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CityTimes www.sdcitytimes.com
Covering the San Diego City College community since 1945
Volume 64, Number 9
March 2, 2010
Walkout of classes planned Campus community to support California Day of Action By DAN BERGER and MARK RIVERA City Times
MINERVA ONTIVEROS Contributor Regional students and faculty raise their voices against the Compton Cookout event at UCSD campus Feb. 24.
UCSD racial tensions on the rise By ERICA ARVIZU City Times
The looming sound of chanting, “Whose campus? Our campus!” grew clearer as hundreds of UC San Diego students progressed toward the Price Center Ballroom for a two-hour “teachin” on Feb. 24, orchestrated by UCSD administration in response to recent racial tension on campus. What started as a flippant theme party hosted by several fraternities at UCSD, advertised as the “Compton Cookout,” has culminated into a heated movement by outraged students and faculty. Blacks, Latinos, whites and others marched side by side, clad in black t-shirts that read “Real pain. Real action. 1.3%” — the 1.3 percent representing the black population at UCSD.
As the masses filtered into the ballroom, the group of energized and emotional marchers used megaphones and drums as they shouted, “We’re fired up, can’t take it no more!” until the meeting was started by the dean of Marshall College. The seats in the ballroom were filled and students took up standing and floor room. Dr. Nadine George was first to take the stage. George’s body of work as professor of Theater, Dance, Performance Studies and African American Studies, has been dedicated to acknowledging and conquering issues of class, age, race and gender inequalities. George described the current state of the campus climate as part of “an ongoing struggle, escalated by recent events.”
See UCSD, page 3
UCSD First-Time Freshman Ethnicity Statistics 2009 African-American
1%
Asian
49%
Mexican-American
12%
Filipino
4%
Latino
3%
Caucasian
22%
Other
9%
In an attempt to demonstrate disapproval of public education budget cuts, City College students, faculty and staff are planning a walk out of classes on on the same day of the National Call for Action on March 4. The Education For All Coalition, a grassroots organization working to mobilize a community response to the economic crisis, has organized a campus Walkout that will begin at 11 a.m. in Gorton Quad. The Walkout asks that teachers bring their students out of the classroom to gather with other faculty, staff, administration, as well as activists to rally against the budget cuts. “Students need to take the lead and get involved,” Tony Perez, a member of the Education for All Coalition, said. “There should be access to education at all levels and for all ages - from the cradle to the grave.” The walk out is in coordination with the California Day of Action budget cut demonstrations involving teachers, students and workers from all sectors of state-wide public education - K-12, adult education, community colleges and state-funded universities. A “teach out” is planned to take place at 1:30 p.m. and will involve peers speaking out and educating their fellow students about the education budget issues. At 1:30 p.m., different members of the student body, mem-
See WALKOUT, page 3
Supporters of 9/11 ‘Truth’ reach goal
Seminar offers financial advice
By ERNESTO LOPEZ City Times
By MEGAN McKEE Correspondent
Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) hosted their first of several financial literacy seminars to take place on City campus, on Feb. 23, in an attempt to provide education on credit card debt, establishing credit, and budgeting. Event organizer, and City student, Collette DesAulnier was assisted by Chase Peckham, director of community outreach for the nonprofit organization DebtWave. Together they presented a Power Point presentation containing facts, percentages and examples of financial situations likely relating to students. Attendees were presented with a sobering statistic. The average credit card debt of an undergraduate college student could take 18 and a half years to pay off. Those in attendance were also informed about credit card restrictions under the new credit
See ADVICE, page 3
Index
News/Calendar.................... 2-3 Arts........................................ 4 Life......................................... 5 Opinion................................... 6 Sports.................................... 8
CITY COLLEGE 9/11 TRUTH CLUB Courtesy Photo Steve Fahrney, President of City College 9/11 Truth Club (second from left) and Aaron Brown, USD Toreros for Truth (third from left) join members of the San Diego for 9/11 Truth speak at a press conference Feb. 19.
City College’s chapter of Architects & Engineers for 9/11 Truth announced that more than 1000 building professionals have signed a petition demanding the government hold a new investigation of 9/11. Supported by several San Diegans for Truth members, City’s AE911 Truth club, led by student Steve Fahrney, was at Gorton Quad Feb. 18 providing hand outs and complimentary DVDs of their investigation which, allegedly, proves that explosives were used to demolish the World Trade
Center towers and Building 7. The video being played at the quad and handed out to students features Architects & Engineers for 9/11 founder Richard Gage and is entitled “9/11: Blueprint for Truth The Architecture of Destruction.” Gage’s video demonstrates side-by-side examples of controlled demolitions of skyscrapers versus actual video footage of the collapse of the World Trade Towers. It is also the video that has been instrumental in convincing architects and engineers to sign the on-going petition.
See 9/11, page 2
Budget cut march fizzles
Campus leader fears students are falling into protest apathy By ERNESTO LOPEZ and JOHN BALCHAK City Times
A rally and march to the Governor’s San Diego office protesting cuts in college funding planned for Feb. 18 was cancelled at the site due to lack of support
and participation. The Education for All Coalition and Save Our Schools (SOS), distributed fliers and announced the event to be held in Balboa Park but were met with far more members of the San Diego Police Department than demonstrators.
Sidney Martinez, a leader in the pro-education movement, brought a megaphone to the protest and passed out literature concerning future anti-cut actions and political agenda to the few attendees. “Last semester we could
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ERNESTO LOPEZ City Times Sydney Martinez of City’s Save Our Schools coalition makes peace with SDPD officers in Balboa Park on Feb. 18 before the protest on budget cuts was cancelled due to lack of support.
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City Times
TAKE NOTE | NEWS
TakeNote
March 2, 2010
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 March 8 Pray the Devil back to hell Ugandan healthcare & education D-121A/B free. For more contact Jodi Johnson jljohnso@sdccd.edu n March 8 Join Amnesty International Club as they protest justice for the women of Atenco, Mexico. This event is in connection with International Women’s Day. 11:30 a.m. Meeting in front of Mexican Consulate n March 9 Jazz Live- Sergio Salvatore and Christo Rafalides 8-9:30 p.m. n March 10 Envisioning Women's V oices and Spirits In celebration of International Womens' Day Wednesday March 10, 9:35 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saville Theatre. For more information visit on event visionaryfeminists.webs.com.
Community Creatures By Gabriel Roberts
n March 11 Wendy Greene-Spring Recital Piano and vocals by Wendy Greene and accompanist. 12:45-2:10 p.m. Saville Theatre n March 11 Gustavo Arello, author "Ask a Mexican" and "Orange County" 9:35-11:35 a.m. D121 a/b n March 11-21 17th Annual S.D. Latino Film Festival Ultra Star Hazard Center, sdlatinofilm.com n March 12 Vagina Monologues 8 p.m. Saville Theatre n March 15 Pablo Serrano (Colombian Photojournalist) 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saville Theatre n March 18 Papers (Immigration/education) 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. D121 a/b n March 22 International Service Learning Sandra Freiwald, Doctors Without Borders 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. D121 a/b
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9/11 Continued from page 1
According to Gage, the more than 1000 architects and engineers who have signed the petition agree that information presented to the public by the mass media and official government investigators regarding Building 7 contradicts scientific evidence. “I don’t know who planned (the 9/11 attacks) but there is no evidence that fire brought down the buildings. There must have been explosives planted there months before,” said Aaron Brown, the University
of San Diego’s Toreros for Truth president. Brown added that the explosive residue found at Ground Zero and Building 7 were “high-tech explosives” which are smaller than a human hair. “Al Qaeda could not have done this because there is no way they had access to these explosives,” he said. “Osama (Bin Laden) has nothing to do with 9/11. There is not enough evidence to prove he did,” said Paul Holden, a member of San Diegans for Truth. “The government knew it was going to happen; what a coincidence that nobody got injured in Building 7.” When presented with Gage’s theory, some students remained skeptical, but others entertained the possibility of the
government actually being involved in the attacks. “When it first happened, it was devastating. When I see video of it now, I think, ‘how did it happen that planes hit at the top and explosions happened at the bottom,’” said Amanda Sokimi, a social work student. “There is something iffy about it all. I don’t understand why our government would do this when they are here trying to help Haiti.” April Mary, a Balboa City High School teacher who was on campus giving her students a tour of the college, said she is not convinced that Gage’s theory is correct. “I think you can’t come to any conclusions unless you have that type of knowledge,” she said.
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CityNews
March 2, 2010
City Times
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‘Education, Not Incarceration’ City students and faculty speak out about the injustices and hypocrisies surrounding the prison-industial complex
By BJ GRIEVE City Times City’s Bring Education and Activist Togegther Club, M.E.C.H.A. and Visionary Feminists presented “Education, Not Incarceration,” a program examining the relationship between education and the prison industrial complex at the Seville Theatre On Feb. 25. City students and one City advisor spoke out with contempt on the vast injustices they feel that our government perpetrates that “wastes money and cheats thousands of lives from reaching their full potential.” Subjects were from a range of troubled backgrounds, including students that served jail time and returning veterans. The program focused on the reintegration problems faced by students in such circumstances. Maurice Martin, a prison ministry coordinator, spoke out most passionately against the lies and promises given to na’ve high school students by Army recruiters, a demographic that he feels would be better served going straight on to higher education. “This is about promises made and promises not kept,” said Martin. Martin himself is a veteran, having served in the Army in the 82nd Airborne Division. “Military service is not a job program or a travel agency…it is a war machine,” said Martin. Upon returning and facing problems with drug addiction and depression, Martin came to realize that veterans aren’t exactly
treated as they are promised. Of the 10,000 homeless in San Diego, one-third are veterans. Hardly the compensation promised by recruiters. The speakers presented their information in a linear order that nonetheless convalesced to paint a larger picture of the problems facing today’s youth and pursuing higher education.
“Military service is not a job program or a travel agency…it is a war machine.” -Maurice Martin, prison ministry coordinator BEAT member and former City Times staff writer Brennan MacLean spoke out about the hypocrisies surrounding the recent budget cuts. Brennan is bothered that the state spends more on incarceration than education, and he doesn’t want to be quiet about it. “One way or another, everybody is affected by this subject, MacLean said. “20,000 (students) are waitlisted this semester. Why has higher education taken such a huge hit? Prison.” MacLean went expounded on the subject of prison, stating that not only is the educational budget taking a hit, but so is healthcare and transportation. MacLean feels that there are
three giant factors contributing to the cutbacks in education; California’s “3 strikes” law, drug addiction and the California Correctional Police Officers Association. MacLean feels strongly that the severity of punishments that non-violent offenders are sentenced with is simply outrageous. When someone is sentenced to life in prison for a non-violent offense, not only is this unnecessarily taking state funding away from education and funneling it into the prison system, it is ruining a person’s potential. “Make the time fit the crime, that’s justice,” said MacLean. “Certainty of punishment is a much greater (deterrent) than the severity of punishment.” To further prove his point that the prison system is a vicious cycle that doesn’t help but hinder, MacLean was followed by Patrick Namwembe and Alberto Vasquez, both students at City that have served time for drug related, non-violent offenses. Namwembe acted out a typical day for any prisoner, embellishing some aspects, but also mentioning that the healthcare system for prisoners is much greater than on the outside. Both Namwembe and Vasquez have learned from their mistakes and agree n that the prison system is vastly mishandled. Vasquez is now on the Dean’s List and working on his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. Namwembe said he is running for Vice President of AS during spring elections. These exemplary accomplish-
ERNESTO LOPEZ City Times Bring Education and Activism Together Club (BEAT) member Brennan MacLean speaks out on California’s 3-strike law at the Education not Incarceration event Feb. 25 held in the Saville Theatre. ments just further prove their point that prison is not an end all be all, and that people need to be given opportunity and not punishment if they are to flourish. The overall message presented by the speakers was that
there is no reason or excuse to give up on your goals. “See what’s available to you… take advantage…you’re not the only one to have gone through this,” said Vasquez.
Advice
UCSD
Continued from page 1
Continued from page 1 She urged the necessity that this “teach-in” must be part of a larger, administrative response to racial issues on campus, not just a Band-Aid. “I think there is no trust on this campus,” George said. “ The atmosphere is toxic and hostile. It was toxic and hostile before and it has become unbearable and unmanageable; I think this community is fractured.” George’s message focused on the demoralizing effect that acts of stereotyping, for entertainment purposes, can have on society, sighting such political injustices as the Jim Crow Laws that were fueled by stereotypes. She urged students that held a blase attitude toward this specific event, to educate themselves on the serious impact that these irreverent acts have on the disenfranchisement of African-Americans and other minority groups. “This is where racial profiling comes from,” George said. “It fundamentally changes the way we see these people in the future. Especially in places like this where there are so few of us.” After George’s speech, the floor was opened up to leaders of the UCSD Black Student Union, who continued to raise the concern that the teach-in was merely a reaction to the embarrassment that was pressed upon them, stating that changes do not occur through bureaucratic power, but through student involvement. “This two hour teach-in is a hierarchal approach to issues of racism and misogyny,” one of the BSU leaders said. They then urged students to
Fizzles Continued from page 1
call a rally in a week,” Martinez said. “Students don’t have the same enthusiasm because they are not seeing immediate change in the budget. People need to understand that coming out to protest works. If people support change, (it) will happen.”
laws of 2010, requiring cardholders under 21 to have a co-signer. Besides being advised to take precautions with their finances, students were also educated on the benefits of building their credit. Advisors expressed that future investments, such as apartments, car loans, and insurance, will require a good credit score. SIFE adviser Dr. Leroy Brady, leader of the Financial Literacy program on campus, joined DesAulnier and Peckham. Brady shared personal experiences with finances and answered student’s questions during and following the presentation. City Professor Rodrigo Reyes, who teaches personal growth classes, expressed that his students really enjoyed the seminar and had a class discussion after the event. “A lot of the students under 18 will regret not asking for credit cards before the new credit laws,” added Reyes. The next Financial Literacy seminars are on March 23.
exit the building, an hour into the teach-in, to be part of an impromptu rally outside in the quad. The teach-in, while depleted of the majority of students, continued, giving the remaining time to an open discussion. Participants included students representing colleges from all over Southern California, and a teacher from Compton High School who read a letter written by student leadership, highlighting the ridiculous acts by “supposedly educated adults.” Administrative efforts paled in comparison to the lively rally that occurred outside . Students wielded signs that read “Future doctors come from Compton.” Several teachers from nearby colleges united to give speeches to the thousands of participating students, chanting loudly, “The people united, will never be divided!”
Top left to right: Philipos Mesfin, vice-president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Levar Harris, UCR student, Rickie Ohiri, President of UC Riverside’s Nigerian Student Association, and friends join together at UCSD’s rally. Bottom: A student in the crowd wipes her tears away as she listened to a speaker and held a conch shell.
“All of our futures are affected,” said Kurt Wellman, a member of Education for All Coalition. “Students are apathetic. Unless people are directly in their face; they won't get involved.” Regarding an ultimate goal Martinez said, “I want to surround the building,” in reference to the governor’s office building on Front St. “We need to fill the streets and get them to talk. Politicians would listen for a change.” There were four major budget
cut protests held at City College during fall semester. On Sept. 9, 2009 a crowd estimated at 600 gathered on campus to show resistence against decreases for education expenditures in California’s budget. One supporter, Cassandra Cress, was philosophical about the effect of cuts in education. “Education is the root of everything. It’s like the third world; education leads to opportunities. If they take education, how will
Walkout Continued from page 1
Photos by MINERVA ONTIVEROS Contributor
we learn?” she said. Sigrid Hernandez, another student supporter, was one of the people who arrived ready to demonstrate. She said she decided to attend the protest because she has experienced first-hand how the budget has made class scheduling more difficult. “Last semester I could get into classes, (this semester) I couldn’t get some of the classes I needed and crashing those classes was impossible,” said Hernandez.
bers of the faculty, the staff, and and other activists will take the stage to discuss specific issues and impacts the cuts have brought upon education. At 2:45 p.m. the National Call for Action rally will march from the west end of the ‘B’ building on Park Blvd up to the Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park. The march will then procede to downtown and end at the Governor’s office at 1350 Front St., where there will be a demonstration until 5:30 p.m. According to the Daily Californian, a student-run newspaper published by the independent Berkeley students, state funding for higher education was cut by $2 billion in the past year. For more information on City you can visit http://educationforallcoalition.com/.
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CityArts
City Times
March 2, 2010
‘Hot Tub’ cast travels to SD And the Oscar By BRITTANY JOHNSON City Times
Ever wanted to go back in time 20 years and change something? “I wouldn’t change anything,” said Craig Robinson, a star of the new film “The Hot Tub Time Machine.” “That’s not the message of the film,” Clark Duke replied, another star in the film. The two gathered at Regal UA Horton Plaza Theatres Feb. 15 for the advance screening of the upcoming movie. at Regal UA Horton Plaza Theatres. The preview was shown to a packed theater while the guests of honor sat in the back watching
and listening to the audience’s reaction. “The Hot Tub Time Machine” is about four friends who need a break from their adult lives, and during a vacation together, they magically transport back to 1985. Because any changes effect the future, the friends struggle to relive a single night. The movie will consistently make you laugh. The theater was not quiet for more than two minutes because this quick-witted cast coughed up one-liner after one-liner. Robinson and Duke both commented that some lines were improved. “The script changed a lot;
the pages changed every day. I pitched a lot of new ideas,” Duke stated. The cast also stars John Cusack and Rob Corddry. This comedic foursome had as much fun shooting the film as their characters did in the movie. “We did a lot of bits,” Duke commented. He went on to tell a story about, after a late night of drinking, Cusack, Corddry and himself kicking in the door to Robinson’s room and giving him a huge scare. The whole time Robinson recalled the night he was laughing to tears. Most of the shooting was done
See TUB, page 7
LIONSGATE Courtesy Image John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Clark Duke and Craig Robinson star in “The Hot Tub Time Machine,” a movie about four friends who travel back to the 80s via jacuzzi. The guys are spooked when they discover that they must relive their awkward teenage years.
City to participate in V-Day By TOM ANDREW City Times
Mark your calendars for March 12 at 8 p.m. when City will participate in V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women, by presenting the play “The Vagina Monologues” at the Saville Theatre. The hope is to make this event an annual offering. “‘The Vagina Monologues’ is much more than just a play,” explained director Katie Rodda. “Playwright Eve Ensler gives away the rights to anyone who
wants to produce the show as part of V-Day.” The campus group, Visionary Feminists, is organizing the V-Day event. Auditions were held the second week of February with over 40 hopeful women showing up to be a part of the event. “Ensler only has one stipulation,” Rodda continued. “10 percent of the proceeds will go back to V-Day’s support of women in the Democratic Republic of Congo and 90 percent will go to a local organization that stops and prevents violence against women.”
Rodda has selected the Center for Community Solutions (www. ccssd.org) as their beneficiary. City professors Larissa Dorman, Kelly Mayhew and Sarah Pitcher will also be working on the project with Rodda, who makes her City College directorial debut, though her directing work has been seen around San Diego since 2000. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students, staff and military. For more information contact director Katie Rodda at 619-3883088.
race begins... Academy Award predictions for 2010
home the award. “The Hurt Locker,” however, could be the surprise winner. For Best Director, the race will be between James Cameron for “Avatar” and Kathryn Bigelow for “The Hurt Locker”. My vote goes to Kathryn Bigelow, but it could be close. Best Actor seems like it could be a done deal with most thinking George Clooney will go home with the award, but I say it will be a race between Jeff Bridges and Colin Firth, with Bridges winning in the end. In the Best Actress category, the race has many wonderfully talented actors. With all of the buzz surrounding Meryl Streep’s dead-on portrayal as Julia Child and the fact that she has had 16 nominations and only two wins should make this her year. She should have won for her performance in “The Devil Wears Prada” three years ago, so this will make up for that loss. There are high expectations for Christoph Waltz from “Inglourious Basterds” to win for best supporting actor. And he will, but it would be great to see Christopher Plummer walk away with the award. Best Supporting Actress will surely go to Mo’Nique from “Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire,” but she will have some stiff competition from Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick, nominated this year for “Up in the Air.” Farmiga was much better in last year’s “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas”, and Anna Kendrick. The Oscars will air on ABC at 5 p.m.
By TOM ANDREW City Times
The Oscar race is well under way as Hollywood’s elite will gather under one roof March 7 to announce the winners in more than 24 categories. These include the Best Picture category which now has 10 competing films as opposed to five in past years. This year’s race has several first time nominees, like Sandra Bullock for “The Blind Side” and Jeremy Renner for “The Hurt Locker.” There are also many repeat nominees like Meryl Streep, for “Julie & Julia,” making this her 16th Oscar nomination, and Christopher Plummer for “The Last Station.” Most Oscar ceremonies aren’t free of controversy, and many times performers will use their winning moments to showcase their activist sides to promote what they believe in. Other times it’s merely the winners themselves that create controversy, like Marisa Tomei winning for her performance in the film “My Cousin Vinny.” Nevertheless, this year’s Oscars will surely have a few surprises, even if it is the banter between first time host Alec Baldwin and returning host Steve Martin. Here are my predictions for the top categories. The race for Best Picture is twice as tough this year with 10 nominees. “Avatar” and “Up in the Air” will most likely gather the majority of the votes, but I think when the dust settles, it will be “Avatar” that takes
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Sundance Film Festival highlights The Soft Pack releases debut album ‘Wolfman’ bites the big one
Henry Franklin Quartet jazzes up the standard By ANDREA MALLOYD City Times The Henry “Skipper” Franklin Jazz Quartet offered something for all generations during their performance as part of a free concert series for KSDS Jazz 88.3 FM members at Saville Theatre on Feb. 9. The sounds of the bass and percussion filled Saville Theatre on that stormy night in front of a large crowd of jazz enthusiasts that consisted of people from college students to senior citizens. The audience snapped along to
melodies such as “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” and nodded their heads to songs with upbeat rhythms. It was the second performance at City College in Franklin’s musical career, and he came back to perform for the series again because he enjoyed the first time. “I really like the audience (at Saville Theatre). There’s usually a pretty good crowd. I usually stay in the Los Angeles Area,” Franklin said.
In an hour and a half performance of non-stop jazz music, the quartet did not disappoint the fans who drove in the rainy weather that caused many traffic jams throughout the day to see their performance. KSDS station manager Mark DeBoskey spoke highly of the jazz quartet’s second performance at San Diego City College. “He’s a pro’s pro. You always get a great show out of Henry,” DeBoskey said. “(Skipper’s) performance was terrific. It was pro-
gressive, non-progressive, youthful and soulful. He gave something for everybody. “ The quartet was formed by jazz musician Franklin who has been performing for 50 years, mostly in his native Los Angeles. The quartet has been together for a meager three years and included Franklin on bass, percussionist Ramon Banda, pianist Theo Saunders and saxophone player Azar Lawrence. Franklin has been influenced by one of the greats of jazz, John Coltrane, and began recording in 1972 with the release of his
debut album “Black Jazz”. On that album Franklin was in a troupe of seven members. Since then he has recorded over 20 albums. Franklin, who has toured overseas before, played his last show in the United States on Feb. 16 and will be touring Asia over the next four months. He will be playing in the former Communist country of China, a country that is just beginning to sample jazz music, and Japan.
Jazz 88.3 hosted The Henry Franklin Quartet at the Saville Theatre on Feb. 9. Decked in black, the quartet were anything but square as they played jazz in the spirit of John Coltrane.
CARLOS MAIA City Times
March 2, 2010
CityLife
City Times
5
City professor strives to raise student awareness By MARK RIVERA City Times There was a time when the words education and activism were synonymous. When a student rally or protest was as common an event as anything else you’d find on campus. Today, even as we find World War 3 looming and an economy on-the-rocks, our generation seems to lack that passion that fueled those many student protests, some forty odd years ago. That passion, however, has not been lost in the voice and actions of Larissa Dorman, Political Science professor and faculty advisor for BEAT (Bringing Education and Activism Together). Professor Dorman and her students started BEAT to raise awareness of issues that are important to the students on campus. They have started an emergency lunch program to help students who are homeless, hosted teach-ins and film showings, started a mentorship group to help keep students motivated for school, and are at the forefront of the budget-cut protests. They are even making a documentary on how the cuts have affected City College students. “It is important that we create communities and networks to participate in politics within their own lives to make change,” says Dorman. “The students at this campus are already born activists; most of them come from low-income families, most of them are minorities, most of them have dealt with quite a lot of things in their lives.”
ERNESTO LOPEZ City Times Larissa Dorman talks to a student at the “Education not Incarceration” event at Saville Theater Feb. 25. Dorman herself finds that growing up with a single mom who had 4 children to raise, helped her on the activist path that she has been on since an undergrad and graduate student at SDSU, where she also taught for 2 years. “I was definitely fortunate enough to find professors who were concerned about these issues and who mentored their students into creating groups that were important.”
City students also feel the same good fortune in finding an active mentor in Professor Dorman. Jose Rodriguez, a participating member of BEAT, says “I foremost appreciate how much I’m learning from just watching and paying attention to what she does and how she gets people active… she’s one of the few people that ‘talk the talk and walk the walk’.” It’s this kind of impression that Profes-
sor Dorman leaves on her students and colleagues alike. Jim Miller, professor of English, here at City College, recognizes Dorman as “one of the best young faculty members at City College.” And The San Diego News Network has even named Larissa Dorman as one of the 35 under 35 leading community leaders in San Diego. Her work as Poltical Action Officer of AFT, the American Federation of Teachers, also helps activist groups at City and Cuyamaca College to function and raise awareness on the many events that are active on both campuses. It is in these grassroots organizations that Dorman feels does make change possible. Speaking of her students Dorman explains that, “…it’s really important for them to feel a sense of empowerment because so much of the system is working on atomizing people, keeping them apart, so they can’t create coalitions. We need to create real connections, on the ground, and find ways in which we have things in common so that we can make real change that affects people.” There is no doubt that Professor Dorman is doing her part to help students feel connected to one another and to the surrounding community. Whether it is in the work she puts into BEAT, Political Action Officer for the AFT, or as a teacher on campus; the passion found within all of these groups does create a space for students to feel comfortable, find a voice, and rally with one another, in order to make real change occur.
Dr. Price honors Black History Month at Saville By NICOLE EDMERSON City Times On Feb. 11, Pasadena Community College Professor of 20 years, Dr. Paul-Jahi Christopher Price, presented The African American Experience Lecture in honor of Black History month to students packed wall to wall in the Saville Theater. Professor of Sociology and author of “Social Control At Opportunity Boys’ Home”, Price spoke on the history and various accomplishments of African American history dating back as far as the late 1800s. Stating quotes and facts such as Marcus Garvey’s importance of the Pan-African Flag “Show me the race or the nation without a flag, and I will show you a race of people without any pride. Aye! In song and mimicry they have said, ‘Every race has a flag but the coon.’ How true! Aye! But that was said of us four years ago. They can’t say it now.…” When asked what the main things that are holding people, as a whole, back are Price replied, “Not knowing, and not being informed affects the decisions that you make. What students must do is be serious about their work, do the research, study and ask questions. By acquiring such skills, doors will be opened, and this will carry over into all parts of your life.” Price also covered some of the key people who helped develop Black History Month including Carter G. Woodson (18751950) who is known as the “Father of Black History.” Woodson, through researching, publishing and increasing public awareness of black history founded Negro History Week in 1926. James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) is another person who participated in the successful development of African American History. Johnson held many titles such as author,
politician, diplomat, critic, journalist and poet to name a few. Johnson was best recognized for his writing of novels, poems and folklore with the most influencing and popular piece being the “Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing”. Johnson went on to become a professor at Fisk University. Price stated he is also Fisk University Alumni. In addition, also playing a major role in the development of African American History is Jamaican native Marcus Garvey (18871940), founder of the UNIA-ACL, Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League. Garvey formed a team with Booker T Washington (18561915), a political leader, and other black officials and created what is recognized as the Pan African Flag. Not only was this event about the struggle, success and history of African Americans, but the affect that it has on society today. Price emphasized the word “choices” and the importance of how they are to be made. American Indian Studies major Arturo ‘Art’ Tisnado said, “We don’t realize the common knowledge that we have with each other throughout history. We need to start with the younger generations, put the importance of why we should come together in their hearts, show them that together we would be stronger not weaker.” Art helped develop HUBU (Hermanos Unidos Brothers United), a program which teaches the importance of unity, bringing all together as brothers and sisters. Cosmetology professor Tessy Bonner, who is also the mother-in-law of Price, says, “It’s not what you teach, it’s how you teach it. Accept everyone for who they and what they are. Accept them as a whole and not just what is in your mind about them.”
“The rockets’ red glare...” A Reason to Celebrate Always on the lookout for a way to break up the monotonous work/school week, this March 3 we celebrate National Anthem Day! The day that “The Star Spangled Banner” was birthed. While often overshadowed by the everpopular Fourth of July on the patriotic Richter scale, National Anthem Day is still worth celebrating, particularly for those of you looking for a distraction between post Valentines/pre St. Paddy Day brew ha has. The Star Spangled Banner, written by Francis Scott Key on Sept 13, 1814, was originally a poem and not adopted as the Nation’s anthem by Congress until 1931. The story behind the catchy tune that’s graced ball-games, monster truck shows, and fancy firework exhibits from state to state, from sea to shining sea, is really, quite inspirational. When Francis Scott Key boarded a British Vessel in the Chesapeake Bay to secure the release of a fellow countryman and patriot, Dr. William Beanes, Washington D.C. had just been burnt to the ground and Fort McHenry, visible from the Bay,
Evonne Ermey
was under heavy fire. To Key’s dismay, he was detained on the British fleet overnight, unsure of weather or not the Fort would still be standing in the morning. When the first light of dawn shone of the ragged soot stained flag over Fort Meyer, Key was so overwhelmed and inspired he felt compelled to pen our national anthem.
Black History Month Crossword Puzzle Across 3. Name of Navy Steward who fought from the U.S.S. West Virginia during Pearl Harbor 7. The displacement of Africans to the “New World” 9. Peaceful protest Down 1. Freedom _ rode segregated buses in protest 2. Seperate but equal segregation law 4. Underground _ 5. U.S.A. first African American president By EVONNE ERMEY 6. _vs Board of Education City Times 8. “I have a dream...”
Recipe
Star Spangled Spaghetti salad Ingredients: 1 box of uncooked spaghetti, broken into pieces 1/4 lb. salami, sliced or cubed 1 small purple onion, diced 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 2oz can sliced black olives, drained approx. 10 cherry tomatoes, halved 1 16oz bottle Italian style dressing fresh Parmasean salt and pepper
By Evonne Ermey Directions: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 min. or until al dente; drain the pasta. In a large bowl combine spaghetti,salami, onion, bell pepper, olives, tomatoes, and salad dressing. Toss to coat. Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with grated parmesean. Chill until time to serve.
Slightly less inspiring, is dodgy March whether where sporadic rainstorms have a tendency to spoil odiferous beach side bon-fire BBQs normally associated with patriotic holidays. If stormy skies are looming on the horizon an in-door weenie roast, complete with pasta salad (see recipe) and washed down with an all American lager,
such as PBR, may be just the ticket. In any event, weather your stuck at your cubicle, work desk, or classroom, anywhere the “foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,” take a moment to appreciate our Star Spangled Banner and meditate on libation, I mean liberation.
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CityVoice
City Times
March 2, 2010
Urbanalities By Michele Suthers Racial slurs rock UCSD Recently students at UC San Diego decided to throw an off-campus party called the Compton Cookout, meant to mock Black History Month. The original invitation posted on Facebook noted that attendees should dress as “ghetto chicks” and expect a menu of “chicken, kool-aid, and of course, watermelon.” While some may take this invite lightly and laugh it off, some members of the African American community aren’t laughing. The use of racial slurs continued on SRTV, UCSD’s television channel. In response to the Compton Cookout event, the KoalaTV program aired a defense of the party of “an irreverent student group.” According to the Black Student Union at UCSD, the broadcast called critics of the party “ungrateful n****rs.” The situation further escalated when a scrap of cardboard in the TV station with the words “Compton lynching” was found. The event was initially linked to Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity members, but now the fraternity is coming forward and denying any association with the controversial party. They do, however, promise to carry out disciplinary actions to those members involved. Their statement suggests that they did have some association with the party, so where did the associated members get the idea that this was acceptable behavior? UCSD Chancellor Marye Anne Fox noted that the university would “confront and appropriately respond to such acts.” UCSD’s attempt to clean up the fiasco by hosting a faculty teach-in backfired when
African American students walked out of the event. The teach-in was held to inform students about the party and how events like this can be avoided in the future. The walk-out shows that a group of students, not just blacks, are unsatisfied with the way the campus is responding.
Editorial
City Times Editorial Board So what actions should UCSD take to rectify the harm done? In private, we may all think racial slurs among friends is allowed or comical even. Common sense, however, tells us that in a public forum, especially one representing an educational institution, the same leniencies should not apply. Finding a balance between being too politically correct and just a blatant disregard for an entire ethnic group is something journalists struggle with all the time. This is a perfect example of how the death of objectivity will spark outrage with someone in the community. UCSD might consider requiring all fraternity events be pre-approved by student affairs. It would be a shame to sanction all greek organizations, as many fraternities and sororities contribute greatly to community service. In cases like this party, unfortunately, one event tarnishes the reputation of all. Also, care should be taken on how events are advertised when representing a university. Some of the UCSD connection could have been avoided if the invitation hadn’t been directed to “the Regents community.”
Working on ‘shaping’ things up It had been one month into the New Year when I realized that I hadn’t really begun on my new year’s resolution. What might that be? Well like many Americans across the nation, it was to get in shape. I started thinking about my shape when I was filling out my dating profile on Match.com (I know it’s kind of sad, but the bars haven’t resulted in good dates lately). So when it asked about my appearance, my options were: “Slender, About Average, Athletic and Toned, Heavyset, A Few Extra Pounds, Stocky and No Answer.” Alright, so I didn’t want to select “No Answer” because that could be considered suspicious, so I had to consider the options. I’m not “Slender”, never have been, so that option was eliminated. I’m not “Heavyset” or “Stocky”, so those options were eliminated, along with “Athletic and Toned”.
Mister Bradbury’s wild ride Everybody Loves BJ
Kurt Vonnegut once said, “Electronic communities build nothing. You wind up with nothing. We’re dancing animals. How beautiful it is to get up and go do something.” And then he promptly stood up and danced a jig. The other day while making my final purchases at my local Barnes and Noble, I noticed that they have begun selling an eBook reader called “nook.” This seemed fairly counter-productive to me. Wouldn’t the accommodations that eBooks provide ultimately end the seemingly lucrative business of book selling? Wouldn’t the eBook make the printed word obsolete just as the MP3 has made CDs dated? Have you walked through a CD section at any store lately? Not only is it like walking the streets of Bodie (look
used book store and getting that unique smell of history that only a used book can have? The immense technological advancements in recent years have caused us Americans to become hermits who are scared of their own shadow. Look at “Chatroulette,” an online service that provides “one-on-one text-, webcam and microphone based chat with people around the world.” Leave your house and meet somebody new. iTunes was only the beginning. No longer do music fans eagerly anticipate the release date of an album, or know that one store that sells the album in advance. No longer are we cruising used music stores to find something new to us on the cheap, we are surfing iTunes for endless hours,
Bj Grieve
it up), it’s downright depressing. It is obnoxiously obvious that the retailers have simply given up. Where CDs once thrived, they are now relegated to the back of the picture, like minorities in college brochures. And the bookstore is going to go the same way. While eBooks are more convenient, are they really something you want to curl up with in front of the fire? Will an electronic version of your favorite author’s new novel replace the feeling of anticipation one gets from waiting for its release and then going to the store to get it? Or finding an old work in a
See TECHNOLOGICAL, page 7
Live And Learn Luis Bahena
Considering that my Nintendo game Wii Fit says that I am overweight (my BMI was at 25.55 last time I checked), I could’ve selected the “A few Extra Pounds” option. However, I consider myself to be in pretty good shape for my age so in the end I went with “About Average”. Thinking about it though, “Athletic and Toned” would mean that a person is in pretty good shape to be considered “Athletic,”
right. Let’s say that I was to get in good shape, how would that make me “Athletic” if I don’t even play sports? I was never really big on sports to begin with. I liked volleyball when I was in elementary school, but I never really pursued it. One time I was picked as goalie for a soccer game at school, but was taken out because I blocked the ball… With my face! Football confuses me, baseball seems to go around in circles and basketball can be entertaining at times, but I am too damn short to play the sport. So, say I was to get in shape, all six pack abs and everything, why would that make me an “Athletic” shape? Perhaps that’s why Match. com decided to add the “Toned” part to that option. America does not make it easy to get in shape. In almost every corner there are temptations in
See SHAPE, page 7
The governator sticks it to the GOP Perspective Evonne Ermey
“I find it interesting that you have a lot of the Republicans running around and pushing back on the stimulus money and saying this doesn’t create any new jobs,” Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said in an ABC interview on Feb 21. “And then they go out and they do the photo ops and they are posing with the big check and they say, ‘Isn’t this great? Look what kind of money I provide here for the state.’ ... It doesn’t match up.” Ouch. Harsh words for Republicans who are no doubt scratch-
ing their heads and asking, “Who the hell invited this guy to the party?” While the Governator is not exactly the most popular elected official California has ever seen, his willingness to stick it to his own party, pointing out the hypocrisy of fat cat career politicians, is refreshing. Maybe there is a moderate bone or two in that giant weight lifting body of his. Of course, being termed out, Arnold doesn’t really have much to lose by speaking plainly at this point. His governance has been plagued by a huge deficit, budget cuts, that have put him out of
See GOVERNATOR, page 7
Vox Populi Question by Dan Berger Photos by Gabriel Roberts
What did you give up for Lent?
CityTimes Volume 64, Number 9 March 2, 2010 www.sdcitytimes.com
Steve Thorn, 55 Military Education Program Adviser “Trying to change (my) diet by cutting back on sweets or eating more vegetables.”
Published as: The Jay Sees / 1945-1949 Fortknightly / 1949-1978 City Times / 1978Incorporating the newspapers Tecolote, Knight Owl and Flicks
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Juan Carlos Cruz, 38 Civil Engineering “I don’t believe in it. If you’re going to do something, do it all the way. Live like that all the time.”
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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.
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Corrections
In the Feb. 8 edition of City Times, the “Club Rush Revamped” story on page one was credited to Ricky Soltero. The story should have been credited to Margarita Martinez. City Times regrets the error. It is the policy of City Times to clarify content or correct errors. Send them to the paper at citytimes@gmail.com or call (619) 388-3880.
Tub
City Times
VOICE | ARTS
Continued from page 4
in Canada, which made filming in the frigid weather the most challenging thing for Duke. Robinson replied with a different answer, “Being hungover.” The film will be released to theaters nationwide on March 26. But why should you go see it? “It is funny; even if you don’t find it
Shape Continued from page 6 fast food. McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy’s Jack-in-the-Box, Carl’s Jr., and the list go on and on. You can’t travel 5 miles without coming across a fast food joint. It’s easy to feed our kids these fattening meals, especially when parents are on the go. I would know, my mother pretty much raised me on Happy Meals. She was a working single mother and was always on the go. Being raised on happy meals resulted in me being overweight for most of my teen years and, although I wasn’t miserable, I wasn’t necessarily happy either. Flash forward some 8 years later and I can say that I am much happier with my weight now than I was back then (60 pounds lighter too). The truth is, trying to get in shape isn’t only about looking good, it’s also about feeling good. It’s hard. It takes hard work and discipline, with both food and exercise but,
funny it is worth it to see (the one you came with’s) joy,” stated Robinson. Then he screamed, “I love it, do you all love it?” The two were also in town as the Grand Marshals to the Mardi Gras Parade in the Gaslamp District, which was held on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 16. Look ahead for these actors, as they have plenty of roles lined up. Upcoming movies for Duke include: “Kick Ass” and “A Thousand Words.” Robinson is still shooting episodes of “The Office” and will be in theaters again soon with his films “Shrek Forever After,” “The Other Guys” and “Father of Invention.” in the long run, it is so much better for you. Healthy eating and exercise reduce the risks of a lot of problems such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Getting in shape has really been a challenge, and I’m still not even halfway to my goal. Already I can see the changes in my body. My lungs are stronger, my legs feel more powerful, I’m not as tired and my mood tends to be on the happier side. I consider myself a healthy person, but I want to be able to fall under the “fit” category one of these days. And in reality, I do the healthy eating and all the exercise for myself, not for a Web site that offers a possibility of dating. Perhaps having a new year’s resolution may be a little silly and cliche, but sometimes challenging yourself is what you need to get things going. I am the only one who can keep me down, and I have no intention of being left behind. Luis Bahena is the City Times opinions editor
More pictures, more information Get more of City Times online at
www.sdcitytimes.com
Technological Continued from page 6 stewing in our own funk. And while this may not seem like a big deal, think about the little nuances that are being lost with the advent of electronic versions of everything. There is no more waiting in lines discussing the new album with other fans. There is no more debating the finer points of a lyrics’ meaning. There is no more eagerly anticipating the release of a new movie and then going to the midnight showing on a Thursday. These little things may seem inconsequential, but entertainment is a huge part of life, and without the human interaction aspect, what’s the point? And what does this mean for our children? Our childhoods were chock-full of scraped knees and forts and dirty finger-
Governator Continued from page 6 favor with a large part of California’s liberal population, alongside progressive environmental policy and recent support of alternative lifestyles and gay marriage, putting him at odds with the Grand Old Party. The fine line of moderation, how do we please everyone? The timing of the ABC interview does leave room for suspicion, as Arnold met with President Barack Obama the very next day to beg more funds for the floundering giant that is “The Golden State”. Making nice to Obama by praising his package certainly can’t hurt when asking for a raise in the state’s allowance. The extra cash would do wonders for the programs currently effected by Schwarzenegger’s budget cuts.
Basketball Continued from page 8 manding 21-point lead and leave Mesa trailing 56-35. The second half did not see City letting up as they carried on scoring at will. But, scoring was not the only part of the game in which City excelled. The defense allowed only one of the Mesa players to reach double digits in scoring. Mesa’s Cliff Adams would lead his team with an effort of 11 points while Joshua White and Butrose Gowolo of Mesa both fell short of the double-digit mark with each adding 9 points. During the game, one of the referees approached Mitch Charlens and commentated on the game and the level of professionalism displayed by both teams. City has played Mesa College for a
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nails. What will our kids do? Most likely they will never see the light of day, rotting away in their bedrooms whiling away hours to endless Youtube videos of cats playing keyboards and “Snuggie” parodies. They will become pathetic little losers who sign up for “eHarmony,” but if they happen to get a date, will they leave the comfort of their own bubble? And what of sex? Will we one day no longer need a real live person for that either? Are we eventually going to be regulated to touch free cyber sex in the style of “Demoliton Man?” Something begat man and man begat technology and technology made man forget other men. And it was not good. Find a used bookstore. Buy a book by an author you’re unfamiliar with. I recommend the previously mentioned Vonnegut. And then talk to somebody about what you read. Preferably in person. BJ Grieve is the City Times news editor No matter the motive for the incendiary statement, or even the unpopularity of the Governator and his policies, the undeniable truth and unapologetic tone of his words are commendable. There are too many hypocrites in Washington, on both sides of the barbed wire fence. Too often we see someone sneak up to that rusty, tetanus carrying barrier in order to smack somebody on the other side, but not Arnold, he turned right around and smacked the grey haired conservative standing next to him. He even smashed his teacup! Only time will tell if Schwarzenegger’s quest for additional federal funds will pay off. He did stick it to the GOP while praising the Dems, which I suppose could be considered bi-partisan? Whatever the case, it could earn him an extra billion clams from Obama. We’ll see. Evonne Ermey is the City Times features editor number of years now, and both teams have a mutual respect for each other, along with the desire to win. Freshman Guard Danny Teisher, out of Castro Valley High School, would shoot 20 on the night, giving him his highest score for the season. Sophomore Dunnell Webb Jr. from Thomasville high school in GA. would also add 20 points in a fine display of scoring. “It was a fun game, we finally played the way we should have been playing the whole year, we knocked up open looks, we enjoyed each other for one of our last games. It was a good experience,” said Webb of the game. Reflecting on the season, Webb continued, “It helped me lead in good and bad situations, it was my last season here. I am from Florida and all my family is back home. I am going to miss it. If I could I would take the coaching staff with me. I love the coaching staff.”
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CitySports
City Times
March 2, 2010
Volleyball falls to Long Beach By JOHN-MAGUS CAMBRIDGE City Times
City’s Men’s Volleyball team lost a close match to the defending state champion Long Beach City College Vikings, 3-2 (3028, 25-30, 27-30, 30-26, 11-15). The match was close through all games with both teams going on scoring runs but, in the end, Long Beach managed to pull out the win. The match started with the Knights and Vikings splitting the first two games. In the third game the Knights began to pull away early with a barrage of spikes from Freshmen Steve Rindfleisch and Skylar “The Red Baron” del Sol, building a four point lead. The Vikings staged a rally of their own to tie the score at 25. Long Beach would eventually win the game 30-27. During the fourth game the Knights built a 13-7 lead and held on to win the game 30-26. Early in the fifth and final game, the teams were trading the lead; however, Long Beach pulled out the win, 15-11.
“These guys are the state champs,” said Coach Jed Stotsenberg. “We want to play them again (in the playoffs) and beat them for the state championship.” Rindfleisch recorded 29 kills while del Sol had 24 kills and 12 digs. The Knights started the season strong with three straight wins; with the loss to Long Beach, their record now stands at 3-3. Coach Stotsenberg still has high hopes for their season. “Our team has something to build on,” says Stotsenberg. “(The players) are still strengthening under the system. Our play is getting crisper. We all know what we have to work on.” At this point in the season, the Knights have only played teams outside of their conference. Coach Stotsenberg sees conference play as a good opportunity for his team to build momentum. “Conference play looks good. (There are) solid teams, but its very do-able,” says Stotsenberg. The Knights’ next home game will be Wednesday, March 10, against Grossmont College.
SportsLineup Compiled by Andrea Malloyd Submit events to e-mail citytimes@gmail.com or call (619) 388-3880
n March3 Softball at SD Mesa 3 p.m. n March 4 Baseball at Southwestern 2 p.m. Mens tennis at Imperial Valley 2 p.m. n March 6 Baseball vs. SD Mesa 12 p.m.
n March 10 Softball at Grossmont 3 p.m. Badminton at Irvine Valley 3:30 p.m. Mens Volleyball vs. Grossmont 6 p.m. n March 11 Baseball at Imperial Valley 2 p.m. Mens Tennis at Palomar 2 p.m. W. Tennis vs. Imperial Valley 2 p.m.
n March 12 Badminton vs. Fullerton 2 p.m. Softball at Palomar 3 p.m. Mens Volleyball at Irvine Valley 6 p.m. n March 15 Mens Tennis vs. Kansas Wesleyan 2 p.m.
CARLOS MAIA City Times
Men’s volleyball hits the court hard Sophomore outside hitter Eric Martinez attempts to block a spike by freshman outside hitter Skylar del Sol during practice at Harry West Gym on Feb. 25. The team prepares for their next away game against Palomar College.
Softball Coach Taylor catches 100th victory By ANDREA MALLOYD City Times
San Diego City College softball Head Coach LeeAnn Taylor achieved her 100th career win when the Knights shut out L.A. Pierce College 15-0 in a road victory on Feb. 19. “It was amazing! I didn’t feel like we played well and I was very frustrated with the team. I forgot it was even going to be my 100th win,” Taylor said. “All I cared about was getting my team on track and they did that and we wound up blowing the team out.” All bets were off when the Knights sparred against LAPC. The team started aggressively and never missed a beat, posting six runs to the scoreboard during the first inning, three in the second and another six in the third to take the lead. Starting pitcher Hannah Shafer left the game after one inning but relief pitcher Courtney Gahan assured the win by allowing no hits, striking out five of 14 batters. “I felt really confident, especially following after Hannah. I just felt like I had a lot of support from my teammates,” Gahan said. “Coach Taylor is like a second mom to me so bringing this (win) to her was like a personal accomplishment.” Four other stars shone brightly during the game; shortstop Jaclyn Hamme, center Brooke Gustely, 3rd basemen Kristina Wetsel and out-fielder Shaakirah Ransom. Hamme stole the show with two doubles, two RBIs, three runs and a stolen base.
Gustely followed with two RBIs. Wetsel had four RBIs with a stolen base and Ransom scored three times during the game. After starting the 2010 season 2-4, the Knights have managed to win five of their last six games, improving to 7-5. Traveling has not been a factor for these road warriors while defeating all of their opponents as the visiting team. “I think these five wins have given us the confidence and it will help us show conference what we’re bringing to the table,” Hamme said. “We definitely have a lot to offer.” Hamme has proven herself as a star athlete receiving the honor of Pacific Coast Conference Women’s Athlete of the Week. The Knights first loss was at home to Santiago Canyon College 4-12. After falling to SCC, the Knights were defeated by Antelope Valley (6-1), East Los Angeles (6-2) and Ventura (13-5) at the Glendale Tournament in late January. Since then, the Knights have been defeated by only Citrus College (3-1). Taylor is in her sixth season coaching at SDCC. She started her career in 2005 and won the title of PCC Coach of the Year in 2006. The Knights were not considered playoff material in the pre-Taylor years. In 2007 Taylor turned the Knights into playoff contenders with a season record of 32-12-1. That year the team also claimed a share of the PCC Championship title with an 11-4 conference record. Under Taylor’s wing the Knights made it to another postseason in 2008 with a record of 27-18-2.
Men’s basketball jousts the Mesa Olympians By DONOVAN TERBLANCHE City Times
In the penultimate game of the 2010 men's basketball season, San Diego City College obliterated their cross-town rivals Mesa College 103-66 while playing their best game of the season.
The contest would open with Steven Aldridge shooting four of four from behind the three point line, eventually finishing the night with 17 points. His barrage tipped the game to one side as the Knights ran with the lead. By halftime City would hold a com-
See BASKETBALL, page 7