The Telescope 56.19

the j PalomarCollege,San Marcos,Calif.

www.palomar.edu/telescope

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Conflicthits home at PendeltonCenter

NOPLANS FOR SPRING

BRUK?

students this year.

"Normally half the class are Marines--now there are a lot Palomar's Camp Pendleton more civilians. Usually it's the Education Center has had other way around," Plackemeir noticeably fewer military stu - said. dents since the start of the Thousands of Marines have semester, due to the war in been deployed from Camp Iraq.

Pendleton for the war. Many Math professor Steve Ma1ines enrolled at Palomar Plackemeir has taught are gone. Some Palomar stuPalomar classes at the Camp dents will not enroll, expecting Pendleton Education Center for four years.

He noticed a difference in his ■ SEE PENDELTON, PAGE 7 B Oa na Rhode

T

Here 's a scheduled to-dolist,perfect for thisyear's spring break.

MONDAY DAY:Go to belmont Park- ride the roller coaster get lee cream an<I walk along the boardwalk.

NIGHT: Take a blanket and cuddle up to that special someone at Sunset Cliffs in Oceanside

TUESDAY

'FL SCOPE

DAY:Take a trip to Coronado. Pretend

Students give war coverage mixed reviews

sunset andcor>!lnue the relal<ation on a harbor cruise. Enjoy dlrmer,drinks and

Tl!l:TELESCOPE

know," said Tom Davis, 22, a psychology major. "It gives you a better view of both Since the first bomb sides of the issues if you dropped over Baghdad , stand back and take it all major media outlets have in." been working around the Davis' father, stepfather clock to bring the war in Iraq and many close friends are into American living rooms . currently fighting on the Students on campus have frontlines in Iraq. Davis said expressed both positive and he is glad there is such negative views on the expoextensive 24-hour coverage sure of the war .

"It keeps the public in the

Br Adam Marantz

dancing.

WEDNESDAY DAY:Have a picnic and wander through some museumsIn Balboa Park, NIGHT: Head on clown to the $5 Hilcresl

■ SEE MEDIA, PAGE 2

BENBURGESON / THEmESCOPE

THURSDAY DAY: Take a drive out to Julian for a mid-day hike. Pack a lunch, blanket and a bottle of wine lf you are with someone special.

Enjoy! Don't forget to grab a pie on the way back.

NIGHT: After your day in Julian, head to the beach for a bonfire' If You are up for more walking, take a mid· night stroll on the beach. If not stay back and make

FIIDIY DAY:For your

last day

o! Spring break, head clown to TJ for some shopp,ng or Rosarita for lobster.

NIGHT: Party at the Gas Lampl Get all of your partying out on the last official day of your break!

SPEAKING OUT - Cory Taft,member of Palomar's speech anddebate team,speaks outina "speakathon " near theclock tower.Members oftheteamtookhills ~ informative speeches anddebates houghout theday.

College said few students are prepared for transfer, graduation

FILEPHOTO/ THETmSCO?E

Aneducational accreditation teamcommended Palomar foritsfocus onstudents.

Br Don Viles

Tl!l:Tli:LESCOPE

A sizable portion of Palomar students are both unprepared and uncommitted to the educational program at Palomar, based upon an analysis of data recently released by the college.

Only 14 percent of enrolling students are qualified for college level mathematics according to information provided by Palomar's Assessment Office. And only 14 percent of Palomar students ultimately achieve one of the three standard measures of success within six years of enrollment.

The three measures are transfer to a fouryear institution, earning an associate in arts degree, or earning a certificate of completion or proficiency in one of the programs offered

by Palomar.

It

"It is our responsibility to do a better job serving these students," said Dr. Sherrill Amador, president of the college. One of the difficulties is the level of student preparation.

"Our students are not as academically prepared as they should be for college-level work," Amador said.

That view is supported by data provided by the college's assessment office which reveals that only 27 percent of entering · freshmen are assessed as qualified for college level English along with the 14 percent qualified for college level mathematics.

Thus, 86 percent of Palomar students who intend to enroll in college mathematics are not ready for college mathematics. Diane ■ SEE SUCCESS, PAGE 3

Br Jvothi Gumaledar

Tll'ETnESCOPE

An educational accreditation evaluation team gave Palomar College an outstanding review in its report March 6. Team members commended the college for excellence in 11 areas and provided six recommendations for improvement.

The 12-person team representing the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges praised Palomar's focus on students and its vision, "Learning for the Success."

"The fact that we put our students first was evident to ■ SEE ACCREDITATION, PAGE 2

f STUDY ABROAD

Propos,dtax tutsmay intreas,budgettrisis.

Collegepraised for student focus, vision

■

PAGE 6

Studentssharetheir..___.!'!'-~ ,xp,rieneein China.

PAGE 4 ■

CLOSE CALL MMStennistlaims victory ovsr SanDiegoMesa.

• P1&1a

2

THE Ttl.ESCOPE ■ MONDAY, APRIL 7,2003

■

ACCREDITATION: Palomar receivespraisal for student success

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

lpn1

I:

■

Deadline to sign up for Geography 195 in Hawaii ■ Last day to see Ernest J. Allen display, Escondido Center library

2:

■

Comets softball vs.

Imperial VaHey,3 p.m., field ■ Comets volleyball vs.

San Diego Mesa, 7 p.m., The Dome

I:

Free concert hour, Haydn Sonatas, 12:30 p.m., Room D-10 ■ Comets baseball vs.

Southwestern, 2 p.m., field ■

4:

■

Comets softball vs. San Diego City, 3 p.m., field

8:

■

Peter Gach performs Haydn, 4:00 p.m., Room D-10 ■ Governing Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Governing Board Room

9:

■

Comets volleyball vs.

Irvine Valley, 7 p.m., The Dome

10:

■

Free concert hour, Jazz Trio, 12:30 p.m., Room D10 ■ Comets baseball vs.

Grossmont, 2 p.m., field

11:·

■

Comets volleyball vs: Southwestern, 3 p.m., field

12:.

■

Comets baseball vs.

Imperial Valley, 2 p.m., field

14:

■

Spring recess begins

15:

■

Comets baseball vs.

Mt. SAC, 10 a.m., field ■ Comets baseball vs.

Glendale, 2 p.m., field

17:

■

Comets baseball vs.

Golden West, 10 a.m., field

19:

■

Comets volleyball vs.

Cypress, 11 a.m., field ■ Comets volleyball vs.

Long Beach City, 1 p.m., field

20:

■

Spring recess ends

21:

■

ASG elections open online at 8 a.m.

24:

Free concert hour, Brass Duo, 12:30 p.m., Room D-10

■

25:

■

ASG election closes at noon

26:

■

Comets baseball vs.

San Diego Mesa, 2 p.m., field

them," said Environmental Health & Safety Director Kelley Hudson-Macisaac.

The evaluation team visited the college March 4-6. Panel members conducted interviews with students, faculty and staff. They also visited classrooms and education centers and attended governing board meetings.

Their visit came after completion of a rigorous, 2-year self-study program at the college. Hudson-Macisaac and Lori Waite, DSPS counselor, served as co-chairpersons of the in-house team. Work began in fall 2001.

Waite said the self-study team reached many similar conclusions to the evaluation team.

"The commendations identify the district's strength areas," Hudson-Macisaac said. "We need to continue to do well in those areas."

During the self-study process, college team members evaluated performance in 10 BENBURGESON / THETHEStOPE areas, including educational PalomarCollege wasevaluatedbythe an accrediation evaluation teamMarch4-6.It receivedcommendments in11areas programs, student support, andrecommendations forimprovements in sixareas.Thecollege wasgivenpraise foritsvision, "Leaming forSuccess." information and learning resources and financial resources. college president.

Hudson-Macisaac said. mitted its exit report to the Palomar College is already "Most of the recommenda- ACCJC for review. Based on Without accreditation staan accredited institution by tus, students at the college tions were identified during the team's final report, the the ACCJC. It was last accred- would not be the self-study," commission will make a final ited in 1996. able to transfer she said. "They decision · on the college's 11 Attr,ditation is lik, The board reviews accredi- credits to other weren't a big accreditation status. tation eligibility every six ins ti tu tions, surprise at all."

"We are expecting a final qualityassurante in years via the self-study team 11 "The recom- report in mid-June," Amador and the college busin,ss. and the final evaluation team ·could lose fedmendations are said. visit. Though accreditation is eral financial Waite said the college _ Lori Waite fair and reflect not mandatory, most eligible aid, SElf STUDY TEAM CO-CHAIRPERSON what the col- expects to be accredited.

Amador institutions seek accreditation lege knows and "We have many more comsaid. because of several benefits.

In its report, the panel also needs to do as well," Amador mendations than the recom"Accreditation is like quali- provided six recommendations said. mendations. We would have ty assurance in business," for improvement.

These The ACCJC requires known ifthere was a red flag," Waite said. include issues relating to the Palomar to address these Waite said. "So I am sure the "It's an assurance to both need for equipment budgets, problem areas within the next accreditation will be rethe community and the gov- lack of faculty diversity and six years. The college must affirmed." ernment agencies that the col- inconsistent staff evaluations. send a mid-term report to the "There is nothing in the lege is operating within the "Recommendations are the commission on its progress in report that suggests we would legal and educational stanlose our accreditation," areas the college needs to 2006, Amador said. dards," said Sherrill Amador, focus on and improve upon," The evaluation team sub- Hudson-Macisaac said.

■

MEDIA: Studentsspeak out about media coverageof the war

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

so he can keep up-to-date were both killed in sepaon the health and progress rate Iraqi attacks.

"I hope those reporters of his loved ones.

Chris Lykins, a commer- in the trenches of war have cial aviation student, said a great after-life package," { Home Page World he is also happy to know Lykins said. "I think they U.S. Coalition in major fight he can remain well- are just suicidal."

Weather Education major Justin informed of the events in with Republican Guard Sports SI,ca"' • US forces st ar1ma.1orground offensive agamSf at least M'O Iraq. However, Lykins Snyder agrees. "I don't Politit:.s RepubheanGuarddMs1onssouth of Baghdad said sometimes he cannot think there is much of a • Pentagonsays prisoner of war AtmyPre,Jessica Lynchof Technolc,gy West Virginia rescued m Iraq need for that ," Snyder Science ft Sp.ace bear to watch it.

• Marines say they're attacking Iraqi forces in Nas irtya He•lth • US F•l 4 reported down in lraqlate Tuesday "It 's kind of like a says. "Can't they just cover DEVELOPING STORY Tr.val the stories going on withdepressing type of reality," • V't(l eo: -+ Dolphins aictsearch for mines Educ:.-tion • Anim,Jth•n: InItastruc1urelargets IwaI Ttacke-£ Lykins said , who believes out someone following our • lraq "s tele.pt1ooe exch3noe bt1il<ling in B~hd~d • G,1dl~1y. The Kords • a vervproud peoPle ha s been d.tm•~dby co~htt<>nbombir1y. giving out too much infor- guys around? I don't think MORE NEWS ;;J 9.t ii,j ~---WARZONE -----1 mation on television is not that is very safe for any• Jomt Chiefs r.harrman defends war plan liJiriL~J Baghdad vtdeo • 1c tmRadio: Hear tf1elatest ◄ i one." necessarily a good thing.

1 • Saddam a no•show for announced address • lnteractrve: Street fighting I G,1ll"'ly. Today m photos However, Davis said he • "I'm sure (Sadaam • Three missing Ioumatists alive, safe • U.S.Forces: 1st Marine Exped Force I IJSS Constellation ~-~- .

• Iraq us attacl-;edAmencan human shields • Su ategy. 'Terrible' situations at checkpoints Hussein ) is really happy is glad to have someone ~ ..,m t • Project preserves wartime letters home • Slide Shf)W: 4th InfantryDMsion arrrves reporting live from to know where everyone is J:~ ~.,; :.:::.,:;;:i • Passengers cleared after SARS scare WAR TRACKER going and where our guys Baghdad because he has Co • FBI Pakistani man bragged aboutkilling troops Updated 8 33 pm EST • Suspect held after h11acked Cuban plane lands Coaht1on probes Republican Guard defenses are stationed," Lykins family fighting there.

• idol' contestant bOoted over scandal "If they are willing to go said.

BUSINESS ot 9.fil.)U}ll!N ON THE SCENE Since the start of the to those lengths to cover war, a handful of journal- these stories and risk their ontothe Internetto viewsitesaboutthe war.

- ists from the United lives, then more power to Morepeopletheneverhavebeenlogging According to a reportin USA Today, trafficto CNN.com increased29 percentwithin the secStates, Britain, Australia them," Davis said. ond weekofthe war.Thereportnotedthat peoplewerelogging on heavily during work "The media reaction to hours.Thetrafficlevelincreasedat othernewssites:MSNBC and others have been risktrafficincreasedby32pering their lives to provide the war is convenient now," cent,FoxNews.com increased by51percent andABSNews.com experienced a 20 percent live coverage of the war in he said. "It is nice to know increase intrafficto theirsite.

Iraq to the public. Some what is going on, instead of Though he supports keeping the "If we are doing horrible over there, waiting a week or two have paid the ultimate American public informed, he does they can tell us that we are doing weeks later like in the first price. not think television is a very reli- great, and we'll believe it because Terry Lloyd, a British Gulf War." that's what the news says. You just Snyder questioned the able source of information. news correspondent, and hope that we are getting the whole "They can make you believe legitimacy of the news Paul Moran, an whatever you want," Snyder said. truth." media, however.

Australian journalist, Bu!.ine5s

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THE TELESCOPE ■ MONDAY, APRIL 7,2003

■

SUCCESS:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 McAllister, who heads the assessment testing center at Palomar, says that that does not mean that high school mathematics and English classes are failing.

It is more likely that the students simply did not take college preparatory classes in high school, thereby transferring that burden to the .community collegesystem, McAllister said. A majority of the students enrolling in community colleges were not aiming toward college during high school, she said.

Only a small percentage of those assessed as unqualified successfully prepare themselves for further college work.

Just 19 percent of those students who enroll in a remedial English class, referred to as a ''basic skills" class, continue to a higher-level English class within three years. For mathematics basic skills, 24 percent go on to higher-level courses.

These student success rates are included in a report recently released by Palomar's Officeof Institutional Research and Planning.

Among other statistics, the report tracks Palomar's progress with California's statewide Partnership for Excellence program, which targets five key measures of success: transfers to fouryear colleges, degrees and certificates awarded, vocational courses completed, successful course completion percentage,

and the percentage completing courses one level above their initial basic skills class.

According to the report, 1,074 Palomar students transferred to either the University of California or California State University last year, a six percent improvement over the prior year. The number of students receiving associates in arts degrees increased eight percent to 1,152. And an additional 502 students earned certificates of achievement or certificates of proficiencylast year.

Thus, something over 2,000 students received certificates, degrees or transfers.

The precise number is not available because many who transfer also receive Mdegrees.

The 2,000 "successful"students are out of 25,000 enrolled in credit classes at Palomar. This relatively low number is consistent with other data in the report such as 14 percent of first-time collegestudents enrolling in 1994 having achieved one of the measures of success within six years of enrollment.

Linda Halttunen, acting dean of the Counseling Center, said that the 14 percent statistic is somewhat misleading. ''Many students never intended to obtain a transfer or certificate," Halttunen said.

"Many students are here for their own knowledgeor leisure." · Amador added that students rarely stay in one institution and that there is a lot of flowbetween collegesthat does not show up in the tracking data.

3

BENBURGESON I THETELESCOPE

Arecentassessment of thecollegeshowed thatonly14percentof Palomar studentsfulfilltransfer requirements, receiveanAssociate's Degreeorobtaina certificate aftersixyearsof attendance.

The report also disclosed a significant overall dropout rate. Almost one-third of students enrolled in a class fail to remain in that class and earn a grade of "C" or better. Similarly, only 56 percent of firsts time college students who enrolled in fall 2001 remained at Palomar for the spring semester. This is down from 61 percent the previous school year.

According to Halttunen, the key to retention is in the classroom. "Ifthey don't feel connected, that student is less likely to

return."

Amador said it is also important that the student seek out tutoring and counseling. "Weknow when a student has a goal, they do much better."

"It's disheartening that we can't take those least prepared and move them through the system," said Halttunen, ''but we are dealing with a lot of variables that we do not have any control over. Many of the reasons people stop going to Palomar have nothing to do with the college."

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Left:Amanwasheshis babyon a sidewalkinXi'an,China;middlephoto: VanessaVictor(middle)andChristineDillon(rightof Victor)posewithtwoof theirfriendson the GreatWallof

MEMORIES OF TWO STUDENTS DISCOVER

By Sarah Strause

'fill TELESCO!>ÂŁ

e hot air smelled of fried noodles and McDonald's hamburgers. People were verywhere - sleeping under the shade of a tree, swarming the street-maret, watching with expressionless faces. . .

Construction workers surrounded nearly .every building, crafting each detail by hand - all of them sweating, some in their underwear.

This is China, said Palomar student Vanessa Victor.

Victor went to Xi'an, China with her friend Christine Dillon and 35 other college students on a study abroad trip last summer. They stayed in China for six weeks, studying speech and debate.

"It was just an awesome experience," Victor said. "It's hard to put into words you come back a different person." .

Victor, 20, and Dillon, 21, said they had many life-changing experiences while in China. Victor said her most significant memory is of Grace Zhao, a 19-year-old Chinese girl.

On a rainy night Victor, Zhao and a few of their friends wandered the streets of Xi'an. They came to a dead end that was blocked off by a metal fence crowned with spikes. Zhao had never climbed a fence before, but it was only about four feet tall, so she attempted it . Victor said as Zhao climbed over the four-foot fence, her foot slipped and one of the metal spokes pierced through her stomach. Victor said at first she didn't realize what happened.

"All I knew is that she stopped moving," Victor said. "She just had this stunned look on her face."

Not knowing what to do, Victor and one of her friends pulled Zhao off of the spike.

"I felt so horrible," Victor said. "I just felt helpless."

They signaled a cab, but there wasn't enough room for all of them to go, so two of Victor's friends went with Zhao to the hospital while the others stayed behind and waited.

The first hospital they went to wouldn't treat Zhao because she didn't have enough money, Victor said. They went to another hospital where the doctor charged Zhao 400 yuan, approximately $48 in the United States, to operate.

Victor and her friends pooled the money together to pay for Zhao's operation.

Victor said her friends saw people dying in the halls of the hospital because they didn't have enough money to get treated.

The doctor operated on Zhao without any anesthesia, Victor said.

When the doctor sealed her up, he cut off a piece of his latex glove and put it inside Zhao's wound to clot the blood. He left a little piece hanging out so when the wound healed, he could just pull it out. A few days later Zhao pulled it out

herself because she didn't want to go back to the hospital, Victor sa Although Zhao constantly held her side, she never complained abo1 Victor said. She was more worried about the scar she would get from t: Victor said, and was thinking about getting a tattoo to cover it u~ .

Trying to make her feel better, Victor told her that Americans love i Victor still keeps in touch with Zhao. In a recent e-mail, Zhao tole decided to keep the scar to remind her of their friendship.

"She was just so cute," Victor said.

Looking back on Zhao's experience, Victor said, "there were just ! tions, it made me appreciate the medical care we have here," she add,

Cultural Differences

Victor's experience in China not only made her appreciate the medi has in America, she said it made her appreciate the life she has here While Victor and Dillon were walking down a street in China, they holding a baby girl.

"She tried to sell her to us," Victorsaid. "I didn't know if she was kidding or not, so we just laughed - like that would ever happen here."

One of their friends asked the lady if she was joking, but she kept saying, "300 yuan, 300 yuan." ''You realize the things you take for granted here," Dillon said'.

"Just seeing people living their everyday lives."

"I think it's cool being immersed in another culture and seeing j what's normal in their culture," Victor said. "It gives you a whole I new outlook, just being able to appreciate things."

Victor said she learned to appreciate the things she often takes for J granted, like contracts. She said the air conditioning in her room would sometimes shut off, but because they didn't have contracts in China, there was nothing she could do but wait.

Victor said it would get so hot when the air conditioner broke that people would sleep outside in nothing but their underwear.

"When I first got there, the heat was unbearable," Dillon said. "I di was going to be able to stay."

Dillon said she eventually got used to the heat but whenever it got and Victor would eat ice cream.

While in China, both Victor and Dillon came to appreciate America "People go to the bathroom everywhere," Victor said. "The first there, a child peed on the floor of a supermarket."

Another time, a man peed on the center divider in the middle of the road

's

5

£ ■ MONDAY, APRIL 7,2003

PHOTOS COURTESY OFVANESSA VICTOR

f China; right:theGreatWalldrawsthousands of tourists everyday.

It wasbuiltbetween 2218.C.andA.O.1500.

CHINA: · A NEWLAND aid. out the pain, the accident, scars.

Id Victor she gross condided.

lical care she 1 also. ,y saw a lady

"It was very dirty," Dillon said. "But I felt really safe there. " Although there were cultural differences, Victor and Dillon said it was those differences that made their experience memorable.

For example, they both remembered being amazed by the construction workers in China, all of whom worked by hand.

"They don't have tools or big machines," Dillon said. "They were doing everything with a pole and jumping on it," she said with a smile. ''Who wants to do that?"

Victor remembered a funny story about a construction crew.

One night while looking out of a fifth-story window, Victor saw three or four construction workers working in their underwear.

"They had huge lights shining on them," Victor said. "One guy was in red underwear - it was so funny!"

Victor said that after seeing the men build everything by hand in China , "It seems like everything here is less personal."

The Food

''You r,alizethe lhipqsyoutakelor granted here.Just seeingpeopleliving theireveryday lives."

-Christine

Dillon

PALOMAR STUDENT

lidn 't think I t too hot, she

m hygiene . week I was d, Victor said.

Another thing that left an impression on Victor was the food.

While in China, Victor and Christine ate snails. "They fry it with seasoning '," Victor said , "It was actually really tasty ." ''That's their food,that's what they eat, I was goingto eat it," Victor said.

Victor said · her favorite food was "Meat on a Stick," which she bought from a little stand that sold different types of meat in an ally near her school.

"We would go get meat on a stick at like 2 or 3 in the morning," Victor said . "I really miss meat on a stick."

Overall, Victor said she thought China was beautiful. "When you see it, when you really see it , it is amazing."

The Great Wall

For Dillon, her experience. at the Great Wall is her most memorable. She said she found serenity while looking out from the top of the wall.

"It was so green, so lush," Dillon said . "It kind of overtook me."

Victor and Dillon both kept a journal while they were in China. Dillon said as she read through her journal and reflected upon her experience in China, she realized she was impressed with the Chinese people as a whole. She said she wished she could have stayed longer and learned more about the Chinese culture.

"If you get the chance to go - go," Victor said. "Not just to China, but to any country, it really does humble you."

Chinese11ative, GraceZhaopetsa smallduckling inXi'an,China.

Zhaobecame friendswith Palomar student Vanessa Victorduring hertripto studyabroad inChina.

THE TELESCOPE ■ MONDAY, APRIL 7,.2003

6

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Tax cuts could make budget problems worse

kiUing • puppies in Iraq!

S+op

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By Christine Clark

FORnu TmSCOPE

0

NICOLERUDOLPH / THETELESCOPE

...

C -0 --D Ill

Protestershaveno point

By Dayna Rhode

Tl!! TEl£SCOPE

Many people seem uncomfortable with the fact that the current war began with a preemptive attack. Protesters ask why we need to go to war, but the answer is perfectly clear: Saddam Hussein's regime cannot be tolerated as the governing leadership over Iraq because Husseim is a threat.

Still thousands upon thousands continue to protest the war currently waging in the Middle East. "No war for oil," or disapproving "not in our name" shouts to President Bush are common slogans.

Some say we should wait for the approval of the United Nations. Some simply like the idea of peace more than they like the idea of war. Some say it's all about oil.

The United Nations, the president, oil and peace are all nice excuses to stand together and get angry about something. But four excuses don't compare to more than 12 years worth of reasons.

Some disapprove of the war simply because of they don't like President Bush. But if I remember correctly, the president was elected. The White House wasn't set on fire when

Bush became president, but now we find burnt remnants of our flags. And those who don't want to burn it want to wash it. Regardless of the "symbolism" protesters were attempting to demonstrate leave the flag alone and go do something productive.

Actually, give me a legitimate reason why I should write my congresswoman and plead that she stop this war from continuing.

Despite the effort it takes to group together to protest, what is it exactly that these protesters have to say? Even the American protesters who aren't saying that this war is over oil cry that they don't want to see people die. But no one, whether for the war or not, wants to see innocent Iraqis die. We all want our forces to be able to come home walking.

And for the majority of protests that take place around the world, recognize that it is not so much "anti-war demonstrations" as it is anti-American sentiment.

Those who protest should take a good look into the reasons why.

Why, in this day and age, should an irresponsible leader like Saddam Hussein be allowed to lead a country? His people and all others are enti-

Thos,who prot,stshould tok, a good lookintoth, r,osonswhy.

tled to basic human rights.

And why do people not want the Iraqi people to be liberated in "our name?" There is no need to live in fear but a great need to live in freedom, for the current Iraqi regime is one that rips men away from their families and forces them to fight against impossible odds.

Unlike the men our forces are up against, our troops had the freedom and made the choice to defend this country in our best interest.

And now they have taken the responsibility to protect the world from Hussein's regime before he can cause more harm by taking him out. So then how can people protest the work of our most important volunteers?

In response to those who support the troops but are against war Lance Cpl. Luis Samboy of the 1st Marine Division said, "If you're not supporting the war, you're not supporting me." And to the rest of the protesters: "I'm glad that you're able to protest and come out of it safely. I take comfort in the fact that you can protest and not be killed."

We have every reason to finish this campaign.

Without adequate justification behind anti-war protests, drop the "not in our name" signs. Let the next hand raised be one which offers a high-five.

STAFF WRITERS MARKBEERMAN, DESIDEWITT, ERIK EDITOR IN CHIEFSARAH STRAUSE GOODSON, BENGREENSTEIN, JYOTHI GUMALEDAR, NEWS EDITOR ANDREW PHELPS SARAH HOFFER, LISAJACKSON, TIFFANY JONES, MIKO OPINION EDITOR CHARLES STEINMAN KUDO, CHRYSTALL KANYUCK, CARRIE MADARIAGA, ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR CHANEL HACHEZ ADAMMARANTZ, COLLEEN McBRIDE, DREWMEIER, FOCUS EDITOR JESSICA MUSICAR MARCUS NIMETZ, MATTNULL,ERINOWENS, DAYNA RHODE, JONATHAN RODLEY, MATTROSSI, JON SPORTS EDITOR JASON KALCHIK SHERLOCK, DONVILES ONLINE EDITOR ANDREW PHELPS PHOTO EDITORS BENBURGESON COPY EDITOR STEPHEN KELLER ADMANAGER KRISTIAN SMOCK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS ARTHUR ANDERSON, MELISSA INSTRUCTIONAL ASTS. TOMCHAMBERS, CONREY, WAYNE SHORT, VIRGINIA WHITTAKER RICHARDSON MIRON JOURNALISM ADVISER WENDY NELSON PHOTOJOURNALISM ADVISER PAUL STACHELEK CARTOONIST NICOLE RUDOLPH

TeliScope Monday, April7, 2003

FOCUSED

Volume 56, No.19

ON PAI.OMAR

The Telescopeis published weekly on Mondays, except weeks containing holidays or exams. Signed opinions are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily represent those of the entire newspaper staff, Palomar faculty and staff or the Governing Board.

The budget crisis now hitting most of the country has had a devastating·effect on our communities. Together with the looming cost of the war and the president's proposed tax cuts on the horizon, the economic crisis may get worse.

Palomar and other community colleges are sure to feel the brunt of the budget crunch.

State governments are facing unprecedented budget shortfalls. Although many in California are blaming Gov. Gray Davis for the current budget deficit, many other states are finding themselves in the same situation. Thirty-seven have had to make serious cut backs in services in order to close the budget gap.

There are many suggested reasons for the crisis. Some say it is the natural cycle of the stock market, while others blame it on the recent tax cuts and rising cost of health care. Then there is the rising cost of homeland security after Sept.

11. The only definite cause for the weak economy is a clear reduction in tax revenues .

The Bush administration's response to the economic downturn has been a $726 billion tax cut for the wealthiest 1 percent of the population. If passed, this will surely increase the federal deficit to the largest amount in U.S. history.

If the country sinks further into a recession, community colleges will be faced with even more cuts and higher fees for students.

Even if the cut is reduced, as the Senate is looking to do, it can still have a devastating effect on our economy. If passed, it could result in more than $500 billion in tax cuts for the wealthiest 1 percent. In order to finance this, Congress is preparing to cut $475 billion from vital social programs affecting the bottom 99 percent of the population such as education, childcare, Medicaid, and food stamps. Also, included in the Bush tax cut is a $14 billion cut in veterans' programs, while at the same time advocating support of ou:r troops in a time of war.

It's hard to imagine that this is all taking place when the county is immersed in a war that's whose final cost is unknown. President Bush has asked Congress for $75 billion to cover the cost of the war in Iraq with only $2 billion earmarked for humanitarian relief and the rebuilding of Iraq. This will cover expenses for only the next six months. A Pentagon official stated the requested expense assumes "a short, highly intense period of conflict." Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee have said the final cost of the war could be twice the amount requested by the Bush administration.

Who's paying for the cost of this conflict? The American taxpayer will bear almost the entire burden of the war - except the wealthiest 1 percent. This will undoubtedly harm communities · around the country, including ours.

This tax cut is most certainly not fair.

a:1 ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS

~

CALIFORNIA NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

CFAC CAllFORNIA FIRST AMENOMENT COALITION

Thiswill . sur,/yintteas, the federal defititto the larg~stamount in U.S.history.

HOWTO REACHUS ADDRESS THETELESCOPE PALOMAR COLLEGE 1140WESTMISSION ROAD SANMARCOS, CA92069 NEWSROOM ROOM TCB-1 PHONE (760) 744-1150, EXT.2450 FAX(760) 744-8123 PLEASE WRITE: "ATTN: THETELESCOPE" E-MAILTELESCOPE@PALOMAR.EDU WEBSITEWWW.PALOMAR.EDU/TELESCOPE

welcomes all letters to the editor.Letters must be typewritten (no more than 300 words), and must be signed withthe author's first and last names, major and phone number.

The Telescope reserves the right to edit letters for space and not to print letters containinglewd or libelouscomments. Letters must be received by JOURNALISM ASSOCIATION Mondayat 3 p.m. to be considered for OFCOMMUNITY COllEGES publicationthe next Monday.

The Telescope

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THE IllESCOPE ■ MONDAY, APRIL 7,2003

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PENDELTON:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

deployment. Others are no-shows from class enrollment lists, Plackemeir said.

Plackemeir said he suspects many of his no-shows are "probably either deployed or on the way to be deployed." He said the students probably have not had time to drop the class. "There is a lot on their mind," he said.

For the first set of 8-week classes in spring 2003, there were 583 enrollments.

In the second 8-week period of fall 2002, there were 941 enrollments. Camp Pendleton is offering eight fewer classes than in fall 2002.

Cpl. Rodney Redhead has not taken classes since the summer of 2002. "I was aware of the world situations," he said, "and didn't want to start classes and have

to leave in the middle of the courses."

In the case of Cpl. Luis Albert Jr. and other student Marines, taking a course can be a difficult challenge. "It is hard to be dedicated, to keep going to school and be a Marine," he said. "Usually in the military you want to rest when you get off."

With more men and women away from offices,there is more work to do. "It's difficult because [military duty] is priority," Albert said. "They understand I have school,but work comes first."

So Marines have been seen leaving classes and returning to duty on base.

"The Marines never complain," said Janet Hoffman, manager of the Camp Pendleton Education Center. "They do double and triple time at work now, but they are doing their best. Some stay up the night before working as a duty, but they still come to school the next day."

Active military students deployed can

receive a military withdrawal notation on base pass and must carry a valid driver's their transcripts. Military withdrawals license, vehicle registration and proof of can explain a student's absence to transfer vehicle insurance any time they wish to institutions. access the base.

"For many of them, if they were in a spot If students do not have a pass, they to graduate at a certain point, they'll have should expect car inspections and delays, to move things back," Hoffman said.

Hoffman said.

Hoffman said she is aware of some stuCamp Pendleton is currently at alert dents who had planned on getting out of level "Bravo," its second-level security the Marines, because they were accepted alert. There are four levels of security at universities back home. "This will obvi- alerts on the base. ously cause some problems; they may have The college has made plans to move its to re-apply,"Hoffman said.

Camp Pendleton classes to Roosevelt "Everything is quieter with the troops Middle School in Vista if the base closes. gone. Maybe there is a little more chaos "Wewill only do that if they go to the highwith lost civilians," Hoffman said. "We est security," Hoffman said. "We could have some great students out here and we make that move instantaneously because hope they all come back to us safe and everyone knows the plan." sound," she said.

Any changes from the regular classes as Hoffman said civilian students should scheduled will appear on the Camp be prepared when taking take courses on Pendleton Education Center Web site at base. Students should obtain a 60-day camppendleton.palomar.edu.

Student leaders practice advocacyin nation'sCapitol

By Sarah Hoffer

Tlfl: TUESCOPE

Ten members of the Associated Student Government visited Washington D.C. March 21 to attend a four-day conference, which helped students of community colleges hone their advocacy skills.

Palomar was one of about 70 colleges that were represented at the Spring Advocacy Conference, which is dedicated solely to helping community college students become advocates for their schools.

More than 300 students from community colleges nationwide attended, according to Bruce Bishop, director of student affairs. Twelve ASG members were invited, but two declined because of travel concerns.

The American Student Association of Community Colleges ran the Spring Advocacy Conference, which generally attracts 500 students, said Leo Melena, ASG president.

"We are the largest higher education conference in D.C." That title has been retained even though fewer students

attended this year because of travel concerns.

Attendees went to workshops, presentations and seminars.

They listened to a variety of speakers, including former presidential candidate Ralph Nader, who lectured on student advocacy and active citizenship.

Nader spoke about how to bring citizenry to community colleges, Melena said.

Melena said one of the speakers he found most inspiring was Andrea Mitchell, a former community college student who is now the top political correspondent for NBC. Melena said although her speech was about the war on Iraq, Mitchell's message was that education is always important, even when the public is caught up in other issues.

Community colleges are often neglected, Melena said, but they are more important than four-year universities in some ways.

The students at Palomar and other community colleges often encounter obstacles when trying to go to four-year schools, Melena said. "These are the students who won't be educated

unless we do something about it," he said.

During the conference, students also attended workshops and seminars about leadership and time management.

Representatives from the colleges debated the issues they were most concerned with.

Then they lobbied for support on these issues from the Senate and the House of Representatives.

As a result of student lobbying efforts during this conference, the U.S. Senate has approved a bill that will raise the Pell Grant, which accounts for over '30 percent of financial aid for community colleges, by $450 per student.

Although the bill has yet to pass the House of Representatives, Melena called it a tremendous victory compared to last year.

When he received the news, he said, "I was floating."

Melena said it is the greatest increase approved in history.

Last year, it was increased by $50.

The expenses for the conference were paid for by the $1 Palomar student representation fee.

Stud,ntgo,11111111111 lldon, mning,oon ■

ThePalomar College Associated Student Government is planning to holda pressconference within thenextfewweeks to introduce thecandidates before theupcoming election.

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Students mustcomplete anelection packetandreceive 50 signatures to runfor office.

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Election packets areavailable inSU-30.Students mustthenundergo a short application process before theirnames areplaced ontheballot.Anorientation meeting isrequired.

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Onlyoneelectionpackethasbeenturnedin so far,according to ASGPresident

LeoMelena.

ThefinalduedateisApril7.

Are you ANNOYED with the amount of smoke near doorways? Take Action!!!

Join the Coalition Contact Raquel Garcia at 760-407-1220 Ext#143 or

by Email at rgarcia@vistacommunityclinic.org

tina's deli 760 D Twin Oaks Valley Rd. San Marcos, Ca. 92029

10% Discount with Student ID One Mile North of Highway 78 Very Close to Palomar Campus!!!

SanMarcos,CA 92069 760-736-8899

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EGG DONORS NEEDED Excellent Compensation Ages 19-29 Call Melissa at Building Families 1-800-803- 7633 Very Close to Palomar Campus!!!

10% OFF entire meal (w/ student ID)

Big Apple Bagels Treat yourself to fresh 'made from scratch' bagels, muffins, gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads, and espresso Located Between Denny's & Jack-in-the-Box at 727 W. San Marcos Blvd. (760) 510-9190

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Swim Instructors Wanted · Pays $10-$16 per hour.

Elected officers receive benefits likea special parking space andthreeunitsof credit.

Elections pollsareopenfrom8 a.m.April21to noonApril25.Allstudents may vote.

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Call 760- 7 44- 7946

Voting willheheldentirely online at http://www.palomar.edu.

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THE TELESCOPE â&#x2013; MONDAY, APRIL 7,2003

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Cometssqueakby MesaCollege

By Chanel Hachez

'!'Ki TUiS(OPE

In the heat of the afternoon March 25, Palomar's men's tennis team squeezed out a 5-4 victory over San Diego Mesa College.

"We need to pull this one out if we want to go to the playoffs," said top seed Jeremy Owens.

Owens and second seed Michael Redondo switched positions this match , for seeding purposes in the Pacific Coast Conference playoffs, Owens said.

Redondo lost his singles match against Mesa's Luke Swarthout 6-1, 6-2.

Owens defeated Mesa's Jose Manzano 6-4, 6-2.

"I had some problems. in the beginning , but I did a lot better in the end ," Owens said.

Third singles seed Dan Kester lost to Mesa's John Downer 6-2, 6-3. Downer's serve set Kester on his heels, making a return nearly impossible.

Palomar's No. 4 singles player Sean Sand defeated Mesa's Doug Lasater 6-2, 6-3. Despite an angry confrontation at the end of their first set, Sand dominated with a variety of shots and court movement.

"Did you see that guy?

Now that's angry," Sand said.

Palomar brought in one more singles win with sixth seed, Walter Macalma, and another loss with fifth seed

WAYNESHORT/ 'l'llErms(OPE

Although helosthissingles match,Michael Redondo wasableto winhisdoubles match,withthehelpof hispartnerJeremy Owens.

Theirwin gavePalomar thevictoryoverMesa.

Mike Clifton. At the end of the singles matches Palomar and Mesa headed neck-to-neck, with three matches each, into doubles pla)".

"Today is going to be down to the wire," Sand said.

With the fear oflosing its match against Mesa and falling out of its current

No. 2 ranking in PCC play, ond, 4-6, and bringing in the Palomar men's team the win with their last set, walked onto the court with 6-4. a little anxiety for its douSecond seeded doubles bles match. team, Kester and First-seeded doubles Macalma, lost to Mesa's team Redondo and Owens - Downer and Lasater, 6-2, battled for their win 6-4. This put pressure on against Mesa's Swathout Palomar's third team, Sand and Manzano. Winning and Clifton, to bring in the with a tiebreaker for their win. But they stepped up first set, losing their sec- with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over

Mesa's Lasher and Mendoza.

With the 5-4 win over Mesa, "it looks the way things are going that we are going to be second in conference play," Sand said.

The Palomar men's team now holds a 5-2 record in conference play and 7-2 record overall this season.

Palomar tennis putting up co01petitive numbers

By Chanel Hachez

nu Tn!SCOPE

A tennis court is 10 degrees hotter because of its clay surface. When the sun starts shining bright and the heat starts to rise, a tennis court isn't comfortable for most people. But when the competition rises, conditions become insignificant.

Palomar's men and women's tennis players are not the least bit affected by the change in temperature. For the past two years Palomar's tennis program has harnessed competitive players from all over San Diego County.

The men's team defends its Pacific Coast Conference championship title this season. It is 5 -2 in PCC play and battling to maintain its second-place status. Grossmont is currently ahead of Palomar with a 6-0 record in PCC play Palomar took third at state last season, falling to state champion College of the Desert and secondplace finisher Ventura College. ''We have lost two crucial matches to Grossmont this season, which gives them a two match lead over us,"

Megan White, a sophomore who graduated from Fallbrook High.

"Megan brings great motivation and leadership to the team. She is also a great player," Garvin said.

She has recently recovered from knee surgery and is faster now, Mancao said.

"I would say the surgery was a success," he said.

Mancao mentioned her powerful backhand and spin she puts on the ball.

White teams up with No. 2 singles player Nicole Toorop to form the No. 1 doubles team, which was was All- State last year.

Toorop is a graduate from San Pasqual High and is currently a freshman.

"Overall they are improvWAYNESHORT/ TIU TELESCOPE ing, skill-wise, both men and women," said Mancao, Megan WhitewasAllStatelastyear.Aftera recentkneesurgery, sheis looking evensharper thanbefore. who is in his 18th year coaching college tennis and said tennis coach Ronnie ers, Jeremy Owens and The tandem forms a dom- eighth year at Palomar.

Mancao, whose Comets Michael Redondo, form the inating force on the court, Prior to coaching at were dominated 2-6 in both Comets' No. 1 doubles Mancao said. Both have Palomar, Mancao coached matches this season .. team. been playing with each Mira Costa's men's tennis The women's tennis team Owens is a graduate other in junior tennis tour- team for 10 years. has taken second place for from Lake Elsinore High naments for the past four "Ronnie is a great coach," the last two years in PCC and is a sophomore major- years.

Owens said. "He has defiplay and is 3- 4 this season. ing in Kinesiology.

"It is important for us to nitely helped us improve as "Our goal is to finish the "He creates a lot of power win the rest of our matches a team and as individuals." season better than we and movement on the this season," Owens said.

He took over a very sucstarted it," said woman's court," Mancao said.

"We will hopefully place in cessful tennis program at assistant coach Gee Gee Redondo, a freshman, is the top-10 in state."

Palomar and he plans on Garvin. a graduate from Murrieta The women's team is led keeping it that way, Palomar's top two play- Valley High. by top singles player Mancao said.