San Jose City College Times, Vol 91, Issue 4, Dec. 7, 2021

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Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021

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The Voice of San Jose City College Students Since 1956

Volume 91 Issue 4

Walk the colorful paths at SJCC

PHOTO BY MADISON WILBER / TIMES STAFF

As the leaves start changing, and the semester comes to an end, the San Jose City College campus is full of color. Students and faculty can be seen walking the campus paths, including these members who were walking beside the Cosmetology Building on Nov. 30.

SJCC announces free semester California residents do not have to pay spring 2022

BY MADISON WILBER

TIMES STAFF

California residents that sign up for six credits or more at the school will receive free tuition in spring 2022, announced San Jose City College, on Nov. 17.

The decision was made towards helping COVID-19 relief and is said to help all residents, including those who do not normally qualify for financial aid.

“The initiative is made possible by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), designated for higher education institutions to address the immediate and urgent impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students and colleges,” according to the college website.

To qualify for the aid, the school reports that students must apply for admission (by Feb. 13, if they are new to the school), submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, California Dream Act Application or California College Promise Grant for the 2021-2022 Award Year and register for classes.

“If SJCC can alleviate the financial stress that many students are experiencing, student mental health and

NEXT NEWSPAPER: Feb. 15

“It’s just giving an opportunity for people in this community to have a free education and I don’t see how anyone can be against that.”

— Basketball player Jaycson Bereal 22-year-old liberal arts major

well-being will improve and students can focus on their studies and academic goals,” President Rowena Tomaneng wrote in an email.

She also said SJCC hopes this will encourage students who left the program due to financial hardship from COVID-19 to come back and sign up.

“Honestly, (I agree) because of the fact that education really isn’t the most affordable thing in the world, and especially in today’s climate you really need a degree to get jobs, or to at least earn an honest living,” said basketball player Jaycson Bereal, 22, liberal arts major. “It’s just giving an opportunity for people in this community to have a free education and I don’t see how anyone can be against that.”

EMAIL US: citycollegetimes@jaguars.sjcc.edu

PHOTO BY MADISON WILBER / TIMES STAFF

Basketball player Jaycson Bereal, 22, liberal arts major, says he agrees with SJCC’s choice to give free tuition in spring 2022. Bereal walks to his car in Student Garage to prepare for game on Nov. 30.

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2 OPINION SJCC has made the right call Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021

Free semester is a start to free years

Debating about going back to ployment rate during April college can be a headache and 2020, according to the Reno for many finances are a large Gazette Journal, an online reason why they will not go news source. back.

That is about 139,827 In a wonderful and heroic people who lost their jobs way, San Jose City College just in San Jose due to the panannounced it is offering free tudemic. ition for spring 2022.

It is remarkable and reThe school states as long as spectable that a school prithe student is a California citioritizes spreading education zen, and is willing to enroll in to as many as possible, even at least six credits, the semester during hard times such as will be completely paid for by these, rather than just huntthe school. ing for money.

This is an opportunity to be But those opposing the taken advantage of by all; high free semester argue about school students who will take who is going to pay for this their first semester or those education. Someone has to who, for any reason, had to put pay the teachers, right?

COMIC BY JUAN CORTEZ / TIMES STAFF a hold on their academic goals.

Well the school has alThe steps to qualify for the SJCC students received multiple ready explained to students free semester, which can be emails from the district announc- where the money to pay for found on the college website, ing free tuition in spring 2022 for this is coming from, and that all California residents who sign are very easy and clear. would be from the “Higher SJCC is completely right to up for at least six credits.

Education Emergency Reoffer this free semester to stulief Fund (HEERF), desigdents. It will help those who are struggling to get nated for higher education institutions to address by to achieve the education they deserve.

In California alone, more than 260,000 fewer the immediate and urgent impacts of the COVID-19 students have enrolled in the fall 2020 semester pandemic on students and colleges.”

This truly is the perfect proposal. People who are compared to the year before, according to EdSource website, a nonprofit organization reporting money hungry will still get their money and people who prioritize education will finally know anyone on education challenges.

EdSource also mentioned that many students will be able to receive it; despite being able to “not were adamant to enroll in community college afford it.” because of financial burdens the pandemic had Knowledge is not something to be bought but weighed on their families and themselves. something to be spread. Thanks to SJCC, that will San Jose has reached a record high 13.8% unem- happen in spring 2022.

Do you agree with free tuition plan for spring semester?

COMPILED BY EMMANUEL BECERRIL / TIMES STAFF

Name: Marissa Francia Age: 22 Position or major: Medical Assisting “I think that SJCC giving out free tuition is a great idea because people should all have access to education.”

Name: Isisah Arcilla Age: 22 Position or major: Screenwriter “I agree with SJCC giving out free tuition because everybody is struggling right now so there’s no need to fork out extra money. …

Also students need that money to put it towards bills

Name: Francis Seludo Age: 20 Position or major: Political Science “I agree with SJCC giving out free tuition because it starts a new path for a lot of people in our community.

I have seen a lot of adults who haven’t had the opportunity to go to college enrolling because of free tuition.”

Name: Micheal Nguyen Age:21 Position or major: EMS “I agree with SJCC giving out free tuition because it gives everyone an opportunity for education for their future.”

Campus Life 3 Jaguars end football season with 3-7 record Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021

PHOTO BY JUAN CORTEZ / TIMES STAFF

Jaguars quarterback No. 18 Jared Julian behind the line of scrimmage ready to be hiked the ball to on Saturday, Sept. 25 at Jaguars stadium.

Players receive athletic awards for 2021 season

against Feather River 41-16.

It was a loss that they were able to overcome and come out on top against Yuba 24-14. Then came a five game losing streak against Foothill, Contra Costa, Los MedBY JUAN CORTEZ anos, Merced and Gavilan.

TIMES STAFF Saturday, Oct. 30, was the last home game of the season. The Jaguars were lookThe 2021 season was not ideal for the Jaguars but their effort was not overlooked. ing to break that losing streak and win their Jared Julian, No. 18 quarterback for the last game at home.

The only thing standing in the Jaguars Jaguars, was first team honorable mention.

“I’m honored to be in the conversation,” way was the Hartnell Panthers. After a said Julian, “hopefully I can top that next game where Panthers and Jaguars were clawing their way to come up on top, the year,” Julian ended the season with a total of game went to overtime.

Julian rushed for two touchdowns, Aslan 106 completions, 51% completion rate, 1,430 total yards and a total of 13 touch- Carvalho, No. 10 running back, also finished the game with two touchdowns. downs.

As the season recently ended, Julian re- Darius Bedford, No. 6 wide receiver, had calls playing the game he loves with his one receiving touchdown in the game and brothers, making memories and growing as Owen Lagos, kicker No. 14, missed one of two extra point attempts but compensated a football player and a man.

The Jaguars started the 2021 season with that miss with a good field goal attempt.

At the end, the Jaguars arose victorious a win over DeAnza 38-14. Following a loss

over the Panthers 44-38.

It was a moment to remember, as it was for Julian.

“It would have to be the Hartnell game.

Overnight win at home, you can’t beat that,” said Julian.

The season ended with a loss against Monterey Peninsula College 10-7 on Saturday, Nov. 13.

Ten players for the Jaguars were recognized with athletic awards for the 2021 season.

First Team All Conference were tightend No. 88 Will Schwartz, line-backer No. 43 Viliami Schaumkel, wide receiver No. 3 Tyson Bochert, tight-end / punter No. 89 Corbin Schaeffer, offensive line-men No. 52 Jordan Smith, defensive back No. 2 Jamahl Brown, linebacker No. 40 Chris Parungao, running back No. 10 Aslan Carvalho and defensive line-men No. 54 Karanjyot Sandhu.

Julian was named first team honorable mention for the 2021 season.

“I felt that we had some very talented athletes get the recognition,” said Raymond Cook, defensive backs coach.

Cook also said that there are many players that it is hard to acknowledge all the athletes that work hard and are deserving of recognition as well.

“Wish we were able to get a few more awards,” said Cook. “it’s always a goal of the staff to get as many from the team as possible those kinds of accolades.”

For some this has been their last season and some spots will be vacant for new players to step in.

“We’ll have to have others really step it up and fill those shoes,” said Cook. “not only with the impact on the field, but as leaders in the locker room as well.”

As some fundamental athletes leave, new recruits are coming in ready to prove themselves.

“We’ve got a good group set to return next season,” said Julian. “And a promising group of recruits coming in next year.”

Trustees discuss unused land Student housing is being considered at SJCC

BY EMMANUEL BECERRIL

TIMES STAFF

The San Jose-Evergreen Community College District Board of Trustees have become very passionate about 27 acres of land in the Evergreen Community.

Two of the major things that were discussed during the Board of Trustees meeting, on Nov. 16, were the 27 acres of surplus land and student housing. The 27 surplus acres of land that were discussed sits in the Evergreen Community and has been vacant for several years.

For many years the land was thought to be used for commercial use but those plans never materialized.

“I have no interest in having this 27 acres of land being turned into a commercial place,” Trustee Bob Livengood said.

The consensus in the room was that nobody wants this land to be turned into a commercial place.

It was also brought up that at one point the land was proposed as a gas station but Trustee Jeffery Lease said, “That didn’t fit the principles of the land.”

Board of President Trustee Maria Fuentes mentioned that the 27 acres sits on what used to be the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe land and she also mentioned that whatever is done with the land should have some sort of dedication to the tribe.

Trustee Wendy Ho proposed that the land be turned into a child care center and she said her reasoning behind the idea is because, “After housing, child care is the most expensive thing for parents.”

The idea of making the land into a museum, similar to the Children’s Discovery Museum in downtown San Jose, was also discussed.

“If a museum were to be put in place it should have a cultural perspective,” Vice Chancellor Jorge Escobar said.

As the topic came to a closing point, Escobar also said, “If we don’t use our resources to help the community, that is something we will regret.”

Another topic that was brought up during the meeting was the importance of student housing. This topic was brought up by The Sci-

PHOTO BY EMMANUEL BECERRIL / TIMES STAFF

The District Board of Trustees prepare to start the meeting. The meeting was hosted in-person but also had access via Zoom, on Nov. 16.

on Group, which has had student housing as its focus since 1999.

It has also worked with 250 plus campuses across North America.

Some of the points that The Scion Group made about having more student housing and the benefits of it was higher persistence and retention rates, average GPAs,

graduation rates and more social engagement. Some of the study goals of this group is to determine demand for housing and unit preferences, understand cost tolerances and analyze the off-campus market.

The next Board of Trustees meeting will take place on Dec 14.

COMPILED BY EMMANUEL BECERRIL / TIMES STAFF

“What is your favorite movie to watch during the holidays?”

Anthony Logan Age: 21 Major: Photography “I like watching ‘Home Alone’ because it’s funny them running and chasing this kid around causing hell.”

Decaurey Brown Age: 22 Major: Business “The movie ‘This Christmas’ because it relates to me and my family the most.”

Anthony Avila Age: 25 Major: Administrative Business “I would pick ‘Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas’ because it’s a classic movie and it’s actually pretty good.”

Samantha Gutierrez Age: 21 Major: Photography “My favorite movie to watch during the holidays is ‘Christmas withwith the Kranks’ because towards the end itshows that family is important.”

4 Campus life

Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021

One is one too many Tragedy or statistic?

BY JORDAN HARRIS

TIMES STAFF

I write this while sitting in the place my father would spend the last years of his life. He passed away in June from what we can only guess was cancer. He refused to see a doctor and didn’t want to spend his last weeks, or days, in a hospital bed so with my mother and sister at his side he took his last few breaths and quietly left this existence. I believe he died much sooner; when my 20-yearold niece died just a few months prior. He had watched his friends and contemporaries pass over the course of the last few years and seemed resigned to his fate, but I think that the death of his first grandchild was the final blow to his will.

There is a quote, often attributed to Josef Stalin, that goes, “the death of one man is a tragedy, the death of millions is a statistic.”

What about five million deaths? How many deaths does it take to become a tragedy again and not just a statistic?

The worldwide pandemic has been and continues to be the cause of so much loss of life that it has become just another daily reality. According to the United States Department of Transportation, there were an estimated 38,680 traffic fatalities in 2020, the first half of 2021 there were an estimated 20,000. In the U.S. alone there have been over 777,000 COVID related deaths recorded.

The numbers aren’t even comparable.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates there are on average 659,000 heart disease related deaths in the U.S. each year. It is consistently ranked the leading cause of death in this country.

The American Cancer Society expected there were 606,520 cancer related deaths last year, which was in fact a lower number than previous years and has been in decline the last 26 years. Worldwide the number is estimated at ten million.

Are these statistics? Are they tragedies?

I’ve struggled to put my own personal loss into perspective. I’ve struggled to process the amount of people who have died these last two years and have seemingly gotten lost in the overwhelming amount of death staring us all squarely in the face. I’ve heard stories of people feeling robbed of their grief because there is so much to go around.

There is a rush to return to normalcy, to move past the hurt and focus on what lies ahead. On our campus at San Jose City College the outdoor mask mandate has been lifted and it is expected that next semester there will be a full return to actual class rooms.

Companies are ending their work from home policies and travel bans are being lifted around the world.

The news comes about a new variant and so many people hohum their way to the market, or to a concert. Sports leagues have been working non-stop to fill their arenas and stadiums. The images from the games show a great number of people wearing masks, and wearing them correctly, fully covering the nose. Yet at these same events there are quite a number of people still not wearing their masks with any efficacy or not wearing them at all.

There is still violent opposition to the vaccines available, and even a city in northern California that has declared themselves a constitutional republic to show their opposition to the mask mandate. Because obviously death is ok just as long as nobody forces you to wear a mask; I.e. care about the welfare of others.

I started this column wanting to talk about the death of my father and niece and even I have been forced into thinking about so many other deaths that not enough time has been given to properly mourn their loss. And so goes the world.

ILLUSTRATION BY DIEGO FONSECA / CONTRIBUTOR

The comic strip is about photo manipulation. Photos are being edited to almost unrealistic expectations, causing viewers to be sad about themselves.

If You Know Someone in Crisis Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency.

Learn more on the Lifeline’s website or the Crisis Text Line’s website.