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Times’ Darwin coverage creates miffed readers
Halloween: the season of not being yourself
Opinion, page 6
WHO’S NEWS Diverse interests drive RTV professor
Life & Times, page 5
CityTimes
Volume 62, Number 4
Covering the San Diego City College community since 1945
October 23, 2007
WHITNEY LAWRENCE Ciy Times John Hildebrand, department chairman of Communications and professor for the Radio and Television Department at City College, has been around the block. The lessons he teaches in his broadcast audio classes, among others, come from years of experience earned working with and learning from industry legends in one of the most colorful periods of American music. After leaving the University of Nevada, where he was pursuing a major in mechanical engineering, Hildebrand took off to the west coast, where he spent $50 for a 10-week seminar taught by the man behind the “wall of sound,” Phil Spector. There, at the Sherwood Oaks Experimental College, he learned how to tie in his love for music with his knack for mechanics and “building and creating things,” Hildebrand said. Also, his love for poetry as a young boy transformed into a passion for songwriting after studying under Academy Award winning Al Kasha in Los Angeles. “I’ve written poetry for as long as I can remember, at least since junior high,” Hildebrand said. It only seemed natural then, after meeting a man by the name of John Meiner in 1973 and working in his San Diego recording studio, to buy the studio with a friend a few years later in 1975. Eventually Hildebrand was teaching classes in the studio commercially, and by 1980 was hired to teach a recording arts class in the commercial music program at Southwestern College. In the mean time, Hildebrand had managed to earn his degree from San Diego State University in communications/radio television, as well as a certifi-
See PROFESSOR, page 2
INDEX News/Calendar .......................2-3 Arts ...........................................4 Life & Times ...............................5 Opinion ......................................6 Sports .......................................8
SHEVAUN BRANDOM City Times
City College’s second annual International Book Fair drew more than 3,500 people Oct. 2-5. The fair took place inside and outside the Saville Theatre.
Second annual book fair draws large crowd BENJAMIN CRUZ City Times
SHEVAUN BRANDOM City Times
Musician Zoe Keating performs in the Saville Theatre during the book fair.
The second annual San Diego City College International Book Fair once again brought many people face to face with local and national writers. “The Book Fair definitely exceeded our expectations.” Co-Director of the event, Kelly Mayhew said. “We had over 3,500 people attend the event, which is 1,000 more people than last year. The book fair took place Oct. 2 through Oct. 6. Daniel Reveles, author of “Guacamole Dip,” spoke to attendees in the Saville Theatre at 12 p.m. on Oct 6. He began by mentioning his trip from Mexico to City College, joking about his smart answers to the border patrol’s trick questions. “Write everyday,” Reveles said about being an author. The event had many authors read passages and answer questions in and outside the Saville Theatre.
Carol Lovejoy, author of “What is Your Story” said she wrote her book to make people aware of situations that can better their lives, whether good or bad. “When you’re born, it’s a date. When you die, it’s a date. The dash between those dates is your life’s story,” Lovejoy said. In her book, she talks about life, the loss of her brother, cancer and organ donations. She is a freelance writer for the Alpine Sun. Many of her articles have been incorporated into her book. Author Carlette Anderson brought her book “Dysfuntional is Normal” to the fair. She said her book is written in a way in which every chapter is a question. For example, she said a chapter in her book asks, “Do you reward your child for bad behavior?” She explains that if you’re a mother talking on the phone and your son is being loud, if you give him a cookie to quiet down, your answer is yes.
See FAIR, page 2
Loss of funding eliminates HIV testing on campus WHITNEY LAWRENCE City Times San Diego City College students have lost access to free HIV testing on campus after Linda Vista Health Care Center, the programs sponsor, lost funding this year. After more than a year of the weekly free service, City’s
Student Health Services is now searching for options to replace the program. Dotti Cordell, director of Student Health Services at City College, says she is “hopeful” in finding other resources for students. San Diego’s Public Health Department sponsors a mobile unit that makes stops around San
Diego providing free or low cost HIV testing, including a stop near City College in Balboa Park. “I am trying to work with [San Diego Public Health Department] to see if they can come to City College one day, instead of the Balboa Park site, or in addition to that park visit,” Cordell said in an e-mail correspondence, “I am awaiting a call back from the
mobile van contact.” “Another program that we hope to get up and running very soon, through Linda Vista Community Clinic, is enrolling City College students in ‘FAMPact’, a reproductive health program that can help students. It covers reproductive health exams, family
See HIV, page 7
2
NEWS / CALENDAR
City Times
October 23, 2007
Faculty plans registration drive Professor ALISSA WISNIEWSKI City Times On Oct. 22, San Diego City College will begin a week-long student voter registration drive that will encourage students to vote in the California’s upcoming February election. Teachers will dedicate a few minutes of their class to provide voter registration cards and absentee ballots to students who want them. The cards will then be sent in a sealed enveloped to the San Diego Registrar of Voters office. City College held its first registration drive during the 2002 fall semester because the following election would host Proposition S. Since prop. S stood to directly benefit students, faculty organized a drive to simplify the registration process and generate student participation in government. The drive was successful, registering roughly 3,000 additional voters.
Fair Continued from page 1 “It’s normal to award your child for bad behavior and it’s dysfunctional,” Anderson concluded. L. Curt Erler, author of “Southside Kid,” tells the story of life in Chicago between the years 1942 and 1960. “It’s a memoir of a young boy growing up to manhood on the southside of Chicago. It talks about a blue collar family, about baseball, rock n’ roll, fast cars and character,” Erler said. “I mention being in Catholic school for eight years, even though I wasn’t Catholic.” He said his mentor was his school’s priest, Joseph Cusack, a relative of actor John Cusack. Diane Asitimbay, with her book “What’s up America: A Foreigner’s Guide to Understanding Americans” had many attendees asking her questions about the questions foreigners have about Americans. “It’s a guide book for international visitors,” Asitimbay said.
City College President Terrance Burgess said that the success prompted faculty to turn this into an annual event. “Some elections are arguably more important but we haven’t missed (a drive) since,” said Burgess. Prop. S was a capital construction bond measure that was passed in February and awarded City College with an additional $5 million, some of which was spent on building new rooms under the library. The funds that remain will support construction on the L building, upgrading the health building, and an entirely new building. With Prop. 92 on the 2008 ballot, this year’s drive is just as important. According to Burgess, this legislation will stabilize government allocated funding to Calif. community colleges, lower the fee per unit to $15, and amend the Calif. constitution to ensure that community colleges are governed locally. More information will be distributed on Prop. 92 before the election. Asitimbay said her work is carefully researched. She collected the major questions foreigners have about Americans. “For example, why do Americans leave home at age 18?” Asitimbay asks the crowed around her. She said she is surprised that Americans are actually buying her book more than foreigners. “Americans want to know what international people observe about them,” Asitimbay said. The idea of the book fair came from City College President Terry Burgers after attending the Miami-Dade International Book Fair, which also takes place on an urban community college campus, Mayhew said. “He asked Jim Miller to direct the fair since Jim had been one of the founders of City Work Press, based on City College’s campus, as well as editor of City Works, which is City’s literary journal,” Mayhew said. “We have already started planning next year’s event and are in the process of lining up authors, artists, and musicians to appear,” Mayhew added.
Continued from page 1 cate in education technology. Hildebrand didn’t stop there. “I liked teaching in the studio and at Southwestern, so I went back to San Diego State and taught as a grad student. In 1981, when I found out about the Jazz Live class at City College, I enrolled for the summer semester, and was teaching the course by fall,” Hildebrand said. Hildebrand eventually gave up his job at Southwestern College, becoming a “freeway flier” as he explains it, traveling from his audio classes at San Diego State to his now full time position at City College. While he has been teaching at City College for over 20 years, Hildebrand says he keeps his classes fresh by “doing online research on new technology and equipment, subscribing to industry magazines, and has access to new research by being a member of the Audio Engineering Society.” “The nice thing about teaching is that you give away all your knowledge, and at the end of the day you still have it,” Hildebrand said. One reason Hildebrand says his classes stand apart from others at City College
CALENDAR
Compiled by Alissa Wisniewski 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
October
November
n City College Book Fair Wed. Oct. 24 @ 8 – 7pm Gorton Quad Contact: Jose Salgado jsalgado@sdccd.edu
n Day of the Dead Offerings Contest Thurs. Nov. 1 @ 9 – 8pm South Side of Cafeteria Contact: jestrada@sdccd.edu
n Theater Production “Ain’t Misbehavin” Fri. Oct. 26, Nov. 2 @ 8pm Sat. Oct. 27, Nov. 3 @ 8pm Sun. Oct. 28, Nov. 4 @ 2pm Saville Theatre Student Ticket: $10 n Film Screening: “The Corporation” Part I, Wed. Oct. 31 @ 9:35 – 11am Part II, Thurs. Nov. 1 @ 9:35 – 11am Saville Theatre Contact: amnestycity@gmail.com n Day of the Dead Celebration Wed. Oct. 31 @ 11:15 – 12:35pm Saville Theatre Contact: Karen Lim klim@sdccd.edu
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is that they are vocational. Students are taught the specific skills needed to succeed in their career path. “A lot of my students go out into professional careers in broadcasting and music. One of them is the chief engineer at Studio West,” Hildebrand said, “We have to keep track of these students who are succeeding in the field to justify the money used in this program, since it is one of the most costly at City College.” And that’s just his day job. On the weekends and in his spare time, Hildebrand fancies building street rods and hot rods, and then racing them, representing his home track “Team Barona”. In fact, he will soon be racing for the first time in the Summit Series Division Nationals in Las Vegas, driving his Ford Model A truck, donning a Barona t-shirt. If he wins, he will be off to Pomona, California for the National Finals with an extra $3,500 in his pocket. This self described “workaholic” also owns his own publishing company, and is still recording. When asked about his favorite album, he is torn between Electric Lady Land by Jimmy Hendrix and Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd. It doesn’t get much cooler than that. And of course, his radio is always tuned to KSDS, City College’s own Jazz 88; the very same program that brought him to City College more than 20 years ago.
n Film Screening: Spanish Film “Tango” Thurs. Nov. 1 @ 3:30 – 5pm Rm. B-103 Contact: Marion Froehlich mfroehli@sdccd.edu n “Afghanistan After the Taliban” Thurs. Nov. 1 @ 5 - 6pm Rm. L-112 Contact: Michael Taylor (619) 381-6001 n Withdrawal Deadline Mon. Nov. 5 No drops after this date n Lecture: Iraq War and Foreign Policy Nov. 6 @ 11:15 – 12:35pm Saville Theatre Prof. David Lake (UCSD, Poli Sci)
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October 23, 2007
NEWS
City Times 3
Science grant goes to MESA DANNY PENERA City Times
KEITH HARMON SNOW Courtesy Photo
Photojournalist Keith Harmon Snow has spent his career chronicling war and other issues in Africa, as illustrated in photos (above and below).
Photojournalist exposes media injustices ALISSA WISNIEWSKI City Times Media has replaced religion as the opiate of the masses. Or at least that conclusion could be reached from the Oct. 18 multimedia presentation given by radical investigative photojournalist and war correspondent Keith Harmon Snow in the Saville Theatre. Snow discussed his perception of the media, which he believes is a propagandist industry that pushes the “white agenda” while exploiting people of color, and how this view was cultivated by his investigations of Africa. Just before the presentation, Snow was dashing between the stage and the projector, readying his slides. Colorful theater backdrops framed the stage and chatter from students threatened to overpower the obnoxious jazz music that flooded the theater. But, as soon as the light went down, all these distractions were irrelevant. Photographs streamed across the stage, innocent at first, but soon interspersed with unsettling images of riot police subdu-
ing protestors and burning bodies wrapped in barbed wire, provoking gasps from the packed theater. The full theater confirmed World Cultures Co-Director Karen Lim’s assertion that this would be a topic of interest to City’s student body. “(This topic) interests lots of different majors … black studies, humanities, political science, etc,” said Lim. Snow spoke at a previous City College conference and was brought to Lim’s attention by a student. Lim hoped “bringing Snow back to, hopefully, a larger audience” would further educate students on Africa’s struggles. A self-proclaimed former “white colonist”, Snow first traveled to Africa with thirst for adventure. He was there to capture wildlife, but soon the ever-present suffering of Africa’s inhabitants made him question what he knew about Africa’s poverty. “My consciousness changed from being part of the exploitation to … trying to find a solution,” said Snow. “This lecture is really about responsibility … how [Africa] is being exploited and
KEITH HARMON SNOW Courtesy Photo who’s responsible.” For several years Snow has been developing a story on Congolese plantations where the “conditions are worse than the sweat shops in China” and children will work all day without getting paid for it. The fruits of their labor are then distributed to American companies. But these stories are “never in Newsweek or the New York Times.” This, in the mind of Snow, is an atrocity. He denounces global
media as propagandist and a product of capitalist interests, which “uses truth selectively.” A photograph of Congolese soldiers with Smith & Wesson guns tucked into their belts flashed across the screen, emphasizing this point. The Smith & Wesson Corporation is a gun company operating out of Connecticut and while newspapers report on the chaos caused by guns in Africa, they don’t usu-
See MEDIA, page 7
City College cafeteria has a lot more to offer CARI ARTHUR City Times Are you looking for organic, vegan, vegetarian or just plain all-around healthy choices in the cafeteria? According to District Food Services Manger Gayla Pierce, “We have a little bit of everything.” However, the options are limited for vegan and organic food selections. This is mainly due to cost and flavor. For organic choices, the cafeteria offers Seattle’s Best coffee.
“It’s very, very expensive. We would love nothing more than to serve organic food, organic produce, organic meat and it would be a cool concept.” Pierce explained. “But from an economical standpoint it is not going to fly for us until it becomes more mainstream.” “We do have vegan options, and we are more than happy to share labels with people that have concerns.” Pierce said. According to Pierce anytime a student has a question about what is in a product they are welcome
to ask the cafeteria site supervisor that would generally know the answer, or at least help the student figure out how to get the answer. Additionally, did you know there is a fresh salad bar available in the cafeteria? It will always have a lettuce mix, generally romaine and sometimes a spring mix, fresh vegetables and tofu cubes. Alternatively, some students are looking for other types of food other than organic and vegetarian. City College student, Yulan
Lan brings her food from home because she likes traditional Chinese food. In addition, Lan explained how difficult it is to order in the cafeteria as students are standing around waiting to order with no real “line”. Lan suggests moving the food menu signs to the side to make it easier for ordering. “This way you can take your time to choose an item, so you don’t end up with something you don’t like.” Lan said.
See MORE, page 7
San Diego City College will receive $370,160 as a part of a five year, $1.9 million National Science Foundation grant. The NSF is issuing a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (STEP) grant in order to further develop science and math programs at City College. Specifically, the money from the grant will affect the Math, Engineering, and Science Achievements program. MESA is a program designed to help educationally disadvantaged students graduate from four year universities with math-based degrees. Every semester more than 120 students are part of City College’s MESA program and that number is expected to increase by 10% each year with the help of NSF funding. As a member of the San Diego MESA Alliance, City College will share this $1.9 million with the MESA programs at San Diego State University and Southwestern College. The money from the grant will go toward increasing the services provided by MESA that allow students to succeed academically as well as develop leadership skills and industry contacts. Through MESA, students have gained experience in the working environment by participating in team internships with science and engineering firms located in San Diego. These internships assist the process of obtaining skills useful to students entering their respective fields. Former City College and SDSU student Jose L. Yvellez was on who received an NSF scholarship and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering in 2006. Yvellez now works for a company which develops hardware that is used in satellite applications. “I just want to express my sincere appreciation for the commitment and support of the MESA program at City College. As a Recipient of an NSF scholarship, it facilitated my education tremendously,” said Yvellez. The MESA program at City College began in 1999 and since then has aided more than 150 in graduating and transferring. “Working one-on-one with students to prepare for advanced studies and job-readiness, this $370,000 grant will help the MESA program at City produce more student success stories. Without a doubt, these funds have guaranteed return on investment for our students, our college, and our community,” said Terrence Burgess, President of City College.
ARTS
4 City Times
October 23, 2007
DONNA MARANTO Contributor
One of the many photos taken of Stonehenge during the hourlong tour of the monument.
Summer solstice perfect time to tour Stonehenge Editor’s note: This first-person story is the second of three parts covering the City College photography department’s 2007 Eurofoto tour. This year’s tour covered the United Kingdom. I could say much about the timeless beauty of Ireland, a land seemingly untouched by the progress of our age. My respect for the Irish grew as I viewed the green landscapes and the countless ruins protected and cared for by its people. There are many villages where Gaelic is still taught, and many road signs carried their language still. It seemed we had walked back into another time as we arrived at the Cliffs of Moher – the sun was beginning to set
and painted a golden path of the lingering light directly to the sea. The cliffs themselves are a sculpture of time, brashly surviving against the tides and winds. One of our companion travelers, Susan K. Smith, was on her second Eurofoto tour with City College. “Lake District was very exciting for me,” she recalled. “Being able to capture the countryside images, including the swans, thatched roofs and waterways which are so very beautiful gave me many exciting additions for my portfolio. It seemed we had a little more time during that part of our tour to concentrate on actual photography.” Susan is a professional photographer, and describes her work as
FIRST PERSON Donna Maranto
“Faux”-tography. After she captures an image, she spends hours at the computer turning it into an artful masterpiece. Her work can be seen at Spanish Village in Balboa Park. For me, it was probably Ambleside that drew my most rapt attention, a place so very charming, near to Windermere. There I spent most of my time hiking around a waterfall and stream which provided a beauty of nature I had hoped to see and photograph often. However, Bath was the most enlivening because of the cul-
tural significance of the city, and the large interest in tourism. I found the town extremely accommodating to me, as I carried my two or three cameras around, hardly ever letting go of the shutter. Often, people are not so well receiving of these endeavors. We took a tour of the ruins themselves, where you can linger and imagine yourself an ancient traveler here visiting the healing waters and communing with friends. And it was from the city of Bath that we toured to Stonehenge. We were lucky enough to arrive just at the summer solstice, and saw first hand of the interest still alive in the rites of celebrating the season. There were people dressed in white robes at
a festival to commemorate these ancient rites and pay homage to the history of Stonehenge. The tour gave us almost a full hour at the monument, and provided a recording telling of the story of the ancient stones. From Ambleside we went by train to Stratford-upon-the-Avon. It is a small village full of surprises and interests even beyond the tribute to Mr. Shakespeare. We had just missed a festival dedicated to theater, and the activities were continuing well into the night. By this time, we were quite used to, and spoiled by, the fact that daylight lasted until almost 10 p.m. Donna Maranto is a frequent contributor to City Times
Latin flutist David Valentin performed Oct. 9 to a sold out audience Jazz 88.3 series celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month KATIE DUNN City Times Celebrating Hispanic month, KSDS JAZZ 88.3 presented renowned Latin jazz flutist, David Valentin in the Saville Theatre, on Oct. 9 and was broadcast live on the KSDS station. The show was sold out
and audience members who came late, lined the steps of the theatre. Valentin was accompanied by four other musicians on stage: Phoenix Rivera on drums, Luke Carlos on Piano, Oskar Caytaya on Bass and Chembo Corniel on Percussion. The audience danced in their chairs and in the isles as the band played a variety of songs from those with slow, deep melodies to the widely known “Oye Como Va” with a high tempo. Valentin called to the crowd to sing with
him. Clapping with the song, audience members began shouting the lyrics along side the music. One woman in the crowd shouted a request at Valentin as he prepared for another song. Without hesitation the woman was brought on stage. As the music played she began to dance in her seat, and slowly onto her feet she spun and moved to the music. “It was tremendous fun, he’s such a character” said one observer. Dancing on stage, telling stories and
jokes, audience members saw a show of comedy and love for music as Valentin told of his inspirations and personal opinions on music between sets. “We’re very appreciative of the college’s support around these monthly concerts,” said an audience member, “we attend regularly, these are outstanding events.” Ending with a standing ovation, Valentin addressed the crowd one last time. “From the bottom of my feet, because I can’t go any lower, I want to thank you. Thank you for paying my rent.”
October 23, 2007
LIFE&TIMES
City Times 5
SCREAM SEASON Personal perspectives on Halloween
Costumes and consequences KATIE DUNN City Times CARI ARTHUR City Times photo illustration
Living the lives of others DANNY PENERA City Times So it’s October now and I’ve been finding it hard to focus lately because only one thing matters to me in this, the tenth month of the year. While I use the term “thing” to build a little reader-suspense I feel I am being very disrespectful to what it is I am actually talking about, my favorite day of the year, Halloween. To me Halloween has always been the event that brings about some of my most prized memories in life. As with anything that comes along, brings you feelings of happiness and then leaves you abruptly without calling (I will not be ignored!) Halloween makes people fall in love with it. I know I’m a fan. In fact I even wrote a song about it and I might get a tattoo of it on the back of my neck. My obsession began in my younger-years when I used to enjoy getting hopped up on copious amounts of Fun Dip and Pixie Stix and then running around the neighborhood seeing what the nightlife had to offer. Now that I’m at the age of maturity, twenty and a half, I can no longer partake in the
joys of trick or treating without catching nasty looks from overly concerned parents or loosing my dignity to passersby that see me in my half-hearted attempt at a Kris Kros reunion (only my chaps are on backwards). Because it is not possible to parade the streets in un-accompanied joy as it was in my glory days, I found it necessary to explore the alternatives to trick or treating and I think I’ve found one that suits. Anyone who has been to a college shin-dig lately knows that I am of course talking about the house party’s estranged cousin, who only shows up at weddings for the free booze, the costume party. If Halloween is the night where people can be anything they choose then I will choose to be sincerely entertained because the minute I step into the party I know I will see people letting their costume choice dictate their behavior. This of course is when the craziest of all crazies act out and feel completely comfortable doing it. And personally this is what I enjoy most of all about Halloween, even more than the “sugar buzz” and the eventual “sugar withdrawal.” By dressing up as someone else and letting your
inhibitions go you can feel comfortable enough to let parts of your inner, secretive, personality shine through. Disclaimer: if those parts are kind of weird blame it on the costume. I know I will take full advantage of Halloween’s don’t ask don’t tell policy. For example, I like to mix up dinners with the family by occasionally wearing my g-unit spinner and gold fronts to the table. Usually this is frowned upon but during Halloween time the fam actually seems to enjoy my shenanigans. Go figure So my advice to you, the people, is make the most of this swingin’ month because Halloween time is the only time when wearing goofy garb is both accepted and rewarded. Also make the most by taking pictures. Now I leave you with this thought, people may think that the way others behave on Halloween is considered promiscuous or lecherous by contemporary standards but a long time ago it was customary to believe that the world was flat. So I urge you people to work for change and promote progressive thinking as it applies to Halloween. Thank you and goodnight.
As a 10-year-old girl, Halloween was the most exciting night of the year. Not only was I allowed to dress myself in a zombie nurse or clown costume, I fully transformed into someone or something else. Each year my mother tried to prepare herself for the sugar loaded crazy child she created, but cement barricades couldn’t hold me. Now, the only thing my mother prepares for are the slew of half naked girls running around town. With every passing year hem lines have continued to rise inch by inch. During an online search for this years Halloween costume, it occurred to me that if I were to run around as “Homie the clown” again, most women would shun me. The pressure to be sexy is on for the majority of women during this holiday. A certain expectation has seemed to develop for women to dress provocatively. For one night we buy costumes that cover about the same as a censor mark, cost more than a tank of gas, and get us into clubs for free. The nightlife now consists of countless corrupt Tinker Bells, Bo Peeps and nurses gone naughty. “I think it’s just a great excuse to take all the judgments the world makes on you, and throw them out the window.” said 19year-old Amanda Torres. “I can look as sexy as I want without bad looks being shot my way.” Costumes are no longer for the pure enjoyment of running
around like your favorite character or superhero, but to let our inner expression of sexuality shine through and our outer presentation exude sex appeal. “It’s a time when good girls can go bad for the night, and no one can tell them no.” Torres said. So put on a black negligee, heels and a pair of cat ears and get to tricking the men and treating yourselves. But, what about the girls who don’t want to fold under pressure? “I plan on being a pirate,” 22-year-old Jenna Cathcart said. “But, don’t expect to see me tripping down the sidewalk in stiletto’s and wearing a bandana for a top.” Still attaining the sexy standard, Cathcart didn’t feel it was necessary to show skin, just a hint of seduction by the silhouette of her curves. “Sexuality doesn‘t mean you have to show off everything you have,” said Cathcart. As a helpful reminder to all women who will be out this holiday, please remember undergarments and that incriminating pictures may be taken. Unfortunately, what happens Halloween night doesn’t tend to be easily forgotten. While continuing the search for my own costume, I received an e-mail from my mother that read, “Dear daughter of mine, please cover yourself this holiday season. The flu is on a rampage.” Yes, mom. Again, thanks for sending the multi-colored afro and red nose my way. Some things may never change, no matter how many years pass.
6 City Times
OPINION
October 23, 2007
Let’s not help create a monster “Politics,” a word so simple yet very complex, has been personified in modern English as an American Godzilla; say the word, “politics” and you’ll have everyone running scared. The molasses like speed of political progress in Washington makes evident the affect of anti-political social responses since progress is only made when demanded by the greater public. If progress can be made, though difficult to attain, it is still worth the efforts. Demonizing politics and creating a social stigma involved with any related topic is retroactive, serving no greater purpose than to stop progress and prevent change. In a world where people are still murdered for their beliefs, it’s easy to see why political conversations may Emily Pfaff sometimes be best avoided. As American citizens we have an obligation to other nations to educate ourselves and remain active in our own political system, the freedom fighting flying eagles of a democratic republic. As we are responsible for electing representatives from our states, and eventually our president, we above the age of 18, also have a hand in the actions of our administration. We may not have pulled the trigger, but we elected the officials that allowed the gun to be produced, attained, sent off and utilized. We may not have killed the Iraqi civilians, but we’ve allowed the murders to continue. We might not have lost a leg at the age of 20 but we funded the hiring and deployment of American soldiers that allowed others to lose one for us. “I don’t have time,” is everyone’s favorite excuse but it is what we do with the time we have that counts the most. Conversations about politics shouldn’t be avoided and arguments shouldn’t be sought, it’s simply good practice to remain globally aware. We live in a place that represents a small fraction of an entire world, which in turn represents an entirely smaller fraction of an even larger galaxy. Humankind should find refuge in our commonality and take comfort in the limitless possibilities to the world surrounding us. Humankind has the power of conscious, if we find discomfort
VIEWPOINT
See MONSTER, page 7
CityTimes Volume 62, Issue 4 October 23, 2007 Published as: The Jay Sees / 1945-1949 Fortknightly / 1949-1978 City Times / 1978Incorporating the newspapers Tecolote, Knight Owl and Flicks
Luis Bahena Editor-in-Chief Alissa Wisniewski News Editor
Benjamin Cruz Sports Editor Cari Arthur Photography Editor Shevaun Brandom Cari Arthur Online Editors City Times Staff Christopher Bloss, Katie Dunn, Nailah Edmondson, Aysha Johnson, Whitney Lawrence, David McAtee, Danny Penera Amanda Vongsavath Contributors Lauren Ciallella, Manny Lopez, Donna Maranto, Noe Rojas, Josie Salazar
Emily Pfaff Opinion Editor Shanika Whaley Arts/Features 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. District policy statement This publication is produced as a learning experience under a San Diego Community College District instructional program. All materials, including opinions expressed herein, are the sole responsibility of the students and should not be interpreted to be those of the college district, its officers or employees. 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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EMILY PFAFF City Times
InterVarsity was misrepresented Dear Editor: We are writing in response to the article on the Creation/Evolution Debate. We are representing InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at San Diego City College and we wanted to clarify our involvement in this event. Our organization’s name was mistakenly put on the World Cultures flyer for the event as a result of miscommunication between World Cultures and InterVarsity. We were informed of the event and asked to co-sponsor it but an agreement was never reached. So InterVarsity’s name was placed on the World Cultures flyers without our approval or collaboration in the event. However, we have partnered with World Cultures in the past (i.e. the screenings of documentaries, “Long Walk Home” and “Seoul Train”) and this situation does not hinder us from desiring to continue partnership in the future. This miscommunication
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR City Times Readers
resulted in the article incorrectly stating that InterVarsity sponsored the event. However, had we been contacted for a comment, we would have been able to explain the confusion and controversy surrounding the debate. We were disappointed to see that individuals representing organizations uninvolved with the event were quoted instead. Had the writer of the article approached InterVarsity, they would have also discovered that our organization is devoted greatly to student leadership development and empowerment rather than polemical arguments over cultural battles and controversial issues. They would have also found us to be an organization seeking to create a safe space for students to explore faith and spirituality from a Christian perspective, to build
community and increase socially conscious awareness on campus, and to serve the poor and marginalized in San Diego. We appreciate City Times’ commitment to reporting on student life and campus news, but we would further appreciate the Times’ efforts to report on as much of the whole story as possible. We greatly encourage open dialogue between different viewpoints and we welcome future discussions of ideas, values, and important issues. We simply ask that in the future, such discussions take place in the spirit of academic and journalistic integrity and respect for the viewpoints of others represented in City’s diverse student body. InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Times biased in evolution story Dear Editor: I was dismayed and disheartened by the poor quality of reporting in “Presentation on origin of species stirs controversy: Debate transformed into lecture following a wave of protest,” written by Alissa Wisniewski. The lurid prose exemplifies a lack of journalistic integrity, poor fact checking, and a fundamental ignorance of the socio-religious issues that affect a significant multicultural population both on campus and in the larger society. Furthermore, your editorial decision to publish such an “explosive” article can only be construed as an error in judgment. Particularly troubling was place this article on the front page: pouring salt in the wounds you inflicted on members of a legitimate campus club and a guest who should have been honored for taking his time to speak honestly about his beliefs and
thoughtful interpretations. Your article should cause “a wave of protest” from the student body, and those you maligned should be given a formal apology: center front page would be appropriate. Was your article designed to demonstrate hyperbole, Ms. W? Timeless? Puleese! Darwin published in 1859, only 145 years ago; Clarence Darrow defended John Scopes in the infamous “Monkey Trial” of 1925, a mere 82 years ago — I know living, breathing people who were alive in 1925. Perhaps your article was designed to show us examples of poor fact checking? You informed us the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCH) sponsored the “debate.” Not so, according to Professor Chris Baron, faculty adviser to the group and SDCC English Center’s administrator. Originally proposed by IVCH, the group decided it was not in their best interests
to sponsor a “debate” that might appear to be a non-issue to those outside the Christian community — an irony, given the flammable language in your article. Furthermore, failure to interview Professor Baron, the elected student leaders of IVCH, or members of that group is deplorable; had you done so, you would have discovered there had been a miscommunication between the World Cultures staff and IVCH: the programs were printed before the miscommunication was addressed. It was extremely easy for me to find and talk to members of IVCH, and Professor Baron is imminently approachable. An obvious question is why you were unable to get their side of the story. Your greatest fallacy was your failure to comprehend that those of the Christian faith embrace many different interpre-
See BIASED, page 7
October 23, 2007
NEWS / OPINION
Media Continued from page 3 ally reports on where the guns come from. Snow reduced newspapers to “ad-delivering mechanisms” where “news is filler.” As he said this, a newspaper page with a sprawling Calvin Klein ad and an article on AIDS in Africa tucked into the corner appeared, backing up Snow’s seemingly outlandish claims as to the true intentions of the global media. “The entire media revolves around white supremacy and white propaganda… it’s a disease,” said Snow. He claims the deployment of troops from rich, often capitalist countries to Africa is disguised as a form of damage control but is actually a way for these countries to gain control of raw resources such as cobalt or oil, the two most significant Congolese exports. When troops are deployed to the region, the media reports that they are there to quash violent conflicts or remove dictators when they are actually securing raw
More Continued from page 3 City College student Xiao Qui brings his food from home because, “I don’t like American or Mexican food.” Pierce explained how she doesn’t want the students to feel as if they can’t talk to the cafeteria about its food selection. “I don’t want the students out there feeling like they don’t have any recourse. We are open to them. We would love to have
resources for the benefit of their countries and economies. Naturally, there were still skeptics unwilling to dismiss global media completely. “He made some bold statements on … U.S. involvement in the Rwanda genocide … that I would have liked him to offer more support for,” said Trezise. Snow suggested that students view his interview with Paul Rusesabagina, the Rwandan genocide survivor who inspired the film “Hotel Rwanda,” to get more information. He then fired up the audience, saying “campus’ are wastelands … there’s no radical activity anymore.” He challenged students to change the world. “Let yourself feel, we’ve forgotten how to feel … move into fear … what scares you most is what you need to work on.” Snow offered a final bit of advice before ending his presentation. “The two things you have to stop [using] to live a happy life are alcohol and propaganda.” For a more in depth look into the investigations of Snow, visit his Web site, www. allthingspass.com. them make suggestions to us.” she said. “This is their cafeteria, we would really like it if there are items they would like us to serve they need to let us know.” According to Pierce, the cafeteria site supervisors and Pierce herself are open and ready to talk to any student which has a genuine desire to talk about food choices, or that may have suggestions on products they would like to see served in the cafeteria. “If it’s doable we can try it.” Pierce said. For more information on cafeteria food selections, contact Gayla Pierce directly at her e-mail address gpierce@sdccd.edu.
Have no fear ... Halloween fun is here Are you ready to get dressed up in your favorite lavish costume and participate in events to win prizes, listen to music, hang out and much more? The Associated Student Government will hold its Halloween Blast event Oct. 31, in Gorton Quad from 10-2 in the afternoon. There are many activities for students to participate in to win prizes including; best
costume, bobbing for apples, best scarecrow and best pumpkin carving competition. In addition, students can hang out and listen to the disc jockey, live bands or poetry reading. For more information, contact the ASG directly in room D-105 or (619) 388-3412. — Cari Arthur
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City Times
Biased Continued from page 6 tations of their scriptures. There are, Ms. W, Christians who hold a literal seven-day creationist view and Christians who find no conflict in believing their Creator used evolution as part of an overall plan. You focused on the wrong issues from start to finish. Shame on you, Ms. Wisniewski. The editors of City Times also deserve to be taken to task. To place an article best suited for a study of rhetorical fallacies on the front page, while apparently expecting me to use your paper as a reputable source of news is delusional. That City Times would publish an article laden with hyperbole, blatant misrepresentation, and obvi-
Monster Continued from page 6 in the things we see in the world, we can begin that change with discussion and end in action. We have the power to consciously change our physical and mental surroundings because we have the power to decide;
HIV
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ous bias is offensive. Shame on you. Challenges and opportunities to elicit change abound on our campus, perfect opportunities for journalist students to shine: How long will the handicapped and elderly on our campus be further impeded by failing or broken elevators, and what kind of legal issues might arise? How are administrators addressing current and future parking issues, and how are other community college campuses solving those same issues in favor of the students? What is it like to apply for financial aid as a returning college student, and is it different for students with families? Making a tempest in a teapot into a tsunami is despicable when there are so many other issues and situations more deserving of being published. Josie Armstead educated communication is the apathetic slaves savoir. If you don’t like seeig the homeless when you drive around downtown, don’t avoid downtown, take action by voting for representatives that will take action for you. If you don’t like talking about politics, become more accustomed, it’s your life and you have a voice. Emily Pfaff is City Times’ opinion editor
free and there are various locations around San Diego.”
Continued from page 1 planning, pregnancy testing, STD tests and treatment, Hepatitis B shots and HIV testing. We are hoping to set up tables to enroll students here and make it easy,” Cordell said. In the meantime, Cordell says “we have a list of county HIV testing sites in Student Health Services room A-116. The tests are
While the Health Center no longer provides HIV testing, it does offer low cost testing for other STDs, birth control exams, gynecological exams, and PAP tests. All services at the Health Center are confidential. To find more information about the HIV Testing Mobile Unit contact San Diego Public Health Services at (619) 296-2120 or City College Student Health Services at (619) 388-3539.
8 City Times
SPORTS
October 23, 2007
Knights cross country to compete in PCC championships WHITNEY LAWRENCE City Times The City College men’s cross country team will be competing in the upcoming Pacific Coast Conference Championships on Friday, Oct. 26 at Morley Field in Balboa Park at 2:30 p.m. The Knights grew from a team of just four in 2006 to 15 members this year. “We are in the rebuilding phase,” coach Peter Gregory said. Tom Kee, who is currently tied for first place on the team with John Ansley, is the only returning member from last year’s team. “The coaches look for me to help out and be a team leader. It’s easy with this team, they’re a great group of guys,” Kee said. The relatively unseasoned team, coached by Paul Greer and Peter Gregory, is the “most diverse team in age I’ve ever coached,” Gregory said. 18-year-old Alex Valle is the youngest on the team, and is ranked 3rd on the roster. Team captain Ricco “Hollywood” Eckard is 35-years-old. 66 year old Stephen Brennek serves as the oldest member of the bunch. “There is a lot of potential for this program to develop into a championship level team. We have a lot of talent and these guys compete with their hearts,” Gregory said. Also on the team are Kevin Kelley, a transfer student from West Valley junior college. Caleb “Ponch” Zamora is a graduate from San Diego High School, Jose “the annihilator” Anaya, Joseph Martinez of Zuni High School and
Xavier Medina, who represented McFarland High School when they won the state meet. Gregory and Greer said the most improved on the team are Abel Aguilar, Abel Muñoz, and Johnny Laughter. These first timers could only run 10 minutes back in June, are up to 90 minutes. The cross country team has been in a losing streak for the past five years and managed to break the spell this year, beating four to five teams at each meet. The Knights out ran four teams at the Mt. San Antonio College Invitational on Oct. 11 and are looking forward to the Conference Championships later in the month. “We are going to have a lot of fun,” Kee said, “I’m sure a couple of guys will make it to regionals.” The top four out of five teams to win at the Conference Finals will go on to compete in the Southern California Regionals on November 3 in Irvine. From there, the top 14 schools will continue on to the state meet on November 17. “We have the goods. My job is to get them to believe in themselves, get them competitive and they will win championships,” said Gregory. Gregory, the teams assistant head coach, has ran the Boston marathon 17 times in a row and has a total of 54 marathons under his belt. Although this is his first year at City College, Gregory has coached high school and community college teams since 1989 including Cuyamaca College and Southwestern. He also trained in Kenya in 2000 and co-coached the Uganda cross country team for the Olympic games in Sydney and Athens.
Courtney Porter, Kate Ulevich and Darlene Nwagbou practice in the Harry West Gym.
DAVID MCATEE City Times
Four losses for women’s v-ball The City College women’s vollaball team suffered four losses in their Pacific Coast Conference games. With one win against Cuyamaca college, things were not going so well for the Knights. However, all was not in vain. PCC selected Women’s Volleyball player Erin Bull as athlete of the week of the ending week of Sept. 9. The knigts still have a chance to turn things around with more conference games coming up. Their next opponent will be rival school Mesa College on Oct. 24, home game. Imperial Valley college will follow for an away game on Oct. 26. -- Luis Bahena
Darlene Nwagbou jumps to spike the ball.
DAVID MCATEE City Times
Fitness Center celebrates 16 years in service to students WHITNEY LAWRENCE City Times The City College fitness center is celebrating 16 years in service and rising student success rates along the way. Located across the street from City College at 1313 Park Blvd, the fitness center is open to students enrolled in Physical Education 153, Lifelong Fitness Lab, and professors looking for FLEX credit. The class implements a circuit training program in which students interchange short intervals of strength training exercises with bursts of high intensity cardiovascular exercises, such as cycling. Complete with 24 weight machines, 24 bikes, two treadmills, two ellipticals and six stairmasters, the program was designed to simultaneously burn fat and increase muscle mass, what most refer to as “toning up.” Each workout lasts about 45
minutes and emphasizes cardiovascular health, flexibility, muscular endurance, muscular strength and body composition. A body composition test, which determines a students percentage of body fat and lean muscle mass, is done at the beginning and end of the semester to benchmark improvement. “Our priority here is to teach individuals about themselves, promote self improvement, relieve stress, and of course give them a great workout,” said Paul Greer, Fitness Center Director. Since implementing a program in 2003 that requires students to attend the gym at a specific time, the student success rate has risen to 66 percent from 33 percent. “I will say, retention has improved by requiring students to come to class at certain times, as opposed to an open entry/open exit policy,” Greer said. Students such as Ricco Eckert, captain of the men’s cross coun-
try team at City, attribute their success to the fitness center. “I use the fitness center everyday Monday through Friday,” Eckert said. “The facility is awesome, it helped me lose almost 30 pounds. I was 210, now I weigh 184.” The classes usually accommodate 25 to 30 students and entail instructor led core and stretching exercises. All 14 instructors have masters degrees in physical education as well as backgrounds in activity based fitness programs. “It is not required for our faculty to have a background in group fitness, it just means I know and the students can tell that they practice what they preach, which makes them more influential to students,” Greer said. While the class only briefly touches on subjects such as nutrition or application of exercise into daily life, the upcoming lecture series fills in the gaps. Open to the public at the Harry West Gym
BENJAMIN CRUZ City Times in room 206, the series kicked off on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 5 pm with a presentation by Antolin Rodriguez, a City College student, about the “Healthy Benefits of Laughter Yoga.” “Overcoming Life Threatening Illnesses through Exercise” is the topic to be presented by
Bill Aaron on Nov. 14 at 5 p.m., and general nutrition will be discussed on Dec. 13 at 7 pm by Kim Mueller, a registered dietician. Anyone interested in attending Lifelong Fitness Lab can enroll in the eight week session beginning Oct. 22 instructed by Jake Molina.