NEWS: American Indian Movement holds celebration
PHOTO STORY: Performers rock SF streets
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Volume 149, Issue 3
Pages 10 and 11
What’s inside: NEWS: Murder suspected in student death............ OP/EDS: Politics continue to delay terrorist trials.. SPORTS: Women’s basketball continues sweep..... C&T: Independent songs shared on new Web site C&T: Feathers fly at Embarcadero pillow fight.....
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February 24, 2010
Students occupy library to protest cuts By Greg Zeman THE GUARDSMAN
DON CLYDE / THE GUARDSMAN
City College students sit in protest of reduced library hours and other cuts to student services Feb. 11 on the 4th floor of Rosenberg Library. About 100 students occupied the library and stayed past the new 6:45 p.m. closing time during the study-in.
About 100 students staged an open occupation of the Rosenberg Library, on Ocean campus, Feb. 11 to protest reduced library hours. Students refused to leave at the new closing time of 6:45 p.m. and held a study-in until 8:45 p.m., which has been the library’s closing time for decades. The Rosenberg Library action was unanimously decided upon by the City College General Assembly — a group of students, teachers and workers unifying their once divergent causes under a broad coalition against budget cuts to education that grew out of a statewide conference at UC Berkeley, Oct. 24, 2009. “Today we’ve called a studyin to draw attention to the slashes to our education and social services. Students’ access to the library is necessary for meeting our educational goals,” said Xochitl Moreno, media liaison for the General Assembly. “This STUDY-IN: Page 6
Trustees hold meetings on education equality By Don Clyde THE GUARDSMAN
Students, faculty and administrators from City College told a panel of trustees the problems facing underrepresented populations and put forward solutions to bridge student achievement gaps during a series of Student Equity Hearings. Speakers directed their concerns about financial aid, student employment, student support services, retention programs and basic skills to trustees Chris Jackson, Steve Ngo and student trustee Josh Nielsen on Feb. 9 to 11, 17 and 18. Students who identify as African American, Native American, Filipino, Latino and Pacific Islander are 19 to 21 percent less likely to
complete two- or four-year degrees than their white and Asian counterparts, according to the City College generated Student Achievement Gap and Social Equity Report released in October 2009. “Let’s face it, if you do not have a good focus of getting into the college, if you do not have your support, if you do not have jobs and financial aid, it’s extremely difficult in this world to be a successful student,” Chancellor Don Griffin said at the first day of hearings. Financial Aid Runaround Jackson said about 85 percent of City College students qualify for some form of financial aid, but only around 40 percent apply. STUDENT EQUITY: Page 4
STUDENTS BY NUMBERS 19 TO 21 PERCENT LESS Likelihood of students who identify as AfricanAmerican, Native American, Filipino and Pacific Islander to complete twoto four-year degrees compared to Asian or white students. 85 PERCENT Students who qualify for financial aid. Only about 40 percent apply. 1 TO 1,000 Ratio of counselors to students in the new student counseling department. JOSEPH PHILLIPS / THE GUARDSMAN
Sonja Holman speaks from the podium to (L-R) trustees Steve Ngo, Chris Jackson, Josh Nielsen and John Rizzo during an Ocean campus student equity meeting on Feb. 9.
1 TO 1,200 Ratio of counselors to students in the continuing student counseling department.
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THE GUARDSMAN
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
Homicide suspected in death of City College student By Fleur Bailey THE GUARDSMAN
Police are investigating the death of 47-year-old City College student Alycia Williams after she was found in her Leahy Street apartment in Redwood City Feb. 9 with multiple stab wounds. The San Mateo coroners office has not yet determined an official cause of death, but police are treating the incident as a homicide. “She was stabbed to death, there is no question,” said Redwood City Police Captain Ron Matuszak. “We do not have any suspects at this point, but we are trying to track down people who knew her.” According to the Mental Health Association of San Mateo County Web site, Williams had suffered with chronic depression and post traumatic stress most of her life. She had been homeless and was in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. Williams moved into the MHA Spring Street Shelter in 2006 and later transitioned
into independent living. studies at City College said Williams On Oct. 9, 2007, Williams was one was enrolled in the drug and alcohol of the first two recipients of the House studies program and had attended classOur People Effectively Leadership es this semester. Awards. At that time she had marked one “It is very sad what has happened,” full year clean and sober, was attend- she said. ing City College to pursue a degree in Matuszak said it has been confirmed psychology that Williams and had goals was still of becomassociated ing certified “We do not have any suspects at with people by the Cali- this point, but we are trying to track involved in fornia Assodrugs and down people who knew her.” ciation for — Ron Matuszak alcohol, Alcohol and he Redwood City Police Captain although Drug Educawas not able tors program to comment to work with on the extent women. or nature of Until spring last year, Williams that association. had also worked for the Way-Pass “There is often a relapse among program through City College, support- people who use drugs,” he said. “It is ing women coming out of the Criminal more common than not, even if they Justice system by connecting them with have previously been successful.” resources to achieve their educational No evidence made public suggests goals. that Williams had relapsed. Leslie Simon, chair of women’s Matuszak said the police need
people who are willing to talk to them, and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward. “There are a number of people who do not want to talk to us,” he said. “But we do have a team of detectives working on this, and we are looking down many avenues.” Williams’ body was found at 4:28 p.m. after family members were concerned because they had not been in contact with her for several days. Sergeant Dan Mulholland of the Redwood City Police said Williams’ family is cooperating with the police and they are exchanging information. “It is a very unfortunate occurrence,” Mulholland said. “We hope to conclude the investigation as soon as possible.” Anyone with any information concerning the death of Alycia Williams should contact Detective Steven Fine of the Redwood City Police Department at (650) 780-7100. E-mail: fbailey@theguardsman.com
Grand reopening party held at John Adams campus Three-year refit’s completion marks the return of all classes to campus
History of John Adams campus •1913 — New Lowell High School opens after a move from a smaller building on Sutter Street.
By Estela Fuentes THE GUARDSMAN
In appreciation of San Francisco taxpayers and voters who made it possible to renovate City College’s John Adams Campus, faculty and administrators will host a grand opening celebration today, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m. “It’s our way of expressing our thanks to all that helped bring about this newly remodeled and safer campus,” John Adams Management Assistant Joe Kelleher said. Renovations made to the building consist of infrastructure and cosmetic repairs, brick retrofitting, seismic upgrades and electrical upgrades. The renovations were paid for through two phases of Proposition A funding. San Francisco voters approved the Phase I bond for $195 million in 2001 and Phase II for $246.3 million in 2005. All renovation to the campus were done within the designated
•1962 — Campus becomes John Adams Adult Education Center. •1970 — John Adams becomes part of the San Francisco Community College District. ROBERT ROMANO / THE GUARDSMAN
A mural titled “Educate to Liberate” at the corner of Hayes Street and Masonic Avenue frames the recently renovated campus. Infrastructure, brick and cosmetic repairs as well as seismic and electrical upgrades had forced some classes at John Adams to move to DeAvila Middle School.
budget, according to a report by the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee. Classes were offered during construction in areas of the building not being renovated, said Martha Lucey, dean of the City College Office of Marketing and Public Information. However, most classes were moved to the DeAvila Middle School on Haight Street during the project. Located at 1860 Hayes Street,
the John Adams campus houses the college’s School of Health and Physical Education, which was founded in 1993. It consists of 64 classrooms and labs, an auditorium and a state-of the-art child care center, as well as counseling and administrative services. In addition to free noncredit English as a second language courses, John Adams offers credit and non-credit business courses to develop office skills. They also
offer credit Vocational Nursing, Nutrition Assistant and Health Care Technology Programs. “We are happy with the results of the construction, we are glad to be back at just one place,” Kelleher said. “John Adams campus was divided into two different locations for three years.” E-mail: efuentes@theguardsman.com
•1991 — John Adams becomes the home of City College’s School of Health and Physical Education. •2005 — San Francisco voters approve a bond to upgrade and remodel John Adams campus. •2008 — Renovations begin. •2010 — Project completed. Grand reopening held today, Feb. 24., at 10 a.m.
News
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
THE GUARDSMAN
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Blind student wins fight for equal rights By Tania Cervantes THE GUARDSMAN
A blind law student successfully sued the National Conference of Bar Examiners for the right to use specific accommodations in next week’s bar exam. While the NCBA offered an alternative, Stephanie Enyart, 32, required a laptop with software that can read words into earbuds. Without this, she argued, her chance of passing was not equal to that of other students. Larry Paradis, the executive director at nonprofit law firm Disability Rights Advocates, said the case will serve as a precedent that other disabled students taking entrance exams can point to so they are provided with the necessary accommodations. “In today’s world, having a disability no longer means that you can’t compete. There are ways,” Paradis said. “People with disabilities should be able to succeed in any field or profession.” DRA, where Enyart interns as a law clerk, has had past success in obtaining court orders to stop the discrimination of disabled people. The 1999 verdict of Breimhorst v. Educational Testing Service ordered College Board, the private company that administers major standardized tests, to stop its practice of “flagging” test scores on the SAT, PSAT and Advanced Placement tests when test takers use extended time as an accommodation. At City College, where people with disabilities account for 2.5 percent of the student population, Disabled Students Programs and Services is the resource disabled students turn to for needed accommodations. “Our whole purpose is to try to make things equal for disabled students so that they are not at a disadvantage,” department Chairman Paul Johnson said. Some of the services include: extended times for test taking, providing special furniture, sign language, special technologies and personnel to assist students during class time. However, the program is facing a 43 percent budget cut and as a result, updating equipment is now more challenging. It is also harder to serve students in the smaller City College campuses, Johnson said. City College student, Ethel Ennon, who is visually impaired, recently began receiving disability services at the college. “It is important that students get the services needed to complete their goals,” she said. “It would not be fair otherwise.” Enyart, who will now be able to use the needed accommodation, was busy studying for the exam and therefore unable to comment. E-mail: tcervantes@theguardsman.com
RAMSEY EL-QARE / THE GUARDSMAN FILE PHOTO
Demonstrators from the march on March 16, 2009 advance on the State Capitol to protest budget cuts to education.
Students prepare for rallies against cuts By Alex Emslie THE GUARDSMAN
A confederation of grass roots organizers, students groups and union representatives will hold a series of actions in the coming weeks to combat cuts to state education and public services funding — a crisis activists blame on the California legislature’s crippled budgeting system. Teach-in/town hall A “teach-in/town hall” will be held today, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ocean campus in the Diego Rivera theater to “educate students about the ongoing education and budget crisis in California,” according to the American Federation of Teachers Local 2121 Web site. “The real message is that no matter what you participate in, it’s important that you inform yourselves and spread the word,” AFT 2121 President Gus Goldstein said. Unified day of action The statewide coalition of activists calling for California budget reform are holding a day of action on March 4. The day of action was decided on Oct. 24, 2009 during a statewide conference that also spawned the City College General Assembly. “A group of 800 students, teachers and grass roots activists at campuses all over California came together on Oct. 24 and decided that we need to create a grass roots movement to make demands for education,” General Assembly representative Brian Cruz said. “To quote Frederick Douglas, ‘power concedes nothing without a demand.’”
The City College General Assembly is calling for demonstrators to meet at the Ocean campus Amphitheater at noon. The rally will be followed by a “direct action,” according to a flier distributed on campus. The San Francisco Labor Council will join the United Educators of San Francisco, the California Faculty Association, San Francisco Unified School District and AFT 2121 for an action at the Civic Center later in the day. The rally will officially start at 5 p.m., Goldstein said, but participants are encouraged to show up as early as 4 p.m. to organize. She said the March 4 action is meant to send a message to Sacramento about the need for basic public services which people have come to expect, such as health care for children and the elderly, help for the homeless and training for those seeking jobs. “Everyone needs these things, and it effects everybody when those services are not being provided,” Goldstein said. “We’re all customers of each other and employers of each other, and we have economic relationships with each other.” “The March for California’s Future” The California Federation of Teachers will begin “The March for California’s Future” in Bakersfield on March 5. The march is planned to consist of a core group representing unions and their allies. Larger events will be held along the way — such as rallies, marches and teach-ins — designed to promote public education, fair tax and budget policies and a “government and economy that works for all Californians,” according to the CFT Web site.
“We are hamstrung,” Goldstein said. “We can’t get anything done in Sacramento.” She added that Republicans who have pledged never to raise taxes no matter what have taken California’s budget hostage. Several unions are working to get initiatives on the 2010 ballot that would change the state’s twothirds majority required to raise taxes or pass a budget. “The March in March” The annual “March in March” will focus specifically on state cuts to education. Organizers are hoping for as many as 10,000 people to attend the march on California’s capital. Last year, 42 buses carried over 2,000 San Francisco students to Sacramento to demand education funding. AFT 2121 expects an even larger turnout this year. Greg Zeman contributed to this article. E-mail: aemslie@theguardsman.com
For more information: Comic about the California budget crisis by the Action Alliance for Children http://www.4children.org/files/ articles/419/509comice.pdf
“March for California’s Future”
http://www.cft.org/index.php/ component/content/article/526.html
“March in March”
http://www.ccsf.edu/~mim/index.php
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THE GUARDSMAN
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
Activists commemorate the invasion of Gaza City By Robert Romano and Greg Zeman THE GUARDSMAN
Over 350 activists packed the Burlingame Recreation Center Feb. 6 to commemorate Operation Cast Lead, an Israeli Defense Force airstrike and invasion of Gaza City — called the Gaza Massacre by the Palestinian people and their supporters. Roughly 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed during the battle between IDF and Hamass forces, which lasted from Dec. 27, 2008 to Jan. 18, 2009. The main speaker for the event was Professor Haidar Eid, who teaches English literature at Al-Aqsa University in Gaza City. He urged people in the Bay Area to seek out their own information about the plight of the Palestinian people, which he said is often ignored by American mainstream media. Many non-Palestinian activist groups and individuals participated in the event, including Tony Gonzalez, director of American Indian Movement West, who stressed the importance of solidarity between the Palestinian and Native American peoples. “The event is to acknowledge the massacre that occurred a year ago and to continue to raise consciousness that the situation has not been resolved at all, at the ground level or at the international political
level,” Gonzalez said. “People are suffering and children are being denied quality of life, education and standard of living.” Sam Ayesh, a 16-year-old Palestinian activist affiliated with Arab Youth, said Israel needs to acknowledge its crimes against the Palestinian people. “Everybody knows about genocide, and everyone knows that genocide is going on,” Ayesh said. “Israel thinks they can hide everything, all their war crimes and genocide. They’re not hiding their genocide and everyone sees.” “I have a Palestinian ID because when I was born my mom took me back there,” said Lina Ereikat, 18, a City College student studying political science. She wants to see an end to Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. “These settlements are being built and people’s houses are being torn down so people who are not even from Israel can go and live there for free and they get everything paid for. But us who were native to that land, we’re not even allowed to go. If I want to, I can’t even go back home,” she said. “Everyday sources that the Palestinians need are being taken away.” Ziad Abbas, an activist working with the Middle East Children’s Alliance, said that the event had many goals but that above all it was a show of solidarity with the Pales-
ROBERT ROMANO / THE GUARDSMAN
Palestinian refugee and poet Mariam El Shafei (center) stands with her host family (L-R) Halima Shuman, Mouté Shuman and Rasmia Shuman at the Gaza Massacre Commemoration Feb. 6 at the Burlingame Recreation Center.
tinian people and “to send a message to the people in Palestine and in Gaza that people outside are standing with them, backing their struggle.” “Different kinds of organizations are coming together in solidarity around what’s going on in Palestine,” he said. Ereikat said the hardships faced by the Palestinians are hindering the ability of the youth to get access to education and other basic resources. “Because of checkpoints, most of the kids can’t go to school. They can’t go get food. A lot of people can’t go to work because of checkpoints,” she said. “Innocent civilians are getting killed everyday and they’re just trying to live.”
The issue of security checkpoints is one that resonates with many Palestinian activists as a matter of basic dignity. “Tear down the check points; tear down the wall; let people get from point A to point B,” Ayesh said. “When you go from Ramallah to the Dome of the Rock, it’s about 30 to 45 minutes, but when you go through the checkpoints, it takes hours or more.” Ayesh can envision only one solution to the conflict — a two state solution. “Two states: Israel gets a part of it and Palestine gets a part,” he said. E-mail: rromano@theguardsman.com gzeman@theguardsman.com
Efforts being made to remedy the ‘achievement gap’ STUDENT EQUITY: From the front page
Several students said the process of acquiring aid in the form of grants, scholarships and loans was too daunting due to the number of offices spread around Ocean campus. “The paperwork is just too much,” City College student Crissy Leuma said. “My deepest concern is why can’t we have a space for all of these things to be one-stop.” Jorge Bell, dean of financial aid, said he was working with the chancellor to establish a centralized location in the new Multi-use Facility — formerly known as the Joint Use Facility — to house scholarship, financial aid, admissions and records and counseling offices. Others said lines at the current financial aid office are just too long and drive students away. A major concern was the lack of knowledge among incoming students about aid services. Nielsen suggested that information about aid programs could be made available to new students during the matriculation process. City College student Laura Medina, 20, advocated on behalf
of undocumented AB 540 students. “They’re afraid that if they speak out about their concerns they’ll be deported. They’re afraid if they ask for what they need they’ll be denied,” she said. AB 540 students qualify for many scholarships, but are prohibited from applying for those that require U.S. citizenship or residency. Medina said there is only one AB 540-specific scholarship available. Even more students were upset about current hiring practices for on-campus jobs due to paperwork bureaucracy and multiple tuberculosis screening procedures leading to several weeks of processing. “New hiring has taken up to two months,” according to Tracy Faulkner, director of the Family Resource Center. “The TB process is very onerous.” Support services covered The number of counselors available to students has been hit hard due to California’s budget crisis. Lindy McKnight, dean of counseling and student support, said her
department, which supports incoming students, has approximately 1,200 students per counselor. After completing 23 units of credit courses, students roll over into the department of continuing student counseling. Bill Goodyear, chair of the continuing student counseling department, said his staffing ratios were about 1,000 students per counselor. Consensus among counselors at the hearings was that about 200 students per counselor was “acceptable.” Ngo acknowledged the current student-to-counselor ratio was “pretty awful.” “In my department alone we lost 10,000 hours for the fall in counselor contact with students,” Goodyear said regarding City College budget cuts. “I don’t know whether, in terms of the current fiscal crisis, much impact can be made if we cannot hire the necessary professionals to do the work,” said Robert Clark, chair of the multicultural retention services department, counselor and professor with the African American studies department.
Prerequisites criticized Ngo said 91 percent of African Americans and Latinos are not testing into the collegiate level regarding math and English skills. In contrast, 84 percent of Filipinos test into pre-collegiate levels. One of the major problems facing students with low-level English skills is a long series of English courses required before advancing to transferable English 1A and above, according to Bruce Smith, dean of liberal arts. He said City College has one of the longest programs among community colleges, with some students taking years just to come up to collegiate level. He said about 14 to 21 percent of students who pass a basic English class do not opt to move into the next class in the sequence. Several students also said they wished the classes were available with a Pass/ Not Pass option. Another problem has been access to classes. Smith said about 2,400 students could not get into English classes last semester. Dennis Piontkowski, chair of the mathematics department, also
said access is a barrier to student success. He said the elimination of 2010 summer school amounted to 56 canceled math sections, about 15 percent of a year’s total. “Across the board from lowlevel math courses to high-level math courses, the success rates for African American, Filipino and Pacific Islander students are much lower than the general population,” he said. “We need to have a major initiative at this college to encourage Latino, African American, Filipino and Pacific Islander students to aim high.” Next steps Jackson, Ngo and Nielsen said they are compiling the testimonies of all who spoke during the Student Equity Hearings, and are working to bridge the achievement gap through new policy. Their findings will be discussed at the next board of trustees meeting 33 Gough St. in San Francisco on Feb. 25. E-mail: dclyde@theguardsman.com
News
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
THE GUARDSMAN
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American Indians gather to preserve culture AIM West celebrates Liberation Day instead of President’s Day By Greg Zeman THE GUARDSMAN
American Indian Movement West, one of the leading Native American activist organizations in the United States, did not celebrate President’s Day on Feb. 15. Instead, they gathered with members and supporters around a fire at Ocean Beach to celebrate Liberation Day with ceremony and song. The purpose of the celebration was to “cast aside myths and instead raise historical awareness and provide access to networking and building alliances with and between indigenous communities, supporters and youth: connecting issues with people being directly affected by colonialism, racism and poverty,” according to an AIM West press release. AIM West members and supporters spoke about issues ranging from environmental justice and indigenous land rights to climate change, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the incarceration of Leonard Peltier. Mark Anquoe, an AIM West activist of the Kiowa Nation, emphasized what he views as the unified nature of all the struggles being celebrated. “It’s one struggle. This one universal struggle will effect every single one of us; it already is,” Anquoe said. “Native people here have always said — even
before the modern struggles — everything is interconnected and it has never been more apparent than now.” The master of ceremonies for the event was Arizona AIM West activist and spiritual advisor, Leonard Foster of the Navajo/ Dine Nation, a veteran of AIM West’s 1973 standoff with the FBI at Wounded Knee. “I’m a spiritual leader and advisor for Native prisoners in state prisons and federal penitentiaries. I advocate for freedom of worship for Native Americans who are incarcerated,” Foster said. “I take the pipe and tobacco, sage, cedar and sweet grass into the prison for ceremonies. I conduct weekly sweat lodge ceremonies as a way to rehabilitate our people.” Foster said that while Native Americans face religious persecution in all aspects of society, those in the prison system face even greater challenges. “The prison officials are using security as an excuse to deny our people equal access to the sweat lodge, pipe ceremonies and talking circles,” he said. “Just the talking circle we had here with the fire is important. We want to be able to do that in the prison setting, to rehabilitate our own people and I find that spirituality is the key to rehabilitation.” The event’s emphasis on spiritual awareness and ceremonial tradition was seen in pre-colonial
ROBERT ROMANO / THE GUARDSMAN
American Indian Movement West members and supporters gather to provide offerings and ask for blessings from the spiritual world at Ocean Beach on Feb. 15.
dancing by Teokalli-Aztec. The ceremonies included baskets and shells filled with tobacco, sage and cedar for participants to put in the fire. “Tobacco takes our prayers to the creator,” Foster said. “Sage and cedar are used for an offering to the fire and that is to seal our prayers, our thoughts and our feelings. When you make that offering, it makes a blessing. It’s an ancient ceremonial practice.” Eileen Vigil, who identifies herself as “mixed blood from Europe and the south lands” spoke about the ravages of war and unchecked corporate greed from a mother’s perspective.
“We give birth to the fodder of war and it has to stop,” Vigil said. “I really think the mothers need to step up ... we have to teach each other as women to respect one another; to stop listening to the garbage that’s out there.” The event’s close proximity to the ocean inspired some to voice concern about its future. “The oceans are more acidic now than they have been in 65 million years. As that continues to change, the entire life cycle of the world will change,” Anquoe said. “We can either walk the path of life or the path of death because as we let the corporations become more powerful, as we allow the
climates to change, mother earth will liberate herself from us.” City College student and AIM West activist Jose Cuellar said Liberation Day was about the tradition of struggle. “Political, social, cultural and personal liberation and self determination are the issues that have guided the movements for liberation in the United States and around the world,” Cuellar said. “It’s about the struggle for human dignity, for justice, for the freedom to pray in one’s own style — in one’s own tradition as one is moved by the spirit.” E-mail: gzeman@theguardsman.com
Lectures held at City College for Black History Month By Estela Fuentes THE GUARDSMAN
In honor of Black History Month, City College hosted a series of events with this year’s official national theme: the History of Black Economic Empowerment. Megel Brown, senior marketing manager for Intel, spoke to a group of approximately 50 students on Feb. 18 about his success in the business world as a black man. He also spoke about his drive to pursue his education and starting his own business. Brown, who began his education at a community college in Florida, spoke about his career which fused business with
engineering. He shared with students his and choose a career that suits them best. background as a young college student Brown discussed the different opporand how he came from a modest family tunities he received after getting his bachwhere there weren’t many economic elor’s degree. Although he was making a resources to pay great salary, he for college. explained that “Our stories “Our stories may be very similar when compamay be very simi- in terms of parallel paths.” nies are judging lar in terms of — Megel Brown you by what it parallel paths,” Senior Marketing Manager for Intel says on paper, Brown said. you have to He urged pursue higher listeners to follow education. their dreams when choosing careers if “I decided going to the Wharton they want to be successful. He told attend- School put that stamp on my resume, so ees that as community college students, when they are comparing me with somethey have more time to explore options body else — all things being considered for what they want to do with their lives — having that quality of education will
probably be in my favor,” Brown said about why he decided to go for his MBA. Brown ended his lecture by telling students to learn how to deal with people, because there is always someone who is going to be difficult to deal with. The Black History Month lecture series took place at five City College campuses. There will be one more event at Ocean campus today, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. called Greening the Block and Empowering Communities of Color. Julian Mocine-McQueen is hosting the discussion in the Rosenberg Library, Multimedia Room 304. E-mail: efuentes@theguardsman.com
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News
THE GUARDSMAN
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
Activists plan future actions
DON CLYDE / THE GUARDSMAN
Brian Cruz speaks at the Rosenburg Library study-in after closing time on Feb. 11. STUDY-IN: from front page
action is to create power and unity among our entire campus community.” Associated Students senator and long-time City College student and activist “Diamond” Dave Whitaker, 72, helped to organize the study-in. He said the purpose of a general assembly
action is to put the power back into the hands of students. Four City College librarians, including Karen Saginor, stayed for the duration of the study-in. “Education has made a huge difference in my life. Working here I get to meet all kinds of great people who are here because they want an education,” Saginor said.
“That’s why students come to City College, because they want to learn stuff, and I love working with people who want to learn. It’s a constant inspiration to me.” Moreno said the activists were not against the library or its workers, adding that they are also struggling against budget cuts. “Our fight is also their fight,” she said. The writing lab was open throughout the event, with five tutors on hand to help students with paper writing. Many students were actively doing homework and reading, but many others were gearing up for future action. Lawyer Ronald Cruz, a UC Berkeley graduate and activist with the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration, and Immigrant Rights and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary, encouraged those in attendance to embrace legislation like the state and federal Dream Act, which would make financial aid available to undocumented students fighting for education rights. “Students at Mission High
School and Galileo and other places more directly affected by this, they’ll walk out for this. This is something that we can really build March 4 with,” Cruz said. “Central to our ability to win the success of education is to link the fight for equality on our campuses with the power of the community, especially the immigrant rights struggle.” March 4 is the unified day of action decided upon by the same democratic coalition that called for the network of general assemblies in October of last year. General assemblies and other grass roots groups at all levels of education throughout California are gearing up for what they hope will be a historical day in the fight for public education. “At our last general assembly this Wednesday, two people came up from D’Anza College and at the end of the meeting they said to us, ‘You know what? We’re actually getting ten busses and we’re thinking of coming over to City College to join what’s happening over there on March 4,’” General Assembly representative Brian Cruz said. “We need to get out on
the streets.” Jordan Towers, a student and Iraqi Veteran Against the War, said unity of purpose is the only way forward. “Now is the time when we come together, stand together as one and demand a change in values. But not just a change in values, cause that won’t work for this system. We need a revolution of values – that’s the only way we’re gonna fix things,” Towers said. “When you go to a public institution and are charged a $10,000 fee, not tuition, a fee, I say that’s a tax on education to keep certain people from achieving their goals.” “I’m 72 years old, and I say this is a life-long struggle. Most of my life’s behind me – most of your life’s ahead of you, but we’re meeting here to carry on this tradition of struggle,” Whitaker said. “This came to me in a revelation and it seems to work in every situation: Cast a wide net; find the common thread; let light shine, and don’t panic – keep it organic.” E-mail: gzeman@theguardsman.com
Oscar Grant trial begins in LA By Estela Fuentes THE GUARDSMAN
More than 100 people rallied outside the Los Angeles Superior Court building when former BART police officer Johannes Mehserle faced Judge Robert Perry on Jan. 8, 2010 for his first hearing in the death of Oscar Grant III. Mehserle is accused of shooting and killing Grant on the morning of Jan. 1, 2009 while trying to subdue him on a platform of BART’s Fruitvale station in Oakland. He pleaded not guilty to the charges of murder, asserting he made a mistake and meant to reach for his Taser, not his gun. The trial was moved to Los Angeles due to the likelihood of bias in jurors from Alameda County because of the extensive media coverage the case has received in the Bay Area. “There were a lot of people who actually came down from the Bay Area,” said Kokayi Jitahidi, community organizer with the Families for Community Safety Campaign in Southern California. Perry renewed the gag order that Alameda County Judge
Jacobson issued last year for all parties involved in the trial. He also denied the media access to film the proceedings. The trial is set to start in May. In a recent interview with KTVU Channel 2, an Oaklandbased Fox affiliate, legal analyst Michael Cardoza stated that Mehserle borrowed a Taser from the BART police department without having had prior training to use the weapon. Mehserle’s defense will bring to light BART police’s lack of training and how the Tasers used by the transit agency closely resemble guns because they have similarly shaped handles, Cardoza said. He also mentioned that police allegedly have taped statements from at least two of Grant’s friends that conflict. On one of the recordings, Jack Bryson, who was about two feet away from Grant during the incident, told police that before the shooting Mehserle had already threatened to use the Taser on Grant. Another friend, whose name has not been released, said Mehserle never used racial slurs, curse words or expressed anger toward any of them.
“But if that comes in, that witness gets up and says Johannes Mehserle said, ‘I’m going to tase you,’ that could lead to a not guilty verdict if the jury believes him,” said Cardoza during the interview with Fox. Jitahidi said it would be difficult for the jury to convict Mehserle for murder due to the California Police Bill of Rights, which protects officers from being unjustly represented. “I do workshops with folks who are activists around this issue to let them know how difficult it is to get a conviction for murder,” Jitahidi said. He strongly believes there is a public assumption that police officers have the right to kill. “They have the right to carry arms and they have the right to kill and the question that comes into play is, how do they use that power and do they use it right?” he said. Jitahidi is working closely with the Los Angeles Coalition for Justice for Oscar Grant, which organized the rally at the courthouse. “What we, the activists, are looking for is first or second
ANDA CHU / MCT CAMPUS
(L-R) Regina Picquet holds a picture of Oscar Grant at a downtown Oakland rally last year as she is comforted by Aleada Minton.
degree murder. We are not looking at manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter,” he said. “This case is so important because over and over again we
have always heard the excuse ‘I made a mistake. I didn’t mean to shoot the person,’” Jitahidi said. E-mail: efuentes@theguardsman.com
News
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
THE GUARDSMAN
SingleStop provides French students tour Rivera mural tax help on campus Financial coaching and legal advice are also available through program By Jen Houghton THE GUARDSMAN
SingleStop USA, a nonprofit program dedicated to providing constructive services to students and low-income families, has reached City College Ocean campus. SingleStop provides free tax preparation, benefit screening, financial coaching and legal advice for students, full or part time. City College counselor Murrell Green is the acting liaison between students and SingleStop services. “This isn’t about sales,” Green said. “This is for students that want to seek out the services that we provide. College is about becoming responsible.” Free tax preparation through SingleStop is available to the public, but students will take priority. To be eligible for free tax preparation provided by volunteers from the Bay Area nonprofit Tax Aid, students must have made less than $52,000 in the previous year and be able to provide photo identification, a social security card and basic landlord information. Tax preparation is available by appointment in the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in the Student Union Building until April 15, and students must bring any forms they will need in order to file, such as a 1099-MISC, W-2 or 1040EZ. Green walks students through using an online software program with a database of local, state and federal benefits to find those that can be used to supplement a student’s income. Once a student’s information — household size, income and savings — is entered, the program provides a list of possible benefits available including food stamps, health care and tax credits. “It literally takes about ten minutes, at the most, to put in the demographic and income information,” Green said. If a student wishes to pursue a benefit, Green will aid them in
filling out the appropriate application forms. Screening is available by appointment at the CalWORKS Education and Training office in Bungalow 615. Students can receive valuable advice on budgeting, debt management, the benefits of banking, and understanding and improving their credit scores through SingleStop’s free financial coaching service. The service is adapted to each student’s needs and is expected to aid those both unfamiliar and experienced with finance. “Financial coaching doesn’t have the biggest need, compared to tax preparation, but I think it will definitely be the most popular service,” Green said. Weekly finance workshops are held at the CalWORKS office Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Students can meet with a financial coach — two Charles Schwab volunteers and one volunteer from Mission SF, a local credit union — by appointment at the CalWORKS office Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Students seeking free legal advice can contact Green for a referral to a volunteer from Bay Area Legal Aid. “I’ve already had some students contact me about criminal cases, but most will be civil cases,” Green said. Students can determine if they’re in need of legal advising by filling out a ten question survey. Questions address issues including tenants’ rights, medical care and bills, divorce or custody issues and immigration status. Volunteers operate off campus, but most advice will be through telephone or e-mail and not require a face-to-face meeting. This is the fifth California location for SingleStop and Green believes that, with its broad demographic, Ocean campus will be their busiest location. “Our range here is probably beyond the scope of anything they’ve seen before,” he said. “SingleStop seems to have a vested interest. This is bigger than anything they’ve tackled.” There are already plans to have a SingleStop liaison at the Mission campus before the end of March 2010. E-mail: jhoughton@theguardsman.com
JOSEPH PHILLIPS / THE GUARDSMAN
French students from Lycée de la Merci and Collège Saint-Charles listen to City College’s resident Diego Rivera expert Will Maynez present Pan American Unity on Feb. 10. The exchange program that brought them to San Francisco includes students from schools in the south of France who stay with host families on their two-week trip and spend their days touring landmarks of the Bay Area. “I’m enjoying the program,” said Manon Rat, the youngest student on the trip and one of the strongest English speakers. “I like to see the American student lifestyle.”
New City College program aims to bridge gap to CSUs Metro Academies provide resources for academic planning and transfer assistance for students By William Chamberlin THE GUARDSMAN
Metro Academies at City College helps lowincome students and those whose parents did not attend college with course placement to transfer to CSUs in efficient time and good standing. The program takes students through a very specific group of health and English classes which have overlapping curricula. “We are here to provide support inside the classroom,” Metro Academies coordinator Beth Freedman said. “We want our students to transfer.” The program attempts to help students get through City College quickly by minimizing the number of classes that don’t satisfy transferable credit requirements, thus minimizing wasted money and time for the student not familiar with college services. Designed to help students by developing well-rounded skills in writing, reading, understanding and engagement in class participation, Metro Academies also assists in academic planning and provides tutors. Formerly known as Metro Health Academies
because of its original focus on health science students only, Metro Academies has been in existence since 2007 at San Francisco State’s campus and came to City College shortly after. Currently the program is funded by The James Irvine Foundation. Still in its developing stage, the program recently spread its assistance from health science department students to anyone who could benefit and qualify. It is in the process of adding child development classes as part of the curriculum. The program is designed to take students from an English 93 level and up and is spread over a two-year period. It currently has six classes with a cross-curriculum structure that helps the student gain basic skills and can currently cater to about 90 students. “We are here for students who are underrepresented,” Freedman said. Metro Academies is modeled after research by the Association of American Colleges and Universities that showed more engagement with students leads to higher grades and larger completion percentages. “Know why they are here, and know how to get out of here,” Freedman said of the program’s mission at City College. A pizza party information session will be held March 16 from 4 to 7 p.m at San Francisco State in the HSS Building, room 306. Contact (415) 239-3513 for more information. E-mail: wchamberlin@theguardsman.com
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Opinions&Editorials
THE GUARDSMAN
THE GUARDSMAN City College of San Francisco’s Student Newspaper
Editor in Chief
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
Ugliness as a deterrent fails to win war on drugs
Alex Emslie
News Editors Don Clyde Greg Zeman
Opinions & Editorials Editor Matt Gomez
Cultures & Trends Editor Jen Houghton
Sports Editor Aaron Turner
Sports Consultant Bontã Hill
Features Editor Fleur Bailey
Calendar Editor Hannah Weiner
Online Editor Jessica Luthi
Photo Editor
Ramsey El-Qare
Assistant Photo Editor Chloe Ashcraft
Chief Copy Editor Angela Penny
Copy Editors
Don Clyde Alex Emslie Jen Houghton Liska Koenig Atticus Morris
Production Editor Jessica Luthi
By Matt Gomez THE GUARDSMAN
Face2Face is a computer program that alters photographs of teen’s faces to show them what they will look like six months to even three years after developing a methamphetamine habit. While an honest attempt to curb teen drug abuse, Face2Face is nothing more than a scare tactic that insults teens rather than educating them about the dangers of drug addiction. Sheriff Tom Allman created the program in conjunction with software developer Abalone LLC, which currently sells the program for $2,995. “Some kids start crying when they see the devastating effect meth can have on their complexion,” Allman told National Public Radio. “It was the way to crack the nut — to say, ‘This could happen to you.’” The program can mutilate the face of a teenager, or anyone interested, in 3-D. It is a shallow marketing ploy to think that the defining factor in whether or not a
person takes meth would be their complexion. In a country that constantly reminds youth of how unique they are, now they’re also being told they shouldn’t try meth because it will make them look ugly. Allman said the “this is your brain on drugs” and “just say no” campaigns didn’t work because they used scare tactics to keep kids away from drugs. Maybe he just holds a personal bias because he developed the program, as Face2Face is not any different. The program is so expensive, it would be an irresponsible purchase for most high schools and teen centers. With education funding being cut left and right, buying Face2Face seems almost as wrong as buying meth. After the program is purchased, the problem doesn’t just magically disappear. Face2Face is just like a school textbook. It can’t replace a teacher and cannot teach any lessons on its own. The problem with drug abuse education, though, is that it
cannot be taught in a classroom by teachers as if it is just another class. Even the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, which is taught in nearly 80% of U.S. classrooms, is considered to be flawed by Dr. William Hanson, who helped develop the model for DARE. “DARE was misguided as soon as they adopted our material, because we were off base,” Hansen said, according to The State University of New York at Potsdam Web site. He claimed the formula of the program has never been changed, and that from the beginning DARE has been misguidedly attacking drug abuse. The DARE program is taught at the fifth- and sixth-grade level, a time when drugs abuse is not a concern for many students. A police officer coming into their classroom telling them about the dangers of drugs isn’t going to help if the students are more concerned about finishing their science homework so they can hang out after school.
The problem with all these attempts to prevent drug abuse is that they operate under the assumption that every child will grow up to abuse drugs. The effects of drug abuse should be taught during high school when most youth are first being introduced to drugs. Instead of straight talk from a teacher or police officer, former drug abusers should be the people teaching the lessons. A simulated image is not nearly as effective as the life story of someone who has actually lived through such complexion issues, not to mention some of the more horrifying consequences of hardcore drug abuse. “George Bush says we are losing the war on drugs,” said the late comedian Bill Hicks. “You know what that implies? There’s a war being fought, and people on drugs are winning it.”
E-mail: mgomez@theguardsman.com
Online Staff Alex Luthi
Staff Writers
Tania Cervantes William Chamberlin Dominick Delgadillo Estela Fuentes Bontã Hill Liska Koenig Atticus Morris Claudio Ribeiro Carlos Silva Hannah Weiner
Photographers Chloe Ashcraft Pheonix Marie Joseph Phillips Robert Romano Lilly Vranova Production Staff Hannah Weiner
Advertising Manager Jessica Luthi
Faculty Adviser Juan Gonzales
California Newspaper Publisher’s Association Journalism Association of Community Colleges
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How to contact us: Mail: 50 Phelan Ave Box V-67 San Francisco, CA 94112 Phone: (415) 239-3446 Fax: (415) 239-3884 E-mail: email@theguardsman.com Online: www.theguardsman.com
Olympic ads cheapen message
Letters To The Editor
ing being pounded into viewers’ brains. NBC is an American owned and operated network. While they really can’t help showing American athletes as being superior to their foreign counterparts, they make the athletes seem like they are super humans worthy of praise and high worship. Even looking past athletes selling out with celebrity endorsements and all the product placement being drilled into everyone’s mind, there is a certain level of advertisement whoring that cannot be overlooked. The Dreamworks movie “How to Train Your Dragon” has been exploited in every way NBC and Dreamworks can fathom. No longer can Shrek monopolize the market for adult humor being intertwined with and masked by cute creatures with Scottish accents. Where the Super Bowl blatantly and even proudly
The Guardsman encourages feedback from our readers. We will publish printable letters as soon as our publication schedule allows.
By Dominick Delgadillo THE GUARDSMAN
With the 2010 Winter Olympics steaming up in Vancouver, Canada, we can’t help but look at what’s really going on behind the scenes. The Olympics have always been a beacon of international unity. Side by side, nations join to show their individual pride and showcase the talents of their most esteemed athletes. The issue with all of this is that NBC subjects its viewers to too many commercials. It is unfair to the people who just want to enjoy the Olympics, even if NBC did pay $5.7 billion for the television rights of the Olympics from 2000 through 2012. As actor Morgan Freeman is telling everyone about the dreams of the athletes, the shows of the latter evening or shaving cream, it’s hard not to think there is a serious degree of subliminal messag-
displays its affection of selling commercial time to the highest bidder, NBC is attempting to mask its commercial desires concerning the Olympics with event tie-ins and touching messages. However, the data and rating company Nielsen reported that during the 2006 Winter Olympics a 30-second commercial cost between $500,000 and $700,000, a 40 percent rise since 1996. Regardless of the product placement and endorsements which are necessary for certain athletes to make it to the games, there has to be a better way of going about it. Maybe by the time the Olympics reach London in the summer of 2012, NBC and advertisers will understand the true meaning of the games and go sans labels. Doubtful, but still possible. Here’s to hoping. E-mail: ddelgadillo@theguardsman.com
Guidelines for letters: Letters must be signed with first and last name. The Guardsman reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity and content. Most letters should be less than 200 words, although longer letters are sometimes printed. All letters are available at www.theguardsman.com. Send Letters to: email@theguardsman.com 50 Phelan Ave Box V-67 San Francisco, CA 94112 Bungalow 214, Ocean Campus Call for more information: (415) 239-3446
Opinions&Editorials
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
THE GUARDSMAN
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Political office does not mean immunity from prosecution By Liska Koenig THE GUARDSMAN
Mohammed trial still on hold By William Chamberlin THE GUARDSMAN
Terrorism struck New York City again as the trial for alleged 9/11 mastermind, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, was postponed indefinitely due to the fear residents have for holding the trial in Manhattan. The White House called off the trial, which was to be held in lower Manhattan, due to picketing protests as well as many voiced concerns from New York City all the way to Washington D.C. Further hurdles played a role in the postponement of the trail. The Democratic party is split on whether Mohammed should be held accountable in civil courts, as the Obama administration suggested, while other Democrats are pushing for a military tribunal, Politico.com reported on Feb. 11. A benefit of the civil court approach would be to show the world that the U.S. Justice system is strong. A trial of this magnitude is going to draw the world’s attention to the city. The World Trade Center crashed to the ground that September morning and all the death, terror and confusion that poured out of New York was caused by men who specifically planned it. Those men need to be
tried at ground zero. This needs to be finished where it started. The fear that exists behind the trial should be counteracted by the fact that there is no better place to try the criminals except at the scene of the crime. With that being said, good luck trying to find impartial jurors for a civil trial. There needs to be a direct confrontation to this monstrosity of terror. Alcohol needs to be poured on this open wound, the U.S. needs to clean it out and deal with this problem. In perhaps the most powerful city in the world and concerning the most horrific act of unprecedented hatred since Hitler, action needs to be swift and direct. U.S. and Pakistani officers captured Mohammed in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on March 1, 2003. Since then he has been detained at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba’s U.S. Naval Station. Globalsecurity.org reports that Mohammed proposed the 9/11 terrorism plans to Osama Bin Laden in 1996, and Bin Laden approved by 1999. Then again, maybe there is an argument to letting the orchestrators of this insurrection kick back and relax in jail and be hailed as heroes among fellow haters of the U.S. Maybe there is a reason for postponing the trial for another
year or so, letting all the democrats agree where they want it and finding a town that wants to host the trial far away from the disaster zone and directly affected families. We should interview Mohammed and ask him where he’d like to be tried, what type of trial he’d prefer and who he’d like to invite. Maybe Superman’s Fortress of Solitude is available to lease. The issue is that the opposing political parties are so divided on the approach in dealing with this trial that we, as a country, are going nowhere fast. Even within parties there are disagreements. There is a stubborn stupidity in the air. The resulting effect of this behavior: no trial for the alleged mastermind of 9/11. That is definitely a result where everyone wins. The democrats can blame the republicans, the republicans can blame the president, the terrorists can get caught up on their sleep, do a few push ups and maybe even read a few good books. Everyone gets to relax, no work is getting done, but, hey, according to the Mayans we only have 2 years left, so maybe we’ll never have to deal with Mohammed. E-mail: wchamberlin@theguardsman.com
A civilian accused of murder is required to answer to a court of law, but apparently this does not apply to high profile politicians like former U.S. president George W. Bush and British ex-prime Minister Tony Blair. U.S. troops invaded Iraq in March 2003 because Bush claimed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was in possession of enough weapons of mass destruction to wreak havoc in the Middle East and the Western World. Without U.S. intervention, Bush argued, the safety of the post-9/11 world could not be guaranteed. The threat turned out to be “phantom weapons of mass destruction” — unclear satellite pictures which allegedly showed images of mobile labs to manufacture chemicals used in warfare, followed by accusations of Iraq lying and hiding evidence from inspectors sent by the United Nations Security Council. While definitely not second in the line of command to the former American president, Blair has been Bush’s right hand man in supporting the cause. His loyalty has been compared to that of a lap dog by the media because he was willing to follow blindly without publicly questioning Bush’s actions. Blair is currently being investigated by the Chilcot Committee, which was formed by the British government to identify the lesson of what should be learned to help future governments who may be facing similar situations, according to the committee’s Web site. Up to this day the former British prime minister defends his decision as absolutely necessary to protect his country and world peace. However, earlier witnesses have testified before the committee that Blair told Bush in an April 2002 meeting his country would join the U.S. in a war against Iraq,
according to an article by the BBC from Jan. 29. The former British leader struggles to respond to questions posed by the committee. On the other hand, if Blair, Bush’s follower, has to justify his actions, then why is George W. Bush getting off scot-free? While a formal truth commission to investigate the Bush administration’s anti-terrorism policies was suggested by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in April of 2009, no comparable actions have been conducted by the U.S. government until now. At least the British government is not afraid to delve into the past. President Obama, however, shies away from that. His election campaign was built on the promise of hope and looking into a brighter future. Before he became president, Obama condemned the war and the lies that led to the invasion of Iraq. Now he is too preoccupied with keeping everybody, including the Republican Party, happy to deal with the current state of the economy and advocating his proposed health care reform. Other war criminals are tried in front of the International Court of Justice in the Hague, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. George Bush and Tony Blair, however, are former leaders of the world’s most powerful country and its most eager ally. They did not care about the U.N. Security Council’s opinion in 2003 and they don’t care now. It’s time to wake up and deal with reality. The American people, just like the British people, have a right to know what has lead to this war which has cost taxpayers trillions of dollars and claimed an estimated 105 thousand Iraqi lives, as well as caused at least 4,700 American and 80 British casualties. E-mail: lkoenig@theguardsman.com
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THE GUARDSMAN
Pulse of the city heard in streets of San Francisco By Greg Zeman THE GUARDSMAN
It’s practically impsossible to walk through San Francisco on any given day without hearing the diverse rhythms of its streets ringing from the crowded corners and echoing off of the painted walls. Any style of music imaginable—and some which even bend the limits of imgination—can be heard in
this city, if one knows where to look and listen. There is a unique cultural character to each of the city’s many neighborhoods, and each one has its own musical tradition and history. The Filmore was once the creative center of jazz in the city, and a recent musical rennaisance happening there could return it to its historical prominence. But the true soul of San Francisco’s timeless love affair with jazz — and all forms and movements in music which are raw and spontaneous — can be
Photostory
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
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heard on the streets. From instrumentalists weaving melodies with saxaphones, guitars, violins and all sorts of instruments you may have never heard of to percusionists banging out intricate rhythms on buckets, boxes, trashcan lids and anything else that makes a tasty noise when hit, the variety of street musicians in the city is practically unrivaled.
E-mail: gzeman@theguardsman.com
ROBERT ROMANO / THE GUARDSMAN
Drummer John Kins sends a message of peace while playing emphatically on a homemade drumset of garbage cans, five gallon buckets and tin cans in front of the Ferry Building on Feb 13.
Left: A guitarist performs “I Can See Clearly Now” outside the Powell Street Cable Car Feb. 15.
CHLOE ASHCRAFT / THE GUARDSMAN
CHLOE ASHCRAFT / THE GUARDSMAN
Above: Jian Wei Luo plays his saxophone on the corner of Powell and O’Farrell streets. Born in China, Jian said, “I like to play here because in China the police won’t let me.” Left: A San Francisco street preformer, Khevan, plays the saxaphone on the corner of Powell and O’Farrell streets. Originally from Woodstock, New York, he came to San Francisco for two weeks 30 years ago and never left.
Right: 55-year-old Marcos Álvarez stums guitar at the 24th street BART station
CHLOE ASHCRAFT / THE GUARDSMAN
ROBERT ROMANO / THE GUARDSMAN
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Sports
THE GUARDSMAN
Team preview: swimming
Swim team kicks off its inaugural season By William Courtney CONTRIBUTING WRITER
For the first time in over 18 years, City College of San Francisco has a women’s swim team to call their own. In their inaugural season, the newest Rams team is hoping this will be the beginning to a long, successful women’s program. The squad is led by head coach Phong Pham, who is taking on his first collegiate coaching job after spending nearly 18 years at nearby Lincoln High School as a swim coach and instructor. Phong will be assisted by experienced swim coach Jaclyn Rosen. Despite limited initial funding for the program, Pham was able schedule 10 meets, as well as the conference and state championships, culminating into a season that has the potential to stretch all the way into May. Roselin Sretpisalsilp, who swam under Pham at Lincoln, said she and the rest of the team desire to start off on the right foot, but at the same time they want to have fun. Specializing in backstroke and individual medley, Stretpisalsilp was dubbed
by Pham as the team’s top swimmer. “He’s a great coach and every year he makes his swimmers faster,” Sretpisalsilp said of Pham. Although this is the team’s first season, Pham and his staff have high hopes. “My goal is to make us competitive enough to be top four in the Coast Conference this year,” he said. Other standout swimmers Pham cited include backstroke and freestyle swimmer Alyssa Stember, butterfly and distance swimmer Cathryn Gibson, and breaststroke specialist Heidi Tieu. With a roster of 24 swimmers, the team is considered to be on the small side for college swimming. Fewer swimmers equates to more time spent one-on-one during practices, which Pham said gives him extra opportunities to make his swimmers faster, and more competitive. Because of the smaller roster, Pham said he plans to spread out swimmers at different events, with the goal of scoring more team points per meet. In collegiate swimming, a team is awarded points based on where swimmers finish in their event. Even with a tough building process
AARON TURNER / THE GUARDSMAN
City College swimmers prepare to dive off their starting blocks and swim laps during a practice Feb. 18 at the natatorium inside the Wellness Center.
ahead of it, the City College swim program has already gained some experience. Following an exhibition relay event at West Valley College on Feb. 6, the Rams traveled to Las Positas on Feb. 19 to take part in the Hawks Invitational. Although it was a non-scoring meet, City College had swimmers finish in the top ten in three individual events. The team also finished in 5th place out of 16 in the 200 yard medley relay.
Team preview: badminton
Women’s badminton program seeks to continue dominance By Sol Ladvienka CONTRIBUTING WRITER
With all of the prominent sports programs at City College, badminton is one that has flown under the radar during the past couple of seasons. Last season, after breezing past conference competition, the Rams women’s badminton team was one victory away from claiming a California state championship, coming up just short to Irvine City College, a team that was comprised partially of international Olympic badminton players. After finishing second in the state in 2009, with a perfect 8-0 regular season, the team’s two head coaches said they are looking to have repeat success as they near the start of the 2010 season. “We were very successful last season,” Rams coach Coni Staff said. “We had both singles and doubles players that qualified for state, as well as the team.” She, along with fellow coach Fred Glosser, are entering their third
full season leading the badminton program. With returning players such as Jody Chan, Maggie Choy, Rufina Wu, and Wendy Zhu, the Rams have a bevy of sophomore talent that Glosser feels they can rely on all season. “This team may be even a little bit better than last season,” he said. “We have two really good players at the top of the team and a lot of other experienced players. I think we are going to be really strong once again.” With the number of returning players, along with the sheer dominance in conference play last year, Staff and Glosser both feel they have every reason to be confident and excited. “I’m excited about this season,” Staff said. “If we have the same results as last year, then I’ll be satisfied. As far as the season goes, the players simply have to play with heart and do well in conference once again.” The Rams are set to begin their season on the road against De Anza College in an early tour-
nament on March 20. They will then travel to Mission College, to begin Coast Conference play on March 23. E-mail: mail@theguardsman.com
Badminton Schedule 3/20 DeAnza Tournament 10 a.m.
“We were going up against Santa Rosa and Sierra College, who were the number one and two teams in the state last season,” Pham said. “The fact the fact we were able to have more than one swimmer finish in the top ten is very good.” The swim team will have their next meet at DeAnza College, February 26 at 2 p.m. E-mail: mail@theguardsman.com
Sports Briefs Rams basketball goes all-conference The City College men’s and women’s basketball teams will be well represented this season on the all-conference teams. The women received five selections, including the Coast Conference MVP, which was awarded to sophomore guard Brittney Allen. Joining her on the First Team all-Coast Conference was sophomore guards Mone Peoples and Marlee Rice, sophomore forward Cierra Foster, and freshman forward Shawnte Taylor. The men received three selections this season, as sophomore guard Bennie Rhodes along with sophomore forwards Da’Ron Sims and Chris White were named First Team all-Coast Conference.
3/23 at Mission 3 p.m. 3/26 at Fresno 3 p.m. 3/27-3/28 at Pasadena 12 p.m. 4/6 vs. DeAnza 3 p.m. 4/8 vs. Mission 3 p.m. 4/13 vs. Fresno 3 p.m. 4/15 at Skyline 3 p.m. 4/17 Fresno Tournament 3 p.m. 4/27 at DeAnza 3 p.m. 4/29 vs. Skyline 3 p.m. 5/8 Conference Finals (CCSF) Bold denotes home match
Baseball gets underway The Rams baseball team is off to a 2-7 start before their Coast Conference opener on March 2. The home doubleheader against Napa Valley, which was being played at Skyline College, was called in the third inning due to heavy fog. The Rams resumed the game at Napa Valley’s home field, where the Rams were able to win their second game of the season. The second game of that double header was played Feb. 22. The score was 12-3 Napa. Tennis team drops season opener After having the first two meets of the season cancelled due to poor weather, the women’s tennis team lost their season opener on the road at Mission College on Feb. 16. The Rams were scheduled to hold their conference opener on Feb. 23 at home against Chabot, but the match was rained out.
Sports
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
THE GUARDSMAN
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Women’s basketball
Rams secure perfect conference record By Aaron Turner THE GUARDSMAN
JESSICA LUTHI /THE GUARDSMAN
Sophomore forward Cierra Foster (center) goes for a layup over Skyline guard Tina Shiheiber (left), Feb. 19 at the Wellness Center.
It seems like a year ago since the last time the City College women’s basketball program tasted defeat. In fact, it was last year, on Dec. 30, 2009, one game before their conference opener, that the Rams fell to Solano College in the championship game of the Gervasoni Classic. Since then, they have not lost a single game. On Feb.19 at the Wellness Center, their historic tear through the Coast Conference was completed, as they beat Skyline College 91-59 in their regular season finale. The win both captures City College’s first conference title since 2006-2007, and marks the first time the team has gone undefeated in conference play. “It’s a great accomplishment,” Rams head coach Jamie Wong said of her team’s victory. “We are excited and enjoying it but playoffs are around the corner, and we want to be ready to get the same results,” she said.
Sophomore forward Cierra Foster finished with 20 points to lead all scorers, and sophomore guards Marlee Rice and Mone Peoples scored 19 and 18 points apiece, as the Rams routed the hapless Trojans for the second time this season. “They zoned us all night,” Peoples said. “We figured if they did that, they’re afraid of our penetration, so we were able to rely on our three point shots.” By halftime, the Rams had already amassed a 51-29 lead. Scoring was not a problem all night for the Rams, as they once again capitalized on their superior size and speed on both offense and defense. As the whole Rams team turns its collective eye towards the California state playoffs, both players and coach well remember last year’s disappointment, an overtime heartbreaking loss to Pasadena City College in the state semifinals. “Earlier in the season, coach reminded us of that game,” Peoples said. “She made sure we knew what we did to lose that
game, and how she doesn’t want us to feel that ever again.” Hayes however feels nothing but confidence as the number one ranked team in Northern California begins their preperation for playoffs. “I have a lot of confidence in this team,” she said. “They’re experienced when it comes to playing in big games, since we have four players from last year who played in the state tournament.” Coast Conference MVP Brittney Allen, along with allconference sophomore Mone Peoples will get a chance to erase last season’s playoff loss from their memory. The Rams, who have a first round bye in the playoffs, will face the winner of the contest between American River College and Diablo Valley College. That game will be held on Feb. 27 at the Wellness Center at 5 p.m. E-mail: aturner@theguardsman.com
Men’s basketball
Men end regular season with rout of Skyline By Sol Ladvienka CONTRIBUTING WRITER
As the men’s regular season came to an end Friday night at the Wellness Center, Rams head coach Justin Labagh wanted his team to finish the regular season with a bang before preparing for the Northern California playoffs next week. “It’s not about Skyline tonight, but about finding out who we are,” Labagh told his team prior to tip-off. With the Rams’ 98-62 victory over the Trojans, they finished the regular season with a 24-4 record, 9-3 in the Coast Conference, and tied with Foothill for second place. City College started the game with a bang right off the opening tip.Freshman guard De’End hit sophomore forward Chris White for an alley-oop dunk, not only get the game under way, but to get the crowd into the game early. Jonathon Williams, who
finished with 23 points to lead all scorers, helped the Rams jump out to a 49-30 score at halftime, and they never looked back. “Coach’s motivation tonight was to have the freshmen step up and play like sophomores,” Williams said. The Rams’ defense was solid the entire game, as they locked down Skyline’s perimeter shooters and post players. “We were able to stay on point,” sophomore guard Tyler Brown said. “Coach teaches us to stay together, and tonight was all about defense and pressuring them the entire game.” Despite their stellar shooting performance, which saw the Rams hit 70 percent of their three-point attempts, missed free throws were a concern for Labagh after the game. “We left too many points on the line, and we can’t have that going into the playoffs,” he said. “We work on them every practice. I just won’t accept missed
free throws.” The Rams, who are seeded number-two in the Northern California region, are set to take on the winner of Wednesday’s contest between College of the Redwoods and San Joaquin Delta. Brown, who is one of eight players returning to the state playoffs this season, knows the team has a long road ahead of them if they hope to even have a shot at the state title. “It’s going to take a lot,” Brown said. “We need to stay on point, and get the most out of our practice time.” City College will have the rest of the week to practice before their Feb. 27 second round game at the Wellness Center, which will tip-off at 7 p.m. The Rams must then win their two regional games if they hope to return to the state tournament, which will be held March 11-14 at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. E-mail: sladvienka@theguardsman.com
Forward Chris White (center) swoops in for a layup in the Rams’ win over Skyline Feb. 19 at the Wellness Center. White was named first-team all Coast Conference this season.
ROBERT ROMANO /THE GUARDSMAN
14 |
Sports
THE GUARDSMAN
The Water Cooler By Bontã Hill
I have tried to stay away from the Tiger Woods mess, but after seeing how this has put the sports world on pause, it’s time for my thoughts on the ordeal. Woods cheated on his wife and has stepped away from golf to try to repair his marriage. As Woods spoke out to the public this past Friday, golfers like Ernie Els felt the timing was selfish because of the WGCAccenture Match Play Championship that often features the worlds best golfers. Here is a memo to all of the golfers out there: Your tournament would not be crap without Tiger. The purses that have
inflated at PGA Tour events would not be what they are without Woods and the game of golf would not be where it is today without him either. What happened in Woods' personal life is really none of our business. Did he do something wrong on the golf course? No. He did something in private that he will have to live with for the rest of his life. Not that I am condoning it at all, but Woods has earned the right in his profession to speak when he wants to. If he wanted to do a press conference at the Masters during the final round, so be it. Golf would never have this type of attention without him. I’m sure a lot of people will disagree with this assessment, but how do you feel when everybody is in your personal business? Do we like it when people talk about us behind our backs? Nobody does and with paparazzi or the media following you around and commenting on your every move, we would snap and have a mental breakdown. So please, if we forgave Kobe Bryant and his cheesy act to buy his love after cheating on his wife, we can accept Woods’
sincerity and let him ease back into what he does best -- dominating the world of golf.
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
Idiot of the Week The Idiot Hall of Fame Committee had to cancel this week's ceremonies due to snow, rain and plane delays, but there are still a couple of athletes who deserve mention. Floyd Landis is on the ballot and will get his due consideration in the next issue (yes, The Water Cooler dives into the grueling sport of cycling.) Hopefully, in the next two weeks we’ll get enough candidates to make this the best ceremony yet. There is also a rumor that the Wizards’ Josh Howard was hungover and unable to play in a game while he was a member of the Dallas Mavericks. This is the same guy who dissed the national anthem on camera, participated in street racing during the offseason and admitted to dating "Mary Jane" during his time-off from basketball. The I.H.O.F. will be in for some great festivities two weeks from now.
ing the replay of the Denver Nuggets and Cleveland Cavaliers game on Feb. 19. It's probably the best professional basketball game I’ve seen for some time. So sorry for you if you missed it, because the Nuggets Carmelo Anthony and the Cavaliers LeBron James put on one hell of a show. Carmelo hit a long jumper over the outstretched arms of James to give the Nuggets the 118-116 overtime victory and snapped the Cavs 13-game winning streak. Anthony finished with 40 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists, while James finished with a ridiculous 43 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists. This duel between the two gave me memories of the old showdowns between legends like Bird and Magic. Anthony and James, who are good friends, went after each other so viciously, you would think that one of ‘em slept with the others wife. However, showdowns like this are what make the NBA fantastic. Sporting events like this are what make me the fanatic I am today.
Miscellaneous I had the pleasure of watch-
E-mail: bhill@theguardmsan.com
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INFORMATION SESSION Tuesday, March 9, 11:00 am–2:00 pm Call 800.87.MILLS to register.
Oakland • admission@mills.edu • www.mills.edu *upon successful completion of all program requirements
City College — The Guardsman Size: 6" x 6" Insertion date: February 24, 2010 Ad #N1015
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
Culture & Trends
THE GUARDSMAN
| 15
Aspiring musicians find fans on Alonetone.com
promotion-and-sales model of the music business; in fact, Alonetone is not a business at The explosion in digital all. It’s an online community distribution services, includ- where like-minded musicians ing hybrid social network- can share music, network, ing sites like Last.fm, self- collaborate and seek technical publishing platforms like advice about recording and Bandcamp and media stores production. like iTunes, gives the indeWilliams, who is a musipendent musician more cian himself, said “If you are options than ever for getting the kind of person who chases their product out. fans, you might find some The problem is, without success, but it's a lot of hard an established following, it's — and non-musical — work. unlikely artists will make any Better to connect to people, money selling MP3s. find communities, give music Alonetone offers a differout to whoment and, what ever will listen, its creator find an audiSudara Williams “Giving away your ence and find believes to be, music is the new individual more effective version of play out opportunities.” approach for Established as much as you artists: getting artists wanting the music to as can.” to make money — Sudara Williams many people as from MP3s can Creator of Alonetone possible instead also benefit of going directfrom what the ly after a profit. platform offers. “Giving away your music Composer a n d pianist is the new version of play Joshua Wentz uses Alonetone in out as much as you can,” addition to selling his music from Williams said. Sidedown Audio. Alonetone bills itself as “As far as profit is “a place for small label, do-it- concerned the benefit is negliyourself, and everyday musi- gible,” Wentz said of Alonecians and bands.” Its sleek tone. He uses it as a promoand intuitive interface, having tional tool and provides links evolved from user-made to Sidedown Audio for those suggestions, is streamlined to interested in hearing more. make things as easy as possi“I put all of the work I ble for the independent musi- do into two columns — that cian. Users simply sign up which will be given away and for an account, click upload that which will be sold. And and voila; the Web site auto- certainly more people have matically creates a podcast, heard my music due to the searchable in iTunes. fact that some of it is online “This site is like a breath for free.” of fresh air,” said St. Louis The ultimate success of based user, Alykai. “There are this type of model — whether so many sites on the internet or not independent musicians that are so overwhelming. adopt it — remains to be seen. This is simple, elegant and Williams said that most of all functional.” compared to similar Web Alonetone offers its sites, or those with corporate users unlimited audio host- backing, Alonetone’s roster ing, but unlike other similar of more than 1,000 artists sites, there is no advertising is only a blip on the musical or investor backing and all radar, but for now, as its home content is free to download. page will attest, Alonetone is Because nobody's profiting, a “damn fine home for musiconcerns about behind-the- cians.” scenes influence over content are alleviated. The concept is a radical E-mail: departure from the traditional amorris@theguardsman.com By Atticus Morris THE GUARDSMAN
PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSE BLANCA
(L-R) Igor Ovchinnikov, as Sir Robert Brakenbury, speaks to Dewane Spalding, as Richard III, who is standing with Brian Martin, as the Duke of Clarence, at a Feb. 15 rehearsal for the upcoming City College theatre department production of Shakespeare’s Richard III.
Play Preview
Theatre department presents Richard III opening March 5 By Carlos Silva THE GUARDSMAN
William Shakespeare’s Richard III, a brilliant mix of violence and humor, will be opening at the Diego Rivera Theatre next month. The tragedy, designed and directed by John Wilk, instructor and director in the City College Theatre Department, will be performed on the first and second weekends of March. Wilk is a fan of the language of Shakespeare as well as the dynamic personalities of his characters. “His characters are both extreme and beautiful at the same time,” Wilk said. The two-hour play covers the rise and fall of the Duke of Gloucester, who through deception and political manipulation tries to become King Richard III of England. In the first scene, Richard describes his physical appearance and malevolent ambition. “Deformed, unfinish’d, sent before my time ... And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover, to entertain these fair well-spoken days, I am determined to prove a villain.” City College student Maria Leigh plays Lady Anne. “Richard is clearly a rotten person but it’s nearly impossible not to like him,” she said. Richard’s opening monologue is very intense and grabs everyone’s attention. What follows is a tale of murder and betrayal that slowly decays Richard’s mind. In one particularly gripping scene, Richard is visited by the ghosts of all the people he has murdered who curse him and foretell his death. “The play shows the worst aspects of blind ambition and unchecked greed, a deadly combination that is still with us today,” said City College student Peter Camarda, who plays Lord Stanley. “We learn, from watching, how Richard’s evil over-
whelms everyone and everything around him.” It’s obvious how much passion the actors put into the performance. “I think the audience can expect to see Richard III performed in a way that fits today’s concerns. The dark and desperate world was created, and now should provoke deep conversation among viewers,” said City College student Merry Gordon, who plays the Duke of York. I really liked the performance of all the actors and their effort to accomplish their best in every scene. “This is a rousing and intriguing performance of one of the most famous villains in theatrical literature,” said Wilk.
Richard III at the Diego Rivera Theater Show times:
•Fridays March 5 and 12 at 8 p.m. •Saturdays March 6 and 13 at 8 p.m. •Sundays March 7 and 14 at 2 p.m.
Prices:
•General -- $15 •Discount -- $10 City College students Seniors Theater Bay Area members
E-mail: csilva@theguardsman.com
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Culture & Trends
THE GUARDSMAN
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
Social media creates business opportunities By Angela Penny THE GUARDSMAN
A sophomore computer science student at Harvard University named Mark Zuckerberg launched thefacebook.com out of his dorm room six years ago. Originally designed as a way for the students at Harvard to communicate with each other and share photos of themselves, Facebook has grown into the largest social network with over 350 million users and over 1,000 employees. Forbes magazine estimates Facebook’s minimum worth at $7.9 billion. Like Zuckerberg, people in social media often create their own jobs by recognizing a need and filling it. College students often don’t realize that they already have marketable skills such as texting and creating Facebook profiles, which, with a little polish, can be applied to the business world. The Social Media Club, founded by Chris Heuer and Kristie Wells in March 2006 in San Francisco, unites people interested in making careers out of their social media use. There are now more than 72 chapters in nine countries.
COURTESY OF KENNETH YEUNG
Christopher Allen leads a discussion about social media and higher education during Social Media Camp on Feb. 1.
Heuer and Wells recently hosted Social Media Camp at the Presidio Officer's Club where 150 online networking professionals met to discuss, among other topics, how and why to use social media tools in industries like public relations, customer service and product development. Christopher Allen, co-author of “iPhone in Action” and associate faculty at The Bainbridge Graduate Institute, led a discussion about social media and higher education. “Students feel two ways about social media,” he said. “Half of them love it and half of
them think it’s a big commercial waste of time. The first thing I do is teach them the importance of personalizing their experience and ensuring that they reflect what they are passionate about. They come around and see the positive opportunities that social media can bring.” Social media democratizes the process of marketing by creating a conversation between marketers and consumers, instead of commercial products being broadcast through oneway communication. Non-profit endeavors benefit greatly from this since they often do not have
large budgets for traditional marketing. The Red Cross raised over $10 million for survivors of the Haiti Earthquake through a text message campaign, according to the Wall Street Journal. Wells shared some insight on how college students might transition into a communications career using social media tools. “A critical piece in social media education is teaching students the difference between texting your friend and texting a business professional,” she said. City College student David McFarlane created a job for himself after hearing Chancellor Don Griffin speak a City College Inter Club Council meeting. “I was very impressed by his speech,” McFarlane said, “and realized that hardly any students would hear or even know about what he said. I thought social media could help him communicate directly with the students.” Griffin hired McFarlane to help him with his outreach using online networking tools. “I will help him and the Board of Governors send texts and video messages directly to the students’ phones. I’m going to set them up on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, for example,”
McFarlane said President Barack Obama is currently seeking a Social Networks Manager. The position requires knowledge of social networking Web sites. Applicants must also be able to “craft messages that move people to act, and know what actions will achieve the right impact at the right time,” according to a job posting on the president’s Web site. “In this ever changing world of communications, tools come and go daily, so a key trait in any role will require someone who can respond quickly to change,” Wells said. The City College Continuing Education department offers a computer course called “MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn: Get Connected” focused on creating and maintaining profiles, setting up a blog and integrating social networks. For more information about the Social Media Club please visit their Web site at http://www. socialmediaclub.org/.
E-mail: apenny@theguardsman.com
Get your late-night, pork-free fix at Seniore’s By Ramsey El-Qare and Alex Emslie THE GUARDSMAN
Seniore’s Pizza, the place to get a pork-free meal on the corner of 19th Avenue and Taraval Street since 1996, packs in droves of hungry customers long after the bars and clubs close down. “The pepperoni is beef. The salami is beef. The sausage is beef. The Canadian bacon is turkey,” employee Nidal “Ricky” Jaser said. “It’s not halal. It’s not blessed, but people do appreciate it. It helps that it's beef.” The barbecue chicken pizza offers a unique combination of flavors —
sweet, tangy and savory — which work well with the crispy, hand-made crust. The pepperoni tastes spicy and nostalgic, complementing Seniore’s signature homemade sauce. Jaser said most people don’t notice they’re eating beef when they order typically pork items at Seniore’s. There is more than just pizza at Seniore’s. They have subs, garlic bread served three different ways, jalapeno poppers, mozzarella sticks, buffalo wings, pasta, salads and desserts. “Weekends are when it’s really busy,” Jaser said. “That’s the essence of Seniore’s.” The dining area is a modest size, with granite counter tops that seat a total of seven. On any given day, a
customer can relax and enjoy a slice while watching an old movie on the wall-mounted TV. But at night, be prepared for crowds of 50 or more spilling onto the sidewalk outside. Seniore’s is open, officially, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. on weekdays and to 5 a.m. on weekends. However, these pizza purveyors serve pies as long as there are customers waiting. “We don't really have a closing time,” employee Federico Cândido said. “If people still want to eat, we keep taking orders.” Seniore’s pork-free fare is also easy on the wallet. A two-topping extra large pizza is $17.45. Specials — like the Greek with feta cheese, black olives, fresh tomatoes, pesto and fresh garlic — are $20.95. Subs are $4.99 to $5.75, and so are most appetizers and salads. Ten buffalo wings cost $6.22 and pasta for four is $12.99. Cândido summed up Seniore's charm as, “It’s the best pizza in town, served late.”
E-mail: relqare@theguardsman.com aemslie@theguardsman.com
Nilton Goncalves prepares a half beef pepperoni, half barbecue chicken pizza at the San Francisco Seniore’s Pizza restaurant.
PHOTOS BY RAMSEY EL-QARE / THE GUARDSMAN
Culture & Trends
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
THE GUARDSMAN
| 17
32-story, glass elevator at Westin St. Francis provides elevated perception If Beecher had known about the view I found, he might have just left out the hill part all together.
CHLOE ASHCRAFT / THE GUARDSMAN
Reporter Greg Zeman admires the San Francisco skyline during his 23rd ride in the glass elevator at the Westin St. Francis.
“Colts, 34-20” Since recently making, and subsequently losing, an illadvised Super Bowl bet, I’ve developed an interest in free entertainment. And since my bookie recently shattered both of my kneecaps, riding an elevator is pretty much the most physical activity I can handle. Thanks a
million Bontã Hill. Why an elevator? In the words of famous abolitionist and adulterer Henry Ward Beecher, “It’s easier to go down a hill than up it, but the view is much better at the top.” And pushing a button in an elevator is easier than walking up a hill.
Go to Union Square and ask for Francis … You will be visiting the Westin St. Francis for this decidedly cheap thrill – a sky-high ride in a 32-story, clear-glass elevator. If you’re excited by the idea of “sneaking” into a crowded hotel with an open front door and “convincing” the uninterested staff that you are a guest, by all means, feel free to do so. That being said, nobody cares. You can just walk in and follow the signs to the Tower Elevators. “Going up sir” I originally ventured to the elevators for the view, but you know, I’m not gonna’ lie − and maybe it’s because I’m a fiveyear-old boy − I was struck much more by the “whee-I’m-ridingin-an-elevator” part of it than the view. Remember the scene in the movie “Who Framed Roger
Don’t Put Your Dreams On Hold. Complete Your Degree at Mills. Today’s economic challenges don’t need to slow your academic progress. Mills continues to admit talented women who want an exceptional and personal education. At Mills you can: • Transfer in fall or spring. • Receive fall priority scholarship consideration if you apply by March 1. • Get the classes you need to graduate on time. • Earn a merit scholarship from $8,000 to full tuition. You don’t need to complete your general education requirements before transferring. No minimum number of credits is required.
I N F O R M AT I O N S E S S I O N Tuesday, March 9 11:00 am—2:00 pm Call 800.87.MILLS to reserve your space.
MAKING
THE
WORLD
MORE
. . .
5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland admission@mills.edu www.mills.edu/transfer
City College — The Guardsman Size: 6” x 6” Insertion date: February 24, 2010 Ad #002DRE10
Rabbit” with Droopy the dog as the elevator man? The elevator shot up in the air so fast that it flattened Eddie Valiant to the floor like a pancake. If you’ve ever wanted to experience that for yourself, this is as close as you’re likely to get.
Riding up might be fun for about ten trips, but going down -- more like 20. Verdict
Step one: Press the up button Step two: press the button for the 32nd floor. If you want to get all ticky-tack about it then, technically, step two is “get on the elevator” and step three is “press the button for the 32nd floor,” but whatever, I didn’t want a lot of steps, OK? What happens next? My recommendation is that you hold on to the railing and stand facing the glass to maximize what biophysicists refer to as the “oh snap” factor when the elevator launches your body skyward. When you reach the top floor you will be treated to one of the better vantage points in San Francisco. Nothing makes a city look prettier than getting really far away from the smelly, noisy reality of it and squinting down through the soft fog that acts like Vaseline on the lens of a panoramic glamour shot. Enough with the cheap and back to the thrills. On the way down, you rush past a spiked fence and then drop into darkness. With your face pressed against the glass it’s pretty exhilarating.
The ride is undeniably fun, but the good times only last for 32 floors. For an added thrill, look down the crack between the elevator and the 32nd floor – whoa. Brass tacks: •Where: The Westin St. Francis Hotel, 335 Powell St./Tower Elevators •When: Anytime you like •Cost: $0, FREE! E-mail: gzeman@theguardsman.com
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THE GUARDSMAN
Advertisment
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
Calendar
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
Calendar for Feb. 24-March 9
WED
24
Women of Color Gathering at the Rosenberg Library Room 305 50 Phelan Avenue San Francisco, CA 12:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
THUR
SAT
SUN
Women’s Beat the Clock Tennis against Happy Hour: 50 cent cocktails at The Foothill at City Lookout College 3600 16th Street 2:00 p.m. San Francisco, CA Track San 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mateo Meet at San Mateo Time: TBA
Men’s Baseball against Gavilan College (DH) at Gavilan 11:00 a.m.
2010 Annual International Juried Plastic Camera Show at RayKo Photo Center 428 Third St. San Francisco, CA Free All ages 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
26
The Wailors and 311 at Fox Theater 1807 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, CA $37.50 7:30 p.m.
WED
3
Women’s Tennis against Cabrillo at City College 2:00 p.m.
THUR
27
Treasure Island History Day at Building 1 Treasure Island San Francisco, CA 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. For more info: www. treasureislandmuseum.org or (650) 796-0520
FRI
SAT
Men’s Baseball Ballet San against Mission Jose: Romeo at Mission and Juliet at San 2:00 p.m. Jose Center for the Performing Arts 255 S Almaden Blvd. San Jose, CA 8:00 p.m. Ticket info: http:// www.ticketmaster. com
Men’s Baseball against San Jose at Balboa Park 12:00 p.m.
4
Community Events
Campus Events
FRI
25
THE GUARDSMAN
5
6
Track Beaver Relays at ARC Gator Preview at SFSU Time: TBA
MON
28
Forum City College’s Premier Literary Magazine!
2
Men’s Baseball Raw Food Class and Tastagainst Cabrillo ing at Whole Foods at Balboa Park 2:00 p.m. Market 450 Rhode Island St. San Francisco, Big Girl Panties CA $5 book release 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 party with readings p.m. from authors at the Rosenburg Library, 2nd floor 50 Phelan Avenue San Francisco, CA 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. For more info contact: Kimbery Berger (415)-239-3112
SUN
MON
7
American Culture and Decorative Art Collection at M.H. de Young Memorial Museum 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr. San Francisco, CA Price included in admission 9:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Classifieds
TUES
1
Amber Rubarth at Cafe du Nord 2170 Market St. San Francisco, CA 21+ $10 in advance $12 day of show 9:30 p.m.
Call for submissions of Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Art and Visual Art. Deadline Monday, March 1. Simply e-mail your submission to: citylitjournal@gmail.com as an attachment and we’ll do the rest. be sure to label the submission with genere (poetry, fiction, etc.) and use a document type that is easy for most people to people to open (word preferred) and artwork by jpeg or other picture attachment.
Looking for a female student
to study with. Must have at least 60 units completed. If interested, please contact Eric at (415) 518-9080.
TUES
8
9
Women’s Tennis against De Anza at De Anza 2:00 p.m.
Book sale to fund ESL scholarships
$2 for most books, cash only March 10 from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. March 11 from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. Batmale Hall, Room 422
Men’s Baseball against Gavilan at Balboa Park 2:00 p.m.
Article Submissions To submit tips on stories contact: Editor in Chief (415) 239-3446 Fax: (415) 239-3884 editor@theguardsman.com
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THE GUARDSMAN
Culture&Trends
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
Valentine’s Day pillow fight: De Young Museum feathers and fun for all ages celebrates Carnaval
CHLOE ASHCRAFT / THE GUARDSMAN CHLOE ASHCRAFT / THE GUARDSMAN
A young girl clutches her pillow, in a flurry of feathers, during the Great San Francisco Pillow Fight at Justin Herman Plaza on Feb. 14. A flash-mob tradition since 2006, the pillow fight begins as the Ferry Building clock strikes 6 p.m. Hundreds attend the event, advertised through word-of-mouth, as a non-traditional way to celebrate a traditionally romantic holiday. Feathers, adrift for blocks, cling to attendees and bystanders. At 10 p.m. pillows are replaced with boom-boxes and brooms as the flash-mob clean up crew removes feathers and cotton debris from the plaza and surrounding blocks.
An elaborately costumed dancer performs the Colombian aerobic dance Zumba by Jaime Martinez of Latin American Workout during a Carnaval celebration at the de Young Feb. 5. The performance is part of Cultural Encounters: Friday Nights at the de Young, a series of events combining performing and visual artists with community arts organizations.