The Telescope 57.14 by The Telescope

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Palomar College, San Marcos, Calif.

Vol. 57, No. 14

Schwanenetger puShes college fee increases By Donnie Boyle

iKE TELESCOPE

Despite a 44 percent increase in tuition last year, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's 20042005 state budget includes funding increases to California's community college system - in order to help it regain some of the students and classes lost over the past year. According to the California Community Colleges Chancellor's

Office, budget cuts and fee increases forced more than 171,000 students out of school during the fall 2003 semester. Palomar experienced a 2 percent decrease in enrollment last semester. This was due to both the fee hikes from $11-$18 per unit and the fact that there were fewer classes offered, said Herman Lee, director of enrollment services. Lee and Jerry Patton, vice president of finance, both expressed concern • SEE INCREASES, PAGE 7

IO&EI IEIUS I THE TELESCOPE

Zayd Nath, 7, looks into the front window of a 1963 Dodge Hemi V8 on the San Marcos campus Feb. 14. It was one of many classic cars on display at the "Rodders to_ the Rescue" fund-raiser, which raised $5,000 for San Diego County fire victims.

Hot rods raise $5 k for fire victims By Ro!!er Renkas

TlfE ULfSCOPE

ows of spiffy race cars, hot rods and custom classics braved rain clouds to help volunteers raise $5,000 for fire victims Feb. 14. The Palomar Cabinet and Furniture Technology Department sponsored "Rodders to the Rescue," a fund-raiser on the San Marcos campus to contribute to Palomar's Fire Victim's Fund. Jerry Beaudry, woodworking instructor and custom car owner, helped organize the event. He said he felt a sense of helplessness when

fires roared through San Diego County last October. "Friends lost homes," Beaudry said. "We have nice cars. A car show would be a way to get money to people who · need it," he said. · With assistance from the San Diego Car Club Council, Beaudry began organizing the fund-raiser in November 2003. Car shows rarely take place during winter because of the weather and potential rain, but "people need the money now," Beaudry said. SEE HOT

RODS, PAGE 9

Tuition fees for nonresident· students to jump $10 in summer Bv Mary Ann Keeler

TlfE TELESCOPE

Starting this summer, non-resident students will pay an extra $10 per unit to attend Palomar College. · The governing board approved the fee increase Feb. 11, raising the non-resident student tuition to the statewide average of $149 per unit. Mark Evilsizer and Michele Nelson, members of the governing board, both said they believe the increase is necessary and fair. Palo.m ar is only applying the statewide average of $149 SEE NON-RESIDENT, PAGE 3

New rail line construction begins Bv Heather Siegel

TlfE TELESCOPE

Palomar students will have a new option for getting to class late next year or early 2006. The North County Transit District began construction on a $351 million light rail system called The Sprinter - which runs parallel to Highway 78 and stops at the San Marcos campus. President Bush recently signed a bill to allocate $48 million in federal funds for the new project. The commuter train will run on existing freight tracks that are not used in daytime hours.

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"Students don't like to waste time," said College President Sherrill Amador. "The Sprinter means less time on the highway or looking for parking spaces," Amador said. "I hope there are no further delays, and I can see our enrollment enhanced by this new addition to public transportation," she said. A train station will be built on the south side of Mission Road, across from Palomar's main entrance, with a planned pedestrian bridge for passengers to cross the street to the campus.

IO&EI IEIUS I THE TElESCOPE

• SEE SPRINTER, PAGE 9

Students wcit to board a Breeze bus at the San Marcos can.,us.. The bus wl be one of two alternative modes of transportation when the new Sprirter lidJt rai me opens late next year or eaty 2006.

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THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, FEB. 23, 2004

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• Free HIV testing today and every Monday, 2-4 p.m., Health Services, San Marcos campus

IiI I I • Blood drive, 9 a.m.,

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Lot 11, San Marcos campus

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Lot 11 , San Marcos campus

• Associated Student Government meeting, 1 p.m., Room SU-18

1 j!111j1 • Free film viewing·:

2/ 26

"Talk to Her," 6:30p.m., Room P-32

• Free Concert Hour: 'Music of Palomar"; Peter Gach, 12:30 p.m., Room D-10

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• Conce.rt: "Music of .

and every Monday, 2-4 p.m., Health Services, San Marcos campus

• Mini physicals today and every day this month, 8 a.m., Health Services, San Marcos and Escondido

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Government meetmg, 1 p.m., Room SU-18

Ij! IIIIj1•Free film viewing: ·11 .

"To

Have and Have Not," 6:30p.m., Room P-32

• Free Concert Hour: Music for Film, Bill Bradbury and Chris Pyle, 12:30 PM, Room D-1 0

I j dI • Play: "The Caucasian It I Chalk Circle," 8 p.m., ~I ~:

Howard Brubeck Theatre

81 ·jI • Play: _"The" Caucasian

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Chalk Circle, ' 8 p.m., Brubeck Theatre

• Play: "The Caucasian Chalk Circle," 2 p.m., Brubeck Theatre

I iII I • Auditions: "Book of It I Days," 8 p.m., Brubeck ~,,

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8 1,11 j •I • Callback auditions: '/ ~

Palomar student Jason Roach surveys the land where his quiet, country home once sat in Valley Center. It burned down in the San Diego county wildfires last October. Roach also lost his 16-year-old sister in the blaze. The Roach family is rebuilding their home, and they plan to move in this summer.

Palomar, 2 p.m., Room D-10

1 i:[,] !1 • Free HIV testing today

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KELLY WILDMAIII I TilE TELESCOPl

"Book of Days," 8 p.m., Brubeck Theatre

• Career Day, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., GJ building • Associated Student Government meeting, 1 p.m. , Room SU-18

I Ill liS WHAT

BE~DIItiS HERE.

• P11IOMIIt student rei/eels on how his life h11s eh11nged sinee the Oetobet wildfires By Matt Null

f lU TELESCOPE

or most San Diego county residents, reminders of the fires from last October are limited to views of the charred hillsides alongside the freeway. For Palomar student Jason Roach, he awakens with the reminder that he will never get to see his 16-year-old sister Ashleigh again. The family and fire officials believe Ashleigh was knocked unconscious and later died due to smoke inhalation after the two were involved in an auto accident while fleeing their Valley Center home during the fire. "As far as the closeness of the family goes, you never realize how much your family members mean to you until you almost risk losing them," Roach said. Also in the car, but able to escape, was Jason's 20-year-old sister Allyson. A former Palomar student, Allyson suffered burns over 85 percent of her body. Allyson spent 107 days at the UCSD Burn Unit and Palomar Medical Center before recently returning home Feb 11. "Our family is all in one place now for the first time," Roach said. "It gives us a chance to get what family we have now and put it back to what it once resembled." Currently the Roach family is building upon Allyson's return home and the life of normalcy they once maintained. The family is living in a rented Escondido home while their Valley Center house is being rebuilt. . The family is due to move into their new home in early August. Jason's father, John, is the foreman in charge of the rebuilding effort while his mother Lori, a trauma nurse, is taking time off to take care of Allyson. Presently Allyson is attending daily occupational and physical therapy to regain full use of her arms and legs. Jason has resumed taking classes at Palomar College. Roach is currently taking 16 units toward his fire science degree and plans on attending the Palomar Fire Academy in the fall. The academy is a 15-unit course that starts in late August with graduation in early November. After graduation, Roach said he would like to work as a Valley Center reserve·firefighter. "We are waiting for the day he graduates from the academy," Said Kirsten Walkowiak, Engineer at the Valley Center Fire Station. "We want to have him in our reserve program." Roach said the family's faith has helped them with the many trials they have endured. "Religion has always been a big part of our family," Roach said.

Due in part to the Roach's tragedy, the family heard about many people who started attending church because they heard of the Roach's misfortune through the media exposure. Also, three of Jason's father's co-workers recently · started attending church due in large part to the Roach family. "For Ashleigh to have that kind of effect on people is incredible," Roach said. "You normally associate that sort of thing with saints." Recently, Jason attended a funeral for a friend's father in which a traditional American Indian ceremony was performed. In the ceremony, Jason heard something that he said will always stay with him. "What one of those men said is sitting with me still and is something I keep telling my parents," Roach said. "The gentleman said, 'The bodies that you see around you are the reflections of the souls in heaven, when the bodies disappear it is just a change of the image, the soul is still there.'" For Jason, he said he takes comfort in knowing that even though his youngest sister will not be there physically, that spiritually she will always be with him and the family. "Ashleigh is always with me and my family, she always will be," Roach said. "Just because we · can't see her doesn't

mean she isn't here." Roach said not being able to say goodbye to his youngest sister before she died is what fuels him in his pursuit to become a firefighter, even though he has seen a fires wrath first hand. "The direction I'm taking now is because I never had that tomorrow for my sister, that tomorrow now is the rest of my life," Roach said. "I will spend everyday that I go to that work hopefully giving that other person out there a chance for tomorrow - to say hey I love you." Taking nothing for granted now that he almost lost everything, Roach said that each and every time he leaves his house, he tells his parents and sister that he loves them. "Do it everyday, just don't make it a habit," Roach said. "Sit and realize what"it is you're saying, you just don't know it until you cant say it again." One ofthe harder parts of coping with his sister's death came with the holidays, an empty setting at the Thanksgiving table and a bowl of olives. Ever since she was little, Ashleigh Roach loved poking her small fingertips into the olive holes. This year, out of habit, Roach's mother put a bowl of olives in front of Ashleigh's seat. They remained untouched. It was a constant reminder to everybody at the dinner table that Ashleigh was no longer with them. "For the first time it really set in that this is the way things are going to be from now on," Roach said. "You can surround yourself with all your family and friends but that reminder is always going to be there that she is not physically with us."

KELLY WILDIIAIII I TilE TELESCOPE

The Valley Center Fire Department from left to right: Peter Hennosillo, Mark Walsh, Chris Troncone, Jason Roach, Kirsten Walkowiak, Missy, Jonathan Wilton, Troy Brogdon and Jarett Baker.

THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, FEB. 23, 2004

• NON-RESIDENT: International students pay additional fees to learn at Palo•ar CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

per unit to non-resident tuition, Nelson said. It applies to students who have not achieved residency status in California. California citizens pay taxes that go toward education, and non-residents should also pay their share of the cost since they don't pay the taxes, Nelson said. This is not meant to discourage non-residents or international students from enrolling at Palomar, Evilsizer said. "When you compare the out-of-state tuition in other states to the increased non-resident tuition at Palomar, we are a bargain for the quality of education we offer," Evilsizer said. For a full time non-resident student taking the minimum of 12 units, the tuition raise will cost an extra $120 per semester. Still, there has been no opposition surrounding the decision. Evilsizer and Nelson said none is expected. Yasue O'neill, coordinator of international education, said she hoped the non-resident tuition would not rise. She said that the reason no opposition has been seen is because students aren't aware of the increase yet, since it was just passed. Last time there was an increase, O'neill said she was bombarded with complaints, and she does not think they will stop. O'neill said it's unfair to compare Palomar tuition to out-of-state colleges, because the cost-of-living is considerably lower in other states. Herman Lee, director of enrollment, said there are roughly 700 international students enrolled at Palomar. Only 258 students have a student visa. The board also approved the continuation of a $25 one-time international student application processing fee as well as a $10 per unit capital outlay fee. The $10 fee was recently lowered from $12 to $10. This fee goes toward equipment and building restorations that will directly benefit students, Lee said. Palomar is the only community college in San

lOIII IEIUS I TilE TELESCOPE

International students (from left to right) Yuta Kataoka, Keita Takatsuko, Kahori Akaike and Hiroki Kasahara will have to pay an extra $10 per unit semester, which means a minimum increase of $120 for 12 units. They must also pay additional, international student fees.

Diego to charge international students this fee, making it one of the most expensive, O'neill said. Some international students were surprised and frustrated about the tuition increase. "I feel terrible, I mean I hate it," said Yumi Park, a full time student from Japan. O'neill said those with student visas are only allowed to work on campus ..and face limited jobs with limited hours. "There are a lot of restrictions placed on us, like we can only work on campus for limited hours," said John Guzman, a student from the Philippines. "Job openings are hard to find," he said. They would be eligible after one year to apply for work outside the campus, but to be eligible they

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would have to prove a reason for the change, O'neill said. The extra $10 per unit would not be sufficient reason for eligibility, O'neill said. Lee said tuition as a whole has been rising and non-resident tuition is reflecting that. Non-resident students must pay the in-state tuition fees on top of their non-resident tuition fees, he said. Evilsizer said he hopes this does not steer international students away from the college. "I really value the diversity of international students at Palomar. They bring a lot of culture to our campus," Evilsizer said. "I encourage more to come," he said.

THE TRESCOPE • MONDAY, FEB. 23, 2004

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It is unfortunate that only a few weeks into the Democratic primary race there is already a winner. Did the people of California have a say in who the Democratic candidate will be? No! In fact, most of the people in the United States did not have a ~ay. The obvious winner - John Kerry - was essentially chosen by a small munber of people living in small states. These people did not make the choice by themselves though. The media decided for them. California's primary will be held on March 2, weeks after most of the "hopefuls" have already dropped out. Just a few weeks ago Howard Dean was the front-runner and media favorite. After a few stupid comments - like, we should not pre-judge Osama bin Laden- and one hideous, TREY 111101 I THE TELESCOPE screaming, arm-waving concession speech following relatively unimportant states get to decide who will stands little chance againSt the fund-raising and a loss in Iowa, the media turned on him. media support of Kerry. Judging from Dean's comments and overall behav- run for president? Because the media says so. California, Texas, New York and Florida essentialEdwards is the most charming and articulate of ior 'it became obvious that he did not "get" national politics. The media ate up his every misstep and ly have no say in who the candidate will be. These all the candidates. In the Wisconsin primary shoved them down the throats of the American peo- "big four" are the states that have largest numbers of Edwards came in second right behind Kerry -letple. Once Dean fell out of favor with the media, delegates and, more importantly, electoral votes. In ting voters around the country know that he is this year's general election, small states like Iowa · still in the race. With only the remaining two everyone else turned on him. And what about the other "strong" candidates will mean very little. "serious" candidates participating in the Feb. 28 Wesley Clark? Clark only won one primary in the But a couple hundred thousand people in Iowa dis- debate, voters will finally be able to judge the canearly going and quickly dropped out of the race. So carded eight candidates and hoisted Kerry up as the didates for themselves. did Joe Lieberman who also dropped out after only a man to beat. In the long run this will probably work The media focused a great deal of attention on few primaries. Lieberman, as Gore's vice presidential out. Kerry is a strong candidate and is an experi- Edward's strong finish in Wisconsin.Perhaps a running mate four years ago, won the popular vote. enced politician. The debates this fall against strong showing in the states that actually matter will make a case for him as a vice-presidential canHowever, he performed poorly in all of the early pri- President Bush Will be fun to watch. So when March 2 comes around, is there any point didate for Kerry. maries and was declared dead by the media. Why? Because everyone, especially the media, in going to the polls? Yes. Although the candidate has Edwards winning in California may not unseat loves a winner. And Kerry won. He won the Iowa • nearly been decided, delegates still need to be sorted Kerry as the eventual winner, but it would send a message. It would tell the the media and the rest of Caucus and New Hampshire Primary, which may be out. There is also John Edwards. the first two elections but they have very few deleOne guy that actually had a shot to win the whole the country that California is going to have its say gates or electoral votes. So why do a couple of small, thing was Edwards. Though still in the race, he in national politics.

Teliicope Monday, Feb. 23, 2004

Volume 57, No. 14

IDCUSID DN PAI.DMAR 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.

CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF CHANEL HACHEZ CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF ANDREW PHELPS OPINION EDITOR DONNIE BOYLE ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR MIKO KUDO SPORTS EDITOR ERIK GOODSON ASST SPORTS EDITOR MATT NULL ART DIRECTOR CHARLES STEINMAN PHOTO EDITOR MELISSA CONREY CARTOONIST TREY BANNON ASST PHOTO EDITOR MELISSA EWELL COPY EDITOR STEPHEN KELLER AD MANAGER JESSICA MUSICAR INSTRUCTIONAL ASST TOM CHAMBERS JOURNALISM ADVISER WENDY NELSON PHOTOJOURNALISM ADVISER PAUL STACHELEK

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THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, FEB. 23, 2004

PROP 57

TREY 111111110111 I THI TELESCOPE

Prop. 57 & 58 - Recovery or band-aid? Prop. 57 doesn't actually eliminate the debt. However, refinancing debt is a much better option than simply wallowing in it until it destroys the state completely. Bv Charles Steinman McClintock and his supporters argue TlfE TELESCOPE that with some creativity, the state There is one thing every commentacould come up with a much better solutor will agree on: California is in big tion to our enormous deficit. financial trouble. Over the past few And he still isn't entirely wrong. The years, we have gone from being one of conditions Prop. 57 would set up are the most prosperous states to having miles away from ideal. It would be greatly preferable if we could simply an enormous deficit on our hands. eliminate the deficit. If we do not do someHowever, it's shocking . thing soon, California is going to have to begin H, do not do stHIIflhing that McClintock, who has lived in California slashing essential serv- IIHHI, ttllilomitl is going for years, believes it ices like education and to hllr1 to blgin shlshing would be possible to get a health care- and these ,,;,, SIIYim. cuts are going to make better solution - much less to get a better soluthose proposed by Gray Davis before we kicked tion in the short time we have before our money problems threathim out look like Christmas dinner. en to swallow us alive. The solution that almost everybody Our legislators seem to take years agrees upon is Proposition 57. If this act passes, the state will sell $15 bil- just to decide what socks to wear on a lion in bonds to get us through our given day. Coming up with a completely new (and more controversial) deficitfinancial crisis. There is no question that Prop. 57 patching measure and getting it would do what it is intended to do- if we through the legislature is a nice idea, pass it, the state will get the large influx of but it's not an idea that's likely to cash that it needs to weather the next sevbecome a reality before the next epoch. eral months. And by that epoch, the new proposition Gov. Arnold This is why might not even resemble McClintock's Schwarzenegger and the legislature idyllic fantasy. The fact of the matter is, Arnold and (as well as the Palomar College Governing Board) are putting all their the legislature have decided that Prop. 57 is their answer. They have said that eggs into the Prop. 57 basket. if it does not pass, we may as well kiss Still, a few people ·argue against the proposition because it would actually funding for state programs goodbye. increase California's debt in the future This proposition is the only solution we have right now, and a solution in as it has to pay off the bonds. Sen. Tom McClintock argues, "A hand is worth however many multi-million dollar campaign has McClintock has in his bushes. been launched to convince Californians Vote for Prop. 57 (and its sister to pass on $15 billion of debt - plus proposition, Prop. 58, which must be passed along with it). Otherwise, next another $6 billion in interest - to pay for our own generation's mistakes. " semester the cost of your tuition may McClintock is not entirely wrong. be higher than the cost of your car.

r:Y] Pro - Bond is th1 only imm1di•t1 solution.

Are you going to vote in the • upcomtng election~

Kevin McLin Business

"Yes. I am voting because I don't agree with what's going on out there. I want my voice heard."

ing bond would pay for most of the deficit. The debt obtained from Prop 57 is roughly equivalent to $2,000 per family in California. The bond would be Bv Donnie Boyle paid back over a period of nine to 14 TlfE TELESCOPE years using funds collected from a oneOn March 2, California voters will quarter percent sales tax. be asked to vote on Propositions 57 This is simply bad business. The and 58. Prop. 57 is called "The answer to California's budget crisis is Economic Recovery Bond Act." to eliminate the state's debt, not refiHowever, this proposition offers very nance it. A state, just like a corporalittle in the way of recovery. tion, has limited options to get out of The words "economic recovery" debt. They can cut costs - which is imply that this initiative would end already killing many programs in the California's financial crisis and lift the state. Or they can increase sales or in state out of its massive debt. What the case of a state, revenues. this initiative actually does is borrow This is the point where everyone $15 billion , plunging the state further panics and political careers can be into debt. destroyed. Yes, the answer is tax Conjoined with Prop. 57 is Prop. 58, increases. It does not even have to be "The Balanced Budget Amendment." an increase in income tax. A small to All Prop. 58 would do is make Prop. 57 moderate increase in sales tax would legal by bypassing California's go a long way toward paying off Constitution which has forbidden California's debt. bonds such as this to cover deficit At some point, the cycle of borrowing spending since 1849. and re-borrowing must be stopped and the debt There are very few organized opponents to Most long-tsrm bonds must be eliminated. these propositions due JH11 for building projlds Prop. 57 is a short-term mainly to the fact that solution that pays for politicians in to ""' futu11 gtntlllthe state's existing Sacramento are threat- tions. This bond d01s not debt. ening every state agency JH11 for 11 sing/1 sthool, Prop. 58 was added to justify Prop. 57 by saywith drastic cuts and tt111d or p11rk. every citizen with masing that this type of borrowing will be illesive tax hikes. However, opponents gal in future budgets. such as Tom McClintock cite the fact And, in fact, one cannot pass without that California has the lowest credit the other for it to become law. rating in the nation because of its out Threats of deep budget cuts, higher of control spending and borrowing. taxes and college tuition hikes should Most long-term bonds usually pay not intimidate voters into voting for an for building projects to serve future initiative that will put California even generations . Opponents argue that deeper into debt. this bond does not pay for a single In order to keep programs that citizens school, road or park. depend on, and keep college fees stable, If Prop. 57 is defeated, a currently Californians must be willing to pay their authorized $10;7 billion deficit financshare through a sales tax increase.

r:Yf ton - This will only g1t us d11p1r into d16t.

Alicia S111ith

Quinn Su111111a

"Yes. I don't agree with the economy or the war. I don't like the way our tax-dollars are being spent."

"Yes. I think that it's important to vote."

Psychology

Liberal Arts

Megan Garrett Biology

"Yes. I always vote."

Teal Thal111ayer Theater ·

"Yes. I feel that it's my duty as a U.S. citizen. I want to give back some of what's been given to me."

THE TELESCOPE â&#x20AC;˘ MONDAY, FEB 23, 2004

kOPS

TIEl 111101 I THE TElESCOPE

Prop. 56

Accountability or a blank check?

encourage our elected officials to get budget decisions right the first time. Reducing the majority from two-thirds to 55 percent also minimizes the influence of special interest groups, as our legislative process becomes more stealth in its Bv Chris Balteff ability to meet the core budgetary TlfE TELESCOPE demands of the state of California. On Super Tuesday, March 2, 2004 you As voters, passing this initiative would will be asked to vote on Proposition 56. allow us to hold our elected officials Should the California State Legislature accountable when they fail. continue to have the laborious two-thirds If California is to lead the country with majority in order to affect budget decicutting edge ideas, we as voters must sions or would a more responsive 55 perempower our legislature to seize the cent majority be more effective? moment by moving more swiftly to meet Prop. 56 will allow lawmakers to pass a the demands of the people of California. state budget with a 55 As voters we want action percent majority and - not analysis - related will force them to contin- By Ill/owing 11 II Pl'fllll to the pressing issues of ue working without pay state finances . if they don't have a budg- mttjority, dld1ion1 fluid The final result will et by June 15. A deadline bl m11d1 m011 1will/y by demonstrate that while that has come and gone our l'lpfHIIIItllir11. California is a diverse peowithout a budget many ple with different interests, times. the common ground will be If California were its found by the 55 percent own country, it would rank as the sixth majority on those issues most critical to largest economy in the world, yet our legthe state of California. islature requires the paralysis by analyIn the time that it takes to reach a twosis with an extensive debate of both housthirds majority, often compromises are es to reach a two-thirds majority before made and pork projects are added to the they can provide the people of California budget. The often over power the neceswith a functional budget. sisities of the state as a whole. Your "yes" vote on Prop. 56 raises In this global economy the people of expectations on our elected officials by California deserve a proactive state legismaking them accountable. lature that can react to the dynamic By allowing a 55 percent majority, decidemands on the state's resources. sions could be made more swiftly by our If you as a voter want accountability, representatives in order to support the swiftness with clarity and action as it socio-economic needs of the state of relates to the budgetary demands of the California. state of California, then on election day A 55 percent majority would give us you need to vote "yes" on Prop. 56. Actions more influence as voters and would speak louder than words.

ri Pro -

lridloek in th1 st11t1 l1gisltltur1 must b1 1nd1d

Will the proposed fee increase from $18 to $26 affect you~

Justin Cowan Education

"Very much. I am really broke."

current business will be chased away. Business is vital to the recovery of California's economy. A loss of business would be catastrophic. Tax hikes aren't our only worry with Prop. 56. If Prop. 56 were to pass, it would also make it easier for college By Kyle Hamilton THE TEUSCOPI fees to be increased. In fall 2003, comProposition 56 is bad for California. munity college fees were raised from While advocates of the proposition $11 to $18 per unit. The last thing that we need to do is make it any easier for claim that it will lead to budget accountability, what they aren't telling fees to be raised again. you is that It also makes it easier to In 1997, then President Bill Clinton raise taxes. stated in his State of the Union Under current state law, passing a Address, "Balancing the budget requires only your budget requires approval vote and my signaof a two-thirds majority ture. It does not from each house of the leg- W1 do not nHII th1 require us to rewrite islature. Even with this two-thirds requirement , 1t11t1'1 tDnltitution to b1 our Constitution." This statement also Californians still are pay- r~writt1n in ort/11 to applies to balancing ing $130 billion in taxes Pllll II budglt. each year. This is the sixth state budgets . In order to pass a highest tax rate in the budget with just a 55 country! By allowing a percent approval, Prop. 56 will rewrite budget to be passed with the approval the constitution of California. We do of just 55 percent of the legislature, not need the state's constitution to be taxes are guaranteed to increase. rewritten in order to pass a budget. Opponents of Prop. 56 argue that What we need to pass a budget is an during the last legislative session lawmakers proposed more than 100 tax agreement between political parties. With just 55 percent approving a budgand fee increases. Do we really want to et, it makes it too easy for one party to make passing these increases easier? control how state programs are The current bipartisan consensus financed. That is just too much power that must be achieved before a budget to be held by any one party. can be passed is our only protection Prop. 56 is by far the most dangerous from higher taxes. If Prop. 56 is issue on the March ballot. Join the San allowed to pass, we will have given Dingo County Taxpayers Association, legislators a proverbial blank check. the California Hotel & Lodging If history is any indication, raising Association, the Escondido Chamber of taxes will not help with the state's Commerce, and the Orange County deficit. By raising taxes, new business Register and vote "no" on Prop. 56. will not be attracted to California, and

ri Con - Do not m11k1

it 1111i1r lor our 1/1tt1d ollitill/1 to r11i11 tiiXII

Brianna Welch Biology

"Not really. I only take one class. But it is ridiculous."

lory Luepton Political Science "No. I have a Board of Governor's waiver."

Rob Beers

Anasllja Barnas

""Yes. But I will still take the same numher of classes."

"Not really. I get financial aid."

Math

ldm. of Justice

THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, FEB. 23, 2004

•INCREASES: College ad111inistrators pin hopes on ballot 111easures in March election CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

over the upcoming election. "March 2 is a big day. The outcome will be very important for us," Patton said. Lee and Patton were referring to Propositions 57 and 58, which they say must pass in order for the school to avoid more cuts. If the propositions do not pass, "we are looking at a worst-case scenario where we cut classes and increase fees," Lee said. Lee also said it's tough to tell exactly what 11 impact the proMIItth posed fee increase from $18-$26 will have on enroll-

omores will be attending community colleges instead of universities as a result," Patton said. the reason This shift is Schwarzenegger has proposed a 4.4 percent increase to the community college budget. Chancellor Thomas Outgoing Nussbaum praised the budget increase. He said he hopes the funds would stop the downturn the state's community colleges have experienced over the last year. From fall 2002 to fall 2003, enrollment fell II 5.2 percent and class offerings fell 8. 7 percent. This twom~:· said he Iff II -semester downwould expected a turn followed 15 - Jerrv Patton continuous similar decrease VICE PRESIDENT OF FIIIICE semesters of in enrollment, as growth in the was seen with the community collast fee increase. This time around the Cal State and lege system. Another area of the new budget that University of California systems are also seeing more tuition increases, will impact the community college syswhich are expected to cause a shift in tem is the amount of equalization freshmen and sophomore enrollment funding available. Equalization funding attempts to from four-year universities to commureduce the disparity in local funds nity colleges. "Thousands more freshmen and soph- available per student among each

zis

big dtly.

e•t~IHtrt

budget proposal incudes a increase from $ 18 per unit to

y the legislature, the fee increase tf(ect next fall.

• llae stcite legislature will review the proposal this May. -Me'

eo..unJty college fees were raised from to S 18 during fall 2001.

The outeome will be very ilflplflllnl Uf.

district. "The equalization dollars made available would be very beneficial to the college," Patton said. "Of course this all depends what happens on the March 2 ballot," he said. Financial aid will also be affected by the new budget Students from middle-income families may now have a more difficult time receiving aid, particularly CAL Grants, where the maximum family income for eligibility is being lowered 10 percent.

"Many students are already eligible for aid, they just don't bother for $18 a unit," Financial Aid Director Mary San Agustin said. San Agustin said she hopes that more students will apply when fees are increased. "The money is there," she said. California Community College fees dropped during the late 1990s from $13 a unit to $10, when the state was running budget surpluses of $15 billion per year, before being raised by $1.

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THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, FEB. 23, 2004

• E • ;! •1• Ill

1Bv Ben Greenstein

fifE TELESCOPE

This year is arguably one of the best in recent times for the Oscars lots of excellent movies contending for the big awards, with some smaller art films recieving considerable recognition as well . The front runners for most of the awards are Peter Weir's sea epic "Master And Commander," Peter Jackson's "The Return OfThe King"the third and final film in the popular "The Lord of The Rings" film adaptations, and, in a huge surprise, Sofia Coppola's independently-minded, artistic comedy "Lost In Translation." Which films, and which actors, will win in the major categories? Here are my picks.

Ill

• Best Actor Jude Law probably won't win -the role was something of a "hearthrob" part, which the academy usually frowns upon. Nor does he deserve to win- near the end of the film, Law came across as a supporting part to

And the Nominees are..• aest ACtor •, Jqt1nny Depp - Pirates of the: caribbean • 'Ben Kingsley- House of sand ~nd FOg • Jude Law - Cold Mountain • Bill Murray- Lost in Translation • Sean Penn -Mystic River ,,~

Btst Actress • ,, ~ castte-Hughe$Whale ...Ridelt, M<., ""' . .. . '{{@b.,~.·:..

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frustratingly enormous cast. And although Penn is a fine actor, his recent outspokenness against the war in Iraq has recently cost him a lot of popularity. Johnny Depp is a favorite this year because he was widely considered by critics to be the saving grace of "Pirates," but his performance was too goofy and flamboyant to seal the prize. The winner will most likely be Bill Murray, who certainly deserves it for his excellent semi-dramatic turn in "Lost In ' Translation." • Best Actress "In America" didn't generate , enough buzz to win a major category, so Samantha Morton is out right away. "Whale Rider" got a little more publicity, but more for its stellar underwater photography than for its cast . . Naomi Watts has the similar problem. Her movie was something of an underground hit, but not because of her. It • • • •

D[ane Keaton give Samantha Morton -In Ameri<:a Charlize Theron .. Monster Naomi Watts- 2.1 Grams

Best Supporting Actor • Ale<: Baldwin -The Cooler • Benicio DelToro- 2.1. Grams • DJlmon Hounsou .- lnA'meri<:a .

popularity can be credited more to the popularity of Sean Penn and Benicia Del Toro. If the Academy sees her lis a supporting actress, then she has no chance at winning the "big" award. Theron is the obvious winner in this category- she has generatffi a lot of positive publicity for her thourougly non-glamorous role in. Once again, "In America" just wasn't popular enough to win big, though the Academy is slightly more likely to give it a supporting actor award. Ken Watanabe's chances aren't much better. ·"Last Samurai" was seen by many as more of an action movie, and therefore not a critic's fave. And Alec Baldwin is yet another potential winning actor forced to go in the "movie that few people saw" department. It is a tossup betWeen Del Toro, who is popular, fresh and has been a previous Oscar favorite, and Tim Robbins, who will most likely win if "Mystic River" doesn't any of the other awards.

• Best Supporting Actress Shohreh Aghdashloo and Patricia Clarkson probably won't win this round and, although she is a fine and respected actress, neither 'will Holly Hunter for "Thirteen." History has shown that lesser-seen movies stand very little chance at the major awards, even when the actor or actress in question is established and talented. Marcia Gay Harden, for "Mystic River," is a likely choice, but the strongest case is for Renee Zellweger in "Cold Mountain," she seems to be the one who has the most buzz. And when it comes to Oscars, she with the most buzz wins. • Best Picture The clear winner is "The Lord Of The Rings: The Return of the King." It seems that the only reason that the two previous films in the series lost this category is because the Academy knew it could wait and give the prize to the third film. Well, the third film is now up - I don't know how much of a chance "Master And Commander" and "Mystic River" have against a film which the Academy has been waiting three years to give an award to. The 76th Annual Academy Awards start at 5 p.m., Feb. 29, and will be broadcast on "ABC."

'1:i::

• Tim Robbins -Mystic River • Ken Watanabe -The Last Samurai

Best supportlng Actress

~ aest Picture • The Lord of the Rin9s: The return

of the king • Shohreh A9hdashloo - House oi • Lost in Translation sand and fog • Master and Commander: The far • Patricia qarkson - Pieces of April side of the world • Marda Gay Harden - Mystic River , , Mystic Rlver • Ho!Jy Hu6t~r -Thirteen Seablscuit

:':8:

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Escondido's new theater no better than anywhere else Bv Adam Marantz

fifE TELESCOPE

The

new

Signature

~.. Theatre in Escondido may ~

be a haven for locals, but doesn't offer too much more than what moviegoers in ' San Marcos get at Edwards. The new 16-screen multiplex held its grand opening Jan. 30, with $1 deals on hot dogs and popcorn. The perks to the new theater are its plentiful concession stand and its stadium style seating with state-of-the-art Dolby Digital sound in every house. The stadium seating is very comfortable with highback rocking chairs. The added leg room is cozy for the customers who want to stretch out. The downfall is that the seats in front of you are so far away, you'll need to be Inspector Gadget to put your feet up. The sound quality is crystal clear as well. I commend the Signature for pumping so much money into its Dolby Digital sound systems. When people go to watch movies, the movie experience itself is priority number one f

- snacks and video arcades turn up the volume. should be secondary. One drawback of the lobby Even though the movie is the design of the Critic's experience at the Signature is Corner Cafe. It is in the remarkable, the evening shape of a giant Tetris block, adult ticket is the standard ind~nted on both ends. $9.50 just like Edwards and The concession stand is pooly organized, and on the the Krikorian. The student price is the night of a giant movie most expensive of the three premiere, the employees at $7.25 a pop. Not only is and customers alike are in for $7.25 steep for a student, an unorganized exchange but just the hassle of digging of food. through your pocket or purse The goods the theater to find that elusive quarter offers are appealing because is annoying. they can't be found at any Upon walking into the other theaters. It supplys Signature, the set-up is very polish sausages and a giant enticing to an avid moviegoer. plate of nachos with sour The lobby is not cluttered cream, cheese and salsa. with dorky displays promoting Its outrageous prices may the next huge Hollywood turn customers off - an order blockbuster. Instead, the of nachos, albeit with salsa, lobby is very wide open with cheese, and sour cream is a a video arcade that is visible, · staggering $5.75 - that's but set off in a different eight tacos and a large drink room to avoid annoying at Jack-in-th&Box. sound effects and screaming Its mammoth selection of children. ice cream sits in the freezer There is a prominent in front of the concession customer service desk stand - color me stupid for where customers can easily questioning the Cold Stone take their comments and creamery opening next door. complaints. This is much The theater's prominent better than tracking down a display of ice cream makes its manager to turn on the air or candy selection nearly

impossible to see in line. Customers loose their place in line to sneak a peek at the candy only to find a boring and ~smal selection of M&M's and Redvines. Nothing spectacltlar like sour candy or chocolate covered gummy bears. During the grand opening, the Signature already received a bad reputation for becoming an instant teen hangout. However, the Escondido Police Department as well as theater management say that the problem has dwindled

since security guards have been installed in and around the theater. Escondido Stadium 16

Theater info: 350 W. Vally Parkway Escondido Admission fee: Adult $9.50, Child 2-12 and Senior 60+ $6.00, Student $7.25, Daily Matinee Shows starting before 6:00 p.m. $6.50

Phone#: (760)291-0119 Wheelchair accessibility and assistive hearing devices are available at the theater.

THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, FEB. 23, 2004

• SPRINTER: Light rail line will cover 2 2 miles - front Oceanside to Escondido CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Access to the bridge may include an elevator, said Charlie Schaffer, development director for the city of San Marcos. "We will definitely be reconfiguring the traffic signals at that intersection to make sure that everyone can cross safely," Schaffer said. The NCTD's goals for the new system are to reduce air pollution, take cars off roads and reduce the demand for parking spaces. "There may not be room for more parking lots at Palomar College," said Tom Kelleher, NCTD spokesman. ..._ "The Sprinter will stop at the front door of the college, will be air-conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter, and will have level boarding and priority seating for the disabled and the elderly," he said. Mike Ellis, facilities director, said he thinks the

Sprinter will make a difference, even though he does not think the parking situation is a problem for students now.. "The costs of owning and driving a car keep increasing. The Sprinter will work if people use it," Ellis said. The 22-mile Sprinter will have 15 stops between Oceanside and Escondido, including Vista and San Marcos. The rail line will provide passenger service every 30 minutes in each direction from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sprinter fares have not been determined, but they will be similar to NCTD-operated Breeze buses, which cost $1.75 per trip. Some current Breeze bus riders are opposed to Sprinter. Jennifer Knapic, graphics communications student, uses the Breeze to get to class.

"The No. 302 bus schedule will be cut from every 15 minutes to every 30 minutes," Knapic said. "Right now, the bus stop is right in front of my house. The closest Sprinter station will be too far for me to walk to. It's not fair, and it's too expensive," she said. Students must still get to classrooms when they arrive at the campus, and Ron Haines, director of the Disability Resource Center, operates a mobility assistance service for disabled students. "Students will have to be retrained to learn how to negotiate the campus again from the Sprinter station," Haines said. The NCTD also operates the Coaster, a commuter train that runs from Oceanside to downtown San Diego. The transit district has been developed the concept of Sprinter since 1987.

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Shawn Gregg looks at a restored 1929 vintage fire engine at the "Rodders to the Rescue" fundraiser on the San Marcos campus Feb. 14. The Palomar Cabinet and Furniture Technology Department raised $5,000 for San Diego county fire victims at the event.

The days leading up to the event were warm and dry, but Feb. 14 began with dark clouds overhead. "If the weather hadn't threatened rain in the morning, more cars would have attended," said Roy Tucker, a Pontiac owner. Warren Reidel just finished restoring a 1960 Thunderbird, and he was worried about the rain. "It was a little scary because it's a convertible," he said. Visitors walked through aisles of cars and witnessed vintage cars dating back to the 1920s. They also checked out the engines and interiors of Pontiac and Dodge muscle cars from the 1960s and 70s. A brightly painted, custom-built chopper attracted a lot of attention. A total of 130 vehicles were on display. Vintage fire engines also made an appearance at the event, reminding visitors that fire victims would benefit from the proceeds of the event. George Lucia, a retired fire fighter,

brought a 1929 vintage fire truck he restored. Lucia said he came to show off his shiny vehicle and attract people's attention to the fund-raiser. Charles Spitz visited the show from New Jersey, because a friend of his who restores cars told him about it. "The money being raised is welldeserved," Spitz said. Eric Souza, a captain at the Escondido Fire Department, presented plaques to the winners of the best-looking cars. The plaques were made of wood designed by students in the woodworking department. The "Best of Show" award went to a black 1951 Henry J, built by Kaiser Frazer. Denny and Sunny Doyle own the car. "I felt so bad for the people, Sunny said. "It was absolutely tragic. We were glad to help," he said.

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THE TELESCOPE â&#x20AC;˘ MONDAY, FEB. 23, 2004

San Diego Sports Arena sponsors campus radio station upgrades Palomar's student-run radio station, KKSM-AM 1320, picked up the support of a new sponsor - the San Diego Sports Arena. The sports arena will aid the radio station with money to upgrade technology, remodeling and rewiring, said program director Zeb Navarro. The money will also pay for promotions and giveaways, he said. Past sponsors of the station include Lou's Records, Spin Records, Tom's 22, and IHOP. Sponsors like these, Navarro said, keep the station running. "Your sponsors are very important in radio," said Meg Banta, general manager of KKSM. "It's $20,000 a year just for general costs." Banta said without the financial backing of sponsors, students would not have the opportunity to be on the air or learn the business of radio. "Without the support of sponsors, the radio station collapses," Banta said. -

Katherine Griffin

Openings available at Palomar Child Development Centers Palomar Child Development Centers still have a few openings for children ages 3-4 at the San Marcos campus and Escondido Center. The centers are also accepting waiting list applications for summer and fall 2004.

Eligible children are those whose parents are students or staff at Palomar, or who live in the community near the center. "We offer a developmentally appropriate, play-based program," said Carol Gidner, the center operations assistant. Fees for children under 3 are $30 for a half-day and $40 for a full day. The fees for children over 3 are $21.50 for a half-day and $28.50 for the whole day. In addition, there is a $50 registration and materials fee due upon enrollment. Students enrolled in academic courses can apply for financial aid, depending on income and family size. For more information, contact Gidner at (760) 7441150 ext. 2575, or visit www.palomar.edu/ childrenscenter. The Web site has an online application, video and more details about both centers. -

All physicals require two appointments - the first with a registered nurse who will assess and perform required screenings, lab tests and immunizations. The second appointment is with a physician or nurse practitioner who will review all of the test results and complete the exam. Adults should get a physical exam every 3 to 5 years. Many students and faculty do not have medical insurance, so Health Services offers a way to provide these individuals with a service that is reasonably priced. -

Michelle Forshner

Chrystall Kanyuck

Low-cost physicals offered at Health Services year-round Health Services provides free physical examinations with medical doctors and nurses to all enrolled students who have paid their Health Fee. "Mini physicals are also offered several times a year as a general health exam," said Marge Reyzer, registered nurse at Health Services. The physical includes a hearing and vision screening test, skin screening of moles and skin problems, urine test, and blood analysis through a chemistry panel and complete blood count.

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THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, FEB. 23, 2004

Ire the Yankees tood for baseball? The New York Yankees are grep.t for baseball. Just hearing that statement either makes you cringe in anger or smile in ecstasy; and that is what makes them so great. If you are a fan of a different team then you qualify as a Yankee hater. If you happen to be a loyal Yankee fan you sit smugly realizing that your team is the center of the baseball galaxy. The Yankee fans reassuring their faith with the recent Alex Rodriquez transaction, while the rest of the nation is left cursing "Damn Yankees" and writhing in disbelief. The buzz ranges from that of unfairness and the sanctity of the game to the anticipation of witnessing one of the best lineups of all times: Murderer's Row Revisited. Larry Luccino, Boston Red Sox team president, has coined them the "Evil Empire," a phrase that embodies the organization from the top down, starting with ruthless and relentless team owner George Steinbrenner. They have put a stranglehold of dominance on a sport unlike any other team in any other sport. The Yankee legend dates back to the · Babe Ruth trade, an acquisition that has cursed the rival Red Sox for the same time period. Since that time the Yankees have

won the World Series 26 times, a number that has them taking it better than once every four years. They have appeared in the series over one-third of the time, including six of the past eight. But they haven't won the title since 2000, and three seasons in a row without a championship has Steinbrenner stockpiling talent to prevent a fourth. The addition of Alex Rodriguez gives the Yankees 17 all-stars on the roster, and that includes seven of the eight position players. But Rodriguez is more than an allstar; he is the league's reigning MVP. He is arguably the best all-

around player in the game, and best shortstop ever and he is just entering his prime. And now he will be playing third base for the star-studded line-up. A case of the rich getting richer and the poor getting, well ... another reason to complain. And there is good reason for that. The Yankees getting Rodriguez is like the Beatles adding Elvis, how ·could they possibly get any better? There were already 17 all-stars on the team, but they gave one up in Alfonso Soriano to get Rodriguez. They were already the favorites to repeat as American League champions, and appear in the World

ION ANTONELLI I KRT HEWS SERVICE

Newly acquired third baseman Alex Rodriguez checks out historic Yankee Stadium Feb 17 as the announcement came that he will be playng for the New York Yankees. Rodriguez will wear No. 13.

AID

NEWS

comet NAME: Elicia Velazquez YEAR: Sophomore SPORT/POSITION: Softball/ Left Field HIGH SCHOOL: Mt. Carmel High School MAJOR: Interior Design FAVORITE BANDS: Good Charlotte, Beyonce

Series, yet again. So why do they do this, why add the most expensive player in the game? Because they can. They can, they have and they will do it again. They consummated a deal in two days that the rival Red Sox couldn't complete in two months. Why? Because the Yankees get what they want, and they decided they wanted Rodriguez despite the fact it pushes the teams payroll near the 200 million dollar mark. Four of the five · infielders alone make 71 million, a number that exceeds 70 percent of the other team payrolls. And so you hate them, you love them but more importantly you pay attention to them. Everyone has an opinion on the Yankees; they are the traveling Goliath, turning any opponent into David. America loves winners, but more than that they love the underdogs, the Cinderella stories. And the Yankees always add that element in October. Are the Yankees guaranteed to win? No way-god willing, but they will be in the playoffs. And if your team isn't in there, then you can join every one else and root against them. Root against the baseball tyrants, root against the evil empire, root against the unfair system and payroll discrepancies. And if your team is the Yankees then you just get to root, and if you don't win ... well Steinbrenner will make sure that the next best player will be dawning pinstripes this time next year.

Weekly S~orts Schlclu e

Pacific Coast Conference Standings

M.U- ... 1

asof hit. 17

Women's Basketball

Women's Basketball School

Conference

Overal

8-0 7-1

14-9 17-6 13-10 10-12 6-17 4-16

Palomar Imperial Valley Southwestern Crossmont SD Mesa Cuyamaca

4-4

3-5 2-6 0-8

·f.'

and Justin limberlake. FAVORITE MEAL: Lasagna with meat sauce, caesar salad and milk. FUTURE GOALS: To transfer to Long Beach State and continue playing softball as long as possible. After graduating she plans on opening her own interior design business.

HOBBIES: She likes shopping, softball, hanging out with her boyfriend and other friends and going to the beach.

Men's Basketball Southwestern MiraCosta SD City College Cuyamaca Crossmont Imperial Valley Palomar SD Mesa

10-2 8-4 7-5 7-5 5-7 5-7 4-8 2-10

21-4 14-8 9-13 9-14 8-16 7-16 7-18 3-20

PCC Basketball Statistical Leaders Women's Scoring in conf. Player

Pis. Avg.

Beach City College, Elicia had the game winning hit in the seventh inning. The single up the middle broke up a tie game and gave the Comets the victory.

Shumae Buckner,S'westem Bobbie Waldon, SO Mesa Linsay Ouringer, Palomar Verdelle Jones, S'westem Erin O'Comor; Palomar Lina Fanene, Palomar Roca Ramos, Cuyamaca ljlal Barnes, SO Mesa

114 129 118 115 94 81 66 87

MOST INFLUENTIAL ROLE MODEL: Mt Carmel head softball coach Carlson

Player

FAVORITE ON-FIELD MOMENT: Last season·as a freshman against Long

- She has always told me to have fun in everything that I do. She convinced me to keep on playing softball and helped me get in here at Palomar. "Play the game like you did when you were a child, always have fun, and play as long as you can," Elicia said of her former coaches constant message to her.

NOTES

16.3 161 14.8 14.4 118 116 110 10.9

Men's assists in conf.

Feb. Z7-28lst Round State Playoffs lime and location TBA

Baseball

Softball Feb. 24 @ Chaffey College 3p.m.

GoH

Feb. 23 @ Santa Ana El Prado golf course 12 p.m. Feb. 25 vs. Irvine Valley lla.m. Mar. 1vs. Rivers'ide, Irvine Valley and Colden West lla.m. 'home matches at Twin Oaks CoH Course

Men's Tennis Feb. 24 vs. San Diego Mesa 2p.m. Feb. 26 @ San Diego City College 2 p.m.

assists Avg.

Chet King, S'westem 82 Cart Gales, SO City 56 Frankie Calles, IVC 46 Aaron Stlrayhand, Cuya 45 Aidin Moradi, Grossmont 36 Sir Aening, Palomar 47 Tremaine Silgleta!y, S'west 39 Adam Greene, MiraCosta 42

8.2 4.7 4.6 4.5 4.0 3.9 3.9 3.8

Feb. 24 @ Orange Coast " College 2 p.m. Feb. 28 @ San Diego City College 12 p.m.

Women's Tennis Feb. 24 @ Imperial Valley 2p.m. Feb. 26 vs. Cuyamaca 2p.m.

THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, FEB. 23, 2004

Griffins give Comets

a beating Meni b11sketb1111 11111 to sev1nth pl11te in tonlerente pl11y By James Palen

THE TELESCOPE

ARTHUR AIDERSOI I THE TELESCOPE

DIVING IN - Comet swimmer James Feeny competes in the in the second leg of the backstroke relay Feb 6 in the Orange Empire Swim Relays at the Palomar College pool. The Comet men swimmers and divers are currently 1-0 as the women's team placed second in the meet. The Comets next meet is March 4-6 at Mt. San Antonio College in the Mt. San Antonio College Invitational. The Comets first home meet will be March 12 versus Riverside City Community College, which will kick off the 2004 Orange Empire Confrence season for both teams.

Comets roar against Tigers • Meni tennis sweeps previously unbe11ten Riverside City College By Erik Goodson

TlfE TELESCOPE

In an early meeting of unbeatens, the men's tennis team had no problem dispatching visiting Riverside City College RIVERSIDE CITY 0 Tigers Feb 11. PALOMAR 9 The Comets won by the count of 9-0 as they swept all of the matches in the meet. The toughest match for the Comets came in the battle of the two teams respected number one singles play!'lrs, Palomar's Michael Redondo and RCC's Craig Kasala. "Mike had to work for that one," said head tennis coach Ronnie Mancao. "He dropped that first set, but battled back in the final two." Redondo lost the first set 6-7 (8-6) in a tie-breaker that went back and forth before Redondo was broken and Kasala. He broke Kasala's serve early in the second set and held on to win 6-3. The third set once again required a tie-breaker, but this time Redondo prevailed 7-6 (6-4). That match set the tone for the· rest of the meet as the Comets rolled from that point, only losing one other set. "It was a tough match, he (Kasala) has a strong game," Redondo said." The win gives Palomar a 3-0 record on the young season, and dropped RCC to 2-1. ,

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liLLY WILDMAI I THE TELESCOPE

Comet Gary Garcia serves against Riverside City College opponent Otis Vu Feb 11

Later Redondo and Kasala were matched up again, this time in doubles. The tandem of Redondo and Ryan Frazier outlasted Kasala and Otis Vu 9-7 to end the day. Gary Garcia, the number two singles player had no trouble dispatching his opponent in straight sets 6-4 and 6-4 against RCC's Vu. Palomar's Frazier downed RCC's Lewis Sadik 6-2 and 6-4 in straight

sets. "Everyone played well today," Mancao said. "We did a great job of keeping our unforced errors down." Comet Thomas Yancey also won in straight sets beating Tony McGuire 60 and 6-1, while only dropping one game the entire match. "He (Yancey) was dominant out there, it's tough to win in that fashion at this level," Mancao said. "And we had two of them do it." The other was number five singles player Sandoval who defeated Rusty Bale 6-1 and 6-0. After being up 3-1 in the first set he won nine consecutive games. The Comets number six singles player Tuan Nguyen lost his opening set 6-4 against Bobby Burns but quickly rebounded to take the final two 6-1 and 6-2. The number two doubles team of Garcia and Sandoval won their match against Lentz and Sadik 6-1 and 6-3. While the number three tandem of Chris Auen and Yancey defeated Bale and McGuire 6-0 and 6-1, to complete the 9-0 sweep. "We expected to win, but not necessarilly sweep them," Redondo said. "They are a good team, but we were better today." The Comets are looking ahead to conference play, and hope that the pre-season momentum carries over. "We have gotten off to a great start, but it's all building blocks towards our season goals," Mancao said. The Comets have two more matches before Pacific Coast Conference opens on Feb. 19 on the road against Imperial Valley. The Comets will be one of the favorites to win the PCC this year. "I think we have a real good shot," Mancao said. "If we play up to our ability then we'll be fine."

Winning four of their last six games, the Palomar College men's basketball team had hoped to finish the season's final three games on a strong note. That task could GROSSMONT 83 prove to be much more difficult PALOMAR 65 than anticipated, following the Comets' 83-65 loss to Grossmont College Feb. 14 at the Dome. The loss dropped the Comets' record to 7-18 overall and 4-8 in conference, allowing Grossmont ·to surpass them in the battle for sole possession of sixth place in the Pacific Coast Conference. While the Grossmont Griffins got their groove on, the Comets didn't feel much love from the basketball gods this Valentine's Day. And Palomar head coach John O'Neill didn't feel he got the love he deserved from the game's officials either. "Yeah, they were on our side," O'Neill said in sarcastic fashion. "Mter the game they're going to be on our side." O'Neill's frustration with officials was evident throughout the game, as he ranted, raved and held his head in disbelief with certain calls, and in some cases, nocalls; he felt to be questionable. The miscues of his young team didn't help to brighten the coach's mood, however, as winnable halftime score of 38-27 turned into a Valentine's Day date gone bad by the second half. While the Griffins left the Dome with five players in double figures in points scored, only two Palomar players emerged able to boast the same statistic. Scoring 15 points each, guard Stephan Legros and point guard Sir Flemming . led Palomar scoring. With only three games remaining going into the game, all within the conference, the Comets had hoped to run the table and finish off the season .500 in PCC play, but the loss eliminated any hope of that. "We didn't play any defense at allzero," O'Neill said. "Our defense was just absent." Palomar center Manuel Montano felt that overall lack of defense wasn't the only thing holding back the Comets. "Our defense was pretty good toward the beginning, but it was our offense. We never got clicking," Montano said. "We didn't have the fire to come out," forward Charles Lawrence said. "They came at us hard and we just weren't prepared for it." Lawrence is one of eleven freshman on Palomar's 14-man roster, a mix O'Neill says is difficult to compete with. "You have to have sophomores to win in this league," O'Neill said. "And we don't have any. Three guys are back but only two of them are playing." Those three guys-Legros, center Darren Triba and forward/center Chris Nickolei-are the only players O'Neill stand to lose next season. With 11 players eligible to return for the 2004-2005 season, he looks to be a better team in the future. "We've got all those guys back and they'll have a year under their belt," O'Neill. The Comets have two games remaining at Imperial Valley and MiraCosta and will not return to the Dome until next season.