2013_1203_CT_v68i7

INSIDE THIS EDITION Get into the holiday spirit: music, homemade gift ideas, events, food and more PAGE 8

CT CityTimes

Covering the San Diego City College community since 1945

Vol. 68, No. 7

December 3, 2013

Weekly at sdcitytimes.com

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Election for mayor set for Feb. runoff

By Will Morse and Chris Handloser City Times Two San Diego councilmembers, Democrat David Alvarez and Republican Kevin Faulconer, will square off in a runoff election in February for mayor of San Diego.

In a special election on Nov. 19, Faulconer brought in 101,944 votes (42.17 percent), with Alvarez at 65,722 votes (27.19 percent) and fellow Democrat Nathan Fletcher closely behind him with 58,346 votes (24.3 percent). As of press time, county officials report that mail-in and provisional ballets have been tallied but results are still unofficial.

Alvarez, 33, created a surge with voters in recent weeks, and due to strong financial backing of local labor councils, secured the endorsement from the county Democratic Party.

On the night of the election, Nov. 19, he fought through a hoarse voice to explain

for KUSI News why he felt his campaign flourished as of late. “People are coming together because they see in my story —– the story of many San Diegans —- that you work hard, and you make things possible.”

Faulconer, 46, benefited from being the only viable Republican candidate in the election, and from his familiarity with the citizens in his work on the City Council.

“The experience that I bring —– I served seven years on the council and my ability to work with my friends on the council —– I’m going to need that as mayor,” spoke Faulconer confidently to KUSI News.

As of Nov 26, only 241,734, or roughly 35 percent of the 683,370 registered citizens participated in the special election.

Nearly double the amount of San Diegans (466,962) rolled out to the polls last November.

Please see sdcitytimes. com for February dates and polling place information.

Kids run in the quad before City College and county officials kicked off the fun run. Chris Handloser, City Times

Campus strives to ‘Live Well’ City is the first college to be proclaimed for a county initiative

By LeeAnn Rose City Times San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts joined administration and faculty in celebrating the proclamation of City College as Live Well San Diego’s first collegiate partner Nov. 14. The event, enjoyed by hundreds of people, featured a 2K Fun Run, a children’s race, raffle giveaways and more.

Live Well San Diego is a countywide initiative to bring a positive change to

the well being of its residents. In addition to City College, the 12 program partners include health care providers, community based organizations, school districts, law enforcement, the military and veterans organizations.

When asked how their newly developed “Step Up To Live Well” initiative will change City College, cross-country coach Paul Greer responded with “greater awareness.”

He went on to explain; “I think young people take for granted their health,

especially if they have good health. And they don’t understand that as you get older, illnesses and other things can happen later in life if you don’t prevent them from happening early in life.”

Several Knights sports teams that participated in the fun run radiated energy and served as examples of the positive changes coach Greer was promoting to the campus.

When speaking of his See Live Well, page 5

Continuing Education campus to open in 2015

By Torrey Spoerer City Times Construction is under way for the San Diego Continuing Education - Cesar Chavez Campus, scheduled for completion in 2015.

Located at the corner of Main Street and Cesar E. Chavez Parkway, the former Chuey’s Restaurant, will be a $50 million project housing 22 classrooms, a multipurpose room, administrative offices and a space for a small business incubator.

“These classes help people get hands-on training and position them well for entering the work force,” said Renessa Ashton, a spokes-

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woman with the district’s Continuing Education program, in an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune.

“Often people are waiting for several weeks, sometimes months, before they are able to get into a program, so this is going to immediately eliminate that long wait,” added Ashton.

Eight of the classrooms will be for health-care training, such as nursing assistance and home health aide programs, replacing a single classroom at the Centre City campus that currently provides Allied Health career training.

See Building, page 2

INDEX Calendar................. 2 Opinion................... 6 Arts...................... 12 Sports................... 15

CT TAKE NOTE 2

www.sdcitytimes.com | December 3, 2013

CALENDAR

Compiled by Jennifer Manalili Get your event in the paper.

Email us at calendar@sdcitytimes.com or call 619-388-3880 December 4

January 27

Blood Drive 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Gorton Quad

Start of spring semester

February 7

Last day to receive, process and pay for add codes

Scholarship Workshop 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in D-121A

Deadline to drop classes with no “W” recorded

December 5

Business Start-Up Workshop 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. in T-304 Sponsored by Enactus

The initial construction for the new Cont. Ed campus scheduled to open in 2015.

Building Continued from Page 1 Classes at the new campus will include vocational training, English as a Second Language, adult basic education, GED preparation classes as well as other programs that are currently held in two San Diego Community College District locations.

The district is also making sure that the surrounding neighborhood is well aware of the changes coming soon.

“Some officials from the SDCCD came in to our cafe one day and gave us some paperwork and told us about the upcoming continuing education classes that the new campus would offer,” said Sam Forlines, a barista at Ryan Bros. Coffeehouse,

located kiddy corner from the new construction site.

“More student traffic means more traffic for the coffeehouses and other business located in the Barrio Logan neighborhood,” added Forlines. “So I’m excited for the arrival of the new campus.”

The 68,000-square-foot educational facility, designed by the architectural firm

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Torrey Spoerer, City Times Martinez + Cutri, is designed to emphasize energy efficiency in hopes of receiving a LEED silver certificate.

It will feature droughttolerant landscaping, highefficiency irrigation and low-flow and waterless plumbing fixtures. A 149space underground parking structure will also be built a couple blocks away.

Refund deadline for enrollment fees and/or non-residential tuition

Military Transit Support Group 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

February 14

December 9

Washington Day Holiday

Lincoln Day Holiday

February 17

Employment Preperation Workshop 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in A-111.

March 3

Last day to file a petition for pass/no pass grade option

December 13

Associated Student Government meeting 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in D-105

March 31

December 16

Withdrawal deadline. No drops accepted after this date

Spring Break, March 31 to April 5

April 11

End of Fall 2013 semester

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December 03, 2013 | www.sdcitytimes.com

NEWS CT 3

The Hatchery finds winners

By Will Morse and Chris Handloser City Times Enactus of City College recently worked with a team of business owners, faculty and students to select five people to build and create their own business in a program called The Hatchery.

Now that the five students have been selected, they will work with Enactus interns serving as business coaches for an academic year.

“The idea is to provide support and help them accelerate their businesses,” stated Enactus co-faculty adviser, Nancy Fredericks. “We call it ‘The Hatchery’ cause we’re helping them hatch their business.”

After going through 18 applicants with great ideas, the Enactus team interviewed 12 people and narrowed it down to the winning entrepreneurs using various criteria.

“It was really looking at our skills that our business interns have,” explained Fredericks. “Some we just couldn’t find a way to help them in their industry.”

According to Fredericks, this is the second time there has been a hatchery at City College. In 2011, Enactus partnered with business professors to assist 16 students with growing their businesses.

“It’s a good program, really, because it helps get these students’ business ideas on their feet, as well as help them pay bills and such with these ideas,” added Fredericks.

Here is a brief introduction to the winning businesses:

Jessica Juarez, J2 – Juarez will focus on beaded art and repairing costume jewelry, as well as the sales and repair of bold, urban jewelry pieces. with a specialty in decrotive ear posts.

• Brent Asten, Checkoutmyartsite.com – Operating a virtual gallery for artists and collectors since July 2012, He wants to be an online broker for artists who can’t quite sell art on their own.

• Wendy Michaletz, Artastic Custom Framing and Gallery - Artastic offers framing services, photo restoration & printing, hanging and installation and assistance with artist exhibitions.

• Cassandra Ablola, Lux Amor Pax – Ablola will offer limited addition jewelry and adornments made of precious metals, gemstones and pearls available online and at various boutiques.

• Miguel Tillis Jr., America’s Finest Advertisers –Tillis has a graphic design business with the main goal of providing high quality printed media and web media to small businesses.

•

Courtesy Photo

District huffs and puffs Issues email warning targeting E-cigarette smokers

By Chris Handloser City Times The San Diego Community College District sent an email out to all enrolled students on Nov. 16 headlined “Enforcement of NonSmoking Policy Effective Dec. 1, 2013.”

The message was only a reminder of the district smoking policy, however, with a reference to E-cigarettes. It concludes by stating, “The use of tobacco products is harmful to you and others around you.”

However, City College students have mixed reactions regarding the imposition that may arise from the smell or vapors from E-cigarettes.

Board Policy 0505, also known as the “Smoke and Tobacco-Free District Property” policy was adopted by the district on Feb. 14.

In preparation, the district drafted Administrative Procedure 0505.02 in November 2012 to outline

enforcement of that board policy.

At that point in 2012, the district included the following in the definition: “Smoking” or “smokeless” also includes the use of an e-cigarette which creates a vapor, in any manner or in any form.”

The district’s Nov. 16 email to the students states, “Beginning December 1, 2013, enforcement of Board Policy 0505 will expand to include reporting any student violating this policy to the respective dean of Student Affairs for disciplinary proceedings.”

City College Dean of Student Affairs, Michaell-Paul Wong, said via email, “If you read the message carefully you may notice that there has not been a change in board policy.”

However, the email clearly iterates, “For the purposes of this procedure, the use of smokeless tobacco products is also prohibited, this includes e-cigarettes.”

So the board policy isn’t changing, but the district sent out a mass

email to all enrolled students stating an expansion of the reporting of the existent policy, and reiterating via bold print the inclusion of e-cigarettes.

Under the enforcement procedures, any student witnessed in violation of the smoking policy receives a referral to Wong. When asked if he foresaw a spike in referrals for e-cigarettes after Dec. 1, he simply replied, “No one wants to touch it.”

Wong went on to clarify that to date, he had not received a single referral for illegal tobacco use since he took office at the beginning of the semester.

“Smokers are just like anyone else. Most smokers aren’t trying to be jerks,” said Wong while explaining that most smokers peacefully comply with any request to walk off campus to finish their cigarette.

Although in talking to the students, it seems the policies See E-cigs, page 14

Preparing students for future employment

By Leeann Rose City Times Director Marilyn Harvey and other staff members of the City College Transfer/Career Center have provided students with employment workshops every semester since 2007.

The employment workshops are held once or twice a week during the semester and offer a variety of useful information pertaining to the world of employment. Some skills that can be acquired through the workshops include resume writing, interview techniques, and writing a cover letter.

“Employers expect students to be prepared and to understand how to navigate the world of work,” explained Harvey, the di, via email. “Having a resume or knowing how to interview is what will get a student in the door to employment.”

The employment workshops are facilitated by staff members, and in the spring are occasionally hosted by outside entities, including the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) and Union Bank.

FIDM hosted a workshop in the fall semester on how to dress for an interview, and Union Bank ran a workshop that provided tips on how to get hiring tips.

Although students do not get one-on-one training at the workshops, it is recommended they make

an appointment to get individual assistance in their career development.

When asked about the positive effects of these workshops, Harvey stated, “We believe that by providing employment preparation workshops and by providing and encouraging career development, students are more likely to be successful at completing their academic and career goals.”

“The work we do is aligned with supporting the college in its effort to support students all the way through completion,” added Harvey The next workshop will be focused on interview techniques and will take place on Dec. 9 from 12-1 p.m. in the Transfer/Career Center in room A 111.

City College aims to give students the tools to succeed. The goal of the Transfer Center and the workshops are to teach students how to use these tools efficiently.

It’s important to note that the Transfer/Career Center will be open during most of the winter break.

Hours will be Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The center will be closed Dec. 23 to Jan. 1 and on Jan. 20, 2014.

For more information regarding the employment workshop or anything regarding transferring to a four-year school, please contact Harvey at mharvey@ sdccd.edu or see visit www.sdcity.edu/TransferServices.

4

News

www.sdcitytimes.com | December 3, 2013

Health care for students this spring

By Jennifer Ovalle City Times

Free legal services

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By Leeann Rose City Times The Thomas Jefferson School of Law, located just minutes away from campus on 11th and Island, offers free legal assistance to college students and other individuals in need.

Edith Polanco, receptionist at their Small Business Law Center, recently joined forces with City College Enactus CoAdvisor Nancy Fredericks, to promote the free services offered at the law school for students at City College.

“We want to spread the word; we know there is a need,” Polanco explained.

“Even if a student doesn’t think the service is beneficial to them, they may know someone. So we are trying to find ways to reach as many people as possible.”

The law school pursued that goal by hosting a table in the cafeteria on Nov. 21.

They provided students with information on services and “self-help clinics for low-tomoderate income people,” according to Fredericks.

The law school programs

serve two purposes: to provide services for individuals who can’t afford it, and to provide their law students with experience.

For instance, their Self Help Department offers individuals free consultation and help with filling out forms.

Although this department cannot offer ongoing representation, staff members strive to give sufficient information for the individual to proceed on his or her own.

The SBLC cannot directly represent a client in court, but can supply other types of legal

support, including but not limited to drafting of contracts.

Working 14 hours a day at a job without a break? The law school fights for employee rights. Know a veteran who requires legal assistance? The school can be that assistance.

Ever been terrified to speak up about a domestic dispute?

The school deals in family law as well.

For more information please contact Edith Polanco at epolanco@tjsl.edu or visit the Thomas Jefferson Law School, located at 495 11th Ave.

The Family Health Center is scheduled to open for business on May 2014.

The clinic will relocate from its previous Broadway and 12th st. location and is schedules to open at the first floor on the new math and science building in the corner of 16th and Broadway st.

There are approximately about 23 locations in San Diego County and will be a very accessible clinic to civilians and will be a great opportunity for nursing majors that have qualified in the graduate nurse program. Each year the nursing department has an average of 130 students every year.

All nursing students can qualify to work in the Family Health Center if they have passed the nursing exam and qualify as registered nurses. Graduate students from the nursing programs are qualified to work any-

where registered nurses are accepted such as hospitals, psychiatric facilities among other places.

“I was delighted, absolutely delighted!” said Deborah Berg dean and director of the nursing department at City College regarding the partnership with Family Health Center. “We have been looking for a way for our students to get out in to the community setting.”

With the clinic scheduled to open its doors on May 2014 it will open several doors to endless opportunities to nursing majors and become part of the expanding campus and nourish patients and nursing students alike.

With the clinic scheduled to open its doors on May 2014 it will open several doors to endless opportunities to nursing majors and become part of the expanding campus and nourish patients and nursing students alike.

Courtesy Graphic

Science building to open in January

By Chris Handloser City Times

Workers finish construction of the new science buiding. Jessica Ramirez, City Times

As the fall semester ends, the construction on campus will forge ahead.

Some new projects are nearing completion and some renovations are just about to begin. City College Campus Project Director Tom Fine recently provided City Times with an update.

Topping the list of developments is the completion of the new Science Building located at the corner of 16th and B streets. The director reports that science classes and labs will start in the building in January.

According to the college website, the approximately 73,000-square-foot structure will include space for Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, common areas and associated support space.

In preparation for these classes, construction workers will take advantage of a vacated campus to move all the classroom and lab equipment from current Science Department locations in the

M and A buildings.

Also over winter break, workers will resurface and re-stripe the parking lot just north of the location of the new Science Building. Lastly, they will replace the sidewalks surrounding the new Business Technology Building and Arts & Humanities Building, which are to be completed by June.

“All of this work has been scheduled during the break in order to prevent significant impacts to the normal campus operations,” said Fine.

In addition to the completion of the Business Technology Building and Arts & Humanities Building, workers will undertake several renovations of existing structures on campus.

Approximately 15,000 square feet of the M Building will be renovated starting in early February, and will include an expansion of Student Support Services, a new bookstore, common areas and associated support space, according to the college website.

The C Building will

undergo a badly needed overhaul of approximately 34,000 square feet starting in June.

These renovations will center around the Media and Performing Arts Department, including new space for radio, TV, journalism, dramatic arts, dance and music, according to the website.

There will also be a renovation of the L Building, specifically of the lower level radio station, but no details are available at this time, he said.

“While the M Building and L Building renovations are scheduled to complete in 2014, the C Building renovation will extend into the first semester of 2015,” explained Fine.

City College will also undertake a renovation project of the A, D & T Buildings. The project will likely remain in the design stage through 2014 “with the goal of submitting the drawings to the Department of the State Architect in early 2015,” according to Fine.

December 03, 2013 | www.sdcitytimes.com

5

The basketball team, other Lady Knights squads, faculty, local media and students prior to the 2K Fun Run that started in the Gorton Quad and wound through campus.

Live Well Continued from Page 1 continuing role on the Live Well committee, as well as his duties as Fitness Director at City College, Greer expressed, “I’m gonna continue doing my job in the best way I can -- to promote fitness, promote good health, and promote good quality of life -- and hopefully that leads to a good longevity of life.”

In the midst of cheering and clapping as participants crossed the finish line, Interim President Lynn Neault expressed her excitement at the effort to involve everyone.

“There was a huge committee on campus and this is the culmination,” expressed Neault. “One of the reasons

I think the county sought us out to be the first ‘Live Well’ campus is because it was students who initiated it, and that’s what they were so impressed with.”

Neault said that that, according to a San Diego County staff member present, this was by far the best Live Well kick off they had for any program yet.

Supervisor Roberts joked during a brief speech about how long it had been since he was a student. He also stated, “I was excited when we were going to have the first college in all of San Diego county in my district, and somewhere I attended.”

“We want to get people to exercise, we have to get healthy eating, and we don’t want them smoking,” Roberts stressed.

The Live Well initiative

established in 2010 contains three components – building better health, living safely, and thriving.

Professor Veronica Ortega, along with a few of her students, Greer and others, established the Step Up to Live Well committee.

Ortega reported that the committee plans to meet and establish a calendar with a monthly Live Well event.

Even prior to the proclamation, Ortega’s committee made strides in the health and wellness of the students.

Depression screenings, HIV testing, blood pressure testing, and healthy new food options in the cafeteria are some of the few so far, and an example of what is to come.

For more information please contact Veronica Ortega at Vortega@sdccd. edu.

Photo Essay by Chris Handloser

Coach Paul Greer was the emmcee for the hundreds of event particpants Nov. 14

Knights’ althletes and students cross the finish line of the 2K fun run kicked off by County Super visor Ron Roberts after a proclomation ceremony. City College is the first campus to partner with Live Well San Diego

www.sdcitytimes.com | December 3, 2013

CT VOICE 6

URBANALITIES By Michele Suthers

Park’s guardian: ‘Nobody has seen what I have seen’ It’s 3.30 a.m. and “El Tio” wakes up thanking the Virgen de Guadalupe for giving him “license” to wake up another day. Then he prays in front of the Virgin’s mural at Chicano Park.

Wearing his distinctive white sahuayo hat, El Tio, “uncle” in Spanish, believes that trimming the roses and taking care of the garden is a way to always have flowers for her.

“Look how beautiful this one is,” he says, while showing me a big yellow and pink rose, his smile framed by a bushy gray mustache.

Seventy-four-year-old Antonio Chavez Camarillo’s daily routine at the foot of the Coronado Bridge is to sweep the park, to pick up the trash and feed the many doves with the bread that people bring him.

Chavez is originally from Rancho La

Volume 68 Number 7 December 3, 2013

sdcitytimes.com

Allison Browne Jennifer Manalili Editors-in-Chief Chris Handloser News Editor Sports Editor

CT CityTimes

Published as: The Jay Sees | 1945-1949 Fortknightly | 1949-1978 City Times | 1978Incorporating the newspapers Tecolote, Knight Owl and Flicks

Angelica Wallingford Arts Editor Life Editor Interm Opinion Editor Adam Baird Copy Chief

Mirada in Penjamo, in the Mexican state of Guanajuato. He has lived in San Diego for 37 years and is one of the estimated 10,000 homeless who live on the city’s streets.

He’s been living at Chicano Park for almost 20 years -- and in the same spot below some small murals for the past eight. The sun has darkened his skin and his hands reflect years of punishing work.

He immigrated to the United States when he was 20 as a farm worker. He worked from Bakersfield to Fresno, in California, and in Pasco, Oroville, Wenatchee and Yakima, Washington state, harvesting apples, grapes, almonds, oranges, pears and lemons.

“El Tio” vividly recalls those days. “The pear is harder because it is very dirty; I still remember the lemon thorns, they hurt a lot

Michelle Moran Photo Editor Aida Bustos Journalism Adviser

How to reach us: City Times San Diego City College 1313 Park Blvd.

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your hands.”

On June 8, 2005, two days before his 66th birthday, El Tio fell on his head to the concrete from a height of two meters, breaking all the vertebrae in his neck.

Paramedics rushed him to UCSD Hospital, where he said young doctors told him, “We have good news and bad news: The good news is that you are alive, the bad is that you won’t walk again.”

He told them he was going to walk again, and after spending a year in the hospital, he started trying to do just that. He said it was a very hard process to walk again but he succeeded and was able to move back to Chicano Park.

He decided to settle in a spot where he would be protected from the rain, a location Phone: (619) 388-3880 Fax: (619) 388-3814 E-mail: info@sdcitytimes.com

City Times Staff Ahmad Blue, Veronica Casados, Aiesha Harrison, Issa Lozano, William Morse, Jennifer Ovalle, Fernando Ramirez, Jessica Ramirez, Leeann Rose, Torrey Spoerer

awarded to him by Tommie Camarillo, the director of the Chicano Park Steering Committee, he said.

During his life at the park, he has seen shootings, stabbings, drugged people, even dead ones.

“You can’t imagine what I have seen,” El Tio says. “Nobody has seen what I’ve seen.

I have earned the respect of (the old and young), even the dogs respect me. Even when they see me maimed and stooped over. It’s not easy. It takes courage to live here.”

Chicano Park was founded on April 22, 1970 when the community of Barrio Logan and Chicano activists protested the construction of a Highway Patrol station.

See Guardian, page 14

City Times is published twice monthly in print and weekly online during the semester by students in San Diego City College’s Journalism program. 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

December 3, 2013 | www.sdcitytimes.com

Voice

7

Customer always right? Why or why not?

Purchasers are not to blame Don’t get mad As the holidays are approaching, so are the overwhelming feelings of consumerism, as everyone goes sales-crazy and buys everything in sight.

PRO

William Morse For anyone who happens to work in retail or any service that works face to face with customers, they may have heard the phrase “The customer is always right.” Be it from a manager or a parent or anyone else.

This is completely right.

Some may strongly disagree with this motto, but it’s true. To create revenue, a company needs money from the customers.

It can sometimes be hard to keep a level head with some of the more “difficult” people.

When faced in this situation it’s always important to remember that, “Yes, the customer is always right.”

It’s vital to earn money for the company to secure future employment there and hey, maybe there will even be a pay raise for being so passive and not aggressive when it comes to difficult customers.

That last situation was theoretical of course, but the fact that the holidays seem to make people dehumanize employees of these work forces is still upsetting.

There is always a better way around it then calling the person a jerk, or any other select words to come up with.

As an employee of a fine establishment, one should always have a mentality to put the customer first. That’s why he or she is working there anyways, because of their

“amazing people skills” or is a “people pleaser.”

If these workers weren’t expecting at least one or two jerks in their work place then why would they apply there?

Why not somewhere with less human interaction?

Really, this phrase wasn’t meant for what it is to be used for today.

It was really just a saying to make customers feel special, not about letting them go on and on about something trivial.

This phrase was created not only for the customer, but for the employees’ outlook on the company. In general, if you have a good attitude about your customer service, chances are that you’ll have the same feeling towards your place of employment.

There’s no need to be the kind of person who comes to

work with a more than overly sunny disposition, granted that’s just creepy, but make the customer feel special. If they babble on about something small or trivial, nod and act interested.

They are shopping in your place of employment; make them feel special because yes, “the customer is always right.”

So long as they are spending money, they are the most special person of all, so then make them feel that way. The last thing they want to do is come in and deal with someone who gets them annoyed and makes them complain to the manager, people don’t go out of their way to do that, it’s just pointless.

When it comes to customer service, yes, they may not be the brightest, but they are always right.

Some customers are just awful From early November through the final hours of New Year’s Day, retail stores and restaurants are about to endure their chaotic surge in customer traffic and increased profits.

The famous -- or maybe more infamous -- motto “the customer is always right” has always been the top rule used to push service staff into giving an absolute priority to customer satisfaction.

Contrary to popular belief though, some customers can

CON

Torrey Spoerer actually be a disaster for business.

“While it’s often said that the customer is always right, as a head manager, I don’t apply that motto in a situation where the customer is clearly starting to act demeaning and abusive to our store’s staff, who work hard to help every shopper in any way possible,” says Joyce Amano, head manager of the Village Hat Shop’s three San Diego stores.

It’s a fact that some customers are openly abusive of their power in many forms.

Arguing for non-existent discounts, swearing and name calling, demanding refunds even after being told during the original transaction about the no-return-policy -- the list just gets worse and worse.

Yet even then, countless managers, supervisors, and shop owners turn a blind eye repeatedly to the most awfully rude, cruel and childish behaviors from consumers and then demand that their staff keep a smile on their face for every second on the punch clock.

While it’s true on one hand that leadership must create a culture that is customeroriented it’s also true on the other hand that said leadership must manage a stable environment.

Abrasive and abusive customers make employees unhappy and fiend on unfair advantages. Many customers are don’t realize that some workers suffer from issues such as anxiety, depression, mental disabilities and so on.

It results in worse customer service when a business’ staff resent almost every moment they have to spend with customers and eventu-

Question by Torrey Spoerer Photos by Michelle Moran

Is the customer always right?

ally resent their entire job.

According to Dr. Chad Autry of the Texas Christian University, the retail associate can be caught between two incompatible goals: maintaining that the customer is always right and doing what’s best for the company.

Most retail associates are woefully unprepared to handle this internal conflict.

The result can be stress, turmoil, confusion, frustration, irritation, a growing dislike for the job and eventually seeking other employment.

The result for the store is unhappy workers and high employee turnover.

As an on-and-off seasonal retail worker, it’s easy for me to relate to the dilemma of balancing those two incompatible goals. Workers often get told to make every customer happy no matter what happens, but within a restriction of store policies and while upholding the store’s foundation simultaneously all day and every day.

This domino effect is the basis for how a common genre of customers drive any business’ sales and reviewer ratings into a quicksand pit.

Of course, there is inevitably very little hope of climbing out alive when one falls into a deep pool of quicksand, so it’s best for a business to not even fall into that quicksand pit to begin with.

It’s a matter of the difference between a customercentric organization that achieves the greatest success as a unified team that listens to each other and sets clear, reasonable boundaries, and the customer-focused-only organization which allows customers to abuse them to the point of inevitable closure.

Overall, the truth for successful business owners is: Neither the workers or the customers come first before the other. Instead, they both come first together, hands locked.

Is this view realistic? Can the customers and staff come first at the same time? Not everyone may agree just yet on that question.

But want to know what’s real and in the now no matter what the popular opinion is?

The massive turnover rates and inevitable closures for almost every and any job field in America.

at the cashier

In most businesses, if not all, there is one mutual agreement: the customer is always right. Even when they yell at an employee and cause a scene in public, is the customer still right?

A manager will most likely say something like “Don’t argue with the customer.

Just calmly get a manager and they will resolve it.”

EDITORIAL

City Times Editorial Board But that doesn’t justify getting yelled at for most likely no apparent reason, just customers that want it their way. In this case, the customer isn’t always right.

According to the website Forbes, if customers don’t know the answer, they will make one up. There have been studies of the human brain, if one side of the brain didn’t know the answer or couldn’t communicate with the other side, it would just make up an answer. This makes it difficult to give a customer credibility when they could just be making up an answer.

It’s not that we shouldn’t listen to the customers, but sometimes they can get out of line. Sometimes, if consumers aren’t satisfied, they let out their frustration in a negative manner. This is when businesses have to draw the line and reevaluate their policy on the customer always being right.

According to Forbes,

customer expectations aren’t always rational. Consumers want to purchase things to their liking, and if that new shampoo doesn’t make their hair silkier enough, then there’s a problem. Then the poor teen-age cashier is going to hear about this minor issue and most likely not utter a word because in the customer’s eyes, she is part of the blame.

In some cases, if the employer can’t get the consumer to calm down, then it is their privilege to let that person out of their business.

According to thenextweb.com, employees will be loyal to their employers if they are loyal to them. It is not fair to the innocent people who are trying to make a buck at their jobs, to make them hear the meaningless complaints from people who have nothing better to do. It simply just makes their jobs more difficult.

If a manager sees their employees feeling the wrath of an angry customer for no logical reason, then the manager should politely show the customer the exit and give employees the acknowledgement they deserve.

In some cases, the customer is not always right and it is okay for employer to deliver that message to the client.

Courtsey photo

Luis Hernandez, 21 Graphic Design

Taylor Woodworth, 18 Mathematics

Bren Asten, 41 Management

Levi Christian, 26 Graphic Deisgn

“If you want to sell something, then the customer is always right. In business you need to make those sales. You want the customers to attentively come back for more sales in the future, and you do that by putting the customer first.”

“I know from personal experience that the customer is not always right. Sometimes, customers purposefully lie to an employee just so they can take advantage of them, especially during the holiday season.”

“The customer is who curves the market. The private market will always be the leader that decides the future.

If the customer purchaces it, that’s what going to drive the market.”

“If you’re conducting business, show respect that people are buying the product. If there’s things they disagree with, or want things different, you’ll have to respect it if you want the product to sell. So the customer is always right.”

www.sdcitytimes.com December 3, 2013

CT HOLIDAY 8

These aren’t your average holiday carols

A very D.I.Y. Christmas

By Angellica Wallingford City Times The holidays are among us once again. Time to hang out with the family that you’ve been trying to avoid for the past year, watch those cute Claymation specials on television and listen to some nostalgic holiday music. Let’s face it though; nostalgia can get a little boring sometimes. Here’s a list some killer music guaranteed to liven up that holiday playlist of yours, all of which are available on iTunes.

By Jennifer Manalili City Times Forget the typical expensive gifts like jewelry or designer perfume, we’re in the midst of a big D.I.Y. trend this holiday season. The continuing popularity of crafty sites like Pinterest has undoubtedly helped this movement gain steam. Gifts that are edible and homemade can be fun and interesting, here are a few great ideas that you don’t even have to risk being trampled at the mall or race people to a sale for.

Homemade Peppermint Face Scrub and Bath Salts Homemade sugar scrubs are a good way to stay away from the harmful chemicals that can lurk in the cosmetics aisle. Sugar scrubs only require brown or white sugar, essential oils in your favorite scents ---- lavender, lemon and peppermint is a festive one for this time of year ---- coconut oil (almond is great too) and a few drops of food coloring. You can also utilize the food coloring and essential oils for bath salts, which only require the addition of coarse sea salt and epsom salts to make. Package these homemade cosmetics in a jar and pair them with a small face towel or bath sponge and you’ve got a relaxing gift your loved ones will be grateful to receive.

1. The Killers – “Don’t Shoot Me Santa” If there were a list of misleading song titles then this track

by Las Vegas band The Killers would be in the Top Five. At face value you might think that “Don’t Shoot Me Santa” is a fun little parody of Santa Clause and Christmas. In reality the song is about a kid who gets revenge by shooting his bullies and Santa comes gun in hand trying to bring him to justice.

Despite sounding like a plot from a B movie exploitation film from the ‘60s, this is one of the best releases by The Killers.

The song combines lead singer Brandon Flowers’ intricate lyrical style with the band’s signature alternative sound.

2. Anberlin – “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” Originally by Darlene Love and produced by the legendary Phil Spector, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” has become a holiday staple. Anberlin’s cover of the 1963 song is one of the most unique that has been released. It plays perfectly into the band’s mix of pop and alternative rock, but it’s lead singer Stephan Christian’s elegant and powerful vocal style that takes this song to the next level. It’s a refreshing take on an otherwise difficult to cover Christmas classic.

Edible Gifts in a Jar Mason jars are a cheap and affordable venue for many edible food gifts. Layer ingredients in a jar for an impressive presentation. Cocoa, chocolate chips, sugar, powdered milk, mini-marshmallows and crushed candy canes make a great hot chocolate mix. You can also package the dry ingredients together for cookies, bread and other delicious sweets.

Your friends and family won’t need to do anything more than add milk or eggs to enjoy some treats. Cupcakes in a jar, seasoned nuts and brittle are also easy sweets to put together.

Homemade Seasoning Mix for Meat and Veggies

3. Wham! – “Last Christmas” There is no doubt that George Michael is one of the most talented composers in the world of music. “Last Christmas” was released while Michael was a member of pop duo Wham! with Andrew Ridgeley. It’s considered one of his best songs and has been covered by many artists across varying genres. The synthpop hit wasn’t a total success and peaked at number six on the U.K. charts but is now considered an ‘80s pop masterpiece. With its hypnotic synth lines and lyrics about heartbreak and yearning; it’s the perfect song if you’re stuck in the holiday blues.

4. Issues – “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” It was only a matter of time before the beloved “Punk Goes …” series finally went the Christmas route. One of the highlights of this otherwise middle-of-the-road album is Issues’ cover of *Nsync’s Christmas classic “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.” That’s highly appropriate since Tyler Carter is the Justin Timberlake of the metalcore scene. He can sing any song in almost any genre and it’s guaranteed to sound amazing. His silky smooth vocals are what make this track stand out. Musically the cover keeps the integrity of the original while still staying true to the band’s metalcore sound.

Plus, the addition of the ‘90s R&B hit “Too Close” by Next in the breakdown isn’t a bad touch either.

Homemade seasoning mixes are another easy gift that you can package in mason jars and give out. The mixes utilize dry herbs and ingredients and combining things together is a simple task. You can make anything ranging from taco seasoning, ranch dressing or Italian seasoning. Make sure to include a little note ---- the Italian mix can be tossed with oil and vinegar to create a homemade dressing for veggies, ranch can be combined with mayo and yogurt for dressing or act as a dry rub for chicken. Your loved ones will know these little gifts can go a long way.

15-min. Infinity Scarf All you will need for this project is two yards of your favorite stretchy fabric (cotton, polyester, even cotton lawn would work). It’s all a matter of cutting, twisting, and sewing two ends of the fabric together, you’re just minutes away from a really great fashion statement.

Baked Coffee Cups and Cup Sleeves Got a friend who’s a coffee lover? Grab a ceramic cup in their favorite color and use a sharpie to decorate it. Afterwards, place it on a pan and throw it in the oven to bake at 350 degrees F for 30 mins. and voila, you’ve got a great gift adorned with your very own art. A homemade coffee cup sleeve is also easy to make and only requires some stitching and fabric ---- they’ll thank you for this one when they’re enjoying their coffee on the run.

December 3, 2013 | www.sdcitytimes.com

9

Have a holly, jolly night on the town

By Michelle Moran City Times Christmas and New Years are just around the corner and San Diego has some events coming up that the typical college student will not want to miss out on. School can be stressful and finals are approaching, so enjoy some time to soak in the holiday spirit.

Jungle Bells: From Dec. 15 through Jan. 6 (except Dec. 24), the San Diego Zoo will have its parked transformed into a winter wonderland. There will be music, lights, fun and of course, animals. Every part of the park will have a theme and different festive activities to enjoy. For more information about this event visit the zoo’s website at www.sandiegozoo.org/junglebells.

Balboa Park December Nights: On Dec. 6 and 7, San Diego will hold their 35th annual holiday festival at Balboa Park. Participating museums will be free of charge from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. both days. There will also be food, music and entertainment to get you in the holiday mood. On Friday, Dec. 6, it will be held from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 7 , it will be from noon to 11 p.m. For more information, visit their website at www.balboapark. org/decembernights.

New Years Eve Pubcrawl: On Tuesday Dec. 31, the Gaslamp District in Downtown San Diego will be ringing in the new year with a New Years Eve pub crawl. With over a half dozen bars and crawls participating in this event, there will be many drink specials. So instead of being at one party, you can be at several places. If you get bored at one spot, you can move onto the next. This is a 21 and over event. For ticket prices and other information, visit their website at www.beforelastcall.com/event/tastethirst-san-diego-new-years-eve.

North Park Toyland Parade and Festival: On Dec. 7, North Park will be hosting its 50th annual Toyland parade and Holiday fair. It will be on University Avenue, between Utah and Iowa Street. There will be vintage cars, marching bands and much more fun for the whole family. For more information on this event visit their website at www.toylandparade.com.

LED presents OMFG: Electronic music promoters LED will hold their new years event, OMFG, at the Valley View Casino Center. It will be held on Dec. 30 and 31, with a lineup that includes Diplo, Boys Noize, Nero, Madeon and many more artists. LED brings some of the best DJs to San Diego, so OMFG is sure to be an event that you won’t want to miss. Although this is an 18+ event, alcohol will be served to attendees with a valid photo i.d.

On both days, doors will open at 9 p.m. and the performances will end at 4 a.m. For ticket and other information, visit their website at mylifeeveryday.com/2013/11/omfg-nye-2014-valleyview-casino-center.

Courtesy Graphic

Sugar, spice and everything nice Red Velvet Cake Pops Adapted from Bakerella.com

1 13x9 red velvet cake (Homemade recipe available on sdcitytimes.com or 1 prepared store bought cake mix) 1 can cream cheese frosting (Homemade recipe available on sdcitytimes.com) Assorted toppings: sprinkles, coconut, crushed Oreos and chopped walnuts, whatever you like!

1 to 2 12-ounce bags of chocolate candy melts, plus about ¼ cup chocolate chips thrown in to add flavor (Available at Michael’s or in the craft section of Wal-Mart) Wax or parchment paper Lollipop sticks 1. Melt the candy melts and chocolate chips in a heat safe bowl over a pot of water on medium heat. (This acts as your double boiler.) After the cake has cooked and cooled properly, crumble the cake with your fingers into a bowl.

2. Thoroughly mix (almost all of) the frosting and cake together so that it resembles a paste. Roll spoonfuls of the paste into balls with your hands, about the size of a quarter, transfer to a pan lined with wax or parchment paper.

KNIGHT BITES Jennifer Manalili

Christmas is almost here and the holiday season is upon us ---- and the perfect time to do some baking. Homemade treats make great gifts and you and your loved ones will surely enjoy reaping all of the sweet benefits.

Cake pops require some time, but they’re undeniably adorable to look at. Hand them out as gifts to your friends and family members and they’ll surely be impressed. Plus, a batch of double chocolate Oreo cookies won’t hurt either. They’re sweet gluttony at its finest: perfectly moist with a deep chocolate flavor that begs to ask, really, what’s better than having two cookies in one?

3. Dip the end of each stick into the melted chocolate and then stick it into the bottom of a cake ball. Dipping the stick first will secure the cake pop to the stick more efficiently.

Repeat with the rest of the cake balls and then place the pan in the freezer for an hour and then set on the counter to thaw out. (If the cake balls are too cold and dipped straight out of the freezer, the coating will crack.)

4. Dip each cake pop into the chocolate, using a spoon to help coat the cake pop. Be sure to thoroughly coat the bottom of the ball where it meets the stick. Quickly roll the pop into the toppings and lay them back down on the pan to harden.

5. Place the cake pops in little gift bags if you like, distributing about three to four in each one. Tie the bags with a colorful bow for a great gift. Makes about 40-50 cake pops.

Need a good cookie recipe? Check out sdcitytimes.com!

www.sdcitytimes.com | December 3, 2013

CT LIFE 10

Dealing with dating

By Leeann Rose City Times

A table of several Kumeyaay Native American artifacts. Ahmad Blue, City Times

Barona museum puts life of Kumeyaay on display

By Ahmad Blue City Times The Barona Resort is well known throughout San Diego for its casino gambling, but within the Kumeyaay nation is a rich history well documented in their cultural center and museum.

Barona Museum Educator O’jay T. Vanegas lectured students and faculty about the life and ways of the Kumeyaay on Oct. 13, the final World Cultures event of the fall semester at City College.

The Kumeyaay, also known as the “TipaIpai,” were originally independent Native American tribes that grew steadily over the years. They were forced into years of slavery

by Spanish invaders.

“Kumeyaay,” meaning the people of the cliffs,” said Vanegas. The Kumeyaay existed and resided in southwestern California and northwest Baja-California for more than 12,000 years.

Vanegas detailed their lifestyle and history. They made items such as sandals, hats, clothes, bows and arrows. Items made by the Kumeyaay were made to last and to be recycled.

In some cases, these items would take days, weeks or even a month to make, with rope being one of the hardest things to create.

Depending on the item, they were made from a type of hemp or agave.

Kumeyaay people were enslaved during the Spanish Inquisition period. They were taken in as property of the church and subsequently affronted with the title “Diegueno,” meaning children of San Diego “Kumeyaay people where traded to convert them [to Catholicism],” explained Vanegas. He also commented that most of them moved away to avoid the impurities of their oppressors.

Additionally, they wore markings to identify who was part of their family to preserve their pure bloodlines. These markings told a specific story of the person they adorned.

Vanegas explained that three bear claws on a woman’s cheek denoted she had been married three times. He continued on to describe the homes and hunting practices and the patriarchal style of the Kumeyaay society.

The Barona Cultural Center and Museum has a variety of programs and classes, including a story telling class which will be scheduled for this upcoming February. Many descendants work at the museum to share the history of the Kumeyaay way of life.

For more information about the Kumeyaay and the Barona Cultural Center & Museum, call (619) 443 - 7003 or visit baronamuseum. org.

“Excuse me, waiter … Check please!” Too often in the midst of a first date, you know, somewhere in between the hour long conversation about their ex and the food stuck in their teeth; these two words concerning the check can appear on the tip of our tongues sooner than we anticipated.

After five years of working as a waitress and bartender, I have seen countless first dates play out before my eyes.

Dating is rough and if like me you are a student that works, the last thing you want to do is waste your one available night during the week acting out an episode of “The Bachelor.”

And I don’t mean the fairy tale episodes, I mean one of the really bad, the audience is feeling awful that this is being televised kind of episodes.

So as a public service, allow me to give you some insight into the aspects of life that are not offered as a three unit course here at City College.

Alright, ladies first, and first and foremost ladies, keep your expectations low. Another thing I recommend keeping low, your shoes.

The heels may look fabulous in the mirror, but remember, you have to hold your composure in them all night. Still convinced you’re up for the challenge? So be it, but keep this story in mind. Leaving work one evening a man and woman exited behind me. The woman proceeds to trip in her four inch platforms and fall. I did, however, have to give

it to her for the line that followed, “Look, I am already falling for you,” which leads me to our next don’t. Don’t fall head over heels right away (all pun intended).

Men need intrigue. If there is one thing that causes a guy to take a bathroom break that lasts, well, forever, it’s planning the wedding before desert has even arrived. And while I am on the topic of food, don’t plan the date at that extremely expensive restaurant.

Do you really think anyone can afford lobster in this economy?

Ok, gentleman, you got a call back. Now it’s time for the date that will either open or close the door on a potential relationship, so for starters, do just that. Open the door. The little things go a long way with woman.

Don’t be on the date with your cell phone.

If you want to spend the evening with Instagram and “Angry Birds,” I suggest staying at home.

Finally, guys, stay clear of the archetypes, the idiosyncrasies woman all fear and complain to their friends about. These include, the “narcissist,” the “playboy,” the “bad boy,” and on the other side of the spectrum, the “nice guy” (stay out of that friend zone fellas).

Most importantly, and this applies to both sexes, remember that dating guidelines should remain just that, guidelines. Don’t play too much of a role and be yourself. When you can get to a point where you’re both comfortable, the do’s and don’ts do not apply.

For more information on dating please contact me at 1-860-…oh wait, please don’t.

Rule number one, no one enjoys being stalked. Best of luck out there City College.

Stock photo

Give the gift of charity this holiday season

By Jenifer Manilili City Times Amid all of the hustle and bustle of parties and gifts and the chaos of food and shopping, is something more profoundly important: the need to give back during the holiday season. Call it the spirit of the season, but giving back to the community during this time of the year can be both truly inspiring and fulfilling. San Diego is ripe with many places to volunteer and ways for you to take part. Give back what you can to those who are less fortunate, as the saying goes, what comes around goes around.

Meals on Wheels For over 40 years, Meals on

Wheels has aimed to help reduce the isolation that many elderly may be experiencing as they grow older. They support the well-being of seniors by having volunteers deliver meals to their homes, these visits are often times the only person contact these seniors have all day, particularly if they are living alone.

Individuals, groups or businesses and even juniors and street teams can volunteer. Cash donations are also accepted. For more information on the San Diego branch of Meals on Wheels, visit www.meals-on-wheels. org or www.mowaa.org.

St. Vincent de Palle St. Vincent de Palle, partnered with Father Joe’s Villages, has become one of San Diego’s larg-

est residential homeless service providers and also also provides job training, education, meals and healthcare, amongst many other things, to homeless men, women, youth and children throughout the county. For more information on ways to donate or volunteer, visit www.svdpv.org.

Mama’s Kitchen “Critical illness doesn’t not discriminate and neither does Mama’s Kitchen,” is their slogan. Mama’s Kitchen is a nonprofit organization that provides men, women and children who have been affected

by AIDS or cancer by preparing and delivering meals to them three times a day/daily. They also provide a food pantry for individuals living

with AIDS. Volunteers are needed and cash donations can be made online. The organization also has a virtual food drive available on their website where visitors can click and buy items of food to donate, with their donation going straight to the purchase of that food for the pantry.

For more information visit www. mamaskitchen.org.

San Diego Rescue Mission Since the ‘50s, the San Diego Rescue Mission has provided homeless men, women and children with some comfort during the holiday season, providing them with small care packages, complete meals, toys, hygiene products and clothing and information on long-term recovert programs. The rescue mission takes

money, goods and vehicle donations and you can also help by shopping at their stores. Donations start as low as $1.67 to feed one homeless person in need. For more information, visit www.sdrescue.org.

Toys for Tots Toys for Tots provides needy children with toys each year, during a two week campaign leading up to Christmas. New and unwrapped toy donations can be dropped off at any Toys R Us or Babies R Us store through Dec. 20. (Donations made after will go to next year’s campaign.) For more information on the San Diego chapter of Toys for Tots, email them at sandiego.toys4tots@ gmail.com.

December 3, 2013 | www.sdcitytimes.com

International Day festival held in Gorton Quad Story and photos by Ahmad Blue City Times On Nov. 13, Gorton Quad hosted the International Day festival. The event atttracted many on lookers and promoted the diverse racial community at City College. The vendors sold a multitude of items ranging from blankets to jewelry, while other vendors sold food and items.

There were also other attractions including body building, obtaining a passport, and information on getting help for gambling addiction.

Life

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11

CT ARTS 12

www.sdcitytimes.com | December 3, 2013

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

A ‘Static’ second album

Check out the full review on Cults’ latest release only at SDCITYTIMES.COM

Carne asada fries. Michelle Moran, City Times

“Documented.” Apo Productions.

‘How do you define American?’

By Angelica Wallingford City Times The 14th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival concluded with the sold out screening of Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, filmmaker and Define American founder Jose Antonio Vargas’ powerful and emotionally charged documentary “Documented.”

The film follows Vargas’ journey from his journey to America from the Philippines at 12-years-old, to discovering he didn’t have proper documentation during a DMV visit at 16 and his struggle to reconnect with his mother, who he has not seen in 20 years.

The film also documents the moment that he decided to reveal his status as an undocumented American in June 2011 in an essay for the New York Times Sunday Magazine.

“I’m done running,” Vargas wrote. “I’m exhausted. I don’t want that life anymore. So I’ve decided to come forward, own up to what I’ve done, and tell my story to the best of my recollection.”

Vargas’ reconnection with his mother is also a poignant point throughout the film. He tells stories about his life with his mother before he came to the states and shares how he felt when he realized that their lives were vastly different from each other.

“I remember calling mama and saying I won the spelling bee and mama didn’t really know what that was. I think at that point I kind of realized we were living in two different worlds,” Vargas says in the film. “So when I found out that I didn’t have the right papers, that I was actually here

in America illegally, I had to create a different system of reality in which she was never a factor. I mean we haven’t seen each other in almost 20 years.”

Bsides the gripping and emotional reconnection with his family in the Philippines, one of the major issues that the film discusses is immigration stereotypes. In the beginning of the film, Vargas talks to students at his old high school and asks them what they imagine when they think of an immigrant. The immediate response was a Latino labor or field worker.

“People think that this [immigration] is a Latino and brown issue and we need to broaden that,” said Vargas at a Q&A for the film. “We need to preach beyond the choir.”

According to statistics from the Pew Research Center, there are 11.7 million undocumented persons residing in the Unites States. Out of those 11.7 million undocumented persons, only 52 percent come from Mexico. The other 48 percent come from places all over the world.

“Documented” succeeds in bringing a new face to the immigration reform fight. It’s no longer just the Latino field and labor worker stereotypes that have been embedded into the mind of Americans. No, it’s much bigger then that. It’s students, doctors, lawyers, service workers, journalists, entrepreneurs and many more from places all across the globe.

This documentary is the perfect example of how film can transcend politics, breakdown stereotypes and tell the stories of real people. “Documented” is going to make you laugh and cry at times. It’s also guaranteed to make you think. As the curtains close and the credits roll the film begs the question: how do you define American?

‘Luck Be a Lady, Tonight’

City College presented its rendition of the hit Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls.” The fall production premiered on Oct. 25 at the Saville Theater and closed on Nov. 10. Photo courtesy of Manuel Rotenberg.

Brewery in Little Italy

By Michelle Moran City Times San Diego is slowly becoming a craft beer mecca for all the beer lovers, due to the vast amount of breweries that have been opening up over the past few years. Karl Strauss first opened their micro brewery in 1989 and it has gradually been reaching popularity since. Now with eight restaurants, you can imagine why this place is so popular, because of their fresh craft beer.

Their Little Italy/Downtown location is the first Karl Strauss that was opened by Karl Strauss himself. During lunchtime, this restaurant gets packed with locals that come here to enjoy a nice cold pint of craft beer. Their most popular beers are their Red Trolley Ale and their Amber Lager. With just the right amount of hops and a hint of toffee flavor, the Red Trolley never disappoints.

In this particular visit, they had a Red Trolley with Rye on tap and it was very tasty.

The servers are generally very attentive and easy going.

They will give you some samples of beer without you asking, which is pretty neat. While you wait for your table, they will also offer you a sample of any beer that you would like to try.

The menu is quite impressive. There is a variety of options to choose, food and beer. At the very top of the menu they show the featured pairing of the month, which is an entree they chose that pairs well with one of their beers. They also display the featured flight of the month, which is like a beer sampler, only bigger, with four different beers of their liking.

All the appetizers sounded delicious, but the asada fries sounded the most appetizing. Straight from the menu’s description: Plancha-seared steak, house-made jalapeno cheese whiz, Gorgonzola, avocado chimichurri, cilantro,

pickled onions, and chipotle ketchup on the side. All the ingredients complemented each other very well, the chipotle ketchup was not necessary in this indulging experience.

The beer pretzels were served with mango mustard and beer cheese dip. Although good, they tasted bland after only eating half of one big pretzel. The asada fries took the win for the better appetizer, it was intense in flavor while the pretzels lacked it.

Karl Strauss serves four different types of mac and cheese, which all sound mouth-watering. The “Buffalo Sold-Jah” mac and cheese is made with buffalo chicken, scallions and gorgonzola. The first bite into this entree is heavenly, just the right amount of cheese, not to overbearing and doesn’t make you feel that guilty.

They have happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. and it includes some appetizers that are only $5.

Beers, wine, and flights are only $4.

If you want their beer to go, they sell 64 oz growlers.

Usually to refill a growler it’s about $9-$13, depending on the beer of your choice. But on Fridays the refills are only $8, which is a pretty great deal. If you follow their instagram (@ karl_strauss), they announce their “growler code” so you would say the code to fill it up for only $8.

For dessert, they serve several different “beer floats” for the adults.

The pricing for food ranges from $5 to $25, so it might be a bit pricey. But overall, the food is delicious and so is their beer.

They are open seven days a week, hours vary depending on which day you go but range roughly from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday and 11 p.m on Friday and Saturday.

This Karl Strauss brewery restaurant is located on 1157 Columbia St.

December 3, 2013 | www.sdcitytimes.com

Arts

13

Winter movie preview

“Out of the Furnace.” Relativity Media.

“American Hustle.” Columbia Pictures.

“Anchorman 2.” Paramount Pictures.

By Jennifer Manalili City Times Wonderful stop-motion Christmas movies and classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” are plentiful andon television at this time of the year, but if you’re craving something a little different, head to your nearest theater. This year’s movie season is ripe with comedies, dramas and if you look close, a great mixture of both.

It’s time for movie studios to start churning out their hopefuls for next year’s Oscars. As the semester draws to a close and the end of the year nears, here are a few of the buzzworthy films we can’t help looking forward to: “Out of the Furnace” - Dec. 6 The Baze brothers are dreamers, both wishing to find a better life outside of their small Northwestern town, but after one mistake leads Russell (Christian Bale) to prison, his younger brother Rodney (Casey Affleck) is lured into the gritty underbelly of a ruthless crime ring. Upon release, Russell discovers that his brother has mysteriously disappeared. As law enforcement fails to come through, he decides to take matters into his own hands, risking his life to find justice for his sibling. “Crazy Heart” director Scott Cooper helms this effort, which also features Woody Harrelson, Zoe Saldana, Willem Dafoe and Forest Whitaker.

“Saving Mr. Banks.” Walt Disney Studios Motion Picttures

“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” - Dec. 13 The second in a trilogy, “Smaug” finds Bilbo Baggins, with a myterious and magical ring in his possession, and his team of dwarves and Gandalf the Grey continuing to try to reclaim their homeland of Erebor. The trilogy concludes with the release of “The Hobbit: There and Back Again” next year.

“American Hustle” - Dec. 18 Straight out of the ‘70s, Christian Bale stars as brilliant conman Irving Rosenfield. A confrontation lands Rosenfield and his mistress Sydney (Amy Adams) in the hands of agent Richi DiMaso (Bradley Cooper).

The couple find themselves having to comply with FBI orders, being led into a world of New Jersey power brokers and even the mafia. But it’s Irving’s wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence), who may pose the real threat and could bring the entire operation down. Director David O. Russell previously worked with his leads in both “Silver Lining’s Playbook and “The Fighter.” Jeremy Renner and Robert DeNiro round out the the all-star cast.

“Her” Warner Bros.

“Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” - Dec. 20 Welcome back, Ron Burgundy. The Judd Apatow- produced sequel is finally released nine years after its predecessor, and sees San Diego’s favorite anchorman joining New York’s first 24-hour television news network. Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Christina Applegate and Steve Carell all return, along with Kristen Wiig and a long list of cameos that are sure to be hilariously memorable.

“Saving Mr. Banks” - Dec. 20 Following the 20-year process to bring “Mary Poppins” to the big screen, and intercut with flashbacks to author P.L. Travers’ (Emma Thompson) difficult childhood, this bittersweet tale is equal parts biography, comedy and drama. Did we mention that Tom Hanks plays Walt Disney himself and really, can it get any better than that?

“Her” - Dec. 18 (Limited release)

“The Wolf of Wall Street” Paramount Pictures.

Heartbroken after a sudden break-up, lonely writer Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) finds himself falling in love with “Samantha,” a newly purchased and very advanced voice operating system (Scarlett Johansson). Helmed by director Spike Jonze (“Being John Malkovich,” “Adaptation,” “Where the Wild Things Are”), it will surely be a peculiar sight to see.

“The Wolf of Wall Street” - Dec. 25 Crime, corruption and FBI surveillance follow the rise and fall of Jordon Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), a stockbroker that finds a plethora of wealth and power on Wall Street. The biopic marks the fifth time Scorsese and DiCaprio have collaborated.

“August Osage County” - Dec. 25 Family patriarch Beverly Weston is an old poet with a drug problem. His sudden disappearance acts as a catalyst for a family reunion between his foul-mouthed wife Violet (the incomparable Meryl Streep, whose character is both addicted to painkillers and suffering from cancer), daughter Barbara (Julia Roberts) and other quirky family characters. Ewan McGregor, Benedict Cumberbatch, Abigail Breslin, Dermot Mulroney and Juliette Lewis also star. The dysfunctional family dramedy is based on a play of the same name.

“August: Osage County.” The Weinstein Company.

www.sdcitytimes.com | December 3, 2013

14

Gallery Continued from Page 16 before, while for others, it was the first time they were being featured in the gallery.

Approximately 200 photographs were submitted to the exhibition, with 70 selected to be displayed.

Some of the participating artists didn’t expect to be picked on their first try in submitting their photographs.

Brandon Mueller, a 26-year- old UCSD graduate in mechanical engineering, made his debut in the exhibit. Mueller’s piece displays a joyful Amish family enjoying each other’s company as they wait for the Coaster train to arrive at Old Town. The photograph is called “Platform 3.”

“You know it’s funny, I didn’t really think this was even the one I was going to ever show,” he said.

Mueller said that his friend had liked the picture and he decided to print it out and submit it. He is wrapping up his first semester at City College and also has attended Mesa College, in addition to UCSD. “You never know what will catch somebody’s eye,” said Nicole Espina, another UCSD graduate, who is enrolled in City’s certificate program in photography. Espina has had three

photographs displayed on a previous exhibit and was back a second time in the student show.

“The point of work is to be seen, especially photography, it’s 100 percent visual so you have to show your work,” Espina said.

Her black and white photo depicted the rocky terrains of Alabama Hills and Fossil Falls in the Eastern Sierras.

The City College Photo Club presented the twoweek exhibit, which ended on Nov. 29. The club’s president, Edward Honaker, organized the exhibit, the first time it was held in the fall semester. The club traditionally has held an exhibition of student works in the spring, complete with prizes in several categories.

“We did everything last minute and that was kind of a challenge in and of itself but everybody always seems to have been super helpful just volunteering their time just to hang up work, make name tags.” said Honaker, who is a 20-year-old photography major also displayed some of his artwork. “It’s a really good community here among the students.”

More information about the City College Photo Club is available from Edward Honaker at sdcityfoto@gmail.com; the club’s website sandiegocityphoto. com.

E-Cigs Continued from Page 3 established in 2012 are only sometimes followed.

After reportedly seeing students smoke e-cigarettes in class, Axel Lopez, an Enactus Marketing Intern, “I know it’s only vapor but at the same time there needs to be a respect zone that’s drawn.”

Additionally, some students have mixed feelings about the lack of tested scientific evidence surrounding the “vapors.”

“They don’t know yet if it’s really harmful, so what if they find out that it’s actually worse than real cigarettes?,” asked psychology student Hani Hussein, 19.

Wong similarly added, “The science just isn’t there yet for us to make an exception.”

Many students noted the various odors emitted by e-cigarettes as being offensive, but not all feel this way.

“It smells like fruit, and perfume doesn’t bother people,” stated cosmetology student Janae Rudolph, 19. “It’s the same thing, like, what’s in a vaporizer?

It goes away.”

Guardian Continued from Page 6 The park’s murals are filled with brightly colored imagery that reminds us of the history of resistance of Latinos in the community and the nation. The images capture culture, human dignity and a collective voice -- and even El Tio. The park is home to the largest collection of outdoor murals in the country.

In the second mural restoration in Chicano Park, El Tio said artist Guillermo Rosette asked him: “Why are you not here? You need to be here forever.”

In a YouTube video Rosette refers to El Tio in one of the murals as: “The guy in the center is a viejito (old male); he is the one that knows the

knowledge of everything that had to do with agriculture; he worked in all the valleys, he worked in all the fields.”

El Tio shares the story of Chicano Park’s great muralist, Michael Schnorr, the artist in charge of the first restoration of the murals, called “The Undocumented.” El Tio said at his request, Rosette called Schnorr when the scaffolding was removed so he could take a look of his revitalized art.

El Tio said Schnorr, 67, parked in front of the murals on June 29, 2012; he reviewed the restoration, said good bye, jumped into his car and then committed suicide by jumping off the Coronado Bridge.

El Tio says he is not lonely.

People wave at him and talk to him. Every Monday and Wednesday the Danza Azteca practices at 6.30pm. On a

recent Sunday they had a classic low-rider car show.

“There are always people visiting here, families eating here at any time,” says El Tio. My oldest daughter and I visited him this past Thanksgiving morning to accompany him to get coffee and pan dulce at nearby Panchita’s bakery, where El Tio goes every morning at 5a.m. As usual, he refused to allow me to pay for him, saying that’s the role of the man.

He was melancholy.

“Because I’ve always been a farmer I would give my life to die on the fields, behind the yoke, behind the oxen, and between the pike and the pole.”

With sadness, for the first time not wearing his sahuayo hat, he ended telling me: “I miss my ranch.”

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December 3, 2013 | www.sdcitytimes.com

SPORTS CT

15

First-year runner competes at State

By Chris Handloser City Times Chris Felix, 20, was the first Knights cross-country runner to represent City College at the individual state finals competition since 2010. Felix qualified in his first year competing in the Pacific Coast Conference and even though he placed lower than he hoped, his experiences this season were invaluable.

Felix, born in San Diego, moved back here from Riverside County in 2012 for “economic expansion.” He was prompted by his roommate to walk on to the Knights squad and after only one season of intercollegiate competition, he finished 87th out of 220 runners in the qualifying race.

“It’s been really amazing. It’s definitely my highest achievement in running I’ve ever had. I’m truly stoked about this opportunity to go to states,” expressed Felix before running in Fresno’s Woodward Park race on Nov. 23.

A life long athlete, Felix began running during his

freshman year of high school after his Paloma Valley football coach made track and field compulsory in the offseason.

“I originally did jumps and had no aspirations to run at all,” stated Felix. After the sprints coach requested he work out with them, he finished 1st for his team and 2nd overall in the 400 meter dash as a freshman.

After his sophomore season, he put down the wide receiver gloves and focused solely on running.

“Chris is a true student of the sport,” proudly expressed his coach, Paul Greer, when speaking of his recent achievements. According to Greer, the PCAC is the 2nd strongest conference in the state. In recent years, City College has consistently fallen short of qualifying as a school, and Nick Bernal was the last individual to achieve all-conference and run in states, in 2010.

However, the efforts of Felix and team captain, Antonio Hernandez, helped the Knights to their most successful season they’ve enjoyed in quite some time. The squad

consistently finished in the top 3rd at competitions in 2013.

Hernandez, the sophomore captain, was an all-conference runner this season and narrowly missed qualifying for states – competing after the sudden passing of his mother.

Even in light of his tragedy, he never stopped helping Felix.

“The day before state [qualifiers], I learned a whole bunch of new stretches from the guy,” Felix warmly regarded. “He was giving me some advice about not stretching too much because you don’t wanna be too loose.”

Felix finished 142 out of 203 in Fresno and ran 22:47, almost a minute slower than his target, but he remains confident and maintains that his goal is to be top 50 in the state, and to help his team qualify for postseason action in 2014.

“I’ll have no issues holding up my end of that bargain,” spoke Felix confidently after the race.

“Chris is a young runner,” expressed Greer. “He’s got a lot more great years ahead of Chris Felix was the first Knighs cross-countr y runner to go to states since 2010 him.”

Chris Handloser, City Times

Knights soccer finishes strong

By Chris Handloser City Times The City College soccer team went to the California Community College Athletic Association Regional Playoffs for the fourth year in a row after finishing in second place in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference with a record of 10-5-5 (8-2-2 conf).

Ranked 14th in the state, the Knights traveled to play the Santa Ana Dons on Nov. 23, but the thirdranked Dons proved to be too much for the Knights, winning the elimination game 3-0.

Head Coach Milton Hildalgo has lead the Knights to the postseason nine out of the last 10 sea-

SPORTS LINEUP Compiled by Chris Handloser Submit events to calendar@sdcitytimes.com or call 619-388-3880

n Thursday, W.Basketball December 5 vs TBD IVC Tourney W. Basketball TBD vs Pasadena IVC Tourney n Saturday, 1 PM November 7 n Friday, December 6

W.Basketball vs TBD IVC Tourney TBD n Sunday, November 8

M.Basketball M.Basketball vs TBD vs TBD Mt. SAC M. Basketball Mt. SAC Tourney vs OCC Tourney TBD Mt. SAC TBD Tourney 1 PM

sons, and despite the early exit, he is happy with their performance this year.

“For us, we always tell the kids that we want to play good and we want to win, but we want to give a good effort,” expressed Hildago.

“I told the kids, ya know, I’m just proud of the way we turned the season around.”

The turnaround was impressive, as the Knights started the season 2-4-2 and dropped their first conference game to Southwestern before going unbeaten in the next 11 straight games.

Overcoming injuries that plagued the beginning of the season fueled the improvement, and Hildalgo gave credit to the

sophomore leadership of the squad, who really put the team on their backs.

“About 70% of the team was new so we put it on them to help,” stated Hildalgo. “Our captains really – Jimmy Crane and Martin Aguilar – they were doing a great job of keeping it together. Without them, it doesn’t happen.”

Freshman attacking center mid, Oscar Ortega, competed hard this season, finishing fourth in the conference with nine goals. He is undoubtedly in the plans for next season.

“He scored the significant goals,” Hildalgo said with a smile.

“He was a difference maker in the attack.”

www.sdcitytimes.com | December 3, 2013

CT FOCUS 16

Photo courtesy of Edward Honaker

Amazing, amazing. We never know with students work, it’s very professionally done.

Interim City College President Lynn Neault

“

“

Photo courtesy of Danny Suhendar

Photo courtesy of Krisnoff Padua

Photography exhibit features student talent

By Jennifer Ovalle City Times

on opening day, Nov.15.

Interim City College President Lynn

The inaugural Fall Student Photo Exhi- Neault was among the stream of spectabition presented 70 works that ranged tors. from artistic portraits to abstract images to figures of Roman mythology.

“Amazing, amazing. We never know with students’ work, it’s very profession-

The Lux Gallery, located in the V Build- ally done,” said Neault, as she reviewed ing, was buzzing with activity and filled in the photographs decorating the vast with a symphony of awestruck spectators white gallery walls. and art junkies indulging in the displays

See Galler y, page 14

Photo courtesy of Adrian Torkington

Photo andpage design by Allison Browne, City Times

Jennifer Ovalle, City Times