ABOVE THE FOLD Sit back and watch the flower of evil blossom at the Saville Theatre PAGE 6
CT CityTimes
Covering the San Diego City College community since 1945
POLITICS
Candidates vie for open position
Vol. 67, No. 5
October 23, 2012
Weekly at sdcitytimes.com
GONZALEZ CASE Vigil held in remembrance of slain City College student
District B gets new representation for first time in over a decade By Fahima Paghmani City Times The San Diego Community College District will elect a new board of trustees member in November to fill the position left by the resignation of Bill Schwandt. Schwandt served on the board Bill for 12 years as the District B repSchwandt resentative for the Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Kearny Mesa, Allied Gardens, Linda Vista, San Carlos neighborhoods. Both of the candidates hoping to fill the position stress that they want to see changes in the district. Bernie Candidate Bernie Rhinerson, Rhinerson an SDSU alumnus with a master’s in public administration, said, “I have always been passionate about the importance of public education in our society. I graduated from San Diego State University with a B.A. and an M.P.A and have continued to be active in the Alumni AssociaScott L. tion and have served as Alumni Hasson President. Also, I teach in the Public Administration Department at SDSU so I work with students every week helping them See Trustees, page 2
Sarah Guzman stands silently during City College’s memorial for Diana Gonzalez in Gorton Quad on Oct. 11. Gonzalez was killed on campus Oct. 12 in 2010. Troy Orem, City Times
Commemorating victims of abuse By Fahima Paghmani City Times Amidst heartbreaking pauses and tearful eyes, people who knew Diana Gonzalez recounted the unaccomplished hopes and dreams she once had. City College hosted a memorial in her honor on Oct. 11. The event was also used to promote awareness for domestic abuse victims. Nineteen-year-old Diana Gonzalez, who was a student at San Diego City College, was brutally slain on Oct. 12, 2010 in a men’s rest-
room on campus. The only person charged in her slaying, 37-year-old Armando Perez, was Gonzalez’ husband of 10 months at the time of her death. “Oct. 12 will always be a difficult day for me and my family,” read 24-year-old Janette Gonzalez, the sister of the victim. “I knew. We knew. The family knew about the abuse. We contacted the police about all of the problems Diana was going through with her husband. “Domestic violence is very serious, it can happen to anyone, and it affects everyone.
Really question your family, friends, and relationships.” As reinforcement, 32-year-old Beatriz Luna, a cousin of Gonzalez, added with great concern, “People should be educated. I urge everyone to educate themselves on the different forms of abuse.” When being asked how one could get into a situation of being the victim, Luna explained, “It is because of lack of education, they do not know the signs of the abuse and See Vigil, page 2
POLITICS
Board of Governors names new state chancellor 112 schools now in the hands of Brice Harris
fornia Community Colleges Chancellor, Brice Harris, who will begin to oversee the 112-college system that enrolls approximately 2.4 million students, on Nov. 6. Harris will be the system’s By Ally Browne 15th chancellor following Jack City Times Scott, who retired as chanThe Board of Governors cellor on Sept. 14. Currently, recently announced the Vice Chancellor Erik Skinner appointment of the new Cali- is the acting chancellor.
Unlike UC and CSU chancellors, a community college chancellor has no direct authority over the colleges in the system. As described on the chancellor’s office website, the head of the system leads “by influence and not authority, relying on clear communication of an inspirational and compelling vision.” However, Harris was a
HALLOWEEN FUN Events for families and the 21 and up crowd for October PAGE 10
fundamental member on the board that wrote a bill that plans to start rationing enrollment, starting in 2014. The new system will prioritize goal-oriBrice Harris ented students, such as those who want to transfer to a university, in
helping them to transfer and graduate on time. “It will really enhance the education of our students,” Harris said in an online press release, noting that similar changes are happening at colleges throughout the country. “I certainly hope it’s not about limiting access. What we’re seeing in California is a re-prioritization to workforce
POLITICAL BATTLE Student views on candidates for elections PAGE 13
development and an increase in opportunities for students.” Harris served as president of Fresno City College and has been the president of the Los Rios Community College District since 1996. Harris holds a doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University and has also completed post-doctoral work at Harvard University.
INDEX
Calendar................. 2 Opinion................... 5 Arts........................ 8 Sports................... 16
CT TAKE NOTE 2
CALENDAR
Compiled by Mariel Mostacero Get your event in the paper. Email us at calendar@sdcitytimes.com or call 619-388-3880 nOct. 23, Tuesday Angie Brenner: Secular Muslim Culture at 12:30 p.m.
nOct. 27, Saturday Theatre production: Little Shop of Horrors at 8 p.m.
nNov. 2, Friday Theatre production: Little Shop of Horrors at 8 p.m.
nOct. 24, Wednesday San Diego CalSoap College Fair at 6 p.m. (1895 Camino del Rio South, San Diego)
nOct. 28, Sunday Theatre production: Little Shop of Horrors at 2 p.m.
nNov. 3, Saturday Theatre production: Little Shop of Horrors at 8 p.m.
nOct. 29, Monday Brian Hu: San Diego Asian Film Festival: “The History of Asian Action Film”
nNov. 4, Sunday Theatre production: Little Shop of Horrors at 2 p.m.
nOct. 25, Thursday Annual City College Transfer Fair at 10 a.m. nOct. 26, Friday Theatre production: Little Shop of Horrors at 8 p.m. Caregiving Conference at 8:30 a.m.
nOct. 30, Tuesday Caitlin Rother, author of Lost Girls at 9:30 a.m.
nNov. 5, Monday The Thick Dark Fog with filmmaker Randy Vasquez at 11 a.m.
n Nov. 1, Thursday Dia de los Muertos at 10 a.m.
Burgess finalist at Bellevue By Ally Browne City Times Retiring City College President Terrence Burgess has been named a finalist in the search for Bellevue College’s new president. Burgess, along with four other finalists will participate
in public forums starting on Oct. 22 and continuing through the 25. All forum attendees will be able to receive comment cards that will be submitted to the board of trustees for consideration. There are 35,000 students in the Seattle and Bellevue
area in Washington state that attend Bellevue College. The school is the second largest higher learning institution in the entire state. It is located 10 miles east of Seattle, across Lake Washington. Follow City College Newscene for more information.
www.sdcitytimes.com | October 23, 2012
CRACK CITYBy Michele Suthers
Vigil Continued from Page 1 they do not understand what is considered as abuse.” Luna concluded by saying, “This is why I can’t stress to tell everyone to educate themselves about domestic violence and those who are going through abuse. I urge them to tell someone, anybody, anyone that can help. A community, a family member, or a friend.” The candlelight vigil in Gorton Quad followed the remembrances of Gonzalez, where family, friends, and everyone else that attended
Trustees Continued from Page 1 prepare for their future careers. “I also work as Chief of Staff at the San Diego Unified School District where I work to improve the K-12 educational system so that students are prepared for college and careers. In my work over the last five years, I have seen first-hand the damage that budget cuts have had on our education system for kindergarten through the college level. I decided to run for the Community College Board because I want to be a strong advocate for students and help to restore classes, restore summer school and keep tuition affordable for all students.” When asked what would make him a great leader if elected, Rhinerson said, “Our college board needs leaders who will stand up for our students in Sacramento and in Washington where funding decisions for education are made. I have experience in public education, that makes me the best choice to serve as a strong voice for students on the college board. As I college instructor, I work with students who struggle to work their way through college and have a hard time getting classes they need
gathered around in a large circle to have a moment of silence. After the candlelight vigil, the speaker of the event, 24-year-old City student Andres Sandoval, spoke about his concerns regarding domestic violence. “Though I have not known Diana well enough, I can show my concerns because I have a sister who is the same age as Diana. I have an extreme degree for accountability to speak on this matter,” he said. When asked the best way to get involved in helping a victim of abuse, Sandoval replied, “The best advice I would give a victim is to
remove yourself from the abuser and let an authority figure know about the abuse.” There were about 16,000 domestic violence incidents reported in San Diego County in 2011. Fortunately, laws have significantly changed, and with them attitudes in an attempt to provide support to survivors and reduce the incidences of domestic violence. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and people can show their support by becoming informed about how to prevent abuse and eventually putting an end to domestic violence in America.
because of budget cuts.” “I encourage voters to become informed and to choose the most experienced candidate for this position,” Rhinerson advised future voters. “I have experience in private business and experience in public education. As a college instructor, I understand the needs of students and will be a strong advocate for our community colleges and for more job training and college preparation classes.” On the opposite side of the ballot is Scott L. Hasson, who holds a bachelor’s from the University of Oklahoma. Hasson boasts a great amount of knowledge and experience in budgeting and accountability, is a profit and loss expert, and a contract negotiation expert. His background and experience qualify him as a promising candidate, and his straightforward answers don’t leave voters guessing. Hasson was asked what drew him to run in this election and he replied honestly. “There was an open seat,” he said. “I am a middle of the road person,” Hasson said. “I have been leading people in the private industry for more than 25 years. The numbers are truth. Reality is we have these cut backs from the state. We don’t have the money that we
used to have. It is painful to give up a program that they love, but reality is that we can’t have it, we don’t have the money to support it. I want to bring the rational support that will make it work for students. Some of the board members may be bothered by this action, but we need to do all that we can to survive and make it work for the students and the tax payers. “I am a parent and I have a child. I am very involved in school education. I know when I was in school I paid my way through school. I sat in those seats and I worked my way through school. I can relate to students since I can make decisions sitting and thinking how I am going to pay my tuition, how am I going to pay my rent. I can relate to students. I have been down this road,” he said. “The reason why I am going to get elected (is) because I am a real person, and I will vote for what is best for students and what is best for tax payers. That makes sense. Everything has to make sense. This board is responsible for this budget, this budget is responsible for the taxpayers and we need to make sure we get every dollar from this budget that will bring great value to the students.”
Keep up to date with what is going on at City SDcitytimes.com
October 23, 2012 | www.sdcitytimes.com
STUDENT ASSISTANCE
Site launched for students seeking associate degrees By Michelle Moran City Times A new website was launched for community college students in California called adegreewithaguarantee.com. Its purpose is to provide students with information about a potential degree that they want to inquire about. It is a very helpful resource to use when students want to get information on their own, without scheduling an appointment to speak with a campus counselor. “An Associate Degree for Transfer will ease the transfer process for California community college students to transfer to a CSU campus and ADegreeWithAGurantee.com is the best place for students and parents to get information about this exciting new program,” Acting California Community Colleges Chancellor Erik Skinner said. It is rather difficult for most students to figure out a major and what classes are needed, and this website attempts to make those decisions a little easier.
Community colleges offer more than 450 new associate degrees for transfer, and more are still yet to be added. The features included in the website are: nComplete details on how the new transfer pathway works nUp-to-date information about the transfer majors available by California community college campuses that are matched to similar bachelor’s degrees at California State University campuses nInteractive maps that help students find a campus nApplication information nA degree progress checklist nTestimonials from students who have earned an Associate Degree for Transfer and successfully transferred to a California State University campus Now with all this information at one’s fingertips, it makes it easier for students to decide on what classes they need for their degree, and what they can do to accomplish their goals as a community college student.
NEWS CT 3
HIGHER EDUCATION
A Better path to graduation Goal-oriented program to be in effect at City By Ally Browne City Times SB1456, or the Student Success Act of 2012, was signed by Gov. Jerry Brown on Sept. 27 with the hopes of improving graduation and transfer rates at California’s 112 community colleges. “Our goal, our primary goal, has to be on offering students a better path to graduation. It is unacceptable that more than 50 percent of our community college students are not graduating or transferring within six years. SB1456 is the first step toward a community college system that is refocused and rededicated to student success and achievement.” Senator Alan Lowenthal stated. “What do I want? I want more kids coming of the system getting bachelor’s degrees or technical certificates, and I want them into jobs,” Senator Carol Liu, member of the committee who wrote the bill, including Lowenthal, said. “I want them working for themselves, and I want them working for the rest of us. If we don’t build
Student Br yan Vader studies at the Math, Engineering Science Achievement building, a location with records of successful graduating students. Troy Orem, City Times California, there are lots of people out there around the world who would like to take our place. We need to make these investments. We need to be more mindful of how we spend our dollars. These kids need to succeed.” Studies have shown that only 30 percent of California community college students earn a degree or transfer to a four-year university, even after six years. The new act will bring several key changes to all of Cali-
fornia’s Community Colleges, including the San Diego Community College system. With the implementation of the Student Success Act, the system will change to a much more goal-oriented program. “(It will be) get a major, get a program, finish the program, get your degree, get your workforce certificate, get a job,” Pasadena City College President Mark Rocha explained during a press conference. Students will now be required to complete a state
wide assessment, pick a specific major or program, attend an orientation and then meet with an adviser to get a personalized education plan. All of these steps have been optional, and will become mandatory. Currently, returning students, including those who have been taking classes for fun for multiple years, receive class registration priority. Under the new act, students See Success, page 7
COLLEGE SAFETY
Colleges train for shooting scenarios By Adam Burkhart City Times
The San Diego Community College District police department provided instruction in active shooter response training conducted at San Jose/Evergreen Community College District Sept. 27 and 28. Sergeant Tony Gutierrez and four firearms instructors from the district police department demonstrated how to effectively respond to an active shooter in a simulated scenario of a school shooting. The San Jose/Evergreen Community College District hosted the event and invited the SDCCD police department because of its expertise in active shooter response training. Other agencies to attend were the San Jose, Gilroy, West Valley Mission Community College police departments and rangers from the state parks. “I felt the need to expose my district and community to active shooter training,” said Ray Aguirre, Chief of Police with the San Jose/Evergreen Community College District, “and (the SDCCD police department) provided very valuable training.” “About 5 or 6 years ago, we developed an active shooter response training program,” Gutierrez said. “About four years ago, mem-
The San Jose/ Evergreen Community College district hosts an active shooter day Sept. 28 to properly train police response. Courtesy of San Jose/Evergreen Community College Police Department
bers from the State Chancellor’s Office came down and viewed one of our training programs that we had at ECC, and from there they put together a grant so we could travel throughout the state.” The grant given by the chancellor’s office was for $34,000, according to Peter Wright, director of emergency preparedness for the Disaster Resistant California Community Colleges Project, which administrated the grant. The grant was directed to armed and sworn officers at dedicated community college police departments, which do not exist for every community college in the state, with some colleges instead contracting with local sheriff’s offices or public safety officers. “An attack by an active shooter is a threat that all community colleges face,” Wright said in an email. “The State Chancellor’s Office felt it important to provide leadership on preparing for and practicing for this terrible scenario by offering training. “The very advanced level of SDCCD police department’s tactical active shooter
training made it very attractive as a state model,” Wright said. The department used the grant, which was exhausted last December, to conduct exercises at West Valley College in March 2011 and at El Camino College in December 2011. The training continues to be conducted without aid from the chancellor’s office as a normal operation of the department while its officers are on duty. Usually, the training is rotated every six months among the different campuses in the district, but will next be held at the department’s firearms training range, Gutierrez said. The department has also held training programs on the City College campus, most recently in July, when training took place in and around the Saville Theatre. To lend the training the feeling of reality, the training staff employ flashbang grenades, smoke bombs and massive speakers with playback of gunfire and screaming, all of which act to disorient the staff. Other staff act as hostages, persons in distress or assailants. “One of my instructors acted as an assailant and we also had a representative from the State Chancellor’s Office there assisting with the training and we had a group of volun-
teers...role-players who are put in positions to act hysterical or dressed up with red paint to simulate injuries,” Gutierrez said. The simulations also serve to instruct faculty and students on what to do in a similar situation. “If they’re in a classroom they should be doing things like securing themselves inside that classroom, locking themselves down, being quiet, being lowkey, barricading the door,” Gutierrez said. “Unfortunately, because of the way the world is changing there’s been an increase in the amount of violence,” said Ed Headtke, administrative sergeant with the SDCCD police, “and we’ve been trying to prepare for it.”
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News
www.sdcitytimes.com | October 23, 2012
The need-to-know information to transfer to a four-year university A new way to get a degree
Website to assist financial needs
By Mariel Mostacero City Times
By Tristen Fernane City Times
Columbia University’s School of General Studies presented at City College Oct. 10 in the Transfer Center to provide information for possible transfer students interested in the school. The university made a presentation on the overall institution, focusing on the School of General Studies, which provides opportunities for those looking for a bachelor’s and have taken at least a year off school prior to applying to the college. “General Studies was founded in 1947. It was established in response to returning World War II veterans who were very nontraditional. They had experiences different things out in the world, so Columbia founded GS to conform to the needs of the nontraditional student and is who we continue to serve today,” Ivonne Rojas, senior admissions manager of the college, said. The school is one of 20 colleges under the umbrella Columbia University, four of which are undergraduate: Columbia College (a coed traditional university), Barnard College (which is designed specifically for women) and the School of Engineering, along with the school of General Studies. Other than the School of Engineering, Columbia’s focal point is liberal arts studies, offering over 80 majors. The school is located in the center of New York. “All of New York City is at your fingertips,” Rojas said. “It has this sort of campus environment with quads and grassy fields and beautiful old buildings and you walk out of the campus and you’re in the middle of the city.” Because the colleges have different requirements, the admissions process is different for each one. The School of General Studies, in particular, has a requirement that applicants have taken at least one year away from higher education. Unit requirements and other considerations that are usually strict in a traditional admissions process are more lenient at this school. There is actually no unit requirement and no minimum GPA, and no major has to be declared upon applying. “If you don’t have that
Finding a way to afford college can be stressful. Fortunately, City College now has a website dedicated to scholarships to help students ease that stress. By going onto the San Diego City College website, students can click on the college services link and then click on the link for Student Support Resources. Once on the Student Support Resources page, students will see the new scholarship link. Here they will find a helpful sidebar, with links ranging from application tips, to other websites where scholarships can be found. In order to apply for any of the scholarships found on the website, two general criteria must be met. First, students must be enrolled at San Diego City College for Fall 2012 and Spring 2013. Second, recipients should represent the diversity of the student body of City College. If the criteria is fulfilled, a useful link on the sidebar called the Scholarship List will direct students to 45 scholarship links that open up into applications, which students can print and then fill out. Some of the scholarships offered include: Anthropology, ASG, Child Development, Mathematics, SDG&E Leadership, as well as many others. Another link is for Outside Scholarships, where it lists various establishments, such as Rotary Clubs, that provide scholarships. The name of the foundation, amount of the scholarship, deadline and a link to the website where students can fill out an application are also provided. The San Diego City College scholarship page holds many opportunities for a range of different students.
See Columbia, page 15
Gar y Brown (left) and Deborah Cox (right) maintain the front desk of the Transfer Center in room A-111 at City College. Students can utilize the center to improve their chances to transfer. Troy Orem, City Times
Moving forward after City By Fahima Paghmani City Times Time is running out for students who are anxiously applying to the universities that look appealing to them. October is transfer month at City College and just like every year, changes are made in the academic calendar and in the requirements catalog. “My best advice for students submitting applications is to obtain key pieces of information necessary to apply to colleges. For the CSU system, students will need to know their transferable GPA, how many transferable units they have, and the ‘golden four’ general education areas. The application period for CSU is in October and November for fall 2013 admission. For the UC system, students will apply in November for fall 2013, and they will need to write a personal essay. Students can obtain more information on transfer applications through the Career/Transfer Center in room A-111, and we have a lot of information, resources, and online help for college applications on our counseling blog,” counselor Ray Wong said. “For future transfer students, they need to get a clear picture of their career by working with a counselor by appointment to identify a career goal. Then they need to focus on finding the right major and researching a college
that suits them. With these things in place, they should work with a counselor to plan their transfer and application to the college in a timely fashion. The best time to see a counselor is usually two weeks into the semester up to the halfway point of the term.” Erin Charlens, Ed.D., Associate Professor/City Counselor said, “As you may know, many of the UC and CSU majors have been, and remain, impacted. Because of this, many colleges are more strict about completing an appropriate general education pattern and preparatory courses for the major.” Charlens also adds, “In some cases, GPAs for admission into the major has increased. There are still many transfer guarantee options within the University of California system. Locally however, UCSD will be eliminating its (Transfer Admission Guarantee) after the fall 2014 admission cycle. SDSU has eliminated TAG for some majors due to the passage of SB 1440. While the TAG is generally still in existence at SDSU, students should not assume guaranteed admission into their major. “Transfer requirements are changing rapidly statewide. As always, students who receive an educational plan should stay connected with their counselors and with the Transfer Career Center for updates,” Charlens said. Charlens also warned future stu-
dents, “There are many other discussions at the state level with regard to student success. Newly admitted students to the San Diego Community College District should carefully follow the matriculation process within the first semester: assessment, orientation, and educational planning. These steps are crucial to ensuring that students understand how to successfully navigate their way to their respective academic goals. Immediately upon entry, students should begin thinking about their career goals, the educational process they should follow to reach their career goals, and partnering with the counseling office to develop an educational or career plan.”
Universities to visit City campus By Tristen Fernane City Times
As the school semester progresses the time for transfer to a university draws near. City College will be holding a Transfer Fair on Oct. 25 in the Gorton Quad. Here students can learn what they need to do in order to transfer to the college of their choosing. Speaking with Joseph D’Ambro, the coordinator
of the event, he mentioned a variety of colleges that will have booths. A few listed are: UCSD, SDSU, UC Berkeley, Ohio State University, New York Film Academy, Southern California Seminary, Arizona State University, University of Utah, a number of local, private colleges and many more. “There are 25 confirmed university attending but still growing as we get calls from colleges
asking if there is still room left,” D’Ambro said. D’Ambro explained that students who attend the fair will get admissions information from each college they visit and financial aid information on how students can pay for the college. “Even if a college you’re interested in isn’t going to be there it is still good to come out and get information on transferring and admissions,” D’Ambro said.
Some colleges will bring people to speak about specializations they may have. For instance, as D’Ambro pointed out, a few have specializations in nursing and will have someone in the program talk about it. Also, if students are interested after the fair, UC Berkeley will be doing a presentation. Overall, the transfer fair will have different kinds of information to appeal to all types of people.
Keep up to date with what is going on at City SDcitytimes.com
October 23, 2012 | www.sdcitytimes.com
Is Prop. 37 a good step? Genetically modified foods have been a worthy topic of debate for the past several years and California Proposition 37 on the ballot this coming election, the discussion has heated up. Many of the arguments against GMO’s focus on the practical and ethical sides of “messing with nature.” Most people don’t have a degree in genetics and so the idea that science has reached a point of being able to tinker with the building blocks of life can make anyone nervous and wary. Science-fiction author Arthur C. Clark explains the
EDITORIAL
City Times Editorial Board tendency to view science as having malevolent underpinnings. “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic,” he wrote in his essay collection, “Profiles of the Future.” Yet, scientific breakthroughs and discoveries are benign in nature, as are the developments in genetic modification. Politics and name-calling aside, understanding a bit more about how, and for what purpose genes are modified can lead to a perspective that will clear away the fog of “dark magic” from scientific ideas. For example, a popular tuber cassava is a great source of carbohydrates, but lacks pretty much everything else in terms of protein, fat and vitamins. It is, however, a very hearty plant which can grow in poor soil and requires little water. Claude Fauquet of the Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, Mo. has found a way, using bean and corn genes, to boost the protein and vitamin content in a species of cassava. According to Fauquet, this could save, “...one in four African children from a potentially fatal condition.” Developing nutrient-rich plants is just one of many positive applications of GMO’s,
Volume 67 Number 5 October 23, 2012
sdcitytimes.com
along with built-in resistances to severe climate, disease and pests. However, many big agribusinesses have stirred up much controversy due to a lack of oversight over GMOs and the bullying tactics that have been employed against smaller farmers. To give a Mr. Hyde perspective, a certain agribusiness has developed seed strains that, when the plant is fully mature, will not produce seeds, thereby forcing other farmers to continually buy seeds from them. GMOs are still relatively new to the world stage and, like many emerging scientific breakthroughs in the past, they too have been subject to profiteering and questionable business practices in recent years. By having at least a semblance of regulation for powerful new sciences, we can keep those who would exploit them from running rampant in an already looselyrestricted area. Prop. 37 may be key in ensuring that businesses are held to a high standard of ethical accountability. Think of this: GMO labeling will enable consumers to question from whom the food is coming from, and in turn they will be given the option to choose which businesses to support. If people see “GMO” on a box of cereal and decide not to buy it, big agribusinesses will be forced to assess why their products aren’t selling. Agribusinesses may discover that people in general like to be informed, and hate to be deceived. Prop. 37 can provide California with a double-edged sword, both to inform the public and be able to effectively fight back against corruption and misinformation. New strains could be developed that would provide enough food for everyone worldwide, as well as lessen the already heavy environmental impact by modern agriculture. Prop. 37 may be an essential first step toward a brighter, healthier, and more informed public in the future.
CT CityTimes
Published as: The Jay Sees | 1945-1949 Fortknightly | 1949-1978 City Times | 1978Incorporating the newspapers Tecolote, Knight Owl and Flicks
Troy Orem Editor-in-Chief
Amanda Rhoades News Editor
Michele Suthers Chief Illustrator
Bobby Whaley Managing and Online Editor
Jennifer Manalili Arts and Life Editor
Adam Baird Copy Chief
Mariel Mostacero Sports and Design Editor
Roman S. Koenig Journalism Adviser
Lizz Carson Opinion Editor
VOICE CT 5
WHY SO SERIOUS? By Adam Baird
The Battle of a voice for San Diego
Labels are not a solution California Proposition 37 is a poorly written law that has too many loopholes to be effective. Although the intentions are in the right place, Prop. 37 would end up costing far more than it is worth and wouldn’t even guarantee the labeling of all genetically engineered foods.
PERSPECTIVE Lizz Carson
Prop. 37 “Requires labeling on raw or processed foods offered for sale to consumers if made from plants or animals with genetic material changed in specific ways,” according to the summary of the proposition in the California Voter’s Guide. It goes on to exempt any foods that are “certified organic; unintentionally produced with genetically engineered material; made How to reach us: City Times San Diego City College 1313 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101 Newsroom: T-316
from animals fed or injected with genetically engineered material but not genetically engineered themselves; processed with or containing only small amounts of genetically engineered ingredients; administered for treatment of medical conditions; sold for immediate consumption such as in a restaurant; or alcoholic beverages.” Because of the clauses written into the law, labels would not be put on many foods that are actually genetically engineered. Any animal product that was not directly genetically engineered would not require labeling, regardless of whether or not that animal was fed genetically engineered crops. This means that any farmer that was raising chickens, cows, sheep or pigs to be butchered and sold would not have to worry about if their ani-
Phone: (619) 388-3880 Fax: (619) 388-3814 E-mail: info@sdcitytimes.com
City Times Staff Ally Browne, Adam Burkhart, Anthony Calhoun, Tristen Fernane, Sandra Galindo Jesse Gomez-Villeda, Andrew Hahn, Sierra Kelley, Felisa Leonard, Michael Liggins, Issa Lozano, Benny A. McFadden, Michelle Moran, Fahima Paghmani, David Wells
mals’ diets contained genetically engineered feed or not. The law still leaves no way to determine whether the food that you eat had, at one time, eaten genetically altered food itself, and thereby passed it on to you. The law also contains a loophole for food that is intended to be served immediately, such as in restaurants. So there would still be no way to tell if your favorite place to eat is using genetically modified fruits and vegetables or not. Beyond the deceptive writing, Prop. 37 fails to provide an accurate definition of exactly what “genetically engineered” means at all. The proposition gives this definition of genetically engineered foods: “Genetic engineering is the process of changing the genetic material of a living organ-
ism to produce some desired change in that organism’s characteristics. This process is often used to develop new plant and animal varieties that are later used as sources of foods, referred to as GE foods. For example, genetic engineering is often used to improve a plant’s resistance to pests or to allow a plant to withstand the use of pesticides. Some of the most common GE crops include varieties of corn and soybeans.” This definition fails to recognize other uses for genetic engineering beyond pest control. Genetic Engineering has been used for generations as a way to weed out the sick in crops and herds. Genetically modifying plants and animals isn’t just about making them resist pests or diseases, it is also a See Labeling, page 15
City Times is published twice monthly in print and weekly online during the semester by students in San Diego City College’s Journalism program. 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 a San Diego Community College District instructional 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 Journalism Program | www.sdcity.edu/journalism
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Voice
www.sdcitytimes.com | October 23, 2012
We need to know what’s All the way going on in our food Food labels already tell us if a product contains high fructose corn syrup, trans fat or is irradiated. Why can’t we also know if it’s genetically engineered?
PERSPECTIVE Ally Browne
Proposition 37 gives us the right to know what is in the food we eat, and what we feed to our families. Right now, you could be eating food that was created by forcing a piece of DNA from a totally different species into the DNA of a plant or animal, and not even know it. For example, some genetically engineered soybeans have DNA from bacteria and viruses spliced into their DNA, to help them tolerate weed killers such as Roundup. In fact, many GMOs are registered with the Environmental Protec-
tion Agency as pesticides. Nearly 80 percent of processed foods, including baby formula and fast foods, include some kind of genetically engineered ingredient, according to truefoodnow. org. The answer to whether or not GMOs are safe for human consumption is still unclear. The Food and Drug Administration did not do its own safety testing before the GMOs were put into our food supply. One of the few “studies” that was done by Monsanto, the company that created the seeds tested, compared genetically modified corn to regular corn and found that they were similar. Therefore, Monsanto believed their GMO corn must be safe for human consumption. However, there are studies on animals that have produced negative findings,
including organ damage, tumors, infertility and immune system changes. Toxins from GMOs and soy have been found in the blood of 93 percent of pregnant women, and in 80 percent of their umbilical cords, according to actionbioscience.org. Despite these risks, some people have absolutely no problem with consuming GMOs. But what about the people who do have a problem eating them? With no label, they have no way of knowing whether what they are eating is or isn’t what they think it is. For example, a vegetarian could be eating ice cream that was created using yeast spliced with fish genes, or an observant Jew might be eating salmon spliced with eel genes, making it no longer Kosher. Everyone has the right to
be informed through labeling, and thereby avoid foods that violate their personal standards of ethical and religious observance. The passing of this bill would not cost consumers or food producers anything. More than 50 countries, including China, Mexico, Russia, and the entire European Union, already label for GMOs, and they have not seen a rise in grocer y bills or cost of production. Food already contains an information label, and putting one more fact on it won’t change that. This proposition will not force people to change their eating habits in any way. It will simply inform people what is in the food they eat, and allow them to decide for themselves. Ally Browne is a City Times staff writer
Welfare investigator tours ‘mansion’ “Mrs. Galindo, the reason I have to talk to you is that papers show that you failed to report all your income,” the public assistance investi-
SOCIAL MEDIUM Sandra Galindo
gator in San Diego, Elizabeth Cazares, expresses to me in Spanish. The words “Economic Crimes Division” I read on her personal card she left at my door, would scare anyone, especially a mother in assistance like me. In this economic recession, with thirteen million people unemployed and thrown under the bus, the least we want to worry about is losing our food stamp benefits.
The number of Americans receiving food stamps as reported by the United States Department of Agriculture is 46.7 million, as of June 2012, which is more than the entire population of many large nations. Cazares and I talked and agreed to meet the next day, but since then, the roller coaster of emotions starts again. My mind is filled with: “What did I do wrong? I have reported everything.” A few years ago, we survived the terrible insult of the inspection of our home by Project 100%, the county’s welfare eligibility program that requires all welfare applicants to consent to a warrantless home visit as a condition of eligibility. After a large amount of pressure, the “assistance” arrived approximately two or three weeks after the intrusion of our home. This program, according
Question by Amanda Rhoades Photos by David L. Wells
Should Prop. 37 be passed or not?
to the District Attorney’s office “...does not violate the applicant rights under the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, or California welfare regulations prohibiting mass and indiscriminate home visits.” Under Project 100%, all applicants receive a home visit from an investigator employed by the D.A.’s office. The visit includes a “walk through” to gather eligibility information that is then turned over to eligibility technicians who compare that information with information supplied by the applicant. The investigator confirms that the applicant has the amount of assets claimed: the applicant has an eligible dependent child, the applicant lives in California, and an “absent” parent does not live in the residence. I must say that I felt forced to meet with Cazares and miss school again, but
food stamps are very important in my household of four. The little jobs I have make it tougher for us to survive while we skeptically look for a better employment opportunity so we can stop depending on government assistance. According to Lawfirm. org on Oct. 11th, the welfare office has a special unit called Fraud Early Detection, F.R.E.D. “You do not have to talk to a FRED investigator. If the FRED investigator comes to your home, you do not have to let a FRED investigator in, unless the investigator has a search warrant. You must be told of these rights both verbally and in writing, in the language you speak.” Instead of that, after introducing herself and entering our home Cazares asked, “Oh, do you collect antiques?” I noticed she was writing notes and I am aware See Welfare, page 7
When you lose your virginity, as a girl it’s awkward and confusing; as a guy it’s amazing ...ly short. The funny thing about sex is the clumsy way everybody is introduced to it. You probably expected to be some instant stud and fornicate like a porn star, and you were probably let down. The first time we all stumble around like idiots and are unable to fit things into the right orifices, then we’re unable to keep any semblance of rhythm. All we get is 25 seconds of spastic movements and
SEXUALLY EXPLICIT Bobby Whaley & Lizz Carson then five seconds of our body jolting around like we are having a seizure. The first thing that probably races through ever y person’s mind is “Oh God, am I doing this right?” The two things that losing your virginity will change forever are your feelings about sex and your ability to claim you’re a virgin. When you’ve already made the decision to have your first sexual encounter, the person that you do it with is just the first to get there, or the nearest one you can find. Infections and diseases aren’t the scariest thing about sexual intercourse, it’s the unintended consequences that come after. That post-coitial glow isn’t always there, especially after your first time. More likely after that, you felt like a high school athlete thrown onto a professional team; which is to say, you have been preparing for years and end up looking like you have no idea what to do. Sex can be intimidating if you don’t have a sense of humor about it. We all have our fair share of awkward, abnormal or bizarre sexual experiences, but losing your V-card is the only one that everyone
has to go through, so even though it might be bewildering and weird for you, making a joke of yourself might just be the key to getting over it. Once you have lost it, you aren’t going to suddenly turn into a sex-crazed zombie, and you’re not going to go take a vow of chastity either. Either you will still have trouble driving past a jogger in yoga pants and not veering off the road, or you’ll always forget that Channing Tatum is a horrible actor every time he takes his shirt off, depending on which gender you prefer. The only difference is that now you’re not scared, or at least you shouldn’t be, to have sex. The worst sex you can ever have with another person is still better than having sex with yourself. There is a flip side to sex: Sex can complicate things in relationships, and doing it before you’re ready tends to make it worse. Once your romantic relationships shift to sexual ones, things can get hair y. If the sex is bad it could put a strain on the relationship, even if the other person is a great partner in all other aspects. If the sex is great, you might stay with someone who is more attached than you are, an octopus dragging your ship down, which is something ever yone is guilty of at some point in their life. However don’t wait until you have been dating for six months to get in there and experiment with your potential bedmate. Finding out six months in, once you’re already head over heels in love, that your partner specializes in the starfish position will be an awful disappointment. So make sure you’re both going to enjoy your time with each other before you get emotionally tangled up in one another. Let’s face it, do you get a car and wait six months to drive it? No, you drive that car as fast and as hard as you can. Bobby Whaley and Lizz Carson are City Times Editoral Staffers
Cynthia Valenzuela, 18 Undeclared
Pascal Dickenson, 34 Nursing/ science
Danny Villada, 25 Anthropology
Thomas Stanton, 55 Undeclared
“I’m for it. A lot of people don’t know the difference between organic and genetically modified food. It would be better to be informed if something you’re eating is made in a lab or not. It’s more costly, but it is worth it in the end.”
“I think GMOs should actually be outlawed, personally. I would want to ask those companies how much they spent on genetically modifying all that food in the first place.”
“I absolutely think Prop. 37 should be passed. Its important to know what I’m putting in my body and a lot of the people who make food are just trying to make money.”
“I’m absolutely for it. It’s just the right thing to do. They have to label the contents of food anyhow. Everything costs more these days, might as well get something for your money.”
October 23, 2012 | www.sdcitytimes.com
A ‘fantastical’ Chicano speaker I was lucky enough to catch Chicano activist and Cal State Northridge professor Rudy Acuna at the International Book Fair on Saturday, Oct. 6. I’ve been to many lectures and readings in the past like this, but because Acuna is such a magnificent speaker and because of the timeliness of his speech about banned books, I thought it appropri-
local’s perspective Benny A. McFadden
trict, is something people in Southern California should fear as happening in our city’s schools and local colleges. San Diego is owned and controlled by just a few wealthy interests and families. Most other people we could call powerful in this city are only powerful through appointed or elected office, not because they actually hold the purse strings. Here, like in Tucson and many other cities in the country, if true wealth decides to start throwing money at a political issue, there could be nothing that anyone who disagrees with them can do about it. San Diego locals, many of them by no coincidence of Mexican descent, all know that it was not that long ago that San Diego had people running for local office who were from the Neo-Nazi and KKK parties. No, not the 1880s, for those of you too young to remember; the 1980s. Acuna used a striking adjective to describe what oppression can do to people. He said the wounds of the oppressed are like, “fantastical scars.” The impression I got of his use of the word “fantastical” was to describe something horrific and disturbing, meaning the physical reality of oppression is so horrible it is almost unreal. We should all remember, especially in an election year and as citizens of a Democratic society, that many immigrants who attempt to cross our southern border are doing so to escape fantastically horrific realities in their societies, and not out of disregard for our laws, ill-will, or disrespect. And, many times, it is for these same reasons that many of our ancestors came to this country, even if they arrived on the Mayflower, or crossed at Ellis Island.
ate to address some things he spoke about in this column. I was able to personally identify with a lot of what Acuna said, mostly concerning the Anglo-controlled democratic society that we still live in today. Acuna’s claims are that Chicano Studies programs at universities and public schools are curing illiteracy and creating an educated Hispanic public, and that white politicians and White-owned business interests fear this, is something everyone who is even slightly left of the mainstream establishment should identify with. It is not a new thing in the United States for politicians and business-people to view demographics of the American public as future prison inmates, rather than future scholars. Even someone like me, who is mostly of White, European descent, has been treated with that same indignity by local politicians. When I spoke in front of City Council a few years ago, I was told to shut up by a council member simply because I looked poor. The kind of class struggle that is going on now in Tucson, AZ., between their Benny A. McFadden is a state legislator and the Chicano studies program from staff writer at the City Times the Tucson public school dis-
Welfare Continued from Page 6 welfare queen, but I assume, if she is investigating, all my neighbors can state that I work three jobs only to stay afloat. I answer: “No, this is my furniture that I had since 2000; some of them were given to me by my grandparents and my parents.” After talking for a while, confirming the names and the earnings from my clients in one of my other jobs, I tell Cazares I have a new temporary job working on a candidate’s campaign for mayor and the investigator tries to trick me asking “And you don’t report that income?” I tell her “Of course I do, but I will report it in my next quarterly report...” and she writes
some more. Families in assistance get sanctions if we earn more money in our jobs; even a minimum change on income reduces our benefits, punishing our families. Therefore, we never have enough to meet the needs of our children. But if fraud is confirmed, penalizations can be devastating. Then Cazares asks: “Our investigation reports that a male person has been seen here.” And it takes me by surprise, but I answer: “Well, I have many friends and family members that come to visit and sometimes stay with me.” She asked me in particular about a male friend that has been seen more often lately, and I answer that one of my co-workers visits me frequently, and I told her his age. As if poor people
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We need Prop. 30 to protect the students of California After $20 billion in school cuts and 30,000 teachers laid off, it’s time to take a stand for our schools. Prop 30 will protect California’s schools and colleges from billions in devastating budget cuts this year. Educators like myself support Prop 30 because it will prevent a shortened school year, thousands of teacher layoffs, and steep tuition increases for families
PERSPECTIVE Jim Mahler
already struggling in a tough economy. If Prop 30 does not pass, our community colleges will be automatically cut by several hundred million dollars. That would mean sharp increases in college tuition and fewer available classes. The California dream was based on a system of public schools and colleges that gave every Californian a hold on the economic ladder. We can’t go on cutting our community colleges and keep the California dream alive, or
Success Continued from Page 3 with a set major will get first selection on classes. Those closer to their educational goals will also have a better chance of getting the classes they need. Students with unidentified majors, or who are taking classes for personal enjoyment, will be at the bottom of the list for registration. “You can’t come where and hang out (any more). I wish you could, and I think that’s one of the losses. But
keep our economy strong for the next generation. Prop 30 will begin to stop the bleeding in our community colleges. Prop 30 will also protect our K-12 schools from billions in devastating cuts, prevent steep tuition hikes for families already struggling in a tough economy and provide billions more to get our schools back on track. California is home to the greatest higher education system in the world. For more than 150 years, our public colleges and universities have given Californians the tools to reach a better future, supported our economy, and trained leaders across every industry in our state. At San Diego community colleges, we work every day to balance our immediate duties to our students with our broader responsibility to serve not just today’s graduating class, but also every class that follows. Our community college system is central to our state’s identity, and has long been one of our most important competitive
advantages in attracting talented people and businesses to call California home. Today, despite the difficult economic environment, a degree from a California college or university remains one of the best educational values anywhere. Our community colleges provide a pathway to that degree, and job training for a new economy. If voters fail to pass the governor’s initiative, automatic cuts will go into effect that will have a serious and immediate impact. Those are cuts our college can ill afford as we fight to keep tuition and fees down even as we maintain our high academic standards. California is one of the great economic engines in the world. We have an economy that has thrived because the minds of brilliant thinkers like Steve Jobs and the Packard brothers took root here. And because these innovators saw the golden future our state promised. No great economy can continue to thrive without an educated and motivated
work force. In 1786, Thomas Jefferson wrote to his mentor that he believed public education was one of the cornerstones of a democracy: “Preach, my dear Sir, a crusade against ignorance; establish and improve the law for educating the common people. Let our countrymen know that the people alone can protect us against these evils, and that the tax which will be paid for this purpose is not more than the thousandth part of what will be paid to kings, priests and nobles who will rise up among us if we leave the people in ignorance.” The need for public education is just as important today as it was in 1786. That’s why we must protect our public education system by passing Prop. 30. Prop. 30 will allow us to bypass legislative gridlock and draw a line to protect schools and colleges. Let’s take a stand to protect our schools and public safety. Jim Mahler is president of AFT Guild Local 1931
obviously people outside the college don’t understand the notion of exploration, of finding themselves,” Rocha said. Another major change in the system will relate to the Board of Governors (BOG) fee waiver. Students must maintain a C or higher average in order to be eligible. If a student has a lower average for two semesters, consecutive or not, they lose their eligibility. Also, students who fail to meet attendance requirements will no longer be eligible. Students must also be working for a
degree or certificate in order to receive the waiver. Retiring Community College Chancellor Jack Scott said, “Why did we put in there something about the BOG fee waiver? Well, we wanted not only institutions to accept responsibility for student success, but we wanted students to accept responsibility.” The final major change will require schools to report graduation and transfer rates to the Legislative Analyst office each semester, where the school will be reviewed. Colleges will also
be required to post a “student success score card” on their campus web sites as a condition for receiving federal and state support funding. The state Student Success Task Force, advisers to the schools, believe this bill will help community colleges become more responsive to the needs of it ss students, and also help the schools begin their climb out of financial crises. These changes will be phased in over the next couple of years, with all the changes complete by 2014.
Keep up to date with what is going on at City SDcitytimes.com shouldn’t have sex. I must say that even when I do not have a relationship with him, I wonder if the county is going to keep track of who I have sex with only because I receive assistance. It is clear the message is poor parents in assistance cannot enjoy the “gift of the poor,” so keep your legs together or you will lose your benefits, or worse. It is humiliating to have to answer those questions. I firmly believe this is about control, as if our life wasn’t already difficult. And Cazares continued: “According to our report, there was a person living here back in May.” I think immediately of a friend I was talking to back then; I said he stayed sometimes, but not long enough to state he lived here.
To end her official visit, and as if she was mocking me she asks me for a tour of my “mansion,” and she jokes about it. “I tell that to all the people I visit,” she adds. We will see. Before she leaves she asks if I have any questions for her. And I answer “There are two people committing fraud; recipients and case workers. I am sure some people take advantage of the benefits taxpayers help to fund, but I have proof that I have three jobs only to pay the rent. I have finished my Bachelor’s and I am pursuing another Associate’s in journalism and life is not easy for us. Why me? If I have proven that I want to get out of poverty, why me?” But she only smiles and says that the results of her
investigation are going to be sent to me. That can mean many things. I think the county believes that poor people are lazy, commit fraud, do drugs and have babies. I only need assistance to feed my kids. Actually, we need jobs, not welfare. Lawfirm.org states that “Sometimes the investigator comes to a conclusion based on false information from a third party. Other times they may draw incorrect conclusions from what they see.” Absurdly, the percentage of federal spending on welfare programs is 1 percent and that same government that is constantly cutting the Food Stamps Program is constantly raising the military budgets. According to Moralout-
rage.wordpress.com on Oct. 12, we are spending $2 billion per week in the war in Afghanistan. The military contractors are corrupt thieves, but they never receive the kind of suspicion reserved for mothers of children on food stamps like me. The life of a single mother on assistance is for sure not easy, forcing us to resort to pawn shops to pay all the monthly bills. We have survived until now in this economy, but it has been a tough road that primarily affects the most vulnerable families. Contrary to what the public sees, government policies seem to be set up to crush people like me trying to get ahead. We need to have a more accurate picture of hunger.
CT ARTS 8
www.sdcitytimes.com | October 23, 2012
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Patti Smith performs
Read about how the ‘Godmother of Punk’ wowed audiences at Spreckels SDCITYTIMES.COM
Perfect scares for this Halloween Horror films that will keep you frightened. By Jennifer Manalili City Times Director Kevin Smith, host of this year’s “Fearfest” on AMC, says that people are attracted to horror movies because being scared is a way for us to feel alive. “There aren’t many human experiences that can match the terror we feel while watching a horror film.” With Halloween approaching, it’s time to watch some of your favorite movies. Whether you’re into possession flicks or gory numbers, here are just a few horror staples that are sure to keep you scared this holiday. 1. “The Exorcist” (1973) A doeeyed young girl (Linda Blair) is possessed by the devil in this cult classic that went on to receive Academy Award nominations, a noteworthy feat for any horror film. You’ll never look at pea soup the same way again. 2. “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974) Smith calls the original “still one of the greatest independent films ever made and most successful, plus a straightup horror movie.” The infamous Leatherface was created by taking
Clips from “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (left) and “The Hills Have Eyes” (right). Official Facebook images. fragments from the story of real life serial killer Ed Gein. 3. “Halloween” (1978) The John Carpenter slasher film classic was made for $320,000 and introduced Michael Meyers and Jamie Lee Curtis to the world. 4. “The Shining” (1980) This Stanley Kubrick adaptation of the Stephen King novel of the same name, stars Jack Nicholson in one of his most famous roles as Jack Torrace, a writer driven mad by the hotel his family are named caretakers of. 5. “Scream” (1996) Wes
Craven directed this film that revived the slasher genre for a new generation, and features a killer named “Ghostface,” who kills teenagers under the guise of horror movie rules. 6. “28 Days Later” (2002) Featuring rage-infected zombies, the story takes off four weeks after a mysterious virus spreads throughout the UK, and a handful of survivors try to find a safe haven. 7. “Haute Tension” (2003) This gory French thriller follows two college friends, Maria and Alexa, after the former’s family vacation house is
invaded by a mysterious killer. 8. “Saw” (2004) The film that birthed an entire “torture porn” genre is surprisingly light on gore. What it does brilliantly is let the mind wander at the right time. After all, our imagination can conjure up much more than anything Jigsaw can put up on a screen. 9. “The Hills Have Eyes” (2006) With the tagline “The lucky ones die first,” this remake pairs “Haute Tension” director Alejandro Aja with a Wes Craven ‘70s classic, and makes for a gor y ride that pits a vacationing suburban family against a family of inbred mutants in an abandoned desert town. 10. “Paranormal Activity” (2007) Filmed at a Rancho Penasquitos home under an unbelievable budget of $15,000, this film utilizes the found-footage genre and blends
elements from “Poltergeist” and with a little demon possession thrown in. 11. “Insidious” (2010) Tired of gore? “Saw’s” writing and directing team of James Wan and Leigh Whannel pair up for this suspense-driven supernatural flick about a family driven to save their comatose son after he slips into a paranormal realm called The Further. 12. “I Saw the Devil” (2010) In recent years, South Korea’s garnered attention for the popularity of its revenge films. A dedicated secret agent, Soo-hyeon (Byung-hun Lee), fights to abstain from becoming a monster himself after the murder of his pregnant fiancee at the hands of a serial killer named Kyungchul (Min-Sik Choi). Kyung-chul is utterly remorseless, introducing audiences to one of the most frightening villains in recent years.
‘Shop of Horrors’ is ready to make audiences laugh By Adam Burkhart City Times Director June Richards said she wants City College’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors” to reintroduce humor to theatergoers with its satirical vision of the late’50s to early-’60s paranoia. “What we’re doing right now is trying to work against so many of the elements that I think are creating a lack of humor cult: this economic challenge that everybody faces on a daily basis,” said Richards, who is co-directing the play with Alicia Rincon, a choreography professor at City. “It’s really a satire, a kind of take-off of everything that was going on in the ‘50s and which people were really frightened of,” said Richards, “You think of all the films that were there to scare people.” The musical, set mainly in New York’s “skid row,” centers around main character Seymour, an amateur botanist who happens upon a man-eating plant, that apparently arrived from outer space after an unprecedented total eclipse of the sun. As the plant grows so does its notoriety with the public, leading to a snowball effect of mass hysteria and Seymour’s mounting terror at the plant’s grim
potential. But if audiences for Frank Oz’s 1986 film adaptation of “Little Shop” saw a tie between the plot and the shadows of early ‘60s America, (the red scare, fluoridation and nuclear apocalypse) then contemporary audiences of City’s production may derive added irony from the squalor of the character’s lives in a period which simultaneously conjures thoughts of material prosperity, and the American dream. Richards maintained that the common denominator will be the show’s humor. “It has a sense of humor, it doesn’t have a point of view,” she said. Diego Valdez, 21, plays the role of Orin Scrivello D.D.S., in his first appearance in a City production. Valdez looks promising in rehearsal as Orin and adds new dimensions to the duplicity of that character, as seen during one of the shows most well-known numbers, “Dentist,” in which Orin reveals his professional success as a dentist is owing to his inherent sadism. Valdez gives a rough and raspy delivery through a nefarious grin, which betrays the character’s pretenses to respectability and further gives him the aspect of a common shyster. Valdez said he conceived
Miriam Dance (left), Diana Santos (right), Professor Duane Gardella (above) put together the show’s star, Audrey II. David L. Wells, City Times Orin’s accent as that of a southerner who has moved to New York, and it succeeds in bringing out the falsity of that character, a kind of hustler who has donned a dentist’s smock, making him both reprehensible and hilarious. Seymour is played by Oliver Willcox, paired off with Loraine Odierno as Audrey, Seymour’s love interest. Willcox plays Seymour with a great deal of naivete while Odierno plays up Audrey as the nasally ingenue, not a worthy love interest, but simply the most
attractive girl available for Seymour to pine over. Part of the humor comes from watching the two characters fail to make a meaningful connection, while those around them, from lacking in guile, scramble for personal gain. One such character is Mr. Mushnik, played by Darik Houseknecht, 26, also making his first appearance on City’s stage. “The only two characters that are decent in any way are Audrey and Seymour,” Houseknecht said, “All the other
characters are using them.” Audrey, the carnivorous plant, also a character in the play, will appear as a series of increasingly larger puppets as the plot progresses, with its final incarnation being large enough to fit an actor inside who will control its movements. City stagecraft professor Duane Gardella designed the look of the puppet while Max Daily, a former California Institute of the Arts student, handled the mechanical design. The puppet will be voiced
by Tandy Ward, interim dean of student affairs at City. Darwin Browne, a student services assistant at City, will operate the puppet. Ward has previously appeared in City’s theater productions, most notably, he recalled, as the Lion in “The Wiz,” also directed by June Richards. “Even though the plant is an alien, I try to humanize him a bit with a soulful sound,” Ward said of his plans for the role. A difference between this production and the 1986 film version is the ending. Frank Oz was forced to change the ending for his film when the original was not well received at previews, but Richards said that the theatrical version possesses its own charm. “It’s so silly in the theatrical version,” Richards said, “In other words, no kid is gonna run out screaming and saying ‘oh my gosh, what are you doing?’ because it’s just a total satire.” Ticket prices will be $5 opening weekend, Oct. 26-28, as a special favor to the college. Tickets will then be $10. The play will run every weekend until Nov. 11. For more information, visit www.sdcity.edu/savilletheatre.
October 23, 2012 | www.sdcitytimes.com
San Diego Asian Film Fest kicks off By Jennifer Manalili City Times The largest showcase of Asian cinema in the western U.S. will embark on its 13th year with its producers under a new banner called the Pacific Arts Movement. The San Diego Asian Film Festival, an event that USA Today recently named one of the “Ten Reasons to Visit San Diego,” will have more than 150 films from 20 different countries joining the line-up this year. Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, China, Bollywood and Iran will all be represented and showcasing their unique creative perspectives at the nine-day festival, with participating locations expanding throughout the county. The Pacific Arts Movement, which until this year went by The San Diego Film Foundation, is a non-profit organization that produces the annual festival each year, is also revamping itself for the first time in its thirteen year history. The festival originally began as a fundraiser through the Asian American Journalists Association in 2000. It now stands on its own with the help of founder and executive director Lee Ann Kim. Kim, who was honored by the San Diego Film Critics Association last year for her commitment to cinema, calls the festival her biggest accomplishment. A former KGTV Channel 10 news anchor, herself a KoreanAmerican, she admits that getting the festival on its feet initially proved difficult. “I started it from nothing,” she told www.againstthegrainproductions.com. “I never even went to one film festival before I started one. Thirteen years later and we’re still around with 6 full-time staff presenting 40+ events throughout the year. I’m very proud of the community in which SDAFF created and the impact we’ve had on the lives of artists and students.” For the first time since it’s inception in 2001, the festival will have five different locations throughout the county holding film screenings. Opening night will be
held at the North Park Birch Theatre, a Taiwanese film showcase will be held at UC San Diego, Cinepolis Del Mar and the Museum of Photographic Arts will also play host. But the central theater location will remain, as it has in previous years, at the UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley at Hazard Center. The festival’s prestigious opening night slot will go to “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey,” a documentary about rock band Journey’s search for a new front man and their subsequent discovery of Arnel Pineda, a formerly homeless cover-band singer from the Philippines whom the group discovered on Youtube. Closing night will go to Japan’s romantic comedy “Love Strikes!,” which is just one of many films that will enjoy it’s North American debut at the festival. Different narrative features, documentaries, short films and animation will be showcased and special events will take place nearly every day of the festival with receptions, art shows, live music, film discussions, karaoke, a lifetime achievement award presentation to Korean filmmaker Chung Chang-Wha, and a gala awards dinner. Kim, who also serves as executive director at Pacific Arts Movement, says that her life’s work is dedicated to giving others a voice, a commitment fulfilled through her work with the festival. “…SDAFF’s commitment is to connect those diverse voices with an audience,” she said. The San Diego Asian Film Festival returns Nov. 1 through 9. General admission tickets will range from $9 to $11.50 per movie. Special discounted rates are available for students, military and co-presenters at $9. Ticket packages are $60. They can be purchased online before the festival or at the Mission Valley Hazard Center UltraStar box office starting on Oct. 30. Last year, the number of festival attendees exceeded 20,000. For a full schedule of films visit www.sdaff.org.
San Diego Asian Film Festival November 1-9
Ticket sales: $9-$11.50 per film Special discounted rates available: $9 for students, military, and co-presenters Ticket packages: $60 Tickets can be purchased at Mission Valley Hazard Center UltraStar box office
Arts
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Steak served medium-raw Has anyone ever considered that for the first time in human history, we are fortunate enough to eat food from almost any culture anywhere in the world, without even leaving our city? Today, my taste buds will be traveling to one of the oldest civilizations in the history of the human species: Ethiopia.
THE FOODIST MANIFESTO
Andrew Hahn The Red Sea in City Heights is small restaurant but it’s comfortable and welcoming. The first thing I noticed when entering was the strong aroma of Eastern spices. Behind the counter of the bar in the corner, an Ethiopian woman was roasting coffee beans in a saucer-type dish, from which an aromatic smoke filled the room. I was surprised to see dishes of lamb and beef on the menu, because I did not think meat was popular in Ethiopia. The country is predominantly Eastern Orthodox Christian with a large Muslim population, and neither religion allows for the consumption of pork or shellfish. Fasting during lent and every Wednesday and Friday
of the year is common, and during these times animal products can’t be eaten. I decided on a plate of the “Gored Gored,” which was described to me as very rare cuts of cubed beef marinated in mitmita, which is like a chili powder, and niter kibbeh, a clarified butter infused with garlic, ginger, and other spices. I ordered a stout beer called Malik that is imported from Ethiopia. I was skeptical at first, as I usually am with beer from countries that are not well known for the fine arts of brewing. In this case I was impressed. It had a flavorful, but not overpowering taste, with clean tasting ingredients and a crisp and refreshing body. The Malik was balanced and stayed true to the vital elements of good beer. Beer should have flavor, and this flavor should be noticeably signature, distinguishable and sophisticated, but not overpowering to the point that you sacrifice the refreshing qualities. When the food arrived I tore off a piece of injera, which is a spongy Ethiopian flatbread made of fermented teff flour, and used it to pick up the a piece of food. Traditionally utensils are not used at all, and the server did not offer them. After taking the first bite, I realized that my request for medium-rare beef was either
Plate of Gored Gored, cubed cuts of raw beef flavored with chili powder and clarified butter. Andrew Hahn, City Times ignored, forgotten, or that “medium-rare” by Ethiopian standards means cooked under a light bulb. The meat was raw and chewy! The marinade was flavorful, spicy and tasty, but the beef was hard to eat. It was so chewy that I could tenderize the large chunks of cow flesh, but they would not break down to small pieces that I’m accustomed to swallowing. I like sushi and I like a rare steak, but to me rare steak is cooked on the outside and pink or even red in the
middle. This meat was blue, purple and cold. It was the most gory meal I have ever eaten. Since I have survived the digestive process without displaying any signs of E Coli or salmonella, I have come out of this a more cultured and traveled individual. Plus, if I’m ever in an airplane accident and find myself trapped in the mountains with a group of survivors and we run out of food, I’ll have an advantageous tolerance for raw meat.
‘Sinister’ proves creepy By Mariel Mostacero City Times “Sinister” might do some harm to a sensitive psyche. Released Oct. 12 to audiences nationwide and directed by Scott Derrickson, this film starred Ethan Hawke as protagonist Ellison Oswalt, a true crime novelist who moves into a town where a young girl disappeared in the ‘70s. As he tries to uncover evidence about the disappearance, he finds a series of Super 8 films that take him on a much darker journey. As Hawke’s character watches the grotesque scenes on the films, from which creaks the grainy back tingling sound of the rolling film, he discovers more about the 1970s case, and many other cases on separate videos he finds. He soon realizes all the children in the videos disappeared while their families were murdered. His search for the murderer takes him toward a conclusion that is much more “sinister.” From the opening scene, the audience has to watch
“Sinister’s” grotesque scenes could keep audiences from sleeping. Official image. one of the videos Hawke finds, a long and disturbing scene that begins black, with only the sounds of the projector running. From there, the pendulum starts swinging. At the beginning of the movie, the blade already touches you, taking a little bit of your comfort away, but not quite “killing” the viewers with its brutality. There was actually little blood in the movie, but the images from the Super 8 films implied all the gore that
occurs in the films. There is a series of shots and angles that give off the old-school way of directing a horror, like the shot of a character’s face to the side while still giving the audience a clear shot of the background, waiting for a creepy face to pop out which did happen on occasion. The torture was in the anticipation. One scene in particular was a staircase dimly lit by the projector in the room above it, its grainy
sound of the reel running being the only thing Oswalt hears down the hall. He very slowly walks up, the very scene in which audience members would beg “don’t go up the stairs!” Intense and long, everyone in the theater could only clench their arm rests and wait for the climax, the pivotal moment in which the pendulum swings full See Sinister, page 15
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Arts
www.sdcitytimes.com | October 23, 2012
‘No excuses’ for not going out this Halloween Many events for kids and adults in San Diego By Adam Baird City Times With Halloween falling on a Wednesday this year, not too much is happening the day of. Fortunately, this means that the weekend before will host plenty of things to do, effectively extending Halloween and allowing for you to put your stylish or expensive costumes to good use. We at City Times have compiled a list of events, from clubs and venues,
to family-friendly attractions that will take place before and on Halloween. With this, you will have no excuses for resorting to only passing out candy this Halloween, or simply turning the porch light off (you know who you are). From live music to Halloween favorites like costume contests San Diego has a lot to offer. There are a variety of events for the 21+ crowd to appreciate, mostly in the Gaslamp district, but in other popular
areas as well areas as well. As for those of you who aren’t of age yet, the fun can be found in some of San Diego’s most well known spots including Balboa Park and Seaport Village. Events can fill up fast though, so for something like the “Titanic Halloween Masquerade” make sure to plan in advance. So after you’re done taking the kids door-to-door, remember there is fun to be had by all ages during the Halloween season. Enjoy!
Hillcrest genre. ($10.50) Rated R. The 1202 “Truly Bloody Halloween” (1202 University, Hillcrest) Oct. 26, 27 at 9 p.m. “True Blood” inspired costume contests, prizes, go-go dancers, DJ XP on Friday, DJ Marcel on Saturday. (No cover.)
21 + EVENTS “Halloween” at Hillcrest Landmark Cinema (3965 5th Avenue , Hillcrest) Oct 30, 9 p.m. Presented in HD and 5.1 audio, relive the classic John Carpenter film, which will also feature an exclusive documentary short that highlights the impact the film has had on the horror
FAMILY EVENTS
“Halloween” at Hillcrest Landmark Cinema (3965 5th Ave., Hillcrest) Oct. 30, 9 p.m. Presented in HD and 5.1 audio, relive the classic John Carpenter film, with an exclusive documentary short that highlights the impact the film has had on the horror genre. ($10.50) Rated R.
Downtown/Balboa 21 + EVENTS Stingarees “Seven Deadly Sins” (454 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp) Oct. 26, 27, 31 at 9 p.m. Friday brings Havana Brown performing “We Run the Night,” Saturday with DJ Cobra and an asylum-themed party, and “Halloweird” on the 31st, featuring ill.Gates and Stephan Jacobs alongside fire dancers, burlesque shows, and circus freaks. ($10). Onyx Room “2nd Annual Downtown Halloween Bash” (852 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp) Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. Three haunted rooms, black-out room, Don Santino with 10 DJs, costume contests, prizes. ($25 pre-sale). House of Blues “Halloween Block Party” (1055 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp) Oct. 27 at 9 p.m. SKAM Artist DJ Scratchy, Tribe of Kings, Technomania Circus, Urban FX, live green-screen room, costume contests, prizes. ($25 pre-sale, $35 door). Prado “9th Annual Halloween Ball” (1549 El Prado, Balboa Park) Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. Multiple stages and DJ’s, 20 bars, (headliner
TBA), Manufactured Superstars,($40-$60). The Stage “Halloween Weekend” (762 Fifth Ave. Gaslamp) Oct. 26, 27 at 8 p.m. Live bands on Friday with Timothy H. feat. DJ Matty Mac, Stix N’ Stones, Disco Pimps, and Saturday with hair-rock tribute band FingerBang, and Playboy Mansion resident DJ Miss Dust. (Cover varies, usually none.) Halloween Pub Crawls: Gaslamp Edition @ Taste & Thirst (715 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp) , Pacific Beach edition @ Moondoggies (832 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach) Oct. 26, 27, 31, Friday and Wednesday: 5 p.m. -2 a.m., Saturday Noon-2 a.m. $2 draft beers,1/2 off mixers. $4 shots, after party “bonus,” costumes preferred. (One day pass: $10, 3 day pass: $15, Group discounts available.) (21+). FAMILY EVENTS Fourth Annual Pumpkin Carving Event (1410 Rosecrans St., Downtown), Oct. 25 at 8:30 p.m. Pump-
kins and carving tools will be supplied, contests and prizes. The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park (6th & Juniper St. at Marston Point, Balboa Park) (Weekdays and Sunday from 7-11p.m., Friday, Saturday and Halloween from 6:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m.) Now until Oct. 31. a mile-long hiking trail, with monsters and ghouls terrorizing visitors every step of the way. An additional maze “The eXperiment” is also offered. Not recommended for children under 10 years of age. (Prices range from $15-$32, single, combo and VIP tickets available). The Haunted Hotel (424 Market St., Downtown) (Weekdays and Sunday from 7-11p.m., Friday, Saturday and Halloween 6p.m.-1a.m.) Now until Oct. 31. Rated as a top haunted house in America, featuring the “Hellevator,” Freddie Kreuger & Jason. Also not recommended for children under 10 years of age. ($15 general, $25 VIP weekdays and Sunday, $17 general, $27 VIP weekends).
Harbor area 21 + EVENTS Hornblower Landing “The Titanic Halloween Masquerade” (1800 North Harbor Dr., Grape Street Pier) Oct. 27, 8:30 p.m. A three-level yacht, four DJ’s, 1,000 titanicthemed ghouls and ghosts, costumes required, VIP open bar, 3.5 hours around San Diego Harbor ($75 general, $100 VIP) Flagship’s “Haunted Harbor Cruise” (1050 N. Harbor Drive, Downtown)
Google Maps
Oct. 29 at 9:30 p.m. Another three-level yacht with DJ Digital Opinion, Frankie Lektro, drink specials, tacos for sale, and a costume contest.($35 general, $55 VIP) FAMILY EVENTS Halloween Bash on the Bay (Seaport Village, Downtown) Oct. 27 3:30 p.m.-8 p.m. 50 shops for trick-or-treating, live music, a “living scarecrow”, and a pet-costume contest.
October 23, 2012 | www.sdcitytimes.com
LIFECT
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Preview of the Wii-U By Adam Baird City Times Nintendo is to video games as Disney is to animation; both holding the most historically iconic names of their respective genres, and both being leaders of innovation within their industries. Nintendo is in particular known for literally shaping console gaming as we know it today, developing everything from the “standard model” of controllers, to new perspectives and ideas on how games should be played (think “Mario 64” and the Wii). So when the high wizards at Nintendo announce that they are releasing a new game console, all but the most cynical of the gamers will pause and listen, for what
Dia de los muertos celebrates tradition By Amanda Rhoades City Times The San Diego City College Languages Department, in partnership with the World Cultures Program, hosts its annual Día de los Muertos celebration on Nov. 1 to remember those who have passed. City College is the only school in the district that holds a Día de los Muertos celebration, despite San Diego’s large Spanish-speaking population and location near the border of Mexico. The event was started by City Spanish professor Rosalinda Sandoval eight years ago as a course learning activity for her students. Candice Lopez, City professor of Graphic Design/Visual and Performing Arts, who was at the time a student of Sandoval’s, helped turn it into a campus celebration in which all students could take part. Día de los Muertos is day of remembrance in Mexican culture for those who have passed. City College students will construct altars in the traditional style, and make offerings to their loved ones’ spirits. The event will take place on Nov. 1 in D121A/B from 10 - 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Spanish Club by visiting their webpage at www.citycollegespanishclub.weebly.com.
may be presented could be the next leap forward for video games. The Wii-U will be Nintendo’s first HD console, a “better-late-than-never” move in a world where HD is the standard. Many gamers scowled at the muddy graphics and gimmicky controls of Nintendo’s last-generation console, the Wii, and felt that Nintendo had abandoned its core audience. With the Wii-U, Nintendo seems to be attempting to regain a loyal following by delivering a viable gamingmachine that can stand among the CPU gladiators of Microsoft and Sony. The Wii-U will run games at 1080p, hold up to 32 GB of storage, and be able to run the standard fare of applications such as Netflix, Hulu,
Simply delicious pumpkin muffins
The new Wii-U (below) features a brand new controller (above) which includes a built in screen for added interaction with games. Nintendo and browsing features. Like the previous generations of Nintendo’s consoles, Blu-Ray and DVD’s can not be played on the Wii-U; however, it will feature backwardcompatibility with games from the Wii, as well as function with the Wiis’ remotes. The most talked about feature of the Wii-U is about its touch-screen, dual-analog controller, dubbed the GamePad. About the size of a small computer tablet, the Game-
Pad has two thumb-sticks and buttons along side of the 6.2 inch touch screen. The GamePad will be the main access hub to access all of the features of the Wii-U. The touch screen will facilitate in-game maps, inventories, and mini-games, and will help with reducing information “clutter” on the television. What sets it apart from being just a simple See Wii-U, page 15
New faculty art exhibit opens By Fahima Paghmani City Times The Luxe Gallery Art Exhibition had its grand opening on Oct 11. The Art Exhibition is located on the fifth floor of the V building. The exhibition was full of attention grabbing displays accompanied by nods of approval from students, professors, and many guests who walked through and observe each art piece. The undeniable appreciation of the guests showed how successful the exhibit was. From artistic quilts on a wall to glass art pieces sitting on a stand, the gallery quietly screamed “look at me”. Rich and vibrant colors were developed and formed; Paintings and photographs decorated each
Fall is here! And not too soon from now, it will be Halloween again! Not only is it my favorite holiday but this time of year also means having pumpkin readily available at so many stores again - which if you’re a fanatic for it KNIGHT BITES like I am, is a total relief. Jennifer Manalili But don’t limit yourself to saving pumpkin or chocolate for Halloween. This recipe makes a lot of pumpkin bread and muffins! It yields three 9x5 loaves of bread but instead I made one loaf and used another pan to make 12 muffins. Be prepared to share or put some bread in the freezer for later. Making these has become a staple for me every time summer ends and the temperatures start to cool down. The muffins are wonderfully moist, and with the help of the cinnamon and nutmeg, definitely taste like the fall flavors I’ve been missing all year. Next time you find yourself with some pumpkin, don’t jump on making pies -though those are wonderful too- but make these delicious treats instead and try having pumpkin for breakfast!
Pumpkin chocolate chip bread From TwoPeasandTheirPod.com 3 and ½ cups all purpose flour 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons salt 3 cups granulated sugar 1 (15-ounce) can of pumpkin puree - not pumpkin pie mix! 1 cup canola oil 2/3 cups water 1 tsp vanilla extract 4 large eggs 1-2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray three 9x5 loaf pans with cooking spray and set aside. Alternately, if you’re using a muffin pan, line it with cupcake liners and spray it with cooking spray as well. 2. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl combine sugar, pumpkin, canola oil, water, vanilla and eggs. Mix until smooth.
(above and below) The Luxe Galler y in the Career Technology center hosts a new exhibit featuring a wide array of art. Fahima Paghmani, City Times corner and burgundy yarn purses hung beautifully against pearl white halls. Visitors curiously stopped to take a better look at an interactive and instructional piece the gallery presented. Observing the students take turns throwing a piece of clay in one jar to the next was a masterpiece in itself, and it made
everyone get involved with that particular art piece. The art contributions came from various artists including Terri Huges- Oelrich, Wayne Hulgin, Anna Stump, May-ling Martinez, John Chwkun, and many more. Gallery Hours will run from Monday through Friday from 11 A.M -7 P.M.
4. Slowly blend in flour mixture. Fold in chocolate chips. Evenly divide batter within three loaf pans. If you’re using a muffin tin, use an ice-cream scoop to divide the batter evenly. 5. Bake the bread for 60 min. or until browned and a toothpick comes out clean. The muffins will cook faster, and only require about 20-25 min. 6. Remove loaves from oven and cool in pans for 15 min. Run a knife around the edges and remove from pan. Let it cool completely before slicing.
To comment on the recipes from Knight Bites, or to suggest others check out our website!
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12
News
www.sdcitytimes.com | October 23, 2012
The real story on immigration By Jennifer Manalili City Times Students meet with campus police to get information and enjoy breakfast. David L. Wells, City Times
A chance to chat with campus police By Adam Burkhart City Times The San Diego Community College District Police Department hosted “Coffee with Cops” Oct. 18 at Gorton Quad, a meet-and-greet event for students to familiarize themselves with the district’s police and ask them questions over coffee. “We want the campus and the students to know that we are part of the education process,” said Charles Hogquist, district chief of police. Hogquist said that because City College is a multicultural community, students from backgrounds where officers are seen as oppressors or demand bribes might be apprehensive around the district’s police. Part of the purpose of “Coffee with Cops,” he said, was to change the perspectives of those students. Hogquist said he does not want a student whose immigration status is in question to refrain from approaching district police for help. “I don’t care about their
immigration status,” he said. Jeff Rabine, a detective with the district who was at the event, said he expected students to have questions regarding skateboarding regulations, the issue of homelessness around the campus, and tickets for parking or moving violations. Before the event was officially scheduled to begin, two students asked Rabine, who is also a recruiter for the department, how to go about applying for a job with the district police. Police were able to offer information on some of the district’s safety programs, including its Rape Aggression Defense class, a 12-hour course offered to women who are faculty, staff or students in the district on how to defend themselves in a sexual assault. The department plans to repeat “Coffee with Cops” in two weeks for three consecutive weeks at the district’s other campuses, Miramar, Educational Cultural Complex and Mesa, according to Rabine. For more information on the districts RAD classes go to www.police.sdccd.edu.
of 1998, and introduces 17-year-old Marcelo, the youngest in his family, as he prepares to leave his home in Michoacán, Mexico. He follows in the path of his three brothers who had all previously left in the same manner, and who risked their lives during dangerous journeys to the U.S. in search of work. “I was living in Kentucky. I noticed there was a shift. Mexicans were just coming to work. Kentucky is what I like to call ‘very Southern.’ The South is changing more rapidly than any place in the U.S.,” McGinnis said, “I thought it’d be interesting to see what it’s like for an outsider.” The film continues with Gonzalo, Marcelo’s eldest brother, seeing his
life unravel due to alcoholism, and speaking of the three failed marriages and children he cannot see, as well as the looming threat of facing jail time. Because of this, Juan, the second eldest, has become an anchor for the family after moving to the U.S. at 14 and marrying an American woman, Patricia, at 15. He has been able to build stability in the U.S. by both finding a job and starting a family, and his U.S. citizenship status has given him the power to help his brothers. Horacio, the second youngest, moves to Versailes, Kentucky, with his ill and pregnant wife in search of work and better healthcare. “It wasn’t a goal to do
Award winning filmmaker Eren McGinnis returned to City College and presented her film “Beyond the Border” at a World Cultures event on Oct. 16 to a packed room. The film follows the Ayalas, a migrant family from Mexico who leave their home country to find low-paying jobs in the horseracing industry in the state of Kentucky. The Ayalas’ story mirrors the experiences of the more than 40,000 Latinos that have traveled to the midwest over the years to find work. The story follows four of the brothers in the family, and examines how they adjust to the culture and new experiences they encounter as See Borders, page 15 they begin their new lives across the border. Over the past decade, many Latinos seeking better opportunities have migrated to states in the Midwest, such as Kentucky, that offer low-paying jobs in the tobacco, manufacturing and horseracing industries. As these Latino communities have grown, so has the discrimination they face. “Beyond the Border,” The Alayas family, from Eren McGinnis’ docuwhich was made over 10 mentar y, are shown in Mexico before moving to years ago, begins in June Kentucky. Official image
Suicide prevention website launches for Californians By Jennifer Manalili City Times As part of a Suicide Prevention Initiative, the state of California has recently launched a suicide prevention website. Done through the California Mental Health Services Authority’s (CalMHSA) Know the Signs campaign, anyone can now log on to www.suicideispreventable.org. “Pain isn’t always obvious,” the site says. “Though the warning signs may be subtle. They are there.” In 2010, 3,823 Californians took their own lives, and another staggering number of 16,425 people were hospitalized for selfinflicted injuries. The statewide marketing campaign focuses on suicide prevention. It recognizes that for individuals feeling depressed or suicidal, it may seem difficult to reach out to their community or ask for help. Therefore, the campaign speaks directly to those who are most likely to
see the signs of suicide and respond appropriately, like family and friends. The site prepares Californians to help prevent suicide by encouraging them to know the warning signs for suicide, find the words to offer someone they may be concerned about and the resources to help them reach out. “These facts are a grim reminder of the need for prevention and early intervention programs in California,” said Stephanie Welch, program manager for CalMHSA. “...Know the Signs serves as a way for us to educate our communities on how to play a role in the prevention and early intervention process by reaching out to loved ones who may be at risk for suicide.” The Know the Signs section of the site points out different warning signs, including evident anxiety, sudden mood changes, withdrawal and changes in sleep or restlessness. The individual in question may be talk-
ing about wanting to die or commit suicide, and express a feeling of hopelessness and desperation or detail that they may be feeling trapped. “While the signs for suicide can be subtle, they are there,” said Anara Guard, suicide prevention advisor for the campaign. “The campaign goals are to educate people on what those signs are, to recognize them when they are present and how to intervene early before the situation becomes critical.” Find the Words refers users to ways to start the conversation with someone they are concerned about; instructing them to listen, express concern, be reassuring, create a safety plan and get help from an outside source. Reaching Out offers users national and county resources that can help them access, treat and intervene in different cases. The campaign reassures that there are many resources available to help people. As long as, someone is willing to reach
out, including ways to access crisis lines, counselors and intervention programs for those who are experiencing emotional crisis or know someone that is. Other resources include help for anyone who has lost someone to suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and even a way to receive training in suicide prevention. While the media campaign will launch statewide next month with English and Spanish TV spots, billboards and print ads, the website is now live. The campaign was funded by counties through the voter-approved Mental Health Services Act or Proposition 30, and administered by the CalMHSA, an organization of county governments that are working to improve mental health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. CalMHSA operates services and education programs on a statewide, regional and local basis.
The campaign is just one of several contracts awarded to realizing the goals and objectives of the Suicide Prevention Initiative. Other statewide efforts funded by the MHSA include Stigma and Discrimination Reduction and Student Mental Health. The campaign has been funded since September 2011 and will continue to be funded through June 2014. It aims to achieve the following goals: Prepare more Californians to prevent suicide by increasing knowledge of warning signs and how to offer help and local resources, provide individuals who are going through tough times with resources and work with the news media to increase reporting about suicide in ways that are consistent with national recommendations. Visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. or www. yourvoicecounts.org to be a part of the campaign or other suicide prevention efforts.
Rain or shine, City unites By Mariel Mostacero City Times Even with a rainy day, The Uprising was still able to host the Club Revolution event Oct. 11 in the cafeteria, opening its doors to other clubs that also participated this year. “We opened up our events to all the other clubs, and welcomed them in to bring unity to the community,” said Robert Crouse, Club Rising representative and Associated Student Government senator. The event also became a way to memorialize Diana Gonzalez, a student who was killed on campus two years ago. Other clubs were invited to join in and say their peace about the student, which would work in tandem with the candlelight vigil that was held later that day. Club Revolution was intended to be more festivallike, with games and live music, but the unexpected rain caused the club to move indoors. Several clubs did cancel because of the weather, but others were more than welcome to stay and did so as Club Revolution was moved indoors. “Any club that did come, we gave them a chance to honor Diana, talk about their club, and we’re just going to build relationships,” Crouse said. Groups in attendance included Turning the Hearts Center and Students in Free Enterprise with their “Don’t Be a Bully” campaign. Some groups were from outside campus, like the Turning the Hearts Center, a community based organization. “In general, the Turning the Hearts Center has over 16 different programs to serve our community, and the Turning Hearts Center is the leader of youth and adult empowerment,” said Turning the Hearts Center representative Isaac Lewis. The organization has been building a relationship with City College, along with other groups in attendance that were hoping to participate in more in school-related events. Club Uprising itself has community ties, as Abraham Camacho, youth director of the National City base for the Christian group. The youth director and his group helped coordinate the event as well, keeping in close contact with the school and promoting Club Rising in general. As a Christian group, their views are focused on positivity and unity rather than spreading their beliefs. “Our main goal is to play a positive influence on people, because we believe they get bombarded with negativity every day. With us, we try to do what we can to bring encouragement to their lives,” Camacho said.
October 23, 2012 | www.sdcitytimes.com
POLITICS CT
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The Future of Education
Obama seeks lower tuition
Romney wants private funding By Fahima Paghmani City Times
By Michael Liggins City Times
If elected as president, Mitt Romney will pursue a sincere education plan to reform interest of students and parents ahead for interest about education and provide a chance for every child to appreciate education. Romney also promises to acknowledge and reward teachers for their results. Romney will combine federal funds directly with dramatic reforms that expand parental choice and invest in improvement. He will also guarantee that students will affordable options for higher education to give them the skills they need to succeed after graduation. Romney gives parents the full rights to receive clear information about the performance of their current school and of alternatives in switching. Romney also pushes to achieve each of the following; allowing low income and special needs students to choose which school to attend by making “Title I and IDEA” funds portable, provide incentives for states to increase choices for parents and expand the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program to serve as a model for the nation. As for higher education students who go to a community college or a four year institution Romney promises to strengthen and simplify the financial aid system, welcome private sector participation instead of pushing it away, and replace burdensome regulation with innovation and competition. Lastly, Romney assures to eliminate unnecessary certification requirements that would discourage new and future teachers. Romney also promises to reward great teachers through increases flexibility and block grants.
According to a Gallop Poll conducted in April of this year, President Barack Obama is still favored as leader by 60 percent of young Americans ages 18-29. To consolidate his connection with young voters President Obama has promised to continue fighting for affordable and accessible higher education. The Democratic Party acknowledges the fact that a college education and attainment of a proper academic degree are crucial tools in rebuilding America’s shrinking middle-class. In order to keep the dream of social mobility alive for the students of America, President Obama has presented several progressive educational reforms. The first major reform Obama presented in front of Congress earlier this year was his proposal to make a law forbidding high school students dropping out of school. “When students don’t walk away from their education more of them walk the stage to get their diploma, when students are not allowed to drop out they do better. So tonight I am proposing that every state require that all students stay in high school until they graduate or turn eighteen,” said Obama in a presidential address given in January of 2012. The second major legislation President Obama is fighting for is an increase in the number of Pell Grants available for disbursement from the federal government. Since coming into office, President Barack Obama has worked aggressively to increase the maximum Pell Grant award
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, left, and U.S. President Barack Obama shake hands before the first presidential debate at Denver University on Wednesday, October 3, 2012, in Denver, Colorado. MTC Campus
Elephant vs. donkey: Students have a clear choice in November President Barack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney bump heads in many areas, but when the attention is pointed towards education, both parties could not emphasize more the importance of this topic. Although Obama and Romney each have their own agendas in regards to education, they seem to completely agree on its necessity and the need to provide assistance for it.
PERSPECTIVE Fahima Paghmani
If elected as president, Gov. Romney has a very controlling agenda for America’s educational policy. He opposes putting federal dollars behind students, forcing parents to pick the option that best meets the needs for their child and their own pockets. Romney promises to eliminate unnecessary certification requirements that would discourage new and future teachers. He also promises to reward great teachers through raises, flexibility, and block grants. If re-elected, President Obama has assured the nation the hiring of thousands of new teachers, which can be tracked back to the promises made during his first term in office. Obama puts the emphasis on more teachers, not more resource-
ful teachers. Obama comes in with a strong hand and pushes the call for more teachers being hired in order to establish a more reliable education. When watching the debates, pay attention to Romney’s word choice, and notice how he’s never specific, and in fact, he’s extremely vague. This should put up a red flag for potential unreliability. Furthermore, for the higher education students, Romney promises to strengthen and simplify the financial aid system, welcome private sector participation, and replace burdensome regulation with innovation and competition. On the other hand, Obama “Creates the American Opportunity Tax Credit” which will make college affordable for more Americans. The plan promises a full refundable credit line that will ensure the first $4,000 of a college education is completely free for those that qualify. Obama also assures the public that it will cover two-thirds the cost of tuition on an average public university and will make community college tuition completely free to most students. He will also simplify the application process for financial aid by eliminating the current federal financial aid application and enabling families to apply simply by checking a box on their tax form.
This allows tax information to be used more accessible and removes the need for a separate application. Now, when you look into the pros and cons of both leading parties, which party assures us of hiring more teachers? At just the peak of 2012, 70 percent of responding colleges in a California Community Colleges survey reported reduction in enrollment and course sections. Cuts in staffing have made in 87 percent waitlisted for classes. From 2011-2012 the community college system reduced summer and winter sections by nearly 50 percent due to reduced funding. The promise for more teachers will mean the opening of more classes which means higher admission rates. Also, if being promised almost free tuition in community college, shouldn’t we focus on that one president who really wants to better us in the education. If re-elected as president, Obama will change and improve our education system by providing us with the resources that can help us achieve our goals in education. He will be giving us more teachers and affordable to free tuition. So voters concerned in improving public education should have a very clear choice in the upcoming November elections.
See Obama, page 15
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Politics
www.sdcitytimes.com | October 23, 2012
Which candidate wins the fight for your vote?
Bob Filner vs. Carl DeMaio By Mariel Mostacero City Times San Diego residents have the mayoral election looming over them this November, and with two adequate candidates, we must consider the one whose policies are stronger, plans reflect growth, and has the overall experience to create a better San Diego during their term: Bob Filner. Democratic Congressman Bob Filner has had over four decades of experience in both politics and education. Serving San Diego since 1969, he began as a professor at San Diego State University (SDSU). He went on to become a school board member and in 1982, was selected as School Board President. His time spent serving in education has allowed him to understand the importance of the public school system. He plans to bring together the local government and school system, creating more opportunities and stronger partnerships for the education system. His reform on education also includes a partnership with SDSU, creating a center for entrepreneurs to thrive and small businesses to succeed. Filner also has plans to help the pressing economic crisis that has effected many San Diegans . He would like to increase work in San Diego in several ways. First, he wants to encourage solar power and take advantage of the year-long sunshine of San Diego, promoting jobs in cre-
ating solar panels as well as other projects to turn around the state of the city. Small businesses will be supported as well, if Filner is elected for mayor. An office called San Diego Works will open as a result, supporting the Office of Small Businesses and making them a powerful entity, which will open more communication between city hall and small businesses. This will result in a more flourishing local economy and therefore more reinvestment to our city. He also wants to make public contracting jobs available to them, ensuring that those businesses have contracting opportunities from the city by meeting with them regularly. The community will be seeing changes too. The local residents will gain more control within their neighborhoods, investing in businesses to better the community, as well as create a Neighborhood Investment Corporation, taking money from the hands of those subsidizing for private profits to the hands of the neighborhoods themselves. The reforms he proposes will create a domino effect of sorts. As jobs increase, more small businesses will gain profits, which will improve the economic state within the city and especially local neighborhoods, and therefore will encourage reinvestment into the city. His actions will be swift and Filner promises to be ever-watchful over the progress of the city. Finally, the candidate is
determined to preserves the natural resources and surroundings, and will continue to fight for wildlife and greenery. Filner is also supportive of the arts, hoping to increase public interest in performance and visual art and make San Diego a forerunner in creativity and innovation. His plans are to encourage creativity in the schools as well as prominent theaters such as the theater in Balboa Park and gain more support from prominent arts patrons. Bob Filner is an experienced political mind who plans to focus not only on the big picture, but also the details that improve the quality of life in San Diego. He believes in changing the state of the economy for the better, hopes to improve the local education system, and plans to continue the growth of the arts and preservation of the environment. His reforms also hand more control to the San Diego residents, allowing them to do what they can to improve their community with the resources that will be made available to them.
By Felisa Leonard City Times With the mayoral election this November, responsibility will fall upon the citizens of San Diego to elect a candidate capable of taking action and making tough decisions that will finally address our city’s issues and restore it to the glory it once knew. Republican candidate Carl Demaio promises to do just that. He recognizes that action in regards to our city’s issues is long overdue and if elected, he promises swift and decisive action on a whole host of issues that have been left festering for far too long. His platform includes plans that would reform San Diego’s budget and attempt to reduce the deficit, address the city’s crumbling infrastructure, encourage job creation by protecting against tax and fee increases, create a more transparent and accountable government, ensure that the city does its part to be more environmen-
tally friendly, and promote cleaner and safer neighborhoods throughout San Diego. Our city has had a tumultuous history of over-paid officials with ridiculous pension plans that have only worsened an ever-growing budget deficit. According to the platform posted on his website, Demaio has a thorough plan to reform the pension program by enacting a 401-k style retirement plan for city workers. He also wants to make all city salaries and pensions public knowledge by posting them online. By making this information more transparent, it will hold city officials more accountable. During a time when all of San Diego has been forced to cut back it is about time that city officials also do their fair share. These reforms will also provide much-needed funding without increasing taxes on citizens. Avoiding tax increases on citizens and businesses will also help with job creation. Demaio hopes to further these efforts by streamlining the creation process for small businesses. In tough economic times, it is extremely important that our city do all it can to ensure that there are an increasing number of available jobs for residents. Demaio wants to do all he can for the citizens of our city. With the reforms he plans to institute in regards to the city’s existing pension plan, more funds will be available to address the
city’s deteriorating roadways. He wants to make sure that the city’s infrastructure is made a top priority because a functioning road system is vital to sustaining our economy. As the representative for District 5 on the San Diego City Council, Demaio has been effecting change since his term began in 2008. His record dictates that he has consistently fought on the side of San Diego taxpayers, advocating for government reform instead of tax increases. Demaio has also proven that he believes in putting the citizens first. When plans for a new City Hall that would cost the city upwards of $300 million were made, DeMaio headed the opposition, insisting on less costly alternatives so that funds could be used in ways that would better benefit all San Diegans. Demaio wants to further improve the safety of our local neighborhoods by tapping an often underestimated resource: volunteer participation. By encouraging San Diegans to do their part, Demaio hopes to improve our city in a cost-effective manner. Volunteer work would also increase civic participation and pride. Demaio has a thorough and effective plan to help rejuvenate and improve our city for all citizens. He has proven that he can make a difference and by electing him as our mayor, we would be taking a step in the right direction for a better and brighter future for San Diego.
Propositions to know about before turning in your ballot The basics for voters on Prop. 30, 34, and 37 By Michael Liggins City Times nProposition 30 - Finding Funding for California’s Schools If passed, Proposition 30 would raise the annual income tax rates for Californians who earn more than $250,000 a year. The measure would also increase California’s sales-tax rate from 7.25% to 7.50%. The state would then allocate 89% of the revenue generated by these tax hikes to K-12 schools and give the remaining 11% to community colleges. Proposition 30 is also designed to pump money back into California’s public safety services. The measure would stop the state from controlling public safety funding and give that power back to
local governments. Opponents against Proposition 30 include: The Sacramento Taxpayers Association, The California Republican Party, The San Diego Tax Fighters, The San Diego Union Tribune and The North County Times. Supporters for Proposition 30 include: Gov. Jerry Brown, The California Teachers Association, California Nurses Association, The California Democratic Party and The League of Women Voters of California. nProposition 34 - The Death Penalty Question If passed, Proposition 34 would end the death penalty in California. All inmates currently awaiting execution on California’s death row would have their judgements shifted to serve out life sentences rather than face lethal injection. Authors of the bill argue that it is more profitable to make money off a death row inmate rather than simply kill
them. Any money earned by inmates while serving their life sentences in prison would be used to pay off victim restitution fines and court fees. Since 1978 California has only executed 13 of its death row inmates. Opponents against Proposition 34 include: The Californian Republican Party, Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, Sacramento County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, The California District Attorneys Association. Supporters for Proposition 34 include: Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Former Warden of San Quentin State Prison Jeanne Woodford, The California Democratic Party and The American Civil Liberties Union. nProposition 37 Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods If passed, Proposition 37 would force the labeling of genetically modified foods on food packaging. The mea-
sure will also put an end to mis-advertised foods that are labeled as being “natural” simply for marketing purposes. Authors of the bill have dubbed it the “The California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act” . Financially, the bill would bring in revenue for California from anywhere between a few hundred thousand to $1 million to regulate the labeling of packaged foods. Supporters for Proposition 37 include: The Organic Consumers’ Association, The Institute for Responsible Technology, The California Democratic Party and Nature’s Path. Opponents against Proposition 37 include: The Californian Republican Party, The California Small Business Association, The California Farm Bureau Association and The California Taxpayer Protection Committee.
P building, where voting booths will be located, are at the far top left corner of the map above. Courtesy of the official San Diego City College website.
Voting booths at City College By Ally Browne City Times Students who would like to vote in the Nov. 4 elections will be able to do so at voting booths that will be located on campus in the
flex room of the P building. The P building is located on Park Avenue, next to the Harry West Gymnasium. The voting booths will open at 7 a.m. and will close at 10 p.m. or whenever the election ends.
October 23, 2012 | www.sdcitytimes.com
Wii-U Continued from Page 11 touch screen is that entire console-based games can be played on it. Say you were playing Super Mario Bros., and your spouse came in and wanted to watch the TV you were hogging. Simply switch the game over to the GamePad, and you save yourself hours of glares and resentment (while still being able to finish that last level). Speaking of Super Mario Bros, Nintendo will be releasing a game with its iconic plumber for the Wii-U’s release. “New Super Mario Bros. U” (creative and original name, I know) will be the first time the Super Mario universe will be in HD. For those of you who have drifted away from video games because they became too complicated and immersive, or still have a nostalgic place in their hearts for the first Koopa they stomped years ago, “New Super Mario
Borders Continued from Page 12 that here,” he says, detailing how his job requires him to clean up horse and cow urine and feces. “I had no idea what I was getting into...but being able to send money is the most important thing.” McGinnis also encounters the Ayala patriarch Marcial and his wife Carmen, as well as their daughters Lupe, Carmelita and Elena. Lupe and Carmelita, who would like to immigrate to the U.S. but remain behind with their Mexican husbands and the baby of the
Labeling Continued from Page 5 way to improve the food that is available to consumer. The University of Maryland Medical Center Encyclopedia defines “Genetically Engineered Foods” as: “Foods (that) have had foreign genes (genes from other plants or animals) inserted into their genetic codes. Genetic engineering can be done with plants, animals, or microorganisms. Historically, farmers bred plants and animals for thousands of years to produce the desired traits. For example, they produced dogs ranging from Poodles
Sinister Continued from Page 9 force for its most painful blow yet. Sounds effects weren’t bad either. As was brought up several times, the projector’s gritty and uncomfortable sounds gave the movie its flavor. The tribal-like music that made up the soundtrack was a giveaway that the mystery would not be within the realm of the normal, but rather the dark and evil super-
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Bros. U” is holding true to the series side-scrolling, 2D roots. All of the familiar cast of the series will be in the game, as well as incorporating features that were developed on the Nintendo DS versions of Mario Bros. It’s a smart bet on Nintendo’s part to invoke Mario at this time, as Nintendo’s most successful console releases coincided with a game featuring him. A plethora of other games have been announced for the Wii-U at or close to the 2012 holiday season (see sidebar), from casual games to more “hardcore” games. Nintendo also seems to be taking online gaming and features a bit more seriously this time, something that has also become a standard for console gaming. Despite this, many titles are focused on the “family game night” ideal that Nintendo dominated in the last console generation. For example, the game “Nintendo Land” (an amusement park, mini-game world), will have one person on the
Game Pad and up to four people on Wii remotes playing various games; the GamePad player is a ghost, who can see the players on the touch screen and sneak up on them, while the others use the remotes like flashlights on the TV searching out the ghost. With no competition this holiday season, Nintendo is poised to gain a head start over the other console giants. Nintendo has announced that it will release the Wii-U in the US on November 18, and in following with the current (and often annoying) trend, will offer two versions: Basic and Premium. Wii-U Basic will come with the console, a GamePad, sensor bar, HDMI cables, and 8GB of memory. Wii-U Premium adds on 32GB of memory, charging cradle and stands for both the console and GamePad, and the game Nintendo Land. Basic will retail for $299, and Premium for $349. The price doesn’t seem to me to
be outrageous (remember, Playstation 3 released at $699), and coughing up an extra $50, even if for just the added memory would be worth it, especially if you are going to get it anyway. To me, this seems like a valiant effort on Nintendo’s part to restore some of its former glory as the video game champion of the world. Integrating modern technology, applications, and games while still remaining the forerunner of innovation and mainstream accessibility is no easy feat. And releasing the Wii-U a week before Black Friday doesn’t hurt either. Now I’m not sure if I will be waiting outside of Best Buy for three days prior to Nov 18. Most likely, I will politely beg someone to get it for me for Christmas. But so far, the Wii-U seems like a far-reaching, solid platform for Nintendo to work from for the coming years, and I look forward to seeing what lies in store for its future.
family Elena, who dreams of education and gaining income for the family. “Economically, I’m better off here. But at home, I have my friends and family. I miss Mexico very much. I want more than anything to be home soon,” Marcelo says after spending four months in the U.S. As the months go by, Marcelo’s emotions depress. “I feel sad. How long has it been already?” he says, his homesickness growing into desperation as he speaks to his mother on the phone. “...If God is willing, I’ll be there for Christmas. Or New Years. But I’ll be there as soon as I
can. I don’t want you working one more day.” By the end of the hourlong film Marcelo is able to return home for Christmas, and finds employment with a better horse trainer who provides him with free healthcare and higher pay. “I haven’t seen it in a long time,” McGinnis said after the screening. “It was interesting to see it with all of you and hear your reactions.” McGinnis said that all members of the Ayala family are currently living in the U.S., but without their matriarch, Carmen, who had passed away. “There’s much more
pride now in culture and heritage,” McGinnis said about what’s changed in the decade since the movie’s completion. “...There’s more pride in language now and in being bilingual...Immigration has gotten harder. I think this family was very lucky.” McGinnis has produced several award-winning documentaries for PBS. Her other credits include “Precious Knowledge” and “The Spirituals.” For more information visit www.dosvatos.com. For more information on World Cultures events visit www.sdcity.edu/worldcultures.
to Great Danes...Genetic engineering allows scientists to speed this process up by moving desired genes from one plant into another -- or even from an animal to a plant, or vice-versa.” When looking at this definition, genetic engineering doesn’t seem so bad, and it really isn’t. Humans have been genetically engineering foods for generations by cross breeding crops and herds to produce the best quality offspring for consumption. The fact that scientists can now do this in a lab to save generations of work is a testament to the advancement of the human race. To be
able to produce crops that will grow in harsh weather is an achievement, not something to be feared. Genetic engineering isn’t meant to create a Frankenstein-type hybrid of animals and plants, as Prop. 37 would have you believe; it is meant to help feed the world. By making it harder for people to sell genetically engineered crops, Prop. 37 would make it harder for many people to get quality foods at lower prices. Beyond the unintended hike in food prices, Prop. 37 will also require “a few hundred thousand dollars to over $1 million annually,” just to maintain the regulations on
genetically engineered foods, according to the analysis provided to voters by the State of California. The costs of regulating this ineffective law are astronomical. Using $1 million annually just to put labels on selective foods is inefficient and a waste of State Administrative money. If there weren’t so many loopholes written into the law, then maybe it could be a good idea. But with so many exemptions on what could or could not be labeled, Prop. 37 doesn’t make any real changes and uses unnecessary amounts of money and resources to do it. Lizz Carson is a City Times editorial staffer.
natural world, reminding us over and over of how disturbing this film was becoming. Derrickson effectively used the silence in-between scenes to add suspense, the same way “Paranormal Activity” used the silence to make the audience wait agonizingly for the demon to make an appearance. The end of the film really nailed it, giving new meaning to the idea of using a red herring to create a good twist. No spoilers, but
many moviegoers were surprised by how the mystery wrapped up, and the conclusion the film had. Essentially, many of the elements of the film threw viewers for a loop. It was the final blow, the cut that killed us off, and it was well-timed. Any longer, and the movie would just be unbearable. Overall, “Sinister” was well-executed in its imagery, cinematography and storyline. Derrickson didn’t attempt to change up the old-
school horror movie style or over-elaborate on the storyline, but rather left it alone and let the film be a good oldfashioned thriller. It is a film well worth the price of the ticket. For the hardcore horror flick fans, it holds up the genre’s standards without trying too hard for a scare (you might not be as disturbed but rather just feel a little creeped-out afterwards). As for those who are of the faint of heart, go with a friend. Or a couple.
Columbia Continued from Page 4 year off, then you would have to apply to Columbia College or Barnard College. The application is a different process,” Rojas said. Although the schools are separated on an administrative level, they are combined academically. Students are treated equally in terms of academic rigor, class work and lecture availability. “On the educational side of things, all of the schools are integrated. So everybody is studying in class together, they’re talking to the same professors, they’re earning the same degrees and they’re studying the same majors,” Rojas said. Students interested in transferring to the university can use transferable units, but they will not be evaluated until an application is sent in and the student is admitted. They can apply the units to a broad core curriculum that is required to graduate from the college, accepting up to 60 transfer credits based on a level of equivalence and if the grade for the course is a C or higher. Summer, fall and spring courses are accepted, but online courses are not.
Obama Continued from Page 13 because he recognizes that millions of Americans use the Pell Grant award as their primary means for paying college tuition. “We will provide the support necessary for you to complete college and meet a new goal; by 2020 America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world”, said Obama in a February news conference conducted in 2009. President Obama has given his full commitment and support to making sure Americans who serve their country in the armed
Volleyball Continued from Page 16 everyone stepped up though, “ Bodnar said. One perfectly executed kill, and probably the most powerful in the match, was done as a sort of score-changer. Butterfield took advantage of an assist for a forceful spike, earning them an easy and well-earned point halfway through the game. Once again, Knights won the game 25-17. If they won the third period, the match would end there rather than the previous set played at five games. At halftime, the raffle was called for the breast cancer cause, with spectators winning free Rubio’s meals, free Chipotle items, and even a chance for a
With the school being located on the east coast, the school does offer academic and financial support. Financial aid is available for out-of-state students and so is housing. College apartments are available on a first-come first-serve basis, offered at less than market value. Housing can be paid with financial aid, as well as other expenses since General Studies charges per credit unlike traditional schools. “All of our students get scholarship. We offer primarily a merit-based scholarship. For a full-time new student, the scholarship average is $6,500 to $8,000 typically. There is a combination of scholarships from our school, in tandem with the financial aid offered,” Rojas said. For students interested in applying, the deadline for Early Action fall admission is March 1, the summer admission deadline by April 1 and the regular fall admission deadline is June 1. Application information can be found on http:// gs.columbia.edu/. For any questions about the school and transfer options, students can contact Ivonne Rojas at inr2101@columbia.edu.
forces have a chance to go to college after serving their country. By continually reaching out to veterans, dependants and active duty military members, President Obama has worked to make transitioning back into American society easier for those who serve. “When our men and women are serving on behalf of all of us, we have a solid obligation to look after them when they come home... We have actually increased the budget for the Veterans Association by 11 percent last year, because we think it’s important to play some catch up”, said President Barack Obama in a town hall meeting in 2009.
trip to Italy. For those who didn’t get a prize, a contest to serve a ball over the net occurred, with winners of that game getting City College sweatshirts and other items of clothing. Southwestern, in the third game, was too close to winning for comfort. The Jaguars got a lead of 6-4, leaving the Knights to work for the top spot. The score did manage to reach a 10-10 tie, which was broken on the Knights’ side, bringing them back on top. Finally, the whistle blew just as the score hit 25-19, a victory for the Knights and another win for the league. “That’s what’s great about this. Our season’s not even half over yet,” Bodnar said.
CT SPORTS 16
www.sdcitytimes.com | October 23, 2012
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Ryan Levinson
Athlete shows students that success is possible even with struggle SDCITYTIMES.COM
Knights beat Jaguars in ‘Play For a Cure’ match By Mariel Mostacero City Times The women’s volleyball team once again dominated the opposing team, the Southwestern Jaguars, in the “Play for a Cure” match, a 3-game set played Oct. 12 at City College to benefit breast cancer research. The game proved significant not only because it was another league game, but also because it was hosted at City to promote awareness and raise funds for the fight against breast cancer. Proceeds from the game, including food sold and a raffle that was held during the match, went to breast cancer and finding a cure. To represent the event, players from both teams wore pink and the Knights painted the signature pink breast cancer ribbon on their legs to show support. “In the sense of the game, it was significant, and I know they wanted to play hard,” Dede Bodnar, City College women’s volleyball coach, said. The first game started with the Knights already earning an easy lead at 8-1. Throughout the game, they maintained their status by at least 6 points. Unlike their previous game against the
Palomar Comets, blocking was barely used during the game, but rather long shots across the floor made by both sides. This became advantageous for the Knights, with the Jaguars going out of bounds several times, which credited to a chunk of points for City. The defense was strong though, ensuring the other team didn’t get the point. Already, the game was looking up for the home team with the game ending at 25-14. “This game was better for our team. Just the discipline and getting to base for defense and getting outside the hit and when they get to their base positions they can be explosive,” Bodnar said. Once the whistle blew for the second game, though, Southwestern came back in full force. The score moved fast, but with little point advantage, balancing between ties at 1-1 and 3-3 constantly. Knights were barely able to hold on to the lead by one point during the first half of the second period. The turnaround was really when City started using more effective kills and really gained momentum. Elemy Yeme and Tessa Butterfield, who is team captain and was recently named Athlete of the Week, stood
Tessa Butterfield (#14) throws to Southwestern College player at the Harr y West Gym at City College during the second game of a breast cancer awareness benefit. Mariel Mostacero, City Times out as the score started to break away from the tie. “(Tessa Butterfield) is our only sophomore, she is a total leader in all aspect of that word, and she’s powerful. She’s improved so much. Outside of that, I think our
setter (Jaclyn Kreymborg) did a nice job, I thought our other outside hitter, Jasmine Wong, did a really nice job, and Imani Griffin did a great job in the middle. I think See Volleyball, page 15
Lady Knights win 3-2 Volleyball called, Palomar won the with a score of 25-16. team victorious game The beginning of the over Palomar second period was a game changer. City came back Comets from their initial defeat and By Mariel Mostacero City Times The City College women’s volleyball team played a home game against the Palomar College Comets Oct. 12, gaining a victory in the set with a final score of 3-2. “I thought it was incredible. The girls fought. Some teams get tentative when the game is close, they get jitters. We had jitters on and off, but they played through it and that’s what is so important, and I thought they played a fantastic match,” said Dede Bodnar, women’s volleyball head coach. The game began with the score toggling between teams. Halfway through the first period, Palomar had a lead which grew until the end of the first game. By the time the first break was
the score toggled between each team by only one point. Several times they were tied, and at that point both teams were making constant dives for the ball. One of the more zealous players was Elemy Yeme. “She was digging everything, and when she makes those great dynamic plays it gets her back in the game,” Bodnar said. She also considered Tessa Butterfield (captain) and setter Jaclyn Kreymborg as key players during the overall match. Halftime was called with both teams holding on to a game, with City having won the second period 25-23. The Knights managed to get ahead of the game by throwing strong serves. The Comets, however, gained more momentum when the score reached a 20-20 tie. Eventually, the
teams moved towards the net with a series of blocks, until Palomar got the point, and that’s when things heated up. Both teams fought hard at the end of the third period, and was probably the best part of the game. The Knights’ defense (or diggers) had to throw out some powerful hits across the net, which the Comets returned with an equal amount of force. Following that, the final score for the third game was 25-21, with City now in the lead. “I think that we’re a really defensive team and we play really well. I think that offensively, they did a great job, but it’s defense that turned those points around and that kept us the lead in the three games,” Bodnar said. Palomar took back the game in the fourth period. City tried to keep up, even making the game a close call, but technical mishaps cost them in the end. The diggers tried to pull themselves back into the lead at
16-25, but by the time the whistle blew, Palomar kept that score. The issue throughout the game was communication, as stated by Bodnar. “If I can get them to talk, with everything that they’re doing skill-wise, we will be unstoppable, and I truly believe that. But that’s our weakness right now, the talking.” The game was now in its final period, and the teams had an equal chance of stealing the victory for the match. City instantly took the lead with a score of 10-3 before the other team started to catch up. Several kills were made on both sides, but the excitement built up when the team was tied again, causing players from both sides to make a series of dives to keep the ball from hitting the ground. The game ended in the Knights’ favor, finishing off with a win in the fifth period. The women’s volleyball team took another victory in the league.
Cross country performs well By Benny A. McFadden City Times Perfect weather and team spirit combined on Saturday, Oct. 13 at Morley Field when the women’s cross country team got to practice for upcoming conference running. Both teams ran in the opening race, the Ursula Rains Balboa Boogie 5K, at 8 a.m. with clear blue, cool, sunny skies above. Women’s coach Kylie Edwards told City Times she was extremely happy with her team’s performance. She said individual successes on her team are due to an overall positive group energy her team brings to workouts and competitions. Team captain Jennie Linck defined the optimism of the team for City Times. “Even though I don’t live close to (City College) anymore, I just love being in the school,” Linck said. “I love the cross country team.” Teammate Andrea Villalpando, who placed 6th at the San Diego Invitational at Mission Bay Park on Oct. 5, and 1st of her team at the 5K, gave coach Edwards credit for her individual success as a firstyear cross country runner. “She doesn’t have any favorites,” Villalpando said about Edwards. “She creates this environment where everybody has different levels of running, but none of us are considered either weaker or faster.” Although the 5K was non-conference and mostly meant for student runners to practice and warm-
up for conference competition, praise from their coach should be enough to prove that the women’s team means serious business whether they are running in conference competition or not. After the race at Morley Field, the women celebrated by eating cupcakes given to them by team supporter Ellen Webster. The 5K at Morley Field Oct. 13 was sponsored by the San Diego Track Club. This was an opening run before the U.S.A. Track and Field Masters 5K National Cross Country Championships. Both women’s and men’s teams run on Friday, Oct. 26 at Balboa Park at 3:15 p.m.
Sports Lineup Compiled by Mariel Mostacero Submit events to calendar@sdcitytimes.com or call 619388-3880 n Mens’ Soccer vs. Mesa College at 1 Oct. 23 vs. MiraCosta College p.m. Oct. 26 at Palomar College at 1 Oct. 30 vs. Imperial Valley at 1 Nov. 2
p.m. at 3 p.m. p.m.
n Womens’ Soccer vs. Cuyamaca College at 3 p.m. Oct. 23 at MiraCosta College at 3 p.m. Oct. 30 vs. Mesa College at 3 p.m. Nov. 2 n Womens’ Volleyball vs. Mesa College at 5 p.m. Oct. 26
at Cuyamaca College at 5 p.m. Oct. 31 at Palomar College at 5 p.m. Nov. 7 at Southwestern College at 5 p.m. Nov. 8 n Womens’ Cross Country PCC Championship Balboa Park at 3 p.m. Oct. 26 SoCal Champ. Costa Mesa at 3 p.m. Nov. 3 n Mens’ Cross Countr y PCC Championship Balboa Park at 3 p.m. Oct. 26 SoCal Champ. Costa Mesa at 12 p.m. Nov. 3