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el Don
/SANTA ANA COLLEGE / eldonnews.org
THE POLL: Do you agree with the overturning of Proposition 8 in California? eldonnews.org
FEBRUARY 13, 2012 / Vol. 89 / No.6
STRONG START SPORTS / 12
Eric Lomeli / el Don
Kaitlyn Hooper leads streaking Dons to 5-2 start
NEWS/ANIMATION LAB/ 3 • STYLE/VALENTINE’S DAY/ 9 • VIEWS/PROP 8 OVERTURNED/ 10
el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
NEWS
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HigH CHeeSe / Sophomore pitcher Jarret Porter is set to lead a young Dons staff through this season. / eric lomeli / el Don
elSTAFF Don Co-Editor in Chief Eric Lomeli chief@eldonnews.org Co-Editor in Chief Robert Wojtkiewicz news@eldonnews.org Style Editor Shavod Culberson style@eldonnews.org
el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
Photo Editor Daniel Hubert photo@eldonnews.org
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Art Editor Tina Syrengelas art@eldonnews.org Web Editor Josephine Gan web@eldonnews.org Production Manager Martin Syjuco production@eldonnews.org Faculty Adviser Professor C.W. Little Jr. little_charles@sac.edu Business Manager Allene Symons symons_allene@sac.edu
WHAT’S INSIDE
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el Don encourages the expression of all views. Letters should be no longer than 150 words, signed, and include a contact phone number, major and e-mailed to eldonviews@sac.edu or mailed to SAC el Don, 17th at Bristol St., Santa Ana, CA 92706. el Don reserves the right to refuse advertising and does not necessarily subscribe to the views of the advertisers. For advertising rates and information contact Allene Symons@ (714)564-5617. Fax (714) 564-0821. e-mail eldonbusiness@sac.edu
5 NEWS
Dropping your smartphone in water could be costly. Liquipel can help save you money.
7 STYLE
Anaheim celebrated Black History Month with a parade, live music and bazaar.
10 VIEWS
Baseball’s obsession with Moneyball stats has removed all that’s fun about the game.
el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
NEWS
Joe Hay
Obituary
/ photo courtesy / MaxPreps
manipulation / Professor Patricia Waterman (right) shows student Elizabeth Cordova how to use the digital drawing boards. The Wacom tablets can render images and allow user to sculpt, all in 3D. / eric lomeli / el Don
modeling and animation / By maggie vela
HIGH TECH TABLETS SPARK 3D CREATIONS
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he classic computer mouse has no room in the future, thanks to new interactive design equipment located in A-223. A brand new Cintiq lab opened last fall, and it’s rapidly gaining momentum with artists collegewide. The lab features 22 Wacom tablets. The 21-inch tabletscreen hybrids are equipped with the latest, industrystandard software. Instead of a mouse to digitally paint and sculpt, now artists utilize a pressure sensitive, cordless digital pen. The pen replicates the use of a brush, marker, pen or pencil. Students can adjust the monitor to lay flat or tilt to a comfortable painting position, allowing them to draw directly onto the screens surface. “Using a mouse to draw on a computer is like trying to draw with a brick,” said Patricia Waterman, professor of 3D animation. The pens are especially essential
with Mudbox, software that allows users to manipulate shapes in 3D. Students can then select from an array of tools to add, remove, scrape and add texture. Using the pen onscreen, students can create projects ranging from architectural designs, 3D medical device demonstrations to special effects as seen in motion pictures created on Hollywood sets.
Waterman stressed the importance of using art as a form of communication. “We’re pushing pixels instead of paint,” she said. Waterman is currently the only faculty member who oversees the 3D modeling and animation lab. The 3D Modeling and Animation program currently awards three different certificates. The college offers 3D Modeling and Animation with emphases in art, video game and interactive media art and visualization. “This classroom has to do with the real world, there’s a practical use for 3D animation,” said Waterman about the projects on which students are working. The Career Technical Education program funded the upgraded lab through a federal grant. “I don’t call it visiting the lab, I call it work” says current 3D animation student Paul Simonson. “Finally some art work.”
el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
Former Garden Grove High School and prospective Santa Ana College football coach Joe Hay died in his sleep Friday, Jan. 27, a college official confirmed. Mr. Hay had recently accepted the position of defensive line coach for the Dons, and was in the process of completing his paperwork when he passed away from complications related to sleep apnea. In 2009, Mr. Hay coached Garden Grove to a 13-1 record en route to the CIF-SS Southern Division final. That year, he took a leave of absence from coaching. This year marked his return to the sidelines. “We were talking over the last few weeks and he was excited,” Santa Ana College Head Coach Geoff Jones said. “He really wanted to get back into coaching.” The news stunned the SAC coaching staff, who were looking forward to his contributions on and off the field. “I’m looking for guys who fit a mold, that are good people whom I’m going to spend a lot of time with,” Jones said. “My short list, like I told him, was him.” A memorial service was held yesterday in Newport Beach. Mr. Hay is survived by his wife, Nicole. / robert wojtkiewicz / el Don
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el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
NEWS
finding her way back Karla Perez fights through financial setbacks to once again make her college dream a reality
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el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
By robert wojtkiewicz / el Don
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he landscape of higher education is constantly changing, often forcing students to adapt and react to unseen circumstances. Karla Perez knows this firsthand. A mechanical engineering major at Santa Ana College, Karla was accepted to UC Berkeley during her senior year at Century High School in Santa Ana in 2009. “One of the scholarships they were going to give me was for about $10,000,” she said. “But there wasn’t enough funding, so I ended up with only about $2,500.” With the reduction to her scholarship money, Karla couldn’t cover the cost of her dormitory and decided to stay home in Santa Ana. Attending SAC was the obvious choice. “Most of my life has been here in Santa Ana,” she explained. “It was local and a lot of my friends were here, so I figured we could support each other.” Everyone here wants to help each other,” she said. “The faculty here wants to get connected with the students, they want to know what’s going on, and try to help you out as much as they can.” When she joined the campus Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program, Karla found a community of students and professors who shared her passion. Karla’s passion for engineering was sparked in an unlikely place, too. “I was watching the movie Hellboy, and I like to see behind the scenes,” she said. “I saw that his arm was actually a robotic arm that was controlled backstage. I thought it was pretty cool. Before I wanted to be a lawyer or a doctor, I wanted to do everything,” she added,“but that really summed it up for me.” Mechanical engineers have plenty of career opportunities, and Karla’s seem just as broad. “I want to eventually have my own Vegas-style show, working backstage and do engineering, or work in the film industry doing special effects,” she said. Hollywood would seem a natural fit for Karla,
CAL / The mechanical engineering student will once again get a chance to go to Berkley. / daniel hubbert / el Don
given her affinity for the arts. An accomplished violinist, she also serves as an ASG senator representing the Fine and Performing Arts division. Last December, she was asked to perform a piece with SAC music professor Brian Kehlenbach at the Santa Ana College Foundation’s Pageant of the Trees fundraiser. The pageant wasn’t the first interaction between Karla and the Foundation. When she applied to transfer this fall, she ran into trouble coming up with application fees.
When they heard about Karla’s troubles, the Foundation stepped in with a grant to cover her expenses. Karla’s future may be uncertain, but she has a plan. As an AB540 student, her career path might be dictated by the opportunities she has available to her. If she doesn’t decide to go for her master’s degree and doctorate right away, Karla said she will enter the workforce. “I’d like to work on prosthetic limbs for soldiers coming back from the war. Either that or get involved with NASA or develop my own toys to send out to third-world countries.”
el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
NEWS
waterproof cells A Santa Ana-based company updates an old concept to keep up with the fast-paced world of mobile device technology
Remember that time your phone fell into the toilet and you had to buy a new one at full price? Too bad you didn’t have a Liquipel coating on it. Based in Santa Ana, Liquipel has created a protective coating that, when applied to your cell phone, will keep it running after it comes in contact with any liquid. “I think it’s an awesome thing. I’ve had my phone water-damaged several times,” said Santa Ana College student Bushra Kunbarg. Liquipel applies the coating by putting the device in an airtight chamber to create a vacuum. Liquipel then binds a special coating to the phone’s surface on a molecular level, which means no physical changes will be made to your device. Air is returned to the chamber and the
process is complete. The whole thing takes about 30 minutes, minus the time it takes for their engineers to test the product to make sure they are comfortable working with the model you own. It costs $59, and the company guarantees that the coating will “outlast the life of your device.” The reasonable price seems ideal for a student on a budget. “I think that would be good, I’d be interested in something like that,” said SAC student Enrique Martinez. The list of supported devices ranges Guaranteed / Liquipel’s coating can save you money by protecting your high-tech investment from water damage. / shavod culberson / el Don from all versions of the iPhone to some phones from Motorola, Samwould be added to the approved list. you can either send it in or take it to sung and HTC. Even though your their facility, located on 2911 Tech device may not be on the list, Liquipel Other devices such as the iPad and different cameras are expected to be Center Drive, off the 55 Freeway in can still apply the coating, but they officially supported some time in Santa Ana. Sending it in will take a won’t be able to perform their extenthe future. couple of days, while taking it in will sive tests on it. To get your electronic device coated, only take about an hour. As time goes on, more devices
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By marcus leppo / el Don
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NEWS
MINISTRy ON THE GO 12:30 p.m. by the amphitheater. campus: Students talk about the Bible and their “Alpha Omega is designed for college students who are religion across Orange County college campuses. by enriQue sandoval / el Don
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el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldononline.org
hristian college students in Santa Ana are spreading their faith across local campuses the old fashioned way — evangelism. Though campuses are a likely place to reach a diverse set of youths, a 2011 poll shows that the more education a person gains, the less likely they are to believe in the Bible. With these statistics working against them, Christian students began weekly Bible Talk meetings in the Quad at Santa Ana College to share their faith with their peers in a prayer group known as Alpha Omega. Alpha Omega, a non-denominational Christian group of the Orange County Church of Christ, has already planted roots in at least four other colleges including Cal State Fullerton, UC Irvine and Chapman University, with plans to continue spreading its message across Orange County campuses. “Members of Alpha Omega from different campuses gather at CSUF and participate in Bible lectures,” said SAC student and Alpha Omega member Daniel Sandoval. Bible Talk meetings at SAC began last semester as a test. Now, about a dozen students gather every Wednesday at
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struggling with their faith as they enter such a vulnerable environment,” says Rudy Gonzalez, a member of the Christian youth group and student at SAC. “With so many distractions, Bible Talks provide that positive reinforcement.” Along with the many diversions in the world that the group believes lead people away from their faith, education may play an even bigger role. A May 2011 Gallup Poll showed that literal belief in the Bible declines as education increases. Twenty-two percent of Americans with at least some college education believe the Bible is the actual word of God versus 56 percent who believe the Bible is an inspired word of God; 19 percent believe it is a book of fables and legends. “It’s not surprising that in today’s society, people rely less on the Bible to show how nature is a direct result of God when modern science has been answering questions about who we are for thousands of years,” member Adrianna Castro said. “As long as they are not pressuring students to join, I do not have an issue with their plan to reach out to other schools,” says Elizabeth Calderon. “I could understand why some students need it.”
ish cantero / el Don
SHARING EXPERIENCE Members of Alpha Omega share their faith with other students at the Quad on Wednesdays.
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Students enter a different environment once they enroll in college, and are exposed to new ideas.
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A 2011 poll shows that belief in the Bible declines as levels of education increase. The student organization offers guidance to those who feel a need to reaffirm their faith.
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el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
STYLE
Art Walk
Local
GETTIN’ DOWN / Local Christian talent Rock Boy Fresh hit the stage adding to the celebration. / SHAVOD CULBERSON / el Don
community feature / By sHAVOD cuLBERSON
ANAHEIM CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH
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blazing sun, with the breeze just so, Feb. 4 was perfect weather for the Black History Parade in downtown Anaheim. Community officials and leaders, members of churches, organizations and families filled Anaheim Boulevard between Lincoln and Broadway. The fair, hosted by local Christian comedian Lester Barrie, kicked off with a beautiful rendition of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by local talent Mykenzie Ward.
Following were tributes to the late jazz vocal great Etta James and Soul Train creator Don Cornelius. Both black legends passed away at the start of 2012. “That’s our goal. To bring the families together,” said Veronica Simms, member of the National Council of Negro Women of Orange County. The ceremony continued with some lively routines from the Anaheim High School Cheerleaders.
Oakland-based group 513 Elevators performed their song “Goin’ Up.” The crowd grew as church choirs around the city took turns singing Gospel songs. Local talents like singer ChyAnne, Christian band Rock Boy Fresh, Kim Harrell and the Briana Quarles Praise Dance duo hit the stage at different times during the afternoon. As music rocked the main stage, business hummed along at booths
lining the street. The fair hosted informational booths for organizations like KJLH radio station, American Red Cross, Marinello School of Beauty, and Black Business Network of Orange County, to name a few. There was some serious clothing and accessory shopping to be done with apparel commemorating African heritage. Arts-4-Less and AfriHats Clothing & Accessories were among the booths offering authentic jewelry pieces, artwork, shirts and African-inspired garments. The soul food was, in many ways, the highlight of the day. Vendors unveiled their own versions of barbecue ribs, fried chicken and catfish, hot links, and a variety of sodas. “The purpose of this assembly was to bring the African-American community together and to remember the long road our ancestors endured to gain the rights and freedoms available today,” Simms said.
el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
The sounds of smooth jazz, the smell of wine and subtle chatter filled the typically low-key downtown Santa Ana air Saturday, Feb. 4, during the Santa Ana Artists Village Art Walk. Families, couples, artists and art admirers walked around the Artists Village, hopping from one gallery to another, counting on viewing a diverse collection of modern, surrealist and classical style artwork, from paintings to sculptures. “I only paint things that make me happy,” Susie Vuong, of the Susie Vuong Gallery said. Vuong, one of the first artists at the Village, had countless paintings of flowers and women on the walls, stacked on tables and on the floor of her gallery. She has been painting for more than 15 years and is running out of space to display her work. At the Green Door Gallery, artist Kathie Warren had a mixture of paintings on canvas, hand-painted cards, magnets and sculptures. The whitefaced sculptures with red-painted lips and eerie but inviting smiles, called The Glamour Girls, was a play on Japanese porcelain masks. The next Art Walk, on Broadway and Second Street, is March 3 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free. / ARILIA WINN / el Don
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el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
a fading starr burns out A weird mix, including a milkshake made of a popular breakfast ingredient, highlight the week in entertainment.
buzz / Dane Deehan takes a break from HBO’s True Blood, starring in his first big screen role. / PHOTO COURTESY / 20th Century Fox
a super hero mix, with a dark twist By jared edwards/ el Don
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el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
nundated with blockbuster smashes of super mutant heroes and villains, one cannot help but be left with the fantasy of having such powers. Chronicle pairs up three diverse high school seniors, who make a supernatural discovery that changes their lives forever. Point-of-view camera angles can be challenging to watch, especially
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on the big screen. But this film changes that, seamlessly connecting the tight storyline with smooth special effects. The gradual build-up of the friendship demise is an intimate progression that almost has you rooting for the bad guy. Anyone who has ever dreamed of having special powers will find this movie magically entertaining.
legend / The former Beatle drums up the kitsch, going after a sound that can be best described as Jimmy Buffett performing in Antarctica. / Gary Friedman/ MCT
Aging pop titan soils his reputation By marissa adams / el Don
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he future does not look bright for Ringo Starr’s latest album, Ringo 2012. Released Jan. 31, it is an underwhelming musical experience that even the notoriety of a former Beatle isn’t likely to salvage. In a style recognizably Starr’s, the music itself is less than remarkable. The musical production is disappointing, with each song sounding like a karaoke background track. With Joe Walsh, formerly of the Eagles, on lead guitar, fans of classic rock would expect a skilled performance. However, Walsh’s interludes
are so basic that his presence on the album is hardly noteworthy. Ringo Starr’s time spent with the Beatles gave him a rock ‘n’ roll reputation as a talented drummer. Unfortunately, this album displays none of that talent and instead delivers mundane beats easily produced on a drum machine. Starr’s lyrics are often silly, but on this album they just sound awkward. He desperately seeks rhymes with little regard for lyrical flow. Starr’s new album is destined to be tuned out, like the rest of his career after the Beatles broke up.
HEAVENLY / Jack in the Box unveiled the limited edition Bacon Shake, available for a limited time ... for now. / DANIEL HUBERT / el Don
It’s a sin By ROBERT WOJTKIEWICZ/ el Don
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ur country was founded on the idea that all shakes are created equal. The Bacon Shake, from Jack in the Box, disproves that notion. Available for a limited time, the Bacon Shake is a perfect blend of creamy dairy and salty, smoky swine. Bacon connoisseurs will appreciate how the salty meat and the tasty fat from the tuxedo of pork cuts are equally represented in this delicious concoction. Keeping with tradition, the Bacon Shake is topped with whipped cream and a cherry, tricking the eyes into thinking they behold a “normal” milkshake. But taste buds will soon realize the beauty of this treat. Will the Bacon Shake reach the cult-like status of McDonald’s McRib? That remains to be seen. For now, go forth and have bacon.
el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
THE CHEESE fACTORY
Don’t break the bank on Valentine’s Day. Memories can be made instead of bought.
HE SAYS / SHE SAYS
Q: What are you getting your love on Valentine’s Day? ALBERT LOpEz: Plan of attack is to pick up some flowers and balloons and head out to dinner. I’m not sure where we are going after but I want to spend time with my girlfriend. Debating on catching a movie, or not, as well.
This year I agreed to be spoiled by my boyfriend. I’m spoiling him on the mid-west holiday Sweetest Day. Against his wishes, I’m still getting him a card and chocolate. I have a secret surprise for him too.
VICTOR mARTINEz:
TO BUy OR NOT TO BUy By SHAVOD CULBERSON / el Don
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any feel pressured to dish out big bucks for their lover. But the fi nancial demands of college life can make one stress about how they are going to spend Valentine’s Day. As always, make quality win over quantity. Think smarter not harder. “It’s the thought that counts,” is proving true around campus. Here are a few suggestions for those battling between gift ideas and budget woes. Do it yourself this year. Remember, “it’s the thought that counts”, and what says “I love you” better than something homemade? Cards with words from your heart, a CD mix of his/her favorite hits or easy-to-do
crafts like scented candles. Spend time with your valentine. Visiting a theater is not spending time together because you are both fi xated on the screen and not on each other. Instead, have a romantic evening at home with a movie you can talk through, pause and rewind. Comedies or action movies are great options. Follow that with a home-cooked meal and a walk around the park star-gazing. Or, you can do as the Romans do when in Rome — buy a cliché gift. There will be plenty of corner vendors selling fl owers, heart-shaped chocolates, heart shaped balloons and stuff ed animals for those looking to pick-up something at the last minute.
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Check out our Do-It-Yourself video on V-Day Cards @ eldonnews.org
My girlfriend and I are heading to Las Vegas. We’ve been together for eight years and we plan to get married in Las Vegas. I also got her a bracelet and a necklace and, of course, flowers and a card.
ELIzABETH LUNA: I’m still deciding on what to get my boyfriend. I’m going to start with a homemade card. I’m good at baking so I’m going to bake a cookie cake or a regular cake. I’m looking forward to spending time with him.
el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
ELAIzA ARmAS:
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el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
VIEWS
Baseball
Opinion
el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
dan honda / MCT
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federal APPEALS COURT ALLOWS MARRIaGE FOR ALL STAFF EDITORIAL
After four years, California has established the right of same-sex couples to marry
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n 2008, California voters decided by a narrow margin to make same-sex marriage illegal by establishing a definition of what exactly marriage is — a union between a man and a woman. Now, with a federal appeals court in California overturning Proposition 8 last week, same-sex couples finally have the right to establish a binding legal relationship and ensure themselves of certain protections. There has been much discussion about how allowing same-sex couples would destroy the “sanctity” of marriage. But in a world where couples can marry for hours and politicians can change wives as often as socks, “sanctity” has no place in the argument. Same-sex couples now have the chance to prove 52 percent of Californians wrong and take their vows seriously. Marriage
means a respect for one’s partner and a shared relationship. It is not something to take lightly. A long struggle for equality could be diminished through carelessness and arrogance on the part of those that marry to just get married. The battle for California has been won — for now. The ruling, likely to go to the U.S. Supreme Court, makes California one of a handful of states to recognize same-sex marriages. In effect, 52 percent of Californians favored bigotry toward the LGBT community in 2008. Supporters of Proposition 8 argued that allowing all genders to marry whomsoever they please would impose on their religious practices and destroy marriage. They may have pooled their numbers to reach a majority, but a majority in the wrong is wrong nonetheless.
When it comes to baseball, there have always been and always will be stat geeks. Since its beginnings, the sport has been defined by the numbers. But now, more and more statistic-obsessed fans seem to be coming out of the bullpen. There is nothing wrong with stats, but some of these numbers are just ridiculous. Do average fans need stats like wRC+ or wOBA? What about triples to left field when a player’s right cleat is tighter than the left? Today’s baseball execs are more likely to have Ivy League number crunching degrees than to have ever spit tobacco. America’s favorite pastime is defined not by players, but by their stats. How many more big-name trades will Sportscenter report in terms of how the move will affect the player’s numbers, and not the teams involved? Average baseball fans can fight back. Buy your ticket, grab a beer and a hotdog and enjoy the game for what it is — a man with a bat, swinging it at a ball, vying for the only stat that matters, a win. / robert wojtkiewicz / el Don
Tina syrengelas / el Don
el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
VIEWS
OPINION
feed the poor — Eat the rich by joseph o’brien / el Don
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Dean hollingsworth / MCT
resident Barack Obama’s words at the National Prayer Breakfast Feb. 2, “for unto whom much is given, much shall be required,” were not just a strategic move to disprove recent allegations that he is destroying religion in the United States. These words were a persuasive tactic for his argument to tax the richest citizens of America. Last year, the Obama administration relentlessly tried to convince Republicans in Congress to pass legislation to create jobs while raising taxes on the rich and closing loopholes. Republicans repeatedly refused to even vote on his measures, sending them down to committee to die. Obama’s plans were labeled “class warfare” but it’s just simple math. With our current economic woes and constant cuts to education, financial aid and other social programs, raising taxes on the rich is not only a good idea, it is absolutely vital to ensure future prosperity. The idea of cutting taxes on the rich became popular under President Ronald Reagan. During his administration, the top tax rate for the richest Americans fell from 70 percent to a minuscule 28 percent. The argument was: If you gave more money to the richest people in this country, or ‘job creators’, they would have more money to invest in industries across the nation, leading to the creation of more jobs. The current tax rate for the richest Americans is now 39 percent, and while they have gotten richer, the poor have gotten poorer. All
these tax breaks we give to the rich to create jobs just go to overseas factories where labor is cheap, leaving the American economy hanging and citizens unemployed. It is not the federal government’s responsibility to create jobs. That is the role of the private sector, which has only pocketed the golden parachutes they have sown for themselves. Either they believe in socioeconomic Darwinism or they simply have no regard for the economic state of our nation. Reversing ‘Reaganomics’ is more useful in our world today: tax breaks to the middle and lower classes would put more money in their pockets. It’s called trickleup economics. Think of it this way —rich people receive more money and what do they do? They save it. Poor people receive more money, and what do they do? They spend it. While the rich save millions, the poor spend nearly every dime they have buying bare necessities. A plan to kick start spending from the bottom up is a better way to ensure American job growth. It is up to the voters to decide in what direction they want to take this country. The 2012 election will be a referendum on where the people stand on this issue, among many others. We must ask ourselves: Do you stand with a party who’s general objective lies with the good of all American people, despite race, religion or socioeconomic status, or do you stand with a party that protects the rich at the expense of the rest? It’s not hard to figure out who is who in this game of thrones.
el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
It is time to send a trickle down the spines of American taxpayers.
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el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
SPORTS
Season Recap
el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
Basketball
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Through 22 games, the Dons improved on its three-win 2010-2011 season. The young team went 8-14, while going 2-7 in Orange Empire Conference play, handing division powerhouse Saddleback College its first conference loss. “We won eight games, that is five more than last year,” said freshman point guard Kevin Ramirez. “It still isn’t enough, but I think we did well.” High expectations competed with early chemistry troubles, causing the Dons to stumble early in the season. “At the start nobody thought we would win more than three games,” Ramirez said. Comprised mostly of freshmen, the team looks ahead instead of dwelling on the current season. Only 25 percent of the team are sophomores. “Our chemistry is there and we are all excited since a lot of us are coming back,” Ramirez said. “We know how to play with each other now and we all know our roles. That is a positive.” Chemistry and experience is the foundation the Dons will start off with in the 2012-2013 season. / Eric Lomeli / el Don
safe / Sophomore catcher Kristen Hooper steals second base in the fifth inning against visiting East Los Angeles.
Women’s softball / Story and photo By ERic Lomeli
Softball team starts year with five straight wins
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hey came out of the cage swinging — the young and inexperienced squad, having single digit sophomores, started the season with a five game win-streak. “You’ve practiced so many times against your own team, that you’re excited to play another team,” said Co-Head Coach Jessica Rapoza. The streak began at the Glendale Tournament as the Dons went 4-0, outscoring its opponents 41 runs to five.
“We were all communicating and the team worked as a cohesive unit on the field,” said sophomore catcher Kristen Hooper. Kristen hit .538, (7-13), with seven RBIs and six runs scored in the five wins. Kristen’s twin sister, Kaitlyn, headed the pitching staff through the string of victories.
In the five games Kaitlyn pitched 28 innings and only surrendered three earned runs on 11 hits, while striking out nine. No other Don threw more than one inning. “Kaitlyn has been our leader,” said Rapoza. “She established early on she was going to throw strikes.”
Vital to Hooper’s early success in the pitcher’s circle was the Dons defense and a sibling who has the same DNA. “I have a great defense,” Kaitlyn Hooper said. “It is all them. I’m just letting the batters hit the ball.” Freshman first baseman Keila Tenorio smacked seven hits in 11 at bats, (.636), plating four runners while scoring three times. “It was a pleasant surprise to see that Keila really was what we thought she would be,” Rapoza said. “She was hurt most of the fall, so we didn’t get to see her then.” The streak ended Feb. 3 in an extra innings, 10-7 loss to visiting Cerritos College. This is the third consecutive season the Dons have not lost in the first five games.
el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
SPORTS
SWIMMING / WOMEN STRUGGLE THROUGH TOUGH SEASON
POOLING THEIR TALENTS daniel hubert / el Don
rolling in the deep As they forego team meets, the swimmers will instead focus on individual goals.
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The Dons have one of OEC’s smaller teams. Golden West College, for example, has 24 swimmers.
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Coach Michelle Welsh, hired last year, spent last season as the assistant coach to both water polo teams.
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The Dons will automatically lose team meets, but the swimmers keep their individual times, and any records they might break.
After a yearlong hiatus that grounded the Dons, the women’s swim team dove back into the waters Friday afternoon at Riverside. The team is not at full strength. Freshmen Daneyra Ortega, Sabina Ochoa and Nikole Facklam will make up the team, in a sport that needs four swimmers to compete in a relay race, a signature team event at state meets. “We’re building,” Assistant Coach Al Reyes said. “The girls swimming for us in spring are the same girls who played water polo in the fall.” In the meantime, the Dons will have to automatically take a loss in dual meets, for lack of swimmers to field. Golden West College, an Orange Empire Conference rival, has 24 swimmers on its team. “Swimming is a lot like track and field. You need numbers,” Reyes said.
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The coaching staff knows what it takes to re-establish SAC’s aquatics program. “We have a small team this year,” Ochoa said. “Hopefully we do well in our individual events.” Ortega swims the 50- and 100-meter freestyle events, “the marquee events,” Reyes said. She’s clear about her goals in the months ahead. “I’d like to break a school record, and be under a minute for the 100-freestyle,” Ortega said. “And finish the 50-freestyle under 24 seconds.” Facklam swims the 50-meter freestyle and 50-meter backstroke. Ochoa’s main event is the 100-meter breaststroke. The Dons hired coach Michelle Welsh late last season, and she didn’t have time to recruit student athletes. Most freshmen recruits had already made up their minds long before
Welsh arrived at SAC, in the middle of fall semester. Hired away from Long Beach Milliken High School, Welsh spent fall as Reyes’ assistant coach in water polo. Still, Welsh found three swimmers. Injuries, and a thin pool to choose from, caused the team to sit out one season, if only to save the freshmen status of the swimmers, said Avery Bridges, dean of athletics, after making the decision last year. “It’ll take a while, but I’m confident with what we’re doing right now. It is setting the building blocks for years to come,” Welsh said. While the Dons won’t be competing in team events, both coaching staff and swimmers are enthused about the experience, and about individual milestones the women can reach, or even surpass, this season. “We expect the individual races to be very close,” said Reyes.
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el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
By ERIC LOMELI / el Don
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el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
SPORTS
DIAMOND KINGS PREVIEW: Dons gearing up to defend its conference title.
of Santa Ana
el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
DH tyler madrid
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Freshman Tyler Madrid is playing his first season of organized baseball since the spring of 2008. “I haven’t played in a while, but I expect to have a solid season as a team and individual,” Madrid said. Shaking off the rust to get back into game ready shape is pivotal for Madrid’s and the Dons success.
STORY AND Photos By eric lomeli / el Don
Throwing heat/ Sophomore Jarret Porter struck out six batters in the Dons 14-6 win over Allan Hancock Feb. 4.
Dons begin OEC title defense
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he baseball team has issues to muddle through, but the team still has the state finals in mind. “We want to win the Orange Empire Conference. That is our expectation every year. Our first goal is to win that,” said Head Coach Don Sneddon, whose 31 years at the helm has produced major league all stars, including Angels lefty C.J. Wilson. The pitching staff is inexperienced. About half of the 15 pitchers are freshmen. The young staff does not have set roles yet, sophomore right-handers Jarret Porter and Garrett Wilson are guaranteed spots in the rotation. “We are still experimenting with that,” Sneddon said. “We got one out of Porter. Wilson, who was our reliever last year, is going to go into a starting role.” The Dons options after the starting nine are minimal. Minor injuries have thrown some of the regulars out of the loop at the start of the season. “We are real thin. We don’t have much depth on the bench at all,” Sneddon said. “We have no speed to run
or play defensive-wise. Injuries have really depleted our bench.” The returning sophomores will attempt to carry the load, building off strong freshmen seasons that could buy the young team time to mature through live-game experience. Last season, third baseman Adrian Garcia hit .345 in 40 games, scoring 35 runs while socking nine doubles. Shortstop Trevor Magno hit .317 in 39 games, driving in 20 RBIs. Centerfielder Dylan Jones hit .276 in 42 games, smacking five triples while driving in 23 RBIs. “Our ultimate goal is to get to Bakersfield and show why we are the No. 1 team in the state and Orange County,” said sophomore catcher Konnor Armijo. “If each guy does what they are supposed to be doing who knows what this team could do.” The Dons last trip to the state finals came in 2009, when the team lost to Diablo Valley College and San Joaquin Delta College in back-to-back games to end its season.
C KONNOR ARMIJO Sophomore catcher Konnor Armijo is set to lead an inexperienced pitching staff through the season. “It is a young team, so we are still trying to figure out what our character is going to be like,” Armijo said. His goals are to be a dual threat backstop — a catcher who can hit and defend — for the Dons. “First I need to stay healthy. I want to hit over .300 for sure and get my on base percentage up,” Armijo said. “If you’re on you have a chance to score. Catching-wise I want to throw out at least 50 to 60 percent of my runners.”
el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
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NUMBERS GAME
8 13 15
Consecutive years winning at least 30 games a season, out of about 45 games.
daniEL huBErt / el Don
LEGENDARY COACHING
Head Coach Don Sneddon is in his 31st season at SAC. Under Sneddon the Dons have earned numerous accolades. In his 30 seasons, the Dons have won 16 Orange Empire Conference titles and three state championships. Last season, Sneddon coached his 1,000th victory. Over 100 diff erent players have signed professional contracts during Sneddon’s tenure.
WINNING TRADITION
The Dons have won the OEC Championship in fi ve straight years. Under Sneddon the Dons have boasted a streak of 29 seasons with a .500 winning percentage or better — including 21 seasons better than .700.
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Total number of sophomores in a team of 31.
Pitchers the Dons have on the roster. Two are southpaws.
el Don / eldonnews.org
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el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
We don’t have much depth on the bench at all. We have no speed to run or play defensivewise. Injuries have really depleted our bench.
SPORTS
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el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012/eldonnews.org
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