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