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Volume 66, Number 3
Calendar/News............... 2-3 Life................................... 4 Arts.................................. 5 Voice................................. 6 Sports............................... 8
September 27, 2011
On second thought... SD District Attorney cancels controversial campus visit By Fernando Yates City Times San Diego District Attorney and mayoral candidate Bonnie Dumanis canceled her lecture in the Saville Theatre for Sept. 21. The lecture was to be a part of City College’s Constitution Week. “She can no longer keep that commitment, and that’s all I can say,” said Steve Walker, communications director for the District Attorney’s office. News of Dumanis’ lecture had sparked controversy among students and faculty. Larissa Dorman, political science professor, said that during an Academic Senate meeting on Sept. 12 members of the campus community asked City College to support any protests that
may occur during the event. Controversy over the lecture stems from the District Attorney’s office’s handling of the slaying of City College student Diana Gonzalez last October. Gonzalez was found slain at City College the night of Oct. 12. Authorities believed that Armando Perez, Gonzalez’s estranged husband, was responsible. According to police reports, three weeks before Gonzalez was killed she accused her husband of kidnapping her from Inspiration Point in Balboa Park and held her for two days, releasing her on Sept. 23. The police report concluded that Gonzalez had been kidnapped, assaulted, raped, and falsely imprisoned. As a result, Perez was jailed for a few days but was released when the San Diego County District Attorney’s office declined to file charges. Perez is now believed to See Thought page 3
The torture of prisoners by the United States is a contentious issue accross the countr y. In a rally in Washington, D.C. three years ago Zaynab Nawaz, 30, from Virginia, with Amnesty International, expressed her views on the matter. (Jamie Rose/MCT)
Sanctioned torture? Lawyer challenges students and faculty to think about how torture is used By Amanda Santoni and Brennan MacLean City Times
San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis cancels a visit to campus which was set for Sept. 21, as part of Constitution Week. Illustration by Troy Orem
A hotly charged, politically incorrect lecture in the faculty staff room Sept. 20 provoked students to rush in to hear a leading lawyer in San Diego speak U.S. government torture. The event, as part of Constitution Week, was led by the uncensored and at times fervent attorney, Ezekiel E. Cortez. The controversial presentation compelled more than 100 students to question their beliefs about torture while bringing up its legality in the midst of the 10-year anniversary of Sept. 11, which reminded the audience of the destruction that claimed thousands of lives, and mobilized millions to react in the name of justice. He quickly dove into the discussion
by telling the listeners how the U.S. government can make torture look legal. “I have a question for you brilliant minds here today. If in the Constitution the Framers forgot about protecting individual rights, then what’s wrong with torture?” Cortez asked, referring to the Constitution not including individual rights. “Can anybody here tell me if the Bill of Rights prohibits torture?” It was not until 1789 that rights of individuals were created in the Bill of Rights, which Cortez says does not prohibit the use of torture. In the United States, under judicial authorization torture can be administered to detainees. There was debate as to whether the Eighth Amendment protected those from torture. “The Eighth Amendment states that no person shall be subject to cruel and unusual punishment, but this applies only when you are in jail after you’ve been convicted.” said Cortez. Students raised their hands in disagreement, stating rather that the amendment did protect individuals from cruel and unusual punishment. “Think a little deeper. This is bull****. If they [police] beat you
before your punishment then it’s not cruel and unusual punishment because you haven’t been convicted and subsequently punished. Interrogation is not punishment,” said Cortez. After that first point he made, most of the crowd looked shocked; students and teachers alike. His presentation was a jumble of the history of torture, to how the judicial system can make it look legal, to encouraging students to know their rights. Students continued to raise their hands to comment in favor of what Cortez was saying, while others voiced their opinion after the lecture. “I was hoping he’d [Cortez] go more in depth on some topics. I’m not for torture. It disturbs and places fear regardless of whether you’re guilty or innocent,” said Karol Martin, a student. When asked what he wanted city College students to take way from the talk, Cortez said, “I want students to know their rights. “I want them to educate themselves and exhaustively research. I don’t want students to take anyone’s word for what their freedom is.”
Chancellor blames uncertainty on poor state policy By Joseph Stremlau City Times Chancellor Constance Carroll had a lot to say when she hosted an open forum at City College on Sept. 20. “There are some major issues confronting us right now,” said the chancellor. She has been making
trips to the three schools in the district and the district office with her message. Along with the chancellor, City College President Terrence Burgess and district Executive Vice Chancellor Bonnie Dowd were also in attendance. She took on the subject of classes that have been cut
and the possibility of more classes being cut in future semesters. “This is poor state policy. It’s not our wish to reduce classes, it’s the state’s active defunding,” said the chancellor. “Anybody that votes for these people should be ashamed of themselves,” she said about the elected
officials. When asked about previous summer session Carroll said, “we cut summer so we could keep fall and spring semesters intact.” She later said the fate of the upcoming summer session would probably be determined around November or December. Regarding the tuition
increase that affected the district this year and the likely increase for next semester Dowd said, “while our fees are low compared to everyone in the nation it would be in the interest of the legislators to have some methodology so students can plan accordingly.” Dowd then showed the
audience a chart of how tuition has doubled from two years ago when it was $20 per unit. She predicts by next semester students will be paying $46 per unit. As the chancellor ended her open forum by saying, “If you ever want to talk to me about anything please do so.”
www.sdcitytimes.com | September 27, 2011
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Take Note Calendar Academic assistance for Compiled by Nicholas A. Preston Get your event in the paper. E-mail us at citytimes@gmail.com or call 619-388-3880
n Sept. 27, Tuesday “Maquilapolis: City of Factories,” 9:40 – 10:50 a.m. Saville Theatre n Sept. 28, Wednesday “La Mamá - Mother Antonia’s Life in Prison,” 11:15 – 12:30 p.m. Saville Theatre n Sept. 29, Thursday “The Longoria Affair,” with filmmaker John Valadez 12:45 – 2:10 p.m. D121A/B n Oct. 3, Monday Two books signings and readings with Benson Deng, coauthor of “They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky: The True Story of Three Lost Boys from Sudan,” 11:10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. - 2:05 p.m. D121A/B n Oct. 3-8
Monday-Saturday San Diego International Book Fair, for more information http://sdcitybookfair.com Virginia Escalante, Vescalan@
sdccd.edu Cost: Free
Bi-National Mambo Orchestra – 7 - 8 p.m. Saville Theatre
n Oct. 4, Tuesday Caballero Music: Latin Jazz Quintet 9:40 – 10:50 a.m. Saville Theatre
n Oct. 8, Saturday San Diego International Book Fair, Reading and book signings: Location: Saville Theatre Cost: Free
Reading and book signing with Judy Patacsil - 11:10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. D121A/B
n Oct. 5, Wednesday Reading and book signing with Christopher Buckley 12:45 2:00 p.m. D121A/B n Oct. 6, Thursday “Chicano Poetics: the Enduring Experience & Perspective,” 12:45 - 2:10 p.m. D121A/B n Oct. 7, Friday
Panel discussion about the San Diego/Tijuana border with noted experts Justin Akers Chacón, Victor Clark and Jill Holslin, 6 - 7 p.m. Saville Theatre
Marjorie Cohn 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Cris Mazza - 11:30 - 12:30 p.m. Zohreh Ghahremani 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Le Thi Diem Thuy 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
low-income students
By Mike Walker City Times In a time of growing financial hardship, New Horizons is a program that helps low-income City College students to achieve academic success. Program Coordinator Mary Jane Kruse said New Horizons benefits these students by teaching them the skills needed to achieve in college and beyond. The program provides students with book loans,
counseling, child care and other resources offered by City College. “Our goal is the to help the students be successful, know where they want to go, and to keep them focused on their educational goals,” said Kruse. Students must first qualify for the Board of Governors Waiver through the Financial Aid office. Then they are given resource packets containing tips for study skills, a calendar, academic planner, and information on study centers, public transporta-
tion and where to get meals. Kruse also provides oneon-one time with students to addresses their concerns. She takes pride in knowing this program can really make a difference in these students’ lives. “It is really fun to see these students grow, and achieve all of their goals,” she said. For more information about New Horizons visit room L-206, open Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Crack City By Michele Suthers
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Wanda Coleman and Austin Straus – 3:30- 4:30 p.m. Luis Rodriguez - 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Concert by the Bill Caballero
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
City Crunch By Nicholas A. Preston
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September 27, 2011 | www.sdcitytimes.com
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News People voice our collected history Students recite the work of activists in Saville Theatre By Brian Lett Correspondent
A dispenser in the women’s restroom advertises condoms for 50 cents. The use of condoms can reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS. Daniela Solano, City Times
HIV still prevalent in county By Cecilia V. Areta City Times There are over 18,000 cases of HIV/AIDS reported in San Diego County, according to health officials reports, and the people most vulnerable are men having sex with men. Furthermore, the most recent HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program Epidemiology Report (SPER) also concluded adult females in the area have a larger proportion of heterosexual transmission,
68 percent versus the national average of 47 percent, and 23 percent of injected drug use transmissions as apposed to 17 percent. Dotti Cordell, the Director of Student Health Services at City College, said that STD/HIV tests are available at the Health Service Center and referrals to lower costing services are given during check-ups. On HIV/Aids Awareness Day, Sept. 18, student Ann Pierce offered some advice about safe sex. “My brother has HIV…
Getting infected isn’t something you plan, it happens to you like a shock. Quick and unexpected,” said Pierce. Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day and City College is expected to have UCSD's Antiviral Research Center outreach campaign bus on campus to conduct oral swab testing for HIV. Test results are available within minutes. For more information call 619-388-3450 or visit room A-116. Hours of operation are Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Few seats were vacant at the Saville Theatre Sept. 22 when the BEAT presented their third annual rendition of “Voices from a People’s History.” Like the two previous presentations, “Voices from a People’s Histry” featured City College students reciting from the works and protests taken from author Howard Zinn’s compilation of the same name. The source speakers ranged from high profile political activists and freedom fighters to obscure authors and teachers.
Thought Continued from Page 1 be in Mexico. Students and faculty close to the event believed a protest was being planned outside of the Seville Theatre the day of the Duma-
Cody McCormack, first time participant and representative of the newly created Employee Rights Center, chose linguistic professor and political scientist Noam Chomsky as the subject of his recital. “It’s pretty rare that a scientist [Chomsky] gets involved, so it intrigued me,” McCormack said. “I enjoyed it a lot, I would definitely do it again.” Returning participants included Bianca Belmonte, Jessica Magpie, Cassie Carillo and Angela Dance — whose captivating performance of Sojourner Truth was met with uproarious applause. The recitals were temporarily suspended midway through the presentation in the remembrance of Troy Davis via video tribute, who after 26 years in prison was executed by lethal injection
the day before. The death of Troy Davis influenced third-time participant Maurice Martin, who chose to relate the words of Mumia Abu-Jamal — who spoke as he sat on death row. “I believe [my chosen speech] to be very timely,” Martin said. “Especially with the recent death of Troy Davis.” Also participating were members from Teaching to Transgress, Visionary Feminists, Bringing Education and Activism Together (BEAT) and Veterans for Peace. In attendance was City College student Tamara Estes, who also attended last year’s event. “It was interesting,” Estes said. “It helped to expose our history and how it concerns us, [including] historical issues that are still occurring today.”
nis’ lecture, as well as question her directly about the Gonzalez case during the lecture. Dumanis’ lecture was to be on Constitutional issues. Following Dumanis’ cancellation, BEAT (Bringing Education and Activism
Together) and Visionary Feminists held “Diana’s Story” in the Saville Theatre the same day the lecture would have been held. The event aimed to inform people of Gonzalez’s death and increase the awareness of domestic abuse.
Drug-free school ACLU files suit over Missouri college’s drug test rule By Mara Rose Williams MCT Campus Linn State Technical College’s first-in-the-country, mandatory student drug testing that could lead to norefund dismissals has been challenged in court. The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Eastern Missouri this week filed a federal lawsuit accusing the two-year publicly funded college in Linn, Mo., of “violating the constitutional rights of its students by forcing them to submit to mandatory drug tests as a condition of their enrollment.” On Sept. 15, a judge in U.S. District Court for the
Western District of Missouri, where the lawsuit was filed, granted a temporary restraining order to stop the testing and analysis of any samples already collected and to block release of any results garnered from the testing. Donald M. Claycomb, president of Linn State Technical College, and members of the board of regents are named as defendants. Officials at the college east of Jefferson City declined to comment and referred calls to their attorney, Kent Brown, who was not available for comment. The drug testing policy was adopted earlier this month and requires all students — first-year and those returning after at least a semester-long break — to pay a $50 non-refundable fee and submit to urine test. The college has 1,176 students. According to the ACLU,
students were pulled out of classes for testing the day after the policy was enacted. Those who refused the drug test were told they would be dismissed from the college. A student who fails the test has a second chance to pass it. A second failure would result in dismissal, the ACLU statement said. “It is unconstitutional to force students to submit to a drug test when there is zero indication of any kind of criminal activity,” said Jason Williamson, staff attorney with the ACLU Criminal Law Reform Project, in a statement. “The college has demonstrated no legitimate need to drug-test its students that outweighs their constitutionally protected privacy rights. This is an unprecedented policy, and nothing like it has ever been sanctioned by the courts,” said Williamson.
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www.sdcitytimes.com | September 27, 2011
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Life Beauty on the cheap Cosmetology Deparment offers services at half the cost to students By Bliss Mellen-Ross City Times Walking into City College’s Cosmetology Department is not unlike going into an established salon. The only significant difference between the two is that at City all services are handled by the students. The cosmetology classroom is equipped with an array of beauty supplies, and dozens of work station chairs, most of which seat students practicing on one another. “All students do the work on clients, that’s how they learn. We supervise them and evaluate everything they do. Clients come in knowing that this is an environment in which students are practicing,” explained Constance Calhoun,
professor of cosmetology. These clients include an assortment of people who are drawn in by exceptionally low prices and word of mouth. Due to the rehearsal based nature of the work done, most procedures are under $20; half off if you are over 60 or have a student ID from any of the San Diego community colleges. Lacey Vidano, receptionist and student, explained, “There are a lot of loyal people that have been coming in for years, even before we moved buildings. They refer their friends to us and that’s a big part of our business.” “We do both hair and makeup; it’s a little bit of everything,” said Adela Reyes, as she gave fellow student Margo Churchill a gender-transformation makeover. To learn more than just the fundamental skills of makeup, the students practice with fantasy makeovers; transforming other students into birds, monsters, and so forth. All makeovers are accom-
Adela Reyes gives fellow student, Margo Churchill, a fantasy gender-transformation makeover on Sept. 18 at San Diego City College’s Cosmetology salon. Bliss Mellen-Ross, City Times panied by hair styling. The students offered a range of reasons why they chose to pursue cosmetology as their major. “I like making people look good,” said Brittiny Edwards. “I heard from another student that the program was fast-paced and I wanted to check it out.” Ramon Valdev
got an unusual chance to pursue his childhood dream after budget cuts forced him out of his previous social services major. “I noticed a really professional environment that was tailored especially to students,” said Valerie, who declined to give her last name. “They are very focused on
A ‘1950’s style’ burger joint Smashburger is a burger joint, but not like McDonald’s, Burger King, Carl’s Jr. or Inn-Out. It’s a real burger joint. The atmosphere, the seating, and especially the food all scream an old 1950’s style school burger joint. Customers can almost hear the jukebox music, rock ‘n’ roll filling the room which provides that warm welcoming environment that is so hard to find when your looking for a quick bite. I ordered an original Smashburger, “smash” size (normal), and added mushrooms to it, with a Butterfinger Milkshake to drink. When the burger first arrived it looked too good to eat. The work of art came in a split top hamburger bun and the meat and cheese looked real as oppose to a Big Mac that you would normally wait twice as long for. The mushrooms were sautéed to perfection and the burger was to die for. The texture was real, it did not taste like plastic, and it did not feel like it would survive a nuclear war. It tasted real, fresh, and full of explosive flavor. The Haagen-Dazs Butterfinger milkshake was served in a tall glass with the leftover product brought to the table as well in an ice cold metal container. The smooth, rich, and creamy shake gave the feeling of a 1950’s diner. For veggie lovers out there, Smashburger
preparing students for being placed into the field.” “I’ve been here 20 years, and I definitely like it,” said Calhoun of her experience with teaching the program. “First and foremost the interest here is the progression of the students, as opposed to money being a key factor. You get to see how appreciative
the students are when they’re constantly learning, it makes it nice to work here.” The Cosmetology Department is located on the first floor of the V-building. No appointments are necessary. For more information on services offered/cost visit: www.sdcity.edu/CosmetologyServices.
MUSIC, FASHION & ART
Smashburger’s “classic with cheese” burger with garlic sautéed mushrooms added. Robert Whaley, City Times offers a burger made from smashed black beans. Patrons can also get this burger San Diego style which adds fresh avocado, cilantro, onions, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and spicy chipotle mayonnaise on a warm torta roll with a slice of lime on the side. The taste will impress even those who are carnivorous at heart. It was very smooth, blending well with the faintest hint of spicy heat. An alternative option for sides are the Sweet Potato Smash fries. They are sliced from sweet potatoes, then fried and tossed with rosemary, olive
FRUGAL FOODIE
Robert Whaley oil, and garlic. These fries had a taste all their own. The mixture of the olive oil, rosemary, and garlic blended well giving them a garden flavor despite them being a deep fried product. The total for both of us was
just over $19.00, not bad for two people in a sit down place. Smashburger does not just offer beef, they also make chicken burgers: styles vary from avocado clubs to buffalo with blue cheese. They also serve salads and hot dogs, and even have a kid’s menu for family night. Smashburger does serve beer and wine. For those looking for anything from dinner with the team after a game, date night, or family night Smashburger is an affordable stop that’s well worth the short wait. For more information visit www.smashburger.com
Lead singer of The Maul Shoppe, Heidi Arcilla performs at the sixth annual Project Ethos show Sept. 16. The show at The House of Blues combined fashion, music and art into a night of creative overload. The show highlighted the creations of eight designers, performances by three bands, and art from seven pioneering visual artists. Anulak Singphiphat, City Times
September 27, 2011 | www.sdcitytimes.com
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Arts ‘The Help’ needs a helping hand MOVIE REVIEW
Cecilia V. Areta
Kathryn Stockett’s novel, “The Help”, was a surprise hit after being quietly released in February 2009. In an Entertainment Weekly interview Stockett explained that “After (her) five years of writing and three and a half years of rejection, an agent named Susan Ramer took pity on (her)” and published the novel with Einhorn Books. Getting the novel out there to the public was a struggle but “The Help” slowly became a New York Times best-seller that continuously had readers buzzing about its racial themes. The film adaptation of “The Help” was released in August of this year, it was written and directed by Stockett’s childhood friend, Tate Taylor. Did Taylor give justice to Stockett’s riveting novel? The depth of the novel, which tells a controversial story about black domestic servants working in white Southern households in 1960’s Jackson, Miss., is hard
Actress Viola Davis plays Aibileen Clark in the movie adaptation of “The Help,” a novel by Kathr yn Stockett. Official Image to portray in a two hour and seventeen minute movie. While I adored the book, I thought the movie was just okay and not a must-see. The characters, which are so well-drawn in the book were reduced to mere stereotypes
of Southern women in the movie— the innovator (Skeeter), the submissive maid (Aibileen), the brass maid (Minny), the uptight Southerner (Hilly), the dumb blonde (Celia) and so on. The movie was subtle
in the places it should have been boisterous and boisterous in the places where it should have been subtle. The complexity of the plot, relationships and the underlying element that – we are different in skin color but
not as human beings – was lost. In addition to that, what bugged me the most was instead of a frank ending, the movie was sugarcoated. Overall it was a light drama instead of a captivating work of realistic fiction.
It was a prime example that one must read the novel before the film adaptation.
3 out of 5 stars
‘Contagion’: An infectious thriller MOVIE REVIEW Jennifer Manalili
“Contagion’s” story begins in darkness. A woman coughs before reaching into a bowl of snacks at an airport bar and a virus takes off. The movie is being marketed as a shocking horror film when actually it’s quiet. The virus spreads quickly in a manner zombie movie fanatics would be proud of but there is no gore here and no shocking deaths. “Contagion” uses believability to keep the moviegoer enthralled. “I thought it’d be really interesting to do a pandemic movie but one more rooted in reality,” said the film’s director Steven Soderbergh in a recent interview with MoviesOnline.com. The horror is in the reality, furthermore in the science. It preys on our greatest fears: germs, infection, disease, and an epidemic with no vaccine. In a post-9/11 world filled with fears of things like SARS, whooping cough, and swine flu this is a reality we can
believe in. Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Marion Cotillard, Kate Winslet, and Laurence Fishburne are at the forefront of the story. Paltrow plays Beth, a woman returning home after visiting Hong Kong. Upon arriving in the U.S., she falls ill with flu like symptoms. Her husband Mitch (Damon) agrees that it could just be jet lag. Soon, her symptoms worsen. Her vision grows blurry and she collapses and dies of a seizure. Mitch returns home to find his stepson has died of the same symptoms. The doctors do not have an exact reason for the illness but they do find that he might be immune. The other actors are spread throughout the rest of the world. Fishburne and Winslet team up as doctors for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Law plays a blogger who is suspicious of pharmaceutical companies, and Cotillard plays an epidemiologist for the World Health Organization who travels to Hong Kong to trace the virus back to it’s origins.
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Alan Krumwiede (Jude Law) places a flyer describing a potential cure for the disease ravaging the world under the winshield wiper of someone’s car. Official Image The movie unravels through the different countries. People begin to fall ill everywhere and survivors begin to panic as they learn that there is no immediate cure. For many movies, it’s when humans are scared that their true ruthlessness and characters comes out. It
becomes reality here as curfews are enforced and cities begin to shut down. The survivors begin to loot pharmacies and grocery stores, and turn on their neighbors. Without a cure, everyone goes mad. The believability the film carries is ultimately it’s only highlight. The soundtrack
is horrible. The cast, except for a select few is deemed pretty much useless. Their stories are linked together well, which is a triumph in an ensemble film like this but their time on screen is not long enough. The reality of the film is what makes it worth watch-
ing. Too often, audiences are reduced to thrillers that only rely on fantasy when what filmmakers really fail to realize is that probability can be a scary tale in itself.
3 out of 5 stars
Read our reviews of “Ringer” and “Straw Dogs” at sdcitytimes.com
www.sdcitytimes.com | September 27, 2010
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VOICE Fill the cup and get a buck... maybe Screen them URBANALITIES By Michele Suthers for drugs PRO
Joreal Ross Although the idea of drug screening welfare recipients has been held privately for some time, Florida governor Rick Scott signed recent legislation that requires adults applying for government assistance to undergo drug testing. “While there are certainly legitimate needs, it is unfair for any taxpayer to subsidize drug addiction,” Scott said. These measures are not necessarily intended to provide help to those found with “dirty” urine. Bill sponsors have been quoted touting the savings it would provide the respective state, while opponents to these initiatives have deemed them unconstitutional and demeaning. Other state legislators have begun similar bills — including Kansas, Rhode Island, and Arizona — but all are still in their infancy and have yet to gain steam. The underlying issue is not race, nor social class. The bottom line is that most states are operating at huge deficits. Budgets are not being agreed to and state governments are scrambling to save money. Some budget cuts cause more harm than good, like shutting down schools. However drug screening welfare recipients is one measure that all tax payers should agree with. Basically we have a situation in which taxpayers’ dol-
lars are helping buy drugs. The reason some drug users qualify for welfare is usually children, and what usually happens to the child of a drug addict? Parental neglect leads to repetition of the parent’s actions in the child. It would not be cost efficient to continuously test clean recipients because there is obviously some legitimate need, but if the money is being spent on drugs, it is not meeting the child’s needs and that is the main reason for aid. Bad parenting should not be rewarded with “free money.” Diapers, food and clothing are the only acceptable uses of welfare monies awarded to those in need. Drugs, alcohol, lottery tickets, cigarettes, cable television are not only unsuitable for children, they’re more luxury items that should never be bought with welfare. We have all seen a single mother more interested in her mobile phone than in her three kids, all of them with a mix of love and hunger in their eyes. What we need is a program that focuses more on the child of drug addicted welfare recipients, because they are the ones we need to reach. If we can get to them, and teach the personal accountability that inspires a young person to want to work for what they get, to earn it, then our elected officials would not have to come across as so desperate to save money.
Agree? Disagree? Let us know at sdcitytimes.com
CITY TIMES Volume 66, Number 3 September 27, 2011
www.sdcitytimes.com
Published as: The Jay Sees | 1945-1949 Fortknightly | 1949-1978 City Times | 1978Incorporating the newspapers Tecolote, Knight Owl and Flicks
Not without probable cause CON
Francesca Rodrigues It is an unfortunate reality for about 4 million Americans who are unable to support their families regardless of their best efforts. Turning to the government for money keep heads above water is not a wanted choice, but necessary for survival. Recipients already have to go through signing very tedious paperwork and uncomfortable interviews. Now they must further prove themselves and prove that they are not in fact a criminal or a dope fiend. Yes, times are hard and legislators are coming up with cheap politics to make cuts to the budget, but why turn to drug testing the poor? Drug tests alone are a little costly, $42, and potential welfare recipients will have to pay this fee out of their own pocket. That $42 could be used to buy groceries for the week or basic necessities for the family. Not to mention the government would have to pay a lab to run these tests. It just starts to all add up. Drug testing the poor will supposedly stop some welfare recipients from using their welfare checks to support their drug habits.
How to reach us: City Times San Diego City College 1313 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101 Newsroom: T-316
Phone: (619) 388-3880 Fax: (619) 388-3814 E-mail: citytimes@gmail.com
Cecilia Areta Features Editor
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
Jennifer Manalili Arts Editor
Contributors Tom Andrew, Michele Suthers, Brian Lett, Brennan MacLean
Anulak Singphiphat Editor-in-Chief
Troy Bryant Orem Photo Editor
Fernando Yates Managing Editor
Aida Bustos-Garcia Journalism Adviser
While it is true that drugs are common among poor people, but to accuse people of being on drugs solely because they are asking their government to help make ends meet is not right. A man can file for assistance because he ruined his life due to his gambling addiction. He tests negative for drugs, so he is able to spend the checks he receives correctly? Not likely. That man spent his money on the ponies and not on dope. Alcohol is legal and rarely tested for, but by testing negative for drugs, the money an alcoholic receives can easily fuel their addiction. The Fourth Amendment protects us from unreasonable searches and seizures, along with requiring any warrant to be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause. With manditory drug screening a person applying for welfare benifits is in essence giving up their right to probable cause. Going to our government for help should not be the same as telling them to take our rights from us. Turning addicts away, further making them unable to support their families, is wrong. Turning away the people who need the most help is wrong. What good is our system if it allows these people go homeless?
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 27, 2011 | www.sdcitytimes.com
Voice
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Drug testing for welfare recipients EDITORIAL City Times Editorial Board
Because of the economic downturn people are struggling to keep up with their expenses and getting through their day-to-day. Applying for welfare has become an option for many in need. Others argue that some welfare recipients take advantage of
the benefits that taxpayers help fund. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2010 over 16 percent of Californians were living below the poverty line $10,830 for an individual and $22,050 for a family of four, which is greater than the national level of 15 percent and amongst the highest in recent years. With the state of California having to make budget cuts left and right, it is crucial to
put the state’s finances where they are needed the most. Having this step added to the application process will give the government the ability to filter out those who use the aid for unnecessary purchases. Welfare applicants should be required to take drug tests before receiving government help. There should be stricter guidelines for being accepted into the welfare program.
Florida has recently approved a law that requires welfare recipients to pass a drug test. According to Politico.com, in May, Gov. Rick Scott signed the drug-testing requirement into law. The new law states that welfare applicants must pay for their own drug testing, which ranges from about $30 to $35. But if the results are negative, they will be fully reimbursed.
If California were to adopt the same law, the amount of applicants will be significantly reduced to only serious candidates. Those opposing it argue that testing prices are unfair and that passing the law would make it okay to accuse those in need of drug abuse. Records have found that state-issued debit cards are being used by welfare recipients for gambling. The Los Angeles Times
reported that “California welfare recipients are able to use state-issued debit cards to withdraw cash on gaming floors in more than half of the casinos in the state.” This is one of many examples of misused welfare aid. There is a need for a stricter policy. Many who are currently a part of the welfare program are not necessarily as qualified or are not using the funds they receive in an appropriate way.
A sacrifice without any return It is the second day of Anna’s vacation without pay; her eyes are swollen since she has been crying for two days. As soon as she wakes up, she feels helpless when she remembers the abuses at her job, and she starts to sob again. The memories of her children haunt her. They were forced to stay in her home country with relatives, so she could go look for a better future for them. Eight years without being able to hug them have bittered her heart and barely keep her in the mood to keep fighting, wondering if the sacrifice was worth it. They were 14, 10 and 8 years old when she left. Anna is one of many undocumented parents who crossed the border because there was no other choice. Like many other immigrants, Anna managed to survive eating whenever she could, sleeping in borrowed
living rooms, back yards and garages. Anna’s cooking skills allowed her to start working in a busy restaurant, but her legal status makes her vulnerable to exploitation. She agreed to work without earning a salary, surviving only from the tips customers gave her until the owner could afford to pay her. But after a year of waiting to receive her money, Anna’s boss told her he was not going to pay her and threatened her by letting her know that “he had his lawyers and people who will defend him in case she wanted to take legal action.” She was able to sue him, but he declared bankruptcy. According to The Power Act — recently introduced to the U.S. Senate to protect workers from exploitation and retaliation — “Too often, when immigrant workers attempt to organize to combat exploitation, employers use immigration enforcement as
Question by Robert Whaley Photos by Troy Bryant Orem
Should people be required to be drug tested before receiving welfare funds?
SOCIAL MEDIUM Sandra Galindo
a weapon to quash organizing efforts and trump labor law.” With tears in her eyes Anna said, “What hurts me is that with not enough money to rent an apartment, living under a safe roof was a daily challenge for me. With many of the customers I tended to at the restaurant I was able to make friends that knew I was struggling and offered me help. Only to learn later that was in exchange for sex. So I can say I was forced to commit prostitution in order to survive.” Now 39 years old, Anna has been working as a wait-
ress at a Mexican restaurant in Chula Vista, where she is forced to do the work of two or three workers. Cleaning the restaurant after it closes; carrying heavy food trays, serving and cooking are only part of her chores as an employee. According to PressofAtlanticCity.com, “Undocumented immigrants are just one among many groups of workers who effectively lack the on-the-job protections that most Americans take for granted.” Always smiling and showing a positive drive, Anna provides an exemplary service to the clients as she works under amidst extreme pressure. She runs from table to table serving food and drink orders, proposing different entrées to clients and bringing more earnings to the owners. But not even her great attitude to provide an excellent service to customers brings sympathy from the owners.
The constant snapping of fingers and mistreatment toward her to move faster is easily perceived, and embarrasses her most of the time,
“... friends that knew I was struggling and offered me help. Only to learn later that was in exchange for sex.” especially when clients ask her why they treat her so rudely. She works 40 to 50 hours per week, but she always earns $219 cash to leave no evidence of her employment. An article in the Los Angeles Times reads, “When the Fair Labor Standards Act was enacted in 1938, it established
a national minimum wage and overtime pay, but excluded restaurant employees, retail, domestic and farm workers.” “Tipped workers such as waiters are entitled to a minimum of just $2.13 an hour. ” In a place filled with customers that enter and leave constantly, Anna wages a daily battle for survival and she needs to keep working. She feels helpless and sad to see that even when the owners are Mexicans, they are not willing to help her. In the end, Anna’s decision to leave her children to search for a better life was perhaps a mistake. Her children cannot forgive that she left them without the hugs, care and protection only a mother could have given. The missing maternal bond caused them a life of constant pain and a hate toward Anna. For her, forced to live in the lowest rung of society to provide something for them,
Aquieal Mills, 17, Business
Andres Gillstrap, 25, Mechanical Engineering
Noel Nichols, 27, Liberal Arts
Robbie Edler, 28, Food and Nutrition
“No, well maybe they (should). It would make a lot of sense, it’s one of those things that can’t be decided with a general rule.”
“I don’t think so, (I would) pose the question of what happens if they fail the test, what happens to them if welfare is their only lifeline?”
“Yes, they could possibly spend money that should go to children and family on drugs. That could really affect the children’s lives.”
“Yes, but just for hard narcotics, not weed, because hard narcotics pose a threat not only to the (user) but also to their children and family.”
Let us know what you think, take our poll at http://poll.cm/541
www.sdcitytimes.com | September 27, 2011
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Sports Lupian is two coaches in one By Jorge Benitez City Times Men’s Tennis Head Coach Brandon Lupian starts the fall with a new challenge, shooting free throws. Lupian was named the Women’s Basketball Head Coach on Aug. 13. He is the only coach at City College coaching two teams in different sports. The addition of Lupian to the Women’s Basketball is not new to him, having served as an assistant coach during the 2009-10 season and volunteer at the Chula Vista High School basketball program. “The biggest challenge for me this year is to balance out both teams, making sure they’re getting the right amount of time, it’s not easy but I have found a system that allows me to do it, I lean a lot on my assistants,” Lupian said. Lupian is aware of the differences of both games but founds a way to connect his previous experience on the tennis court to basketball. “They’re definitely opposites, footwork has many similarities between the both, but what I focus on the most
Sports Lineup Compiled by Nicholas A. Preston Submit events to citytimes@gmail.com or call (619) 388-3880 n Sept. 30, Friday M. Cross Country, SoCal Preview at Guasti Park, Ontario - 3:00 p.m. M. Soccer Vs. Palomar - 3:15 p.m. W. Soccer Vs. Southwestern - 3:15 p.m. W. Volleyball Vs. Mesa - 5:00 p.m. n Oct. 3, Monday M. Soccer Vs. Victor Valley - 3:30 p.m. n Oct. 4, Tuesday W. Soccer Vs. Miramar – 3:15 p.m.
Men’s tennis and Women’s Basketball Head Coach Brandon Lupian lobs balls during tennis practice. Jorge Benitez, City Times is on the mental and spiritual approach my teams take to the game,” Lupain said. Lupain’s athletes speak very highly of him and give a sense of respect towards they way he works. Alex Torres, a sophomore on the tennis team, said, “He is a wise person, and I’m sure that the he will teach many life and basketball lessons to his new team.” Lupian’s qualities as a coach have certainly granted him this opportunity not only for himself but for the people that surround him throughout the Knights athletic pro-
gram. Lupain has a positive approach of the way he wants things to turn out and he stated that the only thing that has changed now is the fact that he spends much more time in his office. Regarding his expectations for his teams, Lupain said, “It will depend on the way we mesh together; it will affect the way it all ends.” Women’s basketball starts in Nov. 11 in the SD Mesa tournament. Men’s tennis starts Feb. 3 with a match against Fullerton.
n Oct. 5, Wednesday W. Volleyball Vs. Cuyamaca - 5:00 p.m. n Oct. 7, Friday M. Soccer Vs. Southwestern - 3:15 p.m. W. Soccer Vs. Grossmont – 3:15 p.m. W. Volleyball Vs. Grossmont - 5:00 p.m. n Oct. 8 Saturday W. Cross Country, Ursula Rains Balboa Boogie, Balboa Park -7:30 a.m.
KNIGHTS KICK THEIR WAY TO VICTORY
A City College student plays in the Sept. 16 match against Golden West College. The Knights won the match 3-2 Troy Orem, City Times
SIXTH ANNUAL
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OCTOBER 7-8, 2011
and related events Oct. 3-6 (see website for details)
SD City College Campus and Saville Theatre Corner of “C” Street and 14th Street in Downtown San Diego
www.sdcitybookfair.com • (619) 388-3230 FREE ADMISSION TO ALL EVENTS/OPEN TO THE PUBLIC