Vol. 164, Issue 1 | Aug. 30, - Sept. 13 , 2017 | City College of San Francisco | Since 1935 | FREE
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
New chancellor praises colleges social justice role By Cassie Ordonio cordonio@theguardsman.com
The Guardsman sat down with newly-hired Chancellor Mark Rocha to discuss his vision for City College on Aug. 22. The New Yorker has a doctorate in literature and a master’s in engineering. The Board of Trustees selected Rocha on July 1, with a vote 6-1, thus making him the first permanent chancellor since 2015.
The Guardsman: Knowing City College of San Francisco had been embroiled in a five-year battle over its accreditation, why did you seek to become chancellor?
Photo by Solomon Santos/The Guardsman
Rocha: Because that battle is over. As said to the faculty and staff last Friday, they– not me– saved the college. They got the accreditation back. So the opportunity to come here didn’t scare me at all. It actually attracted me because now I have the opportunity to build on the success that was already here. I think that some of the experiences that I’ve had in the past match up with where we want to go as City College for the future.
Chancellor Mark Rocha concludes an interview for The Guardsman. Photo taken on Aug. 22, 2017.
G: As you well know, there was great concern among some City College students and faculty about your candidacy because of no confidence mandates by students and faculty at your last university job. How do you hope to win over your critics at City College? R: Well by going every morning over to Philz, as I did this morning, and having coffee with my colleagues. One of the most important things about leadership is to be accessible. So I think one of things I’ve tried to do is get out from behind this desk and to let people know that we can sit down and have a real talk. So all you can do is move forward and I think all the faculty leaders and all the students that I’ve met are happy to move forward.
G: What skills and/or experiences do you bring to the job that will help City College? R: This will be the 10 year that I’ve been a college president or head of a college. So a lot of the challenges that the college is facing [are ones] that I’ve faced before successfully. I think the big goals moving forward are that we want to grow the college back to the size it was before the accreditation difficulty. We have five years to restore the college to its previous enrollment. I think where I can help is to develop a plan with faculty, staff and students for growing the college, which means a couple things. Number one, Free City… but I think number two is we need to look at what I call “program
aligner.” What are the programs in this economy? What are the programs we need in this particular region that serve students in terms of employment? And finally–and probably my most deeply held value, the most important thing I bring to the college and one of the reasons why the board selected me–is my deep, deep abiding concern for the underprivileged. I started out as one. For example, we have a large amount of homeless students, so where I've been, I’ve been a pretty strong advocate not just for diversity, which is important, but for social justice, for actually giving everybody a real opportunity at equality and higher education.
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And trying to give people an opportunity to have access to the same privilege. G: In your opinion, what should be the role of a community college and how should that be achieved? R: The role of the community college is a social justice mission. Let’s put it specifically, City College of San Francisco is the one social justice institution where we take the top 100 percent of students where no questions are asked; all you need to do is get here somehow, and we take in and we try to do our best to give you access to quality higher education. 50 or 60 years ago, it was only a dream; it wasn’t a reality. What is it, 1935, the college was founded? Now well over 80 years it’s still here, and it’s here for one
reason, and that one reason is a social justice mission. G: What do you see as the pressing challenges facing City College today? R: First of all, as I’ve said to the faculty, I don’t think City College is in bad shape. I don’t think City College is broken. I think City College in a very, very good place. The accreditation is in hand. As I’ve said many times, our academic outcomes by our students’ success outcomes, our graduation rate, our completion rate, the quality of the academic instruction, that was never in doubt. So in many ways the accreditation crisis falls behind us, rear view mirror, was unfair. But the faculty and staff pulled together and pulled the college through. So I don’t think we start Q&A continues on page 3
13,000 attend free speech rally at Civic Center page 8
Brought together in light of Charlottesville, Virginia
page 5
2 | NEWS
News Briefs
Faculty won power to report ACCJC A settlement agreement between the California Federation of Teachers (CFT), American Federation of Teachers (AFT 2121) and the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) was established in a campaign for fair accreditation amongst all California community colleges. Within this agreement, the CFT obtains the power to report the ACCJC in the event of unfulfilled commitments. According to the CFT, the aim for this settlement is transparency in the California accreditation system, which will eventually lead to enforcement through developing a statewide committee. The City College of San Francisco is now fully accredited in light of this agreement, in addition to the replacement of Barbara Beno's leadership. -By Sarah Berjan
DSPS provides homework services The Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) is offering evening homework help as part of their Academic Assistance Program. The study area is located in the Rosenberg Library’s Learning Assistance Center (LAC) in Room 214. Assistance will be available Mondays and Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. DSPS students must checkin with the LAC counter before joining the program. Please remember to bring a student ID number and to sign in at the DSPS table.
A survey by the Urban Institute found 13 percent of American college students are considered “food insecure.” Food insecurity is defined as a lack of food and/or poor nutrition. The survey is based on government statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. It includes college students on campus and households with college students. Collaborating with two professors from Brookings Institution, researchers from The Urban Institute investigated the prevalence of insufficient nutrition varied according to
Vol. 164, Issue 1 | Aug. 30, - Sept. 13 , 2017
economic cycles. Their research confirmed that economic downturns raised poor nutritional behaviors. Solutions to poor nutrition by college students include changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to grant aid for food to part time college workers with less than 20-hour work weeks. Other solutions include the assessment of the nutritional needs of homeless and/or transient college students, greater recognition by lawmakers of food insecurity issues among ethnic populations and a unified political approach to different aspects of nutritional concerns within campuses. -By Diane Carter
“Sentinels” sculpture returns home Aristedes Demetrios’ sculpture “Sentinels” was returned to its place in the Conlan Hall Plaza on August 15 after the construction of a new concrete base to help prevent corrosion. Associate Vice Chancellor Linda da Silva shared in an email that the restoration work was completed by the San Francisco Arts Commission and the artwork will now comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act. -By Quip Johnson
Community college grads become 4-year grads
-By Quip Johnson
Students deal with food insecurity
A new report which states 41 percent of community college graduates with no previous degree or certificate went on to earn a bachelor’s degree within the next six years, according to a study completed by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. According to Inside Higher Ed, the center studied 575,067 community college graduates from 2011. About 65 percent were enrolled in four-year universities within that same 6-year timeframe. Graduates age 20 and younger were the most likely to obtain their degrees, with a 62 percent success rate -By Quip Johnson
In an email sent to faculty provided by Wilbur Wu, Free City enrollment fees were explained. 1) What happens if I drop my courses and FREE CITY is paying my enrollment fees? a. If you drop courses before the date to receive a full refund, you owe nothing. Refund deadlines are next to each course listing on the college website. b. If you drop after the deadline to receive a full refund, then you are liable for all applicable fees, and the money will be returned to the Free City Program. 2) What happens if I drop my course and I am receiving a FREE CITY stipend? a.
If you drop all courses, before the refund
deadline, you are liable for the stipend. b.
If you drop from full time (12 credits or
more) to part time (six-11 credits) after the refund deadline, you may be liable to return a portion of the stipend. c.
If you drop below six credits, you may be
liable to return the stipend. Staff Editor-in-Chief Bethaney Lee News Editor Quip Johnson
Culture Editor Adina Pernell
Sports Editor Patrick Cochran
Lead Copy Editor Victor Tence
Online Editor Laurie Maemura
Advertising Manager Diane Carter
Opinion Editor Otto Pippenger
Photo Editor Julia Fuller
Design Director Karen Sanchez
Staff Writers Barbara Muniz Donald Ades
Social Media Editor Beatris Aguilar
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NEWS | 3
Vol. 164, Issue 1 | Aug. 30, - Sept. 13 , 2017
Q&A continued from page 1 with that something is wrong. I think we start here with there’s a lot of things right….Mostly we need to make sure we have a student’s first agenda in which students are getting the classes they need, when they need them, and the programs they need. G: During your first year as chancellor what do you hope to accomplish? R: We want to build relationships and trust through the faculty, staff and students. So together we can make a plan for the future. G: In light of the college's tight fiscal constraints, what actions will you take, while not compromising the academic integrity of the college? R: Let me put it in the positive: I will take no actions (laughs). I have never ever, ever taken an action, nor will I ever take an action, that will jeopardize the academic integrity of the college, period. Budgets are always constrained, so while we have to make sure the public's money is spent wisely, I don’t think
budget is the driver of a quality college; that’s the way we make decisions. You make decisions on what’s best for the students. Students first, which is, I suppose the theme, the unified theme that brings us all together. We already have an approved budget that was approved before I came on it. I don’t plan to make any changes on that. And hopefully, if we continue to grow the enrollment, the enrollment is up significantly, that will get the increased revenue we need to make sure that academic integrity continues to be assured. G: How critical is the doctrine of transparency for your administration and how do you hope to achieve it? R: I think it’s extremely important. Our accreditation was reaffirmed on the basis of a very, very clear system. A participatory governance. We will follow what we said we were gonna do. We’re going to discuss all the issues in the open. Even if those issues are difficult issues. You want to invite different opinion. Transparency demands
a kind of universal democracy in which every voice is respected and is heard. And that process moves on to the board of trustees. G:The growing number of high-paid consultants and the high salaries of administrators have been long-time concerns for City College students and faculty. What is your response to those concerns? R: I’d have to study that because I don’t know. I need to look at the budget and see growing number of consultants and high-paid administrators. Certainly I'll look at that. I’ll say two things. One is that we have a college of 37,000 students, so that makes it the 5th or 6th largest college in the State, and there’s 112 [colleges in California]. To run an operation with 37,000 students and an operating budget of about 180 million dollars requires… some expertise and some administrators who can do the jobs. But the other thing is, I think the response to your question has to do with the principle of equity. G: A continuing grave concern has been
the absence of a full-time City College public relations/marketing director to help promote the college and to work with the local media when a crisis arises. What plans do you have filling that position and by when? R: I don’t have plans. I have plans to do planning. There are a lot of vacant positions in the college right now, and one of the promises that I’ve made is that we will keep things running strong this year while we do some planning. It would not be transparent if I started filling all these positions myself quickly. So I do have plans, but those plans need to take time. G: What kind of leader do you want to be for City College and the San Francisco community at large? R: I’m out there morning, noon and night representing the college and talking it up and trying to garner the support that we need in order to put students first. G: Did you receive any advice from the last chancellor? If so, was it helpful? R: It was very helpful. First of all, I want to thank Dr. Susan Lamb.
I got to know her a little bit. She got the accreditation. I owe her a great debt of gratitude. She was able to give me a lot information on the transition. The best advice that Susan gave me, and most of my own mentors have given me, is take your time and listen. G: In closing, is there anything you would like to say directly to City College students and faculty? R: I want students to achieve their dream. And I believe… every student came here, with a goal in mind. It’s really important to me that every single student gets what they came here together for. We do pretty well, but we have more work to do to make sure that everyone really is able to get the classes they need and to move on to graduation [and] transfer. I always congratulate students for the wise decision they made to come here…. I just try and honor their decision and never ever give up. It’ll all be worth it.
Bookstore rental policies don’t check out: loopholes may threaten textbook rentals, returns and resales By Quip Johnson qjohnson@theguardsman.com
Ocean Campus bookstore policies contain potential loopholes which may result in additional fees or refused refunds for purchased and rented textbooks. This poses a particular danger for non-native English speakers, who might be less likely to speak out against such an issue. ESL Instructor Robert Griffiths shared via email an encounter between his wife–a City College student–and the Ocean Campus bookstore.
For a total of over $189, she purchased three textbooks for the Spring 2017 semester and rented a fourth. At the end of the term, Griffiths said his wife attempted to resell a textbook which she had purchased brand-new for $40.65, yet the campus bookstore only repaid her $1. When she attempted to return the rental, the bookstore employee found writing in the back of the book, made in pen. According to Griffiths, the employee claimed workbooks with more than five pages of ink writing cannot be returned as per
bookstore policy, so they refused to accept any of the books and charged Griffiths’ wife an additional $16.38 and tax to purchase the marked-up rental. However, Griffiths said his wife was not the one to make the pen marks, nor had she even seen them, since she had dropped the corresponding class four weeks into the semester. He also said none of the books in question were workbooks to begin with. Griffiths contacted the bookstore’s Course Materials Manager Rose Twyman, who he said was “fairly communicative and
willing to listen to and speak with [him].” She explained the policies regarding resale and returns and followed up with the bookstore employee who had helped Griffiths’ wife. Bookstore Manager Robert Gibson later clarified “there is no bookstore policy that restricts the use of pens” as long as the books are “returned in complete and salable condition.” He also said there is no rule or recommendation to inspect books for markings prior to purchase or rental. Griffiths’ main concern is nonnative English speaking students
who “might not feel confident enough in their English to challenge the bookstore on this type of incident.” He is worried this issue may have affected students before, and he hopes students are not being unfairly charged for their rented and purchased textbooks. While the bookstore is not currently aware of any similar instances, if you believe you have experienced this issue, please contact a bookstore manager as soon as possible. Robert Griffiths could not be reached for further comment.
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4 | CULTURE
Vol. 164, Issue 1 | Aug. 30, - Sept. 13 , 2017
1967 Summer of Love sparks psychedelic rebirth By Adina Pernell apernell@theguardsman.com
Recent political events have challenged the very core values of peace, love and coexistence that the San Francisco Bay Area community established. Attitudes that support racial, social injustice are being pushed by alt-right agendas. Free City College of San Francisco promotes equal representation and access to education regardless of race, gender identity, social status, religious or political affiliations, promoting unity that is at the heart of psychedelic culture. In June of 1967, poets, musicians, writers, artists and freethinkers became known as hippies. They gathered in bohemian communities all over the world to make up the Summer of Love. Many of the hippies that participated in the Summer of love were students from City College, San
Francisco State University and UC Berkeley who were actively dissatisfied with the status quo. The 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love has converged with an alt-right rally and subsequent anti far right protests, the abruptly cancelled Crissy Field gathering as an example, remind us that there is still a need to remember our roots in San Francisco and to value what the psychedelic movement taught us about the power of positive protest through art and prompting a resurgence of psychedelic art throughout the city. Art professor, Janet Louise Carpenter who was there during the iconic period, commented on the authenticity of some of the art featured at tribute exhibitions. “The posters and album covers are some of the best graphic arts to emerge from this short period” including “ rarities in the exhibition, such as original copies of The
Oasis, Jerry Garcia's hat as well as Janis Joplin's bag,” said Carpenter. San Francisco’s HaightAshbury neighborhood, considered the mecca of the Summer of Love became a place of artistic expression that sought to escape the confines of tradition and conformity to societal social norms - an attitude rooted in the beatnik sensibilities of the previous decade and coming into full bloom during the late sixties. Hippies adopted the moniker of “Flower Children” and although often criticized for promoting drug culture, became trailblazers that started to break the sexual, racial, intellectual, political and religious boundaries that had been imposed by the masses. Soon this ‘Flower Power” movement became synonymous with music, clothing, literature, films, art and other forms of media becoming the subculture
of psychedelia which could be interpreted as an artistic response to physical and mental oppression. In the 50th anniversary celebration of the era, Carpenter said that because the organizers of the celebration “did not experience 1967 first hand, they unwittingly sanitized this period--purging it of the LSD, cannabis, and other drugs that were so much a part of the culture.” She also criticized the lack of representation of African American activism from the period and the failure to “address the fact that many of the youth who came to San Francisco ended up homeless and hungry.” The fact remains however that this homage to freedom has resonated with the times and that we seem to be seem to be having a rebirth of the psychedelic culture at the moment. Evidenced in projects like the film Woodshock,
a trippy endeavor starring Kirsten Dunst, directed by Los Angeles fashion designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy or the San Francisco based music group Moon Duo, whose psychedelic influenced album Occult Architecture Vol 2, debuted in May of this year, it’s clear that the mood of the Summer of Love is here to stay. These swirling, kaleidoscopic, avant-garde directions in visual media began to define not only a decade but a mindset that found it not just preferable but necessary to color outside the lines, challenge right-wing conventions and put counter-culture on center stage. Over the years there have been periods of resurgence of psychedelic culture usually in times of political unrest, it seems that there is no time like the present.
Illustration by Brandon Whiting
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Vol. 164, Issue 1 | Aug. 30, - Sept. 13 , 2017
Campus exhibits
Art at your fingertips
By Donald Ades donades2015@gmail.com
Chances are that no matter where you are on campus, it is more likely than not that you are within eye shot of art. There are temporary as well as permanent installations scattered about to feast the eyes. This Fall semester we may have traversed the City College campus a few times in search of buildings, classes, labs, our car, etc., it’s time to take a breather, relax and enjoy the impressive art. Whatever your art medium preference, City College has something for you to appreciate; whether you enjoy paintings, sculpture, mural, ceramics, photography or all of the above. Art created by world famous artists and student artists alike can be observed simply by walking to class. If you happen to pass by Conlan Hall between classes, for example, take a step inside and indulge in works of featured artist, Tachina Rudman-Young, now thru September fourth. "For me it's about experiencing joy, self empowerment and healing," said the San Francisco resident of her mixed media creations. Everything from acrylic paint, street finds and hula hoops makes it’s way into her art. Rudman-Young also shared that a beautiful feeling resonates within her while she’s working on an art piece and living in that moment, "It's like a runner's high.” Rudman-Young, who holds
two Bachelor’s degrees, Art and Dance respectively from San Francisco State University, urges students interested in art or expression to enroll in an art class even if you have trepidations about your current artistic skill level. “Believe in yourself and your own creative juices,” she said. The artist herself is currently enrolled in Painting classes offered at CCSF, Fort Mason. “Classes are free for San Francisco residents and Fort Mason has a fantastic Art program that I can’t praise enough,” she said. Speaking of student art, a photography exhibition currently featuring CCSF student, Goh Takaya is housed across campus from Conlan Hall, at Gallery Obscura located in the Visual ArtsPhotography Bldg., Room V164. Renee Tung, Gallery Obscura Coordinator, invites both students and faculty to see this exciting exhibition, which features photos of people at work. “I started this project to capture passion, sense of responsibility, and concentration in people at work, for I think there is beauty in it,” writes the author of his art, in a statement adjacent to his exhibition. A reception for Takaya will be held at Gallery Obscura August 31st from 6-9pm.Tung welcomes student attendance and boasted that Gallery Obscura is “dedicated primarily to works created by current City College Photography students”. Tung strongly suggests that current City College Photography
students “submit their work or portfolio” for exhibit consideration at the gallery by contacting her via email at, rtung@ccsf.edu. Internationally speaking, within a few footsteps from Gallery Obscura, world renowned artist, Diego Rivera's spectacular mural entitled, Marriage of the Artistic Expression of the North and of the South on this Continent, is housed in the Diego Rivera Theatre. The mural, though only insured for a mere $50 million, is priceless. "It's a treasure to have this mural on campus," offered the theatre’s volunteer docent and City College Art History student, Vickie Simms. At almost 1800 square feet, it is Rivera's largest single standing mural. The massive five panel masterpiece was best described by Rivera himself, "My mural will picture the fusion between the great past of the Latin American lands, as it is deeply rooted in the soil, and the high mechanical developments of the United States." The free art offerings across campus. They are all in close proximity wherever you are on campus. Better yet, if you are interested in enrolling in an art class, there are still some openings. Please consult the Fall 2017 schedule for classes. If you’re currently an art student, artist Rudman-Young offers these final words of encouragement, “If art is in your heart, you gotta do it and keep at it!”
“Labor HOOD” exhibit posted in the Louise & Claude Rosenberg Jr. Library. Photo taken on Monday, August 28, 2017.
Library Archives and student illustrations featured on display for artwork influenced by 60s movement, located at Louise & Claude Rosenberg Jr. Library. Photo taken on Monday, August 28, 2017.
Paintings and Photographs inspired by different civil rights movements of the time located at Louise & Claude Rosenberg Jr. Library. Photos taken on Monday, August 28, 2017.
Patriot Prayer partitioned in Pacifica By Otto Pippenger opippenger@theguardsman.com
Self described “Free Speech Advocacy Group” Patriot Prayer had filed a permit to hold a Free Speech Rally in San Francisco’s Crissy Field on August 26. After the gruesome killing of Heather Heyer by an avowed fascist during the fascist “Unite the Right” demonstrations held in Charlottesville Virginia on the 12th, a plurality of San Franciscans including Mayor Lee and Nancy Pelosi prevailed on the city and organizers to cancel the rally. Though unable to revoke the permit Patriot Prayer, which the Southern Poverty Law Center called “...an anti-government group that stages its protests in the liberal urban centers of the Pacific Northwest all with the intent of provoking violent responses from far left Anti-fascists” was quickly relocated to Pacifica, where founder Joey Gibson spoke with local fascist Kyle Chapman on webcam from a darkened apartment, citing safety concerns for the relocation. Despite the absence of the alt-right roadshow, some 13,000 demonstrators gathered throughout San Francisco, including the recently popular heirs to Eugene
D'Aandre, Joan, and Michaela representing Refuse Fascism calling for impeachment of President Donald Trump in front of City Hall. Photo taken on Aug. 26, 2017.
Debs, the Democratic Socialists of America, and MC Hammer who performed for thousands before City Hall. The next day’s protest in Berkeley was not without violence- as of press time Joey Gibson was last seen being pepper sprayed and chased by an enraged crowd of Black Bloc demonstra- Children of demonstrators on play structure before City Hall at tors into the protection of counter-demonstration. Photo taken on Aug 26, 2017 by Otto Performance by demonstrator at Civic Center rally. Photo taken Aug 26 2017 by Otto Pippenger. Pippenger. Berkeley Police.
6 | OPINION
Proposition W
By Diane Carter cartertheguardsman@gmail.com
Last November San Francisco residents voted to approve Supervisors Jane Kim and Norman Yee’s ballot measure, Proposition W, making “Free City College” a reality. Proposition W has helped City College recoup funds that were lost when one-third of the student population left during the accreditation crisis. City College is well on its way to restored enrollment. As of the current semester there is an approximate increase in enrollment in the first tuitionfree semester at City College of 17 percent when compared with last year’s data.
There is also a 25.5 percent increase in enrollment in credit courses that have been funded by city officials from the transfer tax. The college would boost its state funding with more students enrolled as full time equivalent learners. Note, such a category of learners is used to fund community colleges in California thus more full time equivalent students equal more state revenue allocated. “W” proposed an increase in the real estate transfer tax on properties in San Francisco selling for more than $5 million, also known as luxury properties. According to the Controller’s analysis Prop W is likely to generate an average of $45 million for
the city without harming the poor, indigent and working class residents. However, funding sourced from tax revenue fluctuate with economic cycles and cannot be set forth with certainty. New revenue will vary annually according to changes in the real estate market. Supporters and organizations affiliated with San Francisco City College and the San Francisco Unified School District, including the City College Board of Trustees, lobbied for the use of the new revenue for making higher education accessible for all San Francisco residents who were also residents of California and/or eligible for consideration under state assembly bills to qualify as city and state residents. By allocating some of the transfer tax money in this manner the educators would guarantee that City College enrollment would return to numbers equal to the numbers of students enrolled before the accreditation crisis. A total allocation of $1 million was made to “Free City” by members of the Board of Supervisors of San Francisco. Also, Mayor Ed Lee allocated $5.4 million for free tuition and books for low income students. Over the next two fiscal years $10.8 million will be allocated of which $2.1 million will be designated to free tuition and $3.3 million will be used to defer some student expense for low income students. While fiscal analysts estimate an annual average of $45 million dollars will be collected, the remaining money is not specifically designated to a particular use. City Hall is left to decide how to allocate funds. Mayor Lee and some other supporters argue that the money
Vol. 164, Issue 1 | Aug. 30, - Sept. 13 , 2017
could be better used for homeless shelters, individuals with disabilities, and families with children. However, City College’s proponents contended that enough funds would be raised for City College and others without conflict. Our faculty, the teachers union and Supervisors David Campos, Aaron Peskin, Norman Yee, and Jane Kim successfully lobbied the Board of Supervisors to allocate funds from the real estate transfer tax making “Free City College” a top priority for the new funds. According to City College Trustee Tom Temprano, the transfer tax is successful because, “We (have) honored the will of San Francisco voters…to restore City College enrollment to preaccreditation enrollment status.” Though “Free City” has been mostly a positive program, there are certain students who lose under this policy. The students who do not benefit include, international students who do not intend to be permanent California residents and low income students whose
grants have been reduced to $500 for full time students and $200 for part-time students. Students with residences in other cities in California are also excluded from the Free City program. Although most politicians in San Francisco are satisfied with what has been done with the Free City program, not everyone is on board. Alisa Messer of the American Federation of Teachers Local 2121 union, acknowledges the victory but states that the faculty is disappointed with the funding for textbooks. Funding for low income students to buy books is restricted, a valid concern considering that books for academic subjects may cost over $200. With the ever increasing complexity of the job market nationally, San Francisco has shown a willingness to start thinking of education for today’s emerging economic needs. This being said, it is incumbent on state and national leaders to recognize that a community college education is not optional but necessarily mandatory for anyone entering
the workforce. It is not possible to obtain a Tesla job with the same skills that you would need to work on Henry Ford’s Model T assembly line. Time is creating ever more complicated demands upon the youth of today. A better, and more affordable education is needed by all. There is also a need to develop solid reskilling training programs for individuals who have lost jobs due to technological changes. These people need new high paying professional jobs to maintain their families. Programs to provide a free two-year community college education in all states of the United States must be pursued at both the state and federal political levels. The amount of capital for education must be a funding priority nationally. It is not sufficient to rely on local taxes to continue to fund two year colleges. A wider revenue base is needed to continue to accomplish full national community college education in the United States.
Illustration by Brandon Whiting
SPORTS | 7
Vol. 164, Issue 1 | Aug. 30, - Sept. 13 , 2017
Ocean campus track will no longer lack By Barbara Muniz bmuniz1@gmail.com
For visitors to the track field at Busch Stadium on the City College Ocean Campus it might appear a nice area to run, but the track is about to receive a revamp since it is now over 15 years old. Athletic Director Dan Hayes believes it is the appropriate time to replace the old track. “Truthfully, many people recommend replacing the track after 10, 15 years. So we got our money’s worth,” Hayes said. “This one lasted a long time and if we use it too long, at some point, it will need to be exchanged,” Track Coach Nick Torres said.
Runners who use the track are excited for the upcoming repairs. Student Benjamin Scales uses the track on a normal basis and said although this track is much better than his previous high school practice area, some improvements are needed. “Some parts aren’t even. Possibly due to some roots from underground trees,” Hayes said speaking in regards to the unlevel track field. Based on his experience Hayes doesn’t agree trees under the soil are the main cause, but he believes it is “possibly due to climate, fog and dampness that surrounds the area.” The track won’t only serve the
colleges athletes since it will also be used for Physical Education Department classes and by people in the neighborhood who want to go for a jog. Hayes points out the track is part of the overall college facility and as such needs to be resurfaced to compete with other schools. Hopeful the beautification of the field will attract more teams to compete, Scales is anxious to see competitions happening in the venue. “The way [the track] is now, we wouldn’t host any track meet when there is a new competition,” Hayes said. When asked when the resurfacing would take place Hayes
couldn’t point to a specific date, “possibly, over Christmas break, but no certainty.” He is sure it wouldn’t take place during a school semester so it won’t disrupt the number of classes that is held out at the field. The lack of precision is also clear in terms of the budget needed to do the recovering of the tracking area. “I’m the Department Chair so I point out issues to our administration, but I know it’s expensive since it is a big area,” Hayes said. Students using the area would like to see some improvements like a pull up area and a water fountain so they can replenish their bodies with water after or during their work out. But such
an enhancement is beyond Hayes’ decision-making capability and he will need to ask the people above him in the administration. His concerns go beyond extra amenities or a future competition. According to students using the area, bubbles and unevenness are part of the worn-out track. “Liability is a potential problem but luckily, to my knowledge, nobody ever had any significant injury,” Hayes said. City College hopes to avoid any future liabilities with the future improvement to the track and be able to provide a world-class track the athletes, students and the local community.
Photo by Sasha Volz
One last look at the old City College track. Photo taken on Aug 24, 2017
Photo by Sasha Volz Old City College track that will soon be prepped for construction. Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2017.
Vol. 164, Issue 1 | Aug. 30, - Sept. 13 , 2017
SPORTS | 8
Rams football team looks to bounce back in 2017 By Patrick Cochran pcochran@theguardsman.com
For most programs a 7-4 record is laudable but for the Rams it was not the desired result for their 2016 season. The Rams have been working all offseason and hope to drastically improve their record and possibly add another championship to the title board at George Rush Stadium. After practice wrapped up on a foggy Friday afternoon Head Coach Jimmy Collins was pumped to talk about the team. “We are really excited about this year’s season,” Collins said. “We have a real good energy and we have a lot of talented players at a lot of positions. We have a depth that we haven’t had in a long time with a lot of good young players but also mature players with experience.” In practice the Rams looked sharp as they bounce from drill to drill. The team looked excited to start the season versus Laney. Photos by Otto Pippenger Collins hasn’t officially decided on who will be the starting quarterback however, he Rams and Mustangs collide at out of bounds line. Photos taken on Aug 23 2017 alongside fellow players on the team indicated it will most likely be Zach Masoli. “We are always excited about the guy we are putting out there at quarterback and we have two really good ones,” Collins said. “I am very pleased with all our quarterbacks and whoever goes out there will have a chance to be really really successful. But Zach right now is the frontrunner and he is really taking ownership of this football team. If you ask anyone right now whose team it is they would probably tell you Zach. He is poised to have a real good season.” If named the starting quarterback Masoli will be following in the footsteps of his older brother Jeremiah Masoli, who helped guide the Rams to a national championship in 2007 followed by a stellar career at the University of Oregon. Like his older Sept. 2 ............1:00PM ................................. vs. Laney brother Masoli is small but a highly mobile dual-threat quarterback who can break out Sept. 9 ...........1:00PM ............................ @ Siskiyous Rams player 36 outraces Mustang number 25 for football. Photo of the pocket to keep a play alive and is a Rams player tackled by Delta College Mustang at practice scrimmage. Sept.16taken .........1:00PM .................. vs. American River Photos taken on Aug 23, 2017. on Aug 23, 2017. natural leader. Sept. 23 .........6:00PM ................................ @Chabot “He is just a great leader,” cornerback have added they also have a group of redshirt running backs De’Shawn Collins and Isaiah “Getting Banks back from an ACL injury Sept. 30 .........1:00PM .................................... @Butte Be’Juor Wilson said. “He is a great person freshman who sat out last season whom Floyd, who will split carriers, and linebacker is really going to bolster that unit,” Collins to be around. He is a magnet that brings Collins is excited to have on the field. Anthony Porter. said. about a great energy to the team. He has “We are very pleased with the developOne area where the Rams expect to be The Rams have a ton of potential this athletic ability too.” ment of the players we sat out last season,” especially strong is in the secondary. The season but to keep the team focused, Collins The coaching staff believes that they have Collins said. “We sat out twelve players team hopes the secondary can be one of has deployed the mantra “we want to go 1-0 brought in a great recruiting class this year. that we thought could of had an impact as strong points on the defense and feel that and 13 times this season.” Sept. 9 .......................................... Fresno Invitational “The guys we brought in are really going freshman but thought it was better for their they have an abundant amount of talent “If we can do that we will end up where Sept. 15 .......................................... Las Positas Invite to help us improve,” offensive coordina- overall development and we are very happy there. we want to be,” Collins said. Sept.16................................... San Mateo Invitational tor Dan Hayes said. “All of us were really with how they developed over the last year. “We feel really good about our secondThe Rams kick off their season on Friday 23 ....................................... Lou 1Vasquez Invite their cross-bay pleased with the players who we signed.” They are all in position to be starters now.” ary, a lot of guys Sept. returning,” Wilson said. September at 7pm against Sept. 29 .........................................Modesto JC Invite On top of the true freshman the Rams Some of those redshirt freshman include “Joey Banks going to be a beast at safety.” rival Laney in Oakland.
Sept. 1 ............4:00PM .........................@ Napa Valley Sept. 8 ...........11:00AM .............................vs. Lassen @ Sacramento Sept.10 .........4:00PM .................. vs. American River @ Cosumnes River College Sept. 15 .........4:00PM .........................vs. Lake Tahoe Sept. 2 ............1:00PM ................................. vs. Laney
Sept. 19 .........4:00PM ......................vs. Contra Costa
Sept. 9 ...........1:00PM ............................ @ Siskiyous
Sept. 26 .........4:00PM ................................@Cañada
Sept.16 .........1:00PM .................. vs. American River
Sept. 29 .........4:00PM ................................@Gavilan
Sept. 23 .........6:00PM ................................ @Chabot Sept. 30 .........1:00PM .................................... @Butte
Aug. 25 ...........5:30PM ....................... vs. Irvine Valley @ Las Positas Sept. 9 .......................................... Fresno Invitational
Aug. 27 ..........11:00AM .......................... vs. Cypress @ Las Positas
Sept. 15 .......................................... Las Positas Invite
Aug. 30 ..........4:00PM ..........................vs. Santa Rosa
Sept.16................................... San Mateo Invitational
Sept. 16 .........11:00AM .............................vs. Lassen
Sept. 23 ....................................... Lou Vasquez Invite
Sept. 19 .........4:00PM ................................. @Solano
Sept. 29 .........................................Modesto JC Invite
Sept. 23 .........11:00AM .................... @Feather River
Sept. 1 ............4:00PM .........................@ Napa Valley