2007_1211_CT_v62i8

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Enjoy the holidays in safety and cheer

WHO’S NEWS

Are vegetarian diets a healthy way to live?

Life & Times, page 10

CityTimes

District has new boss for City College students receive extra grant facilities Volume 62, Number 8

WHITNEY LAWRENCE City Times

NAILAH EDMONDSON City Times Experienced project manager David Umstot took over the facilities management vice chancellor position in the San Diego City College District this summer.

As vice chancellor just a few of his duties are managing Propositions S and N management of maintenance, custodial and grounds keeping operations at the City, Mesa and Miramar college campuses.

Proposition S and N will be transforming each campus and doubling the size in the next 7 years.

Before taking over as the college district’s vice chancellor of facilities management, he was the executive director of facilities for the San Diego Unified School District.

His responsibilities included managing San Diego Unified’s $1.51 billion Proposition MM reconstruction program. He also managed the school district’s real estate.

Bechtel National Inc. brought Umstot to San Diego in 1993 when he worked as a project manager. He was managing a $260 million program for the Navy.

“I really liked San Diego and decided to stay,” he said.

He received a Bachelors’ from the University of Pacific in Stockton and a Master’s from the Colorado school of mines in Golden, Colorado.

Both degrees were received in Engineering.

It doesn’t stop there Umstot is also a registered Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering for California and certified nationally as an Energy Manager by the Association of Energy Engineers.

See FACILITIES, page 2

INDEX Calendar .................................... 2 News .........................................3 Opinion ......................................4 Arts ...........................................6 Sports ..................................... 12

City College students who qualified to receive Pell Grant awards this semester got more than they bargained for when an extra check was made out to them

Covering the San Diego City College community since 1945

in addition to the two scheduled payouts during the semester, a direct effect of the passage of the College Cost Reduction Act. Since its passage in September, the maximum Pell Grant award increased from $4,176 to $4,310.

While grant money was sched-

uled to distribute twice during the semester, the first mail date on September 18, and the second on November 19, students who qualified for more grant money under the act’s provisions were awarded with a seperate check disbursed at the end of October.

December 11, 2007

Susana Gonzalez, the student services assistant in the Financial Aid Department, was working the phone lines as the students called in concerned about this mystery check.

See GRANT, page 2

City Times receives numerous awards

on a complaint basis and applies citywide.

Similar objections to a portion of this law were raised by College Area Community Council President Doug Case, Councilman Ben Hueso and Councilman Kevin Faulconer, who all thought the $1,000 fee needed to be addressed. The CACC suggested that the fee was excessive and could have unintended consequences across the city. The CACC recommended a hardship waiver for poor extended families who could be impacted by the law.

City Times swept an entire category in the college journalism division of the San Diego Press Club’s annual awards in November.

The accomplishment is part of several local and regional awards the student newspaper has won in the past six months.

Seven current and former staff members won awards from the Press Club, which held its annual banquet Nov. 7 at Chuey’s restaurant. The week before, three staffers won awards from the Journalism Association of Community Colleges’ Southern California regional conference.

Two City Times students, Whitney Lawrence and Nailah Edmondson, attended the JACC conference. They were the first to represent San Diego City College at a JACC event in at least 20 years, according to faculty adviser Roman Koenig.

“I’m glad I went,” Edmondson said. It was informative.”

Koenig said it was clear the conference put their work at City Times into context.

“Nailah and Whitney returned from the conference energized and excited about how to make a quality student newspaper,” Koenig said. “Their attendance was crucial to placing City Times and the college back into active status in JACC. We’re not just active at a distance like we’ve been since 2003. Now we can say we’re actually there.”

Koenig also won two Press Club awards for magazine writing.

In July, City Times won second place for Best Newspaper from the Society of Professional Jour-

See DORM, page 2

See AWARDS, page 2

Photos by DAVID McATEE City Times

’Tis the season for crafts Patrons (pictured above) peruse Made With Luv’s crafty goods on Dec. 1 during a craft fair at the Whistlestop Bar in South Park. The fair featured more than 15 crafters and designers, such as those cards and pillows from heybison.com (pictured right). The event was organized in conjunction with the South Park Walkabout, a neighborhood event that has been getting South Park residents out of their houses past dark since 2005. See ARTS, page 6

San Diego mini-dorm law passes City Council KIM SWAIN SDSU Daily Aztec SAN DIEGO (U-WIRE) — San Diego lawmakers added another law to a growing number of ordinances designed to combat the prevalence of mini-dorms, but put off another for further consideration in January.

The San Diego City Council voted in a 6-1 decision last month to pass the Residential High Occupancy Permit. The other proposal also up for a vote — the Rooming House Ordinance — did not pass, much to the dismay of many College Area and Pacific Beach residents who are most impacted by

mini-dorms.

Mini-dorms are not defined by law but are generally recognized as nuisance rentals occupied by multiple adults in a single-family residential neighborhood. They are popular with students because the cost can be divided among many tenants and they offer more freedom than residence halls.

The RHOP is modeled after an ordinance in San Luis Obispo and is designed to discourage the rental of single dwelling units to six or more adults who are over the age of 18. Such residences would require a permit that would cost $1,000 and be up for annual review. The law will be enforced

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NEWS / CALENDAR

City Times

Grant Continued from page 1 “Students were worried because they thought it was their second disbursement,” Gonzalez said, “I ended up arguing with them over a $35 check.”

Gonzalez attributes the unawareness of the student body to the fact that the e-mail updates sent out to students sometimes get inadvertently put in spam boxes where students miss them.

City College’s website has failed to update their financial aid page which states that “Congress is currently considering legislation to repeal the tuition sensitivity regulation effective with the Fall 2007 semester. If passed, students will be eligible for the higher $4,310 Pell Grant.”

The Act also set out to reduce student

Facilities Continued from page 1 Crossing the Dark choppy waters of the Atlantic Ocean in December of 2005 on a 52-foot boat is one of Umstot’s personal accomplishments. Setting sail for a 17-day excursion was the scene of his four-man crew team that traveled 2,800 nautical miles from Gran Canaria to Antigua.

Outside of work, Umstot enjoys backpacking, kayaking and canoeing, which he

loan interest rates, which will go into effect in the fall 2008 semester and gradually reduce 3.40% over the next seven years.

Considering the rising demand of student loans at City College, this should come as a welcomed gesture from Congress.

According to Gregory Sanchez, the Director of the Financial Aid Department, in the 2006-07 school year City College loaned money to 889 students. So far in the 200708 school year, already 558 students have received loans directly from the college.

Sanchez also noted the fact that the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which is supposed to be revised every four years, is “about three or four years overdue.” The HEA deals with issues of minimizing tuition fee’s, promoting college education and improving teacher quality.

“Both bodies of Congress put forward legislation on it and its possible that this year we may have a reauthorization.” Sanchez said. “There is still a lot to be done.” said are key components in scouting, an activity he’s taken part in since a boy. He is currently an Assistant Scoutmaster with the Point Loma Troop 24.

Backpacking the depths of the Grand Canyon and kayaking across the Colorado River are a few activities Umstot has participated in as a scout.

Home addresses were ever so changing as a child in a military family. “I was fortunate to experience many different cultures and languages from an early age,” Umstot said.

City Times

Online

ging the new Brin s

to y o u http://www.sdcitytimes.com

December 11, 2007

Awards Continued from page 1 nalists’ San Diego chapter. Scott Landheer, who was the paper’s editor-in-chief last spring, won an honorable mention in photography for his fall 2006 photo of City College’s submersible robot team.

Landheer was on hand at SPJ’s banquet, which featured former “60 Minutes” producer Lowell Bergman, whose work on the news magazine inspired the movie “The Insider.”

City Times also won accolades from the San Diego County Fair over the summer.

The paper won Best in Class in layout and design. The award was accepted by Landheer, who was responsible for the paper’s overall design that semester.

November’s Press Club winners were: ■ Scott Landheer: third place news writ-

Dorm Continued from page 1 According to the city attorney’s office and the planning commission, the fee is set at $1,000 in order to be cost-recoverable.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, the majority of the comments were in favor of both ordinances. Residents pleaded council members to pass both ordinances immediately, but the council was unable to pass the RHO. The RHO defines a rooming house as “a dwelling unit where three or more rooms are rented under three or more rental agreements, or, where fewer than three rental agreements results in three or more separate households, or integrated economic units.”

ing, second and third place news design, third place feature design ■ Emily Pfaff: first place column ■ Brittany Arquette: second place opinion/commentary writing ■ Lauren Ciallella: second place review ■ Rebecca Saffran: third place review ■ David J. Olender: first place feature design ■ Nicole Burdette: second place feature design November’s JACC winners were: ■ Rosemarie Davis: honorable mention news/feature writing ■ Lauren Ciallella: second place critical review ■ Scott Landheer: second place front page layout City Times staff members are now looking to JACC’s spring conference in Los Angeles. Between now and the start of the spring semester, the newspaper will be moving its offices from L-125 to T-316 as the L building is prepped for renovation.

Much of the controversy centered around the term “integrated economic units” and the factors code enforcers would use to determine such a relationship.

A student who spoke during the public comment period voiced his concern that he and his fraternity brothers with would not be considered an “integrated economic unit” and therefore, in violation of the law if they chose to live together.

Councilman Jim Madaffer, who represents the College Area, objected to the RHO because although he was supportive of the intent, he had problems with inconsistencies between the planning commission and the city attorney’s office. Madaffer said he wanted to make a strong law that would hold up in court, not to make a hasty decision.

The RHOP will return for a second reading in January, as will a revised RHO with more information for a first reading.

CALENDAR

Compiled by Shevaun Brandom 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

December

January

n Until Dec. 17 Toys drive donations, for Polinsky Children’s Center age range infants-teenagers Campus police department

n Jan. 2 Intersession starts

CityTimes

n Jan. 28 Regular sessions starts

wishes you a happy and safe holiday season

December 11, 2007

NEWS

City Times 3

City Middle College graduates 25 students CHRISTOPHER BLOSS Contributor Twenty-five City Middle College (CMC) students received their College Certificate of Completion at noon Dec. 7 in a ceremony being held in the faculty/staff cafeteria.

CMC was founded seven years ago, under City College Vice President of Instruction Ron Manzoni, with the hope of giving at-risk students at Garfield High School motivation and mentoring to complete high school and continue on to higher education or jobs in a field that interest them.

Professor Lori Oldham, supervisor of the program says, “City Middle College Changes lives and attitudes by affording stu-

dents the opportunity to actively participate in their own academic, professional, and personal goals while experiencing success with great pride and dignity.”

The program, which more than 600 students have graduated from, consists of a two-week boot camp at Garfield High School with the Oracle program, six weeks at City College, and the remaining time interning for prospective jobs.

Larry Visconty is the contact for the CMC program at Garfield and also is involved in the student selection process. The candidates must have good attendance (being that Garfield is an alternative school, attendance is not mandatory) and write an essay explaining the qualities and reasons they should be in the program. Finally,

they are interviewed by Visconty, who chooses the 26-27 students who will be involved in the program.

Once the students have been chosen they start what is called the boot camp, which according to a program pamphlet is “designed to build community through a series of motivational activities focusing on team building, creative problem solving, study skills and career awareness.”

The purpose of the training is to better prepare the students for when they start going to City College, taking college courses and thinking about their future and the skills they will need to achieve their goals.

While at City College for the six weeks, students are taught

about various aspects about the workforce, from writing cover letters, filling application, interview techniques and visiting different vocational programs offered.

Not only are they getting education about entering the workforce, they are taking college courses at the same time as well as going to high school. This is called the College Collaborative, which is made up of four college classes: basic skills reading, basic skills writing, business math, and physical science. The classes are made up of half CMC students and half City College students.

Stated in the pamphlet, “This allows Garfield students to experience the attitude and behavior of older, more mature students … improving the maturity level and

increasing the educational goals of the Garfield students.”

After the students have completed their six-week courses at City, which they attend every Tuesday and Thursday, they are ready to intern for the remainder of the ten week course.

Oldham says that the supervisors and mentors try to set students up with internships with jobs that they interested in, and though they have partnership with many governmental jobs, they have in the history been able to work with local companies, like a veterinarian.

During the time that the students are taking the program, and even after they are done, they

See MIDDLE, page 8

Marathon man kicks the habit and runs NAILAH EDMONDSON City Times

Students celebrate environment through art Students like Jaqui Coffin and Laura Benavidez gathered in the quad to construct their own monument for environmental awareness week on Nov. 27. Students where given 2 hours to complete their project and afterwards the final product was put on display for all to see.

Photos by DANNY PENERA City Times

“Lemons, make lemonade out of them because there is never ever going to be an adversity so huge that you can’t overcome, Bill Aaron said.

The diagnoses of full blown AIDS was discovered November 5th 1996 when he was hospitalized for a thrush fungal infection which took a third of his body weight.

The infection left him weak and unable to eat and drink much for a month Doctors said he would never walk again let alone see his 40th birthday which was only in seven months from the date he was diagnosed. His physicians also figured he had the virus for at least a decade before symptoms occurred.

“It dawned on me that I had a second chance I’d seen 40 and I was walking again,” Aaron said.

Aaron was determined and refused to let AIDS cripple his life.

Soon after diagnoses he took a fitness class here at City College.

This is where he crossed paths with cross country coach Paul Greer who recruited him.

His doctor disagreed with reason, Aaron was a 2 pack a day smoker and had no background in exercise.

His first marathon was run in six hours and twelve minutes and his best time was three hours and thirty-one minutes.

As his running matured Aaron realized that smoking was only defeating his hard work. So with the help of a nicotine patch, in four weeks his addiction ended the Christmas of 1997.

“I now had replaced smok-

See MARATHON, page 8

OPINION

4 City Times

December 11, 2007

An open letter to my fellow Americans Dear America, Wake up.

We’re living in a cage, and what few liberties we were granted are being stripped daily. We are spoon fed from birth through electric TV currents, radio waves, and “faith.” We’re brainwashed.

America was founded on the exploitation of its inhabitants and that same exploitation continues today.

Our ability to take a hot shower, or blast the A/C comes at the cost of the planet we depend on to survive.

The convenience of readily available flashy jewelry with large stones and precious metals come from deep within mines, far from worker unions and Human Rights.

The ease at which we slip into the market Emily Pfaff through motion activated doors, to buy our breads, cakes, 20 oz. steaks, and luscious fruit is the result of 15,000 tiny lives that are lost annually; starving children to feed the obesity epidemic in America.

Our negligence has led to devastation around the world.

Civilians, those struggling to live on the border of war in Iraq, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers – souls with dreams in their sleep and hope for tomorrow, shot with American bullets, burned with American bombs. Victims of circumstance in the gravest of circumstances, according to U.S. foreign policy they’re more meat for the grinder and less mouths to feed.

Humanity? Insanity! If death is the way we seek life, we will never survive.

What sets us apart as a species is our conscience, analyzing mind. Our cognitive abilities have allowed us to surpass all other species on the planet in population and overall impact.

S. 1959 and bills like it that seek to give the government more control, while offering vague descriptions of what rights we’re entitled as citizens, are flooding the House floor. Eliminating more rights, generating more slavery, and further pushing conscious evolution to regress.

We are a nation of immigrants. The Conquistadors; the Explorers; the greedy; confused; hellish rush of settlers that flooded America, stained it’s soil with the blood of it’s native inhabitants and enslaved that which remained.

Wake up and protect yourself as a citizen, stay subjective. In our aim to find the truth, we might actually find some.

VIEWPOINT

Emily Pfaff is City Times’ opinion editor

CityTimes Volume 62, Issue 8 December 11, 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

Shanika Whaley Arts/Features Editor Nailah Edmondson Sports Editor Cari Arthur Photography Editor Shevaun Brandom, Cari Arthur Online Editors City Times Staff Katie Dunn, Aysha Johnson, Whitney Lawrence, David McAtee, Danny Penera

Alissa Wisniewski News Editor

Contributors Christopher Bloss, Allan Candelore, Donna Maranto

Emily Pfaff Opinion 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

Member: Journalism Association of Community Colleges, Associated Collegiate Press and California Newspaper Publishers Association

News homepage: www.sdcitytimes.com

EMILY PFAFF City Times

Living the shy life in San Diego A Southern belle struggles to holler

Picture this: you’re driving around in an unfamiliar neigborhood, belting out the top 40, when you look on the opposite side of the street and notice a couple walking their dog. Locking eyes with the couple, they both smile and wave to you energetically as you drive by. If you’re from the quaint town of Madison, Mississippi, where I was raised, you smile, politely wave back and go about your business.

Now, if you’re turning the corner of 10th and C Street, the couple might as well be pushing a cart instead of walking a dog, and drinking a tall can out of a brown bag rather than a tall glass of sweet tea, because it seems like someone would have to be crazy to go out of their way to say “hello” to a stranger in San Diego.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about making conversation and exchanging family recipes.

What San Diegans are missing in their lives is the tiniest amount of human acknowledgment. Is it just

VIEWPOINT Whitney Lawrence

me, or has eye contact seemed to fall out of fashion like Ugg boots and a mini skirt? Maybe it’s all one big misinterpretation.

Here’s what I mean: Guys, when a girl walks by you, makes eye contact and smiles to acknowledge your existence, it means she is confident. What is does not mean is that she has one more hour until checkout time at the Hyatt and you, my friend, are the lucky winner. Look at her like a juicy piece of steak and you can pretty much guarantee that she won’t acknowledge the next man that walks by because “sigh... they’re all the same.” She was just trying to be nice.

Ladies, when a man walks by you, makes eye contact, and smiles, smile back. Avoid returning to your friends with your latest edition of “the weirdo who

smiled at me today,” and take it as a simple, kind gesture from one human being to another. Looking at him like he is a degenerate will keep the poor guy from looking up from is shoe laces all day long.

He was just trying to be nice.

Of course, this epidemic of ignoring one another could easily be blamed on innovations such as the Blackberry, MySpace, or the Ipod. Students like us lead fast paced lives, and in the midst of it all we =) and we =( and we forgot how to tear our bloodshot eyes away from the glowing screens long enough to connect with somebody right in front of us, if only for an instant.

So come one, lets hear it for looking people in the eye and while were at it, good posture and firm handshakes. Because lets face it, some things should never go out of fashion.

Whitney Lawrence is a City Times staff writer

NASCAR and Mother Nature — like oil and water For sports fans there is no greater time of year than in the fall. Fall is the time where The World Series takes place, the basketball season starts and football teams beat up on each other. Who wouldn’t love the idea of watching physically gifted athletes proving their merit against other gifted athletes both mentally and physically?

However something has been bugging me that I feel I should

VIEWPOINT Danny Penera

address (why not?). In what I consider to be a mock of traditional sporting events, racing cars in a circle is being thrust into the limelight because of television stations like ESPN giving it more coverage.

Personally I would not mind

NASCAR so much if the networks covered other activities that involved repetitive circular motions. For instance women’s competitive hoola-hooping could be nice, but since this is not an option I think we should do away with all of these types of “sports”. It’s got to be all or nothing people.

Don’t get me wrong I’m not

See NASCAR, page 12

December 11, 2007

City Times

Sell Your Books for Cash!

City Bookstore (619) 388-3976 www.bookstore.sdccd.edu/city Wed – Thurs, Dec. 12-13 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 14 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Mon - Wed, Dec. 17-19 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Thurs, Dec. 20 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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ARTS

December 11, 2007

‘Cuban Spirit’ celebrated with variety, emotion KATIE DUNN City Times A woman in white lies on the floor as a slow rhythm starts to play. As the slow tempo begins to quicken, her hand rises into the air and pulls her to her feet.

The woman leaps to center stage and begins a ballad of her own in fluid movements to the beats of the band playing behind her. She begins to take control of the stage and demands attention from the crowd, dancing and across the floor.

Eight dance performances were held on Dec. 7 and 8 in the Saville Theater. Each were part of the “Anthology of the Cuban Spirit,” directed by Alicia Rincon with special guest choreographer Silfredo Lao, accompanied by live Cuban music from Luna Llena.

Lao’s showcased dance performance consisted of bright colors and Cuban music. The band sat against the background of the stage as dancers touched, slid and twirled around one another.

Two men, shirtless and wearing white jeans rolled to the knee, created a mock duel with plastic machete’s and a crowd of colorful dancers around them swaying and clapping.

The stage was filled with a quick rotation of dancers moving to the rhythmic beats of the bongos, guitars, drums, and trumpet in a slew of radiant colors.

Lao also preformed a solo dance, gliding across the floor in white attire and black shoes.

With salsa inspired moves Lao used any open floor to conduct his chemistry in foot work.

Three our of the eight performances were choreographed by

students Jeff Sanchez, Joshua Burks and Keely Campbell who performed a solo dance.

Other choreographers contributing to the production were Terri Shipman, Debi Toth-Ward, Terry Wilson and grace shinhai jun.

The third and seventh performance were both rap and hip-hop inspired. The third performance “Circus Nights” was choreographed by Burks, and the seventh, “Life in the Game,” by Jun. Although similar in style, at the end of “Life in the Game,” The women shed their black hooded sweaters to reveal brightly colored clothes and a lighter style of dancing.

“It’s just a fun experience to get out there and show the work,” said dancer Rochelle McGhee who preformed in Wilson’s, Celebrate the Beatles.

In the finale of Sanchez “If you are reading this...” four dancers performed monologues in the form of letters written to their loved ones in the event of their death. The performance illustrated two men and two women in war, through sorrow and loss. “I hope my words don’t fall on deaf ears,” said one of the dancers.

“It made me tear up, I was listening to them say goodbye and my heart strings were tugged,” said audience member Debbie Vallone.

Vallone felt Sanchez choreography was the most interesting and compelling performance of the night.

The production ended with a strong applause from the audience and a few standing ovations as the curtain lowered on a stage of dancing colors and music slowly fading.

DAVID McATEE City Times

Visitors look over pillows at one of the more than 15 vendors at a craft fair Dec. 1 at the Whistlestop Bar in South Park.

Crafting holiday spirit ...

DAVID McATEE City Times The Whistlestop Bar in South Park hosted a craft fair Dec. 1 featuring more than 15 local crafters and designers.

The event was organized in conjunction with the South Park Walkabout, a neighborhood event that has been getting South Park residents out of their houses past dark since 2005.

Jennifer Hughes, one of the two main organizers of the Craftabout along with Tina Fellow, is a founding member of the People’s Republic of Craft, an offshoot of the People’s Society for Knitting and Libations. The PSKL meet every Sunday afternoon at the Whistlestop to knit interesting and modern minded crafts and, well, drink.

With the first Holiday Fair Walkabout in 2005, Hughes saw an opportunity for “lots of local crafters and artists who needed to meet and share and sell their wares in South Park and Golden Hill.”

With the throngs of neighbors and residents that cruise out to stroll the blocks of local independent businesses that line Fern Street, 30th Street, and the surrounding area during the frequent Walkabouts, it’s no wonder the connection was made to allow for a wider spectrum of exposure for local crafty folk.

The range of crafts being displayed on the

first was refreshing. Instead of the age-old notion of homespun Americana, with whittled wooden hearts emblazoned with rustic stars and stripes patterns, you’ll find throw pillows covered on one side with Ed Hardy-type tattoo designs and on the other with a sensuous velour fabric, replete with tassels about the corners.

Replacing the image of macramé plant hangers were Jolly Roger and Loteria themed photo albums from master crafter Stefanie Histed, representing Made With Luv alongside his and hers skull and crossbones baby bibs. Meanwhile the booth in the corner sold silkscreened t-shirts and kitchen towels along with “Cuddle With The Virgin” miniature pillows shaped like Our Lady of Guadalupe and marked with the recognizable iconography, from Pokeydog.

For local advice zinesters Amber and Danielle, the main idea behind their participation in the craft scene has been to “support local crafters, artists, and writers. Buy local.”

With Christmas zipping up to meet us at the end of the month, most people will be racking their brains to try to figure out what to buy as gifts for people. But according to Hughes, the spirit should be spent somewhere else. “Making your own art, books, music, food, etc., provides people a sense of creativity and expression that buying stuff doesn’t.”

‘Beowulf’ is a step back for digitally animated films Not every classic fiction story makes for a good action film, but the story of the hero Beowulf had potential.

In his cinematic reproduction of the Old English folk tale “Beowulf”, Director Robert Zemeckis fuses cartoonish animation with actual actors, which diluted the impact of the plot and characters. The actors look like molded Jell-O figures who stumbled around unable to show emotion.

It made this important tale seem less important.

Writers Roger Avary and Neil Gaiman didn’t stray far from the original plot. Beowulf’s is a classic hero’s story. Hero promises to kill monster, hero kills monster, hero gets girl and hero dies an admirable death. In this case, Beowulf (Ray Winstone) is the hero and there are a slew of townterrorizing monsters, beginning

MOVIE REVIEW

Alissa Wisniewski

PARAMOUNT PICTURES Courtesy Photo

Beowulf (Ray Winstone) prepares to confront Grendel’s mother in “Beowulf.” with Grendel (Crispin Glover), graduating to Grendel’s mother (Angelina Jolie) and ending with a dragon.

Beowulf’s fight with Grendel saw the hero strip down to his birthday suit, opening the door for some potty humor. Random objects were strategically placed

around the mead hall to cover Beowulf’s not-safe-for-a-PG-13movie bits. The acrobatic battle that ensued invoked Saturday morning cartoon sessions as Beowulf somersaulted through the rafters and Grendel awkwardly jerked his limbs while trying to swat the man.

Clearly unsatisfied by his fight with Grendel, Beowulf goes after the beast’s mother. Upon entering her lair, the audience is faced with a nearly naked Angelina Jolie. Beowulf is no match for her nakedness, as he is seduced by the “monster” and unable to kill her. How he is seduced is a mystery since the ridiculous animation made her as appealing as a Barbie doll.

Now the weary king of the town he saved from these monsters, Beowulf is attacked by a dragon. Despite his gray hairs and defeated demeanor, he decides to fasten his armor one last time to slay the dragon.

What saves the film from the

horrid animation and average plot is the 3-D it’s portrayed in. I felt embarrassed more than once as I jumped to avoid a rogue water droplet or jerked my hand out, wanting to stroke a merry man’s beard. As the dragon sprayed fire from his mouth, I wanted to duck so he wouldn’t singe my eyebrows.

A more serious adaptation would have been better suited for “Beowulf”. The film didn’t pack any dramatic punches, didn’t make you feel anything for the characters.

There was no sitting on the edge of your seat or emotional investment in the outcome. Since we can’t give the anonymous writer who first penned “Beowulf” actual recognition, we should at least give him or her a proper film adaptation.

The writer deserves that.

December 11, 2007

City Times

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NEWS

City Times

December 11, 2007

Student fees may go up at San Diego State ALANNA BERMAN SDSU Daily Aztec SAN DIEGO (U-WIRE) At $15 per semester, San Diego State University has one of the lowest Student Body Association Fees in the California State University system, and it is still far below the annual average of $129 per

Middle Continued from page 3 are able to meet with mentors in T-311D where they are able to get help with class work and information about higher education and financial aid programs.

The room has computers for students to work on and even private workstations to better help

year. Currently, the combined revenue is about $1 million, funding programs such as student government, college councils and student union special programs.

At a recent Associated Students council meeting, an information item to raise the fee was presented, and a referendum will be presented to the council next

week. The proposed increase of $20 per semester would make the new fee $35 per semester for all students, and would be allocated to fund both existing and new programs on campus beginning in the 2008-2009 academic year.

The Student Body Association Fee was last raised in 1992, when

it was increased from $10 to $15 per semester.

Among some of the plan’s objectives are increased funding for A.S. and student organization events and activities programming, international study abroad scholarships, a spring ‘green’ festival event and a new student legal advising service.

“If this passes, this could be what the 2007-08 council is remembered for,” A.S. vice president of university affairs Michael Matthews said at the meeting.

With an estimated enrollment rate of 35,000 students each year, the fee raise is expected to generate almost $1.4 million for the school.

with the learning process. They also have free access to the Internet, binders, notebooks, folders, copies and pencils.

Oldham expressed how important the mentors are to the success of the CMC students. The mentors all have been Garfield students and have known what is like to be in the place of these students who some feel are unreachable.

The mentors seem passionate about the program and what they

do each of them specializing in on area of study.

One mentor, who gave his name as Bert, is a business major who helps with math, and then there is Carlos, who helps with getting information about higher education opportunities to help the students when they go to see the college counselors.

The center also has a mentor who is an English major and one that is well versed on financial aid. Together, they create a team

that enables CMC participates to succeed and “change their self image.”

CMC is currently offered three times throughout the year, twice in the spring semester and once during the fall semester.

The program prides its self in the fact that they have reduced high school dropout rates and improved academic performances, increased high school diploma completions and college entrance rates as well as

expanded career opportunities.

The program is funding by the California State Chancellor’s Grant and the Federal Department of Education through partnerships between the San Diego Community College District and the San Diego Unified School District.

More information about the City Middle College can be obtained by calling (619) 388-3524 or contacting Oldham at (619) 388-3106.

Marathon

City Times

Continued from page 3

Be a

photographer

writer

layout designer.

JOUR 210A JOUR 210A - JOURNALISM WORKSHOP I (2.0 Units ) Tuesday-Thursday 11:10 AM-12:30 PM For more information call Faculty Adviser Roman Koenig 619-388-4026 619-3888-4026 or email citytimes@gmail.com This course is designed to provide experience in the production and publication of a student newspaper. Emphasis is placed on helping beginning students gain experience in the gathering and writing of news and features. Students at this level learn the basic principles of reporting, news writing, copy editing, photography, and newspaper design and layout. Assignments focus on routine stories, and may include editorials or features such as profiles. Copy editing is limited to reading for technical errors. This class is designed for students with an interest in print media and provides instruction in the journalistic process on an entry level. Skills developed in this course include research techniques and the evaluation and analysis of information. Students are guided by ongoing advice, criticism, and evaluation from a faculty adviser. Students enrolled in the course for 2 units are expected to participate in the production of the student newspaper for at least 6 hours per week, while students enrolled for 3 units are expected to participate at least 9 hours per week and contribute more extensively to the layout and/or production of the paper.

(FT). Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. http://schedule.sdccd.edu/index.cfm

ing with something that meant a lot more to me, running shoes,” Aaron said.

He received an associates degree at City College and a Bachelors’ at San Diego State University.

“Every time I did one of those things another door would open because by being a cross country athlete I had to be a full-time student,” Aaron said.

Aaron currently coaches the cross country and track team at Kearny High School and holds the president position for the San Diego Track Club.

“Bill is not shy about his illness and his problems he’s about everybody else, the team the camaraderie what he can contribute and what he has contributed,” his former city college coach said.

Reduce.

Reuse.

Recycle.

When you’re done reading, please remember to recycle this newspaper, or pass it along to a friend to read!

December 11, 2007

ARTS

City Times

9

Eurofoto 2007 tour ends with food, fun and wine Editor’s note: This first-person story is the third of three parts covering the City College photography department’s 2007 Eurofoto tour. This year’s tour covered the United Kingdom.

After arriving from Shannon, we quickly hopped a tour bus and were treated to such sights as The Elephant House (where the story of Harry Potter was written), the university and its magnificent buildings (we actually stayed at the new dorms), an old prison, and several castles; then I was off early for my tour to Loch Ness (foggy, eerie – and very exciting).

The next day, we embarked on our own discoveries, and I was fortunate enough to find a new museum, “The Mother Earth,” a hand- on experience providing actual encounters with environments built to mimic such places as the Arctic, rainforests, etc. It is reputed to be a place especially for children to interact and foster their interests in these sciences. It was one of the museums I was able to visit, and spent three hours there. I had forgotten about the usual rainy weather, and as I exited (finally) the predicted rainstorm had begun.

When we were finally off to England, my weary back began to ache. If there is one tip to give prospective “Eurofotoists,” it’s pack light, pack light and pack light.

I was glad to have the extra clothes; however, I did need help at times with my luggage when going from train to trolley or hotel. There are often no lifts, and you must carry all of your items with you.

Hyde Park captured most of my attenDONNA MARANTO Contributor

This swan on the lake is one of the many serene scenes captured while on the 2007 Eurofoto tour.

FIRST PERSON DONNA MARANTO

tion while in London – it is a massive park full of activity – concerts, displays, lakes, restaurants and, of course, swans. And while traveling there, I was able to make use of the public transportation and get a glimpse of real city life. Lots of clothing stores, smaller streets and a bit more of a bustle would be a good way to describe the area in comparison to the California experience.

On our last night of the tour, we had a long walk and found a friendly eating place, and sadly enjoyed our last dinner together.

They cordially sat us at a large table, and even dropped us an extra bottle of wine. I was glad to be wearing an outfit I probably shouldn’t have taken, and was sitting on my very last pence of spending money. One thing I did learn, credit cards are the best way to travel over there – my ignorance about how to exchange money probably cost me at least $50, when there are many cards are widely accepted, and the ATMs will provide cash with a small fee.

Interested students are welcome to visit the display in the Photography Department, which shows some of the work of the tour.

Also, a compilation of the students’ work, called “Eurofoto 2007” will be available in late December at www.amazon.com.

Donna Maranto is a frequent contributor to City Times

11/6/07 3:07 PM PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

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10 City Times

LIFE&TIMES

December 11, 2007

Eating the veggie way — is it a healthy choice?

KATIE DUNN City Times In battle between green and lean, which is more effective in the progression and elongation of human life, a vegetarian, vegan or carnivorous diet? Society is confronted with a number of options that may possibly help or hurt their health.

A constant question has been raised against the vegetarian and vegan diets, is there enough protein and is it really healthy?

Vegan diets and vegetarian diets though similar, in that they both do not take part in the consumption of animal meats, differ because vegan diets also exclude any animal byproducts such as cheese or milk.

There is also a sub category of vegetarianism called “lacto-ovovegetarian” where no animal flesh is consumed, but eggs and dairy products on occasion.

To accommodate the growing number of “alternative eaters” grocery stores now carry vegan friendly foods that can be substitutes for animal products. Among these products are, “Tofutti” which is an alternative to cream cheese, “Tofurkey,” a substitute for turkey and “Soy Dream,” which is a substitute for milk.

In 2006, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) did a study on the effect a vegan diet would have on people with diabetes. Participants in the

study were split into two groups, one who followed the American Diabetes Association or ADA guidelines, and those following a low-fat vegan diet.

Both groups saw improvement but the low-fat vegan diet group saw a much more significant reduction in the measure of blood sugar levels, after studied over a prolonged period. The two groups also lost weight as a positive sideeffect from the diets.

Participants in the study discontinued use of their prescriptive drugs.

From another study conducted by the Oxford Journals of Rheumatoid Arthritis Online, conclusions were made that the signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis could be improved by a vegan diet free of gluten.

These studies are just a few conducted on the positive effect produced by a structured vegan diet Although these studies prove some positive health effects of turning a green leaf, some are still skeptical.

“There is no way you could get the same amount of protein in a pill, bean or other product than you could get from meat,” said Matt Richardson, City College Student. “I like meat way too much to stop (eating it), how did you?”

Lost proteins in those that do not consume animal products may be achieved through the vita-

FRIEDRICH PLECHSCHMIDT Stock.XCHNG A constant question has been raised about the vegetarian and vegan diets: Is there enough protein and is it really healthy? min B-12. B-12 may also be supplemented in some vegan foods.

A deficiency in the B-12 vitamin can cause anemia as it is “necessary for the synthesis of red blood cells, the maintenance of the nervous system, and growth and development in children,” according to the Vegetarian Society of

the United Kingdom.

As the task of changing eating habits may be daunting, for the health benefits require a strict diet, many do not attempt the change.

Richardson said he didn’t care about the animals and he didn’t want to know about them, he just

CKP

the campus kitchens project teach • reach • feed • lead

welcome to the newest classroom on campus: the kitchen.

Fight hunger in your community!

Email: info@campuskitchens.org

www.campuskitchens.org

wanted them, “In between two slices of bread or bloody on my plate.”

Many people may turn to these anti-animal diets as not only a way to cure their medical woes, but for their ethical ones.

See VEGGIE, page 11

December 11, 2007

LIFE

City Times

11

Fight global warming with ‘Green’ awareness The enemy of global warming is called “Green” awareness.

Green means sustainability; “meeting the needs of today without compromising the needs of tomorrow”. Supporting Green is saying that the future matters.

Green awareness came to City College with the Environmental Week, which took place from

REVIEW

ALLAN CANDELORE Nov. 26th through the 30th. The highlight of the week was the presentation by Dr. Lisa Shaffer, which took place on Wednesday the 28th.

This vivid and well-researched presentation went over the human impact of industrialization and global warming’s devastating effects on the entire earth and all its inhabitants. Lisa’s inspiring and eye opening presentation explained the environment dilemma we face and she answered common questions people hear and ask about global warming.

Some people ask how can humans be affecting this large planet we know of as Earth? The best way to understand how us humans are affecting our earth is by first realizing how much you alone pollute and affect the

CITY COLLEGE MULTIMEDIA CENTER Courtesy Photo

Dr. Lisa Shaffer discusses the impact of global warming during a presentation Nov. 28 in the Saville Theatre. The presentation went over the human impact of industrialization and global warming’s effects on the planet. climate? Everything from the food you buy, to the vehicles you drive to the water you drink, all pollutes! Then consider that there are over 6.5 Billion of us and the population is projected to increase and stabilize at 9 Billion. The livestock were much of our food comes from, creates more green house gases than the automobiles we drive.

Also the production of a oneyear supply of the plastic for

American water bottles alone uses over 47 million gallons of oil. This equals nearly 1 billion pounds of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Then to make things worse 86 percent of this harmful plastic is not even recycled.

Last the United States makes up 5% of the worlds population and amazingly causes over 25% of the worlds pollution. This is proof that everyone effects global warming and American has the most global

influence by switching our negative effects to positive effects.

According to the (IPCC) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, their most recent report called the “AR4 Synthesis Report,” calls global warming “Unequivocal”. The report was released on Nov. 17th 2007 and states, “Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air

and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and raising global average sea levels”. Finally a very clear and concise answer “Unequivocal” or with out a doubt!

Is this good news or bad news?

Bad news, the fact that the political debate is over and the earth is in fact in danger from global warming. Or good news, the debate is over and we can agree that we must change our impact on the release of Co2 into the atmosphere? Either way, we must fix this problem that is growing exponentially.

Organizations and agencies like the IPCC, with notable members like Al Gore, have been doing their part to help distribute this vital information on Global warming. Much of the scientific information that current conclusions are based on, are from observations and research projects like “Mauna Loa Records.” Scientist have been using data collected of Co2 and temperature levels on short and long-term comparisons through out the globe. The results conclude that we have unnaturally high, dangerous levels of Co2 and heat, and humans are to blame.

Each and everyone can make a difference! By thinking and acting Green, you make the change to conserve for the future of tomorrow. Keep recycling bins full, support local fresh produce markets and look for businesses that are making the change to Green.

Your influence and decision count.

Allan Candelore is a City Times news assistant

CARI ARTHUR City Times photo illustration

Veggie Continued from page 10 People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is one of the many organizations formed not only to help stop the unethical treatments of all animals but to stop unethical raising and slaughter of animal stock.

For those that cannot kick the fleshy habit, another alternative coming to popularity is that of the Humane Farm Animal Care.

The HFAC is a non-profit organization that was created to offer a certification to those who choose to raise and slaughter animals. The

HFAC developed a labeling program for eggs, dairy, poultry and meat that has been met by the Animal Care Standards.

These implemented standards ensure that the animal is treated humanely and “in accordance with the highest farm animal welfare standards available today, as the animal is raised, transported and processed,” according to HFAC. The organization is non-profit and inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service. The AMS has verified the inspection processes of the HFAC. For more information on the HFAC visit: http://www.certifiedhumane.org/ or for more information on organizations for the cause of ethical treatment of animals, visit: http://www. peta.org.

Watch for City College news updates at

www.sdcitytimes.com

12 City Times

SPORTS

December 11, 2007

Fitness Center to host lecture on nutrition NAILAH EDMONDSON City Times General nutrition will be the topic of Dec. 13’s lecture in the Harry West Gymnasium at 7 p.m.

The speaker will be Kim Mueller, a registered dietician with a master’s degree in exercise physiology.

Mueller is also an athlete having competed in a numerous amount of marathons and an Ironman competitor.

She is also a nationally known sports nutrition speaker.

The fitness center has hosted three lectures this semester in the Harry West Gymnasium. Ear-

NASCAR Continued from page 4 saying that driving fast does not require a skill set which only a few possess but the fact of the matter is, is that its boring.

It is hard to relate to the struggles and challenges these drivers are facing because most of the work, that the viewer can see, is being done by the car.

In a football game you can see physical qualities being put to the test and this gives the viewer something to relate to because they have the opportunity to go out and try it with their friends, but in NASCAR this level of connectivity is none existent and should not by tried.

Even with camera shots that show what the driver is looking at I can not become involved in a race because I do not know what that guy is doing and I cannot feel how fast he is driving.

ESPN loves this stuff though and I don’t get it. Lately I’ve been seeing as many stories about NASCAR as I do real sports.

The icing on the cake though is that after these stories are shown commercials relating to global

lier lectures were as follows — the healthy benefits of laughter yoga with speaker Antolin Rodriguez, and overcoming life threatening illness through exercise with speaker Bill Aaron, where he discussed his battle with AIDS and how running keeps him going.

The holidays are here and the New Year is right around the corner, so those interested in ways to eat healthy and stay in shape might find this lecture of interest.

For more information, contact Paul Greer, the fitness center coordinator, at (619) 388-3704, or visit Mueller’s Web site at http:// www.kbnutrition.com.

Personally I don’t think it’s cool that the world I live in is suffering for a sport I do not like. warming air. To me this seems to be quite the paradox With a majority of popular car manufacturers making hybrids and television stations doing public service announcements on how to reduce your daily impact on the environment it shocks me to hear that there is still a big push to glorify this, my most hated of all the sports.

Think about it, in the Indy 500 there are about thirty cars (a complete guess with no research to back that number up) all of which are doing 500 laps at about 200 miles an hour( again a complete guess). What type of impact does that have on the environment? So much for gas efficiency.

Personally I don’t think it’s cool that the world I live in is suffering for a sport I do not like. So I suggest that you do your part by not supporting NASCAR and getting it shut down. That is all.

Danny Penera is a City Times staff writer

GUSTAVO CELARIE Courtesy Photos

Midfielder William Bautista (No. 8) battles for the ball in recent season action for the Knights.

Playoffs cut short in 2nd round NAILAH EDMONDSON City Times The second round of regional playoffs is where City College’s men’s soccer team ended their 2007 season with an overall record of 14-6-3.

The Knights began the playoffs by defeating Long Beach City College in the first round 21. City college then advanced to the 2nd round of playoffs where they faced Santa Ana College.

After two scoreless periods both teams battled it out in overtime. Santa Ana ended the Knight’s playoff season with a final score of 0-2.

The season’s offensive leaders overall are Midfielder Abraham Gomez with 7 goals 6 assists , Defensive Midfielder/ Forward Daniel Valdez with 8 goals 2 assists , Midfielder Sergio Noriega with 7 goals 2

Basketball first season game Dec. 12 NAILAH EDMONDSON City Times Men’s basketball begin their regular season when they go heads up with Cuyamaca College Dec. 12.

With the loss of lead scorers Cornel Williams and Shawn Brooks, will the adjustment hinder the Knights? Or has the new roster created a playoff hungry team?

After participating in eight tournaments for the preseason, the Knights are 2-6.

City College basketball vs. Mt. San Antonio in a recent preseason tournament.

Photos by NAILAH EDMONDSON City Times

Midfielder Pier Sarabia (No. 11) during a recent game. assists and Midfielder Pier Sarabia with 5 goals and 34 assists.

Goalkeeper Robin Gilson led the team with 63 saves and 14

goals against average overall.

The Pacific Coast Conference named Gilson as one of two co-players of the year.