LOOKING BACK City College loses the Dean of Student affairs suddenly at age 37.
CT CityTimes
Covering the San Diego City College community since 1945
Vol. 68, No. 13
BOSTON MARATHON Former Knights cross-country coach wins
April 29, 2014
Weekly at sdcitytimes.com
Athletics dean is reassigned By Chris Handloser City Times
San Diego man Meb Keflezighi, 38, is the first American male to win the Boston Marathon since 1983, and was the co-Head Coach of Knights cross-countr y in 2000. Patrick Raycraft, MCTcampus
‘Meb’ then the rest By Chris Handloser City Times On April 21, Meb Keflezighi, 38, became the first American male since 1983 to win the Boston Marathon. Prior to that day, however, he was already an incredible influence on City College – as a former Knights’ cross-country coach and personal friend of current and long-time Head Coach, Paul Greer. Keflezighi’s accomplishments include three national championships, a sliver medal in the 2004 Olympics and winning the New York marathon, but winning this year’s marathon after last year’s tragic events was special. “Because of the circumstances leading up to, through the race, and after the race, this was no doubt Meb Keflezighi’s greatest hour,” spoke Greer. His trajectory as a runner starts back in 1994, when he was a state champion in the 1600 and 3200 meters for San Diego High School. Greer was coaching the San Diego track club, the
largest running club in San Diego at the time, every Tuesday at SD High. Keflezighi would be finishing up practice at the same time they would meet. Four years later, after running as an All-American and winning four NCAA championships at UCLA, Keflezighi began training at the Olympic Training Facility in Chula Vista. Greer got a call from the facility’s coach, his former college coach at San Diego State University, Dixon Farmer, who was excited about Keflezighi. Greer in turn offered him a position as co-Head Coach of the City College cross-country team for the 2000 season. But that year was significant, as Keflezighi qualified for the Sydney Olympics, and as happens from time to time, the games were scheduled for September instead of June. “To his credit, because Meb is a man of his word, he came back after the Olympics and resumed coaching with me,” explained Greer, who noted that Nike also began See Meb, page 2
Community College Athletic Association, disciplinary actions include but are not limited to forfeiture of The Dean of Athletics, Kathy games or awards, probation, susMcGinnis, has been temporarily pension, or exclusion from post-conreassigned to administrative duties ference competition. Suspension pending an investigation into a vio- can include loss of the right to parlation of eligibility of a men’s volley- ticipate in one or more sports. ball athlete. The day after McGinnis was She was escorted temporarily removed from her off campus April 16 and position, nine of her departreturned to her desk on ment’s coaches and staff memMonday, April 28. bers addressed San Diego The circumstances surCommunity College District rounding her removal and board members. According to Kathy reinstatement are unclear, McGinnis the official board report, they though it’s confirmed that spoke during the public coma violation has been reported to the ments section “regarding a personPacific Coast Athletic Conference nel issue.” (PCAC). The board declined City Times As Dean of Health, Exercise Sci- access to the minutes, citing its ence and Athletics, McGinnis has procedures, until they’re approved led City’s sports teams for several at the next meeting on May 22. It is years as well as the health depart- unclear what the staff said. ment and the fitness center. City’s Vice President of InstrucMcGinnis declined to comment tion, Randy Barnes, who acted as on the nature of the violation when dean while McGinnis was away, reached by phone April 28. said, “I think people were conCity College’s Public Informa- cerned about what they heard,” in tion Officer, Heide Bunkowske, con- reference to the staff’s comments to firmed in an email that there was an the board. ineligible player on the men’s volley“They all realized that the Chanball team, and that the information cellor (Constance Carroll) takes has been forwarded to the PCAC these things very seriously, and that and City is awaiting the outcome. she will investigate and take approAccording to the California priate action,” added Barnes.
Professor thrown off the trolley by security guards By Joe Kendall City Times
cially that he was injured by MTS officers, as reported by City Times. Davalos arrived at the trolley City College Professor Enrique station early one morning to find Davalos said he was forcibly the ticket machines were removed from an Metropoliout of order. With no other tan Transit System trolley means to acquire a ticket, he April 7 for reportedly not boarded the train. paying his fare, prompting Davalos, department chair him to file a formal com- Erinque of Chicana and Chicano StudDavalos ies at City, intended on paying plaint. This is latest in what has the fare when he arrived at become a string of complaints relat- the City College station, and went ing to the conduct of MTS security, to explain his situation to the two including an incident involving a City student who complained offiSee Davalos, page 2
Summer festivals
Music and festivities
Top acts fill out fun bills for huge concerts PAGE 5
Barrio Logan was the place to be on April 19 PHOTO ESSAY - PAGE 6
INDEX
News.................... 3,4 Arts........................ 5 Life......................... 8 Opinion................... 9
www.sdcitytimes.com | April 29, 2014
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Meb Continued from Page 1 sponsoring Keflezighi that fall. When recalling the effect he had on his students, Greer sighted the scripture passage, “Preach the gospel, but when necessary, use words.” “It’s not what Meb said, it’s how Meb acted, and if you don’t think people notice and observe people’s actions in that position, they do,” added Greer. According to Greer, Keflezighi’s greatest attribute as a runner is his perseverance. When trying to make the 2007 Beijing Olympic team, he finished 8th in the trials and failed to make the team because broke his hip during the race. He lost his Nike sponsorship as a result. Also sadly, his friend and training partner Ryan Shay died of a heart attack during the race. Then in 2008, Greer had the honor of hosting the national cross-country championships in San Diego. But Keflezighi was again injured right before the competition. He still came out
Davalos Continued from Page 1 security agents on board the trolley. “They were already giving a ticket to somebody else, and apparently they had had some kind of conflict so they were stressed, and they didn’t listen to me. The only thing they said was ‘No ticket, get out of here’.” Davalos explained his intentions to pay, but again was refused. This continued for several minutes before the situation escalated. “They started screaming. I honestly also started screaming because I wanted them to hear me, and eventually one of the two officers told me, ‘There is a rule that if the machines don’t work, you must go to the next station, out of the trolley, and pay at the next station
to support the other runners, but admitted to Greer, “Paul, this was tough.” What did he do in the following year of 2009? Won the New York Marathon, setting a personal best of 2:09:15, and was the first American to win that race since 1982. “This is something we all can learn from,” expressed Greer. “We all can learn from Meb and be like Meb in these areas of work ethic – with never sacrificing the gift – and when life knocks you down, which undoubtedly it will….you stand back up and you keep going and you keep pursuing your goals.” As for his person, Greer notes that Keflezighi, husband and father of three, is brimming with humility. “When we look at our sports stars or our movie stars…humility is not sometimes the top of these guys’ and girls’ lists,” said Greer. “When you’re on top, it’s just as tough to be a graceful winner, then when you’re at the bottom, and not be a sore loser.” But Greer assures that, “Meb is just as humble, just as modest…after winning Boston two days ago.”
and take the following train.’” According to Davalos, the incident came to an abrupt end after the dispute became physical. “One of the two officers just lost his patience, and just pushed me,” as he ordered, “Get out of the trolley!,” explained Davalos while making a pushing motion with his hands and raising his voice to emulate the officer. “I was really shocked at the way that they treated me, as if I was a delinquent,” said Davalos. The MTS’s response, according to Davalos’ complaint, was a short email thanking him for his comments, and assuring him the appropriate action would be taken. Discussions of a settlement in the Wimer case are being conducted but no official decision has been reached.
April 29, 2014 | www.sdcitytimes.com
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
City College career fair
Career/Transfer Fair brings universities, employers to campus to prepare students for what is next. SDCITYTIMES.COM
NEWS CT 3
Students earn prestigous scholarship
Br yce Schierenbeck is one of two City College students who was awarded the JKCF Scholarship. Courtesy photo By Jennifer Ovalle City Times The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship unveiled its winners on April 14, and among the 75 selected victors of the scholarship are two City College students, Bryce Schierenbeck and Marikris Racho. The prestigious scholarship was awarded to four students in the San Diego Community College District,
Schierenbeck and Racho from City, as well as two students from Miramar College, Mehrdad Yazdanibiouki and Trin Hoang Viet Nguyen. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship offers a generous sum of tuition money for bright students with financial need. Both City College winners share a desire to help people in their own respective ways through law and medicine. “I didn’t think I would ever
have a chance at all on winning the scholarship,” said Schierenbeck, 34, business major. “Why not apply? Put yourself out there, see if it works,” he added. The army veteran has been very active on campus as an influential force in the founding of the Veteran Support Center and Veterans for Peace. His interest in business was first sparked when he was a catering manager in Berkeley. While his company was providing their services at the Haas School of Business, Schierenbeck was offered a glimpse of endless possibilities. “I actually sat in on an award ceremony and heard what they had to say about business and how promising it was, how it can change the world,” said Schierenbeck. “At that point, I decided I really wanted to go into business. It gives you so many avenues of approaching different problems in different ways,” he added. Schierenbeck is waiting to hear back on his applications, but he says Berkeley would be his top choice. He hopes to advance to law school to obtain his Master of Business Administration, and create more veteran service centers. Racho, like Schierenbeck,
Three-day health expo provides info, services By Kaily Sanders City Times The Step Up to Live Well committee has teamed up with Mental Health Services to organize the City College Health and Wellness Expo, a three-day event that focused on personal and environmental health and safety. April 15 was the first day of the expo, with the Health and Wellness Fair in the Curran Plaza. There were 40 vendors providing information, educational activities and samples of smoothies from the cafeteria. Some of the vendors taught about meditation, stress reduction, and provided resources for help with mental health disorders. Veronica Ortega, lead organizer of the Step Up to Live Well explained that the expo was made possible by the collaboration of the Step Up to Live Well committee, Mental Health Services and other faculty/staff members. “What we’ve done is built on to the health and wellness fair that we hold every year, and we have added to that event an environmental health and safety component,” said Ortega. The second day of the expo was dedicated to the Environmental Health and Safety Fair, also in the Curran Plaza. There were approximately 20 vendors there, encouraging sustainability, eco-friendly living and making green lifestyle choices. Among the vendors was Car2Go, The American Red Cross, SDCC Nursing program and more. The San Diego Police Department had a
booth, where they were allowing people to try on the “drunk buster” goggles. The goggles had different levels, and when someone puts them on it shows them what their vision would be like if they were impaired. Karla Uroza, 21, psychology major, said she was drawn to the expo because she saw the demonstration for the drunk buster goggles and wanted to try it. “It was crazy. There are levels from one drink to five drinks. I tried the one drink goggles and I was losing my balance,” said Uroza. “The expo informs us a lot about things going on in the county that most people don’t even have access to,” said added. The third and final day of the expo was Mobile Health Day, which brought a 40-foot mobile health clinic and a HIV van to City’s campus to provide students with a variety of health consultations and screenings. The mobile health clinic from Family Health Centers of San Diego offered physical exams, blood tests and urinalysis, cholesterol screenings, diabetes screenings, pregnancy tests, STD screenings, pap smears and birth control prescriptions and more. The San Diego County Public Health Mobile HIV testing van provided information and offered confidential HIV screenings. Most services were free to students. “My favorite part is really seeing the interactions between the students and the new exhibitors. There’s so much new and interesting information here,” said Ortega.
has a desire to make a difference in the world, but through the medical field instead of law. Her medical aspirations began at the tender age of 9, when she was still living in her native Philippines. “My appendix burst and they couldn’t find the right hospital for me,” said the 21-year-old biology major as she recalled that significant and life-threatening day. “I was inspired, I was very thankful. I don’t remember the name of the surgeon that saved me, I’m very thankful and it’s because of him that I’m here right now. Doing the things that I love,” said Racho. Racho has kept busy on campus by serving as a peer educator at the Mental Health Services and completed an internship this past summer at the UCSD-Moores Cancer Center Summer Enrichment Program. She plans to attend SDSU then hopes to get in the UCSF medical school program, where she would like to specialize in the gastrointestinal system. Racho expressed her gratitude towards Price Scholarship director Maria Elena
Marikris Racho, JKCF Scholarship winner and City student, volunteering at Ruben Fleet Science Center through the Price Scholarship Program. Courtesy photo Delgado, Rafael Alvarez, director of the Math, Engineering, Science Achievement program, as well as her boyfriend, for helping her complete her scholarship requirements.
“There’s nothing to lose if you apply. When you apply at least there’s a hope that you will get something instead of not applying. If there’s an opportunity, go grab it,” said Racho.
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News
www.sdcitytimes.com | April 29 , 2014
ASG president-elect, Adam Garcia By Joe Kendall City Times Newly-elected ASG president Adam Garcia spoke briefly with the City Times about himself and his plans for City. J: How did you first become involved with the ASG? A: When I started my first semester here at City, my friend was interested in getting involved and she had run into the president. Then, (the vice president of the ASG, Michael Roderick) invited me and my friends to come to meetings… He said that a few positions were open and I just went for a senator position and as things progressed I really started getting into it. J: When you were campaigning you took a survey and found out most people were looking for discounts, and you were working on a project to consolidate these discounts for students. Can you tell me a little bit more about that? A: I conducted surveys of City students trying to figure out what is it they wanted the ASG to do for them, and some of them wanted discounts on certain things, such as discounts in the cafeteria, any aid the
ASG can provide for them. Such as renting out calculators to the students, or even laptops, because I know that other community colleges have something like that where they rent out calculators to their students and laptops. J: When did you decide to run for president? A: I would say somewhere in February that we started discussing... I gave it a few weeks to think about it, and it finally just clicked in my head. J: One of the things that was big in your campaign is building a community at City, do you have any specific ideas about how to strengthen City as a community? A: I really do want students at City to get involved in clubs and that’s how I ultimately think we’ll build a community here at City. Getting students involved in clubs, having them participate in clubs, and most of all, coming to our meetings so that they can voice their opinion. Another thing that I think would work is college hour. Just one hour where there is no instruction, students just hang out on campus and get to talk to each other and get to know each other. That’s how I think
we’ll build community. J: There was a vacancy in the treasurer position, has anybody been identified to take over that position? A: With the treasurer position, our constitution requires a student to take a class in accounting. Although I think it’s a great experience if someone came in that has not taken any accounting classes, at the same time we’re dealing with money. It’s something that we all need to take care of, and there are a few people that are interested in the treasurer position J: So whats going to happen to the budget in the mean time? A: Right now it’s (handled by) Fiona, but if we were to go in a direction that we wouldn’t have a treasurer, the executive council would be in charge of the budget. J: Are there any other projects or any other comments that you have, as far as things you’re looking forward to as president, or things you want to get done as president? A: Helping the students out, whether it’s discounts or having them participate in clubs or whatever the case may be. Just Adam Garcia addressing the City College audigoing out there and helping the students ence at the election forum in the cafeteria on April and doing what’s best for all of us. 10. Celia Jimenez, City Times
New site tracks Prop. 30 spending By Essence McConnell City Times
A team of City College students worked with GRID Alternatives to install a solar energy system. Celia Jimenez, City Times
Solar students get hands-on learning and provide service to community By Celia Jimenez City Times City College students participated for the first time in a handson project installing free solar energy systems in two houses in San Diego valued at $20,000 each. The students worked alongside GRID Alternatives, an international non-profit organization which installs solar systems for low-income families and prepares individuals to work in that industry. The students were part of two classes, Solar Energy Theory and Solar Energy Utilization Lab, which are part of the vocational program in the Engineering and Technology Department. They built their expertise and practiced what they had learned in class by installing a home solar system from start to finish. On the morning of April 15, eight students arrived at a home
in Kearny Mesa. There, the students built a raillike structure on the side walk that would be the frame for the solar system. Then they carefully raised the structure to the roof. They did it all under the supervision of their professor and three GRID Alternative staff members. Two days later, the crew returned and installed a microconverter, cabling and 15 solar modules on the roof structure. They connected the modules to the main electrical panel using wires, turned the system on and waited a few minutes until the home’s electric meter detected the energy produced by the solar system. This happened when the meter started running backwards, meaning the house was getting power from solar energy. The students learned how to use the Solmetric SunEye, a
device that helps identify the best location to install for the solar panels and predicts the expected solar energy production. The system installed at Kearny Mesa will cost the homeowner approximately $20,000 plus the cost of labor, usually done by two workers, which is about $1,600. This system will produce about 3,700 watts under ideal conditions – 2,940 watts average throughout the year. Each solar system is personalized according to the needs of the household and the location is chosen based on different parameters such us altitude, inclination and shade from elements around the house. Homeowners’ savings vary, depending on how the system was seized, but it eliminates or highly reduces their monthly electricity bills, and they can buy or lease the system. Their professor, Thomas
Davies, believes there is no better way to improve learning than by practicing and the problem-solving issues the students encountered while installing the systems. “It was a perfect complement to our in-class instruction...Not only are we learning the field, we get to help in a very worthy cause,” said Andrew Brown, a student who’s pursuing a certificate in Solar and Heating and Air Conditioning. Davies plans to make this project permanent in his classes and provide his students with practical experience they cannot achieve in the lab. If you are interested in volunteering or want more information about GRID Alternatives, you can access to their website. www.gridalternatives.org. For more information about solar energy classes you can contact professor Thomas Davies at tdavies@sdccd.edu.
Ever wonder where your tax dollars go? California Controller John Chiang approved a new website earlier this month that allows the public to keep track of the money generated by Proposition 30. This new website, trackprop30.ca.gov, allows its viewers to track where every dollar raised for education is being allocated, how and why it will be spent, and whether or not they money is being used in accordance with the law. Chiang said, “Promises of appropriate and prudent spending were made to the public and this tool intends to hold the State and its local education officials accountable for keeping them.” The proposition has been approved by voters to have their taxes raised in order to counter the almost $6 billion worth of cuts that would have been made on education. Since the pass in 2012, there have been issues as to whether or not our tax dollars have been used on students and their education. “It’s extremely important for students to have an oversight of where this money goes because during the outreach for Prop. 30, the tax revenue promised to restore funding for public education in California,” said ASG vice president Michael Roderick, 27, political science major. By visiting the Track Prop. 30 site, the public has the right to view the amounts given throughout California at the K-12 level, as well as the community college level. Informing people about how the schools and community colleges plan to spend the money, and follow-up audits to see how the funds are actually being spent has been Chiang’s main goal with this new website. The public also has the option to download raw data exports, view expenditure reductions, and if ever confused, all the key words are located in the glossary tab. According to Track Prop. 30, San Diego has received $29,349,128, although it is unclear whether the money has gone to City College, Mesa College, or both combined. “I’m extremely happy that they are doing that,” said Roderick.
April 29, 2014 | www.sdcitytimes.com
ARTSCT 5
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Remixes aren’t all bad
Refreshing and satisfying remixes for your listening entertainment SDCITYTIMES.COM
Heatin’ up the summer Coachella might be over but the 2014 festival season still has much more to offer. Between now and August, San Diego is featuring chances to see a wide array of amazing live musicians. Here is a breakdown of what is coming up
ises to hold a fun line up this year, with Fall Out Boy, Tiësto, Chris Brown, Paramore, Ed Sheeran, Austin Mahone, Rixton, R5 and MKTO. Tickets range from $64 to $108.70 on livenation.com. The station is also having a “Superfan” contest where contestants try to prove their undying fandom FESTIVAL PREVIEW of one of the acts on the bill Lizz Carson to win two tickets, t-shirts and through the summer: backstage passes to meet that 93.3 Summer Kickoff Con- favorite band. More informacert- May 9, Sleep Train tion can be found at: www. Amphitheater: channel933.com. This annual favorite prom-
91x X Fest - May 30, Sleep Train Amphitheater: Another event put on by a local radio station, 91x, and X fest has an amazing line up this year. Panic at the Disco and 311 are currently headlining, and organizers haven’t even released all of the bands yet. As in previous years, there are many opportunities to win tickets, but with general admission tickets starting at $19.91, this day is definitely affordable. See Festival, page 10
Tiesto, left, and Parmore are two of the acts featured in the 2014 93.3 Summer Kickoff concert on May 9 at the Sleeptrain Wireless Amphitheater. Official Facebook images
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch exposed By Essence McConnell City Times
Director Angela Sun. Joe Kendall, City Times
Word’s traveling fast about the documentary “Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch.” The release is raising awareness about the harsh truth of plastic and has received recognition from Al Gore, Jack Johnson, Forester Whitaker and others. On April 22, director Angela Sun offered City College her insight at a screening of her film – in honor of Earth Day. The December 2013 documentary outlines Sun’s journey towards under-
standing the causes of a giant trash vortex she first learned of in 2005. This Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a highly concentrated area of plastic and debris caught in the North Pacific gyre, picking up waste from the surrounding continents. “What we throw away, doesn’t really get thrown away,” Sun narrates in her film. Sun’s journey led her to Midway Atoll, a remote island chain in the dead center of the Pacific Ocean vortex. The atoll is only 2.4 square miles – yet home to 1.5 million albatrosses. Sun found that nearly all the albatrosses are mistaking the plastic and
debris for food, ultimately dying from the entanglement in their digestive systems. Sun raises the question; can this be the future for us too? Will we unknowingly start consuming harmful waste into our bodies only to decrease our chances of survival? Have we already? The film takes the viewers out into the Pacific and exposes the littering of the ocean floor, killing of marine mammals and the destroying of coral reefs – the second most diverse ecosystem in the world. “If our oceans are in trouble, we humans are in trouble.”
Dance show ready for action By Steven Dunetz and Pedro Delgado City Times A dance show a year in the making that involves six departments on campus will be presented on in May to celebrate the Centennial. The show is called “Dancing on the Fine Edge” and will have seven site- specific stage sets in and around Saville Theatre, according to professor Alicia Rincon, who leads City College’s Dance Department. The show will be made up of seven dance pieces, which were choreographed by faculty.
A total of 40 students will participate along with two alumni. There will be a variety of musical styles, including classical, hp-hop , world techno with live action moves on the floor, said Rincon in an email response to questions. This is a collaboration of the Fine Art, Graphic Art, Photography, Music and Dance in the Visual and Performing Arts programs. This show will be on May 8, 9 and the 10 from 8 to 10 p.m . Tickets are $10 and may be bought at the Saville Theatre box office. More information is available at www.sdcity.edu/ CampusLife/Dance.
Official promotional material for the event. Courtesy graphic
See Garbage, page 10
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c i a h n C o l a P u a n rk D n A h ay t 4
he land belongs to those who work it.” That was the theme surrounding the festivities and honoring the cultural history celebrated once a year in San Diego – Chicano Park Day. Barrio Logan is the neighborhood home to Chicano park, where thousands of attendees, both local and from out of town, come to celebrate. This year, there were people giving speeches, performers, food vendors, little shops and local art on display. To open up the event, a group by the name of “Tim Red Bird and The Red Warriors” drummed and sang traditional Native American songs of the Kiowa Tribe. Tim Red Bird and his group have performed together for 33 years.
There was also a lowrider car exhibit, organized by the Amigos Car Club, part of San Diego’s Lowrider Council. Hundreds of cars were carefully polished and displayed, accentuating their various aesthetic features. “We waited in line at about 10 o’clock last night, at the head of the line about to go in, so it’s basically first come first serve,” said Derek Rector, commenting on the process of grabbing a prime spot in the exhibit. Rector rarely stopped feather dusting his electric blue 1964 Chevy Impala Super Sport. The Ballet Folklórico Tierra consisted of a couple performing traditional dances and a young girl and boy as well. The crowed cheered them on as they danced to well-known Mexican songs. At noon, everyone gathered around the flagpole for the flag raising ceremony. Jesse Constancio, who is part of the Chicano Park Steering Committee, gave an empowering speech before he and another gentlemen raised two traditional Chicano flags. In addition to the entertainment and commemorating, there were of course the grand murals that adorn the mammoth pillars of Chicano Park. There are over 60 murals on the underside of the Coronado Bridge, each telling their own story. A spirited music group named Chocolate Revolution took the stage in the early afternoon. Childhood friends David Grant and Gabriel Le Blanc led a savvy five-piece combo performing Latino-soaked jazz and rock. The crowd never hesitated to show their support. “To me, there’s just so much love, so much rich history here, I mean 44 years strong,” said Le Blanc, whose grandfather was a Brown Beret and father Joe, in addition to being on the steering committee, also organizes an amazing booth of drawings collected from imprisoned Chicano artists, aptly named Chicano Prison Art. “Just like Chunky Sanchez said from Los Alacranes – “A park where we could celebrate the spirit of life itself” – and that’s what it means to me playing here and being here and just living in general,” added Le Blanc. One memorable performance by the Danza Azteca/ Calpulli Mexihca saw dozens of dancers wearing traditional Aztec garb and dancing like their ancient ancestors. Their clothing and actions were vibrant, drawing in the crowd like no other performance.
“I’ve been coming to Chicano Park day for six years now and every year there is something new to look forward to. My family always looks forward to this day because we are here to celebrate Chicano Park and support our people,” said festival attendee, Alma Gallardo. Purchasing items from the local artists is strongly encouraged because supporting one another is a pillar of the Chicano beliefs. Chicano Park day is celebrated and recognized as a day where people of any color and culture come together to honor the founding of Chicano Park and the history of the movement.
The murals of Chicano Park were the backdrop for the traditional celebration on April 19 that drew thousands to the iconic landmark.
Chicano Park Day | Focus
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The land belongs to those who work it.
2014 Chicano Park day
Story and photos by Michelle Moran and Chris Handloser City Times
CT LIFE 8
www.sdcitytimes.com | April 29, 2014
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
City does ceramics in style
Students work with clay to shape pottery into amazing art in the C Building SDCITYTIMES.COM
City set to share music and poetry for May Day By Chris Handloser City Times
Laurel Corona at recent book signing at City. Edwin Rendon, City Times
Woman on a mission Professor advocates for everyone to have access to higher education regardless of where they began By Edwin Rendon City Times Professor Laurel Corona is an accomplished scholar, award-winning novelist and globe-trotter but her true passion is to advocate for every student to get an education, regardless of gender or ethnic background. She is winding down her full-time career at City College, where she has worked for 24 years, most recently as a professor in Humanities courses. Her journey to the classroom began in early childhood, when she anxiously awaited her older sister’s first day of class, eager to find out what was being taught. “I loved the dictionary when I was little, looking up words and knowing what they meant. I always loved to read,” said Corona. Both her parents were scientists but her mother, a chemist, chose to raise their two daughters while her father worked as a physicist. They wanted their daughters to go The Bishop’s School in La Jolla, an all-girls’ boarding school at the time. “I think they spent every last little bit of money so we could go; they never took a vacation; they valued the education,” she said. Throughout her university career, which included a doctorate from the UC Davis, Corona said she felt female students were not encouraged, especially by male faculty. An adviser discouraged her from attending graduate school, and one professor continuously asked her to pass out the cookies his wife had made. The same professor,
she said, found ways to discredit her work because she was a woman. Undaunted, Corona excelled, graduating as a senior with a citation for outstanding work in English and was the only woman in her program to finish her Ph.D., also in English. “Learning is the second most exciting thing in life. The first is sharing it with others,” she said, returning to the classroom full time. She’s held teaching and administrative positions at San Diego State University and at UC San Diego and since 1990 at City College. She initially taught writing in the English Department, then became Dean of Student Services, and later returned to the classroom. She stressed that it’s important for students to take such classes. “The best thing that happens in college is students are forced to take courses they don’t want to. “I don’t remember much of the classes in my major but I remember geology, sociology, psychology including a horrible human physiology class,” she said. “They were memorable because they were different and stretched me in ways that I would not have myself.” She sees her mission clearly. “I never thought I worked for a person, even for a place. I always thought I worked for a mission: I work for educational equity, that’s my boss.” Though her classes may be heavy on lecture, she’s keen on getting her students to See Corona, page 10
Corona teaches Humanities to City College students. Edwin Rendon, City Times
The first of May is observed by many as an international worker’s holiday, often coupled with parades and celebrations in several cultures. For City College students, this year’s “May Day” will be an opportunity to listen to music, hear speeches from their peers and interact with student clubs on campus. Members of the Associated Students Government (ASG), led by senator Ricky Flahive and senate president Jose Malo, will host the May Day City Jam. The entertainment will include two bands, two hip-hop artists, and Phi Theta Kappa is even sending a DJ. But the day’s events don’t begin and end with music. Flahive plans to run an open-mic setup with current ASG vicepresident Michael Roderick and the vice-president elect, Katie Joy Lonthair Courtesy Graphic acting as emcees and facilitating discussion. The City College Inter-club Council is “I’m just trying to foster some participa- pitching in to make this their May Club Rush tion in democracy,” stated Flahive. “Every- – an important event as the clubs try to save body’s got a story to tell. People have art that momentum going into the summer session. they want to express. Why not give them an “All clubs are encouraged to bring venopen forum to do so?” dors or display anything they want, regardFlahive also intends to pass around a less of its relevance to May Day,” added survey to poll students on General Assembly Flahive. Resolutions. He and eight others will travel But all in all, the event will be motivated to the annual Student Senate for California by philosophy and an exchange of ideas Community Colleges (SSCCC) conference among peers. in Los Angeles the next day, to vote on state “May Day is based on international solilegislation. darity within the working class,” expressed The SSCCC is an advocacy group that Roderick. “I hope to raise awareness about fights for the rights of community college stu- ways to get involved to learn about and work dents in California. “May Day is the perfect towards improving those situations, right place to inform the students on the opportu- here at City College and in San Diego.” nity involvement in ASG brings,” explained The event will be in the Gorton Quad from Flahive. noon to 2 p.m.
Feeding your thyroid well The dangers of iodine deficiency in our daily diets Many people use iodized salt, but do they Like many illnesses, prevention is the best even know what that means? Iodine is an treatment. Iodine deficiency can be treated essential nutrient that the body needs but through the use of supplements containing does not produce. The thyroid gland needs iodine or the addition of iodine to food, water iodine to produce hormones necessary for or soil. Hence iodized salt. the functions of the brain, heart, muscles and Iodized salt was introduced in the United all other organs in the body. States in 1924 after iodine deficiency had Iodine is found naturally in seawater, sea- become an endemic in the upper Midwest food and soil near the ocean. Because it is and the Greak Lakes region, known at the only found in a small group of foods, many time as “The Goiter Belt.” In less than a people don’t have enough iodine in their decade, 90 percent of the salt consumed in diets. Lack of iodine forces this region was iodized, and the thyroid gland to work iodine deficiency was greatly harder, resulting in goiter reduced. (the swelling of the thyroid Although the problem was gland) and eventually – improved, it was not solved. iodine deficiency. Consider that now, with all the Iodine deficiency hype about sodium, people affects more than a billion are cutting back on table salt, people worldwide, and is which takes away one of their Health Nuts the leading preventable only sources of iodine. cause of mental retardation Kaily Sanders Psychology Today and developmental disabilireported that until a recent ties. Iodine deficiency is especially harmful change in wheat manufacturing, 25 percent in pregnant women because it can cause mis- of our iodine was from wheat. Now bread carriage, stillbirth, birth defects and brain is processed with bromide, a troublesome damage in unborn babies. chemical cousin of iodine. The report states, “All cells need iodine for proper function- “Bromide is a double-edged sword; not only ing. A deficiency can cause brain damage. has it replaced iodine, it may block the activIn fact, Iodine deficiency is the world’s most ity of iodine. That’s also true for two more prevalent, yet easily preventable, cause of of iodine’s chemical cousins – chlorine and brain damage according the World Health fluoride, both of which are common in drinkOrganization,” said LeeAnn Taylor, associate ing water.” professor and Head Softball Coach at City.
April 29, 2014 | www.sdcitytimes.com
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URBANALITIES By Michelle Suthers
We the people do not need militarized regulation About 80 miles east of Las Vegas, there is a conservation effort gone horribly wrong. The decades old conflict between the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and a family of ranchers named Bundy, started when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the desert tortoise as an endangered species. The center figure in this debacle is Cliven Bundy, a cattle rancher, organic melon farmer and Mormon, whose family has been ranching on the lands the tortoise inhabits since 1877. Shortly after the desert tortoise became designated as “threatened” in 1990, it became very apparent that Bundy was not willing to recognize the authority of the federal government over his lands, and was not willing to negotiate and purchase “grazing rights” as the feds wanted him to. Whether you INVIGILATOR agree with Bundy or not – whether you Chris Handloser like Bundy or not – it is baseless and preposterous for the government to provoke an armed civil conflict between the BLM and the Bundy ranch supporters over the protection of a tortoise. First off, what is the BLM? The BLM originated out of the need to survey new public lands as they were discovered, or collected from Revolutionary War-era treaties with England, Spain and France. In the early 20th century, debates over grazing rights were actually handled by the
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US Grazing Service, but in 1946, that service was merged with the General Land Office to form the BLM, in the Department of Interior. It was at this time that the BLM was refocused on long-term preservation of public lands. So, what are public lands? Western states received public lands as trust lands when they joined the union under the Equal Footing Doctrine, established in Lessee of Pollard v. Hagan (1845), where the supreme court gave the states control over all public lands. Additionally and most importantly, the preceding – following the Tenth Amendment’s limiting the powers of the federal government to those mentioned in the constitution – means that the federal government has absolutely zero municipal policing powers over a State’s sovereign lands. So fast forwarding, the main quandary surrounding the Bundy Ranch conflict is – why are the BLM strapped up like military commandos when in fact they’re a bureaucratic office trying to unconstitutionally regulate public lands in the name of conservation? Granted, property rights are tricky, though they’re supposed to be held as sacred with constitutional fortitude. However, whether the Bundy’s are right or not, and the BLM’s public land regulation amounts more so to a federal land grab or not, there are designated ways for the federal government to assert it’s authority. Judge Andrew Napolitano recently said it best.
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“This is the federal government using grossly excessive force in order to resolve a dispute that can be resolved by filing some pieces of paper in a courthouse. It’s called a lien. If the government says he owes them money and a court order validated that, they file a lien on the property, and when he passes away, the government gets to collect, or when he sells the property, the government gets to collect.” Nowhere in constitutional law does is designate that the feds can swoop in and point assault rifles at civilians and members of the press in order to enforce a land dispute. But it get’s better, and by better, I mean worse. Video footage shows that the so-called conservationists at the BLM, in one recent encounter with the Bundy Ranch supporters, killed two prized bulls and ran over a desert tortoise den while attempting to seize Bundy’s cattle. And if that wasn’t incendiary enough for you, national politicians are chiming in and raising the rhetoric in this conflict to label the Bundys and their supporters as domestic terrorists. As if the line didn’t need to be drawn yet, in the post-9/11 age, US citizens, including politicians, need to be ever so careful with who they deem are terrorists. The feds have constructed intense laws regarding the handling of terrorists. Under the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, a suspected terrorist can be held indefinitely, without trial, by the military. So
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whether senator Harry Reid (D- NV) recently threw the word “domestic” in front of it or not, the designation of “terrorist” could land Bundy in a military prison indefinitely – over alleged illegal cattle ranching. What does all this cause? A polarization of civilians; one side ready to damn gun- toting ranchers acting on behalf of environmental conservation, and one side ready to defend the constitutional rights of free citizens to the death. So this conflict is not just about property rights anymore. Now, it’s the right to not have guns waved in your face when you try to protect ancestral rights. It’s the right to be protected by your county sheriff from the federal government. It’s the right to not be capriciously labeled a terrorist by your elected officials. The lame-stream media effectively swooped in and bastardized this conflict as well. A sound bite was unearthed featuring a rurally bathed speech from Bundy claiming that black people might’ve been better off as slaves then living off of government welfare. Where I would’ve raised an high eyebrow if I were listening to this, I frankly cannot care whether this man is a bigot or not. I’m not trying to have a beer with Bundy or attend one of his 14 kid’s birthday parties. What I will do is scoff and scream to high heaven whenever the federal government’s actions could actually create a civil war over environmental regulation.
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
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Continued from Page 5 91x also runs promotions where they sell tickets at discounted prices right up until the show, so be sure to listen in if you want to score a deal. Warped Tour 2014 - June 25, Sleep Train Amphitheater: Warped Tour is a national favorite for fans of rock, punk, alternative and hardcore music. Celebrating it’s 20 year anniversary this year, the Vans-sponsored event is sure to be an awesome show. A word of warning though, Warped Tour is always packed and in June, outdoor concerts can get hot. Tickets are just around $50 with discounts when you buy in bulk. Check out their official site at www.vanswarpedtour.com to get tickets and for up-to-date confirmation of the lineup. San Diego County Fair - June 7 through
Garbage Continued from Page 5 Also, the film explains that 60 percent of our oxygen comes from the sea and over two billion pounds of plastic are getting dumped into our oceans every year. If our oceans fail due to our lack of care, we will be failing to provide 1/3 of the worlds food, tampering with Earth’s weather, climate, and other concerns which directly effect humans. Sun found additional dangers of single-use plastic bags and bottles. The Bisphenol A in these products can cause severe endocrine damage. The chemical is even in receipt papers and can be
July 6, Del Mar Fairgrounds: Summer means it’s fair time all over the country, and the San Diego County Fair is definitely not one to miss. Beyond the live music, the fair has entertainment for all ages. With food, rides and numerous other attractions, don’t miss your chance to have some fun and possibly catch a good show. Admission for the fair itself is $14 for adult tickets with discounted prices for seniors and kids under 12, and anyone 5 and under is free. Show costs will vary though, so be sure to check out www.sdfair.com for line up info and ticket prices. If big shows with lots of bands aren’t really your scene, fear not, San Diego has a variety of well-known venues that are all hosting some incredible bands this summer. Check out The House of Blues, Casbah, SOMA and Humphry’s by the Bay for some amazing smaller shows.
rubbed into us just by grabbing a receipt. “Without your permission, we are being poisoned,” Sun said. “Are you okay with it?” The documentary explains that our options will only decrease if actions aren’t taken. Sun challenged the students at City to take a twoweek pledge. Say no to single-use plastics, plastic bags, water bottles or straws and document the progress through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. She promises to personally find and reward students for completing the challenge but hopes the real reward will be the changes we make in our daily life – knowing we are helping to create a safer future.
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Corona treated fans by signing copies of her new book. Edwin Rendon, City Times
Corona Continued from Page 8
Kevin Graham ‘15
share their lives or tackle a controversial subjects. Corona is sensitive to the needs of students of color. She worries that some parents want to support their children but don’t know how. “It’s easy for them (students) to stop coming to school because there’s no one telling them, ‘Hey, why did you do that? Don’t do that,’” she said. Outside of school, Corona is an awardwinning author, first penning non-fiction books then moving into historical fiction. She recently released her fourth book n that genre, “The Mapmaker’s Daughter.” The book tells the story of an elderly Jewish woman, Amalia Riba, the daughter of a famous European cartographer, on the eve of the expulsion of Jews and Moslems in Spain’s 1492 Inquisition. City English Professor Chris Baron, also a writer, said he enjoys Corona’s works as both his and her stories have included Jewish faith, culture and history.
“I think we share that, seeing it all fits into the history, telling the stories of the underdog,” he said. All the main characters in her historical novels have been women because she feels they have been forgotten and undervalued in society. “I’m a feminist in that I feel positively about women, not in the finger-pointing men sense,” she commented. In her books, she paints pictures of how women have thrived because of their strength and creativity. “Women know how to form communities; it’s the thing we offer the world.” At the end of spring semester, Corona will be retiring. She plans to spend the next year voyaging around the world. Then she plans to be back at City to teach a class or two. Recent years have seen her lecture on luxury cruises during summers to educate travelers on cities they visit. She doesn’t know yet what she will write about next. She looks forward to discovering new things about herself as a writer and educator. After all, those are her life-long passions.
April 29, 2014 | www.sdcitytimes.com
EXPRESIÓN CT 11
‘Estamos desgastados física y emocionalmente’‟ By Sandra Galindo City Times Se sabe que los inmigrantes trabajan duro, lo que no se sabe es el alto costo que muchos pagan con sus cuerpos. Elvia Hernández, de 48 años, trabaja en una lavandería en San Diego. Era educadora preescolar en Guadalajara, y como muchos inmigrantes vino a Estados Unidos para darles un mejor futuro a sus hijos. Sin documentos, Hernández se ha visto forzada a aceptar trabajos que son tan pesados que han hecho más estragos en su cuerpo que ayudar a su familia económicamente. Su historia importa porque es emblemática de millones de personas que trabajan en este país sin documentos. Si se lograra una reforma migratoria, podrían exigir al menos sus derechos básicos. Como empleada de la lavandería, Hernández no solamente tiene que cuidar que el negocio esté impecable, además debe El trabajo en una lavandería suele ser muy sacar las bolsas pesadas de basura que se acumulan a diario y dar mantenimiento a las médico, quien le informó que había desarrolmaquinas. lado el síndrome del túnel carpiano. Algunas de estas tareas implican movA petición de su doctora, Hernández se imientos repetitivos de larga duración lo cual inyecta cortisona cada seis meses para anesteprovoca lesiones músculo-esqueléticas. siar el dolor pero las inyecciones solo proporHernández empezó a sentir dolor en los cionan un alivio a corto plazo. Lo ideal sería la ligamentos de las muñecas meses después de cirugía que resolvería el problema, pero aseentrar a trabajar en ese lugar. Posteriormente, gura no tener solvencia económica o seguro su dedo se quedó engarrotado hacia abajo médico que cubra el pago. mientras sacaba el agua acumulada de una Hernández se lastimó el hombro al girar lavadora con un desarmador. Asustada, fue al las secadoras para jalar el polvo y al sacar la
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pesado. Celia Jimenez, City Times humedad del empaque de las lavadoras. Su espalda ha sido afectada también, pues tiene lastimadas las vértebras L5 y L3 que su médico asegura sanarán con terapia física. Aún a sabiendas de la condición física de su empleada, su empleador no ha hecho mucho para que la situación mejore. Al pedirle que no le dejaran cargar botes tan pesados solo provocó que le redujeran sus horas a la mitad. Ella gana $8.50 la hora y entre $300 a $330
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por quincena; le pagan en efectivo. En esta lavandería en particular hay tres empleadas y su empleador no las provee de fajas para protegerse la espalda. Las mascarillas que finalmente les dieron no son industriales por eso el polvo se les mete en la nariz y la garganta. El calor y la humedad del trabajo le han provocado a Hernández artritis reumatoide, por eso sufre de intenso dolor en las coyunturas. El uso de cloro y detergentes destruyeron sus manos y cuando se le pregunta por qué no usa guantes, ella contesta: “Los guantes se deshacen. Siento que me afecta más traerlos porque se resbala el desarmador.” Hernández necesita muchos medicamentos para mantenerse sedada y no parar de trabajar. Le cuestan más de $120 por mes. “Se me va todo mi dinero en medicamentos”, ella declara. Es más, los medicamentos traen efectos secundarios que están dañando todo su cuerpo. Como muchos migrantes, Hernández y su familia vinieron a Estados Unidos buscando una vida mejor. “Este no es el sueño americano”, confiesa, “Personalmente dejamos mucho, pero al menos les dimos escuela...” Hernández se refiere a su hija menor quien estudia en Grossmont College y aspira a ser enfermera. La empleada no tiene esperanza de una mejor vida. “Con tanto abuso, estamos desgastados física y emocionalmente.”
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