THE
TEMPEST
THE VOICE OF SOLANO COLLEGE VOL. 30, NO. 1
SEPT. 4 - SEPT. 17, 2013
The solar panels at the Vallejo campus are expected to save $60,000 per year in electricity bills.
Steve Reczkowski/Tempest
New solar panels for Solano Benjamin Gogna Staff Writer bgogna@solanotempest.net
FAIRFIELD – Students may have noticed fenced-off sections around two parking lots on the main campus at Solano Community College during the first few weeks of this semester. The college is installing over 7,000 solar panels that will save over half a million dollars a year in electricity bills, and provide shaded parking for students.
The panels will reduce the district’s electricity usage by over 60 percent, according to college administrators. College administrators say the district’s current annual electricity bill of $1.1 million is expected to drop to $500,000, a savings of $600,000. In addition, solar incentives received by the state would earn the district $220,000 for each of the first five years of the solar systems’ operation. Solar panels are being installed at
Simulated school takeover: fake blood, real guns Pg. 6
both the Fairfield and Vacaville campuses, and will be completed by the end of October or early November, said Yulian Ligioso, vice president of finance and business at SCC in an e-mail.
campus alone is expected to save $60,000 per year in electricity bills and generate PG&E solar rebates of about $172,000 over the next five years, administrators said.
In February, construction began with the installation of 784 solar panels at the Vallejo Center. Much of the parking lot at the Vallejo Center was fenced off for the spring and summer terms. In June, the panels went on-line.
To fund the installation of the solar panels at the three district sites, SCC was able to secure $12.3 million in unspent American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds earmarked for renewable energy, Ligioso said.
The solar install at the Vallejo
“We have not tracked the number
of students who are temporarily inconvenienced by the construction,” said Jowel Laguerre, president of Solano Community College in an email. “However, the two lots at the Fairfield Campus we have used had very low student parking in them during the year,” Laguerre said. “Once completed the shade will more than make up for the temporary inconvenience.”
Campus Con: What do you Volleyball and Soccer think about SCC’s new player profiles Pg. 8 smoking policy? Pg. 3
2
THE TEMPEST n SEP. 4 - SEPT. 17, 2013
OPINION campus calendar Wed. Sept. 4
Sac State Transfer Representative 9 am-11:30am (Drop in) 12: pm-2:30 pm (Appointment only) Building 400, 1st floor
Thur. Sept. 5 ICC Meeting 12:30pm-1:30pm Room 1421 Organizational Skills for Successful Study Habit Lecture 2 pm-3 pm Room 101 Last Day to Apply for Credit by Exam
Mon. Sept. 9 - Friday, Sept. 13 Solano Daze Week All over campus
Tues. Sept. 10 ASSC Meeting 12:30 pm-2:30 pm Room 1421 Registered Nursing Information Workshop 5:30 pm-6:45 pm Room 812
Wed. Sept. 11 Safe Sex Clinic 10:00am-1:00pm Fairfield Campus, 1400 Lobby 2:30pm-5:00pm Vallejo Center, 1st floor
Thur. Sept. 12 College University Transfer Fair Fairfield Campus, Building 400 9:00am-7:30pm Veterans Seminar 12 pm-1:30 pm & 5 pm-6:30pm Room 1421 SSU-BA in Liberal Studies Info Session Vallejo Campus, Room 136 5 pm-6pm Last Day to file for Pass/No Pass Option
VOICE YOUR OPINION 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.
Distance education has its rewards According to an article by the United States Distance Learning Association, corporate America is using distance learning to save their companies millions of dollars each year. They now use Virtual Private Networks to train and transmit new material to their employees in the comfort of their homes.
Distance education, which is usually associated with post-secondary learning, is now making its way into military and government training, as well as telemedicine. Authors of “Army Distance Learning and Personnel Readiness,” John D. Winkler and Henry A. Leonard explain that distance learning has played a large part in minimizing personnel shortage. Military members can now finish school online when stationed overseas, greatly reducing separation issues.
“Being a working mother to three kids and going to school full-time was an impossible thought. The online courses at Solano have made it easier for me. Juanita Law, Biology major By Deborah Graham Online editor
technology has brought about other options.”
The term “distance learning,” can be used to describe a variety of out-of-classroom education. Karen Schweitzer’s article at businessmajor. about.com gives this definition:
Getting online and accessing dgraham@ solanotempest.net an online course is pretty simple; acclimating yourself to an online learning environment is an entirely different story. Solano Community College created several guidelines for its online courses to make the transition from in-classroom learning to online learning a smooth transition. SOLANOnline suggests some of the guidelines in becoming successful involve becoming independent, self-motivated, and disciplined.
“Distance learning is a term used to describe an education that is received at an off-site location. In the past, students who participated in a distance learning program received their education through correspondence courses, but new
“Being a working mother to three kids and going to school full-time was an impossible thought,” said Juanita Law, biology major, “the online courses at Solano have made it easier for me.” Law did concede that it takes a lot of discipline and she had to
make changes and adjustments in her daily schedule to make it work. This is her last semester at Solano and the majority of her general education courses have been online. Many colleges and universities are saving lots of money offering classes to students who cannot attend traditional courses due to time or distance. Students are saving as well. Many of my course books have an e-book version. This allows me to open one tab to enter my online course and open another tab to read my book. The cost of these books are generally reduced hence the affordability aspect. I feel the future of online educational services is very bright. Paul Levison, author, The Soft Edge” says it best. “Online learning can be a lifeline to those who have obstacles, such as geographical distances or physical disabilities.
Garage rocker heads in new direction By Mitchel Bobo Opinion editor mbobo@solanotempest.net
Ty Segall has long been one of the leading figures in the San Francisco garage-rock scene, but following the death of his father and the recording of “Sleeper,” he has returned to his native home in the Los Angeles area. Segall has been open about the tragedy which signaled his departure, and the profound impact it has had on the direction of his musical stylings. His signature sound has been one comprised of full-tilt distortion and snarling vocals, reminiscent of what one can find on the much fabled Nuggets collection. Though his influences still lie heavily on 60’s psychedelia, this effort has Segall channeling different aspects of the groovy era. Mainly an acoustic effort, one can hear hints of The Beatles and early Pink Floyd, as he strums alongside orchestral arrangements and sparse accompaniment. Some may feel skeptic that Segall’s sandpaper vocals could grapple with such a drastic change of pace, but his voice lends a raw element to these more emotional and introverted songs. Segall is solid both lyrically and thematically throughout, singing songs which evoke his sense of loss. Recorded in San Francisco before his departure, the lo-fi production so typical of a Ty Segall effort, truly bolsters the atmosphere of the more subdued and moody songs. Sounds like: Oasis, Brian Jonestown Massacre
Upcoming/Regional Tour Dates: Thurs. Sept. 5 Oakland, CA @ New Parish
Drag City
The cover art for Segall’s latest album reflects the 60s, by which he is heavily influArtist: Ty Segall Album Review: Sleeper Released: August 20th Genre: Indie Rock, Garage Rock Label: Drag City
OPINION 3
THE TEMPEST n SEP. 4 - SEPT. 17, 2013
eSports: A new breed of athletes
A puff piece Solano Community College is now a smoke-free campus. The new policy went into effect in August, to coincide with the start of the fall semester. The ban includes not just cigarettes, but chew/dip, electronic cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and snuff are now banned on all SCC campuses and district properties, according to the policy.
Competitive gaming as a form of entertainment has exploded in recent years. Many gamers enjoy watching their favorite games just as much as playing, much like a baseball player loves to watch his or her favorite team. But at what point does a player become an athlete, and at what point does a game become a sport?
government. Last month, pro League of Legends player Danny Le, who plays for the North American Team Coast under the online moniker “Shiphtur,” was recently granted a P-1A visa, the same visa given to athletes so they can compete in the U.S., according to the Los Angeles Times.
Competitive gaming, typically referred to as eSports by fans, is any sort of event where two or more people attempt to beat each other in a multiplayer video game. Today, the two biggest games in competitive gaming are Defense of the Ancients (DOTA2) and League of Legends (LoL). Both are essentially the same game, two teams of five players clash with one another in an effort to demolish the enemy base while defending their own. The teams who compete in these games aren’t composed your everyday casual players. The amount of hours they train per week is often more than a full time job, with salaries of over $200,000.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s websites says that “The P-1 classification applies to you if you are coming to the U.S. temporarily to perform at a specific athletic competition as an athlete, individually or as part of a group or team, at an internationally recognized level of performance.”
At last month’s DOTA2 third annual international tournament, sixteen five-man teams competed for a prize pool of over 2.8 million dollars. The final match up between the
By Jason Coleman Staff writer jcoleman@ solanotempest.net
Ukrainian team Na’vi and the Swedish Alliance produced more than a million viewers worldwide, according to DOTA2’s live-streaming data. “The DOTA2 international was a spectacular competition to watch,” said SCC student Kyle Lewandowski, who watched the live stream of the tournament. “It’s impressive to see so many talented players and excited fans.”
Designated smoking areas will no longer be provided. Smoking is also prohibited in all campus parking lots. Campus police said that they will not issue tickets but may issue warnings and take down student I.D. numbers of violators.
SCC approved for experimental grant program
So, technically speaking, Le could be considered an athlete, but I asked a few SCC students to get their opinion on the topic. Kahtara Harris said, “Yes, absolutely. If a ping pong player is an athlete then a pro gamer definitely is!” “I believe pro gaming satisfies a competitive nature,” states Alexa Petit, who is an avid League of Legends player herself, “but it’s difficult to call the players athletes.”
Professional gamers are actually starting to be recognized by the U.S.
Has the job market got you down? Beginning this Fall 2013 semester, Solano Community College will begin to allow graduates with Bachelor degrees to receive a Federal Pell Grant in order to pursue another degree or retrain for a career. SCC was approved to be an experimental site for this program by the U.S. Department of Education. Participants must be determined eligible for the Pell Grant after filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submitting all required documentation for evaluation. Students who plan on applying for this program must also plan to enroll in a vocational program that is less than one year long. All questions and concerns can be directed to the Financial Aid office in the 400 building on the main campus.
campus conversation
What do you think about SCC’s new no smoking policy?
“I think it’s bull. Plenty of people smoke on this campus. Plenty of faculty smoke. Even the rent-acops smoke. Undo that.”
“I think it’s a little ridiculous. At least give us some designated areas. Some people are here all day and need the relief.”
Arthur Jackson Age: 22 Major: Art
Brianna Herrera Age: 19 Major: Psychology
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
“It’s good. I don’t really like people walking by and blowing smoke in my face, or people sitting in class and smelling like cigarettes.” Jasmyne Salmon Age: 17 Major: Nursing
“I don’t like that it’s 100 percent smoke free. We’re all adults. All least leave the designated smoking areas.”
Star Rodriguez Age: 17 Major: Undeclared
Marcus Cardigal Age: 19 Major: EMT Program
TEMPEST THE VOICE OF SOLANO COLLEGE
Steve Reczkowski editor-in-chief
Jason Coleman John Glidden Ben Gogna Dagmar Kuta Carlo Marzan Ruben Rangel designer: Dagmar Kuta
news editor: Paul Quiroga opinion editor: Mitchel Bobo sports editor: Christine Butler features editor: Rachel Sison online editor: Deborah Graham photo editor: Erin Marie Fritz
photos / Dagmar Kuta
“I think it’s fine. It’s not that big of a deal.”
THE
staff writers:
reporter / Mitchel Bobo
staff photographers: Andro Palting Erin Marie Fritz Dagmar Kuta *
*
*
faculty adviser: Samanda Dorger
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
THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 4 - SEPT. 17, 2013
FEATURES
Elysium makes political statement Deborah Graham Online editor dgraham@solanotempest.net
The story takes place in the year 2154. Elysium is a satellite space station where the wealthy have sequestered them so they don’t have to view the poverty and diseasedridden world known as Earth. Max (Matt Damon) plays a factory worker trying to bring equality to the two worlds. He really is just trying to get some good healthcare South African-Canadian director and writer Neill Blomkamp has done it again. Blomkamp, who is best known for his hit movie, “District 9” allows us to delve into the feelings of the upper-class regarding poverty, immigration and other social ills. The story begins with young Max (Maxwell Perry Cotton), dreaming of one day going to the wheel-shaped satellite station Elysium. As the scene changes, we see that adult Max has become a criminal and works in a robot assembly plant Max gets radiation poisoning and only has five days to live. His mission is to get to Elysium, save himself and the world. The most spectacular thing about this movie was the scenery. Pete Lando’s set decorations evoke memories of the“Battlestar Galactica” and “Star Wars” sets. The CGI wasn’t too bad either.
“Elysium” reminds me of the Occupy movement. I envision the folks on Elysium as Wall Street and the other parallel world as Occupy Earth. Jodi Foster, as Delacourt, the head of security on Elysium, was a very believable character. I am somewhat biased though because I love most movies that Jodi Foster appears. The accent she used was a little hokey but then what does the head of security of Elysium supposed to sound like? I would say “Elysium” reminds me of the Occupy movement. I envision the folks on Elysium as Wall Street and the other parallel world as Occupy Earth. The arguments about immigration, healthcare and the rich versus the poor began to get a bit boring but the fight scenes kept you awake. Is this an end-of-summer blockbuster? No, I would not go as far to say that, however with all the other sci-fi choices I viewed this summer I would rate this eight out of 10 stars. So go see “Elysium” but make sure you read up on your immigration laws, healthcare laws, and caste system.
Hollywood if finally doing a better job of bring more realism to its CGI characters
Sony Pictures
Elysium: Not an end of the eummer blockbuster.
“The World’s End” is odd and hilarious Jason Coleman Staff writer jcoleman@solanotempest.net
In perhaps the oddest and most sudden mishmashes of the year, “The World’s End” is “Beerfest” meets “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” As the latest of three genrebending films by writers Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright, The World’s End tells the tale of Gary King (played by Pegg) and his four childhood friends as they attempt an epic pub crawl that they were unable to finish 20 years earlier. King and his buddies arrive at the quiet English village of Newton Haven looking to “paint the town red.” As it turns out, they end up painting the town blue after they discover it has been taken over by a group of robots filled with a strange azure liquid. The plot can enigmatic at times. It starts out as your
standard buddy comedy, just five friends taking on 12 bars in an alcoholic romp known as ‘The Golden Mile.’ Then, after about 30 minutes the story suddenly (very, very suddenly) gains a science fiction edge after a confrontation with a stranger in a men’s stall reveals that the residents of Newton Haven have been replaced with mechanical clones. The purpose of the clones is unknown at first, and honestly still doesn’t make a lot of sense when they are explained. While it’s never entirely clear what exactly is going on, the story is still fun and easy enough to follow. The cast is one the strongest parts of the film. If you’ve seen “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz” then you’ll recognize the comedic duo that is Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Pegg and Frost play two best friends
who had a falling out years before, Frost is now a stark businessman while Pegg remains the same man he was twenty years ago. The banter between their two characters drives the plot for the majority of the film, as Pegg’s character is constantly pushing to keep the fun going while Frost tries to keep him under control. “The World’s End” is very basic thematically, and tends to cater more toward a male demographic. There is only one female character throughout the film, who seems to be present solely to fulfill the role of a love interest for another character. It is definitely a guy’s film. A sense of camaraderie carries the characters through all their exploits, which most guys will be able to relate to. In the end, “The World’s End” is a satisfying, albeit confusing ride that is a blast to go see with your friends.
The Worlds End: “Beerfest” meets “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.”
Focus Features
FEATURES 5
THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 4 - SEPT. 17, 2013
Christine Butler Sports Editor cbutler@solanotempest.net
TOP
EN
It’s crack’n good
faculty, students, counselors, people on campus freshman should know Gabe Johnson, ASSC President abe Johnson is the ASSC student government president and looks out for the students’ best interests. “ASSC creates events and actively engages in the politics of college to help improve the student experience, as well to address the concerns of campus,” Johnson said. Of course, Johnson himself is a student, so he is more approachable than you would think. Johnson says you can talk to him whenever you catch him on campus or you can see him at ASSC meetings every Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.. Meetings are open to the public.
G
costing too much. To start us off, we ordered two cups of New England clam chowder for $3.69 each. We also ordered a classic sampler which came with great balls of fire, crispy calamari, popcorn chicken, chips, and crab dip for $12.29. My date ordered the Joe’s Classic Steampot for $25.99 which came with Dungeness crab, sweet snow crab, boiled shrimp,
This past summer in June, I visited Joe’s Crab Shack at the wharf in San Francisco and if you’re a seafood lover than this is a great place to dine at. There was an unexpected five minutes of entertainment at the restaurant. At the top of every hour the waiters line up in the middle of the restaurant and play the song “Cupid Shuffle” by Cupid and dance. It was a little random and surprising because I had no idea that would happen, however, I really enjoyed watching it and singing along Joe’s Crab Shack with the song. 245 Jefferson St. The service was San Francisco (415) 673-2266 great. It wasn’t fast, Sun-Sat: 11 a.m. - 12 a.m. but it wasn’t too slow. Our waiter was very helpful and checked on us about every ten minutes. He made sure we were and smoked sausages also served comfortable, had everything we with fresh corn on the cob and needed, and were enjoying our new potatoes. I ordered the fish night. and chips which was flaky white Furthermore, the food was fish in Adam’s beer batter, fries, amazing. The flavors were just and coleslaw for $12.29. Our right and didn’t have too much total came to about $60 and for seasoning in them. The food was a seafood restaurant, considering also the right temperature, we all the food we ordered, I believe were able to start eating as soon that is a very good price. as we received our plates. In my My date and I both left very satopinion, everything was just how isfied and can’t wait to go back. it’s supposed to be, but even I would recommend everyone to better. try Joe’s Crab Shack at least once I went to the restaurant with a and see how you like it. You will date and for the amount of food be entertained, well fed, and leave we ordered we ended up paying wanting to go back for more. a very reasonable price and I had no complaints about anything
Heidi Daugherti, Tutoring Center Receptionist eidi is the Tutoring Center’s receptionist and helps students schedule appointments for tutoring. Daugherti is at the Tutoring Center Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). “Sign up and come in early before you get behind in your classes is always best,” Daugherti said. If you need any help with your classes, be sure to drop by before it gets full.
H
Library: Ruth Fuller, Erin Duane, Sandy Rotenberg, Quent Carter ny one of the full time librarians you should get to know. Modest at heart, Ruth Fuller says that there is no one person at the library and that they all work equally the same. Whether it’s English assignments, labs, or just looking for a book, they are the ones to ask for help.
A
Patricia Young, Career Center atricia Young is the career and job placement manager at the Career Center in the 400 building. Students looking for possible employment as well as assistance can find help at the Career Center. “Services we provide are resume assistant, interview preparation, job search assistance, and a list of open employment, primarily off of campus,” Young said. The Career Center is open Mondays and Wednesdays , 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.to 6 p.m., and Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Closed Tuesdays.)
P
Deborah Summers, Health Center Nurse ot a lot of people are aware, but there is a Health Center on campus, and Deborah Summers is one of the public health nurses. Students who need medical advice or have health concerns can visit her at the Health Center in the 1400 building.
N
Andrea Cato, Health Center Receptionist ndrea Cato is the receptionist at the Health Center, assisting nurses such as Deborah Summers in whatever they may need. “You don’t necessarily have to be sick to come in,” Cato said. While students are usually there due to sickness or fatigue, Cato says the health center offers information on various issues including safe sex and breast feeding.
A
Barbara Fountain, Director of Admissions and Records ust like any full functioning staff, everyone at Admissions and Records does their part to help students, including Director of Admissions and Records Barbara Fountain. Keeping track of everyone’s records, Fountain is usually found to be in meetings making sure the department runs efficiently.
J
Brenda Tucker, Counselor lmost all you need to know about Brenda Tucker is right here: bit. ly/1dXP5hk . In the online article, Tucker mentions being a caregiver, psychiatrist, nurturer, activist, and grief counselor during her six years at Solano Community College. As a counselor, Tucker says she believes it is her duty to help students reach their potential and even go beyond.
A
Phil Houston, Veteran’s Affairs veteran of the U.S. Air Force himself, Houston helps other veterans with their V.A. benefits on campus. You can find Houston at the veteran’s office from Tuesday to Friday, from noon to 4 p.m. Houston says you can stop him anywhere on campus, and he’ll be sure to help you out. “If I don’t have the answer, I’ll be sure to find it for you,” Houston said.
A
Lorenzo Phillips, Coordinator of the Student Ambassador Program hen a new student enters the 400 building looking confused and lost, Lorenzo Philips goes out of his way to help them. A former student body vice president, Lorenzo is the coordinator for the Student Ambassador Program; a group of student workers who help bring all the student services from behind the offices in the windows and out to the floor for the benefit of the students. Wherever he may be on campus, Lorenzo will be sure to help you out when approached. “I want to thank Diane White, Dr. Laguerre and the SCC administration for allowing me to help build this program and for allowing us students to carry out the deeds to help them bring the greatest services out to the students that we possibly can today,” Phillips said.
W Erin Marie Fritz/Tempest
Joe’s Crab Shack: Even the crabs love it. Photographs by Andro Palting
6
THE TEMPEST
THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 4 - SEPT. 17, 2013
photos by Steve Reczkowski/Tempest
Officers take a break in the theater building between department training rotations.
Cops enact live-fire drill
Daphne Kuta dons a fake head wound in her volunteer role of shooting victim.
Vacaville sheriff’s department S.W.A.T. officers prepare enter the theater building.
Canvas: The New Learning Experience Rachel Sison Features Editor rsison@solanotempest.net
Solano starting the semester with a fresh new canvas. Solano Community College has changed to a new online management system for both online and regular classes. The system, Canvas by Instructure, is designed to make it easier for students and teachers to communicate and for teachers to post materials, such as PowerPoint, online. According to Instructure’s website, the software is easy to navigate and doesn’t get in the user’s way. In addition to its simple design, Canvas also comes with various features helpful to both students and teachers. One enhancing feature Canvas has is its communi-
cation capabilities. Students can link Canvas to their own personal e-mails, Facebook, or Twitter. “I like how it’s easy to access assignments,” said Tina Northcutt, a student at SCC. “I also like how you can link to a social media site. Canvas is actually fun to use.” Canvas also has mobile applications, so students can access online classes or class materials by logging in to Canvas through their smart phones. A teacher-focused feature is the Canvas Speed Grader, which allows teachers to make video comments on a student’s paper, so instead going through the paper looking for comments a student can simply play a video and hear what the teacher had to say. “It takes less time to get
work done,” said Nickolas Perrone, a history professor at Solano Community College, on Canvas Speed Grader. “It makes my life easier.” The previous platform, Pearson E-College, was expensive, said Dale CrandallBear, a history professor and the online coordinator at Solano. “It took up most of the budget,” CrandallBear said. Canvas is half the cost, he said. SCC’s former interface, E-College, only supported Internet Explorer; Canvas supports all browsers from Google Chrome to Safari. This means that students with certain browser preferences have access to their work and don’t have to worry about changing browsers.
The event that took place at Solano Community College Aug. 22 was a simulated school takeover where student role-players simulated a campus shooting. The drill included a simulated lock-down of the campus and a scenario of hostages. The S.W.A.T. team practiced how to deal with that situation. SCC administrators walked through to see the training. “I was with the Red Cross (as a victim),” said SCC student Lisseth Ramirez. “They were organized, but it was training. I
was acting, I had a mental problem and the lady that was taking care of me told me to stop acting because she didn’t know what she was doing herself, but it is training so they’re preparing for when actually does happen.” “It’s very interesting,” said student Sharon Randolph. “It shows how the police work. I take Criminal Justice 1, this is a good learning experience,” Randolph said. --Ben Gogna, staff writer
Decrease in enrollment nearly cancels art classes Carlo Marzan Staff writer cmarzan@solanotempest.net
Michelle Kurtyak is a student art major at SCC and was saddened when she received an e-mail in July appealing to students to enroll in art classes to avoid early cancellation. “As an art major, I definitely want art classes to be around,” Kurtyak said. Kurtyak’s 2-D design class was nearly cancelled because there weren’t enough students. Art instructor Ferdinanda Florence says that the problem isn’t just in the art department, but is in fact a state-wide problem and that enrollment is down across the state. SCC enrollment was down by over 1,500 full-time equivalent students over the last, year, according to the Superintendent/ President’s newsletter.
“Regardless of what is causing it, we need solutions for what can we do to help students take these classes,” Florence said. Florence said that for the first time in her 10 years teaching at Solano, she thought one of her two art appreciation classes would be cancelled (neither class was canceled). Art instructor Marc Pandone said that for art students, faculty and staff, it truly is a wake-up call. “Something went wrong during summer and we cannot take it for granted. Students have to know us and we have to put ourselves out there,” Pandone said. “We’re doing great,” Florence said. “We have a beautiful new art gallery, beautiful new building, brand new facilities and bigger spaces.” “College wide, we still have some questions that need answering,” Florence said.
SPORTS 7
THE TEMPEST n SEPT 4 - SEPT 17, 2013
Sports Calendar
Steve Reczkowski/Tempest
Girls soccer kicks off Sept. 7 in San Jose against Evergreen Valley College.
Steve Reczkowski/Tempest
The next game for SCC girls volleyball is Sept. 6 at 4:30 p.m.. Date
Sport
Opponent
Location
Time
Sept. 6
Girl’s Volleyball
Solano Classic
Fairfield
4:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
Sept. 6
Girl’s Soccer
Evergreen Valley College
San Jose
7:00 p.m.
Sept. 8
Girl’s Soccer
Mt. San Antonio College
Fairfield
11:00 a.m.
Sept. 11
Girl’s Volleyball
Laney Classic
Oakland
3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 13
Girl’s Soccer
Bakersfield
Fairfield
3:30 p.m.
Sept. 13
Girl’s Volleyball
Diablo Valley Classic
Pleasant Hill
4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Sept. 17
Girl’s Soccer
American River
Sacramento
3:30 p.m.
Sept. 18
Girl’s Volleyball
SCC - Falcon Classic
Fairfield
4:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
8
THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 4 - SEPT. 17, 2013
SPORTS Danielle Thelen realizes dream as starting hitter for SCC volleyball By Christine Butler Sports Editor cbutler@solanotempest.net
Danielle Thelen graduated from Vacaville High School in June 2012, then came to Solano and became the starting setter for the SCC volleyball team last year. This semester she will start as an outside hitter. When Thelen first started at Solano her major was criminal justice, but she plans to move to the next level as a volleyball player and not many colleges have criminal justice as a major. Now Thelen is studying liberal studies with emphasis to keep her options open. “As a first year player, I needed her to come in to be a setter if she wanted the playing time, and she did just that,” said Head Coach Darla Williams. “She was one of our two starting setters on the court.” Williams also said, “This year Danielle will either focus on her passing as a libero or be able to do both defense and hit as an outside hitter. She changed positions this year because she wants to play at the next level and
move onto a four year college to continue in the sport.” Williams added, “Passing and defense is her true strength so having her play outside hitter or libero, she can focus more on her passing part of the game.” Thelen’s mom was the one who pushed her to play volleyball. “She played in high school and played on an adult co-ed team with my dad. I used to play soccer and softball, but volleyball took over and I realized it was the sport I loved the most,” said Thelen. Thelen also coaches kids in volleyball during the off-season. “I really enjoy coaching when I’m not playing. I love being able to teach kids about the game in hoping that they learn to love it as much as I do. It’s really a great opportunity to be able to play that role in someone’s life. The girls look up to me,” said Thelen.
“Danielle knows the game very well. Her knowledge of the game makes her a better/smarter player. She is a leader on the court with her smart play and tough defense,” said Williams. “I think of myself as a leader on the team,” said Thelen. “Being a returner can hold a lot of responsibility, like having to be a role model and show by example the kind of attitude and hard work we need at practice and in the classroom.” Thelen also said, “Having to show respect to everyone and represent the volleyball team on and off the court. I feel like I push my teammates to get better, but they push me too.” Some things that Thelen likes to do other than volleyball are: camping, hanging out with friends and family, fishing, and wake boarding/tubing. Right now Thelen isn’t sure what school she wants to transfer to, but she wants to go to a school with a good volleyball program and is keeping an open mind. She would consider going anywhere in the country and isn’t scared to move to another state if she gets that opportunity. Thelen wants to go somewhere that will offer her the opportunity to play at the next level. “I see this team going far. We all have the skills in order to complete with some of the top teams in Northern California,” said Thelen. “We all get along and we do hang out outside of the gym and classroom. I’m glad we all get along. We are a solid team and I can’t wait to grow with these girls throughout the season, Thelen added. “This season is just the beginning and we are already a family.” A quote that she goes by is the classic ‘Go hard or go home’. “If I’m not there to work hard and do my best, why waste my time,” said Thelen.
Erin Marie Fritz/Tempest
Danielle Thelen, SCC Volleyball player
You can catch the volleyball team games this semester on Wednesdays and Fridays at 6pm. Thelen’s number on the team is #2.
Erin Marie Fritz/Tempest
Franco (left) heads a ball during practice.
Inside scoop on girls soccer: A quick chat with Bryce Franco, girls soccer captain. By Christine Butler Sports Editor cbutler@solanotempest.net
Napa High graduate and SCC girls soccer captain Bryce Franco lends insight to the inner workings of the soccer team. Tempest: How is your high school team different from this team? Bryce Franco: This team is a lot like my high school. We play possession style and the mentality is the same. T: What or who got you started playing soccer? BF: I come from a family of soccer players. I have had a ball at my feet since day one. But my brother gave me the true passion to play the game by watching him play when I was younger. T: Do you or have you ever played any other sports? BF: Yes, I played volleyball and basketball when I was younger. But when I got into high school I focused only on soccer. T: What’s your major and what do you plan to do after finishing school? BF: My major is Kinesiology and minor in Nutrition. I plan to become an athletics trainer and personal trainer. T: What school do you plan to transfer to after Solano? BF: Ideally I would like to transfer to California Polytechnic State University, but realistically any school that will give me a soccer scholarship.
T: How is the team? Do you guys bond outside of school and practice? BF: The team is great. We’re still learning how to play with one another and fixing our mistakes but overall we are doing well. We did team bonding this summer. We did night soccer/sleep over to get to know one another and we went to Tahoe. We may do some more throughout the season. T: What are some things you do outside of soccer? BF: I ride horses and I am involved in 4H. T: How are you handling being captain? What does it mean to you and how are you motivating and helping the team and making sure they’re all OK with you being their leader? BF: I love being captain. It’s a great honor that my team chose me to be their leader. As a captain I make sure that everything we do counts and no effort is wasted. I motivate my team by giving constructive feedback and I make sure that I give one hundred percent at practice because I believe that one person can make or break a practice. Also, I make sure that we as a team do have fun but that we are also serious when we need to be. I also make sure that no one gets down on one another that we all work as a team and give each other good feedback. Bryce Branagan-Franco is #16 and the teams games will be on Tuesdays and Fridays at 3pm here at SCC.