Solano Tempest

SOPA threatens freedom

3Film student focused on future

basketball losing momentum

OPINION ON 2

A&E ON 8

SPORTS ON 4

3Women’s

THE TEMPEST

FAIRFIELD, CALIF. www.solanotempest.net

THE VOICE OF SOLANO COLLEGE

VOL. 28, NO. 7

DEC. 7, 2011 - FEB. 7, 2012

SCC programs threatened College to consider laying off campus police

By Ben Gogna Photo editor

Phillip Temple /Tempest

Unsuspecting students will be surprised by harrowing budget cuts.

Professor rallies to save engineering program, other programs at risk of being discontinued

By Sharman Bruni Editor-in-chief

Attempting to get into classes at the last minute is no easy task, but now it may be even harder to find a place as classes continue to drop and student numbers do not.

Fifteen programs have been placed on “program discontinuance review” at Solano Community College due to the budget crisis within the county and state.

Program discontinuance comes from an academic affairs policy in which the Curriculum Committee, a branch of the Academic Sen-

ate, reviews programs and decides whether they will stay the same, be modified, or discontinued.

The list of programs include drafting, electronics, engineering, French, German, horticulture, interior design, journalism, Latin, maintenance technician, marketing, office technology, Portuguese, real estate, and TV. Among all these programs, one individual has stood out in her quest to rally support. Melanie Lutz, an engineering professor at the college, has been very proactive to keep the engineering program running at SCC.

“At a time when the local, state and national economies are in dire need of more skilled engineers and scientists, closing the only engineering program in Solano County would be a disastrous move in the wrong direction,” Lutz said.

So far, 33 letters in support of the continuation of the engineering program have been compiled

by Lutz. The list of individuals in support of the engineering program’s continuance includes Congressman John Garamendi, local business leaders, and current and former students.

8SEE BUDGET, PAGE 6

Community report price tag is $44,988

By Anthony Peters Copy editor

Solano Community College recently spent nearly $45,000 of Measure G funds on a community report distributed to residents of Solano County.

The report is an eight-page fold out with information regarding the different community partnerships SCC has developed as well as a message from SCC President

Jowel C. Laguerre.

One page of the report says how Measure G bond funds have been used to build the student services center on the main campus, build new Vallejo and Vacaville centers as well as fund health and wellness, sports medicine and recreational facilities.

Yulian Ligioso, vice president of finance and administration, said that the report is a way to inform the taxpayers of how SCC is

spending its funds.

“The pamphlets are a way to let the residents know what we did with the money given to us by Measure G,” Ligioso said.

The college spent $44,988.45 of Measure G funds on the pamphlet, according to Peter Bostic, executive director for institutional advancement.

According to the 2010 annual Measure G report, Measure G, 8SEE MEASURE G: PAGE 6

MORE ONLINE AT WWW.SOLANOTEMPEST.NET: -The new Muppet movie has humour at heart; -Childish Gambino represents real rap.

The SCC police staff consists of four full-time officers, two part-time officers, one parking atSolano Community College will tendant and two administrative consider laying off its police ofpersonnel. ficers next semester, possibly conThe issue will be presented to sidering private security guards the college governing board in Janfor some or all uary, the letter said. of campus If approved, the security. board will issue a Police staff 45-day layoff noreceived an tice to the police email in late staff.

November “We are lookfrom a repreing at it as a cost sentative of saving possibility their union, vs. service,” said

Ben Gogna i n f o r m i n g Flyers have appeared around Peter Bostic, expolice staff of campus. ecutive director the possible of institutional layoff. advancement.

“I don’t see eliminating the cam“There are other issues in addipus police officers being the solu- tion to cost that would be looked tion to saving a few cents, which at as well,” Bostic said. “How quick won’t be worth all the downside could armed law enforcement offiand the negative ramifications,” cers get here if we only have unsaid senior SCC police officer Joe armed officers? Some people preRamos, and Stationary Engineers fer less armed on campus. Some Union Local 39 member. people want more armed on cam8SEE POLICE: PAGE 6

Overcoming hardships, Laguerre developed passion for learning The pastor encouraged Laguerre’s parents to let him stay with the pastor’s family and attend school in Superintendentthe neighboring President Jowel village.

Laguerre came to “Because of Solano Commuthe fact that I alnity College with a most did not go wealth of knowledge to school, I’ve aland a breadth of exways appreciated perience under his everything about belt. Although he school and have has found success in felt that getting the academic world an education was today, as a young really a privilege,” boy growing up in Jowel Laguerre Laguerre said. the village of Saint Laguerre proGeorge, Haiti, Lagressed through guerre almost missed the opportu- school and started tutoring when nity to attend school. he was in fourth grade, a step in There were no schools in La- his educational path that would guerre’s village, and he did not eventually lead him to teaching. have the opportunity to start his From tutoring fellow students in education until a pastor from a 1968 to the present day teaching a neighboring town visited Saint Haitian-Creole class last semester George and saw that the eight-year- at Solano, Laguerre spent many old Laguerre was not in school. 8SEE PRESIDENT: PAGE 6

By Sharman Bruni Editor-in-chief

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “There’s a call to adventure. It’s something in the inner psyche of humanity...”

-Gary Gygax

2

OPINION

Campus calendar

THE TEMPEST n DEC. 7, 2011- FEB. 7, 2012

Congress needs to drop the SOPA

Dec. 7 Workshop: Concurrent Enrollment; How to attend SCC and a local university simultaneously, for little or no tuition cost.

Room 437 4 p.m.-4:40 p.m.

Planned Parenthood Express Clinic Room 1409 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Registration for returning and transfer students begins Dec. 8 Registered Nursing Workshops Room 812 5:30 p.m.-6:45 p.m.

Horticulture Plant Sale 1000 building 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Holiday food drive ends Dec. 9 Horticulture Plant Sale 1000 building 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

If you’ve spent an extensive amount of time on the Internet in the last few weeks, you’re probably familiar with H.R. 3261, also known as the Stop Online Piracy Act. Proposed by Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), the bill aims to censor websites that corporations fear are illegally distributing copyrighted material. With 1.2 billion illegal music downloads last year (according to arstechnia.com), the issue of piracy needs to be dealt with, but not in the way that SOPA is suggesting. The bill seems to suggest that the way to combat online piracy is to black out sites that merely contain copyrighted material, which will only serve to give governments and corporations too much power and render the Internet nearly un-useable.

I’m hardly alone in this opinion. One anti-SOPA petition on Reddit.com had over 30,000 signatures, and opponents include Ron Paul, Nancy Pelosi, and even Vice President Joe Biden. It’s no secret

letter to the editor

Typing Test Certification Room 502 2:30 p.m.

that the bill guage is what exactly is unpopuconstitutes “theft.” lar, but the Obviously, sites that fact that it allow free downloadhas reached ing of movies that the floor of haven’t come to vidCongress is eo would fit in this a cause for category, but what concern. about somebody U n who posts a link to a like most video on Facebook? congresIs that considered sional bills theft? The vagueBy Nick Sestanovich A & E editor which have ness of this bill is managed the reason why so to evade many people are up the public eye, this has caused an in arms over it, and prominent outcry among Internet users and sites like Twitter, Google, and rightly so. SOPA is riddled with YouTube are against it, while the problems and could have a nega- MPAA and RIAA (AKA the lobbytive effect on the Internet and free ists) are for it. If that’s what it does speech if it passes. mean (and Smith says it doesn’t, The main problem with SOPA even though he waited until after is its broad implications. The bill’s the controversy to make that clear), objective is “to promote prosper- then the bill needs to be stopped. ity, creativity, entrepreneurship, Something about the government by combating the theft of U.S. having control over what goes on property.” Lost in this flowery lan- the Web feels very Orwellian, and

that is not the direction America needs to go in.

What the authors of SOPA don’t realize is that not everyone who shares or posts copyrighted material is a pirate. Most are just fans who are trying to get the word out about movies, TV shows, or bands they think should be more popular. With a resource as large as the Internet, it’s become much easier to spread word of mouth by posting songs or movie clips. As long as they aren’t trying to gain anything more than the ability to turn others on to the work they admire, this should not be considered piracy.

According to the Washington Post, the bill is scheduled to be debated on Dec. 15. Until then, consider to make your voice heard about why this bill is wrong, and possibly even write to your congressman telling them to vote “No.”

cartoons

Community needs

Fall Film Festival Suisun Harbor Theatre 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

creative, driven students Editor-

Dec. 10 Horticulture Plant Sale 1000 building 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Solano Youth Theatre Aladdin performance 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m.

Dec. 13 Finals for evening classes Registration for K-12 special admissions begins

Congratulations on receiving four awards from the Journalism Association of Community Colleges, including the award for general excellence for the online edition of The Tempest! As the assemblymember representing Solano County, I am pleased that the hard work of the staff at The Tempest received statewide praise from your peers.

Open registration begins

The award for excellence is especially well earned; the quality of the website for your online edition is comparable to many professional online news sources. Our community needs the efforts of creative and driven students now more than ever, and we are fortunate to have you in our midst.

Dec. 17-Dec. 18 Finals for Saturday/Sunday classes Finals for evening/day classes

I applaud your leadership and the continuing efforts of your staff to keep us all wellinformed.

Dec. 19-Dec. 20 Finals for evening/day classes Semester ends

Mariko Yamada

If you have something to say, a reaction to a story or an opinion on a topic, email us your view at:

Assemblymember

tempest@solano.edu

Eighth assembly district

If you do send letters please make sure to include full name, and contact information (for verification purposes) and be advised that letters may be edited and/ or shortened for length.

Dec. 14-Dec. 16 Finals for evening classes Finals for day classes

January 18 Spring semester begins

ON THE WEB Visit Solanotempest.net for news and updates.

Phillip Temple/Tempest

VOICE YOUR OPINION

Phillip Temple/Tempest

Winter Choral Concert 1200 Building 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Phillip Temple/Tempest

OPINION 3

THE TEMPEST n DEC. 7, 2011- FEB. 7, 2012

Phillip Temple/Tempest

An eye for an eye

Phillip Temple/Tempest

I am not here to spring my beliefs or convince you of the wrongs, rights, ifs, ands, or butslet alone the pros and cons--on such a touchy subject as the death penalty. I’d rather give insight on a cloudy issue the accused ultimately may face in committing the most capital crime or offence.

So far 58 nations still practice the death penalty and 96 countries and counting have abolished it.

Capital punishment is reserved for murder, espionage, and treason in the U.S. , and for other reasons in other countries.

In the U.S., the electric chair and the gas chamber were introduced as more humane alternatives to hanging, but have been almost entirely superseded by lethal injection in most states. Nevertheless, some countries still employ slow hanging methods, beheading by

sword and even stoning, although the latter is rarely employed.

Advocates of the death penalty argue that it deters crime, is a good tool for police and prosecutors (in plea bargaining for example), makes sure that convicted criminals do not offend again, and is a just penalty for atrocious crimes such as child murders, serial killers or torture murderers.

Opponents of capital punishment argue that not all people affected by murder desire a death penalty, that execution discriminates against minorities and the poor, and that it encourages a “culture of violence” and violates human rights.

According to the Death Penalty Information Center, capital punishment leads to miscarriage of justice through the wrongful execution of innocent people.

By Sara Berzman Opinion editor

Many people have been proclaimed innocent victims of the death penalty, according to extended research noted in several articles on Capital Defense Weekly and Justice Denied.

Some have claimed that as many as 39 executions have been carried out in the face of compelling evidence of innocence or serious

doubt about guilt in the U.S. between 1992 and 2004.

Newly available DNA evidence prevented the pending execution of more than 15 death row inmates during the same period in the U.S., according to the Innocence Project, but DNA evidence is only available in a fraction of capital cases, according to the Casey Anthony Trial-Aftermath.

Since the death penalty reinstatement in the United States during the 1970s, no inmate executed has been granted posthumous pardon.

Overall, the Innocence Project has exonerated more than 250 inmates through February 2010.

The American Civil Liberties Union opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, and looks to the day when the United States joins the majority of nations as an abolitionist state. The ACLU Cap-

ital Punishment Project works to abolish the death penalty nationally through direct representation as well as through strategic litigation, advocacy, public education, and mentoring and training programs for capital defense teams.

In the case against the death penalty the ACLU says it “violates the constitutional ban against cruel and unusual punishment and the guarantees of due process of law and of equal protection under the law.” The ACLU also says that the state should not give itself the right to kill human beings.

“Capital punishment is an intolerable denial of civil liberties and is inconsistent with the fundamental values of our democratic system,” the ACLU says on their website. “The death penalty is uncivilized in theory and unfair and unjust in practice.”

If the campus police were no more...

“Personhood” could set precedent

By Deborah Graham Online editor

A recent Mississippi Amendment on Nov. 8 was shot down by Mississippi voters.

The “personhood” initiative, according to CNN, would have defined life as starting at conception (the one-celled embryo) and banned any form of birth

control or abortion. Would an initiative like this set a precedent for other states?

What kind of impact would this have on our Nation as a whole? For more information on this initiative check the online edition on the Tempest.

Phillip Temple/Tempest

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 administra-

THE TEMPEST The Voice of Solano College nVol. 28, No. 7

tion, the faculty and staff, or the Associated Students of Solano College.

Sharman Bruni editor-in-chief

Readers may take up to five copies of The Tempest free. Additional copies may be purchased for 25 cents.

Memberships: Journalism Association of Community Colleges • California Newspaper Publishers Association

Kayla Doria Anthony Gutierrez news editors

Rebecca Naranjo sports editor

Nick Sestanovich a&e editor

Deborah Graham online editor

Sara Berzman opinion editor

Ben Gogna photo editor

Sam Zaghloul Natalie Icaza Jeffrey Stock Mattia Austin Mark Beierly Mitchel Bobo Roy Taisague staff writers

Anthony Peters copy editor 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

4

SPORTS

THE TEMPEST n DEC. 7 2011 - FEB. 7, 2012

SPORTS 5

THE TEMPEST n DEC. 7 2011 - FEB. 7, 2012

MEN’S BASKETBALL

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Falcons dominate Bay Valley Conference again

Lady Falcons season shaky at 4-5

Solano at bottom of Conference Men’s basketball continues 7 game losing streak

Ben Gogna/Tempest

Solano’s Yedith Martinez charges towards the goal during Friday, October 28 game against Yuba.

By Jeff Stock Staff writer

The Solano Community College Women’s soccer team is untouchable, finishing the 2011 season undefeated in the Bay Valley Conference, winning the championship for the fourth consecutive year. This is the fifth season in a row the Falcons went undefeated in their conference.

Solano’s 19-game shutout streak against conference rivals ended this season when Mendocino managed to find the twine in a 1-1 tie on Nov. 1. This marks the first goal a Bay Valley Conference team has scored on Solano since November, 2009.

Sophomore nursing major Alexsa Gonzalez, who finished the season leading the team with nine assists, said it has been a good experience playing for coach Jeff Cardinal here at Solano.

“I got everything accomplished that I wanted to,” she said. “I made the team last year and first team this year.”

Fellow sophomore Briana Scholtens felt the 2011

season did not meet her expectations. Scholtens, whom head coach Jeff Cardinal considers one of the most athletically versatile players on the 2011 squad with the ability to “play anywhere, even goalkeeper”, spent much of the season frustrating opponents between the pipes, giving up only six goals in 680 minutes played.

“In the beginning it was hard for us to come together and find our swing. If we had connected early on the way we did toward the end, we would have been phenomenal,” Scholtens said.

Scholtens’ experience with the Falcons has been positive overall, she said, with the knowledgeable coaching staff helping her develop on and off the field; athletically and academically.

Both Scholtens and Gonzalez hope to catch the eye of talent scouts from four-year schools who will be in attendance during the sophomore showcase on Saturday, Dec. 3. The sophomore Falcons have been in contact with several schools, hoping to attend San Diego and Cal State L.A., respectively.

Rebecca Naranjo/Tempest

Ben Gogna/Tempest

Solano’s Tara Cooley shakes off a Skyline player leading to a two pointer during a home game on Tuesday, November 23.

By Mark Beierly Staff writer

To anyone involved with collegiate sports, a basketball game can be a test.

“It was a good hard fight and is actually what we needed; to be tested,” According to what women’s basketball head coach Matt Borchert said in the Solano Falcons 72-65 victory over Skyline Tuesday, Nov. 23.

The Falcons played a close defensive battle with Skyline in the first half with the score tied at 33-33.

The second half turned out to be a tale of two stories. The Falcons jumped ahead in the second half dominating the boards and making key jump shots. At around the 9 minute mark, the Falcons jumped to an 11 point lead with the score 55-44 in the second half. But Skyline went on a 15-6 run in the later portions of the second half.

The score was now 61-59 around the 4 minute mark in the second half. Solano, which had an 11 point lead earlier, was now up by 2 with 3 minutes remaining in the second half.

Luckily within those 3 minutes, the Falcons held up with their defensive stops and went on an 11-6 run to close out the game. The final score was Solano 72 Skyline 65.

The key players for the Falcon victory were forward Thaleya Nickson who had 14 points and was a big force in the post down low game, chipping in with 7 rebounds.

The same can be said with other Solano forward Kandace Perez who also played terrifically with 12 points and 2 assists. Perez also came up with 7 rebounds in the game.

Guard Presley Neufeld made some key clinching free throws that sealed the game, scoring 11 points, 6 assists,

Solano struggled to catch up during Friday, December 2 game against Skyline.

By Anthony Peters dez 3-pointer that tied the game got the rest of the way. From there, Copy editor up at 9 after a Hernandez jumper, the Panthers turned on the heat Manny Gabriel pushed the lead going on a 15-5 run, highlighted Though the season is still young, further with his first 3-pointer of by a three-point play by Bobby the Solano Community College the evening.

Barnes. men's basketball team is still strugAfter Sac City fought back to a Solano fought back bringing gling to find an identity.

24-19 deficit, the Solano offense the game back to a two-possession The Falcons (0-3) are still seek- was absent. Sac City capitalized on lead at 72-66, before its offense ing their first win of the season seven straight Solano possessions once again fell silent, allowing Sac after being beaten by Sacramento without points to go on a 10-point City to go on a 10-3 run to end the City College 83-69 Friday at the run. game.

Solano Gym. The Falcons answered right Despite the loss, Nagel is as"We just had stretches where we back with three straight three- sured that his young team is close were inefficient offensively," Sola- pointers to take the lead back at to finding its identity. no coach John Nagel said. "We got 33-32. They couldn't hold on to "We have to get experience," he careless on offense and they got in the lead, however, as D.J. McGee said. "To get experience we need to and put pressure on our defense." hit two free throws, then forced a get tested. We are very close. We The Falcons kept pace through turnover and laid the ball in on just need to keep plugging away." the beginning of the first half, due the fast-break to give the Panthers The Falcons will be off until Friin part to crisp ball movement on a 36-33 lead going into halftime. day as they open the Diablo Valley the offensive side. After falling When the second half started, College tournament against San behind 7-3 in the early moments, Solano cut the lead to one on a Jose City College at Diablo Valley they answered back with a 16-5 Brett Cauchi three at 42-41. It College. run, spurred by a Maurice Hernan- turned out to be the closest Solano

Falcons laid 65-53 egg loss to Jaguars

By Jeff Stock Staff writer

Ben Gogna/Tempest

Falcon Presley Neufeld takes charge of Tuesday, November 23 game against the Trojans. Neufeld would go on to help increase the score against Skyline. and 4 rebounds. lead. tournament.

The big star of the game was sophoCooley describes the Falcons victoriRankin echoed the sentiments of more guard Tara Cooley who was the ous outcome as the team “having good Cooley and head coach Borchert sayleading scorer of the game with 18 energy and focused on the defense” in ing the team “stayed strong in the points. Throughout the game, Cooley the game. game and is darn happy they won.” made her presence felt with some key Both Cooley and Solano forward Sometimes in situations, it’s a very 3 pointers in the first half, while in Shannon Rankin felt the victory over good thing to be tested. the second half she continued making Skyline was what they needed after shots that lead to the early 11 point playing in the Santa Barbara MTXE

The Solano Community College Women’s basketball team was unable to rally after falling behind early to the visiting San Jose Jaguars. This disappointing loss brings the Falcon’s record to 3-3, which ties them for first in the Bay Valley Conference, Bay Division with Los Medanos.

“We laid an egg,” Solano head coach Matt Borchert said. “They were frustrated early on and it snowballed from there.”

The Falcons couldn’t connect with passes in the paint, turning the ball over to the Jaguars frequently. According to coach Borchert, these turnovers were negated the team’s solid defensive effort and instrumental in the loss.

Sophomore guard Presley Neufeld led the defense, aggressively pursuing the ball carrier, taking away the Jaguars time and space.

“We have to set being more aggressive as one of our goals; to get that extra umph,” Neufeld said.

“We have to contain better; they

didn’t shoot any 3’s,” she said.

Solano’s offense, in addition to being plagued by turnovers, had a hard time sinking shots, hitting only 46 percent from the field and 55 percent from the free throw line.

5Solano's head coach John Nagel yells in frustration.

A Falcon struggles against a Trojan to get a rebound.8 Rebecca Naranjo/Tempest

6

THE TEMPEST

THE TEMPEST n DEC. 7,2011 - JAN. 7, 2012

Laguerre: long hours teaching in Haiti 7 PRESIDENT: FROM PAGE 1

decades honing his teaching methods and working in the academic community.

During his time teaching in Haiti, Laguerre would often arrive at school at 6:30 a.m. and many times find himself there until 8 p.m.

“Weekends were spent preparing for the whole week,” Laguerre said. “The reward was the response of the students.”

Laguerre looked back on his life then and remembered having “all the energy in the world” in his early twenties as well as being surrounded by encouragement.

Laguerre continued his education at the University of Kansas to acquire his Ph.D. in Educational

Leadership as well as receiving his Master’s of Science in Education in School and Administration and a Master of Arts in French Literature.

“I think that my doctoral studies at the University of Kansas played an extremely important role to instill confidence in me,” Laguerre said.

Laguerre was hired at SCC in 2009, previously serving as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Truckee Meadows Community College, the Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Services at Montgomery College, and Vice President of Student Services and Learning at Lake Superior College.

Police department is operating at “bare bones”

“I enjoy working for him very iff’s department would be called. much,” said Judy Spencer, execu- 7 POLICE: FROM PAGE 1 Laura Strand, business repretive coordinator to the president. sentative of the Stationary Engi“He has everyone’s best interest at pus. Everything is a possibility. A neers Union Local 39, said in an heart.” blending of Guardian Angels are email to The Tempest that the So“For the ASSC he helped en- a possibility,” Bostic said, referring lano County Sheriff’s Department sure our funds that we will be to the volunteer organization. getting from the Barnes and “We don’t know what we’re do- would be unlikely to be able to Noble contract,” Phil McAffrey, ing right now, but looking at po- provide a level of service that the President of the ASSC, said.

“Laguerre has always been look“It will compromise the ing out for the students.” safety of the campus.”

“Even in this difficult economy, the people who have college de-- Joe Ramos, SCC police grees are better off than those who don’t,” Laguerre said, “When we are educated, we can create a future from ourselves as opposed to tential models of law enforcement SCC officers currently provide.

“If the district believes that they having others create a future for on campus,” Bostic said. can rely upon the Solano County us.”

“We’re exploring different Sheriff’s Office to be the first remodels,” said Yulian Ligioso, sponder for calls for assistance, vice president of finance and adthat is quite an optimistic assumpministration.

“This particular tion,” Strand said. item has been on what’s called “It will compromise the safety the People and Things ‘to do’ list of the campus,” Ramos said.

“You Programs under discontinu- for probably two to three years, so won’t be able to get the appropriI’m just following up on that,” Liance review: ate help when needed.” gioso said.

Ramos said the Solano police Ligioso said he did not know • drafting department already has the lowhow much money might be saved, • electronics est paid officers of the community or how much the current police • engineering colleges. department costs.

• French “We’ve already taken cuts over “We’ll be presenting, discuss• German the years” Ramos said. “We’ve lost ing different options,” Ligioso • horticulture officers that were never replaced, said. “If we can effectively embrace • interior design we’ve lost graveyard shifts, and technology to assist in the security • journalism we’ve already been cut into, sigand safety aspect and maybe go to • Latin nificantly.

In other words, we are a different type of model, from po• maintenance technician operating at bare bones.” lice department to security, then it • marketing Ramos says he doesn’t expect might be cheaper,” Ligioso said.

• office technology severance pay. “I don’t know what “Obviously we want to maintain • Portuguese the final negotiations will be if it the level of service, maintain a safe • real estate gets to that point, but based on and secure campus.”

• TV what’s already happened, you get Ramos, a 10-year veteran of the your 45-day pink slip and that’s SCCPD, said that with unarmed it,” Ramos said.

“As far as seversecurity, if an incident did take ance pay, we’ll be in the unemployplace on the campus that the sherment line like everyone else.”

Fifteen SCC programs to be reviewed 7 BUDGET: FROM PAGE 1

“SCC’s engineering program plays a key role in educating a highly qualified workforce to meet the demands of our technology-based economy,” said S. Shankar Sastry, UC Berkeley’s dean of engineering. “The need for more engineers to drive innovation and industrial growth is especially acute during this period of economic stagnation.”

“The classes in this program were the most challenging and motivating experiences I had at Solano,” former student Eian Vizzini said. “They tied theoretical derivations with hands on laboratory experiments, which cannot be taught online. As a result, I feel I

was better prepared than my peers at the University of California, Davis.”

The Dean of Sciences, Betsy Julian, relayed that there was “very systematic data-driven approach to generating the list,” referring to the process facilitated by the Curriculum Committee.

According to Julian, during better times financially, the college was able to offer a wide variety of classes, but with the current fiscal cuts, many classes are now under scrutiny to either be cut or modified to better fit the college’s needs financially. Julian says she is not concerned that the engineering program will be cut, but said there is the chance that it will be modified.

Community report used Measure G funds 7 MEASURE G: FROM PAGE 1

in accordance with Proposition 39, contains strict financial safeguards to insure that bond funds are spent on classroom and facility improvements as identified in the ballot measure.

“There is language in the bond that doesn’t specify buildings or infrastructure,” Ligioso said. “According to that language the reports fit the parameters.”

Ligioso said the school was unable to finish all of the planned projects due to a rise in construction prices.

“We weren’t able to finish everything,” Ligioso said. “Cost estimates were 30% higher than originally thought due to a higher increase of demand on resources.”

Measure G was a bond passed in 2002 by voters of Winters and Solano County. Originally it was $124.5 million but according to the SCC website, that total has grown to nearly $150 million with interest.

The 2010 annual report states SCC has spent $142 million on Measure G projects.

SCC mailed this community report to Solano county residents.

THE TEMPEST n DEC. 7, 2011- FEB. 7, 2012

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE TEMPEST n DEC. 7, 2011 - FEB. 7, 2012

“Skylanders” brings your toys to life on all consoles

Solano student aims high with movie production company

Tyler Manzo/Courtesy Photo

A screenshot from “Sam Raymond and the Post Break-Up Zombie Depression.”

By Rebecca Naranjo Sports editor

Activision

“Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure” offers colorful graphics and a fresh style of gameplay.

By Deborah Graham Online editor

GAME REVIEW

I tore through the plastic, pulled out my “Portal” peripheral, and plugged it into my Wii console.

I dropped a “Skylander” figure on it and my toy came to life on the screen. I am not an 8-year-old but I am losing my flipping mind over this game.

I want this game for Christmas.

“Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure,” is a simple game with some very cool graphics and 3D technology.

“Star Control” developers Toys for Bob in collaboration with Activision has given us a game with a round shaped “Portal of Power” peripheral, and a full launch range of 32 three-inch action figures (they are sold separately).

The game is another entry in the “Spyro” series, which has been going strong since the PS1 days. Your starter pack includes the portal of power, three figures (Spyro, Trigger Happy, and Gill Grunt). I love the fact the portal of power is USB compatible with Xbox, but gives me that wireless feel with my Wii. The plot is that the Portal Masters (that

would be you or I), have to save the Skylander world from an evil nemesis (isn’t it always an evil nemesis?) named Kaos and rebuild the Core of Light. You can use the three characters provided in your start up pack to finish the game, however adding more characters will bring a greater diversity to the

“Skylanders is a must buy for that spot under the Christmas tree.” game and make easier to complete.

The levels play to the strength of each character. In some levels, you may need to cross water, and Gill Grunt would work better for you than Trigger Happy, who is more of a technical character. You just remove Happy and put Gill on your portal and he will save the day. I love the interchangeability of all the characters. It only takes a few seconds.

Jennifer Avina, one of the production coordinators at Activision, notes the toys can travel with you to a friend’s house and you can play it on their console. The toys have all the character’s elements, the treasures

and equipment stored in the toy.

This enables you to use it on any other portal and also to cross platform it with any other system. “’Sklyander: Spyro’s Adventure’ originated from our developer, Toys for Bob,” said Avina. “The developers watched how the kids interacted with toys and video games and wanted to merge those two types of play into a unique and imaginative experience.

I want to warn anyone that if they buy this game thinking Spyro is the main character, they will be sorely disappointed. This is probably a marketing ploy, but it doesn’t detract from the fact that Activision has put out a great product just in time for Christmas.

The game is a bit expensive ($69), but with all the things you get in your starter pack and additional characters on Amazon for less than ten dollars, it is worth the investment.

The game also contains great graphics, is available on every platform, appropriate for all ages, and, most importantly, if I can’t get out of a level with my character I can go over to a friend’s house and make my character stronger. I can then take my figure back to my house and continue my game. It’s a must buy for that spot under the Christmas tree.

Veteran film student Tyler Manzo has high aspirations for himself and the future of the film production company he began in March 2010, Black Rose Productions.

Black Rose Productions produces darker, more ironic films that range from dramas to dark comedies.

As a child, Manzo always knew he wanted to be a director.

“I’ve always been creative and wanted to share stories with people,” Manzo said. “Filmmaking is the best way to do that.”

Currently, Manzo is hard at work in post-production on his latest film “Sam Raymond and the Post Break-Up Zombie Depression.” It’s due to premiere at the Suisun Harbor Theatre for Solano’s Film Festival on Dec. 9.

“It’s a dark comedy about a guy and his ex-girlfriend stuck in a house as the zombie apocalypse breaks out,” Manzo said. “It’s pretty funny how things play out.”

On the backburner is the longest film Manzo has attempted to shoot, “Our Happy Apocalypse.”

It’s a 50 minute project that has been put on hold due to lack of permits for the film location.

“I’m trying to get more recognition for the company.”

Manzo said. “It’ll make it easier to get permits and other things.

You’re just not taken seriously when you’re a film student. It’s just tough since not only are you trying to market yourself, almost everything is coming out of pocket.”

Since Manzo has to pay for everything for all of his filming, he does a variety of odd jobs and promotes his company through friends.

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In the past, Manzo has created six short films and either acted in or helped out with filming with numerous others.

“You’re never 100 percent satisfied with your work,” Manzo said in relation to his past work.

“I am constantly trying to get better; better actors, better equipment, better stories.”

Manzo has already set high aspirations for his future.

“I want to stick to internet based things. I’m not stuck in the past. I like to think that I’m part of the new wave of videography groups.

Hopefully I’ll get to make it to Sundance film festival one day.”

Although Manzo is dedicated whole heartedly to his craft, he is determined to stick to his dream no matter what obstacles stand in his way.

“If I had to give a word of inspiration to other film students, it would be to not be discouraged by failure. Filmmaking is going to be accomplished through failure.

Embrace it if you have family troubles or breakups. I’ve started tons of films and not finished because of life hardships, but I embrace failure and keep going.”

You can learn more about Black Rose Productions by visiting their site at Blackrose.tv or their Facebook page at facebook.com/ blackrosefilms

Want to see “Aladdin” at Suisun Harbor Theatre?

Wish granted!

By Tempest Staff

“Aladdin,” the classic folk tale of a lowly street rat and his encounter with a genie who grants him three wishes, will come to Suisun Harbor Theatre on Dec. 10.

“Aladdin” is the latest production from Solano Youth Theatre, and features some of the youngest company members. In addition to being SYT’s opening show of the 2011-2012 season, it’s also the first show under the banner of Vacaville’s Young Artists Conservatory of Music.

The show will be performed for one night only at the Suisun Harbor Theatre on Dec. 10 at 4:30 and 6 p.m. Tickets are $6 for children and $12 for adults. For more information on the show and other Solano productions, visit solanocollegetheatre.org.