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Volume 66, Number 2

September 15, 2011

Who turned out the lights? Blackout leaves 1.4 million in the dark By Fernando Yates City Times Dark classrooms and confusion were the sights at City College and all of San Diego county at about 3:40 p.m. Sept. 8 as 1.4 million San Diego Gas & Electric customers lost power. Campus police could be seen checking elevators and rooms throughout campus to make sure everyone was safe. There was at least one case of a person being trapped in an elevator. Officer A. Cervantes, of campus police, happened to be riding the elevator in the T building when he found himself stuck inside, when the black out began. Shortly after Cervantes forced open the doors with a utility knife and escaped unharmed. Cervantes was also able

The San Diego skyline as seen during the Sept. 9 black out that affected over 1.4 million people. Sean M. Haffey / The San Diego Union-Tribune to confirm from radio chatter that power was out through out San Diego county. Within hours of the black out all remaining classes were canceled, the campus closed

and notifications sent to students and faculty. As a safety precaution the San Diego Community College District canceled classes for Sept. 9 as well.

Classes continued as usual starting Sept. 10. According to SDG&E’s Twitter account, power was restored to all substations within 12 hours of the black

A leading cause of death is 100 percent preventable By Sydney Bryant City Times “Suicide is 100 percent preventable. If we stress awareness and education about the matter, lives can be saved,” said Abigail Burd, a Mental Health counselor at City College. City College’s Mental Health Center collaborated with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Yellow Ribbon Society of San Diego to promote National Suicide Prevention Week by hosting a Suicide Awareness Fair in the Gorton Quad Sept. 8 . According to the World Health Organization suicide is one of the top 20 leading causes of death globally. About one million people die from suicide annually and in San Diego County. Suicide is the leading cause of non-natural death. “Be an ambassador. Get a troubled friend or loved one help before it’s too late,” said Leslie Easton, coordinator of City Colleges Mental Health Center. Over the past decade,

Easton has managed to turn City College’s Mental Health Center into a place of “opening arms”. Easton said she has witnessed dramatic changes in the center including the services provided, the mission of the department, and the information provided. Some of the support and information provided by City Colleges Mental Health staff are in regards to: anxiety, stress, continued sadness, relationship and family issues, anger management, and studying or test taking problems.“We’re a place with opened arms,” Easton said. “Our mission is to have every student; every faculty and staff member know who we are and what we do at the Mental Health Center.” The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Yellow Ribbon Society of San Diego, both believe that the only combat for Suicide is awareness and education. “Suicide doesn’t care about race, class, gender, or sexual orientation,” said Stan Collins, a program and youth coordinator at the Yellow Ribbon Society of San Diego. “The

out, restoring power to most of the 1.4 million customers. The black out is being blamed on an interruption of a high voltage lines feeding power to Southern California

substations from Arizona, the exact cause will not be known for some time. The black out affected San Diego and Orange counties, Baja California and Arizona.

Travel safely on trolleys and buses By Ariana Stevens City Times Public transit is a great way for students to get to and from school without having to deal with traffic or fluctuating gas prices. But with students coming and going at all times of day being safe becomes very important. Luckily, City College has a transit stop across the street from campus. However, many students using the public transit system must walk to a transit stop before getting on the actual bus or trolley to ride to school, which can be dan-

gerous. Walking alone puts a person at risk, especially at night. Listening to music or texting while walking put a person’s focus on something else rather than what is going on around them, which could also put them in harm’s way. Sgt. Jordan Mirakian, of campus police advises that students should “not travel alone, late at night, or in dark areas on or off campus.” More importantly Mirakian wrote in an email, “we always recommend being See Transit, page 3

A tree in the Librar y acknowledging Suicide awareness week on Sept 8. Troy Bryant Orem, City Times only combat for suicide is education.” “Together we can make our campus a haven. Together we can make our society a haven. The more we advocate and participate; the safer our campus is in regards to suicidal talk,” said Larissa Dorman, political science professor at City. If you or someone you know are displaying the fol-

lowing signs: feeling trappedlike there is no way out, increasing alcohol or drug usage, withdrawing from friends, family, and society, seeing no reason for living or having no sense or purpose in life call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800273-TALK. San Diego County also has a 24 hour crisis line at 1-800479-3339.

People at the C street trolley station prepare to board on Sept. 6 Daniela Solano , City Times

www.sdcitytimes.com | September 15, 2011

Take Note Calendar Compiled by Nicholas A. Preston Get your event in the paper. Email us at citytimes@gmail.com or call 619-388-3880

n Sept. 15, Thursday Divya Devaguptapu: BharaNatyam Dancing San Diego Asian Film Festival Promo 9:40 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Saville Theatre n Sept. 19, Monday

Dreamscape: Krump Dancing 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 pm Saville Theatre

n Sept. 20, Tuesday John Cleary: “Torture: Constitutional Issues” 9:40 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. D121 A/B

Theatre n Sept. 22, Thursday Sofia Laurein: Constitutional Jeopardy 12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Cafeteria

Jazz Live: Roseanna Vitro 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m Saville Theatre. n Sept. 21, Wednesday Bonnie Dumanis 9:40 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Saville

n Sept. 26, Monday Kiki Ochoa: “Human Rights: The Struggle for a Better World” 9:40 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Cafeteria

Socialist Club speaks Lyrical Liberation is a weekly event that is held by the Socialist Club in Curran Plaza Wednesdays around noon. This event is held to promote freedom of speech, political awareness, and to reach out to a new layer of students, said Socialist Club member Tony Perez. “I think that the event

is a great idea to spark consciousness of political issues around campus,” said City College student Yuli Martinez. Lyrical Liberation not only brings light to the issues that are going on around the campus, but it also touch on issues in the San Diego community and beyond, such as the International Day Against Austerity, October 15, 2011. Participants enjoy being

able to speak their minds about issues that matter to them, one student even stated that it is part of our American fiber to speak out on political issues. On average, about 5 to 10 students participate in the event. The Socialist Club invites more students to join in on the event by stepping up to the microphone. The Socialist Club meets Thursday at 1 p.m. in the cafeteria.

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Officer A. Cer vantes frees himself from the elevator in the T-Building Sept. 8. The elevator as well as San Diego county lost power when transmission lines from Arizona were interrupted. Troy Bryant Orem, City Times

Crack City By Michele Suthers

City Crunch By Nicholas A. Preston

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September 15, 2011 | www.sdcitytimes.com

News Petitioners push harder to gather signatures By Kevin Stover City Times More signature gatherers have been said to be crossing the line from freedom of speech to criminal activities in the last few weeks according to the American Federation of Teachers. According to an e-mail circulated by the AFT President Jim Mahler, members have been followed home. Some members have been threatened, and a few have claimed individuals have been going through their trash in an attempt to dig up dirt. There has been one confirmed case of assault on an AFT member. Rocks thrown recently through AFT affiliate Lorena Gonzalez’s window is believed by AFT members to be connected to signature gatherers. AFT members are spreading the word about the “Decline to Sign” movement in an attempt to dissuade students from signing petitions and meeting signature gatherers toe to toe. Jim Mahler explained that the AFT has two major

objectives when dealing with signature gatherers. The first is to deter student from signing petitions that they know little or nothing about. Mahler claims that these petitions are bad for the middle class and in favor for wealthy individuals. The second objective stems from the belief that many of the signature gatherers have criminal records and that the signature gathering companies hire anyone. A recent arrest on campus of a petition gatherer who was on probation, adds to the AFT’s position. “We do not take these threats lightly,” Mahler said about the growing number of threats and actions by signature gatherers. Recent public announcements have introduced the belief that by signing a strangers petition you may be susceptible to illegal use of your personal information. “Do not sign any petitions, for it only benefits wealthy people. Nothing being circulated will help students, families, or blue collared workers, and if you want to register to vote do it online,” Mahler said.

Students donate blood in the San Diego Blood Bank’s mobile donation center Thursday Sept. 8. Orem, City Times

Troy Bryant

You’re somebody’s blood type By Joseph Stremlau City Times Gorton Quad was over run by students eating Rice Krispies and drinking water and soda Sept. 8. The San Diego Blood Bank was back on campus for its monthly blood drive. This month’s drive was dedicated to 9/11. The goal is to collect as many pints of blood as possible. The San Diego Blood Bank sees City College as a great resource for collecting blood and has been coming to City College since Oct. 2008. Leslie Eagan, an Account Marketing Manager with the

blood bank, said she wanted to “thank City College for giving students and faculty the opportunity to save lives, and supporting the San Diego Blood Bank.” She also urges everyone that is able to donate to come to the next blood drive Oct. 19. City College is not new to being an excellent source of blood. On Sept. 11, 2001 after the attacks in Manhattan, 350 units of blood were sent to New York City from the school. According to Leslie Eagan, every pint of blood saves up to two lives and giving the 350 pints of blood meant sending a potential of saving up to 700 lives.

The blood drive started on campus as a semiannual event. Dotti Cordell, a registered nurse at Student Health Services, has seen the amazing turnout and worked with Leslie Eagan to upgrade the schedule to a monthly blood drive. “I haven’t donated in about 5 years but I’m hoping to do it every year. I saw it on the website and I didn’t have to work later today so I figured it would be good.“ said Child Development student Brianne Bridge. Since first opening in Oct. 2008, over 900 pints of blood have been collected from City College.

Long lines are expected, avoid them by making appointments at www.sandiegobloodbank.org. Be sure to click on “appointments” and type in “SDCC” as the sponsor code. Before donating you should eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids. You will be required to take a yes/no questionnaire and bring your I.D. If you would like more information on San Diego Blood Bank or the blood drives they hold on campus call 1-800-469-7322 or visit the website. Additional information is also available at the Student Health Services Center.

Healthcare for only $17? By LaShekita Sutton City Times Every student at City College pay a $17 health fee but many do not know exactly what that fee covers. Student Health Services provide students with many services free of charge such as: physician, nurse practitioner and registered nurse visits, Hepatitis A and B vaccines, single doses of over the counter medicines, condoms, and basic vision tests. Other services students can receive for a small fee, such as: physical exams, pap

Transit Continued from Page 1 aware of your surroundings”. So often we see students’ texting on their phones or wearing headphones at night, and we generally discourage this.” While on the bus or trolley, many of the same safety tips apply. As with walking, the bus and trolley’s are safer during the day because there are more people around. Campus police does offer

smears, tuberculosis skin tests, pregnancy tests, vaccines and discounts on lab tests and prescription medicines. The services that are provided to students for a small fee cost students exactly what it costs City College, so there is no profit made by City College. “We only charge the student the expense the school is charged which is normally a small fee,” said Dotti Cordell, director of Student Health Services. Students may think that they can not receive services

safety escorts for student to vehicles at any time of day. To request an escort call campus police dispatch at (619) 388-6405 or use any call box on campus. MTS website currently does not have any safety tips. Mirakian has offered to post safety tips on the San Diego Community College District Police Department’s website, http://police. sdccd.edu, as well as their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/collegepolice, for students to access whenever they need to.

if they do not have the money at the time the service is needed. In actuality, City College will work with the students to accommodate them until they have the money available to pay for the needed service. Student Health Services is located in room A-116, across from the financial aid office. Office hours have been reduced due to budget cuts; the new hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Student Health Services accepts walk-ins or you can call and make an appointment at (619)388-3450.

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www.sdcitytimes.com | September 15, 2011

Arts

‘One Day’ feels like decades MOVIE REVIEW Tom Andrew

Gorgeous locations, beautiful cinematography, and a lush soundtrack cannot compensate for a bad script, bad editing, and unfortunate miscasting. “One Day” is the story of Emma and Dexter who share a night together on July 15, 1988, which also happens to be their college graduation day. The film follows their relationship for 20 years on the anniversary of their first meeting. Sometimes they are together on that date and sometimes they are not. They grow together and they grow apart. They experience love, life, jobs, successes and failures over those 20 years. Some are joyous and some not so. But they always seem to somehow end up communicating or attempting to on that day. The screenplay is based on the much-adored novel of the same name, and was written by David Nicholls, who also wrote the book. Fans of the book, like most film adaptations, should let the book and film stand on

their own. Rarely do we ever see a film based on a book that turns out to be as good or better than the book. The film, on it’s own, has it’s flaws; fatal ones in fact. Anne Hathaway stars as Emma. It’s not that Hathaway can’t act. We’ve seen her in a few good roles when she’s not trying so hard to find something that will be potential Oscar gold. This is not one of those roles. Hathaway’s English accent is passable, but over the course of the film’s 20 years, she only goes from being frumpy to being stylish. She doesn’t age in actions or in looks. She never finds who Emma is, and it shows. The role of Dexter is played by Englishman, Ashton Kutcher-ish Jim Sturgess. His acting style goes from a carefree 20something to a maudlin and withdrawn 40something. At least he ages better than Hathaway, but perhaps too much. Sturgess and Hathaway have moments. Moments that show us this could have been a better film, but it isn’t. The editing is choppy. The writing is clunky. Cast-

Anne Hathaway (left) and Jim Sturgess (right) star as Emma and Dexter in the romance One Day, a Focus Features release directed by Lone Scherfig. Giles Keyte, Focus Features ing Americans to play English doesn’t work here. They seem to be trying too hard to convince us that they are English. Even the usually wonderful Patricia Clarkson fails miserably as Dexter’s mother. She seems even more out of place

than Hathaway. The cinematography is beautiful, gorgeous in fact. Benoit Delhomme (“The Boy in the Striped Pajamas”) definitely knows his way around a camera and it’s apparent. The original music by

Mexican; a full plate for an empty pocket Albert’s Fresh Mexican Food located at 1177 C St., across the street from City Collage, has a wide selection of tasty Mexican food, with ample portions and reasonable prices. Albert’s is a good stop for busy students. The massive 2 in 1 Burrito, a carne asada burrito with sour cream and guacamole with a rolled taco running down the inside of the burrito, was great. The soft burrito and strong flavors of sauces and meat contrasted wonderfully with the crunchy rolled taco inside. With a medium soda the total comes out to just under $9. For those with a healthier diet, the veggie quesadilla has lettuce, guacamole, cheese, and diced tomatoes was to die for. It was a full meal that I felt good about eating afterward. The total for the veggie quesadilla comes out to just under $7 with a medium soda. Albert’s Wraps, a letteuce

Rachael Portman is also inspiring and haunting. Director Lone Scherfig, best known for the wonderful “An Education”, seems overwhelmed with the 20 year time span and making each individual year/scene work

as independent moments that should stick out in our minds. Sadly, we are left wishing we’d hit the 20 year mark much sooner than we do. 2.5 stars out of 5.

Film festival volunteers By Jennifer Manalili City Times

A sample of one of the dishes available at Albert’s. Robert Whaley, City Times

Albert’s Fresh Mexican Food

FRUGAL FOODIE

Robert Whaley

leaf which has your choice of flavorful meat, pico de gallo salsa, cheese and guacamole, are an option to grab as well. The wraps are 3 for $6.95. The restaurant also carriers combination plates starting at $5.95 for those looking for a big meal. Albert’s Plate comes with a carne asada taco, a beef or chicken rolled taco, a bean tostada, rice

Open Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information call (619)-231-9468

www.albertsmexicanfood.com and beans, is only $7.75 and worth the price. Everything on the plate tasted great, and there was almost enough food for two people. For those looking to grab something in the morning, Albert’s offers huevos rancheros, omelettes and a few

other breakfast plates that range from $5.25 to $7.25. While you could go to Jack in the Box across the street and eat for a less, the extra dollar or two spent at Albert’s is worth it for the authentic taste and great combinations.

“5 Days of films. 5 Nights of parties. 10 years strong. Celebrating the art and style of film.” boasts the tagline for this year’s annual San Diego Film Festival. But what they really need is a little help from volunteers. The festival will run from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3 and return to it’s home at Reading Cinemas Gaslamp 15 on Fifth Avenue in downtown. This year volunteer scheduling will be done online, a first for the festival. Sign up, login, and shift scheduling will all be done through the festival’s website. “This is a change that will make things much easier,” said the festival’s volunteer coordinator Jennifer Petrini. Jobs will range from box office, guest services, projectionists, security, maintaining crowd control, and other tasks. The festival is also searching for volunteer leads. These individuals will commit to all 5 days, go to meetings, and serve as leaders in their respective section. Volunteers will be able to receive screening passes,

raffle tickets, prizes, and admission into the film festival’s “Volunteer Appreciation Party” as compensation depending on how many shifts are worked. Shifts will range from 3 to 4 hours a day. Orientation will be held the weekend before the festival. Each day of film screenings is followed by a party at a new location each night. All locations are scattered throughout downtown and walking distance from the theater. This year’s after party locations include the Analog Bar and the W Hotel among others. Festival attendees who have purchased a pass will be able to attend the after parties. The festival was created and co-founded by Laatz in 1991 and will be celebrating it’s 10th birthday. The official film schedule was released Sept. 1. One thousand two hundred film submissions were sent into the festival with only 85 making the cut. Among those included is “50/50,” the festival’s opening night film starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogan. For more information on the festival and volunteer opportunities visit www.sdff. org.

September 15, 2011 | www.sdcitytimes.com

Arts

Maybe you should be afraid MOVIE REVIEW Tiana Wilkins

Guillermo Del Toro has helped create yet another suspenseful horror film. Unlike his previous gothic thrillers such as “The Devil’s Backbone,” “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “Hellboy,” “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” does a truly convincing job of playing on every child’s and probably some adult’s worst fear: coming face to face with odd creatures of the night. Del Toro tries to take us on a spellbinding story of fear from a child’s perspective. At several junctures, we go from fearing the unknown to being confronted by goblins that hunger for children’s teeth. “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” is directed by Troy Nixey and tells the tale of Sally (Bailee Madison), a young girl who comes to live with her father Alex (Guy Pearce) and his new girlfriend Kim (Katie Holmes). Sally soon discovers a basement hidden behind a wall located underneath a dual staircase inside of the manor where the creatures live. Soon, they begin to terrorize

The Band London Below, Official Image

Actress Katie Holmes and Co-Star Bailee Madison star in the Horror Film “Dont Be Afraid of The Dark” as Kim Raphael and Sally Hurst. Official Image her. Overall, the acting was exceptional and the entire cast was truly a compliment to each other’s energy. While watching this horror film, one can only tremble at the thought of the child’s teeth being pulled out

and collected to be devoured by the frightening little creatures. Viewers surely will find themselves watching the movie through their fingers and sitting on the edge of their seats and anticipating what’s going to pop out next.

The movie is rated R and while it may not be for everyone, it is very suspenseful. The thrills are intense and leave you squirming in your seat, leaving thinking about the safest way out of the theater.

Chilli Peppers still red and hot ‘I’m With You’ delivers familiar sounds that comfort listeners ALBUM REVIEW

Cecilia Areta

On August 29, the Red Hot Chili Peppers released their latest album, “I’m With You.” The album comes after the band went on a two-year hiatus to mentally regroup. This is the band’s tenth studio album, the band’s first since 1995’s ”One Hot Minute” that did not feature guitarist John Frusciante. Frusciante quit the band for the second and final time in 2009, he was replaced by the band’s former touring guitarist Josh Klinghoffe. Adding a new guitarist was a risk to take but surprisingly Klinghoffe added a new dynamic to the album. Instead of RHCP usual in-your-face guitar chords that Frusciante played, Klinghoffe added a more subtle sound. Their new album features 14 songs that take you on an emotional joyride. The first track, “Monarchy of Roses,” is an album

opener that RHCP has come to perfect, an upbeat funk rock tune that includes tribal drumming, that will be resurrected later in the album in my favorite track “Ethiopia.” The song “Look Around” is the album’s most energetic track. The handclapping emphasizes drummer Chad Smith’s bouncy rhythms as lead vocalist Anthony Kiedis raps like their signature style in the early 1990’s. This song will definitely make the audiences at their live shows very happy. “The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie” is the lead single, its sound stays true to RHCP’s funk heavy sound but with Klinghoffe as an addition, a fresh take on their signature style is produced, giving the band a new edge. The album’s most aggressive track has to be “Goodbye Hooray.” It is definitely one of my favorite fist-pumping songs. On another note, “Police Station” is one of the longest tracks on the album and is both lamenting and

The cover of “ I’m With You” Official Image melancholic. It demonstrates Kiedis talent as a songwriter to cause listeners to experience the suffering he felt while writing. As the title implies, “I’m With You” is a title of a letter from the band to itself, said Kiedis in a VH1 interview. It is a token of appreciation to the fans that have

stood by the band through many line-up changes and reassures that the band is still important without Frusciante. Klinghoffer has a stabilizing effect on the band and has helped ensure that Kiedis, Smith and Flea will be rocking out until they are physically incapable to do so. Overall I would give

the album a 3.5 out of 5. I felt that the band played it safe with the compilation of songs. Although having a new guitarist added a new flare I was expecting more from them but I was comforted with the familiar sound that they never lost.

London Below rises above BAND REVIEW Rachel Landrum

London Below, formerly Tragic Tantrum, preformed at the Electric Ladyland Art and Music Center in Ocean Beach Sept. 2, their first all ages show since their name change. Electric Ladyland is a very intimate venue with a bohemian feel. The music was almost haunting with dark operatic sounds and eerie melodies. During the show the band asked for the audience to participate and dance along to some of the songs. Most of the crowd got into it and seemed to be enjoying the quirkiness to the show. London Below, San Diego’s only known dark cabaret band, was formed in 2004, and is comprised of Zoe Tantrum (vocals), Zeph Tragic (piano, guitar and xylophone), Randy Renaud (bass guitar) and Cruz Caudillo (drums). The additions of Renaud and Cruz seemed to add a much needed part to the band as a whole. Since 2004 London Below has made a few renovations. The band’s new outlook for their music is to focus more on their sound rather than theatrics. Previously the band was very focused on performance and theatrics, using dancers and stilt walkers for their shows. The performance given was quite interesting and not what one would expect with smaller bands, though London Below is not everyone’s cup of tea, catering mainly to the goth/ alternative music scene. If you want an interesting experience none the less check them out. Follow London Below at: www. facebook.com/pages/LondonBelow/251921574833883.

OB Jazz Fest

Coming soon

In Theaters n

Contagion

Colombiana

Drive Sept. 16

Restless Sept. 16

The Help

Straw Dogs Sept.16

Abduction Sept. 23

Warrior

n Rise of the Planets of the Apes

Moneyball Sept. 23

The Debt

n I Don’t Know How She Does It Sept. 16

Killer Elite Sept. 23

Apollo 18

Artist, Steph Johnson, plays at Ocean Beach Music and Art Festival Sept. 10. Troy Bryant Orem, City Times

More online

www.sdcitytimes.com

www.sdcitytimes.com | September 15, 2011

Voice

Petitioning is just another job Petitioning should be a volunteer effort CON

Joreal Ross Once upon a time a leader would come up with an idea that could either help or hurt our country. That leader would then go about collecting the masses for speeches charged with patriotism, words for change, words of relief or added pressure on the poor and middle class. Signatures would then be collected to breathe life into these initiatives. Debates would spark and, in theory whatever was beneficial for the greater good prevailed. The one omnipotent factor from those days was a sense of passion. Today’s signature gatherers do it out of passion for cents. To be paid, anywhere from 85 cents to $5 per signature, for the early stages of legislation, makes a mockery of our system. Opposition stems from the

dangers of associating money with politics, as it inevitably creates that gray area introducing greed and deception. Accounts of fraud in California, Oregon and other states raise question: is it even safe to give your signature to a collector? Often you have to disclose much more about yourself to these “hustlers” who talk so fast it takes longer to sign the papers than it does to hear about the cause. Signature gatherers should be the ones who inspire the measures, the ones who can explain with absolute clarity the reason why one should sign a petition. As a matter of principle they should not get paid for it. If we only realized the actual power of the signatures, we would take ownership of what we sign, and can demand that the groups vying for our votes ask for it themselves. Not a person off the street being paid per signature. Call me old fashioned but the system has to mean something more than “85 cents a pop”.

What do you think? Should petitioning be a paid job or a volunteer act to promote a movement?

Comment online at www.sdcitytimes.com CITY TIMES Volume 66, Number 2 September 15, 2011

www.sdcitytimes.com

Troy Bryant Orem Photo/Design Editor

Fernando Yates Managing Editor

Aida Bustos-Garcia Journalism Adviser

Jennifer Manalili Arts Editor

Petitioners are just doing their jobs PRO

Cecilia Areta When searching for jobs this season, you might stumble across an ad that reads “Open positions for petition circulators,” luring the unemployed with: “Be your own boss… collect signatures on various petitions of your choice…most people work as a petition circulator earn more than $10 an hour.” With economic times looking bleaker every day and with a desperation to keep up with rent, gas, food and other mounting expenses, a lot of people would be more than willing to moonlight at any job they

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Anulak Singphiphat Editor-in-Chief

Cecilia Areta Features Editor

URBANALITIES By Michele Suthers

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

can easily be hired into. On most days, there are petition circulators scattered across campus asking for signatures petitioning a rightful cause or asking if you’re a registered voter. The compensation that they receive ranges from $1 to $2 and varies per valid signature. This is a contract job, the employers that hire circulators make the issues being petitioned for very clear and those employed receive guidelines to abide by; such as only receiving a signature from someone who has not already signed the petition elsewhere. If a petition circulator asks if you have already signed a petition for their issue that then you know that they are doing their

Phone: (619) 388-3880 Fax: (619) 388-3814 E-mail: citytimes@gmail.com

City Times Staff Paulina Aguilar, Cecilia V Areta , Sara Calsadillas , Lena Evans, Ann Feister, Sandra Galindo, Rachel Landrum, Jennifer Manalili, Bliss Mellen-Ross, Nicholas Preston, Francesca Rodrigues, Pablo Rojo, Joreal Ross, Daniela Solano, Amanda Santomi, Joseph Stremlau, Ariana Stevens, Kevin Stover, Lashekita Sutton, Kyle Ward, Robert Whaley, Michael Wheeler, Tiana Wilkins, Malasia Yancey Contributors Tom Andrew, Michele Suthers

job correctly and not trying to use your information for other uses. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Some people believe that paid petition circulators are more prone to committing acts of fraud and dishonesty in the petitioning process … The U.S. Supreme Court has said it is a violation of the First Amendment to ban paying circulators, so some states instead require circulators to disclose their paid or volunteer status prominently to potential petition signers. There are seven states that require that circulators disclose to petition signers whether they are paid or volunteer. California is one of them.

But Governor Jerry Brown has vetoed legislation that would make it illegal for circulators to be paid. Brown says the ban would eliminated any incentive program and drive up the cost of circulating petitions. Supporters of the bill maintained that paying circulators only opens the doors to forging signatures and misinforming voters. The First Amendment guarantees the right to petition your government and there are specific free speech zones on campus. Most petition circulators believe in what they are collecting signatures for. They should be paid for the time and the effort they are ensuing, not only as an employee but a concerned citizen.

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 Journalism Program | www.sdcity.edu/journalism Roman S. Koenig, associate professor, journalism and mass communication

September 15, 2011 | www.sdcitytimes.com

Voice

A difficult summer in San Diego The unemployment we are suffering in San Diego, budget cuts and an economic recession from which we have not yet recovered from, all affected our education this past summer. Many low income students suffered when they found out there were no jobs available for them. Many had to face layoffs and evictions. Others were enrolled in long lines for food stamps and unemployment offices. And many, like myself, almost begged to be hired, open to the uncertain fate of not knowing when the economic situation will improve and the ever growing possibility of living on the streets. Multiple job applications and resumes were sent at every possible opportunity, but the chance to get a job offer in this economy was remote, and the waiting painful. Walking, riding their bikes or carefully driving due to gas prices all in search for jobs that our city does not have. Only a few were selected, cre-

SOCIAL MEDIUM Sandra Galindo

ating an atmosphere of tension among many families. According to Stocks and Economy at msnbc.com, “There are 14 million Americans unemployed, not only competing with each other but with 8.8 million people not counted as unemployed, but part-timers who want a fulltime job.” A part-time job as a canvasser during summer allowed me to talk to people that experience a lack of everything; people surviving on food stamps, desperate from the absence of jobs and scared to face eviction any time soon. For them, times have been tough for years and they are still barely hanging on. Many were unemployed at every

sector I canvassed, rich, poor, old and young people were aware of the lack of jobs and of an economy that has not picked up. On my monthly visit to the Family Resource Center in Lemon Grove, I saw the number of people applying had escalated from the usual regulars. This made the tension escalate. I witnessed a caucasian man in his early 40’s raising his voice at a caseworker and about to reach his breaking point. “I don’t want to depend on your s*** assistance,” he said. “I want to work, help me find a job please.” For students with children, the situation has worsened. Their kids spend all day at home during the summer and they have to provide them with extra meals from their already empty refrigerators. Kids are hit hard by the current crisis because many of these households have† single parents that need to go out and search for something to provide. Subsequently, their chil-

dren are often left in the care of older brothers and sisters who also spend their time waiting for the summer to finish and are hungry to return to school to eat better and be kids. Other parents struggled deciding between having a minimum wage job that will hardly pay for childcare or stay home taking care of their kids. On hot afternoons, in many occasions the stench of poverty filled the air as soon as a door to a home was opened. In one one-bedroom apartment two or more families are forced to live together and share expenses and 6 kids run around while none of the five adults have jobs. The group receives $600 in food stamps each month, but with a big family of eleven, the aid usually runs out after two weeks, eating only in bulk. According to a special report from Voice of San Diego, “San Diego County ranks at or near the bottom among the state’s largest counties for providing key social welfare programs.” People of all ethnicities are

to sell drugs, others to stealing and some will just give up and commit suicide. According to Sign on San Diego “The county Medical Examiner’s Office has attributed at least seven suicides in recent months to money troubles. Medical Examiner Glenn Wagner said such deaths may foreshadow a terrible trend if the gloomy economy continues to push people to the brink.” In what appears to be a war on the poor and children, the low income families in San Diego watch helplessly how tragedies keep mounting while the current financial crisis is already being called the worst since the Great Depression. With many families struggling with rent and food in a long battle of having nothing, we need solutions, not only preaching but follow-through. People are getting tired and are searching for answers; the revolution in Egypt was spark by the same things we are struggling with here in America.

losing their jobs, their homes, many are homeless, hungry and desperate because they no longer can afford rent. They never expected to be poor, never expected to ask for assistance and they are left with no choice but to get cash any way they can to survive.

“I don’t want to depend on your s*** assistance,” he said. “I want to work, help me find a job please.” Ironically, even during this time of economic recession, only 3 out of 9 people that are eligible for welfare assistance get it. For the people that assistance is not provided, they are confronted by situations impossible to resolve. Without any possible solutions, some will turn to prostitution;

Pay or no pay democracy will prevail EDITORIAL City Times Editorial Board

In theory, a democracy gives its citizens a voice, a voice that allows for change and advancements. Hundreds of years ago in city-states, a democracy could potentially have a majority express their voice. In modern day democracies, with populations in the millions it is not feasible for everyone to be heard. As a result we now have representatives and measures in place to allow citizens to voice their opinions, perhaps the most basic being petition-

ing. As of late petitioning has come under scrutiny. Debates of whether signature collectors should be paid are paired with accusations of identity theft, vandalisms, and at least one account of assault from the American Federation of Teachers. Which begs the question: Does it really matter? Politics has always been said to be dirty business, so for argument sake we will remove the elements of violence and vandalism. So, should petitioners be paid? Does it really matter if they are? Petitioners are collecting signatures for a cause, if

Question by Bliss Mellen-Ross Photos by Troy Bryant Orem

What is your opinion on the petitioners on campus?

people support that cause, be it gay marriage or tax cuts, people will sign a petition. If a person disagrees they will simply walk on by, just like people already do. If people want change and a large enough following is there, a democracy will acknowledge that following. As for the accusation of fraud, responsibility belongs to the person signing the petition. Swindlers and hustlers have been around for ages, and it is easy to put the blame on them for your mistakes. Lets say that petitioners are in fact committing fraudulent acts. If a petitioner is lying about the details of the petition, it is still the citizen’s fault for signing.

A person must always read a document they are going to sign. One cannot blindly sign a document without reading it; the cliché about reading the fine print is a cliché for a reason. If a citizen is not familiar with a cause, why support it? Why take the petitioner at their word? At the very least read the information at the top of a petition before signing. But why not instead educate yourself on the issue? If a petitioner is planning on actually stealing your identity, the same applies. Read the document, if you are not comfortable signing the petition then do not. You are they best line of defense against

identity theft. If you do not give your information out, it becomes more difficult to steal. Regardless, there are easier and more efficient ways to steal identities than to stand out in the sun having people sign a piece of paper. A democracy allows citizens to voice their beliefs. A petitioner is really just a manifestation of that verbal expression. Regardless if they are paid or volunteers, they represent someone’s voice. Any harm that comes from signing a petition is not solely the fault of a petitioner being paid, or even from a petitioner lying. Being ignorant of what you are signing is a considerable factor as well.

FTC tips to safegaurd your identity n Protect your Social Security number n Treat your trash and mail carefully n Be on guard when using the Internet n Select intricate passwords n Verify sources before sharing information n Safeguard your purse and wallet n Store information in secure locations

Olivia Kimble, 25, Child Development

Greg Dunn, 20, Environmental Engineer

Enrique Zatapa, 19, Psychology

Jamie Scott, 23, Sociology

“I feel very negatively. I’ve kind of avoided them to be honest.”

“I heard it was a scam. The kids were following students home and beating them up.”

“I think it starts to get annoying because they ask repeatedly. What I want to know is, does the school clear them? I want to know that want I’m signing is legitimate. I don’t want to be misled.”

“I don’t know that much about them. If they are doing it for a good cause that’s one thing and I’ll stop and help, but otherwise it’s just an inconvenience.”

www.sdcitytimes.com | September 15, 2011

Sports Knights aim for goal

Sports Lineup Compiled by Nicholas A. Preston Submit events to citytimes@gmail.com or call (619) 388-3880

By Paulina Aguilar City Times

n Sept. 20, Tuesday W. Soccer Vs. Palomar - 3:15 p.m.

n Sept. 23, Friday W. Cross Country, Golden West Invitational - 3 p.m. M. Cross Country, Golden West Invitational - 3 p.m. W. Soccer Vs. SD Mesa – 6 p.m.

n Sept. 21, Wednesday W. Volleyball Vs. Rio Hondo -5 p.m.

n Sept. 24, Saturday W. Volleyball, SDCC Tournament – All Day

n Sept. 16, Friday W. Volleyball Vs. Orange Coast College - 3 p.m.

After a successful 2-1 home win that took place Sept. 2 against Long Beach, the Knights soccer team is going to refocus as any team would, on things like fitness, a formation that works, and overall team chemistry. The team currently has a record of 1-0, but has plenty of room for improvement. Diego Valverde, a player on the team, says that Coach Milton Hidalgo wants the soccer team playing on the same page and performing

n Sept. 22, Thursday W. Volleyball Vs. South Mountain, Arizona - 5 p.m.

at a top level. This includes immediately working on fitness, a good formation that clicks and on overall team chemistry. The team is at a good level of performance, but strives to be one of the top teams in the league. A high level of fitness will help them achieve that. The formation the team wants is one that will work best for the players on the team and that will help win games. The Knights hope to get to playoffs by focusing not on playing as individuals,

but on their chemistry as a team. Coach Milton Hidalgo has his team practice everyday from 2 - 5 p.m. The team emphasizes on working with each other, ultimately putting their lives and themselves second and the team first. This is more than a game for the Knights; this is both business and pleasure for the team. Achieving these goals will help set the team up for a successful season and help them stay undefeated at home.

Rushing may help you slow down and connect with classmates

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site at www.sdcity.edu/ CampusLife/AssociatedStudentsStudentGovernment/ CalendarofEvents.

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and our students, in any never meet face to face.” For additional informaendeavor. It is a pleasure to be a part of a team that works tion in regards to ASG and so hard for students they may ICC please visit the web-

Russ Boulevard

Martin Gomez and Paul Giret (right) answer a students questions about SDCC Film Society during Club Rush, a week at the beginning of the semester meant to recruit new students to clubs and organizations. Troy Bryant Orem, City Times

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“It was a success. It was a beautiful thing because the student population as a whole was embraced,” said Denise Whisenhunt, dean of Student Affairs. During the week of Aug. 29, the Associated Student Government,ASG, presented Club Rush 2011, a week-long event where all the clubs and organizations that represent City College collaborate with one task in mind; to inform and embrace their fellow peers. “Club Rush was well organized. It was good to see the students engaging into their campus in only the second week of the fall semester,” said Whisenhunt. Some of the festivities included live bands, food

Public Relations Officer, Juan Carlos Jimenez Cruz, together plan on presenting another week-long event similar to Club Rush next semester. “Everything was well organized,” said Gail Rodriguez, assistant dean of Student Affairs. “Angel, Trung, Juan-Carlos, and the whole ASG-ICC staff put in a lot of time and effort on making Club Rush a success”. ASG and ICC both work hard to promote schoolrelated programs and activities here at City College. “It feels great. Our Executive Team and ASG Council are so powerful; it is an honor to work with them,” said Danielle Coulter, President of ASG. “I enjoy being in a position where I can help them do their jobs as liaisons to student issues. I support them,

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carts and face painting tables. There were about 30 clubs and organizations that were participants in Club Rush 2011. Information boards and tables were set up to give students more information about the organizations. Inter Club Council, a group within ASG, is responsible for the unification of all the clubs and organizations that represent City College. ICC is also responsible for relaying ASG information throughout the campus, help students form clubs, and to get more students involved into campus-based activities. President of ICC Trung Nguyen, said that the event had overall a good turnout but there was definitely room for improvement. Nguyen also said that he and Public Events Coordinator, Angel Henderson, and

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By Sydney Bryant City Times

By Fernando Yates City Times The days of spotty Wi-Fi connections may soon be coming to an end as San Diego Community College District is expected to finish rolling out Wi-Fi at City College by June 2012. “The last two years we have been retrofitting existing buildings on the City campus per the City College IT Council priority,” Said Kent Keyser, Director of Information Technology for SDCCD, in an email. The cost of the retrofitting is between $10,000 and $15,000 each year per campus. The buildings currently under construction will have Wi-Fi in the classrooms and common areas on their completion. The A,C,M and T buildings

are in line to recieve Wi-Fi in the future. Keyser did point out that some of the rooms in the C Building may have Wi-Fi due to work already done to Curran Plaza. To connect to City College’s wireless network one has to go to www.sdcity.edu/ CollegeServices/LRCLibrary/CampusWiFi, and click on “Click here to get your City Campus Wireless Access Code”. From there you will be prompted to input your City student ID number and your last name. The following screen will have the a password to connect to the campus Wi-Fi as well as the use policy, security information and contact information for outages. See the accompanying map to see which locations currently have Wi-Fi access.