2008_1021_CT_v63i5 by City Times Media

Q SPOOKFEST Two classic films for this Halloween will put you in the creepy or campy mood ARTS / PAGE 8

CityTimes www.sdcitytimes.com

Covering the San Diego City College community since 1945

Volume 63, Number 5

October 21, 2008

Vocational center leaps forward

ALEXANDRIA CARRILLO City Times Groundbreaking on the construction of the new Career Technology Center (CTC) at 16th and C streets on Oct. 16 took place with (from left) Student Government President Robert Demartini, Citizens Oversight Committee member Rosalie Schwartz, District Chancellor Constance Carroll, City College President Terrence Burgess, District Trustee Rich Grosch and District Vice Chancellor Dave Umstot. The complex was designed by Carrier-Johnson Architects and employs almost 20 companies in the construction of the environmentally friendly building. The center will include a photovoltaic, using the radiation of the sun’s rays to generate electricity. The CTC will also house three departments — nursing, cosmetology and photography — as well as the new headquarters for the campus police and a 694-car parking structure. See FOCUS, page 10.

Book Fair returns with big names NPR analyst Juan Williams headlines at Third Annual City Book Fair Veronica Leyva Eissa City Times “In order to be effective we have to be informed, in order to be informed we have to read.” Those were the inspiring words heard from Juan Williams on Saturday at the Saville theatre during the Third Annual San Diego

Index

Take Note.................................2 News...................................... 3 Opinion................................... 4 Focus................................. 6, 10 Arts........................................ 8

City College International Book Fair. The journalist and political analyst was a guest speaker promoting his new book “Enough: The Phony Leaders, Dead-End Movements, and Culture of Failure That Are Undermining Black America — and What We Can Do About It.” Williams gave a powerful speech, which gave him a

standing ovation. “I liked how he focused on one of the real problems of American Society, the negative image in the media,” said 28 year old, Oscar Rayle. Rayle, a social sciences major, was at the book fair to listen to Williams and to check out the books. He said he likes the selection of books at the fair that “you

normally don’t see”. This was his first time attending the fair. The fair has continued to expand over the last three years in hopes to draw bigger crowds and participation. The speakers and booths vary in content but all with a primal focus in promoting reading. From JAZZ 88.3 to non-profit

Inside

Q REAP WHAT YOU SOW

San Diego’s first urban farm harvests its first eats right here at City FOCUS / PAGE 6

organizations such as the San Diego Writers Ink and the San Diego Council on Literacy, kept its visitors well-informed and encouraged participation through programs, entertainment and volunteering opportunities. Nicole Vollrath with the San Diego Writers Ink, has attended all three

See WILLIAMS, page 9

Online

Q JOSH BROLIN FOR PRES! Oliver Stone directs Brolin in the most daring film of his career WWW.SDCITYTIMES.COM

City Times

CALENDAR

TakeNote Compiled by Shevaun Brandom Get your event or club meeting in the paper. E-mail us at citytimes@gmail.com or call (619) 388-3880

October

n Oct. 29 Day of the Dead Celebration Gorton Quad 4-7pm

n Oct. 1 - Nov. 1

Seasonal Flu Vaccines Vaccine available at Student Health Services, A-116, during regular hours. $18 for students. Contact Student Health Services (619) 388-3450

n Oct. 21 - 23

Amnesty International Film Forum Festival Survivors of Torture presents the ﬁlm “Taxi to the Dark side.” Oct. 21, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. D-121A Bilateral Safety Coalition presents the ﬁlm “Trade” Oct. 22, 1 - 4 p.m. D-121A Mexico Solidarity Network presents “Senoritia extraviada” Oct. 23, 1 - 4 p.m. D-121A

n Oct. 30

Day of the Dead Celebration Gorton Quad 5-8pm

n Oct. 30

Men’s Cross-Country PCC Championships 2:30 p.m. Balboa Park Women’s Cross-Country PCC Championships 2:30 pm Balboa Park

n Oct. 31, Nov. 1-2, 7-9, 14-16.

Seussical the Musical Fridays/Saturdays 8 p.m. Sundays 2 p.m. $10 for Students/Seniors/Military. $15 for general admission.

n Oct. 31

n Oct. 22

Women’s Soccer vs. Southwestern at home 1 p.m. Men’s Soccer at Palomar 3:15 p.m. Women’s Volleyball at Grossmont 6 p.m.

Withdrawal deadline - No drops accepted after this date.

n Oct. 23

n Nov. 3

Women’s Volleyball vs. Southwestern at home 6 p.m.

November

n Oct. 23

Human Rights in Mexico lecture 9:35 - 11 p.m. D-121 Contact World Cultures (619) 388-3552

Lecture from Dr. James Dator, Director of the Hawaii Research Center for Futures Studies. 2:30 p.m. Faculty Lounge. Futures Studies is an academic and professional ﬁeld of inquiry that studies possible, probable and preferable futures. www.futures.hawaii.edu

n Oct. 23

n Nov. 5

Annual Transfer Fair 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Gorton Quad Over 30 Universities and Colleges coming to see City College Students! Don’t miss out on your chance on getting personalized information from your school. Contact Transfer/Career Center at (619) 388-3722.

n Oct. 24

Women’s Soccer at Cuyamaca 3 p.m.

n Oct. 29

Men’s Soccer vs. Cuyamaca at home 3 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Southwestern (Scrimmage) at home 5 p.m.

Viva Vivaldi 7:15 p.m. Saville Theatre Enjoy an evening with operatic soprano Stephanie Robinson, guitar and piano works with George Svodoba, dance choreography by Terry Wilson with student dancers, narration from storyteller DJ Watson and a reading in celebration of the release of City College Professor Laurel Corona’s novel, The Four Seasons: A Novel of Vivaldi’s Venice (Hyperion Books). Event contact (619) 388-3552 or www.sdcity.edu/worldcultures

n Nov. 5

Women’s Soccer vs. SD Mesa at home 1 p.m. Men’s Soccer vs. Southwestern at home 3 p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. Imperial Valley at home 5 p.m.

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October 21, 2008

Q MORE ONLINE

Look for additional election coverage WWW.SDCITYTIMES.COM

October 21, 2008

CityNews

Rock the Vote rocks City

Marty Block runs for state Assembly seat Sofia Cancino City Times

Fahima Paghmani City Times Can people actually rock to a vote? Apparently San Diego City Community College has. Students, professors, employees and interns gathered Oct. 16 at Gorton Quad, to register to vote, inform themselves about the upcoming elections on November 4th and meet the Candidates running for City Council, while rocking to music. A live band played while students went from one table to another, taking mental and psychical notes about each candidate. Candidate Marti Emerald, who is running for City Council District 7, has high hopes for San Diego. If elected Emerald will, “Create good jobs and grow the middle class, cut waste and avoid raising taxes, and protect our environment and quality of life.” Interns Cynthia Harris said “Marti knows what is going on in the City, she actually wants to improve our city, for that I admire her even more.” She added, “I admire Marti because she is very knowledgeable about her work, she is also very determine, for that I believe

City Times

ALEXANDRIA CARRILLO City Times

Bands and candidates were on hand Oct. 16 for City College’s Rock the Vote event. she is a great advocate.” Todd Gloria is another candidate running for City Council. Gloria hopes to “Repair and rehabilitate homes in the community.” Gloria’s main focus in civilizing San Diego is by: improving neighborhood services, reducing crime rates, providing better transportation options, and creating more affordable housing. Being extremely busy Gloria did not make it to the event, however Intern Dion Akers with a BA in Political Science from San Diego State University, represented Gloria with pride and

honor. “Todd is extremely dedicated to San Diego, even right now he is caught up in a event for the city, Todd has high hopes in improving the city,” Akers said. “Todd is local, he wants to have a first-class relationship with the voters, he does not want to forget about the people of the city, and any of the voters left behind.” Akers also mentions “Since Todd is very dedicated to the people of San Diego, that makes me have a very better idea he will be completely true to his words in improving the community.”

Marty Block, who is running for State Assembly candidate District 78 wants a “Solid record of support for education, the environment, working families, and better health care.” Block is also fighting for: safe streets, clean beaches, unclogged freeways, homeowner’s rights, and economic justice. Overall the event gave students, professors, employees, and interns a better idea of the candidates and gave a better understanding on who and what to vote for, for the up coming elections on Nov 4.

“I have worked long and hard for my community on a local level, but we need leadership in Sacramento that will fight for all San Diego and I will lead that fight,” says Marty Block’s website. Block is running as a democratic candidate for the state Assembly, District 78. Currently the Board President for San Diego Community College Marty Block District, he is also the judge pro-tem for the San Diego Superior Court. If elected, Block claims his priorities would be job creation, economic development, educational access and excellence, affordable and accessible health care, improved public safety, and environmental protection. Block claims that he’s going to put in an effort to enhance educational opportunities and reduce crime and spur economic empowerment for all Californians. Block is covering in his many campaigns his support for the California Teachers Association, California Nurses Association and San Diego Police Officers

See BLOCK, page 9

Who’s who and what’s what in the presidential election Veronica LEYVA Eissa City Times With the elections coming up in less than a month, we want to make sure your voice is heard. Whether you vote Republican or Democrat, your vote is needed. For those of you who are still undecided, here is a recap of some of the important issues from both parties:

On Iraq war: Obama:

n A phased removal of troops, taking about 16 months by the summer of 2010. Will also leave a residual military force to counteract terrorism.

McCain:

n Wants American troops to continue in Iraq until it is secure and stable and able to establish a democratic state. Energy/Environment

Obama:

n Short term relief of gas prices, eliminate foreign dependency by supporting hybrid cars and creating a $7,000 tax credit for purchases of hybrids. n Promote domestic oil production and natural gas. Approves advancement of clean coal technologies.

McCain:

n Wants to expand oil and natural gas exploration and production from our own reserves. n Will create a $5,000 tax

credit for each individual who buys a zero carbon emissions car. Approves advancement of clean coal technologies.

free, for most Americans. n Wants to cover two-thirds of total tuition for public colleges and universities. Recipients of this credit will have to do 100 hours of community service.

Economy: Obama:

n Proposes $1,000 immediate emergency energy rebate to working families for rising bill costs yearly by taxing the oil companies. n Supports labor union organizations. n Proposes a $25 billion state fund to prevent cuts in health care, education, housing and jobs. n And proposes a $25 billion state fund to prevent road and bridge maintenance cuts which will also prevent mass job loss. n Also proposes an increase on minimum wage to $9.50 hour by 2011.

McCain:

n “New” proposal in which the elderly, workers and unemployed will benefit. People withdrawing from their retirement or 401(K) will only pay 10% rather than the usual higher rates. n Tax write off of $15,000 for stock losses for 2008-2009. n Tax suspension for unemployment insurance benefits and a 100% government guarantee for first 6 months of all savings accounts. n Small business benefits such as tax cuts, minimized health insurance mandates and union

McCain:

John McCain

Barack Obama

mandates. n Proposes to keep jobs from going overseas by lowering taxes on corporations.

Health care: Obama:

n Proposes universal health coverage for all Americans n Proposes lowering the cost on existing insurance plans. An average savings of $2500 per year

McCain:

n Proposes a refundable tax credit, or cash for health care, $2,500 per individual and $5,000 per family. n Americans will be able to purchase health insurance from out of state therefore letting health insurance companies compete against each other, thus lower the rates of coverage.

Education: Obama:

n Proposes the American Opportunity Tax Credit, a fully refundable credit, first $4,000 of college education is completely

n Proposes the American Opportunity Tax Credit as Obama. n Plans to simplify federal financial aid applications and simplify tax benefits to make them less complicated and insuring more eligible participants will receive the aid. n Proposes student loan continuity plan.

Taxes: Obama:

n Proposes tax cuts and a minimum of $1,000 in tax relief for middle class families. n Families with an income of $250,000 of higher will not get increased taxes.

McCain:

n Promises not to increase taxes on small businesses n Wants to cut corporate taxes from 35% to 25% n Seeking a permanent ban on internet taxes n Wants to ban new cell phone taxes

Immigration Obama:

n Proposes to create secure borders by increase penalizing

employers who hire illegal immigrants. n Raise number of allowed legal immigrants to help keep families together n Proposes for illegal immigrants to pay a fine while in the country, learn English and start the process of immigration by going to the “back of the line” to become citizens. n Work closer with Mexico to help promote their economic standing.

McCain:

n Proposes border security by using physical and virtual barriers n Wants to fund for training and staff to secure the borders n Wants unmanned aircraft and aerial vehicles to secure borders n Proposes implementation of advance technological system to verify employment and verify eligibility. Works in conjunction with Homeland Security. n Train skilled workers in order to stay in U.S. n Raise number of green cards based on demand n Proposes program for undocumented immigrants that will consist of identity verification and criminal background check. Program will assist in having immigrants pay fines and back taxes, learn English, pass a citi-

See ELECTION, page 9

CityVoice

City Times

Vox Populi

Urbanalities

October 21, 2008

By Michele Suthers

Question and Photo by Shannon Kuhfuss

Where do you stand on the issue of Prop. 8?

Abraham Nagahori, 21 Graphic Design “It has to protect marriage between men and women.”

John Ellinger, 38 Fine Arts “I don’t have a problem with equal rights. I would say no to Prop. 8.”

Gina Licari, 45 Psychology and Alcohol and Other Drug Studies “I’m all for gay marriage because I have a lot of gay friends

Tana Cuscito, 18 Undecided “I have a few friends who are gay, but I’m against gay marriage. A man and a women should be married.”

CityTimes Volume 63, Number 5 October 21, 2008 www.sdcitytimes.com

David McAtee Editor-in-Chief Arts Editor Nailah Edmondson Managing Editor Sports Editor Evonne Ermey News Editor

How Halloween has changed With Halloween quickly approaching, time is running out in ﬁnding that perfect costume for the occasion. What to dress up for Halloween? Something scary? Something sexy? What about something silly or something scandalous? I remember when Halloween was about dressing up as something creepy and scaring our friends and running around amok. Collecting candy from our neighbors as a reward for our creativity with costumes was also a big part of Halloween. Yet nowadays things are very different when it comes to Halloween. No longer are we dressing up to scare, but more likely to impress our friends and hopeful romantic interest. Measures are taken such as trying to get in shape so that we can wear that sexy costume comfortably. Or spending hundreds of dollars for that costume that will

Published as: The Jay Sees / 1945-1949 Fortknightly / 1949-1978 City Times / 1978Incorporating the newspapers Tecolote, Knight Owl and Flicks

Shannon Kuhfuss Opinion Editor Shevaun Brandom Design Editor Calendar Editor Luis Bahena Features Editor

Live and Learn Luis Bahena

just wow anyone that comes into view. What happened to the fun of Halloween? Dressing up for the fun of it and for the creative process that came out of one’s imagination. I was always astounded by the costumes of those children and adults that made their own costume. I always wanted to create my own costume since I was a teenager, yet my lack in costumemaking skills always prevented me from doing so.

How to reach us: City Times San Diego City College 1313 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101 Newsroom: T-316

Heather Richards Copy Editor Wire Editor Michele Suthers Illustrator Mayumi Kimura Advertising Manager

But yes, it seems that the older you get the more the seasons change. Costumes like “Little Bo Peep” have grown up to points where it’s now “Little Ho Peep” or “Sexy Bo Peep.” It’s no longer just a “Police Officer” or a “Fire Fighter” but a “Sexy Officer” or “Sexy Fire Fighter” where the outfits now consist of a two-button shirt leaving the chest area exposed for men or marginally exposed for women. It’s seems that Halloween has turned “Sexy.” To be honest though, I can’t really tell if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. All I know is that I miss the old times when it used to be fun. The old times when walking around with my vampire and garden fairy friends on “All Hallows Eve” was all in good fun. Perhaps we’ll see a lot more creativity in costumes this year and a lot less sex from the cos-

Phone: (619) 388-3880 Fax: (619) 388-3814 E-mail: citytimes@gmail.com Program homepage: www.sdcity.edu/citytimes

City Times Staff Tom Andrew, Angela Ang, Kadhja Bonet, Soﬁa Cancino, Alexandria Carrillo, Caroline Cha, Veronica Leyva Eissa, Jenna Henry, Fahima Paghmani Contributors Jacob Fredericks, Donna Maranto, Skyler Lastname Roman S. Koenig Journalism Adviser

tumes. But all and all, I just hope it’s as fun as it used to be. Let’s save the sexy costumes for holidays like Valentines Day or the old fashioned Honeymoon. Luis Bahena is City Times’ features editor

Send us your views City Times welcomes letters to the editor and commentaries. Letters must be 350 words or less. Commentaries must be no more than 500 words. The staff reserves the right to edit letters and commentaries for grammar, spelling, punctuation, news style and length. Letters and commentaries may be submitted online at www. sdcitytimes.com, by e-mail at citytimes@gmail.com.

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. Letters to the editor Letters to the editor are welcome, 350 words or less. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, spelling, punctuation and length. Memberships Journalism Association of Community Colleges Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Association

October 21, 2008

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MICHELE SUTHERS City Times

Prop. 8 diverts from real issues When the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same sex marriage back in May, I was proud. I was proud to live in such a progressive state, one that valued and protected an individual’s right to life, liberty and most importantly their right to pursue happiness. It felt like a day of celebration, but now, only a couple of months later, it seems the honeymoon is over. With Proposition 8 on the ballot this November 4, there are still a great many nay-sayers out there intent on keeping the status quo. It’s no surprise that there should be this kind of backlash against the Supreme Court ruling; after all, it was a decision that overturned an amendment to the California constitution, an amendment voted on and approved by a majority of California voters. Does this mean that the majority of Californians do not think that same sex couples should be allowed to marry? I don’t think so. Who are these voters? When barely half of the American population can pull themselves off of their armchairs to vote in the presidential election, how many do you think actually mustered up the energy to vote in the 2000 primaries? Who are these politically motivated people? According to the U.S. census bureau, older people are signiﬁcantly more likely to vote than younger people, married people are more likely to vote than single, and white people are more likely to vote than any minority. I don’t mean to sound trite, but I don’t think that the majority vote of old, white, married people accurately reﬂects the way that I, or even most Californians, feel about the gay marriage issue. I think that when asked what, fundamentally, marriage is about the majority of people would say love. When I was a kid and I asked my parents what marriage was, they said, “It’s what happens when two people love each other.”

State of Affairs Evonne Ermey

As far as what teachers might have told me about it, I don’t recall any crash course on marriage in either my kindergarten or grade school years. In an academic atmosphere where teaching evolution vs. creationism makes waves on the moral rector scale, I can see how the possibility of elementary schools teaching same sex marriage would be controversial. Personally, I don’t see what is so awful about teaching kids to overcome prejudice and be more accepting of people’s differences. For those who fear that teaching children these basic values may be detrimental, I really don’t think they should worry. As far as I know, parents do have rights in our education system, and California schools cannot teach a subject like this if the parents disapprove of it. There seems to be no end to the arguments people make in their quest to illegitimize gay marriage, but I can’t think of one solid enough to persuade me to vote yes on this proposition. When religious people argue that it’s the union between a man and a woman. I wonder if they realize that the tradition of marriage predates their bible and it’s deﬁnitions.

See PROP. 8, page 9

City Times

CityFocus

October 21, 2008

Grow, man,

Grow! Photos by CARLOS MAIA Layout by DAVID McATEE

The urban farm at City College held its very first harvest festival on Oct. 16 with booths, pumpkin decorating for the kids, and fresh eats right off the vine. Top: Five-year-old Ethan Laudes paints a pumpkin. Above: Marley Peifer, in overalls, shows onlookers the process of watering vegetables during the farm tour. Right: Julia Dashe sells fava bean plants to Linda Jahudka from the HoneyBee Cafe.

October 21, 2008

City Times

Lucky attendees to the Farm Festival were able to sample the vegetables grown in the urban farm. Left: Brittney Tran, a culinary arts major at Mesa College, hands out organic cous cous with roasted peppers and balsamic vinaigrette. The Mesa culinary program provided the cous cous dish, along with grilled organic chicken skewers. Top: A scarecrow in the urban farm guards the veggies from unwanted pests, such as pigeons, crows, owls and the like. The scarecrow was designed and by 3-D design student Roger Dietz.

CityArts

City Times

October 21, 2008

Professor’s documentary exposes deadly negligence “The Devil’s Breath,” a Native American name used to describe the Santa Ana winds, is the title of a new half hour documentary that recounts the 2007 wildfires that afflicted the San Diego County exactly one year ago. Interestingly, Professor Laura Castañeda’s new production is

Film Review Veronica Leyva Eissa

not about the multi-million dollar damages it left behind, or the property losses, or its effects on our environment, or the impact it had in the county; not even its causes. More importantly, it reveals the last desperate hours of some of the 11 undocumented immigrants that perished during their journey into the U.S. The documentary captures the helplessness, the desperation, and the grief and sorrow of those left behind. The half hour documentary is not just an exposure of another tragic event; it exposes other subjects that make the viewer think. The documentary mentions the obstacles that interfered with the rescues, such as the language barrier and rough location of the victims. It also captures the first responder’s lack of concern through the stories of the survivors. One of those survivors is a man named Pedro, who recounts the torturous moments he faced, his escape from the blaze, and his non-stop plea to the rescuers for his friend that lay burnt in the trenches. Sadly, but more so puzzling was the fact that according to Pedro no attempts were made, even after he stayed in order to show the rescuers the location. A claim a deputy from the Sheriff’s

See DEVIL’S, page 9

CARLOS MAIA City Times Patricia Sears, 19, musical theatre major, Carla Houghton, 30, theatre major, and Elizabeth Perez, 22, musical theatre/communications major, practice their roles to would-be audience during “Seussical the Musical” rehearsal.

‘Seussical’ in full swing CARLOS MAIA City Times

The cast of “Seussical the Musical” is in its fifth week of rehearsals at the Saville Theatre. They will hold their first performance on Halloween night, Oct. 31. The musical, presented by the San Diego City College visual and performing arts department, is co-directed by Professors June Richards and Alicia Rincon. Production started on Sept. 6 with auditions for the cast. Twenty of the auditioners selected are high school students, who are part of the early college high school graduation program, funded by a

grant from the Gates Foundation. “What they lack in experience they make up in enthusiasm, sometimes they act out and do stupid things, but then again so do the college students,” said Richards. Derrick Hodges, a 21-year-old theatre major, plays the sour kangaroo and is in his fifth theatre performance at City. Hodges said, “We’re all like a family. Everyone is very supportive. It’s a team. No one is catty, jealous or mean. You can make mistakes and you can bring out your best and build your confidence ... we build friendships. We have a really good bond here, It

carries on after the show and a lot of us come back for the next show.” “There aren’t very many stars really, it is an ensemble piece. It takes everyone to make it work. As students, they all get much more stage time than an average show,” Richards explained. “It’s probably one of the largest and more complex productions that the theater has put on for the public,” according to Richards. “Seussical” is a compilation of different Dr. Seuss children’s books. “What I had to do as director, was I going to translate the characters out of the Dr. Seuss books literally? And I thought no,

I’m not doing a children’s theater, this is for grown ups too,” said Richards. The production is involved in giving to the less fortunate families in the community. “The Union-Tribune has been just wonderful,” said Richards. “Since the summer time they have donated kids’ and juvenile books that they normally do reviews on, and donated them to the production. In turn the books and donated candy will be handed out to the kids the days of the performances. “We’re trying to identify low

See SEUSSICAL, page 12

To creep or to camp, that is the question City Times has the answer to setting the perfect Halloween ambiance

So okay, Halloween is still a week and a half away and you’ve been seeing pumpkins and Jason masks since August, but if you really want to get into the spirit catch Rosemary’s Baby on Halloween Eve. Rosemary’s Baby stars Mia Farrow and John Cassavetes as Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse a young married couple that move into a new apartment against the wishes of their friend, and current landlord, Hutch (Maurice Evans). He explains that strange things have gone on in the building since the late 1890’s, but they move in anyway. When newfound friend, Terry

(Victoria Vetri), is found dead, elderly and eccentric couple Roman and Minnie Castevet (Sidney Blackmer and Ruth Gordon), console the young

Boo! Review Tom Andrew

couple and invite them to dinner, quickly becoming a part of the young couples life. While Guy seems fine with it, Rosemary becomes increasingly concerned, but when he says he wants a baby her concerns take a back seat, until the night she becomes preg-

nant, and that’s when things begin to get a little weird. Mia Farrow is great as the sweet and innocent Rosemary who starts to see her life fall apart and can’t do anything to stop it. Ruth Gordon, who won both an Oscar and a Golden Globe for her supporting role as Minnie Castevet, all but steals the picture and director Roman Polanski keeps the tension so taut you may want to scream out in the theatre hoping that Rosemary may actually hear you. Creepy, heart pounding, occasionally humorous and thoroughly macabre Rosemary’s Baby is a perfect way to spend

your Halloween. Rosemary’s Baby is being presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla, CA at 7 PM on Thursday October 30. For more information call (858) 4543541. If something sexier, campier, and interactive is what you crave, then grab your fishnet stockings, water guns, rice, a newspaper and some toast (just to mention a few) and head over to the La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show showing Fridays at midnight and twice

See CREEP, page 9

Tim Curry, in the classic film version, as Dr. Frank N. Furter.

October 21, 2008

Williams

Continued from page 1

years and says about her organization, “Our mission is to promote literature in writing in San Diego County”, and to promote “the art of the book.” L. Curt Erler a Chicago native is promoting two of his books, “The Southside Kid” and “Mantilla Lady.” Both Chicago based novels have the love of baseball; one depicts the simple life of the 50s and the other tells a story of love and romance. Erler talks with enthusiasm about his experience as an author. “I don’t do it for the money, my goal is to write a book,” he said. Erler believes anyone is capable of writing a book and advises college students and aspiring authors to always keep a journal. As varied as the books were, so was the crowd. Estela Garibay and her preteen grandson, Angel Fausto, made their way through the campus after hearing of the event through a friend. “My grandson loves to read” Garibay said. “And I like books too.” Chris Debauche, a Southwestern College senator, who is a double major in crime investigation and literature, had attended Williams presentation and was there to scan the event for the second time. Debauche said, “He (Williams) was profound, I was blown away by him”. The 29 year old said he’d really love to see this event done in the south bay area. “We don’t have that down there”, he states. Debauche hopes to get some pointers and talk to vendors to make this come true. “We want this to be a community thing, not just a City College, Southwestern College thing”. He says he loves

the event and liked the fact that the authors and speakers were switched around this year. The speakers and some authors were different this year to give more participation and variety. Yasmeen Mohamed, an aspiring author in the process of opening her own publishing company, hopes to be one of the vendors next year, an opportunity that made her come today. In his speech Juan Williams emphasized on the importance of being informed and involved in the decision making of our country, and to address the problems in our society. He believes we have the power of change, especially in a history-making year and with elections around the corner. “The power of books is to give us a sense of who we are and where we are” he states. “Books are key” The book fair is about community, networking, learning, staying informed and participating. When Williams was asked what advice he had for students on college campuses to help fight the negative influence of the media and motivate students to get involved, he advised young adults to read. To find information from both sides, information from many sources and not stick to celebrity news or news that relay one-sided perspectives. Again, he puts the responsibility back on the people, the reader, by stating. “An informed consumer of American media has to be in control of media consumption” In the end much was gained and accomplished. According to Jim Miller, the event director, an estimated 6,000 people attended the fair throughout the week. Miller stated, “This was by far our best year!”

Creep

Devil’s

on Halloween at 9 and midnight. Rocky Horror is the story of college couple, Brad and Janet (Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon), who are newly engaged and get a flat tire during a rainstorm on their way out to the countryside. While looking for a phone they come upon the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), who is a transsexual from the planet of Transsexual. Soon these fresh-faced college kids are introduced to people, and things, they never thought existed and their relationship and morals are put to the test. To say this is a movie that every college student should see may sound ridiculous, but what can I say. College wouldn’t be the same without a midnight showing of Rocky Horror. It definitely is an experience everyone in college should, well, experience. So, I say go to www.rockyhorror.com, find what you need to bring, and grab a few buddies and GO! The La Paloma Theatre is located at 471 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA. For more information call (760) 436-7469 Halloween may be three weeks away, and Corporate America may be tricking us into celebrating it early, but these two films will definitely get this guy in the Halloween spirit, three weeks early or not.

Department says, “Was totally unfounded.” This brings to light other concerns to its viewers in regards to the rescue attempts of people. Could it have something to do with their immigrant status? Would it have been different if the lives were that of American citizens? The stories are real and touching. “The Devil’s Breath” took my breath away, leaving a lump in my throat and concern about immigrant’s civil rights in this country, the poverty affecting our neighboring countries that causes people to go in search of a better life, the “American Dream”, all while risking their own lives. Professor Castañeda succeeds in capturing the dangers and perils of the “border crossers” in the tragic event, all while validating the victim’s lives.

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Tom Andrew is a City Times staff writer

City Times

NEWS / ARTS / VOICE

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Veronica Leyva Eissa is a City Times staff writer

Amnesty group to show films ALEXANDRIA CARRILLO City Times “Are You Aware?” That’s what San Diego City College’s Amnesty International Club is asking in their event flyers around campus. Amnesty International is a nonprofit organization that is trying to raise awareness to students at City College about issues around the world that don’t necessarily affect us here but do have a major negative effect on our neighboring countries. Like their advertising motto says “Just because it’s not happening here, doesn’t mean it’s not happening now.” The topics that Amnesty is trying to raise awareness include: the death penalty, human trafficking,

Prop. 8

women’s rights and torture. For instance, the death penalty subject covers important issues such as other countries still use tactics such as hanging, stoning and decapitation. Human trafficking topic covers the fact that every year, 500,000 girls are “sold like cattle” into the sex industry, according to www.hrw.org. Women’s rights faces issues like, around the world women suffer from rape, domestic abuse and other forms of violence. These are just a few general details in what the Amnesty International Club discusses. In order to open a discussion of these issues, they have set up an event, The Film Forum Festival, for the students and the public. This event will let students view films and listen to speakers dis-

cussing their own experiences and struggles about the topics that they are covering. The event will take place in room D-121A (right across from the Associated Student Government building) on Oct. 20-23. The event dates and times are as follows: Oct. 20, 9:30-12:30: International Rescue Committee presenting “Darfur Now” Oct. 21, 9:30-12:30: Survivors of Torture presenting the film “Taxi to the Dark side” Oct. 22, 1:00-4:00: Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition (Human Traffic) presenting the film “Trade” Oct. 23, 1:00-4:00: Mexico Solidarity Network (Women’s Juarez Topic) presenting “Preguntas sin respuestas”

drug into something harder. I’m sorry it’s just ridiculous. The fact is gay couples deserve the same rights that the rest of us have. As human beings, they deserve it. Marriage promotes monogamy; it gives financial security and medical benefits. If you want to say that domestic partnership offers the same, well maybe, but it’s a little like comparing a diamond to a cubic zirconium. Ultimately, people want the real thing. On a less romantic note, the legalization of gay marriage is fiscally beneficial to the state. Think of all the money spent on weddings. These new marriages would help our poor, crippled California economy. Even the legislative analysis in the general election guide acknowledges that the passage of Prop. 8

could result in a potential long-term loss “of several tens of millions of dollars” in new revenue. I understand that in a country like ours, one that puts so much stock in tradition, change can be hard. There are bound to be growing pains, but I feel that there are times when change is necessary to ensure fair and equal treatment for all, and I think that this is one of those times. This is not a time for devolution. Prop. 8 is a huge slight to a large population of California residents who want nothing more than the right to celebrate and solidify their relationships, the same way that every other person in the country does.

Sclerosis Society. Block has also worked with the San Diego Superior Court as judge pro tem, then at San Diego State University for 26 years as professor, dean and founding chair/director of the National Higher Education Law and Policy institute, and retired member of the California Faculty Association. Block was elected to the San Diego Community College District of Trustees 2000, 2004 and 2008, San Diego County Board of Education, 1986 and 1990. Block set a booth in front of

the City College cafeteria, conveniently front row seat to the Rock the Vote concert, which featured such bands as Endoxi, and neighboring the “Take Charge” booth, helping people kick their smoking habits. An attendant to the booth and a new supporter to the Marty Block campaign, April Dreischmeger, said, “I worked on the campaign for Marty Block. I think he would do really good in office. I think he has a lot of good endorsements... Most importantly, health care for me.” employers can provide flexible work schedules and compensatory time-off.

zenship course and help resolve legal status

fying working parents with small children. n Wants to increase paid leave, sick leave and expand the Family Medical Leave Act. n Expand flexible work arrangements.

n Besides the tax breaks to family (see taxes) proposes to expand earned income by quali-

n Supports the Family Medical Leave Act n Co-sponsored the Family Friendly Workplace Act in which

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When people cite history and say that marriage between a man and woman is how things have always been, and by that factor how they should always be, I wonder if they realize that gay marriage was legal in ancient Rome, and then, I reflect on how sad it is that an empire as brutal as Rome could, in any respect, be more tolerant than our own. For those who stand behind the slippery slope, “Next thing you know people are going to marrying sheep,” I don’t understand how they can even remotely relate a loving gay marriage to bestiality, as if gay marriage were a gateway

Block

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Association. His resume includes many years of community service and civic involvement. Block was a commissioner for San Diego County Commission on Children, Youth and Families. He was also a member for San Diego County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force, and the former Government Relations Chair for the San Diego Multiple

Election

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Family: Obama:

McCain:

Evonne Ermey is City Times’ news editor

These are only some of the important issues Americans are concerned with. Please note: there are many propositions made under each issue by the candidates. You can find out more detailed information under the candidate’s official campaign website.

Campus Transfer Fair to help students find path to universities Caroline Cha City Times October is transfer awareness month and the Transfer/ Career Center will be holding events for students interested in transferring to other colleges. The Annual Transfer Fair

will take place on Thursday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Gorton Quad. There will also be an evening fair at the cafeteria held from 5 to 7 with several other colleges. Students are encouraged to come and speak with the representatives to learn more about

the college of their choice. There will be representatives from more than 40 colleges and universities to help students figure out which college is right for them. Also, Majors Day is coming up on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Schwartz

Quad. Faculty and staff are encouraged to wear their Alma Mater school colors in spirit of Majors Day. For more information visit the Transfer/Career Center located at A-111 or call (619) 388-3722.

City Times

CityFocus

The future starts here Groundbreaking on the new Career Technology Center at 16th and C streets took place on Oct. 16 with a lot of fanfare. Above: Nursing faculty and students look over floor plans. Right: Hardhats await campus and district officials before the ceremony. Below right: Student Government President Robert Demartini (far left), Citizens Oversight Committee member Rosalie Schwartz, District Chancellor Constance Carroll, City College President Terrence Burgess, District Trustee Rich Grosch and District Vice Chancellor Dave Umstot (far right) get ready to dig Below left: The dignitaries turn over the soil, symbolizing the start of construction.

Photos and layout by CARLOS MAIA

October 21, 2008

City Times

The Career Technology Center was designed by Carrier-Johnson Architects and employs almost 20 companies in the construction of the environmentally friendly building. The center will include a photovoltaic, using the radiation of the sun’s rays to generate electricity. The complex will also house three departments — nursing, cosmetology and photography — as well as the new headquarters for the campus police and a 694-car parking structure. Top left: Architectural drawings of the building. Top right: The audience. Mid-left: Faculty members from the photography and cosmetology departments stand with college President Terrence Burgess (far right). Bottom left: Burgess addresses the audience. Bottom right: Shovels rest at the ready.

City Times

ARTS / NEWS

Seussical

Be sure to recycle this newspaper

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income housing families on campus and also women living in shelters with their children so that each child will go away with some books and candy. North Island Credit Union also gave the production a grant. Richards said, “It has helped finance a lot of extra help. We don’t have to barebone it. We really can embellish and do things on a grander scale. The most important thing is that the money they gave to us, it allows us to give the free tickets away.” Richards said, “We’re trying to identify low income housing families on campus and also women living in shelters with their children so that each child will go away with some books and candy. The musical contains some familiar characters such as the “Cat in the Hat,” “Horton the elephant,” “Gertrude the bird,” “The taunting monkeys, and “The Whos.” Michael Farley, music director and former student at City, plays the keyboard and conducts the hired orchestra. “We are really ahead of the curve. We have several weeks of rehearsal left. It’s really fun seeing the show grow from bare stage and having the students practice their lines sitting in chairs, to the final show night,” said Farley.

CARLOS MAIA City Times City College performers rehearse for “Seussical the Musical” at the Saville Theatre. “No one is going to be bored. It’s going to be very exciting. What really makes it come alive is the audience,” said Richards “Seussical the Musical” will be performed on the weekends from October 31 through November 16, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Total running time of the show will be 70 minutes.

San Diego City Club Mettings Spanish Club

Meetings every other week on Thursdays or Saturdays in the cafeteria. For more information please contact Jessica Brandom at SpanishCityCollegeClub@gmail.com. or Evelia Talamantes at EveliaTalamantes@yahoo.com.

October 21, 2008

M.E.Ch.A. Club

Tuesdays 3 p.m. B-203

Amnesty International

Wednesdays 2 p.m. B-204

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