The Tempest: May 7-Sept. 2 2014 by Solano Tempest

Is college worth the expense? OPINION ON 9

The Hub brings life to Vallejo with art FEATURES ON 6&7

TEMPEST

Softball wins first round of regionals Steve Reczkowski / Tempest

Solano softball advances to super regionals, see more on page 12.

SPORTS ON 12

• MAY 7 - SEPT 2, 2014 • VOL. 30, NO. 14 • FAIRFIELD, CA • www.solanotempest.net •

Third place victory at Phi Rho Pi nationals led by nationally recognized persuasive speaking champ Dagmar Kuta News Editor dkuta@solanotempest.net

SCC student Amanda Lamb, communications major, led Solano at the Phi Rho Pi National Championship forensics tournament for speech and debate in Colorado, becoming national champion in Persuasive Speaking with a gold medal speech on the re-homing of adopted children, and a silver medal in informative speaking with a speech on circumventive organs. Solano took third place overall, out of over 50 schools from around the country. Lamb continues SCC’s winning streak for persuasive speaking, after Kitrina Baumgartner won last year. “The speech I placed gold with was my persuasive speech on re-homing children,”

Lamb said. “I chose this topic because of its relevance, the amount of information provided online, and of course, they are interesting topics.” Lamb participated in four events, three platform, where she gave persuasive, informative, and communication analysis speeches, and one oral interpretation speech. She spoke on re-homing of adopted children, circumventive organs, “baby face graffiti” in Europe, as well as a unique story about a “hanging game” tradition held by children in a small town. “It seems random, I know. My story was creepy,” said Lamb. “You can have an oral interpretation piece on pretty much anything!” Lamb has participated in speech classes for two years while at Solano. “Since it’s my second year I was able to really think about

how important it is for my topics to be fun and fascinating.” Other medalists include Brad Larsen, who won bronze in impromptu speaking; Brian Nelson, with a bronze-winning “speech to entertain” on food allergies in children; and Alice Hoover, who won bronze in persuasive speaking. Hoover also shared a silver medal with Antoinette Shirley in parliamentary debate. “It’s nice to see all your hard work pay off, especially in something as difficult as public speaking,” said Hoover, an English major who is considering a double major with communication studies. “For my persuasive [speech] especially, it’s nice to see the message is resonating with other people as well.” Hoover spoke at the national level about female homeless veterans. Hoover also partnered with Shirley for the

parliamentary debate to argue in a round by round competition where a “resolution” is given, and the pair must work together to define how to find it. “Sometimes you get resolutions like ‘This house believes the grass is greener on the other side,’ said Hoover. “Then you get to define things like the house, explain the metaphor, define ‘the other side.’” Second-year speech students Marnie Salvani and Malcolm Gamble also received scholarships to Concordia University for the upcoming fall semester. “Everyone should take a speech class. I only took the class to fulfill a requirement, but I have learned and grown a lot,” said Hoover. “It was more fulfilling than I ever thought it would be.”

Thunderbirds thunder by

Naama Angulo-Rios / Tempest

The Thunderbirds performed aerial stunts during the annual Travis Airforce Base air show May 3. On Sunday, May 4, the Thunder Over Solano air expo was cut short after a veteran civilian pilot was killed when his plane crashed.

Naama Angulo-Rios / Tempest

MORE ONLINE AT WWW.SOLANOTEMPEST.NET ASSC reschedules ballot count

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I’ve never let my schooling interfere with my education.” - Mark Twain

NEWS

THE TEMPEST n MAY 7 - SEPT 2, 2014

Campus cat club gets money to build feeders

Naama Angulo-Rios / Tempest

One of the campus cats peers over a ledge in curiousity. relative peace. John Glidden “TNR [trap-neuter-return] does not work Staff Writer/Copy Editor everywhere but it works here [SCC],” Philjglidden@solanotempest.net lips said. To help feed the cats, Phillips helped form With love and care, Solano Community College student Wendy Phillips opens up a the Campus Cat Club. “By humanely stabilizing the population, black binder named “the directory.” feeding them to keep them healthy and The directory is a record of all the feral monitoring them on a regular basis the cats at Solano Community College. Philpopulation should remain stable and low,” lips has even taken a photo of almost every said Phillips in an e-mail. cat on campus. With the support of the Associated “It’s a tough life out here,” said Phillips Students of Solano College student governregarding the hardships the SCC feral cats ment, the campus cat club received just must go through on campus. Phillips recorded 51 cats on the main cam- over $400 for the spring semester to help feed the cats. pus in 2012. Currently, around 28 remain. “It costs around $120 a month to feed the To help control the burgeoning cat cats,” Phillips said. population on campus, Phillips began the Phillips said the club will use the money Campus Cat Coalition – a group of comto refurbish feeders around campus and to munity volunteers tasked with trapping build additional feeders. The club has tarevery cat on campus so the cats could be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and then geted six areas around campus, each which returned to campus to live out their lives in requires a high feeder and a low feeder.

A cat feeder that has been on campus for only a year, and is already worn down.

The high feeder prevents most wildlife, including raccoons, from accessing the food. Phillips also said the low feeder will allow herself and others of the club to watch the cats who use the feeder every day. “[The club] has helped a lot,” said Judie Burtenshaw, an SCC administrative assistant who is co-advisor to the club. “Around a year and a half and no kittens have been born on campus.” “I counted 24 kittens, that I can remember or have pics of that we trapped on our playgrounds and found homes for in 201112, in our area alone,” said Nedra Park, administrative assistant of the children’s program, in an e-mail. “Just imagine how many other kittens were born on this campus, before the neutering program.” Phillips worries that members of the community will see SCC as a good place to drop off unwanted cats. “Solano is not a cat sanctuary,” Phillips said. “Students, staff and community mem-

bers should not drop off cats at Solano.” Phillips said that any cats dropped off at SCC will be taken to a shelter. Phillips said that she will be leaving the area in May and the club is looking for volunteers to feed the cats and continue the fundraising efforts already established. “I will be around and check on the cats but I can’t feed them every day,” Phillips said. “We hope that various departments around campus will “adopt” the cats and feed them. “The hope is to recruit people that are working on campus already because it would be easier for them to feed the cats on their way in to campus,” said Phillips in the same e-mail. If you are interested in helping or would like more information, you can contact Wendy Phillips at wendy.phillips@mindspring.com or Judie Burtenshaw at Judith. Burtenshaw@solano.edu.

Vallejoan Jena Goodman to run for lieutenant governor

John Glidden Staff Writer/Copy Writer

jglidden@solanotempest.net

In 160 years of statehood, the citizens of California have never elected a woman to the office of lieutenant governor. Jena Goodman hopes to be the first. Goodman, 28, of Vallejo, is running for lieutenant governor as a Green Party candidate and is the only female out of eight candidates. Goodman is a University of California at Davis student who is currently majoring in biological anthropology. She graduated from Napa Valley College last year where she first served as the public relations officer and then as the student body president during the 2012-13 academic year. Citing her work on the associated students, Goodman said that the role of lieutenant governor is similar. “You are influencing policy, you are looking at issues that need work, you are getting people to work together on a common idea,” Goodman said. “That’s something I’m interested in.”

Admitting that her campaign platform is a bit lofty, Goodman said that the main plank of her campaign is free higher education in California. Goodman said that living wages for California citizens and environmental conservation are additional campaign planks. Goodman also said she would like to see California follow the example of Colorado by taxing marijuana sales to generate funds. Before she can make history, Goodman must first survive the June ballot, where the top two vote getters move on to November to face each other. Goodman said she is running a shoe-string campaign despite the fact she is going against the incumbent California Lieutenant Governor, Gavin Newsom, and Republican challenger, Ron Nehring. “I don’t have access to as many resources as they do,” Goodman said. “The California Green Party has been a huge asset, they have stepped in with mentorship and funding when needed.” Although Goodman’s campaign is smaller, she said that she has received a lot of support from

friends, family and community members. “The filing fee was around $2,600 to $2,700,” Goodman said. “I was able to raise all but $800 of it in a week and a half.” Being the only woman on the ballot for the office of lieutenant governor, Goodman said that she has experienced some negativity about her gender. “(There was) feedback about me as a female on the way I looked, that I needed to change these things about myself,” Goodman said. “I’m very comfortable with who I am.” Goodman also said that more women and young people should make an attempt at seeking elected office. According to the California Constitution, when the governor of California is out of the state, the lieutenant governor becomes the chief executive. “I’m ready to serve,” said Goodman regarding the lieutenant governor becoming the chief executive when the governor is out of the state. The lieutenant governor is also the president of the state senate, is a voting member of the board

of regents of the University of California and is a voting member of the board of trustees of the California State University system. The main demographic Goodman hopes to capture is the community college student vote. “It’s challenging to get people to care,” Goodman said. Goodman said that textbook prices are hurting accessibility for students. She wants to reach community college associated students to support textbook marketplace exchanges and open source textbooks. Alex Shantz, Goodman’s Jena Goodman campaign manager and current Napa Valley College student trustee, said the main focus of the “This candidacy means my first step into this world. I’m figuring campaign was to get Goodman’s name out on college campuses out how campaigning works,” around the state. Goodman said. “The biggest Shantz also said that centerpiece thing I can get out of this is of Goodman’s campaign of free experience.” higher education should draw in In 2009, Mona Pasquil became students to vote for Goodman. California’s first female lieutenant “She is the most viable candigovernor when she was appointed date,” Shantz said. acting lieutenant governor after While Goodman has been the resignation of John Garaendorsed by a strong third party, mendi. she believes the most important For more information about outcome of her candidacy is Goodman’s campaign, visit www. experience. jenagoodman.com.

NEWS 3

THE TEMPEST n MAY 7 - SEPT 2, 2014

SCC hosts annual career fair Addi Simmons Staff Writer

lsimmons@solanotempest.net

The third annual Career Education Fair drew a large crowd at Solano College Saturday, May 3. The atmosphere was abuzz with visitors, live music, and free food. This family fun event included a multitude of booths, each featuring a different career. A group of friendly men and women working at a booth under a tent greeted visitors with a pamphlet featuring all of the events at the fair. It included a color-coordinated map of events inside and outside of the buildings. Some of the activities included an aeronautics simulator, a TV production and film booth, the Auto Body Club’s highly anticipated car show, and a screen printing booth by the art and graphic design departments. The the nursing school offered a patient simulation, cosmetology held photo shoots, the theater department held a costume and makeup presentation, and the Gamer’s Club offered a scavenger hunt. There was a drawing to win an iPad every hour between 10 a.m.-3p.m. Visitors were able to pick up “passports” and collect stamps by stopping at various events and booths inside certain buildings. The passport stamps allowed them to accrue more tickets that could be entered in the iPad drawing. SCC’s Auto Body program hosted their 3rd annual car show during the career fair last weekend. Some of the cars were also photographed as part of the cosmetology photoshoot. Addi Simmons / Tempest

Many families and students were able to walk around and stop at career booths that interested them, pick up fliers of information, as well as talk to those who were in the related career field and ask them any questions that they may have. High school senior Zach Thomas said he was attending the Career Education Fair because he wanted to get a head start on entering the work force. “Events like these are important because they bring awareness to the career opportunities that are out there,” Thomas said. The SCC Auto Body Club didn’t disappoint with their third annual car show. There was a multitude of different brightly colored cars parked on a field outside of the tennis courts. Owners and family members lounged around in lawn chairs by their refurbished cars while visitors strolled the grounds, taking pictures and admiring the automobiles. Tyrielle Carrera, who works in the admissions department at SCC, said she believes it’s important for the students to know what options are available. “To encourage them, we have different departments here so that they get more interested in going to college,” Carrera said. “It helps them to build a career so if they want to graduate and get a job quickly they can,” she said.

Erin Marie Fritz

EJ Estevan learns to use a backhoe to place objects into their matching holes at the Operating Engineers booth during the North Bay Career Education Fair held at SCC May 2.

Student government supports smoking ban John Glidden Staff Writer/Copy Editor jglidden@solanotempest.net

In a 4-3 vote, the Associated Students of Solano College student government narrowly approved the Solano Community College district policy of non-smoking on all district property, at their April 1 meeting. Much of the debate centered around the rights of smokers and non-smokers on district property. “We need to recognize the rights of the nonsmokers and the impact of second hand smoke,” said Christian Ogden, academic curriculum senator. “If we prohibit people from doing something, they are going to do it,” said Luis Garcia, diversity affairs senator. Positing an alternative, Nick Battiste, the career technical education associate, suggested that a student vote be taken on whether there should be a smoking ban on all district property. Battiste also recommended that smoking areas be established. “We should support our students, non-smokers and smokers” said Geff Freire, vocational curriculum senator. “There should be established smoking zones.” Four student government associates, who offer advisory votes to the student senate voted not to support the ban. The SCC governing board approved the prohibition of smoking on district property in July of 2012 with approval of policy 4215, “The Solano Community College District is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its students, employees, and visitors. Because it has been determined that the smoking of tobacco and exposure to secondhand smoke pose significant health hazards, the District is hereby establishing a smoke free policy on all District property.” According to a policy amendment, the ban also includes the use of chewing tobacco and snuff.

The same amendment also allowed for the creation of smoking zones on district property for a full year after the policy passed the governing board. Deans Jerry Kea and Maire Morinec began in 2010 to advocate for a smoke-free campus after Morinec observed smoking activity near the childcare center. Kea drew up the smoke-free policy after a survey given on campus in 2011 showed that 75 to 80 percent of students were in favor of a smoke-free environment. The student government defeated a motion, 3-4, recommending that the college administration begin in earnest to enforce the ban on smoking through ticketing. Ogden was the swing-vote as he voted for the ASSC to support the ban on smoking but did not support the idea of enforced ticketing.

Tempest photographer wins national award for sports photo

Palting’s photo from a Solano soccer game against Los Medanos won a national award from the Society of Professional Journalists. Tempest staff photographer Andro Palting won the national award for sports photography from the Society of Professional Journalists for his photo of a soccer goalie taken last fall. Palting’s photo placed at the top in the SPJ’s annual Mark of Excellence awards, which recognizes the best in student journalism, for colleges with fewer than 10,000 students. The Society of Professional Journalists is a professional organization dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press. John Glidden / Tempest

A sign on the main campus near the tennis courts informs students and staff that SCC is a non-smoking campus.

Join the award winning Tempest!

4 NEWS

THE TEMPEST n MAY 7 - SEPT 2, 2014

Student government doles out $13,000

John Glidden Staff Writer/Copy Writer jglidden@solanotempest.net

If you have the money, they will come. Come they did, as the Associated Students of Solano College reviewed over 16 funding requests recently, ranging from campus cats to the biology department, spending $13,000a to fund student clubs and departments on campus. On the student club side, with a budget of $9,000, the campus cat club received $431.78 to build better feeding stations which service the feral cat population on campus. Also, the ASSC gave $2,500 to the MESA student society to host a banquet, $238 to the nursing class of 2015, $1,429 to the rugby club for club operations, $1,360 to the Solano Community College Math Club to provide math tutoring and review sessions and $1,050 for the interior design club to attend two design fairs. Irene Camins, science lab tech at the Vallejo Center, came to the ASSC seeking funding for a science prep refrigerator worth $3,876. “What we have now cannot accommodate the current needs of our students,” Camins said to the student government at their March 25 meeting. A week later, the ASSC fully funded Camins’ request, which constituted over half of the allocated budget the ASSC set for funding departments on campus. “I’m disgusted that we have to give money to departments since the school board should cover these items,” said Joleena Lewis, ASSC business senator,

before the ASSC began to decide the fate of the department funding requests at the April 1 ASSC meeting. At subsequent meetings, the ASSC funded $805 to the art department for new stools students can use while in ceramics classes, $262.85 to the biology department to fund six faculty members to gain better knowledge of anatomy dissection, $520 to the math department for new calculators, $350 to the MESA program to send six students to conference in Santa Cruz. Reversing a prior decision not to fund any ethnic study programs, the ASSC funded $186.08 to the African-American graduation and recognition celebration. Previously, the student government had removed funding requests for the ethnic studies travel course ($3,200), the Umoja peace summit ($500) and the AfricanAmerican graduation celebration ($2,500) from consideration. “We’ve seen this department come before and request large amounts of funds,” said Jeniece Cordova, ASSC vice president, at the April 1 ASSC meeting, supporting a motion to remove ethnic studies from consideration. “(The requests) are not as important,” said Lewis at the same meeting. “Not a necessity.” ASSC decided not to fund the request from the SCC Academic Success Center for paper, toner cartridges and goodie bags for students who utilize the center. Also, the ASSC did not fund the request of the tutoring center for a tutor appreciation day and snacks for students and tutors during the semester.

“What we have now cannot accommodate the current needs of our students.”

- Irene Camins

DEPARTMENT

AMOUNT REQUESTED

AMOUNT AWARDED

Art - stools

$1,610

$805

Biology - Anatomy

$510.70

$262.85

Ethnic Studies - Travel Course

$3,200

Ethnic Studies - AA Graduation

$2,500

$186.08

Umoja - Peace Summit

$500

Math - Calculators

$3,196.43

$520

MESA Program - Conference

$933.94

$350

Vallejo Center - Refigerator

$3,876.07

Academic Success Center Paper

$1,000

Tutoring Center - Recognition

$950

CLUB

AMOUNT REQUESTED

AMOUNT AWARDED

Campus Cats - Feeders

$431.78

MESA Student Society Banquet

$2,500

Nursing Class of 2015

$238

Rugby - Operations

$1,429

$1,249

Math - Tutoring

$1,360

Interior Design - Showcase

$1,050

$1,050 Source: ASSC

SCC selected for Pathways to Law School program Deborah Graham Online Editor

A CLOSER LOOK

dgraham@solanotempest.net

Many of Joel Powell’s students at Solano Community College are now just one step closer to attaining goals for careers in law, thanks to a new initiative program that took effect May 1. Powell, a political science professor at the college for seven years, is excited that not only students from Solano are able to participate, but students from all over will be able to benefit from the program. “It will also provide access to future students who have aspirations of pursuing a law-based career as an attorney, a judge, an elected official, sports agency, law enforcement and other various professional vocations,” Powell said. “I’m very confident that this program will make Solano a primary choice among students who are seeking a clear pathway to law school and view community college as a viable entry point to begin the journey,” Powell said. The program, sponsored by the State Bar of California Council on Access and Fairness, “Community College

The “Pathways to Law School Initiative” will provide 24 community colleges with a transfer guarantee to six California law schools. Pathways to Law School Initiative,” will provide 24 community colleges a transfer guarantee from community college to six to California law schools. The participating law schools include: U.C. Davis, U.C. Irvine, UCSF, Santa Clara University, Loyola Marymount, and USC. For those students who are interested in joining the CCPLS Initiative, the program provides a level of support and interaction between the three institutional levels (CC, Undergrad, and Law School) that has not previously been available for a career path that many students would like to pursue. “Being a part of the CCPLS is truly an excellent badge of honor for SCC,” said

Jowel Laguerre, superintendent-president of the college, in his weekly newsletter. “Participation in this initiative is a phenomenal opportunity for the College.” On Wednesday May 7, SCC will host and info session in building 400, in room 402. The session will allow students to answer all questions they may have on the new initiative. The other community colleges selected to participate include: Antelope Valley College (Lancaster), Bakersfield College, Chabot College (Hayward), Chaffey College (Rancho Cucamonga), College of Alameda , College of the Canyons (Santa Clarita), College of the Sequoias (Visalia), Contra Costa College (San Pablo), Fresno City College, Gavilan College (Gilroy), Hartnell College (Salinas), Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles Mission College (Sylmar), Merritt College (Oakland), Oxnard College, Rio Hondo College (Whittier), Riverside City College, Sacramento City College, San Joaquin Delta College (Stockton), San Jose City College, Santa Ana College, Southwestern College (Chula Vista), and Ventura College.

Joel Powell

Dagmar Kuta / Tempest

“I’m very confident that this program will make Solano a primary choice among students.”

- Joel Powell

We’re hiring! Writers, cartoonists, photographers, editors and graphic designers wanted. Sign up for Journalism 59 or 60. Register now for fall! THE

TEMPEST

Clay life

FEATURES 5

THE TEMPEST n MAY 7- SEPT. 2, 2014

com

Left: A kiln guardian made by Lancet stands watch.

A final project by a ceramics student depicts a cracked visage á la Ozymandias. Naama Angulo-Rios/Tempest

Dagmar Kuta/Tempest

Naama Angulo-Rios/Tempest

An incredibly detailed sculpture by Matilda Marksburg. This piece was originally inspired by a model in the figure class. Deborah Graham Online Editor dgraham@solanotempest.net

As you enter through the entranceway to Marc Lancet’s art classes, you can’t help being mesmerized by the intricate sculptures that line the hallway. Many of these pieces are created by Marc Lancet’s students over the years. Lancet, professor of fine art and a 29-year faculty member at Solano College, encourages his students to delve deep into their imaginations to create ceramic, clay, and welded sculptures. “I got to the studio to discover,” Lancet said. “Rather than to work out some pre-ordained plan. I teach my students to create sculpture in which conceptual integrity and sculptural attributes are intertwined, and inseparable.” Danni Church, who is currently going for her BFA in ceramics, knows all about this philosophy, she has taken a majority of Lancet’s art courses including sculpturing, wheel-throwing, hand-throwing, and kiln welding. “I went to a museum and fell in love with this beautiful art piece that was hanging on a wall,” Church said. “I later found out it was coming out of wood-fire. This led me to my wood-fire classes. I love the feeling of making things with my hands. There is no greater feeling,” Church said. Currently the students are working on their final pieces for the end of the semester.

Dagmar Kuta/Tempest

Left: Marc Lancet discusses the process of firing pottery to create a glaze of organic colors and patterns. Above: An organic sculpture in progress for a final project.

THE TEMPEST n MAY 7 - SEPT. 2, 2014

FEATURES “I felt like I was getting to know more about the creativity of my community. The Hub is a great blossom of local community and creativity.” - Poet and spoken word artist Blaine Lindsey

Ruben Rangel/Tempest

The Hub sits on the corner of Main Street and Georgia Street within downtown Vallejo.

Glow-in

The Hub jumpstarts ‘Vallejo Art R New presence in Vallejo’s downtown hopes to revive area through the arts

he Hub is on the grind. Emerging from a once dilapidated Odd Fellows lodge, this non-profit organization dedicated to the arts is now blooming after only five months in business. Appropriately named, the volunteer-ran space is not only an art gallery, a local artist consignment shop, a live performance center and an educational space but also a nucleus for a developing community of artists and businesses that are fueling new growth in Vallejo. “Our mission is to turn this into a destination city,” said Chris Vardijan, an artist and performer who co-founded The Hub with wife Katie Vardijan in late 2013, “…to promote art, promote Vallejo, make Vallejo thriving like it used to be.” The Hub is placing its roots in a city that has at times stood in the shadows of its own reputation. But with a recent influx of creatives and small businesses the city’s downtown region

has begun to blossom in light of their collective efforts. The Hub wishes to be the connective tissue that synthesizes the downtown action. “There’s more energy, people are seeing the potential again…” said Katie Vardijan, “…There’s always been artists here. In the last year so many moved in, dedicated to collaboration instead of competition. We’re stronger in numbers.” With the recent advent of two city-wide projects, the Vallejo Art Alliance and the Vallejo Art Walk, Vallejo looks forward to a “Vallejo Art Renaissance” that the Vardijans believe can move the city. “We try to bring it all together,” said Chris, “for us to be successful Vallejo has to be successful.” Roots that run deep When witnessing Chris Vardijan give a tour of The Hub one

immediately gets a sense of the enthusiasm that permeates the building. But before it was home to walls of paintings, sculptures, and a stage that hosts poetry readings and musical performances, the space was the century’s old first floor of the Odd Fellows San Pablo Lodge. “The Odd Fellows were a social safety net before there was one” Chris Vardijan said of the organization that has been in Vallejo for 158 years, one that has seen Vallejo in its heyday during the WWII era to present. “… [The Odd Fellows] were a good organization to join if we wanted to help Vallejo.” After moving to the city, the Vardijans seized the opportunity to be proactive in the Vallejo community. It became apparent we could have this space…” Katie Vardijan said, “it seemed like a good idea. Some people had the same ideas so it seemed like the thing to do…there is a huge

FEATURES 7

THE TEMPEST n MAY 7 - SEPT. 2, 2014

“When you see a tree grow, it started with the roots, the things you can’t see. We’re lucky to be the flowers and the leaves and all the visible stuff. But [Vallejo] has been growing the roots for a while.” - Chris Vardijan, The Hub co-founder Left and far left: Spray paint works by local artists Mextycal. Dagmar Kuta/Tempest

Left: artwork by Mark Marten hangs at The Hub. Below: Sculptures line The Hub window. Dagmar Kuta/Tempest

Dagmar Kuta/Tempest

n-the-dark pieces by Shawn Murdoch.

Renaissance’

Ruben Rangel/Tempest

Vive la résistance! The Hub boasts its own coffee shop. community of people passionate about their art.” One of these people is Shawn Murdoch, a nationally esteemed photographer and artist who was also instrumental in creating The Hub. Interested in creating an area where the arts can be celebrated, he was essential in making the venue’s vision come to life eventually creating Resistance Coffee, The Hub’s very own coffee shop. “There were places and people doing art and making things happen,” said Chris Vardijan of the businesses and creative centers that have been present during the city’s bankruptcy, “we’re standing on their shoulders, we came in when it was ripe to happen.” Seeds of a new beginning While the idea of a “Vallejo Art Renaissance” may seem lofty to some, those at The Hub feel the pieces are falling into place at the right time. “The momentum is so much faster than I thought it would

be,” said Chris Vardijan, “I expected to be at this level of growth about two years down the road. Not five months.” “It all came at the same time,” added Katie Vardijan, “we’re all connecting in a way I think it’s hard to do in a lot of places.” With a variety of events every weekend, including open mic nights and educational seminars taught by local specialists, The Hub is dedicated to using this momentum to fostering the future of Vallejo arts. “ The Hub is good for the city…” said Fairfield musician Sergio Cabada, who staged an impromptu performance during The Hub’s Poetry by the Bay event, “…it’s another place I can go and have a good time doing what I love.”

“[The Hub] is absolutely fantastic… awesome for the community…” said Sherry Tobin, a Vallejo artist who began volunteering for at the venue where some of her work is displayed, “the best thing is it’s not just about The Hub, it’s about everyone else, it’s about the community.” Those at The Hub are now looking to the community to move forward. In order to keep up The Hub’s expansion they are now searching for volunteers while ensuring to keep the spirit of Vallejo alive. “When you see a tree grow, it started with the roots, the things you can’t see,” said Chris Vardijan, “we’re lucky to be the flowers and the leaves and all the visible stuff. But [Vallejo] has been growing the roots for a while.”

“I felt like I was getting to know more about the creativity of my community,” said spoken word artist and poet Blaine Lindsey about performing at The Hub, “The Hub is a great blossom of local community and creativity.”

The Hub is located on Georgia Street and is open Thursdays through Sundays. For information on volunteering contact Mackenzie Marshall at mackenzie_bartlett@rocketmail.com

THE TEMPEST n MAY 7 - SEPT. 2, 2014

FEATURES Dixon May Fair merriment ahead Dixon will be holding their annual May Fair from May 8 to 11 at the Dixon May Fair grounds. Thursday’s tickets will be $5, and Friday through Sunday will be $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and military, and $7 for kids 12 and below. For more information, visit dixonmayfair.com. Every year the Dixon May Fair features carnival games and rides, a wide array of food selections, concerts, artworks on display for competition, and livestock judging. This year the main events will include a bull and bronco show on Friday, truck and tractor pulls on Saturday, and the demolition derby on Sunday. The musical guests will include country music artist the Lost Trailers, Carmen Jara, The Time Bandits, and Element Soul. Several Solano Community College students have artwork on display, including Peggy Zickowski and her son Jared whose artwork has won multiple awards from the judges. The May Fair’s Ferris wheel is just one of many promised attractions in store for attendees. Andro Palting/Tempest

Australian female rapper on a trajectory toward fame Christine Butler Editor in Chief

and doesn’t hold back. In a song on the album “Goddess” Azalea lets everyone know she’s here and she’s striving to be the best and saying “Bow down to the goddess.”

cbutler@solanotempest.net

Salt-n-Pepa debuted in 1985, Lil’ Kim in 1994, Nicki Minaj in 2007, and in 2013 Iggy Azalea. Female rappers aren’t as common as male rappers, but when females choose to rap, there’s no doubt that they can hang with the male rappers. Azalea, (Amethyst Amelia Kelly) is an up-and-coming female rapper from Mullumbimby, New South Wales. The 23-year-old Australian came to America alone at the age of 16 to follow her dreams of becoming a rap artist. In 2012 she went into professional modeling and was known as the “New Face of Levi’s Jeans” later that year. Azalea also signed to Mercury Records in 2012. After two mixtapes, Azalea released her first single “Work” March 17, 2013. The single reflects on Azalea’s struggle coming to America as a teenager with no family with her and the hard work she has put in for her rise to fame. Azalea just released her debut album “The New Classic.” The album is a hip-hop/rap album with fifteen songs including her three singles: “Work,” “Change Your Life,” featuring rapper T.I., and “Fancy” featuring singer Charli XCX. Three days after the album released, “Fancy” wasmarked No.1 hot rap song on the Billboard charts and No. 18 on Billboard’s The Hot 100. I love Azalea’s album. It’s good to see females stepping

One of her more inspirational songs on the album is “Impossible Is Nothing” and she talks about never quitting and listening to “haters” and people who will doubt your success. The chorus says it very clear, “Keep on living, keep on breathing, even when you don’t believe it, keep on climbing, keep on reaching, even when this world can’t see it, no, impossible is nothing.” According to The Pop Manifesto, Azalea’s two rap influences are Tupac and Missy Elliot. “Baby Don’t Cry” by Tupac and The Outlaws was the song that made Azalea fall in love with music and want to make a career as an artist. “I love Missy Elliot. She created her own spot and her own brand of style and sexy,” Azalea told The Pop Manifesto. Island Records

Iggy Azalea’s album cover for “New Classic,” which was released in April by Island Records.

Azalea will have no problem holding her own against any rapper right now, male or female. out and showing they can do anything men can do including rap. Azalea brings a confident, strong, fearless swagger to music. She expresses her feelings through her songs

Azalea will have no problem holding her own against any rapper right now, male or female. She is on a fast track to fame and Nicki Minaj should watch out because I have a feeling Azalea will be topping the charts and be the new face for female rappers. It won’t be long until she gets to the top and shows everyone who the best is. Azalea is currently on tour and is scheduled to appear in San Francisco Sunday May 18. If you like rap music and a beautiful and confident woman, this is the show to see.

9 THE TEMPEST nMAY 7 - SEPT 2, 2014

OPINION

Will your college degree outweigh your debt? Do hefty student loans diminish the value of college? Well, according to a recently released report from Pew Research Centre, it is. The report says that workers aged 25-32 who have earned at least a bachelor’s degree make an average of $17,500 more As college students, we spend annually than their peers with just four years studying, losing sleep, a high school diploma. eating ramen, and fumbling our It then goes on to say that the way through the seemingly imposunemployment rate for those with at least a bachelor’s degree sible maze that is financial aid just By Addi Simmons is around 3.8 percent while those to end up taking out loans anyway. lsimmons@ with a high school diploma have a solanotempest.net But it’s okay, we tell ourselves. typical unemployment rate of 12.2 Once we get that degree it will all percent. be worth it. Then we hear these stories about Not only is your income expected to rise in success that came only after dropping out of college. relation to the level of your degree, but being in college helps open up networking opporAs the current unpaid student debt in the tunities that normally wouldn’t be as easily accessible. It can lead to internships and job U.S. climbs to 1 trillion dollars it makes you wonder…is college really worth it? opportunities through the help of colleagues, professors and mentors. What do Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg all have in common? Other than the fact that they’re billionaires, they’re also college dropouts.

“As the current unpaid student debt in the U.S. climbs to 1 trillion dollars it makes you wonder…is college really worth it?” Of course, what you’re majoring in also plays a large role in how much you’ll earn after college. According to the National As sociation of Colleges and Employers, the highest paid workers after graduation are engineering majors and the lowest are humanities and social science majors.

College is about the experience and the outcome. The most important thing to remember is to choose a major based on what you really want to do as a career. A lot of the time, students will pursue majors they don’t particularly enjoy because it pays more in the long run. However, a majority of these students lack the drive or passion to complete the degree plan, and sometimes drop out of college all together. Choose something that interests you and work hard to be successful. College is only worth it if you make the most of it.

Being in college isn’t easy. It isn’t supposed to be. However, if you’re pursuing something because you are passionate about it and have decided to use your major to fuel your career choice, the debt will eventually diminish.

campus conversation reporter: Naama Angular Rios/ photos: Dagmar Kuta

Is college worth it?

“Most definitely because if you don’t go to college and get a higher education then how are you going to be efficient at your job.”

“Yeah, definitely.”

- Amanda Moy, computer science

- Phazon O’Con, business

Yes, in the long run you can make more...I actually just got accepted to San Fransisco state...it’s a scary thing, I’m going to be in debt, but I know in the long run like I’ll be able to provide.” -Crestina Scolaro, human services

“Yeah, I do, depending on how you use it.”

“Yes, then you can get a better job, and you’re making more money than you ever did.”

- Kayla Brempell communication

-Kim Gonzalez ECE

campus calendar

May 8

May 9

May 10

May 14

May 18

June 27

Horticulture Club Spring Plant Sale All day CC Horticulture & Plant Science Institute (bldg. 1000)

Veteran Student Success Workshops “The Classroom, Instructors, Students and Veterans” 12 noon–1 p.m. and 5 p.m –6 p.m. 1400 bldg room 1421

Diversity through Dance 8 p.m. SCC Theater

Finals week begins

African American Recognition Program & Graduation Celebration 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. SCC Theater

Student Success Workshop for Veterans and Active Duty 12 noon - 1 P.M. Fairfield Campus

Open registration for Fall and Summer semsters begins Solano Daze/MultiCultural Week begins

Diversity through Dance 8 p.m. Theater bldg

Spring Concert 7:30 p.m. SCC Theatre

May 12 Registered Nursing Workshop 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. 800 bldg room 812

University Transfering info Vallejo Campus: Lobby 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a. m. Vacaville Campus: Lobby 11 a.m. - 12 noon

May 15 UC Davis Rep Appointments 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

May 20 Finals week ends

Aug. 13 Fall semester begins

Graduation Ceremony Hollister Stadium 2013-2014 FAFSA deadline

THE TEMPEST n MAY 7- SEPT. 2 2014

OPINION Sterling gets what he deserves

VOICE YOUR OPINION

Clippers owner banned from NBA for life It’s sad that Donald Sterling thinks he doesn’t have to adjust to a world that accepts interracial relationships, friendships, or partnerships. Not only does Sterling own one of the most dominantly black basketball teams in the league, but one of the star players, Chris Paul, is the president of the player’s union of the NBA.

It’s very sad that he is still living in the past and thinks the world is still against being an interracial society. It makes me think that he always was and always will be against getting along and associating with other races.

If Sterling doesn’t want to be associated with black people than there is no place for him in the NBA, or anywhere else for that matter. By Christine Butler Editor-in-Chief

some people that racism is still alive, but others know that it will never completely go away.

cbutler@ solanotempest.net

According to tidesports.org, the 2012 NBA Racial and Gender Report Card, the NBA has 78 percent African-American players. Seems to me Sterling has been working in the wrong field for quite some time. It may be hard to believe for

President Barack Obama was on a tour to Asia and pressed pause to express his thoughts on the whole situation. “When ignorant folks want to advertise their ignorance, you don’t really have to do anything you just let them talk, and that’s what happened here,” Obama said on April 27 in a press confer-

ence in Malaysia on CBS News. New NBA commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling from the NBA and everything to do with the organization. Sterling was also fined the highest amount the NBA is allowed to give, $2.5 million. The money will be donated to organizations that promote anti-discrimination and tolerance efforts.

Silver made the right decision by banning Sterling for life. If Sterling doesn’t want to be associated with black people than there is no place for him in the NBA, or anywhere else for that matter. It’s going to be extremely hard for him to find something else to do everyday. If I were him I would be scared to even walk outside of my house and be noticed by someone.

Does Sterling believe that the whole world thinks and feels the same way he does about different races?

The world has grown, evolved, and is moving away from racism. If Sterling doesn’t want to adjust to that, then screw him!

If you have something to say, a reaction to a story or an opinion on a topic, email us your view: tempest@solano.edu Include full name, and contact information (for verification purposes) and be advised that letters may be edited and/or shortened for length.

ON THE WEB Check our website at: Solanotempest.net

campus conversation reporter: Naama Angular Rios photos: Dagmar Kuta

How do you feel about the NBA’s punishment of Clippers owner Don Sterling?

“I think he deserves the punishment. I don’t think anyone should be treated unequally, it was unfair (what he said).” -Alexandra Paschall , chem/biomed engineering

The Tempest is published by Solano College students. Opinions expressed in the paper are those of the individual writers and artists, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the college’s governing board, the administration, the faculty and staff, or the Associated Students of Solano College. Readers may take up to five copies of The Tempest free. Additional copies may be purchased for 25 cents. Member: California College Media Association • Journalism Association of Community Colleges • California Newspaper Publishers Association • Associated Collegiate Press

“I think it is excessive, people need to stop getting their feelings hurt. [As for racism] I think it’s evened out. Everyone gets their share of racism. I believe in forgiving and forgetting.” -Gabriel Torres, civil engineering

“Even though you don’t believe in what people say, treating them how they treat people doesn’t solve the problem.” -Nichole Cardinale, English

“I’m not really briefed in this case, but people have the freedom of speech but that doesn’t mean you should say somethings. Ultimately racism is always there.” -Patrick Thomas, psychology

TEMPEST

THE

THE VOICE OF SOLANO COLLEGE

Christine Butler editor-in-chief

staff writers: Naama Angulo Rios Justin Johnson Addi Simmons Jon Beserra copy editor: John Glidden

news editor: Dagmar Kuta opinion editor: Ruben Rangel sports editor: Carlo Marzan features editor: Mitchel Bobo

staff photographers: Naama Angulo Rios Andro Palting Erin Fritz Steve Reczkowski *

online editor: Deborah Graham photo editor: Dagmar Kuta

faculty adviser: Samanda Dorger

“You have the freedom of speech, but you don’t have the freedom of consequences for what you say.” -Susanna Reyes, electrical engineering

contact us: It is Tempest policy to correct any errors in the paper. Please contact us if you spot one. To get in touch with us: phone: (707) 864-7000, ext. 4361 e-mail: tempest@solano.edu postal address: SCC, Room 1861 4000 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield, California 94534

OPINION 11

THE TEMPEST n MAY 7 - SEPT. 2, 2014

Transformations of a blood moon

Naama Angular Rios/Tempest

The “blood moon” occurred on the night of April 14 and early morning of April 15. The moon appeared to turn a burnt orange. The moon takes on this color as it passes through the Earth’s shadow, through which red light from the planet’s sunrises and sunsets shines. When the partial eclipse begins, individuals will begin to see the dark disk of the Earth’s shadow crossing the moon. A total eclipse begins when the moon is completely in the shadow of the Earth; thus creating the “blood moon.”

campus conversation

“If you had an unlimited amount of money, what would you get your mom for Mother’s Day?”

“Honestly I would just do everything I could to make her happy because she’s done so much for me in the past and I know I’ve not been the greatest kid.”

“Umm, probably a new house.”

“I think that I would send her on a vacation, I know she wants to go to Scottland ‘cause that’s where my family’s from...”

“I don’t know, something that she’s always wanted.”

“I think I will get my mom a yatch so she can go all over the world, ‘cause that’s her dream.”

-- Amanda Moy, computer science

- Phazon O’Con, business

-Crestina Scolaro, human services

- Kayla Brempell communication

-Kim Gonzalez ECE

You Only Live Once... Unless You’re a Cat!

THE TEMPEST n MAY 7 - SEPT. 2, 2014

SPORTS

Steve Reczkowski

Falcon Britney Taglieri takes out a Butte runner on second and throws to first, May 4, 2014. Solano defeated Butte College 12-2 in the second game of the northern California regionals in Fairfield.

Solano Falcons win first round of regionals Falcons kick out Butte College Carlo Marzan sports editor cmarzan@solanotempest.net

The Solano Falcons softball team upheld their undefeated streak in the first round of regionals against Butte College May 4. Though a Star Wars holiday, the force was not with the Butte Roadrunners as Solano displayed their dominance, winning the game 12-2, advancing to the super regionals. Coming off the first game of their regionals on May 3, Solano won a clutch game against Butte 3-2. In their follow up game, the Falcons got back into the swing of things and played like they normally do.

score off of Stefanie Chainurux’s RBI. “They were explosive offensively like they always are, so it was nice to see that come in this regional in game number two” said SCC head coach Terri Pearson-Bloom. The Falcons put up four runs and made the score at 5-0. SCC pitcher Shannon Mestas struck out five against Butte. Though Butte scored two runs in the third inning, Solano answered back strongly in the fourth inning.

In the second inning of the game, the Falcons displayed their offensive strategy in full force against the Butte roadrunners. A flurry of RBI’s came in the second as Solano showed their offensive strategy.

Benipayo was too fast for Butte to get her out off of her bunts. With the bases loaded, Solano capitalized on the opportunity. Solano put up three more points and made the score 8-2. The crowd was getting rowdy and restless, ready to put away the Butte College roadrunners.

Victoria Faleafine (two AB’s, one RBI and one run) connected with a deep hit, sending Jade Bactad to home. Aleyna Benipayo (three AB’s, three hits, two RBI’s and two runs) got Haley Wink home and later

By the end of the fifth inning, the score was 12-2 in Solano’s favor, putting into effect the mercy rule (if a team is winning by eight or more points by the fifth inning, the game end). Solano showed their usual

dominant selves in game two. “It shows that we were getting the jitters out because yesterday, I think we were all anxious and nervous because it was regionals, so it just shows that it took us the game to get back to our normal selves” said Chainurux. “Today is the second win, so we didn’t have to go to that ‘if necessary’ game, so it’s a big relief” Chainurux said. With the first round of regionals over, the Solano Falcons look forward onto the super regionals. “Just take every game step by step and hopefully we can get passed second round to go to state” said Benipayo. “If we can just bring our game, we have a great chance of going, but it’s going to be a heck of a battle to get there, so it’s really exciting. We are making history right now” Bloom said. The Solano Falcon have extended their win streak to 31 games and are 38-2 overall. Their next regionals will be hosted at Solano on May 9-11 against Santa Rosa.

Steve Reczkowski

Falcon Shannon Mestas delivers throws goods to Butte’s hitters, May 4, 2014. Solano defeated Butte College 12-2 in the second game of the northern California regionals in Fairfield.

Bay Valley Conference Awards Aleyna Benipayo -Most Valuable Player Shannon Mestas -Most Valuable Pitcher Terri Pearson-Bloom -Coach Of The Year FIRST TEAM: Britney Taglieri -Short Stop Stefanie Chainurux -Second Base Amber Takeda -Pitcher Victoria Faleafine -Catcher Emily Goode -Centerfirlder