Is college monopolizing your life? 4 COFFEE BREAK ON 4
THE TEMPEST
FAIRFIELD, CALIF. www.solanotempest.net
Practice makes perfect: 6
SPORTS ON 10
3 El Loma Prieta rocks Band is a fusion of reggae, rock and progressive metal
A&E ON 8
Steamroller smackdown!6
MAY 9 - SEPT. 4, 2012
Career Education Fair draws large crowd By Deborah Graham Online Editor dgraham@solanotempest.net
Softball team takes division champs again
VOL. 28, NO. 14
THE VOICE OF SOLANO COLLEGE
The second Solano Community College Education Fair saw community members and students experiencing a wide array of career degree and certificate programs offered at the college Sunday. The event was interactive fun for all. Students and community members were able to see robots in action, help build an airplane, analyze a crime scene, earn a free typing certificate, have their hair and make-up done, then get a photo. There was an ambulance available to explore, virtual welding, CPR training and more. Some new additions this year included Passport to Prizes. K-12 teachers and students were encouraged to download these passports, bring them to the event and get each square with the listed course stamped. Winning teachers with the most participants received a $100 gift card and students received a $25 gift card. Another new feature to the fair was a car show. Auto body instructor Dan Ulrich’s buddies dedicated their free time to show
off their classic vehicles. “I have been doing cars all my life. I asked my close friends if they could bring their cars out to help out the college, and they did,” Ulrich said. “I am trying to get the program accredited. It is helpful when people see the work these students do.” Professor Tom Woodbeck from the film and television department said that it was his first time participating at the fair. “This has been so much fun for me.” Woodbeck said. “It is nice to see such a large turnout in support of the college.” Debra Berrett, faculty member and cochair of the event, said she was pleased with the turnout. “There is so much more going on this year,” Berrett said. “It was heavily marketed towards K-12. I think it was important getting them down here and introduced to all the programs. Samantha Schneider, 18, a deaf studies major, said she learned about the fair from her career life plan teacher. She came out to see the programs the college had to offer. “I am glad I came. I wanted to come and see what other opportunities were out there.”
Deborah Graham/Tempest
A cosmetology student gives a hair demo at the career fair on Sunday, May 6.
Cinco de Mayo returns with sun and fun at Solano College By Sharman Bruni Editor-in-Chief sbruni@gmail.com
SCC artists take printmaking to Dixon May Fair
A&E ON 9
Voting: Use it or lose it 6
Sharman Bruni/Tempest
Exercise your right to vote
OPINION ON 5
If the beautiful weather was a portent of the day ahead, the Cinco de Mayo festivities at Solano Community College certainly proved a success. With colorful costumes and vibrant smiles, dancers from Napa Valley’s Ballet Folklorico brightened the event, the girls twirling their dresses and the boys tapping their heels to the Mexican folk music playing from the loudspeakers. “It makes me proud as a student, it makes me proud of being a Mexican to be here celebrating Cinco de Mayo with you guys,” said Jose Montes, representing the student government on campus. Other members of the student government were present, including Geff Freire, Davis Martinez and Daniel Schmitgal. Schmitgal sported a festive sombrero stood at the front of the campus shaking a sign for the event. Employees from the Solano County Library came to promote their “What do you geek?” campaign, along with employees from the Cordelia Fire Department, BabyFirst, Consumer Choice Marketing, and other various booths were present at the event.
The dance group Ballet Folklorico performs at the Cinco de Mayo event on campus.
MORE ONLINE AT WWW.SOLANOTEMPEST.NET - Bonus photos of Cinco de Mayo and local band El Loma Prieta
8SEE CINCO DE MAYO, PAGE 2
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Change is not always growth, but growth is often rooted in change.” -R.A. Salvatore
2
NEWS
THE TEMPEST n MAY 9 - SEPT. 4, 2012
ASSC president resigns School counselor helps students By John Glidden Staff Writer jglidden@solanotempest.net
Kelsey Moran-Richardson, the president of the Associated Students of Solano College (ASSC) student government, has resigned. The new president of the ASSC student government is Kristine Barruzo. “Kelsey vacated the president position, and I assume the office of president,” said Barruzo to the ASSC student government during their May 1 meeting. During the initial weeks of the spring semester, Moran-Richardson, the then-president of ASSC student government, nominated Barruzo for the office of vice-president. The ASSC student senate approved the nomination. In April, Barruzo resigned from the position of vice-president to become the ASSC student government health and physical education associate. Associate is akin to a senate position without the ability to make motions or binding votes but associates have an advisory vote. To replace Barruzo, Moran-Richardson nominated Naser Baig to be the new ASSC vice-president of the ASSC student government. Baig resigned from his position as academic curriculum senator, to be eligible for the office of vice-president of ASSC student
government. The ASSC student senate approved his nomination to the office of vicepresident. The ASSC constitution states that the vice president will assume the position of president if the office is vacated. Official ASSC agendas from April 3 to May 1 listed Barruzo as an associate and Baig as the vice-president of ASSC student government. “I never submitted my letter of resignation,” Barruzo said at the May 1 ASSC student government meeting. Last week, The Tempest learned that Moran-Richardson was ineligible for the position of president of ASSC student government because she was not enrolled in at least six units at Solano College. Article I, section 1 of the ASSC bylaws defines the eligibility requirement of the ASSC president and other executive officers of the ASSC student government, “Executive officers shall complete a minimum of six (6) units in each semester that they hold office.” “I have nothing to say,” said MoranRichardson when asked whether she was enrolled in six units at Solano College. Mostafa Ghous, Director of Student Development did not respond to emails asking if Moran-Richardson was still holding an office in student government.
College reaches $135,000 settlement with former VP By John Glidden Staff Writer jglidden@solanotempest.net
The Solano Community College governing board, during its May 2 meeting, announced that the district had reached a settlement with Carey Roth, former vicepresident of administrative and business services at Solano College. Rosemary Thurston, governing board president, announced that Roth will receive a total of $135,000. The Solano district will have to pay $45,000 with the remaining balance being paid by insurance. “The Solano Community College District is part of SWACC (Statewide Association of Community Colleges)” said Eugene B. Elliot, counsel representing the Solano College District, in an email to The Tempest. According to the SWACC website, “[SWACC] was formed for the purposes of providing the services and other items necessary and appropriate for the establishment, operation and maintenance of a joint program for liability and property damage claims against public agencies.” In addition to the monetary payment, the district will provide a letter of recommendation for Roth. “Mr. Roth has requested a letter setting forth the dates of his employment with the District and a statement setting forth his job duties,” said Elliot in the same email. Leo Donahue, Roth’s legal counsel for the case, declined to comment.
“Plaintiff [Roth] disclosed that he believed the Defendant [Solano College] was willfully misrepresenting official government fiscal documents to present Solano in a false light in order to make it appear that SCCD met the California Community College Chancellor requirement that SCCD have a minimum reserve balance of five percent of operating expenses for unrestricted funds,” Roth’s complaint alleges. The suit also states that the failure of SCCD to maintain this reserve balance would result in the Chancellor of the California Community College system declaring Solano fiscally insolvent; which would lead the Chancellor to take over the Solano District and then merge Solano with a nearby community college district. “After being praised for his [Roth’s] job performance, having saved the SCCD $6 [million when Roth] disclosed to his superiors that this information must be addressed, [Roth] was quickly and summarily fired (released from probation),” Roth’s suit alleges. “A final dismissal has not yet been entered in this case. Further comment by the District regarding this matter would thus not be appropriate at this time,” said Elliot in the email to The Tempest. The governing board, in closed session, voted 5-0 to accept the terms between Roth and the district. Trustees McCaffrey and Honeychurch were not in attendance at the meeting. Roth worked at Solano College from Dec. 2009 to June 2010.
MORE STORIES ON THE WEB The future of campus theatre is at stake Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society inducts new members
find their purpose By Deborah Graham Online Editor dgraham@solanotempest.net
“She has such a positive spirit, and has this uncanny ability to work with a student regarding some challenging situations.”
The door opens and you are greeted with a warm smile. Your records are reviewed, suggestions made and by end of your visit to Brenda Tucker’s office you are on a clear path to success. This is what Tucker, counselor for Solano Community College, does on a day-to-day basis. She challenges students to go beyond their own expectations, - Erin Vines to aim high. Tucker’s title goes beyond that of counselor. She is one of 16 counselors at SCC. For the past six years her role at SCC has included being a caregiver, psychiatrist, nurturer, activist, and grief counselor. A Berkeley native, she attained her psychology and educational degrees from Cal State Hayward, U.C. Berkley, Argosy University, San Francisco State and a certificate in organizational development and social behavior through Wright Institute. Tucker spent the past 20 years doing motivational speaking tours throughout her community, hosting several radio shows, one of which was a relationship talk show for KDIA AM, which she hosted for two years. “I was doing all these things but I knew I wanted to go back into academics,” Tucker said. “I specifically wanted to work with the community college population.” Deborah Graham/Tempest When Tucker looked into applying for SCC she scaled back her private practice, Brenda Tucker stays busy at Solano workshops and seminars. She did several working as a school counselor. years in many part-time colleges before she can be students who have low reading or came to Solano. Tucker’s first year at SCC writing scores and the college doesn’t have was as an interim counselor before taking enough resources to accommodate them. She lauds the counseling department’s on the role as a permanent counselor. Her new drop-in program that allows students to other counseling roles at the college includcome in to the department and be able to be ed positions at disability services program, seen on a first come, first-served basis. She and the Umoja program. says she sees these things as just the begin“I came to Dr. Tucker just seeking a ning of some “wonderful” changes that are business degree. She has encouraged me coming to the counseling department to go much further with my educational Erin Vines, director of counseling sergoals.” said Tiffany McIntyre-Finley, student vices, recognizes Tucker’s ability to take stuand mother of three. “She has helped me dents who either are in a crisis situation or see my true destiny.” low academic standings and give them the Due to Tucker’s encouragement McInmotivation and drive to excel, despite many tyre-Finley is pursuing a teaching career at obstacles that get in their way. the high school level. “She has such a positive spirit, and has Tucker doesn’t see anything special this uncanny ability to work with a student about her way of counseling. She says she regarding some challenging situations,” feels it is important to allow students the opVines said. “You can go into her office on portunity to develop a sense of purpose. a casual conversation and it might become “Sometimes,” she says, “a student’s pura therapeutic session. It is just who she is pose is to find a purpose. They come here though. She has this wonderful intuition.” hoping to develop a sense of who they are and who they can become.” She says she finds her biggest challenges
Festivities brighten the day during this year’s Cinco de Mayo event 7 CINCO DE MAYO: FROM PAGE 1
SCC Trustee A. Marie Young and President Rosemary Thurston from the SCC governing board were present at the event to show their support. Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield) also surprised the audience with a visit. “It’s a great privilege for me to share this day with all of you and to really pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions that the Mexican culture has made in California and to America,” Garamendi said. Garamendi also made a point of relaying to the audience the importance of voting and participating in the political process. “All of us here, wherever you happen to be, wherever you happen to live, must begin to participate in the electoral process,” Garamendi said. He spoke of next year’s Cinco de Mayo festival as well. “I understand it will be bigger, but not necessarily better next year, because it is terrific this year.” “We look forward to having you here next year,” added Superintendent-President Jowel Laguerre.
NEWS 3 Voter turn-out was low at this year’s student body elections THE TEMPEST n MAY 9 - SEPT. 4, 2012
By John Glidden Staff Writer jglidden@solanotempest.net
About 50 students voted in Friday’s Associated Students of Solano College (ASSC) student government election for president, vice president, student trustee and three amendments to governing documents. Arturo Castillo and Jack Sperow, running for president and vice-president, respectively, garnered 51 ‘yes’ votes. Kayla Salazar, running for student trustee, received 54 ‘yes’ votes. All three are current members of ASSC student government and were running unopposed. All Solano College students enrolled in classes after the W deadline were eligible to vote in the election. Phil McCaffrey Jr., current
career technical senator of ASSC student government, and member of the ASSC election committee, garnered six write-in votes for the office of legislative advocate. The election committee was set to approve McCaffrey Jr. as the official winner of the office when the committee was informed that the ASSC election code forbids members of the election committee from being candidates in the election. McCaffrey Jr. worked the voting polls as a member of the election committee. Daniel Schmitgal, current ASSC senator, received four writein votes for the legislative advocate position. It is unknown if Schmitgal will accept the position. Schmitgal initially submitted a candidacy form for the position of legislative advocate but records show that he turned in his candi-
dacy form a day after the deadline to submit the form; thus, his name was not placed on the ballot. On the ballot were three changes to the ASSC governing documents. Two of these changes were to the ASSC bylaws. The ASSC constitution states that amendments to the ASSC bylaws shall become a part of the bylaws with a majority vote of the ASSC student senate. The ASSC student government held a special meeting April 20 in which six senators, a simple majority, voted to ratify the amendments to the bylaws. The third change is one to the ASSC constitution, and the process to amend the ASSC constitution is different than amending the ASSC bylaws. The ASSC constitution states that, “the membership of the ASSC shall consist of all students
currently enrolled at Solano Community College.” and “ratification of this constitution any proposed amendments shall be placed on the spring semester general election ballot and shall require a twothirds vote of the ASSC membership.” Baig and the election committee said that a two-thirds affirmative vote of students who participated in the spring election is enough to amend the ASSC constitution, not two-thirds of all students currently enrolled at Solano College. “My emphasis is on ‘vote’ [listed in Article IX, section II of the ASSC constitution], if they don’t vote then they don’t get a say,” Baig said after the ballot counting meeting. The constitutional change garnered 53 affirmative votes with four ‘no’ votes. Baig is recom-
John Glidden/Tempest
Although 1200 ballots were printed, only around 50 were used. mending that the ASSC student government adopt the 53 affirmative votes to alter the ASSC constitution. “Maybe we should have advertised a lot more. I think that is about it,” Baig said when asked about the low voter turn-out. “I wish there was more representation, I wish there were more votes,” Baig said.
Solano County Republican Committee chairman looks to the future with vigor By Sharman Bruni Editor-in-Chief sbruni@gmail.com
Although he’s not in the circus, Frank Miranda performs quite the juggling act. He holds the position of chairman for Solano County’s Republican Central Committee, and is constantly involved in fundraisers, events, supporting candidates, and a myriad of other activities in the political circuit. Miranda encourages voters, especially college students, to get involved in the political process. “Without the people voting, we’re never going to change things,” Miranda said. Miranda sees Obama as a president that has led people to be dependent on government. Miranda supports Romney and the
pursuit of capitalism. He believes that within two years of Romney taking office, our country will “be running again.” The committee relies on the help of volunteers and dedicated staff members like Franklin Carballo. Carballo encourages constituents of any party affiliation to become active in their political community. He believes in the validity of the two-party system and its basis in American government. “When you work with a party, you really have to understand what’s best for the party. By doing this, you’ll have a strong government,” Carballo said. Carballo spoke fondly of Miranda. “When he became the chairman of the (Solano County) Republican Party, he made some changes that really put me to work
harder for him,” Carballo said. “He is a man of action.” Miranda believes in hard work and attributes his success to his dedication. “Nobody gave me a thing, I just worked like heck all my life,” Miranda said. “Once I make a goal, I stick to it.” Miranda relays that individuals can register to vote at the committee office as well as find out how they can get involved in local politics. “Most of the time we’re open five days a week, Thursday being the only day the secretary isn’t here,” Miranda said. “If you want to get involved, all you need to do is come down.” The Republican Committee’s offices are located at 625 Jackson St. in Fairfield.
Sharman Bruni/Tempest
Frank Miranda poses in front of redistricting maps at the Solano County Republican Committee.
Join The Tempest: Journalism 60
Business Degree Programs
AT usf EAsT BAY
Complete your bachelor's degree at USF's East Bay Campus in San Ramon. Attend classes one evening per week and earn a degree in less than two years.
PAY OFF
Attend an advising workshop to learn more about: Life experience credit ■ Financing your education ■ Degree options, program format ■ Admission process
YOUR EDUCATION
Accepting ApplicAtions for August 2012. Apply now!
Tuition costs shouldn’t stop you from reaching your goals in life. By joining the Army National Guard, you’ll receive the money you need to help pay for college as well as the skills and training you need to get the career you want. If you’re looking to get through college, with the Army National Guard, you can!
CALL or EMAIL to schedule an advising appointment TODAY! sanramoncampus@usfca.edu or 925-867-2711 One Annabel Lane, Ste. 115, San Ramon, CA 94583 www.usfca.edu/sanramon
Staff Sergeant Richard Howes 707-761-7908 NATIONALGUARD.com • 1-800-GO-GUARD 54466_AMS-02_5.9x7_Howes.indd 1
change the world from here
s a n f r a n c i s c o s a n ta r o s a s a n j o s e s a c r a m e n t o e a s t b ay
2/1/12 10:03 AM
4
OPINION
THE TEMPEST n MAY 9 - SEPT. 4, 2012
campus calendar Wed. May 9 ASSC Political Forum 12:30 p.m. Back of cafeteria (1400 Bldg) Sacramento State transfer representative on campus Drop in 9 - 11:30. Appointments Noon - 2:30
Thur. May 10 Student Health Center Outreach Health Services 5 - 6:30 p.m. Vacaville Center Bike to Work Day 2012 Energizer station will be set up in Quad, 8 - 10 a.m. Building 1400 ICC Meetings – last meeting 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Room 1421 Spring Choral Concert 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Solano College Choral Solano College Campus Theatre Building 1200
May 10-12 Horticulture Spring Plant Sale Thurs. 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Building 100
Fri. May 11 Solano College Spring Film Festival, free student film screening 6 - 9 p.m. Hosted by Solano College Film Department Suisun Harbor Theatre 720 Main Street, Suisun City
Mon. May 14 CSU East Bay transfer representative on campus Drop in 9-11:30. Appointments Noon-2:30
12:30 - 2:30
May 16-22 Evening class final exams
May 17-23 Day class final exams
Sat. May 19 Final exams, Saturday classes
Sun. May 20 Final exams, Sunday classes
Mon. May 21 Horticulture Club Meeting 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Bldg. 1000
Wed. May 23 Graduation ceremony 10:30 a.m. Holister Field
Thurs. May 24 The Sound of Music 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Solano Youth Theatre Solano College Campus Theatre Building 1200
Sat. June 2 Aquatics Adventure & Water Safety Day 11:30 a.m .- 3 p.m. SCC pool Contact Scott.Parrish@solano.edu
Mon. Aug. 13 Fall 2012 classes begin
UC Davis transfer representative on campus Drop in: 9-10:30, Appointments: 10:30 - 11:30 and
VOICE YOUR OPINION
ON THE WEB See more stories, opinion pieces and polls on our website at: Solanotempest.net
If you have something to say, a reaction to a story or an opinion on a topic, email us your view at: tempest@solano.edu If you do send letters please make sure to include your full name, and contact information (for verification purposes) and be advised that letters may be edited and/or shortened for length.
Rap isn’t just talk The problem with the rap industry is there’s too many, “talkers” and not enough “doers”.
Don’t expect someone to hand you a meal ticket if you’re not investing time and money in your own business.
In the music industry today you need to manage and excel in every aspect of your music– promoting, marketing, and performing.
By Val Hicks Staff Writer vhicks@ solanotempest.net
You can’t expect anyone to push you further than you’re willing to push yourself. I can tell you through my own experience that it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. I went to San Diego in pursuit of a career as a music producer. I graduated in 2008 with a degree in music production, now what to do with it? I started producing my own beats in Vallejo. This led to recording my own songs and mixing and mastering them. In Vallejo, where some of the local artists include All American Mob, Mr. Apher of E.A.R. (Everybody’s A Rapper) Entertainment, Money Bag Management/Purple Session Entertainment, and Bay Boy Entertainment, I created Young Hicks Productions. If you’re an artist, producer, engineer or promoter, the work you do day-to-day is going to determine how far you’re going to get in this business. As an artist, your pay is a result of your lyrics and performance. As a producer, your pay is based on the quality of sound arrangement and as an engineer your pay is a result of your mixing and mastering skills. The promoter gets his/her money due to his/ her hustle in arranging venues. If you’re not signed, these are things you’ll need to pay for. Don’t expect someone to hand you a meal ticket if you’re not investing time and money in your own business. You have to be clear with yourself as an artist. You have to have purpose and intent. What are you making your music for? Who is the target group you want to listen to your music? What is the message you are communicating to your listener?
Most importantly you need to own up to your words, actions, and credibility. It’s an honor when someone listens to your music and understands where you’re coming from. When you’re able to express a part of you that you don’t share all the time or allow everyone to see. Recently I had a spontaneous run-in with HipHop artist Redman, who had listened to some of my tracks and gave me feedback. It meant a lot to me that someone in the industry took the time to do this. “It was an honor to meet you, and I love your songs,” said Redman. “Keep doing your thing and stay focused.” I never asked him to listen to my music, and to receive feedback, just from running into him randomly, is a blessing and shows progression for me. It’s not about how many people you know, it’s about who you know. Music plays a big part in everyone’s life, whether it’s listening to music or making music. The key to this relationship between music and people is experience. Going through bad times some may listen to slow music to get through what they’re going through or put on something to make them happy. Looking to party, some may want faster more uplifting music. People relate most to what’s real, the truth, and what’s honest. Anyone can make a dollar, how to maintain it and make it work for you is another topic entirely. Welcome to the music industry. Val Hicks, a.k.a Young Hicks, is currently producing a three-part series, offering three mixedtapes for free. Download, “The Struggle,” available this July, “The Hustle”to be released in September, and “The Bubble,” available on I-tunes and other music download sites in November.
Letter to the editor ASSC is growing and learning EditorI would like to take the opportunity to address the article you published on April 25 entitled, “Student government not following election code.” As the chair of the election committee, I believe that the title of the piece is misleading. The author, John Glidden, brings up some issues that he sees as violations. However I hope you will note that he also acknowledges, albeit lopsidedly, that the committee did remedy any missteps. For instance, he admits that the period of availability of declaration of candidacy forms was extended and that the ASSC did in fact “comply with this section of the code.” The initial mandatory candidates’ meeting was declared invalid due to lack of a published agenda, and I freely own that was an error on my part. However, as
Every semester, the ASSC is reborn. An influx of new students are exposed to a system of policies that are initially foreign and counter-intuitive. Mr. Glidden notes, we “make up for this deficiency” by scheduling a second meeting, with a correctly posted agenda, in a public area, and in full compliance with the Brown Act. Every semester, the ASSC is reborn. An influx of new students are exposed to a system of policies that are initially foreign and counter-intuitive. It takes about three-quarters of the semester for the students of Political Science 50 – the class behind the ASSC – to get used to using parliamentary procedure and conforming to the Brown Act at every meeting By the time the ASSC Senate finds its rhythm, the semester draws to a close. It is a learning process, and mistakes will be made. Mr. Glidden himself was
a long-standing member of the ASSC and presiding secretary of the election committee last year In the Spring 2011 elections, the election calendar was approved a mere five weeks prior to the actual elections. Do the errors of the past justify errors in current or future sessions of the ASSC? No. However, I would take the position that our current senate has done a better job of complying with the election code than most prior sessions of student government. – Naser Baig, Vice President, ASSC Chair Spring 2012 Election Committee
OPINION 5
THE TEMPEST n MAY 9 - SEPT. 4, 2012
Your vote: Use it or lose it Yes, you read the title correctly. If you don’t vote, you should leave the country immediately. I have vacillated on this radical view but I grow tired of the low voter turnout in Solano County and in the United States as a whole. Many rejoice when there is a fifty percent turnout of registered voters. That is quite pitiful and shameful. According to Solano’s registrar of voters, there were 191,387 registered voters in Solano County during the November 2008 presidential election. Eighty-five percent of Solano county voters (that’s 162,638) cast a ballot. Compare this to November 2010 when 196,133 people were registered to vote in Solano County but only 121,916 (62 percent) of the registered voters in Solano county voted. Where did the voters go? Why did so many discard the vote so soon after 2008? My wrath is for those individuals who have never registered to vote, those who have let their voter registration lapse due to a lack of voting, those who are registered voters but refuse to vote, and, finally, these people are my absolute favorite, those who declare that they will never register to vote or actually vote. Well, hell, allow me to show you the door. Naturally, the above-mentioned individuals will assert one or more of the following reasons: I
My wrath is for those individuals who have never registered to vote... have no time to learn about the issues or How did it go? Did candidates, I am protestyou qualify for one ing the government of the lines? Now (local, state, or federal), do you understand I don’t believe in voting the importance of (my favorite excuse), all voting? No? Need the candidates are bad more proof? Okay, choices, etc. go to google.com and I have a small test. Now, By John Glidden switch to image search I believe everyone should of ‘Thomas Shipp and Staff Writer vote but there are a few Abram Smith.’ Look jglidden@ solanotempest.net at the full image – see groups I would like to single out. This test is that guy in the crowd quite simple. Find a mirpointing up at Shipp ror. Look at the mirror, staring and Smith? Do you see the glee at your reflection. Then read and defiance in his eyes? Shipp the next two lines. If you qualify and Smith were not lynched for for one or both lines – you really voting – they weren’t lynched for have no excuse not to vote. Are other reasons but I have always you ready? thought of the man pointing •The right of citizens of the up at Shipp and Smith when I United States to vote shall not be cast a ballot. Every time, anydenied or abridged by the United one, whether African-American, States or by any State on account Caucasian-America, male, female, of race, color, or previous condior any other ethnicity votes, you tion of servitude are telling that man pointing at Shipp and Smith to go to hell. •The right of citizens of the Vote so you can erase that smirk United States to vote shall not be off of his face. Vote so you can denied or abridged by the United avenge Shipp and Smith. States or by any State on account Did you know that suffragette of sex. Susan B. Anthony was arrested
Suffragette Susan B. Anthony was arrested for voting in the 1872 presidential election because women were not allowed to vote. for voting in the 1872 presidential election? She was arrested for voting- arrested because women were not allowed to vote at that time. Vote to avenge Anthony’s arrest over such an arcane rule. I’m comforted by the words of William Lloyd Garrison who started his own newspaper: The
Liberator in 1831. As an ardent moral abolitionist of slavery in America, Garrison wrote: “The apathy of the people is enough to make every statue leap from its pedestal, and to hasten the resurrection of the dead.”
campus conversation
What are you doing over summer break?
“Looking for work and a place to live.”
-Andrew Billings. 22 electronics
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.
“I will be getting my driver’s license and looking for work.”
“I will be going to another school for summer break but coming back for the fall semester.”
“I have been unemployed since ‘09 so basically I will be looking for a job.”
“I am possibly going to Cancun, studying more information on criminal justice and also thinking about going into the police academy.”
-Kelly Bennett, 21 art
-Nashawna Scott, 19 fashion design
-Tyler Decker, 21 aeronautics
-Lorenzo Valenzuel, 19 criminal justice
THE TEMPEST The Voice of Solano College nVol. 28, No. 14
Readers may take up to five copies of The Tempest free. Additional copies may be purchased
Sharman Bruni editor-in-chief
for 25 cents.
Member: California College Media Association • Journalism Association of Community Colleges • California Newspaper Publishers Association
Sharman Bruni news editor
Nick Sestanovich a&e editor
Ben Gogna sports editor photo editor
Deborah Graham online editor opinion editor
Camille Levasseur Larry Ragland John Glidden Mark Beierly Sam Zaghloul Tim Hosford Valentino Hicks Vigil Talton staff writers
Phillip Temple cartoonist Samanda Dorger adviser
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
6
COFFEE BREAK
Is community college monopolizing your life?
THE TEMPEST n MAY 9 - SEPT. 4, 2012
Sometimes it’s a roll of the dice to get the classes you need, to tr with our Community College game. Warm up your dice and start
THE TEMPEST n MAY 9 - SEPT. 4, 2012
COFFEE BREAK 7
Phillip Temple/Tempest
ransfer within two years, to collect financial aid, to find your books, or just to stay awake in class because you worked a double the night before. Take a break t figuring your odds, and jump right in, it’s your turn.
8
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THE TEMPEST g MAY 9 - SEPT. 4, 2012
El Loma Prieta brings fusion of sounds to local scene
(Left to right) Dan Cagley, Kolby Stancil, and Leland Vandermeulen perform as El Loma Prieta at Club Retro April 26. Photos by Sharman Bruni/Tempest
Vacaville band blends variety of styles for crowd-pleasing sound By Sharman Bruni Editor-in-Chief sbruni@solanotempest.net
Guzzling honey from a plastic bear, lead singer Kolby Stancil prepares for a show at Club Retro on April 26. Although he is feeling a bit under the weather, Stancil manages to carry himself with pride and invests himself passionately in his vocals as well as in his guitar playing. El Loma Prieta began in 2009 with Stancil, Dan Cagley (drums), Chad Perrault (bass) and guitarist Leland Vandermeulen joining the team in 2011. The Vacaville band named themselves after the earthquake that struck the San Francisco Bay Area in 1989. It’s quite a fitting name, as the band members of El Loma Prieta jolt audience members with a fusion of reggae, rock, and at times, a dash of progressive metal. “When I think of the band El Loma Prieta, I think of perseverance, dedication and motivation, and about how much ELP has enlightened me to the true meaning of those words, as well as impacting me to executing the same actions in my own life,” said Lacey Paulson, who has been a close friend of the band members for almost 11 years. “They have each impacted on my life musically and personally so greatly it is hard to even describe without getting emotional. The music is unique, original and has now become some of my favorite music to listen to on a daily basis.”
On the scene at Club Retro, the band is joined by Room 121 Productions, a local film company whose name is derived from the doors of the film department at Solano Community College. “It’s exciting to see the beginning of a really good band forming,” said director Tyler Manzo. Manzo is a familiar face to the local film scene, working on shorts such as Belgian Waffles and An Occurrence at C116. “I like their sound, I like their attitude, and I like their drive,” said Room 121 Productions founder Stevo Ng. “We match their creative force.” Outside of Club Retro, the members of El Loma Prieta come together for an interview. While Stancil may be the lead singer, a position that typically heads the face of a band, he passes the credit on to the other band members. “If it wasn’t for these guys motivation, there wouldn’t be a band,” Stancil said. The band lists such influences as Incubus, Deftones, and Sublime. “We all have our own weird backgrounds,” Vandermeulen said. “Dan is a big hip hop guy, Chad came from a punk rock background and Kolby is into (the band) Minus the Bear. We’re almost the equivalent of a Swiss Army Knife. All of us can play different types of instruments.” “We flow,” Dan adds. El Loma Prieta’s next show is May 11 at The Mutiny on 422 West 2nd Street, Antioch at 9 p.m.
Chad Perrault draws from a punk rock background to craft his bass lines for El Loma Prieta.
EL LOMA PRIETA -Friday, May 11 at The Mutiny, 9 p.m. -422 West 2nd Street, Antioch -Also playing with Forrest Day and Space Monkey Gangstas Dan Cagley pours his soul into the drums at El Loma Prieta’s show at Club Retro on April 26.
-Learn more about the band @ ElLomaPrieta.com
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 9
THE TEMPEST g MAY 9 - SEPT. 4, 2012
“Nyarko-San” is a Lovecraft throwback Once again instead of reviewing something on Netflix like the name of the column would suggest, I’ve decided to talk about something I found on the internet so I could have an excuse to watch cartoons in class (shut up you would too if you could). So anyhow, here’s my first impression of this new Lovecraftian splat stick
Vinyl records and steamrollers inspire SCC art instructor
FROM THE BOWELS OF NETFLIX By Sam Zaghloul romcom, “Nyarko-san: Another Crawling Chaos.” You know who H.P. Lovecraft is, right? Of course you do. Early American horror writer, created the Cthulhu mythos, known for being very verbose and scaring audiences for life with the feeling of being totally alone in a cold uncaring universe? If you answered ‘no’ to any those questions, stop reading this right now. We don’t need your kind of riff-raff here. Are they gone? Good. This show has a very…different interpretation of Lovecraft’s work. It starts with our hero, Mahiro, being attacked by a gargoyle-looking godknows-what, only to be saved at the last second by silver-haired girl who claims to be the Lovecraftian entity Nyarlathotep. Now, traditionally, Nyarlathotep has been depicted as a cross between Satan, Loki, Randall Flagg, and a mutilated cow corpse. Here she’s this cute, hyperactive nerd girl assigned by the local space police to stop smuggling on earth (apparently, we have the best entertainment in the universe. Who knew? ) and keep Mahiro safe (and get into his pants, but that goes without saying.) The series thus far seems to be built upon silliness, which I approve of. Nyarko’s main means of defending Mahiro is “Space CQC”, which involves beating things to death with a crowbar , a rock, use of a Pokémon (which has a 99 to 0 loss-win record… she keeps it around because it’s cute) and a blasphemous hand grenade. Apparently the rule is that anything you call “Space CQC” is considered ‘Space CQC’, even if your opponent disagrees with it. I had this weird kneejerk reaction one element of the show: since Nyarko acts like a small child on a constant sugar-high, Mahiro must occasionally resort to fork-related slapstick to get her to calm down. Now, this made me a feel a bit...awkward. Even though I knew if the genders were reversed, I wouldn’t care. It’s less of a problem with the show, and more a problem with my internalized double standards. Catch “Nyarko-san: Another Crawling Chaos” on Crunchyroll. com, with a new episode every Monday.
Jeanne Lorenz has used old vinyl records to create her artwork.
Photos courtesy of Jeanne Lorenz
A
rtists have many tools to work with. Most notable artists use a brush for their work, while others use tools to craft some abstract sculpture for their work. Solano College art teacher Jeanne Lorenz would rather use a steamroller on one of her art projects. Printmaking, Lorenz’s artistic expertise, is essentially etching a plate painting onto a press. “The students really love it,” Lorenz said. Lorenz has been teaching at Solano for four years. During one of her color design classes, Lorenz challenged her students to make four paintings of daffodils using a handmade tool instead of a brush. Lorenz’s art work can be seen everywhere from the video pages of YouTube to the Oakland Art Gallery known as “The Compound Gallery.” It’s in The Compound Gallery where some of Lorenz’s finest work is there in the form of vinyl records. Lorenz would use a classic vinyl record of musicians such as AC/DC or LL Cool J and craft a colorful art piece shaped like a record. In the past few years, Lorenz has had group artist
Most notable artists use a brush for their work. Jeanne Lorenz would rather use a steamroller on one of her projects. exhibitions in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. Lorenz’s latest showcase will be this week at the Dixon May Fair, where she will use a steamroller to craft and make large-scale printmaking projects in the fair’s Solano Steamroller Smackdown. The 12-ton black and white steamroller will be rolling through the fair and spinning inky imagery created by participants. All prints and t-shirts produced will be for sale, with proceeds benefiting the Solano college art department. Lorenz and her students will each make and steamroll three prints. The theme Lorenz is striving for her students is “country symbolism.”
DiXON MAY FAIR - May 10-13 on 655 South 1st Street in Dixon -Performances by English Beat with the Romantics, Kellie Pickler & Phil Vassar, and Larry the Cable Guy. -$12 for adults, $8 for seniors and military, and $7 for children 12 and under -Wednesday opens at 4 p.m. for some carnival rides and Snoop Dogg concert -More information @ DixonMayFair.com
10 SPORTS
THE TEMPEST n MAY 9 - SEPT. 4, 2012
Practice makes
perfect
A glove and visor sit in the dugout at a recent Falcons softball practice.
Photos by Tim Hosford/Tempest
Solano Community College softball players Monieka Takeda-Torix, left, Lynzie Ryan and Autumn Price run during a recent practice.
Solano softball dominates division once again with seventh championship in a row The Solano Falcons softball team had a strong 28-9 season overall, 19-1 conference. Solano has collected seven consecutive Bay Valley Conference titles and reached the playoffs eight years in a row. Leading the conference by two games over Yuba College (17-3), Solano clinched the conference after beating Napa April 19. Hannah Wilbur pitched in 28 games, starting 19 with a 1.26 ERA. She went 21-5 overall with
193 strikeouts. She received All-State pitcher of the year as well as MVP pitcher of the year. Darian Quist-Richard was awarded 1st team outfield and the All Nor-Cal statewide award. Darian had a .447 batting average, 37 runs scored, 55 hits and 25 RBIs. Solano has made the playoffs eight consecutive years in a row, collecting seven consecutive Bay Valley Conference titles. “Our goal is to win, but it
comes down to who is the best team,” coach Terri PearsonBloom said. “The key is to recruiting great players and developing their talents.” The Falcons played playoff games in Fresno last weekend against Fresno City College. They lost Saturday 1-0 and Sunday 9-0, ending their season. – Ben Gogna/Tempest
Outfielder Lynzie Ryan wears her eye-black in a unique way.
Photos by Tim Hosford/ The Tempest
Autumn Price laughs during a light moment at softball practice.
SPORTS 11
THE TEMPEST n MAY 9 - SEPT. 4, 2012
Audrey Musgrove and teammates watch a game.
The Solano softball team huddles before a game.
Photos by Tim Hosford/Tempest
Darian Quist-Richard, left, and Monieka Takeda-Torix give each other a high-five in the dugout.
“The key is to recruiting great players and developing their talents.” – Terri Pearson-Bloom, softball head coach
Falcons catcher Monieka Takeda-Torix, right, confers with pitcher Hannah Wilbur during recent game.
Pitching Coach Cheryl Mitchell gives pointers to players.
12 SPORTS
THE TEMPEST n MAY 9 - SEPT. 4, 2012
Three Solano basketball athletes sign onto four year universities By Ben Gogna Sports/Photo Editor Bgogna@solanotempest.net
Ben Gogna - Sorts/photo editor
Three Solano basketball players signed letters of intent to two different schools at 1 p.m. on May 3 at Solano Community College. “I’m very proud of these girls,” Matt Borchert said. “I’m excited for them and their futures.”
Star Neufeld, Tara Cooley and Shannon Rankin (left to right) signing the letters of intent to the schools they plan on transferring to. They signed the letters Thursday, May 3 at Solano Community College.
Presley (Star) Neufeld, will be transferring to the NCAA Division III School, Eastern Nazarene University, in Quincy, Massachusetts and will be playing point guard. Neufeld averaged 7 points per game, 4.5 assists and 2
START THE NEXT STEP TO YOUR DEGREE
steals here at Solano Community College. “It was a great opportunity to come to Solano,” Neufeld said. “Without Borchert, I wouldn’t be where I’m at now and heading to Eastern Nazarene University.” Both Shannon Rankin and Tara Cooley will be transferring to San Francisco State. Rankin was All Conference, Academic All Conference and won the Falcon award carrying 13.3 points per game, 7.6 rebounds and 2.2 steals. “My two years at Solano developed me into the player I am today,” Tara Cooley said. “My coaches and teammates taught me how to be a determined and hard working player that I will now carry on over to San Francisco State which is the perfect school and program for an athlete with a lot of heart and motivation like myself.” Cooley was an All Conference as a freshman and carried 8.9 points per game, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 steals. “One of the best decisions I ever made was choosing to come to Solano.” Shannon Rankin said. “Without coach Borchert and my teammates support, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to go on and play at San Francisco State. I can’t thank them enough.”
Aquatics
Solano to hold water safety day Solano Community College is offering ‘Aquatics Adventure & Water Safety Day’ Saturday, June 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Solano College pool, locatted at 4000 Suisun Valley Rd, Fairfield, Calif.
Transfer to Brandman University. Are you ready to transfer and take the next step to get your bachelor’s degree? At Brandman University, you can transfer to programs that start every eight weeks, taught by experienced instructors who share real-world insights. It’s a unique college experience, with personal Academic Advisors for each student, that
The event will include safety instructions, demonstrations from aquatic experts, and free swimming lessons. For more information contact Scott.Parrish@solano.edu
Brandman students value. It’s one reason why Brandman graduation rates are nearly 70%. So don’t get sidetracked—stay on track to graduate. Find out more today and ask about the $500 transfer scholarship.*
Call 877-750-6173 or visit TransferToBrandman.com.
*You must enroll by August 27, 2012 to be eligible; other terms and conditions may apply. Brandman University, a part of the Chapman University System, is a private, non-profit institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools and 12_0412_CC_PUBS Colleges (WASC) with programs offered both online and at 26 campuses in California and Washington.
Join the ‘Tempset’ in the fall of 2012. Staff looking for photographers, writers, artists. For more information, contact: Samanda.Dorger@solano.edu