LOOKING BACK Men’s basketball won the Metro league championship title in 1964.
CT CityTimes
Covering the San Diego City College community since 1945
Vol. 68, No. 10
March 11 , 2014
COMMUNITY City College students pair with local artist to beautify Barrio Logan
Weekly at sdcitytimes.com
Food pantry reopens By Diego Lynch City Times San Diego City College Enactus reopened the food pantry on campus in February. Students will be able to pick up a “care package” stocked primarily with canned goods and granola bars once a week, instead of twice a month, which was the case under a previous administration. The San Diego City College Enactus Food Empowerment and Sustainability Center, as the pantry is called, is run by Enactus. It’s an international non-profit organization whose City College chapter partners with the business department to build student entrepreneurial skills. “You don’t have be with CalWorks (food stamp program), vet status, homeless status. You just have to hungry,” stated Chere Smith, a communication major who oversees the food pantry. In addition to providing students with food, the staff will offer See Food, page 2
Local artist Salvador Roberto Torres displays his rendtion for the completed mural project. Below, Torres instructs one of the volunteers while they paint the mural on a wall along East Harbor Drive. Celia Jimenez, City Times
A vision for the future By Diego Lynch City Times Longtime Chicano artist and activist Salvador “Queso” Roberto Torres is partnering with City College students to paint a mural in Barrio Logan depicting San Diego’s maritime history. The colorful mural is going up on a free-standing wall adjacent to Restaurant Depot’s parking lot, across from the trolley station on Harbor Drive and Cesar Chavez Parkway. Torres is a graduate of City College. He was a member of a group of artists who fought for permission to paint murals on the pillars of the Coronado bridge in Chicano Park in 1973. Chicano Park is underneath the Coronado Bridge adjacent to I-5 freeway. According to the Chicano Park Steering Committee website, a defining moment came in 1970 when the state planned to
build a highway patrol station at that site. Frustrated by years of industrial development, residents of Barrio Logan responded by occupying the area. The I-5 freeway, the bridge, heavy industry and junk yards displaced residents and increased pollution, changing
the character of the community. This project is part of Torres’s ongoing effort to culturally enrich the San Diego’s Chicano communities through art. A handful of City students from the Future Leaders Club turned out to help Torres paint the mural on the morning of Feb.
28, and have been returning to work on the project on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. since. “I think it is important to preserve our heritage and our culture and especially our legacies,” said Torres, “that we have been working toward developing since the 1950s.” The mural features many images of sea life and seafood processing when the ocean was at the heart of local industry. Torres states that he wants people to not only remember that history, but have young people take ownership of it. “This mural represents all of the work of past generations that is going to be passed on,” explained CIty College student Tom Brady at the initial session. The mural also features images of See Torres, page 2
Richard Montoya regails guests at the media party for the Latino Film Festival Feb. 27 Celia Jimenez, City Times
Montoya talks filmmaking to City Times
The “Music Doctor”
Heartbreaker
City College jazz improv professor is a renown “doubler.” PAGE 5
Knights bounced from second round. PAGE 7
See Montoya, page 4
INDEX
Arts........................ 4 Life......................... 5 Opinion................... 6 Sports..................... 7
CT TAKE NOTE 2
CORRECTIONS
The following are corrections from our Feb. 25 issue. From Page 2, in the continuation of the Science Building story, the name of district Board of Trustees President Rich Grosch was incorrectly spelled. From Page 3, in the tribute to Terry Armstrong, student organizer Lori Oldham’s name was mispelled. From Page 5, the co-owners of the hART Lounge, Minerva and Arthur Gonzalez, were misidentified as husband and wife. They are siblings. From Page 5, Shepard Fairey, a close friend of design Professsor Candice Lopez, was misidentified as a former student of her’s.
Food Continued from Page 1 budget-management information. The aim is to provide them assistance with using their own resources and stretch their dollars. “We do not want to discourage people from coming ... we just want to give them resources. You don’t have to use them,” explained Smith. It is also clear that the students who visit are a diverse bunch. “There are some homeless,” said Kim Volm, a small business management major who works with the food pantry. “But the majority are just struggling and we give them a supplement.” Most of the food in the pantry is from a food drive held at Stomper’s grocery store in Point Loma. There
are plans to hold more food drives at City College and reach out to clubs for assistance. The Uprising Club, a campus Christian club seeking to give students the means to live up to their full potential, has already stepped up. The club plans to donate food, and has pledged an initial $200, plus an additional $100 per month to support the operation. The Associated Student Government, for its part, has made a $100 donation. The pantry plans use these funds to start providing students with the means for “mini grocery shopping,” Smith said. Food will be distributed Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Room A16. Students are limited to one visit per week and must present a student ID when requesting food.
www.sdcitytimes.com | March 11, 2014
Torres Continued from Page 1
Mexican-Americans and Native-Americans, underscoring the diversity of Barrio Logan. “I am coming here to see the beauty of it. People say the negative about other minorities, but....we have a lot of positives in us,” said Tasha Griffin, who is pursuing her Mental Health work certification at City. The mural project is one of many efforts to revitalize Barrio Logan. “The students have been coming to clean up the Cesar Chavez Park, helping the Port to keep it clean,” said Torres. He is referring to the park owners -- Unified Port of San Diego, a private corporation established in 1962 which manages 5,400 acres of land surrounding the San Diego Bay -- according to its website. “There is something very important happening now, the master plan that was established by the community … including business, owners of property, residents and industry,” expressed Torres. The Barrio Logan Community Plan encourages increased environmental, aesthetic and transportation standards along with a commitment to maintain the historic monuments, according to the city planning website. The port authority, unions, industry and Mayor Kevin Faulconer are all opposed to the plan, arguing that it will reduce businesses’ profits and eliminate jobs. San Diego voters will decide the fate of the community plan in an elecVolunteers made up of students and community tion in June. members affix mirrors to the mural on Feb. 28. Celia Jimenez, City Times
March 11, 2014 | www.sdcitytimes.com
NEWS CT 3
City talent showcased By Kaily Sanders City Times
The National Eating Disorder Awareness Walk had more than 250 attendees at the San Diego event. Courtesy photo
Eating disorders: ‘Be aware’ Awareness walk draws attention to underfunded illness By Joe Kendall City Times
The walk, organized by Phillip’s daughter Emersen Phillips, was held at De Anza Cove. There were over 250 participants that, along with local sponsors and merchandise sales, helped to raise nearly $20,000 for NEDA. The money will help raise awareness and increase coverage options for patients. Finding affordable care is one of the largest hurdles for people who are suffering from a disorder. Despite their prevalence, most insurance providers do not cover eating disorders, so those with limited resources are left to cover the costs of treatment themselves. Students at City College have two helpful resources at their disposal. Leslie Rice, a nurse practitioner at City explains, “The treatment for City College students is a combined approach with what we can do here in the medical clinic (and) what
services would be available in mental health services.” One of the benefits of seeking help through Student Health Services is that there is no charge to see a nurse practitioner or doctor, and a nurse is available at all times durinsg ervice office hours. With the help of organizations like NEDA, and people like Ashley and Emersen Phillips, public perception and support is growing, but it is still an uphill battle. Healthy habits and attitudes towards eating start at home, and Ashley Phillips emphasizes the importance of instilling healthy values early. “Be aware. Do not focus on superficial values about appearance and weight. Share meals as a family.”
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week seeks to inform the public about an illness with many stigmas. “One of the most frightening challenges are the prevailing cultural norms and values around being thin and super fit,” says Ashley Phillips, mother of a recovering patient and local recovery coach. “Early intervention is often stymied by a general lack of awareness, and by cultural and peer pressure on both women and men, girls and boys, to conform to unreasonable standards of thinness,” said Phillips. Eating disorders hold an interesting position in today’s culture. They are not an unknown problem, as most people have heard of the common ailments: anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, in the U.S. 20 million women and 10 million men will struggle with an eating disorder at some point in their life. With this many people affected by eating disorders one would expect a proportionate amount of funding for education and treatment, unfortunately this is not the case. In 2011, only $28 million of National Institute of Health funds went towards research on eating disorders. Compare this to the $450 million spent on Alzheimer’s research, an illness with 5.1 million sufferers. Enter the NEDA awareness week. The annual awareness week, that ran from Feb. 23 to March 1 this year, featured events held throughout the country, including a charity walk in San Diego. Exercises for NEDA Week include demolishing the scales. Official Facebook image
San Diego City College students and faculty will have another opportunity to showcase their talents on March 15 in the Saville Theatre. The spring talent show, “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” is being organized by Tandy Ward and the Associated Student Government, with the help of Fiona Wilson, 31, business administration. Wilson explained in an email interview that she has been helping Ward organize the talent show and she has also been his connection to the ASG. There will be a total of 20 acts in the show and all proceeds will go City College’s Counseling Scholarships. “This is an opportunity for our City College students to showcase their talents, be it dancing, singing, comedy, poetry, instrument playing, etc. We also provide cash prizes for first, second, and third place,” said Wilson.
Where to file taxes for free
By Essence McConnell City Times
Taxes are around the corner and as students, most of us qualify for a tax break. MyFreeTaxes is dedicated to helping individuals and low-income families save money when filing. MyFreeTaxes provides free state and federal tax preparation and filing. This is a useful tool for students (and their families) to receive the most out of their tax returns. To use this service, a family’s combined income must have been $58,000 or less in 2013, and the same goes for individuals who are filing. “I would use MyFreeTaxes. As long as it’s free, I have nothing to lose,” explains Jilanie Desert, 20, nursing major. Throughout the year, workers’ income taxes are taken from each paycheck and sent to the federal government. By the end of the year, we typically pay more than needed, and the following year that extra money comes back through tax returns. “I wouldn’t use the online version,” said Justin Davidson, “I don’t trust websites, but because it’s free I would try and speak to a representative.” MyFreeTaxes is available online at myfreetaxes.com where step-by-step instructions are held. One can also call 1-855-MyTx-Help. Tax deadline is April 15.
Auction to benefit City’s Dreamers By Celia Jimenez City Times The I.D.E.A.S. Club will hold the “Art of Persistence,” a silent auction of arts and crafts, on March 14 at El Centro Cultural de la Raza to help “Dreamers” from City College pay for their tuition and books. DREAM stands for
development, relief, and education for alien minors. A “Dreamer” is an undocumented student who is pursuing a higher education. The club has been gathering paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramic pieces and jewelry since last semester. The goal of the auction is raise awareness
and motivate “Dreamers” to continue their education, and through art and entertainment, raise money for them. This club also holds workshops to inform these students about how immigration laws can affect on them and how to apply for financial aid. The group collaborates with other
organizations, such as Embrace the Streets, which provides clothing to the homeless. The silent auction will be held at the Centro Cultural de la Raza from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Participants who pay cash may take their piece the same day otherwise it will be shipped after payment is received
Organizers are seeking volunteers and additional art donations, which will be accepted until the day of the event. The I.D.E.A.S Club can be reached by contacting adviser Rudy Zamora at rzamora@ sdccd.edu or its president, Kitzia Correa, at (619)761-6296 or kitzia. The I.D.E.A.S. Club will have a silent auction on correa@gmail.com. March 14 at the Centro Cultural. Courtesy photo
www.sdcitytimes.com | March 11, 2014
CT ARTS 4
Latino comedian moves to screen By Edwin Rendon City Times Mexican-American actor and playwright Richard Montoya is the founder of the satirical troupe Culture Clash, which is gearing up to release its playturned-film, “Water & Power.” Opening May 2 in AMC theaters nationwide, it will be featured at the San Diego Latino Film Festival beginning March 13. Adding screenwriter and director to his resume, Montoya’s first cinematic endeavor comes with auspicious timing. Culture Clash will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2014, the release is just three days shy of the battle of Cinco de Mayo, and according to the cast, the film came together in an alchemic 12-straight nights during September 2012, the month of Mexican independence. Montoya emphasizes his storytelling through Chicano roots beyond the script’s pages, putting the audience in the struggle between twin brothers, “Water” and “Power,” nicknamed by their father, a hardworking ditch man for the Los Angeles irrigation department. Water becomes a decorated cop and Power, a senator, both rising in prominence while being pulled by corruption’s strong current in the influential forces of Los Angeles. Montoya explained this story during an event last month to promote the San Diego Latino Film Festival. The poetic tragedy for the movie is the city’s decision to cut people off from nature by
cementing over the Los Angeles River, he said. However, central to the film is also the brothers’ bond tested one night by a good deed gone bad. In their father’s words, “Water and Power can’t have one without the other.” Montoya asserts, “It’s an American story with deep Chicano roots; it’s classic American. All the cautionary tales from (the) Irish, Jewish and Polish have been told masterfully and Chicano culture has come up short due in part to lack of opportunity and skill set, but we hold the staunch belief we have to take our place within the American storytellers.” The director adds, “Within the milieu we must consider our responsibility as storytellers and ‘Water & Power’ can play Jersey, Chicago or Miami and not just be a story that’ll play in the barrio.” The formula for writing the screenplay was a revealing lesson in filmmaking for him. Montoya got some tough love from the professionals of the Sundance Institute, where he studied in the directors’ and writers’ labs. “You have to beat the play out of it because cinema is a language all its own and it’s visual, moves and can be primarily poetic, sweeping and cinematic,” explained Montoya. “A play, you listen to language and that can kill a movie if it has too much; you have to create a balance.” Referring to actor Nicholas Gonzalez who plays the role of Power, Montoya adds, “In film, I can look deep into Nick’s eyes, it’s intimate in that sense. It’s what’s utterly exciting about cinema; you’re not limited by stage distance.” Gonzalez’s role staring in the Showtime hit series “Resurrection Blvd.” was his entry into Chicano culture. As a Texas Latino, he notes, “The Chicano movement was something we learned in history. It’s what the people in California called themselves and never thought differently about it.”
Richard Montoya, right, with Nick Gonzalez from “Water & Power.” Celia Jimenez, City Times
See Montoya, page 7
Korean pop super group Girls’ Generation performing their hit song “The Boys” while on their 2013 “Girls and Peace” tour in Singopore. Official Facebook photo
Fierce ladies’ music Fierce is defined as displaying a ferocious aggressiveness or showing a heartfelt and powerful intensity. While these ladies won’t attack SOUNDBREAK you like a herd Angelica Wallingford of lionesses, they will give you some quality ear candy. So put away those “poor me” records, get those hate songs on mute and enjoy some killer music from some fierce female artists. 1. M.I.A. – “Bad Girls” London born M.I.A. is known for her intriguing lyrics about politics, social issues and pop culture. Her one-of-a-kind style of alternative hip-hop is something that makes her one of the most interesting artists in music. Her 2012 hit “Bad Girls” addresses the topics of female empowerment and sexual prowess all over a smooth Middle Eastern influenced midtempo R&B instrumental. It’s not every day that an artist can have almost chiché lyrics like “live fast die young, bad girls do it well” and make it work in their favor. 2. AKB48 – “Beginner” AKB48 isn’t your average Japanese pop group. With over 80 members and five sister groups they are an unstoppable force behind over 200 songs. The groups 2010 hit “Beginner” is more than the typical cheerful “do your best” idol song. Lyrically the song is about going after what you want, not thinking about risks or failure and just going for it. The hard beat of the instrumental matches the darker tone of this song perfectly. The music video also digs deeper into the song’s other powerful meaning: avoiding pain is avoiding life and until you’ve experienced pain or failure you cannot truly begin to succeed. 3. Any song by Beyoncé
Having a musical playlist without Queen B herself would be committing musical blasphemy. With a career spanning over a decade, 118 million albums sold worldwide and 17 Grammy awards, Beyoncé has accomplished more than most artists could even dream of. Her compelling, intricately choreographed performances and chart topping songs make her one of the best and most popular entertainers in pop music. 4. Girls’ Generation – “The Boys” Girls’ Generation is one of the best girl groups in K-pop. The group has numerous awards under their belt and their music video for “The Boys” has over 80 million views on YouTube. “The Boys” is an electropop and R&B inspired tune complete with military style drum breakdowns and killer vocal harmonies that would make EnVogue proud. The infectious chants peppered throughout the song are guaranteed to get stuck in your head and make you want more.
MIA is known for powerful songs and eccentric style. Official Facebook Photo
Barrio Star offers food and drink for the soul JUST EAT IT Michelle Moran
Barrio Star is a small gem located in Bankers Hill. It is hard to miss this eye-catching restaurant as you drive north on Fifth Street toward Hillcrest. First impressions, the decor is eccentric and very colorful. There is sugar skull art everywhere, bright menus, and the building is an orange pink color. As cool as the decor is, you would hope for tasty food, and fortunately, you would not be disappointed. Ordering drinks is difficult because of the several different margarita options makes you want to try more than one.
Although the blood orange margarita was not too sweet, not too bland, the mango margarita was indulging because of the chili salt rim that gave it more added flavor. For an appetizer, the barrio guacamole was a hit, but who doesn’t love guacamole? It came with a side of salsa for the chips that could have been spicier, but other than that, it was just like any other restaurant salsa. It’s a good-sized appetizer for a party of two to four. The first main dish was chicken tacos, featuring grilled chicken breast, cheese, avocado sauce, chipotle cream and pico de gallo. All taco plates come with a a choice of pinto or black beans, brown rice and a small cup of red pozole soup. It is healthy Mexican food, which is different, but a nice transition from the typical Mexican restaurant. The bottom of the menu says that they try to use local and organic ingredients as much as possible, which is always a bonus when
dining out. The tacos were very tasty; the chipotle cream and avocado sauce paired nicely. The second entrée was the carne asada torta. It is a sandwich that has grilled marinated steak, avocado, cheese, jalapeño, lettuce, tomato and came with a side of chips and salsa. The steak was really juicy and tender, and the jalapeño made it spicy, which made it even better. The music selection was really cool, to say the least. The restaurant played Passion Pit, Cut/Copy, Empire of the Sun, Foster the People and other hipster, catchy tunes. Although the place was nice and the food tasty, the service was a bit slow. Other than that, this restaurant is an enjoyable spot to munch on tacos and enjoy a margarita. Barrio Start is located on 2706 Fifth Ave., close to Hillcrest and Balboa Park. For hours and more information, visit Barrio Star in Bankers Hill offers a variety of margariwww.isabelscantina.com. tas at a fair price. Michelle Moran, City Times
March 11, 2014 | www.sdcitytimes.com
LIFE CT 5
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
“Fruitvale Station”
City College’s Black History Month event draws down with a showing of the award winning film. SDCITYTIMES.COM
Reverse immigration Why some Somalians are considering going home
By Diego Lynch City Times In light of recent political developments in Somalia, members of the diaspora are moving back, but expatriate San Diego City College students are not as eager due to return because of ongoing security concerns. Residents of the capital city of Mogadishu are faced with a new challenge: the most expensive cup of coffee on the planet. The high cost of electricity, the energy demands of espresso machines and an influx of relatively wealthy members of the diaspora result in a costly brew. Compared with what Mogadishu has endured in the past two decades, this might appear trivial. Somalia entered a period of turmoil in 1991, when the military leadership of Gen. Mohamed Siad Barre came to an end after 22 years. “Everyone was president,” said 43-year-old Hydar Abdi, a City student majoring in social work. The United Nations and United States became involved in the ensuing civil war, until the Battle of Mogadishu in October 1993, depicted in the movie and book “Black Hawk Down.” One of many raids seeking to undermine, kill or capture a faction leader, Mohamed Farrah Aidid came under attack and suffered 18 casualties. Since the withdrawal of U.N. troops, Somalia has endured continued instability, with piracy, sustained drought and famine, paramili-
tary groups, and declarations of independence by Puntland and Somaliland. U.S. involvement has continued with Special Forces operations, development and military aid. The Kenyan military, with weapons and training from the U.S., invaded Somalia in 2011, and succeeded, for now, in driving out Al Shabaab. It is an armed group intent on having Somalia governed under their particularly conservative interpretation of Sharia Law. Now, in the wake of the invasion, the power of Al Shabaab appears to be significantly curtailed, the Somalian government has moved back to Mogadishu and piracy has fallen off substantially. These developments have drawn international investment and expatriates. This change is reflected in Mogadishu, where many new shops are opening. Somalian students at City College want to at least visit but they aren’t ready to go just yet. “I am afraid someone will hurt me,” said 59-year-old business major Fawsi Abdi. Security is clearly the biggest concern. Despite military actions against it, Al Shabaab remains a threat and has been running a campaign of car bombings. Some students said they are determined to go, but not now. Others are concerned that they won’t be able to fit in, many haven’t been in Somalia since they were infants. “Of course I want to see my roots,” said 20-year-old Hani Omar who is studying nursing.
City College music professor Yochanan Sebastian “The Music Doctor” Winston blows into his famous golden flute at a gig. Courtesy photo
The fast life of a ‘doubler’ By Chris Handloser City Times Step inside City College’s jazz improv class and listen to an exhilarating mix of music instruction, life lessons and even bar gigs, all conducted by “The Music Doctor.” Yochanan Sebastian Winston, or “Doc” to his students, is a renown flutist and saxophonist who has played in venues around the world. His resume is impossibly long, jammed with performances and teaching stints from Finland to California. The 58-year-old professor recalled his arrival at City College about five years ago. He had inherited a jazz improv class, which he said, “Sucks because of the format.” “Usually what you have is a master teacher in the middle, and a pile full of musicians, and you play some dumbass jazz tune and you go down the row and everybody solos. It’s like watching paint peel. It’s so boring. As a teacher, it’s horrific.” But “Doc” flipped the script. He took advantage of having multiple classrooms and split the class up so students learned in smaller, more intimate groups. “This is about learning how to be a good member of society and get along with people and create something that’s bigger than you.” His favorite part is taking his students to play real bar gigs at the end of the semester. He said the students learn to work together, sometimes forming small ensembles of their own, which is a big step for many of them. Most importantly, they get to learn jazz on its own terms. “These kids are going up there and real-
izing ‘Oh, I’m on a night club stage, playing jazz.’” “You don’t usually witness metamorphosis. You witness pre-metamorphosis and post-metamorphosis but to actually witness it is humbling,” he said. He joyously shares the journey that brought him to teach in San Diego. Winston was born in San Francisco and raised in San Jose. He remembers hitchhiking and hopping freight trains to places like Mount Tamalpais, a state park in Marin County, north of San Francisco. During a spiritual moment in the deep woods of the park, he heard someone playing a flute and in his words, he remembers thinking, “Right! Got it. OK, I got it.” He came home, asked his mom for the money, and went to Steven’s Music in San Jose to buy his first flute for $105. After several misses, he finally found a hard-nosed teacher that in Winston’s words, “really took it down to the wood.” She had studied under William Kincaid, the grandfather of the American Flute School, and Marcel Moyse, a gifted French flute player and performer. She would hold grueling four-hour-long practices and in less than a year, Winston was one of the most accomplished flutists in his region, yet still just a junior in high school. The transformation took Winston away from listening to Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead and playing along with Jethro Tull, to studying one of the most important musicians in his life, flutist and saxophonist Hubert Laws. See Winston, page 7
Illustration by Michelle Suthers, City Times
How to cope with stress Despite their efforts, many college students find themselves scrambling to get things finished. They struggle to balHealth Nuts ance work, school, Kaily Sanders family, relationships and friends. Often times, they take on more responsibility than they can handle, causing stress overload. “In general, students are spread very thin between work, home and relationships,” explains City College intern counselor Nadine Rogers. While “good stress,” makes you perform better and accomplish more; “bad stress,” or distress, can contribute to diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic illnesses. For college students, it’s important to know their boundaries, and not overload themselves with responsibilities that they cannot complete. Common stressors college students face are change, conflict, overload and financial worry.
Changes can take you outside your comfort zone and cause stress. Being flexible and knowing how to handle and adapt to change is a good way to prevent stress. “Major life changes and transitions, all at the same time, take you off your norm, which can easily lead to stress,” said Rogers. Conflicts with friends, relatives, boyfriends/girlfriends, coworkers, employers or neighbors also cause stress. Individuals should resolve issues with the people in their life, and it will eliminate unnecessary stress. College students strive to succeed and therefore find themselves swimming, not drowning, in an ocean of commitments. When individuals take on more than they can handle, they let people down instead of pleasing them, as they intended. “Students overwhelm themselves sometimes because they want to be good students. Usually, that’s the heart of it,” said Rogers. Overload is a major cause of stress in college and the best way to prevent it is mastering realistic time management. Think ahead, make time for all the elements of your life and See Health, page 7
www.sdcitytimes.com | March 11, 2014
CT VOICE 6
Should California be put on the chopping block?
If they divide us, we will easily conquer Better start rethinking that Essence California-shaped McConnell tattoo you wanted to get over Spring Break. A petition has been launched to split California into six, separate states in hopes to be available for voters this November, and it’s not far-fetched. Tim Draper is the man behind the bold plan. His vision is to divide by region; Northern California would now be named Jefferson, followed by North California, Silicon Valley, Central California, West California, and South California. The main issue is that California is not being represented fairly in Washington D.C. It is the nation’s most populated and ethnically diverse state. Does it make sense to have only two senators representing such a large, assorted citizenry? Think of it like this, Wyo-
PRO
ming’s population is about 600,000 whereas California houses almost 40 million, yet both are represented by two senators. Is this equal? By separating California, the new states will have two new senators properly serving the needs of their region; affording the people equitable representation in Congress. This raises the argument of finding new delegates for each state to be added into the Electoral College. But what does the Electoral College do? They are voters, who vote for us after we’ve voted, and override our votes. Splitting California sheds light on the Electoral College’s confict with the one-man-one-vote system. Rather than finding new delegates; let’s get rid of the Electoral College altogether. It would save money and bring power to the people in
one fell swoop. Granted, Silicon Valley would come out of the deal nicely. They would instantly become the nation’s wealthiest state, but the rest of the Californias would still have plenty of great commerce and natural resources as well. I agree with Draper to split up the present state debt, provided it is divided up according to population as he has suggested, but most importantly, by ability to pay. Draper’s plan is great if he puts his money where his mouth is and Silicon Valley shoulders the majority of the debt. This way new states can more easily afford constructing their governments. This split will certainly not happen overnight. In fact, Draper needs to gather over 800,000 signatures for his proposal by July in order to be on the ballot in November.
There will be growing pains, without a doubt, but bringing more power to the people is so important that we need to be determined to work through them. The new states will have to spend time and money creating new municipalities and other infrastructure. But the new governments will more directly serve and represent the people of each region. “Decisions can be more relevant to the population,” Draper said to TechCrunch magazine. “The regulations in one new state are not appropriate for another.” Admittedly, this process will be expensive and take years to finalize, but giving people a stronger voice is a step in the right direction. The system is broken. Californians need a fresh start. Illustration by Michelle Suthers, City Times
California has the best of all worlds and splitting it is a mistake A “State may, if its citizens choose, serve Diego Lynch as a laboratory; and try novel social and economic experiments without risk to the rest of the country” said US supreme court Justsice Louis Brandeis. meaning that states are free to rise and fall based on he policies which they chose to implement. By laboratory standards california has been a triumph. California has came a long way since its annexation from Mexico in 1848 and subsequent statehood in 1850, california has undergone a historic transformation. If california was its own nation state it would be the world’s 8th largest economy according to the Bureau
CON
of Economic Analysis for california and the International Monetary Fund for the Nations. Which means California’s Economy is bigger than Russia’s and smaller than Great Britain’s. On top of the purely economic achievements, California has a well-earned reputation for entrepreneurialism and tolerance. For example, it was in large part due to California’s Silicon valley that the entire planet has entered what is being called the “Information Age.” And where would the LGBTQ movement be without San Francisco? No Castro district means no Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in the US. And California doesn’t just have a great
culture, but thanks in large part to hollywood, we spread it around. California probably hosts the biggest collection of internationally recognized household names. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Tim Draper’s proposal to split California into 6 states is flawed. In the past 164 years of development california has grown into a increasingly complex interconnected system and 6 states means 6 new governments, 6 new state constitutions and 6 supreme courts. Buisness interests in each new state would lobby their representives to ensure the laws favored them, probably to the detriment of interests in other states. In other-words the potential for a split should trigger salivation in
lawyers and cold sweat for whoever would end up with the short end of the stick. In all likelihood the chilly wet one would be, Central California, one of the proposed states. It would be the poorest state in the country according to the Legislative Analyst’s office. And it is home to the Central Valley Project, a water system hosting 7 million acre feet of water or 17 of developed water in California. It is doubtful that a split would be anything short of catastrophic for Central California. California has faced some tough years since the financial crisis, but that is no reason to throw out the past one and a half centuries of historic success.
Question by Essence McConnell Photos by Michelle Moran
How do you cope with the stress of taking multiple tests inside of one week?
Volume 68 Number 10 March 11 , 2014
sdcitytimes.com
Chris Handloser Editor-in-Chief Sports Editor Elizabeth Carson Online Editor Kaily Sanders News Editor
CT CityTimes
David Reyes, 31, Business Mgt.
Daud Ali, 23, Public Health
Valeria Lomeli, 18, Liberal Arts
Jeff Scott, 21, Liberal Arts
“What I’ve been doing is working on my time management. Any free time that I have I come a couple hours before class I study, go to the library, stuff like that.”
“I put in at least 9 hours of study a week. After school I go to the ‘Living Room’ and study.”
“I find someone in class and we study. It’s easier for me to talk to someone about my midterms and if we’re both having difficulties on the same question, we can help each other out.”
“I prepare way ahead of time as oppose to crunching down just in that one week, it’s harder to retain that information. Time management is the key factor in making time to study. ”
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March 11, 2014 | www.sdcitytimes.com
Montoya Continued from Page 4 Gonzalez, also interviewed at the Latino Film Festival event, expressed that he felt more connected to the Chicano culture after moving to California to attend Stanford University. “...Via ‘Resurrection Blvd.’ and seeing how embroiled the Chicano experience is into politics and labor rights, you can see there’s much more character than the fabric that makes up the tapestry,” revealed Gonzalez. Montoya explained that he takes experiences from his family life and infuses them into his filmmaking. His late father, Jose Montoya, who attended City College through the GI Bill, painted murals
TAKE NOTE CT 7
in San Diego’s Chicano Park. Then, while working as an educator and becoming Sacramento’s poet laureate, he taught and formed a fundamental part of Cesar Chavez’s United Farm Workers’ art group -- the Royal Chicano Air Force. His troop would tote around their screen printing presses to Central Valley farms in a Volkswagen bus creating protest posters. Montoya is continuing in his father’s tradition with “Water & Power,” and takes pride in his Chicano cultural roots, telling a story in which things get out of hand and go wrong when reaching for power too fast. Water & Power will be shown on opening night of the Latino Film Festival, March 13, at 9:15 p.m., and again on March 22 at 6 p.m.
San Diego Latino Film Festival, March 13 to 23, at the UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas Hazard Center. The festival features 13 showcases: Comedy, Spotlight Films, Documania!, HBO U.S./Latino Cinema, Latino Public Broadcasting, Para la Familia, Mexico Today, Shorts Program, Cine Gay, Un Mundo Extraño, World Cinema y Tú Cine. For tickets and schedule: www.sdlatinofilm.com.
Health Continued from Page 5 plan accordingly. Make a time management plan and stick to it. Be realistic and avoid procrastination. Along with your time management plan, make a budget and stick to it. Write down how much money you will need each month to cover bills, food, gas, and other financial responsibilities you have. Exercise is one of the most effective ways to treat stress. Not only does it benefit physical wellness, but exercise also improves
mental wellness. It is proven that exercise releases endorphins, relieves anger, frustration, depression and even anxiety. All these stressors relate to one another, as Rogers explained. For instance, if you don’t manage your time properly, you will be rushed throughout the day and get to sleep late; if you don’t get good sleep, you are fatigued; low energy levels lead to procrastination. “The best way to deal with stress is finding a balance between education, social life and work,” said Rogers. “Realistic time management is key.”
Coach Mitch Charlens rallies the team with time waning at Chaffey on March 1. Chris Handloser, City Times
Second round and down By Chris Handloser City Times
The City College men’s basketball team saw their season come to a close with a tough loss against the 4th ranked Chaffey Panthers on March 1. In a game where every Knights starter scored in double figures, they were still edged out 80-76 in the second round of the California Community College Athletics Association playoffs. The game came down to two factors: lopsided officiating put Chaffey on the free throw line 32 times compared to the Knights 18, and the team only shot 56% from the line when they got there. “They were calling ticktack fouls on the perimeter. Our two point guards, Jones and Pooter both foul out,” explained Head Coach Mitch Charlens. “But then…Boom and Ivan are getting hit at the rim and we’re not getting those calls, so there wasn’t a real consistency in the game with the officiating.” However Charlens added, “With that said, if we simply
Winston Continued from Page 5 “He (Laws) brought this classical sensibility of sound, time, technique, articulation…to the jazz world. I didn’t realize music could be that.” So when the band director at his high school invited him to play in a newly created jazz band, Winston told him he didn’t own a saxophone. Well, his instructor gave him a beat-up old sax and he fell in line down the pecking order. One day, Winston recalls sitting fourth chair as tenor two, though somehow got the solo for that piece. “I stood up and blew my brains out. I’m sure it was horrible,” laughed Winston. “When I was done though, he stopped the band and everyone just goes ‘wow, that was really good.’” He learned a clear lesson. “When you do something with music… If you do it and you’re all in, almost regardless of the quality, people are going to appreciate it,” he said. “So I became a ‘douMusic professor Y.S. Winston playing the bler’ at that point,” referring to a musician National Anthem at Petco Park. Courtesy photo who plays two principal instruments.
make a couple more free throws or make one more basket, we win. So the onus falls on us.” It was a crushing loss, especially because the 13th ranked Knights played who would’ve been their toughest opponent in Chaffey that night. Chaffey went on to easily defeat 12th ranked Pasadena and 8th ranked Cerritos in route to a state finals birth. “It’s not necessarily the best team, it’s the best team in that moment, and...they were better that night by a basket,” stated Charlens. It was a shocking way to end a magical season, in which the Knights went 21-9 and 8-0 in conference play, and they hadn’t lost a game since Feb. 5. The locker room scene was difficult for everyone involved. “I was stumbling for words because I didn’t prepare a losing speech for the guys. I was prepared for us to win,” expressed Charlens. Moving forward, the team is hoping to return most of their starters, with the exception of Martin “Pooter” Thomas, who was the only sophomore on the entire squad.
Very soon after, Winston encountered the notion of being a professional musician, and that resonated for him. But that didn’t mean he fit in easily with the band kids. He recalled the “clank clank clank” sound when the trumpet players opened their cases lined with medals. “The whole thing was disgusting. It taught me so much about what I hate about life. It was great.” After moving on from high school and attending six different undergraduate facilities, he landed at the Manhattan School of Music and his first reaction was “Yes. Finally. Let’s do music.” Though it was not long until Doc reports that he “lost track of himself,” showing up to gigs and hearing that he was a flutist, not a saxophonist, or vice versa, while teaching at three different schools and doing jingles in the morning. He had a nervous breakdown, fell in love with a French woman, and followed her out of New York to France. In his earliest experiences in France, he attempted to study Solfége in his mid-twenties with a bunch of ten- and 12-year-olds at a French conservatory. After one lesson, the teacher looked at him and said, “You know
John Sebastian that your ears are truly primordial.” “I was like a caveman to them!” boisterously added Winston, though he went on to gain a reputation for playing new music, which was an extension of classical music today, the pioneers being Arnold Schoenberg and Igor Stravinski. Winston then attended IRCAM, a French institute, where he studied under one of his major influences, Pierre Yvez Artaud, who had created a whole different form of challenging music. But Winston grew tired of France and longed to return home to California to get his Ph.D. He contacted UCSD and was informed that a position was waiting for him. Renowned double bass player and composer Mark Dresser vacated a position with the university, and in turn, Winston taught while he studied for his Ph.D. In the ensuing years, he worked his way through France, Germany and Sweden’s contemporary classical music scene. Then it was time for Winston to move home to pursue his teaching career. “Teaching is vitally important to me. It would be like losing a leg if I couldn’t teach. ing.”
www.sdcitytimes.com | March 11, 2014
CT EXPRESIÓN 8
NEWS AND VIEWS IN SPANISH
Lugares atractivos de camino a clases
Jefe de de la Patrulla Fronteriza anuncia nuevas políticas laborales. Sandra Galindo, City Times
Agentes bajo la lupa “¿Qué sientes al parar a mi gente? ¿Qué sientes al saber que tienes el poder de frenar sus sueños?,” le pregunté a nuestro nuevo compañero de clase cuando se identificó como agente de la Patrulla Fronteriza. Él, un joven anglosajón de aproximadamente 30 años, me contestó que para él solo era un trabajo. Esto sucedió hace ya varios años, en una clase de español con
MEDIO SOCIAL Sandra Galindo la profesora Judith Minarik en City College. Yo tenía poco tiempo en Estados Unidos, pero lo suficiente para saber de los abusos que muchos agentes de Inmigración cometían contra los migrantes. Aunque él sintió mi rechazo, al salir de clases me dijo: “Si yo te dijera todo lo que he visto”, sus ojos llenándose de lágrimas, “me puedo meter en muchos problemas si te digo algo”. Hasta ahora, marzo del 2014, decir que “temían por su vida”, ha sido suficiente para que estos agentes fronterizos queden exonerados, a sabiendas de su abuso de poder. Según una investigación sobre la muerte de Anastasio Hernández Rojas, a manos de agentes de esa dependencia en junio del 2010, ocho personas fueron asesinadas a lo largo de la frontera bajo circunstancias controvertidas mientras estaban en la custodia de agentes fronterizos estadounidenses. “La Patrulla Fronteriza no entrena lo suficiente a sus agentes en alternativas menos letales de control de detenidos”, apuntó un informe de la Oficina del Inspector General (OIG) de Seguridad Nacional en septiembre del 2013. El informe sugería que la Oficina de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza diera más entrenamiento a sus miembros en el uso de alternativas que no resultaran en daños severos o muerte y aconsejaba se les diera
a los agentes una mejor preparación en la forma de reaccionar a eventos inesperados, como asaltos vehiculares o con piedras por parte de inmigrantes. Meses después de ese informe, la Comisión Interamericana observa con preocupación que de enero del 2010 a lo que va del 2014, al menos 28 personas han muerto tras incidentes con agentes de la Agencia de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza, según un artículo en línea en Arcanoradio.com en febrero. Por su parte, los Representación del sufrimiento de los agentes fronterizos migrantes cuando cruzan la frontera. alegan que “necesitan Sandra Galindo, City Times una protección completa en sus puestos de trabajo a menudo hambre en su país o morir a manos peligrosos”, según un artículo en el de un agente fronterizo, el cuál Union-Tribune el 27 de febrero. demostrará su fuerza contra quien En días recientes, ha salido a atraviese, solo porque puede. la luz una investigación indepenEn noticias de última hora, la diente realizada por autoridades Patrulla Fronteriza ordena campoliciacas sobre las tácticas que bios: el jefe de esta institución, la Patrulla Fronteriza utiliza. Este Michael Fisher, anuncia nuevas reporte dice que los agentes han restricciones sobre cuando estos disparado innecesariamente a agentes pueden disparar a los vehílanzadores de piedras y delibera- culos en movimiento y a la gente damente se ponen delante de los tirando piedras u otros objetos a los vehículos como un pretexto apa- agentes. rente para disparar a los conductoFisher publicó una directiva res que huyen. instruyendo a agentes a no dar un En este reporte se examina- paso en el camino de un vehículo ron los archivos de 67 casos de la para abrir fuego contra el conducPatrulla Fronteriza, incluyendo 19 tor, y no disparar contra vehículos siniestros mortales, entre ellos el que huían de los agentes. de Hernández. Él también dio instrucciones El 18 de febrero se sumó otra a los agentes a buscar refugio de muerte más a esa lista. Un agente le lanzadores de piedras cuando sea disparó mortalmente al mexicano posible, y no disparar a las persoJesús Flores Cruz, de 41 años de nas que lanzan objetos a menos edad, quien aparentemente había que los objetos sean lo suficienteingresado al país de forma ilegal a mente grandes como para causar través de una montaña. El agente lesiones graves o la muerte. dijo que el inmigrante le pegó en la Aunque son avances que cabeza con una piedra y tuvo que ayudan a que en esta institución defenderse. haya más transparencia; el tiempo ¿Será esta una muerte más que dirá que nuevos pretextos enconquedará impune por el exceso de trarán estos agentes para seguir fuerza, la violación a los derechos siendo intocables. humanos, la cobardía, el abuso de poder, y la impunidad que prevalece en esta dependencia? Si es así, qué lamentable es la realidad para nuestros migrantes: See sdcitytimes.com Tener que decidir si morirse de for column in English
Se va poner bien verde la primavera con la reciente lluvia del mes actual y no hay como callejear por la ciudad y experimentar con ella. Qué mejor lugar para empezar que con un propuesta de Cheech Marín. Así es, el gran amigo de Chong, que lleva los últimos 25 años coleccionando arte chicano. Sus reconocidas piezas y exhibiciones han viajado a través de los Estados Unidos y su reciente presentación en el Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de San Diego en el centro, “Chicanitas: Pinturas Chicas de la Colección Cheech Marín”, cuenta con una serie de artistas establecidos y emergentes. Con un buen ojo, Marín nos muestra una variedad de obras cual expresan la textura complexa de la experiencia Chicana. Si tienes 25 años o menos es gratuito o el tercer jueves del mes de 5 a 7 p.m. hay entrada libre; apura en rolar por el museo, el show termina el 23 de marzo. Con tanto buen arte seguro que te darán los antojitos para algo que te llene rico. Sube hacia Golden Hill y sobre la Calle 25, entre calles B y C, encontrarás la riquísima Pizzería Luigi. Desde el 2004, el despacho de cocina italiana, empezando con su variedad de pizzas, no para de hacer nuevos fans y mantener a los fieles seguidores regresando vez tras vez. Un par de rebanadas y una soda, un juego de futbol en la tele y el sentido de estar en un establecimiento comunitario solo sale seis dola-
BUENO, BONITO Y BARATO Edwin Rendón
ritos; casi invaluable la inversión en saber que aportas a un negocio local, ¡tú paladar te lo agradecerá! Después de andar pintado y degustado solo falta una rubia, una roja o una negra…cerveza para la última refinada antes de seguir con los estudios. Lo bueno que tenemos una de las más deliciosas micro cervecerías cerca a escuela. ¡Igual pueda ser bendición o maldición la proximidad! Monkey Paw Brewing Company en la esquina de las calles 16 y F, tiene una gran inquietud para hacer las mejores cervezas artesanales para su clientela cual también han sometido a concursos y llevan una buena serie de medallas ganadas. Tienen una extensa selección de otras micro cervecerías pero es difícil ¡negarle la mano al chango! Chicanitas, pizzas y cheves; que delicia le espera al que se preste a rolar algo nuevo; lléguele.
See sdcitytimes.com for column in English Comparte con nosotros tus lugares favoritos que son buenos, bonitos y baratos: info@citytimes.com
Pintura de la exhibición de Cheech Marín. Cortesia de MCASD
Recorrido por maquilas By Sandra Galindo City Times A todos los estudiantes y personal que deseen saber mas de las condiciones de trabajo de los trabajadores de maquiladoras en Tijuana, el Colectivo Ollin Calli, ofrece su próximo recorrido este sábado 22 de marzo de 9 a.m. a 3 p.m. El profesor Enrique Dávalos, director del Departamento de Estudios Chicanos, es la persona encargada de este recorrido. El objetivo es conocer las luchas y condiciones de trabajo de los y las trabajadoras de las maquilas.
Este tour se realiza cada dos o tres meses, aproximadamente, dependiendo de la gente que se apunte para asistir. Este recorrido da un vistazo de lo que sucede cruzando la frontera: que sucede en las líneas de producción en maquiladoras como Foxconn, la mayor maquiladora del mundo y de Tijuana, Sanyo y otras maquiladoras. Las personas interesadas en participar pueden hacer una resevación en: maquilatijuanasandiego@ earthlink.net. o si prefieren, pueden reservar en la página web (en inglés) at www.sdmaquila.org.