CityTimes
www.sdcity.edu/citytimes
Volume 60, Number 10
Transfer Fair
Students check out black college choices at Mesa event
News, page 3
Serving the San Diego City College community since 1945
March 7, 2006
Pumping Education
Michael Bolmey / City Times Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses college funding plans as Deputy Secretary of Education Scott Himelstein (left) and District Chancellor Dr. Constance Carroll look on.
Protestors confront governor
Schwarzenegger plan boosts college funding By Natalie Perino–Terashima City Times
By Aryn Grusin City Times Within 10 minutes of entering City College campus, a clash of boos and cheers from the crowd erupted on Feb. 23 as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger began to walk through the outside corridor into City College’s B building. As Governor Schwarzenegger began speaking to college district board members about some important funding issues inside the building, students began speaking their minds, while onlookers watched. Among the protesters were groups such as SAGA, the student organization for gay and lesbian students, and a group of
Jay Sees Fortknightly
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Mauro Aragon / City Times Protestors from various campus groups voice their opinions during Governor Schwarzenegger’s visit to City College on Feb. 23. young women calling for financial aid rights. “We should not have to work two jobs while going to school,” remarked City College student Vanessa Lopez. Lopez stood next to her fellow classmate Tammy Anderson, while she held a small piece
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of paper with the words “our voices should be heard” written on it. The day went on with more students speaking their minds and fueling the crowd with energy, which ended at about 2 p.m. leaving a feeling of protest and free speech in the air.
During a private press conference held at City College Feb. 23, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger addressed faculty and administrators from the San Diego area, revealing his fiscal plan for California Community Colleges in the coming decade. Schwarzenegger’s Strategic Growth Plan provides $130 million for Community Colleges in 57 under-funded districts throughout California in the next 10 years. The San Diego Community College District will receive $3.6 million that will be used to upgrade learning facilities and programs.
Chill with Jazz 88 Arts, page 5
Schwarzenegger explained his Strategic Growth Plan as a tool that will help rebuild California’s infrastructure while providing equal opportunities and education to students in the state’s community college system. He also emphasized the importance of balancing inequities between rich and poor communities through education. “We cannot talk about infrastructure if we don’t talk about education and the importance of rebuilding our schools,” said Schwarzenegger. Having started his education at Santa Monica College, the governor expressed his confidence in the community college system.
See GOVERNOR, Page 7
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March 7, 2006
NEWS / CALENDAR
City Times
City students stuck between a ticket and no parking space By Nicole Ribera City Times As if class time and studying aren’t enough to occupy their time, students at City College have no choice but to set aside time everyday just to find parking. The parking shortage at City has been an ongoing concern and situation for students and faculty alike for some time, not to mention a source of frustration and aggravation. Debra Picou, Parking Program Supervisor for the San Diego Community College District confirmed that there are currently over 1,250 parking spaces at City College, spread between ten on-campus surface lots, one threelevel parking structure, and a surface lot located at the Fitness Center. This includes 880 student spaces, 45 disabled, 12 motorcycle, 316 staff, 18 meter/visitor, and 17 spaces reserved for administrators. The District’s Research and Planning Department reveals that there are approximately 13,718 students enrolled at City College this semester. As of last week, the Campus Police have issued roughly 1,600 parking permits.
Proposition S, the $685 million Construction Bond Program passed in 2002 with the hopes of significantly improving the learning environments for all of San Diego Community College students, included plans to improve the parking situation at City College. “Parking improvements and new construction is on the top of the list of approved projects,” said Picou. The earliest anyone will see an improvement in the parking situation is in the fall of 2008, when a new parking structure is anticipated to be complete. According to Barry Garron, Director of Public Information and Government Relations, architects are currently developing plans for this new building structure. Though the exact layout of the structure is not yet known, it is going to be located on the block between 16th and 17th Avenues, C Street and Broadway. “The structure will not only include parking, but an instructional facility with vocational programs such as nursing, cosmetology, and photography,” said Garron. Depending on the layout, the park-
See PARKING, Page 6
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CityCalendar Compiled by Nicole Cunningham and Gwendolyn Kesler Send items to City Times, 1313 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101, e-mail citytimes@gmail.com, call (619) 388-3880, or fax (619) 388-3814 ■ March 8 International Women’s Week Art, Music and Performance 9am-7pm Above the Cafeteria ■ March 8 World Cultures Presents: David Bacon Author of Children of NAFTA Saville Theatre 11:15 am ■ March 10 “The Art of Social Protest: A Voice for the Voiceless” By internationally acclaimed artist Malaquias Montoya (on exhibit thru 3/31) Reception and Artist Talk LRC Patio 12 noon ■ March 27 Bob Filner will be visiting the LRC to view
the Malaquias Montoya Exhibit 12 noon ■ Ongoing ‘EuroFotos’ on display by Dave Eichinger Room T-215 9am-10pm M-Th 9am-7pm Fri 9am-5pm Sat ■ Ongoing New bookstore hours Monday through Thursday 7:45am – 6:30 pm Friday 7:45 am – 12 noon ■ April 8 4th Annual College Expo 8:30 am – 12:30 pm ■ April 25 Career and Job Fair 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, Quad A
Study Abroad program plans Mexico trip San Diego City College’s Study Abroad program will be returning to San Miguel De Allende, Mexico, during this summer. Graphic arts professor Candice Lopez and professor Alicia Rincon will be taking students between July 22 and August 19, leading students on a journey to the very heart of Mexico. The trip will include experiencing San Miguel De Allende’s Bohemian culture, and field trips to places such as Guanajuato and
Hidalgo. The cost of the trip, $1,725, includes round trip airfare and transfers, 28 nights’ accommodations at the Hotel Carmina Suites. “Last year’s trip sold out,” Lopez said. For more information, contact Candice Lopez at 619-388-3560. A meeting is planned in B103 on March 28 from 6:30 p.m to 8 p.m. — Jose Cruz
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CityNews
March 7, 2006
City Times 3
Club rush tradition continues Event aims to introduce students to organizations By Natalie Perino-Terashima City Times
Nicole Cunningham / City Times Students from City College, its sister campuses and area high schools met with college representatives Feb. 22 at Mesa College.
Mesa showcases black colleges City’s sister campus hosts fair for local students By Nicole Cunningham City Times Local representatives from several historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and over 500 local high school and community college students converged on the campus of Mesa College Feb. 22, for the 12th Annual Historically Black College Transfer Day. Students from various high schools within the community swarmed the tables asking questions, reading through material and pondering whether to attend an HBCU. “Where can I find more information about admissions?” and “What kind of sports do they have?” are a few
of the questions presented to Cedric Cunningham, 1980 alumnus of Clark Atlanta University. Majoring in business administration and accounting, Cunningham has been a civilian employee of the Navy for the past 25 years. “To be honest with you, I’ve answered more questions from parents than kids,” said Cunningham. Other schools represented included Hampton, Morehouse, Spelman, Tuskegee, Lincoln, Oakwood, Fisk, Prairie View A&M, Howard, Jackson State, Alabama A&M and Norfolk State. This was the first introduction to HBCUs for some students. Graduate and president of the San Diego Alumni Chapter of Prairie View A&M, Lafayette Carroll says he spoke with 50 to 60 students who had never even heard of Prairie View A&M. This was the
college’s first time attending transfer day. “They walked away with a better understanding,” he said, adding, “I’m already looking forward to next year.” Leilah Armour, a principal from JCCS, says that they have been participating in the HBCU Transfer Day for several years. Approximately 150 students were bussed to the event by JCCS. “We’re hoping that the kids get excited by college and that they see some other options. Our CSU and UC system are not really taking our kids anymore. They like stellar academia and some of our kids have some rough pasts. Some by fault of their own and some by no fault of their own, and the HBCUs just kind of give them another chance and another opportunity by
See COLLEGES, Page 6
City College clubs and students gathered to participate in the annual Club Rush Feb. 21 – 23, in an effort to increase student involvement on campus as well as in the community. Club Rush has become a tradition at City College marking the beginning of each new semester. The event, organized by the Associated Student Government (ASG), featured booths from clubs on campus as well as other booths including multi-cultural food and members from the business community. More than 12 clubs participated in this year’s event. Many clubs received an increase in new members while others experienced a lack of student interest. The Arabic Club is one club that saw an increase in student interest since last year. “Many people have misconceptions about Arabs,” said Vice President Nasir Nasser, who considers student curiosity is a positive sign of awareness. The International Club added 42 prospective members to their group. Club President Marcos Barros was pleased with the amount of student interest this year. “We want to maintain diversity in the global community,” said Barros. Danny Cochran from Alpha Gamma Sigma, the honor society on campus, visited classes before Club Rush in an effort to recruit prospective students. However the club added just 10 new members, a low number compared to last year. “We will be able to elect officers,” said Cochran, who hopes to add seven additional members so the club can be chartered. “We don’t just get good grades,” Cochran added. “We encourage stu-
See RUSH, Page 6
Students and colleagues remember Jo-Ann Rossitto Nursing director died in January By Josie Salazar City Times Students and Colleagues of Jo-Ann Rossitto, San Diego City College’s associate dean and director of its nursing program, strive to cope with the unexpected news of her death on Jan. 25 at Scripps Green Hospital. The news hit hardest with her colleague and long time friend Debbie Berg, who now finds herself filling Rossitto’s shoes as Director of Nursing. “She was one of my best
friends,” Berg said. Berg also reported that the nursing faculty has had a hard time dealing with the loss of one of their own; however, she reported that the nursing program is still going strong despite the sadness of her passing. Rossitto’s Jo-Ann achievements Rossitto include her efforts to maintain an excellent reputation for her nursing program, allowing graduates to seek and secure career positions before graduation, and actively are recruited by major medical
centers of San Diego. Her legacy may be attributed to her being instrumental in retaining grants and plans for construction of a new facility to house her new Vocational Nursing Program, of which construction is said to start in May. She also was highly repudiated in the Health Care Field, and was recognized for her efforts in improving nursing training, and for turning the nursing program into a highly respected program that actively attracts attention from medical centers in the area. Working tirelessly to attract and retain nursing students,
See ROSSITTO, Page 6
Jenelle Jung / City Times Nursing students in professor Linda Ocen-Odoge’s class study on March 2. Students train using dummies like the one shown on the bed. OcenOdoge teaches classes such as fundamental nursing concepts.
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CityVoice
March 7, 2006
Labeling and a Red Scare redux The following editorial ran in the Minnesota Daily at the University of Minnesota on March 3, distributed by U-WIRE
In this day 54 years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a New York state law that prohibited communists from teaching in public schools. The 6-3 decision, reflected the nation’s mood at the height of the Red Scare, as well as the government’s obsession with labeling critics as “subversives.” What was most insidious about this decision, and period in history itself, was that many citizens who were blacklisted had nothing to do with communism or the Communist Party. Minnesota Daily The decision to uphold the Feinberg Law legitimized hate for those labeled as “unAmerican” and bred a culture of fear. Today it seems that history is doomed to repeat itself. Haven’t you heard? Muslims are the new communists. Just as communists were ostracized and discriminated against during the McCarthy era, Muslims are today. Muslims and the religion of Islam wrongfully have become synonymous with terrorism. As a result, Muslims are openly ridiculed in the media, portrayed in ways that would be considered nowhere near tasteful or acceptable for any other group and denied rights by the U.S. government. Unless, that is, it suits their economic interests (read: Dubai Port World). Similar to the illegal domestic spying that occurred during the Red Scare and the meritless labeling of U.S. citizens as subversives, American Muslims with no connection to terrorism are being illegally wiretapped and electronically surveyed. The only difference between then and now is that the U.S. government has more technology at its disposable. Indeed, it has become our own modern Crucible, and the White House already has argued that Congress does not have authority to interfere in domestic spying because it does not have the “means and methods of engaging the enemy.” Although the hate against Muslims hasn’t reached the fever pitch of the Red Scare, we already are seeing the same telltale signs. Journalists are being barred from printing images from the so-called war on terror. Academics are being censured for teaching materials that are deemed inappropriate. When will the witch hunt stop?
Viewpoint
CityTimes Volume 60, Issue 10 March 7, 2006 Published as: The Jay Sees / 1945-1949 Fortknightly / 1949-1978 City Times / 1978Incorporating the newspapers Tecolote, Knight Owl and Flicks
Mauro Aragon Graphic Design City Times Staff Michael Bolmey, Noelle Cardoza, Jose Cruz, Aryn Grusin, Jenelle Jung, Gwendolyn Kesler, Abinashi Khalsa, Natalie Perino-Terashima, Nicole Ribera, Shayna Triche, Shanika Whaley Contributors Manny Lopez, Mike Sullivan
Dashiell Kuhr Editor-in-Chief
Roman S. Koenig Journalism Adviser
Josie Salazar News Editor
Letters to the editor: City Times welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must be typewritten (no more than 300-500 words) and must be signed with the author’s first and last names, major and phone number. City Times reserves the right to edit letters for space. Send them to City Times, San Diego City College, 1313 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101, or by e-mail to citytimes@gmail.com.
Nicole Cunningham Feature Editor Jessie Zechnowitz Arts Editor Shane Crumrine Sports Editor
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. How to reach us: City Times San Diego City College 1313 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101 Newsroom: L-125 Phone: (619) 388-3880 Fax: (619) 388-3437 E-mail: citytimes@gmail.com
Member: Journalism Association of Community Colleges, Associated Collegiate Press and California Newspaper Publishers Association
Mauro Aragon / City Times Student protesters looked for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Feb. 23 when he came on campus to announce a new plan to help boost community college funding.
Quietly planned press conference speaks volumes about governor An open letter to Chancellor Carroll: As a Chancellor’s Scholarship winner, a City College graduate and continuing student, a former mentor and tutor, and a 17-year classified staff, and AFT union member, I am deeply concerned, saddened, insulted and embarrassed by the circumstances surrounding Gov. Schwarzenegger’s visit to campus last week. I truly appreciate your efforts, along with those of Board President Marty Block, to secure equalization monies for this and all other underfunded community colleges in the state. And I can understand your gratitude at the governor’s public support of this funding. What I cannot understand is why you found it necessary to agree to the governor’s using a press conference at City College to announce his support of that funding and then swearing to secrecy the fifty invited guests, from college presidents and vice presidents to Classified and Academic Senate presidents to union members to associated student government
GuestCommentary June Cressy presidents. The governor comes to City College and 14,000 students and 900 faculty and staff don’t know anything about it. The governor is filmed in a room full of people whose support is implied by their presence, as well as the support of the people who elected them. The governor proclaims his support for community colleges, as well as community college students. The same governor still sees the faculty and staff of this and all other colleges as special interest groups whose unions he has and continues to try to break, and whose pensions he wants to dissolve. One hundred feet from the free speech area of Gorton Quad students are barred by a wall of police from joining the press conference in the B building. The immigrant governor inside speaks of how much of a positive impact community college education had on his life. Outside the B building immigrant students fresh from criti-
cal thinking classes re-learn the lessons of the fragile and fleeting nature of democracy and free speech, not in the dictatorships many of them fled but on their campus, where here, too, leaders are protected from them. The price of the ticket to the governator’s private screening was high. It cost us a bit of our integrity. We may get some money in the end, although that is not guaranteed. What is guaranteed is that the governor will use the footage shot here as commercial spots in his re-election campaign. What is also guaranteed is that we taught our students a lesson. We were all deceived, disrespected and disregarded. I am grateful for one thing. It wasn’t Dick Cheney who came to City College. June Cressy works on campus and is a former City Times editor-in-chief
Letters/Commentary Policy
City Times welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must be typewritten (no more than 300 words) and must be signed with the author’s first and last names, major and phone number. City Times reserves the right to edit letters for space. Send them to City Times, San Diego City College, 1313 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101, by e-mail to citytimes@gmail.com, or by fax to (619) 388-3814. City Times also welcomes guest commentaries no longer than 500 words. Submit them to the same address and fax listed above.
CityArts
March 7, 2006
City Times
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Program boasts variety of disciplines Theater, photography, graphic design among City College arts offerings
Rebirth of Cool File Photo / City Times
Jazz 88 and Air Condition Lounge co-produce weekly event By Shanika Whaley City Times The City College radio station teams with local lounge for weekly event. Jazz 88.3 and the Air Condition Lounge introduce the “Rebirth of Cool,” every Monday night. On Monday night’s beginning at nine, Jazz 88.3 host a night of music. From nine to twelve different musicians, accompanied by Eddy Hernandez, also known as DJ Sachamo from Jazz 88.3 play various musical instruments, sing or reflect with spoken word. While in the background DJ Sachamo provides slow, instrumental background music to play along with the musician. On Feb. 20, Israel Maldonado played his third appearance at the Air Condition Lounge. Playing an acoustic guitar set under low lighting, one microphone and a variety of hand held instruments-drum, tambourine and maracas; his music matched
the flow of Santana, but with a hint of Hip-Hop and a DJ providing low rhythm. Talking with Israel after one of his sets, he mentions his mom giving him music lessons as a young boy and having different musical influences growing up. “Michael Jackson and Prince were two of my influences, he replies. I was never into Heavy Metal.” Maldonado’s music had a Spanish style flow. His voice was soft and mellow, it matched his playing. Air Condition Lounge, located on Adams Ave has been around for two years now. Owned by Gary John (not available for comment), it has been voted one of the best new clubs in San Diego. To make this event possible, Gary John joined with DJ Sachamo to create ideas for Monday nights. The “Rebirth of Cool” invites young students or adults to enjoy the local sounds of talented new musicians, and to see a local radio station DJ
collaborating along together. It also keeps people interested in the City College as well. Going to the shows introduces people to Jazz 88.3 and the DJs that help make the show possible. DJ Sachamo (also not available for comment) has been with Jazz 88.3 for six years now. Hosting the “Illfonix show” on Wednesday nights from 10 o clock to 12 o clock, he provides a tutorial style session to understanding his show. Playing the latest in new Jazz and introducing people to the late greats of jazz, it keeps you informed with who’s new in jazz and who helped bring it to the forefront. If you have nothing to do on Monday nights and your homework is all done, go to the Air Condition lounge and hear some great live music. But don’t forget, the City College Radio Station, Jazz88.3 plays music that will get you out of the ordinary bind of radio.
By Jessie Zechnowitz City Times San Diego City College boasts one of the most well-rounded visual and Performing Arts programs in the city. With six disciplines — electronic music, graphic design, photography, theater, two and three dimensional art, and the only musical theatre major in San Diego — there is plenty to be interested in. In an interview with June Richards, the theater head, she disclosed that City’s musical theater program is taught by a professional faculty – meaning that all of the theater faculty has or is carrying on professional theatre work outside of school. “Our courses address the professional needs of a theatre artist,” she added. “We offer classes in beginning acting, movement for the actor, on-camera acting, and voice-over to name a few. We even offer courses in audition technique for any first-timers.” Richards said that though students do not need experience to enroll in theatre courses – casting for the program’s show is based on what the particular need of the show are, how many people audition, how many roles are available, and quite a few other specifics. The auditions for the Musical Theatre program’s upcoming show, Roger and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific,” were held last month and a cast has been chosen. The show will run the weekends of April 21 through May 7 with Friday and Saturday shows at 8pm and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Ticket prices are 15 dollars for adults, and 10 dollars for students, seniors, and military. There will be free parking available, and tickets will be available at the Saville Theatre box office.
Third stop should’ve been the first for ‘Final Destination’ Theatrical Release: 02/10 Starring: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ryan Merriman, Alexz Johnson, Kris Lemche,Texas Battle, Sam Easton, Jesse Moss, Gina Holden, Chelan Simmons, Crystal Lowe and Amanda Crew. Directed By: James Wong Synopsis: The graduating class of McKinley High School 2005 celebrated Grad Night at a local amusement park. As they’re about to board a roller coaster, Wendy (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) becomes increasingly fearful with each step. Her boyfriend Jason (Jesse Moss) reassures her that
it’s merely the act of relinquishing control that’s giving her the jitters. Wendy overcomes her fear, but no sooner has the pneumatic harness secures her in her seat, than Wendy experiences a vivid premonition of a fatal accident in which the roller coaster becomes a death trap for her and her friends. Emerging from her horrifying vision, Wendy freaks out and demands to be let off. Her classmate, Kevin (Ryan Merriman), who’s seated beside her, feels compelled to accompany Wendy. As they’re leaving, Lewis (Texas Battle) taunts Kevin, calling him a wimp.
MovieReview Nicole Cunningham Insults turn to blows, a fight ensues, and soon a handful of students are ejected from the ride. Wendy’s premonition proves nightmarishly true. As they watch from below, the coaster careens out of control, and all those aboard die. That’s only the beginning, and the survivors soon discover that they were meant to die, and death is not so easily cheated! As Wendy and Kevin
desperately try to interpret the clues from the photos that she took at the amusement park that fateful night in an attempt to save lives, one-by-one their friends meet dreadfully gruesome ends — and soon it will be their turn. Overall this was a pretty good movie. The biggest pitfall with sequels are finding ways to make a repeated storyline fresh and keeping the audience engaged. Final Destination 3 will keep you engaged; if you liked the previous installments for the gore and horrific manner in which each teeny bopper dies, then you’ll definitely be satis-
fied. If you enter the theater expecting a new twist, a different angle or a fresh perspective on the past two installments, though, then you might as well stop right here. As a matter of fact, this should have been the first stop on the way to the final destination because it’s missing the suspense and surprise aspect; however slight it may have been, of the latter two. All in all, I would recommend seeing the movie. Especially if you are a fan of the series. You can’t get on the ride without reaching a final destination at some point ...
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NEWS
City Times
Colleges Continued from Page 3 just saying, ‘we’ll get you in, it’s up to you to stay in, but we’ll give you a chance.’ So it’s another option for them,” said Armour. Students enjoyed the HBCU Transfer Day and found the information provided to be “useful.” Mesa College student, Brittany Courtney-Jones listened intently to the Tuskegee recruiter, Penny McNeil. Brittany is a junior at Mesa and is interested in pursuing a career in sociology. She said she came out to the event to “check out the scene.” College-bound seniors, LoRen Edwards, Madison High, and Gabrielle, Kearny High, have been doing their homework. Awaiting responses from several preferred colleges, both girls say that they have attended several HBCU events in an effort to gather all the information they can to make an informed decision. “We didn’t see anything here that we hadn’t seen before, but
it was still a good experience,” LoRen said. Mesa College counselor, Leroy Johnson, says that this particular transfer day is the “biggest turnout” of students and HBCU representatives yet, since the first transfer day held in 1994. “This worked out really well. We’re pretty pleased,” he said. Other attractions at the event included performances by the Gospel Signing Choir, spoken word and poetry readings. The day was initiated by Mesa College and organized by committee member Penny McNeil, a teacher at one of the JCCS sites and a Tuskegee University graduate, in conjunction with the Association of African American Educators. The event was sponsored by Mesa Academy, Mesa College Financial Aid Office, City, Mesa and Miramar College Associated Students, City, Mesa and Miramar EOPS Departments, SDCCD and the Campus Outreach Offices. Next year’s transfer day is slated to be held at City College.
‘This worked out really well. We’re pretty pleased.’ — Leroy Johnson, Mesa College counselor
Parking Continued from Page 2 ing structure is estimated to include anywhere from 600 to 1,000 new parking spaces. Even further on down the road, the
COLLEGE NEWSPAPER - B/W 360 YOUTH
Rush Continued from Page 3
City College students get information about campus clubs near the cafeteria Feb. 21 during spring Club Rush.
dents to be active in school and the community.” Student operated clubs were not the only booths set up during Club Rush. Local businesses including food vendors, discount paintball packages and even Washington Mutual Bank showed up at City College to present themselves to the student demographic. “It is definitely worth it to be here,” remarked a representative from Washington Mutual. For more information on clubs on campus visit the ASG office in D105.
Rossitto
‘She was a friend and a mentor.’
Abinashi Khalsa / City Times
Continued from Page 3 Rossitto was known for her open door policy she had towards everyone in helping every student reach their personal and professional goals. Cathy Howell, professor and department chairperson, worked with Rossitto for 18 years and remembers Rossitto for her ability to make herself available to students for any personal or educational concerns.
construction of three additional parking structures is possible. They will be located where the T building is now, near the current Child Development Center, and possibly at Inspiration Point, informed Garron. Until that time, there are alternatives to parking in the student lots where permits are required. Free parking and shuttle service to City College
REVISED 2/14/06
Kay Rattanasinh, former student and a member of the Army National Guard, remembers Rossitto for her support she showed him as he came back from the war on Iraq to finish the nursing program. “She was very accommodating and understanding when I was here,” Rattanasinh said, adding, “I was very saddened, knowing her history in education, she was still very young.” “I know that she went above and beyond,” Robin Billester said a second year student of the Nursing Program. “She even had a ‘slush fund’, money that she squared away
is available from Inspiration Point in Balboa Park (north of City College at the southeast corner of President’s Way and Park Boulevard). The shuttle runs continuously during the semester from 7:20 a.m.-12:40 p.m. and five to10:20 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Parking is free in the Balboa Stadium lot only on Fridays. Though the shuttle sounds like an excellent alternative to spending the time to find a parking spot, it isn’t the case for every student.
— Professor Cathy Howell, on Jo-Ann Rossitto
for those students with special circumstances and issues,” Howell said. Rossitto was also remembered by her work to ensure that the nurses could actively represent their ideas in the decision-making processes of the program. “She was a friend and a mentor; she will be missed on a lot of different levels,” Howell said.
Sarah Espinola, a second-semester student agrees. “I parked my car at the Inspiration Point lot one morning during the first week of classes, and when I returned to the shuttle stop, I realized my dilemma,” said Espinola. She had not been aware of the shuttle’s hours and quickly learned that the shuttle did not run during the time after her last class. Espinola had no other choice but to walk the long distance back to her car.
March 7, 2006
City Times 7
NEWS / SPORTS
Siege Continued from Page 8 The undersized Spiders were unable to stop Kraayeveld or Bjorklund, who chipped in with 21 points of her own. “We just wanted to work the inside game first and then establish the outside second and those two players (Kraayeveld and Bjorklund) are the key
players that we tried to have set the tone for us early,” said coach Williams. With this victory the Siege racked up their sixth win in a row and widened the gap between them and the rest of the league. “When you have a streak there’s always good chemistry. There’s always that, where everybody’s out to get you and trying to knock you off so we just can’t let up, we’ve got to keep playing hard,” said coach Williams.
Aztecs basketball makes history with conference title By Willie Bans SDSU Daily Aztec
Michael Bolmey / City Times Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger talked to San Diego area community college officials Feb. 23 in the B building after announcing plans to help the state’s community colleges.
Governor Continued from Page 1 “I’m a big believer in community colleges,” said Schwarzenegger. “They gave me the appetite for knowledge,” he continued. San Diego District Chancellor, Dr. Constance M. Carroll also addressed the audience and thanked the Governor for coming to San Diego. “We will be hiring more full-time faculty, adding more classes, and buying new instructional equipment as a
result,” said Carroll, who emphasized the importance of continuing education. “Because of you (Governor Schwarzenegger), hundreds of thousands of students just got closer to the American Dream,” she continued. Other speakers at the press conference included Deputy Secretary of Education Scott Himelstein and City College engineering student Gabby Belon. “Without community college I wouldn’t be able to transfer to a four year college,” said Belon, the first of her family to attend college. For a complete video of the Governor’s visit, go to www.sdccd.net and click on the City College link.
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SAN DIEGO (U-WIRE) — It looks like the start of the Boston Marathon, with people jockeying for position at the blast of the gun. It smells like a locker room, the scent of sweat so piercing you can’t escape it. It feels like a rock concert, a mosh without a pit — hot, humid. It sounds like a political convention, as thousands of people scream at the same time.
That’s what the first regular-season conference championship for the San Diego State men’s basketball team in almost 30 years is like. That’s what Cox Arena was like March 1. SDSU beat Wyoming, 91-72, in front of a sellout crowd of 12,444 -- the largest conference home crowd in program history. And in doing, the Aztecs (20-8 overall, 13-3 in Mountain West Conference play) clinched their first regular-season title since 1978.
8 City Times
CitySports
March 7, 2006
City College dedicates Harry West gym Facility named for student who went on to join faculty By Shane Crumrine City Times San Diego City College and the Department of Health and Exercise Science held a dedication ceremony for their new gymnasium in honor of former City student athlete and athletic instructor Harry West on March 2. The day’s festivities began with an exhibition of the late West’s career, as well as a tour
of the new facility guided by student athletes. The tour took you throughout the new gym, which is equipped with both his and her locker room’s, a state of the art weight room in which classes are held, a classroom for pre-game preparations, coaches offices, a training room with hot tub’s and training tables, and enough room on the floor to have three teams practicing at one time. The gym now shares its space with the San Diego City men’s basketball team, men’s and women’s badminton teams, women’s volleyball team, the professional women’s basketball team San Diego Siege, and starting next year the
San Diego City women’s basketball team. This year is the first that the Badminton teams will be playing on campus; they had previously played at San Diego high school according to women’s badminton player Ana Lozano. During the dedication ceremony, there were speakers ranging from co-workers to family members there to honor west. Most spoke of West as a great athlete, a selfless man who would do anything for anyone, and a great friend. West, who played football for City in 194849, led the UC Berkeley Bears to the 1951 Rose Bowl. In 1964 West began his tenure at City College as a
coach and athletic instructor until 1979. From 1961 through 1991 West served as athletic director and in 1979 he became the Associate Dean of Physical Education. It was west who first brought up the need for an up to date athletic facility, and worked tireless hours to accomplish it, according to the speakers at the ceremony. West is also responsible for bringing the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) to City College. This program takes disadvantaged kids between the ages of 10 and 16 to a summer program, that introduces them to different sports and stresses the importance of going to college.
Following the speakers was a short film on West’s life that was produced by City’s Professor of Radio and Television Laura Castaneda who was also the Mistress of Ceremonies. Instead of the traditional ribbon cutting to officially open the gym, they had City student athletes toss small stuffed sports balls into the crowd, which left everyone in the new Harry West gym standing and smiling. “Although he could not be here today we know he is smiling down with that twinkle in his eye,” said West’s son Steve West.
Home-court advantage strong for San Diego Siege By Shane Crumrine City Times In their first extended home stand of the year the San Diego Siege felt right at home winning three games in a row, and surged into first place with a record of seven and one as of March 2. On Feb. 25 the Siege defeated the San Francisco Legacy 87-74. The Siege proved to be too powerful down low with their pair of 6 ft. 4 inch forwards. Cathrine Kraayeveld scored a game high 28 points while pulling down nine rebounds and shooting three of four three pointers. Her partner in the paint, Tera Bjorklund, scored 24 points and also saw nine rebounds fall her way. Not to be out done guard Jessica Cheeks scored 15 points and played stifling defense recording four steals. On Feb. 26 the defending champion Colorado Chill came into town looking to avenge their two prior losses to the Siege in Colorado. Both teams came looking to work the ball in the post but it was the Siege’s defense that shined holding the Chill to only ten points in the first quarter. The Chill, who are led by WNBA and NWBL all star Becky Hammon, found it tough to get anything going against the swarming Siege defense in the first half. “It helps me and it’s a lot of fun playing against her (Hammon) she helps me get better and she brings my game to another level, so I like the challenge of playing against her,” said Siege guard Loree Moore, who spent last season as a teammate of Hammon’s on the WNBA’s New York Liberty. During the second quarter the Chill were able to cut the lead to single digits with the Siege’s starters on the bench, but by halftime San Diego retook control of the game by finding the soft spots in the Chill’s zone and playing hard nosed defense. The halftime score was 40-28. Colorado opened up the second half with a five to noth-
Mike Sullivan / Contributor San Diego Siege guard Loree Moore gets by a San Jose Spider player during the Siege’s home opener on Feb. 18. The Siege won the game 89-80. ing run, but the Siege seemed to answer back with big plays of their own. Towards the end of the third quarter Siege coach Fred Williams took Moore off of
Hammon, who was making things difficult for the leagues leading scorer all night, and matched up the smaller Natalie Nakase with her. Hammon was able to take advantage of
this match up and helped her team close it to a five point lead at the end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter was a battle of will, as each team exchanged big play after big
play. Led by the solid fourth quarter play of center Adrian Williams and the sharp shooting of Katie Cronin the Chill were able to tie the game at 73 with 30 seconds remaining after Hammon broke free for a fast break lay up to tie it up. On the next possession the Siege turned the ball over and it looked as if the Chill were in control of this tied ball game with only ten seconds remaining. With the entire gym thinking Hammon will take the shot Williams received the ball on the high post and a faked a pass to a streaking Hammon which drew three defenders and left a wide open lane for Williams who took it strong to the rim for the go ahead basket. The only problem was she traveled and the basket was called off and the ball was given back to the Siege with six seconds remaining. With Jessica Cheeks inbounding Moore broke loose from her defender and made a back door cut on the right side and received a bullet pass and laid the ball in while being fouled from behind. Moore hit the free throw and gave her team the 76-73 lead. The Chill took the ball out at half court but the inbound pass bounced off of Hammons hands and was scooped up by Moore as time expired. After the thrilling victory the Siege kept on rolling in their next contest against the San Jose Spiders, who are the only team to beat them this year, beating them 99-95. However, the score does not give justice to the Siege who controlled the tempo most of the game including a 47-26 halftime lead. Guard Tynesha Lewis sat out the entire second half due to an injury to her hand which was not serious according to coach Williams. The Siege were led by Cathrine Kraayeveld who scored a career high 33 points while shooting four of nine from beyond the three point line.
See SIEGE, Page 7