ONLINE EXCLUSIVE Local reggae band Piracy Conspiracy makes their radio debut
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Covering the San Diego City College community since 1945
Vol. 68, No. 5
October 29, 2013
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Gonzalez mural at the center of complex debate
NOTABLE FACULTY
By Chris Handloser City Times
Humberto Gurmilan reflects on the hardest struggle of his life in his book,“Desde mi Silla.” Courtesy photo (Below) Gurmilan teaches a communication class at City College on Oct. 24. Mary Watson, City Times
Author overcomes adversity
By Ahmad Blue City Times Have you ever had that little annoying itch on your nose? Now imagine not being able to scratch it. That was one of the small things Professor Humberto Gurmilan wasn’t able to do for himself after an accident changed his life forever. Gurmilan, an adjunct procommunications professor, spoke to students as part of the World Cultures Program and gave life advice that anyone could take a lesson from. Gurmilan talked about attitude, perseverance and support. These three factors would ultimately play a key role in inspiring the then 15-year-old that his life wasn’t over. After his accident, Gurmilan woke up in a hospital, not yet realizing where he was and why he could not move his limbs. “I could barely see out of the corner of my eye and then I realized I was hurt,” said Gurmilan as he recounted the day. Confused and stressed, Gurmilan passed out from the shock of his current situ-
ation. His mother and father received news that their son would make it, however, there was bad news as well. Doctors believed he would be paralyzed for the rest of his life. He had no control over his hands or legs and was unable to speak. The accident severely damaged his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. Two weeks later, after finally gaining full consciousness, Gurmilan was awake and coping with his current situation. “As time passed, I realized I wasn’t getting better,” said Gurmilan. “All of a sudden things raced through my head and boom, I hit a wall.” This severity of the situation and realization that he would never walk again brought on a depression. “It was very, very hard as a 15-year-old to lose your independence,” said Gurmilan. Family would visit to cheer him up but as they left, Gurmilan would fall back into this depression. It would eventually fade as his rehabilitation started. After six months in the hospital, Gurmilan would return home and continue his life, eventually graduating from high school and than
NAIL ART
college. During those six months Gurmilan learned life lessons that would become his inspiration. Attitude, perseverance and support from family and friends became his motivation to get better. Soon, he regained control of his hands. Gurmilan has worked hard to get where he is today, but he knows he will always
Festive designs to get you in the spirit of Halloween PAGE 6
face the adversity of not being able to walk again. He continues to move forward to this very day. His book, “Desde Mi Silla” or “From My Chair,” recounts events from his life and is available in both English and Spanish. His book is listed on Amazon and all profits are being donated to charity.
City College’s administration, members of student clubs and their faculty advisers and student government leaders are working together to determine the fate of a mural depicting Diana Gonzalez, a student that was killed by her estranged husband on campus in 2010. The mural, created and painted on campus by more than 150 students on Sept. 28, portrays Gonzalez holding her young child against a floral backdrop. The administration has various concerns regarding the mural: How does the murder affect the reputation of City College; how it mentally affects students, faculty and staff; and what should the process be to create and hang murals on campus. Members of the student clubs involved believe that the mural was created to raise domestic violence awareness and to honor Gonzalez and removing her name would undermine that. They also strongly desire to find a permanent home for it on campus. The contrasting plans for the mural came to a head on Oct. 10, when student organizers planned to unveil it in the Math and Science (MS) Building. Instead that day, they were informed by their advisers in an emergency meeting that the administra-
tion had not given permission to do so until key details could be worked out. ASG leadership, representing the student voice, met with Interim City College President Lynn Neault and other senior administrators on Oct. 21. “Do we really want City College to be in the news repeatedly for the campus where a murder occurred?” asked Neault. “Do we want that to be the public image of the campus?” During the meeting, college health officials reported concern for the emotional well being of would-be viewers of the mural, stating that instances of emotional distress spike at the Mental Heath Center every time there’s an event for Gonzalez. Neault’s proposal included removing the commemoration of Gonzalez from the mural, and instead, honoring domestic violence awareness as a general theme. In addition, the mural would hang twice annually, not permanently, in October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and in March for Women’s History Month. However, some students involved in the creation of the mural take exception to the removal of Gonazlez’s name. “The way we always talk about this is as the mural for Diana Gonzalez and survivors of domestic violence. It’s See Mural, page 2
Students, faculty and children creating a mural for Diana Gonzalez on Sept. 28. Michelle Moran, City Times.
CRAFT FOOD
Contemporary food and drinks in Little Italy PAGE 5
INDEX Calendar................. 2 News....................... 3 Life......................... 4 Arts........................ 5
CT TAKE NOTE 2
CALENDAR
Mural
Continued from Page 1 [called] a mural for Diana Gonzalez or the Diana Gonzalez mural. That’s how we’ve talked about it this entire time. And all of the sudden, they don’t agree,” expressed Visionary Feminist (VF) member, Arny Brenes. Seven faculty members convened twice over the issue, once in March with retiring President Terry Burgess, and again in September with Interim President Neault. Sociology professor and VF club adviser, Sarah Pitcher, addressed the ASG at its weekly meeting Oct. 18. She informed student leaders that as a result of the March meeting, it was understood that the design received approval but with stipulation that the mural would not include Gonzalez’ name. There was also an agreement at that time to have the accompanying plaque reviewed the administration before it was publicly displayed. Recalling the outcome of the September meeting, Neault stwated, “Two of the faculty understood that there was a commitment to paint this mural in honor of Diana Gonzalez and hang it
in the MS building and five other people at the meeting heard something different.” She went on to stress, “… Where we weren’t divided is 100 per cent unanimity around domestic violence awareness.” The administration’s secondary issue is two-fold: what situations are worthy of creating a mural and what should the guidelines be for displaying and storing it. At the Oct. 21 meeting, Neault asked the ASG leadership, “We’ve lost other students on the campus through suicide, through other things. What about them? I mean, why just one student?” The administration also sought out the safest way to display the large, framed mural. Neault confirmed that the college is costing out one possible way to exhibit it, as well as other possible art, above the lobby in the MS building. She also indictated that the location would be safe from potential vandals, and be displayed in a high traffic area. The VF and BEAT clubs, along with faculty advisers Pitcher and political science professor, Larissa Dorman, found a temporary home for
the mural at Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park. In a statement issued by the clubs Oct. 23, the mural is to be unveiled on Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. as part of the center’s Dia de los Muertos exhibit. It is to remain on display there until the end of the year, but Pitcher and Dorman, along with the passionate students involved, will work towards the goal of displaying it on campus, according to the statement. “We hope to work alongside the administration to create a clear policy for all murals and plan to continue meeting with faculty, staff, students and administration to find a way forward and a more permanent home for this beautiful mural!” The statement also openly encouraged students interested in bringing the mural to City College to attend club meetings. VF meets on Mondays at 5 p.m. in L 107 and BEAT meets on Fridays at 2 p.m. at Krakatoa Cafe in Golden Hill. Gonzalez’ husband, Armando Gabriel Perez, 40, awaits trial in her murder and faces life in prison if convicted. Her parents, Jose and Concepcion Gonzalez, are raising her now 4-year-old daughter Chrystal.
www.sdcitytimes.com | October 29, 2013
Compiled by Mary C. Watson Get your event in the paper. Email us at calendar@sdcitytimes.com or call 619-388-3880 October 29
World Cultures Program, Laura Johnston Kohl, “Jonestown Survivor: An Insider’s Look,” V-101, 9:40 a.m. - 10:55 a.m.
Women’s Soccer vs. Cuyamaca. SDCC Soccer Field, 3:oo p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
November 8
Employment Preperation Workshop, Resume writing, A-111/Career Center, 11:00 a.n. - 12:00 p.m.
Student Leadership Summit, Councilmember David Alvarez on “Leading in Crisis” and Nancy Mugpusao lead a workshop on Cultural Awareness, Sensitivity and Social Identity, V-101, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
October 30
November 8
October 29
Application Lab Cram Jam, UCSD and SDSU representatives, Career/Transfer Center, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
November 1
Men’s Soccer vs. Palomar College, SDCC Soccer Field, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
November 8
Men's Soccer vs. Mesa College, SDCC Soccer field, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Women’s Soccer vs. Mt. San Jacinto College, SDCC Soccer Field, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
November 1
November 8
November 1
November 12
November 5
November 12
Women’s Soccer vs. Mesa College, SDCC Soccer field, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. Cuyamaca College, Harry West Gymnasium, 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. World Cultures Program, “Bam 6.6” screening with filmmaker Jahangir Golestan-Parast, V-101. 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
November 5
Women’s Volleybal vs. Palomar College, Harry West Gymnasium, 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m Employment Preparation Workshop, Cover Letter Workshop, A-111/Career Center, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. World Cultures Program, “Traditonal Life Ways of the Kumeyaay.” O’Jay Vanegas. V-101, 12:45 p.m. t0 2:10 p.m.
November 13
UC Transfer Workshop, A-111/Career Cen-
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October 29, 2013 | www.sdcitytimes.com
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Enactus to revive food pantry Dr. Leroy Brady talks with City Times about plans for food distribution with a student-lead team SDCITYTIMES.COM
NEWS CT 3
City Times succeeds at journalism conference By Leeann Rose City Times
Newly-elected VP casts a vote for himself in the quad. Chris Handloser, City Times
Michael Roderick is officially elected VP By Aeisha Harrison City Times City College held a new election for the office of Associated Student Government (ASG) vice president. Almost 300 students voted Oct. 21-22 online and in person. Michael Roderick, running unopposed, received 250 votes to authenticate the win. Roderick, who’s been serving in an interim role for the last nine weeks, will now officially serve out the remainder of the school year as ASG vice president. This election differed from past elections because there was only one candidate running for one office. However, Roderick expressed that, “although this election is obviously much less formal, it’s just as important.” In addition to being a student of City College since 2011, he has also been a member of the ASG for two years. Prior to the official election, there were
two election forums held on campus at 11:30 and 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, in the cafeteria. In an effort to encourage students to vote, the Associated Student Government spreads the word throughout the college about who they are as representatives of the students and how they can better aid those of City College. As vice president, Roderick will participate in shared governance and play an important role appointing people to serve on committees where decisions are made. “The role of the vice president is a general role of support for the president, to help make decisions important to the board, to sit on the executive council, to assign members to committees, to oversee the actions of the student senate to represent the students’ voice in our meetings and with See VP, page 7
The Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC) held its regional conference Oct. 11-12 at California State University-Fullerton. Journalism students from all over Southern California participated in on-the-spot competitions, submitted previously published works for awards and were informed by numerous speakers. JACC is a a non-profit educational corporation dedicated to community college journalism. It is run by an elected board of directors who represent both students and faculty from around the state.
“Students can benefit from JACC in several ways,” stated City Times adviser Aida Bustos via email. “They can compete against their counterparts elsewhere in Southern California and they can learn in the workshops and from other students at the conferences.” Highlighting one important benefit, Bustos added, “Students can list a JACC award in their resumes, which can give them a boost.” City College participants took home 10 awards from this year’s conference. “The JACC awards City Times staff members received last week are just the latest in a long history of awards the newspaper and its staff members have won,”
Bustos explained. Curent City Times Co-Editor-in-chief, Allison Browne, collaborated with alumni editor J Rae Chipera last year on a Chicano Park photo essay and took home second place for Inside Page Design. “It felt like confirmation that I’m doing something right,” expressed Browne. For those that believe journalism is a dying field, this conference was an opportunity for participants to show off their many skills and prove that indeed, journalism is thriving. For those who wish to study further in the field of journalism and find out upcoming events, information is available at the JACC website http://jacconline.org/.
First Place: Mariel Mostacero and Troy Orem- Front Page Design Second Place: Allison Browne and J Rae Chipera- Inside Page Design Troy Orem- News Photo Third Place: Andrew Hahn- Critical Review Fourth Place: Allison Browne- Feature Story Adam Baird- Editorial Cartoon and Illustration Honorable Mentions: Ryan Johnson- Feature Story Adam Baird- Copy Editing Amanda Rhodes- News Story
Texting leads to student’s stolen cell phone By William Morse City Times “My brother wants his phone back. Willing to pay for it.” That text led campus police to a woman in possession of a smart phone stolen days earlier from a City College student during a violent robbery on campus. The incident began with the student, identified by campus police as a male in his twenties, walking northbound on Russ Boulevard around 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 10 with a female friend and a Samsung smartphone in his hand. As he looked away, the male suspect
Volume 68 Number 5 October 29, 2013
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Allison Browne Jennifer Manalili Editors-in-Chief Mary Watson Online Editor Calander Editor Chris Handloser News Editor
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punched him in the eye, grabbed his phone and ran away. The victim fell to the ground but was not seriously injured, according to Sgt. Jordan Mirakain. He contacted campus police, who issued a campus crime alert. The victim had an application on his phone which allowed him to lock it remotely so it could only send and receive texts. A few days later, the victim’s sister sent a text to his phone. It said that the phone was her brother’s and that they wanted it back, even if they had to pay for it. A person responded to the text, saying that they would meet them at a taco shop on the corner of Euclid and Imperial avenues.
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Mirakian said the police refer to this area as “the four corners of death.” The victim and his sister then contacted campus police. “You had a crook who just wanted to make an easy 100 bucks and they didn’t think that they would have a victim contacted law enforcement and’’ said Mirakain. “And it’s my opinion that if they had shown up they would have gotten robbed a second time,” he added. Police followed the sister to the taco shop, observing from their cruiser next to Lincoln High School. The sister texted the stolen phone requesting the person who had it to raise his or
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City Times Staff Ahmad Blue, Veronica Gaeta, Sandra Galindo, Aiesha Harrison, Ryan Johnson, Issa Lozano, William Morse, Jennifer Ovalle, Jessica Ramirez, Leeann Rose, Michelle Suthers
her hand so she could identify them. When a woman did so, police descended on the parking lot of the taco shop. The police questioned the woman holding the phone where she acquired it. She claimed that she found it on the bus and that someone had texted her offering $175 for it. She was detained, but not arrested due to insufficient evidence. Mirakian explained that the woman had been in the system before, and that based on her guarded answers, the burden of proof transfers to the police. “Even though we didn’t apprehend anyone, we consider this a win because the victim just wanted his phone back,” concluded Mirakian.
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 San Diego City College’s Digital Journalism 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 Digital Journalism Program | www.sdcity.edu/journalism Roman S. Koenig, associate professor, journalism and mass communication
CT LIFE 4
www.sdcitytimes.com | October 29, 2013
A chocolate treat to enjoy on Halloween It seems like fall has just begun, but what do you know? Halloween is just around the corner. Halloween is all about indulging. Why not dress up in that crazy costume you’ve always wanted to try on, find something that scares you or better yet, eat a lot of your fa-
KNIGHT BITES Jennifer Manalili
vorite candy? Ah, gluttony. Guilty as charged. Reese’s are my favorite. Chocolate and peanut butter are an unbeatable pair (if you doubt me, try Nutella and peanut butter together. It’ll make you a believer.) This cake gets an intense amount of Reese’s added to it and isn’t for the faint of heart. The cake is moist and crumbly and the addition of coffee just intensifies the chocolate flavor. It pairs really well with the peanut butter frosting. Grab some milk and wow your friends with this cake on Halloween. You won’t regret it.
Peanut Butter Cup Face painting for all ages Cake Face painting is a part of tradition during the Mexican holiday of Day of the Dead. Veronica Gaeta, City Times.
By Veronica Gaeta City Times
skull face painting. This is a fun activity that can be done on both children or adults and doesn’t require a lot of technique or money. Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiKeep in mind that this can be done in any colors. Don’t be day celebrated on the first and second days of November. afraid to use your imagination and be creative in your design. The holiday represents rebirth for deceased loved ones and is a celebration held to acknowledge the continuation of Things you will need: life as the loved one’s spirit still lives in the afterlife. Face paint: red and white As part of this tradition, altars are created and adorned Black eyeliner pencil with things such as pictures, flowers and candles. The items Makeup applicator sponge placed on the altars are known as ofrendas or offerings. Eye shadow brush These altars are colorful and portray times of happiness. The more recent the death, the more elaborate the altar will be. 1. Begin by applying a white base all over the face with the The most familiar symbol of this holiday is the calavera or applicator sponge. better known as the sugar skull. 2. Begin drawing designs such as flowers and hearts in Calaveras can be found on just about everything, from colors of your choice. (In this case red and white were comclothing to masks, art and candied sweets, these images are bined to create pink.) reminders to appreciate life and most importantly not to fear 3. Outline all designs with the black eyeliner pencil and death. the look is complete. A fun way to join in the celebration is to partake in sugar
Combating Asian stereotypes in film By Jennifer Manalili City Times With the recent success of PSY and “Gangnam Style” becoming such a hit last year, many people may be thinking that Asians are finally getting their time in the spotlight. But this small stride has been a long time coming. While African Americans and Latinos have slowly become more visible in popular culture, Asians are still struggling and stereotypes about Asian culture still exist. A presentation by the Pacific Arts Movement on Oct. 22 illustrated these stereotypes, particularly ones existing in entertainment. Ordinary representations of Asians simply cannot be found in Hollywood. “It should come as no surprise that in the U.S. there are stereotypes of Asians and the media perpetuates these,” said Pacific Arts Movement Art Director Brian Hu. He later asked the crowded
room “Do you know where is simple: Asia. like to say, ‘It’s just entertainto find ordinary representa“We like to claim we live ment,” said Hu. “But negations of Asians?” The answer in a post-racial world. We tive stereotypes are so easily accepted and bypassed and they exist for all races.” Hu said the most dangerous ones exist in movies and television ---- our entertainment, because they are laced in stories that are “mostly beloved and romanticized.” “Like bad fashions in old films, old stereotypes are always replaced with new, troubling ones,” said Hu. Stereotypes about Asians are split into two, ones for men and others for women and tend to lean towards extremes. In films, men are not sexualized, usually portrayed as the ultimate funny doofus or as a fierce killers described as “The Fu Manchu and the Yellow Peril” type. Hu describes the Fu Manchu stereotype sparking out of America’s fear that jobs were being taken from “regular Brian Hu is the artistic director for the Pacific Arts Movement. Angelica Wallingford, City Times. See Asian, page 7
Peanut Butter Cup Cake Adapted from CrepesofWrath.net Cake: 2 cups of white sugar ¾ cups cocoa powder 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup of buttermilk ½ cup Canola oil 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee 26 oz. peanut butter cups, chopped Frosting, recipe on sdcitytimes.com 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two 8-inch cake pans with cooking spray. 2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs and vanilla. 3. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry. Add the coffee and stir just to combine, making sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl. Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 30 minutes then place them out onto a cooling rack (or on separate plates) until cooled completely. 4. Place one layer, flat side up, onto a flat plate or cake pedestal. With a knife or offset spatula, spread the top with frosting. Place the second layer on top, rounded side up and spread the frosting evenly on the top and sides of the cake. 6. Chop up your peanut butter cups and stick them all over the cake. (You can stick around the sides, but I realized I didn’t have enough and just stuck them to the top of the cake.) Enjoy.
October 29, 2013 | www.sdcitytimes.com
ARTSCT 5
Happy Hour in Little Italy By Michelle Moran City Times Little Italy in Downtown San Diego is known as a “hip and historic urban neighborhood,” according to their website and it lives up to that slogan. The town is filled with Italian restaurants that make you feel like you are really in Italy because of the authentic food. Among all the coffee shops and Italian eateries is an American food joint. Once you discover this gem, you will see what makes this place stand out from the rest. Craft and Commerce has a modern, trendy vibe before you even enter this establishment. The outside walls are covered in a grassy moss with a red neon sign that reads “you look good,” to give the customers a boost of confidence after indulging in their mouth-watering concoctions. During happy hour, the customers’ get to choose where to be seated. If you choose to sit outside, they provide some blankets by your table to keep you warm The first amazing thing about their menu is their drinks; craft cocktails at their finest. They have champagne cocktails, beer cocktails, punch bowls (for up to four people) and many other drinks. The I.P.A. (India pale ale) cocktail is made with i.p.a., grapefruit infused aperol, orgeat and lemon. The flavors of the grapefruit and lemon really complement the I.P.A.’s bitter taste. The second best thing about Craft and Commerce is their mini corn dogs. Not only are they not mini, they are the most delicious corn dogs in San Diego. The corn dogs are bacon wrapped, served with stone
ground mustard and spicy cheese fondue. The first bite into these are heavenly, and they alone make this place memorable. Two corn dogs are normally $7, but during happy hour they are $4. Nonetheless, they are well worth the price. For the light eaters, there are three different types of salads. The cheapest salad is the house salad, which features artisan greens, heirloom carrots, pea sprouts, french breakfast radish and is tossed in a miso ginger dressing. If you like ginger, you’ll love this salad because it accommodates well with all the savory veggies. The lunchtime burger comes with aged cheddar, onion marmalade, tomato, lettuce, a house sauce, served on a brioche bun. Not your average burger when it comes to the onion marmalade, it makes your taste buds jump with joy. It was the right amount of juicy texture to the patty, needless to say it’s tasteful. The burger also had a sidekick: garlic fries served with a delicious garlic aioli. The staff here were very attentive and friendly. You are greeted right as you walk in, and the waitress was personable, which makes this place feel as if you are enjoying a nice meal and drink at your friend’s house. Happy hour prices include select appetizers which are discounted and all local beer is half off. In the near future, the cocktails will be included in their happy hour. Craft and commerce is located on 675 W. Beech St. in Little Italy and is open weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Craft and Commerce serves moderately priced food and drinks. Michelle Moran, City Times
Courtesy photo
Songs from the crypt A Halloween playlist with songs about death, aliens and more
By Angelica Wallingford City Times Halloween is a fun experience for all ages. Let’s face it though, you’re probably way to old to be out there trick-ortreating. So instead of going door-to-door and asking strangers for some sugary fix, download some sweet ear candy that is sure to get you in the Halloween spirit. Here are some of my favorites, most of which are available on iTunes. 1. Any and every song by the Misfits The Misfits are the godfathers of the horror punk genre; to not have them first on a Halloween playlist would be like a slap in the face to America’s second favorite holiday. The band has been around for more then 30 years and has a catalog spanning over 18 albums and 150+ songs. From their well-known tracks like “Skulls” and “Dig Up Her Bones” to their lesser-known tracks like “American Psycho” and “Speak of the Devil;” you can’t go wrong with playing any of their songs on Halloween night. 2. “Dead Man’s Party” by Oingo Boingo Danny Elfman isn’t a stranger to writing songs suited for the creepy and ominous. “Dead Man’s Party,” a song by Elfman’s old band Oingo Boingo, is a perfect example of his dark and spooky lyrical style set to pop music. Released in 1986, the song still remains one of the best and well known songs Oingo Boingo came out with during their 23 year run. With its’ lyrics telling a morbid tale of how we’re all just waiting for death to knock on our door and music that will guarantee to make you want to dance; “Dead Man’s Party” has more then earned it’s place on any Halloween playlist. See Playlist, page 7
Courtesy photo
www.sdcitytimes.com | October 29, 2013
CT VOICE 6
Rehabilitation URBANALITIES By Michele Suthers over jail time Governor Jerry Brown recently denied a bill that would allow charges such as simple drug possession to be treated as a misdemeanor as opposed to a felony. Around 10,000 people a year are convicted of drug possession felonies in California, and this leaves in tact prison overcrowding at the cost of around $207 million a year. Thirteen other states passed this law, and Brown ignored these facts. It could
PRO
Michelle Moran mean hundreds of millions in criminal justice savings. For example, an offender would attend a preliminary hearing instead of being outright convicted. This would provide local governments with enough money to invest in rehabilitation programs and mental health services. It would also help law enforcement to focus on more serious cases instead of dealing with petty crimes. Instead of spending three years in prison for small amounts of personal drug use, offenders would instead attend a rehabilitation program. Two-thirds of prisoners relapse within three years of release, often committing a more violent offense and therefore causing more serious harm to their lives. According to the International Centre for Prison Studies, the U.S. has the highest number of inmates in the world, stemming from an estimated 1.5 million drug offenses. More than 80 percent of these arrests are nonviolent. Instead of curing meth, heroine, cocaine or other drug addiction, prison will make them crave it more. Just like countless other drug users, they will replay their mistakes and go back to jail as a repeat offender. These people need a
chance to recover, and rehabilitation and treatment costs the taxpayers a small fraction of prolonged incarceration. Drug addiction is very difficult to overcome without proper help. The use of drugs and drug possessions should be treated as a citation as opposed to a charge. Drugs would still be illegal, though not result in a criminal conviction that could prevent offenders from obtaining employment, housing, government benefits among other things. According to a 2010 analysis of U.S. Justice department data, in the 13 states where simple drug possession is labeled as a misdemeanor, drug offenders are most likely to get treatment and slightly less likely to use illegal drugs again. This shows that decriminalization could reduce this number and help people overcome the use of drugs and possibly decrease the number of drug possessions. A handful of states and countries have already adopted this practice. Why can’t the U.S do it as well? It is much less harmful and less expensive to present a non-violent offender with a one-way ticket to a rehabilitation treatment program than it is to send them to jail where most of the population of offenders are violent criminals. This is exactly why rehabilitation and drug decriminalization would be far more beneficial to our society than harsh prison sentences. If Brown would have passed this bill, drug offenders would probably use drugs less than if they were sentenced to jail time. Unfortunately, the citizens of California might have to wait for Brown to jump onto the bandwagon before a more sensible drug policy takes root.
Question by Ahmad Blue Photos by Mary Watson
Do you think we should focus on rehabilitating drug users?
Rehabilitation doesn’t do the job This may seem obvious, but everyone knows drugs are bad. Even the biggest pot head has to admit that there’s controversy around drugs for a reason. Whether or not you agree with Jerry Brown’s dismissal of Senate Bill 649, drug addicts and abusers are behind bars for a reason.
CON
Mary Watson The bill would allow people prosecuted for drug possession to have their sentence reduced to a misdemeanor rather than a felony. From the outside, the bill looks modest and forgiving, however, there could be severe repercussions to follow. Drugs are never purposefully ingested without prior knowledge of the substance. We observe others before making their own decisions, like watching your friend take a shot of whiskey before your own, or that friend who showed you how to use a
bong. When one immerses themselves in an environment where drugs are present, oneobserves people in different phases of drug habits and addiction, perhaps thinking, “I’ve got self-control. I’d never end up a junkie.” The point here is that even if someone who’s never before seen an ecstasy pill is handed one, it’s obvious it’s illegal and could result in arrest just for having it. Everyone has the ability to say no and turn around, but only the smartest have the will-power to actually do so. There’s no grey area for drugs. No one has puffed on a joint wondering if their parents would be proud. Drug users often hide their actions and paraphernalia because they know it’s illegal and they know there will be consequences. If someone has to find a dirty alley to smoke a joint with their friends – maybe that’s not what you should be doing. If someone
has to sneak pills, maybe there’s something illegal about their actions. So if all of these users and drug addicts know what is and isn’t illegal, then why is it up to the court and our tax dollars to solve their problem? Children aren’t given therapy for mouthing off in class, they get time-outs. Thieves don’t get a slap on the wrist when sent to the psychiatric ward for further treatment. They are sent to jail to learn there lessons and to reaffirm that there are negative consequences for illegal actions. Rehabilitation centers are designed to be relaxing, community environments. Granted, there are no drugs present but it’s still a nicer place to go to than jail. Now, let’s sweeten the deal. The user gets detoxed, plays the rehab game, and is set free in the world to shoot up at a much lower dose. Then the whole cycle ensues again. What about if they were sent to jail? Even if they did
detox, went they relapse, their second offense won’t be as easy as the first. Offering rehabilitation makes it seem like it wasn’t their fault. Jail time and probation ensures the user that his or her actions were wrongful and reveals to them that they do actually know better. According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, in 2011, 35,501 drug users were sent to rehabilitation centers. After their initial release date, a whopping 22,309 users were sent back for repeat offenses. That’s a 62.8% recidivism rate, or only a 37.4% success rate. In the long run, it’s not the government’s job to follow around drug addicts to make sure they don’t fall off the wagon. There’s no guaranteed success for rehabilitation either. If you don’t want drug addicts to continue their abuse, don’t group them together in rehab. Instead of coddling them, put them behind bars.
Marie Johnson 21, Biology
Chris Dilla 18, Philosophy
Marian Haji-Hassan 20, Public Health
Glen Nixon 31, Undeclared
“I think people who use drugs only hurt themselves. Those that sell them should be punished and those that use them should be rehabilitated.”
“Rehabilitation is good. There’s no point in punishing them as drug users.”
“I feel as though if there is some type punishment for everything, people will have some discipline towards themselves.”
“I think we should focus on rehabilitating them but if they were the cause of some kind of criminal activity. then they should have some punishment along with it.”
October 29, 2013 | www.sdcitytimes.com
Evil Dead Continued from Page 8 to be so festive, that in fact some who come to see the event arrive in costumwes. Other attendees may even be partying at bars downtown and decide to stop by for the play. It is a public event, however the content is rated PG-13. General admission is $20 and $18 for students and seniors with I.D. “A big part of the fun of the show is that
Asian Continued from Page 4 Americans.” Today, films like “Olympus Has Fallen” and “Red Dawn” both have Asians representing the ultimate enemy, bound to destroy the United States. Our society has anxieties, especially for those who don’t look like us. Entertainment seems to reflect this by trying to make sense of it by pointing the finger at these figures. For better or worse, we have inherited stereotypes. While men are not sexualized, women are hyper-
VP Continued from Page 3 administrators and to help support the board members in all of their endeavors,” explained Roderick via email. In the spring election, only 622 out of more than 18,000 student turned out to vote. With the new election, college officials were pleased with the turnout. “Many people said that nobody would vote,” stated
it’s a show you really can’t find anywhere else in San Diego because of the conventions that we twist and break such as breaking the fourth wall and getting the audience bloody,” said Lethert during a telephone interview. “Even if you’re not in the front seat or haven’t seen the movies, it’s audience participation.” For more information, call (858)877-8401 or visit www.theatrealive.com. For show schedules, visit www.10thavenuetheatre.com.
sexualized, either portrayed as “China dolls,” submissive damsels in distress, or as “dragon ladies” who use sex as their power to manipulate and get what they want. “At least acknowledge where the entertainment is being derived from and what does that say about our society?” said Hu. “Stereotypes transform and pick up new meanings.” But what can be done about it? Asian Americans are embedding themselves in the industry, seemingly dismantling stereotypes from within. Independent productions, financing and exhibi-
tions have helped combat the negativity and film festivals ---- like the San Diego Asian Film Festival, which the Pacific Arts Movement produces ---- are at the forefront of teaching people to think “transnationally.” Visuals and conversations in these films are very usual and genuine, the opposite of a stereotype. Netflix and the Internet have also been a big part of this shift. There is a movement of people wanting to see change. The San Diego Film Festival runs from Nov. 7 to Nov. 16. For more information visit festival.sdaff. org/2013.
Dean of Student Affairs Michael-Paul Wong. “We had to fight against the fact that people wouldn’t vote out of apathy or fear of him automatically winning, which is very unusual.” In addition to being a student of City College since 2011, Roderick’s involvement with ASG includes one year as a senator and one year as president of the senate. Citing this experience, as well as experiences working with state and local administrators on key issues,
he said that he is “suited to represent City College as a whole.” His goals this year are to improve student outreach, informing students about everything ASG does, and fighting for more funding for education on a state level. All students are encouraged to attend weekly ASG meetings on Friday at noon in D 105 to see Roderick and the rest of the ASG in action.
‘Guys and Dolls’ hits the stage at the Saville Theatre By Leeann Rose City Times Love, lust and luck will soon be brought to the Saville Theatre. City College’s rendition of the Broadway sensation began Oct. 25 and will continue to be held every weekend through Nov. 10. “Guys and Dolls” hit the Broadway stage in 1950 and was based on characters and short stories written by author and newspaperman Damon Runyon. Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows wrote the book for the musical, with the music and lyrics written by composer Frank Loesser.
It was chosen as this fall’s show because “It’s one of the best-written musicals in the history of musical theater,” said director June Richards. “It has great roles for men and women, and I love the music and the story.” “Guys and Dolls” is an affordable way to enjoy the weekend. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students, seniors, or military. Parking is free and can be found adjacent to the Saville Theatre in parking lot eight. With a stage full of gamblers, beauties, sinners and saints, the show is not one to be missed.
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Playlist Continued from Page 5
3. “BRAINS!” by Voltaire It just wouldn’t be Halloween without at least mentioning something eating a brain. In this case, it’s a giant green alien meteorite that persuades a young boy to lure the people of his town to him, so he can then proceed to use his tentacles to suck their brains out. Sound familiar? Voltaire’s 40s swing-dark cabaret hit, “BRAINS!” was written for an episode Cartoon Network’s “The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy.” “BRAINS!” is the Halloween song that most artists wish they could write. It not only brings in the creep factor but also makes for an enjoyable cartoon. 4. “Tricking it to the Treats” by Scott Gairdner Who says that Halloween has to be all about the macabre? Let’s face it; Halloween can be downright hilarious at times. Scott Gairdner’s ode to Halloween is a spoof of both the song “Taking It to the Streets” by the Doobie Brothers and of singer Michael McDonald. The song was even featured on G4’s now cancelled “Attack of the Show” as part of their Halloween special. In the song, Gairdner sings about being an adult who goes trick-or-treating, costumes, monsters and other Halloween clichés. This song isn’t available on iTunes but you can check it out on YouTube, where the link to download it will be in the description box.
Voltaire performs at DNA Lounge in San Francisco on Oct. 23 2005. Courtesy photo
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www.sdcitytimes.com | October 29, 2013
CT HALLOWEEN 8
Ghoulish Haunts
By Michelle Moran City Times
Halloween is a holiday enjoyed by people of all ages. San Diego is expanding its population everyday and there are many events that are going on for families and party goers. Whether you enjoy spending time with the family or going out with your friends, Halloween can be fun for everyone. If you’re looking for something to do on Halloween night, here are just a few of the events going around town that we’re looking forward to.
Courtesy of Jason Lethert
‘Evil Dead: The Musical’ debuts By Aiesha Harrison City Times From blood-sucking vampires to man-eating wolves, people from all over are experiencing Halloween fever. Under the direction of Stacey Allen, Theatre Alive is presenting its second debut of “Evil Dead: The Musical.” There will be a total of seven shows from Thursday, Oct. 24 to Saturday, Nov. 2. It is located at the 10th Ave. Arts Center in downtown San Diego. The musical is based off the original “Evil Dead,” a horror film franchise created by Sam Raimi. The franchise even sparwned a remake this year. It expanded, appearing in Canada and even showing on Broadway. Described as “disarmingly funny,” the musical contains some of the same horror elements from the film. Billy Blair, 28-year-old City College student, is playing the main character, Ash. The plot centers around a group of teens visiting a cabin in the woods. On their journey, they discover a Necronomicon or “Book of the Dead” that
unleashes evil. Before long, they find themselves fighting for survival against posessed demons after accidentally reading an incantation. The production presents humorous homage to horror movies with Monty Python style humor and a sort of Rocky Horror imagery. “I think that the content of the movies that the musical is based off of is great. It’s actually a very funny however, a very bloody show,” says Blair. With dark humor, strobe lights and two rows of a splatter zone designated to those prepared to get bloody, the show will intrigue and entertain audiences. “The special effects add the fun and interactive element to the play; it’s a pretty cutting-edge satire that you’ll find hilarious if you have any appreciation for horror movies,” said, cast member Jason Lethert. In case anyone is afraid to get a bit bloody, they are given rain ponchos before the show. The production seems to
1. The Haunted Hotel - One of The Gaslamp’s scariest Halloween attractions will return. The attraction has been voted one of the best haunted houses in America. Open until Nov. 2, guests will experience “The Walking Dead” dungeon and get to see the “Evil Dead” cellar. If you’re prepared for the horror and suspense, you’ll enjoy this. For more information, visit www.hauntedhotel.com 2. The Haunted Trail - Balboa Park’s haunted outdoor attraction has returned. The mile long trail of terror may not be suitable for children, but for those who are up for the experience the attraction will stay open until Nov. 2. For more information, visit www.hauntedhotel.com/pages/trail. 3. The Scream Zone - The Del Mar fair has brought yet again their haunted attraction called “The Scream Zone,” with a new addition this year, zombie paintball safari. Included in the experience is the House of Horror, The Chamber and the Haunted Hayride and will take place until November 2. For more information visit www.thescreamzone.com.
See Evil Dead, page 7
Spook up your nails
Illustration by Michele Suthers By Veronica Gaeta City Times It’s Halloween again. This centuries long tradition can be fun for everybody and allows us all the chance to dress up. For those with children, it can be loads of fun too. With more than 70 percent of today’s population celebrating the holiday, it’s easy to get in the Halloween spirit: candy, trick-or-treating and costumes are just part of the celebration. For those who appreciate the treats, here’s a neat nail art trick to keep the Halloween spirit alive. Step 1: You will need four nail colors: black, white, orange and yellow as well as a clear top coat polish. Begin with a clean nail surface. Apply a black base coat on four nails and orange on a nail of your choice. (In this case a metallic orange was used.) Step 2: First, the spider web design: Select a nail. From one corner of the nail draw a letter ‘V.’ Next draw a line through the center. (They don’t have to be the same size.) Last, draw the letter ‘U’ between each line as desired. Step 3: For the candy corn design, begin by drawing tiny random white triangles on the black base. Next, with a thin nail brush draw a line across the center in orange and on then another on the bottom in yellow to resemble the classic candy treat. Step 4: For the Jack-O-Lantern, you will draw two tiny triangles for the eyes and one for the nose, (Feel free to face them any way you like.) For the mouth it is just a simple horizontal zigzag design. Step 5: Apply a clear top coat to finish the look. Have fun, be safe and Happy Halloween!
There are many different options for Halloween-themed nail art that will get you in the spirit of this ghoulish and festive holiday. Veronica Gaeta, City Times.