City Times — Sept. 22, 2009

Q GO KNIGHTS Athletics Department joins the budget cuts protest

SPORTS / PAGE 12

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Covering the San Diego City College community since 1945

Volume 64, Number 3

September 22, 2009

Cops to put pics on Web

Hundreds rally to protest cuts

By OLIVIA HOLT and ERNESTO LOPEZ City Times

Nearly 600 students, professors and other San Diego Community College District employees rallied on Sept. 9 at City College to protest state budget cuts on education.

“I was stoked when I saw all the students (at the rally), in the past its been hard to get students out to rally but there was no shortage of students (this time),” David Campbell, Associated Students president, said of the protest.

Students from City, Mesa, and Miramar Colleges united together and voiced their frustrations in hopes that legislators will listen and take measures to

stop the elimination of classes and reduced funding in student services.

“We’ve got to send a strong message to the Governor and to the legislature that the highest priority in the state; the greatest cause of government is education,” Terrence Burgess, City College President, told the crowd.

The San Diego Community College District was required to cut $30 million dollars in spending this school year, resulting in 400 classes not being offered.

“We’re that learning bridge to four-year universities. It’s really crucial for us to get specific courses for our particular major or trade and being that

By ERNESTO LOPEZ City Times

See PROTEST, page 6

Photos by CARLOS MAIA City Times Above: ASG President David Campbell shares some words with the protesters Sept.

9. Left: Students listen to numerous speeches given by representatives districtwide. Below: Students hold their signs high against statewide budget cuts.

In order to handle fewer ticket appeals and avoid disputes, San Diego City College Campus Police are using a new ticketing system called Velosum, a citation management solution designed to maintain accuracy.

With Velosum, campus police officers are equipped with a digital pen, citation book and a cell phone. Once officers handwrite tickets the data is sent directly to the Web, and with their phone, officers take pictures of the offense to accompany the citation, thus making infractions clear.

“We were spending a lot of money and manpower to go through appeals,” Campus Police Sergeant Jordan Mirakian said.

“With this new system, we now have a way to say no because we now have a picture to back up the ticket, before we had tons of appeals.”

All officers take pictures of vehicles license plate, rear end to see the entire vehicle and of the infraction being committed.

College Service Officer Linda Seamans believes Velosum is a tool for campus police to gain credibility within the college community.

“I prefer the new system because of the pictures. It validates my work. Many people think we just give out tickets but we are always trying to do as good a job as we can,” Seamans said.

Seamans also believes that the new ticketing system benefits students and faculty that receive a citation ticket, because the picture of the infraction that is taken may end up proving that the officer made an error in issuing the citation.

“It may work in a student’s favor to have a picture taken to check if we made a mistake. We

See Police, page 11

Controversial new club on campus seeks 9/11 truth

By DONNA P. CRILLY and CARLOS MAIA City Times

A new club on campus addresses controversy with hard evidence — and the 9/11 Truth Club of San Diego City College uses science as the weapon of choice.

“The goal of this club is to educate people on campus and to motivate them to spread the word about 9/11,” Steve Fahrney, club president said.

Mass media has pegged the events of Sept. 11, 2001 as a series of suicide attacks by Al-Qaeda terrorists, in which aircraft hijacking resulted in the collapse of New York City’s World Trade Centers.

The 9/11 Truth club suggests otherwise.

“One thing I want to emphasize is that we’re not a conspiracy club,” Fahrney said.

“The conspiracy word is kind of a derogatory word, so we stay away from it,” Tom Frantz, a member of San Diegans for 9/11 Truth, said.

Instead of “pointing fingers and entertaining conspiracy theories,” the club will investigate eyewitness accounts and forensic

Index

Take Note.................................2 News...................................... 3 Arts.........................................7 Opinion................................... 9 Sports................................... 12

evidence that contradict much of what the mass media depicted of 9/11, according to Fahrney.

Guest speaker Dwain Deets, a retired NASA engineer and contributing member of Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth, spoke at the club’s first meeting, held in the Saville Theatre on Sept. 11.

“It actually kind of makes it exciting that we are living in a time when information is being sought out independent of the mainstream by thousands of people; conclusions are being reached, possibly, that the corporate owners of the mainstream media and the banks and really don’t want the public to know,” Deets said at the presentation.

Deets presented an abridged version of Richard Gage’s “9/11 Blueprint for Truth: The Architecture of Destruction.” The video demonstrates side-by-side examples of controlled demolitions of skyscrapers versus actual video footage of the collapse of the World Trade Centers.

Along with the Twin Towers, Building 7 collapsed that day, despite the fact that no airplane

See Club, page 2

CARLOS MAIA City Times Speaker Dwain Deets, retired NASA engineer and contributing member of Architects and Engineers from 9/11 Truths.

Inside

Q BOOK FAIR PREVIEW Check out literary events coming soon

ARTS / PAGE 7

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Q 9/11: INSIDE JOB?

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City Times

TAKE NOTE | News

TakeNote

September 22, 2009

Fashion-naughta By Michele Suthers

Compiled by Michele Suthers Get your event in the paper. E-mail us at citytimes@gmail.com or call (619) 388-3880

n Sept. 22 The Use and Abuse of Children During War 9:30-10:50 p.m. Saville Theatre

n Sept. 28 Michael Ornelas, The Sons of Guadalupe: Voices of the Vietnam Generation and Their Journey Home 12:45-2 p.m. D 121 a/b

n Sept. 22 Farmers’ Market 9:30-11:30 a.m. Urban Garden/NW corner of “C” building

n Sept. 28- Oct. 3 4th Annual San Diego City College International Book Fair. sdcitybookfair.com

n Sept. 24 Voices of a People 9:35-11:00 a.m. Saville Theatre n Sept. 25 Last day to file a petition for Pass/No Pass grade option.

Club

Continued from page 1

ever struck the 47-story structure. More than 835 architects and engineers agree that what the mass media presented to the public regarding building seven proves contradictory to scientific evidence, according to Deets.

“How do you absorb information when it is so contrary to what everyone else is saying is happening?” Deets asked the 35 to 40 attendees.

“My years in doing flight research, engineering, budget planning- all the kind things for NASA-I never, ever came across a problem, if you wanna call it a problem, like the World Trade Center destructions on 9/11/01,” he said.

Prior to starting the club, Fahrney dedicated hundreds of hours and “probably

1,000 Web sites” on research. An accidental download of the documentary “Loose Change” by Dylan Avery, sparked his initial quest for truth.

“There’s always many people opposed,” Fahrney said. “It’s a heartfelt issue on both sides of the controversy. Fahrney does not personally know any victims or eyewitnesses of the events of 9/11.

On opposition, “nobody has been mean or said anything aggressive or angry in any way,” he said.

The club is giving away free information regarding 9/11 and plans on doing book sales to raise funding for events. Movie screenings and guests speakers are also planned as part of future meetings.

Meeting times and places are “to be determined” by Fahrney. At the onset of club rush week, which ended Sept. 11, there were no confirmed members of the new club, aside from Fahrney. A roster of about 25 interested students rounded off the tally of potential club members.

Please recycle this paper

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Florence, Italy spring 2010

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other destinations available Application due for spring semester Oct. 6, 2009 Submit your application online at www.iie.org/gilman Marion Froehlich International Education Coordinator mfroehli@sdccd.edu 619 388 3652 For more information visit www.sdcity.edu/cityabroad

More pictures, more information Get more of City Times online at

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September 22, 2009

CityNews

City Times

3

ASG to bring back the vote?

ASG contemplates having students vote again on smoking ban

By CRISTO DE GUZMAN City Times

Besides the tuition fee hike, there is no more controversial topic facing the Associated Student Government as the policy that prohibits cigarette smoking on campus.

Some non-smoking students are satisfied with the anti-smoking policy either because they don’t want to breathe in secondhand smoke or they are suffering or recovering from a health condition.

“I think the ban is great,” said Melanie Stuart, former officer of

health, safety, and environment. “I’m just recovering from a respiratory disease. I think there should be a non-smoking ordinance throughout the county of San Diego.”

For some, it is the implementation of the policy that’s far more controversial because it undermines the will of the student electorate. According to Josef Shannon, director of public relations of the Student Senate, It was a former student trustee who implemented the ban without students’ input.

“It was done back door,” Shannon said.

“It didn’t go through the proper channels. There was no environmental impact study done.” The environment, in this case, being the campus grounds, of which smoking and non-smoking students say have been littered with butts due to the removal of ashtrays.

Shannon said that he is going to bring the smoking ban up for a student vote.

“If the students vote ‘yes’, I will feel better because students actually made the policy.

It was the students who decided on the issue,” said Shannon.

The ban brings up the issue of balancing the rights of one group with those of others. “It’s unfortunate because we’re taking away the rights of others,” said Stuart. “But smokers are in the minority.”

“I don’t want to tell anybody they can’t smoke,” David Campbell, ASG president, said. “I feel there should be more designated smok-

ing areas.”

Although the ban prohibits smoking on campus, there are two designated areas that allow smoking, one is the parking lot by the campus police office, and the other is the lawn in front of the cosmetology department. But that is not enough to keep some student smokers happy.

“I don’t want to tell anybody they can’t smoke.”

—David Campbell, ASG President “I think to regulate it to certain areas is a waste of campus resources,” Diana Van Rooy, a cosmetology student, said.

“We have limited resources, and to patrol smokers is not the best use of time and resources.”

Referring to the removal of ashtrays around campus cosmetology classmate Megan Greene said, “You’ll end up with more litter.” She said the ban creates additional work for the janitor, because he is constantly stopping student smokers to remind them where they can smoke and to pick up cigarette butts.

“I’ve seen zero police officers enforce the smoking ban,” said Josh McMahon, vice-president of the peace dialogue group. “I’ve seen more non-smokers enforce the ban. I’ve seen them say, ‘Stop doing that.’”

“They should just walk away,” Greene said, concerning irritated students who complain about secondhand smoke.

ERNESTO LOPEZ City Times

Club Rush, more like club hush

By BRITTANY JOHNSON City Times

Club Rush, which took place Sept. 8 through 10 at Gorton Quad, was more like a Club Hush this semester at City College.

Club Rush is an information fair set

out for campus organizations to recruit students to their clubs. The clubs had displays, some performed skits, and others had musicians drawing the crowds to their tables.

There were around six booths a day covering anything from defending human

rights with the Amnesty International Club, raising awareness about racism, feminism, and domestic violence with Visionaries, and encouraging the co-mingling of outside organizations looking towards a more resource based economy with the Promethean Workers Association.

The goal for many of the clubs was more than just filling up their roster. Rene Moraida, co-coordinator from the Amnesty International Club said, “Club Rush raises awareness about different issues on campus.”

Moraida also commented on the hardships of this year’s Club Rush. “The biggest challenge is getting new students to sign up because this fall semester there is an increase in the student population and a lot of new faces,” he said.

“We’ve already done a lot (in the first week) to help students, and show who we are and by the time it’s the third week it’s hard,” added Anna Chang, an Intervarsity Christian Club member.

Community members Gustaf Cuevas and Jonathan Poehner provided some inspirational music at The Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Club table. Their soulful acoustic guitar and soft trumpet tunes drew attention and encouraged a smile on the students.

According to Chang, the Christian club wanted students that stepped up to their table “to feel loved.”

A fairly new club to the scene was B.E.A.T. (Bringing Education and Activism Together). Inspired by the ideas of their Political Science Professor L. Dorman, students are raising awareness and promoting activism through education. On Sept. 8, a club member preformed a skit as Bobby Seale, American Civil Rights Activist.

On Sept. 10, Sophie @ 103.7, a San Diego radio station, played live streaming radio broadcast and handed out vitamin sodas. The radio booth and music drew a larger crowd in the afternoon.

Other Clubs representing included: IDEAS Club, Fellowship of Associated Gay Students, M.E.Ch.A., 9/11 Truth Club, Spanish Club and Visionaries..

Other Clubs representing include: IDEAS Club, Fellowship of Associated Gay Students, M.E.Ch.A., 9/11 Truth Club, Spanish Club and Visionaries.

Photos by BRITTANY JOHNSON City Times Left: On Sept. 9 Intervarsity Christian Fellowship club member Jason Dudley adds to the clubs display. Right: Anna Chang, also from Intervarsity Christian Fellowship informs a student about the club.

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City Times

NEWS

September 22, 2009

CARLOS MAIA City Times

This issue, City Times will be featuring services offered at the new Academic Success Center to give students better insight on tools available. Check out the next issue for more information on more departments.

Tutorial Center lends students a helping hand

By TREI FLAKE

Correspondent If you find yourself stressing over your course work, unable to keep up with the information being taught to you, or even if you just have a simple question,

then the Tutorial and Learning Center is where you want to be.

There are close to 30 qualified tutors currently employed at the center to help any City College or ECC student with the majority of subjects offered on campus, excluding English and Philosophy, which are covered by the English Center.

Tutorial and Learning Center Director, Lance Soukhaseum

is very optimistic on what the center can achieve.

“What we hope to accomplish here at the center is to make students individual learners so that they can master the subject themselves. That is the big goal,” he said.

The TLC offers walk-in, by appointment and online tutoring, study group sessions with tutors, a computer lab and a math cram jam offered at the end of the semester for final review in Math 38, 46, and 96.

With walk-in tutoring, you may come in to see a tutor with brief questions only. With appointment tutoring you receive the same benefits as walk-in with the exception of having the tutor’s full attention for half an hour.

“I think it is a great idea because it give students a chance to better their education and get

DONNA MARANTO City Times Joseph Felton, physics major, is tutored by Ian Quirk at one of the Tutoring Center’s large discussion tables. extra help at a time that works for them. It is more resources for us,” said student Alycia Edwards.

In addition to tutoring, the TLC offers several workshops in time management, test taking techniques and dealing with test anxiety, memory techniques, and several others. These workshops are led by Adela Powers, evening

supervisor of the TLC. Other benefits students can receive by coming to the TLC is being able to talk to people who have been through the college process and are able to provide you with first hand advice from a student’s point of view.

“The tutors can help with questions you may have about

transferring and offer tips on how to survive the UC system,” Soukhaseum said.

Students interested in utilizing the services at the TLC must be enrolled in the course for which they are requesting tutoring. The TLC is located on the second floor of the L building in room L-205.

Help for low income students

By TAYLOR POULIN Correspondent

DONNA MARANTO City Times Angie Avila, secretary of Student Services for the EOPS Department, provides an agenda direction for student Perla Alvarado.

With the struggling economy, some prospective students find it near impossible to pay for school and accomplish their goals. That is where the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services come into play.

EOPS is a state-funded service designed to help low-income students with their educational needs and assist with transfer options.

“We provide a wide range of support services to enable them to succeed at San Diego City College,” said Terri Jackson, student assistance technician who has been with the program for seven years.

Some of the services offered by the program are counseling and advising, transfer assistance, workshops and financial aid.

EOPS applicants must also be a resident of California, have completed less than 70 degree applicable college units. They also must be a full-time student, be on track to complete an associate degree or to transfer to a four-year insti-

tution.

“I work full-time and heard about this program from a friend,” said Hafsa Abdille, a child development major with aspirations on becoming a teacher. “I looked through the criteria to be eligible and I think this program can really help me.”

Other requirements are that students have low assessment scores, no high school diploma or GED or lower than a 2.5 GPA in high school.

Under EOPS, there is another program that deals strictly with assisting single parent recipients of CalWORKS, called Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education. To be considered for CARE, applicants must be eligible for EOPS.

Have math or English questions? Centers are here to help

By KIERAH FORD City Times

San Diego City College has a new math and English tutoring center. The two centers are located inside of the L building, and they are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The centers had their grand opening this semester.

Bryan Constantine has been a tutor at City College for a year and a half. “I like being a Math tutor so much, I changed my major to math. That is how much I enjoy tutoring at this center,” Constantine said.

There are no professors in the center. The learning comes from clips, animations and the tutors that are available. The students at the math and English center are required to take the same amount of units as regular course class students. The centers allows the students to work on the assignments at self pace but the students have a maximum of two

semesters long to get the courses completed.

Walk-ins at the centers are available for students who need additional help with their work as long as the work is math or English based. Computer labs are available for research and other uses as needed. Both the English center and the math center provide online tutoring in the computer lab across from the English center.

Giselle Agricola is tutoring at San Diego City College for her first semester. “I enjoy tutoring in the English center. Most tutors have been working here for 3-4 years and some teachers hold

their business hours here. I enjoy group tutoring,” Agricola said.

The math center requires you to attend class four hours a week, and all the work is done on the online computers. Diana Desalvo a math center student loves the way the class is run. “ I like this style of learning better because it is self paced. You have computers, and the tutors are available to help if you need them. The facility is great towards learning on an individual basis,” Desalvo said.

The math center and the English center differ in many ways.

The math center is a class course unlike the English center which is just tutoring and personal growth.

The math center was made so that the students could have one on one time with tutors and grow in that specific subject. “The lecture class could be a lot of pressure for those who don’t understand math as much, so the way the center is ran, with the tutors there to help, alleviates some of the pressure,” Desalvo said.

The math and English centers are available to all students. You can sign up for the math center by simply attending an orienta-

tion, receiving the add code and beginning your studies. Since the English center is more tutoring based, you just have to fill out a form and start getting the help whenever you need.

So even if you are taking a class at the math center or if you just need some extra help and a place to study, the math and English centers are there to help.

September 22, 2009

City Times

NEWS

5

MESA tutors students in math and sciences

By NORA ALI-RUWAISHED Correspondent

“Just apply, and let us figure out everything else,” says Rafael Alvarez, coordinator of the MESA (Math Engineering and Science Achievement) Program located in the newly remodeled L building here at City College.

Students are piling into crowded classrooms this semester with higher ratios of students to a lowered number of teachers and classroom availability. This in itself is adding a huge load of stress on campus. In difficult majors such as math and science, one-on-one time between student’s and teacher’s can often be crucial to the student’s livelihood.

Likewise, the option to be able to ask questions during class to thoroughly understand the material is, hands down, part of the intense learning process.

When an anonymous student participating in the MESA program was asked how it helped them, they said, “It’s tough out there financially. If it weren’t for MESA having my books on reserve and offering me the free tutoring assistance I need, I am not sure if I would be able to do it on my own. A lot of the student’s are feeling the economic crisis hit close to home, as well as here on campus. MESA definitely helps in that area.”

The MESA program has been around since fall of 2000; however it has just relocated to a more beneficial facility.

“With the new technology in this building we can better assist our students. We have a larger area, plenty of computers and

more tools to assist students,” Alvarez said. “The new building is great because we are getting more attention. We are getting student’s popping their heads in asking what the building and program has to offer.” The new buildings have provided more awareness.

Those who qualify for the MESA program must be in math 96 or above, be a math, science, or engineering major, and must be receiving the BOG waiver or other forms of financial aid.

“In our new building, we offer a place for students to receive tutoring, participate in group study sessions, check out required books from their classes and check out laptops. There is faculty with office hours, and they can rent lockers. MESA has couches in the building because it is part of the culture-we want it to feel like home. Alvarez said, “The greatest tool students will find here, though, is each other.”

This is a place where students can meet other students in their classes and fields of interests.

The faculty keeps track of each of the student’s classes and gives them a list of who they can meet in their classes so they can set up study dates or even find lifelong friends.

It also allows these students to get scholarships, internships, work experience, provide connections and networking, and allow exposure in the industry.

Aside from all these services, students are gaining even more from the MESA program.

According to student Nick Troast, “The Bullet Point Reading strategy has helped me in my

DONNA MARANTO City Times Tutor Stuart Young is providing biochemistry major Jacqueline Lagunes important information regarding graphs. studying habits.”

The BPR is a main study tool that MESA pushes. It teaches a new approach to condensing overwhelming chapters and making students familiar with (but not experts on) topics they will learn in future lectures.

TRIO leads students to four-year colleges

By CAROLINE OLSON-VAN STONE City Times

DONNA MARANTO City Times Marya Edgar, a psychology major and Arturo Tisnado of American Indian Studies discuss their concerns while making use of the program equipment.

The specialized TRIO tutoring program has received too many applications this semester and has had to place 200 students on a wait list, they can only accept 200 students at a time.

“It’s unfortunate that we have to turn people away. The majority of the students at City have an academic need,” new program director Nesha Savage said.

She believes that the increase is mostly because more students are enrolling in community college.

“We are limited by the grant.

If it were up to us, we would help everyone,” Savage said.

To qualify for the program, students must demonstrate academic need, first-generation college students, low-income students or students hoping to transfer. Applications are available at the beginning of each semester.

TRIO offers tutoring, counseling, four-year institution field trips, transfer advice and a free computer lab.

The program moved to the newly remodeled L building on July 20 and welcomed a new member to their team, Director Savage. “She has fresh, new ideas.

She’s bringing a big energy, and we’re going to new heights,” said program staff member Val Sacro.

Other TRIO staff members are Maria Palomo and three counsel-

ors: Rudy Zamora, Freddie Richards and Katheryn Kraffert.

“The six of us are a great team.

We’re like a family,” said Savage.

English professor Terrie Relf holds her office hours in the TRIO office, so that students in the program can also ask her questions without an appointment.

The new location offers many things that their previous space did not. Before, they were sharing A-10 with CalWorks and New Horizons, two other programs that serve different student populations.

“It was loud and uncomfortable,” said Sacro. “Now, (our space) has more than tripled.”

Their program’s office now has a group study room, three offices and a lounge area with a sofa, chairs and tables for studying.

Accounting major student, Niasha Porras highlighted the importance of the program. “I’m the first in my family [to go to college]. Val is so helpful. Without the support system, it’s very difficult (for me) to succeed in my classes.”

Savage is currently planning a Hermanos Unidos, Brothers United Conference (HUBU) for October; the conference focuses on ways of retaining AfricanAmerican and Latino male students. For

the conference she is collaborating with UMOJA, Puente, EOPS, and Mesa.

“We want to address the Black and Latino male students, and connect them with mentors and small groups,” Savage said.

She is also planning other events, like poetry nights, Cesar Chavez Day celebration and faculty-led peer study groups.

One of their most widely attended events last year was the TRIO program’s Study Jam. For that event, they collaborated with UMOJA and Puente to bring English professors Oscar Preciado, Daryl Sligh, Terrie Relf and retiree Bill Weiner to the event to provide personal assistance to TRIO students.

“It’s all about collaboration. In light of budget cuts, usually collaborative efforts are most efficient in meeting students’ needs,” said Savage.

TRIO is located on the first floor of the L building, in L-114.

Puente/Umoja strives to promote cultural awareness

By JUAN CARLOS GIL Correspondent

A new sense of ownership and belonging has been created among students of the Puente and Umoja programs located in the newly remodeled L-building.

The Puente and Umoja programs help Latino, African-American and other students prepare to successfully transfer into four year institutions. A team of professors, counselors and staff members ensure student academic success, personal growth and self actualization by integrating culture in their learning experience.

Umoja focuses on helping mostly African-American students through a curriculum of African cultural themes. Students in the Umoja community complete a series of math, English and personal growth courses throughout a three-semester period.

Umoja is coordinated by Erin Charles.

The Puente program has the same objective as that of the

Umoja community, except that Puente integrates Mexican-American/Latino authors, experiences and issues into its educational curriculum.

The Puente model was created to counter these tendencies among Latino students with three essential components: rigorous language arts instructions, sustained academic counseling and mentoring by members of the professional community.

Puente also strives to make their student’s voices, histories and cultures get recognized to help build a foundation for academic success.

“It helps to learn about your culture; it brings a sense of comfort, plus the instructors and students give you great support,” Umoja student Ashlee Burney said.

The new facilities given to the Puente and Umoja programs located in room L-121 are spacious and count with plenty of computers and conference style tables for students to comfortably get together and study.

“Students here create a sense of family, with the new space that the L building gives us we can now create a home environment for our students so they can reach higher levels of success,” Puente coordinator Luis Perez said.

“Before (Puente and Umoja) used to get together at coffee shops or around campus” Rigo Vasquez added, a three-year Puente student.

San Diego City College president Terrence Burgess described the L building as “A one stop shop for all academic resources where all the services create a synergy for students to succeed,”

DONNA MARANTO City Times Marchelle Gradney and nursing student Mirta Gonzalez are active at the computers available in the Puente Umoja Center in the L Building.

City Times

September 22, 2009

Continued from page 1

we’re having so many monetary cuts, it’s becoming difficult do so,” said Byron Dunn, a communication student who attended the rally.

Student Senate for California Community Colleges public officer Josef Shannon agrees with Dunn’s statement.

“This budget is cutting down California’s future,” Shannon said. “Instead of building in professional development, we’re cutting growth, our future and our future leaders. (We) have to fight for this, cause once it’s cut, it’s hard to get back.”

Shannon is planning a march on Sept. 30 to protest the cuts beginning at City College and stopping at Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s office at 1350 Front Ave. in downtown San Diego.

According to Burgess, by 2025, California will need six percent more working-age adults with a bachelor’s degree, and with 59 classes at SDCCD having wait lists, students will take much longer to complete their education.

Photos by Carlos Maia City Times On the left: A City College student signs the petition demanding an end to cuts that ASG plans to deliver to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in Sacramento. On the right: Miramar College ASG President Franchesca Gade pumps up the crowd with her speech telling students to voice their opinions to the state Capitol.

“There will be one million people without college degrees that we need, and we’re not investing in it,” Burgess said. “We’re saying (to students), ‘no sorry, no room at the end.’”

Joel Andrews, an electronics student at the rally, said, “I almost didn’t make it to school

this semester, because I was put on a waiting-list. Luckily, I got through.”

The rally, organized by the student body government, is a clear indicator that students are not relying on chance to decide the outcome of their future.

“The goal of the rally was to

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make an impact visually, to let Sacramento know that in Southern California colleges, we won’t tolerate the budget cuts,” Campbell said about the rally. “I think we got heard; we started something. Other community colleges are planning their own rally.”

Students in the Radio and

Television programs plan to make a DVD from the testimonials of students and clips from the rally.

Some of the student body government will fly to Sacramento and personally hand Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger the DVD along with a giant petition signed by students.

CityArts

September 22, 2009

Book fair aims to flourish

By DONOVAN TERBLANCHE City Times

The San Diego City College International Book Fair, now in its fourth year, takes place from Sept. 28 through to Oct. 3 with an array of activities.

The book fair is the brainchild of San Diego City College President Terrence Burgess, who had the astuteness to make this event a reality after attending the Miami Dade College International Book Fair.

Burgess returned to City College with the idea of starting a City College book fair. It is with his vision and determination and many hours of hard work that the City College Book Fair has been able to flourish.

The festival was a “showcase of local and national arts and literature in the area,” Burgess said.

Burgess assembled a team headed by Dr. Jim Miller and his wife, Kelly, who set about organizing the first two book fairs.

Both have since taken sabbatical, and in their absence, Virginia Escalante has picked up the reins and carried on with the organization of the book fair.

“The purpose of the festival

City Times

7

Art never looked so tasty Former City College student sculpts handcrafted popcorn chickens in a box

By BROOKE LINTAG

City Times

Popcorn Chicken is bad for you, but when taken in super size amounts, it proves to be good for the heart. Figuratively speaking, that is.

On Sept. 12, art major Bonn Liang premiered his humorous Popcorn Chicken sculpture, along with 30 artists, on San Diego’s Embarcadero as commissioned through San Diego’s 6th Annual Urban Trees Project.

Standing 10 feet high, his sculpture is a replica of a traditional bag of popcorn adorned with bold red and white stripes.

It is complete with the proverbial logo on the side stating “Popcorn Chicken” with 100 life-like handcrafted chickens inside, which is Liang’s personal spin on the fast food item.

After having slaved away on the piece through the majority of the summer, Liang breathed a sigh of relief when it was

“My life is like a circus because I have these crazy ups and downs.”

—Bonn Liang finally assembled on the Harbor. “[It was] like giving birth, an immaculate conception” he said.

The assembly process was the most time consuming aspect for Liang, as the artist already had a design in mind.

The work was to embody his life thus far, a parallel he found in a circus theme.

“My life’s like a circus because I have these crazy ups and downs,” Liang said. “And I feel like I’m the sideshow, like the bearded lady or the guy that swallows swords.”

While fabricating the sculpture, Liang had only one major

goal in mind, to be humorous, which he explained to be one of the main reasons why he opted for live chicken replicas as opposed to depicting the colonel’s counterpart.

This is also the inspiration behind the engineering that allows his sculpture to spin freely with the wind.

“He loves art that puts smiles on people’s faces,” Ed Jaffon, Liang’s roommate, who supported and helped the artist with the engineering, said.

“He’s very interesting in children liking it!”

On the day of the unveiling a number of tourists and locals, many with children, walk along the Embarcadero, many of whom can’t seem to help but stop, stare and smile at the very comical piece.

“This is fun isn’t it?” a fellow artist from the

See CHICKEN, page 11 A delighted Bonn Liang stands next to his prized popcorn chicken art sculpture, which was one of 30 art pieces commissioned through San Diego’s 6th Annual Urban Trees Project. The piece is displayed along the Embarcadero in downtown San Diego.

BONN LIANG Courtesy Photo

See BOOK, page 10

KSDS hosts psychedelic jazz jam trio

By CRISTO DE GUZMAN City Times

CARLOS MAIA City Times Guitarist Julian Coryell, of The Coryell Auger Sample Trio, jams on his guitar entertaining the audience with his melodic rhythms during their performance at the Saville theatre Sept. 8. The concert was sponsored by KSDS Jazz 88.3.

Amid asking each other for a tube of toothpaste in the green room before their performance and finally finding a tube to brush their teeth at the sink, the members of CAST-an acronym of the musicians’ last names (Coryell, Auger, Sample, and the “T” stands for Trio)-discuss their backgrounds , musical influences and the mixed blessing of the Internet.

“I started the bass when I was sixteen,” said Nick Sample, a selfconfessed “LA boy” who grew up in Inglewood and Hollywood.

The latter is where he attended the Musician’s Institute before moving to Boston to attend the Berklee College of Music.

“I have ‘em all in cassette,” said co-Berklee College-alumnus Julian Coryell, referring to the recordings of jazz guitarists Scott Henderson, John Scoffield, and Pat Matheny. “I still have a cassette collection.”

As the twenty-somethings who trickled in just before the show can attest, Julian Coryell seems like a pacified and beatific version of the guitarist Slash of Guns ‘N Roses. On the raunchier songs the group performs later in the evening such as the funk-inspired “Coolidge Returns,” his Medusa ringlets steam as he fingers his guitar into masturbatory frenzy.

Having grown up with music, Coryell has seen many changes, among which are the role of the major labels, which he says are “relics of the past that have lost their power because of technology.”

The major labels’ domain was traditionally through radio and television. But the Internet has

shifted the paradigm. Still, he says, the competition is tighter since there are more players on the field.

“It’s a mixed blessing. It’s hard to know who to listen to.”

“Internet has flooded the market with (so much) music that it’s daunting,” chimes in Londonborn Karma Auger, who didn’t start playing drums until he was twenty years old. He “didn’t want to jump straight into it,” because he wanted to have a carefree youth. “It’s a bit of a pendulum.

But it’s been a gigantic help. Our parents would have dreamed of that.”

Most of the gray-haired attendees of Jazz 88.3’s evening presentation of the group CAST had a vague clue of what to expect.”I’m here in the interest of jazz and young jazz artists,” said Rick Vallese.

Those who had any clue only knew CAST’s fathers. “I have some of their fathers’ discs,” said Dave, an audience member, describing their fathers’ music as “screaming into the outer zones.”

“I’m very fond of Joe Sample,” said John Bruno, a “card-carrying member” of 88.3, noting that any performance by their offspring will be “a rejuvenation of what their parents did.”

Whatever the audience expected or didn’t, they were cheering and applauding and even laughing at Nick Sample’s one-liners towards the end of the evening.

To the paso doble trance of the quiet “The Spanish” to the pulsating chords of “Purple Panther” to the overamped sound of “Walk of the Dragon, “the last so highly acidic it could have upstaged Chernobyl by melting the brick walls of the Saville, CAST delivered.

Auditioners take center stage for musical

By TOM ANDREW City Times

The Saville Theatre is empty, a baby grand piano sits in the center of the stage, and the sounds of eager auditioners are heard just outside the theatre doors.

In a few minutes the theatre

will be filled with hopeful performers of all ages who will take the stage to sing and dance their hearts out, hoping to get a part in the City College fall production of “Bye Bye Birdie,” written

by Michael Stewart, lyrics by Lee Adams and music by Charles Strouse. The production, directed

by June E. Richards, will be musically directed by Michael Farley and choreographed by Alicia Blabber.

About 35 people wait to audition. One by one they walk on stage, hand their music to pianist Sylvia Lorraine, and take center stage to sing. If they don’t have

music, which some don’t, they are encouraged to sing “Happy Birthday To You”.

The atmosphere is comfortable and laid back, though it doesn’t seem to kill the nerves of most. Anya Tuerk, the second auditioner, gets up and belts out her song with confidence.

“My husband is in a Navy band,” explains Tuerk, “and I come from a musical family. We just recently moved here to San Diego and since he is busy musically, I thought I’d give this a try.”

Richards, artistic director of

See BIRDIE, page 10

8

City Times

ARTS

September 22, 2009

Julie, Julia and a stale movie Meryl Streep probably is the best actress of our time - 15 Oscar nominations and 2 wins speak for themselves. Unfortunately, some of her movies question her choice in roles. “Julie & Julia” is one of those movies.

“Julie & Julia” is the story of Julia Child, an American who learns how to cook in Paris, and Julie Powell, an office worker who escapes her world by cooking Julia Child’s recipes. Among the well-chosen cast are Meryl Streep as Julia, Amy Adams as Julie, the great but underSONY PICTURES Courtesy Photo used Stanley Tucci

Movie Review Christine Klee

as Julia’s husband, the hilarious Jane Lynch and quirky Mary Lynn Rajskub. The acting is solid throughout the movie, but there is only so much actors can do when the material isn’t quite right.

Solid seems to be the theme of this movie — the acting is solid, the music is solid, the storylines are solid, but nothing stands out.

It seems as if the writers, directors and editors hadn’t taken any risks and thereby made the movie boring. With its two hours and three minutes, the movie does not progress as swiftly as it could.

Numerous storylines are briefly mentioned — a wedding, a divorce, unsupportive friends, the wish for a baby — but then not touched upon for the rest of the film. This frustrates the viewer, who could have done without these storylines and wouldn’t have missed them at all.

Nora Ephron, who co-wrote and directed “Julie & Julia,” was certainly another reason why viewers saw the movie or had high expectations of it. “When Harry Met Sally…”, “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail” are all classics either written and/ or directed by Ephron. However, looking back at her last movie, “Bewitched,” it almost seems as if she has lost her magic as a filmmaker.

The movie offers a few laughs and a few heartfelt moments, but fails to draw the viewer in completely. Amy Adams is adorable, even through her flaws and breakdowns the audience can’t help but like Julie. Meryl Streep’s acting is consistently great, but Julie & Julia doesn’t allow her to show her skills.

Had the movie been shorter by 30 minutes, viewers might have thoroughly enjoyed watching the story unfold. However, no character or storyline stood out and this movie-going experience will probably be forgotten by many as soon as they leave the theater.

Christine Klee is a City Times correspondent

Indie film makes an interesting Summer “This is a story of boy meets girl. It is not a love story, it is a story about love.”

500 Days Of Summer, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Tom Hansen and Zooey Deschanel as Summer Finn and directed by Marc Webb, weaves it’s way through those days in random order, yet we never feel lost, much like Gordon-Levitt’s Tom does throughout most of the film.

Tom is a greeting card artist and writer who falls for Deschanel’s Summer, a woman who doesn’t believe in true love.

Slowly they become acquainted, start to see each other and then become romantically involved. Tom falls for her and falls for her hard. Through many well filmed vignettes we see the couple have dinner, breakfast, peruse museums, work together and become close, possibly too close for Finn, who gets cold feet and doesn’t like the look she is starting to see in Hansen’s eyes. She makes it very clear that she doesn’t believe in love and even though they are enjoying each other’s time, a relationship is not what she wants.

We’ve all been there before.

We hear the words, but we somehow feel that we can change their minds. We even think we see it happening,

Movie Review Tom Andrew

which is why it hurts so much when we finally realize that it’s not going to happen.

Writers, Scott Neustadler and Michael H. Weber, have given us a story of the joys of falling in love, but also the pain of falling out of it. The direction and editing was well done and very easy to follow. The soundtrack fits very well, and at one point we are treated to an elated Hansen and the city of Los Angeles dancing to Hall and Oates “You Make My Dreams Come True”.

Gordon-Levitt (3rd Rock From The Sun, Brick) has Tom down pat and the camera loves him. We feel his happiness at finally getting the prettiest girl in the office to notice him and even more so when she finally kisses him in the copy room. And we feel his pain when he realizes that he’s not going to get what he wants out of the relationship.

Deshanel (Almost Famous, The Happening) looks no older than she did in Almost Famous in 2000. Her Summer has just enough ditz, smarts and class to make us fall in love with her just as Tom does. We have no choice.

She smiles just so, she speaks

FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES Courtesy Photo with just enough volume that we listen to her every word, we have no choice and we are okay with that.

They both get great support from a wonderful, relatively unknown supporting cast.

Though it’s Chloe Moretz as Levitt’s little sister Rachael, who steals all of her scenes.

500 Days Of Summer has a very independent film quality to it, and yet it’s production values are all top notch. The only draw-

back was a poor casting choice that happens at the end of the film, and for me, it took it from a 10 star film to an 8 star film.

Tom Andrew is a City Times staff writer

Haven’t we played this game before?

What do you get when you mix the movies “Tron,” “Blade Runner,” and “Minority Report”?

“Gamer.”

“Gamer,” co-directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, is a Sci-fi action thriller, which is both political and mind-boggling.

The time is set somewhere in the near future, and the government has given the green light to computer whiz Ken Castle, played by Michael C. Hall (Showtime’s “Dexter”), to implant a computer chip in the brains of some of the earth’s most notorious killers. These inmates have given their lives away with the hopes of getting a free ride out of jail.

How do they do this? Well, once the chip is installed, anyone with enough money can literally purchased the rights to an inmate and control them in a live war zone video game (which is also aired on television like a pay-perview/reality show event) called “Slayer.”

If the buyer and the inmate can get through the game thirty times, the inmate goes free and the buyer will win the game, giving them national fame.

Gerard Butler (“300,” “The Ugly Truth”) plays Kable, an inmate who landed in jail for murdering someone. Kable leaves

LIONSGATE ENTERTAINMENT Courtesy Photo

Movie Review Tom Andrew

behind a wife and child, whom he hopes to reunite with, once he gets to his thirtieth win. His buyer/owner, Simon, played by Logan Lerman, is a 17-year-old wunderkind, and is approached

by the leader of a resistance group and convinced to let Kable play his last game on his own.

What happens next will make you wonder just what could really be going on out there in this crazy world we all live in. With computers making decisions for us, cameras seemingly everywhere, and Big Brother keeping a watchful eye on everyone, how long will it

be before we are sold on the idea that an installed computer chip in our brains will stop the aging process or Alzheimer’s disease? And, if that does happen, who will be in control of us then?

Butler, who recently starred in “The Ugly Truth” with Katherine Heigl, turns in a strong performance, but with all of the technical aspects of the film, he

is sadly lost in a storm of television snow.

Hall, 3 time Golden Globe winner for “Dexter,” stretches his acting muscles a little more here, leaving behind any trace of his “Six Feet Under” character. Lerman, Ludacris, Alison Lohman, Amber Valetta and Kyra Sedgwick turn in solid supporting performances as well.

Neveldine and Taylor’s direction is really nothing more than a string of videos with music behind it. At times you ARE in the game, but if you wanted to spend 45 minutes feeling like you were playing an Xbox game, then why not play Xbox? Other films have combined live action with video games before. “Tron,” released more than 25 years ago, did a much better job and the special effects didn’t get in the way of the actual film, or the acting.

“Gamer” does work as a decent Sci-Fi/Action/Thriller, but why spend 12 dollars to see something that has been done so much better before? My suggestion: Rent “Tron,” “Blade Runner” or for GREAT mind manipulation, try the original “Manchurian Candidate. “Gamer” gets 6 out of 10 stars.

Tom Andrew is a City Times staff writer

‘Twelfth Night’ is a black hole; it sucks you in On September 6, The Old Globe Theater held a performance of “Twelfth Night” by William Shakespeare. Their version of “Twelfth Night” takes place in the late 1950’, in Italy, a town referred to as “Illyria”. It features the central character, Viola, after being rescued from a shipwreck.

In order to work, she disguises herself as a man named Cesareo.

Theater Review Bri Heath

Soon after, she gets a job working for a man named Orsino and falls for him. However, he asks her to run to Olivia, and tell her of his love for her.

Viola tries to obey, but instead,

winds up having Olivia fall for her. In the midst of this, Maria (Olivia’s assistant) and Toby (Olivia’s uncle) plot to make Malvolio(Olivia’s butler) think that she loves him. Maria, whose handwriting is similar to Olivia’s, writes letters to him giving instructions as to what he should do for her. A comical example of this was a scene in which he

sports yellow stockings and men’s garters, and smiles like a madman.

The acting done in this play was impeccable. Dana Green, who played Viola, stole hearts.

She did an excellent job of portraying Viola’s difficulties of falling for Orsino. Also, she made the idea of a woman falling for a woman disguised as a man real-

istic. The play made no suggestions that it had any problems with homosexuality - but more played on the lines of how someone would act in Viola’s place. If anything, the actors make the situation of Olivia loving Viola more hilarious than Shakespeare may even have intended.

See NIGHT, page 10

CityVoice

September 22, 2009

9

Urbanalities By Michele Suthers

Not enough parking With all the changes going on at City, from a depleting budget to a meager cafeteria with a bleak selection, there is one staple on campus that you can count on to remain exactly the same and as equally ridiculous: parking.

It’s almost useless to purchase a parking permit, when clearly the number of driving students outweighs the number of spots to legally park your vehicle. Why not sell a realistic amount of permits instead of just taking our money not used to provide more parking?

It’s safe to say that our campus location, in the heart of Downtown San Diego, both hinders and helps our modes of transportation. Sure, you can go public, but for those of us who are out of reach of the trolley system, and must travel for long periods of time on buses, driving seems to be a more convenient option.

Maybe a class fee increase could be justified if the students were assured some of it was going to either finance a new parking facility or a price cut on public transportation passes.

Being downtown limits our parking options since we compete with neighboring businesses and parking meters with two-hour limits. As far as new parking being built, can we really count on the new cosmetology/campus police/ nursing lots currently under construction to alleviate our parking woes?

What happened to the Garfield High School shared parking option? Now City students are greeted with a gate toting a huge sign announcing

City Times

“Garfield High School parking only.”

Plentiful parking over by Inspiration Point was the way to go, until City decided the shuttle service for students would be a casualty of our ever-shrinking funds.

How about the looming fear of missing class because you can’t find a spot? Among us, we’ve shared stories of pure

Editorial

City Times Editorial Board

frustration, where the time spent looking for a spot forced us to return home. Now that teachers have become so strict on dropping students for non-attendance, that’s not an option or worth the money paid for courses.

All of us have done the “stalker drive,” where we creep behind students in their cars and beg them to leave so we can rush to class.

And for those of us parking in staff parking with the correct permit, campus police now have the technology to take pictures of your parking infractions on the spot and load them directly to the internet to prove you really owe them a fine.

Although we have our plates full with budget cuts and class crashing, how can we fight those issues without securing a safe and legal place to leave our vehicles?

Unfortunately, the issues of parking alongside the looming threat of budget cuts, there is no real concrete answer to the many questions City College students still have. Only time will tell.

Don’t shuttle me to inspiration My one memory of the Inspiration Point shuttle involves a long wait in the parking lot, air conditioning (thank God) and an awkward conversation with the girl next to me as we watched sexually explicit scenes from “Legends of the Fall” on the shuttle TV. I don’t think I made it to class any faster that day (in fact I think it may have taken longer than actually walking) but the air conditioning and Brad Pitt’s exposed torso made it worthwhile.

This semester the shuttle’s been shut down to the dismay of many a book schlepping, walk averting, City College scholar.

The decision to nix the shuttle service is just another symp-

Perspective Evonne Ermey

tom of the City College budget cuts, but unlike the relative quiet that accompanied the cutting of library hours and cafeteria services this issue has got the student body griping so loudly you can hear them from inspiration point.

Personally, I don’t mind the walk. I know that the physical activity of putting one foot in front of the other can be annoying and downright infuriating when your late for class, but when looking for ways to pinch pennies I’d rather they cut the shuttle service

than the caffeine cart or whittle down bookstore hours even more than they already have.

Maybe it’s California’s car culture that makes the idea of walking so offensive. With drive through restaurants, coffee shops, liquor stores and even banks why shouldn’t we expect curbside service to our classes? I hate to say it, but I think we may be spoiled.

Luxuries like the shuttle are part of the reason why developed countries like ours consume so many more resources than our less industrialized neighbors.

Think of all the developing nations that don’t even have shuttles!

See SHUTTLE, page 10

Life is easier said than done; leaving home is just as hard Leaving home Urbanalities By Michele Suthers We can’t all is sometimes involuntary

afford the joys of travel

Live And Learn

Donna’s Digs

Luis Bahena

A few weeks ago I met a really nice man that was giving me advice while drinking a beer in a crowded patio in a bar over in North Park.

I don’t remember every detail of his advice as I did have a few cocktails under my belt but I did remember the general idea of what he was saying.

Basically, it was to follow your dreams and do whatever needs to get done to get there. That a college degree isn’t necessarily needed to follow your dreams and that eventually you will get there.

Right, because it is that simple landing that dream job we all want. I am to walk up to some publishing company and ask for a book deal and boom, my dream will come true.

Apparently it had worked for him. He left his home at a young

CityTimes Volume 64, Number 3 September 22, 2009 www.sdcitytimes.com

Donna P. Crilly

age with only $35 in his pocket and eventually accomplished landing a good career. Well, now… Of course before that he had to live under a bridge for a while and ended up loosing a lot a few times in his past, but hey you got to lose some to win some right.

As alluring as his advice sounded, doing what I must to follow my dreams and all that, the idea of loosing everything I have and possibly living under a bridge to get there is not something I consider as part of the road to

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

reaching my dreams. I like to believe that I’m a little more practical than that.

Sure, I get his idea of following your dreams but at the same time I can’t really drop all of my responsibilities to do that. I can’t just quit my job, stop paying my bills, abandon my roommate and leave him with my half of the rent to pay to go on to follow my dreams. It’s a little harder than that. Not to mention the requirement of having the training and education to be able to do what I want to do.

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Roman S. Koenig Journalism Adviser

Just the thought of losing everything scares me, and I have to admit that everything I have now I have worked hard for. As the week progressed however, I realized that one of my very best friends was living that fear, only in a different way.

He lost his living arrangement in the beginning of summer, then he lost his job, and to add insult to injury, his car was towed right in front of him for not showing current registration. He pretty much

A few days ago, my friend Joey called me. I hadn’t spoken or heard from him in two or three months.

“Hey Donna, I’m going to Mexico tomorrow. I just wanted say goodbye.”

“Random. For how long?” I said. Those types of phone calls keep me on my toes.

Joey briefly talked about a three-month backpacking trip.

I didn’t ask many details and he didn’t give them.

“Well, have fun.” I didn’t know what else to say.

At the onset of summer, I ran into Joey at an outdoor music festival in Oceanside. In a drunken stupor, he ranted about backpacking through foreign countries and invited me to “link arms and

See HOME, page 10

See TRAVEL, page 10

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

City Times Staff

Tom Andrew, John Balchak, Cristo de Guzman, Nicole Edmerson, Kierah Ford, Imani Gentry-Faust, Olivia Holt, Brittany Johnson, Joe Leonard, Caroline Olsen-Van Stone, Donovan Terblanche, Bri Heath, Brooke Lintag, Brandon Catlin-Cheatom, Heidi Stenquist, Larisha Blackledge

Correspondents and Contributors

Evonne Ermey, Nora Ali-Ruwaished, Trei Flake, Juan Carlos Gil, Taylor Poulin, Christine Klee

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.

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10

City Times

VOICE

September 22, 2009

Factual evidence from 9/11 makes a believer out of me Since the Sept. 11 attack there has been so many different views on what actually happened. Some say it was a terrorist attack by AlQaeda Muslims that were doing it for their country.

At least that is what was being shown on all news channels worldwide. I believed this until I went to the 9/11 Truth Primer tribute at the Saville Theatre on Sept. 11, 2009. I was startled to find so much information had been found on the attack coming from our own government.

For example the explosive particles when inspected were found to have had substances that are from intentional explosives. There was also a vast amount of video footage that shows incriminating evidence that the U.S. government may very well be responsible.

I don’t understand how a 747

Vox Populi

There was other evidence presented to prove this theory. How was it that newscasters said the second tower collapsed when in fact it hadn’t yet? Why were so many people saying that they heard explosions after the plane crashed throughout and beneath the buildings?

From actual footage I was able to see multiple explosions on the floors beneath as the towers collapsed. It was also stated that the steel was taken away quickly to hide evidence of the substances that were eventually found.

Building number 7 stood 47 floors high with fires on the 7th and 12th floor, it was reported from the fire department commander, firefighters were unable to contain the fires so lease holder of The World Trade Center Larry Silverstein made the decision to

“pull it,” meaning blow up the building.

So how were they able to do that in such short notice? Was this really controlled demolition?

With the evidence presented how can one think not?

The one piece of evidence I must say that shook me was when witnesses reported that a solider kept giving Senator John McCain updates on how far away the plane were. At 10 miles away the solider asked McCain “Does the order still stand?” John McCain answered, “Yes.” Shouldn’t the order have been to shoot the plane down? Even evacuate the towers or the area where the planes were headed?

In my opinion, there were too many mistakes made by the people involved. The U.S. has the most advanced defense system

in the world. If the World Trade Center was unable to withstand a plane crash, then I would have hated to see what a missile would have done.

The levies in Louisiana broke because of the category 5 hurricane Katrina ripped them apart.

It’s funny to me because many people reported hearing explosions there as well.

So maybe, we shouldn’t be focused on the government and their “Controlled Demolition” parties. Maybe we should get the people of America hearing aids and bring in a set of new architects, engineers and construction companies to make sure our buildings and levies can protect our lives the way they should.

Shuttle

state service would be a $5.00 increase in parking permit fees and the elimination of free parking in permitted lots between 12 and 6 P.M. daily Hopefully with the opening of the C street lot in March we won’t even have to park at Inspiration point, but until then try not to walk in a cloud of negative energy, as if your trudging a hot and winding road to Mordor (they sure did a lot of walking in that movie didn’t they?)

Instead of stewing over the air-conditioned shuttle you’re being deprived of try thinking positively.

Take in the city skyline, soak in the vitamin D and remember, “All truly great thoughts are conceived through walking.”

Or at least Frederick Nietzsche thought so. I’m inclined to agree with him.

in San Diego and try to figure something out, or go back home to Minnesota and have his family help him out?

As I said, I tend to be rather practical, and as much as I enjoyed having him stay with us, the best thing for him to do was to move with his family and have them help him out. It was one of those instances where we had to test our selfishness.

So now, one of my best friends will be leaving at the end of the month and I couldn’t be any sadder. It’s hard for me to imagine my nights out or my late night dinners and movie nights without one of my best friends.

It’s easy to say just drop everything and follow your dreams, but doing it is much harder. We

all can’t be selfish and we have to realize our responsibilities. At this point my friend realized what he has to do, and it comes at a cost of leaving all of his friends behind, but sometimes you got to lose some to win some.

Perhaps it is easier for some to do what they must, but I can’t help but to weigh out the cost. For now, I think I’ll follow my jam-packed schedule of school and work.

On the bright side, I have financial security and a nice warm bed to come home to, at the cost of taking the long road to reach my dreams. And with good friends such as the ones I have, the road left to travel doesn’t look so bad.

leave for a week, let alone three months?

I have friends who complain that they barely have time to sit down and eat a full meal. For them, eating is a multi-tasking situation. For a friend in the restaurant business, nourishment usually involves taking sporadic bites between ser ving tables.

Then I thought, if I save my money for a few months and use it to spend it on somewhere exotic instead of my usual trip to New Jersey to visit my family, I could get something going.

Reality tells me that I never save my money. I don’t have the self-control and I don’t have the patience.

“The panic” surged through my veins. Joey can just pick up

and go. I can’t. Not too long ago, he took a twelve-day road trip up and down the West Coast. I barely have time to think, let alone “bust a Joe and go.”

Feeling stuck like hardened chewing gum underneath a city picnic table, my panic transformed into claustrophobia.

Is it time to reassess my time and scheduling? Should I throw away my planner and minimize my workload? Yes. Will I do it?

Only time will tell.

In time, a person can get used to anything. Whether that’s a good or a bad thing is still foggy to me. For now, I’ll just have to enjoy what I’ve got here in sunny San Diego.

Bri Heath is a City Times staff writer

is to promote literature, art and music from both sides of the border”, said Escalante, who has worked tirelessly since January “with some good strong people helping to put this event together”.

This year promises to be as fun and exciting as the past book fairs with some interesting ideas being implemented for the first time.

The book festival is not solely focused on readings and speeches by the authors. Instead, it will host numerous activities this year, such as a music concert, readings and signings by the authors, the premier of a film along with the

buying, selling and swapping of books. There are also several workshops in which inspiring writers can participate.

Another first for this year is that as of Sept. 21, all the books featured in this years book fair will be on sale at the college bookstore at 20 percent off the original price.

A first at this year’s festival is that there will be a kids activity room, as a number of students had requested that there be some accommodation made for their children. In light of this, for the first time there will be a reading for kids.

The children’s reading will be

by Jeff Garcia of his book, Santa Claus and the Molokai Mules: A Hawaiian Island Surfing Adventure.

The Grammy nominated vocalist, composer and arranger Perla Batalla will be performing with her band.

There will be an art exhibit on display in the lobby at the premier of the movie Nommogeneity, by Director Terrence Stubbs, who is a City College Alumnus.

There will be readings in English and, for the first time this year, in Spanish. The themes covered in this year’s book fair are diverse and wide ranging “This book fair is a showcase of local, regional and national authors and students are amazed to meet and hear the authors,” said Escalante.

Throughout the festival there will be workshops taking place to highlight the talent at City College.

Once a year, San Diego City College collaborates with San Diego High School and casts their students in the fall production. Richards continued, “This production just happens to be tailor made for this collaboration since half the cast is comprised of high school students. It is also one of the top produced shows in high schools, colleges and universities.”

Michael Kuester, who played Horton in last years “Seussical,” will be playing Albert Peterson.

Tony Kalman, who was last seen on the Saville stage in “42nd Street,” will play the Mayor.

Rocky DeHaro, first seen as

Joseph in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at the Saville theatre, will be playing rock star Conrad Birdie. And Ian McAvoy, the new drama teacher at San Diego High School, will be playing various ensemble roles.

“We are very lucky to be able to have a full orchestra here,” said Richards, “many people will donate their time to help us out.”

“Bye Bye Birdie” will rehearse for the next 7 weeks and will open on October 30. The play will run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until November 15.

For tickets or for further information, contact June Richards at 619-388-3617.

Tom Andrew City Times A student sings his audition piece for “Bye Bye Birdie” with piano accompaniment.

Perspective Nicole Edmerson

airplane could cause damage to that extent. When I look at a picture of a building that has collapsed, it looks like a stack of pancakes.

Though when I look at a building that has been blown up purposely with explosives, it’s a pile of rubble as so was the targeted buildings left at ground zero.

The World Trade Center was one of if not the most important buildings in the U.S., I highly doubt it was built without that in mind. The steel beams were the most important and unique asset of the WTC, proving that it was designed to withstand just about anything. So why did the buildings crumble like they weren’t?

Question by Kierah Ford Photos by Imani Gentry-Faust

Have you utilized any services located in the L building?

Ali Ibrahim, 19 Radiology “Tutoring in the center.”

math

Continued from page 9 But have no fear; it’s likely that the suspension of shuttle service is only temporary. San Diego Community College Police Department Supervisor Debra Picou is petitioning the district office to get our beloved shuttle running again. The cost to rein-

Home Continued from page 9 Tanya M. Bishton, 43 General Education “The L building is nice, it’s like City College’s like a university, it’s so nice.”

Leslie Gonzalez, 18 Undecided “I have went there for EOPS, the counselor there helped me choose my classes, the building is really nice.”

had nothing but his friends.

He ended up staying with me and my roommate for a few months which was as much as I could do to help him out. I had to admit, having both of my friends in the house was the most fun I’ve had in a long time, but it was only a matter of time before my friend realized that he doesn’t have much here anymore and he would eventually have to return back home to Minnesota.

He had asked me in the beginning of the September what I thought he should do, stay here

Travel Trillia Puffin, 29 Nursing “I used the elevator in the L building.”

Night Continued from page 8 Orsino is played greatly by Gerritt VanderMeer, and, as the play goes on, it is apparent through a heartfelt moment between the two, that he has subconscious feelings for Viola.

However, thinking her a man, he pushes her away.

She, of course, does not dare believe he could truly like her, knowing that he sees her as a man. This also, of course, creates not only a touching scene, but a funny one, since in the background are Orsino’s workers.

Eventually, everything is brought to light when a man named Sebastien shows up and throws an anchor in everything. The only person who did not have a happy ending was Malvolio - who went mad, and swore his revenge, not only on the tricksters, but the others as well.

Birdie

Continued from page 7

the Saville Theatre and co-chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Department, has been at the theatre since 1998 and says that every fall, they choose a family friendly piece that all audiences can enjoy.

“When I chose ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ last year,” said Richards, “I had no idea of its recent revival plans on Broadway. I chose the piece because I knew it would be a good co-production to do with San Diego High School.”

Best of the night was Aubrey Saverino, who played Maria. It’s usually harder to bring life to a non-main character, but she made hers shine without stealing the limelight.

The performance takes place in the summer playhouse - meaning that, while there are walls and flooring, there is no roof and the sky is the backdrop. The seats weren’t the most comfortable, and it was a bit cold, but still worth it.

The set was beautiful from the moment the audience walked in, with the stairs and garden gate covered in pink flowers. Special effects were great in the beginning, making a boisterous thunderstorm, but didn’t continue much the rest of the play.

Even with this, I would recommend this play for anyone — especially those looking for love and lots of laughs — and as to the end of the play — well, as Shakespeare would say, “All’s Well That Ends Well.”

Continued from page 9 traverse new lands” with him. We haven’t seen each other since.

Daily, I talk with several people who seem to always have some sort of trip planned. They talk about wanting to do this and wanting to do that. Most of them never follow through; me included.

After we hung up, I started thinking about the possibility of a grand road excursion or backpacking trip for myself. My busy schedule is a tuna melt of work, school, and a slew of other tasks that I torture myself with.

How can I find the time to

Book Continued from page 7

Nicole Edmerson is a City Times staff writer

Evonne Ermey is a City Times contributor

Luis Bahena is the City Times opinion editor

Donna P. Crilly is the City Times arts editor

September 22, 2009

City Times

NEWS | Arts

11

Corrections

In the Sept. 8 edition of City Times, the story “FYE program offers ways for new students to succeed” ran incomplete. The complete story is below. The story “Dance department holds auditions for groups” ran on page 4 with the misspelling of Terri Shipman’s name. The same story also should have included credit for contributor Brittany Johnson. The story “District 9, an alien nation” also should have had the full name of director Neill Blomkamp. City Times regrets the errors. It is the policy of City Times to clarify content or correct errors.

Send them to the paper at the citytimes@gmail.com or call (619)388-3880.

FYE program offers ways for new students to succeed

By CHAD TEICHMAN Contributor

For many incoming freshmen, going to college can bring on a sense of nervousness. The First Year Experience Program at San Diego City College aims to ease those nerves by providing students with the necessary resources to succeed during their first year in college.

The program aims to help those students who may have a difficult time in their first year in college. One main requirement is that the student be enrolled in a remedial level math or English class, below 100-level.

City College began taking applications in early summer and recently completed the application process with one-on-one interviews, something they had not done previously.

“This year we tried something different with the interviews,” FYE program director Marilyn Harvey said.

“It was exciting to see the response we had from students. We still had students coming in up to the last minute, interested in interviewing.”

“The program has been very successful,” Harvey said. “We have been able to carry most of our [classes] from beginning to end of the program. Our student evaluations have been extremely positive as well.”

A large part of the program’s success is due to the counselors who are assigned a class of 25-30 students each year, according to Harvey.

“Each student enrolled in the program takes a success class first semester with their counselor.

This teaches them time manage-

Chicken Continued from page 7 Urban Tree Project batch said. “Very fun.”

“Oh Mommy! It’s popcorn chicken,” A young girl exclaimed.

Liang is left speechless by the number of positive responses he has received on his piece, even though he still regrets the time constraint that prohibited him from adding music. Both children and adults alike find the humor in his sculpture to be contagious, smiling and laughing as they

ment skills, motivation and how the entire system works,” Harvey said.

“The second semester they take a career exploration class. This helps them to choose a major and helps them set career goals.”

Even after completion of the program, many students continue to consult with their counselors to keep them on track for graduation or for transfer to a four-year university.

The program offers many perks, including priority registration, which allows those enrolled in the program the opportunity to register for classes early.

However, recent budget turmoil has affected the program, allowing the availability of four 30-student classes as opposed to five.

“There have been some challenges due to the budget cuts,” Harvey said.

“The ultimate goal in the long term is to grow the program so that everyone in their first year at City will be enrolled in it.”

She noted that there is a freeze on hiring additional staff or purchasing equipment for the department.

“Our funding is down 32 percent for next year. We hope that half of that will be made up for with stimulus dollars,” Mason said. “No one wants cuts, but boom years can't be counted on. We have to adjust to make it work.”

Mason also commented on the dedication and competence of DSPS and High Tech Center.

“I love it here at City College. Most of the instructors are career people; less transitory than other places,” Mason adds. “The ratings of staff and curriculum are consistently high.”

walk by.

“The most rewarding part is when people come up to me and tell me how much they like it,” Liang said. “It’s better than money. It enables me to want to create more.”

In fact, the artist is currently working on a Project Runway inspired submission for the 2010 Urban Trees Project.

“Everyday I wake up and I just want to pinch myself” Liang said.

As a result of his involvement in the Urban Trees Project, Liang has already had two commissions, one of which is for the Fallbrook Art Center.

CARLOS MAIA City Times

Gas leak in cafeteria?

A gas leak was reported in the cafeteria and authorities were alerted Sept. 8. The campus police evacuated the dining hall immediately and the Fire Department and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) were contacted. Upon arrival, the Fire Department scoured the building but detected no traces of gas.

San Diego Fire Capt. Hartman said, “… not to turn off the gas… (They) couldn’t find anything.” After the firefighters left, a plumber from SDG&E came to the campus wanting to double-check that all was well. The evening sergeant for SDCCD campus police said, “… It dissipated very quickly and whatever it is isn’t there anymore.” Plumber Jim Hawn said that checking on the school in the morning would be a first priority.” The building was reopened for entry at 4:45 p.m. after being closed for about an hour.

Police

Continued from page 1

see hundreds of cars so it’s possible to make mistakes, it does happen” she said.

City College students are divided in their agreement with Velosum, some do not like the picture of their vehicle to be taken and put on the internet and others do appreciate the attempt for accuracy that is being done by campus police.

“I don’t want my car’s license plate picture to be put on the internet, I don’t care if campus police only has access to that site, it makes me feel uncomfortable,” Diana Felix, child development student, said.

“You never know, what if some student on

campus can gain access to the pictures of my vehicle? There’s no such thing as being too careful.”

“If someone doesn’t want a picture of their car being taken to prove they were committing an infraction, then they shouldn’t be parking illegally or whatever. It’s common sense,” David Luna, undeclared student, said. “I do appreciate campus police trying to be more accurate with their ticketing since it can work in my favor if an officer makes a mistake.”

Mirakian added that 85 percent of tickets issued on campus parking lots are for not having a City College parking permit displayed on vehicle. “Using the new system will only help make space for those students that have paid for their permits.”

CARLOS MAIA City Times Officer Linda Seamans takes a picture of a license plate to document an illegally parked vehicle.

12

City Times

CitySports

September 22, 2009

Knights stand up against cuts

By DONOVAN TERBLANCHE City Times

The Athletics Department along with other San Diego City College students met to protest the budget cuts affecting the school on Sept. 9 on B Avenue. Mesa students came from their campus as well to let their voices be heard.

“I am thrilled by the turnout and the enthusiasm, and at the same time I am proud of the students,” said the Chancellor of San Diego Community College District, Dr. Constance M. Carroll.

According to Sergeant Jordan Mirakian of the City College police, several officers were bought in from Mesa and ECC as a precautionary measure along with two plainclothes officers.

“We do not expect any trouble” he said, and at the end of the rally noted that “nothing had happened.”

The sports department, which has been affected, let its voice be heard in an attempt to let the governing officials know that these budget cuts are affecting the students.

“Athletics is a huge asset to the City College campus, as evidence in the winning men’s basketball team of spring ’09,” said Cathy McGinnis, the athletics director.

Jennifer Aaoe, the athletics councilor,

explained, “student athletes in order to transfer to 4 year institutions need their full 60 units. The current situation is preventing students from any hope of obtaining a Fulbright scholarship in order to meet the NCAA requirements”.

According to the District Resource Office, the cutbacks have been across the board, and every sports activity has been cut by 10 percent, with limited tournaments and contests.

At City College, enrollment is up 4 percent. The head count at City, Mesa and Miramar community colleges is up.

The fill rate now stands at 95 percent up from the average of 80 percent; all classes at the three colleges are full, with 59 percent of those waitlisted classes full.

There are 20,000 waitlisted requests for this semester, which is an increase of 50 percent.

The schools are seeing 10,000 new or first time students who could not get at least one of their required or wait listed classes.

There has been a 7 percent reduction in sections offered and 300 classes have been eliminated.

One of the most unfortunate results of this has been that 1 out of 3 of the students could not get their required class for a transfer or for their required job training.

Joe Leonard City Times Nursing major John Heart and business major Elizabeth Mckee showed their Knights pride for the Athletics Department. They congregated with the masses on Sept. 9 in front of the school to represent thier various teams in opposition to the district wide budget cuts imposed on them and their schoolmates.

Joe Leonard City Times

Pirates plunder Knights

Chelsey Cesarez and the women’s volleyball team congratulate Orange Coast College players for their win Sept. 11, scoring 21-25, 19-25, 19-25 in a three-game series.

SportsLineup Compiled by Donovan Terblanche Submit events to e-mail citytimes@gmail.com or call (619) 388-3880 n Sept. 22 Men’s Soccer At College of the Desert 4 p.m.

Women’s Soccer at home vs. Southwestern 3:15 p.m.

Women’s Volleyball at home vs. Saddleback 6 p.m. n Sept. 24 Men’s Soccer At home vs. Long Beach 4 p.m. n Sept. 25 Women’s Soccer at Cuyamaca 3: 15 p.m.

Women’s Volleyball at Mt. San Jacinto 6 p.m.

Men’s Cross country Goldenwest Coast Invitational Away 3 p.m. n Sept. 26 Women's Volleyball SDCC tourney Home all day

n Oct. 2 Women’s Soccer at home vs. MiraCosta 3:15 p.m.

Women’s Volleyball at home vs. Grossmont 5 p.m. n Oct. 2 Men’s Cross Country At Legg Lake El Monte Women’s Cross Country Morley Field n Oct. 3 Women’s Cross Country 8 a.m. Ursula Rains Invitational Away n Oct. 7 Men’s Soccer vs. Cuyamaca Home 3 p.m.