The Guardsman Vol 167, Issue 6 City College of San Francisco

Vol. 167, Issue 6 | April 10 – April 24, 2019 | City College of San Francisco | Since 1935 | FREE

HOUSING IMPOSSIBLE California community colleges address student homelessness

By Casey Ticsay cticsay@mail.ccsf.edu

Teachers Union organizes against class cuts

By Peter J. Suter suterjpeter@gmail.com

With a microphone in hand, student Lucy Lao addressed a lobby filled with students, community supporters, media and members from the American Federation of Teachers at a rally against class cancellations.

She stood before a banner raised at City College’s Chinatown/North Beach Center that read “These Cuts Won’t Heal” and alluded to the administration’s plan to cut 500 classes by 2025, which would represent a drastic 40 percent reduction of the courses currently being offered.

“Not everyone has the privilege to attend a 4-year university because we have to work, but City College should be for everyone,” she said.

The college has realigned its priorities as a way to transition to California’s new funding formula, which grants additional revenue to community colleges who produce more transfer degrees and certificates.

“Tackling these challenges is a strategic decision and has no bearing on the college’s ability to serve students,” Media Relations Director Connie Chan said. “As we reallocate these resources, it is true that some academic departments will be more impacted than others.”

For AFT 2121, the formula represents the opposite of equity and rewards colleges with students who are already prepared for higher education.

“We still don’t understand the logic that we hear, we don’t understand why the college can’t come up with a reasonable break-even point and not cut classes above that,” social sciences professor and AFT 2121 member Tim Killikelly said.

College officials have maintained that the school is not cutting classes, but rather redirects resources to the development of new programs. Meanwhile, they will continue to support students in existing programs as they achieve their educational goals.

The new block scheduling model, administrators say, will make it easier for City College to maintain a These Cuts continues on page 2

Mark Chopot unlocks the wooden door to his self-made camper and climbs out of the trunk. It’s 4 a.m., and street cleaning typically ends by then.

In a race to secure parking along Frida Kahlo Way, he pulls into a space across from City College’s Multi-Use Building, the only location where he can still access school wifi and study at night.

Home is in his Toyota Tacoma and has been for the past two years.

After serving eight years as a combat medic in the National Guard, Chopot moved to San Francisco in 2017 where he found himself among a community of students that set up home along the streets circling City College.

Homelessness is a reality for thousands of students throughout California’s 114 community college campuses.

“There are a lot of people here who are trying to survive,” Chopot said.

About one in five students experience homelessness, according to a recent study released by the Hope Center for College, Community and Justice.

The #RealCollege survey, involving nearly 40,000 students across 57 campuses statewide, found that 19 percent of the state’s 2.1 million community college students experienced homelessness in the previous year. 60 percent of respondents also identified as being housing insecure.

Housing insecurity encompassed a plethora of challenges such as the inability to pay rent or utilities, or the need to move frequently. Homelessness was defined as lacking a stable place to live, with students sleeping on couches, in cars or motels, or living at outdoor locations.

Students at greater risk of basic needs insecurity included African Americans and students identifying as LGBTQ. Formerly incarcerated students, former foster youth and students who have served in the military are also particularly impacted by homelessness and housing insecurity.

“Numbers like that are alarming and education becomes discouraging for those who are constantly faced with homelessness,” said Iiyshaa Youngblood, president of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges.

Parking Homeless continues on page 3

Another year of success at journalism conference

By Peter J. Suter suterjpeter@gmail.com

Community Colleges across the State took part in the annual Journalism Association of Community College's (JACC) convention over the spring break in Sacramento, California. The convention hosted workshops, on-the-spot competitions, award ceremonies and a banquet to celebrate the successes of individuals and departments as a whole.

City College’s journalism department captured 22 awards total and former opinion editor Matthew Cardoza was selected to be the JACC NorCal representative.

Both the Etc. Magazine and The Guardsman newspaper were recognized in the category of General Excellence.

The student newspaper also won the Pacesetter Award.

Among the many award-winners, David Mamaril Horowitz and Cliff Fernandes won first place for their competitions, with Chiara Di Martino and Horowitz placing in over three categories.

“City College’s journalism department turned me into a journalist. I love my mentors here, I love my friends here, I love my department here. It wins every journalismrelated award you can imagine — so fund the damn thing,” Horowitz said.

Photo Courtesy of Curtis Corlew at the JACC convention on March 30, 2019.

2 | NEWS

Vol. 167, Issue 6 | April 10 – April 24, 2019

Reclaiming the Truth: Press Freedom with Maria Ressa

By Casey Ticsay cticsay@mail.ccsf.edu

Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, named one of Time magazine’s 2018 people of the year for her work in defending press freedom, briefed the community and press at the Bayanihan Community Center on the weaponization of social media and the threat it poses on democracy.

The Rappler co-founder and Chief Executive Officer emphasized the need to organize communities for democracy online because the continued spreading of lies weakens the fabric of a country’s democracy.

“The global phenomenon that we are all facing is that social media changes reality because a lie repeated a million times is the truth,” Ressa said.

In the Philippines, state-sponsored online hate and harassment campaigns aimed to intimidate opposing views and silence those deemed critical of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. It echoes similar strategies utilized by the Russian government during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

“In this day and age it is about pushing out so many lies, false news, and information that people have no idea what to think,” she said.

Ressa holds social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter accountable as the new gatekeepers of truth and believes they are the only ones capable of solving such issues

in the short term.

In the meantime, it’s important to recognize that technology is here to stay and finding ways to use it responsibly is vital.

Ressa encourages the American youth to push the U.S. government to stand by its democratic values.

“The loss of the United States as the beacon, as a leader for human rights globally, as a leader for press freedom globally — we feel this in countries under threat,” she said.

To Ressa, silence is complicity.

“This is the time to tell people here is the line and you have to make sure that the government does not cross it because when it does, we are no longer a democracy,” Ressa said.

Ressa was arrested upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 29., following her talk in San Francisco. She posted bail and pleaded not guilty to tax violation charges.

Her arrest comes at a time when journalists around the world face increased pressure from political forces.

Journalism matters now more than ever.

There is no better time to be a journalist than today, said Ressa as she addressed a crowd of young student activists and aspiring journalists.

“You will define what journalism will become in this time of creative destruction,” she said.

Ressa remains adamant on her responsibility as a journalist, for “the mission has never been as important as now.”

Philippine journalist Maria Ressa speaks at a press conference on March 25, 2019 at the Bayanihan Community Center. Photo by Casey Ticsay / The Guardsman

Maria Ressa and members of the Malaya Movement and International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines. Photo by Casey Ticsay / The Guardsman

These Cuts continued from page 1

English Second Language students from the Chinatown/North Beach Center hold pictures of their classroom experiences during a board of trustees meeting on March 28, 2019.

The students joined AFT 2121 to rally against the recently announced class cuts, which might leave the ESL department with a 22 percent reduction in course offerings. Photo

by Claudia Drdul / The Guardsman

student-focused mission by adding highdemand classes.

“The college must finally grapple with age-old operational issues, including a class schedule that maintains too many

Staff Editor-in-Chief Peter J. Suter

News Editor Casey Ticsay

under-enrolled courses,” Chan said.

The reasoning left many in question as to why a class containing healthy enrollment numbers of 20 students or more would remain on the chopping block.

Culture Editor Jerusha Kamoji

Opinion Editor Michael Montalvo

Photo Editor Cliff Fernandes

The Asian American Studies department, for example, will be reduced by 25 percent despite having an average of 30 students per class, according to data provided by AFT 2121.

Discussions between the teachers union and college administration regarding what constitutes a “cut” in course offerings remains debatable.

“We are gonna tell people what it is — it’s a cut,” Killikelly said.

Worley believes the administration should focus on cuts to costs that don’t directly impact students’ education. She pointed to the number of consultants the college pays — from the Unrestricted Fund alone, costs have totaled to $5.5 million this year, according to data on the school’s website.

The college has struggled to balance this year’s budget and stay within the staterecommended five percent reserves fund.

“While the current Board of Trustees, Chancellor, and administration did not create these challenging financial conditions, we are stepping up to our fiduciary responsibility to fix them to place City College on a sustainable path to higher enrollment and responsible spending,” Board of Trustees President Alex Randolph said. “We don’t have the option to not balance our budget.”

Over the past year, departments across the board have seen reductions in their budgets. While, administration has no say in the decision-making process of what specific classes or sections

Sport Editor Matthew Paul Maes

Chief Copy Editor Antoinette Barton

Designer Director Chiara Di Martino

Online Editor Fran Smith

Staff Writers Andy Damián-Correa Amal Ben Ghanem Claudia Drdul

departments should keep, chairs are left with little recourse but to minimize their class offerings.

As a result, the teachers union worries that the reduction to classes means limiting outreach towards community needs.

They have been conducting a survey in english, spanish, and chinese about the affects of class reductions on students which they plan to release before the April board meeting.

Students stood in solidarity at a March 21 board meeting, holding photos that highlighted their shared experiences in the American Sign Language and English as a Second Language programs.

ESL instructor and former City College student Lin Tan addressed the board during public comment and emphasized the need of providing language courses to new immigrants.

“They learn english. They find confidence, happiness, and their dreams here. City College is their home sweet home,” she said.

Tan urged administration to prevent future class cancellations and remember the district’s responsibility to the San Francisco community.

“From Virginia to Los Angeles to Oakland, teachers, students, parents, and communities are taking action to defend public education,” said Marcos Cruz, a student organizer from CCSF Students Rising.“Will San Francisco stand by and watch its most beloved institution suffer a death by a thousand cuts?”

Cliff Fernandes Da Lee Lisa Martin Illustrator Chiara Di Martino

NEWS | 3

Vol. 167, Issue 6 | April 10 – April 24, 2019

Parking Homeless continued from page 1

According to a report by the Institute approved a resolution supporting SB 291. of College Access and Success, spending Meanwhile, California community more time engaged with school increases colleges have implemented various programs a student’s ability to learn, pass their such as food pantries and access to shower courses, and graduate. facilities as a means to alleviate hunger and 59 percent of City College credit address housing insecurity in the short term. students, however, felt that the difficulties Earlier this year, Assemblymember Marc in finding and securing housing negatively Berman, D-Palo Alto, presented AB 302 impacted their ability to achieve academic which would require community colleges goals, a college-wide survey found. to grant overnight access to campus parking “There are hours lost every day,” said facilities for homeless students to sleep in Chopot, who alters his schedule to utilize their vehicles — provided the student is campus resources and public restrooms. enrolled in coursework, has paid enrollment While acknowledging the support made fees, and is in good standing with the college. available to veterans, Chopot said the issue “When we don’t provide a safe place for boils down to San Francisco’s overwhelming students to sleep, we force them into the housing costs — a persistent problem that shadows — into dark alleys and industrial hinders students’ abilities to build sustainable parks — where they are most vulnerable,” futures with stable financial footing.

Berman said at a press conference in Affordability challenges negatively Sacramento. “We can no longer pretend that impact student success, even with community college student homelessness the establishment of Free City, a isn’t a crisis — we have the data that clearly program that provides free tuition to says it is. Shame on us if we turn our backs San Francisco residents. on these students and choose to ignore them.”

California Community Colleges To Berman, AB 302 is the next logical Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley believes one step to address the immediate needs of of the long-term solutions is Senate Bill 291. homeless community college students, but The proposal, introduced in February various school officials remain hesitant. by state Sen. Connie M. Levya, D-Chino, “There is a lot to be answered about this would establish a new financial aid and I am not supportive at this moment as program that would base aid on the overall we just don’t have the capacity and resources cost of attendance. in place to accommodate this,” President “When non-tuition costs like housing, Alex Randolph said via email. food, and textbooks are considered, Currently, AB 302 leaves the community college is often more expensive implementation to each governing board of for our lowest-income students to attend the community college district. Until the bill than other state universities,” Levya said is heard by the Appropriations Committee, in a press release. policymakers are unable to determine cost Hoping to confront the wide disparities estimates, which may vary by campus. in grant aid, City College’s board of trustees

Mark Chopot stands in front of his vehicle on. March 15, 2019. Photo by Cliff Fernandes / The Guardsman

Mark Chopot unpacks his butane-powered stove on March 15, 2019. Photo by Cliff Fernandes / The Guardsman

Board of trustees approve student activity fee increase

By Da Lee

With financial support from the student activity fee, resource centers are able to provide students with free dning@mail.ccsf.edu printing, snacks and food.

On March 21, City College’s board of trustees appro“The Women’s Resource Center has a library of books ved a recommendation from the Associated Students by female authors,” said Amy Coffey, interim administrator Executive Council that would increase the student activity from the Student Activities Office. fee from $5 to $10.

To Coffey, it's more than just the physical things that Students will see a shift from $5 to $7 during the 2020 one can get from resource centers. fiscal year, followed by an increase to $10 by 2021.

In 2002, the board passed a resolution that would As stated on the college website, money accumulated by establish an optional activity fee from credit students at the student activity fee “doesn’t just disappear; it makes a the time of registration during spring and fall semesters. difference in the lives of students on your campus.”

Students are able to “opt out” by completing a form and The fee, which hasn’t been altered in nearly 17 years, submitting it to the Student Activities Office. funds student government, clubs, resource centers and According to Coffey, about 200 students opt out for events throughout Ocean Campus and across the college’s primary financial difficulty reasons. many centers.

Ocean Campus’ AS Council approved a 2019 The phrase “Supported by your $5 Student Activity Fee” budget of $295,230. However, the expected revenue of can be found on posters, flyers and event notices. $235,400 — including collected student activity fees totaling

Photographers Amal Ben Ghanem Claudia Drdul Cliff Fernandes Da Lee Jared Lue

Faculty Adviser Juan Gonzales

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to $90,000 in fall 2017 and $95,000 in spring 2018 — was under budget by $59,830.

And with the growth of students and program costs, along with the option to opt out of paying the fee, Associated Students has struggled to keep projects running efficiently.

According to student lab aid Kasandra Crreno, the Women’s Resource Center has lacked office supplies, which the fee typically funds.

Student awareness of the fee also varies. Cinema student Claire Mande is not concerned about the $2 increase but would like to know more about where the money goes and how funds are distributed.

AS Council President Angelica Campos hopes to increase awareness of the student activity fee and its importance to the college community.

In the meantime, she plans to look into other revenue sources.

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4 | CULTURE

on campus costume exhibit depicts

Vol. 167, Issue 6 | April 10 – April 24, 2019

56 chinese cultures

Event organizer, City College faculty members, Consulate General of P. R.C in San Francisco representatives, and the Unique Costumes of China’s 56 Ethnic Groups performers pose at the end of Chinese Exhibit Event for picture as a memento at second floor of City College Rosenberg Library on April 4, 2019. Photo by Da Lee / The Guardsman

By Kassandra Dunne Seeking shelter from the cloudy drear outside, a crowd of about 40 people gathered for a reception at the second-floor gallery at the Rosenberg Library on April 4, surrounded by the bright and ornate clothing that represents 56 ethnic groups of China.

Katrina Rahn, an exhibit librarian at City College, coordinated the exhibition and event that celebrated the collection.

The collection of costumes on display was previously showcased at the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) during the spring of last year, which is where Rahn was first enamored by the exhibit. She hopes the exhibit will inspire the interest of students whether it be “fashion, history, or ethnic studies” and even “programs for which the connection might be less obvious but that makes it more exciting: business, culinary arts, etc.”

Rahn worked closely with writer, educator and co-sponsor, Xiebing Cathuen, who curated the collection. Cathuen is a Chinese immigrant who came to the US in 1997 and has taught at various schools in the Bay Area.

She also founded the Dasen American Academy, which

seeks to promote essential principles and ethics to Bay Area other minority groups in the region. The exhibition seeks to youth. Passionate about her Chinese heritage, Cathuen is shed light on those minorities and encourage the curiosity eager to share her knowledge with others. of its viewers to explore the many other groups in China.

“China has sometimes been characterized as a monolithic The outfits featured in the exhibit are those typination without much diversity,” Cathuen told SFPL. “These cally worn by women and utilize a variation of a hats or costumes tell another story. All are different from one another headpieces. Additionally, they all include either a dress and each represents a distinct culture with its own unique or skirt combination. history, traditions and patterns of behavior.”

Typically vibrant and rich in color, the outfits often utilize By showcasing traditional dress from regions in China, a mixed textures such as heavy embroidery with pristine pleats. visual is created and demonstrates what diversity looks like. Metallics are prevalent in dress throughout many areas and The exhibit in the Rosenberg Library houses only a can be seen in elaborate gold stitching along hemlines or in fraction of the collection, due to space restrictions, but silver chime-creating accessories. still encapsulates the rich history and culture of these The exhibit will run through May 15 and is accessible various Chinese groups. during library hours. “[Chinese dress] is the result of the blending of all ethnic Melissa San Miguel, an exhibit student assistant and groups in the vast land, where 56 separate ethnic groups graphic designer, created a free user guide for visitors that have been officially recognized,” Rahn said. encourages questions about the garments and cultures. Rahn According to Rahn, the exhibit received positive feed- also created an online resource guide for the library website back, citing direct comments from students who were to provide students more information about the regions surprised but proud to see clothing from regions where featured in the exhibit. their family are from.

Riding on the heels of the exhibit’s success, Rahn is Most studies of Chinese ethnic groups focus primarily on already hard at work for the Fall 2019 exhibit. the largest region, the Han, failing to acknowledge the many

College event explores militarism, violence, and art

By Jackelinne Gramajo jagramajo26@gmail.com

In light of Women’s History Month, students, faculty and local activists gathered in the Rosenberg library for “Drop the MIC (Military Industrial Complex): Feminist Leadership Against Militarism,” an event hosted by the Women’s Resource Center.

The event focused on the struggle for

liberation of oppressed Filipino women, as well as the empowerment of bay area youth to transform militarism and other forms of violence into appropriate means of expression.

The gathering consisted of several components. The audience took a survey conducted by BAY-Peace workshops to collect data on how young people are being impacted by militarism and violence and

Leilani Salvador-Jones director of BAY-Peace discusses the affects the military experience has on youth for the Drop the MIC event at City College, Calif. on March 14, 2019. Photo

by Siri Margerin / Special to The Guardsman

the alternatives to dealing with these issues.

A series of youth led political education workshops followed. These workshops focused on different topics connected to militarism including police brutality, militarization of law enforcement, recruitment and patriarchy.

The last component was an annual community based art presentation, where youth collectively developed art pieces that they presented to the larger community. Each art piece portrayed their individual voice, community member stories, ideas and visions.

Many organizations attended the event including GABRIELA USA, About Face: Veterans Against the War, and Bay Peace which is a youth-led community action research project. These organizations transform militaristic culture and systems of violence.

Brittany de Barros, campaign and co director said, “I think it’s really important, we have really powerful amazing movements happening right now for women’s and gender liberation.”

Pyxie Castillo is the National Deputy Secretary General of GABRIELA USA, an alliance of progressive and Filipino women’s associations. They have over ten chapters in the U.S. and are one of thirteen chapters internationally. The founding chapter is

in the Philippines, and the newest chapter launched a few weeks ago in Chicago.

The associations within GABRIELA are coming together, organizing and mobilizing for women’s issues including liberation,discrimination and giving resources to the Filipino community.

GABRIELA, which was founded in 1984 will be celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

Leilani Salvador, executive director of Bay Peace: Better Alternatives For Youth explained how their program is centered around Drop The MIC. They have Intern Groups, and also teach classes led by youth that integrate social political education, community organizing and activism among others.

A lot of their members come from communities that have been historically and systematically disenfranchised for generations.

“The art, the research, and the education, that’s what we train our students to do,” Salvador said.

Ericson Amaya, Program Manager and member of Bay Peace, has been been working with the youth program since high school.

“Youth programs like Bay Peace, helped me really come out of my shell, be this person that engages with youth,’’ Ericson Amaya said.

CULTURE | 5

Vol. 167, Issue 6 | April 10 – April 24, 2019

THE JOY OF PAINTING & CULINARY ART Students host

Bob Ross themed event

Students and family of all ages creatively express themselves through painting at the Bob Ross event. Photo by Jared Lue / The Guardsman

by Lisa Martin

Asyeli Bolat and Tari Dunlap. a charcuterie spread of cheeses, bread mentioned that it was a really relaxing way Chavarri and Anderson came up with and meats cured by student chefs. to kick off spring break. lisamartin.562@gmail.com the idea because it “just seemed like a fun Oreo cheesecake bites and cookies were Haimes praised her students’ efforts to Culinary arts students in Barbara event to do.” Anderson often goes to paint provided for dessert. create “a really lovely, calm vibe” and said Haimes’ Introduction to Event and Meeting night events with his wife and said that For ambiance, manager Bolat created she was honored to work with people who Planning Class hosted a peaceful evening of Chavarri also loves to paint. colorful bouquets of origami flowers and knew what they were doing. painting and dining at Ocean Campus just Each person attending was provided Chef Aaron Ogden, who teaches in the The students of Haimes’s Introduction before spring break. with a small canvas, paint and paint brushes. culinary arts program, displayed several to Event Planning class will be hosting two The class teaches culinary arts students Brianna “Ross” Bernier showed them how personal paintings of tranquil landscapes. more events this semester. The next event, how to plan an event from concept to to paint a scene of mountains emerging from According to Anderson, the event “Are you 90s Enough?” will be on April 11. completion. As part of their course- a sun-dappled ocean bordered by two trees. “maxed out” RSVPs for its 30 available spots. It will be a throwback night of trivia, food work, students host affordable events Despite following the same directions, At the end of the evening partici- and dance contests. Entry is $5 and students throughout the semester. This particu- the unique touch of each participant was pants posed with their finished paintings can RSVP by emailing areyou90senough@ lar function was managed by students obvious in the final paintings. for photographs before leaving with their gmail.com. The final event, “City Cooks!”

David Anderson, Kassandra Chavarri, While painting, guests snacked on new artworks. Student Martley Paronda will be on April 28.

Students come together for spring 2019 “Unity Day” fair

By Jerusha Kamoji jkamoji@gmail.com

The Associated Student and Inter Club council hosted the spring 2019 Unity Day fair on March 20.

The event was held at City Cafe in the Student Union building on Ocean Campus. Members and students mingled, learning about one another and signing up for new and different clubs.

“Being in a club provides that sense of community and it helps students build networking skills,” Angela Campos said. She is the Vice President of Administration at the Associated Student Council and Inter Club Council.

Kristina Hines, co president of the portfolio club spoke about a new website the group was working on to better showcase student work, and connect campus clubs to one another using graphic links. “We built a website to have e - shows to feature their [Portfolio Club members] work. It will probably be finished by the end of the week,” Hines stated.

Diana Li Sam, member of the Immigration club spoke about the importance of socializing foreign students. The club was recently recognized and allows international students to meet and discuss their experiences since moving to the United States. “We cherish each others culture,” Li Sam said.

The fair had a taco truck with free tacos from El Tonayense Catering Co. Music was provided by BEMA and there were events including chubby bunny and photos with Rocky the Ram throughout the afternoon.

Monica Newcomb (left) attempts the Tower of Hanoi, a mathematical problem solving game, after Juntian Lu explained the game's rules during Unity Day on March 20, 2019. Photo by Cliff Fernandes / The Guardsman

6 | OPINION

HAVE YOUR SAY

BY MICHAEL MONTALVO

“DO YOU THINK SAN FRANCISCO NEEDS MORE HOMELESS SHELTERS?” “They need more, sadly San Francisco has a lot of inequality. The sense of belonging of people that was born here is missing. So with more shelters, we can give back to those people. ” P

ho

to

sb y

— Nathalie Macias, Undeclared Da Lee

“I think they need more since I see a lot of homeless people around the city. It could help the students out too.”

— Phillip Casco, Acting

“I really do think we need more. Students also need one because we cut our work hours just to be here.”

— Gabriel Padilla, Administration of Justice

“I believe so, people here are struggling to uphold their standards of living and its also sad driving around and seeing everyone outside sleeping.”

— Abdulai Bangura, Political Science

“I think so, since homelessness is increasing it would be nice for people to have somewhere safe to sleep.”

— Jalaya Helen Morales, Journalism

Vol. 167, Issue 6 | April 10 – April 24, 2019

MIT: MICHAEL’S INDIVIDUAL THOUGHTS

Decorated soldier or war criminal

By Michael J Montalvo

less restrictive confinement. What about “innocent until proven Navy SEAL Edward Gallagher guilty”? Well, that goes away when is being charged with war crimes, the NCIS finds a picture of you but President Trump is step- holding the decapitated head of ping in and calling him a hero the teenager ISIS fighter you just despite the mountain of evidence said you didn’t murder. against Gallagher.

There’s no evidence yet that Gallagher is accused of Gallagher has PTSD or any the premeditated murder of a mental related illnesses of any wounded teenage ISIS fighter kind, however his lawyers might under his care, shooting randomly claim PTSD as a defense in order into crowds and shooting two to give Gallagher little to no civilians, including a little girl time behind bars. and a senior holding a water This is when the system starts jug, during his 2017 deployment to falter, PTSD can not become to Iraq. His platoon members an excuse to murder and shoot at tampered with his sniper rifle so random citizens. he couldn’t fire correctly while People with mental illnesses some of them fired rounds to scare face the stigma of being violent, citizens away before Gallagher which is not true in most cases. had a chance to shoot them.

According to MentalHealth.gov, The Navy SEAL pleaded not only three to five percent of all guilty to all charges even though violent acts can be attributed to the Naval Criminal Investigative people living with serious mental Service (NCIS) found text illness. Individuals who suffer messages from Gallagher trying from mental illnesses are also 10 to obstruct justice and retaliate percent more likely to be victims against junior sailors who reported of violent acts rather than being him for war crimes. the aggressor.

Trump recently intervened and In addition, substance abusers ordered Gallagher to be moved to are among the highest percentage

related violent acts. Unfortunately for Gallagher, on top of the murder charges there’s also drug charges that include powerful opioid tramadol hydrochloride that he took many times during deployment, as well as testosterone injections as early as June 2018.

Trump and 18 Republicans members ignored the facts and still backed up Gallagher calling him a decorated veteran and a “hero”.

Being decorated does not show the nobility of one’s character. The work of heroism are good deeds that have positive ripple effects that all started with you. True heroes like Medal of Honor recipients Hiroshi M. Miyamura, Richard Etchberger and Clinton Romesha fit in that definition perfectly and probably wouldn’t like being in the same category as Gallagher.

While the is trial is still a month and a half away, I am thankful we still have real heroes in this story, and it is the brave Navy SEAL’s who unanimously turned in Gallagher.

Proposed navigation center divides an Embarcadero community

By Lisa Martin lisamartin.562@gmail.com

Last month Mayor London Breed announced a proposal for opening a 225 bed homeless shelter on the Embarcadero by the end of this summer.

The shelter will be a safe navigation center that will provide 24 hour services meant to guide unsheltered residents into stable living situations. This model allows people to bring their pets, partners and belongings with them and has no restrictions for coming or going.

The proposed site is Seawall Lot 330, a plot of land — currently a parking lot — owned by the Port Authority next to a luxury condo building. According to Rachel Alonso from the Public Works department, the site is ideal due to its size, proximity to transportation, projected development costs and “publicly owned” status. The city would lease the space for about four years.

Vocal opponents have already emerged from the community of this affluent neighborhood. Over $90,000 has been donated to a GoFundMe campaign to hire a lawyer to fight construction of the site.

A counter GoFundMe campaign was created in support of the navigation center (with proceeds going to the Coalition on Homelessness) and has raised over $160,000.

Those opposed said they are sympathetic, but argue that District 6 already hosts more than its fair share of homeless outreach services and that new navigation centers should be opened in other neighborhoods instead.

They expressed concerns that the center would bring additional homeless people to the neighborhood and that issues with cleanliness, crime and public drug

use would increase, making the area unsafe.

According to the Department of Homelessness and Supportive housing, there are already 179 people living unsheltered within .75 miles of the site. Spaces at the navigation center will be prioritized for them.

This is my neighborhood. People already live on the streets here. I’ve seen drug users shoot up outside.

Bushes along Delancey St. can smell like the piss of one hundred dogs when it’s hot. Along Seawall Lot 330, rats run through the bushes at night and, yes, sometimes past tents as well.

I love this neighborhood, but sometimes I feel like the people who live here thinking the dollar value of their apartment must mean this neighborhood is a “luxury,” and ought to be reminded that things look different once you step outside. City living means city problems.

This is an opportunity to help make a difference in one of the city’s most pressing issues by welcoming and supporting the new Embarcadero navigation center. Working to prevent it or move it to another location will only create an unnecessary delay in providing needed services to our local unsheltered populations.

Illustration by Chiara Di Martino

SERVICE PAGE | 7

Vol. 167, Issue 6 | April 10 – April 24, 2019

COMMUNITY CALENDAR 11 APRIL

VIDA COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT NIGHT 6 pm – 8.30 pm | Mission Campus

18 APRIL

RSVP http://tinyurl.com/rsvp-VIDA

13 APRIL

For more information, Carina Lin (415) 561 1030 or carlin@ccsf.edu

FREE DE YOUNG MUSEUM DAY FOR SF RESIDENTS

DOCUMENTARY Wilder than Wild: Fire, Forests, and the Future

9.30 am – 5.15 pm | San Francisco, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr.

4 pm – 6:30 pm | Ocean Campus, Rosenberg Library, Room 305

RSVP email studentemployment@ccsf.edu

For more information, Kristin Tieche ktieche@mail.ccsf.edu

2019 CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL 11:00 am – 6:00 pm | San Francisco, Japantown

16 APRIL

INTERNATIONAL DAY 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Civic Center Campus

[REV]ISION: OUR STRUGGLE CONTINUES 7 pm – 9 pm | Ocean Campus, City Cafe

EVANS CENTER INTERVIEWING WORKSHOP

Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Third World Liberation Front Strike

4 pm – 6 pm | Evans Campus, Computer Lab, Room 253 For more information, Melissa McPeters mmcpeters@ccsf.edu

22 APRIL

CLOUD + SECURITY 4 pm – 6:00 pm | Ocean Campus, Science Hall, Room 204 For more information and RSVP http://tinyurl.com/c-security

recycling tips Did you know?

• Every part of your coffee cup can now be recycled: lid, sleeve, and cup.

• But remember: empty liquid before recycling For more information, contact Recycling Coordinator Carlita Martinez at cmartine@ccsf.edu

RE-IMAGINE THE STUDENT (RISE) EXPERIENCE MAPPING WORKSHOPS 9 am – 12 pm | Ocean Campus, MUB 257 RSVP http://tinyurl.com/rsvp-RiSE For more information, Michelle Simotas msimotas@ccsf.edu

8 | SPORTS

Vol. 167, Issue 6 | April 10 – April 24, 2019

BROADCASTING DEPARTMENT

STREAMS RAMS

LIVE ACTION

By Matthew Paul Maes For those that have been following the Rams Women’s and Men’s basketball games last season here at the Guardsman, you may have also have followed the games via live streaming brought to you by the BEMA department. For those that haven’t, that’s okay, you still can catch up on past games by going to the SF Athletics Facebook page.

Professor of Media Arts, Misha Antonich is the producer

and director of the the BEMA broadcast with world class announcers Aaron Tuner and Matias Godinez behind the microphone. Behind the cameras are a crew of volunteers with a passion for getting the shot and getting it right most of whom are students in the BEMA department.

Looking to expand coverage to include City College Rams football and other sporting events next fall, Antonich expressed that with the advances in live-streaming technology

and the use of 4K video cameras, live coverage of college sporting events isn’t the wave of the future, it is here today.

City College San Francisco’s Broadcast Electronic Media Arts department is connecting with the Journalism department, something that many colleges are beginning to do. If you are a writer or a videographer and have always wanted to combine both the arts then it is time to think about enrolling in one of the many courses available.

City College Rams Women’s Badminton team plays with heart

By Matthew Paul Maes

Freshman Tinnie Situ delivers a forehand smash during doubles matches against Fresno College on April 2, 2109. Photo by Peter J. Suter / The Guardsman

The City College Rams women’s badminton team put in a valiant effort but lost 20-1 against powerhouse Fresno City College Rams.

Competing against a tough Fresno City College team with a 4-0 record was daunting task for an injury plagued Rams badminton team. Despite the spread in the score, Rams Assistant Coach Jesus Hernandez pointed out that, “We played competitively, a lot of the matches went to three rounds, there were a couple of close ones that could have gone either way, but at the end of the day, Fresno is a real good team.”

The Rams women’s badminton team is comprised mostly of freshman players who lack the experience of their competitors but the coaches are hopeful that the team will continue to progress and that by next year they will be able to compete on a state level.

City College does a history of competing at the highest level in badminton.

In 2010 they won the state championship and have numerous state runner up banners, not to mention the many Central Coast Conference championships, and winning the State Individual Doubles Championship in 2012.

Badminton is often perceived in America as a backyard leisure sport but the women that compete in it for City College take it wickedly serious. They play in a tight court, facing off either one-on-on or in pairs, and play the best out of three games. With nasty backhands and hard slamming smashes this isn’t your average summertime backyard game. The speed of the shuttle, has been recorded to reach 306 miles per hour making it the fastest moving object in sports.

Coach Tiffany Mariano describes the sport saying, “The sport is very technical and strategic, there is a lot of footwork, you could put anybody out there, the greatest athlete in the world and I can guarantee you

that they will still have a very difficult time playing because it is a lot footwork, it’s a lot different than any other sport.”

One interesting thing to note is that there are a couple of top players from the City College Rams women basketball team, Vivian Woo and Errayanna Hatfield who are paired as a double team. When asked why they decided to be on the team Hatfield said, “We thought it would be really fun to try something new and we heard that badminton helps a lot with footwork and can help us when we start basketball again.”

The Ram’s top player Freshman Tinnie Situ came to the contest with a confident look but also arrived on the court with her right ankle wrapped in medical gauze. After her last match Situ was still smiling even though she appeared to slightly grimace as she walked. “It’s feeling sore,” she said when about her ankle. “I played a lot better than I thought I would. I thought that I would play full court but I was actually moving more than I thought.”

During her singles and double matches with teammate freshman Hallie Meneses, Situ’s athleticism was on full display. Using the full length of her body, Situ’s far reaching efforts were a marvel to watch. When asked about her style of play, Situ replied, “I think that my smashes are okay but I think that my cross drops are my personal best. A drop by the way, is a sneaky little trick when a player plops the shuttle just barely over the net.

After the match Coach Tiffany Mariano said of her player, “I think that she did great.

She worked on a lot things that she needed to improve on with a bum ankle I give it to her that she came out there and she competed.

The girl has got a lot of heart.”

The City College Rams Women’s badminton players have a lot of heart and a whole lot more. With a record of 1-2, their next match match at home will be April 16 against De Anza.

SPORTS CALENDAR Baseball

Swimming

Track & Field

April 11, 1 PM @ Chabot

April 13, Norcal Diving Qualifier @ TBD

April 12, 11 AM @ ARC, Sacramento

April 13, 1 PM @ Mission

April 18, Coast Conference Championship @ Chabot

April 12, TBA @ Hartnell College

April 16, 1 PM @ Mission April 18, 1 PM @ San Mateo April 20, 1 PM @ San Mateo April 23, 1 PM @ West Valley

April 19, Coast Conference Championship @ Chabot April 20, Coast Conference Championship @ Chabot

For live game updates find CCSF Athletics on Facebook and @CCSFathletic on Twitter

April 13, 9 AM @ ARC, Sacramento April 13, TBA @ ARC, Sacramento April 13, ALL DAY @ Chabot April 16, ALL DAY @ Hayward April 17, ALL DAY @ Hayward April 19, TBA @ CSM, San Mateo April 24, TBA @ De Anza