Online weekly at www.sdcitytimes.com
CITY TIMES FOLLOW US
LANGUAGE DAY
@SDCityTimes
CAMPUS CELEBRATES DIVERSITY PAGE 4 Covering the San Diego City College community since 1945
News................................. 3 Arts.................................. 5 Life................................... 9 Voice............................... 11 Sports............................. 16
Volume 65, Number 7
December 14, 2010
Chancellor gets Obama nomination By Ernesto Lopez City Times The White House announced on Dec. 7 that San Diego Community College District Chancellor Constance Carroll has received a nomination from President Barack Obama to serve on the National Council on the Humanities. Carroll is one of three nominees from across the country to the 26-member council, which serves as an advisory panel to the National
Endowment for the Humanities. She said she still must go through the Senate confirmation process but is proud to have been picked as a nominee by Obama. “He has a great love for the country, he is a great leader and I am proud to have been picked for this role,” Carroll said. “I am hoping the confirmation goes well.” “This is a great Christmas present,” she added. Obama issued a prepared statement about the three nominations.
“I am proud to have such distinguished and accomplished individuals join this administration and serve on the National Council Constance on the HumaniCarroll ties,” the president said. “I look forward to working with them in the years and months to come.” City College President Terrence
Burgess congratulated Carroll on her nomination. “We are amazingly proud of her, and we congratulate her,” Burgess said. “She is a nationally recognized humanities scholar, but to be named to the National Council on Humanities is one of the highest honors. She will do a fabulous job.” Carroll said she is not allowed to comment on her role as a council member but added that she will continue serving as district
chancellor. “This is a service to the nation, not a job,” she added. The humanities include the study of history, literature, languages, philosophy, religion and related disciplines. “It’s a potential role that is close to what students learn in fields that particularly lead to understanding the human condition and how to improve it,” Carroll said. “Being involved in the humanities is very important.”
Performance to raise funds for Gonzalez’s child By Katrina Cameron City Times
City College professor Larissa Dorman updates protesters after a meeting between Diana Gonzalez’s family and the district attorney’s office on Dec. 9. More than 100 people marched from campus to the Hall of Justice to protest the handing of the Gonzalez case. Carlos Maia, City Times
March for justice Supporters of the Gonzalez family walk from campus to DA’s office to voice concerns about case By Shane Finneran City Times More than 100 people marched silently from City College to the district attorney’s downtown office on Dec. 9 to protest the handling of the Diana Gonzalez case. Students and faculty members joined friends and family of Gonzalez for the march. Most of the group stayed to chant and cheer in support when Gonzalez’s immediate family entered the building and met with a representative of the district attorney.
A flyer said the march aimed to “remind the DA that we want justice for Diana and assistance for her family.” On Oct. 12, Gonzalez was murdered at City College. Police suspect she was killed by her estranged husband, Armando Perez, who is believed to have fled to Mexico. Three weeks before the killing, according to a police report she filed, Gonzalez was assaulted, abducted and raped by Perez, who was taken into custody but was released when the district attorney’s office declined to file charges. Paul Levikow, communications director for the district attorney, said charges can only be filed when the office believes it can prove them -- a threshold that was not reached for Gonzalez’s charges against Perez. “Our analysis was there would have been an acquittal,” Levikow said. “I know that's frustrating to the family.”
Beatriz Luna, Gonzalez’s cousin, said the only assistance the family is currently seeking is to help Gonzalez's parents get grief counseling. “As far as justice,” Luna said, “we want to see (Perez) behind bars.” Soon after the march reached the district attorney's office, Diana Gonzalez's parents, her sister, and her infant daughter, Crystal, met with Patrick McGrath, a deputy chief of the family protection division. They were joined by Larissa Dorman, a political science professor who has advocated for the Gonzalez family. “Today was a success,” Dorman said after the meeting, though she noted some shortfalls. She said McGrath acknowledged the family's request for more consistent communication, for example, but he did not provide more details about the office's earlier decisions in the case. See March, page 2
Auditions for City College’s presentation of “The Vagina Monologues: The V-Day Edition” occurred Dec. 8 and 9. The production, which raises awareness of violence against women, will be held Feb. 18 and 19 in the Saville Theatre. Ninety percent of the proceeds of the performances will be donated to Diana Gonzalez’s daughter Crystal’s scholarship fund. According to the production’s website, Gonzalez — who was killed at City College on Oct. 12 — was a V-Day activist and “The Vagina Monologues” cast member. V-Day is a worldwide activist movement to end violence against women. The events
increase awareness and raise money for the cause. V-Day campaigns occur on college campuses and are organized by local volunteers and college students. “When we lost Diana Gonzalez as a victim of domestic violence, I contacted the national organization and said we wanted to give the money to her daughter’s scholarship fund,” V-Day director and City College theater professor Katherine Rodda said. Eve Ensler, author of the “Vagina Monologues,” has made the rights of the play available for production during “V-season,” February through April. “They don’t have to pay to produce, which is unusual,” said Rodda. “The stipulation See Performance, page 2
A student signs up on Dec. 8 to audition for the “Vagina Monologues.” Proceeds are going to Diana Gonzalez’s daughter, Cr ystal. Troy Bryant Orem, Contributor
www.sdcitytimes.com | December 14, 2010
2
TAKE NOTE March Continued from Page 1 Marchers had carried signs with messages such as “We Are Diana” and “Speak Out Against Domestic Violence.” Many people wore somber, dark clothing, and some added touches of purple, a color associated with efforts to end domestic abuse. “It’s very important for there to be some transparency around what happened with Diana,” English professor Patricia McGhee said. “If there’s a flaw in our system, we need to know that.” Jeremy Olin, a student, wondered if enough resources were dedicated to apprehending domestic abusers. “This is only one case in a million, but pursuit of a suspect is supposed to be the law,” Olin said. Dorman said that with Perez at large, Gonzalez's family moved from their home and still fears for their safety. She said the district attorney’s office had recently shifted the case from one attorney to another and the fam-
Performance Continued from Page 1 is that all the money that you make has to go to a charitable organization that prevents and fights against violence towards women.” While 90 percent of the proceeds will go to the Gonzalez fund, the remaining 10 percent will be donated to V-Day’s Spotlight Campaign, which in 2011 will focus on the women and
ily’s calls were not being returned, adding to their distress. District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, in a statement forwarded by Levikow, extended condolences to Gonzalez’s family and friends. “All of us in law enforcement are committed to bringing Diana’s murderer to justice,” Dumanis added, “and the DA’s office continues to stay in close contact with her family as that process moves forward.” According to Levikow, the office works with families that need help with expenses such as burial costs. “We have a victim assistance program and we have advocates that help out the family in cases like this,” he said. Luna said the district attorney’s office had provided help with the family's moving expenses, but obtaining the compensation felt “almost like we were asking them to do us a favor.” According to Luna, the office said Diana Gonzalez's survivors — including her daughter — were considered “indirect victims,” which limited the assistance available to them. girls of Haiti. The funds raised through the Spotlight Campaign will be used to support a campaign in Haiti that will address sexual violence through art, advocacy, safe shelter and legal services. “I really appreciate the cause,” said Marilyn Harvey, City College director of development and alumni relations and “Vagina Monologues” auditions attendee. More than 40 City College students and staff
Test Monkey By Emily Mather Moretz
Crack City By Michele Suthers
members participated in the auditions, in which participants were required to perform one of three pieces. “I haven’t done a play in a while,” said Aisha Salinas, cosmetology and business major. “I miss being on stage. All my friends told me I had to be in V-Day.” In March, City College’s last V-Day production raised almost $4,500 with only one performance. Rodda predicts the upcoming production will raise at least twice as much money.
CALENDAR Compiled by Michele Suthers Get your event in the paper. E-mail us at citytimes@gmail.com or call 619- 388-3880 n Dec. 17, Friday Last day of classes n Dec. 24, Friday Christmas Eve. Finish your last minute shopping! See page 9 for shopping tips! n Dec. 25, Saturday Christmas Day Open presents, be cordial and candid to older relatives, help
the poor, watch old movies, and just all-out, completely overindulge! Fa la la and a Merry Christmas to all! (Happy Festivous to nonChristians) n Jan. 1, Saturday New year’s Day Happy New Year! Sleep in, nurse that hangover, (Google hangover remedies), watch
send the perfect gift
football, send for the maid, wash the car, make realistic resolutions because OMG, it’s 2011! (again), Happy New Year! n Jan. 17, Monday Faculty return to campus n Jan. 24, Monday Spring semester begins, back to the grind, vacation is over. Welcome back, by the way.
Give The Gift That Will Thrill Everyone!
Unique and personalized gifts for everyone on your list.
Save 104 01
$
Plus
2 FREE Gifts with purchase
6-Piece Cutlery Set Order today!
save
20
%OFF
your order*
great gifts starting at
1995
$
+s/h
The Grilling Collection 4 (5 oz.) Top Sirloins 4 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops 2 (4 1/ 2 oz.) Stuffed Sole
And FREE Cutting Board to every shipping address
8 (3 oz.) Gourmet Franks 4 (4 oz. approx.) Chicken Breasts 4 (5 3/ 4 oz.) Stuffed Baked Potatoes $ 99
Limit of 2 Packages and 1 Cutlery Set & Cutting Board per address. Standard shipping & handling will be applied per address. Offer expires 12/31/10.
with Scallops & Crabmeat
Reg. $154.00, Now Only......
49
Call 1-888-780-8285 and ask for 45102ALN
To redeem this special offer go to
www.redenvelope.com/cherish or call 888.796.1937 *Discount does not apply to gift cards or certificates, same-day delivery, shipping and handling, taxes, third-party hosted products (e.g. wine) or Bose® products. Offer expires 12/31/2010.
www.OmahaSteaks.com/holiday97 ©2010 OCG | OmahaSteaks.com, Inc. 12522
December 14, 2010 | www.sdcitytimes.com
3
News
From sidewalks to shelters? By Shane Finneran City Times “I couldn’t feel my fingers and my toes this morning, it was so cold,” said Petra, a woman who sat with a man named David on the sidewalk beneath the C Street overpass just east of 17th Street on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Petra and David had slept there on the sidewalk -an activity which could now earn them a ticket or even get them arrested. A 2007 court order had exempted homeless people from being ticketed for sleeping on sidewalks between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. On Nov. 22, however, a federal judge amended the order to allow police to ticket or arrest people for illegal lodging — the formal
name of the misdemeanor that includes sidewalk sleeping — when a shelter bed is available and offered to them. Homeless advocates and city officials worked with the judge to make the change. Tim Cohelan, an attorney whose 2004 lawsuit resulted in the 2007 court order that allowed sleeping, said the new link between enforcement and shelter bed availability “provides helpful incentives for more shelters.” “The modification of the existing ticket ban only applies to a defined downtown area and requires documented proof of an available bed before an illegal lodging ticket may be issued,” Cohelan said in an e-mail. He called the change “a very
positive partial settlementof the case.” Petra and David, upon learning that sidewalk sleeping could now lead to a ticket or an arrest, seemed resigned to expect difficulties in interacting with police. “They already chase us away and tell us it’s against the law to be homeless,” Petra said. See Shelters, page 14
Wheeled carts filled with blankets, bed rolls and other personal belongings line a sidewalk beneath the I-5 overpass on C Street on Nov. 27. Shane Finneran, City Times
Campus safety issues addressed College awarded grant to aid Hispanic students
By Shane Finneran City Times
The San Diego Community College District’s facilities office will conduct a “formal assessment of need” related to campus safety, said Vice President of Instruction Mary Benard at City College’s Academic Senate meeting on Nov. 8. Benard said the appraisal will examine safety elements such as the adequacy of lighting, the availability of panic buttons, and the logistics of a buddy system
for people who don’t want to walk around campus alone. After the meeting, in an e-mail interview, Benard said the assessment will take place “throughout the balance of this academic year.” According to Benard, campus police were considering having officers on bicycles during select hours to increase their mobility and profile. She also said administrators are gauging the need for a campus closure policy. “Without an official closure policy, the police officers cannot
close the campus during evening hours and over holidays,” Benard said. Closing the campus could give police more authority to clear members of the public from sensitive areas when necessary. Benard further suggested students voice safety-related comments and concerns to Denise Whisenhunt, dean of student affairs, while faculty and staff can communicate with Benard or Jerry Davis, vice president of administrative services.
BIG COMMUNITY CLEAN UP IN THE RAIN
Students from a campus biology class pick up leaves at the Barrio Logan park on Nov. 20 during the “Big Clean Up” event. The day turned out rainy but more than 30 students and community members showed up to help. Anulak Singphiphat, City Times
By Ricky Soltero City Times The U.S. Department of Education recently awarded San Diego City College a $3.1 million Title V grant to bolster services benefiting Hispanic students. “This grant is a coup for many students at City College since it will provide both educational opportunities and support for students to succeed,” San Diego Community College District Chancellor Constance Carroll said in an e-mail interview. “Not everyone in America enjoys a privileged life, so it is important for community college districts like ours to reach out to those who have disadvantages,” Carroll added. “That way, everybody wins.” The Title V grant will give City College the opportunity to expand existing programs and develop new ones. Goals have been set to take advantage of the five-year Title V grant. Plans include increasing assistance and academic support for students to help students clarify their educational and career goals. Among the strategies to be enhanced and developed is the First Year Experience program, which is designed to provide advice and guidance through the first year of college so students acquire the skills necessary to succeed. “The notion of the grant is to improve the college overall,” said Peter White, vice president of student ser-
vices. “This grant will allow us to do a lot of things efficiently for students.” City College President Terrence Burgess also reacted warmly to the award. “I am delighted that we have prevailed in this incredibly competitive process and that we will be able to assist our students to achieve their educational goals with enhanced support services over the next five years,” Burgess said.
“This grant will allow us to do a lot of things efficiently for students.” -Peter White, VP of student services Title V grants are awarded to Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) to provide assistance to Hispanic students as well as first-generation and low-income students. For a college or university to qualify as an HSI, at least 25 percent of full-time undergraduates must be Hispanic. At City College, 37 percent of students are of Hispanic descent. Award were also granted to 99 other colleges and universities across the country. In the last 10 years, City College has received the grant once before. Formal plans for the use of the fiveyear grant are not yet set in stone but should see the light of day in summer or fall 2011.
Universal
4
News
www.sdcitytimes.com | December 14, 2010
language & dance
Dances, clothing, games, art and food representing City College’s different cultures filled Gorton Quad on Dec. 8 as part of the fall Languages Department December Celebration. Department chair Rosalinda Sandoval said the event is put together for the college community to become aware of the different language classes available, like Arabic, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian and sign language classes among others . “Were also celebration the end of the semester,” Sandoval said. Among other classes and cultural clubs with booths, the Spanish 215 class was giving away free hugs. “Free hugs are good for the health,” said Spanish language professor Elia Muñoz. “We want to make everybody at City College healthy.” Muñoz said they decided to have the booth after they read a study in class about the benefits of hugging and laughing. — Ernesto Lopez
Top: Associated Students member Sal Filipelli played some traditional American tunes during the fall Languages Department December Celebration. Center Right: Spanish 215 class member gives a free hug, they said hugging and laughing are good for the health. Center left: Grupo Flamenco performer presents traditional dancing from Spain. Bottom: Spanish 102 student Melody Ebner sings one of her own songs, “It’s so easy.” Photos by Ernesto Lopez and Anulak Singphiphat, City Times
December 14, 2010 | www.sdcitytimes.com
Hot flicks for your movie fix With time off from work, family and friends in town, and cooler weather, the holidays always offer a great chance to enjoy a movie or two, from romantic comedies to action movies to typical family films. Here are some of this season’s new releases. Black Swan (Dec. 10) This thriller stars Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis as rival ballerinas vying for the lead role in Swan Lake. The trailer shows Portman's character seemingly going insane due to the immense pressure of being a ballerina -- or is it because Kunis' character is stalking her? You will have to watch the film to find out. The Tourist (Dec. 10) If the pairing of Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp isn't enough to make you see this film, the trailer will certainly make you curious. Jolie and Depp play Elise and Frank, who meet on a train to Venice. The seemingly accidental meeting turns a nice vacation into a horror trip for Depp, who gets hunted and almost killed without having a clue as to why. Jolie and Depp have great chemistry, which is just one of many reasons this movie could be a great adventure.
AS SCENE ON SCREEN Christine Klee
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Dec. 10) The third installment in the Chronicles of Narnia series, this film is perfect for tweens and teens who need a distraction until Christmas day is finally here. This time around, only two of the siblings, Lucy and Edmund, return to Narnia. They bring their cousin along for the adventure and are reunited with Prince Caspian. Once again, the fate of Narnia lies in their hands. TRON: Legacy (Dec. 17) Already heavily marketed, this sci-fi action film is the sequel to TRON, a 1982 Disney film. The new movie features legendary actor Jeff Bridges, relative newcomer Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde from “House, MD.” Bridges plays father Kevin Flynn, who was pulled into his computer program 20 years ago. Searching for him, his son Sam gets pulled in, as See Screen, page 14
5
ARTS Students exhibit art Art professor Terri HughesOelrich’s students exhibited some of the fruits of their learning experiences on Nov. 18 in a heart-warming and thought-provoking show of vision and talent. Human heads sculpted from clay by Jessica Tello, Michelle Lai, Henry Gross and other students hinted at the inner thoughts and personalities of the artists. Facial expressions on the sculptures ranged from a tortured look on a head with an arrow through it to a happy-go-lucky smile on the head of a Rastafarian from Jamaica. Michelle Gregoire and Phillip Stolt created “What Happened to Miss Texas?” to tell the story of modern young women con-
REVIEW
Delia Castro
sumed with their desire to live it up. The sculpture consisted of Barbie dolls wearing provocative, body-hugging dresses who were caged in an old wire nest hanging from the ceiling. One doll wearing a bikini made out of Dos Equis bottle caps depicts a party-hardy woman perhaps on Spring Break on a Mexican beach. “This is a commentary on how young girls in society are willing to completely display themselves in the name of having fun,” Gregoire said. “They don’t realize that there are consequences.” Chris Fahlberg displayed a collection of figures he created from remnants of barbecue chips, bamboo sticks and other found wood. His sculptures included an abstract figure named “The Man,” a pair of tennis shoes modeled after his own, and a hand representing half of a prayer pose. Fahlberg's rendition of an unfinished face was particularly eyecatching. “It is unfinished because it is sort of a domestic violence kind of thing,” Fahlberg explained. “The young lady that was murdered here on campus (Diana Gonzalez) inspired me to leave it unfinished. That’s my tribute to her and all the women who are battered.”
City College Art students exhibited work done in professors’ art classes on Nov. 18. Left: “Vase with flower” completed by Joseph Burke. Top: Chained Manikin completed by Deborah Ivanovich. Bottom: Siamese Twins in a Trolley by Joaquin Junco, Bernard Cayetano and Ana Montiel. Photos by Jeanette Orallo, Correspondent
‘An evening of dance’ By Donna Maranto Correspondent Saville Theater hosted the student and faculty dance show, this semester's offering from the modern-jazz style of dance, on Dec. 3 and 4. Alicia Rincon, head of the Dance department, directed the show. “What is great about dance is it can be about music, art, or be based on technology asking questions,” Rincon said. “It speaks from the artist's voice. It can be an intensely personal expression. It depends on the creators of the dance and what they want to say.” The program was designed by both faculty and students, who also performed in the Dancers perform during “An evening of dance” on Dec. 3 at the Saville Theatre. Donna Maranto, Correspondent
show. There were 10 separate dance numbers, including “Fighting for Strength,” which featured a solo performance from student Ronald Davis. “Toys at Play” was choreographed by Seiha Vor, a student who also danced in the number. “Dedicated dancers put in hard work, dancing after hours and dancing with people who share the same passion,” Vor said, describing the preparation for the performance. Costume designer Carol Whaley has designed hundreds of costumes that have been featured in City College productions. Whaley also creates the make-up designs for each production. The lighting designer for the performance, Robert Norberg, provides direction for all music and dance productions at the Saville. Faculty members Terri Shipman, Debi Toth-Ward and Grace Shinhae Jun also contributed to the production of the show.
6
Arts
www.sdcitytimes.com | December 14, 2010
Burlesque or Bore-lesque? The highly anticipated music and dancing extravaganza that is the movie “Burlesque” falls short of its potential and leaves Christina Aguilera fans underwhelmed. Cher fans, however, can be proud of yet another stellar performance by the diva, who outshines her junior co-star without even trying. What doesn’t work in this movie is its dull and uninteresting story. From the get-go, with Christina’s character quitting her job in a small Iowa diner and getting out from under the thumb of a bad boss to pursue a life in Los Angeles — honestly, it is unbelievable. Aguilera can act, but the writing left her hanging and also made her character unlikeable. So if the movie starts off with the audience not really liking the star, it can only go downhill. But then there’s Cher, who plays the owner of a burlesque show in financial trouble. Though the plot is predictable, she delivers a believable character — even though that
REVIEW
Albert Columbo character is Cher. The love interest between Aguilera and the bartender at the club is titillating and predictable, as well; it’s obvious they’ll end up together. His nude scene, Cher’s different wigs and the dancers’ costumes are the best parts of “Burlesque.” The movie has few surprises, but Cher fans will be compelled to watch to see what she does next. Other strengths are the pretty, dancing girls dolled-up in Oscarworthy costumes, and the new, original songs, which are also potential award-winners. Some elements of “Burlesque” mirror the Academy Award winning “Cabaret,” but not enough, while moments that will remind viewers of screen gems “Showgirls” and “All About Eve” add an unsavory cheese factor that brings “Burlesque” down. The gay element, with
Christina Aguilera performs in the movie “Burlesque.” Sony Pictures Cher’s sidekick stage manager having a superfluous, one-night stand with a potential boyfriend, seemed unnecessary to the plot.
“Burlesque” is a Cher movie filled with pretty and glamorous elements that work well separately but not together. Perhaps with
some reworking, shortening and tweaking, the film could have been a blockbuster of “Dreamgirls” caliber. “Bore-lesque” at least
shows us that Cher’s still got “it.” Now that her run at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas is ending, perhaps she’ll star in more movies.
Black Ops: A good buy, with a few glitches The much-hyped and much-anticipated “Call of Duty: Black Ops” has been on sale for a few weeks, and if you have not yet purchased the game, you should -- but know there are a few caveats. In a nutshell, “Black Ops” features a soldier, Alex Mason, who is being interrogated for information that could save the United States from a Russian nerve gas attack during the Vietnam War. The game’s various levels are Mason’s memories of previous missions. Details are filled in when you take the role of a second character, Mason’s handler, Frank Woods. The game’s great story has been improved by a phenomenal cast of voices, though I could have done without Ice Cube’s. The presentation looks great and plays smoothly in both the single-player and multiplayer campaigns, though I did experience
REVIEW
Fernando Yates a few technical glitches in single-player. Because the glitches are rare, they really take away from the experience of the otherwise polished game. Part of the problem with Black Ops is there’s nothing new to the game play, which is solid but just the same old Call of Duty. A smaller issue is the game’s artificial intelligence, which is not very bright. For example, friendly bots will sometimes cross your line of fire or shove you out of cover. While the AI issues can be easily ignored, the game’s action level is just too high — imagine a Michael Bay movie with an infinite budget — and Black Ops is sometimes tedious as a result. Online multiplayer is everything you would expect from
“Modern Warfare 2.” Between the varied maps and different game modes, players can spend weeks fragging friends. The only problem is the use of COD points, a currency to purchase upgrades and to level up. Leveling up still unlocks modes and options, but COD points let you purchase weapons and abilities to use in game play. Zombie mode, where you play from a secure location and defend yourself against waves of invading zombies, is a quirky and trendy addition. It’s weird — especially because you play as John F. Kennedy, Fidel Castro and Richard Nixon, who spit out catchphrases — but adds life to the game. Overall, “Black Ops” is solid, and if you can get past a few minor problems, you should definitely get the game. At the very least, it deserves a rental.
Sgt. Frank Woods from the newly released “Call of Duty: Black Ops” aims to kill in a scene from the game. Call of Duty website
Animated versions of Spike and Mike, the creators of the “Sick and Twisted” animation film festival. Spike and Mike website
Still sick and twisted Historic Mellow Manor Productions Inc., better known as Spike & Mike’s, has intrigued adult audiences with their recent showings of the Sick and Twisted Festival of Animation. The Sick and Twisted Festival of Animation was held at the Landmark Ken Theatre in Kensington from Dec. 3 to 9. It is currently showing at the La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas from Dec. 10 to Dec. 16. The first Sick and Twisted festival in over three years is back. The festival’s program promises viewers the “grossest, sickest and most explicit” animated shorts the world has to offer. “Spike and Mike are back!” says the program. “It took us three years to collect the sickest and twisted-
REVIEW
Katrina Cameron est films the world has to offer, but we did it!” I couldn’t agree anymore that this festival was definitely one of the sickest things I’ve ever watched, but its unique qualities and hilarious story lines kept my eyes glued to the screen. The festival features about 20 humorous, independent cartoon shorts that aren’t your typical run-of-the-mill funnies but definitely have their cleverness to them. Each film holds to the theme of “Sick and Twisted” while still offering a diverse variety for the audience’s viewing. I found it amazing that one little festival contained such a diversity of themes.
“Humor is the number one thing when selecting a film,” said Craig “Spike” Decker, the festival’s cofounder. “I’d say probably diversity of the themes helps with the selection, too.” The festival began in 1990 to display animated pieces that were too “revolting or adult in nature for the prestigious and tasteful Classic show,” according to Decker. Over the years, the festival gained fame as the birthplace of hits like MTV’s “Beavis and Butthead” and Comedy Central’s “South Park.” “We showed the Classic festival to a group of young students at UC Berkeley. We asked if they wanted to see something different, and they loved (the Sick and See Twisted, page 14
December 14, 2010 | www.sdcitytimes.com
Arts
7
Harry Potter
and the Deathly Hallows
Photo illustration by Anulak Singphiphat, City Times
Tone of series matures The first part of the final installment in the Harry Potter series has hit the theaters. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” is probably the most anticipated adaptation of all the books in the series by J.K. Rowling. David Yates has returned to direct, though the tone and cinematography in this film are quite different from his previous entries, “The Half-Blood Prince” and “The Order of the Phoenix.” Many have argued that the film was split in two for profit reasons, as two movies would allow the studio to get twice the ticket sales. But having read the books and seen this movie, I disagree. A lot happens in the books, and to scale that much information into one film
REVIEW
Stephen Boyd-Morales would have left the film feeling rushed. In this installment, Harry is once again joined by his best friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, who have not returned to Hogwarts but instead are fulfilling a task given to Harry by Dumbledore before his death. Previous films revealed that Lord Voldemort had split his soul into seven pieces, allowing him to cheat death. Six of those pieces were placed into magical items called Horcruxes, and prior to the film, two of them had been destroyed. Harry has See Matures, page 14
Film honors book’s legacy “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” opened in theaters worldwide the week before Thanksgiving. For once, the film stays true to the rich details of the world created by J.K. Rowling. “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows,” the seventh and last book of the series, ties up loose ends from the previous books and leads up to the ultimate battle, Harry versus Voldemort. Much of the first part of the book is spent on the search for Horcruxes, which contain parts of Voldemort’s soul and therefore need to be destroyed to kill him. The book starts with Harry being brought from the safety of his home to the Burrow, where his best friend Ron’s family lives. Harry has an important mission
REVIEW
Christine Klee to take care of — destroying the Horcruxes — so he decides not to return to Hogwarts for his final year of schooling. His best friends Hermione and Ron join him on his mission, but the trio is quickly disappointed by their lack of success. Without the leadership of headmaster Dumbledore, Harry has no idea where to search for or how to destroy the Horcruxes. The three friends struggle with loneliness, hunger and the lack of a real plan. The book concludes the Harry Potter series in a great manner, as J.K. Rowling not only See Honors, page 14
8
www.sdcitytimes.com | December 14, 2010
focus
Urban art revival
From a hairy monster wearing nothing but men’s briefs to a thorn-crowned Jesus with a beef-cow body, the diverse images of Viva la Revolución: A Dialogue with the Urban Landscape are an experience to behold. Galleries at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego on Kettner Boulevard feature work from urban impresarios such as Banksy and Ezine, while select buildings in downtown San Diego bear the contributions of Shepard Fairey, Swoon and several other stars of the streets. The street art exhibition runs through Jan. 2; for more information, including a map of the sites, visit mcasandiego.org. — Shane Finneran
Above: Stephan Doitschinoff at 320 16th St. Far left: Os Gemeos at G St. between 2nd and 3rd. Left bottom: Swoon at 1327 E St. Left top: Dr. Lakra at 11th and Broadway. Background: Shepard Fairey at 2202 30th St. Photos by Shane Finneran , City Times
December 14, 02010 | www.sdcitytimes.com
Life
9
Alternative Christmas carols By Shane Finneran City Times Everyone loves “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls,” but to add some spice to your holiday playlist, consider some of the season’s sassier songs. “Christmas in Hollis,” a 1987 gift from Run DMC, got air time in the movie “Die Hard” and is probably hip-hop’s first venture into the holiday genre. The opening verse tells the story of a young man who finds Santa's wallet: A million dollars in it, cold hundreds of Gs / Enough to buy a boat and matching car with ease ... / But when I got home, I bugged, ’cause under the tree / Was a letter from Santa and the dough's for me
Adam Sandler, on a 1994 segment of Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update, explained “The Chanukah Song” like this: “I wrote a song for all those nice little Jewish kids who don’t get to hear any Chanukah songs.” A perfect blend of comedy, holiday cheer, and unsophisticated acoustic guitar, the performance is Sandler at his best: David Lee Roth lights the menorah / So do James Caan, Kirk Douglas, and the late Dinah Shore-ah... / You don’t need “Deck The Halls” or “Jingle Bell Rock” / ’Cause you can spin a dreidel with Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock — both Jewish! Perhaps nothing more needs be said about “This One’s For The Children”
than it is a New Kids on the Block holiday song. “This is a very serious message,” one of the New Kids says gravely as the 1989 song begins. It only gets worse from there: Many people are happy / And many people are sad / Some people have many things / That others can only wish they had / So for the sake of the children / Show them love’s the only way to go / ’Cause they are tomorrow / And people, they’ve got to know Alvin, Simon, Theodore and their band leader Dave — all voiced by the same person — sing and bicker in their trademark helium voices in “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late),” an ear-grating ode to childhood materialism and impatience that won three
Grammy Awards in 1958: Want a plane that loops the loop / Me, I want a hula hoop / We can hardly stand the wait/ Please Christmas, don't be late The video for The Ramones’ “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)” is available on YouTube and features the band rocking out in leather and tight jeans as a married couple feuds their way through a very 1980s holiday party. The 1987 song is a fast-paced, feel-good blend of upbeat guitar licks and silly lyrics from the grand-daddies of punk: All the children are tucked in their beds / Sugar-plum fairies dancing in their heads / Snowball fighting... / It's so exciting, baby...
Holidays at Gaslamp Reading Cinemas Mollie Shepardson City Times The holidays are full of traditions such as baking cookies, singing carols, decorating the house — and watching movies. This year, you may be able to catch one of your favorite seasonal films for $5 a ticket at the Reading Cinemas in downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp District. From Dec. 13 through Michele Suthers, City Times Christmas Eve, some traditional holiday classics —
along with some “not quite Christmas” films — will be re-appearing on the big screen. “There’s a movie on our list for everyone” said Jennifer Deering, a Reading employee. “The older films are classics,” Deering said. “They are absolutely breathtaking on a big screen and need to be seen on a big screen.” Movies and dates are listed below. For showtimes, visit www.readingcinemasus. com.
Movie dates Mon, Dec 13: Edward Scissorhands (1990, PG-13) Tues, Dec 14: Gremlins (1984, PG) Wed, Dec 15: Scrooged (1988, PG-13) Thu, Dec 16: A Christmas Story (1983, PG) Fri, Dec 17: The Bishop’s Wife (1947, not rated) Sat, Dec 18: It’s A Wonderful Life (1946, not rated) Sun, Dec 19: White Christmas (1954, not rated) Mon, Dec 20: Die Hard (1988, R) Tue, Dec 21: Sleepless in Seattle (1993, PG) Wed, Dec 22: Elf (2003, PG) Thu, Dec 23: Christmas in Connecticut (1945, not rated) Fri, Dec 24: Miracle on 34th Street (1947, not rated)
All I want for Christmas is... Mollie Shepardson City Times This time of year is when your relatives and friends turn into Sherlock Holmes proteges and begin to snoop for clues as to what holiday gifts to present you with on December 25. This year, save them the time and energy by handing them — or better yet, posting on your social networking site — your wish list. With finals, essays, equations and theorems swirling around in your head, you may need some help getting started. The following gift ideas are just a few of the many items that could make the difference between getting what you want and getting that knitted holiday sweater from your grandma.
1
iHome iPod Dock - This multi-tasking machine will charge your iPod while making sure that you’re awake for that 8 a.m. psychology class.
2
Bedlounge - Whether you’re typing a paper on your laptop, studying for a test or relaxing while watching TV, this comfortable lounge chair offers the perfect support system for your neck, back and arms.
3
Rosetta Stone - This language learning system has proven helpful for struggling foreign-language students and knowledge-hungry people in general.
4
8
5
9
School Spirit Clothes/Gear - What better way to show your campus camaraderie than by wearing a logo sweatshirt with your school’s name or mascot to the basketball game Friday night or your first class on Monday morning? iTunes Gift Card - Studies have proven that listening to classical music while studying can help to improve comprehension. This is what you can tell your grandparents when requesting an iTunes gift card for the holidays. Lil Wayne may not be a classical musician, but his songs could be interpreted as poetry, right?
6
Livescribe Echo Smartpen - This tech-savvy gift comes in handy when your morning caffeine hasn’t set in for the day. When you can’t seem to turn your brain on during your professor’s twohour lecture on the origins of man, let this pen do the work for you. It will record the lecture so that you can go back and review the entire thing instead of trying to decipher what your scribbled notes are supposed to mean.
7
Marvel Glass Tumbler Set - For the thirsty college student who enjoys a comic book or two, these assorted glasses are this season’s comic relief, no pun intended.
Violight Cell Phone Sanitizer - With all of the germs that spread from door knob to desk to hand rail to cell phone, it’s a wonder that students aren’t in bed with the flu for half of the year. This sanitizer is not only entertaining to watch, it also kills the germs that are living on your lifeline. Nook - Although you may never want to read another book for the rest of your life, let alone over your holiday break, this electronic reading device will make you think twice about ruling out the written word. Who knows, maybe you’ll even enjoy reading…but maybe not.
10
Surround Sound Chairs - These chairs make the couch look like a thing of the past. With surround sound capabilities, these chairs offer a better movie-viewing, music-listening, or videowatching experience without the typical surround sound system price. Photo illustration by Anulak Singphiphat, City Times
10
Life
www.sdcitytimes.com | December 14, 2010
Miramontes doesn’t work alone By Mark Rivera City Times Dada and surrealist artist Marcel Duchamp once said, “I don’t believe in art. I believe in artists.” This idea — that art is more about collaboration and the making of personal connections through the medium — is what drives the creative energy in artist Eddie Miramontes, a City College student. “A lot of the things that I want to do artistically is going to involve a lot more than me just sitting in my studio by myself making art,” Miramontes said. “A lot of the stuff I want to do is in the realm of trying to organize the usage of not only my energy but the usage of other people’s energy.” With this in mind, Miramontes has been sharing his creativity for the past eight years or so. He has participated in collective art shows and art exchanges and has designed and created art for local musicians. He’s also collaborated musically as a musician and songwriter. Miramontes’ art is raw, which naturally falls in line with his do-it-yourself work
ethic. His work draws inspiration from eye-catching patterns of words or colors that create an at-first chaotic aesthetic that gives way to thought-provoking illuminations as each word or image begins to present itself . According to Teresa Mill, Miramontes’ co-worker at the Ken Cinema in Kensington, his art “seems like it’s produced in a kind of a fever.” And although Miramontes’ work is filled with chaotic spontaneity, Mill describes it as also “being informed by his intelligence and his knowledge of art history.” Miramontes works with paint, silk screen, and more obscure printing methods to create his mesh of symbols and imagery. “He does a lot of printing,” student and Miramontes collaborator Zaki Younis said. Younis helps him with various projects at Miramontes’ North Park studio. These projects can include anything from helping screen-print flyers for an upcoming music performance or creating other merchandise for local bands. “We could work for five hours at a time,” Younis said. “We would just fall into the work we had to do… He’s got a lot of determination.”
City College student Eddie Miramontes poses with some of his art. He is also a musician and a songwriter. Jane Lee, Contributor “Big Sky” is a moniker Miramontes has used when labeling his art pieces. The name serves as a pseudonym and a symbol of the idea of creating art that invites others to take part and share their creative energy. Miramontes said he has strived to create with close friends in order to achieve a bigger idea.
“Any important art movement that we’ve known for the past two, three hundred years has been organizations of small groups of people,” Miramontes said. Miramontes says he is focusing on becoming not only a great artist but a great musician. He is currently taking music theory and jazz ensemble classes at City
College. He said he makes in much the same way that he makes art, creating with other people to achieve something greater. Miramontes said he isn’t focusing his energies on becoming the next Picasso but instead his goal is learning and becoming better at art through whatever medium presents itself.
“I don’t know exactly what I’m gonna try to do with art in the future because my view of art is changing,” Miramontes said. “It’s changed so much since I started working on art and I’m pretty sure its going to keep on changing. But that’s always going to be the underlying point — striving to connect people.”
Study abroad, explore the world By Steven Hawkins Correspondent
City College alumna Victoria Johnson prepares to fly out to cover traffic for local KFMB-TV News 8. Albert Columbo, Correspondent
Alum reports from on high By Albert Columbo Correspondent “It’s exciting,” said City College alumna Victoria Johnson, describing a typical day at work. “You never know what’s going to happen: fire, a pursuit, dolphins in the ocean. There’s beautiful scenery every day.” Johnson’s workplace has billion-dollar views of San Diego. Most weekday mornings, she flies high above America's finest city in a helicopter, covering traffic and news stories for KFMB-TV News 8, San Diego’s CBS affiliate. “You don’t go to college for something like this,” Johnson said. “Airborne traffic reporting you learn on the job.” Johnson networked her way into the position with help from a friend put her in touch with a former boss. Her first day as an on-air talent was in Sept. 2006. “Victoria is driven,” said Sara Williams,
News 8’s 11 a.m. producer. “She is always coming up with ideas, and shoots, edits, and tracks her own stories. She’s a oneman band.” Danger is a factor in Johnson’s daily routine. “One day (another) helicopter almost hit us,” she said. “The (pilot) didn’t communicate and cut us off (above) Rancho Peñasquitos. “A lot of the time, birds or hawks will fly too close,” Johnson said. “If it broke our tail rotor, we would just spin.” Aside from the danger, Johnson loves the job because she loves reporting. “I worked in the field for three years before I went to City,” Johnson said. In 2008 and 2009, she took several Radio and Television classes. Newscene helped Johnson hone her on-air skills in front of the camera. Johnson added that Newscene See Alum, page 15
San Diego City College offers a variety of Study Abroad programs to current students interested in expanding their horizons and learning useful life skills. Marion Froehlich, the International Education Coordinator of City College, stated that “students make progress towards completing the requirements of their educational plans to transfer to a four-year university while participating in an enhanced learning experience in another culture.” The program offers a rare opportunity for students to grasp a new outlook on the world. “While studying the history in Argentina,” Froehlich explained, “they can understand it better because they are living with people who have lived through times of historical upheaval, such as the Dirty War.” The students who studied there for Fall met with a mother who lost her son during the Dirty War, and watched her march in front of the equivalent of our White House to protest these disappearances, according to Froehlich. Esteban Frausto, a City
College student majoring in anthropology, said his experience was like a “full frontal force” and almost an “epiphany,” in that it helped him realize that anthropology was exactly what he wanted to be doing. “The trip changed and influenced me in many ways,” Spanish major Maya Espinoza. “I made friends with views that contrast mine which I never would have met in San Diego. My entire lifestyle changed so much, and I have made resolutions to continue to include some of these changes in my American life.” Being thrown into a strange and new environment may be difficult and frightening at first, but at the same time it can be a beautiful learning experience, leaving students with the skills and know how of competent world travelers and navigators. When asked about some advantages Study Abroad students have over other students, City College scholar Sarah Alami shared some
wonderful insights from her previous Argentina trip. “I believe that most of the students who have been abroad are more openminded,” Alami said. “They probably adapt more easily to different environments. They also have the chance to a wider perspective of life in general. It is good for their personal development; studying abroad opens your eyes.” The prospect of committing oneself to a Study Abroad See Abroad, page 15
Illustration by Coatlicue Villanueva, City Times
December 14, 2010 | www.sdcitytimes.com
11
Voice What is the meaning of a beautiful ending?
A holiday for the masses Christmas. Hanukkah. Kwanza. Many people celebrate many different things at this time of year. Unfortunately, many people also get hung up on these terms and argue about what is politically correct to say and what can and can’t be written on store windows. They argue that saying “Merry Christmas” leaves out all the poor Jewish children or forcing someone to learn about why a menorah gets lit is anti-Christian. And forget about Kwanza. Ask any child, or adult for that matter, and more than likely they’ll know nothing about it. History lesson: It’s a celebration that begun in 1966 in order to give AfricanAmericans an alternative to the already established holidays where they could celebrate their heritage and culture. All this bickering causes people to forget what the true meaning of the season is. They get so caught up in what it should be called and
EDITORIAL
City Times Editorial Board
A few weeks ago, Kanye West premiered the video for his single “Runaway”. While not so much a video as a short-film, it began with what turned out to be the ending. It’s not the first time I see this technique used. “Fight Club” did it, as did “Memento.” Books do this as well, just read anything by Chuck Pahlaniuk. I recommend “Survivor” or “Lullaby”. I’ve noticed that pretty much any time this technique is employed, the whole thing turns out pretty good. And I have a theory for this. When you know the ending of something, you’re automatically invested in the rest of the story because you just have to know how the
forget about what it represents. While giving should be a year round thing, this time of year is set aside specifically for that reason. To remember that there are others out there much less fortunate than yourself. Whatever troubles you may be going through, whatever drama, debt or dilemma you may be suffering through, more than likely there is someone out there going through a worse time. So please, take this time and reflect on that. Make some time to help someone that could use it. Visit a soup kitchen, spare some change or just make yourself available to someone that may be alone during what should be a joyful time of year. We’re not children anymore. It’s time we stop asking for things and start giving them instead.
characters get to that point, usually a pretty dramatic moment in the story. All this has affected me in the way I live my own life. I’ve become obsessed with my ending.
How can you get to where you want to go without knowing where that place is? I don’t mean my death, although that’s intriguing as well. No, what I mean is that in my own head, I can see the ending of my story. I can see the point I want to get to in my life, the end of struggling
WITH AN H Heric Rubio
to survive. I’ve created my future in my head. I believe that is something that any person who wants to be successful — however you might define success — needs to do. How can you get to where you want to go without knowing where that place is? That probably sounds a lot like all that positive thinking, new age, “The Secret,” mumbo jumbo. It’s not. I hate that stuff. Simply imag-
ining what you want won’t get you there. It takes a lot of work, dedication and sacrifice. And ultimately that's the exciting part. What makes applying this “end as the beginning” process to real life so exciting is that you’re not only an observer; you’re an active participant, the main character even, in the story. Your life as you know it depends on reaching the end that you’ve already crafted in your mind. So what’s my ending? Where does my story end up? That’s really for only me to know. But I can guarantee that it won’t be anything small and once I get there I'll be sure to let the world know. So I suggest you stay tuned, it’ll be worth it.
Voice your opinion at sdcitytimes.com
Would you prefer privacy or security? As December manages to blindside us once more with Christmas trees, fanatic shoppers and family gatherings, what was once a quiet haven in the past months of travel will now swell with thousands of holiday travelers. The days of light loads on aircraft will disappear as grumpy businessmen compete for overhead bin space with mothers trying to stow Dora the Explorer backpacks. And just when you thought the holiday travel crunch was all the stress you could handle, the Transportation Security Administration is out to fondle you. The way media outlets have painted the debacle makes it seem like TSA wants to ruin your life. If you were in a good mood when you got to the airport, everything went to hell once you got to the checkpoint. Take
CITY TIMES Volume 65, Number 7 December 14, 2010
www.sdcitytimes.com Ernesto Lopez Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Gomez Copy Chief Anulak Singphiphat Design Editor Heric Rubio Opinion Editor
off your shoes, remove your liquid Ziploc from your bags, strip off all your clothes. Do it quickly and quietly, because anyone caught complaining about it will be “randomly selected” for additional screening. I recently went through security, where I couldn't help but overhear a woman behind me (well-dressed, modern, someone I mistook for a frequent flyer) actually declare outloud that security was “ridiculous.” Usually that’s a typical complaint I hear, but what made her comment extraordinary was the addition of “we never used to have to go through security.” I’m sorry and when was that? Although numerous passengers feel that TSA has crossed the line over to invasion of privacy, I think most
of the bad press is quickly overshadowing the reasons as to why TSA is as aggressive as it is today. It should be clarified that although airlines work with TSA to achieve common goals towards safety, airlines don't decide the steps that are taken to continue to protect the public. First off, TSA was developed after security protocol in Portland, Maine failed those doomed to perish in the 9/11 attacks. Two of the now infamous terrorist pilots began their day by going through security in that smaller airport. The US administration decided something like TSA needed to be a stronger entity than just a subsidiary of the US Department of Transportation. In response to the question as to why we remove
Published as: The Jay Sees | 1945-1949 Fortknightly | 1949-1978 City Times | 1978Incorporating the newspapers Tecolote, Knight Owl and Flicks
Stephen Boyd-Morales Fernando Yates Online Editors Mollie Shepardson Features Editor Katrina Cameron Arts Editors Michele Suthers Chief Illustrator
Shane Finneran Copy Editor Roman S. Koenig Journalism Adviser
How to reach us: City Times San Diego City College 1313 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101 Newsroom: T-316
VIEW FROM THE TOP Vanessa Gomez
our shoes at security, we go back to the same year 9/11 occurred. A passenger on an American Airlines flight boarded with shoes stuffed with explosives with all intentions of blowing the international flight sky high. Placing our shoes on the x-ray belt is a direct result of that incident. Why does TSA insist on limiting liquids to three ounces apiece in one quart-
Phone: (619) 388-3880 Fax: (619) 388-3814 E-mail: citytimes@gmail.com Program homepage: www.sdcity.edu/citytimes
City Times Staff Sidney Bryant, Luis Carillo, Katrina Cruz, Olivia Holt, Lani Ioane, Ryan Johnson, Mark Rivera, Ricky Soltero, Coatlicue Villanueva
Correspondents and Contributors Chris Carr, Delia Castro, Albert Columbo, Helen Hawes, Steven Hawkins, Christine Klee, Jane Lee, Carlos Maia, Jennifer Manalili, Donna Maranto, Emily Mather Moretz, Jeanette Orallo, Troy Bryant Orem
sized Ziploc baggy? In 2006, an elaborate transatlantic bomb plot introduced the threat of Gatorade bottles full of combustible liquids and iPods disguised as bomb detonators. I personally landed on the east coast in JFK the morning it happened. We sat for four hours at an undisclosed location for fear that docked planes sitting at gates side by side could be dangerous. Finally we catch up to this holiday season, where TSA beefed up security measures once again with the introduction of body scanners and more invasive pat downs. We have the “underwear bomber” from last December to thank for these current protocols that are angering Americans who feel their “junk” may be violated. Realistically, it is alarming to see all those videos of
three-year olds and elderly passengers going through “heavy petting” by TSA. But the major detail that evades many conversations overheard in security lines is that terrorists are evolving. They study the failed aspects of the last attempted attack and they improve on their strategies. Shouldn’t we take every possible precaution to maintain national security even if it challenges our social norms? Regardless of whether you’re a selectee this busy travel season or not, take a moment to remember those civil liberties we still have in place in this country, like the freedom to travel to see your loved ones. I can guarantee you this flight attendant would be first to volunteer for extra screening if it meant the well-being and safety of my family.
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 for grammar, spelling, punctuation and length. Memberships Journalism Association of Community Colleges California College Media Association Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Association
12
Voice
www.sdcitytimes.com | December 14, 2010
The trouble with tax cuts
Our country URBANALITIES can’t afford to tax the rich Admittedly, the USA needs money to help pay for vital American programs such as Medicare and foreign occupations. But President Obama’s push to let tax cuts expire for America’s highest earners is too much audacity, not enough austerity. For starters, higher taxes could inhibit economic growth. Think of Bill Gates, who founded Microsoft in the mid-1970s, when he was barely 20 years old. If taxes had been higher back then, Gates might have decided that starting the company wasn’t worth it and headed to the disco instead of the computer lab — meaning consumers would never have enjoyed high-quality products like Windows Vista and the ZUNE. Also consider people who are rich by birth, such as Paris Hilton. What if her family had been forced to pay higher taxes over the years? Sure, the Hiltons would still have hundreds of millions of dollars. But would a slightly poorer Paris have managed to become such a widely respected entertainer and purveyor of fine perfumes and colognes?
Michele Suthers
CON
Shane Finneran We can’t know for sure — and we can’t take that kind of risk. Obama and his wife jointly reported income of more than $5 million in 2009, landing them in the top federal tax bracket, where the rate would rocket from 35% to 39.6%. Apparently, Obama can afford to pay 4.6% more — but that doesn’t mean other rich folks can, too. Obama flies free on Air Force One, for instance, while other rich Americans must buy their own private planes. And with Far East Movement all over the radio, Gulfstreams ain’t getting any cheaper. In fact, most of our country’s top earners are corporate officers such as CEOs — and even the AFL/CIO admits that income for the average large-corporation CEO plummeted to $9.25 million in 2009, a drop of nearly 10% from the previous year. What kind of country would kick its millionaires and billionaires when they’re already down?
Breaks for businesses, not billionaires Back in 2003 President George W. Bush passed sweeping tax cuts for the nation’s top wage earners. These tax cuts are scheduled to expire at the end of the year, but Republicans are now pushing President Obama and Democrats to extend these cuts and not allow them to expire. Republicans are using the excuse that the expiration of these tax cuts would affect countless small businesses throughout the country. They argue that in an already failing economy, we can't
afford to let these businesses, the backbone of the American economy, to go under. True, we can't allow these businesses to fail. They are exactly what this country needs. If you're a small business, in a small town, you're helping out the economy and yes, you probably do deserve a tax break. Running any business isn't easy, especially when people don't have money to spend on it. However, if you're one of those people in the top 1% of earners in the country, those people with
PRO
Heric Rubio obscene amounts of money then that's a different story. How can these people complain about the state the nation is in? How can they justify the argument to extend the tax cuts when they hold the solution, or at least part of it, to our economical problem in their bank accounts?
Many of these people haven't earned that money through hard work and honesty. Many of them come from old money and have devised ways to keep as much of that money to themselves and out of the hands of the middle and lower class through tax cuts, government loopholes and just plain illegal activity. When you’re making upwards of $6 million, I think you can afford a 4% tax increase. This wouldn’t even affect these people’s lifestyle. They could still fly across the
world at their whim, buy their kids ways into the world's top schools and basically do whatever they want to do. The expiration of these tax cuts would amount to roughly a $200 billion tax increase in 2011 alone, and $3.8 trillion over the next 10 years. With the national debt close to $14 trillion (Can anyone even grasp how large of a number that is?) and rising every day, can we really afford not to let these tax cuts expire?
visit, view, and comment www.sdcitytimes.com
December 14, 2010 | www.sdcitytimes.com
Life
13
Staffer’s quilts keep workplace warm By Jennifer Manalili Correspondent D’Andrea Mitchell, City College’s famous quilter, works as a student assistant technician in the Financial Aid office, and her love of quiltmaking has earned her recognition from many staffers and students. Mitchell’s work can be seen throughout the office, where a quilt is displayed on almost every employee’s wall. The colorful quilts provide a homey and calming effect. “If I’m stressed out, I’ll look at the quilt and look at the work that she’s done,” said Susanna Garibay, an employee in the office. “It gives me a lot of peace. It’s very soothing. “I’ll look at the patterns and try to understand why (Mitchell) did different things,” Garibay added. “She’s so creative.” Mitchell said she has been making quilts for over 25 years. She refers to the time she spends on the quilts as “play time” and said she and other quilters get together for what they call “play dates.” Mitchell initially picked up the idea from a friend while working a previous job in the Admissions office. “I started with a simple design and made lots of that,” Mitchell said. “Then I took a
few classes through Continuing Education and at a quilting shop in La Mesa. “I made more friends, got more info, and read quilting books and things online. There is more information than you can imagine available on getting started.”
“A quilt is something you can squeeze between your fingers ... It’s more tangible than a photograph.”
-D’Andrea Mitchell, Financial aid stafffer Mitchell said her previous background in sewing made this experiment a success. She has received pay for special-request quilts, including one featuring President Barack Obama that fetched $475. Mitchell has also held numerous jobs as a quilting teacher. In 2000, Mitchell purchased a 12-foot sewing machine. She convinced her husband to help make the purchase by saying that she could quilt for others. Mitchell has made quilts for many different occasions, including weddings and grad-
uations. Tears came to her eyes as she described a quilt she made 20 years ago for a friend whose nephew had passed away. “That was special because it was for her sister,” Mitchell said. “It was honoring the memory of her son. “A quilt is something you can squeeze between your fingers,” Mitchell continued. “It’s something more tangible than a photograph.” Mitchell is also known for making hand-woven baskets, some of which have placed and won ribbons at the San Diego County Fair, and she has experience with knitting and crocheting, but her quilts are what have earned her the most recognition on campus. The wall in the office of Mitchell’s co-worker Alisia Acevedo boasts an American flag in tribute to Acevedo’s son, a soldier serving in Afghanistan. “It helps break the ice with a lot of students,” Acevedo said. “The students sit down and they’re stressed out, but then they see the quilt. They compliment it, and sometimes they’ll say their grandmothers used to make quilts like that. They relax.” Susanna Gonzalez, another co-worker, said Acevedo's quilt “gives more life to the Financial aid staffer D’Andrea Mitchell shows the President Barack Obama quilt office.” she made, which sold for $475. Ryan Johnson, City Times
BURGESS CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS
City College President Terrence Burgess stands at the door of the faculty dining hall to welcome the staff to their annual holiday celebration on Dec. 9. Each person received a City College mug. Troy Bryant Orem, Contributor
14
Arts | News
www.sdcitytimes.com | December 14, 2010
Screen Continued from Page 5 well, and father and son fight a war to survive and potentially return to their own world. Little Fockers (Dec. 24) The sequel to “Meet the Parents” and “Meet the
Twisted Continued from Page 6 Twisted version),” Decker said. This year’s festival featured films so graphic, I’m pretty sure I can’t go too into detail on them. “Touchdawn of the Dead” was a hilarious French film showing a wealthy man who almost loses a football bet. When a zombie plague takes over, the man drives down to the stadium and ensures that he wins the bet by making a zombie football player score the winning touchdown. “Chainsaw Maid” seemed to be a tribute to the “Evil
Shelters Continued from Page 3 According to San Diego Police Department Assistant Chief Boyd Long, however, the new approach puts shelter before tickets or arrests. Long said that, barring emergency, officers would provide or arrange for transportation to a shelter before issuing a ticket or making an arrest. Long also said the department’s Homeless Outreach Team will contact anyone who is arrested to “do some case management” and help the person find a home off the streets. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, at 7:30 a.m., about a dozen people were sleeping or just waking up on the sidewalks beneath the C Street overpass east
Fockers” features the same actors who made us laugh in the previous films -— Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Blythe Danner and Barbra Streisand — with some new additions, including Jessica Alba and Laura Dern. The film’s premise is that family life is hard, especially with an ex-spy father-in-law who
cannot stay out of your private life. These are just some of the many movies opening in theatres this month. Others include” The Tempest,” “Yogi Bear,” “How Do You Know,” “Rabbit Hole” and “True Grit.” Enjoy the holidays and, hopefully, some good cinematic entertainment.
Dead” series, which also includes the brutal handling of zombies with a chainsaw. This Japanese claymation film showed scenes of a maid trying to survive while zombies are taking over her home. “2 in the AM/PM” told a story of two teenagers working in an AM/PM gas station on Halloween night. One of the teens sneaks LSD into the other’s candy, and they encounter a variety of obstacles during the remaining two hours of their shift. “The Toke before Christmas” was a stoner parody of the poem “The Night before Christmas.” Just imagine the traditional rhyme loaded with marijuana references.
Both drug-themed shorts were simply hilarious, and I couldn’t stop laughing. “Bubble Wrap,” another humorous entry, showed the popping of plastic bubble wrap from the horrified point of view of the bubbles themselves, who engage in outof-control conversations in adorable high-pitched voices before meeting their tragic deaths. “Chirpy” is this festival’s most controversial film to date. I won’t describe it here, but I could not keep my chin off the floor while watching it, so it had to have been good. For additional information and show times, check out www.spikeandmike.com.
of campus. On the previous night, an online directory accessible via the city’s Homeless Services website listed a total of 6 available spaces in shelters within five miles of the City College zip code, 92101. “Last year, we could have tents,” said Petra, who, with David, has been homeless on and off for two years. “It was much better and easier to sleep at night.” Police don’t tend to tolerate tents anymore, so Petra and David have relied on layers of clothing and blankets to keep out the wind and cold. Overpasses such as the one above C Street also provide some protection from the elements. “We stay under here, out of the rain,” said David, pointing upward at the underside of Interstate 5.
Honors Continued from Page 7 writes well, but manages to solve the mysteries presented in previous books. She perfectly reveals secrets while still presenting new story lines and characters. “Deathly Hallows” certainly is the most mature book out of the series, coinciding with Harry’s adulthood. Unlike previous film adaptations of Harry Potter books, “Deathly Hallows” won’t disappoint avid read-
Matures Continued from Page 7 Harry has only one clue to the next Horcrux: the initials R.A.B. What sets this film apart is its tone. The children are older, and the tone of the series has matured with them. While previous Potter films had endings that weren’t perfectly happy, “Deathly Hallows” finishes on a tragic note. Most of the Potter films have taken place within the confines of the magical
Petra and David expected to be admitted to the city’s temporary winter shelter in Logan Heights, which opened on Dec. 2. Janice Ivor is director of marketing at San Diego’s Alpha Project, the agency selected to manage the Logan Heights shelter. Ivor said the shelter houses 220 people at a time and is expected to serve more than 1,000 during its four-month run, helping many “transition” to more long-term housing. The Regional Task Force on the Homeless estimates that 8,500 people were homeless in the county at the start of 2010, 8 percent more than 2009. In September, an early-morning census found more than 1,000 people living on the streets of downtown.
ers of the series. In previous installments, fans had criticized differences between the books and movies. With this movie being split in two parts, the filmmakers were able to include important details. Some scenes even work better in the film than they did in the book. One example of this is the scene in which Ron and Harry destroy Salazar Slytherin’s locket. After Harry opens the locket, Voldemort’s soul begins to show Ron the secrets of his heart. He tells
Ron that Hermione and Harry are secretly in love, something Ron fears. In the movie, the two ghostly-looking best friends appear out of thin air, seemingly naked, locked in a kiss, and the special effects used made this scene more powerful than it had been in the book. Overall, the book will probably always offer more than the movie. Given the history of the Harry Potter film series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” is certainly the most satisfying Potter adaptation so far.
world, but “Deathly Hallows” is set mostly among muggles, or non-magical people. Interestingly, in the magical world, even during serious moments, everything feels very whimsical, while scenes in the muggle world feel more serious and dangerous. Earlier entries in the Potter series received either a PG or PG-13 rating, usually because of violence and frightening images. But “Deathly Hallows” received its PG-13 rating partly because of brief sensuality, with some well-done scenes
that are adult in nature. At a midnight showing of the film, I noticed there were no children in the audience, perhaps not surprising for a Thursday evening. But on a return trip during regular hours, I still did not see children in the theater. At midnight showings of other Potter films, there were always a lot of people dressed up, but I only saw a handful of people in costume at “Deathly Hallows.” The most original was a guy dressed as the house elf, Dobby.lf, Dobby.
Visit our blog: sdcitytimes.wordpress.com $11,000 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS! Transfer Students with 15 credits or more are eligible
CLASSES YOU NEED,
Enjoy the holiday break in safety and good cheer
WHEN YOU NEED THEM. No Fee to Apply Online for Spring 2011
“I saw it in USA TODAY.” “NEWS”
“MONEY”
“SPORTS”
“LIFE”
It’s what people are talking about. Get 12 weeks of Home or Office delivery for just $30 Subscribe Today! • Call 1-866-949-2914 And ask for special offer 976.
*Special rate of $30 for a 12 week term requires EZ-PAY sign up. Your credit card will be charged automatically to continue the subscription at the published rate unless you notify us otherwise. Local sales tax, when applicable, will be added to your order. Carrier delivery not available in all areas. Offer void in Alaska. Offer expires 12/31/10.
A DEGREE OF DIFFERENCE -
Earn Your BS, BA, or BFA Average Class Size of 12 Over 30 Majors & Minors 1 Mile to Closest Ski Resort Residence Halls on Campus Outdoor Adventure Programs Walking Distance to Lake Tahoe
ADMISSIONS@SIERRANEVADA.EDU | 866.412.4636 | WWW.SIERRANEVADA.EDU
December 14, 2010 | www.sdcitytimes.com
Soccer Continued from Page 16 The Knights played in a very hostile environment that forced Hidalgo and his staff into unusual coaching schemes. For example, during the season, City College had the luxury of playing on a field with a width of 62 yards, but
Bernal Continued from Page 16 Bernal’s feat for the athletic program. “We have not had a competitive men’s cross-country team in at least a decade, probably longer,” McGinnis said. “Having Nick go (to the championship) was awesome for us.” At the championship, held in Fresno, Bernal finished 86th out of 217 runners, and despite that impressive mark, he maintains that he could have done better. “It wasn’t the best performance that I had hoped for,” Bernal said. “But there were only about 25 seconds that separated 86th from 50th place (which was my goal).” “(We will) use Nick’s success as springboard,” Greer
Alum Continued from Page 10 reinforced what she had learned on the job, and it gave her more structure in ad-libbing. Johnson has a bachelor’s degree from University of San Diego in communications. Her advice for City College students aspiring to work in news, particularly as reporters, is to take as many television performance classes as possible. “The teachers want to help you, and they have contacts,” said Johnson. “It’s good because it’s hands-on.” She suggests getting as involved
Sports | Life
Mt. San Antonio’s field was 76 yards wide. Freshmen forwards Jonathan Zurita and Cameron Roget tried to put City College on the scoreboard but were frustrated by Antonio Ontiveros, Mt. San Antonio goalkeeper. Ontiveros allowed only 12 goals all year while logging more than 1,530 minutes of game time, which ranked as
fourth-best in the State. Roget and Zurita had been more than consistent all season, scoring 23 goals between them. “As a season … this was great,” Zurita said. “As a player, I only want to get better.” Zurita added a prediction for next year. “In 2011, we will get it all,” he said.
said. “The number one goal next year will be to qualify the team for the state championship, which hasn't happened in 15 years.” Bernal said his focus for next year remains unchanged. “Consistent improvement is the goal,” said Bernal. “I’m a realist. I’m not trying to go win state every year (but) you want to improve.” Had he been nervous prior to the statewide race? “Not really at first,” Bernal said. “But as it got closer to the competition, I definitely did. There was so much good competition.” Bernal added that he is used to running races in southern California in which he generally places high, but there were “only 200-plus in the (Fresno) race and they were all so fast.” “Nick would run each race
at max effort,” said team captain Jonathan Laughter. “He never left anything in the tank at the end of the race.” “There is no doubt that Nick is a great runner,” Laughter added. “And a lot of that has to do with his dedication to the sport and the years he has put into training.” “I’ve been running for a couple of years now,” said Bernal, who tries to run even on the team’s days off. According to McGinnis, Bernal will be recognized at the cross-country team banquet and the department-wide banquet for City College athletic teams. McGinnis said the athletic department keeps track of the accolades earned by student athletes like Bernal to help them transfer to four-year universities so they can continue competing.
as possible because classes offer the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them without getting fired. Johnson, who aspires to be a news anchor, knows that most people with on-air reporting jobs started off in a small town at a small station. “I’m really tied to San Diego,” Johnson said. “My situation is different.” Climbing the ladder in San Diego is not impossible. Lisa Lake, a former City College student who now teaches on campus, was a 10 News anchor for several years. When Johnson’s chopper is on the ground, she does her reporting from Gillespie
Field in El Cajon. Either freezing or roasting in a little office located in an airplane hangar, she starts each broadcast with a smile that can be heard on air. Johnson’s drive and ambition are on par with others in TV news, but her pleasant personality is extraordinary and welcoming. “I first met her a couple of years ago,” said Alexis Heller, a 6 a.m. producer at News 8 who called Johnson “a very nice person.” “(It is) funny to hear stories such as that she reports in sweats many times — things that I … would not expect from someone who reported for a TV station,” Heller said.
15
Sports teams collect food for college pantry By Chris Carr Correspondent The City College athletics department recently made significant donations to the food pantry, which is administered by the college’s CalWORKS office, according to documentation found on the school’s website. City College’s Athletic Director Kathy McGinnis explained that while the project originally started in the spring, the fall sports teams made this semester’s donations. Teams included basketball, soccer, and crosscountry (both men's and women’s in each sport), women’s volleyball and the student athletic trainers, according to an e-mail
Abroad Continued from Page 10 program may also raise the issue of one’s financial situation, as some of the programs can be around $6,000, but Esteban notes one “shouldn’t let the price frighten you.” “There are plenty of scholarships out there specifically for such programs. You’ve just got to do the work and start applying for them,” Esteban advised. With a few tips in the right direction, Froehlich shared some information
message from McGinnis. Those in charge of the donations decided to have the teams compete with one another. The group that brought the most number of pounds for the pantry will enjoy a pizza party later this month. While the athletic department collectively donated 800 pounds of food, the athletic trainers’ portion was the most of any team and weighed in at 264 pounds. Members of the men’s basketball team helped deliver the donation Dec. 1. Among the variety of items given to the food pantry were breakfast bars, Gatorade, and microwavable meals, McGinnis
on a couple of very helpful scholarships. “The Benjamin A. Gilman scholarship offered by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs awards $3,000 to $5,000 scholarships to U.S. citizens who are Pell Grant eligible,” Froehlich explained.“A significant number of City College students have been awarded these prestigious scholarships. Many of our students would not have been able to even consider studying abroad without one.” Alami, who’s done
said. “Contributions to the food bank from the athletics programs is a way for (athletics) to reach out to those less fortunate,” men’s basketball assistant coach Bob Andreasen noted. “In return (it) helps our department teach valuable life lessons to our student athletes.” Commenting on the competition aspect of the donation, Andreasen said that it “allows for unity between the sports programs.” Similar efforts, were undertaken in spring, when sports teams like baseball, softball, badminton and others donated over 1,000 pounds of the food to the pantry, McGinnis said.
independent travels and programs in the past, says that in order to have the best experience, students should “go for a study abroad program with a group, or at least something organized by the college.” “My experience in Argentina, the one organized by City College, was my best experience abroad,” Alami shared. For more information about the Study Abroad program, visit the office in A-1-Q, Monday to Friday, 11a.m. to 4p.m., or go online to sdcity.edu/CampusLife /StudyAbroad.aspx.
REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE. HAPPY HOLIDAYS SCHOOL OF HUMAN SERVICES
SpringfieldSAN College DIEGO CAMPUS Regionally Accredited Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programs in Human Services • Degree completion in as little as 16-24 months • Attend only 2 weekends a month • Earn up to 30 college credits for experiential learning (college-level work/volunteer experience, military experience, foreign language fluency, and other professional training) • Accepting applications for January 2011 • Financial aid available for qualified students Springfield College, founded in 1885, is a fully accredited institution through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), approved by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education. It is one of only two programs in the State of California that is accredited by the Council on Standards for Human Services Education (CSHSE).
www.sdcitytimes.com | December 14, 2010
16
sports Men’s soccer reaches state’s Elite 8 Coach Hidalgo was also named coach of the year in conference By Sidney Bryant City Times For the seventh time in his 23 years as head coach of the San Diego City College men’s soccer team, Milton Hidalgo has been named Coach of the Year for the
2010 Pacific Coast Athletic Conference. “The Coach of the Year award isn’t about me,� Hidalgo said. “It’s about my coaching staff and how our team dealt with adversity this season.� At the season’s midpoint, Hidalgo’s father died --— and that’s when his players turned it on. “When my father passed away, I saw a sense of urgency in the team,� Hidalgo said. “They bonded and became more determined to win a championship.� This season was by far
the best Hidalgo has orchestrated since he took over the program 20 years ago. The Knights won 18 games, their highest total since 2005, and advanced to the Elite 8 state championship tournament. They were defeated 3-0 by No. 1 seed Mt. San Antonio in the third round. “All season long, we were a strong and balanced team,� assistant coach Hans Witzell said in an e-mail interview. “Each and every week, our team made progression that made this season very special.� In the game against Mt.
San Antonio, the Knights trailed 1-0 early in the first half and couldn’t recover. City College moved the ball effectively but wasn’t able to score a goal. “We got outplayed by the better team,� Hidalgo said. “The coaching staff and I couldn’t have asked anything more of our team efforts that day.� Mt. San Antonio eventually went on to win the state championship and finish with a 19-1-4 record for the season.
Freshman forward Alberto Lopez goes for a kick during the Knights’ second round game in the California Community College Athletic Association playoffs. The match versus Santa Barbara took place at Balboa See Soccer, page 15 Stadium on Nov. 23. Anulak Singphiphat, City Times
N<Ă&#x2039;CC E<M<I GLK PFLI 9LJ@E<JJ ;<>I<< ;I<8DJ FE ?FC;%
,'' KI8EJ=<I J:?FC8IJ?@G
C\Xie `] pfl hlXc`]p ]fi X ,'' kiXej]\i jZ_fcXij_`g% :Xcc /''%,/(%+('' fi m`j`k YiXe[dXe%\[l&Ylj`e\jj
9l[^\k ZileZ_\j dXp _Xm\
J8E ;@<>F :8DGLJ
fk_\i jZ_ffcj Zlkk`e^ Zflij\j# Ylk 9iXe[dXe `j \ogXe[`e^% N\Ă&#x2039;i\ X[[`e^ Ylj`e\jj ZcXjj\j kf d\\k k_\ `eZi\Xj`e^ [\dXe[%
<8IE PFLI 98:?<CFIĂ&#x2039;J ;<>I<< @E 9LJ@E<JJ 8;D@E@JKI8K@FE FE :8DGLJ FI FEC@E<% <DG?8J<J 8M8@C89C< @E1
9iXe[dXe gXike\ij n`k_
Â&#x203A; 8::FLEK@E>
Zfddle`kp Zfcc\^\j kf dXb\
Â&#x203A; <EKI<GI<E<LIJ?@G
kiXej]\ii`e^ Zi\[`kj j`dgc\#
Â&#x203A; =@E8E:<
Xe[ k_Xk ZXe dXb\ \Xie`e^
Â&#x203A; ><E<I8C 9LJ@E<JJ
pfli Ylj`e\jj [\^i\\ X cfk
Â&#x203A; ?LD8E I<JFLI:<J
dfi\ X]]fi[XYc\%
Â&#x203A; @E=FID8K@FE JPJK<DJ D8E8><D<EK Â&#x203A; D8IB<K@E> Â&#x203A; FI>8E@Q8K@FE8C :FDDLE@:8K@FE Â&#x203A; FI>8E@Q8K@FE8C C<8;<IJ?@G Â&#x203A; JLGGCP :?8@E JPJK<DJ
9iXe[dXe Le`m\ij`kp `j XZZi\[`k\[ Yp# Xe[ `j X d\dY\i f]# k_\ N\jk\ie 8jjfZ`Xk`fe f] JZ_ffcj Xe[ :fcc\^\j N8J: %
client: description:
Brandman University Comm College NWSP Ad
Bernal competes in championships By Chris Carr Correspondent Nick Bernal, a freshman cross-country runner at City College, recently qualified for the sportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state championship -â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first male athlete to do so in 10 years.
CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
CUCO0193_BBA_QP_SDCC_Oct_em0.indd 1
Cross-countr y runner Nick Bernal recently competed in the sportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state championship in Fresno, in which he placed 86th out of 217 runners. He was the first Knight to run at state championship in the last 10 years. Courtesy photo
9/3/10 1:20:55 PM
prepared by: creative director:
Dentsu America B. Gantt
proofreader
________
To reach the championship meet, Bernal competed in the SoCal Championships on Nov. 6, finishing the fourmile race with a time of 21 minutes and 43 seconds to place 31st out of 207 runners. According to assistant coach Paul Greer, the last City College menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s runner
to qualify individually for the state championship was Jabari Jennings, who finished 120th of 225 in the year 2000. City College Athletics Director Kathy McGinnis explained the significance of See Bernal, page 15