FOCUSED ON PALOMAR
the telescope
Monday, Feb. 28, 2011
Vol. 64, No. 15
Palomar College, San Marcos, Calif.
Congress is debating an $845 per grant cut to aid for needy students 50 5 , 5 $ : 2010
2009: $5,350
2011:
AID IN DANGER Number of students awarded federal aid through the years**
20102011
20092010
$4,10
5
david leonard The Telescope
Federal lawmakers passed a bill on Feb. 19 that would slash more than $1 million in aid to needy Palomar students. The bill is stuck in the Senate, where Democrats and Republicans continue to squabble over next year’s budget. The spending bill would reduce by $845 the maximum aid students can receive through Pell Grants, which provide aid to the poorest students to help with fees and expenses. More than 3,600 Palomar students received a Pell
Grant this year, for an average of $2,900 per person, college spokesperson Laura Gropen said. This reduction will hit poorer students the hardest, capping the amount they can receive from the federal government at $4,105, and reversing a boost in Pell Grant funding approved last year. “It really does affect the students who most need financial assistance,” turn to GRANTS paGE 10
The number of Palomar students seeking aid jumped 8% last year mark saunders The Telescope
With tax season finally upon us, financial pressures are looming for many students. However, there is another deadline students often let slip: It’s time to file for the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA). March 2 marks the FASFA priority deadline for 2011-2012 applications in California. This means that students interested in qualifying for state aid as well as federal aid should submit their form by this date. FASFA provides financial aid to students who demonstrate eligibility for federal fi-
20082009
15,224 13,352 10,586 students students students awarded awarded awarded aid aid aid (so far)
* data from EDGRANTS ** data from FAFSA.gov
Each number represents the maximum aid in Pell grants per student, per semester*
nancial assistance. Students can apply online or by forms at their campus’ financial aid office. At Palomar, the amount of students to apply for aid has been increasing since 2008, according to the FAFSA website. Palomar saw an increase of almost 3,000 applicants between 2008-2009 school year and 20092010 school year. This year thus far, there has been an turn to aid paGE 10
MORE STUDENTS APPLYING
2 [News]
Monday, Feb. 28, 2011
Campus Headlines Radio, television student ads picked for PGA tourney Student-made commercials air during national golf tournament Margaret Madrid The Telescope
The PGA Tour Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament chose two Palomar Radio and Television students to help advertise this year’s event. Students Serena Reid and David McMinn created a commercial package, which included a 30-second television ad and a 60-second radio ad for the PGA Tour. Century Club of San Diego, a non-profit corporation organized to promote the annual PGA Tour, chose Reid and McMinn’s commercials to air throughout San Diego, including at San Diego International Airport, from Jan. 27-30. Professor Garrett ChaffinQuiray assigned his broadcast writing and producing class (RTV 110) a homework assignment of writing a script based on criteria from Century Club of San Diego. Century Club of San Diego chose Reid’s script out of the entire class. Reid said she watched television
commercials for hours to get a feel for professional commercials. Her advertising class played a significant part in helping her know the psychology behind television advertising, she said. She added that she believes she rose to the challenge and found out that she is capable of many things. “Don’t limit yourself,” Reid said. “You’re only limited by your imagination.” Professor Chaffin-Quiray announced the winner in class and was pleased to find out that Reid had been chosen for her script. “Serena has been successful in working in other careers and is changing direction for the next stage in her life,” Chaffin-Quiray said. “So, I am pleased to see that she was able to do this.” After the script was chosen, it was turned over to Professor Pat Hahn’s digital video editing class (RTV 270) to be completed. Century Club of San Diego provided 14 hours of digital footage of previous PGA events for Hahn’s
students to edit into Reid’s script. McMinn’s edited commercial was chosen to represent the PGA Tour. He spent hours going through PGA footage to find the right shots for the commercial. McMinn said he thinks that his unique music and camera shots factored into his commercial being picked. “If I hadn’t stayed up for eight hours for a three-second shot, I probably wouldn’t have won,” McMinn said. McMinn said he was honored to be competing against his fellow RTV 270 classmates. “I stood on the shoulders of greater editors before Palomar Radio and Television students David McMinn (left) and Serena Reid (right) are pictured in the me,” McMinn said. Hahn said he thought KKSM radio station on campus. The duo created commercial spots for the Farmers Insurance Open McMinn was a perfect golf tournament in Torrey Pines. (Johnny Nguyen/The Telescope) match for the PGA Tour play his last hole,” Reid said. commercial. Reid and McMinn plan to en- Contact Margaret Madrid, staff writer, at “He is humble enough to take direction and comprehends what the roll in more in radio and television mmadrid@the-telescope.com classes to further their knowledge client wanted,” Hahn said. Reid and McMinn were both of video production. Both students CHECK OUT given VIP passes to the PGA Tour have with the hope of one day win- THE-TELESCOPE.COM TO Farmers Insurance Open golf tour- ning an Emmy, a prestigious nation- SEE THE COMMERCIALS al television production award, for nament. “I was able to see Phil Mickelson their individual work.
Swim Instructors Wanted Instructors $12–$19/hour Customer Service $10/hour Contact Brett at (760) 744-7946
Retired professor dies after long illness Colleagues remember professor’s love of history education, old west Sydnie Taylor The Telescope
One of Palomar’s retired faculty members, John Tanner, died on Feb. 13. Tanner’s death was the result of a long illness. The memorial service was on Feb. 20 at Calvary Chapel in Fallbrook. “In his 35-year tenure as a Palomar College professor, John Tanner emerged as the preeminent historian of the Economics, History and Political Science Department,” said Chris Johnson, Economics, History and Political Science Department Chair, according to a letter sent by President Robert Deegan on Feb. 15. Along with teaching, Tanner served as a member of the Academic Senate and President of the Faculty Senate before retiring in 2004, according to the same letter. History was a large part of Tanner’s life. Throughout his years at Palomar, he taught Western Civilization, American History and California History. Along with his wife, Tanner wrote and published six books and many articles on the Old West. A volume on the Bronco Billy Gang is expected to come out soon. His love for history was made known to all who met him and was apparent from his bolo ties down to his cowboy boots, Deegan wrote. Students and staff members, alike were challenged by his research assignments. He will be remembered for making United States history exciting for his students. “His willingness to mentor and offer from his vast trove of knowl-
Retired Professor John D. Tanner Jr. died on Feb. 13 after battling a long illness. In place of flowers at his memorial, donations were made to the International Myeloma Foundation, a Myeloma research institution. (Photo courtesy of Palomar) edge to younger faculty” is what history professor Bill Jahnel said he remembers most about Tanner. Tanner obtained his bachelor’s degree from Pomona College and his master’s degree from Claremont Graduate School. According to retired colleague Charles “Chuck” Hanlen, the bottom line for Tanner “was the best education possible for the students.” Tanner is survived by his wife, Karen, and his family. Contact Sydnie Taylor, online editor, at staylor@the-telescope.com
[Opinion] 3
the telescope
Bring back the needle for lethal injections With the drug discontinued, we must look to other options for execution Kaity Bergquist The Telescope
It is the unfortunate nature of our world that we have people who deserve to die. People who did things so unspeakably horrific that justice can give them nothing less than the loss of their lives. It’s just the method that’s the problem. The use of the death penalty has been a longdisputed issue. Now, there’s room for even more debate as the only manufacturer is discontinuing the drug that has been used in the execution of death row criminals. In California, it took three years to figure out the state protocols for executions, which relied heavily on sodium thiopental. Now, with the drug unavailable, the state would have to revise the protocols again. We don’t have many alternative options. One is to try to get the drug from other countries, but not all countries are willing because of cultural and moral standards. Another option is to find other drugs, but the laws are so strict and complicated that it would be very hard to change them. But then of course we get the morality of the situation. It’s taken this long for the lethal-
injection method to be approved, but if that option is no longer available, what do we do? Do we let the 718 prisoners sitting in California’s death row to just hang around waiting for the petty lawmakers to decide how to kill them? That could take forever. There’s already been a huge delay — there have been no executions in California for the past five years. What kind of message are we sending to the prisoners and potential death penalty convicts? If we can’t agree on the way to carry out these punishments, we aren’t really doing our jobs as citizens and leaders in the United States. Our job is to protect the innocent. Our job is to bring justice to those who have wreaked havoc on our country. Not everyone is going to be happy with the method. But what really matters is that these people get punished so that they can’t hurt anyone anymore. We’ll never be able to fully erase evil from this world, but we should be able to take care of the people who we have caught and tried and found to have ruined the peace that the United States tries so hard to maintain.
Speak Out!
“To keep one of those prisoners there, it’s like so much money, we need to get rid of them. I think we should speed it up actually.” Nick Killion, 19 Radio & Television
(Lee Hulteng/MCT Campus) So what are we going to do? Seems like it’s going to have to be the thing that we’ve always done: wait and wait some more for the lawmakers to decide what to do. They may be able to find an alternative drug. Maybe they’ll come up with a different method. But why not stick with the method that works? Keep producing the drugs! Make our own if we have to. Find someone who is willing to produce the drugs and won’t have a problem with it. But the bottom line is, these people need to die. Ultimately, the method doesn’t matter. All we’re doing is making such a big fuss about it that all we accomplish is delaying the punishment of these criminals even longer. And that’s something that we can’t afford to allow. Contact Kaity Bergquist, assistant sports editor, at kbergquist@the-telescope.com
By the Numbers • California has the most death row inmates in the United States at 718. The next highest is Florida with 398. • There have been 1,064 executions by lethal injection in the United States since 1976. • There have been 13 executions by lethal injection in California since 1976. • Number of executions in California before 1976: 709 • The median age for being arrested for a death-penalty offense was 27 years old, while the median age of a death row inmate was 43 years old. (Sources: albany.edu/sourcebook, deathpenaltyinfo.org, californiawatch.org)
What do you think should be done about the death penalty?
“No matter who you are, I don’t believe anybody has the right to kill another person.” Crystal Juarez, 25 Nursing
“Many of the times, the person who is guilty is really innocent.”
“I don’t think they should be allowed to have a ‘luxury’ life for whatever life they have left.”
“I think we should discontinue it because prisons are meant to be correctional facilities, not forms of punishment.”
Melissa Labadie, 19 Music engineering
Jordan Williams, 18 Carpentry
Andrea Navarrte, 18 Nursing
“Just because they kill other people, does not mean that we should be like them and kill people.” Ashley Vichis, 19 Nursing
There doesn’t need to be an app for everything editorial board dallas morning news
The American breakfast table caricature once pictured a husband, nose in newspaper, mumbling “uh-huh” to spousal questions. The updated caricature consists of two spouses plus kids, noses in cellphones, thumbs on keyboards, taking turns mumbling “uh-huh” across the table. No longer in touch with only workplaces or heartthrobs, they are hunched in front of their smart phones as though peering through the sole portal to the world. They are checking news flashes, movie reviews, ESPN, airfares, homework assignments, church bulletins, restaurant menus, store hours and celebrity tweets; they are consulting calorie counters, home remedies, Pete Delkus and the Food Network; they are playing games and the stock market. All are updating Facebook. They might be missing out on something — each other, perhaps — but it’s hard to know.
There’s not an app for that yet. Interconnectedness — boon and bane. It saves time and costs time. It gets in the way of things and paves the way for things. There’s no excuse for getting stuck in traffic — get an app for that! — and there’s no excuse for missing the boss’ surprise deadline, either. Now the highly virulent iPhone contagion is spreading apps to millions more through a new model being sold for the first time outside the AT&T realm. Rival Verizon’s iPhone hits stores this week, along with claims about performance similar to how Detroit would brag about its cars. The publication Macworld writes about the new iPhone model’s “fit and finish” as if it were indeed a car. That’s somehow fitting, because of the places the phone can take people, each app adding horsepower. Other phone systems may have more market share or have edged ahead of Apple’s iPhone, but none can match the cultish following. Comic Jon Stewart speaks about fellow iPhoners as a “community” whose members like
to “carry around every photo we’ve ever taken and every song we’ve ever listened to.” Android users could also boast about excesses, performance and pixels, but there’s not the same esprit de corps for a phone system that sounds more like an insect than a companion for your purse or pocket. Whatever the product, the seductiveness is potentially the same, and some people say there ought to be a law to protect us from ourselves. Really? Exhibit A is the woman famous for falling into a fountain at a shopping mall while texting (search YouTube “fountain lady”). Research from Ohio State University found an uptick in emergency room visits from texters who fell, tripped or ran into things. Should there be a law? How about an app instead? For people who can’t take their eyes off their little i-screens long enough to watch their feet hit the ground, iType2Go superimposes the texter’s typing over a camera’s-eye view of the terrain ahead.
(Richard Derk/Los Angeles Times)
4 [Opinion]
Monday, Feb. 28, 2011
Taking the initiative can open doors — literally Kaity Bergquist The Telescope
It’s one of the most awkward moments in the life of a college student. You’ve all been there. And to think that it all could be avoided with one tiny move. It’s that moment when your entire class is standing around the door of the classroom where you will soon be entrenched in the bliss of education. You don’t really know if the door is open or if the classroom is empty, but your classmates are all standing around outside, so the door must be closed. Right? But you know what probably happened. The first person who arrived on the scene didn’t even check the door. The next person who came saw the first person there and assumed that the first person checked the door and found it locked or occupied. The third person comes and sees the first two people, and on and on until the whole class is congregated, while the whole time the teacher or an empty classroom is just waiting for you. It also gets awkward when you can’t tell if the class before you is done. You peek hesitantly into the door, and oops! The teacher is in the middle of a lesson and all the students turn and glare at you. So embarrassing. But if you don’t peek in, you won’t have any idea if the class is
OUR VIEWPOINT
Take the free gov’t money, fill out your FAFSA The only certain things in life are death, taxes and the rapidly rising cost of a college education. Thankfully, the federal government offers students some relief through financial aid programs. Students who fill out the FAFSA, or free application for federal student (due March 2!) are put in the running for grants and subsidized loans. The application takes 30 minutes, and requires income tax forms and some other personal financial data. But, even as the number of Palomar students who receive aid has increased in recent years, some students still don’t fill out the easy application. At a recent Governing Board meeting, President Mark Evilsizer suggested following the example of another college by requiring all students to apply for aid. That’s a good idea. Laziness isn’t an excuse. Everyone should fill out the FAFSA. Even if the result is just $100 in grants, that’s still a free $100. Seeking federal aid can help the college too. The faster students pay their fees, and the less money the college has outstanding, the better for Palomar’s dwindling coffers. Find the form online at www.fafsa.gov. Sorry, we’d tell you more, but we have to go fill out our FAFSA too.
(Eric Walker/The Telescope) actually officially over, or if the students are just hanging around because they love the class so much. Ultimately, you have to open that door. There’s no better way to find out. If there’s still someone in the room, great. At least you know that it’s not time for your class yet. And if there’s no one in the room, even better. You get to settle down in your classroom and
wait for the teacher. Sure, it might be embarrassing to be the only one who will check the door after the whole class had forgone it. But the rewards are so much better than the awkwardness. If your class has really been sitting outside of the door for that long, the door is almost guaranteed to be open and waiting. So don’t be stupid. We are
college students now. We can do something as simple as turning a doorknob. It’s a chain reaction that needs to be stopped. If the first person doesn’t check the door, you can be sure that the second person won’t check it. Thus, the third, fourth, fifth and so on won’t check the door until someone has the brilliance to realize that class should be starting soon and decides to open the door. That person then becomes a winner, and everybody will love them forever. Don’t be one of those pathetic students who just stands around and waits for someone else to do the dirty work. Step up. Be strong. Do what no one else will do just because they’re scared. Turn that doorknob, and your praises will be sung throughout all generations. This is how we succeed at being college students, right? We stand up for what’s right. We do the hard thing, even if no one else will. We work hard and never give up. So check the door. Unleash your fellow students into the classroom so that we can be educated and go out that door with the tools to change the world. And to think it could all be accomplished with one tiny move. Contact Kaity Bergquist, assistant sports editor, at kbergquist@ the-telescope.com
New Congressional leaders get ready to foil the Clean Air Act By Dan Becker and James Gerstenzang MCT Campus
Largely hidden in its attack on the federal budget, the House of Representatives has approved a key Republican campaign promise to big business: Protecting it from what the new majority argues are the handcuffs of environmental safeguards. The Republicans would cuff the Environmental Protection Agency instead. If they prevail in the Senate and overcome a White House veto, they would hobble the Clean Air Act, probably the most successful U.S. law protecting health and the environment, and threaten the authority of California and several other states to use it to fight global warming and other pollution. The Clean Air Act has meant fewer hospitalizations and missed work days, saving a projected $2 trillion in 2020 alone by reducing asthma, chronic bronchitis and premature deaths from lung disease. Now, given the go-ahead by the Supreme Court, EPA is using it to cut back on carbon-dioxide pollution, the prime culprit behind our changing climate. Think of the law as the legal weapon — passed by an overwhelming bipartisan congressional majority, signed by President Richard M. Nixon, approved by the highest court — that has allowed every president beginning with Nixon to fight some of the nation’s most difficult health and environmental challenges. Using the law to reduce carbon dioxide will bring us solutions that people like: hybrid and
other high-tech gas-sipping cars that cut our gasoline bills more than the improved technology costs. But some of the nation’s biggest polluters have teamed up with the Republicans to try to stop progress — just as more evidence documents global warming: The 10 warmest years on record have all been since 1998; last year was tied with 2005 as the hottest. Together, they would turn the House into a special-interest court of appeals to circumvent the 2007 Supreme Court ruling that orders EPA to fight global warming. They would limit the clean air law’s provisions protecting us from power plant pollution and block several states from adopting tougher pollution controls than the federal government. California has been a leader in setting air pollution and emissions standards under Clean Air Act provisions. Its efforts to set strong standards have been joined by 13 other states, among them New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Washington. Now, automakers are demanding that politicians — not scientists — write the clean car standards intended to reduce carbon-dioxide pollution. The automakers supported a 5 percent annual reduction in emissions that will get us to 35.5 mpg in 2016 — the biggest step we’ve taken against global warming. They say they cannot cut emissions 6 percent the next year. These are the same people who said they could not equip cars with seat belts, air bags or catalytic converters.
But, using continuously variable transmissions, low-friction lubricants, improved engines, aerodynamic designs, highstrength light-weight steel and producing the first electric vehicles, they can deliver a fleet that will achieve 62 mpg, cut our emissions by 6 percent per year and help us cut our oil consumption in half by 2030, saving us money at the pump. Sure, they don’t want to. But they can. If you don’t believe us, listen to Toyota. Whatever goal the administration sets, “Toyota will be prepared to meet,” the automaker’s vice president for product communications, Jim Colon, said. “If it’s 62 miles a gallon, we’ll be able to achieve that.” Even General Motors, famously late to the innovation starting line, says it will join the race — if ordered. Mark Reuss, the company’s top North American executive, said that while he was concerned about meeting a 62 mpg standard, “I think the industry can do anything it wants when it puts its mind to it. ... We’re going to make a plan that’s profitable with cars and trucks that people want.” That would be a welcome epiphany for a company that stayed afloat with the help of a $50 billion bailout from America’s taxpayers. With the planet growing warmer, gas prices climbing and new turmoil in the Middle East threatening our energy security, we can’t afford to allow polluters to team up with the new House leadership to deny us progress. As Mark Twain said, “Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt.”
FOCUSED ON PALOMAR
the telescope Monday, Feb. 28, 2011 Vol. 64, No. 15 Palomar College, San Marcos, CA
David Leonard
Editor In Chief
Matthew Slagle
Managing Editor
Mark Saunders
news Editor
Eric Walker
Opinion Editor
melina fickas
focus editor
belinda callin
a & e Editor
nick shumate
asst. a&E Editor
matthew slagle
sports editor
kaity bergquist
Asst. sports editor
Sydnie Taylor
Online Editor
laura davis
copy editor
deb hellman
photo editor
sara burbidge
office / ad manager
Charles Steinman
Instructional Asst
Erin Hiro
Journalism Adviser
Staff Writers| Camilo Barrero,
Colleen Collins, Juliet Freyermuth, Jeremy Hill, Natalie Hintz, Shaun Kahmann, Margaret Madrid, Vanessa Mujica, Kelli Miller, Joel Ramos, Anthony Schwartz, Natalie Soldoff, Hannah Villaruel
Staff Photographers| Emma
Baldwin, Kristen Campbell, Phyllis Celmer, Rosa Galvan, Chris Gebhardt, Johnny Nguyen, Trever Reyes, Nathan Serrato, LeighAnne Severson, Kiigan Snaer, Brian Tierney
Address | The Telescope,
Palomar College 1140 W. Mission Road, San Marcos, CA 92069 Newsroom | Room MD-228 Phone | (760) 891-7865 Fax | (760) 891-3401 E-Mail | telescope@palomar.edu Advertising e-Mail | telescopead @palomar.edu The Telescope welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters must be typewritten, under 300 words and include the author’s first and last names, major and phone number. Phone numbers will not be published. Letters can be e-mailed to telescope@ palomar.edu or delivered to the newsroom in Room MD-228. The Telescope reserves the right to edit letters for space and grammatical errors and not to print lewd or libelous letters. Letters must be receieved one week prior to the newspaper’s publication to be considered for inclusion.
Associated California Newspaper Collegiate PRess Publishers Association The Telescope is published 11 times per semester. Opinions expressed in the newspaper are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily represent those of the entire newspaper staff, Palomar faculty and staff members or the governing board trustees.
[Focus] 5
the telescope
Moving out of mom and dad’s house: how to do it the right way and amenities.
Saving Money
Kelli Miller The Telescope
Moving out of mom and dad’s house is every college student’s dream. But with all the excitement comes a certain amount of stress. From finding a new place to decorating it, it’s hard to know exactly where to start.
Finding the perfect place
Moving out on your own is exciting; however, searching for a new place is not only time consuming but a lot of work as well. Very few students have enough money in their bank accounts
It’s no secret that college students are tight on cash and living on your own is expensive. Most landlords will require a security deposit, but Jenkins said there is always room for negotiation with pricing, so don’t be afraid to ask. Since college students tend to stick around just for the school year, a lot of apartment complexes offer incentives to stay or renew your lease over summer. Once you found find a place, you have to stock it. Student Chris Bouchard said he learned how expensive food is after he got his own place. “You’d be surprised how quickly you get used to eating frozen burritos,” Bouchard said. “Eat at home, or at mom’s as much as possible.” Budgeting is a must because bills stack up fast and new expenses are always popping up, so it’s important (Brian Tierney/The Telescope) that you have some cushion in your savings account. to buy a house, so the majority of col“I keep track of all my bills,” stulege kids rent. dent Jennifer Jones said, “and I set When you start looking for a new aside a portion of my paycheck to go place, the first and most important straight into savings.” thing to do is research. Roommates “Don’t be impulsive without checking it out thoroughly,” local real Roommates aren’t for everyone, estate agent Sharon Jenkins said. but they generally make your living Every neighborhood comes with expenses more affordable. Having a different price tag and you want to one or more roommates can divide up find the best deal possible. the rent, utility and grocery bills. It’s A lot of students are using websites very important to get along with your to find a new place to live instead of roommate since you’ll be living under newspaper listings. Facebook, rent. the same roof for a while. com and craigslist.org are popular “Ask a lot of questions,” Jones recamong Palomar students and great ommended. for comparing and contrasting prices
Program prepares students for work in dental field Kaity Bergquist & Anthony Schwartz The Telescope
Palomar’s nine-month-long Dental Assisting Program (DAP) demands the full commitment of its students, yet offers specialized certification. “It’s a lot of stress,” student Christina Emery said, “but it’s worth it.” According to the Health Careers website, graduates can have careers in pediatric, orthodontic, oral surgery, endodontic, general and cosmetic dental offices and clinics. But to get there, students must first endure a semester of a program that requires 17.5 units. The classes cover dental science and anatomy, materials, practice management, radiography, operative procedures and preventive dentistry. “This is a full-time commitment,” Jan Burton said, Health Programs Specialist. “We let the students know that before the program starts.” Regardless of whether or not the students fully understand the commitment, the obligations of the first semester can still be overwhelming. “A lot of nights you’re up until midnight (working on course materials),” Emery said. “It’s pretty much your life.” Burton said that they encourage the students to make sure that there’s nothing in their personal lives that will hinder them. “They are pretty much eating, sleeping, and living the program, but when it’s done, they’re set,” Burton said. Palomar’s DAP boasts being only one of two schools in San Diego County that fully equip their stu-
Whether you’re moving in with friends, a boyfriend or girlfriend, or someone you found off of craigslist, you have to make sure you’re all on the same page. If you’re not a night person, you definitely don’t want someone who will stay up partying all night. “Guys should live with girls. They’re a lot cleaner,” Bouchard said.
Decorating
If you’re moving out for the first time, you probably won’t have a lot of furniture. Most apartments come stocked with the necessary appliances like an oven, fridge, dishwasher and microwave. But other than that, you’re on your own. The best and cheapest option is to check with family members and friends to see if they have any old furniture they would like to donate to a poor college student. It may not be exactly what you want, but it’s free and a little paint and a sewing machine can go a long way. Retailers like Ikea, Target and Walmart also sell cheap furniture and décor. You can find everything from silverware to kitchen tables on any budget. You can also check out websites like craigslist. org and eBay for inexpensive housewares. Your décor might end up looking a little mismatched, but hey, it’s your own place! Contact Kelli Miller, staff writer, at kmiller@the-telescope.com
Illustration by Bianca Mosley/The Telescope
Sex therapist takes over wave-lengths at Palomar Christine Foronda The Telescope
Dental program student Shirley Estrada showed her cast of a classmate’s teeth. (Brian Tierney/The Telescope) dents to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). Only a Resident Dental Assistant (RDA) license is required in California, but in order to practice in 38 states plus Washington D.C., the CDA is required. Palomar provides both with one test. “It’s a big deal to be able to do that,” Burton said. “Lots of private schools only allow the RDA.” Though the program is stressful, there are many resources for the students. “The faculty is always available,” Burton said, “and the students work and study together. There are resources on campus for those who need help.” Contact Kaity Bergquist, assistant sports editor, at kbergquist@the-telescope.com Contact Anthony Schwartz, staff writer, at aschwartz@the-telescope.com
On Monday evenings from 5 to 6 p.m., the voice of Donna Rose informs, educates and breaks down the current issues surrounding sexuality for Palomar students. Psychotherapist and sexologist Donna Rencsak, whose radio name is Donna Rose, is the host of Palomar College Radio KKSM’s “Radio Blah Blah.” KKSM Station Manager Zeb Navarro said students should listen to the program on AM 1320. “Donna is personable, talkative, brings in great guests, (and) provides very interesting information,” Navarro said. Since its inception in June 2009, “Radio Blah Blah” has been syndicated to several other radio stations, Rencsak said. On her show, Rencsak discusses events dealing with sex, gender and politics. Rencsak has interviewed more than 50 professionals and provides weekly news and commentary on sexual issues that are seldom heard anywhere else. But how does one become a sex therapist and a certified clinical sexologist? Rencsak was happy to tell her story. She graduated as a business major and became a career
Marriage and family therapist by day, Donna Rencsak spends her Monday evenings hosting radio show here on campus from 5-6pm. (Johnny Nguyen/The Telescope) counselor at California State University San Marcos. It was then that she came to the realization that she very much enjoyed the psychology part of counseling. Rencsak got her master’s degree in counseling psychology and that is where her interest in sexology sparked. “In marriage and family counseling, there are two issues: money and sex. As a career counselor, I had the money part covered so I became more interested in issues of sex,” Rencsak said. She studied transgenderism and gender-identity disorders and became fascinated with sexuality. Her previous experience with counseling also veered her toward her current career path, according to Recsak. A lot of people told Rencsak that she was highly opinionated and therefore should have a radio show. Taking that to heart, she enrolled in a radio and television class at Palomar and started her radio show within months. Rencsak’s show targets at a full range of listeners.
“People listen from all different walks of life, from students to medical doctors,” Rencsak said. According to her fiancé, Vince Longhuey, it is not very hard to understand why people listen. “She’s bright, intelligent, open to new ideas (and) new things,” Longhuey said. “She is very good with people and very outgoing and she really likes to help others.” Educating students and the general public about sex is important to Rencsak. “Without a good foundation people can end up in trouble. Being aware of what sexual possibilities are, keeps people safe,” Rencsak said. In addition, Rencsak strongly encourages people to talk to sex therapists. “Everybody is entitled to a good sex life,” Rencsak said. “People with love maps vandalized in childhood, physical and emotional abuse, grow up with a lot of emotional problems. It’s important to have someone to talk to.” Contact Christine Foronda, staff writer, at cforonda@the-telescope.com
6 [Focus]
Monday Feb. 28, 2011
Eating healthy: how to do it on a budget
Strawberry Pina Colada (left). (Deb Hellman/The Telescope) Communications major Vanessa Rasool waits to order a chef salad. (Kristen Campbell/The Telescope)
Nicole Vickers The Telescope
Strawberry Pina Colada Smoothie Ingredients: 1 - 6-oz Yoplait Pina Colada yogurt 6oz – 8oz Vanilla Almond milk 3 tbsps Crushed pineapples 1 tsp Honey, or agave ½ cup Fresh or frozen strawberries ½ Banana Directions: In a blender add all of your ingredi ents and blend on medium until smooth. Pour and enjoy!
Eating healthy while on a budget has always been a challenge for college students and we usually have a hard time picking what we should eat over what we want to eat. “I just eat what I want,” student Nicole Zimmerly said. “It’s not about the budget.” Food discipline is very beneficial to maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle and being conscious about what your body needs to sustain itself is key. Sometimes students depend on processed foods and foods high in sugar or caffeine to get by. In many cases, these foods become an easy remedy to hunger because they’re inexpensive. Lack of proper planning can govern the way we eat. But Palomar food experts said they can lend a helping hand to students.
Kathryn Stockton, who works in Palomar’s cafeteria, had a list of low-cost, healthy options, many of which are under $5. Some healthy choices are fresh fruit, a Subway salad, grilled chicken breast and yogurt. Many students have started to bring their own lunches to school. “Economics is a factor in what I eat; I just bring my own lunch,” student Carissa Looney said. If you decide to bring lunch to school, choose natural alternatives. Fruits are always a good choice, especially when economics are concerned. They are packed with antioxidants such a vitamins A and C. The antioxidants in fruit boost the immune system to fight the effects of fatigue and aging in the body. Some healthy options for a sack lunch are broccoli with olive oil, apples and peanut butter, nuts and dried fruit. If you need a morning pick me up, but don’t necessarily eat breakfast, try blending up a fresh Strawberry Pina Colada fruit smoothie. Mixed fruit juices are also great alternatives. Don’t forget your protein drinks. They usu-
ally range from $1.88 - $3.49 each, depending on where you shop. Take advantage of multipacks because you get a better price per unit, especially if they’re on sale. You can freeze it over night, take it with you to school and by noon it’s ready to drink. Advance meal planning allows students to make conscious decisions when it comes to food. Take some time to assess your food options. Start at home in your kitchen, and then evaluate the choices offered by the cafeteria that fit your budget range. Make a list of what you need to sustain yourself throughout the day. If you monitor your eating habits, you will be able to discern what works best for you and your wallet. Don’t forget to actually put your meal plan into action by following your healthy foods list. If you plan to eat healthy and you know what your limitations are, you’re going to make the right choices for yourself. Be it Subway, the cafeteria, or your local grocery store, there are many options, but ultimately, the choice is yours. Contact Nicole Vickers, staff writer, at nvickers@the-telescope.com
Drink of the Week
The Creamy Key Lime Tart
The Creamy Key Lime Tart is a mix of sweet and sour. (Deb Hellman/ The Telescope)
Ingredients: 3 oz. Minute Maid Limeade Frozen Concentrate 1 cup French Vanilla Ice Cream (softened) 3 to 4 oz. Gallo Vermouth Extra Dry 1 Lime - thinly sliced Ice Whipped Cream (optional)
This beverage is decadent, creamy and bursts with flavor. It The ice cream gives you the milkshake consistency with a smooth, creamy finish. The limeade concentrate gives you an intense sweet and tart flavor combination that makes your lips pucker. Remember, it is a concentrate — the more you use, the sharper it can get. Vermouth is a fortified wine flavored with aromatic herbs and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, marjoram and chamomile. Vermouth can range from bitter to sweet to dry and even vary in color; however, it is recommended that you use Gallo Vermouth Extra Dry. It’s very smooth and rounds out this combination perfectly. Everything you need to make the drink costs less than $10, but the price point for this beverage is not indicative of its appeal. It’s quick, easy, and is scalable. It’s perfect if you want to add some flair and style to a dinner party or just break out the blender on a night in. Even if you prefer to not use Vermouth, it can still make for a good ice cream shake. The Creamy Key Lime Tart can cure any sweet tooth and makes for a relaxing beverage at the same time. Once you try it, there won’t be any leftovers! Note: You must be 21 years or older to drink alcohol. Please do not drink and drive. Contact the staff at focus@the-telescope.com
[A&E] 7
the telescope
The deaf like it loud by Nick Shumate
Suture your audio future Before Myspace Music, Pandora Internet radio and XM Serious, the playing field for any band was even. Everyone understood the channels you had to go though, and college radio was the first step. Now, as the major music record labels’ world spirals into complete disarray, bands can promote themselves from their garage. Crystal Castles, a band playing a Coachella , has a wide underground following and is still unsigned to any label yet they tour and consistently sell out shows across the country. College radio was the proving ground for any band that wanted to make it big. College radio was the scouting mecca for most major record labels. If you had a hit on that medium you would be signed. But the relationship between major record labels and bands was not a healthy one. Horror stories of bands signing with money hungry mangers or having to change their sound for commercial distribution were not uncommon. That was until technology, once again, created something better and more efficient. As the Internet changed the way we receive information, bands got smart and left the major label arena and decided to brave the world alone. From YouTube to Myspace music, a new relationship was developing between artists and their fans. Instead of reading about your favorite musician in a magazine, the fans got to see behind-the-scenes, and not on a VH1 special, but with footage bands made and wanted to show their supporters. Internet radio was the next step toward complete independence. Internet radio meant no more breaking in the middle of an interview for a commercial or having minimal time with a performer. DJs can now have a normal conversation and let the artist talk about what they feel is important instead of just promoting their latest album. No more censorship and no more restrictions. Now if only there was a way to record this type interaction and be able to carry it with you, make it portable. A podcast is a way of distributing any type of multimedia files over the Internet, which can be played back over a mobile device or computer. They are typically uncensored but can be edited, in contrast to AM/FM radio stations that run live on air. At first, podcast broadcasts were underfunded branches of media outlets, but now all major television station have one. Thousands of podcast are dedicated to sports, food, news, books, film and every single type of music ever made has a one – whatever your interests are, they have a podcast for you. With all these new and amazing technological advancements there are people who will still rather turn on the AM/FM radio.To these people, I say: Just give this world a chance. There are programs out there you would enjoy, and you can take 5 minutes of you time and give yourself something worth listening to for your next commute. Cheers, and thanks for listening. Hit Nick up at nshumate@the-telescope.com
Hometown secret
Students enjoy relaxing atmophere and simple food at Vista eatery
Joel Ramos The Telescope
Tucked away in the small community of Vista Village awaits a haven for students searching for the perfect place to study. A place where the atmosphere is a major draw and the food is deliciously simple. A place that is a little whimsical and fun, yet work can get done without interruption. A place where the staff is concerned about making the whole experience as positive as possible. The Yellow Deli, host to a myriad of students from all over North County. In the lounge and upper level patio, busy fingers tap on laptop keyboards and coffee tables are covered with open books and class notes. The Yellow Deli is located in the heart of Vista, at 315 E. Broadway. It’s open 24 hours a day throughout the week, closing at 3 p.m. on Fridays and re-opening at 3 p.m. on Sundays. “It’s great for all-nighters. I love that you can do homework here without any interruptions,” said Palomar student Morgan Brown, who said she is at The Yellow Deli about twice a week. The natural aroma of woodburning fireplaces greets The Yellow Deli customers as they walk through the front courtyard. Small tables are scattered throughout the
front patio and folk music plays in the background. The décor is whimsical and straight out of a time when the world still cared about the well-being of its fellow man. Upon entering the building, one can’t help but stare in amazement at the magnificent spiral staircase in the center of the restaurant. The second level balcony provides a spectacular view of the sunset as the backdrop to a delicious meal. The booths at The Yellow Deli are designed in such a way that conversation serves as the perfect seasoning to the meal. Bearded waiters are dressed in flannel shirts and weathered jeans and speak with a down-home-on-the-farm accent complete with “y’alls.” On the menu are familiar items like a corned beef, sauerkraut and pumpernickel sandwich put together the way grandma did. Another example of their tasty fare is a peanut butter and honey sandwich complete with banana slices on whole wheat bread, perfect with a tall glass of banana milk. The “Deli Rose” sandwich is made up of roast and corned beef, hot pepper jack and provolone cheeses with onions, tomatoes and the house special sauce piled onto
Top: The Yellow Deli’s main indoor lobby showcases its unique decor, which includes spiral staircases and dumbwaiters. Above: Owner Ayal Harris (right) and his wife Khemdah are pictured here outside on the front patio as they get ready to close up for the weekend. Bottom: Paul Gregoire serves coffee and tea upstairs. (Johnny Nguyen/The Telescope) a toasty warm onion roll. The “Create Your Own” section of the menu has choices like a pastrami, turkey and hot pepper jack cheese sandwich with lettuce, tomato and onions on pumpernickel or a chicken chipotle and Swiss/provolone combo with lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and sauerkraut on whole wheat. The sandwich prices vary depending on the ingredients. Sandwiches on the “Specials” menu are all $7.75 and the “Create Your Own” section sandwiches can be as low as $5.75. They also have different soups, salads and desserts like “Coachella Date Squares” and “Carrot Cake Creams” for only $2.50 each. In addition, The Yellow Deli serves different kinds of drinks such as the extra-healthy “Green Drink” and the delicious “Piña Colada” smoothie. Also served are hot drinks like “Fresh Yerba Mate” tea and “Hot Apple Cider” along with an array of natural sodas. “I love their root beer on tap; it’s the best! I feel so healthy when I eat here,” said Alicia Carrion, another Palomar student who frequents The Yellow Deli. Here’s yet another important point about the Yellow Deli: most
of their food is grown on their own farm inValley Center. On the menu are plenty of organic choices for those who are in favor of a natural food diet. “The YogaVista Special is really good and it’s vegan,” said Palomar student Shelbie Hickey. All three students mentioned the atmosphere as one of the best things about The Yellow Deli. Although the establishment is part of the religious Twelve Tribes community, Bible pushing is absent at The Yellow Deli. “We serve the food of the spirit. In the teachings we follow we’re told to see the value in each person, which are nice words, but meaningless unless we actually connect with other people. Our homes are open on Friday for Sabbath to all our customers,” said owner Todd Theissen. There’s an open forum on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. followed by live music played by the waiters. When asked what he would tell someone who’s never heard of The Yellow Deli, Theissen said, “Come meet us. We’re happy and thankful with the life that we live. You gotta come to The Yellow Deli!” Contact Joel Ramos, asst. news editor, at jramos@the-telescope.com
8 [A&E]
MARK YOUR
CALENDAR Local shows: Feb. 28 March 2 March. 2 March 3 March 3 March 4 March 6
The Styletones @ Bar Pink, North Park Highland Way @ Cntr. for the Arts, Esco. C-Phish @ Gaslamp Tavern, Downtown The Silent Comedy @ Casbah, Little Italy Thrice @ Soma, Point Loma Common Sense @ Belly Up, Solana Bch. Autolux @ Casbah, Little Italy
Auditions: March 1 Dreamlandia 7 p.m. Prepare a memorized, 1-2 minute contemporary monologue (comic, dramatic or poetic). Casting is open to people of all ethnicities. Contains adult language and situations. Synopsis: Set in the borderlands of the Texas Rio Grande, this haunting play steeps in culture clash, NAFTA, narcotics and illegal immigration while navigating the thin lines between national, ethnic and gender identities. @ Howard Brubeck Theatre, Palomar College, San Marcos campus
Monday, Feb. 28, 2011
Calling all students Palomar’s literary magazine is accepting submissions Margaret Madrid The Telescope
Calling all writers, poets, comic book artists and photographers. If you want to see your work in print, now you have the opportunity. Palomar’s award-winning literary journal, Bravura, is accepting student submissions for its 47th issue, now until March 8. The publication showcases creative work from Palomar students ranging from fiction to non-fiction and poetry to photography, art and comics. Palomar students must submit their own original work. “I was featured in last year’s Bravura,” said Nate Halda, fiction editor of Bravura. Bravura provides a creative way for students to get their work published and seen by others in the community once a year, in the spring. “The creative community has really been blossoming,” Professor Rocco Versaci said when talking about students at Palomar. There are 400 to 500 submissions every year. Many students go on to publish more work outside Palomar after publishing in Bravura,Versaci said. Versaci and Professor Carlton Smith are offer-
ing a Bravura writing class in the spring for students who want to have more hands-on work with the journal. Students edit and publish all of the work that is featured in Bravura. “We have our fun, little, organized chaos,” Nate Halda said about the class. “It’s good to have a group of people that have similar interests as you do.” During the class, students recite their writings and get constructive criticism from other classmates and the professors. Some returning students have worked on Bravura three to four times. “Being with peers that enjoy creative writing has helped me experiment with my writing,” student Joshua Jackson said. Bravura won second place in the Pacific Division in a national contest in 2009. The Community College Humanities Association, a national organization that focuses on strengthening the humanities
in community colleges, presented the award. At the end of the spring semester, professors who advise for the literary journal present writing and art awards at the Bravura Gala to students for their submitted work. Awards range from $50 to $100 and are given for first, second, and third place. Award winners and student editors show off their work by reading fiction and reciting poetry during the ceremony. “It is a pleasure to be involved with so many creative and talented students,” Smith said. “We are left surprised, amazed and impressed.” Contact Margaret Madrid, staff writer at mmadrid@the-telescope.com
Get cultured: March 1 Little Miss Sunshine 7:30 p.m. La Jolla Playhouse presents the world premiere of this musical comedy, music and lyrics by William Finn, book and direction by James Lapine, based on the Academy Award-winning film. @ La Jolla Playhouse, La Jolla March 4 Skin Deep 8 p.m. Jon Lonoff’s romantic story about a seemingly mismatched couple who, beneath the surfaced, are “perfect for each other.” Sherrie Colbourn directed. @ Poway Community Theatre, Poway March 4, 5 Richard II 8 p.m. Intrepid Shakespeare Company presents the Bard’s history play about two cousins whose fight for power leads to the ultimate downfall of both. @ San Dieguito Academy Roundabout Theatre, Encinitas Feb. 25 - March 6 Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Jeffrey Hatcher’s new adaptation of the play based on the Victorian novel about a London doctor who experiments with the dark side of his nature. Contact Palomar College in San Marcos for show times Jan. 23 – March 6 Jane Austin’s Emma Paul Gordon’s musical adaptation of Jane Austin’s novel about matchmaker, Emma Woodhouse. Contact Old Globe Theatre, Balboa Park for show times Through April 23 MiXtape A musical journey through the music of the 1980s. Contact the Horton Grand Theatre, San Diego for showtimes.
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[News] 9
the telescope
News to Know
ASG makes an ‘Impact’
Headlines students should know about
Campus magazine funds approved, Deegan warns of future budget crisis Joel Ramos The Telescope
Charles Kuhns break dances in the Student Union quad with other break dancers on Feb. 23. Students gathered around the dancers as they showed off their moves and challenged each other for the audience’s entertainment. (Deb Hellman/The Telescope)
Hostages killed in opensea standoff On Feb. 22, four Americans were killed during a standoff between Somalia pirates and the U.S. Navy after their yacht was taken hostage. Scott and Jean Adam of southern California were among the four captives killed after pirates fired a rocket-propelled grenade at trailing U.S. naval ships. The grenade missed and soon gunfire broke out on the yacht, according to the Feb. 22 article by the Union-Tribune. Upon boarding the yacht, Navy Seals discovered the four bodies. Two pirates were killed after the negotiations were interrupted. The San Diego-based destroyer, Sterett, was housing face-to-face negotiations with two pirates when the gunfire began. The Defense Department said after the gunfire “several pirates appeared on the deck…with their hands in the air in surrender,” according to the same article by the UT.
App allows iPhone users to be vigilantes It’s easier to play detective in San Diego than ever before. San Diego County Crime Stoppers introduced a new, free iPhone app for users to submit anonymous crime tips, according to a Feb. 22 article in the UnionTribune. The app, called TipSoft, allows users to send messages, video and photos to Crime Stoppers inves-
tigators. Users can also participate in an untraceable conversation with investigators if they need to. The information communicated between users and investigators is sent through a Texas-based answering service and routed to SD Crime Stoppers. More urgent tips can be relayed directly to the correct law enforcement officials, according to the same article by the UT. Users just need to download the app and create a password. The password will help Crime Stoppers if a reward is necessary. Crime Stoppers have typically offered a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest or conviction of a criminal in a serious crime.
Impact, the new Palomar magazine, won approval from ASG as board members grant $4,000 to fund the printing of the new college media. At the meeting held Feb. 23 debate ensued between ASG members over whether such a large amount of money should be given to a single activity. Sen. Gabriela Bahuman brought up the fact that there’s been clubs who have asked for amounts significantly less than $4,000 and have been denied. “I suggest we give Impact $2,000 from the emergency reserve. We haven’t ever given this much to any club,” Bahuman said. ASG President Channing Shattuck and Vice President Evelyn Lucero stood behind the motion to approve the $4,000 for the new college magazine. “This is unlike any club on campus, don’t categorize it as a club,” Lucero said. Shattuck said the amount is the largest the current ASG has approved for any student activities.
“I wanted to make sure that everyone on the board knew this was not any club,” Shattuck said. “I saw a magazine at another school and this could be something really great for the entire school. I’m excited to see how the magazine will turn out.” The final decision was approved by all except for Sen. Bahuman and Sen. Juan Sanchez, who abstained. At the ASG meeting President Robert Deegan recapped the budget crisis Palomar will face next year. “The budget situation in California is bleak,” Deegan said. The estimated $400 million cuts to the state budget means Palomar will lose $5 million. In order to offset the budget cut the $10 increase to the fee students will pay per unit will not be put into Palomar’s general fund like it’s been done in the past. “Our budget compared to other community colleges in the state is in the middle, not too modest but not boastful,” Deegan said. Contact Joel Ramos, assistant news editor, at jramos@the-telescope.com
Water park in the works Murrieta’s Family Fun Center will get a huge facelift beginning this March. The entertainment park will begin its transformation into a water park with a $1.5 million construction phase, to be followed with further construction phases until the park is completely altered, according to a Feb. 22 article by the North County Times. Phase one of the project is expected to be open to the public by Memorial Day this May. “The water slide is being shipped,” said Scott Agajanian. marketing manager of the center, in the article. “It’s in the ocean right now coming for us from India.” Until last year, discussions were in the works to bring a water park to nearby Temecula, however, talks ended due to lack of funding. Murrieta Mayor Randon Lane said he thanks a private company that owns the land the center sits on for introducing the idea. Lane also said in the same article by NCT he expects the park to gain heavy use during the summer.
Top: President Robert Deegan speaks with the ASG on Feb. 23 about the budget and the importance of financial emergency reserves. Below: Sen. Juan Sanchez gives his senator report to fellow ASG leaders. (David Leonard/The Telescope)
Campus clubs advertise at ‘Rush’ Colleen Collins The Telescope
There was extra bustle and lots of tents set up along the walkway in front of the Student Union on Feb. 10. Manning the booths were representatives of 18 Palomar student clubs. Each semester, Club Rush takes place on Palomar’s San Marcos campus, allowing students to discover the campus clubs. Club representatives set up displays with information about the organization, hopeful some students will develop an interest in their club. “I think the event went really well,” said Lindsay Koch, student activities coordinator and event organizer. “(We were) really pleased to see so many of the clubs participateand students stopping by the club tablesto get more information.” There are many different types of clubs available to all Palomar students, depending upon their interests. Among the clubs are those focused on academic inMEChA member, Isabel Diaz and Alberto Nuñez showcase while student, Yalda Sidigi, visits the terests such as the Palomar Architecture Coalition their booth during Palomar’s Club Rush on Feb. 10. (Rosa Galvan/The Telescope) Club and Poetry Club.
But, students are not limited to academics within the clubs. Other clubs include the Fashion Club, Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (also known as MEChA) and the Gamer Development Club. “It’s convenient for students to walk by the event and see what’s available,” Koch added. But one student said Club Rush needs to be bigger to reach more people. Student Alexandra Peterson suggested that Club Rush be held on two separate days to accommodate students who are only on campus one or two days a week. “Some students only take classes two days per week because of work,” Peterson said. “If Club Rush (were) on multiple days it might make a difference.” As a result, she said that she was unsure what sort of clubs were available to her. For more information on the clubs available, visit www.palomar.edu/studentactivities and click on “Clubs” or stop by The Office of Student Affairs in SU 201. Contact Colleen Collins, staff writer, at ccollins@thetelescope.com
10 [News]
Monday, Feb. 28, 2011
GRANTS Continued from Page 1
College officials trekked to Washington, D.C. to lobby against cuts to federal student aid Gropen said of the cuts. “You’re talking about textbooks, and other things students would need to be able to access education. “That access would go away.” The future of the bill, and by effect the Pell Grant program, is still in limbo. At press time, negotiations were stymied between Senate Democrats, who largely oppose cuts to education, and their Republican counterparts, who demanded the cuts as part of their wider effort to curtail government spending. If no consensus on spending is reached, the government could be forced to shut down, bringing services—and debate over Pell Grants—to a grinding halt.
Lobbying for access College officials trekked to Washington, D.C. on Feb. 13 to ask legislators to keeping funding for Pell Grants, and other important federal education programs, at the same level. “We definitely resonated with a legislative aide, in particular one who is in Congressman Darrell Issa’s office,” said Mark Evilsizer, Governing Board president and a member of Palomar’s delegation to the capitol. Issa, who keeps an office in Vista and whose district overlaps heavily with the college’s, was invit-
ed to come to Palomar and see new buildings and programs funded by government money, Evilsizer said Officials focused on Pell Grants in the meetings, stressing how important they are to students, and emphasizing the important role community colleges play in the tenuous national economic recovery. “We stressed the importance that we play in retraining workers that have been displaced, that have lost jobs or need retraining,” Evilsizer said. “Students really need that extra funding to help with escalating costs.” The possible grant cuts are just one more blow to funding and aid at Palomar, where fees are expected to jump by $10 per unit under Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown’s bare-bones 2011 budget. College officials visited Sacramento in January to fight against those cuts, but have now largely accepted that funding will be drastically reduced in the future. “We’ve pretty much conceded fees are going to increase, effective this fall,” Evilsizer said. “We’ve recognized we’re going to sustain a $290 million cut to community colleges.”
Students join in Governing board trustees and college administrators weren’t alone on their January trip. They
Palomar financial adviser Angie Hefner worked with freshman student Jarrez Cleveland on Feb. 23. (Brian Tierney/The Telescope) were joined by delegates from the Associated Student Government, a campus organization aimed at representing students in local and national affairs, who also met with state lawmakers to push back against cuts to community colleges. Delegates plan to keep up their efforts to lobby lawmakers on behalf of Palomar’s student body, with trips to Sacramento and Washington, D.C. planned for the upcoming weeks. The student delegates plan to inform lawmakers of the steep cost associated with a college education,
and will ask government officials to sustain funding for grants and for the community college system. “Most of our students are working students,” said Juan Sanchez, ASG senator and spokesman. “They work hard enough as it is.” Palomar students are still facing economic hardship despite measures like the Board of Governors Fee Waiver, which allows lower-income students to enroll at the college without paying fees, Sanchez said. The costs of textbooks and other expenditures alone can cost stu-
dents thousands of dollars, restricting their access to higher education, he said. Among their requests, the delegates will also focus on Pell Grants, asking for continued high levels of funding to the program. “It never hurts to ask for more,” Sanchez said. “They (lawmakers) do work for us.”
will receive a $400 million cut and likely increase in course fees. In light of expected tuition increases, Ann Klein, director of UCSD’s financial aid office, said all students, even those who believe they will not qualify, from any college should make sure they apply for aid. “For students to access the best available aid, they must submit the FAFSA form by March 2,” Klein said. Klein also said it is important for students to list the correct school code when filling out the FAFSA
form and check over the form when completed. It should take less than one hour to complete the FAFSA form, according to the FAFSA website. The site gives applicants up to 45 days to finish their form, and they do not have to complete the form in one session. Financial aid counselors at both UC and CSU schools are available to help students complete their application if they have questions.
Michael Doyle of McClatchy Newspapers contributed to this report. Contact David Leonard, editor in chief, at dleonard@the-telecope.com
AID Continued from Page 1 increase of almost 2,000 students. Behind-the-scenes of the campus financial aid office, more students have applied for financial aid so far this year than around the same time last school year, a counselor said on condition of anonymity. He added that the office is not backed-up, however, due to a small staff the office is struggling to keep up with students’ demand. Appointments for counselors in Palomar’s financial aid office are filled until mid-March. Students are strongly encouraged to apply early, according to Chris Collins, associate director of financial aid and scholarships at San Diego State University. “The best piece of advice is for students to apply as early as they possibly can,” Collins said. “Don’t wait until you’ve filed your taxes, because you want to maximize your eligibility.” Collins added that every college campus program has a set amount of money to distribute and once it is distributed, it’s gone. “The earliest applicants that complete their application all the way through verification are the ones that can best maximize their aid eligibility,” Collins said. Due to current conditions, financial aid has become more important to students. Under Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed budget for next year, the California State University and University of California school systems will each receive a $500 million budget cut. In addition, the state community college system
Contact Mark Saunders, news editor, at msaunders@the-telescope.com
[Sports] 11
the telescope
Women’s basketball team learns in losses With the head coach hired two weeks into the fall semester, the Comets end their season without a win
LEFT: Teamwork was an essential part of the season for the women’s basketball team as they went 0-21 this year. (Deb Hellman/The Telescope) ABOVE & BELOW: Head Coach Leigh Marshall talks to her players during games. (Phyllis Celmer and Johnny Nguyen/The Telescope)
The team started the season with only four players with previous experience
matthew slagle The Telescope
Most teams suffer a losing streak during their season, but to have a entire season that is one long losing streak is rare. The women’s basketball team did just that, not winning a game all season. But winning was not high on the list of things to do for newly-hired coach Leigh Marshall, who was hired two weeks into the fall semester after the old coach left without coaching a game or completing a roster. Nothing demonstrates that fact more than what transpired on Feb. 11. The Comets were scheduled to take on San Diego Mesa, but because of a closure of Interstate 15 due to an accident, the Mesa team was unable to make it to the court by tipoff, resulting in the officials offering Marshall the option to re-
ceive a forfeit win, and end the 18-game losing streak. But instead of taking the easy way out, Marshall declined and told the officials her team would wait for Mesa. “I didn’t want to take a forfeit win because they were probably one of the conference teams who I felt like (we could beat),” Marshall said. “Our kids really wanted to play them again to get the chance to win. I didn’t want to take just the forfeit win.” Mesa arrived two hours late and then proceeded to beat the Comets 46-35, extending their losing streak to 19. Hired in September to replace Ray Johnson, Leigh Marshall was put in charge of the team with the immediate goal of keeping the program alive. “(Marshall was hired to) keep the program running and make sure we fielded a team and to build
Obviously, our biggest thing isn’t wins or losses, or what the score is, but how hard you play.
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— Leigh Marshall Head Women’s Basketball Coach
the program for the future,” said Palomar Athletic Director Scott Cathcart. “It was very hard on her and she has done a fantastic job.” Marshall is looking forward to restoring the program back to what it was. “When I played, Palomar was a powerhouse and has been a powerhouse, and it has been a good program,” Marshall said. “It’s a good opportunity for me to get back into (coaching) at this level.” When she accepted the job, she knew there weren’t many players on the team, but exactly how limited her resources were was unexpected. She had only one returner who redshirted this year, so Marshall started out with a blank slate. “I didn’t realize that there was going to be zero players,” Marshall said. “I thought there were going to be a couple of players on campus, but there were actually zero kids.” Because she was hired so late, Marshall was unable to recruit high school athletes. In the end she recruited four students that had some playing experience. “I got hired the second week of school, so my assistant coach and I put up a tent in the Student Union,” Marshall said. “We talked to every girl that walked by and just tried to get any kids out there.” There were even times where, due to the lack of players, Marshall and her assistant coach had to play during practice. “First game was really exciting, obviously; we lost to a good Long Beach City team. We shocked a lot of people because those six kids worked their butts off and we were just so tired,” Marshall said. “My assistant coach and I practiced every day. I have played basketball, but the both of us had to play every practice or we didn’t
have enough kids, so getting through that second and third game was extremely hard.” After losing three of the players who had the only basketball experience (two to ACL tears in the first two weeks of the season and one who left the team), their goal changed from winning a game to simply improving. “Obviously our biggest thing isn’t wins or losses, or what the score is, but how hard you play,” Marshall said. “And if you get off the floor knowing you left it all out there, you gain respect from the other team because of how hard you played.” “We have a good solid core back and now that they know what the culture is about and the atmosphere, how hard we play, what we are all about,” Marshall said. “I think it’s going to be easier to get kids in here knowing that the coach is back at Palomar and people will want to come (and play).” One of her starters, point guard Tiana Dominick, plans on staying next year. “I like Coach Leigh, and I think she is a great coach,” Dominick said. “I love her positive energy, and even though we are in a downfall right now, she always has a positive energy to play off of.” Palomar officials believe that Marshall can turn the program back to what it once was. “She turned the program around at El Modena High School before she came here and I totally expect her to do that with our program,” Cathcart said. “I think our program is in good hands and I am thrilled that she is our coach.” Contact Matthew Slagle, managing & sports editor, at mslagle@the-telescope.com
12 [Sports]
the telescope Monday, Feb. 28, 2011
Tyler Bernard turns the double play during their Feb. 15 game against College of the Desert. (Kristen Campbell/The Telescope)
Bernard sitting on the bench; he went 0-3 at the plate. (Deb Hellman/The Telescope)
Top talent looks to set foundation at Palomar Freshman shortstop looks to improve before transferring to Virginia Tech on a baseball scholarship vanessa mujica The Telescope
Palomar has a shortstop who is destined for the major leagues and already making a name for himself here, according to his coach. Nineteen-year-old Tyler Bernard began his baseball career at Valley Center High School, earning an assortment of awards which led to a full-ride scholarship to Arizona State University in 2010. After the school received a batch of new coaches, Bernard decided he needed a change. “I didn’t like what the new coaches were bringing, so I came to Palomar,” he said. “This is the top
program in the nation and it’s close to home.” But he won’t be staying for long. He plans to play for Virginia Tech next fall. The other Comets said they are happy to have Bernard while they can. “I never knew him until he got here this season and he’s an awesome dude. Good kid, great player and definitely fun to be around,” teammate Casey Munoz said. Head baseball coach, Buck Taylor, was also thrilled about the new addition. “Tyler is a skilled player; he’s very athletic and leads by example. I look for him to be one of our better players.”
While some players may be in it for the spotlight, Coach Taylor knows Bernard is in it for the game. “Tyler’s not flashy; he’s not the pretty boy. He’s the guy you don’t recognize is there, but at the end of the day he’s made all the plays.” After only a short time of playing with the Comets, Coach Taylor said he saw Bernard’s true talent and decided it shouldn’t go to waste. “The head coach of Virginia Tech is a friend of mine, and I called him and told him about our shortstop. He came out and saw (Tyler) play a couple of times and made him a really good offer.” Virginia Tech is part of the Atlantic Coast Conference, one of the top
baseball conferences in America, so Bernard realized this was one offer he couldn’t pass up. “(Virginia Tech) are the ones that showed the most interest in me and I fell in love with the school,” he said. If the offer wasn’t enough, Virginia Tech’s head baseball coach personally calls Bernard at least once a week to ensure he will be part of his team in the fall. “I played on the East Coast over the summer, so I really like it over there. It’s very different from West Coast lifestyle but it’s cool; I’m excited for it,” he said. With much success on the field, pressure follows, but Bernard said he knows how to handle it.
“I love that feeling. I don’t really get scared, it just fits me; it’s what I was meant to do,” he said. Juggling baseball with his education isn’t too difficult for this history major. He said he knows time management and insists that next to ASU, Palomar is a piece of cake. “At ASU we had mandatory study hall so they got us, but here at Palomar I don’t have too much homework so it’s really not that hard.” As far as other hobbies go, well, those seem to be non-existent. “Interests on top of baseball? Shoot. Baseball’s my life,” he said. Contact Vanessa Mujica, staff writer at vmujica@the-telescope.com
A composite picture of Tyler Bernard diving for the ball against College of the Desert on Feb. 15. Bernard has a .893 fielding percentage with six errors in ten games. (Photos and Photo Illustration by Deb Hellman/The Telescope)
Sports On Deck
Tue., March. 1
Wed., March. 2
Thur., March. 3
Imperial Valley 2 p.m. Myers Field
SD Mesa 5 p.m. @ Mesa
Imperial Valley 2 p.m. @ Imperial Valley
Baseball
Softball
Men’s Tennis
Sat., March. 5
Women’s Track and Field SD Championships 3 p.m. @ UCSD