CityTimes
www.sdcitytimes.com
Volume 61, Number 3
Program taking off
Engineering receives grant News, page 3
Serving the San Diego City College community since 1945
Oct. 17, 2006
Gov. OKs Lone protester challenges students funding measure By David J. Olender City Times
A local Christian preacher faced off with San Diego City College students about religion and related issues in City’s Gorton Quad Sept. 28. “There is a need to clarify some things and make consequences known,” said Paul Mitchell a preacher in connection with Cornerstone Ministries in San Diego. “I really believe there is a hell … the bomb is about to go off, the bridge is going to fall, the buildings have caught fire. I believe someone should bring about awareness about homosexuality, abortion and all sins we endure.” Mitchell demonstrating his frustrations regarding homosexuality, quoted the bible in attempt to inform others of his beliefs Powerful, yet unconvincing words were shared between both Mitchell and City college students, both sides sharing opposing viewpoints on the issue. “…In the gay community people are active in Christian organizations,” said City college student Rob Leahy. “Personally, I believe he is attacking the community. I would like to know what his educational background is. Is he educated at all?” Mitchell toted a massive sign riddled in large print religious propaganda, while shouting far from hospitable remarks in response to opposing viewpoints. “It’s free speech, so then I am for it,” said City College student Vance Martin. “It is a powerful topic, but I’m not sure what his intensions are. Personally, I believe in the bible … I’m a Christian, but for him to stand up and point fingers is unnecessary.” After 20 minutes of ranting and a crowd less than half its initial size, Mitchell saw that the attention of the City College spectators that had grown so rapidly was shrinking likewise. Mitchell then rolled his sign up and sat down in attempt to refute the remaining comments from the small group of people that lingered, eventually disappearing into the cafeteria.
By Scott Landheer City Times Gov. Schwarzenegger passed a bill on Sept. 29 that will finish the process of equalizing funding for all of the California community colleges. Before Senate Bill 361, nearly all of the 72 community college districts had different funding rates per full-time equivalent student. After it, 66 of the 72 districts will have the same funding of $3,954.73 per FTES. The gap between some districts was very large and kept the lower funded districts from adding classes, counselors and faculty so a plan was adopted to increase funding of low-revenue districts by distributing $240 million. The first installment of $80
See FUNDING, Page 6
Schwarzenegger vetoes two bills By Scott Landheer City Times
rooms will go, removed four large concrete pillars and took plaster off the wall that divides the construction area from the LRC. After experiencing the first two days of construction, Cecilia Cheung, library department chairwoman, said although she understands that with any construction project there will be noise, maybe planning should
Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed two bills on Sept. 29 that would have established a student fee policy and new building standards for California Community Colleges. Assembly Bill 473, introduced by Assemblywoman Carol Liu, D-La Canada Flintridge, would have lead to the creation of a long-term policy of affordability for community college students. The bill asked that increases in student fees be announced at least six months in advance of the effective date and that financial aid be increased as well. Under the bill, fees would not be increased at a rate that is higher than the change in per capita personal income in California. Another aspect of the bill would have extended in-state residency benefits for another
See LRC, Page 2
See VETO, Page 6
David J. Olender / City Times Paul Mitchell shouts his beliefs to onlookers who gathered in Gorton Quad.
LRC ‘Down Under’ construction begins By Scott Landheer City Times
The LRC “Down Under” construction project for San Diego City College began Oct. 10 as the parking area next to the building was converted into a staging area for construction crews. The closing of the lot means the loss of approximately 30 parking spaces. Although a new temporary parking lot
that should have opened at the beginning of October on C Street between 16th and 17th streets would have decreased the impact of losing those spaces, it will now be ready by the end of the month and will have about 170 spaces. Members of City College staff and faculty, including Carol Dexheimer, vice president of administrative services, Debra Picou, parking program supervisor, Mary Granderson,
accounting supervisor and Larry Brown, vice president of student services units, met with representatives from the contractor, The Jaynes Companies, and the construction company, Parsons, on Oct. 4 to discuss plans and needs for the beginning phase of the project. The first 12-15 days of construction were expected to be very noisy as crews saw-cut and jack hammered out large slabs of concrete where rest-
Good eats found in South Park Neighborhood offers homestyle breakfasts and first-rate deli not far from City College Arts, page 5
Index
Calendar ....................................2 News .........................................3 Opinion .....................................4 Arts ...........................................5 Sports .......................................8