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UPCOMING EVENTS Club Officer Training • 12:30 p.m., Jan. 28 @ SU-204 ‘High Tech=High-Pay’ Seminar • 10 a.m., Feb. 1 @ Women’s Museum, San Diego
BASEBALL
“Botanical Records Breaker” Lecture• 10 a.m. @ NS-139
2013 championship winners return for another season on Feb. 1• Page 7
Blood Drive • 9 a.m. Feb. 6, @ Escondido Center Parking Lot
the telescope Palomar College’s Independent Newspaper
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Vol. 67, No. 9 • Monday, January 27, 2014
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1140 W. Mission Road, San Marcos, Calif.
WHAT’S INSIDE
The new Teaching and Learning Center opened on the San Marcos campus this semester • Page 3
Palomar College students wait to return to class as campus police arrive to investigate a fire in the men’s restroom the incident on Jan. 15.• Ralph Chapoco/The Telescope
Arsonist targets men’s restrooms The Enlightened Lens Photo Exibit featured student submitted art • Page 4
See how a Telescope writer feels about under 21 music venues • Page 6
CLIFF IRELAND THE TELESCOPE
Palomar College Police Department (PCPD) increased patrol around campus after five fires occurred during the first two weeks of the spring semester. All being started in bathrooms, the fires occurred over the course of five different days in four different buildings on the main campus in San Marcos. Although the increase of patrol in and around bathrooms started after the third fire, campus police were clearly visible in the MD building as patrols were on every floor of the building with one officer driving a Segway throughout the building. In an email response from
San Marcos Fire Department arrive at the Multi-Disciplinary building to assist with the fire in the men’s restroom on Jan. 15.• Yolanda Granados/The Telescope
Palomar College’s Director of Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs Laura Gropen s
that they have increased patrols throughout the campus in specific areas, which is just standard
procedure. The following is a day by day account according to alerts sent out by Palomar officials as to when the PCPD received notice of the fires and causes: • 9:35 a.m. on Jan.14 in the men’s restroom of the P building. Cause was a box of toilet seat covers being set on fire. • 10:45 a.m. on Jan. 15 in the men’s restroom on the second floor of the Multi-Disciplinary building. Cause was a box of toilet seat covers being set on fire. • 11:12 a.m. on Jan.16 in the handicap restroom of the Student Union building. There is no cause of fire. • 8:57 a.m. on Jan. 21 in the
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Proposed state budget may provide an additional $2 million MEGAN BUBAK THE TELESCOPE
The proposed state budget is good news for Palomar, even though it hasn’t been officially approved yet it could bring more funding for community colleges. On Jan. 9, Governor Jerry Brown stated that there was good news this year, considering the fiscal stability and resources available for the state of California. During his press conference, he proposed that the state put the surplus from last year’s revenues toward
the debts the state owes to higher education, healthcare programs, public safety, and expanding prison capacity. The amount that would go toward colleges comes out to roughly $155 million, the debt owed to California Community Colleges reached $961 million at the end of 2012. “Palomar would receive around 1.66 percent of that amount which would give us around $2 million,” Palomar President Robert Deegan said. There are various areas of Palomar College that could use the funding to
add classes, programs, or materials. “We will identify the high demand areas with the department heads,” Deegan said. Director of Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs Laura Gropen said that we may not get the money for a while because the process contains many revisions and debates about how the surplus should be spent. “At the end of the day, we have to show that we earned that money,” Gropen said. The college would have to write out a detailed plan of how our extra
funding would be spent and how helpful it would be for the school. “If this budget is put into effect, we would be financially put back on track continuing from 2008,” Gropen said. At the moment, this budget is simply an idea of what the Governor wants to do with the money. Next, the Legislature will decide whether or not to adopt the budget. Finally, the bill will end up at the Governors desk for him to sign and approve. “Simply put, this proposed budget does more to help community college students than any in recent
memory,” Chancellor Brice Harris of the California Community College organization said. A press release by Chancellor Harris stated that the 11.4 percent increase in funding will possibly add more classes and continue to provide higher education opportunities to people looking to improve their lives. “It provides resources to strengthen support services for students and help close achievement gaps,” Harris said in a press release. MBUBAK@THE-TELESCOPE.COM
2 • NEWS
Monday, January 27, 2014
What your ASG is working on: • Jennifer Gonzalez resigned her position as ASG President and former Vice President Genesis Gilroy was sworn in to take her place. • According to President Gilroy, the ASG website is nearly complete and it will be public this February. • Campus Police requested that the ASG support its decision to increase student parking fees to $50 per semester. The ASG will be conducting student polls online and in person to determine student opinion. • The ASG Vice President seat is now vacant and candidates for the position have not yet been announced. BRIEFS
Accreditation forum
The Palomar Faculty Federation is hosting a forum about accreditation at 4 p.m. on Jan. 28 in room MD-157. Guest panelists from City College of San Francisco will be there to share their story on how accreditation is affecting the school’s lack of funding. Without funding, the school is in danger of being closed down. The event is free, and teachers and students are welcome. For more information on the event, go to www.pfffacultylounge.wordpress. com.
Club officer training
The Office of Student Affairs will host a Club Officer training event from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Jan. 28 in SU-204. The event will cover the most recent information regarding club paperwork (whether starting up or reinstating a club), campus-wide event days, event planning, finances and more. “I think it’s a good event for anyone who doesn’t know Palomar (College) to be able to look at different clubs and see what they like and what they don’t like,” said Juan Morales, a diesel mechanic major who works in the Club Hub office. For more information on campus clubs and the training, contact Marilyn Lunde at (760)744-1150 ext. 2594 or visit www.palomar.edu/ pages/studentaffairs/clubs.
High tech jobs for women A high tech career event for women aims to help students who are searching for job opportunities and seeking career growth.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Feb.1 at the Women’s Museum of California in Liberty Station and is open to public. Palomar College Graphic Communications Professor Lillian Payn and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Project Coordinator Mireya Gutierrez-Aguero are the event coordinators. “The event is looking to motivate and encourage women to go into high tech careers and to improve their technology skills so that they can improve their job prospects,” said Payn, who is also the technology outreach chair for AAUW (American Association of University Women) for the San Diego branch. High Tech = High Pay will feature a panel of “high-performing” women, including June Chocheles from ChochelesConsulting, Leslie Fishlock from Geek Girl, Teri Louden from Louden Network and STEM Advisors Gutierrez-Aguero from Palomar College and Celia Martinez from California State University San Marcos. According to the event flier, the panelists will be covering several topics, fromas identifying the high tech trends in San Diego to sharing job search strategies. Students will also receive a complimentary résumé review. AAUW is a non-profit organization that promotes equity and education for women and girls. For more information about the High Tech = High Pay Careers for Women event, please call Eunis Christensen at (619) 299-0778 or email network@aauwsandiego.org.
Genesis Gilroy (left) gets sworn in as the new Associated Student Government (ASG) President by Adviser Sherry Titus (right) on Jan. 15.__ • Lucas Spenser/ The Telescope
New president hopes to reunite student government CHRISTINE FORONDA THE TELESCOPE
Former Associated Student Government (ASG) Vice President Genesis Gilroy was sworn in as the new ASG President at the board’s first meeting on Jan. 15. Jennifer Gonzalez resigned as ASG president the Friday before the start of the semester stating that “it was a personal decision.” According to Gilroy, Gonzalez did not disclose to any of the ASG members the specific reasons of her decision to step down. “The reason she presented to the entire board and myself was that it was personal reasons and I couldn’t get much more out of her,” Gilroy said. “I believe that it was just a combination of her work and school conflicting and some health problems.”
When asked how she felt about becoming the ASG president, Gilroy said that initially, she was surprised and a little nervous but said she is prepared and has “absolutely jumped in with both feet.” “I am dedicating everything I have to this position, especially now that I’m president,” she said. “I am going to do everything in my power to keep the board focused and respecting the positions that they have.” She added, “I want to inspire, train, and lead the board in a way that it’s not just me but it’s all of us working cohesively together.” Gilroy wants to continue Gonzalez’s mission to fix the ASG’s reputation but said she also has several different goals that she wants to focus on this year. “My primary goal this semester is public relations,” Gilroy said. “That includes the website...and getting
out to the students in person.” Gilroy explained that one way she is going to do this is requesting the ASG members to talk to students in the Student Union Quad and in classrooms. “I want to give them information (about ASG) to hand out to the students, try to recruit new members and get people aware that we’re here.” In addition to talking to students, Gilroy wants to gather more student opinion by having them vote on certain issues. She said she believes that getting student thoughts will help her better represent them and act as their voice. “I want to get as many people aware and involved as I can,” Gilroy said. CFORONDA@THE-TELESCOPE.COM
Police Blotter: Dec. 31 - Jan. 21 1. At 6:30 a.m. on Dec. 31, 2013, a weapons law violation was handled by the San Diego Sheriff ’s Department on the San Marcos campus. 2. At 9:35 a.m. on Jan. 14, arson was reported to have occurred in the P building’s men’s restroom. 3. At 10:45 a.m. on Jan. 15, a second account of arson occurred in the MD building’s second floor men’s bathroom.
4. At 11:12 a.m. on Jan. 16, a third account of arson occurred in the SU building’s men’s restroom. 5. At 8:57 a.m. on Jan. 21, a fourth account of arson was reported. It occurred in the P building’s men’s restroom. 6. At 11:20 a.m. on Jan. 22, a fifth account of arson was reported to have occurred in the E building men’s restroom.
NEWS • 3
the-telescope.com
New center offers student support DAVID SHRUM THE TELESCOPE
A variety of student programs previously scattered across the campus were recently brought together under one roof. The new Teaching and Learning Center at Palomar College’s San Marcos campus is a fully functional student support building designed to help students navigate their way through the overwhelming experience of college life. The center offers conference rooms, group study areas, individual study areas, a student lounge area, staff and faculty offices, a classroom and a wireless Internet connection. “The Teaching and Learning Center provides a space for students to really come in and have a quiet place to study,” said Debora Avila, the Teaching and Learning Center supervisor. The conference rooms, which can be used by both teachers and students, are equipped with phones, televisions and stationary and mobile whiteboards. Group study areas have a PC tower and monitor for students to collaborate on projects and ideas, and the individual study areas include computers so students may work on homework and conduct research. “[The TLC] is really nice. It’s clean,” said mechanical engineering student Anthony Cirillocs. “It’s pretty cool, it seems like they thought it out.” Another student, Kevin Jackson said, “It’s beautiful! It looks like a really nice place to come in and work.” The center houses faculty offices for student-to-staff meetings. There
FIRE
CONT FROM PAGE 1
men’s restroom of the P building. Cause was a box of toilet seat covers being set on fire. • 11:20 a.m. on Jan. 22 men’s restroom in the E building. There is no cause of fire. Both Vice-President of Student Affairs Adrian Gonzales and Gropen are unaware as to how the first two fires were extinguished, but Gonzales believes that a faculty member put the first one out with a fire extinguisher and witnesses believe that the second was put out by one of the first responding police officers who had a fire extinguisher with him. The third fire appears that it might have extinguished itself in the trash can and there is no information on the how the fourth and fifth fires were put out. No injuries were reported in all five incidents and besides the toilet seat covers, the only property damage was a trash can that melted during the third fire. With the assistance of the PCPD, Gonzales stated that the San Marcos Fire Department is conducting the investigation. San Marcos Fire Department could not be reached for comment. However, the Sheriff’s Bomb/ Arson Unit released the following statement, “The Sheriff’s Bomb/ Arson Unit is aware of the
The Palomar College Teaching & Learning Center (TLC) opened for business on Jan. 13. The facility has computers for research and student use and group study and counseling rooms.• Stephen Davis/The Telescope
is also a faculty room where teachers can collaborate and propose ideas for center activities or conduct teacherto-teacher mentoring. “Here at the Teaching and Learning Center, our goal is to provide a welcoming space for all Palomar College students,” Avila said. “It’s not about being a student ID number, it’s about helping the student be successful.” According to Palomar College President Robert Deegan, who also
paid a visit to the center, the TLC is a central focus point for student support programs. Such programs include the First Year Experience, Summer Bridge, Learning Communities, Foster Youth and Village Mentoring, a program that is currently under development. The programs offer basic level courses and counseling to help prepare students to take on their chosen major and assist in subject
areas where students may be struggling, such as math or literature. The programs also focus on students building relationships with their mentors and making connections with their fellow peers. The center will offer workshops to aid students in career planning, transferring to and from Palomar College and seeking financial aid to help find funding for their educational pursuits. “We’re here to build a rapport with
students so that they feel comfortable coming to the center to seek help,” said Anel Gonzalez, the Foster Youth Liaison. President Deegan explained that the purpose of the TLC is to provide additional support to students, improve transfer rates and increase student retention. “We are doing everything possible to ensure student success,” Deegan said.
suspicious fires at Palomar College. We will be meeting and working with school officials and San Marcos Fire to resolve this matter.” According to Gropen and Gonzales, there is no information on the suspect or suspects or if the fires are related, however in the alert con-
cerning the third fire, it stated that it is being investigated with the possibility of being related to the previous fire incidents. Students, faculty and staff are asked to report any suspicious activity in or around the restrooms to police at 760-744-1150 ext. 2289 or
760-891-7273. “There are things that we have done to try and promote good safety on campus, we need the help of the students to also be vigilant and to help us make a safe environment,” Gonzales said. According to the San Diego
County Sheriff’s Department, a reward of up to a $1,000 is being offered for any information that leads to an arrest. They can call Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line 888580-8477.
DSHRUM@THE-TELESCOPE.COM
CIRELAND@THE-TELESCOPE.COM
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4 • A&E
Monday, January 27, 2014
Theater group directs, produces play JOSHUA LAPORTE THE TELESCOPE
On Jan. 31, the Palomar College Theatre Ensemble, an entirely student run theatre group, will take the stage to present their debut performance, ‘The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams. Student Director and Theatre Major Jared Spears and his crew of student actors and technical stage members have worked since August 2013 to bring this play to life. Alongside preparation for the performance, the Palomar Theatre Ensemble has been building up community support and fundraising as a new club at Palomar. The ensemble raised funds by selling concessions for performances at the Howard Brubeck Theatre as well as receiving a sizable donation from Plain View Theatre to support their performance. Spears and the Palomar Theatre Ensemble hope to use their production of “The Glass Menagerie” to springboard future student developed plays. “Hopefully this leads to more productions; bigger productions. Palomar Theater Ensemble performers “The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams on Jan. 31 at 8 p.m. in the studio theater. • Photo Hopefully somewhere down the line Courtesy: Jared Spears even the student theatre ensemble could do a musical,” Spears said. are Theater Majors Sean LaRocca, 25, should do it.” Technical Theater Major The actors will take the stage at 8 Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass and Abby Fields, 21, as well as actors and Stage Manager Jazrene Abildgaard p.m. on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, and 2 p.m. Menagerie” was the first play the Heidi Bridges, 49, and Ryan Balfour, said. on Feb. 2 in the Studio Theater. famous playwright produced and 31. Twenty one other students will Fields, who will play the character For a formal review of the took to Broadway, and now the be managing lighting, sound design Laura, summarized perfectly how the Palomar Theatre Ensemble’s “The Palomar Theatre Ensemble seeks to and music, stage design and other audience should approach the play. Glass Menagerie” go to www.thereplicate Williams’ success in their technical positions. “Come in as a sensitive human,” she telescope.com. debut performance. “If you’re lucky enough to have the said. “It’s about four people in real life, Taking the stage on opening night opportunity to do what you want, you so find yourself in the play.” JLAPORTE@THE-TELESCOPE.COM
Student photos exposed at local exhibit LOTTIESHA BLANDON THE TELESCOPE
Palomar College students, along with friends, family and members of the community attended the Enlightened Lens Photo Exhibit. The event opened Jan.17. at the Hearth Gallery in the San Marcos Community Center. Palomar students submitted over 200 images to the show. The photo exhibit is a juried show, meaning students can enter a number of images that are then juried down by Palomar faculty members to about 60 to 70 images. “Like all the teachers in our program, we’re always trying to get work out there. It’s pretty exciting to have work out in the community as well and that’s why we do this for the students,” said Palomar Professor Donna Cosentino. Cosentino has been at Palomar for over 20 years. She began these photo exhibits at empty storefronts in Escondido back in the nineties. She also puts on a similar photo exhibit at the Escondido Municipal Gallery during the month of December. The Palomar College photography department has provided an excellent program for their students for over 60 years. Students whose images were part of the show also made their way into the exhibit throughout the night. Among the photographers in attendance was Paul Francis Jr., whose “Merlin’s Mist” archival
pigment print image was a part of the show. Francis said his image came out better than he planned, being that he forgot his tripod and had to get down on his stomach and knees to capture his piece. “I enjoy photography. I enjoy the ability to capture a moment in time and have people enjoy it for years to come,” said Francis Jr. said. The exhibit will continue on until the end of February. Those who would like to view the gallery can do so at the Hearth Gallery in the San Marcos Community Center where free parking is available in the parking structure. Digital imaging, alternative processes, portfolio production, portraiture and commercial photography are some of the many courses offered by the department. Other classes include history of photography, photojournalism and on-location landscape photography. These courses allow students to improve their skills as well as become educated on what they love to do. For more information on Palomar’s photography department or to find out how you can purchase a photograph from the exhibit, contact Donna Cosentino at dcosentino@palomar.edu. For questions specific to the San Marcos community center, feel free to call the center at (760) 744-1050. LBLANDON@THE-TELESCOPE.COM
Palomar Media Studies Dean Norma Miyamoto talks with Brandy Sebastian at the Enlightened Lens Photo Exhibit on Jan. 17.• Photo Courtesy: Paul Francis, Jr.
Palomar student Nancy Jennings, stands right next to her image at the Hearth Gallery at the Enlightened Lens Photo Exhibit.• Photo Courtesy: Paul Francis Jr.
REVIEW
Indie nostalgia with new sound JAVIER PEREZ THE TELESCOPE
California native Stephen Malkmus added another notch to his belt with the release of “Wig Out at the Jagbags”, out on Matador Jan. 7. This is the follow up to 2011’s “Mirror Traffic” with alt-rock band Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks. “Wig Out at the Jagbags” is the sixth release by the Jicks and delivers a hazy, laid back, catchy album to any listener longing for the lo-fi, fuzz guitar riffs and free-thought lyrics that Malkmus made a name with at the beginning of his 22-year career.
“Wig Out at the Jagbags” Runtime: 42 minutes
««««« “Rumble At The Rainbo” begins with the phrase, “Come and join us in this punk rock tomb,” which starts the overall nostalgic mood of the album and becomes apparent when Malkmus quips, “We are returning, returning to our roots/No new material, just cowboy boots,” and ends with, “No one here has changed, and no one ever will.” The new album’s peculiar song structure and rock sound, with odd instrumentation including a trombone solo in “J Smoov”, are fun and complementary to distorted guitars and sing-along choruses that the Jicks deliver in the 12 song LP. The album starts off the right way with wailing guitars and off beat drumming played into jamming with screaming guitar solo on the first track “Planetary Notion”. “Lariat” seems a nostalgic afterthought of nostalgia from an aging rock star, as “Chartjunk” is a comically disguised homage to Brandon Jennings. Throughout the album, Malkmus and company show their experience with mellow instrumentation and bright songs that are a breath of fresh air and exited for what’s on it’s way this new year (like Real Estate’s new “Atlas” LP to follow their 2011 album “Days”). The Jicks listed science fiction writer Mark von Schlegell, krautrock legends Can, San Francisco’s band Sic Alps, German artist Rosemarie Trockel, inactivity and home life in the 2010’s as influences in the new LP, and will perform on Mar. 29 at The Casbah in San Diego. JPEREZ-TORRES@THE-TELESCOPE.COM
A&E •5
the-telescope.com
Walking tall in nine inch heels CLIFF IRELAND THE TELESCOPE
Confident, risky, and a self-proclaimed stiletto freak, 19-year-old Performing Arts major Clay Bermudez dresses the way he does not only because he likes it, but because he hopes to be an inspiration to others. “Fashion for me is not about ‘ooh, whose eye can I catch, who’s going to be pointing and taking a picture?’ It’s more about being an inspiration to people to where it’s like, ‘if he can be outgoing and be himself in public, why can’t I?’” Bermudez said. The California State University, Fullerton transfer shared some of his thoughts on fashion, as well as his own personal style, with The Telescope.
How would you describe your fashion sense?
I really like to go for things that not necessarily stand out or get attention, but attire that I am very comfortable in texture wise. I’m not afraid to take risks
Performing Arts major Clay Bermudez hopes his fashion can be an inspiration to others. He wears his nine-inch stilletos, seen in the bottom photo, to do laundry. • Photos by Yolanda Granados/The Telescope
with my fashion and with my style and with who I am.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
A lot of the people around me. I see things in the public that I can really relate to and feel a really strong connection with. So, I think that I see a lot of people with what they’re wearing, with what they’re going through and I’m really inspired by that.
Where do you shop?
I shop at very common places. What I like to do is, it could be at thrift stores or it could be a very highend fashion store. I like to shop at very modern places that everyone shops at and I like to make it a little my style. So if I need to tear it, so be it. If I need to sew some sequins on it, then so be it.
What is your favorite piece of clothing or accessory? I love all my stilettos, all my nineinch heels that I wear to do laundry. Those are my favorite pieces of fashion that I own.
What makes a person stylish or fashionable?
I really believe that it’s not about what they are wearing or who designed it, but how they wear it; how they are rockin’ the style. Somebody could wear a brown trash bag and they could be rockin’ it.
Is fashion important?
I think fashion is important because it really tells a lot about who you are. You can look at somebody and based on how they’re wearing what they’re wearing, you can determine, more or less, what type of person they are and if you want to engage that person at all. CIRELAND@THE-TELESCOPE.COM
the telescope
6 • OPINION
t
The show must go on, but not for you CHRISTOPHER BULLOCK THE TELESCOPE
Focused On Palomar Monday, January 27, 2014 Vol. 67, No. 9 Palomar College, San Marcos, Calif.
CLIFF IRELAND EDITOR IN CHIEF MARISSA MILLOY MANAGING EDITOR CHRISTINE FORONDA NEWS EDITOR CHRISTOPHER BULLOCK NEWS EDITOR JORDAN GREENE COPY EDITOR PAIGE HARVEY OPINION EDITOR JAVIER PEREZ OPINION EDITOR LLOYD BRAVO A&E EDITOR SUSAN WHALEY SPORTS EDITOR RALPH CHAPOCO FOCUS EDITOR SCOTT COLSON ONLINE EDITOR STEVE DAVIS PHOTO EDITOR YOLANDA GRANADOS PHOTO EDITOR WENDY NELSON ADVISER DEB HELLMAN BUSINESS MANAGER STAFF WRITERS LOTTIESHA BLANDON, MEGAN BUBAK, STEVE KIRCH, JOSHUA LAPORIE, JOHN LARA, JOSHUA RAY, DAVID SHRUM, JUAN ZUNIGA
It was September 25, 2006. Wicked Wisdom, the new metal band featuring Jada Pinkett-Smith, was touring San Diego for the first time. They were performing with Soulfly at the House of Blues in downtown San Diego. I, along with 3 of my friends, went to buy tickets from TicketMaster, only to be told, “Sorry boys, but this show is 21 and up only.” I started noticing a lot of that when I started performing in my own bands, as well. When I went to play a show at Canes Bar and Grill, (formerly known as WaveHouse Live) we were only allowed to play our set then leave. In San Diego county, there are about as many music venues as there are coffee shops. Yet, a good majority of them will only allow people of legal drinking age to enter, leaving a severely untapped source of possible revenue, the 16 to 20-year-old crowd. Venues such as 4th and B (closed for business in 2012), the Jumping Turtle, and the aforementioned Canes/WaveHouse (shuttered its doors in 2010) could’ve easily benefited from the 16-20-year old fanbase, especially when they were booking bands whose style catered more to their specific taste. In some cases, it has usually been the fault of the venue for
They have kept their bussiness steady for years, despite not seving alcohol or having mass adult appeal
Photo illustration of concert ticket stubs •Yolanda Granados/ The Telescope not properly handling an all-ages In 2008, a punk show incited event. a crowd brawl; police from San Take for example, the near riot Marcos, Escondido and Valley at the Jumping Turtle bar and grill. Center were called in. Three people
ADDRESS THE TELESCOPE PALOMAR COLLEGE 1140 W. MISSION ROAD, SAN MARCOS, CA 92069 PHONE / 760-891-7865 NEWSROOM / MD-228 WEBSITE/ WWW.THE-TELESCOPE.COM FACEBOOK/ SEARCH “THE TELESCOPE” TWITTER/ @TELESCOPENEWS EMAIL/ EDITOR@THE-TELESCOPE.COM AD EMAIL/ ADS@THE-TELESCOPE.COM THE TELESCOPE WELCOMES ALL LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. LETTERS MUST BE TYPEWRITTEN, UNDER 300 WORDS AND INCLUDE THE AUTHOR’S FIRST AND LAST NAMES, MAJOR AND PHONE NUMBER. PHONE NUMBERS WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED. LETTERS SHOULD BE EMAILED TO EDITOR@THE-TELESCOPE.COM. THE TELESCOPE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EDIT LETTERS FOR SPACE AND GRAMMATICAL ERRORS AND NOT TO PRINT LEWD OR LIBELOUS LETTERS. LETTERS MUST BE RECEIVED ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE NEWSPAPER’S PUBLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR INCLUSION. THE TELESCOPE IS PUBLISHED 8 TIMES PER SEMESTER. OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE NEWSPAPER ARE THOSE OF THE INDIVIDUAL WRITERS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THOSE OF THE ENTIRE NEWSPAPER STAFF, PALOMAR FACULTY AND STAFF MEMBERS OR THE GOVERNING BOARD TRUSTEES.
CALIFORNIA NEWSPAPER PUBLISHER’S ASSOCIATION
were arrested, including a 17-yearold for public intoxication. The two most popular all-ages venues in San Diego now, are the Epicentre in Mira Mesa, and SOMA in San Diego. They have kept their business steady for years, despite not serving alcohol or having mass adult appeal. You hardly hear of any drama coming from those venues. Sure, expanding to an all-ages venue requires a big revamping. Liquor licenses would be more strictly enforced, security forces would have to work harder, and at first business may be hesitant. But as the kids spend money, and more artists see the venue as a viable option, the perception would change. The venues would also give these teens a safe environment of sorts. It also brings a sense of fellowship to the community, knowing the teens can go enjoy a show, and not have to go miles out of the way to enjoy their favorite band. More communities should embrace the all-ages model. CBULLOCK@THE -TELESCOPE.COM
Dirty deeds with dirty money for the few JORDAN GREENE
PHOTOGRAPHERS LUCAS SPENSER, LUCY WHEELER
ASSOCIATED COLLEGE PRESS
Monday, January 27, 2014
THE TELESCOPE
Somebody needs to put the pigs in office back in their place. The U.S. government’s lack of regulation or care for their constituents has gone far enough. It was recently revealed that some major U.S. banks have been laundering billions of dollars of illegal drug money from the Mexican cartels. These banks include JPMorgan/Chase, Bank of America and Western Union, according to an article on alternet. org, a news and entertainment website. An article on Bloomberg.com, a well known news website, stated, “The Department of Justice has decided that these banks are too big to prosecute to the full extent of the law.” The site also stated that the department and banks struck a deal called the deferred prosecution agreement, which stated banks could continue to house drug money if they admitted to it and paid a small fine. This is outrageous. The corporate giants are sticking together to make sure the flow of money continues. The system is
Money found by U.S. Customs. • Photo by Bergen Record / MCT Campus
completely backward. A democratic government should be making decisions that will benefit the public, not take advantage of it. Admitting to a federal crime should not give anyone a free pass to continue doing it, especially a highly regarded public office. That’s not to mention the crackdown on drug use in the U.S. that the federal government is so ruthless about. They don’t mind sending someone to jail for years for having a few grams of marijuana on them, yet they are harboring billions of dollars that are being used to harm people far
worse than pot ever did. The federal government, as well as it’s banks, has been covering up it’s actions for much too long. These conglomerates need to realize there are consequences for their actions. If they are not going to be punished by the legal system, perhaps a more barbaric way of payment is appropriate. This could very well lead to violent and riots and protests. It is immoral how little the constitution really matters in a country founded by it. According to CNN, the CEO of Bank of America made $1.5 million in 2007. However, with added
benefits and stock options, this man made a virtual $24.8 million in total compensation in 2007 alone. That is a ridiculously large number. Just imagine what that number is now. It is very clear that all these people, and I hesitate to even call them that, care about is keeping their grossly high salaries. However, this issue doesn’t just affect the people of America, it also impacts the Mexicans who have to live with the cartel at their doorsteps. There are countless reports every day of the violence that occurs at the hands of these criminals. It does not make anyone feel safer knowing the U.S. government endorses this behavior. There are numerous accounts of vigilante groups marching into their own slaughterhouses because the governments of Mexico and the U.S. fail to do anything about the cartel’s rise to power. Thousands of innocent people die each day at the hands of the cartel, yet the people who can make it stop are looking on, happily eating their lobster and caviar in a bathtub full of dirty drug money. JGREENE@THE-TELESCOPE.COM
SPORTS • 7
the-telescope.com
New and familiar faces line up the field JOSHUA RAY THE TELESCOPE
Palomar College baseball is looking to defend its title as the Pacific Coast Conference champs and do it all over again in 2014. “We expect to win Conference and compete in the post season. That is what we expect every year,” Taylor said.. “Last year we started 3-8 and we got hot and made a turn around of 26-6.” Palomar, ranked No. 5 in Southern California in the pre-season by the California Community College Baseball Coaches Association, went 29-14 overall in 2013. “I know that when the Orange County teams come to play our conference we are the team to beat. Teams play their best against us. I guess you could say we are battle tested,” Taylor said. “Coach Buck has a good handle on the team,” player Vincent Mori said. “He has a good balance of getting to know everyone on the team, but at the same time he establishes that he is still the coach.” Most notably, closer Zach Wilkins will be returning for 2014 (All American, 13 saves), Taylor Miller (long relief pitcher), Dylan Smith (a top hitter), Matt Matlock (infielder) and Anthony Fernandez who will play first base and the outfield according to Taylor. “We have a bounce back pitcher Gary Cornish (University of San Diego) who pitches 90-92 mph... he is likely to be our number one starting pitcher,” Taylor said. Michael Jordan (Cal Berkeley) who pitches 88-92 mph, will be the number two or three starting pitcher according to Taylor. Freshman Jake Barnett will get a shot at the rotation as the number four pitcher. Barnett came out of Orange Glen High School in Escondido and will get a start in one of 10 non-conference games.
Palomar baseball player Brett Ralls works on his pitching motion during their practice at Myer’s Field on Jan. 15, The Comets baseball team kicks off their season on the road against Orange Coast College on Jan. 29 .• Scott Colson/ The Telescope
Josh Larrinaga joins as a new addition to the coaching staff this season and will be working with the outfield, replacing former outfield
coach Rich Graves who recently retired. Catcher Francis Christy is a top prospect from Northern California
and is a projected major asset to the team. “He is a physical, left-handed hitting catcher that is a real prospect
this season,” Taylor said. Although this will be Christy’s first season with the team, he realizes expectations are high. “This year is really important,” Christy said. “I wasn’t here last year but I want to help this team make it to the next level, so this year is really important.” Chris Stratton from Chaparral High School in Temecula will play second base. Returner Dennis Morton will be playing third base this year, according to Taylor. “I am very impressed with Christy, Stratton and Morton,” Taylor said. “Dennis came back in great shape and came ready to work hard…The majority of the players are doing a great job but if I had to single out three these are the guys.” Palomar has welcomed back former Comet and Major League Baseball (MLB) players for workouts with the current team this offseason in preparation for this year’s push for success. Ben Rowan is a first year propitcher from the Texas Rangers, he participated with the team in workouts during this offseason. “Josh (Larrinaga) is my trainer in the offseason and the coaches and staff have been very welcoming,” Rowan said. “I played catch with Michael Jordan... He had a pretty good arm. His story is similar to mine as he went to a four-year college and came back to a smaller school,” Rowan said. Palomar baseball alum BK Santy who is now a top rookie for the Minnesota Twins organization made a workout appearance as well. “Palomar is a good place to come and work out, I used to come here as a student,” Santy said. The Comets’ home opener is scheduled for Feb. 1 vs. Golden West at noon at Myers Field. JRAY@THE-TELESCOPE.COM
OPINION
Too much football talk during Super Bowl time SUSAN WHALEY
Seattle Seahawks fan David Chilson cheers for his team while playing against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle earlier this month. The Seahawks will take on the Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. • Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group/MCT
THE TELESCOPE
Perhaps it is the country, the state or just the city I live in, but no matter what the reason is people need to stop talking non-stop about football and the upcoming Super Bowl XLVIII. Two people across the room at work or school talking about the Super Bowl are trying to make me the meat and cheese to their football sandwich. I don’t want to take part in the conversation. I don’t want to be in the sandwich. Feb. 2 is Super Bowl XLVIII or 48. The Denver Broncos will be playing against the Seattle Seahawks. Someone at my work told me. And no, I did not ask, nor do I care. According to Nielsen.com the Super Bowl in 2013 brought in an average of 108.7 million viewers and 26.1 million people responded about the game using social media outlet Twitter. Football season in 2013 started in Sept. according to ESPN.com That is five months of being bombarded and forced to listen to stats, facts, outrage, opinion and fantasy football
outcomes from my coworkers, classmate and Facebook. As a taxpayer I am already forced to take part in football at no choice of my own. According to policymic.com state taxpayers pay for 70
percent of the cost of football stadiums. If people got worked-up about political, global and even local issues that actually affect their daily lives maybe it would bring more awareness for good change.
Issues such as an increase in minimum wage is something I find important to daily life. Also, the report that was released earlier in Jan. on what happened in Benghazi in 2013 affect the country in a huge way. People should get riled up about that stuff. People who love football are emotional creatures. Watching football-watchers is more exciting and entertaining than the game itself: curse words flying from mouths at every play, arms flailing around and constantly standing up to shout at the television. Which ever team wins no money of mine will be lost, no feelings of mine will be hurt and I will sleep soundly. I don’t care if other people shed football-shaped tears or shriek from excitement just as long as I don’t have to hear it all the way across the street. SWHALEY@THE-TELESCOPE.COM
8 • SPORTS
Monday, January 27, 2014
Undersized Comets stay positive despite losses STEVE KIRCH THE TELESCOPE
Palomar Guard Braxton Smith (10) glides in for a layup in the final minutes of the game against Bethesda University on Nov. 29. • Photos byStephen Davis/ The Telescope
Palomar Derick Jones (center) drives between opponents Elliot Morris (left) and Jamar Cannon (right) to score during the second half on Dec. 1 at the 9th Annual Palomar Thanksgiving Tournament. Right : Jalen Martin (42) positions to go up for a basket against Cary Brooks.
The Palomar College’s Men’s Basketball team has had a tough time adjusting to the departure of All-State center Joe Vas this season, but that still hasn’t deterred the team from its goal of winning the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference (PCAC) for a second straight season. The Comets lost both of their games last week to Mt. San Jacinto (66-54), and a triple overtime heart-breaker to Grossmont (9897), continuing their losing streak to four straight games. The current season record now stands at 5-13 (0-3 in Conference). They have already lost more games this season than all of last season combined, where they finished 2110. Sophomore guard, Aaron Roedl, who played on last season’s championship team, said the big problem right now is rebounding and defense. “This team isn’t as big as last year’s team. We are more of a guard oriented team this year,” Associate Head Coach John Hotaling said. This season the Comets are being out-rebounded in games by a margin of 37 to 30 and their opponents are shooting a staggering 46 percent from
field, compared to the Knights 39 percent. “The team really misses Joe (Vas),” said Head Coach John O’Neill. “It’s not so much his rebounding and scoring that we miss, but his presence on defense.”
Vas, the 7-foot tall center, who transferred to the College of Idaho after last season, was last season’s PCAC player of year, averaging 16 points, 11.5 rebounds and leading California Community Colleges in blocks. The Comets won 10 of their last 11 games before losing to Chaffey College in the third round of the playoffs last season. This season’s Comets still believe in their ability to win the PCAC and go on a late season run. “We can definitely win 10 out of 11, we got shooters and explosive offensive players and athletes. We still believe we can win conference,” Guard Marley Simmons said. Despite the losing record, O’Neill said this is one of the most enjoyable teams he has ever coached. “The guys are great, I haven’t had a single problem with a player all season.” SKIRCH@THETELESCOPE.COM
Comets heating up after a cold start STEVE KIRCH THE TELESCOPE
Palomar College Women’s Basketball team has won five of their last six games, since starting the season 3-8. They crushed Imperial Valley by 40 points on Jan. 15 and scored a season high 97 points against San Diego City College in The Dome on Jan. 17. Last year’s championship squad went 18-11 before losing to Moorpark in the third round of playoffs. This year’s team is 8-9 (3-1 in Conference). Just five games behind conference leader Mt. San Jacinto. Head Coach Leigh Marshall attributes the team’s early season struggles to rule changes, maturity, health and a difficult schedule. New rule changes this season, regarding contact and hand checking, affected the team’s style
of play early in the season. Under Marshall, the Comets play a physical, aggressive, pressing defense, which has made it a hard adjustment. “Before you could use two hands, now you get a one touch and that’s it. It’s like a hot stove, it took us awhile to adjust. Teams earlier in the season were shooting 30-35 free throws against us, it was tough,” Marshall said. This team is much younger compared to last season’s team, with eight freshmen on the roster, many fresh out of high school and just four sophomores. “It has taken them awhile to adjust to the longer college schedule compared to high school,” Marshall said. Injuries have plagued the team this season. Most have been minor, but freshman forward Dechae Evans missed the game against San Diego City College with a knee
injury. A high competitive schedule hasn’t helped the Comets either, including two match-ups already with last season’s state runner-up, Mt. San Jacinto. The Comets lost both meetings. “It’s frustrating when you go against schools with bigger players. We are a small team. We just have to play our game and force the pace,” sophomore forward, Bianca Littleton said. Littleton played on last year’s championship team. However, leading scorer Mikaela Stanton, feels pretty good about the Comets chances of winning the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Championship and thinks this team is better than last year’s championship team. “We have better team speed, chemistry, athletes, a little bit of everything,” Stanton said. SKIRCH@THE-TELESCOPE.COM
Bianca Littleton (15) of Palomar goes after a rebound during game against San Diego City College on Jan. 17 at The Dome. •Stephen Davis/ The Telescope
UPCOMING PALOMAR HOME GAMES JAN. 29
JAN. 29
JAN. 31
FEB. 1
FEB. 4
FEB. 5
Softball vs. Saddleback 3 p.m. @ Palomar
Men’s Basketball vs. San Diego CC 6 p.m. @ The Dome
Men’s Volleyball vs. L.A. Pierce 1 p.m. @ The Dome
Baseball vs. Golden West 12 p.m. @ Myers Field
Men’s Tennis vs. Cerritos 2 p.m. @ Palomar
Women’s Basketball vs. Mt. San Jacinto 5 p.m. @ The Dome