SAN JACINTO TIMES MADD puts on powerful display at South campus e student publication of the San Jacinto College District
Vol. 24, No. 4
Jessica Warren Staff Writer
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) organized a chilling display called Horrors of Crash on San Jacinto College South Campus Oct. 22 featuring wreckage extracted from deadly drunken driving crashes. GUST and INRW classes assisted in coordinating the event aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving among college students. Carol Levin, a MADD volunteer and a victim’s mother, said a drunken male driving 85 mph hit her son’s vehicle head on. He died instantly while his fiancé died on the way to the hospital. “…Never one time did he show remorse, and that’s the part that’s the hardest for me. If I ever heard an ‘I’m sorry,’ it would sure help,” Levin said. “Over 1,000 people were killed in the last month,” Levin said. “We are trying to pass laws to help with drunk driving,
November 11, 2013
but it’s difficult because Texas is the big boy state.” Parents of drunken driving victims attended the event to share their stories about the car crash that changed their lives forever. La Porte Police Officer Benny Boles said paying attention to time of the day is essential in keeping the public safe from drunk drivers. “Between 11 a.m. and 3 a.m., I want to stop as many cars as possible. Because statistically, between that time period, about half of the vehicles out on the roadway are impaired drivers,” Boles said. Drivers get irritated when pulled over for minor infractions, but these stops deliberately check for drunkenness, Boles said. Meanwhile, he said a DUI arrest is followed by an expensive process including a $5,000 minimum fine, at least one night in jail, three or four court appearances, and a yearly fee to maintain a driver’s license.
See Crash on Page 4
The wreckage featured in Horrors of Crash highlights the tragedy of drunken driving.
Students sharpen research skills for Expo Carolina Rodriguez Staff Writer
San Jacinto College students showcased their research and creative skills during the twelfth Psychology Exposition on North Campus. The Exposition took place Oct. 23 and 24 in the Monument Room of the student center. Department Chairperson of Behavior Science Dana Rocha said the exposition is a relatively new event for San Jac. “It started in the spring of 2007, and we hold the expo every Fall and Spring semester,” Rocha said. “I got the idea from attending something similar.” According to Rocha, the psychology exposition faculty’s hard work and dedicated collaboration have made the event a success over the past years, and it continues to grow. Furthermore, she said, the exposition offers students important learning opportunities, and “strengthens a sense of community when people come in here and learn about topics that are relevant to everyday life.” Professor Tammy Miller said the research projects displayed at the Expo are assigned in students’ psychology classes and require a multi-step process. “First, they have to find a scientific journal arti-
cle and write a summary paper that is two to three pages, and they have to take that topic and explain it as fully as they can on the poster for this expo. And then, the third component is that they have to create something original that is placed in front of their poster,” Miller said. Meanwhile, Rocha said students are able to understand their topic, be as inventive as they like, and create a visual object to make their presentation stand out. “It a really good process…,” Rocha said. “They get to be as creative as they want to, and it tests them in multiple areas which are great. It’s writing, it is a presentation, and then a lot of them have very original ideas on what they can add to their poster. So, I think it is an overall benefit for their education,” Rocha said. Professor Rachel Chapa has worked with students for two semesters on their psychology posters and said the learning outcomes of the students’ projects are different. “A lot of students will say, ‘Oh wow, I didn’t know that,’ with their topic they don’t know what they are going to be finding, and a lot of times it takes them in a different direction, sometimes they are surprised by what they find,” Chapa said.
Jessica Warren San Jacinto Times
Event spotlights domestic violence
Christopher Rodriguez Editor-in-chief
Scary things happen on Halloween. Ghouls and monsters linger in the darkness, but a scarier threat lurking in the shadows is domestic violence. The Educational Planning and Counseling Department at San Jacinto College Central Campus hosted a Halloween-themed Domestic Violence Awareness event Oct. 31 in the student center. Counselor Eitandria Gatlin said the event aimed to bring attention to the issue, but also meant to highlight the resources available to victims. "In honor of Domestic Violence Month, which is every October, we wanted to just put a spotlight on domestic violence and how it affects everyone on campus," Gatlin said. "The event is an informational event, and since it's on Halloween, we also thought of handing out candy and informational booklets and things like that.” Dean of Student Development Dr. Deborah McGinty said she noticed a void existed at Central campus concerning this type of abuse when she assumed her position as dean. "When I was a counselor at another campus, North Campus, I hosted an event with domestic violence awareness," McGinty said. "That was a couple of
years back, and I saw that there was a need for it, and it was something I wanted to do when I came here." "It exists. So, there is a need for awareness," she said. McGinty said she discussed launching the event with Gatlin, and they agreed it would benefit the Central campus community. "I met with Eitandria and said this was something that was really great; bringing awareness to not just females, but males too," Gatlin said. "I gave her some information, and she just ran with it; and it just so happened that it ties in with the whole month of October and Halloween theme. So, we tossed some ideas, and she came up with a great theme." However, Gatlin said talking to students about possible abuse is a difficult process that often makes them uncomfortable. "We're trying to have it as a non-intimidating event,” Gatlin said. “So, we're not going to have police officers or anything like that. But, we do have resources from the Pasadena Police Department and brochures with free information in English and Spanish; so that students can feel comfortable coming and getting information not only for themselves, but for their friends and family members."
Walk showcases natural diversity of San Jac North See Expo on Page 4
Professor Stephen Lorenz holds (from left) a Common Buckeye, a Monarch butterfly, a Red Wasp and a Blue Dasher for students to see.
Efren Diosdado Staff Writer
Nature lovers were in for a treat Oct. 25 when San Jacinto College Biology Professor Stephan Lorenz led students and faculty on a nature walk around
North Campus to survey trees, butterflies, insects, birds and, depending on the weather, possibly amphibians. The one-hour walk started at 8 a.m. in the science building and followed the regular loop around the campus.
Lorenz said the purpose of the walks is to help students become familiar with science while becoming acquainted with North campus. “The campus has a nice diversity, and it’s a good way to introduce biology,” Lorenz said. He said he introduced the nature walks when he
See Violence on Page 4
Efren Diosdado San Jacinto Times
started working at San Jac 2 ½ years ago. “It’s my passion. I do this on my spare time,” Lorenz said, “It’s a good way to learn. It’s relaxing and you’d be surprised what you find here.”
See Nature on Page 4
San Jacinto Times
November 11, 2013
Opinion/Commentary
C-Rod says what C-Rod thinks: next generation gaming consoles nothing to get excited over
Christopher Rodriguez Editor-in-chief
In less than a month, the video game market will welcome the Xbox One and PS4; the next generation (gen) of gaming consoles. The Xbox One comes out Nov.
22 while the PS4 launches Nov. 15. The two systems will be rivals as were their predecessors; the Xbox 360 and PS3. The big retailers already sold out from massive pre-orders for both consoles. I'm a huge video game guy. I own a PS3, an Xbox 360, and a Wii (to collect dust). Now, I play the life out of my 360, but I look at my PS3 and think, "you're my blu-ray player." OK, not really; I use it to play exclusives. Now that the new consoles are coming out, it would seem like I would want to buy one of these hunks of plastic. No sir, I will not be buying one; maybe steal it, but not buy it.
I don't feel the need to upgrade to a new system. Both new systems have weak game release lineups, and I still have about 20 games to finish on my old systems. Also, the next gen consoles are not backwards-compatible so my games will not work on the new console. So, games that I have yet to finish will accumulate more dust. Furthermore, the titles launching with the new consoles aren’t really anything to give a cookie over. The blockbuster games Call of Duty, Battlefield, Assassin’s Creed – aren’t next gen exclusives that I have to give an arm for. Of course, there’s going to be next gen graphics that’ll run
well on my 720p TV (not really). The truth is I’m not ready to buy a new system with the same titles the current gens have. Who’s ready to dish out $400 to $500 on a new piece of plastic made in China? That price tag is kind of harsh to grasp. The cost of the new consoles will eventually decrease, or they will offer some sort of value bundle. When I first bought the Xbox 360, I paid $400 (plus taxes), but I didn’t buy it when it first came out. It was about a year and a half later. I have spent big bucks on gaming consoles because I was a 13-year-old who HAD to upgrade. It’s not that I can’t afford a new console; I don’t feel that I should
go out and buy something that doesn’t need replacing. My need to upgrade is in the past. Before my 360, I had an original Xbox and burned all my games because I played so much. I wanted to experience Xbox Live and all the new games on the 360. I bought the 360, played Live with my buddies and had a good time. The only down side of owning one of the first 360s was the ‘Red Ring of Death’ (console failure). My Xbox suffered this illness and I had to replace it. Luckily, Microsoft extended its warranty for 360s suffering that fate. I got a new Xbox (well, Microsoft-refurbished) and all was set. I think both Microsoft and Sony
More from Moore: smart watches ain’t just for James Bond anymore
Alex Moore
Department Editor
Cell phones are a major part of everyone’s day; I think we can all agree on that.
How would you like it if they were accessible at all times - whether in class, at work, or even driving? With the technology we now have, it’s possible. The new technology fad seems to be smart watches. What are smart watches? They are watches that connect to your phone and allow you to view your messages, make phone calls, and even check your email. Smart watches are innovative ideas that keep us connected to our cell phones - without actually having to touch our phones. The first smart watch I heard of was the Pebble. This device has endless capabilities and is only getting better. With Pebble, users can view messages, control music, check emails and
change watch faces whenever they like. Also, the Pebble has a number of Apps available for download that sync with the watch. Meanwhile, if you don’t like the thousands of premade watch faces Pebble offers, the manufacturers give you an option to create your own. Samsung released its smart watch, the Galaxy Gear. Right now, it can only be used with the Galaxy Note 3 phone, but by the beginning of December, an update will allow its use with most Galaxy phones. The Gear features a crystal clear display and a camera built into the wrist strap for snapping quick pictures. It performs most of the basic functions the phone does like voice memos and
making phone calls - thanks to the onscreen dial pad, built-in speaker and microphone. The Gear is currently the best looking smart watch on the market, but because it’s so new, there are still a few glitches to work out. Other competitors are starting to produce smart watches, but the Pebble and Gear are the clear front-runners. Apple is rumored to have an “iWatch” in the works, but reports say it won’t be released until - at the earliest - the summer of 2014. Whether we’re fans of Star Trek, the Power Rangers, The Jetsons, or even of James Bond, we’ve all dreamed of using our watches as a phone or walkie-talkie. Those dreams have now come true.
Artwork by Chris Gaviria
San Jacinto Times San Jacinto College Student Publications
ADVISER
Hellen Papadacos
PRODUCTION MANAGER Sara Quintana
ADVERTISING Sara Quintana
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Christopher Rodriguez
DEPARTMENT EDITORS
STAFF WRITERS Alexis Davlin
Efren Diosdado Susan Moosavi
Jonathan Chapa Alex Moore
Carolina Rodriguez
PAGE DESIGNERS
Giovann Rosales
Sara Quintana
CIRCULATION MANAGER Max Estudillo
Jake Rojas
Shawna Russell Sydney Walker Jessica Warren
The San Jacinto Times is published five times a semester by the journalism students at San Jacinto College Central, 8060 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505. Opinions expressed herein are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the staff, its adviser, the administration or the Board of Regents. The Times encourages letters to the editor. Letters must be in good taste, accurate, free from libel, malice or personal controversy. Letters must be limited to 200 words in length. Letters submitted
Page 2
will release a new version of their consoles in about two years. Maybe then I’ll buy an Xbox One or PS4. The best thing for me to do is wait. I’m not a guy who has to run out and get the next big thing. I have patience. If you feel the time is right to buy a new console, then go for it. I don’t feel it’s time for me to buy a new game box; I still have a mammoth amount of life left in my current one. I buy when something needs replacing; like my phone. I am due for an upgrade now, and I need a new phone. My current one is lagging, and the battery drains fast. Now, that calls for an upgrade.
Chapa’s tips to choosing movie formats
Jonathan Chapa Department Editor
Movies provide entertainment to people of all ages. Going to the movie theater is a way to relax and have fun. Current movie formats include 2D, 3D, IMAX, and IMAX 3D. The 3D format became even more popular when Avatar came out and became a huge blockbuster in 2009. Since Avatar’s success, more movies are released in 3D hoping for an extra profit boost. I like to see movies from time to time. Some of the movies I like to see come in a 3D version. Now, what I keep in mind, is the amount of money I would spend seeing a 3D movie. You see, there are some movies where the 3D effects feel unnecessary. Why spend a lot of money on a 3D movie if the effects aren’t great? So, here are some guidelines. When I want to see reviews from people who went to advance screenings of the movie, I visit IMDB.com. I read the reviews for a movie with more than one format, and then I decide which one to see. Some reviews might say the 3D version is “OK”, or the effects are “unnecessary,” while others might say it's great. I say if a movie has lots of good reviews about the 3D format, spend the extra money and see it in 3D. Similarly, if the movie has mostly “OK” or “unnecessary” comments see it in 2D. However, if you see the movie in 3D regardless of the reviews, be cautious because you’ll be spending a lot more money for a movie that may not be as impressive as you would expect. Of course, there are instances when a theater offers more show times for the 3D format than the 2D format. That was the case when the movie Gravity was released. In a situation like this, I say buy your ticket ahead of time to be on the safe side; just in case the 2D showings sell out. These helpful hints may save you a little bit of money when deciding whether to go 2D or 3D.
without the author’s signature will not be accepted. The staff reserves the right to edit the letters for accuracy without altering the general meaning. Letters can be e-mailed to Hellen.Papadacos@sjcd.edu. Letters must include name and phone number for verification. The digital edition of the Times is available at http://issuu.com/sanjacintotimes. Advertising space is available for $5.00 per column inch. Special rates are available. For news tips and information on advertising, contact the Times at 281478-2752.
San Jacinto Times
November 11, 2013
Page 3
Lifestyle & Entertainment
South campus takes theater audiences on ‘Dark Ride’
Susan Moosavi Staff Writer
Producer David Eaton engineers magic in the studio.
Photo Courtesy of David Eaton
LA music guru comes to Central
Sydney Walker Staff Writer
Los Angeles-based recording engineer and producer David Eaton shared his perspective on the music recording process during a lecture Oct. 25 at the Corbin Recital Hall at San Jacinto College Central Campus. The lecture, entitled “Making Magic in the Recording Studio,” was hosted by Central campus’s Music and Audio Engineering Department. Audio Engineer instructor, and Eaton’s former assistant, Angela Beyer expressed her excitement after the lecture. “Mr. Eaton always is a popular guest lecturer among the students, and he definitely didn't disappoint this time,” Beyer said. Eaton has more than 30 years of musical experience and over time, has earned the titles of teacher, drummer, songwriter, producer, and engineer. Eaton used skills he learned in the field to help San Jac students enhance their own recording techniques. “The primary goals were to explain to the audience what a record producer does, and how a record producer ‘makes magic’ in the recording studio,” Beyer said. “Mr. Eaton used a mixture of science, anecdotes, audio-visual examples and live demon-
strations to meet his objectives.” Eaton not only spoke about the methods used in the studio, but included some of his personal experiences to clarify his message. “I always enjoy listening to the audio examples, especially the ones I worked on when I was his assistant, and hearing Mr. Eaton's stories about working in legendary Los Angeles recording studios,” Beyer said. Eaton’s words were a large part of his demonstration for students, but he did not rely solely on his lecture. Eaton supported his explanations with hands-on examples and audience participation. “Audience participation was great. Two students volunteered to be ‘produced’ on stage,” Beyer said. In addition to Eaton being knowledgeable, his personality makes him a good candidate to speak to San Jac students. Beyer and Eaton worked together in the past with Beyer serving as Eaton’s former second engineer and production assistant. “He's (a) very charismatic speaker… He is very personable and friendly, so he’s not going to intimidate anybody. He’s very easy to ask questions,” Beyer said. “The event was definitely a success,” she said, “The students and faculty…all really enjoyed hearing his perspective.”
San Jacinto College South Campus Theatre Department promises to have audiences holding on to their seats with their daring season opener “Dark Ride.” South campus Theater Director Kevin Holden said this performance is going to be very different from what audiences saw during past seasons. “Dark Ride is an experience, not a show. It's more like an actual ride than a ‘sit down, be quiet, and wait-to-clap-at-theend’ play,” Holden said. According to Holden, the play emphasizes something that most people experience during their lives; losing sight of what is important. “The point is this,” he said, “it is so easy to get immersed in all the trivial distractions that life throws at us and soon the trivial matters become deceptively important to us. This is when we lose our way in the ‘Dark Ride’ of life.” Holden said the show can be unclear at times, but eventually the audience will capture the true meaning behind the play. “The action of the play can be very bizarre, confusing, and disturbing,” he said. “It may seem that all the insanity going on around you has no real point at all, like life itself, but there is a method to all the madness.” Meanwhile, Holden offers an important piece of advice for audiences attending the performances.
Courtesy of SJC South Theatre Department
‘Dark Ride’ opens at South campus Nov. 14.
“Don't try to make sense of the show. It's not going to happen. Just enjoy the ride,” he said. Student Mitchell Dudley plays several characters in "Dark Ride" and said students should see the play because it offers exciting, no cost amusement. “It is entertainment that you can't afford to miss,” Dudley said, “especially, when it's free for students. The dialogue and soliloquies of the characters will capture your attention from the jump.” Holden said South campus stages shows different from fare other theater programs offer. "We feel that in large, theatre has become a nearly invalid art form in its current state,” he said. “Believing this makes us try to create new and better ways for the audience to experience the theatre.” Holden said his group wants to highlight the elements distin-
guishing theater from other forms of art and entertainment. “We strive to create shows that utilize the one aspect that theater has, that TV, film, video games, and the Internet don't; a live audience with live performers,” he said. Holden encourages audiences to interact with the performance as they might at other live happenings. “We want our experiences to be more akin to a sporting event, or a rock concert, or a rousing religious service…,” Holden said. “We encourage our audiences to break the old rules of audience etiquette, and feel free to do whatever they want.” “Dark Ride” runs Nov. 14 to Nov. 16 in the Black Box Theatre at Marie Spence Flickinger Fine Arts Center on the South campus. All performances begin at 8 p.m. Admission is free for students and $10 for all others.
San Jacinto Times
November 11, 2013
From the Cover Nature
Continued from Page 1
Binoculars, nets and other equipment used for the walks were purchased with a Student Success Initiative Grant Lorenz received in 2011 from the San Jacinto College Foundation. During the walks, Lorenz said he and his students collect insects to identify later. “Everything starts with a name. You need to be able to name it before you can study it,” he said.
Crash
Furthermore, Lorenz said he conducts a bird survey, where he identifies birds by listening to the sounds they make. During this walk, he recorded five different bird species saying over 90 different bird species exist on North campus. Afterward, Lorenz and his students record the different bird species on an Internet database viewed worldwide. In addition to birds, the group surveyed a wasp, a monarch butterfly, a hawk, and a wandering glider, one of the few dragon flies that migrate long distances. According to Lorenz, a total of
Continued from Page 1
After a certain number of DUI’s, La Porte police officers take the offender’s car away, Boles said. Students gathered to see the vehicles that included victims’ pictures set up on each car to emphasize each crash cost lives. “It’s so terrifying to see this. You always hear about it, but you never really see it,” student Alyssa Flores said. “It makes me feel lucky,” student Claudia Lechuga said, “and it’s also pretty scary to see what could have happened.” The event sponsors gave students supplies to write graffiti messages to victims and their families in honor of those who passed away. Messages appeared in different languages including Vietnamese, Spanish, and Arabic among others. Student Andrew Ramirez translated a message written in Vietnamese that read, “Please don’t drink and drive because you can cause sorrow to other families.” The messages, written on file folders hang by MADD's offices downtown for everyone to see, Ramirez said.
Expo
60 students and faculty have joined him for walks. Lorenz said he once and invited the children from North campus’s daycare to join his group. He said the children enjoyed themselves so much catching butterflies and insects, he plans on inviting them again sometime in the future. Meanwhile, students are surprised by what they find during the walks. First time nature walker Randy George said he had a great experience. “I didn’t know we had so much stuff on campus.” George said.
Continued from Page 1
Student Valerie Bernal said she chose anorexia as her topic because she wanted to provide important information about the disease. “I thought it would be an easy topic, and knew how serious anorexia can be, so I had to make people aware of this,” Bernal said. Student Alexus Rendon said her experience with the project was positive and allowed her to be more knowledgeable about prescription opioids.
Violence
Continued from Page 1
Student Zachary Patterson said the event was informative and had a powerful effect on him. "When they brought these posters here, we can actually see and read what's going on because many people don't know what domestic violence is, or what the dangers are," Patterson
“He (Lorenz) always talks about how much diversity we have on campus during class, and we never believe him. I came to do an extra credit review, but I started getting caught up on all of this… Yeah, I’ll come next time, better prepared, better dressed.” Fellow student Jose Valle attended as part of a class assignment. “This is my first formal one,” Valle said. “I had a project in biology for bio-diversity and he (Lorenz) kind of forced us to (attend); but I like it. We actually get to see what he says in
“I learned all sorts of things and became more informed on how powerful that drug can be if it isn’t treated right. The only difficult part was finishing it on time; the rest was fun,” Rendon said. The Psychology Exposition recognizes the top three projects and awards the students by displaying their posters in the Burleson building of the North campus. “We typically take the winners to dinner and pay for that ourselves,” Rocha said, “and we also recognize them in the classes, take their pictures and sometimes we have gift cards donated from the publishers of the books we use.” said. Meanwhile, student Whitney Haley said highlighting the problem as well as available options could be a catalyst for victims to make positive changes. "It's an excellent idea,” Haley said. “Maybe when people see that there's other people who care, maybe people will be more inclined to get help; ‘cause you do need help getting out of a relationship like that."
Page 4
class.” Participating students not only find insects and butterflies, some students like Robin Torres meet new friends and find a career path. “I started (attending) last year,” Torres said. “It’s a fun experience. I like biology; it’s taught me a lot of things. I didn’t know what I wanted to do career wise, and this has given me an idea. I’ve also met a lot of new people.” Lorenz will lead two more nature walks this semester, Nov. 15 and Nov. 22. They are open to all students and faculty.
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San Jacinto Times
November 11, 2013
8 DAYS A WEEK North
Monday, November 11 • Veterans Day Presentation, 9 a.m., N8 Lobby • TSU Transfer Recruiter, 10 a.m., Lobby • Veterans in Community Film Festival, 12 p.m., N12.200 • Veterans in Community Film Festival, 6 p.m., N1.103
Tuesday, November 12 • Men of Honor/Ladies of Integrity Event, 12 p.m., N10.128 • UH Culinary Transfer Recruiter, 8 a.m., N12 Lobby
Wednesday, November 13 • Financial Aid Workshop, 10 a.m., N6.108 • Money Management Workshop, 12 p.m., N6.108 • Financial Aid Workshop, 6 p.m., N6.108
Thursday, November 14 • Anime Club Meeting, 2 p.m., N9.140 • Education Symposium, 2 p.m., N2.124 • Money Management Workshop, 5 p.m., N6.108
Friday, November 15 • Science Club Meeting, 12 p.m., N17.3062 • Math & Engineering Club, 1:30 p.m., N8.201 • Lady Gators Veterans Appreciation Game, 6 p.m., N16.101
Saturday, November 16
Central
• No Scheduled Activities
Monday, November 11 • College Democrats Meeting, 12:30 p.m., C2.222
Tuesday, November 12 • Blood Drive, 10 a.m., C14 Lounge A • Psychology Club Meeting, 1:15 p.m., C2.209 • NSCS Meeting, 4:30 p.m., C19.131
Wednesday, November 13 • PBL Enterprise Event, 10 a.m., C14 Ballroom
Thursday, November 14 • Sociology/Anthropology Discussion Group, 3 p.m., C14 Lounge C • Etiquette Lunch, 11:45 a.m., C14 Ballroom • ASID Meeting, 3:30 p.m., C17.230
Friday, November 15 • Student Government Association Meeting, 11:30 a.m., C1.155 • TACHE Meeting, 12:30 p.m., C3.209 • PTK Meeting, 2 p.m., C1.238 • America Recycles Day, 9 a.m., C14 Foyer
Saturday, November 16
South
• Gaming Society Meeting, 10 a.m., Student Center
Monday, November 11 • Tennis Club Meeting, 2 p.m., Tennis Courts • Philosophy Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S7.158 • MMA Meeting, 8:30 p.m., Gym
Tuesday, November 12 • Pharmacy Tech Club Meeting, 11 a.m., S1.251S • Student Bible Fellowship, 1:30 p.m., S6.196 • 17 & Under Tennis Club, 3 p.m., Tennis Courts • Anime Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S8.1006 • T.I.E.S. Meeting, 3 p.m., S7.128 • Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062 • Coyote Science Club Meeting, 4 p.m., S1.135A
Page 5
Central Police department moves into new building
Shawna Russell Staff Writer
The Police Department at San Jacinto College Central Campus left the space it occupied for decades in the student center Nov. 1 to move to a newly built facility at 3802 Luella Blvd. William Taylor, Chief of the San Jacinto College Police Department (SJCPD) said the new location will better meet state requirements and will accommodate the 41 positions necessary to support all three San Jac campuses. “The idea is that we are building a real police facility. We are building one that should hold take care of the department for forty years,” Taylor said. SJCPD Investigative Sergeant Federico Cruz said the new space provides an opportunity for growth. “We are tripling in size as far as our department. Our evidence room will be top of the line, and as for our dispatch area, all the new technology that's available will be in this unit,” Cruz said. The department is moving from limited accommodations to a more organized space with divided work areas, a lobby, a conference room, and a training area that better serve the staff, Taylor said. “The college itself is changing its awareness of what we need to be doing and has called upon us to do it more effectively,” Taylor said. “It's not practical to have a facilities operation or even a police department in most cases, right in the middle of the campus. “For one thing, for us with our vehicles, we've had an ongoing problem. We park over here on the other side by the loading
dock, and it's difficult when we have deliveries. There's times we can't get police vehicles in and out,” he said. Taylor said the move will not affect students’ ability to reach the police department. Furthermore, he said police officers are patrolling on bikes and walking the campus on a regular basis while campus and emergency phones are available across each campus. “You've got your blue light phones out in the parking lot. They are the yellow towers in the parking lots and by the edges of the building areas. There are blue light emergency phones in every elevator on each campus that rings directly into the police
department,” Taylor said. Telecommunications Supervisor and twenty-six-year department veteran Annette Stewart said she also welcomes the move and is pleased with the building, and all the new updates. “One thing I am really excited about is the phone for the hearing impaired. We are expanding that for people who would be in emergency situations and can't call us, but can text us,” Stewart said. “We also have a new Facebook page.” “Many changes have taken place the last three years at the police station, moving into the new building will just be a better use of our service,” Taylor said.
8 DAYS A WEEK North
Monday, November 18 • No Scheduled Activities
Tuesday, November 19 • Men of Honor Thanksgiving Meal, 12 p.m., N12.112 • Webb Society Meeting, 1:30 p.m., N7.132 • Jazz Band Performance, 7:30 p.m., N1.103
Wednesday, November 20 • Employment Recruiter, 11 a.m., N12 Courtyard
Thursday, November 21 • Anime Club Meeting, 2 p.m., N9.140 • PTK Meeting, 4 p.m., N12.215 • Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony, 6 p.m., N1.103
Friday, November 22 • Fine Arts Friday Free Concert, 12 p.m., N1.103
Saturday, November 23
Central
• Survivors of Suicide Program, 10 a.m., N12.200
Monday, November 18 • College Democrats Meeting, 12:30 p.m., C2.222 • Achieving the Dream, 10 a.m., C14 Ballroom
Tuesday, November 19 • Texas State Teachers Association Student Program, 1:30 p.m., C20.261/263 • Psychology Club Meeting, 1:15 p.m., C2.209 • National Society of Collegiate Scholars Meeting, 4:30 p.m., C19.131
Wednesday, November 20 • Yoga Club Meeting, 2:45 p.m., C18.116
Thursday, November 21 Shawna Russell San Jacinto Times
The new SJCPD offices are now located at 3802 Luella.
SJC College Prep showcases talents at conference
Giovann Rosales Staff Writer
Around Campus
San Jacinto College enjoyed the spotlight at the 32nd annual College Academic Support Programs (CASP) Conference where College representatives saw their colleagues present breakout sessions, install two new officers, and receive a coveted award. The Texas Association for Developmental Education (TADE) and Texas College Reading and Learning Association (TxCRLA) hosted the Conference in Amarillo, Texas Oct. 2 to Oct. 4. The event gathers higher education professionals from all over Texas every year to share ideas and put forth best practices for facilitating student success. Professor Betty Woodfill of the College Preparatory Department at Central campus and TADE Membership Chair said San Jac gave an impressive showing at the event. “SJC’s contributions to the conference went beyond honors, officers, and memberships. A number of SJC presentations have been accepted as concurrent sessions for the National Association for Developmental Educational Conference planned for early next year in Dallas, Texas,” Woodfill said. The College has a strong presence in the CASP community she said. “Among community colleges and universities,
SJC’s campuses rank near the top in membership in these two professional organizations,” Woodfill said. San Jac’s Assistant Vice Chancellor of College Preparatory Dr. Rebecca Goosen received the CASP Lifetime Achievement Award. Joanie DeForest, professor of Integrated Reading and Writing in the College Preparatory Department on South campus, presented the award. In addition, Carolyn Poole was installed as TADE Treasurer, and Woodfill as Membership Chair. “Rebecca’s and Joanie’s leadership not only helped make the conference a success,” Woodfill said, “but contributed to the large SJC involvement in TADE and Texas CRLA.” The sessions presented at the conference included: Future Directions for Developmental Education in Texas by Goosen and co-presenter Dr. Russ Hodges; Mission Possible Lessons for the Impossible Holiday Doldrums by Woodfill; Integrated Reading and Writing: A Shared Vision of Academic Success by Kina Siriphant-Lara and Tina Willhoite; and, SJC Students Hit the Target with Aim by Dr. JP Anderson, Kristen Foxley, and Matthew Lewis. “The future for Developmental Education is a bright one in Texas,” Woodfill said, “In part, because of the continually increasing contributions of San Jacinto College Preparatory Department.”
• Sociology/Anthropology Discussion Group, 3 p.m., C14 Lounge C • Lubrizol Scholarship Ceremony, 10 a.m., C14 Ballroom
Friday, November 22 • Student Government Association Meeting, 11:30 a.m., C1.155 • TACHE Meeting, 12:30 p.m., C3.209 • PTK Meeting, 2 p.m., C1.238 • Audio Engineering Meeting, 10 a.m., C15.236
Saturday, November 23
South
• Gaming Society Meeting, 10 a.m., Student Center
Monday, November 18 • Tennis Club Meeting, 2 p.m., Tennis Courts • Philosophy Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S7.158 • Pre-Med Club Meeting, 4:30 p.m., S12.106 • MMA Meeting, 8:30 p.m., Gym
Tuesday, November 19 • Blood Drive, 10 a.m., Student Center Atrium • Pharmacy Tech Club Meeting, 11 a.m., S1.251S • African American Association Meeting, 1:30 p.m., S8.1074 • Student Bible Fellowship, 1:30 p.m., S6.196 • Student Government Association Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S6.152 • 17 & Under Tennis Club Meeting, 3 p.m., Tennis Courts • Anime Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S8.1006 • Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062
Wednesday, November 20 • Blood Drive, 10 a.m., Student Center Atrium • Cosmetology Club Meeting, 2:30 p.m., Building 13 • Anime Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S8.1006 • ESOL Club Meeting, 4 p.m., S8.1014 • Writer's Block Meeting, 4:30 p.m., S9.214 • ISO, ESOL and PTK sponsored Thanksgiving Feast, 6 p.m., S11.250
Wednesday, November 13 • Anime Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S8.1006 • Coyote Future Teachers Club, 3 p.m., S7.156 • PBL Meeting, 3 p.m., S8.2014 • ESOL Club Meeting, 4 p.m., S8.1014 • Writer's Block Meeting, 4:30 p.m., S9.214 • Open Mic Night, 6:15 p.m., Student Center Atrium
Thursday, November 21 Thursday, November 14
• Student Veterans Association Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S8.2066 • 17 & Under Tennis Club Meeting, 3 p.m., Tennis Courts • Gay Straight Alliance Meeting, 3 p.m., S8.1006 • Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062
• 17 & Under Tennis Club, 3 p.m., Tennis Courts • GSA Meeting, 3 p.m., S8.1006 • Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062
Friday, November 15 • MMA Meeting, 9 a.m., Gym • Auto Body Club Meeting, 11 a.m., S14.102B • PTK Meeting, 1 p.m., S9.116
Saturday, November 16 • PBL Computer Camp, 8 a.m., ILC Building
Friday, November 22 Photo courtesy of Betty Woodfill
San Jac representatives (from left) Matthew Lewis, Joanie DeForest, Carolyn Poole, Dr. JP Anderson, Betty Woodfill, Kristen Foxley, Kina Siriphant-Lara, and Tina Willhoite made an impressive appearance at CASP.
• MMA Meeting, 9 a.m., Gym
Saturday, November 23 • No Scheduled Activities
November 11, 2013
San Jacinto Times
Sports & Fitness
SJC Campus Rec event offers cheap night with the Rockets
Alexis Davlin Staff Writer
James Harden will play host to San Jacinto College when he and the rest of the Houston Rockets face the Boston Celtics Nov. 19 at Toyota Center. Night at the Rockets, an event organized by Campus Recreation (Rec), offers students and faculty, along with their friends and families, end zone tickets at discounted prices. Physical Education Professor Mary Shelley said she got the idea to contact the Rockets from a meeting with San Jac’s Social Media Coordinator Scylla Lopez. She started putting the project into motion several months ago. “I worked with the Rockets this summer to organize our SJC Campus Rec Night at the Houston Rockets,” Shelley said. Campus Rec has established relationships with the Astros and Dynamo, but wanted to make a connection with the Rockets, Shelley said. Hannah Hoffman, a Campus Rec student assistant, said the event is sure to garner a lot of participation. “Who wouldn’t want cheap tickets to go see James Harden? He is amazing,” Hoffman said. Meanwhile, students learning of the event from campus bulletin boards are quickly passing the news along to others by word-ofmouth. Student Sarah Ukwuach said, “I didn’t know about this until now. I definitely will be asking my friends and family to go.” Similarly, fellow student Jonathon Jones said he was surprised to find out the College was planning this kind of activity. “I love the Houston Rockets. I didn’t think Campus Rec did these types of events. If I could, I would go to every game, but it gets expensive. So, this helps a lot,” Jones said. Student Katie Rosinke said her boyfriend loves the Houston Rockets and cannot wait to surprise him. “When I saw this flyer, I knew I had to get those tickets for my boyfriend. I also told quite a few of my friends who are fans of George Bridges/MCT Dwight Howard,” Rosinke said. Brianna Franco, also a San Jac student, said once she found out James Harden (top) of the Houston Rockets goes for a dunk against Kevin Durant (left) of the Oklahoma City Thunder. about the event, she immediately made plans to attend. “I bought my tickets as soon as I saw the flyer. I had never been understands their financial limitations. “The reduced ticket prices should help students be able to attend and always wanted to go. So, my friends and I will be there,” the game,” Shelley said. Franco said. She said events like these generate campus involvement, so Student Nicholas Oyer said he plays basketball all the time and Campus Rec is working on hosting another Night at the Rockets cannot get enough of James Harden. “I can’t wait for this game because I got all my friends together, during the spring. “Campus Rec is growing and expanding both on campus and and we never miss a home game. Fear the beard!” Oyer said. Shelley said she absolutely loves being a part of the Campus in the community,” Shelley said. “So, this is another way we can Rec team, especially getting students together. She said she also be involved.”
Page 6
College athletics: to pay or not to pay?
Alex Moore
Department Editor
The question of whether college athletes should be paid for playing sports is a topic of fiery debate across all sports media. One side of the argument says it would help student athletes meet their financial obligations while the other side says paying them will negatively impact the dynamics of college athletics. Critics claim athletic scholarships count as compensation and cover all traditional student expenses like tuition, housing and food. But this is not the case. The same critics do not take into account that even a full scholarship may not be enough to cover personal expenses like clothes, gas, or even spending money. Colleges thrive on the profits they make from student athletes, but the athletes never see any of that money. Case in point: colleges generate revenue from selling a player’s jersey, but the player is not entitled to any of the profits from the sale. The player is easily sidestepped because the jersey does not sport the name of the player; it only carries the player’s number. Also, athletes do not receive income from TV and video game deals, or from post-season appearances. In response, colleges emphasize athletes are students first, and ballplayers second. However, that is not how athletes view their own role. Former Georgia running back Richard Samuel told Time magazine "In the fall, we would spend way more time on sports than academics." Essentially, the schools enroll players as full time students, but expect them to be full time athletes. Consequently, as both full time athletes and students, they do not have
the time for a part time job to earn extra money. Adrian Peterson, a former college athlete and current Minnesota Vikings running back told Time magazine athletes should be able to, at the very least, sell their memorabilia. “Actors and actresses – these people can sign things and get paid for it. How come this kid (Johnny Manziel) can’t?” Peterson told Time. Players could easily capitalize on the sales of their autographs, jerseys, and pictures, but the NCAA forbids them to do so. Meanwhile, college players are also missing out on income from the video game industry. EA Sports, a maker of college and professional sports video games, avoids paying college players featured in their games because the players’ names do not appear anywhere, just their numbers. Four years ago, former college basketball player Ed O'Bannon sued the NCAA for allowing EA Sports to use his likeness in one of their games. Basketball legends Bill Russell and Oscar Robertson also sued claiming the NCAA and their former colleges made money off of their likenesses, but they did not see a penny of that money. Robertson told Time, "I think in this day and age as opposed to yesteryear, the concept of what they consider amateur basketball is gone forever." Community college athletes, even though it is less than that of their university counterparts, still shoulder a heavy financial burden. San Jacinto College basketball player Anthony Miles said, "I have my school paid for, but I could always use some extra money for gas, to be able to go out to eat, and hang out with my friends."