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Men’s basketball reaches new heights under coach Charlens SPORTS / PAGE 3
Covering the San Diego City College community since 1945
Volume 64, Number 8
February 9, 2010
Bike thefts rise on campus Students urged to be more vigilant of their property By ERNESTO LOPEZ City Times
Eight bicycle thefts were reported on campus during the first two weeks of classes, report campus police. Of those, only two have been recovered. College Police Sgt. Louis M. Zizzo said bicycle thefts happen on campus throughout the school year but six in one week is
“uncharacteristic.” “When a bike is stolen, we take the report and the bike's description and serial number get entered into the stolen property system,” Zizzo explained. “If an officer stops someone on a bike they suspect to be stolen they could run the serial number.” City student Luis Caballero said he “always parks (his) bicycle close to (his) classes and
move(s) it every time (he) goes to a different classroom.” Caballero suggested students get the U-lock because, “It’s very durable so it's harder to break through.” Engineering student Ben Maclin said he parks his bicycle in high traffic areas to avoid theft. “The way people lock up their
See THEFT, page 3
CARLOS MAIA City Times Students park and lock their bicycles in front of the T-Building, a designated area.
Senate seeks aid for Haiti
BEAT Club occupies gov’s office Students protest budget cuts
By ERNESTO LOPEZ City Times
City College’s Classified Senate is raising money to support Doctor’s Without Borders medical relief efforts. The senate is asking the campus community to donate $1 per person. According to their Web site, Doctors Without Borders is an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971. Today, they provide aid in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe. Classified Senate President June Cressy said they have joined Mesa College in the fundrasing efforts because, “Doctor’s Without Borders convey the message that our individual and collective moral obligation to help others does not end at a line on a map.” Cressy added that the organization has been described as, “the smoke jumpers of international aid organizations. They go in first, do whatever it takes to help, one Band-Aid or suture at a time, and are often the last to leave.” The fundrasing effort will be open the remainder of the month, to donate online or track fundrasing progress visit http:// www.firstgiving.com/cityclassifiedsenate.
Club Rush revamped By RICKY SOLTERO City Times
Club Rush will be different this semester. It will now be a two-day event held on Feb. 9 and 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gordon Quad. Most of the new attractions will occur on Feb. 10. Radio station 91.X will be present to give away prizes and play music at noon. There will also be vendor tables set up with part of the proceeds going to a Haiti Fund. One of the changes is a meet and greet that the ICC has planned were coffee and bagels will be served. “We're giving an opportunity for students to be introduced to the student government so they know who we are, what we do…we represent the student population,” stated Beto Vasquez, ICC Vice President. One of the main focuses of the event will be aiming for attendance by students who attend classes at night.
Index
Calendar..................................2 News/Sports.......................... 3 Arts........................................ 4 Life......................................... 5 Opinion................................... 6
By JOHN BALCHACK City Time
CARLOS MAIA City Times Balloons adorn the entrance of the newly re-opened sports facility at City College on Park Boulevard. The new building will house a weight room, a sports medicine rehabilitation room and offices for the sports staff and adjunct professors.
Sports complex reopens Students can now enjoy the refurbished P building By VANESSA GOMEZ City Times
Black and red balloons waved near the entrance of the P building during its grand reopening Feb. 4 on Park Blvd. Renamed the Health, Exercise Science and Athletics Building, Kathy McGinnis, Dean of Athletics joined fellow faculty members to open the doors of this completely renovated stateof-the-art building. City College President Terry Burgess also joined the festivities as well as District Chancellor Constance Carroll, members of the District Board of Trustees and construction project managers. The $10.9 million project was funded by propositions S and N which were approved in 2002 and 2006. Burgess noted that special thanks go to citizens who supported the two bond measures. “San Diegans voted to tax themselves $1.55 billion…to give City the chance to transform into a 21st century campus over the next five years. The P
See COMPLEX, page 3
CARLOS MAIA City Times Dean Cathy Mcginnis shows off the new P-building weight room to administrators. From R to L: Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education Martha K. Kanter, Chancellor Constance Carrol, Director of Public Information Richard Dittbenner and Board of Trustees member Peter Zschiesche were among those to view the Proposition S and N-funded facility on Feb. 4.
Inside
Q Food Pantry
providesa meal for hungry students LIFE / PAGE 5
As part of the ongoing backlash against cuts in education funding, City College students occupied Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s local office on Jan. 4. While supporters outside held a large sign declaring the government building “Occupied,” nine members of the student organization BEAT (Bringing Education and Activism Together) made their way to the 6th floor where the Governor’s San Diego representation is housed. Once inside, they demanded to have their concerns heard. The governor was not available but the students were able to speak with his Director of External Affairs Bismark Obando. Devin Morrow, one of the occupiers, said, “We talked to Sacramento for about an hour. We talked about education but he was not sympathetic to our point of view.” A leader of BEAT, Jose Rodriguez said, “(Sacramento) ‘wants to stick with what works’, things like charter schools and privatized education. They also said there would be more cuts coming.” During the occupation, BEAT’s faculty advisor Larissa Dorman was outside the building communicating with the students inside. “The students felt placated. Since intercession was cancelled, they had nowhere else to go (to be heard). They asked to speak with the gov. but the office staff told us that wasn't going to happen. We spoke with the governor’s representative (over the phone) but he seemed unclear on the specifics of the situation. Their ideas are for strings attached funding based on teacher performance. They say that the cuts are needed and the students are whining.” BEAT members attempted to stream video of the protest onto the web but had technical problems. They were able to post text updates on social networking sights according to Morrow. Staff members of the governor's office were said to be inhospitable to the visitors. “They told us that, unless we were there on state business, we couldn’t use the restrooms,” added Morrow. After the students arrival in the office, California Highway Patrolmen were called to the scene. “They gave us options not to be arrested.” said Morrow. “I tried to tell then that our ideas
See BEAT, page3
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City Times
Take note
February 9, 2010
TakeNote Compiled by Michele Suthers Get your event in the paper. E-mail us at citytimes@gmail.com or call (619) 388-3880
•Feb. 9 Club Rush at Gorton Quad, a meet and greet with City’s Inter Club Council will take place during the event. Bagels and coffee will be served for attendees.
•Feb. 16 Human Rights in Chiapas and Mexico Victor Hugo Lopez 9:40-10:50 Saville Theatre
Jazz Live - Henry Franklin Quartet 8-9:30 p.m. Saville Theatre
•Feb. 17 Uganda Genocide Lucy Larom (Social Activist) 11:15-12:30 Saville Theatre
•Feb.11 African Americans and Choices, Dr. Paul Price (Sociology Prof., Pasesdena City College) 9:40-10:50 p.m. Saville Theatre
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February 9, 2010
City Times
NEWS | SPORTS
3
Students donate blood on campus Blood mobile visits City College monthly By EVONNE ERMEY City Times The San Diego Bloodmobile, painted in gradating hues of purple green and yellow, took residence in Gorton Quad Jan 27 inviting City students to step inside and donate blood for the greater good. The Bloodmobile saw a steady flow of traffic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. rotating the student body from the folding chairs outside, where they patiently filled out paperwork, to the beds inside where the donation took place. Adam Sitcoscy, an International business major, was one of many waiting patiently outside for his turn to donate. “I saw the truck and I have the time so I figured why not” He said while casually nibbling a Nutter Butter. “It’s for a good cause. It helps people, saves lives,” he said. Although the San Diego Blood Bank has seven fixed collection sites in the area more than half of the blood donated is received through the Bloodmobile. “It’s more convenient for us to come to [donors]” explained Registered Nurse Joanne Kaplan. All of the blood donated to the Blood Mobile goes back into the San Diego community. Recipients of the blood vary. Some are trauma patients who are treated for emergency injury, but other recipients, like cancer patients, must return week after week for transfusions. Medical assistant Veronica Badilla has been working on the bloodmobile for almost three years and has assisted in almost 500 blood drives. “It’s very nice. We don’t have to sit in an office everyday and it’s nice to know that what your doing is helping an entire community.” She says before launching into the ins and outs of the procedure. “Everyone is different, but usually we explain the process to them and then we take their blood pressure and test for Iron. The actual draw takes from five to ten minutes. It’s a little bit of a stick and a sting. I’ve heard it’s like a bee sting, but I’ve never been stung by a bee so I don’t really know. Give it a try. The first time is always the hardest. A lot of people think its scary bit it’s not. It’s really a breeze.” Although blood donors are greatly needed, there are circumstances under which people cannot donate. If you have traveled to China, Costa Rico, or certain areas in Mexico or Iraq you must wait one year to donate. Recent illness, symptoms of illness, high blood pressure or low Iron levels can also interrupt the donation process. The San Diego Bloodmobile visits the City Campus once a month. Each draw results in 1 pint of blood for persons in need and takes approximately 40 min. More information can be found at SanDiegoBloodBank.org.
Complex Continued from page 1 Building reopening as the Health, Exercise Science and Athletics Building is just another step towards that.” Carroll later noted that members of the Citizens’ Oversight Project Committee, “made sure those funds transferred directly to our education programs by meeting quarterly to “make sure investments (were) well spent.” David Umstot, Vice Chancellor of Facilities Management, was quick to share details on the building by noting that its construction was innovative. “The rooms have open ceilings with the beams wrapped with reinforcement, but left exposed,” Umstot explained. “This cuts down immensely on costs.” Umstot also boasted that the two-story, 24,615 square foot building won the 2008 “Design
DONOVAN TERBLANCHE City Times Mitch Charlens, coach of City’s men’s basketball team, the Knights, watches stoically from the sidelines as his team brings home another win, the 100th for the Knights.
City College Knights claim 100th victory By DONOVAN TERBLANCHE City Times
On Jan. 6 Coach Mitch Charlens etched his name into the history books by joining the century club with a victory against the Imperial Valley Arabs. San Diego City College men’s basketball team won the game 75-71. In the last few minutes of the game Imperial Valley would reply to City’s scoring with a volley of three pointers, but not enough to overcome the deficit. In Roman lore, a centurion was a commander of a 100 warriors. Coach Charlens, has commanded many warriors in his time and now tasted the sweet-
BEAT
Continued from page 1
ness of 100 arduous battles won. During the Christmas break San Diego City College men’s basketball team were bringing the thunder. The victory against Imperial Valley would be the start of four victories in a row. The prospect of losing must have driven City’s leading point scorer number 10, Guard Steven Aldrige. City headed into the change rooms down 36-31, but Aldridge drove up the score with an impressive total of 30 points, 22 of which came in the second half. The 5-10 foot freshmen out of El Camino High School in Oceanside displayed a talent for shooting. Aldridge said, “we were just playing and we won, that’s all
Theft
Continued from page 1
to tell then that our ideas (for state funding) would benefit them also but he said he couldn’t help us while in uniform.” All students did leave the office without being arrested. Demonstrations continued throughout the day outside the Front St. office building with budget cut protestors stating their points of view through a megaphone, chanting and holding signs. In reference to future resistance, Rodriguez said the activist club is “brainstorming” and will remain involved in contesting decisions by the gov. and legislature that adversely affect education.
bikes is important,” added Maclin. “The lock needs to go around the entire frame of the bike in order for the bike to be totally secure.” Campus police said they have increased patrolling in areas where bicycles are parked and locked. Zisso also said, “Students should remain vigilant of their property and report suspicious people loitering bicycle areas or if their bicycle has been stolen.” To report a bicycle theft or any other crimes around campus contact College Police Dispatch at 619-388-6405 or go to the police station located in room T-211.
Visionary Award” by the American Institute of Architects. Board of Trustee Peter Zschiesche stressed the importance of health science education for City College students. “We have an epidemic of obesity in America,” Zschiesche explained. “Health should be a science. What you put in your mouth is of consequence. How you treat your body is of consequence.” The $10.9 million project is a huge change from older facilities available to students. “Built in the 1960s, many of us have taught (here)… and just had to make due with what we had,” Kathy McGinnis, Dean of Athletics, explained. ASG President David Campbell shared his memory of the old “P” building when he decided to sign up for a weight training class after commercial gym memberships became too expensive. “The building was run down and the equipment was pretty
old,” Campbell shared with the audience. “This semester, though, I signed up for another class and I was ‘stoked,’ stoked being a synomyn for excessively excited.” Campbell, who had just come from working out in the facility, noted the great water pressure and curtains for the showers, as he shook out his damp hair. McGinnis ended the ceremony by expressing that the new facilities, “mean so much more than just an outlet for fitness for students; it’s the future of City College.” McGinnis took her guests on a tour of the building, by showing them the new offices for faculty members. The tour also included a stop at the men’s and women’s locker rooms, with individual showers and laundry facilities. The Dean of Athletics also stopped by a spin class to show off the gym floor that was removed, polished and reinstalled. Another stop on the
that really matters.” When pressed on his scoring ability Aldridge replied, “Things went my way. I was satisfied but more satisfied that we won.” He ended by announcing emphatically as to how much he hates losing games. Aldrige, although small in stature, was no push over and, on several occasions, took his stand at the free throw line after been smothered and bullied. He would go on to shoot 14 of 15 along with seven rebounds while refusing to be dominated by the Arabs. The Arabs would come back and even the score with a powerful display by Cliff Harrell who had 25 for the game. City’s Travis Wilson who racked up 10 points, with Dunnell Webb Jr.
adding a tidy sum of 17. The Knights’ season has been tumultuous with 12 of their games either being won or lost with a difference of only five points. Coach Charlens reflected on his 100th win after the game and said, “It made me think of all the great players I have had over the past seasons. I did not think about it. One of my players congratulated me on my 100th win, until then I had forgotten about it.” Coach Charlens first victory was against Mendocino College in the 2004-2005 season at the Sierra College tournament, and all his 100 victories at City College have been enjoyed by students, staff, faculty and fellow athletes.
Campus police give the following recommendations to prevent bike theft:
1.Avoid Cable Locks: The use of cables or chains to secure bicycles is ineffective; thieves using tools such as bolt cutters easily defeat these locks. 2.Copy down your bicycle serial number and take a picture of your bicycle. If you are the victim of a bicycle theft, assist law enforcement by providing them with a serial number of your bicycle (usually found under the frame) and a picture when filing a police report. This will increase the chances of a recovery of your bicycle. 3.Park your bicycle at a designated bicycle rack: Bike racks on campus are in high visibility areas. This will reduce your chances of becoming a victim of bike theft.
tour included the new athletic medicine room, soon to have whirlpool spas and physical exam rooms.
“The students are really pleased with our facilities and our classes are packed,” McGinnis added.
CARLOS MAIA City Times
Students burn some calories during a spin class on Jan. 4 offered in the newly reopened P building.
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CityArts
City Times
Sundance picks top flicks Robert Redford’s annual festival an independent film mecca By TOM ANDREW City Times
Nestled amongst Wasatch Mountains, usually covered in a thick blanket of snow, is the quaint town of Park City, Utah and is the home of actor/director Robert Redford’s Sundance Film Festival. The festival runs annually for 2 weeks and showcases the works of filmmakers around the country. All types of films are represented over the two weeks including short films, documentaries, and feature films. Sundance gives many filmmakers the chance to screen their films with the hopes of them being purchased by film companies, and then having them widely distributed to theatres across the country. One such film was “500 Days of Summer,” a big hit at last years festival. This year, many films had high hopes, but not all lived up to their hype. “The Company Men” starring Kevin Costner, Ben Affleck and Tommy Lee Jones was one of the films that had high expectations
See SUNDANCE, page 7
SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL Courtesy Image Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning star in “The Runaways,” a biopic about Joan Jett. The movie was featured at the film festival.
February 9, 2010
‘The Book of Eli’ — better than expected “The Book of Eli” is a tough movie to quantify. No one involved is going to be winning any awards for their participation in this picture and the film itself flew so low under the radar that it could have been ignored all together. That’s not to say that the film doesn’t
Movie Review BJ Grieve
have its merits, or should have gone straight to DVD, however, as “The Book of Eli” is awesome. That’s simply the only way to describe it. No one is going to list this movie in their top ten or wait with bated breath for the home release, but this is one incredibly enjoyable movie. A post-apocalyptic thriller/ action movie/parable, this is
the first movie from directors Albert and Allen Hughes, typically referred to collectively as the Hughes Brothers, since 2001’s “From Hell.” Looking at the pair’s body of work gives the viewer a slight sense of what they are getting themselves into. “Menace II Society,” “Dead Presidents” and the aforementioned “From Hell,” were all stellar, if slightly troubled films. From an original script that Calliope seemingly had a hand in, “The Book of Eli” springboards back and forth between straight action flick to
See ELI, page 7 WARNER BROS. Courtesy Image
Denzel Washinton stars as Eli in “The Book of Eli.” Gary Oldman co-stars as Carnegie in the post-apacalyptic flick about protecting a sacred book of secrets to mankind.
‘Legion’ borders on originality “The first time God lost faith in humanity he sent a flood…” says an angel named Michael. In “Legion,” the archangel has left heaven to try and help save mankind. Against God’s will, he tries to protect a pregnant woman named Charlie, whose baby determines the fate of the world. Pointy-toothed, enraged super-monsters attack the small diner where Charlie works. Although they look like normal people at first, the beasts are actually a possessed multitude intent on killing Charlie, before her baby can be born. The trailer makes “Legion” appear as if it’s your run-of-the-mill religious end-of-theworld movie, like director Peter Hyams’s “End of Days” or Carl Schultz’s “The Seventh Sign.” However, audiences will be surprised at how standard it isn’t – mostly – and why it’s not exemplary. Also, the previews don’t give a lot of insight into what takes place in the movie. Characters in the film are well-written, fully developed and complex. Deciding to sacrifice one of her fellows, a woman named Sandra exclaims, “It’s just one…” Sandra is played by Kate Walsh, the star from ABC’s Private Practice. Her two characters dress alike, but the similarities end there. Sandra is detestable, selfish and
Movie Review Bri Heath
vindictive – making her character the most hated and her performance the best. Despite having a difficult character to play as well, Paul Bettany does a great job portraying Michael. This film is filled with other amazing actors, including Dennis Quaid, Lucas Black, Adrianne Palicki –
“The first time God lost faith in humanity, he sent a flood.” —Michael
“Legion”
who plays the mom-to-be – and Charles S. Dutton. Costumes are mostly archetypal for the characters, excluding only Michael, who dresses more like a cross between an average guy and a CIA or FBI agent. The costumes for the heavenly creatures,
though, vary from conventional mind set. Sporting armor, the soldiers of God wear a collar around their neck to ‘ground’ them to Heaven, like dogs. This makes sense since they call themselves, “… the dogs of Heaven…” Their wings, made of steel feathers, provide protection from manmade ammunition. Action scenes in this movie, excluding one, are not overused. The one that is comes from an unexpected character. Some of the dialogue is what one wouldn’t expect from an apocalyptic movie, while the rest is just what you would. After Sandra’s betrayal, the famous ‘messenger of God’, Gabriel swoops down to Earth to help during the slaughter. Near the end of the movie, when fighting against the enemy, people will expect a cliché line when the deadly general asks one of the humans why he fights when all hope is lost. However, the writers surprise with a better, funny reply. Don’t fear for those who love the cheesy, it comes soon after. Legion is an action-filled movie with lots of twists and turns that will keep you pinned to your seat as if an angel were holding you down. Bri Heath is a City Times correspondent
Sink your teeth into Vampire Weekend’s new album It seems that anyone can get a singing career nowadays. Can’t sing on key? No problem, music execs will auto tune your voice to fix that. Image not sticky sweet or sexy enough? An entourage of hairdressers, makeup artists and stylists can have you camera ready in a couple of hours. Other than that, the proper representation and the mighty dollar will fill in the rest, producing the next pop superstar.
Album Review Vanessa Gomez
In a market oversaturated by “prêt-ta-port” artists that offer little more than the next number one track on iTunes, where are we to find longevity in today’s artists?
Perhaps we can find some refuge in Vampire Weekend, as they offer up a huge serving of high-energy sounds that cut through the conventional crap. Few bands find critical acclaim with their debut album, let alone turn out a solid second. The four Ivy Leaguers, who met while attending Columbia University, catapult their fans into a hyperactive, can’t-sit-still sort of frenzy with their sophomore offer-
ing “Contra.” Made popular by their tracks “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” and “A-Punk,” Vampire Weekend is a perfect example of oxfordwearing hipsters letting loose. While their debut self-titled album was by no reach sleepy, “Contra” definitely wakes up listeners with bigger sound and sweet little
See WEEKEND, page 7
Spring into arts with a musical and photography abroad By BRITTANY JOHNSON City Times
Spring musical This spring, City College’s Visual and Performing Arts Department is preparing plenty of opportunities, like musical theater and technical dance, to indulge the community in the arts. Professor June Richards, co-chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Department, and director of the Dramatic Arts Program, has begun to piece together “Pippin” the musical. “Pippin” is a Broadway musical from the 1960’s. “Pippin” is the magical story of a prince who fights through love, war, and politics to find personal significance. It has been raved by many critics, including Time Magazine who said, “"Splendiferous theatricality, the kick of a lightning bolt and a passionate knack for being entertaining."
“This musical is fun. The costumes are amazing, ”Alicia Rincon, co-chair of Visual and Performing Arts Department and director of the Dance Program said. On Saturday, January 30, the Theater Department held auditions for “Pippin.” With their best effort forward, those auditioning presented a short song and
swift movements. Department chairs will then put together an all-star cast for this spring production. Alicia Rincon is also working hard in the Dance Department. Auditions were held by the department for the Faculty Dance Concert on January 30 as well.
Students were to audition for a variety of pieces. Styles include: modern, hiphop, jazz, and many more. “The caliber is high,” Alicia Rincon said. Dancers quickly prepared for the auditions. City student and dancer Molly McColm wasn’t nervous, but excited. “I won’t be nervous at the auditions. I know what to expect.” Beginners were encouraged to participate. “The teachers are friendly and accepting. It is a fun experience. It may be overwhelming, but I just do it,” McColm said. Also choreographing the show is Patricia Rincon, international choreographer and director of the Patricia Rincon Dance Collective. The special invitation to choreograph will make this concert a unique one. Preparing for the concert is next. Between learning and perfecting the pieces and rehearsing on an alternating schedule with “Pippin,” show time
will be here in no time. Study photography abroad The Photography Department is springing into summer. They are now accepting applications for a summer in Northern Italy. The department will go on a two-week tour, then return for 7 weeks of darkroom or digital production in the brand-new building. More information about the trip can be found at www.eurofoto.info or by contacting Dave Eichinger, Assistant Professor, Photography/Visual Arts. “Pippin” premiers April 9 and will run every Friday and Saturday until April 25. Tickets will be sold at the door. The Faculty Dance Concert will run on May 7 and 8. Tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, visit http:// www.sdcity.edu/savilletheater/events. asp.
February 9, 2010
CityLife
City Times
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Food Pantry fighting hunger on campus By CHRISTINE KLEE Correspondent
In a meeting in May 2008, the issue of hungry students came up and Cherie Bromley-Taylor decided to take action. Taylor, the administrative technician at CALWORKS, is the administrator and initiator of the food pantry at City College. A study to determine students’ needs had been conducted and concludes that students have access to food, but there are other issues sending them to class hungry.
CHRISTINE KLEE Correspondent Lunch bags sit on the desk of Taylor’s office waiting to find their way into the hands of hungry students. According to Taylor, these findings “really changed [their] philosophy. “It’s the end of the month, you left your lunch on the bus, bugs got into the flour or the dog ate the tortilla - that kind of a situation,” Taylor explains. Roberta Krauss, an adjunct counselor from CalWORKS, Bernice Lorenco and Mary Jane Kruis, program coordinators from CalWORKS, and Dean of Student Affairs, Denise Wiesenhunt, join Taylor to create an ad hoc board. This board, called the Food Pantry Committee, also includes Deedee Porter, the bookstore manager, and Leslie Easton from Mental Health services. The committee decided to start the food pantry as a pilot project, designed to hand out lunches in emergency situations only. There are only two requirements to
receive a lunch - the recipient has to be hungry and they have to be a student. She says the lunch boxes only include items students can eat and cook on campus, using the microwaves available in the cafeteria, to avoid the need for a kitchen. BEAT club had a similar idea, to create a food bank that would supply students in need with food. However, the food bank would contain perishables as well as other items that require a stove or kitchen, which is what makes it different to the pantry. The food pantry committee and BEAT have been working together to get donations for the food pantry at BEAT events or by asking companies, students, faculty and staff for donations. Some staff even made monthly pay-roll deductions to help fund the pantry. The lunches are not designed to permanently feed poor students, as other programs such as food stamps are. They are not equipped to feed hundreds of students a day, as their resources are more than limited. However, if an emergency arises, hungry students who do not have the money to buy something at the store should know that there is an alternative. The lunches are handed out in several locations on campus : CalWORKS in the L-building, where Taylor works, Mental Health Services office and EOPS office, both in the in A-building, and Student Affairs in the D-building. Each lunch includes at least one protein, one beverage, one fruit and a snack, such as crackers or chips. The pilot program was launched in mid-Nov. So far, between 80 and 100 lunches have been given out to hungry students. Taylor keeps track of the students’ CSID numbers, and is trying to figure out how many times a student should receive such a lunch. “We are trying to make our resources last, while at the same time helping students in emergency situations,” Taylor said. Larissa Dorman, faculty advisor for Bringing Education and Activism Together club, echoes that sentiment. “Leave it for the students that really need it.”
CARLOS MAIA City Times
Urban Garden grazing
Director of the Independent Learning Center, Don Long, purchases fresh greens from the urban garden. “Don is one of the best customers of the Urban Garden. He comes every week,” said Urban Farm worker Julia Dashe as she picked Kale for Long to sample Jan. 4.
Valuable tips for Valentine’s Single or attached, 10 ways to make a memorable holiday By BRI HEATH and CHRISTINE KLEE City Times
1) Go out to a movie and a romantic dinner. On Feb. 12, the romantic comedy “Valentine’s Day” will be released in theatres. The star-studded film features the love lives of numerous people who are somehow interconnected. For a twist on the movie and a dinner idea, cook dinner yourself and take your date to a drive-in theatre instead. 2) Pamper your loved one by treating them to a day at the spa. Afterwards, meet them for a fun night at a pool or jacuzzi. 3) Prepare your date’s favorite snacks and go on a picnic. 4) Have popcorn and hot chocolate with a movie or two at home. Try one of these favorites: “Love, Actually”, “Definitely, Maybe”, “The Proposal” or the more serious “What Dreams May Come”. 5) For singles: throw a party - Forget about romantic love. Celebrate your friendships with movies like “Beaches”, “Now and Then”, “Thelma & Louise” or “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants”. Guys, how
Cali Salad Ingredients: Cali Salad baby spinach 1 avocado, firmness to liking 2 eggs 1-2 roma tomatoes Directions: Dice tomatoes and avocados. Set aside. Rinse spinach and toss. Boil eggs to desired firmness. Clean, peel, and dice cooked eggs. Mix all ingredients together
about some action or comedy? Try “Pineapple Express”, “Transformers” or “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”. 6) Go canoeing at a local lake, such as Chollas Lake on College Grove Drive. 7) Create a fun scavenger hunt which will lead your special someone to a cozy setting or a meaningful gift. 8) If all of your friends happen to be coupled, throw a game night. Come up with games which will eventually determine the couple of the night - and the couple who is least compatible. Think “The Newlywed Game.” 9) Attend a play at a theatre like Old Globe, which coincidentally sells tickets for 20 dollars if you are under age thirty. Also, you could go to a spoken word performance or a poetry slam. 10) Anti-Valentine’s Day: Celebrate the day doing with anti-V-day activities. wear shirts that say “I hate happy couples” or “Screw Valentine’s Day” or watch slasher films. If you really hate Valentine’s Day, you can throw your own “I hate Valentine’s Day” party. Just be sure to only invite singles or unhappy couples.
Recipe Bri Heath
Ingredients: Dressing: 1pkg. Hidden Valley (or other) Buttermilk ranch dressing 1 16 oz. tub sour cream 1 cup milk (regular, not buttermilk) 1-2 tsp. fresh minced garlic Fresh ground pepper Directions: Mix together with beater and pour over salad.
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CityVoice
City Times
State of the union focuses on the future When I parked myself on the red couch on Jan. 27, I was in a cynical mood; a mood for answers. What is the state of our union? Of course, we already know the answer, don’t we? Even those who don’t follow politics know, the state of our union is better than it was a year ago, but overall, still pretty pitiful. It’s been a little over a year since President Obama took office and we’ve got a $1.6 trillion deficit ($1.2 trillion of which can be blamed on the backwards policies of Bush) a 10% unemployment rate, a seemingly never-never squabble over health care reform and a democratic super majority (well, not anymore) apparently impotent to pass their own party’s legislation. Does that sound harsh? Well, I’m not a cheerleader. I’m an independent. You know, one of those drifters, the agnostics of the political arena. I’m one of many in that demographic that Obama is desperately trying to bring back into the fold. Don’t get me wrong. I voted for him and I want to see him succeed (and yes I understand the less than ideal conditions inherited him by Bush) but like many independents and moderates, the imaginary money he throws about like confetti makes my stomach turn. The State of the Union address covered a lot of points and, as far as approval ratings show, has successfully shown the populace that our ship’s not sinking, or at least that they’re pumping water out of the bilge as fast as they can. The excessive spending by the Obama administration, our president assures us, has been a necessary investment. The dividends of that investment, a pay-as-you-go program, a looming spending freeze and long term savings reaped from the health care plan, which has stalled in the senate, are meant to slowly pull us out of debt within the next few decades. Now, be aware when watching Obama in action that the man’s got charisma. He’s got a voice like butter, a smile like sunshine, and a presence that is truly, for lack of a better
February 9, 2010
Urbanalities By Michele Suthers
term, presidential. Don’t be distracted by these qualities. He’s got important things to say and you need to hear them. Sometimes the words come out like, “butter, butter, butter mmmmm… you taste so good.” When you feel this trance come over you, pull yourself back. Focus. We have a $1.6 trillion debt. This is the largest debt since World War II. I agree with Obama that we need to invest in education, green tech-
Perspective Evonne Ermey
nology, and infrastructure, though I do not agree with the extraordinary AMOUNT he is willing to invest. He relies on the controversial health care bill to bring down the deficit by $1 trillion over the next two decades, but those numbers are shaky at best. It’s a very loose estimate of what we can expect to save and let’s not forget that the health care bill is basically dead. Obama’s address had many good points. The United States, not China, should be leading the world in green technology (but I don’t think we should drive ourselves bankrupt to do it). The $30 billion paid back by banks should go to community branches to free up credit for small businesses and homeowners. And what about the scolding Obama gave to the Supreme Court (what an awkward moment that was) for rescinding legislature preventing corporations from investing unlimited amounts of cash into political campaigns? I totally agree with that. Shame on them. In fact, I walked away from the State of the Union Address feeling generally all right or at least feeling that everything would be all right eventually. I managed to hang on to this feeling for almost a week. On Feb. 1, Obama presented his budget to Congress. $3.8 trillion. The largest budget in history. I’m terrified. Evonne Ermey is the City Times features editor
The stars trick or treat for Haiti For those who haven’t heard, earlier this month, Haiti was ravaged by an earthquake registering a 7.0 on the Richter Scale. That means Haitians were rocked by the equivalent of 199,000 tons of TNT. Roughly three million people, one third of Haiti’s population were affected and over 100,000 have been confirmed as casualties. Now, in the wake of this country’s horrible tragedy, America’s biggest celebrities are asking for your help. They are taking time out of their busy schedule of being self indulgent and irresponsible to be pompous and holier-thanthou, and good for them, because they so rarely get a chance to stop making ludicrous amounts of money and tell the rest of us that it’s time for change. Ben Affleck, Daniel Craig, Steven Spielberg and Mark Wahlberg (F-F-F-FEEL THE DONATION!) are among the many celebrities that took part in a telethon that will help to aid Haiti’s relief. George Clooney donated $1 million, and helped to kick start the aforementioned telethon. Leonardo Dicaprio donated $1 million. Madonna has donated $250,000. From June 2008 to June 2009, Madonna brought in $110 million. That is more money than the majority of Americans will see in their entire lives. To put this in perspective, President Obama earns $400,00 a year plus various expense
Everybody Loves BJ Bj Grieve
accounts. Please read that last sentence again and compare the earnings of the leader of the greatest country in the free world to the “Material Girl.” Kudos to irrelevant pop culture icon Wyclef Jean’s “Yele Haiti Foundation,” which has been around since 1998, and is currently receiving upwards of $1 million a day to help with relief in Haiti. Odd though that the organization has paid Jean and his business partner $410,000 for rent, services rendered and for a performance by Jean at a benefit concert. What’s even more curious is the fact that the group only started filing tax returns in August 2009. Hmm. Alternatively, John Travolta flew his personal jet to Haiti and offered relief in the form of Scientology. Members offered a service that they call “assist,” a way of touching that allegedly reconnects nervous systems shaken by trauma. Haitians should count themselves lucky since their airport can only handle 130 flights a day and one of those flights happened to be carrying none other than Danny Zuko and his Christlike healing touch.
It is admirable that these celebrities are using their fame, nay notoriety, for the seemingly greater good, but when our nation is faced with an unemployment rate of ten percent, is asking Americans to break out the Amex and throw some sheckles at Haiti really fair? Shouldn’t this small echelon of people have some cadre formed by now where they can use their vast wealth, their ridiculous wealth, their accumulated wealth that makes God feel bad about leaving his ATM receipt at the bar for women to find, feel shameful for the greater good? Great, Clooney donated $1 million. You were still the worst Batman, sir, and your villa that you don’t even occupy costs $6.4 million. We’re all very impressed. Combined, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have donated $1 million. She probably just thought she was buying a little Haitian child. These great people, these amazing denizens of the world would like you, yes you, the average American citizen to be a part of something great. They would like you to join them in their selfaggrandizing glory by taking a minute out of your busy day hawking products overseas and making thousands for personal appearances to help out with a worthy cause. Won’t you please help? BJ Grieve is a City Times staff writer
Paper and plastic in the blue bin, not in the trash bin We’ve heard about recycling for years, yet only recently has it become a big thing. I know I have seen recycling ads since I was in elementary school so this is nothing new. Yet, I am amazed at how so many people are still not recycling. How hard is it to throw your recyclables in the blue bin right next to the trash can? As annoyed as I get about strangers not recycling, I am twice as annoyed that my own roommate chooses to ignore my wishes about recycling. At home, our trash can is located underneath a vacant counter free of any kitchen appliances. We rarely use that counter for any kitchen tasks such as when we’re cooking, so I usually place my recyclables on that counter. I usually wait until the end of the week to throw the trash and
CityTimes Volume 64, Number 8 February 9, 2010 www.sdcitytimes.com
Live And Learn Luis Bahena recyclables out, but every now and then I find that the recyclables have been removed and placed in the trash can. Annoyed and frustrated as I am, I take them out and separate them, only to find more at the bottom of the bag. The culprit just happens to be my roommate Published as: The Jay Sees / 1945-1949 Fortknightly / 1949-1978 City Times / 1978Incorporating the newspapers Tecolote, Knight Owl and Flicks
(who else?). Time and time again I have told him to recycle but he protests by saying that keeping our recyclables on the counter makes it look cluttered. In attempt to bargain, I decided to get a box from work and place it outside our sliding glass door. I told him that from now on the recyclables will go there. I thought that this would work, but lo and behold, I found a plethora of plastic bottles in the trash can not too long ago. So I have to ask, why is it so hard to separate the trash from the recyclables? Is it pure laziness or is it just plain ignorance? Aren’t people aware of our changing climate? Anyone concerned about global warming? I know there are a lot of skeptics out there who don’t necessarily believe that global warming
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is real, but come on. We have all seen and felt the changes in our climate. Statistics in changes in various places of the world are well documented. So isn’t anyone concerned? According to www.facts. randomhistory.com, “2005 was the warmest on record, and the years 1998 and 2007 are tied for the second warmest. The eight warmest years on record have all occurred since 1998.” I don’t necessarily remember much from 2005, but I do remember summer being miserably hot and very uncomfortable, which is why I personally hate summer time. I know it isn’t much, but recycling does help in the greater scale of things. Doing your part for the environment, how ever small, is still doing something as opposed to nothing.
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City Times Staff
Mason Acree, Tom Andrew, Erica Arvizu, Dan Berger, Joseph Bloome, John-Magus Cambridge, Jerry Corrales, Auora Drenning-Ribeiro, Jacqueline Filla, BJ Grieve, Carlos Maia, Andrea Malloyd, Margarita Martinez, Shaun Mulroy, Mark Rivera, Gabriel Roberts, Peter Smith, Ricky Soltero, Donovan Terblanche, Michelle Walker
Correspondents
Shayna Castro, Sandra Coronilla, Sicarra Devers, Bri Heath, Christine Klee, Jennifer Manalili, Megan McKee, Kentra Meriwether, Nick Moone, Jessica Renfer, Hazel Rodriguez, Nico Smedley
If you really think about it, where does our trash go? What can we expect for our future? It’ll be a green planet alright, green because of the gaseous pollutants left behind by man. I seriously do not know how to convince my roommate about recycling other than to constantly remind him of doing so. However, it shouldn’t be so difficult for everyone else on campus to throw away your plastics in the blue bin that is almost always located right next to the trash can. Perhaps when recycling is turned into a law, maybe people will start recycling. Until then, I think I’m going to have to pull in a big blue bin from outside and put it in my kitchen. Maybe then my roommate will get the hint! Luis Bahena is the City Times opinion editor
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 Assoc. of Community Colleges, California College Media Assoc., Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Assoc.
February 9, 2010
City Times
Arts
Sundance Continued from page 4 but seemed to fall to the wayside quickly after it’s first viewing. Others featuring stars like Bill Murray in the film “Get Low,” Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart in “The Runaways,” and Phillip Seymour Hoffman in “Jack Goes Boating” kept theatres full and viewers happy. The first film to be picked up was the “Buried,” starring Ryan Reynolds, which follows the claustrophobic story of Paul Conroy (Reynolds) who has been buried alive with only a cell phone and a lighter. This film, part of the Park City at Midnight series, was just one of the films that generated considerable buzz…a few others were “Frozen,” where 3 college students are left stranded on a ski lift, only to realize that the resort has closed and there is a threat of an oncoming snow storm, “High school,”
Weekend Continued from page 4
ditties guaranteed to get you moving. Vampire Weekend notes that they are heavily influenced by “popular African music,” however this album is definitely reminiscent of Paul Simon’s “Graceland.” You can’t help but picture Simon and Chevy Chase in the “You Can Call Me Al (Bodyguard)” video. The album also flows cohesively with a track listing following a rollercoaster ride of power-packed jams sprinkled with not-too-mellow ballads. San Diegans will definitely give a solid thumbs up to the opening track, “Horchata,” an homage to the tasty Mexican rice milk and warmer west coast climates during the
a comedy about a high school valedictorian who schemes with a slacker pothead student to pass a mandatory drug test, by getting the entire student body stoned, and “The Perfect Host,” a thriller starring “Frasier’s” David Hyde Pierce as the consummate dinner party host, who may not be as perfect as he seems to be. The festival began in 1978 in Salt Lake City, but was moved to Park City in 1981, and was renamed the Sundance Film Festival after Redford’s character in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” The town of Park City, Utah is transformed into a filmmakers haven, where actors, writers, producers, directors, and patrons alike stand in line, walk, run, and huddle in the cold to catch a glimpse of what next film will make it big. It is an event NOT to be missed. Look for reviews of festival films “The Extra Man,” starring Kevin Kline, “The Dry Land,” starring “Ugly Betty’s” America Ferrera, and “Obselidia,” from director Diane Bell in the next issue. winter months. Lead singer Ezra Koenig notes that he prefers “pincher crabs that pinch at your sandals” over “look(ing) psychotic in a balaclava.” The song also hits “Arcade Fire-like” climax with an explosion of xylophone and tambourine. Tracks like “The Diplomat’s Son” slow it down with reggae/dance hall rhythms and airy lyrics, while “I Think Ur a Contra” brings your heart back to resting rate with a symphony of violins. Although it might be too soon to demand a third album by Vampire Weekend (are they in the studio yet?), “Contra” definitely leaves you in anticipation for a three-peat performance. Vampire Weekend truly offers a refreshing change from the copycat top 40 mix that will hopefully become a mainstay in the industry. Vanessa Gomez is the City Times editor in chief
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Eli Continued from page 4
human condition observation to religious parable. Being a post-apocalyptic story, the film is riddled with clichés, the burnt out sky, the lone traveler on the highway, the deconstruction of everything that was once civilized. It is this last element that the Hughes Brothers would appear to have had the most success tackling, given their previous endeavors, but they went the way of the action film that wants to be slightly more. The trailer virtually spells out to viewers what this book of Eli’s actually is, and if one cannot venture a guess, some discretion will be employed. The greatest selling book of all time is the focal point of the film, as it is the last copy known to man. Washington’s Eli wants to head west with it, where it is needed and make sure that no one ever forgets what is said on its pages. Gary Oldman’s Carnegie wants to harness the books “power” for more practical reasons, to persuade the weak and the powerless from following anyone but himself. He’d make a quite good televangelist. As the film leaves action movie diplomatic immunity and heads into existential waters, it gets a bit heavy handed. The fight scenes are intense, and actually borderline beautiful between the choreography and the cinematography. They seem a bit out of place given the direction that Eli is taking, however. “A bit of the old ultra violence,” is being employed to protect and deliver the word of God to the people. Actually, that sounds exactly like religion. It’s the titular Eli’s actions and not Denzel Washington’s acting that make him so spectacular. Washington plays the character the same as every character that he has portrayed on the silver screen. Distant, calculating and cocksure, Wash-
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ington’s performance is nothing to phone the Academy about, but it is not derivative either. The man has been at it for thirty some odd years, and moviegoers would still pay to listen to him read the phone book. Gary Oldman lends some credible talent to the film as well, with his portrayal of Eli’s eventual foil, Carnegie. Oldman is one of few actors that is completely absorbing to watch on the screen. This man gets so absorbed into his characters that viewers can tend to forget that they are even watching a fictional person. And here he is, doing what he does best. Playing a reprehensible sociopath with just the right amount of charisma, one doesn’t exactly hate him, but knows he/she should. Sociopaths are where Oldman shines, oddly enough. His villains toe the line so cautiously between lampooning and seriousness that they become something entirely their own, and while this performance comes off a bit like he phoned it in, Oldman’s worst day of acting is still better than most other stars best. The real standouts of the picture are the ancillary characters. None are given the greatest amount of screen time, but with such talented character actors playing these parts, one wishes that Mumbles Washington would spend some time hanging around playing Xbox with them. Malcolm McDowell, Michael Gambon and Tom Waits are always a pleasure to watch, and parts that appear seemingly disposable are made that much more incredible with these veterans in front of the lens. One would be remiss to ignore Ray Stevenson’s (“Rome”) portrayal of Carnegie’s right-hand man, Redridge. The man plays tough better than late eighties action stars. “The Book of Eli” won’t change cinema as we know it, but it is a great way to spend too much money at the movies, and will make a great companion to other exemplary films in the genre. BJ Grieve is a City Times staff writer
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February 9, 2010
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