The Telescope 57.07

the

FIGHT or GO

HOME? Debating the

GROCERY STRIKE 1B

Pl&E 5

SISOk gift gives college extra boost

By Christa Farmer

TirE TELESCOPE

IIDIEW PHELPS I THE TELESCOPE

Albertsons employees Alex Mohn, Mike Capuchino, Melissa Vasquez and Katy Ka111inski brandish their signs Oct 22 to protest being "locked out" of union-staffed grocery stores. Mohn and Ka111inski are Palomar students are concerned about the conflict's effects on their education.

Two charity organizations donated $350,000 to Palomar College for classroom supplies, library materials, instructional equipment and building renovations.

The Palomar College Foundation and Palomar President's Associates made the donation a joint gift.

"The goal of the foundation is to help on times of need, especially in a time when we're facing budget cuts," said Berta Cuaron, vice president of instruction.

The grants are being given to offset some of the financial support lost because of the budget cuts.

The Palomar College Foundation is funding two-thirds of the grant, and the President's Associates is providing the rest.

Students suffering in grocery strike Food and Commercial Workers International union rejected a new proposal from the chains after the most recent contract ended Oct. 5.

The union is striking over pension and benefit issues.

Although the union pays strikers for time on the picket line, they must spend at least 20 hours a week to make $100 and 40 hours to make $300.

"It takes a big toll (on me) because I have to bend those 40 hours just to study," Mohn said.

If they picket for anything less than 20 hours, the strikers receive nothing, said Erica Williams, a

Bv Jessica Musicar·

TirE TELESCOPE

With the grocery strike full under way, Palomar students who work at Vons, Ralphs and Albertsons are suffering.

Time on the picket line means time away from studying, said Palomar student Alex Mohn.

The strike is also causing them to lose paychecks that many are counting on to survive, said Albertsons employee and Palomar student Alex Mohn.

"I'll tough it out as long as I can, but I'm gonna have to find something else to keep me above water," he said.

The strike began when the United

• SEE STRIKE, PAGE 2

Who: Employees at Vons and Pavilions. (Ralphs and Albertsons employees were locked out by their employers.)

Why. Safeway, owner of Vons and Pavilions, wants employees to pay 50 percent of their health fees .

• SEE DONATION, PAGE#

Board passes college budget unanimously Bv Roger Renkas

TlfE TEl!StOPE

Palomar governing board members unanimously approved a $106.1 million budget for 2003-04 after a detailed review of all revenue and expenditure items at their meeting Oct 14.

The new budget increased $10.4 million • SEE BUDGET, PAGE 2

Student election draws few voters

By Roy McCann

Tlf! TUE'SCOPE

Seven uncontested candidates for the Associated Student Government's fall elections were sworn in at the ASG meeting Oct. 15.

Less than one hundredth of a percent of the Palomar student body cast votes in the online election Oct. 6-9.

Students Ryan Birtcher, Patty Horta, Jason Roach, Ariel Zeballos, Eric Van Epps and Lisette Medina are the new senators.

Eli Magana is the new executive vice president.

One hundred and eleven students out of approximately 29,000 at Palomar voted in the ASG's online election.

COMDS BUTEN AGAIN P11lom11t lootb11llte11m loses it in ovettime.

II

Pl&E 12

"It's important to have a voice," said student voter Samantha Stabler.

Marilyn Lunde, administrative secretary of student affairs, said she was disappointed with the voter turnout. ''When there is no competition, students don't vote," Lunde said.

ASG President Amador Soto said it was every candidates' responsibility to get the vote out.

Even though they ran unopposed, he said, they should have campaigned harder to attract attention to the election.

"When I ran for office, I passed out 2-3,000 flyers ," Soto said.

• SEE

IEIIIIIS

TilE

government president Amador Soto (right) swears in new ASG members at ELECTION ' PAGE 3 Student a meeting Octl5. All candidates went uncontested in the ASG election Oct 6-9.

Did llttot's lotmet film get him t~nvitted?

,,.,__~A~ II

Pl&E 4

lot11l Chtisti11n llttist 11ppe11ls to the llotk.

II

Pl&E 6

2

THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, OCT. ll, 2003

• STRIKE: Grocery union 111e111bers have no choice but to picket CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

I

,1 , [,]

!I • Free HIV testing today

10~ · Services

: and every Monday, Health

Z7

I i 1fJ •meetmg, Go~erning board 7 p.m., 1

·.: ·• •I •Q II

~~·

'

ll.'j j ,j ".·. ~ · .•·. .

·..·. Jo · ...•.··:·:·

Governing Board Room

• ASG meeting, 1 p.m., Room SU-18

i · . . zt;;

1i !11 1j f)

10 . ~10 . •·•· ·.

~ Free film vi~w~ng: Mean Streets, 6.30 p.m., Room P-32

• Free Concert Hour, Stephen Swanson, baritone, 12:30 p.m., Room D-10

1 jd1 • Halloween Escape, all ..

"•oJ11·

day, Student Center

.,.. ..,. • Free mini physicals ........ available starting today, Health Services, San Marcos campus and Escondido Center. Call (760) 744-1150, ext. 2380 for an appointment.

811\d·•

•ls'·~•.. •Room ASG meeting, 1 p.m., SU-18

Palomar student and Vons employee.

Except for her father, every member of Williams' family is a grocery worker, so only one person is bringing home a regular paycheck, she said.

Some part-time employees are making more money striking then they did while working.

Full time employees, however, have seen their weekly pay cut in half, said student and Albertsons clerk, Katy Karpinski.

For students like Vons worker Carli James, the strike may affect her chances of transferring.

A Palomar liberal arts major and mother of two, James originally planned to transfer at the end of this semester to CSU San Marcos.

However, she said she fears she won't be able to pay for school if the strike continues.

JElfiiEL CASSIDY I THE 'T!UStOPE "On my income, I won't be able to afford it," James said.

One of the main issues the Grocery wortlers from Vons sbike in front of their store. Vons, Ralphs and Albertsons employees began strikilg Oct 11, after voting union is protesting is a decrease to reject a contract proposal made by the chains. Hthe contract is passed they wil have to pay for part of their health benefits. in health benefits.

The cut will force employees health plan (then) that they union employees nine hours After spending eight hours to pay 50 percent oftheir health want us to accept, I wouldn't after Vons workers began striking, Evans takes a two-hour be walking picketing. fees. math class at Palomar's main righf now," Williams, a 11 Karpinski said she didn't campus.

11 th1 eompt1ny h•s th1 Williams said. plan to strike but she had no checker for Vons "If this lasts much longer, it in Solana Beach, mon1y to p•ylor it, th1 The expired choice once she was locked out. will eventually hurt my grades," plan required said the health Nearly 70,000 grocery store Evans said. employees to employees are currently on strikes should w•nt to t•k• e•11 issue Although most student cover a co-pay- strike in Southern California. close to home for of th1i1 1mp/oyHs., employees have been with the ment for preher.

"It's definitely stressful, just supermarkets for only a short - Carli James s c rip t ions . not knowing what's going to Last year, while, others have worked there VONS STRIKER O t h e r W i s e ' happen. It affects me in every for years, and planned to retire Williams had a the stores cov- way," James said. $60,000 surgery with their former benefits. on her knee, after years of ath- ered all health fees.

At the beginning of the strike "If the company has the money When the strike began, James said she hoped she would to pay for it, they should want to letics. At the time, her entire bill was covered by her health Oct.ll, the union required only have more time for school, how- take care of their employees," Vons employees to picket. They ever sometimes she pickets until James said. insurance.

She said she knows she would wanted to allow employees from llp.m.

Grocery store managers from never be able to afford a similar other chains to continue to work.

Picketing isn't easy for the the three chains have been However, both Ralphs and grocery workers, said Albertsons instructed not to comment, Vons surgery if the proposal passes.

"If I was under the new Albertsons locked out their clerk, Kara Evans. employees said.

• BUDGET: Governing board satisfied with co111pro111ises in cuts CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

• Free film viewing: "The Conformist," 6:30 p.m., Room P-32 • Free Concert Hour: Classical Chamber Trio Stauffer, Darby, Olschofka, 12:30 PM, Room D-10

• Comets football versus Long Beach City College, 1 p.m., Wilson Stadium, Escondido High School

I iII fJ •Governing board 11/ , · ·;II

meeting, 7 p.m., Governing Board Room

ll,lj j •I • ASG meeting, 1 p.m.,

11/IZ

Room su-18

from last year - an increase of about 11 percent.

"We are comfortable the budget is balanced as required by law," said board member Nancy Chadwick.

The approved budget supports the "delicate balance" between the district's mission to meet the educational needs of students while balancing the financial support provided by the community and state.

The budget was compiled by the college's various planning councils, which analyzed their respective needs, aiming to develop a plan to reduce the overall budget.

"Because of the efforts of the entire campus in holding expenses down during the last fiscal year, the ending fund balance ended higher than originally thought," said Jerry Patton, vice president of finance.

During the last two years, the state has reduced funds to the district by $3.3 million.

"No growth dollars are reflected in this budget," Patton said.

Palomar enrollment is down .02 percent this semester.

Ongoing property tax shortfalls and additional mid-year cuts are factors preventing accurate forecasts of fiscal year 2003-04 revenue.

Additional budget cuts may be required next semester, because property tax revenue is expected to drop.

Property tax revenues have been lower than the amount budgeted by the state for community colleges in recent years.

The Budget Other Outgoing 4°/o Cuts Yet To Process

~~ W~ -.

$106,105,455

1% Contingency to Spread 5°/o Capital Outlay 1% Other Operating Expenses 13%

n-Academic Salaries

22%

Source: Palomar fiscal services

This over-estimating of property tax by the state creates "shortfalls" to community college revenues.

In prior years, legislative bills "backfilled" the property tax shortfalls, but there is no such backfill this year.

College officials said they do not expect one next year.

More than 78 percent of the budget is for salary and benefits. Cos.t-of-living adjustments are not included in this fiscal year.

The expenditure budget also includes costs for utilities, rent and insurance premiums.

A worker's compensation payment of $192 million, which is now due, is not included in the 2003-2004 budget.

In spite of ongoing budget turbulence,

Palomar College "will operate as efficiently as last year," Chadwick said.

In other business at the meeting, Dale Wallenius, chief advancement officer of the Palomar College Foundation, informed the board that some representatives from Palomar College will attend the California Community College League meeting in Oakland later this month.

A hot button to be addressed at the meeting is what they call an inequity in per-student funding.

Palomar currently ranks in the bottom tenth in money received from the state for the number offull-time students in attendance.

The state's method of distributing funds is a "complex, convoluted formula that just doesn't work," Wallenius said.

THE liLESCOPE • MONDAY, OCT. 'll, 2003

3

• ELECTION: Lack of competition may have been cause for student voter apathy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Senator Jason Roach, who previously served on the ASG board, said the candidates "could have campaigned until they were blue in the face."

"But due to apathy, not many students are concerned with voting in the elections. We can campaign and campaign but the majority of students don't care enough to get involved," Roach said.

Student Ashley Graf said she was not aware the elections were taking place and "would have voted if [she] had known about it."

Student David Williams said he did not vote because the candidates were "vague and unspecific" about their goals.

Williams said he would have liked to hear the candidates explain the relevance of ASG. Roach s a i d another 'Y1 tllll tllmptlign tllld factor t11mp11ign butth1 influencm11jority of stud1111s ing students' don't tllfl IIIOUfh to fll attitudes inrolrld." to stu- Jason Roach dent govASG SENATOR ernment on campus is that Palomar is a "commuter college," a school where students show up to their one or two classes and then go home or off to work.

JACK JEINIIIICiS I THE TElESCOPE

Student government members Nicole Cofhnan, new executive Vice President Eli Magana and President Amador Soto talk during their weekly meeting, Oct. 15.

"People just don't want to dedicate their time, which is very discouraging to ASG members because they put so much effort into making things better for students at the college," Roach said.

Four senatorial positions remain unfilled.

Students can be involved with the ASG if they meet its requirements.

To be eligible for election, students must collect 50 signatures, maintain a 2.5 GPA, take 10 units during the current semester and have free time every Wednesday at 1 p.m. to attend meetings.

Applications are available in the student affairs office.

Soto said he looks forward to working with the incoming candidates, because he believes they are all qualified and

motivated.

He said he would like to see other students come forward and to fill the vacant positions.

"The ASG is there to represent you, the student - not to represent any other group," Soto said.

"If you want something changed or want to know why things are changing, then come join the ASG," he said.

Visitors from Rus.s ia get glimpse of American education

By Miko Kudo

THE TElESCOPE

Ten educators from Russia discovered a variety of similarities and differences in education during their visit to Palomar Oct. 15-19.

The visitors came to learn about the American educational system and to share their experiences from home with other educators in San Marcos, Escondido and San Diego.

The visitors participated in a ceramics class and a history class, and they toured the library.

It is the first time for Palomar to host visitors from Russia, said Joseph Madrigal, vice president of student services.

Olga Tikhonova, an instructor in Samara, Russia, said there are no community colleges like Palomar in Russia.

"We have colleges, but it is for vocational and occupational purposes. But Palomar is for transferring to universities. It's a big difference," Tikhonova said.

Dale Wallenius, chief advancement officer of the Palomar College Foundation, gave a presentation on private sources of funding through the foundation.

Wallenius said he explained how the student scholarships worked.

"They are very impressed that there are so many student needs, and Palomar can provide 300 to 500 scholarships every year," Wallenius said.

"It's very good that the students have such a chance to take classes at Palomar," said Olga Filippova, a methodology specialist from Kaluga, Russia.

Madrigal spoke to the delegates in a welcoming speech.

He said Palomar has many international students from a number of countries, but no students from Russia.

Madrigal said it is important for the delegates to know Palomar offers many services to students, in addition to classes.

"They thought our computer labs were fantastic, because in Russia, teachers have to raise money to bring computers into a classroom," Madrigal said.

"We are getting more and more computers in our educational institutions," Filippova said.

And students have free access to computers, .but we don't have as many as Palomar does," Filippova said.

Natalya Dolmatova, a school principal in Saransk, Russia, said she was surprised to see computers integrated into the library.

She said she would bring the idea back to her school.

KELLY WILDMAIII I THE TELESCOPE

Ten Russian educators visited Palomar College, UC San Diego and Escondido High School to get a g1impse of education in the United States.

In Russia, public universities are free for students until they reach the age of 36.

Mter students reach that age, the government does not pay for tuition, Dolmatova said.

"Palomar doesn't go by age," Madrigal said, "We have students here who are in their 50s and 60s. The Russians just could not believe that," he said.

"It is nice to see older people studying in a school," Dolmatova said. She said it's rare in Russian institutions.

Filippova said she was most impressed when she observed Palomar professor Kate Danaher's American history class. Danaher was in a wheelchair, which surprised Filippova.

"I thought it was wonderful," Filippova said, "I have never seen anyone in a wheelchair teach in my country. Disabled people just don't teach usually."

Palomar professor Linda Dudik said the visitors were surprised to witness a "democratic" style of teaching at the college.

The visitors watched students oppose each other on their own view points of American history in one of Dudik's classes.

"It was very interesting to see the contrast for

them," Dudik said.

Dolmatova said Palomar has an atmosphere of openness and hospitality.

"I really like friendly interaction between the teachers and the students," she said.

For better understanding of American people and culture, local families and members of the American Association of University Women opened up their homes to the visitors for the duration of their stay.

Filippova stayed at the Escondido Mayor Lori Pfeiler's house during her visit.

"It was wonderful to stay with these people. They are very friendly and kindhearted," Filippova said.

The Open World Program, a Library of Congress program, sponsored the visit.

The Escondido-San Marcos branch of the AAUW organized the event.

The Russian educators visited many local schools and universities, including Escondido High School, Cal State San Marcos, the Monarch School and UC San Diego.

They also toured the Escondido City Council, Balboa Park, the San Diego Harbor Cruise and the Wild Animal Park.

THE TELESCOPE a MONDAY, OCT.ll, 2003

4

0

-z -D.

0

Poorly run 1/~ttion l111ds to dism•l stud1nt turnout

WE'VE BEEN AFTER THIS GUY FOR SOME TIME, KEEP IN MIND THIS IS THE VERY SAME GUY WHO HELPED BUILD A CAR OUT OF MARIJUANA.

Let's just admit it: the Associated Student Government elections at Palomar are a joke, and have been for half a decade. Despite ASG members' repeated promises to "eliminate student apathy," turnout at the polls has dwindled, and candidates have increasingly found themselves running unopposed.

Less than half of 1 percent of the student body voted in this semester's election. This represents a 10 percent drop from last fall's election.

The student government should not be a joke. It has an annual budget of $70,000. In competent hands, that kind of money could accomplish amazing things.

Our esteemed leaders seem to feel that it is the students' fault nobody voted. Their justification for saying this is unclear, because they did practically nothing to advertise their platforms.

They do this every year, trying to cast the blame on the students or the campus media - anyone but themselves.

What they fail to see is that people vote for candidates because of the issues they represent, not just because they're running. This election brought forth no issues.

The candidates attended a "meet the candidates" press conference, but they didn't tell the student body about it and three of the eight students in the race were absent. One of our newly-elected senators, Lisette Medina, would not respond to the Telescope's phone calls at all.

Of course, this didn't make a difference, because Medina was running unopposed.

Marilyn Lunde, the administrative assistant of student affairs, remarked, "When there is no competition, students don't vote." This is also true when the candidates put no effort into campaigning.

Then again, the candidates didn't come across much better when they did make their presence known. Most of the posters advertising the election looked like they were drawn by hyperactive 5-year-olds with a box of Crayolas.

Candidate Ariel Zeballos put up a poster that read, in Spanish, "Ariel and Lisette - Vote Latino!"

"Vote Latino?" Is Zeballos seriously suggesting that he is fit to run the school because of his race? This should not even be an issue.

This poster was inappropriate and should not have been created.

The ASG also managed to ruin its one good idea from last year - holding the elections online. This year, students who tried to vote were confronted with a screen asking for their voter ID and password. Apparently they meant "student ID number" and "PIN," but students were left to deduce this on their own or just not vote.

This is not brain surgery, people. The election doesn't have to be flawless, but making it possible for students to vote is the bare minimum we can expect.

If the student government takes itself seriously - as it should - it needs to start putting forth the effort to make students aware of the power it wields. They could get more votes simply by standing around a voting booth outside of the Student Center and asking people to vote.

They could reach into their $70,000 pockets and run ads with campus media like KKSM and the Telescope or produce legible posters and flyers. They could actually let students know about their "meet the candidates" press conferences.

Until our student leaders stop treating these elections like a paper they can BS through on Sunday night, they will never be anything but a joke.

~Tel~ikfpe Monday, Oct. 13, 2003

Volume 57, No.7

FOCUSED ON PALOMAR The Telescope is 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.

OH YEAH THAT'S

NICOLE RUDOLPH 1 fl!~ U!.!StOP£

Free Tommy Chong • The "Cheeeh I Chong" 1111r w11s unfllirly imprisoned by the ledeml government using his movie eht~mtler t~gainsl him.

Unable to locate Osama bin named "Operation Pipe option by federal prosecutors Laden and Sadaam Hussein, Dreams" in states where sell- - plead guilty or your wife our government has made ing drug paraphernalia is ille- and daughter will be charged t h e gal and purchased bongs from as well. Dissention is what world a Chong Glass, which is what makes this country great. safer led to the charges.

Throughout his entire movie place It can be argued that this is career Chong has made a today entrapment.

I certainly political statement. His charby turn- believe that it is. And the rea- acters tell the world that antiing its son that he was targeted, and marijuana laws are wrong and sights sent to jail was because of his that authorities are wasting on one movie persona and nothing time and resources attacking of the more. The courts disregarded a victimless crime. greatest the fact that those were ficI have read pro-marijuana criminal masterminds of our tional characters and Chong activists that say Cheech and time - Tommy Chong.

Chong movies had a constituChong began a nine-month tional right to actually hurt The 1111son he w11s sentence in a federal prison make his movies. their cause earlier this month for conthey because Chong's own t11rgeted 11nd stnd to . . spiring to sell bongs and comments may giVe an macother drug paraphernalia have been used j11i/ WIIS bttiiUSI of curate porover the Internet. This was against trayal of pot him. his movie p11son11 the first federal prosecution While participat- 11nd nothing mo11 smokers. for a drug paraphernalia traf- ing in an online That's comedy. ficking case in over 10 years. chat, Chong was Most people The assistant United asked how he felt about the know that what they see on States Attorney stated "the crackdown on pipes and screen is not real. The outradefendant has become bongs. Chong responded, "I geousness of Chong's characwealthy throughout his feel pretty bad, but it seems to ters is what made him popucareer by glamorizing the be the only weapons of mass lar.

The laws against marijuaillegal distribution and use of destruction that they've found marijuana." So what! Cheech this year." Was he actually na and the paraphernalia and Chong movies are satiri- questioning the government's used to consume it are outdatcal comedies that make fun of policy on the War in Iraq? ed and wrong. If officials how ridiculous the laws Aschroft and the Department want to decrease marijuana regarding marijuana use are. of Homeland Security will not use they should go after the Selling pipes and bongs is tolerate such dissention. drug itself, not the head shops In exchange for his dis- that sell the bongs and pipes legal in some states. But the DEA set up a series of raids sention Chong was given an used to smoke it.

EDITOR IN CHIEF JESSICA MUSICAR MANAGING EDITOR SARAH STRAUSE NEWS EDITOR ANDREW PHELPS OPINION EDITOR ADAM MARANTZ ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR DAYNA RHODE FOCUS EDITOR CHANEL HACHEZ SPORTS EDITOR ERIK GOODSON ONLINE EDITOR CHARLES STEINMAN PHOTO EDITOR WAYNE SHORT COPY EDITOR STEPHEN KELLER AD MANAGER KRISTIAN SMOCK INSTRUCTIONAL ASST. TOM CHAMBERS JOURNALISM ADVISER WENDY NELSON PHOTOJOURNALISM ADVISER PAUL STACHELEK CARTOONIST TREY BANNON, NICOLE RUDOLPH

E):I ASSOCIATED COllEGIATE PRESS

~

CAliFORNIA NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

STAFF WRITERS TREY BANNON, DONNIE BOYLE, STEPHANIE CATALDO, CHRISTA FARMER, KYLE HAMILTON, NOELLE IBRAHIM, NATALIE JOHNSON, MIKO KUDO, JOHN LEBLANC, ROY MCCANN, ERIN MURPHY, MATT NULL, JAMES PALEN, JON SHERLOCK, ASHLEY WEATHERSBY .

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS CHRiS BATIZ, BEN BURGESON, JEANEL CASSIDY, MELISSA CONREY, COLLIN ERIE, MELISSA EWELL, GRADY HELMAN, JACK JENNINGS GRAPHIC ARTIST THIS COULD BE YOU! IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN COMPUTER GRAPHIC DESIGN, YOU CAN GET EXPERIENCE AND GET PUBLISHED BY JOINING THE TELESCOPE'S STAFF! APPLY AT THE NEWSROOM IN TCB-1.

CFAC CAliFORNIA fiRST AMENDMENT COAliTION

JOURNAliSM ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNIJY COllEGES

HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS THE TELESCOPE PALOMAR COLLEGE 1140 WEST MISSION ROAD SAN MARCOS, CA 92069 NEWSROOM ROOM TCB-1 PHONE (760) 744-1150, EXT. 2450 FAX (760) 744-8123 PLEASE WRITE: "ATTN: THE TELESCOPE" E-MAil TELESCOPE@PALOMAR.EDU WEB SITE WWW.PALOMAR.EDU!TELESCOPE

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

The Telescope reserves the rig ht to edit letters for space and not to print letters containing lewd or libelous comments. Letters must be received by Monday at 3 p.m. to be cons idered for publication the next Monday.

THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, OCT. Z7, 2003

5

Is the • Pm: Union not to b/11tn1 lorlo1111

• ton: Employ111 h11v1 bHn 1poillll

Bv Erik Goodson

Till TUESCOPE

The contract offers that have been brought to the table by the corporations are not only unfair, but look to the workei,: to shoulder the burden of mismanagement and poor financial decisions.

Safeway Inc. (Vons), Kroger Co. (Ralphs) and Albertsons Inc. have decided to cut costs by targeting employee medical benefits, pension plans and ordering a wage freeze on current employees while greatly reducing the pay scale for future ones.

The corporate executives cite a sagging economy with ballooning medical costs that have forced them into the position of demanding these cuts to the United Food and Commercial Workers union. Although, if you look over the past 15 years, it is clear that bad marketing strategy combined with fiscal irresponsibility has placed two of the three chains in the red.

Kroger's net income swelled 15 percent to $1.2 billion in its fiscal2002 year up from $1.04 billion the previous year and contrasts with earnings of$877 million in fiscal2000.

Yet the company has jumped at the chance to lower labor costs in order to line the pockets of the corporate executives and make the stock more attractive for potential · buyers.

The other stores have faired worse and should look in the mirror to find the main culprit. Albertson's has seen its net income drop the past few years that can be attributed to there expansion when they bought American Stores Co., parent of the Lucky supermarket chain. This idea backfired though as they changed the popular entrenched chain to the Albertsons label and brand.

The same can be said about Safeway Inc. Their fortunes plummeted due to the acquisitions it has made: Chicago-area Dominick's Supermarkets Inc. in 1998, Randall's Food Markets Inc. in 1999 and Pennsylvaniabased Genuardi's Family Markets Inc. in 2000.

In an attempt to trim costs and boost profit, Safeway cut staffing at these chains sticking cusTh111 employm hiiVe tomers with longer lines.

It also replaced millie 11 tiii'HI of their popular regional items job1, dlllk111ing their liv11 with its own privatelor the 111me tomptlnylor label goods. The strategy backfired and cost ZD-p/u1 111111 Safeway sales and market share while dragging down earnings.

And yet they blame the cost oflabor and increased competition from Wal-Mart as their problem. This is the same tune that companies sing during every collective bargaining dispute. There has always been some sort of exorbient cost that is going to drive the employer into the ground.

They say anything to gain the upper hand in negotiations, as the bottom-line is what drives them to seek how much they can get rather than what is actually fair.

These employees have made a career of their jobs, many ofthem dedicating their lives for the same company for 20-plus years. They have become the friendly face that communities recognize and befriend as their local grocer.

And for their loyalty the companies have sought to belittle them into the category ofWal-Mart employees, which sees a staff turnover rate of about 45 percent a year. The turnover doesn't bother WalMart because it places an emphasis on low costs over customer service and satisfaction.

The country is watching these proceedings. If the public begins to compromise and encourage the corporations, then companies across the board will follow the lead and begin to strip the American worker of their benefits. Until we are once again a two-caste economic society consisting of the rich and the poor with nothing in the middle.

Bv Adam Marantz

Till TELESCOPE

Employees at Vons just don't understand how well they have it.

Any business that is anticipating competition with lower prices has to compensate for their losses. Vons employees are lucky that just a portion of health care costs and pensions are being sacrificed.

Not many businesses offer the types of benefits Vons union employees get. It worked for a while and everyone was happy. Now the corporation offers a plan similar, if not, still more appealing than most businesses on the market and the spoiled employees throw up the red flag.

Mickey Kasparian, president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local135 said that the chain is cutting benefits because of greed. That is a rather hypocritical statement, considering senior checkers at Vons earn upwards of $18 per hour. I'm a firm believer in earning what you deserve. You get what you give and those wages are obscene for a cashier.

If that isn't enough to show how greedy and ridiculous the employees are being, there are other benefits and incentives that Vons is cuting that the union will have none of. Also at risk are the employee's triple pay they earn on holidays. Maybe I'm alone on this one, but unless they're finding the cure for cancer or solving some of the most complex problems facing our world such as poverty, famine, euthanasia or maybe even the threat of nuclear combat, no one should make triple pay. Especially if their already inflated wages teeter around $20.

And there's more. Vons doesn't think their employees should make time-and-a-half on Sundays anymore. Yes, that's right, for doing the same routine they do every other day of the week, they get time-and-a-half for doing it on the Sabbath day.

The pattern that keeps showing itself is that Safeway Inc., the parent company of Vons, has been too gracious to their employees in the past. Now their employees are getting just about Now their employe111111 what every other middle getting ju1t11bout wh11t class American gets, and every othlf middle t/1111 they throw a fit.

Add to the fact that Am11it11n gell, 11nd they half of these employees don't even know or don't throw 111it even benefit from what they are striking for; and crossing the picket line is like hazing for freshmen football players. The strikers ridicule and barricade the customers when all they want is food - you know, the physiological aspect of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. As much as the picketers moan and complain, people do need food and those thrifty enough to be a part of the Vons Club gets it at a reasonable price at Vons.

These pesky picketers should really step back and watch themselves.

Slashing tires of scabs and customers who cross the picket lines isn't going to solve any more problems.

Not only is it amplifying the problem, but it makes them look stupid.

Maybe the absolute worst part of it all is that even on strike, the UFCW pays $300 a week to members who put in 40 hours of picketing a week. It must be a blessing for those baggers who make minimum wage - they almost see it as a raise.

I have a simple solution for all of the picketers who march and stand proud and jeer customers and yell at them to "Go shop at Stater Brothers!" Why don't you all go work at Stater Brothers.

IICOLE lUDOLPH I THE TELESCOPE

6

THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, OCT. ll, 2003

laY-rnw.g for

1-

zIll

.=,.·.·. . ~-'~"'"·

By Jon Sherlock

TK£ TELESCOPE

E

Despite the intense competition in the music industry, one local musician is making a name for himself in the Christian music arena.

Phil Wickham,,. aJ9-year ol.dPalomar student has .sold over 6,000 records in the last few months as sales continue to boom. This newfo~nd success lias Men an incredible learning experience for Wickham as he has gone from being the son of a worship leader to a well -known musician among the Christian flock.

Wickham was destined to be a musician since before he was 'born. "My mom was. recording her album while I was in the womb," Wickham said.

Both his parents and his brother and sister are all musicians. "I grew up in . a family of musicians," Wickham said.

Wickham grew up in Orang~ County and moved to San Diego i'n1997'af the age of 13. "I didn't ha\{e any friends , so I pickej:} up a guitar," !\, Wickham said. '*M,~ And once he picked it up, he never put it dowri. "I would sit in my room for four or five hours a day and play Wickham said. He credits his family a lot with his k tion. "MY dad's integrity,in his music gavfl,JI!fl,t;>., Ia'mJJJLi.lk& name," Wickham said: During high school, he played a couple churches a including Calvary Costa Mesa in front of 1,200 people being broadcasted live on national radio and webcast.

A catalyst in his musical career was an event Worship Generation at Calvary Costa Mesa, a conference put together by ex-pro surfer, Joey Buran. It multjple speakers, and bands that drew from California. · being a new, unsigned artist in the music has toured extensively. He has toured'in Europe traveling with pro skater Jamie Thomas on one to Ireland. He said that the people in .uu6 ...''f.l:! ~,.,,.,,,{. ,.,,y."more receptive tnward the music than "Over there people were just into the music. It if they were Christian or not,"

z

;!

Ill Ill

1-

z Ill

Local artist talented among his own Dayna Rhode

THE"'TELESCOPE

Phil Wickham has talent fitted for his lifestyle. The son of a worship leader, Wickham's Christian CD, "Give You My World," does its purpose justly.

While a slow, three minute song consisting of 58 words would be considered odd in mainstream music, those 50-some words are easy for people to pickup and sing along to at worship.

But does Wickham have what it takes to appeal to non-Christian music listeners?

Probably not. However, he'll probably be able to keep his current listeners happy and expand among those who appreciate his type of music.

Since Wickham is an unsigned artist he had the freedom to do what he wanted to. He and his production team made good judgement calls for the most part. Wickham's songs are well paced

~ 'Give You My

.,. :~= ..

World'

CHRISTIAN

and harmonic with a very likeable, daydreamish melody. Wickham has obvious vocal talent and control similar to Sony rock artist John Mayer.

Wickham loves Jesus, and that is easy to figure out since he has dedicated all his love songs to him. But to someone who cannot relate to the personal relationship Phil has with Jesus, this CD may be uncomfortable. His lyrics are deeper than

"thank you." He uses words to speak to Jesus that one might find in the journal of a disturbed, obsessive man who stalks women - but everyone has their own voice, I suppose .

Despite his beautiful voice, I waited through the entire CD for a passionate scream of praise to God - or whatever it is that Christian musicians scream about. Although it came close toward the end of ''You are Everything," it never really came.

He needs to challenge his vocal ability, otherwise are you still singing? I stopped listening.

Producing his CD and selling 6,000 copies is a success in itself, whether or not people like it. But if Wickham is playing for the general public, he has to give them what they want to hear. But only by diluting the message, stepping up the beats, and taking a similar path to Amy Grant will that happen. Depending on what fame is worth, the thing that most musicians aspire to, Phil Wickham might not be Phil Wickham anymore.

THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, OCT. ll, 2003

7

Soaring college tuition prompts political response Br Robert Dodge

Elwyn Lee, vice president of student affairs at the University of Houston, Palomar students are not the only ones objected to his school's 264,000-squaresuffering from tuition increases this foot, $53 million recreation center being year. The cost of a college education, used as an example of college largesse. which has risen steadily for a decade, He said the facility was built at student soared . for the 2003-04 school year request and is being financed with a $75nationwide. And now, it is becoming a per-semester fee.

"There are no massage parlors. There political issue.

A new report issued Oct. 21 showed are no pedicure places in our facility," Lee average tuition and fees at four-year said. "Some people are speaking and letpublic colleges rose 14 percent, to $4,694. ting their enthusiasm get away from Similarly, costs at two-year public them."

However, Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, schools rose 13.8 percent, to $1,095.

At private universities, where costs chairman of the House Education and run higher, prices rose 6 percent, to the Workforce Committee, said colleges and universities have not been held $19,710.

The College Board, an association of accountable for such spending. ''Hyperinflation in college costs has been colleges and universities that issued the report, blamed the economy and a short- pummeling parents and students for more fall of federal and state revenues. The than a decade, and the problem has not group said many students have been pro- been a lack of spending by states or the tected from tuition hikes by the growing federal government," he said.

Boehner has praised a bill introduced by availability of financial aid. . Even so, some Republicans have Rep. Buck McKeon, R-Calif., that would accused colleges and universities of wast- allow the federal government to cut off fed. ing taxpayers' dollars on lavish campus eral subsidies to institutions that repeatfacilities. Among those cited were large edly impose "exorbitant" tuition increases.

Daniel Langan, an Education hot tubs, sunbathing decks and massage facilities, as well as a rock-climbing wall Department spokesman, said the Bush at a recreation center at the University administration would take a serious look at McKeon's proposal. And he accused critof Houston.

KRT DEWS SERVICE

JERRY IAUIHEIM, JR. I KRT DEWS SERVICE

Shankar Rao of Sl Louis County, Missouri, is taking on extra work to help fund his son's college fees.

ics of using "inflammatory rhetoric," noting the administration's 2004 budget would boost funds for grants, loans and work-study opportunities by $2.8 billion.

The College Board report showed that during the last decade, tuition and fees rose 47 percent on an inflation-adjusted basis at four-year public universities and 22 percent at two-year public schools. Cost at private universities rose 42 percent.

Despite the increases, college officials

said they are struggling.

College Board officials said that a dip in room and board costs at both public and private schools helped moderate the tuition hikes.

They also said the effects of tuition and fee hikes were less burdensome on students because almost 60 percent of undergraduates receive financial aid. They said financial aid has been rising to further soften the blow.

Student orators show skills in marathon speech event modern technology and war to make her point.

Jason Hosfield tried to hook the audience by talking about the heroin-addicted hero of the novel A couple of minutes into his performance, Corey Taft "Trains potting." accused a fellow team member of stealing his props.

His speech was about a relatively new drug called This might have been cause for alarm if it hadn't been buprenorphine, which is being used as an alternative part of his speech about exonerated convicts at the to methadone for heroin addiction.

At noon, Hosfiled, Corey Taft, Anna J oswiak and semi-annual Speakathon.

On Tuesday, Oct. 14, for the second time this year, the Kevin Burns debated lifting sanctions from North nationally recognized Palomar College speech team per- Korea. formed continuously from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in front of Taft and Joswiak told the audience sanctions must the clock tower at the San Marcus campus. be upheld for the safety and well-being of South Korea The topics of the speeches and the styles in which and the rest of the world. they were delivered varied, ranging from autism to drug Burns and Hosfield argued the sanctions need to be lifted, as thousands of people are addiction to permanently altering how human beings perceive taste. dying of hunger because of them.

One highlight of the Speakathon Anna Keeley gave a convincing account "I'm only 11 tltlm pl11yer of life in Baghdad, from the point of view when I get to be th1 was Taft's portrayal of an autistic boy called Christopher, who feels safer of a seasoned journalist, "witnessing first- fltlth" hand the horrors of a war most people with patterns and numbers than he only saw played out on television."

- Tom Chambers does with KING OF JOURNALISM people.

She described the bombing of the In one moment, Christopher Palestine hotel and the dismantling of Saadam Hussein's statues. showed how, although he cannot bring himself to hug Only at the very end of her character's stay in his father, he is able to touch the tips of his fingers to Baghdad, right before she leaves to come home to the his father's to show his love.

Throughout the performance, Taft moved back and United States, does she stand in the shower and begin to sob uncontrollably. forth from the character of Christopher, to the characNoel Duquette performed an impromptu speech about ter of his father, to the voice of a mental health expert. accepting the thorns of life along with the roses. She The Speakathon has many purposes, said Dewi had only a few minutes to prepare the speech.

Hokett, director offorensics and speech professor.

Duquette reminded the audience there is always a The team members get an opportunity to hone their price to pay for the benefits and advantages that our skills each time, and students taking speech class can society takes for granted, and she gave examples of observe for extra credit. It serves as a fundraiser for Br Brigid Brett

TlfE TnEStOPE

the team.

The Speakathon also provides the general public an opportunity to watch every possible kind of speech debates, interpretive events and platform - performed by an award-winning team.

The debates each ran 45 minutes, and the interpretive events, such as prose, drama, duo interpretation, and programmed oral interpretation ran every 10 minutes.

Informative, persuasive and impromptu speeches, which fall under the "platform" category, also ran every 10 minutes.

The team is coached by Dewi Hokett, director of forensics and speech professor. Hokett's involvement in speech is extensive.

She said her mother Norene Hokett taught her much of what she knows. She just retired from California Baptist University in Riverside after 35 years in the profession.

"I am what would be known on the speech circuit as a 'lifer,'" Hokett said.

"I was born into it, with students giving speeches at my house in front of my fireplace when I was two."

Hokett described the work she does as a joy and said she cannot think of another activity she enjoys so much.

While many people might consider public speaking more frightening than death, these students make up a group of the population who thrive on it.

"Going up there and playing different characters is the greatest outlet in the world," said Taft, a film major aspiring to be an actor.

"Once you get into it you can't get out - you enjoy it too much."

• DONATION: More than 90 percent of donation money to be used for students CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Because of the budget cuts, the college is doing more with less, said College President Sherrill Amador.

She said she hopes the grant will improve the current learning environment for the students and help faculty by providing classroom supplies for labs and specialized programs.

They have designated $100,000 just for classroom supplies. The money will restore about half of the $230,000 cut from the budget for supplies.

Instructional equipment and library materials have been designated $120,000.

The money will supply students with the most up-to-date information, said George Mazes, library director.

Another $100,000 has been designated to add to an earlier grant to supply equipment and landscaping for the future science building. Construction of the new three-story building is scheduled to begin early 2004.

The remaining $30,000 is being designated to renovate an old faculty and staff lounge.

The money provided by the foundation will bring doors and windows to current building regulations, paint walls, add new furniture and equipment, and add electrical and data outlets, Amador said.

Students will most directly benefit from the donation, Cuaron said. Except for $30,000, all money is designated for the student facilities at Palomar.

The donations will also minimize the effects of the budget cuts on the students,

she said.

The Palomar College Foundation aims to provide community support for the students and faculty at the college.

Over the last two years, it has given over $1 million to Palomar.

The foundation has a continuing program for student scholarships, faculty grants, donor designated funds, and special projects.

The foundation donated $300,000 last year to furnish the new Student Center.

Local residents, students families, alumni, corporations and small businesses are among the contributors to the foundation.

"It is an excellent foundation and their contributions are significant," Amador said.

They are planning for the future of the district for what state funding is not providing, she said.

The President's Associates is comprised of business leaders and community leaders who support the college by way of annual donations.

They fund support projects such as student scholarships, art exhibits and performing art events, visiting speakers, and the purchase of academic equipment.

"I truly appreciate the support of the College Foundation and President's Associates for their continued support and generous gifts to our college," Amador said. "We wouldn't be able to provide these things for the students and staff if it were not for them," Amador said.

8

THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, OCT. ll, 2003

paJoma-'itJ BRIEF Palomar students can compete nationally for new scholarship Palomar students can apply for a national scholarship, sponsored by college honor society P~i ~heta Kappa, USA Today and the American AssociatiOn of Community Colleges.

The All-USA Team scholarship application is available at the Financial Aid Office in SU-201.

Applications are due Nov. 26.

"Out of all applicants, Palomar will select two outstanding students who are qualified," said Mar.ilyn Lunde administrative secretary of student affairs.

Afte~ the selection, the students will participate as a team in a national competition.

First second and third place teams of 20 students each will receive cash awards. Lunde said she does not how much the applicants can win this year, but $400 to $1,000 prizes have been awarded the past.

The applicants must receive an A.A. degree from Palomar between Dec. 1 and Aug. 31, 2004 and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or better.

Lunde said she recommends students with leadership skills and community service backgrounds should apply.

- Miko Kudo

Horio said she plans to walk a total of 60 miles - or 20 miles per day.

Horio said she gets her motivation from Library Manager Katherine Gannett. Gannett has breast cancer, and she continues to undergo chemotherapy treatment.

Horio said when she learned about Gannett's condition and the walk, she registered immediately.

"It's like God was sending me a message," Horio said.

Horio said she will raise the $2,000 amount from her sponsors.

Participants will sleep in tents along the track, and they will have access to food, showers, toilets and 24hour medical support.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 200,000 women and men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and nearly 40,000 will lose their lives to the disease. A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes, and a person dies from the disease every 13 minutes.

"Almost every person is affected by breast cancer in some way," Horio said.

-

Emily Eyerly

Palomar employee plans to raise S2,000 for breast cancer in walk Nancy Horio, Employment Services supervisor, will participate in a 3-day walk to raise $2,000 for the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Nov. 21-23.

EGG DONORS NEEDED Excellent Compensation ACJeS 19-Z9 Call BuildinCJ Families at 1-800-977-7611

Great women's men's clothes Excellent s 5. and

TerrifiCdiscoun{ ,~cef J

Hiring sales reps. Call (6 19) I 00-7 229 City of Oceanside Library Bookmobile Driver - Bilingual (English-Spanish) $1 Z.16-$15.Z 1/Hour Part-Time • APPLY IMJvfEDIATELY- OPEN UNTIL FILLED. · Drive the Bookmobile and assist the public in using this module library facility. The bookmobile provides literacy services, library materials in English and Spanish, and computer resources to school, day cares, health centers and community neighborhoods.

The ideal candidate will have experience driving a large motor vehicle and have one year of clerical library experience.

Applicants must submit a completed City of Oceanside Application and Supplemental Questionnaire. Application materials may be obtained by mail from the Personal Department at 300 North Coast Highway. Oceanside. CA 92054; in person at Oceanside City Hall East. Civic Center Dr. and Ditmar St., (760) 435-3500; or visit our web site at www.ci.oceanside.ca.us.

San Diego

619-683-2446 www.devry.edu t..e HQ:me \.eam(-.;_1Goo¥1'1~%01 a:·:fj an~~­ c:f fie N',Ji'tr: ~l!ra; Asslxiatlon (NCA}, 30 tt LJSalie Slr~. ::lli:agO, l RClfi'l2.

~ ?.Ot"l3 WiY Un~si:y. t~i;ed ~~

r:::::sh.~~I'J:ft.~,)ft~ffi:sst{JI.~

Mother's Helper I Child Care 8-10 hours a week Flexible hours, $8/hour.

4-year-old girl, 1-year-old boy.

Must love children, have own transportation and good references.

North Escondido. Call Susan:

731-1345

THE TELESCOPE 1111 MONDAY, OCT. 27, 2003

9

THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, OCT. Zl, 2003

10

IIII

15

II A/1-Amltitlln

0 w

kiek1r llr11n lux us1s P11/om11r's lootb11/l• /!10ftllln liS II Sptlng llo11rd lor his tlltllt

By Matt ~ull

Tlil TEUSCOPE

There are some people that would say kicking a football is not the best way to go through life, but if it were up to Ryan Lux, he wouldn't have it any other way.

"Hopefully-within five years-! will be in the National Football League," Lux said. "That would be a dream come true, to make a ton of money just kicking a football."

Palomar head football coach Joe Early thinks his starting kicker can make it in the NFL. "If he keeps progressing like he is now, he will have that opportunity," Early said. "Mter that it is being in the right place at the right time for the NFL." Before he makes it to the NFL, Lux must first decide which fouryear-college he wants to continue w his education, on and off the field. i1 Lux intends on maJ"oring in crim, inal justice. He would like to follow in his father's footsteps and become a police officer.

"If he stays healthy and continues with his work ethic, he has a lot of potential," Early said. "He will get his education paid for by playing football."

With the junior college National J Letter of Intent signing date set for

I

Dec. 17, many college recruiters have shown interest in the Comet's sophomore kicker.

The University of Southern California, Alabama, Florida State University, and South Carolina have all contacted Palomar. Lux, who recently turned 21, said he would like to attend either FSU or

usc.

Lux said he wears no. 11 on the field in honor of his father. Bill Lux, is a retired police officer and current quarterback coach for Costa Mesa High School.

Growing up and playing sports with his father is one of the reasons Lux gives for his success on the field.

"There was always a sport being played," Lux said. "Whether it was basketball, soccer or football my dad and I always were playing some sort of sport."

Lux began his kicking career while playing in Pop Warner, when he was 12-years-old. He remembers the coach asking for a volunteer to kick. Lux looked back on his soccer days and gave it a shot. He said he was never really serious about kicking and that playing linebacker and quarterback were more important to him at the time.

Out of football for thre~ years,

WAYIE SHORT I THE TELESCOPE

Ryan lux a pre-seaeson all-american, will be kicking for a major college program next year.

Lux did not play again until his senior year in high school. As a senior at Elsinore High School, Lux worked with his old Pop Warner coach so that he could try out for the high school, he was school team, which was in dire voted first team need of a place kicker. all county, first "We would go out to the team all CIF and field at seven in the mornfirst team all ing, before school even Southwestern League. started just to kick field Adding to his trophy goals." Lux said case , Lux recently won Even though he two honorable mention excelled his senior year, awards for Pacific Coast Lux was not highly Conference player of the week recruited and decided for Sept. 8 and Sept. 22. to attend community "I am just tremendously proud college to improve on of what he has accomplished his kicking ability. already. He has committed himself "He has been to getting better and he has done doing a good job that," said Bill Lux. "He set a goal for us this year for himself and he is working hard and last to achieve that." year," said Lux' longest field goal in a game Ken Stills, came versus the Fullerton City special Hornets on Sept. 20 at Titan t e a m s Stadium on the campus of Cal State coach for Fullerton. Lux kicked a 52-yarder in t h e Comets. a 30-26 victory over the Hornets.

He came within one yard of break"He is a big strong ing the Comets record for longest kid and he con- field goal, which is currently held by tinues to work Randy Johnson. The record was hard. He has a established in 1973 when Johnson nailed a 53-yarder versus Riverside lot of potential."

Lux remembers Community College.

"Ryan is very humble. It's not the day it all turned him-it's about the club," said about around for him. He was attending a kicking Bill Lux. "There are too many indicamp over the summer viduals in sports, but he would give being taught by former two-time up all those field goals and awards college All-American and UCLA to just win a ball game."

He may not be far from breaking place kicker Chris Sailer.

"It was the very first day I kicked that record. Recently in practice Lux with Chris," Lux said. "He fixed my kicked a 60-yarder, and according to him, it went approach to the ball, past the my leg swing and 11 /l Wtll tin tiWHtJml IXplrilntl goal post by instantly I was hitting five yards. the ball better than to win th11t g11m1 for our "Ryan has 11 ever before." tltlm one of the Lux said that over _ Ryan Lux strongest the summer at Sailer's PALOMAR FOOTBALL TEAM'S PLICE-KICKER legs in the kicking camp, he was country," competing with kickers Early said. from division one schools and hearing their praise led him to believe "A strong leg and accurate, he gives he truly has a shot at a division one us more versatility on the field."

One of the more important kicks in college and even the NFL. "Ryan's extraordinary leg Lux' life came on Sept. 27 versus strength and overall athleticism Saddleback as he kicked the game-winmakes him a top division one college ner with 16 seconds left in the game.

"It was an awesome experience to prospect," Sailer said. that game for our team," Lux win The hard work paid off for Lux as he was voted first team JC Grid- said. "I just had a feeling during Wire preseason All-American. Last the game that it would come down season Lux was awarded first team to a kick, the guys worked hard all Mission Coast Conference for the throughout the game and for it to just come down to one kick, it felt Comets.

During his senior year in high good."

n

THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, OCT. ll, 2003

• P•lom•r eh11tl1•d•r• work h•rd to t•k• b•ek th1 N•tion•l th•mpion1hip.

By Chris Batiz

THE i EUSCCPE

The cheerleaders of Palomar College are working hard to regain their National Championship.

The Palomar cheerleaders were the 2002 National Champions and finished second last season.

The squad this year features 12 women and 14 men.

"This squad is better then the 2002 National Champions." Cheerleading coach Paul groom said.

The leaders on the squad are Ondy Stepp, Jen Vilaboy, Heather Adams, Mike Lim and Kimm Jones and they are looked upon to bring this team to victory, Groom said.

"We want to win, we are not coming home without the gold" Vilaboy said.

"I want to win, and get a fat ring,"

Lim said.

The expectations for the 2003 cheerleading squad are very high Stepp said. They have a lot of talent as far as tumbling, stunting and all the cheers go.

"We are picking the moves up faster than average squads do even though they have new members on the squad," Lim said "We have all gotten a lot better stunting wise, everyone has upgraded so far."

Lim said The men on the squad know that cheerleading comes with a price.

Mike Lim says, the girls are really fun to be with

but notes that it is not fun This squad exhibits excellent chemwhen accidents istry.

"We all jive really well, we are like a happen.

"The sport big family and we are goal oriented," challenges you Stepp said.

"Many of these girls go on to great like other sports don't, we tumble and stunt. It is the four year schools with full scholarships combination of flexibility, to University of Hawaii, Hawaii of The strength and endurance, all Pacific, and The University of groups covered in one." Kentucky," Groom said.

Moe Rodriguez said.

They have been filming a skills video The men have to learn the for the past month. It will be sent to University Cheerleading cheers, do all the stunts for the the football games and the Association to be qualified for National Championships Nationals. whether they are a big or If they win the video skills contest it will save the squad about $15,000 and small Rodriguez said the UCA will pay for 16 These cheerleaders go though so cheerleaders to go to much pain during the '1V1 w11nt to win, w1 Nationals in Orlando Fla., Jan. 15 though year with a horrendous 1111 not toming hom1 Jan. 19, once they qualischedule Groom said. fy the coaches will Starting practice by 6 without th1 gold.'' a.m. the squad does choose the squad.

- Jen Yilaboy The1r · fiust ex h'b't' stunts for three and a PALOMAR CHEERLEADD 1 1 IOn half hours on will be Dec. 20th at a Mon., Wed. High School competiand Fri. On Tuesday and tion, that way they get ready said Thursday they do strength- coach Tim Passalacqa. ening and conditioning and The only competition they will comfootball games on Saturday. pete in is the College Cheerleading National Championships.

Anybody who practices like this is going to see They will compete against the top results Groom said. community college cheerleading They cheer at all the squads in the country. home games and the most Their hardest competition will be important road games like Orange Coast College, who are the when they cheered at College defending Champions said Passalacqa. of the Canyons who are curThey will have a three day weekend rently ranked number three with competitions with the finals on the third day Groom said. in the country.

They will also cheer at This squad is primed and ready to Orange Coast College to win the National Championships and get a taste of their rival's bring the gold back to Palomar. routines for the UCA.

comet NAME: Kyle Bickford YEAR: Sophomore SPORT/ WEIGHT: Wrestling/ 1491bs.

HIGH SCHOOL: Vista High School MAJOR: Criminal Justice FAVORITE MEAL: Kyle's mom's Chicken Divan {chicken, broccoli, mayonaise and cheese combined in a dish) with an A&Wroot beer.

FUTURE GOALS: Earn a Bachelor's and Law degree, and pursue a career as alawyer on an FBI agent

NEWS AND NOTES FOOTBALL Mission Conference American Division Mt. San Antonio 6- 0 Palomar 4-2 Orange Coast 3- 3 3- 3 Golden West 3- 3 Cerritos 1- 5 Long Beach

FAVORITE BIND: The Used and A.F.I.

Division Rec. Overall

Southwestern S.D. Mesa Palomar Cuyamaca S.D. City Coli.

Imperial Val.

3-1-0 2-0-2 1-0-3 1-1-2 1-3-0 0-4-0

5-5-3 8-1-3 8-1-3 3-5-5 2-8-2 1-9-2

Men's Water Polo Pacific Coast Conference

Polls California Community College Regional State Football Poll Southern California (10-20-2003) 1. Canyons 6-0 279 pts.

2. Grossmont 6-0 230 pts.

3. Mt. Sac 6-0 219 pts.

4. Saddleback 5-1 199 pts.

5. El Camino 5-1 192 pts.

6t. PALOMAR 4-2 175 pts.

6t. Citrus 5-1 175 pts.

8. Fullerton 4-2 140 pts.

9. Chaffey 4-2 135 pts.

10. Orange Coast 4-2 126 pts.

School

Division Rec. Overall

Grossmont Palomar S.D. Mesa Southwestern

4-0 4-2 4-2 0-7

16-8 12-6 6-7 0-15

* S.D. Miramar did not report

Women's Water Polo Pacific Coast Conference Division Rec. Overall

School

S.D. Mesa Grossmont Palomar Southwestern S.D. Miramar

6-0 4-1 3-3 2-5 0-6

15-3 14-3 8-10 6-17 N/A

Women's Volleyball Pacific Coast Conference School

HOBBIES: Snowboarding, wakeboarding, going to the beach and taking road trips.

School

Weekly Sports Calendar Oct. 27-Nov.2 Women's Soccer

Division Rec. Overall

Palomar 3-0 S.D. Mesa 3-0 S.D. City Coli. 2-1 Imperial Vall. 2-2 Grossmont 2-2 Cuyamaca 0-3 Southwestern 0-4

8-1 4-7 5-4 N/A N/A N/A N/A

29 vs. S.D. Mesa 1 p.m.

31 vs. Grossmont 1 p.m.

Men's Soccer 29 @ Southwestern 3 p.m.

31 vs. Cuyamaca 3 p.m

Football 1 @ Orange Coast 6 p.m.

FAVORITE ON-MIT MOMENT: Revenging an earlier loss in 2002, Bickford recorded apin in the final seconds at the Wrestling All-Star meet against the second ranked wrestler in the state.

MOST INFLUENTIAL ROLE MODEL: Father- He is agreat person that has instilled good values and astrong work ethic for Kyle and his family.

"I wouldn't even be here, if it wasn't for him," Bickford said.

Women's Soccer

W. Water Polo

Pacific Coast Conference

10/31-11/1 @ S.D. MiramarConference Tourn. TBA

School

Division Rec. Overall

S.D. Mesa 8-0-0 Palomar 5-1-0 MiraCosta 5-3-0 Cuyamaca 4-2-2 Grossmont 3-2-2 Imperial Val. 1-6-1 Southwestern 0-5-1 S.D. City Coli. 0-6-0

12-1-0 7-1-3 8-4-1 5-4-4 5-4-3 2-6-1 N/A N/A

M. Water Polo 30 @ San Diego Mesa 3 p.m.

Cross Country 30 @ Cuyamaca-Conference Championships 2:30 p.m.

W. Volleyball 29

Pacific Coast Conference

Valley 5 p.m.

Wrestling 29

Men's Soccer

@ Imperial

@ East

Los Angeles 7 p.m.

1 @ Fresno-State Dual Championships All Day

12

THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, OCT. ll, 2003

Late toals break scoreless tie for Comets

By James Palen

Till TELESCOPE

A pair of goals late in the second half led the Palomar College women's soccer team to a 2-0 victory over the visiting Mira Costa Spartans Oct. 15.

In a game overwhelmed by unsuccessful Mira Costa comer kicks and missed chances for Palomar scores, the Comets managed to squeak in two unanswered goals by forwards Chiharu Uchimura and Ailish Lindquist in the last 14 minutes of regulation to improve their record to 8-1-2.

"I was getting frustrated because there weren't any goals and then she [Uchimura] scores- beautiful- and then in the last minute, 30 seconds- there's nothing better than scoring," Lindquist said.

While MiraCosta had numerous chances to score with their comer kicks, Palomar had many opportunities of their own in the first half. However, broken-up plays and fruitless free kicks kept the Comets from putting any first-half goals in the net.

Uchimura came out of two free kick plays unsuccessful in the half as Palomar had trouble finding any rhythm in their play.

"It is very hard to play teams that try to disrupt your rhythm," Head Coach Cern 'lbnt said.

With his team in a scoreless tie at halftime, 'lbnt was determined to prepare

10811 IIIlAS I Till TELESCOPE

Chiharu Uchimura blasts a free kick into the wall set up by MiraCosta. The Comets went on to a 2-0 victory pushing their record to 8-1-2 on the season.

them for a strong return in the second half.

"It's a 0-0 game; it shouldn't be," 'lbnt said. "It's not because we didn't have the opportunity. We beat them outside. We need to attack in the second half."

However, the beginning of the second half didn't show the 180-degree turnaround 'lbnt was hoping to see.

Much like the first half, the second half was marked by missed opportunity, with near misses booming off the feet of forwards Meaghan Norbeck and Lisa Trevisan.

Finally able to break out of their funk, however, Palomar scored their first goal

near the end of the game as Uchimura more than made up for earlier missed opportunities.

Taking advantage of a deflected Dominique Montoya free-kick, Uchimura came out with an acrobatic score in the 31st minute of the second half.

The free-kick was the result of a selfannihilating MiraCosta penalty on a defender for tripping Palomar forward Monica Lee. "She was just going for my legs," Lee said. "She wasn't even going for the ball."

Lee appeared to be just as excited about the goal as Uchimura was herself.

"I just saw her in the air and I was like

- 'Oh, she's so awesome,'" Lee said.

After the game, Uchimura was still surprised by her circus-trick goal.

"I didn't mean to [score]," Uchimura said. "It just happened."

Adding an insurance goal was Ailish Lindquist, as she knocked in the second Palomar goal with one minute remaining in the game.

"If it wasn't for Tamera's cross [pass], it wouldn't have gone in," Lindquist said.

Despite the Comets' slow start, 'lbnt was pleased with the end result, noting his team's patience to be a positive move against a defensive team such as Mira Costa.

Comet comeback falls short in OT

By Erik Goodson

TKI TUIESC:OPE

COLLIN EIIE I THE TELESCOPE

Lawrence Letuli shoots through the hole as he springs forward for extra yardage.

Palomar dropped a heartbreaker in overtime to No. 5 ranked Mt. San Antonio College 29-26 at Wilson Stadium.

"We knew Mt. SAC would be the biggest and most physical team we've played, and we knew we were going to have to play four quarters. We didn't" said Palomar head coach Joe Early.

The Comets had a dramatic 99 yard drive to tie the game with seven seconds remaining in regulation. The drive was highlighted by two Adam Burke catches of 47 and 44 yards. Caleb Spencer tied the game on an eight yard scamper.

It was the second time this season the Comets (4-2, 0-1 Mission Conference American

Division) lost to a top five team in overtime. They fell to College of the Canyons, ranked No. 1 at the time and currently No.3, in overtime on Sept. 13 in Valencia.

Ryan Lux shone as he was perfect on four field attempts from 48, 51, 40 and 33 yards The 33-yarder gave the Comets a 26-23 lead in the overtime but, on their first play, the Mounties (6-0, 1-0) won the game on a 25-yard pass play into the left comer of the end zone.

UNLV transfer Tony Paoli replaced starter Matt Pound at quarterback in the second quarter and had a good day going 19 for 32 passing for 252 yards and a touchdown.

Mt. SAC took a 14-0 lead before the Comets came back and got on the scoreboard on a 5-yard pass from Paoli to Devin Link to cap a 69-yard

drive.

The Comets got the ball back on an interception by Josh Hargis and closed the gap to 14-10 at halftime on a 48-yard field goal by Lux with 11 seconds left.

"We went into the game thinking that, if we could force them to pass, we'd have them playing our game and it would be to our advantage," Early said. "It didn't work out that way."

The Comets host Golden West in their second Mission Conference American Division game.

"This is not the end of the world," Early said. "With the playoff structure the way it is this year, a lot of things can happen. Right now we just want to worry about next week and our next game with Golden West and go from there."

Women's Volleyball sweeps to remain perlect in conference

By Matt Null

Till TElESCOPE

When Grossmont College appears on Karl Seiler's schedule, the women's volleyball coach usually gets a little worried.

This year was a little different.

The Comets, who are ranked tenth in the state and ninth in southern California by the California Community College Women's Volleyball Coaches Association, cruised to a 3-0 victory over the visiting Griffins at the Dome on Oct. 15.

"It was a good win," Seiler said. "They are our big rivals along with San Diego Mesa and to beat them like we did, it feels good."

Then again, the Griffins are not on top of their game like they have been in years past. In 2002 the Griffins were

ranked no. 16 in the state while Palomar did not give the Griffins a chance to breathe as the Comet's countered with a was ranked at no. 12. The Griffins were 12-point attack. At one point Grossmont also ranked no. 16 in 2001 as the Comets head coach Bert Novico exclaimed his ended the season unranked.

The victory pushes the Comet's record frustration for his team by smacking his clipboard and telling them they were to 6-1 and 2-0 in league play. The team is making too many the defending Pacific errors.

Coast Conference chamThe Griffins listened pion.

'WI plqldlllll/y gHd to Novico as they In a game that should stepped up play and have been evenly dll1n11, lhlll w•1 proHtightened up the score. matched, the Comets b/y k11 for u1 •long with However it wasn't took control in the first 11rring.'' enough as the Comets few minutes of the first won the second match game and never looked - Karl Seiler HEAD COACH-WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL 30-14. back. At one point in the It seemed that as first period, the Comets time went by the reeled off nine straight Seiler's squad only got better as the points to put the match out of reach and Comet's offense continued their domithe Griffins were never able to come nance against the Griffins scoring 22 close as the Comets won 30-20. points before the Griffins reached douAs the second match began, Palomar

ble figures themselves. After a late comeback in the third match the Comets put away the Griffins to secure the victory by the score of 30-10.

"Normally Grossmont is very competitive, so it is nice to come away with a victory," said outside hitter Chie Inoue.

Inoue, who currently leads the PCC in kills with 144, had 12 digs. Erica Arrechea and Kara Smith each had 11 kills and Molly Grossman dished out 31 assists for the Comets.

"We did good serving overall, the middles were working very hard," Inoue said.

Seiler, 2002 PCC coach of the year, agrees with Inoue.

"We played really good defense, that was probably key for us along with serving," Seiler said.

The Comets next home match is Oct. 24 against San Diego Mesa 7 p.m. at The Dome.