2005_0301_CT_v59i7

CityTimes

www.sdcity.edu/citytimes

Volume 59, Issue 7

Troubles slow progress on new gym

See ACCREDITED, page 9

See ONLINE, page 8

A construction worker walks in front of the site of the new City College gym.

City College re-accredited for six more years so hard for over two years in completing an excellent selfstudy and preparing for the team’s visit.

The self-evaluation was a central reason for the smooth accreditation process. According to the report, “the team was impressed by the thor-

Online courses receive overhaul

oughness and professionalism of the self-study and by the willingness of college personnel to do everything possible to facilitate the work of the accreditation team.”

During their three-day visit

Photo by Mike Sullivan

Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

“Our collective efforts have been rewarded,” was the response from President Terrence Burgess at City College. He continued by stating that the process was a success “thanks to all who worked

March 1-14, 2005

By Jordan Banks San Diego Community College District’s online program has undergone a slight makeover for the spring semester. A few new faces have been added to build a better learning environment for students.

The biggest problem that the online program faces is the lack of staff to accommodate the overwhelming public demand. Though still operating out of a bungalow at Miramar College, the program’s main office has always worked hard toward improvement and made student success their main concern.

In August 2001, SDCCD launched its online program offering 18 courses. Currently the spring semester began with 218 courses, and a role sheet of 8,000 students. Due to the growing public demand, each of the three colleges in the district, City, Mesa, and Miramar, have substantially increased their online course schedule. But according to SDCCD Online Senior Secretary Mary Kingsley, it is still not enough.

“Like a horse race you can open registration (for a course) and watch the thing close.”

One week into the semester Kingsley had people trying to add courses that had been closed since Dec. 2, 2004. This is another case of human need outgrowing technology, an issue on the minds of Kingsley and Interim Dean Sandra Pesce, but one with no foreseeable solution in the near future.

However, another pressing

By Christopher Young City College’s Harry West Memorial Gymnasium has resumed construction, despite facing many setbacks in recent months.

When construction workers broke ground in Spring of 2003, the gym was to be completed in 18 months, ready and open in time for the 2004 basketball season.

However, since construction began there have been problems beginning with the grading and leveling of the site itself. Since then the completion date has been continually pushed back and is now “tentatively scheduled for early June” according to Kathy McGinness, the assistant athletic director.

Space has been the main problem throughout construction. Located on the side of the hill between Park Blvd. and the entrance to Interstate 5, portions of the construction had to be delayed so that workers

By Sandi Garcia City College has been reaccredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Western) for the maximum six-year period.

The accreditation announcement was made at Western’s Jan. 12-14 meeting of the

Bobby Hutcherson plays at the Saville News, page 3

Serving the San Diego City College community since 1945

Constructing the future

See GYM, page 8

Jazz legend

2

NEWS

City Times

March 1-14, 2005

CityCalendar Compiled by Sandi Garcia Send items to City Times, 1313 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101, e-mail citytimes@journalist.com, or call (619) 388-3880 ■ MARCH 2 Deadline to file FAFSA for 2005-2006 financial aid

8 p.m. (Free for Jazz88 Members, $10 all others)

Globalization & India, presented by World Cultures, Saville Theater, 11:10a.m.

■ MARCH 12 Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony, Gorton Quad, 1 p.m.

■ MARCH 8 Jazz Artist Karrin Allyson, Presented by Jazz Live & KSDS, Saville Theater,

Cole Porter: His Life & Music, presented by World Cultures, Saville Theater, 7:30 p.m. ($5 students, $10 all others)

SportsCalendar

It’s you. Only

Send items to City Times, 1313 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101, e-mail citytimes@journalist.com, or call (619) 388-3880 ■ MARCH 1 Men’s Tennis vs. Grossmont, courts, 2 p.m.

Women’s Tennis vs. Imperial Valley, courts, 2 p.m.

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Men’s Tennis vs. Mesa, courts, 2 p.m.

Women’s Badminton vs. Irvine Valley, Gym, 3:30 p.m.

■ MARCH 4 Women’s Softball vs. Mesa, Field, 3 p.m.

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March 1-14, 2005

CityNews

City Times

3

Free Speech Area has controversial visitor

By April Garcia-Peete Insults were flying with arguments all around on Feb. 16 in the free speech area. The debate was over tolerance and equality of homosexuals on campus but was quickly turned into a religious crash of ideas and beliefs.

Some college police officers surrounded the crowds of students just in case things got out of hand.

There were many students for and against this issue, some were confused and unsure as to what side had the best arguments. While some felt strongly

and voiced their opinion others stood and watched quietly while alleging words flew back and forth.

“Everyone wants to be loved and accepted. Educate, love, ■ What is be loved and underthe Free Speech Area? stand. Be the change you wish to see,” said Page 5. student Emmanuel “EJ” Peter, quoting Gandhi. Members of the LBTGSU were also there arguing equality for themselves.

One member, Juana Petry said, “His ignorance wasn’t wanted. Because

your opinion differs doesn’t mean you have to hate.” Petry also said, “I’m a strong Christian, married to a woman with two children. If a two year old can be open to what’s going on, why can’t any adult?”

She was referring to a man named Paul who was right in the middle of the heated debate. Paul is not a City student, and that made some students angry.

Paul is a retired man who said he has been traveling all over Europe and the United States “preaching the

truth” for the last 38 years. “I’ve been to small and large schools, even prestigious schools.”

He said he just came back from the Grammys and is planning to go to the Academy Awards.

“The individual is well within his/ her constitutional right in this free speech area. It was a healthy expression with no unlawful conduct,” Dean Mario Chacon. When asked if a protest/debate were to occur daily, Chacon said, “Everyday would not be a problem.”

Jazz legend performs at Saville Theatre

By Manny Lopez On Feb. 8, Jazz 88 was proud to present world-renowned vibraphonist and composer Bobby Hutcherson along with Joe Bagg on piano, Tony Dumas on bass, and Ralph Penland on drums live at the Saville Theater.

At 64, Hutcherson is regarded as one of jazz’s greatest vibraphonists.

Born in Los Angeles and raised in Pasadena, he now makes his home in the coastal town of Montara just south of San Francisco.

Hutcherson talked with City Times by phone from his room at the Lafayette Hotel in San Diego before the show.

Photo by Manny Lopez Renowned vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson performs at the Saville Theatre on Feb. 8.

Of your entire body of work, is there any period or album that’s your favorite?

Hutcherson: No not really, because it’s nice to see the development of playing and how I’ve changed. You can hear me as a younger person you can hear me changing the intervals in my music.

At first you can hear smaller intervals and then in the middle of being with Blue Note and Columbia records and stuff like that you can kind of hear the intervals change to fifths. I don’t want to get too technical but you can hear the distance of the notes changing. And then all of the sudden as it goes on in a lot of the things you can hear

the harmonics change with sub harmonies and sub melodies going on and the playing going from 16 to 35 tunes to composition type tunes where odd meter type things and you can hear the changes. So each one is different, as I listen to them you see the thinking in my mind changing and things I’m trying. If your really technically into listening to it then you can see cause for me it’s just not listening to it you know your just not listening to the attititude of it you wondering what are the equations that make this come about.

People have said that your style made you unique. Do you aspire to be different?

Hutcherson: I don’t think so you know? You can only prepare yourself as much as you can for when your going to play. Practice as much as you can and prepare yourself mentally. Once you start to play, nothing belongs to you.

Music doesn’t belong to you. Your own life doesn’t belong to you. Once you play a note it’s gone. It’s in the air and it’s blown away. You’ll never hear it again. So there’s nothing there that’s definite. The only thing is just for you to ask once you get on the bandstand for a higher power to come through See LEGEND, page 9

4 City Times

CityTimes Volume 59, Issue 7 March 1-14, 2005 Published as: The Jay Sees / 1945-1949 Fortknightly / 1949-1978 City Times / 1978Incorporating the newspapers Tecolote, Knight Owl and Flicks Sandi Garcia April Garcia-Peete Manny Lopez Senior Editors Kimmy Humes Opinion Editor Max Rivera Features Editor Lauren Ciallella Arts Editor Christopher Young Sports Editor Michael Sullivan Photography Editor City Times Staff Jordan Banks, Tim Benson, Keriann Bryan, Christopher Burt, Shane Crumrine, Jermaine Davis, Ae Dimatteo-Riggs, Tom Doran, Elizabeth Eross, Angel Hernandez, Donna Maranto, Terris Patterson, Johnathan Pivar, Erin Resnick, Robyn Reynolds, Jeffrey Seinfeld, Cynthia Stewart, Les Swazzo, Alex Tolhurst, Maribel Veaz, Jerry Weber, Nathan Williams, Cindy J. Wimer, Raquel Yarborough, Jessie Zechnowitz Roman S. Koenig Journalism Adviser City Times is published 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.

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

San Diego, CA 92101 Newsroom: L-125 Phone: (619) 388-3880 E-mail: citytimes@journalist.com Member: Journalism Association of Community Colleges, Associated Collegiate Press and California Newspaper Publishers Association

CityVoice

March 1-14, 2005

Textbooks don’t grow on trees College students all across the United States are being forced to endure the constant pain of exorbitant textbook prices. This at a time when all other higher education costs are rising and the availability of financial aid is decreasing.

Numerous surveys have shown that textbook prices are expensive and continue to get more expensive every year.

A recent report by the California Public Interest Research Group said a survey of 59 colleges across the country shows textbook prices have increased at four times the rate of inflation over the past 10 years. The CALPIRG report found that students are paying up to $900 a year for textbooks.

According to the National Association of College Stores, a professional trade association representing more than 2,800 collegiate retailers, the wholesale price of textbooks has gone up 32.8 percent since 1988, almost double the 18 percent increase in the wholesale price of ordinary books over the same period.

The textbook publishing industry asserts that demand for up to date new editions, which incorporate the latest teaching techniques and current information, are necessary to keep up with faculty demand. The industry further

Perspective Manny Lopez argues that textbooks must be frequently modernized to compete for the attention of college students who are accustomed to the interactivity of the Internet.

In a Washington Post article by Staff Writer Margaret Webb Pressler, entitled Textbook Prices On The Rise and dated Sept. 18, 2004, J. Bruce Hildebrand, executive director for higher education for the Association of American Publishers said “When you had a history book, it was all about dead white men — today you have to make sure women and minorities are well-represented.

Professors also like to order books that have more interesting charts and graphics because students respond to them. The newer the copyright, the greater the demand because of the way books are being redesigned. But those fancier pictures and more thorough flow charts are expensive to design and pay royalties on.”

Moreover, Hildebrand said, most textbooks can be ordered in less expensive versions, even in a black-and-white,

three-ring-binder version that might only cost $25, while the fully loaded book might push $120.

The House of Representatives Committee on Education and the Workforce addressed the staggering costs of textbooks and their effects on the overall cost of higher education, July 20, 2004 in a hearing on “Are College Textbooks Priced Fairly?”

In his opening statement, Chairman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA) said, “Since coming to Congress more than 10 years ago, I have been concerned about the rising cost of higher education. I believe that the costs of textbooks are too high, and are one of many factors jeopardizing our efforts to keep college affordable. I am determined to learn about what steps can be taken to ease the burden on students and families.”

Representative David Wu (D-OR) introduced H.R. 3567 to require the Government Accountability Office to conduct an investigation into the high price of college textbooks. The GAO has not yet reported on its findings, but a number of schools and consumer groups are compiling their own reports on the issue.

Manny Lopez is City Times’ senior editor for topics and visuals.

City College’s Honors Program adds dimension to education What if I told you that there was a way to jumpstart your college experience in preparation for a transfer degree with five classes?

The City College Honors Program helps students achieve a multitude of life and academic goals with the aid of an enormously zealous staff that is dedicated to students’ individual needs. I’ll admit that I was somewhat skeptical, but I figured, “Great, it’s honors. Now I get to do an extra essay for my class.

It’ll look nice on my transcript”.

I’ve climbed the educational rungs of honors programs before, and understand the intent. Truly caring educators wish to impart specialized knowledge to students with a greater desire to learn. That’s not always the way students use them. Dr. Herald Kane, in one afternoon, single-handedly shifted my paradigm with his genuine zeal for the students and the program itself.

Kane, a chemistry professor at City, also helps coordinate the Honors Program.

“Aside from the obvious extrinsic ben-

Perspective Kimmy Humes efits, you will be in class with different kinds of people. The core theme of the Honors Program is ‘a world of ideas.’ We are trying to bring into the curriculum the content of other cultures and other times.”

The obvious “extrinsic advantages” he speaks of pertains to the college you are aiming for, including admission guarantees, successful transfers to four-year colleges, special scholarships, on-campus housing guarantees, and priority enrollment, among other privileges. What a student works toward in the Honors Program is one-fourth of their pre-transfer credits earned as Honors. This is fulfilled as 15 units out of 60, which can be done as five three-unit classes.

This new information got me thinking that this could be a positive experience, indeed. I knew a lot of people in high school who pushed and pulled, nagged

and harassed their way to the top of the class, caring more about their grade than anything else. We contemptuously called them “grade-grubbers.”

In the middle of getting irritated all over again as I thought about those pathetic, uninspiring kids, Dr. Kane continued by explaining that it is the intrinsic advantages that really make City Honors really special. “We want to stimulate contact with faculty, keeping the experience interesting and innovative. We believe that you need to mix up what you put in front of people”, says Dr. Kane.

Kane’s fervor was infective. There are, on average, 300 people participating in honors courses per semester, with some students taking more than one honors course at a time.

So what are the prerequisites? You must be enrolled in the City College Honors Program, be in good academic standing, and have maintained a 3.25 GPA. If you are not qualified, howSee HONORS, page 9

March 1-14, 2005

City Times

NEWS

5

LRC computers remain unused Computers on second floor of library stay dark since complex’s opening

Photo by Mike Sullivan Several computer stations remain unavailable to students more than a year since the LRC’s opening.

By Angel Hernandez Four semesters lapse and still no computers available for use on the top floor of the campus library. The Learning Resource Center (LRC), opened for student operation in the fall of 2003, but due to ongoing budget cuts, the 24 computers installed on the top level have remained inaccessible. They continue to linger unoccupied without any definite date of when they will be open for student use.

Unforeseen budget shortfalls have consequently created a shortage of staff, making it difficult to oversee and assist students on the upper level during computer operation. Action to stop the use of these computers has since been put into practice. As a result, searching for books has become an inconvenience for some City College students.

Maria Gonzalez, a fourth semester student, confirms that she considers that the computers on the top floor are occasionally necessary.

“I sometimes have to walk up and down the stairs because the computers used to find the location of books (catalogues) are on the main floor while the books are on the top floor and it can be easy to get mixed up.”

Furthermore, students with disabilities who use the eleva-

tor face a longer trip when they require returning to the main floor to search for extra title or book information.

Peggy Hayward, dean of Information and Learning Technology and head of the LRC, said that City College students have for the meantime used the remaining 77 computers on the main level with tolerable spacing adequate enough to serve the student body at any particular time.

According to Gonzalez, her experience was different.

“I once could not find the book I was looking for so I went back down the stairs but my seat was taken; I had to find another empty computer and start my search all over again.”

Even though no insight was disclosed as to when the computers will be in operation, gradual allocations of funds have progressively made way into the LRC budget. Last year, the first official librarian was hired to instruct and assist both faculty and students. Also a position for Technician Service and Reference has been announced to be filled in the near future.

“With these two librarians, the LRC will be able to See LRC, page 9

Guidelines lead to creation of Free Speech Area College district has always had policy, dean says, but recent challenge required clarification of rules

By Cindy J. Wimer Have you heard? City College has a new free speech policy. Sound strange? ”The district has always had a policy with regards to free speech on campus,” according to Dean Mario Chacon.

Following recent challenges to the policy at Mesa College, the San Diego Community

College District felt the need to create some guidelines.

Chacon assures this is not a means to silence the voices of students on college campuses, but merely a way to control “amplified sound” while minimizing the disruption to classes.

The designated “free speech area” at City College is located

at the corner of the cafeteria and the D building. This area is reserved for a variety of activities including speeches, presentations, and rallies.

Anyone interested in utilizing the area must fill out appropriate forms one week prior to the planned activity.

If the group is a City College student organization, equip-

ment such as tables, chairs, and sound systems are available.

There are also designated areas for general posting, which are located in various areas around campus. Central publication racks must be provided for the distribution of newspapers, leaflets, and petitions. The racks should be in

good condition and not pose a hazard to students.

For more details, including where the specific posting areas are, pamphlets are available in the Student Affairs Office in room D-106.

Dean Chacon welcomes any suggestions and or feedback from students regarding the updated policy.

CityArts

6 City Times

March 1-14, 2005

The intellectual side of chocolate

By Lauren Ciallella Hershey bar, Twix , a box Russell Stover’s- all found in abundance, lining the shelves of neighborhood convenience stores. The ready access and consistent availability make it impossible to imagine a world without it, but what would life be like without chocolate?

Chocolate, The Exhibition, examines the history of this sweet and creamy treat, at Balboa Park’s Natural History Museum (Feb 5-May 1).

The exhibit also indulges in tastings from local chocolate makers on Sundays (12-4), but get ready to fight the masses on receiving your “tasting tickets”(50 cents each), since these cut-throat, chocolate lovers have the place bought out by 2:15pm. Admission is $6 with student ID and allows access to the entire museum.

From Mayan culture to Aztec life, from European elite to the modern candy bar,

Courtesy photos “Chocolate, The Exhibition” envelopes all of your olfactory senses. Window displays filled with delectable bits, sounds of the rainforest, interactive games, and a giant box of 3D chocolates with individual wrapped candy cushions are all part of the creative stimuli surrounding this exhibit. See a world that didn’t know chocolate as an everyday snack, but instead viewed it as money (Aztec), an offering to the Gods (Mayan) or as a crop, fueling the slave trade.

This love affair with chocolate spanning centuries, had not lessened through time and only expanded into new realms.

Through chocolate houses in London (sold as a drink), to the use in soldier’s rations during WWI (bar form), chocolate eventually became a part of everyday life. With advertiser’s use of famous icons and fictional characters to boost sales, chocolate earned a permanent spot amongst pop culture. Remember the “Reggie bar”?

The fact that chocolate contains, phenyl ethylamine, a chemical causing the brain to experience the same feeling as love and myths of chocolate’s amorous effects (circulating since the 16th century) make this exhibit all the more desirable. The museum even has a large selection of chocolate persuaded classes for every age group that span through the middle of April.

For more information about this tasty exhibition or classes, go to www.sdnhm.org or call (619) 232-3821.

Independent movie turns out to be a ‘Big Fat’ success Film is a must-see for those who enjoy independent cinema “My Big Fat Independent Movie” premiered on Feb 2 at the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) in Balboa Park. Director Philip Zlotorynski and writer/producer Chris Gore came along with the reel to promote it, and offered a “Q & A” session post screening.

The film is a parody of almost any popular independent movie from the past decade, and even a few from before. “The movies we spoofed ranged anywhere from ‘Sex, Lies, and Videotape’ to ‘Secretary’ and everything in between,” said Chris Gore.

The “in between” Gore referred to was source material for the main plot and jokes, in some places painfully ripping off “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, every Tarantino flick

MovieReview

Jonathan Pivar

from “Reservoir Dogs” to “Kill Bill”, and cult classics like “Swingers”, Amelie”, and “Run Lola Run”.

“Fortunately, we haven’t had any problems with copyright infringement as of yet,” joked Zlotorynski.

The film’s subject material is certainly not for the faint of heart. There is a scene in which a full-blown orgy breaks out, including a gimp with a ball gag (a la “Pulp Fiction”) and a midget thrown in for good measure.

Back to the great theory on comedy that if there is a midget in the movie, it’s generally a good one.

“The film has yet to be rated,” said the director and producer. “We’re definitely expecting a strong R, possibly an NC-17…Well, it may just end up going to IFC (Independent Film Channel) and DVD.” In the mean time, if a funny independent movie about independent movies that you’ve grown to love tickles your fancy and you just can’t wait for a DVD release, “My Big Fat Independent Movie” will be on the film festival circuit starting in San Jose on March 5 (perfect time for a road trip).

The film has a pretty decent website and can be contacted at www. mybigfatindependantmovie.com.

While surfing the site, be sure to listen to Jason Mewes (who plays the Jay character of ‘Jay and Silent Bob’ in films produced by Kevin Smith); he’s always good for a laugh.

Absorbing comments from the filmmakers was half of what made

the already good movie even better.

Being an independent film means that there was also an independent budget- one million dollars for a full-feature film. That may sound like quite a lot, but considering that Bruckheimer movies go far past the $100 million mark, a percent of that is like trying to buy a Ferrari with McDonald’s wages.

The tricks that they talked about like shooting different scenes in the same location hours on end, shooting 20 hour days on one-day rental equipment really showed a lot of outside the box thinking transferred so flawlessly that a typical viewer would’ve been none the wiser.

If independent flicks are your thing, this is a must see. If you like to laugh to the point of wetting yourself, this is a must see. If you have never seen a Quentin Tarantino movie and don’t like midgets, this is not the film for you.

Jonathan Pivar is a City Times staff writer

March 1-14, 2005

CityFocus

City Times

7

ANYTHING GOES City College Dramatic Arts Department prepares classic Broadway musical Text and photos by Mike Sullivan On Friday April 8th the San Diego City College Dramatic Arts Department raises the curtain on their production of the Broadway musical “Anything Goes”, at the Saville Theater. Under the watchful eyes of director June Richards and choreographer Alicia Rincon, cast members we’re taken through their dance routines by choreography assistant Ritchie Gonzalez, moving on only when Gonzalez felt they had performed satisfactorily. At stage right students enrolled in beginning scene painting practiced their craft with guidance from teacher Duane Gardella.

Several hours later the main cast took center stage to go over their lines. As with all other aspects of the production the group learned through repetition. Time was taken to fine tune every line, gesture, and dance step. While “Anything Goes” may be the title of the musical, these players will settle for nothing less than perfection.

Cast members gather at center stage at the Saville Theater during rehearsals for the City College Dramatic Arts production of “Anything Goes”. Choreography assistant Ritchie Gonzalez looks on from the right.

Cast member Amanda Robb (middle) steps her way through a dance number during rehearsals for “Anything Goes” at the Saville Theater on Wednesday, February 16.

Choreographer Alicia Rincon (middle) leads cast members through a warm up exercise before rehearsal for the City College Dramatic Arts production of “Anything Goes” at the Saville Theater on Wednesday, February 16.

Stretching out on stage at the Saville Theater, cast members Christian Munoz (left) and Amanda Robb prepare for a night of rehearsal.

Marianne Daily (left) and her son Max Daily practice the craft of scenery painting as students in Duane Gardella’s class, beginning scene painting.

8

Online Continued from Page 1 issue the new staff will take on, are the technical difficulties that students experience and where they can turn for support. As it stands, how well the course operates is almost completely under the control of each instructor, and he or she acts as the main technical support for students. So not only do the online instructors have to be able to convey the

Gym Continued from Page 1 could safely use their vehicles for all aspects of the gym.

The district also had trouble obtaining a permit to use the sidewalk adjacent to the project, which was necessary to fit such a large building into such a cozy site.

Some architectural problems and changes have also

March 1-14, 2005

NEWS

City Times information of their subjects, they also need to be computer and internet savvy. Not only to keep their links and other course content working properly, but also to help the student with any problems they may be having with their own computer.

Until now, Cherry Blut has been working part-time to train the online instructors on how to use the Web CT system, which is basically a shell of a course that the instructor then personalizes to how they see fit. Starting

Feb. 23, Peter Miles, the new instructional design coordinator, will take over full-time.

Miles will oversee the newly hired online faculty mentors that the district has placed on each campus. This will enable the instructors to provide students with competent technical support.

There will not be 24 hr. operators waiting by the phones at midnight when an assignment file won’t download, or a PowerPoint lecture won’t open, the online program is just not there yet.

caused delays while blueprints were revised. Even the storms that have been passing over San Diego have put a slight damper on the project, although workers assured me that weather was the least of their concerns.

Fortunately for taxpayers and college students, the extra time and resources taken by the delays will not cost extra to the San Diego Community College District.

The Athletic Director of

City College, Cassie Macias, expressed her excitement at the coming “opportunity for huge growth within our department.” With both the new and old gymnasiums she hopes to allow for more intercollegiate teams “such as Volleyball and Women’s Basketball,” and intramural teams for anyone who wants to play.

There are hopes of hosting conference championship games once the Harry West Memorial Gym is complete.

But if an instructor can not be contacted there is Mary Kingsley available at the SDCCD online office line, which is (619) 388-7330. Kingsley is in the office from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. and she will be happy to talk through any problems that are occurring.

“It’s not a perfect plan,” admits Kingsley, “but hopefully as the program grows, the services will increase.”

She also urges students who have had a bad experience to give the program a second chance now that most of the

last few remaining kinks have been worked out.

Kingsley and her coworkers are preparing to move from the bungalows at Miramar to the district offices in late spring, where they hope many more improvements will follow.

The district offices are located at 3375 Camino del Rio S. “We’re always interested in student feedback,” Kingsley added. Suggestions for the online program can be e-mailed to support@sdccdonline.net.

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Money for College Are college expenses eating a big hole in your wallet?

Financial aid could put some of that money back.

Don’t guess. Get the facts.

Find out now if you qualify.

Visit the Financial Aid Office, A-113 Call 619-388-3501 or visit www.sdcity.edu Financial aid can be used for fees/tuition, books & supplies, living expenses, transportation, child care.

March 1-14, 2005

City Times

NEWS / VOICE

Accredited Continued from Page 1 Oct. 4-7, the team held more than 110 separate meetings with individuals and groups, plus two general forums where faculty, staff, and students were invited to share their concerns. They also toured the campus, visited classrooms, and inspected off-site educational facilities including the ECC and the 32nd Street Naval Station.

Western’s Evaluation Report states that City has, to varying degrees , addressed the 12 recommendations put forth by the 1998 evaluation team. This year, the report only offers eight recommendations, an indicator that the college has done a better job self-monitoring basic accreditation standards over the last six years.

The report commends City College on maximizing resource utilization, despite severe budgetary cutbacks.

Commendations were offered

LRC Continued from Page 5 strengthen students’ informational research skills and build a stronger operation in technical services as well as enhance reference information services to students,” said Hayward.

While Hayward acknowledges that providing students with the proper research guidance and material is imperative, she recognizes that the state budget cuts have increasingly

for “faculty and staff for their positive, cooperative and student centered attitude despite challenging budgetary circumstances.” It adds, “the team commends faculty and staff for their intense commitment to serving the needs of students traditionally underserved by institutions of higher education.” The report also refers positively to the future campus expansion and development which will result from Prop S funding.

The primary concerns detailed in this evaluation

become a major factor in determining whether remaining funds are spent on needed resources or additional staffing.

The LRC is still in need of professional support. “A computer network specialist and instructional lab technician is needed to provide support for the 100 computers on the two levels of the LRC,” said Hayward.

“All of us would like to make the research computers on the Upper Level available to enrolled students,” reiterated Hayward.

An Evening of Cole Porter Enjoy a musical journey through Cole Porter’s greatest works with pianist and entertainer Bruno Leone, who combines lush, sensitive piano styling with captivating narratives and anecdotes about the life and times of Cole Porter.

Listen and learn about this legendary artist, and whet your appetite for this spring’s production of Porter’s “Anything Goes” by the City College performing arts department.

Saturday, March 12, 2005 7:30-9:00 pm Saville Theatre San Diego City College $10 general/$5 student, seniors, military

619.388.3552 for more info This event is a fund-raiser for the City College World Cultures Program

revolve around faculty staffing issues. In fact, the first paragraph of the report details that while only 33 percent of students identifies themselves as white, 65 percent of faculty and staff are identified in the same way. The report claims that the faculty and staff are “significantly less diverse than the student body.”

Another permeating concern of the report is the understaffing of full-time faculty, resulting from state budget reductions and an early retirement incentive offered by the

Honors Continued from Page 4 there is still testing available on a student-by-student basis to get into the program.

Finally, there are two kinds of honors courses. Some are already designated as “Honors” in the City/ Mesa/Miramar Class Schedule, and others can be modified to meet honors criterion.

The program is not exclusive to traditionally accepted academic courses, either. After all, says Dr. Kane, “half of the students at City are here for transfer, while the other half are receiving vocational education…so the courses can be transfer requirements or those leading to placement in the

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district. This resulted in an “imbalance” of adjunct to full-time faculty. The report indicates, though, that the district is allowing City to hire new faculty to fill retirement vacancies that occurred over this academic year.

Receiving this accreditation means that students will be able to successfully transfer their college credits earned at City to other public and private colleges and universities.

The full accreditation report can be viewed at www.sdcity. edu/accreditation/links.asp.

workforce…the program works best for those people who are looking for an increment of enrichment in their classes”. An “increment of enrichment?” Who doesn’t want that?

I’m convinced that it is time for more City students to get involved in the Honors Program. Believe me, the encouraging staff and motivated students will get you excited about college all over again.

Words like “commitment” and “achievement” don’t have to sit on cheesy motivational posters with pictures of eagles and bears in streams.

Make them real to you and see how great it feels. Call the City College Transfer/Career Center (Room A-111) at (619) 388-3722 or go to www.sdcity. edu/transfer/default.asp.

Kimmy Humes is City Times’ opinion editor

‘Wedding’ canceled to make a point

By Kerriann Bryan Valentine’s Day marked the kickoff of California’s Marriage Equality Week.

While same-sex couples marched to the courthouse in San Diego, our own LGBTSU (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Straight, Student Union) held its own festivities.

The quad was decorated with balloons, Pachelbel’s Canon played, and sparkling cider and cake were on hand. The site held all the elements of a wedding a party, but with a different message. A sign that read, “Sorry for the inconvenience, but the marriage has been canceled due to marriage not being equal across the United States”, instead greeted guests.

The sign communicated their important point, simply put by club secretary

Michael Thomas, “We should have the same rights as everyone else.”

The club also collected surveys from students on whether City College should have classes focused on gay and lesbian studies, and offered a form letter that they could fill out and have sent to the Governor asking for The Marriage Resolution, granting samesex couples the right to marry.

Despite a late start, when club President Jason Frye showed up with the “Celebrate Equality” cake, a large crowd gathered to fill out the survey, discuss the issues, and of course eat cake. Club members consider the event a success.

The LGBTSU meets every Wednesday from 4-5:30pm in D-105

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NEWS

City Times

Legend Continued from Page 3 you and you ask, please use me to deliver your message. If you get into that situation then your cup runneth over and the notes just spill out of you and at that point everybody is laughing and crying at the same time, cause the notes are just coming out and there’s plenty for everybody. At that point when it’s over, it’s over and you’re just standing there. You don’t own any of it and it was just a wonderful experience just to ask. It’s not going to happen every time, but at least you use the power of the word and ask to be spoken through. Therefore it makes is magical, and everybody is where did all of this come from, and your answer is don’t you know? Not from me, it certainly wasn’t from me. Don’t you realize? That’s what it’s all about. I mean all the things that don’t seem to work are the things where you try to possess things and you try to be number one or I want a hit album or I want a plaque or a trophy. Well that doesn’t seem to work in so far as food for the soul. You know, you came here with no clothes on and your going to leave with no clothes on. So while you got

yourself with some clothes on you got to realize just what going on, ya know what I’m sayin’?

What inspires you?

My family, God, people around me, where I live, the situations that I find myself in, the going down that road and wondering what’s going to be under that stone I see twenty feet ahead and turn it over and take a look, the religious aspect of playing, the enjoyment of having the bandstand become an altar, thinking of playing as a prayer, trying to make my life simple, trying not to stand on the corner beating the drum, trying to learn how to be a humble person, trying my best to learn how to forgive and be forgiven.

What is your fondest memory as a musician?

I’ll always remember the very first day I got my instrument. It was the greatest day. I didn’t know a thing about it and I stood there and had them in my room. I didn’t know one note from the next. And when I played nothing was wrong, because I didn’t know a thing about it. Making a sound that was going to be with me the rest of my life. I was thirteen years old. You know I mean the more you learn the more you realize all these other rules

that go into it. It was the best because it was the first time.

What’s most important to you as a musician?

Just to be able to participate is wonderful. It’s not the thing of winning or losing the game, just to say that you prepared yourself as best you could and to participate. That’s what you want to do, just participate. You just want to be able to do it. Like a guy who’s training for the Olympics, and he’s trained for years, and then he comes in second, and he’s disappointed because he only got a silver medal, and he say’s man I lost. Well here’s a guy with one leg, all he wants to do is run with the wind and the sun in his face. Ask him what running is all about. He’ll tell you he just wants to participate. Just to be able to do it. Dexter Gordon said to me just before he passed away. I asked him Dex, why did you have such a dangerous operation, because he had this larengectomy to remove cancer from his throat. Why did you do this? It could end everything, but it could have made it so that he came back. The doctors told him that he had a fifty-fifty chance.

Then Dexter looked at me and covered the hole in his throat and said, “I just wanted to play one more time.” That’s what it’s all about. It’s all about want-

March 1-14, 2005 ing to do it one more time.

What would you consider to be your most creative piece of work?

Probably something I did at four in the morning, when everyone was asleep, and I should have turned on my recorder. Things that were so personal that they were only meant for that moment. The most beautiful things are things you put in a beautiful box wrapped up with ribbons. They’re so personal and crazy you that you can’t even share them. They’re only for you.

You have to go behind closed doors when you want to look in that special box. And when you open it light comes out of it.

How do you deal with fame?

Fame is something that should be thought of and categorized with love.

Fame doesn’t have the thrill of love. It has the dangerous situation of being on top of the world and being thrown off.

Fame should be like love in that it asks for nothing in return. Fame can come and go so fast. If it could be as long lasting as the love you have for your mom, that would be great. Fame has this little thing that when you topple, no one wants you anymore. Fame is like a gunfight or a duel, like this town ain’t big enough for the two of us.

March 1-14, 2005

SPORTS

City Times

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Basketball ends season in first place

By Christopher Young Basketball’s regular season play is over with the San Diego City Knights in first place. The last game pitted them against the Southwestern College Jaguars; rivals for first place with a matching record of 12-1. The Knights were in top form Saturday night, executing plays and scoring shots that made a hard battle look easy.

The game began with two points for City within the first ten seconds and the rest of the half was paced the same. Nearly every point was answered immediately and the lead changed seven times, neither team able to expand the gap past four. Both teams were running tight plays and it could have been anybody’s game until the Knights broke away and maintained a steady rise in the final five minutes of the first half; leaving the game at 43-34.

The second half consisted of the slow and steady breaking of the Jaguar spirit. They were unable to close the point gap for more than thirteen minutes, eventually tying the game at 66. The Knights broke the tie with Josh Hudson (#55), who scored five points in less than 30 seconds.

Finally gaining a 73-71 lead with less than four minutes left in the game, Southwestern struggled to maintain against a City lineup still running strong. Radee Tutler led the Knights final charge to victory, scoring nine of the team’s 14 more points in the 85-83 season closer.

But don’t put away your basketball shoes yet. City College won the first-round regional game against Fullerton College. The Knights went on to play LA City College on Feb. 26, but results were not available as of press time.

City College point guard Tito Littleton (1) passes to center Radee Tutler during the first half of the Knights final game of the season versus Southwestern College.

The Knights went on to win the game 85-83.

Photos by Mike Sullivan

City College guard Anthony Palmer drives to the hoop in the second half of the Knights first round playoff game versus Fullerton College on Feb. 23 at San Diego High School. The Knights won the game in overtime 96-92.

Baseball loses home opener Photos by Mike Sullivan City College pitcher J.J.deVilliers delivers to the plate during the Knights home opener versus Arizona Western College on Tuesday, Feb. 15. The Knights lost the game

City College shortstop Pedro Robles applies a tag to an Arizona Western College player attempting to steal second base during the Knights home opener. The Knights lost the game 6-3.

12 City Times

CitySports

March 1-14, 2005

New coach, new team, new attitude LeeAnn Taylor takes the helm of Lady Knights’ softball

Photo by Mike Sullivan Players huddle around Coach LeeAnn Taylor as she explains the drills for a recent practice.

Corrections In the Feb. 8-21, 2005, edition of City Times, the name of a San Diego Track Club member was misidentified in a Page 8 story about the group.

The man’s name is Paul Greer.

In the same issue, a Page 3 story about City College’s Martin Luther King Memorial Parade float contained erroneous information. The San Diego Community College District’s float took second place in the parade, not City College’s float.

City Times regrets the errors.

It is the policy of City Times to correct errors. Send corrections and/or clarifications to the paper at citytimes@journalist.com, call (619) 388-3880 or mail City Times, 1313 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101.

■ City Times also seeks letters to the editor. They must be typewritten and 300 words or less. Send them to the addresses above.

By Alex Tolhurst City College’s Softball Coach LeeAnn Taylor is exited to be back in her hometown. As a first time head coach and at a new school, Taylor is looking to make some magic this season.

“Focus on the process, rather than the outcome” says Taylor, and this idea is starting to work.

At practice, fundamentals like catching, throwing, hitting, and the discipline of making the right plays in the game are the focus accompanied by emphasis on having a good attitude.

Coming off a slow start, the teams won their first game earlier this month and seem to be realizing for themselves what it takes to win.

With 35 games in the season, the team is gearing up for conference games starting on Feb. 28, and those are the games that really count towards making it to the playoffs. It’s not going to be easy though. With tough competition in the conference from powerhouse Palomar Col-

lege (which has made it into Conference Finals for nearly two decades running), Grossmont, Mesa, Southwestern, and Imperial Valley College, the team will be working hard to win games and push our Knights out.

As a Cal State Northridge graduate, Taylor has made things happen in her 8 years of experience coaching on a college level. As an assistant coach for Point Loma Nazarene University, she helped take her team to postseason play for the first time in school history and continued to do so for five years, placing fifth in the nation during her fourth year and second place in her fifth. Returning to C S Northridge, she also helped take their softball team to postseason play as an assistant coach in back to back seasons. With achievements such as these, Taylor definitely knows how to win.

Taylor applied for the head coach position here at City hoping to make it happen again, bring-

ing her proven knowledge and leadership ability. With strong support coming from the staff of the Athletic Department, Taylor is looking to take our team to the postseason something City has never done before.

With a fresh group of girls, a beautiful playing field, and a motivating assistant coach, Taylor has the tools she needs to build a strong foundation for a winning team. She says this is a building year and the team is learning more about the game and getting better everyday.

Even with only one returning player from last season, Taylor feels the team is very committed, has great potential, and a strong sense of unity.

“A lot of great things are going to happen here,” says Taylor.

With plenty of home games running to the end of April, there are many chances to see the City Knights Softball Team in action.

You can find schedules and more info on the team at www.city. sdccd.net/athletics.