Gresham, Oregon | October 12, 2012 | Volume 48, Issue 4
advocate the
The independent student voice of Mt. Hood Community College
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Breast Cancer Awareness A nation-wide effort in search of a cure Katelyn Hilsenbeck The Advocate
John Tkebuchava
The MHCC volleyball team took steps to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month with its annual “Dig Pink” match last Friday. “It seems like it’s grown even more each year,” said head Coach Chelsie Speer. The team dressed in pink for its match against Clackamas Community College, which they won in three straight sets. They will also be wearing pink Saturday at the Shoreline Crossover Tournament. The girls showed their support by adding pink bows to their shoes and hair. “They brought more to it,” said Speer. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been in place for more than 25 years to promote awareness about breast cancer. Other organizations in the Portland Metro area are also stepping up to raise awareness. Northwest Personal Training will be hosting the “Girlfriends Half Marathon” Sunday at 9 a.m. in Vancouver., Wash. Registration is accepted until Saturday; the cost is $80. All of the profits will go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Kearney Care Center. For more information on this event, visit www.nwpersonaltraining.com. A local Gresham orthodontist, Tom Hardin, hopes to bring a smile to a breast cancer survivor’s face. Until Oct. 16, for every new “like” on the Hardin Orthodontics Facebook page, Hardin Orthodontics will donate $1; matching up to $2,000. They draw a name from a list of breast cancer survivors and the winner will be sent on a weekend getaway. The Komen Eugene Race for the Cure will be held Oct. 21 starting at Autzen Stadium. The various races will begin between 7:30-9:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.komenoregon.org. In addition, the National Football League has collaborated with the American Cancer Society. Survivors have been incorporated into the national anthem performances, and pink can be seen on the players and on the sidelines throughout October. Major League Baseball went to bat against breast cancer last spring on Mother’s Day continuing its tradition since 2006. Players, coaches and umpires sport pink accessories and players even use pink bats. Even though the event is not in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, MLB has partnered with the Komen organization to help find a cure for breast cancer. Pink merchandise is also available in the “Shop” section of www.mlb.com. The Susan G. Komen organization encourages breast self-awareness. Talking to your doctor about your family’s health history and your own risk can raise awareness about your risk of developing breast cancer. Mammograms are recommended every year starting at age 40. In addition, a clinical breast exam should be scheduled a minimum of every three years beginning at age 20. Self-evaluation is also important in reducing your risk. Notify your doctor if any changes to your breasts occur, such as lumps, swelling or a change in shape or size. A list of what to look for can be found on Komen’s website at www.komenoregon.org.
FORENSICS COACH TAKES A BREAK AND
SNUGGLES CHIHUAHUA
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Empty board seat has five applicants The Advocate
The Mt. Hood Community College District board will appoint a new board member Wednesday to serve the unexpired term of Ralph Yates, whose resignation was effective last month. Five candidates applied for the position by the Oct. 3 deadline: Catherine Baker, Andre Wang, Paul Capell, Katherine Kralj and James Zordich. Whoever the board chooses at its 6 p.m. meeting will serve the remainder of Yates’s term. A May 2013 election will determine who will serve a full four-year term. The candidates answered questions as a part of their application and one of the common stated goals was to provide affordable and quality education for MHCC students. Other input came from personal interviews this week with The Advocate.
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Catherine Baker, a second-year MHCC political science student and an Associated Student Government member, when asked what her reasoning was behind applying for the open position, said, “I thought maybe this is the kind of thing I should go for and since my major is political science and I do want to sit on a board of education (as a part of a career),” she said. “This would be a great experience for me. Even if I don’t get the seat, I can campaign in May,” said Baker. As for what she would be able to provide the board as a new member, she said, “I feel that I can give the view of the students more accurately (being a student herself).” Asked what she feels the focus of the board should be, Baker said she feels the board currently puts most of its focus on financial issues and politics. “There needs to be more balance between money and people,” she said. “I think students are really tired of not having any say and having any voice. I would appreciate the chance to be their voice.”
See “Board” on Page 6
Club Feature:
VOLLEYBALL SWEEPS COUGARS OFF THEIR PAWS AND STILL
DOMINATES
page 4
Local MEChA chapter supports and encourages progress and pride in Mexican-Americans page 8
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Opinion Oct. 12, 2012
Editorial: The cost of access to MHCC education With parking permits and lines at the kiosks a thing of the past, the MHCC administration has instead made it universal for all students to pay to be on campus. As many of you know, the administration has tacked on the Access Fee in place of the Parking Permit Fee from last year. This move makes it mandatory for all students to pay, not just those parking on campus. The Advocate lauds this action, but wonders why it has taken the administration so long to make this change. Now, before you start heating up the tar and gathering the feathers to come after us for supporting a fee, let us explain why we champion the Access Fee. According to the MHCC website, the Access Fee was chosen to replace the Parking Permit Fee for two reasons: it’s a more convenient method for students to pay a fee and that the $35 Access Fee will raise more money than the $25 Parking Permit Fee. In the proposal for the Access Fee from
last year’s budget development, the projected net revenue would be between $615,000$ 1.3 million. The gross revenue projections for the Parking Permit Fee showed $450,000 with $44,000 in projected net revenue. Jennifer Dement, director of finance & budget, said of the parking permit fee, “I don’t think we were really generating revenue at all. “Clearly, not as many students bought the permits. I think they (the administration) thought 80 percent of students would buy the permits, but people were parking at the theater or they were parking on campus with no permit and just winging it and if they got caught, they would only have to pay the day permit,” she added. The implementation of the parking permit fee, which was more than $400,000 according to Dement, included signage and parking permit fee kiosks. According to the MHCC website, the kiosks are considering to be repurposed into electronic directions and the signs are going
to be repurposed into wayfinding signs to help navigation on campus. According to Director of Safety & Security Gale Blessing, the Access Fee is instead added on to the bill of every student enrolled for credit classes at MHCC, whether they’re on campus or taking online classes. The reason The Advocate supports the Access Fee is that if students are going to be charged for being on campus, the administration ought to charge all students equally. With the Parking Permit Fee last year, many students were able to dodge paying the fee by parking for free on 17th Street or in the business parking lots across from campus. So, the lackluster performance of the Parking Permit Fee led to a $10 increase in fees. According to the proposal for the Access Fee from last year’s budget development, the revenue of the fee is supposed to broken down into several areas: $60,000 would be used for four more part-time Public Safety Officers on patrol in the parking
lots to cut down on crime; $45,000 for more surveillance cameras; $5,500 for more biking-related equipment on campus such as more locks and racks; and also to subsidize TriMet monthly passes by 10 percent for students, using approximately $ 4,500. According to Dement, the rest of the revenue will go into the General Fund and be used to support other areas of campus such as infrastructure projects and increased security for online students. We support the administration’s decision to implement this fee. However we believe the Access Fee would’ve been more effective last year than having the Parking Permit Fee and having to now try and make up for that fee’s less than marvelous performance. The Administration has taken steps in the right direction. We just hope that this experiment fares better than the parking permits that can still be seen swinging on some cars like pendulous relics of a defunct system.
Everyone should move to their own beat
Dorothy Ocacio The Advocate
By now, most people have been asked the question, “Are you registered to vote?” With a major election coming up, pressure to register is intensifying. So what does one do if not drawn to Republican or Democrat? After listening to the same regurgitated crap spewing from the mouths of presidential candidates year after year, I decided it was time to look at the other options. I had been without a political party most of my voting years, but I was starting to feel like I needed to participate more in the system that has control of my country. I was feeling disconnected from those who said they were looking out for “our” best interests — and the only way I can change that is with my vote. From my searching, I found the Libertarian Party, ‘The party of principle’, the third largest political group in the United States. There are other political parties out there as well. The Green Parties of North America
is concerned for the eco-system and world peace, while the Communist Party USA is about putting humans and nature before profits. There are others. The Libertarian Party happened to align with my beliefs better than the others. This comes from the Libertarian Party preamble: “As Libertarians, we seek a world of liberty; a world in which all individuals are sovereign over their own lives and no one is forced to sacrifice his or her values for the benefit of others.” I have known a lot of great people in my life. Some of them are gay. I can see absolutely no reason why gays should not be able to marry and have the same benefits of heterosexuals. It is a waste of my tax money for this issue to even be coming up in the courts, especially as often as it has. The Libertarian view is that it is the individual’s choice, not society’s. Check. I believe the people should be in control of their government, not the other way around. The Libertarian view is that there should be minimum government and maximum freedom. Check. I believe that a strong country should help out a country in need when that country asks for the help. They hold to the idea of a foreign policy of non-intervention. Again, a check. “We hold that all individu-
als have the right to exercise sole dominion over their own lives, and have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live in whatever manner they choose,” from the Libertarian statement of principles. The thing that has held me to the Libertarian party so strongly is the above statement. I do not feel anyone else has any right to tell another how to live their life, if that person is not affecting other’s lives due to their actions. Once we are “grown up,” do we really need someone else dictating our lives? I can’t answer for everyone, but I must say that no, I do not need anyone telling me how to live my life. So this year, when I go to vote, I will be voting for the Libertarian nominees, Gov. Gary Johnson for president and Judge Jim Gray for vice president. I would encourage anyone who feels unattached and unrepresented by the two major political parties to look at the other political parties out there. A good place to start is www. greyhawkes.com/ps/ parties. html, which has a list of political par- ties and organizations. To learn more about the Libertarian party, go to www.lp.org. May the vote be within you.
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Brandon Kissir Shaun Lutz Aaron Marshall Danny Perez-Crouse Lisa Sorenson Kayla Tatum
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Mt. Hood Community College 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham, Oregon 97030
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News
the advocate
Lisa Sorenson The Advocate
Shark. Control freak. No-nonsense. Shannon Valdivia, the 5-foot-1-inch director of the award-winning MHCC forensics team, doesn’t deny these words used to describe her. But there came a point last spring when she realized she needed a break. Valdivia made the decision to take one year off as leader of the school’s highly regarded debate team. Former assistant Liz Kinnaman is serving as interim director for the 2012-13 academic year, before Valdivia intends to return. “The only reason I considered (a year off) was because I had Liz as my assistant,” said Valdivia. With an admitted controlling streak, Valdivia just had to know that if she were to step aside, her replacement could hold the team to the high level of excellence for which it has become known. After speaking with Michael Dugaw, her mentor and former coach at Lower Columbia College (LCC) in Longview, Wash., Valdivia knew it was time to follow through with her “crazy idea.” Dugaw asked her if she was having fun, or if she was starting to resent her forensics work. Her reply to both questions was “sometimes.” Dugaw told her to take a break and to not apologize for it. Valdivia, 41, said serving as forensics
director for more than 10 years has been extremely time-intensive, emotionally and physically exhausting, and required many personal sacrifices. Those commitments have played a big role in her single status and the fact she has no children, she said. “It’s hard to explain to someone that they are going to share you with 10-12 students… or explaining why I’m here until 11 p.m. working with (the students) on a week before a tournament,” she said. All the while, Valdivia had the added burden of caring for her disabled mother, who lives with her and is fighting a seventh battle with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Her mother’s cancer resurfaced about a month after Valdivia made the decision to step down as director. “The Good Lord must have known something was coming,” said Valdivia. The cancer helped to validate her choice, but she has mixed emotions about leaving forensics, if only temporarily. She continues to teach at MHCC and finds it difficult to be around the buzz of the team before a tournament, knowing she’s not in charge. She plans to get away and go to a Washington State football game in Pullman this weekend while the forensics team competes at its first tournament at Lewis and Clark College, so she won’t be tempted to coach.
Photo by Jeff Hanning/The Advocate
Shark of a forensics director takes a year off
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Former forensics director Shannon Valdivia helps Jared Ramirez, a business transfer student, with an outline for his first speech in Speech 111.
She plans to attend a few of the tournaments at MHCC, including one against Lower Columbia College, where she began her forensics career and earned her associates degree in speech. Since relinquishing control, Valdivia has more time for reading, photography and caring for her mother. Asked how she de-stresses, she erupted in laughter and eventually answered with “sleep.” Valdivia enjoys grabbing a beer with friends and labels herself a “beer snob.” She also frequently totes around her eight-pound Chihuahua, Chuy, who she
calls her current boyfriend. “He loves me unconditionally and doesn’t give me any crap,” she said. Although Valdivia has sometimes felt underappreciated and wonders about life if she hadn’t been so devoted to forensics, she has no regrets. Many students have become her extended family, and she’s not good with compliments, anyway, she said. Her advice to anyone pursuing a career in forensics: “It won’t pay you squat, but the rewards are endless and sometimes you may not know what those rewards are until
Lane transplant takes over from Maas in Admissions Danny Perez-Crouse The Advocate
Coming from Lane Community College in Eugene, John Hamblin has taken over as the new manager of admissions, registration and records. Hamblin replaces Peggy Maas, who retired last summer after 30 years of working for MHCC At Lane Community College, Hamblin was the director of student enrollment. Hamblin said he enjoyed his time at Lane, adding that he cherishes the experience he gained there and believes it will complement his work at MHCC. He said he will miss the friendships and bonds he made at Lane but plans to make many new ones at MHCC. Hamblin said he has felt very welcomed and supported.
Hamblin said that given the great success the college has had in its history around student success, it was an obvious fit for him. “Personally and professionally, Mt. Hood Community College feels like a great place where great things can happen. I am excited for this year and the future here at the college,” said Hamblin. He has been a peer of Maas for the past few years and looked at her as a very successful registrar and viewed her and her work with high regard. Hamblin said the transition from Eugene to Gresham has been great. He moved to Gresham with his wife, Katie, and his two-year-old son, JJ. He said they sold their house in Eugene fairly quickly, and besides occasionally getting lost in their new surroundings, they are excited to be here and feel they are settling in
comfortably. Hamblin is a regular bike commuter. He drove to work on his first day, which he says was weird, but has rode his bike to Mt. Hood every day since. Hamblin’s duties as manager of admissions, registrations, and records include management of staff and processes around these areas. He was very enthusiastic about his new position, adding that student services is where he found his true passion. Hamblin said he has worked very hard to get where he is and attributes much of his success to the help he has received along the way. “I value stories and student experiences and I have had and value my own,” said Hamblin. He said he believes he is embarking on his greatest work and is excited for what he and the college can achieve together.
News briefs PSU adviser to visit MHCC
Gregory takes on new position
Regina Arellano, a Portland State University adviser, will visit the MHCC Advising and Transfer Center Wednesday for one-on-one meetings with students interested in transferring to PSU. The meetings will be held in the Advising and Transfer Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a longer, more in-depth presentation Nov. 20. These are not just for students interested in transferring to PSU, but all students looking to transfer.
Michelle Gregory has been assigned the former duties of the vice president of the Office of College Advancement under a different title. Cassie McVeety previously was the vice president but left MHCC for a position at Pacific University. Gregory had previously served as executive coordinator for Strategic Initiatives and Board Relations and is now the director of Board Relations and Community Development. In The Advocate’s June issue, it was reported that there was a reorganization of administrative staff including vice presidents and dean that went into effect July 1. At the start of the fiscal year, Gregory took on leadership of the College Advancement Office. Another change that occurred during the same time is
Appointment times for Wednesday are listed below along with Arellano’s contact information. Students should contact Arellano ahead for an appointment at reginaa@pdx. edu or by calling 503-725-4005. The appointment times next week are: 9-9:30 a.m.; 9:45-10:15 a.m.; 10:30-11 a.m.; 11:15-11:30 a.m.; 11:40-12:10 p.m.; and 12:15-12:45 p.m. Each session is reserved for a private one-on-one meeting scheduled beforehand.
— Cameron Miller
the involvement of the IP department now working within the college advancement department to refresh the website and make it more useable for students and more accessible by the community. In the future, Gregory said she hopes to develop a capital campaign to address challenges with the facility. Gregory said that since the college was established in 1966, it has seen considerable wear and tear and she desires to work with the college foundation toward physical plant improvement. In 2016, the college will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the facility, which Gregory said is a huge landmark. Asked about her thoughts on her new position, Gregory said, “It’s challenging and it’s interesting — and I’m learning lot.”
— Danny Perez-Crouse
Oct. 12, 2012 Photo by Logan Scott/The Advocate
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Sports
Legendary Braves player will be missed Shaun Lutz The Advocate
Both Linn-Benton and MHCC wore pink uniforms as a part of the “Dig Pink” match in support of breast cancer awareness. The Saints went on to beat the Cougars (25-22, 25-18, 25-17) bring them up to 4-0 in conference play.
Saints sweep Cougars, still spotless in league Shaun Lutz The Advocate
After its strong earlier performance against divisional opponent Linn-Benton, the Saints volleyball team continued on a roll, sweeping the Clackamas Cougars last Friday in the “Dig Pink” match supporting breast cancer awareness. Starting divisional play 4-0 is not an easy task, but the Saints followed their hard fought, 5-set victory again the Roadrunners by making quick work of the Cougars. With their sweep (25-22, 25-18, 25-17) of Clackamas, they were able to stay undefeated in the Southern Region, and move their overall record to 17-6. Middle blocker Kylie Kitzmiller had a game-high 14 kills on 29 attempts. Tori Kemper added 12 kills, and sophomore Kelsey
Merritt added 16 digs during the sweep. Alyssa Hall assisted 22 times, and Morgan Entze 19 times, accounting for more than Clackamas did as a whole team. The Saints also outblocked the Cougars 5-2, dominating in every category imaginable. Taking a brief break from league play, the team will head up to Shoreline, Wash., this weekend for the Shoreline Crossover tournament. They open against Blue Mountain, taking on a Timberwolves squad that has an overall record of 27-0, best in the NWAACC to go along with their firm lead in the Eastern Region. In their only matchup of the season, the Saints played three close games but lost all to the undefeated Timberwolves (26-24, 25-23, 15-11). Game two of this weekend’s tournament has the Saints
Sport Rebuilding Blazers hope to stay healthy Aaron Marshall The Advocate
The preseason for the NBA has officially started. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night 93-75. Even though it was an exhibition game and Lakers superstars Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard did not play, the Blazers showed potential with their young team that is not expected to make the playoffs this year but is in a rebuilding stage. The NBA regular season opens later this month and once again the Blazers have to start with injuries, as guard Elliot Williams tore his Achilles tendon in September in an off-season workout. Last season Williams had to have season-ending surgery after dislocating his shoulder. In the year before that, Williams fractured the patella in his right knee. At this point I don’t know if it is the Blazers medical staff, or if the franchise just likes to draft injured players. It seems like every year the Blazers have a new injury that just magically comes along. But this is a whole new season, which includes two key rookies, point guard Damian Lillard and center Meyers Leonard. During Lillard’s time at Weber State University, he suffered a broken foot and was forced to miss the majority of his junior season. Two years later, Lillard has big expectations from the team, as he has been labeled the Blazers’ point guard of the future. I believe there is still hope for the Blazers this season as long as the injury curse does not continue.
facing the Bellevue Bulldogs. With an 18-6 overall record (6-0 divisional), the Northern Region’s first-place team will be looking to reverse its previous meeting with Mt. Hood, when the Saints won their first home match of the year in four games, after dropping the first (19-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-23). In their third game of the weekend, Mt. Hood will be pitted against the Tacoma Titans, the third-place team in the Western Region. The Titans have posted the same overall record as Mt. Hood has (17-6), but the two squads have yet to face each other this season. After this weekend’s tournament, the Saints will head back into league play, welcoming Umpqua to Gresham for a home game next Friday at 6 p.m..
SC entral - Upcoming Pre-season Games Tonight at Phoenix Suns, 7 p.m. on Comcast Sports Network
Oct. 15 at Sacramento Kings, 7 p.m. (not televised)
- New Rookies New first year player additions to the Blazer team: -Guard, #0 Damian Lillard, Weber State University -Center, #11 Meyers Leonard, University of Illinois
-Guard, #5 Will Barton, University of Memphis -Forward, #18 Victor Claver, (Valencia, Spain) -Forward, #19 Joel Freeland, (Farham, England)
Major League Baseball said goodbye last week to one of the best to play the game — Chipper Jones of the Atlanta Braves — after 19 years of holding down the hot corner and, for a brief period of time, left field. It’s rare to find a player who spends a whole career in one uniform. After a remarkable 2,592 games, Chipper has solidified himself as one of, if not the, greatest Braves player ever, as well as a surefire Hall of Famer. Though he struggled with injuries late in his career, Jones was a professional in the dugout, and on the field. Jones was selected first in the 1990 MLB draft, a sign that he would be a Braves staple for years. He was an unselfish team member, moving from third base to left field in the 2002 season so the team could sign Vinny Castilla. After hamstring injuries cost Castilla his job, Atlanta brought in Mark DeRosa. But as DeRosa struggled, Chipper made his way back to the spot he owned for the better part of his career. Most players look out for themselves come time to sign a new contract, but Jones went the other direction in 2005 when he, his agent, and the front office reworked his contract. By taking a paycut he saved the team $15 million over the next three seasons. His “team” attitude showed in his play as he broke into the league in 1993. After an ACL tear in 1994 cut short his season, he came back in 1995 to lead the Braves to their first World Series title since 1957 (as the Milwaukee Braves). Although it was his only World Series ring, Jones holds the Atlanta Braves record for most postseason appearances with 92 games. He was an eight-time All-Star, twotime Silver Slugger, batting title winner in 2008 when he hit .364, and the 1999 league MVP. His career ended with an early exit during last week’s controversial National League Wild Card game. Hitless until his last at bat, he snapped his bat on a squeaker up the middle and beat the throw for a single, a fitting last hurrah. Chipper wore two jersey numbers in his illustrious career, 16 and 10. But his most important number may be 19 — for the number of outstanding, Hall of Fame-worthy years in Atlanta. So from the rest of the baseball world outside of the southeast United States, thank you, Chipper. We’ll see you in Cooperstown.
Sports
the advocate
Photo by Jeff Hannig/The Advocate
Baseball finishes ‘fall-ball’ at home
Cross country hopes bye-week break can boost rosters Aaron Marshall The Advocate
Aaron Marshall The Advocate
Sophomore Hunter Weiss battles in a plate appearance during the Saints last fall ball game of the season against Concordia.
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Short on runners rather than steam, the MHCC cross country team has had it rough in its last two meets this season — running its last meet with incomplete teams — but there may be help on the horizon. “We are working on getting two more women eligible for the Southern Region Championship and the NWAACC Championship meets,” said cross country coach Matt Hart. “We will have them run as soon as they are eligible.” With these potential additions, things are looking up for the women’s team. Asked whether the cross country team has considered cutting meets based on low participation, Hart said the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) has made it mandatory that all sport programs reduce the number of competitions for each season in an attempt to be more cost effective in the economic times schools are going through. “With cross country, it is hard on the body to push it hard too often so we don’t necessarily compete every weekend,” he said. This is the second time in school history that MHCC has not had complete teams. The other year was 2005 “2005 was a challenge because I had just come back into coaching at the college and inherited a program from the previous coach,” said Hart. “I am confident that MHCC will field complete teams for the men and women this year.”
Short on runners rather than steam, the MHCC cross Though the team is short on runners, Hart said it is not at risk of being cut as a program. “Cutting cross country wouldn’t help much as it doesn’t cost much to field the team. Out of the nine athletic programs, men’s cross country and women’s cross country combined have almost half the budget as the next cheapest sport,” Hart said. In some years, MHCC has “had over 20 combined student-athletes for the men’s and women’s cross country teams, all of which need to be full-time students to participate,” he said. “Low cost of participation plus a potential high roster count equals a profit to the college,” said Hart. Since the team is low on numbers, Hart said the team will have to work that much harder. “I think the low numbers gives them a sense of urgency knowing that there is less room for error. On the women’s side, I am confident that we will have a complete team for both of our championship meets. I am proud of the efforts all of our men and women have put forth in practices, competitions and in their schooling,” said Hart. “We have a great group of student-athletes who have a strong desire to improve.” Any students interested in running on the cross country team should contact Hart at 503-491-7455 or by e-mail at Matt.Hart@mhcc.edu. The cross country teams will resume their season today at the Mike Hodges Invitational at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City. The meet begins at 3:30 p.m.
“I think the low numbers gives them a sense of urgency knowing that there is less room for error.” - Matt Hart, cross country coach
ecampus.oregonstate.edu/cc13 800-667-1465 Mt.Hood.indd 1
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News Oct. 12, 2012
Board: Four of five candidates hail from MHCC Continued from Page 1
• Andre Wang, a part-time business law instructor at MHCC and a self-employed attorney, said he submitted his application after board chairman Dave Shields requested he do so. Even though Wang is among the applicants, he said he is hesitant about serving on the board because he is a part-time instructor at MHCC. On his board application, he wrote, “As an employee, I have reservations about serving on the MHCC Board of Education due to the inherent conflict.” Wang currently serves on six other various boards, including the board of directors at Adventist Medical Center and the Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce. On his application, Wang wrote that he feels the community resources at MHCC should be put to “wise and judicious use.”
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Paul Capell, member of the MHCC Foundation board, is vice president of West Region Energy Lead at HDR Engineering Inc. As for prior governmental experience, he was also the mayor of Prineville, Ore., from 1997-98. Capell also ran for a position on the district board last year.
Asked what he would be concentrating his efforts on should he be elected, Capell said that although he knows the college is faced with numerous challenges, he wants to “ensure quality education.” “We need to continue offering affordable and quality education,” he added. Capell says he is excited at the chance to work on the board at MHCC. “If selected, I am anxious and willing to serve the board,” he said.
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Katherine Kralj, who is recently retired and a former counselor and student at MHCC, said that if chosen for the board, she is eager at the opportunity “to put time into the things I believe in,” primarily higher education. Along with being a counselor at MHCC, Kralj has also been a counselor at other colleges and was a counselor at LaSalle High School. “After being counselor at MHCC, I learned a lot about the college,” said Kralj. As result of her work as a counselor and dealing with students directly, Kralj says, “I feel like I have a good handle on high school students and their families.” Like the numerous other applicants, Kralj says she feels her priority as a board member would be to ensure that “community college is available and affordable.”
News Briefs
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To be eligible for the board position, applicants had to be qualified voters in Multnomah County, north Clackamas Country or west Hood River Country and at least 18 years old. The board will review the applications Wednesday night before appointing a new board member.
Online Exclusive
Political science seminar tackles conflict resolution MHCC’s Political Science Department has broadened its subject material with a fall term seminar about peace and conflict. This seminar explores peace and conflict through the lens of intercultural communication and political science. Two of the main questions and issues the students will face are “What prevents people from resolving conflicts?” and “How do we resolve conflict using non-violent means?” The seminar began Oct. 3 and continues until Nov. 28. Meetings are held on Wednesdays from 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. in Room AC1610. The facilitators are Campbell and Marilyn Brimo, an intercultural communications instructor. Students can pick up registration slips if they are interested in taking the seminar for one credit but the seminar is also open for those who just want to attend for fun or extra-credit. The seminar will also involve reactions to short readings. The weekly meetings consist of short
• James Zordich brings with him experience on numerous other boards, including being a board member of the Southern California Historical Society. He recently served as a member of the Boring Water District Budget Review Committee. In response to the board application question of what he believes the role of MHCC should be in the community, Zordich wrote, “The principal mission of the college is that of providing an affordable and diversified post-secondary educational experience.” As for why he applied, Zordich said, “It has been my long-held belief that a person cannot hold the right to criticize unless he actively participates in the process of resolution.” Zordich said he feels the board members should be more visible within the community and public relations need to be improved.
presentations followed by roundtable discussion of the specific topics being addressed. “We try to define peace which can simply be the absence of violence, but more so it’s a harmonious environment. Once we define peace, then we discuss how we can achieve that,” said Janet Campbell, a political science instructor. Students will also complete a small project that applies principles derived from the seminar to a current conflict. Other seminars offered by the Political Science Department include the “Be An Informed Citizen” series, which highlights the larger political parties in America, as well as “Politics Through Dr. Seuss.” These seminars are known for student involvement and participation. Questions can be addressed to Campbell at Janet.Campbell@mhcc.edu or in the Political Science Department.
— Cameron Miller
F
or more information on how Public Safety is looking to expand their services on campus, see the story at www.advocate-online.net
Preview
Day
Join us 1 p.m. Saturday, October 13
Clery Report sheds light on campus crime The Crime Statistics and Security Policies Annual Report for Jan. 1 to Dec. 21, 2011, is available at www.mhcc.edu/CleryReport. The report shows the number of general crimes, hate crimes, and disciplinary statistics for both the Gresham and Bruning Center campuses. The Maywood campus is not included because it does not offer a degree program.
Gale Blessing, director of Safety & Security, said this report is important so that “as students you can decide whether you want to come to MHCC or not.” She added the report helps a student or prospective student determine if the campus is a safe. The Clery Report is required for all two and four-year colleges to publish. It states Public Safety’s policies as well as their involve-
ment with local and national law enforcement authorities. In the report, one can find how to report suspicions or crimes. In addition, all crimes are kept on a daily log that can be found under the Public Safety section of the MHCC website. To receive a copy of the report, view the above link or stop by the Public Safety Office.
— Katelyn Hilsenbeck
Learn about Academic programs Paying for college
Application process Campus life
Find Agenda, directions and RSVP at vancouver.wsu.edu/preview Ask about the Border Bill—it lets Oregon residents pay in-state tuition.
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the advocate
Campus on the move
Photo by Jeff Hannig/The Advocate
Political forum seeks to explain various conservative philosophies
7
Daniele Caldwell The Advocate
Students trekked across campus during an evacuation drill on Thursday morning. The drill was the second of the week with one being held Wednesday evening. According to a press release sent by Communications Director Maggie Huffman, alarms on the south side of the Gresham campus and the Visual Arts did not activate. MHCC is working with a contractor to address the problem.
Instructor looks to become a state rep. John Tkebuchava The Advocate
MHCC geography and criminal justice instructor Chris Gorsek, who is also a former police officer and Troutdale City Council member, is aiming for the 49th district State Representative seat in the November general election. Gorsek also ran for Oregon Senate last year, where he accumulated approximately 18,000 votes in a losing cause -- the winner drew 24,000. Gorsek, who won the Democratic primary in May, has been spending his summer campaigning and going from door to door throughout the community. “(Campaigning) has gone very well,” said Gorsek, adding that he’s been meeting with other organizations and setting up endorsements with groups like the Working Families Party. “We’ve had a couple productive fundraisers here in the last couple of weeks, so it’s been going really well,” he said. Asked whether there has been a common concern for the state among the citizens he’s talked to throughout the summer, Gorsek said, “The thing that came up the most locally is the casino (The Grange). The other two key things are education and the economy.” In regards to the Grange, Gorsek was skeptical of the claims made by companies tied to the proposed casino on positive effects on the community. “I don’t support the Grange. I know that they talk about jobs, but what we want are really good living wage jobs. I’m not convinced that that’s what we’ll get,” he said. In general, job creation is something Gorsek is a major advocate for and says it would be one of his main focuses should he be elected. Gorsek also says he feels it is important to try and fix and clean up the state’s schools and other infrastructure, saying a “lot of it is wearing out,” and hopes to tie it all in with job creation. In response to how he would create these jobs, Gorsek said, “If we were to start a fund where we would slowly start a fund where we slowly but surely work on the worst of these buildings, that would provide good decent construction type jobs.” “We’re going to have to start working on our infrastructure more,” he said, referring to roads and bridges as examples. He said along with the workers needed to physically do the job, you also need someone to provide the supplies and services, so the effect would build up overtime.
Education and all aspects of the finance involved in it is another one of his major concerns. Gorsek said he is particularly worried for community colleges because the state is looking more to base funding on degree completion rather than the traditional FTE (Full-Time-Equivalent) head count. “The problem is community colleges do a lot of things that don’t lend itself to completion,” said Gorsek. Tuition, which has risen with the decreasing state funding to MHCC, is also something Gorsek says he is worried about. “I’m concerned about tuition increases, I’m concerned about education costs,” said Gorsek, addChris Gorsek ing should he be elected, he would do anything he could to solve these issues. Gorseks says with a better-educated populace, companies will be more likely to bring their businesses here as well. “Good schools prepare students for the real world,” added Gorsek. “I think it’s the beginning of everything.” Asked why Gorsek feels he would be a good fit for the role of state representative, Gorsek referred to his background in education, the police force and local government. “I think that the jobs I have had immerse you in the real world. With the education background plus that background, that makes me a really good candidate for understanding the issues that face average people and being sensitive to those issues,” he said. “I really want to work to make things better for middle-income folks,” said Gorsek. With the election month creeping just around the corner, Gorsek was asked about his chances. He said, “I feel really good. Our big thing in this district is we have a 14-point democratic registration edge over my opponent and I’m also endorsed by the worker’s family party and also won the independent primary so I will be running under all three of those.” Even if he doesn’t claim the seat next month, Gorsek said he may continue to pursue a career in politics. “I’m definitely interested in continuing looking to work in government. What that would look like, I don’t know, but I would definitely be interested in running again,” said Gorsek. —Editor’s note: An article on Gorsek’s opponent Matt Wand will appear in next week’s Advocate. Advocate file photo
Political science instructor Janet Campbell explained beliefs and strategies of the Republican Party Wednesday in the first of a series of political forums at MHCC. In the forum she took on the role of a partisan conservative. She will portray liberal and third-party voters in two additional forums scheduled next Wednesday and Oct. 24. Campbell began her 10-minute presentation by discussing the opinions of three core groups within the Republican Party — religious fundamentalists, modern conservatives and neo-conservatives. Talking from a Republican viewpoint, she described common beliefs on several topics including the economic system, the legal system, human nature and freedom. She explained how the legal system assumes humans are rational beings — but described how in reality we are reactionary, pleasure seeking and lazy. She said Americans need capitalism “in order to survive in society” because it is incentive for lazy people to get a job and forces us to be productive, and pointed out how “once you own property, you care about it.” According to Campbell (and supported by the most recent Gallup poll), 28 percent of registered voters in the U.S. are Republicans and 32 percent are Democrats. However, only about 30 percent of eligible adults turn out to vote in national elections, she said. Of those who consistently do vote, about 20 percent are religious fundamentalists, so Republicans cater to them, she said. This national election is mainly about voter turnout, which is why the Democrats are encouraging more people – the less dedicated voters -- to get out and vote. “Religious fundamentalists (reliably) vote, number one -- so that’s why any Republican candidate is going to take more of this position than anything else. McCain did it; Mitt Romney’s doing it right now. They vote 100 percent of the time, and they have an audience,” Campbell said. MHCC student Brit Parker said young people are less focused. “People in their 20s don’t feel connected to voting,” he said, mostly because they do not believe that their vote will make a difference. During follow-up discussion, English instructor Beth Sammons brought up the proposed Wood Village development that appears on Oregon’s election ballot (Measures 82 and 83), “The Grange.” She said promotional commercials barely mention it will be a non-Native American-owned casino, but anti-Grange ads emphasize the complex will be a real, live gambling casino. Sammons also commented on the large sums of money Republicans are spending to prevent voter fraud. Critics accuse the party of trying to suppress voter turnout with tougher rules that could mostly affect Democratic voters. “It’s not about voter fraud; it’s about making voting harder for Democrats,” Sammons said. Campbell will take the position of a liberal this Wednesday and that of American third parties, such as libertarians and socialist Democrats, on Oct. 24. All the forums will be 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. in the Bob Scott Room, in the north end of the MHCC library.
8 Living Arts
Oct. 12, 2012
Club Feature:
MEChA club offers a place for Latinos to inform students about eductaion The Advocate
“La Union Hace La Fuerza” translated means “Unity Makes Strength”. This is the motto for the MEChA Club, a national organization with campus branches across the country. MHCC has a chapter as well. MEChA stands for Movimiento Estudiantil de Aztlán, which means ‘Chican@ Student Movement of Aztlán. The @ reflects gender neutrality within the organization. The group promotes higher education, culture and history of Chicano/a students. It began in 1969 as an effort to bring together several organizations with the focus of improving the conditions of U.S.-born Hispanics. A gathering in Santa Barbara, Calif., brought together members from various groups, which laid down El Plan de Santa Barbara. From this came two important contributions; MEChA and Chicano Studies. Elizabeth Perry, bilingual and culturally diverse student retention coordinator, is the MHCC adviser for MEChA. “It grew out of that movement,” said Perry about the founding of the organization. “The type of discrimination, the type of roadblocks that were in students’ ways, were significant.” Since its formation, MEChA “has been responsible for moving students towards educational excellence, advocating for the rights of students and community involvement,” Perry said. “Once you’re a MEChAista, really it’s not like an identity that you just have here at Mt. Hood Community College. It’s something you continue to hold
America as small children, with no permaon to, and there are many MEChAistas in on campus, Sanchez said. There are currently about 15 active mem- nent resident status, a window to adjust their seventies who continue to give back to the community so it’s the idea that the iden- bers, but that number likely will rise as the their status temporarily. MEChA also helps with financial reterm progresses, according to Perry. tity is part of you. MEChA organizes events, such as danc- sources through active fundraising to create “Coming to the college to get your forcollege scholarships. mal education, you’re It is an annual goal, not leaving your comPerry said. munity behind. Rather, MEChA also will you’re making an insoon host a celebravestment in yourself tion of “Dia de los so you can once again Muertos,” or Day of invest in the commuthe Dead, a traditionnity,” Perry said. al holiday in Mexico. Agustin Torres is The day is typically a coordinator for MEcelebrated Nov. 1, ChA at Portland State often extending to University who came the 2nd. One day out Tuesday to the is a dedication for Club Fair to support adults, and the next the MHCC chapter. is for children, who “They (MEChA) have passed. It is a want to draw attentime for friends and tion” to the lives of family to gather and Chicano/as in Amerremember those they ica, Torres said. Culhave lost. tural connections, A MEChA club member talks to students at the club fair in the main mall on Thursday morning. According to club adviser Elizabeth Perry MEChA is a club that draws attention to the lives of Chicano/as in America. Date and time for encouragement and assistance to attend college and making Chi- es, conferences and cultural activities, to the event, to be held on the MHCC campus, cano/as aware of available opportunities promote education and inform students will be decided at MEChA’s next meeting, about community issues. Political aware- from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday. are the club’s goals, Torres said. For information on the location of ThursOscar Sanchez joined MEChA this past ness and educational drive are two of the day’s meeting, contact the Student Union summer. He enrolled at MHCC last year goals that MEChA stresses. Last week, MEChA sponsored a talk to (formerly named the College Center). Reguand is taking general studies. He plans to earn a teaching degree so he can teach high inform students and community members lar club meeting times and locations have about the deferred action legislation Presi- not yet been set. school history. To find out more about the club, contact The MHCC club promotes by word dent Obama signed into effect on June 15. of mouth, with members reaching out to The action gives noncitizens between the Elizabeth Perry at Elizabeth.perry@mhcc. Chicano/a students in the community and ages of 15 and 31 who were brought to edu. Cameron Miller - The Advocate
Dorothy Ocacio
Review:
the day tripper your weekly event planner
Friday 10.12
N PORTLAND
The Portland Tattoo Expo will take place from Friday through Sunday and will feature
more than 100 businesses from all over Oregon and several other states who will be available to give patrons tattoos during the Expo. There will also be tattoo contests, and seminars for an extra cost. Other vendors featuring tattoo supplies, magazines and piercing will be in attendance as well. Single day admission is $20 or a three-day pass is $40. It will be open on Friday from 2-10 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. at the Portland Expo Center at 2060 N. Marine Drive Portland.
Saturday 10.13
WOODBURN
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm known for its tulip fest in the spring is also the host of a pumpkin fest during October. Tons of activities for families such as ducky races, horse swings, a paintball gallery, archery, a corn maze, a pumpkin cannon, hay wagon rides, cow train rides, and much more. A “Haunting in the Corn” will take place in the corn maze on Oct. 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27 from 7 9:30 p.m. for an extra cost of $7. The farm is located at 33814 S. Meridian Road, Woodburn. It is open everyday in October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. all days. Admission to the farm is free for ages 4 and under, $6 for ages 5 to 12, and $7 for ages 13 and up.
Sunday 10.14
NE PORTLAND
The Hollywood Theater will host screenings of the third season of AMC series “The Walking Dead” which kicks off Oct. 14. The screenings will take place every Sunday at 7 p.m. Screenings are always free and will take place at the Hollywood Theater, 4122 N.E. Sandy Blvd, Portland.
Monday 10.15
GRESHAM
Readers Theatre Gresham and The Sandy Actors Theatre will present a one night only performance of “Vampire Dreams” The actors will be acting with scripts in-hand on a blank stage. The performance will take place at The Gresham Chapel and Evening Event Center at 257 S.E. Roberts Ave. The performance costs $8.
Solo project for Gibbard, ‘Former Lives,’ upcoming Kylie Rogers The Advocate
“This all sounds like something I’ve heard before,” was my first reaction upon hearing the Death Cab for Cutie front man’s debut attempt at a solo album, “Former Lives.” Ben Gibbard, who is going by Benjamin Gibbard for the upcoming album, has a very iconic voice but I don’t think that’s the reason I found “Former Lives” so similar to his work with Death Cab. Honestly, I was looking forward to an awesome break-up album from Gibbard. Looking at the early Death Cab material, Gibbard writes amazingly miserable songs when he is upset or drunk. Not that I wish ill will upon him, but, seriously: he divorced Zooey Deschanel. The most perfect indie-alternative couple ended. Now where is my break-up album? There are songs here that touch on relationships but Gibbard won’t spill the beans on who, or what, they’re about. Just like Death Cab’s music, Gibbard’s solo music does well in the background but still offers pleasant surprises with his lyrical arrangement when your ears perk up to listen. There are some differences between Gibbard’s solo career and Death Cab’s. “Former Lives” offers variety within its own indie/alternative genre with its use of a capella, steel guitar and a mix of instrumentation – including a mariachi piece. It’s the instrumental variation that makes “Former Lives” stand out to me as something separate from Death Cab, which kind of bums me out. Most side projects or solo adventures turn out to be so different from the main band’s sound and this one is really quite similar. It’s not a bad thing, it fits Gibbard’s style, but it still isn’t what I was expecting. My personal favorite from the album is “Bigger than Love,” on which Gibbard collaborated with Aimee Mann. Their duet is based off of love letters between legendary flapper couple F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. The album maintains good pace throughout. It’s never too fast and it’s not too slow. It’s very mellow and not too show-offy. “Former Lives” comes out on Tuesday. If you’re looking for a mellow fall ear worm, give it a listen.