for cultural diversity. I will make sure to be the voice of the students to represent them, their needs and their interests.

One semester ASO senator and director of committees, French Club president for two semesters.

Regemralph Corpuz

A primary issue that I wish to tackle is finding a way to continue the fight on the budget cuts. I also wish to find a way for students who utilize the metro as their only means of transportation for college to continue having the provision to use the metro with an iTap card.

I wish to work to utilize the ASO budget to provide finance requests fairly, and help assist hardworking clubs.

A loss of rights for students to pursue higher education is appalling. I believe that the state should understand that they should provide for education.

Two semesters as ASO senator and shared governance committee chair.

Kevin Sparks

My main goal as president would be to have more community at Pierce. I plan on encouraging this by planning more events for students to come together, and having more effective means of advertising these events. Pierce is a cultural school, and I want to make sure people can try different things.

I want to fight for more classes for students. I aim to get the student population to fight the [$66 tuition increase].

I am a student, also. I’m going to fight to make sure that I don’t get that fee. If I get elected, I will make sure that $66 is fought hard.

Three semesters as ASO senator, two semesters as social cultural chair.

Candidate for Vice President

Febe Ruiz

I really want to focus on training the ASO senators, and informing them on their responsibilities and ways to get active on campus.I feel like we did a great job working on the protest this semester and putting on different fundraising events for scholarships for the incoming years. I want to have more events for students by working handin-hand with the club council president.

It’s unfortunate that we’ve hit a point where it’s possible for tuition to continue increasing, and where it would be eliminating about 350,000 students from the LACCD. To see my peers or to see me possibly walking away from an education system that I can’t afford to pay is just horrible.

ASO clerk for two semesters, current student government vice president

Coburn Palmer/ Roundup

Twice as many Pierce College students are applying for financial aid this year compared to 2010 due to the current economic crisis.

During the academic school year of 2010-2011, the school’s Financial Aid, Scholarships and Veterans Office received 21,900 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications and sent out 8,200 award packages.

As of mid-March this year, 12,000 applications were sent in. According to Financial Aid Director Anafe Robinson, this amount represents a 50 percent increase from the same time last year.

“We’re seeing students start sending in their applications earlier and earlier,” she said.

It is possible for students to receive $5,500 annually at most from the Federal Pell Grant

We’re seeing students start sending in their applications earlier and earlier.

-Anafe Robinson Financial Aid Director

Program, a $2,000 worth of financial aid from Cal grants, and a combined total of $9,000 in subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

According to Robinson, there is no set formula for deciding how much financial aid a student will receive; however, if a student has special circumstances including financial hardship, job loss or other drastic circumstances their case can be reviewed by a financial aid counselor.

“Just because you’re on unemployment doesn’t mean you automatically qualify for financial aid,” said Robinson.

In order for students to receive their financial aid disbursement, all documentation must match up with the information provided in their application.

Robinson said that the Financial Aid, Scholarships and Veterans Office will not give out awards unless it is proven that the student is experiencing financial need.

When students sign the FAFSA application they are confirming that they are spending the money on educational expenses.

There have been several complaints from the public regarding students misusing the money that they receive as financial aid by spending the money on nonesential items.

Numerous polls conducted by the Roundup have not yielded any evidence to support his, however.

Carrillo

Kassi

Forced to drop two classes this semester, 18-year-old freshman Carrillo is at a standstill.

Due to her parents financial status, she was denied financial aid, despite the fact that her parents do not suport her educational funds. This has resuted in her not having enough money to pay for classes and books.

Veronica Lopez

Financail aid used to serve as an extra cushion for school spending for Lopez.

After being unemployed for two years, that money Lopez received has become her primary source of income.

Having to pay for all school supplies, books and tuition with the financial aid money, Lopez has taken out a bank loan in order to stay financially afloat.

• Annual percentage increase: 30-35%

• From 2006-07 until 200910, there has been an 89% increase of financial aid applications.

Michaia Hernandez/ Roundup mhernandez.roundupnews@gmail.com

For more stories about students and financial aid, please visit www.theroundupnews. com

Additional reporting by Eduardo Razo and Nelger Carrera.

cpalmer.roundupnews@gmail.com

Construction problems at the Center for the Sciences

Construction from Page 1

Such deficiencies are covered under a $40,250,000 contract with the center’s general contractor, Sinanian Development.

Under that contract, any corrections to the center will be covered under a general one-year warranty, according to David Niemerow, an affiliate with BuildLACCD.

That deadline is roughly four months away. If the corrections aren’t made by then, the college will have to find another way to pay for them, said faculty.

Kathleen Burke-Kelly, president of the college, said that the issue of warranty hadn’t been resolved before she left Pierce to fill-in the president’s post at Los Angeles Mission College.

“We had been in meetings, but we did not come to a decision,” said Burke-Kelly by phone from her office at Mission. “I don’t know anything more. I haven’t been on campus for several weeks.”

There were things that went on in that room that precluded anyone from using it.

The large animal dissection room is not covered under the warranty.

When a Roundup reporter asked about the large animal dissection room, Tsao said he didn’t know of it. “I was not the lead in charge of that project, I do not know all of the rooms by name. That project was finished some time ago,” he said. Tsao has been the CPM at Pierce for eight years.

An inspector of record who oversaw the bulk of the construction had many concerns with the Veterinary Technology building.

“It’s a mini operating room,” he said of the dissection lab.

“There were things that went on in that room that precluded anyone from using it. I didn’t think there was adequate ventilation, and it wasn’t resolved when I left the project.”

The inspector said that only Swinerton Management & Consulting – the firm tasked with overseeing construction – could communicate with the college and the district during the build, leaving the inspector unable to voice his concerns to the school.

“Have you ever heard of the story of the king who had no clothes? It was exactly like that, the king believed he was beautiful because he had no other reference,” said the inspector.

When pressed by a Roundup reporter for further information on the build, the inspector of record confided that much of his documentation of the project is unaccounted for.

-Inspector of Record for the Center for Sciences Construciton

David Tsao, college project manager (CPM) at Swinerton, said that he scheduled weekly meetings with Burke-Kelly during construction.

“My paper records are gone. Swinerton took them and turned them over to the new architect. They’re supposed to be with the college, with plant facilities, but I really don’t know. That information disappeared,” he said.

With 23,000 students paying , where do ASO fees go? sjackson.roundupnews@gmail.com

To read the full story visit us online at www.theroundupnews.com

nance committee.

ASO from page 1

Though the Street Dance Club failed to receive funding like its longstanding counterpart did, some fairly new clubs have had success with the ASO. One example is the Latin American Culture and Literature Club, who are receiving $800 of the $1600 they requested to supplement a literary magazine.

“I think the ASO was pretty fair; being a new club, we understood that we needed to find all the information we could get and understand the process, not just come and ask for money,” said Andrea Gordillo, the club’s president. “Clubs should take a little more responsibility in organizing fundraisers because the ASO will provide tents, flyers and other advertising if you want.”

Any funds within the ASO’s yearly budget that aren’t used are transferred into the reserve fund, which requires approval from the president and vice president of administrative services for any expenditure. According to Trea-

Students don’t pay the ASO fee so that it can be sent to the reserve fund; they pay it so that they can have events on campus.

-David Bromberg ASO Senator

surer Nima Jahanforouz, the reserve has an approximate value of $1.4 million.

“[The reserve] is ASO’s money. The reserve doesn’t get ‘contributed’ to, it’s part of their funds,” said Bruce Rosky, vice president of administrative services.

Brad Saenz, the ASO faculty advisor since 2004, said that the reserve fund has only been utilized twice during his tenure. One was to form an ASO scholarship fund, and another was to finance a book rental program in the Bookstore.

“I don’t know if there’s an official policy on it, but the way I view it is that it’s either for emergencies or something that is really largescale and important to the students that can’t fit into the normal budget,” said Saenz.

Not only is the campus president’s approval required for any reserve fund expenditures, but many have reached the understanding that it isn’t available for marginal projects or activities that may have been passed over in lieu of other requests.

“Students don’t pay the ASO fee so that it can be sent to the reserve fund; they pay it so that they can have events on campus,” said Bromberg. “As long as there’s no money being sent into the reserve, then we’ve done our job as ASO.”

With the funds that are available and the process that is in place around them, many budget requests are decided upon based on the impression that each group is able to make on the fi-

The Philharmonic Choir is a prime example of that. About twenty members and their director, Terry Danne, attended the March 23 meeting to petition for funds but were omitted from the agenda, and President Daniel Axelrod was not present to allow for a motion to alter the agenda.

According to Saenz, their request had been tabled, or postponed indefinitely, requiring the group to resubmit their issue for a particular week’s agenda if it was to be addressed at all.

“I vowed I wasn’t going to submit to them anymore after five years of nothing,” said Danne, whose choir had received funding from the ASO from 1990 until 2006. “They don’t even let you know. I guess that’s the rationale: they’ll let you know if you get something.”

The choir was eventually placed on the agenda for the finance committee meeting on March 30, where members of the committee voiced their displeasure with the choir before submitting the request for a vote.

“The way that the choir has asked for this money is all wrong,” said Saenz.

The newly appointed ASO Vice President, Febe Ruiz, shared a similar sentiment.

“It’s uncomfortable to vote on this after certain things they said [after being ‘tabled’ for a second week],” said Ruiz.

Photos by Rick Rose and Joe Kukuczka/ Roundup

Joe Kukuczka / Roundup

Construction: Inactive dissection table lays in the Center for the Sciences large animal disscetion room.

State of California

Suffering under a $26 billion budget shortfall drastic measures must be taken. Governor Brown is deadlocked against state Republicans over an argument to extend the tax increases or slash social services including medical care for the poor and elderly and cuts to California’s colleges.

California Community Colleges

A predicted $800 million budget cut to the 112 campusCalifornia Community College system will result in an estimated loss of 400,000 students roughly the size of the entire UC system. Fees have already been raised from $26 to $36 with more fee increases possible.

L.A. Community College District

Facing a possible 17 percent budget cut, or $83million. Considering limiting specialized promgrams including nursing and culinary to one campus in the district effectively lenghting student commutes, according to the Daily News.

East L.A.

“Limited class selections make it difficult for students to graduate in a timely manner,” said James Garcia ASO cheif justice.

L.A. City

40 percent cut in City’s journalism department.

$7.5 million cut to the school’s budget, according to a letter from the college president.

Community Colleges in danger

Once again California is facing a budget crisis. California currently needs to cover an almost $26 billion gap in the budget. Currently agreements are in place between Governor Brown and Republicans to cover all but $15 billion of the budget gap.

That still leaves almost $11 billion that must be found somewhere. Governor Brown is attempting to extend the tax increases on large purchase items which is set to expire in June, but he is being thwarted by the legislature. Brown is trying to bring the issue to the public, in

L.A. Harbor

Limited summer school.

Cancelled winter session and cuts to the Fall schedule.

“There have already been faculty layoffs, less classes, increased class sizes,” according to the “Harbor Tides.”

L.A. Mission

Winter session cancelled for 2011.

18 needed full time faculty will not be hired to save the college money.

the form of a ballot measure but is short two Republican votes.

Solutions to the budget crisis have presented themselves in the form of cuts to social programs and California’s college system. Welfare and medical programs for the poor will be the hardest hit. Fee’s have already risen for California’s community colleges from $26 to $36 a unit and the budget has yet to be balanced. If Brown cannot find a way to extend the tax increases more cuts will be necesary.

L.A. Southwest

“Students are having issues with getting classes they need to transfer simply because they are being cut,” said Antoine White, ASO executive secretary.

Pierce College

L.A. Trade Tech College

Summer school and winter intersession in question.

“Obviously if we’re looking at a 15 percent cut it would be disastrous,” said Roland Chapdelaine Ph.D. college president.

L.A. Valley

Has already cut their summer school.

Recently forced to cut 1685 classes from its Spring semester.

West L.A.

Has already cut their summer school.

“The budget cuts are really forcing students to make a double take on their education,” said Scott Stamler ASO treasurer.

A worst case scenario envisions Pierce losing 6,000 students along with fee increases and class reduction. Part time professors are already facing possible job loss. There is a hiring freeze for classified employees (custodians etc). Pierce is currently planning a limited amount of summer school classes pending further budget analysis. A best case scenario has Pierce budgeted to lose 5 percent of its general fund. If Governor Brown’s tax extensions don’t pass the college could be faced with a 15 percent accross the board budget cut. Options being considered are a 90 unit cap on subsidized credits, a fee increae to $66 and eliminating funding for athletics.

More ASO candidates Candidates for Treasurer

Ronal Quintero, 25

I want to make the world better, and you have to start somewhere, and this is a good way to learn. I want to have a fund that fully represents the students and the activities that will benefit them. I also want to regulate the spending that ASO does. I also want to work directly with the school administration to let them know that the student government is here to help them. I want to be able to communicate effectively with them and gain respect for the ASO.

It’s such a complicated issue. In order for us to even come close to dealing with it, we’re going to need for all of California to be aware of it. If you’re going to raise funds with students in mind you should be spending money on students. I wouldn’t mind paying the money, though. Sometimes, you have to sacrifice in order to get what you want.

Two semesters as ASO senator and one semester as student rights committee chair.

Alexander Alvara, 25

One of my goals is to create a tight-knit community at Pierce College through raising awareness for groups in the school that are in charge of holding events and activities for the students. As treasurer, I’ll be able to contribute through properly allocating money to the groups and events that will benefit the general student community. I plan on lobbying for these funds to be used, not to just let them go to a reserve that students aren’t even allowed to touch. The funds are there for the community to make use of.

Students have the right to pursue education. I think that the tuition increase is terrible. Though I’m not directly affected by it because I receive financial aid, I see the effect that it has on the people around me. I just wish we could draw the money from somewhere else.

This Spring 2011 marks the first try in student government participation.

Fernando Aquino, 19

I really want to get clubs asking for money. I’m very austere when it comes to money. I take a lot of consideration into it. I want whatever comes through ASO to be really considered. I need we need to focus on economic issues. That’s the first and foremost thing. It can’t be stopped in one protest. It takes time and perseverance. Hopefully throughout the semester we get a momentum going.

It’s horrible. Community college should be free. Although we are in an economic crisis, and it makes sense that we pay for our education, it’s just unfortunate and it’s not fair. How much more are they going to increase? How many more students need to leave?

Two semesters as ASO senator, current chair of student rights committee, involved with GSA.

Candidate forum to be held in the Great Hall from noon to 2 p.m. April 7

Information Compiled by James Hermon, Kat Mabry, Coburn Palmer, Sydney Grossman/Roundup

The common denominator ̶ music

Performing and perfecting their art by unifying the melodies of life

Three student musicians who recently performed at the Pierce Student Concert gave a detailed look inside their lives, musical roots and what inspires them to continue pursue the art.

PRISCILLA SCHNEIDER

Priscilla Schneider plays the harpsichord and performed “Concerto RV 103” with a group at the Pierce concert.

Schneider, 56, identifies herself as a “definite beginner”, at an amateur level of classical music, therefore she would not consider herself a “pianist” just yet she explained.

She is currently a Pierce student studying the fundamentals of harmony and chart reading.

Schneider was born in Budapest, Hungary and immigrated with her family to the United States when she was two-years-old.

She began piano lessons at the age of seven and continued until the age of 12, then she decided to quit.

“My mother predicted that I would regret quitting music,” said Schneider. “After such a long break from it [music] I realized that my mother was right.”

Schneider took a 37 year pause from music.

“I had to take a break because, well life happened,” said Schneider.

That’s the problem with piano, it’s more of a solo and I like to put myself in a collaborative group.

She is now married with four children, two of which still live at home with her.

Music was brought back to her life by a purchase of a grand piano.

“When we bought a house that could accommodate a grand piano, my husband bought one for the family with the caveat that somebody had better play it,” said Schneider.

At the age of 49, Schneider started piano lessons along with three of her children.

Schneider plays classical music and enjoys the Baroque era the most, “the Romantic era is ok, but sometimes it gets away from me,” said Schneider.

She is also partial to playing in groups such as orchestras, rather than performing solo where the spotlight is completely on her.

“That’s the problem with piano, it’s more of a solo and I like to put myself in a collaborative group,” said Schneider. “I don’t like solos at all.”

In 2009 and 2010 she performed in the American Victory Orchestra- Daniel Pearl World Music Days Concert.

The event was put together by the Pearl family in honor of Daniel Pearl, a journalist kidnapped in 2001 and murdered by terrorists in Pakistan.

Schneider said she does not have a lot of spare time, but spends the time that she does have taking care of her family and going to the movies with her husband.

“I wouldn’t call it a musical career; it’s become more of a hobby really,” said Schneider. “But if someone wants to pay me to play then sure why not.”

Currently she works in the San Fernando Valley and is manages several apartment buildings.

Schneider has been accepted to CSUN’s Music Program and will begin in the fall.

DEANNA TYNDALL

Through music, Deanna Tyndall has been able to travel across the country and work with famous musicians.

Tyndall was born in Dallas, Texas and moved to Los Angeles at the age of three with her family.

“We’ve moved because my family had potential jobs here that were going to be more productive for them,” said Tyndall.

Tyndall and her family has been involved with music all of their lives.

I’ve always had this thing with music, I wanted to be a singer and play the piano ...

“My mother and her mother were very much into music,” said Tyndall. “My mother was an amazing singer and her mother played on the radio in Texas.”

Tyndall, now apart of the third generation of her family’s passion for music, admits that it has not always been easy.

“I’ve always had this thing with music, I wanted to be a singer and play the piano but I fell back to rise my children,” said Tyndall. “It wasn’t long before I wanted to do it [music], it kept coming back to me.”

Tyndall sings Jazz and Rhythm and Blues and also enjoys writing for those genres of music.

She started working with music professionally again in 1970.

In 1980, Tyndall auditioned for actress/singer Lainie Kazan at the Century Park Hotel and landed the opportunity to tour different countries and perform for six months.

San Fernando Valley Master Chorale & Orchestra

“It was amazing, it’s the most exciting thing I could ever mention,” said Tyndall. “I also worked for Rita Coolidge and Donna Summer during a ‘Summer Special’ at the Tokyo Prince Hotel, Donna is a great singer and she paid well.”

Tyndall said being apart of the tour as one of the back-up singers was the biggest highlights in her singing career.

After the tour, Tyndall worked with a Los Angeles rock band called “Cloud” for about a year.

Tyndall has three daughters and has been a single mother for some time.

She said it has not been easy perusing her dreams being a single mom.

“Its difficult because you have to have babysitters, even when I went on my tour it was crazy,” said Tyndall.

But she was fortunate to have support from her mother and other family members.

She has been attending Pierce since 1995 striving for her music degree. But she also enjoys going to plays, musicals, and watching old time films, in addition to learning how to play the piano.

Currently, she is learning how to write music and she collaborates with her daughter Nancy, who also has a musical passion.

“My daughter is the lyric writer and I’m the writer of the music,” Tyndall explained.

Her dream would be to write music and have it be published.

One of her biggest inspirations is Diana Krall, Canadian Jazz pianist and singer.

“I think of her as an articulate writer, she would phrase music amazingly,” she said.

Tyndall said she will continue to perform at Pierce throughout the semester and anticipates a recital in May.

SANDRA KILLMAN

Vocalist and writer Sandra Killman was born in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to Los Angeles when she was 13-years-old to pursue singing.

“I knew I wanted to sing even when I was a little girl. And I figured that I needed to be in either California or New York, but I choose California because it had better weather,” said Killman,60.

Killman and her mother moved to California alone.

She started singing on stage as early as the age of three.

Through music and academic achievement she had the opportunity to meet President Ronald Reagan and President Lyndon B. Johnson.

At 17-years-old she received an invite to the White House because she was involved in a special scholars program at UCLA. She received a Bronze Medallion from President Johnson.

Later she got to sing for President Reagan at the Fords Theatre (one of America’s historically famous theatres, where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated).

She met her husband, Dennis Killman, while working with American Soul, Jazz and Blues singer Lou Rawls. Dennis was Rawls featured soloist and Killman was his featured duet partner.

“We [Killman and Dennis] started talking about writing together and fell in love,” said Killman. “We decided to leave that job and do our own thing.”

“Sirius Magic” was the name of their duo act that later developed into a band.

Killman’s stage name is Sandra Starks and she kept it for continuity sake.

In retrospect, Killman attended

I learned why entertainers have such a hard time growing family relationships, but I got lucky when I met my husband.

a workshop in Vegas conducted by Phil Moore who was a vocal coach for Marilyn Monroe, Dorothy Dandridge, Diahann Carroll, and Lena Horne.

“He coached some of the biggest vocalist of their era and I actually worked in the studio with him,” said Killman. “During this time is when I was really preparing to get hard at work.”

Through the workshop, Killman was able to showcase her singing talents in different parts of the world.

The hardest part of it was leaving people behind she said.

“I learned why entertainers have such a hard time growing family relationships, but I got lucky when I met my husband,” said Killman.

She is close with her family, including her daughter Gia and granddaughter Gianna; both whom attended her performance at Pierce, March 17.

“It’s great being a parent, but being a grand-parent is the best thing in the world, they are my biggest fans,” said Killman. “They are my buddies.”

Currently, she is taking four music classes at Pierce and two computer science classes, where she is learning about web development.

Musically, her next project is the production of an album, which she has yet to title.

For the full story, visit www. therounduponline.com.

cgarcia.roundupnews@gmail.com

Cynthia Garcia/ Roundup

-Deanna Tyndall Pierce College pianist and writer

-Priscilla Schneider Pierce College pianist

-Sandra Killman Pierce College vocalist and writer

Stephanie Pardo/ Roundup

INSPIRATIONAL: From Left: Pianists Sandra Killman and Priscilla Schneider, as well as vocalist Deanna Tyndall are all pursuing their passion for music in spite of various setbacks they have endured in their lives.

Business, not pleasure

Instructor of art travels to Montreal to present art history paper

Melody Soto/Roundup

Years ago, she took a trip to Florence, Italy that impacted her educational focus.

Today, Professor Constance Moffatt, continues researching Italian Renaissance art and March 24, she presented a paper in Montreal that reflects her years of research.

It was a combination of seeing the art pieces in front of her and living in the compact buildings of Florence as an undergraduate student, that won Moffatt over.

“I probably would have studied something else, if I hadn’t gone to Italy,” said Moffatt.

A member of the Renaissance Society of America, she put together a 10-page paper centered on the Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan and patron of Leonardo Da Vinci and shared it with other members. A total of 1,400 people attended the annual meeting with several presenting papers.

A professor at Pierce College since 1991, Moffatt has organized the “Summer in Florence” program in the past. Students had the opportunity to study art abroad, while visiting museums that housed art significant to the Renaissance. Currently, the state economy has impacted the program directly and has forced it to come to a halt.

Observing works of art firsthand after only seeing them in a textbook is an entirely different experience, and Moffatt knows this well.

It took her a few weeks to organize the information from her dissertation and 20 years of research to write her paper.

“It’s like a treasure hunt in a

way,” said Moffatt. She has spent several summers working in the state archives of Milan handling delicate manuscripts dating to the Renaissance. An admirer of Venecian Architect Andrea Palladio, Painters

Andrea del Sarto and Leonardo Da Vinci, the first thing that attracts her to these artists is the beauty of their work.

“The second thing that interests me in these artists, is the intellectual process that they went through

to get to the point of having that particular style,” said Moffatt.

A graduate of UCLA, Moffat studied Da Vinci under Carlo Pedretti, a scholar recognized for his extensive work and knowledge on the artist.

Additionally, Moffat studied patronage studies. She found the Duke of Milan commissioned Da Vinci’s artwork in the city. She was interested in the ways the Duke of Milan demonstrated that he was a patron of a specific work without literally signing it.

This is made clear in “The Last Supper.” In Da Vinci’s fresco, among the three lunettes at the top, is a coat of arms representing the duke and his sons.

Moffatt found examples of this in artworks originating from Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

Nadia Castillejo, 20, a nursing student currently enrolled Art 101 with Professor Angelo Allen. She recognizes that new discoveries are made in the field of art history sporadically and she supports the idea of instructors remaining active in their fields.

“When scholars continue to learn, students will also be up to date with what’s going on in art,” said Castillejo.

Joanna Dolores, 20, an art major and Castillejo’s classmate, agrees with this idea.

“Art tells us about culture. The more we know about it, the more we know about ourselves,” said Dolores.

msoto.roundupnews@gmail.com

If itʼs Tuesday night, time to call it in

17-year-old uses his skills and talents to encourage other teens through online radio

others to microphones are snaked along the floor.

Conversation ceases with each passing second, and all eyes are fixated on the guy sitting behind the computer as they wait for the countdown. As soon as he cues them in, everyone becomes alert, and the show begins.

This is how Pierce College student Aaron Bock,17, spends his Tuesday nights.

“Journals Out Loud” is a call-in radio program that deals primarily with issues associated with growing up. The topics frequently discussed range from friends and family to dating and school, and the audience consists mostly of teenagers.

“I love being part of the show,” said Bock. “It’s one of the highlights of my week.”

The program is hosted by Premiere Radio Networks co-founder Louise Palanker, as well as a panel of teenage advisers.

Bock was the first panelist recruited by Palanker.

Palanker decided to include the teenage panelists because she didn’t want the show to be about “an adult telling kids what to do.”

Katelyn Catalano and Austin Dosaj are the two other permanent teenagers on the panel.

“We actually often disagree because we’re so different from each other,” said Dosaj, 20.

Though Bock admits that the other two panelists were chosen because of their connection with him, he says that the reason Palanker asked them to stay was because their personalities complemented each other.

“I’d like to think that I bring some logic to the show,” said Bock. “I’m the guy who’ll say, ‘that’s nice, but let’s focus on this.’”

“Journals Out Loud” has been airing since

Lyric-less music

Trance is a form of electronic dance music with no lyrics, but rather a mixture of beats that builds up and breaks down throughout a track.

Pierce College student Viko Roubin not only listens to Trance but composes it as well.

“From the first time I heard this music it just drew me in like no other music could,” said Roubin. “It was something different and I loved it.”

Roubin recorded an ablum titled “Wishes to Elohin.”

Elohin means God in Hebrew.

“Creating this kind of music has

taught me a lot about composing music in general,” said Roubin. The album tells the story of a guy who is on a journey to find God, but instead finds an evil genie that grants him all sorts of wishes that he desires.

“Some may not understand the message I am trying to say with my music, because it is really hard to understand when you do not listen to Trance that often,” said Roubin.

He is currently working on music videos for a couple of his songs.

R U Online? For the full story visit www.theroundupnews.com nkhoi.roundupnews@gmail.com

late 2010.

“It all started with the book [‘Journals: Middle School Love & War’],” said Palanker.

The book, written by Palanker, tackles issues similar to those the radio show focuses on.

Bock was homeschooled since the age of seven and began taking classes at Pierce at the age of 13.

He will complete his associate degree requirements in a few months.

Bock prefers taking courses at Pierce rather than a public high school because he feels as though he gets a “more personal educational experience.”

According to Bock, the significant age gap between him and older college students has not proved to be a problem for him.

“I have friends who are taking classes at traditional high schools right now and they hate it there,” he said. “I, on the other hand, enjoy my classes here.”

Bock is considering becoming a film major when he transfer to a university.

“I’m also into acting, music and broadcasting,” said Bock. “I love all of it, it’s hard to narrow everything down and decide on what I want to do.”

Bock has been able to combine his interests through an online account that he and his friends created via YouTube. The account, which is under the username “toolazyforspaces”, was created two years ago.

R U Online? For the full story and more photos visit www.theroundupnews.com

machaiahernandez.roundupnews@gmail.com

David Schub/ Roundup

SCHOLAR: Professor Constance Moffatt recently spoke to an audience in Montreal about a paper she wrote regarding the Duke Lodovico Sforza of Milan.

It’s minutes before 8 p.m., and everyone is assembled in the room dubbed “the studio.” Electric wires, some attached to computers and

Navid Khoi/Roundup

Cesar Monge/ Roundup

Student, Aaron Bock at work in studio.

Cesar Monge/ Roundup

COMPOSER: Student producer, Viko Roubin, explains the messages he wants his album to convey.

Michaia Hernandez/Roundup

—EDITORIAL—

Under the microscope

LACCD exposed, students need to know

The Los Angeles Community College District is not adequately informed of the happenings inside of their nine colleges served in California.

The LACCD Board of Trustees meets biweekly to discuss issues facing each college campus and its students, find solutions and vote on matters to improve the overall higher education provided within its district.

In a recent meeting, the LACCD Chancellor Daniel LaVista spoke eloquently to the board of his reactions to the Los Angeles Times series packaged as ‘Wasteful Spending.’

Why was so much time taken to address this issue publically?

The last article, as a part of the series in the L.A. Times, ridiculing the high costs of construction/beautification to each of the nine campuses ran weeks ago.

LaVista, however, did issue a response on behalf of the LACCD following publication of the series in the L.A. Times on March 3 addressed to department heads and education leaders in the LACCD.

The information was also made public and posted to their website in February and March.

The reactions to these articles were publicized, but not loud enough.

Liberated in press releases, the comments of LaVista were most likely not seen by the majority of students throughout the nine colleges

of the LACCD.

The lack of urgency in finding solutions to these problems brought to all public attention is laughable and clouds credibility in regard to board members.

At a recent meeting, in the district office, LaVista proposed that a committee be formed to monitor future spending on beautification projects within the district.

Isn’t this a little late coming?

Why wasn’t this thought of before the problems arose? An incredible amount of money could have been saved.

Our leaders should have the foresight to catch these problems before they occur, instead of planning for solutions in the unfortunate incident that these mistakes are repeated. Considering the numerous mistakes addressed throughout the L.A. Times series, I’m not sure any of this would be so shocking.

Another suggestion LaVista made was to cut the costs of printing in terms of the agenda for each LACCD meeting.

This would save a total of $17,000 annually.

But where would the savings be used?

According to further discussion between the board members during the three-hour public forum, the

Students and professors unite

funds could easily be used to redecorate their offices.

The renovation of their district offices would total an estimated $12 million, so where would the other $11,999,983,000?

Students should want to understand what is immediately affecting each of them and their education and future.

Perhaps more shocking, when questioned why funding was being sent to Sacramento, a board member asked what could possibly be going on there that was of any importance.

Was that just for comic relief, or did she truly not realize that budget protests were only recently concluded there?

The LACCD prides itself on being in charge of more than 250,000 students, more than any other California district – one member on the board suggested that she was unaware of the ‘March in March.’

We strongly encourage the student body to take an interest in these topics and be aware that they might be able to voice their opinions at these meetings, provided three minutes of floor time, to stand up for their education.

As students during this economic crisis, we have invested countless efforts, time, and struggled to pay for our right to be educated and secure a successful future for ourselves.

If we do not stand up for ourselves, our education and our future - who will?

The students, faculty and staff at Pierce College display unity, commitment and teamwork.

Those who encompass the Pierce campus come together to accomplish their goals.

The March in March, “Enough is Enough” rally, brought more than 300 students and faculty together in a walkout demonstration, bringing attention to the proposed budget cuts and fee increases.

This was a historical event for Pierce with its first ever walkout onto Victory Boulevard.

Next in store for the unified students will be the largest fundraising event in community colleges’ history.

Because of the economy downfall, everyone is effected. Regardless of if students come from money, everyone is suffering.

The countless rallies, protests and fundraisers that are being sponsored and hosted by students, speak loudly to the unity on the campus here at Pierce, as well as others in California.

On April 17, people will hold hands from southern to northern California in the Hands Across California rally.

Nothing shows togetherness then the coming together of numerous students.

Pierce is actively involved in this project and has the honor of having part of the event take place on campus down the Mall.

Moreover, the Associated Students Organization (ASO) is an elected student-run body that serves the students. It offers scholarships, organizes events, and keeps the students informed.

In coordination with the ASO, the campus is home to more than 50 clubs, involving more than 300 students. Also, some of the clubs focus on and touch on the importance of diversity on campus.

In addition to the campus bringing together the student body, the professors and faculty participate in councils that encourage and strengthen the unification.

The Pierce College Council (PCC) shares the ideals of inquiry, equity, authenticity, and service. All decisions are made through a shared government.

A majority of the board consists of the faculty on campus. From

English to criminal justice professors, the board unanimously makes choices in the students best interest.

If not for them, the campus could be more broken up. Granted the ASO and faculty unite to offer events to the community, the administration and professors truly pave the path for unity.

Furthermore, with more than 30 departments on campus, the faculty have limited resources and thus encourages professors to reach out to others and work together.

Like mother like daughter. When students see their professors reaching out to one another, it creates a dynamic that students too, can reach out.

Meanwhile, with so many new additions to the campus, such as the Center for the Sciences, Student Services Building, and Child Development Center, the administration has pulled together to not only unify the campus, but beautify it as well.

Although the new additions to Pierce are beautiful, older buildings like the Great Hall serve as just as an important base for student unification.

The Great Hall constantly is full of students watching movies, attending guest lectures, sponsoring banquets and dances and other community related activities.

Most recently, a booth was set up on the Mall to raise money for the Japan tsunami relief victims. More than $1,000 was donated, as well as clothing and supplies.

Lastly, there is no denying the unity the sports teams on campus have. Being on a team can be synonymous with creating harmony and closeness.

The athletic programs speak for themselves. We have football bowl champions, volleyball champions, woman’s basketball playoff invitees, and woman’s soccer semi-finalists.

At Pierce, there is an atmosphere full of togetherness, cooperation, teamwork and unity.

With students, faculty and staff coming together over the recent events of fee increases, budget cuts and sporting events, the feeling of unanimity and harmony is apparent now more then ever.

vkamont.roundupnews@gmail.com

Victor Stephen Kamont / Roundup

Recent rallies and protests portray the closeness and harmony seen on campus

If we do not stand up for ourselves, our education and our future - who will?

More can and should be done

About more than 300 Pierce College students marched out of their classes to Victory Boulevard back on March 14 to protest against the budget cuts.

The chants were carried from the Mall all the way to Victory Boulevard.

Pierce students seemed united marching out in the streets but it was a small crowd.

Why were there only about 300 students protesting when there are more than 20,000 students enrolled at Pierce?

Pierce is not united.

Sure, sure there were some professors supporting the students out there in the rally but, that doesn’t mean Pierce is united.

Where were the rest of the professors and staff members?

If we want our voice to be heard, we need to get the whole college involved.

We may say or think that the rally on March 14 was a success, but how much of an impact did it cause in congress?

Budget cuts don’t only affect students they also affect professors.

If we want to accomplish a goal and be taken into serious consideration by congress, it needs to be a collective effort.

But how serious are we about the budget cuts? Or how much do we care about our education?

A random poll was conducted around campus to see how many students were aware of the budget cuts and how many were registered to vote.

The poll showed 83 percent of the 90 students are aware of the budget cuts and 61 percent are registered to vote.

It’s good that mostly everyone is aware of the budget cuts but not everyone is registered to vote.

Students need to stop chanting and complaining and need to start taking action. Students could cry all they want but it isn’t going to change anything.

Until students begin taking serious action that’s when their voices will be heard.

There are great examples in history of people who did more than talk

Far from perfect ̶

Our apologies to the Geology club, Roundup staff

they also walked the walk.

Why not do something similar to what Caesar Chavez did when he united all campesinos (farm workers) to fight for their rights? Why not do something similar when they encouraged Americans to boycott grapes?

Pierce staff and faculty should refuse to work at least one day and students not attend school to demonstrate congress what a big difference students and professors can make. Demonstrate them that they depend on us!

The community college system has been and keeps on being affected by the budget cuts.

In 2009 Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed bills raising the unit fee from $20 to $26. Now Gov. Jerry Brown signed bills on March 24 raising the unit fee from $26 to $36.

How much more are we going to take? Are you willing to lose your education?

Lets make a difference!

Show congress that we got the power to take them out! If you’re not registered to vote, what are you waiting for?

The faculty needs to be more supportive and back us up! Demonstrate students how much they really care about their education.

It’s time that our parents and the community become aware of this situation. Let’s get them involved and encourage them to join the cause.

Hands Across California is quickly approaching and will take place Sunday April 17.

The event unites California students; faculty, staff members and many others to form a human chain across California holding hands showing congress that we care about our education.

Join every community college that day by coming to Pierce on April 17 and show your support. Bring your parents and friends; it’s time to make history!

Remember that we are not the only affected ones by the budget cuts but also everyone around you.

Act now.

Letter from the editor

This issue is inspired by the recent protests in Sacramento, at CSUN, and closer to home; when our own students, faculty, and advisors united together to protest in the ‘Enough is Enough’ rally.

Some of the stories published raise questions that are directed to leaders inside of the Los Angeles Community College District as well as those whose offices are located on campus. Though we are not publishing issues for the next two weeks, the Roundup staff is committed to continue following up on these stories and highly sensitive issues as the weeks linger on.

Kat Mabry , Editor-in-Chief

Maria Salvador / Roundup

Too little, too few come together to show support, students need to step it up

The Los Angeles Community College District is not adequately informed of the happenings inside of their nine colleges served in California.

The LACCD Board of Trustees meets biweekly to discuss issues facing each college campus and its students, find solutions and vote on matters to improve the overall higher education provided within its district.

In a recent meeting, the LACCD Chancellor Daniel LaVista spoke eloquently to the board of his reactions to the Los Angeles Times series packaged as ‘Wasteful Spending.’

Why was so much time taken to address this issue publically?

The last article, as a part of the series in the L.A. Times, ridiculing the high costs of construction/beautification to each of the nine campuses ran weeks ago.

LaVista, however, did issue a response on behalf of the LACCD following publication of the series in the L.A. Times on March 3 addressed to department heads and education leaders in the LACCD.

The information was also made public and posted to their website in February and March.

The reactions to these articles were publicized, but not loud enough.

Liberated in press releases, the comments of LaVista were most likely not seen by the majority of students throughout the nine colleges

If we do not stand up for ourselves, our education and our future - who will?

of the LACCD.

The lack of urgency in finding solutions to these problems brought to all public attention is laughable and clouds credibility in regard to board members.

At a recent meeting, in the district office, LaVista proposed that a committee be formed to monitor future spending on beautification projects within the district.

Isn’t this a little late coming?

Why wasn’t this thought of before the problems arose?

An incredible amount of money could have been saved.

Our leaders should have the foresight to catch these problems before they occur, instead of planning for solutions in the unfortunate incident that these mistakes are repeated.

Considering the numerous mistakes addressed throughout the L.A. Times series, I’m not sure any of this would be so shocking.

Another suggestion LaVista made was to cut the costs of printing in terms of the agenda for each LACCD meeting.

This would save a total of $17,000 annually.

But where would the savings be used?

According to further discussion between the board members during the three-hour public forum, the

Students and professors unite

Recent rallies and protests portray the closeness and harmony seen on campus

funds could easily be used to redecorate their offices.

The renovation of their district offices would total an estimated $12 million, so where would the other $11,999,983,000?

Students should want to understand what is immediately affecting each of them and their education and future.

Perhaps more shocking, when questioned why funding was being sent to Sacramento, a board member asked what could possibly be going on there that was of any importance.

Was that just for comic relief, or did she truly not realize that budget protests were only recently concluded there?

The LACCD prides itself on being in charge of more than 250,000 students, more than any other California district – one member on the board suggested that she was unaware of the ‘March in March.’

We strongly encourage the student body to take an interest in these topics and be aware that they might be able to voice their opinions at these meetings, provided three minutes of floor time, to stand up for their education.

As students during this economic crisis, we have invested countless efforts, time, and struggled to pay for our right to be educated and secure a successful future for ourselves.

If we do not stand up for ourselves, our education and our future - who will?

The students, faculty and staff at Pierce College display unity, commitment and teamwork.

Those who encompass the Pierce campus come together to accomplish their goals.

The March in March, “Enough is Enough” rally, brought more than 300 students and faculty together in a walkout demonstration, bringing attention to the proposed budget cuts and fee increases. This was a historical event for Pierce with its first ever walkout onto Victory Boulevard.

Next in store for the unified students will be the largest fundraising event in community colleges’ history.

Because of the economy downfall, everyone is effected. Regardless of if students come from money, everyone is suffering.

The countless rallies, protests and fundraisers that are being sponsored and hosted by students, speak loudly to the unity on the campus here at Pierce, as well as others in California.

On April 17, people will hold hands from southern to northern California in the Hands Across California rally.

Nothing shows togetherness then the coming together of numerous students.

Pierce is actively involved in this project and has the honor of having part of the event take place on campus down the Mall.

Moreover, the Associated Students Organization (ASO) is an elected student-run body that serves the students. It offers scholarships, organizes events, and keeps the students informed.

In coordination with the ASO, the campus is home to more than 50 clubs, involving more than 300 students. Also, some of the clubs focus on and touch on the importance of diversity on campus.

In addition to the campus bringing together the student body, the professors and faculty participate in councils that encourage and strengthen the unification.

The Pierce College Council (PCC) shares the ideals of inquiry, equity, authenticity, and service. All decisions are made through a shared government.

A majority of the board consists of the faculty on campus. From

English to criminal justice professors, the board unanimously makes choices in the students best interest.

If not for them, the campus could be more broken up. Granted the ASO and faculty unite to offer events to the community, the administration and professors truly pave the path for unity.

Furthermore, with more than 30 departments on campus, the faculty have limited resources and thus encourages professors to reach out to others and work together.

Like mother like daughter. When students see their professors reaching out to one another, it creates a dynamic that students too, can reach out.

Meanwhile, with so many new additions to the campus, such as the Center for the Sciences, Student Services Building, and Child Development Center, the administration has pulled together to not only unify the campus, but beautify it as well.

Although the new additions to Pierce are beautiful, older buildings like the Great Hall serve as just as an important base for student unification.

The Great Hall constantly is full of students watching movies, attending guest lectures, sponsoring banquets and dances and other community related activities.

Most recently, a booth was set up on the Mall to raise money for the Japan tsunami relief victims. More than $1,000 was donated, as well as clothing and supplies.

Lastly, there is no denying the unity the sports teams on campus have. Being on a team can be synonymous with creating harmony and closeness.

The athletic programs speak for themselves. We have football bowl champions, volleyball champions, woman’s basketball playoff invitees, and woman’s soccer semi-finalists.

At Pierce, there is an atmosphere full of togetherness, cooperation, teamwork and unity.

With students, faculty and staff coming together over the recent events of fee increases, budget cuts and sporting events, the feeling of unanimity and harmony is apparent now more then ever.

vkamont.roundupnews@gmail.com

About more than 300 Pierce College students marched out of their classes to Victory Boulevard back on March 14 to protest against the budget cuts.

The chants were carried from the Mall all the way to Victory Boulevard.

Pierce students seemed united marching out in the streets but it was a small crowd.

Why were there only about 300 students protesting when there are more than 20,000 students enrolled at Pierce?

Pierce is not united.

Sure, sure there were some professors supporting the students out there in the rally but, that doesn’t mean Pierce is united.

Where were the rest of the professors and staff members?

If we want our voice to be heard, we need to get the whole college involved.

We may say or think that the rally on March 14 was a success, but how much of an impact did it cause in congress?

Budget cuts don’t only affect students they also affect professors.

If we want to accomplish a goal and be taken into serious consideration by congress, it needs to be a collective effort.

But how serious are we about the budget cuts? Or how much do we care about our education?

A random poll was conducted around campus to see how many students were aware of the budget cuts and how many were registered to vote.

The poll showed 83 percent of the 90 students are aware of the budget cuts and 61 percent are registered to vote.

It’s good that mostly everyone is aware of the budget cuts but not everyone is registered to vote.

Students need to stop chanting and complaining and need to start taking action. Students could cry all they want but it isn’t going to change anything.

Until students begin taking serious action that’s when their voices will be heard.

There are great examples in history of people who did more than talk

perfect

Our apologies to the Geology club, Roundup staff

students into rock stars’ story.

Last weeks issue in the Arts & Entertainment page, two stories were miscredited. ‘A spring in their step’ was written by Melody Soto. ‘Engaging seneses’ was written by Fanny Cano.

they also walked the walk.

Why not do something similar to what Caesar Chavez did when he united all campesinos (farm workers) to fight for their rights? Why not do something similar when they encouraged Americans to boycott grapes? Pierce staff and faculty should refuse to work at least one day and students not attend school to demonstrate congress what a big difference students and professors can make. Demonstrate them that they depend on us!

The community college system has been and keeps on being affected by the budget cuts.

In 2009 Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed bills raising the unit fee from $20 to $26. Now Gov. Jerry Brown signed bills on March 24 raising the unit fee from $26 to $36.

How much more are we going to take? Are you willing to lose your education?

Lets make a difference!

Show congress that we got the power to take them out! If you’re not registered to vote, what are you waiting for?

The faculty needs to be more supportive and back us up! Demonstrate students how much they really care about their education.

It’s time that our parents and the community become aware of this situation. Let’s get them involved and encourage them to join the cause. Hands Across California is quickly approaching and will take place Sunday April 17.

The event unites California students; faculty, staff members and many others to form a human chain across California holding hands showing congress that we care about our education. Join every community college that day by coming to Pierce on April 17 and show your support. Bring your parents and friends; it’s time to make history!

Remember that we are not the only affected ones by the budget cuts but also everyone around you. Act now.

durrutia.roundupnews@gmail.com

Letter from the editor

This issue is inspired by the recent protests in Sacramento, at CSUN, and closer to home; when our own students, faculty, and advisors united together to protest in the ‘Enough is Enough’ rally. Some of the stories published raise questions that are directed to leaders inside of the Los Angeles Community College District as well as those whose offices are located on campus. Though we are not publishing issues for the next two weeks, the Roundup staff is committed to continue following up on these stories and highly sensitive issues as the weeks linger on.

Kat Mabry , Editor-in-Chief

Maria Salvador / Roundup

Too little, too few come together to show support, students need to step it up

More can and should be done

Splashing around

Coming in 1st place, swim team prepares for conference competition

The men and women of the Brahma Swim team enter the water with focus, determination and the supourt of their coaches and teammates.

This concept is evident in all aspects of the team’s dynamic and each member is driven to excel through the continued and unwavering support of the other members.

The team continues to persevere through the rough times, somehow able to capitalize on the downtime and come back even stronger than before.

“We’ve been frustrated by setbacks,” said dive coach Joshua Foster. “But we’re very happy with everyone’s performance.”

Kenna Worthen, a first-year competitive diver takes center stage on the board after recently returning to competition.

“It’s hard to bounce back after an injury,” said the active duty Air Force member. “But I was able to come back with two new dives.”

Worthen is getting in all the dives she can while she has the the opportunity. She returns to active military duty in the Air Force May 2.

Soreness and exhaustion are two concepts that have no place in the pool.

“We’re worn down, sure. But we break it down so we can build it up,”

said Phillip Chu as he pulls himself out of the water after a relay at Santa Monica College’s Swim Center.

Up next is diver Ryan Anderson.

“Focus on my dive. Get it right,” Anderson said as he climbs the three meter ladder to the diving boar. “Diving is all about motor control and mental preparation.”

After their latest win both men and women are setting their sights on the conference competition. Now it seems to be first priority to the team, and they are eager and excited to make a strong impression. Everything hinges on competition in the pool, and the Brahmas are itching to get in there.

With two weeks of solid preparation before their next meet, divers and swimmers alike are heading to El Camino College with only one goal— total dominance.

“When Conference (competition) comes, we’ll be rolling hard,” said swimmer Travis Roche.

The team’s motto is at the forefront of the team’s persona, and can be felt across the pool.

From the relay swimmers cutting through the water to the divers twisting and contorting towards it from above, nobody rides a Brahma— nobody.

Joe Kukuczka / Roundup

BENDING BACKWARD: Pierce swimmer Bryce Kroetz launches off the block during his backstroke at the Santa Monica Swim Center on Friday. Kroetz and teammates took 1st place overall in the Menʼs events

Joe Kukuczka / Roundup

RESULT: First year diver Ryan Anderson celebrates a high-difficulty dive poolside on Friday as the Pierce swim team took top overall honors in Santa Monica last week.

UD / Roundup

STAMINA: Jessica Sanmarti pulls hard through the water during her leg of the womenʼs medley as the Pierce women go on win the overall womenʼs event Friday. Like most of her teammates, Sanmarti also competes in multiple individual events as well as team-oriented relays and medleys.

Joe Kukuczka/ Roundup FAMILY: Swim coach Judi Terhar congratulates Sareen Hagopian on a strong run Friday.

UD / Roundup

CONSTANT: Pierce swimmer Jordan Bernstein glides through the water as he completes laps during warm-ups for the Pierce College Swim teamʼs Quad Meet against four other colleges at the Santa Monica Swim Center on April i, 2011. Brahmas dominated and took first place overall.

Standing united with students

Professor of sociology, McKeever fond of his students and their political rights

Born to a dysfunctional and troubled household that turned to violence and substance abuse on a continual basis, a sociology professor barely escaped the confinement of prison life.

When he was 13 years old, he began coaching in what he describes as a low-income, predominantly-Latino park in North Hollywood; to this day, he still trains kids in basketball, baseball and football at the very same park.

“[Coaching] is what really got me out of trouble,” said the 47-year-old Pierce College assistant sociology professor. “In

Finance frenzy

Economy down, students need more classes, money

Editor’s note: Financial aid are two words students are all too familiar with. It offers a sum of money to individual students in the hopes of providing extra funds to pay for tuition, books, healthcare on campus and any other school necessities. With the economy still in a slump, the recent fee increases to $36 per unit and the possibility of more than 6,000 students being displaced due to budget cuts, students are at a loss.

In an effort to find out about student needs for financial aid, the Roundup spoke with several students to see how their money is spent, the results and outcomes of fewer courses being offered and the effect the economy has on their financial aid status. Their stories can be found and read online.

Here is one woman’s struggle and story:

“It’s tough, but it’s something you have to do,” said Cachay.

She applauds the ‘Enough is Enough’ rally that recently took place in and around Pierce’s campus.

a lot of ways, the park saved my life.”

He attributes the impact that the experience made on his life primarily to Bill Dusenberry, the park director at the time he began coaching.

Because of McKeever’s youth, many parents protested against allowing him to train their children.

Dusenberry was unyielding in his decision to let him coach, however.

“He really stood up for me in a way that no one ever did,” said McKeever. “It really made a big difference in my life.”

He also lists his family as one of the factors that kept him out of a troubled childhood.

“People tell me all the time that I’m the exception [among my siblings] in that I made better choices, and that’s not it

at all,” McKeever said. “I had things going for me that my brothers and sisters didn’t, and that was them.”

Placing importance in learning is a somewhat universal practice, but this runs a bit deeper with McKeever. Education is something that he’s immersed himself in, both as a student and as a working professional.

It took McKeever nine years to go through community college and get his associate degree, because he was “a single father during the recession.”

“They used to call me ‘James W. McKeever,’” he said. “The ‘W’ stood for ‘withdraw.’”

Despite the fact that McKeever only attended Pierce as a student for one semester, it is actually the very school that

led him choosing sociology as his area of concentration.

According to McKeever, he deviated from his original plan of pursuing a degree in history to gaining one in sociology after taking a class with professor Chuck O’Connell.

Higher education through the community college system has left such a personal impact on McKeever that he decided to incorporate it once again to his daily life—this time around as a profession.

“I feel like community college has given me opportunities that I wouldn’t have had if it didn’t exist,” he said. “I mean, who else lets you go to school for nine years?”

Through his experience with the system in general, McKeever has learned to value not just education through com-

munity colleges, but education as a whole.

“Education represents hope for a lot of people,” he said. “If we take it away, what are they left with?”

McKeever has always been vocal about his support of accessible higher education.

“When people ask me why I care so much I just want to ask them, ‘why don’t you?’” McKeever said.

Of all of his accomplishments to date, McKeever says that what he considers his greatest one is that “[he] tried.”

“Sometimes, all any of us can do is try,” he added.

For the full, please visit www.therounduponline.com.

mhernandez.roundupnews@gmail.com

Asingle parent, a mother to one and a student, all the while being on financial aid, Pierce College is full of them.

Maria Cachay is a 21-year-old business major, a full-time student, a part-time promoter for organic coffee and a mother to 3-yea-old

“If students don’t say anything [about the issue of tuition increase and budget cuts for community colleges], the legislators are just going to keep raising fees,” she said.

Cachay applied for financial aid during her first year as a college student, but she wasn’t able to make the deadline for applications.

The main reason for the aforementioned situation was the fact that she wasn’t well informed.

This same circumstance almost occurred a second time.

“I actually just barely turned in my application for this year,” she said. “I just didn’t know [about the deadlines].”

Despite her 6 a.m. to midnight days, the importances of learning and being a role model to her daughter remain constant.

Like most parents, Cachay places value in education.

Devon Trammell / Roundup

SUPER WOMAN: Maria Cachay discusses her student life as a single mother at the Child Services Center. She bas been leaving her child in the care of the day care center at Pierce College to help her get through her studies.

Melanie Hernandez.

Cachay is taking five classes this semester, one of which offers free tax services to Pierce students.

“I think education is the future,” she said. “[The government] can take money away from somewhere else, but not from education.”

mhernandez.roundupnews@gmail.com

Devon Trammell / Roundup

LEADER: James McKeever, sociology professor, is active in student rights.

Michaia Hernandez/ Roundup

Coburn Palmer/ Roundup

Michaia Hernandez/ Roundup

Each section is color-coded. To view upcoming events in News, note the green text. To view Sports, note the red text. Arts & Entertainment events are highlighted in blue text.

Theater Department- TD ASO Meetings-ASO Board of Trustees-BOT Baseball- BB

Men’s Volleyball-MVB

Women’s Softball- SB Swimming/diving- SWIM Tennis- TEN

Latin American Culture Club every Monday at 4 p.m. Faculty Offices 3100

Sociology Club Wednesdays 2:30 p.m. Math 1401

Black Student Union Tuesday 2:30 p.m. BEH 1300

Geology Club Wednesday 5 p.m. Center for the Sciences 2049

Aspire Tuesday 2 p.m. Thursday 1 p.m. ASO Conference Room

International Club Wednesday and Thursday 12:30 p.m. International Student Lounge

Boots and Saddles Tuesday 4 p.m. Center for the Sciences 91126

Filipino Culture through Dance 3 p.m. North Gym 5600

Anime Friday 6 p.m. Center for the Sciences 91120

4 corners co-op Friday 10:30 a.m. BUS 3203

Robot club Tuesday 5 p.m. Wednesday 4 p.m. Friday 5 p.m. CNA lab 3808

French club Thursday 12:45 p.m. Village 8102 GSA Wed 3p.m. BUS 3206

Photos brought to you by the ladies and gentlemen of the Roundup

As Laura Sixtos worked in her living room, her phone started to ring.

Her daughter Andrea’s talent manager was calling.

She thought it was the typical audition call.

It wasn’t.

“Your daughter’s going to be a star,” the manager said.

Laura’s heart began to pound as she learned her daughter had landed a role in the new Spider-Man movie.

Andrea, still wrapped in her bed sheets, was in disbelief when her mother informed her she landed the role.

Immediately, she jumped out of bed with joy and hugged her mother as the tears fell from her face.

“It was a very emotional moment,” said Andrea. “This is really going to boost my career.”

Andrea, 20, hopes her role in the movie is only a stepping-stone to her dream of becoming a Hollywood star.

At Pierce, she has already reached stardom as a softball player.

Although the second baseman came into the season with limited experience, she has played like a well-seasoned veteran.

She currently leads the Western State Conference Gold in batting average, hitting .529 with three home-runs, 11 RBIs and 12 stolen bases.

“She’s first team all-conference,” said head coach Pat Grennan.

Prior to her collegiate career, Andrea played at El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills.

That was in 2006, as a 10th grader playing junior varsity.

“It was a hard year. It was fun, but it was really hard,” said the Pierce second baseman. “It was hard on me physically. It was hard on me mentally.”

BR A H M A BRAHMA SPORT I NG SPORTING AG E N DA AGENDA BASEBALL SOFTBALL

The memory of her coach making her run 25 laps around two softball fields during a game for being late still lingers in her mind as do other grueling situations she faced.

“She would work us to the bone,” Andrea said. “She would make us condition until we cried.”

In addition to being overworked, Andrea, was put on the spot more than everyone else on the team.

“Even though I was treated unfairly, I never gave up,” she said. “I saw girls dropping left and right. That’s not the way to handle things.”

Midway through the season she was benched and replaced with the team’s teacher assistant, which impacted her decision on returning the following season and moving on to varsity.

“She really tweaked my attitude about wanting to be on that team -- she was just so negative,” she said.

Andrea described herself in high school as the one who hustled the most, ran the hardest and really cared.

However, she didn’t feel her coach recognized her hard work.

This season her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Everyone from teammates to coaches have praised Andrea’s diligence.

“Any drill we ask her to do, she does,” said Grennan. “She never stops working.”

Outfielder Ashlee Amerian, who played with Andrea’s older-sister, Alicia, last season describes the Sixtos sisters as being very alike.

“They’re both positive and try to keep everyone around them positive,” said Amerian.

Coming into the season the team hadn’t a

won a game since 2009. This year they’ve improved their win total from the last two seasons with five wins.

Amerian credits Andrea for the team’s success.

“She’s a busy girl, but, when she’s there she puts in 110 percent every time,” she said. “Everyone on the team loves her.”

First-year assistant coach

Danny Moore views Andrea as a “natural leader.”

“On the field she talks a lot,” he said.

Andrea expressed her interest in coming back as a team captain.

“I would freaking love it,” she exclaimed. “I love my team. We’re a little family.”

The second baseman began the season playing first.

“She’s capable of playing all positions,” said Moore. “You can plug her anywhere and she’ll adapt.”

Playing multiple positions is an everyday thing for Andrea.

When she’s not on the field or on set, she enjoys playing the piano.

Her repertoire on the keys includes Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” and songs from the 2001 film “Amelie.”

She dubs her father as her number one fan. He claps after every symphony she plays and chants, “we’ve got gold, we’ve got gold.”

“My dad is a great inspiration, he’s so supportive in everything I do,” she said.

Although she doesn’t know how to read music, she’s committed to learning and plays at least once a day.

“Any chance I get I’m on my piano,” she said. “It really feeds my soul, there’s so much passion put into it.”

School is also high up on her list of priorities. She is currently enrolled in 12 units.

Similar to Peter Parker’s lifestyle, Andrea is a superhero in her own right; in her ability to balance everything out.

Andrea began acting at age 13 in a Sear’s Christmas commercial.

She’s also made an appearance on Nickelodeon’s “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide” and has been in other commercials, shows and independent films.

In her latest project “The Amazing SpiderMan,” Andrea plays a character named Sharisse, best-friend to Emma Stone’s character, Gwen Stacy.

One of her scenes shows her in an encounter with the villain in the movie known as “The Lizard.”

One person who, according to Andrea, played a major role in helping her land the part in the newest Spider-Man film debuting July 2012, is acting coach Steven Anderson.

Anderson met Andrea three years ago, when she and her two sisters, Alicia and Veronica were looking to join his class.

With limited space in the class, Anderson told the trio they had to prep a monologue and perform it for him if they wanted to get into the class.

He recalls Andrea being the spokesperson of the group and volunteering to go first.

“She delivered a power-punch monologue,” he said. “She’s very driven.”

Anderson, who has coached big names like Halle Berry, Eva Longoria and Shemar Moore; views Andrea as very committed and hard-working.

He compares her work ethic to that of Longoria’s.

“There’s a lot of pretty people in Hollywood, but, many of them can’t walk and talk at the same time,” Anderson said. “The thing that differentiates Andrea is her diligence and work ethic.”

bmelara.roundupnews@gmail.com

Bryan Melara / Roundup

Playing a little pitch and catch

After throwing eight complete innings, sophomore pitcher Ryan Santhon walks off of the mound toward a dugout full of applause and hugs. He embraces his teammates but quickly begins to seek out his catcher, freshman Alex Gonzalez, to give him a hug.

In baseball, each position on the field is assigned a number one through nine. The pitcher position is assigned number one; and of course, that would make the catching position number two.

“[The pitcher/catcher relationship] is probably the most important, because they control every pitch,” said Pierce College baseball head coach and former pitcher John Bushart. “They have to be more focused and on the same page than any other player on the field.”

With any team sport, trust and the ability to communicate with one another are key aspects of winning. But with baseball those characteristics become essential between a pitcher and catcher.

“We have to know what each other is thinking to get guys out,” said Gonzalez.

Pitchers appreciate their guys tat strap on the gear on a daily basis.

“A couple times today, I had my grip already in my hand and he called down [the same] pitch,” said Santhon. “You have to be on the same page the whole game.”

This year’s baseball team is lucky enough to have four catchers, including sophomore Travis Forbes. Forbes, who is a utility player for the Brahmas, has signed to catch at Gonzaga University beginning in the fall.

“[The catcher] is the main position on the field, there is a reason everyone is facing you,” said Forbes. “To have the opportunity to compete for the main leadership job on a team, I’m really excited.”

Forbes, whose primary position is a catcher, has only caught four games with Pierce this season. But he still has his own way of bonding with the pitching staff.

“It’s little things, like a slap on the butt, a pound on their chest or the way you talk to them,” said Forbes. “As a catcher, the relation-

ship all starts with you. You have to be able to have an open dialogue with them. You have to be open and honest with them.”

Being honest with each other is one way to earn trust. But spending lots of time together also helps their bond forge together.

“Catchers and pitchers are together all the time,” said Forbes.

Each battering tandem has a different report with one another.

“I have a different relationship with every [pitcher],” said Gonzalez. “It only develops with time.”

Experience is what helps to develop each relationship over time.

“It doesn’t happen over night,” said Bushart. “We use the three or four months in the fall to build that bond. That’s what the pre-season is for.”

Since it seems that the “same page” is the key to a pitcher and catcher’s success and ultimately the team’s success, how do they get there?

“Friendships can’t just be purely baseball,” said Forbes. “You can’t just trust someone based on that. You have to get to know them on a deeper level.”

For Forbes and Santhon, they’ve gone out to a pre-game dinner before each one of Santhon’s starts, and if he keeps winning, they don’t change the place.

Luckily the bond for Gonzalez and Santhon developed quickly when Gonzalez came to Pierce. They’ve known each other since they were seven.

“A catcher has to know the pitcher’s strengths and weaknesses,” said Bushart. “They have to know each other extremely well, not just the physical part, but the mental part too. It’s like a husband and a wife.”

The give and take mentality has to be met with patience and understanding, because the team comes first.

“The ultimate goal is win a baseball game out here, and it starts behind the dish and starts on the mound,” said Forbes.

The pitcher and catcher relationship may be one of the most important relationships on the baseball field, but in order for all of the Brahmas to play with “swag” and be the “base gods” they want to become, they will all need to play as one.

lreyes.roundupnews@gmail.com

Pierce shortstop Matt Sanchez has been a model of consistent play for the Brahmas this season. Offensively and defensively, the freshman from Kennedy High School has been at or near the top of the lineup while leading the team in batting average (currently .327). The young infielder also leads the team in hits (32), doubles (8), assists (67), and is second in both RBI’s (16), and total bases (43).

The Pierce College women’s relay team has dominated the pool so far this season. Four woman swimmers comprise the undefeated Brahma squad: (top left, clockwise) Jessica Sanmarti, Samantha Price, Brandy Cuellar, and Diba Alemi. Pierce has finished first in each of the three quad meets this year.

This sophomore right-hander has been a hard luck loser for the majority of the season due to a lack of run support and inconsistent defense. Krahling leads the team in basically every major pitching category, and last week versus Moorpark she went all seven, striking out seven while allowing only two earned runs (seven total).

Lorrie Reyes/ Roundup

BA SE BA L L —BASEBALL— Matt Sanchez

S W I M —SWIM— Women’s relay team

SOF T BA L L —SOFTBALL— Heather Krahling

Jose Romero / Roundup

Secrets: Team ace pitcher Ryan Santhon (left) and catcher Travis Forbes discuss strategy between hitters and donʼt want anyone else to hear.

Compiled by Mark Gillman Photos by Joe Kukuczka