Doubling up on colleges?
3What’s the deal with 3-D?
3 Athletes anticipate good season
OPINION ON 3
A&E ON 4
SPORTS ON 7 & 8
THE TEMPEST
FAIRFIELD, CALIF. www.solanotempest.net
THE VOICE OF SOLANO COLLEGE
VOL. 28, NO. 1
SEPT. 7 - SEPT. 20, 2011
Budget cuts cause unrest Faculty and administration disagree on budget cuts and class cancellations By Sharman Bruni Editor-in-Chief
College administration and faculty are at odds on how they believe this year’s budget should be structured. The administration has eliminated a large number of classes this semester in order to meet the reduced state budget and many teachers are less than happy about the cuts. “One of the strategies we are using to accomplish significant savings is to further reduce class sections,” said Arturo Reyes, executive vice president of academic & student affairs, in an email to faculty. “Consequently, we must reduce approximately 200 additional sections over the fall and spring semesters.” Concerned faculty members
“Consequently, we must reduce approximately 200 additional sections over the fall and spring semesters.” -- Arturo Reyes discussed the class cancellations as well as budget cuts and the fiscal impact of administrative decisions on Aug. 16 at a union-sponsored lunch. SCC Professor Gene Thomas and Alan Frey, a union budget analyst, spoke at the meeting and addressed questions and concerns from faculty and staff. Frey presented a PowerPoint in which he identified sources of income and expenditures, explaining how community colleges will be affected in the 2011-2012 school year. Frey’s figures show that community colleges will receive $961 million in deferral payments after
Name/Tempest
Caption xxx xxx xxx xxx
8SEE BUDGET CUTS, PAGE 6
SCC students travel back to 1965 in civil rights tour class By Deborah Graham Staff Writer
Solano Community College students walked in the footsteps of civil rights legends this summer. This was their journey to change. “This trip refreshed my memory of the most important decision I’ve made in my life,” said former civil rights activist Sherie Labedis, reflecting on the civil rights journey she took in 1965. “I’d forgotten the feelings that drove me South. I’d forgotten the commitment I felt.” Labedis, author of the book, “You Came Here to Die, Didn’t You?” participated in voter registration in Pineville, South Carolina. The summer of 1965, saw many civil rights activists, some of them white college students from the North, descend on Mississippi and other Southern states to try to end the political disenfranchisement of African Americans in those regions. This was Labedis first trip with McCord and also back to the South. This was the third time Solano Community Col-
lege (SCC) has offered the civil rights course (Social Science 53). Karen McCord, professor of psychology, social science and ethnic studies has hosted this course since summer 2008. The nine-day course, titled “Journey to Change,” offered a civil rights overview and tour of places that were significant to the South and the civil rights movement. The group traveled through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. 8SEE CIVIL RIGHTS, PAGE 6
MORE ONLINE AT WWW.SOLANOTEMPEST.NET
Phillip Temple/Tempest
We are all Americans On Sept. 11, 2001, America bled, and the heart of every man, woman, and child felt the pang of loss of almost 3,000 people. We were not the only ones to feel the hurt and the loss of innocent civilians, as around the world ran articles on the tragedy; on that day, we were all Americans. To date, 2,752 names have been marked as casualties. Only 1,630 have been identified, according to NY1.com, a website based off of the twenty-four hour news channel centered in New York itself. Like the unidentified 1,630 people, Sept. 11 is becoming a distant and unknown tragedy in the eyes of the newer generations, who talk about the event as though it were simply a date in a history book. More and more often, people under twenty are growing less aware
SEPT. 11: 10 YEARS LATER
By Kayla Doria News Editor
of the damage that was wrought to our country. On that tragic September morning, we lost more 8SEE SEPT. 11, PAGE 6
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Live long and prosper.” - Mr. Spock
2
COFFEE BREAK
Campus Calendar
THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 7 - SEPT. 20, 2011
WWE contradicts its anti-bullying campaign
Important Dates
Thu, Sept. 8 Eulogy of Remebrance for Sept. 11 Vacaville Center Lobby 6 p.m.
MyMathLab Success Workshop Room 1530 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Memory Success Workshop Tutoring Center 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Studying Success Workshop Tutoring Center 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Wed, Sept. 14
Thu, Sept. 15
Grammar Success
Advice from the Presi dent Success Work- shop Board Room 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Workshop Room 135 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
College and University Day Building 1400 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Sat, Sept. 17 Green and Clean Day Main Campus 9a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Mon, Sept. 19 Public Speaking Suc- cess Workshop Room 135 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Fri, Sept. 18
Last Day to Drop Full- Term Class with No Course or Grade Re- corded
Last day to file for Pass/No Pass option for classes
By Anthony Gutierrez Staff Writer Have you ever watched the colorfully verbal fights from WWE Superstars like John Cena and CM Punk who bash each other with “I am better than you, no you’re not better than me” arguments? Such entertainment involves talking crap; you can’t talk crap without the impression of bullying. Now imagine an anti- bullying campaign associating themselves with the WWE. Do you see the contradiction yet? Lisa Wright, the program director of the non-profit Council for Unity, wrote a letter to Be A Star Alliance questioning their association with WWE. In the letter, Wright criticizes the bullying on WWE’s Vickie Guerrero. “Wrestling, as I perceive it, consists of name-calling and threats culminating in violence to settle conflicts,” Wright said. “How does this fit
with your mission to “’Show Tolerance and Respect?’” Are you saying this behavior is alright for entertainment value?” I agree with Lisa Wright on this. It’s hypocrisy, two-faced, contradictory of WWE to deliver this bullying content while associating themselves with anti-bullying campaigns. This WWE content disproves of tolerance and respect. It is most unlikely that WWE would change this content to accommodate BESA’s mission. Why? Because bullying leads to violence. Violence leads to money. Money keeps the WWE in business. In the fat joke segment, which can be found at http://youtube. com/miwkCm7ZOcA at 4:02, WWE’s Dolph Ziggler talked about food. Then WWE’s Jerry “The King” Lawler bullied WWE’s Vickie Guerrero by saying, “I knew this conversation would go to food when you’re around Vickie Guerrero.” Ziggler, Guerrero’s on-screen romance, double-handedly defended her. “Vickie Guerrero’s in better shape than you King…I think she’s in the second best shape of this entire desk (implying that his shape is the best).” Then Lawler remarks, “You’re right Dolph, round is a shape.” Guerrero reacted in a passive aggressive manner by stealing another announcer’s cowboy hat, wearing it on her head, then placing it on the referee’s head and
yelling at the referee in anger. So how does this fat joke segment oppose bullying? Well, the message is that if you’re bullied, react passive aggressively. How could this segment oppose bullying with different conditions? Guerrero could’ve confronted Lawler, stood her ground, and gained her selfrespect. Did she do that? No. After some time, Lisa Wright sent a follow-up letter to BASA. Wright apologized about her statements. Wright said she obtained “intelligent feedback from some of the loyal fans of WWE.” This feedback led Wright to say she acted impulsively without enough information. She reminded herself the goal is the prevention of bullying and the support of the bullied. She said, “There are often many ways to reach a goal; the important thing is that we support each other on our journey.” Are you kidding me? I can imagine how this change in behavior from Wright came about. My theory is Wright was pressured to eat her own words from a higher-up. If we analyze what’s going on here, Wright speaks up, then eats her own words because of “intelligent feedback…” then an updated mindset of having “many ways to reach a goal,” this change seems suspicious. Wright was bullied by her higher-ups. Just a theory.
Phillip Temple/Tempest
Phillip Temple/Tempest
Rudis Muiznieks/Creative Commons
OPINION 3
THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 7 - SEPT. 20, 2011
Frustration with registration Summer is over. The long dreaded moment of going back to school and not just school but school(s), is finally here. Not only will I be attending Solano Community College for the fall 2011 semester but Napa Valley College as well. It seems the case for a lot of other students too. This doesn’t seem to be a foreign concept, as teachers have been recognized doing this with their teaching load; being called “freeway fliers”, teachers that teach at more than one college. Have you noticed some teachers that do that, professors like former Mass Communication teacher; Adam Wadenius, who also teaches at Napa Community College as well. The stress of not getting all classes desired or trying to add classes,
having to drive back and forth, two separate parking passes, and paying for books, are some the stresses that we’re going through. Just when I think I am alone in all of this, I overhear students in the cafeteria talking about how they have to get to their next class all the way in Napa or Concord. I thought it would stop there but everywhere I went on campus, people were talking about how impacted registration has been, causing them to have to go to other schools to take the classes they need. One of the main reasons I went back to Napa Valley is because I have prior units there and priority registration, whereas here at SCC we haven’t been able to register until May to August, giving little room for me to get into classes I
By Sara Berzman News Editor
need to transfer. Heald Business College and Solano Community College student, Janet Vega said, “Going to more than one college gives you different atmospheres, it’s totally different! Whether it is attending
community college or private and state/university systems; going back and forth from vocation to community colleges, juggles different things.” That seems to be the case for many students on campus. Each school has a different system in which to register. Priorities are based on the number of units completed at Napa. The accumulation of units is divided and separated on a scale of when you are eligible to register. For example: Priority number one goes to those with 45-100 units, who are able to register first and then broken down so forth. The Last ones to register are those with 0-14.9 units, those who have exceeded 100 units, and those who prefer walk- in registry. In comparison the Solano registra-
tion system is not made available or accessible for students online until time of registration or request in the administrative offices (time consuming and hassling.) Although being able to register for your classes early is a plus, there should be a more organized approach rather than athletes first and so forth; possibly those with prior accumulated units. Hopefully by next semester registering will get easier or more classes will be offered for those who have to struggle with double colleges and not getting into the classes needed but with the news of SCC operating on a reduced class schedule next semester, I doubt that will be the case.
Motorcycle parking spots are getting harder to find Motorcycle riders like myself love the fact that we can park almost anywhere. I remember one of the first semesters I rode my 2003 Harley to a photography class, a fellow student took a picture of me on my bike. I used that image as my default on Myspace. I would love to enjoy riding my bike occasionally here to campus; but with parking locations disappearing, the threat of something happening to my bike scares me. A positive to being a cycle rider is that you don’t have to buy a parking permit, usually we can
I would love to enjoy riding my bike occasionally here to campus; the threat of something happening to my bike scares me. park pretty close and if there is traffic, we can weave through cars legally. But when a lot has designated
By Ben Gogna Photo Editor
slots for our bikes, one would think we would be able to use them. Not as simple as it sounds here at Solano Community College. Most lots here on campus are old, cracking, weathered, and some of the lines have faded away. (Not including the main lot that was just redone because of the new administration building being built a few years back.) If one actually pays attention, it’s hard to see the yellow lines that show the designation for motorcycle parking and not that of a regular vehicle. For the past few semesters, I
personally have made complaints to the law enforcement here on campus about slots for parking my bike being misused by cars and the answer was that they would look into it when they could. One would think that the ticketing sergeant would jump on every opportunity to write tickets. I think as a cyclist, we have been forgotten. Not only have we been forgotten, but now I feel we are also being neglected. We are definitely not a priority.
CAMPUS CONVERSATION
“How do you feel about the disappearing classes?”
“You’re getting rid of opportunities for students to take classes they need for their major.”
“I object to them. I don’t like it.”
-Kyle Hansen, 20 chem/biomed engineering
-Phil McCaffrey Jr., 23 civil engineering
The Tempest is published by Solano College students. Opinions expressed in the paper are those of the individual writers and artists, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the college’s governing board, the administration, the faculty and staff, or the
The Voice of Solano College nVol. 28, No. 1 Sharman Bruni editor-in-chief
Readers may take up to five copies of The Tempest free. Additional copies may be
Memberships: Journalism Association of Community Colleges • California Newspaper Publishers Association
-Leryan Burrey, 24 English
“They should let people know before they sign up for classes that it may get cut.”
“We pay taxes and we pay tuition and we can’t have the classes we want is a hassle. It’s really frustrating and a headache”
-Ashwag Hussein, 20 psychology
-Keith Sheppard, 20, electrical engineering
THE TEMPEST
Associated Students of Solano College.
purchased for 25 cents.
“It’s pretty frustrating.”
Kayla Doria news editor
Rebecca Naranjo sports editor
Nick Sestonivich a&e editor
Deborah Graham online editor
Sara Berzman opinion editor
Ben Gogna photo editor
Sam Zaghloul Natalie Icaza Raymando Perez Jeffrey Stock Mattia Austin Mark Beierly Mitchel Bobo Anthony Gutierrez Roy Taisague staff writers
Anthony Peters Larry Ragland copy editors 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
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
THE TEMPEST nSEPT. 7 - SEPT. 20, 2011
Tomato festival ripens in Downtown Fairfield
Annual festival features live music, various vendors, and everyone’s favorite fruit By Deborah Graham Online Editor
The smell of barbecued spare ribs and freshspun cotton candy filled the air from “Food Alley” as the 20th Fairfield Tomato Festival wrapped up its final day Sunday Aug. 21. The two-day event had an estimated 30,000 people visiting “Tomato Alley” to taste a variety of heirloom tomatoes. The tomatoes, chopped and served in small cups, lined the tables of the tented area. Varieties included Cherokee Purple, Shady Lady, Green Zebra, and Berkeley Tie-Dye Pink, among many others. “The tomatoes are not as ripe this year, “said Mary Green, of Fairfield. She has been going to the festival since its inception. She blamed the cool weather for some of the almost-ripe heirlooms. They need lots of sunshine to pollinate, she said.
“I love all the ways the festival had so much diversity for the kids.” - Robin Williams “Food Alley” also had some new vendors. HandMe-A- Rib, Aunt Betty’s Gourmet Corn Dog, and Beachball Shave Ice were just a few of the new vendors who joined the event. Larry Johnson and his wife Kay Johnson, coowners of Hand-Me- A- Rib, were excited about their first festival experience. “I feel this will really bring a boost to our
business,” said Johnson. “Unfortunately we didn’t get the beverage application in time, so we were not able to sell any water or soda. So far it hasn’t affected our sales though.” G-Dub, Barbeque, has been a stable in Food Alley for almost five years. This year Gerald Marshall, owner, has added a new dish along with his ribs, barbecued stuffed oysters. “I never tried them myself, but my friends have, and everyone loves them.” said Marshall. Among other new events was a karaoke booth. Children ages 13 and under could sign up to sing their favorite songs. Other new events included Fairfield Fire Explorers Demonstrations, including rappelling and vehicle displays, Laser Tag with a local SWAT team, pony rides, karate displays, food and wine pairing, where for a fee a commemorative glass could be purchased. Saturday’s events culminated with music by “Time Bandits,” a local band playing on a huge lawn area adjacent to the courthouse. Sunday started with a showing of “The Wizard of Oz,”at the Missouri Street Theater and a chance to take photos with your favorite characters from the movie. A car show hosted by the North Texas Business Association rounded out the day. “I love all the ways the festival had so much diversity for the kids. This was so much better than any of the previous years. I lost the salsa eating contest, but I still had a fantastic time,” said Robin Williams, who traveled from Antioch with her kids. For more festival pictures, check out www. solanotempest.net to view the full gallery.
Deborah Graham//Tempest
Festival patrons enjoy the many booths at the Tomato Festival.
Deborah Graham/Tempest
Kyle Paquin of Modern Day Kids entertains the crowd with his brand of high-energy pop-punk.
Does 3-D have staying power, or is it just another fad? It has become a familiar feeling lately when you go to the movies and are forced to sit through about six trailers, half of which will contain the phrase “In 3-D!” The response isn’t so much “Oh, cool!” anymore as it is “Again?” Yes, 3-D movies are all the rage these days. Almost 30 years after the last craze ended, 3-D movies are turning up at local multiplexes in higher numbers than ever before. By year’s end, there will have been 42 movies released in 3-D, and the format has also spread to TVs and video games. With such a ubiquitous technology, it is easy to expect burnout, but is 3-D here to stay or is it just another fad? First, one should consider the stage 3-D’s popularity is at right now. Of the 10 highest grossing movies of 2011 so far, seven have been released in 3-D, according to Box Office Mojo. The technique has been championed by filmmakers like “Avatar” director James Cameron, who told USA Today, “The 3-D market is an extremely lucrative market and this is not a fad, this is not something that is going to go away.” In addition, 3-D TV’s have been issued by Samsung and Panasonic, and Nintendo released the 3DS in 2010, allowing gamers to have the 3-D experience anywhere they go. There is much evidence to suggest 3-D as a viable format, but if it is to
be used, it needs to be used right. One of the major problems is not so
By Nick Sestanovich A&E Editor much the abundance of 3-D movies but the abundance of 3-D movies that weren’t even shot in 3-D. Often a movie will be shot in 2-D, but the director will decide to convert it to 3-D in post-production. These movies are the most awkward to watch in 3-D because rather than feeling like you are a part of the movie, you will just have things projected into your face that you do not want (e.g. an actor’s elbow.) If a movie is to be released in 3-D, it should be made that way. The other major problem is when movies are released in 3-D even if it adds nothing to the experience. It is understandable for something like
“Avatar” because it creates a visual world with much happening on-screen, but is “The Smurfs” really crying for people to be sucked into its world? The idea of paying an extra six dollars to see less-than-spectacular movies up close is a good enough reason for people to tire of the technology. Studios should choose wisely which films would benefit from a 3-D release and which ones are best viewed in the standard format. Could 3-D be more than just a fad?
There is much evidence to suggest 3-D as a viable format, but if it is to be used, it needs to be used right. Possibly, but studios should not rely on them as a crutch. Only movies that have incredible visual depth should be given the treatment, and everything else should just be seen in 2-D. The 3-D gimmick is not necessarily a bad one, but it needs to be used properly if it wants to be anything more than a passing phase.
Creative Commons
3-D is everywhere, but so is the backlash.
THE TEMPEST n SEPT 7 - SEPT 20, 2011
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 5
“Colombiana” has good action, but a tired story By Rebecca Naranjo Sports Editor
MOVIE REVIEW After the release of “Transporter 3,” I seriously doubted American and French film director Olivier Megaton’s directing talent. With the release of “Colombiana,” I was certain that he would have evolved as a director. I set my hopes high and received nothing but disappointment in return. “Colombiana” begins with the stereotypical assassin background story. Cataleya (Amandla Stenberg), a young girl living in Columbia, witnesses the murder of her parents right before her eyes. Cataleya manages to escape from her parents’ killers, heading to the United Nations office for rescue. After providing information to the officers, she is granted passage to the United States. Cataleya escapes from her escort, finding her uncle on her own. It was her father’s dying wish that his brother raise Cataleya. Soon after she finds her uncle, she reveals to him that she wishes to grow up to be an assassin, seeking revenge for her parents. Thus, the premise for the rest of the movie is set. Admittedly, the beginning of the movie is the strongest part. Young Cataleya is refreshingly witty despite her quiet demeanor.
There are some very interesting camera shots used in the freerunning sequence as Cataleya escapes her would-be killers. However, the overall plot to follow mixed with the lack of humor for the rest of the film is what makes this movie so disappointing. An adult Cataleya (Zoe Saldana), searches for Marco (Jordi Mollá), her parents’ killer
Despite “Colombiana’s” numerous attempts to be unique, the same old recycled assassins plot left much to be desired. by systematically murdering those involved in organized crime, hoping he will reveal himself. While this is a somewhat original idea, there have been too many movies and stories that have also dealt with this same old plot device. (I’m thinking “Conan the Barbarian,” “Batman Begins,” “Hamlet,” and so on.) Though the assassination sequences and the victims themselves were unique, it wasn’t enough to cover up this recycled assassin’s journey. Cataleya also has a love interest in the movie, Richard (Callum Blue). While a lot of interesting things could have been done with this character, he served no real
purpose in the movie except to help the FBI figure out where to find Cataleya. I’d have rather they left out the sad attempt at character development for Cataleya and had the FBI discover her as an assassin in a more creative way. Other than being a friend with benefits and a class A screw up, his character could have easily, and should have, been written out. Though much of the overall plot was bland, the action sequences themselves were entertaining. Witnessing Saldana crawling through ventilation shafts and scaling buildings kept my attention. They used a few interesting camera angles to show you just how difficult it is to maneuver through the set, giving an appreciation to the physical fitness of Saldana. Overall, the action sequences are the reason to go see “Colombiana.” Despite its numerous attempts to be unique, the same old recycled assassins plot left much to be desired. I award “Colombiana” three and a half stars out of five. This movie only proves that as long as you have decent action sequences, you don’t need an amazing plot for an action movie. “Colombiana” is currently playing at Bay Area theaters. It is rated PG-13 for violence, disturbing images, intense action sequences, sexuality, and brief strong lagnuage.
EuropaCorp
Strong action sequences rescue “Colombiana” from being a mediocre revenge movie.
“The Gunstringer” demo shows promise
Patsy Cline comes to Solano...sort of By Tempest Staff
By Larry Ragland Staff Writer
I was pleasantly surprised the other day when scouring the 360 dash for new content, to come across a demo for the upcoming Kinect game The Gunstringer. After downloading it and giving it a whirl I’m even more surprised with just how refreshing and entertaining an experience it was. The best thing about the demo for “The Gunstringer” is the demo itself. Twisted Pixel Games did an excellent job creating something that draws you in from the beginning, represents the vision for the project well and most importantly is fun to play. The game opens up giving the option of two different sections to play. I started out with the first one that acts as a tutorial and opening to the story. In a method similar to what you’d see in Little Big Planet, the story is introduced using a blend of live action video and the game itself. The narration
“The Gunstringer” is just a demo now, but it’s going to be a great game. is perfect. The weathered voice of an old cowboy helps to tell the tale of a gunslinger on a quest for vengeance; he even narrates your actions during gameplay. A nice touch that I wish more games would utilize. I am hesitant to go too in depth with the games control scheme simply because part of the fun is finding out for yourself, I don’t want to spoil that moment of discovery. What I will say is that while you do use both hands, it’s not tiring and you can play it sit-
ting down. When you hear people talk about the “magic of Kinect” this is what they mean. There simply isn’t anything like it on Kinect or anywhere for that matter. Visually speaking the game has a vibrant color palette that works well with the art style and design of the characters and their environment. It’s cartoon like but not too cartoony. Based on the demo there seems to be a trend towards constantly offering the player something new to see or do, like the aforementioned live action
Twisted Pixel Games
footage. It’s a fast-paced game with Kinect doing a good job of keeping up with the quick hand motions that are needed. Simply put the game works, and it works well. The music and sound both have the appropriate western feel and the script is expertly written. I didn‘t expect much from a demo and honestly, I didn’t have any interest in “The Gunstringer.” I had heard of it, I had read some articles about it, but it wasn’t even on my radar. Now it’s a purchase.
The Solano College Theater’s 2011-2012 season will commence with a musical biopic about the legendary country singer, Patsy Cline. “Always...Patsy Cline” is an off-broadway musical by Ted Swindley about Cline and her brief encounter in 1961 with a fan named Louise Seger, which triggered a two-year friendship where they wrote letters to each other until Cline’s untimely death. This production will be directed by Joseph Delorenzo with musical direction by Joe Anderson, and it will feature the acting talents of Katie Winchell and Jessica Salt as Cline and Seger, respectively. The show will run from September 22 until October 9 at the Suisun Harbor Theatre. Tickets are currently on sale at the Harbor Theatre ticket office. They are $13 for students and children, $20 for adults, and 418 for military, seniors, and faculty members.
6
THE TEMPEST
News Briefs
THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 7 - SEPT. 20, 2011
Students revisit 1965
Vallejo campus growing The student population at Solano Community College’s Vallejo campus has increased from 650 students to 2,800 since its opening in Sept. 2007, according to a recent newsletter by Jerry Kea, the center’s dean. The newsletter said that full-time equivalent students at the Vallejo campus generate $7 million a year, and the Vallejo center has been recognized by the state as an official campus, enabling SCC to receive an additional $1.1 million. SCC is planning to establish a new campus in Benicia, the newsletter said. –Tempest staff
Memorial to be held Members of the Solano Community College Fire Technology Program will be holding Moments of Remembrance under the United States flag in the Vacaville Center Lobby on Tuesday, Sept. 6 through Thursday, Sept. 8. The event will take place at noon in honor of the 343 firefighters who gave their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. A eulogy of remembrance and a reading of the Firefighters Pledge will be given Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. –Tempest Staff
Students listen during a tour of the Apex Museum in Atlanta Georgia. Deborah Graham/Tempest
8 CIVIL RIGHTS, FROM PAGE 1
This was the first time McCord brought along Peter Bostic, a photographer and executive directo of institutional advancement for SCC, and writer, myself. “The experience of the trip brings history alive,” said McCord. “It’s one thing to learn about history, but it’s another thing to go there…and hear the passion of their stories.” Some of the tour highlights included, Martin Luther King Center, Martin Luther King Jr’s birth home, crossing the Edmund Pettis Bridge, 16th Street Baptist Church, Tuskegee Institute, Southern Poverty Law Center, Rosa Parks Museum, Slavery and Civil Rights Museum, Emit Till Land-marks, Alex Haley Birth Home, Slave Haven, Civil Rights Museum Memphis an Medgar Evers Home. The travel course also provided a variety of
teachers question budget decisions and class cuts 8 BUDGET CUTS, FROM PAGE 1
the close of 2011-2012 fiscal year. (The state is deferring payments while waiting to see how much revenue there will be.) “If only $2 to $3 billion of state revenues materialized, the community colleges will face an additional cut of $30 million, and fees will increase to $46 [per unit],” Frey said. “If less than $2 billion of state revenues materialize, the community colleges will face a cut of $72 million. Despite this news, Thomas believes that the district may have more money available then they are willing to admit. “The district has spent $70,000 for consultants just in June, July, and the first meeting of August,” Thomas told faculty. “If the district’s got money for consultants, they’ve got money for your salary increase, your 1%, and we don’t need to take furloughs and the other things that they’re coming after.” Thomas said. Teacher’s union representatives at the lunch raised concerns about a proposed $10,000 increase for SCC Superintendent/President Jowell Laguerre’s salary. “[Solano College Faculty Association] finds this rather inappropriate given that the district con-
tinues to cut classes and demand concessions from the faculty,” wrote math instructor Charlene Snow in an email to faculty in July. Snow is president of SCFA, the college’s union chapter. Snow could not be reached for comment, but Laguerre discussed the proposed raise as well as class cancellations. According to the Bay Area News Group online public employee salary database, Laguerre’s annual base pay is $225,000. SCC governing board minutes show that Laguerre was offered a $10,000 housing allowance that would raise his pay to $235,000, but Laguerre said he turned down the allowance. The governing board and Laguerre also agreed to an eight day furlough and a suspension on Laguerre’s fundraising and entertainment allowance, totaling a savings to the college of $15,780.50 for the 20112012 fiscal year. Laguerre also said that classes cannot be cancelled unless they go under the 60% attendance number for a previous semester. With the endless stream of paperwork, differentiating opinions, and confusion, perhaps student Eric Ginder said it best. “Where the f---- is all the money going?”
panel sessions in each state, which gave the students an opportunity to ask questions and interact with several legends of the civil rights movement. One of the veterans of the civil rights movement, Charles McLaurin, accompanied the group on day seven to tour the Mississippi Delta and show landmarks of the civil rights movement. “Mississippi has gone through many changes. After spending a lifetime fighting for civil rights, I am happy to see so many veterans of the movement getting their due,” said McLaurin. McLaurin has been doing these tours for 30 years; this was his second trip with McCord’s group and he was excited to tell the story of the Delta’s history in the movement. As Kelcey Cromer, a student at Solano, gazed over the sides of the Edmund Pettis
Bridge in Selma, Alabama she became overcome with emotion. “Knowing that people were beaten and killed just for the right to vote made me want to inform people on the importance of voting” said Cromer. Cromer says the people she has met and the places she has seen will stay with me the rest of my life.” Lala Myrick, second time on the tour, brought her 11 year old son with her. She really wanted him to experience meeting some of the civil rights leaders, but also the importance of the what the civil rights movement has done for African-Americans. “I want to make sure he understands the importance of voter rights and what it means to African Americans, “said Myrick. “I am glad he I brought him along.”
Looking back 10 years to Sept. 11 8 SEPT. 11, FROM PAGE 1
than just lives-- as Americans, as mothers and fathers, as humans, we lost a sense of security that we thought we would always have. America is safe. There are few people who would contend that on any large scale; as a nation, America is strong, unified, and moreover, stable. Unlike some areas in the world, where largescale political and social injustice wreak havoc on the inhabitants-take for instance places like Syria, and Egypt--America is a stable and safe environment, where even the most unfortunate of its citizens are treated leaps better than the working class of another nation. Americans are able to live free lives, in a society where injustices are, for the most part, condemned and persecuted to make life safe. Security and stability both made us blind to the world’s growing distrust, and made us a target. This blindfold of ignorance was stolen from the minds of everyone who watched the two towers go down, a sudden realization that America wasn’t as safe as they had once presumed. “[Sept. 11th] made us realize that we have threats in our world,” said Dean Juday, a music student at Solano Community College. He, as well as others--such as Sabrina Lloyd, a nursing student, and Stephanie Currier, a Psychol-
“...why aren’t we focusing on the root of what causes accidents in the first place?”
ogy major-- recalled with an almost startling clarity where they were when the attack occurred. This acute sense of fear wasn‘t only felt by Americans. While on a vacation in Mexico a few months after the incident, Sara Nordin, a professor of criminal justice here at Solano, met a woman who postponed her travels to the U.S. because she and her family didn’t believe it was safe. The world began to realize that we weren’t infallible. This was, and remains, a cause of
fear for Americans. Even through this conflict, as a nation we would not back down. We retaliated, and though the cost was steep indeed, America became a unified nation that day. We began to open our eyes. “It woke America back up to the fact that the world is not America,” said Prof. Lou Cobene, an English teacher at Solano. In this awakening, America began looking not only outwards, but inwards. “America now is wrangling with a new form of ‘who are we,’” Cobene said, “so it’s put our identity, not so much totally in doubt, but back into question, which is not, ultimately, a bad thing… It’s kind of put us back on notice that America isn‘t done and fixed, but a process that we have to keep contributing to.” As our generation transforms into the people who will one day inherit this great nation, our goals and visions will remain ever clear and bright as the future before us unfolds. America lost a piece of itself on that day, and with those lives came a new reality, the likes of which have had innumerable effects on our community. As Americans, and more importantly, as humans, we must remember that time with a heavy heart, knowing that those people whose lives were sacrificed will live on in the history books and in our thoughts.
SPORTS 7
THE TEMPEST n SEPT 7 - SEPT 21
Falcons aim for championship
By Jeffery Stock Staff Writer
Having won eight of the last nine conference championships, Solano College Women’s Soccer is gearing up for the 2011 season. “We’re looking to do some more of the same.” Head Coach Jeff Cardinal said “We have a good amount of returning players this year: Alexsa Gonzales (Hogan) is a defensive midfielder who has trained well this summer. She’s one we’re looking forward to doing a lot for us; Sandy Garcia (Napa), who started at midfield as a freshman. She was a redshirt last year; Midfielder Yedith Martinez (Napa), also a redshirt last year, is one of our best players; Alyssa Orme (Rodriguez) is a strong forward or outside midfielder; Briana Scholtens (Rodriguez) can play anywhere, even goalkeeper. She is very athletic and very versatile.” According to Coach Cardinal, there are impact players among the freshman as well. “Megan O’Dwyer (Vacaville), Janelle Richards (Vacaville), and Gracie Ben Gogna/Tempest Correa (Rodriguez) have been The Solano Community College Womens Soccer team trains hard for their first match of the season with Evergreen doing well this summer in train- Valley College on August 30th. ing. Angie Dooley (Vanden) has been kinda banged up, but can Cardinal will be “looking to use Briana year. We’re working well together in every When asked what it’s like playing for a play at a high level.” He said. (Scholtens) in the field.” aspect. We got knocked out in the second team with such a strong winning record, The team will also be counting on two Commenting on this year’s team, Schol- round of the (regional) playoffs last year. freshman Karlie Mast said, “It’s intimidatfreshman goalkeepers, Katie Salinas (Vin- tens said, “This year we’ve come together This season I’m confident that we can reach ing, but it inspires us to work harder. We tage) and Ashley Yoell (Vanden), as Coach and found our chemistry earlier than last the second round or better.” have to play up to the standard or better.”
Falcons battle through uncertainties in preseason By Rebecca Naranjo Sports Editor
Finishing 9-2 last season, the Solano Community Colleges football team has high hopes for the upcoming season. “I feel very good about this season,” Coach Kevin Marks said. “We had good recruiting this year from all the local high schools. We got all the top players in the area.” The recruiting was perhaps too good; the Falcons team originally contained roughly 120 players. To date, they still have 97 players. “It’s been a struggle just to get pads for everyone,” Marks said. With the sheer size of the team, the Falcons have specialized assistant coaches, training in-
dividual players to be the best that they can be their position on the team. “It’s a great challenge,” said Marks. “We rely a lot on the assistant coaches to train everyone.” “It’s very challenging,” Head Coach Floyd Bernsed said. “We have to be very well organized. You also have to be a lot of things for that many guys. You have to be a counselor, a psychologist; even a father.” Despite the large size of the team, the coaches remain apprehensive as to what their strong point is. Last season, the team was held together with a strong defensive line. “Hopefully we’ll be well balanced,” Burnsed said. “Right now, we have good running backs, good quarterbacks, a good offensive line over-
all.” “We really won’t know where we stand until the first game,” Marks said. “It’s always concerning not quite knowing where you are at, at the beginning of the season.” Injury is always a major concern for any coach, especially in a high contact sport like football. This season isn’t any different than those prior. “My main concern is the health of the team,” Marks said. “ We have a couple more players with bumps and bruises than we have in the past.” “It’s nothing that really concerns me,” Burnsed said. “It’s just a few minor things. I’m confident in the team and think that this won’t affect our game.”
SPORTS CALENDAR Sept. 7 – Sept. 21, 2011 Detailed information regarding games can be found at solanotempest.net/sports.
Fri Sept. 9, 2011 2 pm - Soccer - Mt. San Antonio Sat Sept. 10, 2011 1pm - Football - Los Medanos College Fri Sept. 9-10, 2011 8 am - Volleyball @ Stockton - San Joaquin Delta College Tournament All Day - Waterpolo @ SaratogaWest Valley Tournament Tue Sept. 13, 2011 4:30pm - Soccer - Modesto Junior College Wed Sept. 14, 2011 3pm - Volleyball - Solano-Falcon Classic 3:30pm - Waterpolo @ Concord Los Positas College Club Fri Sept. 16, 2011 3:30pm Soccer @ Santa Rosa Santa Rosa Junior College Sat Sept. 17, 2011 7pm - Football @ Aptos - Cabrillo College Tue Sept. 20, 2011 3:30pm - Soccer @ Elk Grove Cosumnes River College
Rebecca Naranjo/Tempest
Assistant Coach Javel Delevega motivates a member of the Falcons Football team to train harder during practice on Aug. 24.
Ben Gogna/Tempest
Falcons Football players warm up before beginning drills on Aug. 22 .
Wed Sept. 21, 2011 6pm - Volleyball - West Valley College
8 SPORTS
THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 7 - SEPT 20, 2011
Waterpolo dives into season
Ben Gogna/Tempest
Goalie Dillin Trejo goes through a vigorous workout with a 25-pound weight Thursday Sept. 1 at the SCC pool.
Freshman team is optimistic for upcoming season By Raymando Perez Staff Writer
field players with me,” he said, however he says his top priority is “a perfect season.” For the men of the Solano The only returning player on water polo team, a grueling twothe team, sophomore Seanpatrick hour conditioning program is Shadduck, regardless of being nothing new . It’s just another day plagued by injury last season, says of preparation for a fresh season he believes the team’s chances are with a brand new team. good and can definitely improve A very optimistic from a dismal last freshman Dillin “...that team season. Trejo looks forward “We already have cohesion is way more players and to the new season in what he calls one of already pres- they are way more the “best sports” he’s in shape,” Shadduck ent during said. As the most ever played. Despite not having played at experienced player practice.” the collegiate level on the team Shadhe says he is highly duck said the team motivated for things is “highly motivated to come, and one and that team coheof the factors being sion is already pres“determination and ent during practice.” level of respect the position of Fully recovered from his injury, goalie represents,” he said. Shadduck says he hopes to imIn a team comprised mostly of prove as a player while making his freshman and only one returning team better as well. sophomore, Trejo said that as the While the season is only days “last line of defense for his team” away, if their practices are any there’s a lot of added pressure on indication, the team will be well him, but it only “drives him to prepared for what awaits them. work harder,” he said. While evThe two-hour daily practice conery athlete on any team sport has sists of an hour of conditioning high expectations for the upcomfollowed by another hour of more ing season he remained humble skill based practice according to when discussing his hopes for the assistant coach Margot Gebers. season. “It’s a very hard sport and “I hope I get All-American this you’ve got to be conditioned,” season and can take some of the Gebers said.
-Sean Shadduck
Ben Gogna/Tempest
The SCC waterpolo team practices Thursday Sept. 1 at the SCC pool.
8 Be sure to catch this freshman team in action as the Men’s Waterpolo team competes in the West Valley Tournament Sept. 9 in Saratoga.