Lifetime of Guitar Professional teaches students BY ANDY NGUYEN AND JOY HINES TIMES STAFF
The atmosphere is very warm, light-hearted and happy. Upon entering professor Bahram Behroozi’s class, students appear to be excited to begin their music session. Behroozi is greatly admired by his students. “Professor Behroozi is very dedicated,” said Erick Arambula, a psychology major student. “Professor knows what he’s doing and what he’s talking about.” At age 12, Behroozi said he was “very comfortable” playing music. His early playing included the harmonica, the dulcimer, violin and guitar. “Music was one of my great passions from a young age, and I was involved in music and pursued it,” Behroozi said. “My late age I’m a teacher at San Jose City College and this has taken me to where I am now.” Behroozi is Persian, born
in Tehran, Iran. He has lent his artistic talent around the world. “Behroozi is a kind, hard working and dedicated faculty member,” said professor Priscilla Santos, counselor and professor guidance. “As a music professor, he helped me and supports students in need.” Santos thanked Behroozi for many years of wonderful friendship. Behroozi has been featured as a soloist of classical guitar in many countries, such as France, Italy, Israel and around the United States at concert halls and churches. “Professor Behroozi is a very knowledgeable person. He does a growth assessment on a weekly basis in order to get good feedback. I highly recommend him as a great instructor,” said Cristina Chambers, a child development student.
Classical Jags Music program on display PAGE 5
Behroozi graduated from San Jose State University with a B.S. degree in math in1968 and a master’s degree in music in 1971. He has taught music appreciation as well as beginning and intermediate classical guitar at SJCC since 1975. “He is a very patient person, easy to get along with and nice to talk to,” said Jose Torres, a computer networking student. Behroozi has admired various periods and genres of music ranging from the Renaissance period to the 21st century. “Fernando Sor and Johann Bach are two of my favorite artists.”Behroozi said. “My greatest moments in music are the success of the students,” Behroozi said. “Some students excel and continue going forward to join a conservatory, concert solo, or play in an ensemble. My goal is to retire soon and teach part-time classes.”
No full-time faculty for Journalism Program
Low enrollment affects president’s decision STEVE HILL TIMES STAFF
San Jose City College President Barbara Kavalier rejected a December recommendation by the Academic Senate to hire a full-time faculty member for the Journalism Program, which produces the campus newspaper, City College Times. Kavalier said that she had to look at enrollment trends to justify hiring a full-time faculty member for the Journalism Program, and she said the data didn’t support it. An October 2011 Journalism Program review found that journalism writing and broadcasting classes were filled from 70 percent to 100 percent while the newspaper enrollment was 60 percent capacity and no journalism courses had retention issues.
Academic Senate President Charles Heimler said that the president has to consider the four performance indicators listed in the school’s Strategic Plan, which include access, retention, persistence and success. “They’re looking at demand for the classes, which they use waitlists as a measure of that, and they’re looking at historical patterns of enrollment in the courses,” Heimler said. “Often journalism has struggled to have enough enrollment to make a class,” Kavalier said. Journalism professors from many California community colleges that produce a newspaper say that at least one full-time faculty adviser is necessary for any newspaper to excel. “A full-time faculty member allows the program and publications to flourish in
terms of quality, retention, enrollment, prestige, recognition, continuity, performance, first amendment issues and many other advantages,” said professor Pat McKean of Long Beach Community College. “Having a full-timer in charge of the program definitely enhances enrollment, retention and the program as a whole,” said Santa Rosa Junior College journalism professor Anne Belden.” Another danger to the Journalism Program is that adjunct faculty are not protected from retribution from administrators. “Despite the Student Adviser Protection Act of 2008, the truth is an adjunct has no protection from presidents taking revenge against them for what students publish. Full-timers do,” said journalism professor Robert R. Mercer of Cypress College. Mercer said he was
fired from Evansville (Ind.) University for what administrators characterized as “not keeping those students in control.” He said the students at Evansville proved the university had violated their civil rights. Mercer also said that it might be a violation of the California wage and hour law as well as the adjunct union’s contract to not have a full-time adviser who can “teach students the full freedom of what the First Amendment gives students.” Heimler did say that there is a plan in progress by the college president and himself, as well as instructors in English, journalism and communication instructors, to devise a program that will meet enrollment criteria. “The college president is very interested in developing a new media-type program that
will fulfill that need moving forward in the next 10, 20, 30 years,” Heimler said. However, journalism courses that produce the newspaper are in a precarious position each semester as they have been threatened with cancellation for low enrollment and arbitrarily omitted from the schedule of classes in past semesters. In an email to the campus, ESL Instructor Ron Levesque wrote about the danger of losing enrichment programs on the campus. “If we follow enrollment patterns alone, we would return to a program of the three R’s (reading, writing and arithmetic) and lose out on programs in the arts, in physical education, in journalism, leaving a campus with no core, no heart and no student voice in the case of journalism.”
NEXT NEWSLETTER: FEB. 21 EMAIL US: citycollegetimes@jaguars.sjcc.edu CHECK US OUT ONLINE: www.sjcctimes.com
Letter from the Managing Editor
Welcome to the Spring Semester. This issue includes some interesting articles from last semester as well as a big question for you. What would you like to read in your paper? The City College Times is the paper that doesn’t just report on-campus happenings, but is also the paper written for students, solely by students. This means that every word you read isn’t from the administration, staff or faculty, but from a fellow Jaguar who comes to class looking to turn in work and get a grade. Our grades are given not just on the content and quality of our work, but on the response from you, our readers. The old saying goes that, “When writing a paper, write it for the professor, not for yourself” but that doesn’t really apply to us. I have to start off by writing what I love, my news, my thoughts, my opinions, but after the paper is printed I listen to you for my final grade. If you disagree with what has been said in this paper, please let me know because I welcome criticism and other people’s thoughts. Every time I start making a new paper the class starts off by critiquing the last one just to make the next one better. If you want a hand in this, send me an email to citycollegetimes@jaguars.sjcc.edu. I would love to hear from you. Trust me, I read every single one! If you want to interact with the students and would love to report on what happens to your fellow Jaguars, please think about joining our class and newspaper as staff. The paper can always use other opinions and the staff loves working with students. It is the perfect place to improve your writing, photographs and even video. This is the most handson course I have taken and is definitely my favorite. Do not discourage yourself if you believe you are a horrible writer or photographer. I myself started off this semester, my first ever in journalism, with some of the sloppiest articles I had ever read, and my first ever written. I think I almost flunked English in high school! But with the help of others in the class, I am now on the Editorial Board. Without their support I wouldn’t be writing this letter to you. If you are interested, please flip to our in-house ad on page eight and sign up for one of the classes. Don’t worry, if you don’t know what exactly you would like to do, I will work with you in class. But again, the Times is here for you. Without the support of the students it would be nothing and I would personally love to hear anything you would like to say. We have a whole new semester ahead of us, and with the ups and downs of last semester behind, I could not have hoped for a greater way to earn these credits.
What do you think about Associated Students’ plans to impliment smoking sections on campus?
SPEAK O
UT
BY STEVE HILL AND CORDELL KINTNER / TIMES STAFF
Abraham Hernandez Age: 21 Major: Psychology ■ I do recommend putting areas for people to smoke, because even though there are signs telling people there’s no smoking on campus, they still do it.
Amanda Fuehrer Age: 24 Major: Childhood Education ■ I think that’s a good idea. Not everyone likes smoking, or wants to be around it.
Quentin Jerkins Age: 20 Major: Nursing ■ I don’t agree with smoking, but it doesn’t bother me. I don’t agree they should have a section because they can always go off campus.
Cecilia Ortega Age: 25 Major: Liberal Studies ■ I don’t think it’s a good idea because the school is a non smoking school. There are signs everywhere and there are still individuals who break that rules and smoke.
Lt. Ruben Chavez Age: 51 Police Lieutenant ■ I think people who smoke would like to find an area to smoke. If it’s an area that’s designated that doesn’t affect other people, I think that’s fine.
Alexandra Julien Age: 36 Major: Computer Science ■ I don’t smoke myself, and I don’t promote smoking, but there are students who smoke and they should have a place designated for them so they don’t smoke everywhere.
Thanks to every reader,
Jonathan Marinaro, managing editor
TIMes CITY COLLEGE
Room 302 Technology Center • San Jose City College 2100 Moorpark Avenue • San Jose • California 95128 408.298.2181 x3213 • citycollegetimes@jaguars.sjcc.edu The Student Voice of San Jose City College
The Times was established in 1956 to provide a key forum for campus news, information and opinion for approximately 13,000 students, faculty, staff and administrators each semester. Scan this QR code with your cell phone or other device to visit our mobile webpage for on-the-go updates on campus information!
DANIEL OWENS / CONTRIBUTOR
Managing Editor: Jonathan Marinaro Editor-in-chief: Juan Mendoza Photo/Sports Editor: Stephanie Smith Campus Life Editor: Steve Hill A&E Editor: Andy Nguyen Copy Editor: Brandon Berthelsen Videographer: Jared Duba Web Editor: Brian Bertrand Advertising Manager: Cordell Kintner Opinion Editor: Olivia Payne Photographers: Joy Hines, Deyan Ivanovic Faculty Adviser: Farideh Dada Contributors: Analicia Najera, Wesley Moots, Daniel Owens LETTERS POLICY: The Times, an instructional program in journalism, welcomes comments and opinions of the public in response to signed viewpoints, editorials or reports. Letters to the editor must be typed, include the author’s name and contact information, and may not exceed 200 words. All letters may be edited for length, clarity and libel. Please include a phone number. A signed copy must be delivered to the Times mailbox or newsroom, and an electronic copy e-mailed to citycollegetimes@jaguars.sjcc.edu
CONTRIBUTE TO THE CITY COLLEGE TIMES
Writers, photographers, or artists: Contact the adviser at farideh.dada@sjcc.edu
All viewpoints and editorials are the opinions of the Times staff and not of the faculty, staff, administration or of SJECCD.
Thai for two at Bistro Thaibodia Go for appetizers, don’t stay for the entrees BY JON MARINARO / TIMES STAFF, WESLEY MOOTS / CONTRIBUTOR
JONATHAN MARINARO / TIMES STAFF
Graffiti tag on the fire alarm in the third floor men’s restroom of the Technology Center on Dec. 20.
Graffiti rampant Facilities try to eradicate tagging
BY CORDELL KINTNER TIMES STAFF
“Jew for life” read the green words on the door of a stall in the third floor men’s bathroom of the Technology building. Graffiti is a major problem on campus; the facilities department is struggling to keep up with how fast it appears. “Everywhere you turn it seems that there’s a new tag mark somewhere,” said Joe Andrade, facilities manager, “Not only in the bathrooms, but on the signs throughout campus, or on the signs as you enter campus.” Taggers do not realize the stress they put on the school. Andrade says that San Jose City College goes through 36 cans of graffiti remover for $15-to-$20-per can, per semester. This may not seem like a lot, but sometimes graffiti remover will damage walls, so the district painter Randy Durbin has to paint over it, which wastes more resources. “Sometimes you have to prime as well,” Durbin said, “I’ll leave to
let the primer dry and take care of some other stuff, and when I come back, there’s graffiti on the primer.” The campus police are overwhelmed by the sheer amount of graffiti as well. “The budget situation nationwide, and specifically in the city of San Jose, has reduced the number of personnel on the Graffiti Abatement Unit, said Ray Aguirre, chief of police for the San José/Evergreen District Police Department. With the limited amount of staff, it is hard for the campus to handle the rampant vandalism occurring on campus; they need the help of the staff, faculty and students as well. “Eradicating vandalism is a community effort,” Aguirre said, “The public needs to participate in the sense of reporting vandalism; when they witness it to report it immediately.” Vandalism that causes damages less than $400 is a misdemeanor; anything more is a felony. If you witness vandalism occurring on campus, as well as any other crime, call the campus police department at 270-6468.
Bistro Thaibodia, located just off of highway 280 on Meridian in a renovated taqueria impresses with appetizers but leaves us wanting more flavor with our entrees. We arrived shortly after 11 a.m., hoping to avoid the lunch rush. We were the only customers the entire hour we spent there. We were greeted and seated immediately in the beautifully decorated, yet cozy dining room. The eloquence of the decor was rapidly forgotten; however, as it became painfully obvious of how poorly insulated the room was. Before we were served our main dishes, we had put our jackets back on. We started with a pair of appetizers, the Roti ($5.95) and Spring Rolls ($6.95). They were both fantastic, the Roti, a pastry-like fried tortilla, had a rich and buttery flavor that blended well with the curry dipping sauce; and the spring rolls were deep-fried, crisp, and flavorful. We ordered Thai iced tea ($2.50 each) which had a rich coconutmilk flavor, which cuts spice better
than any drink we know. For the main course, we ordered the Pork Pad Thai lunch special ($6.99) and the Chicken Pad Khee Mow lunch special ($6.99). The Pad Khee Mow was peppery, but not spicy, and over-all seemed to be lacking flavor. The Pad Thai was similarly unimpressive. The service was delightful, and while we were the only people in the restaurant, we were not ignored by the server as can happen during JON MARINARO / TIMES STAFF a slow lunch. While the food was not the Thaibodia offers delicious quality we had hoped for, it had appetizers at reasonable prices. all arrived hot, and our drinks were always full. Both of us are huge fans of IN-DEPTH REVIEW RATING Thai food and the lack of flavor FOOD..........................................17/25 and spice combined with the frigid SERVICE....................................09/10 atmosphere made this an underAMBIENCE.................................06/10 whelming dining experience. The drinks and appetizers LOCATION.................................04/05 were all that made the restaurant TOTAL.........................36 OUT OF 50 worth visiting, and while we might visit again to split some spring rolls or roti on a warm afternoon, there are a number of better places to go for a great Thai noodle dish.
5
‘A Clash of Kings’
Sequel to ‘Thrones’ delivers twists
BY JON MARINARO TIMES STAFF
“A Game of Thrones” has been turned from a critically-acclaimed novel into a critically-acclaimed series on HBO. The series, “A Song of Ice and Fire,” continues with “A Clash of Kings,” and the second novel picks up with the same vigor and excitement of the first and promises to be an exciting addition to the series. For those of you wondering if it will be worth picking the first novel out, even with the series out, you should. The books hold much more dialogue and description that will act as a guide while watching the series and will leave you with a better understanding for the second book. As with the first novel, George R.R. Martin has shown that he is not afraid of killing main characters. Expect more twists and the introduction of more characters who may or may not die in the same book. With the an invading force marching from the north and the crown up for grabs, Martin finds time to introduce new plots while
closing up others that would make for novels of their own. The length of the novel, more than a thousand pages in paperback form, is intimidating for some, but it is one of the fastest reads given the speed of the plot and the interconnection of characters. Fans of political thriller novels will have much to talk about with fans of fantasy novels because of the amazing writing style of Martin. The twists and turns found most in novels by Tom Clancy or David Baldacci are used in conjunction with a world built around swordplay and dragons not unlike J.R.R. Tolkien’s or Terry Brooks’ novels. This style keeps readers wondering where, not just the people, but the world will go next. Martin has already introduced mythical creatures to plots revolving around illegitimate children, nepotism and questions of succession. With multiple story lines and an ending that leaves you ready to read the third novel, “A Storm of Swords,” “A Clash of Kings” makes an amazing, albeit long, read and will be a great addition to “A Game of Thrones” on HBO.
Support the journalism program.
Buy an ad in the Times. Email us at citycollegetimes@jaguars.sjcc.edu
Professor Bahram Beroozi (right) is giving instruction while playing along with student, Tom Jurgensen in the music room at SJCC.
Appreciation of Music
Students show their love and dedication for music by practicing the piano and guitar at San Jose City College on Dec. 15. BY JOY HINES, TIMES STAFF Vu Tran (left) practices guitar with his classmate, Khoa Phung while Professor Bahram Behroozi is conducting the beginning guitar class in the theatre department, room D105 at SJCC.
Professor Kenneth Andrade (standing at right) is lecturing his beginning piano class in D108 at SJCC.
Matthew Heimgartner is practicing his assignment on the piano in the music room at SJCC.
Cristina Chambers is focusing on her guitar in her beginning guitar classroom D105 of SJCC.
Lady Jaguars practice for next season Team begins trail-blazing the courts early
JOY HINES/TIMES STAFF
SJCC Women’s basketball team practicing plays and gets ready for their next rival team game on Feb. 1st against Montery at 5pm at SJCC.
(Left) The Lady Jaguars show their jumping skills as they try retrieving the ball during practice at SJCC. JOY HINES/TIMES STAFF
Inspiration behind women’s basketball
Oberg spends 23 years with the team coaching for victory BY ANDY NGUYEN AND JOY HINES TIMES STAFF
Terri Oberg has been the head coach of the women’s basketball team at San Jose City College since 1989. At the age of 5, Oberg was interested in sports, which has led to a successful and rewarding career as a head coach and former professional player. “Oberg is a great coach,” said C.J Arnold, assistant football coach. Arnold believes, she carries herself well in order to get the most out of the team. Arnold says he wishes her the best. Oberg was born in San Jose of a Swedish and Ukrainian descent, where she began her incredible journey through the world of sports. “Coach Oberg cares about the student, works hard for the team and will go out of her way for the team,” said Alyssa Wbarra, an art student. Oberg graduated from twoyear community college and played baseball and basketball. Oberg attended Cal State Fullerton on a softball scholarship for two years. She became All American softball player during junior year. Oberg won a national championship in senior year.
Oberg She attended graduate school at San Jose State University in 1988. Ultimately, Oberg received a master’s degree in human performances with emphasis on sports medicine. While pursuing her degree, she was an athletic trainer. “Oberg is a brilliant coach, teaches women’s basketball in addition to helping the entire college with achieving accreditation,” said Eve Mathias, painting instructor. “She is one of the best. I think so highly of her.” Oberg is inspired by the hard work of the athletes put into excelling in sports. “My greatest moment in life is to know my athletes have graduated with a degree from a two or four- year college and become productive members in the community,” Oberg said, “Some students work, to support themselves and still put hard work into the game.”
BACHELOR’S
2014
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GET THERE Notre Dame de Namur University makes transferring simple and gives you access to the classes you need to graduate on time. With smaller class sizes, hands-on advising, financial aid, and a convenient location mid-peninsula, Notre Dame can help get you where you want to be.
Apply now for fall 2012. To learn more, visit www.ndnu.edu or call (650) 508-3600.
1500 Ralston Avenue, Belmont CA
Online gaming on a budget
Free-to-play with same reward BY BRIAN BERTRAND TIMES STAFF
youtube.com/user/ SJCCTimesonline
The massive multiplayer online game has been a thriving PC genre since Ultima Online came to the mainstream in 1997. Today, with most of the entire population of the United States on a broadband internet connection, the MMO community has become a thriving piece of the gaming industry. With so many games requiring monthly fees, averaging at $15 per month, some are unable to afford to play anymore? That’s where “Select Start” steps in. Here are some PC game recommendations for gamers who love to play but not to pay.
scended time and space to invade Metropolis and Gotham City. It is now up to the forces of “metahumans”, created by Brainiac’s evil robots, to fight back and save the world before destroying each other as the player has the choice of being a hero or villain complete with a set up of powers and skills. This game is available for free with the option of upgrading to a premium pack and is also available for PlayStation 3.
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COURTESY OF RIOT GAMES
League of Legends (Riot Games – T) http://leagueoflegends.com One of the highest rated freeto-play games still goes strong in this title, spanning 32 billion users for over two years. With a more downgraded graphics engine fit for lower-tiered PCs, this game still adds a fantasy factor with a full gaming experience for any fantasy MMORPG fan.
COURTESY OF WARP PORTAL
COURTESY OF S.O.E.
facebook.com/SJCityCollegeTimes
DC Universe Online (Sony Online Entertainment – T) http://dcuniverseonline.com Brainiac’s forces have tran-
Requiem: Memento Mori (Warp Portal – M) http://playrequiem.com In a new form of fantasy MMO role-playing game that is based on a similar horror genre from the “Legacy of Kain” series. This
COURTESY OF VALVE SOFTWORKS
game features a more morbid style of graphics mixed with a deep gameplay style and a profound use of arcane powers.
Team Fortress 2 (Valve - M) http://teamfortress.com If first-person shooters are your thing, “Team Fortress 2” delivers. In celebration of the game’s
What clubs are you involved in, if any? What clubs would you like to see on campus? BY STEPHANIE SMITH / TIMES STAFF AND ANALICIA NAJERA / CONTRIBUTOR
success, Valve has made this legendary competitive shooter free to the public. Now you can play as any one of nine insane classes, to obliterate your opponents in this action-packed thrill-ride. No story. No dramatic turns. Just pure, cheesy, Bruce Willis-styled action. Champions Online (Cryptic
COURTESY OF CRYPTIC STUDIOS
Studios – T) http://champions-online.com As one of the creators of the super-hero MMO genre, Cryptic Studios has created a cult-following that many comic-book fans have joined since “City of Heroes” lead players to create their own dreams of defeating the evil villains. “Champions Online” has created a new line of followers with an original system that even the more advanced players have enjoyed. From customizing your powers, to creating the one-of-akind look for your character, you can fly or run through the vast universe your way.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Wednesday, Feb. 1 ■ Women’s basketball— Monterey at SJCC, 5 p.m. ■ Men’s basketball— Monterey at SJCC, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3 ■ Softball— SJCC vs. Sierra at Rocklin, noon ■ Softball— SJCC vs. Siskyous at Rocklin, 2 p.m. ■ Women’s basketball vs. Hartnell at Salinas, 5 p.m. ■ Men’s basketball at Hartnell, 7 p.m.
Brianna Garrett Age: 19 Major: Criminal Justice ■ I’m not involved in any. I would like to see a chess club, Ukalele club, an all women’s club where they can talk, and a GSA (Gay, Straight, Alliance) club.
Jonathan Villegas Age: 18 Major: Undecided ■ I’m not involved in clubs. I would like to see peaceful clubs that are about nonviolence on campus.
Adriana Indalecio Age: 19 Major: Undecided ■ No. I would like to see a hip hop dance club because i’m interested in it.
Jovan Murphy Age: 20 Major: Sports Management ■ No. I would like to see a dance club with hip hop, break dancing, salsa, and ballroom dancing. All types of dancing. Also a drama club so I can learn about acting.
Wednesday, Feb. 8 ■ Women’s basketball— Cabrillo at SJCC, 5 p.m. ■ Men’s basketball— Cabrillo at SJCC, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 ■ Women’s basketball— SJCC at West Valley, 7 p.m. ■ Men’s basketball— SJCC at Mission College, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 ■ Softball SJCC at Modesto, 10:30 a.m. ■ Softball SJCC vs. Taft at Modesto, 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14 ■ SJECCD Board of Trustees meeting at District Office, 6 p.m.
Denzel McCullum Major: 19 Major: Architecture ■ No. A club for students that want to learn about architecture drawing. Also a painting club.
Kia Williams Age: 18 Major: General education ■ I’m not involved in clubs. I would like to see a volunteering club, where it can help homeless shelters.
J.D. Gutierrez Age: 21 Major: Criminal Justice ■ I’m in the soccer club and the Metas club. A bike club and maybe they can dedicate a day to ride bikes to school instead of driving.
Laurisa Armstrong Age: 23 Major: Science ■ I used to be in BSU (Black Student Union). Some clubs I would like to see on campus is BSU, Puenta club, and an Christian club would be nice.
Thursday, Feb. 16 ■ District Council meeting at D.O. conference room, 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 ■ Academic Senate meeting in SC-204