CityTimes
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Technology comes between students Opinion, page 3
Covering the San Diego City College community since 1945
Volume 61, Number 8
Student loan rates reduced
Isolation on campus
March 6, 2007
Celebrating Black History Month
Congress passes bill in landslide, 356-71 By Brittany Arquette City Times For many of those who plan on leaving City to attend a four-year university, the dread of high tuition rates and years of paying off student loans can be overwhelming. But there is a little glimpse of light shining in the tunnel of fees. Congress voted last month to cut the interest rate of student loans in half. The bill, which was passed in a landslide vote of 356 to 71, will bring the current interest rate on student loans from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent over a five-year period. “Making college affordable is particularly important at a time when the cost of attending college continues to sky rocket,” said Congressman Bill Filner, who voted in favor of the bill. “Since 2001, the cost of attending college has risen 41 percent, and interest rates on student loans have also risen.” According to Filner, if Congress does nothing over the next decade, high tuition fees and lack of government help could prevent 4.4 million high school graduates from attending a four-year university, and another 2 million from attending any college at all. The cost to taxpayers would be a pretty penny, estimating around $6 billion a year. Congress has vowed to lower that cost by cutting back on the amount government pays for defaulted loans, and requiring banks to pay more fees. Not surprisingly, lending institutions oppose the bill, but many believe the money goes towards a greater cause. “The health of the American
Rebecca Saffran / City Times Photo Illustration Dancers from the Capoeira Mandinga Dance Academy demonstrate their unique art form at the Saville Theatre Feb.22 in celebration of Black History Month. Capoeira, a form of martial arts developed in Brazil by African slaves, consists of a mixture of self defense, strength, dancing, acrobatics and music. Visit www.capoeirasd.com for more information.
Clubs rush Gorton Quad By Rebecca Saffran City Times
Rebecca Saffran / City Times
See LOAN, Page 4
Nursing major Rachel Brewer (left), and Lindsay Parme, history major, at the Amnesty International table for Club Rush in Gorton Quad, Feb. 20.
Learn to save a life ...
American Red Cross to offer CPR classes a few blocks from City College News, page 2
Six student organizations gathered in Gorton Quad for Club Rush Feb. 20 - 22 to promote themselves and encourage student involvement on campus and in the community. Tables adorned with club information lined the cafeteria walkway to encourage students to learn more. Amnesty International (AI) made its debut on campus in September. Members meet every other week to write letters and discuss human rights issues around the world. This semester members of AI will organize the Film Festival taking place in April (tentatively) and the Human Rights Fair in May (tentatively). “Club involvement gives students a chance to come to terms with the problems of the world and make a difference and not feel so overwhelmed,” nursing major Rachel Brewer
explained. Brewer herself got involved after she “got depressed” by her classes and wanted to “actually do something.” InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is the Christian club on campus that gives Christian students of all denominations the opportunity to become more involved in the city of San Diego and to explore their faith. Sarah Holine, a Continuing Education student and graduate from UCSD, explained the club’s purpose to promote social action among its members. “Faith is about action and justice…Jesus cared about all those things,” Holine said. Campus members interacted with fellow InterVarsity Fellowships at a conference Feb. 23 - 24 in downtown called “Jesus, Justice, & Poverty.” Phi Theta Kappa, an academic club, requires a minimum 3.5 GPA and a one-time $75 enrollment fee. Members
See RUSH, Page 2
Index
Calendar ....................................2 News .........................................2 Opinion .....................................3 Got a sews tip? Call us at (619) 388-3880.
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March 6, 2007
NEWS / CALENDAR
City Times
CityCalendar
Student collapses on campus By Stephen Burgers City Times Officer Marco Garza of the City College Police responded to a call for assistance at Curran Plaza on March 1 at 10 a.m. A student who was having a conversation with a classmate became disorientated, violently ill and then fell
Rush Continued from Page 1 volunteer at beach cleanups, collect toys for kids during the holidays, attend online seminars, and win various scholarships offered by PTK. Graduates enrolled in PTK walk together at Commencement. Puente, “bridge” in Spanish, is a club helping students succeed in their classes and transfer quickly to a university. Puente students take a group English class and usually transfer together. “It’s a good group,” said Isaac Zamora, a respiratory therapy major in his second semester with Puente. Students meet every Tuesday from 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m. They currently meet in the cafeteria until they can find a permanent meeting space. Seeds of Science allow members to apply their love of science to their
unconscious, according to witnesses Garza called paramedics and medical unit 62 from the City of San Diego responded with six members at the scene. The student, who was unresponsive, was given an intravenous fluid and placed on a gurney. He was then transported to Mercy Hospital. His condition was not available.
everyday lives. Club members conduct Roadshows about once a month at local elementary schools, where they conduct science experiments in classrooms to educate kids about science. The first road show of the semester took place Feb. 23 at Rosa Parks Elementary. “Science is everywhere,” said Tara Hanlon, landscape architecture major. “I like the fact that you can do science without feeling nerdy. It’s in everything you do.” The International Student Club promotes cultural awareness but still seeks student leadership. Leaders and members will have the opportunity to interact with diverse cultures. Campus counselor Katie Morris explained that the club is “open to anyone who values diversity.” Potential student leaders are advised to email club adviser Edwin Hiel at ehiel@sdccd. edu. Visit the Associated Students (AS) Student Government page of the campus website for more information on campus involvement.
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■ 9 @ 2 p.m. Baseball vs. Imperial Valley Location: home game
■ 7 @ 11:15 a.m. “Maquilapolis”, film about Tijuana factories through the eyes of the women who work in them Location: Room A213, Free
■ 13 @ 11:15 a.m. “Human Trafficking Child Sexual Tourism”, film and discussion with Director Randi Beckman Location: Room L110, Free
■ 8 @ 11:20 a.m. “Enrique’s Journey”, author event with Sonia Nazario Location: Saville Theatre, Free
■ 14 @ 11:15 a.m. “Evil Hour in Columbia”, film and discussion with Director Forrest Hilton Location: Saville Theatre, Free
■ 8 @ 2 p.m. Baseball vs. Imperial Valley Location: home game ■ 8 @ 2 p.m. Men’s Tennis vs. Mesa Location: home game
■ 17 Jazz Festival, featuring 16 middle/ high school bands from San Diego Contact Jazz 88 for more info.
■ 9 @ 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. “Pistolas y Rebozos”, an International Women’s Day commemoration Location: Saville Theatre, Free
■ 19 @ 11:15 a.m. “Mexico: Political Change and Social Movements”, lecture on social change in Mexico/Central America Location: Room A213, Free
■ 9 @ 6 p.m. Men’s Volleyball vs. Palomar Location: home game
■ 22 @ 12:45 p.m. “From Theodore Herzel to George W Bush” with Dr. Zahi Damuni Location: Room C103, Free
Free CPR near City College By Brittany Arquette City Times The American Red Cross is giving free CPR training with certification at Golden Hall in the San Diego Concourse (202 C St.) March 10, from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. Classes will begin every hour and are around three hours long. Hundreds of people from around the community are expected to attend this weekend, but students who need CPR training for school are being especially encouraged to get certified. “Students in the medical profession need CPR training, but everyone in the world can benefit from knowing CPR. You never know when a loved one might need help,” said City College nurse Anita Carson. “This free training is a gift we offer to the community because we know
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that having at least one person in every household who knows CPR makes this a safer, more prepared community,” said CPR trainer Matt Strickland. Doctors say knowing CPR could keep someone in cardiac arrest alive until ambulances arrive. In those situations, where people are usually unprepared, minutes could come between life and death. In the United States, 70-million people have a cardiovascular disease, and 220,000 of those people die every year. This is the only time all year the Red Cross will be certifying people for free. They will also be selling disaster supplies, providing preparedness information, and offering people a chance to donate blood. To register for class in advance, you can call (858) 309-1275 or visit their website www.sdarc.org
Gregory T. Morales Chapter Coordinator MAPA San Diego County (619) 266-4324 Local Office P.O. Box 86955 San Diego, CA 92138 www.mapa.org
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Compiled by Rebecca Saffran Send items to City Times, 1313 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101, e-mail citytimes@gmail.com, call (619) 388-3880, or fax (619) 388-3814
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CityVoice
March 6, 2007
City Times 3
Turning 21 not so glamorous I always remember how everyone was always looking forward to their twenty-first birthday. The idea of having all these new doors suddenly open at our feet was something exciting to ponder. It’s funny thinking about it, considering how the majority of teenagers I knew when I was 19 were already consuming alcohol on a frequent basis. Yet, I suddenly find myself a 21-year-old with no real doors opened at my feet. I think I find myself wanting people to open the doors for me, but whatever the case, I have other things to worry about. For instance, who ever was overly excited to turn 21 to finally go out and go bar hopping obviously didn’t have the worry of bills, rent, insurance and, of course, maintaining themselves. I suddenly find myself 21, working, going to school, and being too tired to go out at night, Luis Bahena and too broke to actually even consider going out for drinks. My first two weeks of being 21 were spent with close friends, bar hopping and drinking way too much. But that’s all over now, and I can’t help but long for that excitement again. Sure it was fun, but I didn’t realize how expensive it actually was. I remember ordering two vodka tonics from the bartender this one night. I handed him a $20 bill, only to get back four freaking dollars. That $20 was supposed to last me at least 4 days. Living in the types of situations I’ve encountered, you begin to learn how to really stretch that dollar! Yet still, I can’t help but remember how much fun I had. Then I have to look at my pocket and ask myself how much money I really have to spend. The sad truth is, with age comes more responsibility. That includes making decisions that are not so appealing. For instance, buying a vacuum cleaner when I could buy that video game I’ve been eyeing. When it comes down to it, it’s all about limits. However, one should set realistic limits. That doesn’t mean not being able to go out at all, just means limiting outing excursions to once or twice every two weeks. Although turning 21 may open all these doors, it’s apparent that it becomes a struggle when one must choose which doors to travel through.
Column
CityTimes
Shanika Whaley Feature Editor
Volume 61, Issue 8 March 6, 2007
Cameron Mason Sports Editor
Published as: The Jay Sees / 1945-1949 Fortknightly / 1949-1978 City Times / 1978Incorporating the newspapers Tecolote, Knight Owl and Flicks
Rebecca Saffran Calendar Editor Ariana Gallegos Rebecca Saffran Photography Editor
Scott Landheer Editor-in-Chief
Lauren Ciallella Copy Editor
Josie Salazar News Editor
City Times Staff Brittany Arquette, Tala Bashmi, Stephen Burgers, Aysha Johnson, LaShann Wilkerson, Emily Pfaff, Rosemarie Davis
Luis Bahena Managing Editor Opinion Editor Nicole Burdette Arts Editor
Roman S. Koenig Journalism Adviser
City Times is published twice monthly during the semester. Signed opinions are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily represent those of the entire newspaper staff, City College administration, faculty and staff or the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees. How to reach us: City Times San Diego City College 1313 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101 Newsroom: L-125 Phone: (619) 388-3880 Fax: (619) 388-3814 E-mail: citytimes@gmail.com Program homepage: www.sdcity.edu/citytimes
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Dash-line prisons
Emily Pfaff / City Times
The new trend of social solitude Young lovers, strong men in athletic uniforms and girls wearing short skirts stacked atop one another in the shape of a pyramid. The pages of my parent’s yearbooks are riddled with pictures of happy people on campus. There are notes from best friends and a whole page devoted to the top 3 cutest couples. Things were so peachy keen back then! Looking around campus today I notice a different trend, people are sitting alone. If they aren’t alone they’re listening to their iPod, or they’re using their hands free Bluetooth technology to scream at their Great Aunt Betty with a hearing problem (“Can you hear me now?”). Did I miss something? Are there really this many attractive young people strolling about without any face to face verbal communication going on? The idea would seem outrageous to any modern anthropologist. How could a society that craves cellular phones, instant messaging programs, e-mail and sidekicks, ever fail to parler? What is it that drives our sometimes timid social nature? I decided it was time to ask questions in hopes that my fellow students might provide me with the answer as to why we’re sitting all alone. My first victim was Christi, 22, Sociology major at City College. I found her in between classes catching some shade solo under the trees at Mesa. Christi, a bubbly brunette was solemn and quiet until I approached her, asking why
Viewpoint
Emily Pfaff
Are there really this many attractive young people strolling about without any face to face verbal communication going on? she and others sit alone. Christi’s solution was simple. “Everyone’s business, (we’re) loners because everything’s so fast paced,” she said. Christi also mentioned that she prefers the student body at City College compared to those at Mesa, “the people are nicer”. Kyle, 20, a Kinesiology major at Mesa, had this to say, “People are tired. They’re here to study or work...socializing isn’t necessarily an objective.” Does this same idea apply to the students who roll into the parking lot in SUV’s with spinners, while E40 blasts from the missile sized speakers placed in back? The persona of students depicted by Christi and Kyle are such a contrast from those seen driving in and walking, girls often in heels, on campus. Are students simply wearing their game face? There’s really no simple answer. Technology, one of the most influential elements, plays a definite role in distracting stu-
dents from their environment. If anyone were to wonder what kind of social impact modern technology has had on communication, they need only look at our campus quad. Apple’s iPod, and other music players like it have been extremely influential over popular culture. Digital music players give the listener control over everything that passes through their ears from start to finish and like it or not, iPod’s influence has become so broad that they’re now introducing iPhone, the Apple cell phone. Under the guise of making our lives easier, the items we use to entertain ourselves have also worked to separate our minds from our actions and our environment. Such a rift between our conscious thought and our environment can have strange effects, like walking outside to find that every available table in the quad is occupied by one individual person. Perhaps it’s just that we don’t find we have enough time for ourselves outside of school, that we’re forced into solitude during working hours but the idea of everyone working within their own bubble isn’t just preposterous, it’s illogical. I’ve found making friends in class makes doing school work a lot easier. This morning I left my iPod at home. I think I’ll reserve it for the times I really need it, instead of using it as an excuse to alienate myself from reality. While I’m at it, I think I’ll try and organize a pep rally, too.
Emily Pfaff is a City Times staff writer
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economy depends on having a highly skilled and well educated workforce,” Filner said. “We must do everything possible to address rising costs so that no qualified student is prevented from going to college because of the price.” There are currently 228,489 students with subsidized student loans in California, al1 of whom can benefit from this bill. And once fully phased in, Filner concludes a student starting school in 2011 would on average save $4, 830. Congress isn’t stopping there. Democrats say they want to increase the maximum Pell Grant amount, which is given to the neediest students and is not paid back, ranging from $4,050 to $5,100.
March 6, 2007
“We also hope to be able to enlarge the tax deductions for parents paying for tuition and the cost of college beyond that,” Congressman George Miller said. But not everyone in Congress is in favor of the bill. Some Republicans argue the bill is a convenient way for Democrats to campaign their Party, but does not help poor students with rising tuition costs at all. “What it does for my kids in college is nothing,” Congressman Rob Bishop said. “What it does for the friends of my kids in college is nothing. It’s a big whoop-de-doo bill, we could have done so much more.” The Bush administration also opposes the bill, but many in Congress say their work has only begun, and student aid will remain a top priority in Washington. As for now, college students will take what they can get.
World Cultures celebrates diversity Aysha Johnson City Times This year’s Black History Month demonstrated astonishing performances by a series of musical artists and inspirational speakers in the City Saville Theatre on Feb. 22. Bennie Herron, a college professor and inspirational speaker, spoke to the students of City College about his obstacles in life and how he turned his tribulations into success. He continually reaches out to students and also involves himself in many African American cultural activities. “He spoke to you through his poetry,” said Elva Salinas, English and Chicano studies professor at City, co-director of City’s World Cultures Program and the coordinator of the event. Hoso Galhi also left the audience taken aback during his drumming per-
formance. Hoso Galhi is initially from Ghana, and his dancers articulated unison as they moved on stage. Hoso Galhi’s story-telling and mind captivating dances were demonstrating a mating relationship between man and woman. “The performance was really deep and intense,” Salinas said as she watched children of different ethnic groups dancing on stage while holding hands. Not only did the performance consist of speaking, but also Afro-Brazilian Martial Artists, Mandingo and Mondingo, who were also presented by Hoso Galhi. Salinas was pleased with the outcome of this event, which evolved after a brainstorming session with World Cultures. An inspiration to City College students, this event defined Black History Month through African traditions, words of knowledge and heart felt music.
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