The Guardsman
City College Board of Trustees Learn to ‘Stay in Their Lane’
By John R. Adkins jradproduction@gmail.com
One year has passed since the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges placed City College on warning status. After reorganizing their roster during the ’24 elections, the Board of Trustees now has one thing on their mind: holding onto the college’s accreditation.
The ACCJC notified former Chancellor David Martin about the college’s shortcomings on Jan. 16, 2024. The commission required the board to provide a written response before March 2025.
“It’s important to acknowledge to the college community that the Board of Trustees is responsible for this accreditation warning,” said newly elected trustee Heather McCarty.
This is the first time the college has had its accreditation threatened since it was reaffirmed in 2017, and trustees are aware they need to be on their best behavior this semester as they draft a response to the ACCJC.
Trustees Old and New Shape Up
On Thursday, Jan. 9, the board held a special meeting to swear in its recently elected and re-elected members. Louis Zamora and Heather McCarty were sworn in for the first time, while Alan Wong and Aliya Chisti recited the already familiar pledge to defend the constitution on City College’s behalf.
Anita Martinez took Wong’s place as the board’s president, and Zamora took Martinez’s former seat as vice president. Zamora and McCarty were sworn in by City Attorney David Chiu and San Francisco Supervisor Myrna Melgar, respectively.
“I want to thank everyone for stepping in to clean up a mess they didn't make,” McCarty said during a trustee meeting on Jan. 16.
Immediately following the swearing-in ceremony, board members reconvened for their “retreat.” The retreat focused on governance and served as another breadcrumb on the trail of evidence for the accrediting commission to follow.
The college’s response, sent to the ACCJC the week of Jan. 27, College Board continued on page 2
San Francisco Says it Will Comply with Homeless Shelter Safety Law
By Lisa Weinzimer weinzimerl@gmail.com
San Francisco officials say the city will now comply with a state law for monitoring homeless shelter safety conditions.
A Calmatters report found that San Francisco is among the vast majority of California cities that have ignored the law requiring them to file annual reports on shelter safety conditions.
The stakes for homeless people when cities ignore safety reporting requirements are high. Homeless encampments throughout the state are being cleared, thus increasing demand for these
dwellings. In July, Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered local governments to remove homeless camps throughout California after the Supreme Court granted local authorities more authority to clear the camps.
Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva authored the 2021 law creating safety conditions reporting requirements following widespread complaints about sexual abuse, rodent and bedbug infestations, broken toilets, and other problems at homeless shelters in Orange County.
Quirk-Silva said she would introduce a new bill by the end of January to add teeth to her earlier legislation, A.B. 362. She said she’s observed that women are
especially vulnerable in unsafe shelters, so they decline those services.
“All too often we know women on the streets are often victimized many times, and it isn’t safe for them to be on the street, but they feel so strongly about safety in shelters that they refuse to go to the shelters,” Quirk-Silva said.
The lawmaker said she may conduct an audit and take other fact-finding measures to better understand the reasons for the cities’ lack of compliance.
Jennifer Friedenbach, Executive Director of San Francisco’s Coalition on Homelessness, agreed with Quirk-Silva about dangerous shelter conditions. The Homeless Safety continued on page 2
City College Police Chief Floats Arming Officers with Tasers
By John R. Adkins jradproduction@gmail.com
City College Police Chief Mario Vasquez would not be the first to turn his back on the campus due to frustrations over empty holsters.
In 2007, the college’s chief of police, Carl Koehler, resigned after an unsuccessful attempt to arm his officers.
Of the 116 state community colleges in California, City College’s police department is one of two that remains unarmed.
In the case of a violent person coming onto campus, City College’s officers must call SFPD for backup and wait for them to arrive. In the past, this has allowed frightening incidents to occur that the CCPD cannot properly engage with.
While City College holds its unique posture of an unarmed campus police force, the college saw a record number of assaults and crime incidents on campus last semester.
The campus police reported five crime incidents throughout the fall of 2024, compared to only one incident reported off-campus the previous semester.
In November of 2024, Vasquez introduced the idea of equipping his officers with Tasers during a meeting with faculty members.
“I would love to get firearms eventually, but right now, maybe we can start with Tasers,” Chief Vasquez said. “Our college has been post-certified since, I think, 2002; that’s 22 years we’ve been without firearms. I have no idea why,” he continued.
The decision to arm officers with guns or Tasers ultimately rests with the board of trustees. In 2017, a bid to arm the officers went through the college’s participatory governance council before the board of trustees shot it down.
“Students have felt that violence begets more violence, and when law enforcement has firearms, they are more likely to use them or depend on them,” Student Trustee Heather Brandt said.
Newly appointed Board of Trustees President Anita Martinez and Heather McCarty and Louis Zamora at the Board of Trustees swearing-in ceremony. Jan. 9, 2025. (Kevin Kelleher and Emily Trinh/The Guardsman)
Left, police officer P. Kuang and Right, City College Police Chief Mario Vasquez. (John R. Adkins/The Guardsman)
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City College Board of Trustees Learn
College Board continued from page 1 had to “demonstrate compliance” with three accreditation standards, also referred to as college requirements.
College Requirement 1: States the board needs to consider the “long-range fiscal implications” when making financial decisions.
College Requirement 2: States the board needs to act “in a manner consistent with its policies and bylaws.”
College Requirement 3: States the board “allows the Chancellor to implement and administer board policies without board interference.”
“Taken as a whole, these requirements are all related to governance, so it's hard to know where the evidence for requirements starts and stops,” said Associate Vice Chancellor and Accreditation Liaison Officer Kristin Charles.
Since last semester, the college has kicked into overdrive compiling the evidence now cited in the report, including creating ad hoc policy committees and the budget workshop series.
What Went Wrong?
At the heart of City College's accreditation warning is the board’s resolution to rehire laid-off faculty.
The ACCJC cites former Chancellor Martin’s 2022 decision to enact faculty layoffs as an effort to “maintain financial solvency.”
The resolution, passed by the board on May 18, 2023, ordered the chancellor to rehire laid-off faculty and was widely celebrated by the campus community. However, the accrediting commission was not impressed by the board’s sympathy for teachers and listed the resolution as key evidence of the board president bypassing the chancellor.
“We as trustees have to be very careful now because we can only operate within our lane,”
Zamora said.
Zamora explained that while the board can assist in community advocacy, only the chancellor can present courses of action for trustees to vote on.
to ‘Stay in Their Lane’
Both Zamora and McCarty continuously reiterated the importance of their “lane” during interviews.
“When you look at the things the college was put on accreditation warning for, none of it was malicious,” McCarty said. “You can see that the oversteps were made by people who really care about the institution and just didn’t totally understand their role and responsibilities.”
Wong, who was president of the board at the time of the resolution, spoke carefully to preserve the philosophy of his actions.
“I think people have different perspectives on how things should be handled, and a lot of it is open for interpretation,” Wong said, stating that neither perspective was right or wrong.
Uncharted Seas
The accreditors are scheduled to interview trustees on campus on March 28. After that, they will report their findings directly to the chancellor for review. The commission will then meet at the beginning of June to decide what is next for the college.
“We can put whatever we want to in this report, but the proof is in the pudding. We have to make sure
the nine of us have always got our act together,” interim Chancellor Mitch Bailey said to the trustees.
Given the four-year limit on resolving accreditation sanctions, the board anticipates an ongoing process to reaffirm its status as they continue to settle on patterns of good behavior.
“There are things we just can’t possibly resolve in this time frame,” Charles said in reference to the impending March deadline for the college’s response.
City College will likely face one of two outcomes this spring: being kept on warning status, or receiving a worse sanction.
“I want to be optimistic, but I do not want to put an image in the college’s mind that we wouldn't be able to meet,” said Bailey. “I do think they would be hard-pressed to do anything beyond the sanction or warning that we already have.”
Bailey acknowledged that the report does not demonstrate 100% completion, highlighting that a plan for City College’s financial sustainability remains to be seen.
Wong said that having a longterm, stable budget is the very thing that keeps him up at night.
“It’s going to be really important these next few months what we do
because people will be watching us, especially our actions around the budget,” Wong said.
While the college continues to steer through a sea of potential icebergs, the steps the board is taking to demonstrate its good behavior could be the start of a more promising future for the college.
Along with public budget workshops and professional development training to reeducate board members, McCarty praised Bailey’s efforts in filling job vacancies and building a strong team for the administration.
“We have a lot of room to grow, and I think that we are really poised to do that,” said McCarty. “Definitely, lemonade is getting made out of this accreditation warning.”
The fate of City College now rests solely on the shoulders of nine people—eight of whom have now been told repeatedly to know their lane and stay in it.
“One important thing to remember is that City College is accredited; there’s no question about that,” President Martinez said.
Editor's note:
The Guardsman would like to thank City College’s Mary Grace Esteban, who often oversees the trustee meetings, for sharing the photo gallery.
SF Says it Will Comply with Homeless Shelter Safety Law
Homeless Safety continued from page 1
shelters house many strangers under one roof who may need to deal with inaccessible bunk beds and a toxic stew of homophobia, racism, sexism, and other challenges, she said.
When asked why homeless shelters ignore reporting requirements despite financial penalty provisions in the legislation, Friedenbach pointed to how shelters receive their funding.
“The problem is most of the shelters are funded by the local municipalities, so it’s basically like a government agency funding itself in some ways. People are hesitant because problems with shelters are already rooted in being underfunded,” Freidenbach said.
Freidenbach said the most effective response to safety concerns in
“All too often we know women on the streets are victimized many times, and it isn’t safe for them to be on the street, but they feel so strongly about safety in shelters that they refuse to go to the shelters,”
Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva
shelters is to increase staffing rather than withhold funds.
Friedenbach said many shelters
in San Francisco have one staff person per floor, at most. She said that several shelters use security guards
hired by outside agencies who lack training in working skillfully with shelter residents.
Emily Cohen, Homelessness and Supportive Housing deputy director for Communications and Legislative Affairs, said San Francisco has “very strict rules in our Shelter Standards of Care related to safety conditions and has a formal process for client complaints and investigations.” Adding that the system has been in place for a number of years.
Cohen said her agency was not aware of the state reporting requirements in the 2021 law prior to a reporter’s inquiry, adding that HSH would now submit the required reports.
When asked to share the contents of the promised report, Cohen declined to respond.
Alan Wong recites a familiar pledge to San Francisco Supervisor Myrna Melgar at the Board's swearing-in ceremony. Jan. 9, 2025. (Kevin Kelleher and Emily Trinh/The Guardsman)
City College Police Chief Floats Arming Officers with Tasers
Are Tasers the answer?
The pervading sentiment amongst campus police officers today is that they “would still love to have firearms.” An officer who was not authorized to speak to the press stated that an aspiring officer intends to be able to serve their community. However, after extensive firearms training in the academy, they wondered if a position in the field without weapons would still have an impact.
Some students have cited that the absence of firearms forces officers to rely more heavily on de-escalation.
“We have a PhD in de-escalation. We don't have anything else. It’s not something we can hang on our belt with the baton and pepper spray, but it's the only other tool we have,”
Vasquez said.
Former interim police chief at City College and 31-year veteran of the SFPD, Colleen Fatooh, had much to say about the inherent safety issues of an open campus in an urban environment.
“At City College, anybody can just walk in and do whatever they want. Just look at other colleges and universities and see how their police forces operate,” Fatooh said. “There are arguments for and against Tasers, but if you have a violent
the topic’s preemptive nature. According to Vasquez, the idea of Tasers at this juncture was “just talk.”
However, the use of conductive energy devices remains controversial in San Francisco. Despite recent expansions to police funding for the SFPD, San Francisco is the only major metropolitan police force in the country that does not carry Tasers.
San Francisco police commissioners narrowly approved the use of Tasers for the SFPD in November of 2017 after a six-hour debate. Still, the public voted against Proposition H months later, and the funding evaporated. Supervisors at the time stated their positions were swayed by the three Taser-related deaths that happened in San Mateo in 2018.
“At City College, anybody can just walk in and do whatever they want.”
SFPD Veteran, Colleen Fatooh
person or someone armed even with a knife, are you going to go in close? You better be pretty skilled with that baton.”
Fatooh, who currently teaches part-time in the Administrative Justice department at City College, responded positively to the idea of the CCPD carrying Tasers in the future. “They need more tools in their tool bag,” she said.
The president of the teacher’s union, Mary Bravewoman, stated that the positive working relationship with SFPD negated the need for firearms.
Bravewoman, who spoke for herself and not on behalf of the union, expressed the desire for a robust conversation between all constituency groups at the college before a decision is made regarding the Taser compromise.
When discussing the Taser compromise with Interim Chancellor Bailey, he noted
For many San Franciscans, the thought of Tasers reminds them of the 2009 police shooting of Oscar Grant, when BART Officer Anthony Pirone claimed in court that he had intended to reach for his Taser.
However, like the BART police, City College has its own police force and can play by its own rules. Following a brief suspension period in 2010 after the killing of Oscar Grant, Tasers were reinstated to BART officers who have carried them ever since.
The San Francisco Police Officer’s Association stated that they believe Tasers can help increase the number of situations that are resolved safely.
“At the end of the day, the actions of the suspect dictate the responses of our officers,” a spokesperson for the association told The Guardsman.
Firearms training is not required of police officers whose employers prohibit the use of firearms. Still, Vasquez confirmed that all his officers undergo the same training as any other member of the SFPD at the academy.
“It’s just politics; people can say how some have died because of Tasers and all that, but you can swing the argument any way you want,” Fatooh said.
San Francisco Honors Black History Month with Unanimous Resolution
By Tabari Morris tmorri47@mail.ccsf.edu
On February 5, 2025, Supervisor Shamann Walton announced a Black History Month resolution. Former Supervisors Sophie Maxwell and Dr. Reverend Amos Brown started the practice. The resolution reaffirms commitment to Black Americans’ contribution and heritage.
History
Dr. Carter G. Woodson started Black History Month in 1926, and it was legally confirmed in 1976 through a statement by then President Gerald Ford. February holds significant value in terms of African Americans' birthday celebrations and the establishment of significant institutes such as the NAACP.
Current Challenges
Walton stressed the ongoing undermining of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, accentuating the necessity of actively safeguarding and generating Black history in such uncertain times.
John Adams Center Expands Course Offerings for Health Occupation Students
By Qi Mai qmai10@mail.ccsf.edu
City College is continuing its commitment to making education more accessible and convenient for its students, particularly those in the health occupations programs.
Starting this semester, the John Adams Center has begun offering additional general education classes to support students pursuing careers in healthcare and emergency response.
These new classes, including Elements of Public Speaking, Writing About Literature, and General Psychology, allow students to complete their major courses and general education requirements in one location, eliminating the need to commute to other City College campuses.
This expansion is particularly beneficial for those pursuing professional certificates, licenses, or associate’s degrees in healthcare fields.
“This is a direct response to the needs of our students,” said a counseling staff member. “By providing more class options at John Adams Center, we are helping students complete their degrees and certifications without the added time and stress of traveling to multiple campuses.”
The move comes after the successful addition of English Language Support classes in the Fall of 2024. These classes, designed for students in the Allied Health, Licensed Vocational Nurse and Certified Nurse Assistant programs, provide language support to help them succeed in their academic and professional goals.
“Last semester, I was able to take
my general education classes, Bio106 and English 1A, right here at John Adams,” said Zaira Villa, a cardiovascular and echocardiography student. “I saved both time and money, which made a big difference in my life. Now, I’m one step closer to getting my certificate and starting my career.”
The changes at John Adams Center are part of a broader vision to create a dedicated hub for healthcare and emergency response education. City College is preparing to gradually relocate all medical, dental and nursing programs to the John Adams Center in the coming years, further solidifying the campus as a center of excellence for healthcare training.
“As we continue to explore additional courses and programs, we are committed to providing the best possible education and support
San Francisco Action
Increased Investment in Black Neighborhoods: The resolution promotes ongoing investment in Black communities in San Francisco, including implementing the San Francisco Reparations Plan and enhancing education, workforce development and Black homeownership.
Celebration
February 7, 2025: The African American Historical & Cultural Society will hold a Black History Month Kick-Off at City Hall's Rotunda between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.
February 12, 2025: District 10's Black History Month Yearly Art Gallery will display artwork by Malik Seneferu, a native artist, in Room 279 between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
February 26, 2025: There will be a grand Black History Month celebration at City Hall in the evening, with information to follow Supervisor Walton valued the Board of Supervisors' lobbying efforts and encouraged the community to work towards a fairer future and pay tribute to its heritage. To learn more, contact Natalie Gee at natalie.gee@sfgov.org or stop in at 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102.
for our students,” said Dr. Edith A. L. Kaeuper, dean of the School of Health and Public Safety. “Our goal is to help students build successful careers in healthcare, where they can make a meaningful impact in their communities.”
The new courses at John Adams Center reflect City College’s ongoing
dedication to addressing the needs of its students, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to succeed in their chosen fields.
For more information on the new classes and programs available at John Adams Center, visit the City College website.
Service Specialists at John Adams Center help students add new classes. (Qi Mai/The Guardsman)
A statue of Woodson at Carter G Woodson Memorial Park in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C. sculpted by Ray Kaskey.
Fresh, Fast and Affordable: City College's Eateries
By Kate Malch kmalch1@mail.ccsf.edu
It’s lunchtime, and the smell of garlic and chili fills the room as a warm plate of fried cauliflower with a side of white rice lands in front of me. It’s today’s special, cooked by Elizabeth, a student chef. The dish is perfectly cooked. The cauliflower is golden and crisp, covered with a sweet and spicy chili sauce, topped with shredded onions and sesame seeds—yet another savory meal from the cafeteria at Ocean Campus.
Chef’s Table is not just any ordinary dining spot. It’s a culinary adventure curated by the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Studies students at City College in the Ocean Campus cafeteria.
In the heart of Smith Hall, the cafeteria is open to everyone: students, faculty, staff and the local community. Four days a week, culinary program students prepare breakfast and lunch meals and serve them to the public, creating an ideal training ground for students pursuing culinary degrees. Along the way, faculty guides them on how to cook meals to perfection.
The Restaurants of City College
City College is home to both Chef’s Table and Pop-up Bakeshop. The culinary department has created eateries at Ocean Campus and Downtown Campus, offering well-prepared meals at affordable prices. Students make delicious food available to everyone.
Chef's Table is a unique classroom laboratory operated in collaboration between students and staff from the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Studies department. It is located at Ocean Campus in Statler Wing near the cafeteria. They commit to sourcing high-quality, organic and local products while emphasizing support for small producers and responsible growers around the Bay Area. In their third semester, students learn how to serve and communicate with guests, use an espresso machine and decorate desserts.
From Monday to Thursday, savor breakfast delights from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a lunch menu from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The menu caters to all tastes, including specialty vegetarian and vegan options.
“People genuinely relish our offerings because it’s all about fresh produce, not frozen. We only resort to frozen in emergencies, like using frozen vegetables,” explained Culinary Arts Department Chair Keith Hammerich. “Our commitment to fresh produce shines through every dish. The main entrees testify to our dedication to freshness and culinary creativity.”
The Pop-up Bakeshop has grown in
popularity after an article in SFGATE. Every Thursday, students from the Baking and Pastry program at City College transform the vacant Educated Palate space on the Downtown Campus into a bakeshop. They have chocolate croissants, golden baguettes and other baked delights. But this opportunity is a once-a-week affair, exclusively available on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Bakeshop has close to 30 different pastry options.
SFGATE’s article mentions that prices for baked goods are more than affordable. Pastries cost $1 for a baguette, while danishes, croissants, cakes and other delicious baked goods cost $2–$3 per piece. They keep the lowest prices because they are all student-made and only need to cover the cost of ingredients.
The cafeteria’s prices are notably affordable. For example, a breakfast of scrambled eggs, potatoes, fresh fruit cups and coffee costs $11.45, while breakfast at any other cafe in San Francisco can cost up to $25 without tips.
Patrons mentioned the excellent, fast service of well-prepared food and low prices in the cafeteria.
“The prices are great compared to how expensive everything is in SF. I don’t have any complaints,” said Wendy Owens from the Library and Learning Resources Center.
A Palatable Program: City College Culinary Department
“It’s a fantastic training ground for students,” Hammerich said.
Culinary Arts and Hospitality instructor Vince Paratore said approximately 60 students work in the kitchen or serving area.
First-semester students learn how to make dressings, prepare various types of salads and learn different cooking techniques. They also produce food for the food pantry on campus. Second-semester students create all bulk production for the hot side of the cafeteria during lunchtime, while thirdsemester students run Chef’s Table.
Students must order ingredients for their specialties or dishes by filling out a request form and handing it off to the appropriate chef instructors to order the necessary products.
“We would like to offer a few more vegetarian and vegan items, and once we get more students in here, we can expand our menu to include them,” Hammerich said.
The Culinary Department’s quickservice eatery, City Streets, reopens every fall with a different concept. There have been 13 different concepts, including a pizzeria, chicken wings, roasted chicken, barbecue, Asian noodle bar, and American diner.
Instructor Paratore has also opened the curtain to future concepts in City Streets.
“I’m dabbling with the idea of doing a Native American concept here,” he said. However, he is concerned that there is not much information about Native American food, so creating a menu would be tricky.
The idea behind a quick-service restaurant is to provide more experience for students being inundated with hundreds of people.
City College also has a kitchen at the Chinatown campus, but Hammerich said they can’t afford to use it “due to cut faculty and enrollment issues.”
According to Paratore, the faculty, classified staff and students are not paid through the sale of food. Every year, the college allocates a certain amount of funds to purchase
products, and the money from sales in the eateries covers the costs of food and beverage supplies, cleaning supplies and paper goods.
Depending on the day, Chef’s Table and the cafeteria’s sales are approximately $1,600 and feed around 200 people daily. The top five product sales are sandwiches with meat, entrees, pastries, desserts and soups.
“The Culinary Program at City College is great,” recalled Emma Emmerich, a former student at City College. “The croissants they made in the morning were to die for—you had to be sure to get one before they sold out.”
The Chef’s Table opened its doors on Jan. 27, and the Pop-up Bakery will preheat its ovens on Feb. 13.
Laptop Program: A Valuable Resource for Academic Support
By Qi Mai qmai10@mail.ccsf.edu
On the afternoon of Jan. 15, student Raymond Dentley was excited to begin his spring semester when he checked out a laptop from Weston Tate, a technician assistant
in the Rosenberg Library’s Media Center. This was the second time he borrowed a laptop through the program, which he first learned about from an academic counselor during his first semester. Dentley would not have been able to pursue
The mastering of frosting a cake. Jan. 28, 2025 (Kate Malch/The Guardsman) A look inside Chef's Table on Ocean Campus. San Francisco, Calif. Jan. 28, 2025 (Kate Malch/The Guardsman)
City College's culinary and hospitality students get to call the kitchen their classroom. Jan. 28, 2025 (Kate Malch/The Guardsman)
Laptop Program continued from page 4 his career goals so easily had it not been for the Laptop Program.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, City College quickly adapted to online learning, ensuring that students had the tools they needed to continue their studies. The college launched its Laptop Program in 2020, securing the funds to purchase over 1,000 laptops for students. This initiative has now been running for several years and has helped thousands of students succeed academically.
Rosenberg Library technician Toni Kibby-Blackburn explained that laptops are in high demand across all campuses, including Ocean, Mission, Downtown, Chinatown and John Adams. Currently, there is a waiting list of around 100 students who are still waiting for a laptop.
To ensure availability, students are
encouraged to request laptops well in advance—ideally, a few weeks before the semester begins. This semester, laptops were available for checkout starting Jan. 13 and must be returned by May 21.
The program has continually improved, with the library increasing the quality of the laptops each semester. Students have the option of signing out either a Chromebook or a Dell Windows laptop.
Kibby-Blackburn notes that the laptops have significantly supported many students in their college studies.
Students who reserve laptops are reminded to check their school email accounts, not personal ones, for communication regarding the checkout process and to stay in touch with library staff.
Local City College Filmmakers Reimagine SF History
By Finbar LaBelle finbarlabelle@bennington.edu
Play It Like It’s ’54 masterfully recreates 1950s San Francisco. Using an exquisite color palette and deep-cut locations—some unfamiliar even to locals—the film transforms North Beach and Chinatown into the backdrop for lovers Jean and Vivian. The lead roles were played by City College’s Chloe Wong and Bay Area actor Niku Radan, respectively.
The short film, created by City College student Nova Duarte Martinez, will soon kick off its festival run, beginning with the Zest Film Festival on March 7th.
Martinez, the writer and director of the film, passionately discussed the fifteen-minute project, its mission, and its future.
She stated that her films “tell stories that have been left to be forgotten.” With the help of a film crew consisting of over thirty volunteers, she does just that.
Fueled by community engagement, talent, and a touch of good fortune, this queer reimagining revives provocative concepts for a modern audience and is undoubtedly one that everyone should see.
Jean, an Asian-American, ventures into Mona’s 440, a historic San Francisco lesbian bar, for what seems to be her first time. There, she meets the striking Vivian, and as time seems to stop, their love affair begins.
Following the relationship, the movie navigates the reality of queer third spaces—which, in San Francisco, have a history that dates back further
than the 1950s. This dramatization breathes life into unwitnessed queer history, excavating racial prejudices and lived experiences of lesbians during the time.
The film’s message of hope culminates in the closing words: “May we all be able to love in the light.”
The Creators
Martinez grew up in a rural farm town in Alaska, where she turned to films for inspiration and company.
“Cinema changed me in a sense; I don't know where I would be without the movies.”
Martinez, whose parents instilled in her a deep appreciation for cinema, was particularly drawn to 1950s film noir, a clear source of inspiration for Play It Like It’s ’54. Taking
her expertise and passion for film, Martinez moved to the Bay Area and was astounded by the support it offers emerging filmmakers. Today, Martinez believes the community surrounding her is “the next era of storytellers.”
Four members of the team— Martinez, lead actress Chloe Wong, assistant director Yoko April Tamada and leading producer Fiona Huynh— met for interviews in late January at Stella’s Bakery in North Beach. Immediately upon gathering, the crew felt memories, both the fond and frustrating, come rushing back.
“This film showed everyone who worked on it how far they can go if they believe in themselves and their vision,” Wong emphasized, reflecting on the production. “This film is not only something we have made collaboratively, but it has shifted
something in me.”
A strong consensus emerged around the table, with Tamada, Huynh, and Martinez nodding in agreement. Tamada then shared their own anecdotes from the project, highlighting the team’s resourcefulness.
“We definitely saved a couple of bucks, and every dollar went back into the film!” Tamada said.
Thanks to agreements made with local business owners, the team utilized a Chinatown hostel and a 1930s-style cocktail bar (Stookey’s Club Moderne on the corner of Taylor and Bush) for filming locations. They agreed that the project would have been impossible without both community and collaboration.
Martinez tailored the script specifically for Wong—a first for the actress. Through numerous revisions and Wong’s queer-Chinese identity in mind, the story evolved to blend the complexities of tradition and queerness within part of the AsianAmerican context.
As the story developed, prioritizing accessibility for the Cantonese-speaking community became paramount to the crew. The film opens with a Cantonese poem, the calligraphy for which several crew members’ parents collectively contributed. Cantonese is also woven throughout the film, with entire scenes spoken in the language and accompanied by English subtitles.
The final product’s stunning cinematography, by City College alumna Hannah Burhorn, of Chinatown and its old-fashioned feel further underscores an observation made by Martinez.
“I always hated that so many old Hollywood histories are whitewashed and straight. And yet, there was so much going on in Hollywood then. There were queer actors, and there were directors putting subtext into their movies, and nonwhite actors as well trying to make their mark as best they could with many nonsubstantive roles.”
Her film offers a powerful counter-narrative.
Wong and Huynh agreed that the film prompted them to reflect on balancing their upbringing in Chinese households with staying true to themselves.
Huynh went on to share, “The thing that drew me into this story is the queer Asian-American woman as the main lead. A gay Asian who is trying to be herself in a world that limits her. I come from a very traditional Chinese household, and if I had done what Jean does in the film, there would have been a lot to say about it.”
Hope filled Stella’s Bakery as Huynh spoke. After a pause, she continued, “But seeing it on screen… maybe it will push this idea forward with all sorts of people.”
After that, a quiet hung in the air, a palpable sense of promise in the film’s ability to spark change.
To find the creators and keep updated on future screenings, follow the project on social media: Instagram: @playitlikeits54film
Have a News Tip?
Have you overheard something happening in your community that you wish would get coverage by the press? The Guardsman welcomes any and all story ideas or tips, especially those that communicate a clear issue or problem. Evidence of the claim is encouraged.
Send news tips to: editor@theguardsman.com
Rosenburg Library Technician Assistant Weston Tate checks out a laptop to student Raymond Dentley on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (Qi Mai/The Guardsman)
Chloe Wong plays Jean in Play It Like It's ’54. Photo courtesy of Director Nova Duarte Martinez.
SF Residents Disappointed Over New India Basin Waterfront Park
By Emily Thorsen ethorsen@mail.ccsf.edu
San Francisco’s newest public space: India Basin Waterfront Park.
The $200 million project began in 2021 and sought to combine this area with the existing adjacent India Basin Shoreline Park. The park is now home to a food pavilion, a makers’ shop, and an operations and maintenance building.
India Basin also features two new public piers, a floating dock and a 5,580-square-foot ground mural titled “Lady Bayview” by Raylene Gorum.
Former mayor London Breed and other community members celebrated the opening of this historic park on Oct. 19, 2024. The nearly $200M price tag on this new park makes it the most expensive in San Francisco. The funds were made accessible by the $756,728 allocated from extra funding by the California Habitat Conservation Fund Grant Program. This money went towards
refurbishing the surrounding environment, as well as bringing the India Basin Waterfront Park to life.
However, San Francisco residents feel this is a waste of funding, considering the limited amount of space available to park visitors.
“After reading the SFGATE article on how wonderful the new park is, my friend and I decided to go and visit. We were actually surprised and very unimpressed with how much the cleanup and rebuild cost,” said San Francisco resident Stacy Sultana.
“We were discussing this while looking at the map with some locals. All of us agreed that that money probably could’ve been better spent on new housing.
“Another issue I recognized at the rebuild was the landscaping is overbuilt and overpriced,” continued Sultana. “The plants that were planted are simple, local drought tolerant plants, yet they had a major
landscape architect do the work, too much money. I am a local landscaper. The huge irrigation system is unnecessary and it was leaking the day of my visit.”
The demands of residents in the Hunters Point and Bayview districts have historically been neglected by city officials. This new park, in its entirety, seeks to bring forward shared community spaces for San Francisco residents to enjoy, including those who reside in the Hunters Point and Bayview areas.
India Basin Park is nestled between India Basin and the Shipyard at 900 Innes Avenue.
Enhancing Voices: Diversifying the Student Union
By Cassandra Young cyoun140@ccsf.mail.edu
The Student Union at City College, located on the Ocean Campus in Room 205, is a key space for student life. However, it could do more to reflect the diversity of the campus, particularly for African American students.
The Student Union provides students with plenty of useful resources. It is a critical part of campus life since it offers study spaces, event locations and other important amenities. According to students, the Union helps them find assistance, take breaks in between classes and stay connected.
As evidenced by its past, City College is dedicated to creating an
environment where everyone is accepted. But it’s never easy for the administration to maintain the efficiency of such a big, busy facility.
Despite its many positive aspects, the Student Union might do a better job of representing Black students on campus. As a Black student, I've observed that its leadership, programming and general presence lack many African American voices or faces. Although it’s a useful tool, it doesn’t accurately reflect the diversity of our campus or the needs and experiences of City College’s Black students. As a result, some students may find it more difficult to feel completely noticed and included.
Have Your Say: Black History Month
By Henry Crowell henrycrowell5@gmail.com
We asked students: What do you think of when you think of American Black History?
Tachina Hazel, Nursing Major
“I think of overcoming changes, challenges, perseverance and resilience. Because even though everything we went through as a Black race itself, we’re still resilient, we’re still here with a purpose, as a whole, as a people. Humanity. We’re here, we’re seen.”
John Hidalgo, Anthropology Major
“Oppression and unity. Being a Latino, most of the rights we got are thanks to the African American community.”
Erin Lofthouse, ESL Faculty Member
“I think it’s a long history, I think it’s a vibrant history, I think it’s an interesting history. And I think more people should know it more thoroughly.”
Keandre Washington, Undecided Major
“When I think of American Black History, I think of all my ancestors, I think of all of our leaders, everyone who stood strong, not only Black people but people of color living in this nation. Having to stand strong and work a little bit harder than those who are not of color. I think of all the (influential people) and activists who didn’t let anyone stop their shine and take away their pride.”
I wanted to address the lack of representation for African American students in the Student Union, so I set up a meeting with Hing Potter, the Assistant Director of Student Life & Leadership. I planned to talk about how the Union could become more inclusive and better reflect our community.
Unfortunately, Hing missed the meeting, so my questions went unanswered. I hoped to hear about the Union’s plans for inclusivity and share ideas to elevate Black voices on campus. Even though the meeting didn’t happen, I’m still determined to keep pushing for this important change. “The Union should celebrate
Majid Rebouh, Undecided Major
“I’m really big on botany and plant biology, so I think a lot of George Washington Carver and the contributions that he had to the field of botany, and especially all of his very unique and creative uses of peanuts, like making glue for example. So as a person who loves plant biology and loves science, I think of George Washington Carver.”
Black culture with events like Black History Month and guest speakers so Black students feel included,” said student Michael Chat.
More than just a place for students, the Student Union can serve as a window into City College’s diverse community. By including more voices in its plans and programs, it could become a more powerful symbol of equity and inclusivity on campus. I’m determined to work for these changes and have faith.
The Student Union has the potential to be a window into the diverse community that is City College and an even stronger symbol of equity and inclusion on campus.
“Adding Black art, music, and books could make the Union feel more welcoming for everyone,” said Akilah Sade Ancheta, a student who supports campus diversity.
The Student Union, located on the Ocean Campus, offers a variety of experiences that are an integral part of college life for many students. It has the potential to grow into a certain role in campus culture as it connects students to each other and identifies individuals, provided more effort goes into making the space one that reflects everyone in the process.
India Basin Waterfront Park. San Francisco, Calif. Feb. 6, 2025. (Emily Thorsen/The Guardsman)
Women’s Swimming Kicks Off Season With Coast Conference Tri-Meet
By Kyra Young kyrajyoung@gmail.com
The Rams women’s swim team kicked off its 2025 season on Friday, Jan. 31, alongside the College of San Mateo and Foothill College in a tri-meet hosted at City College’s own Natatorium. The meet focused on short events, ranging from 50 to 500-yard races and relays.
“We have a strong group of swimmers with a lot of potential to compete well at the conference championship at the end of the season,” said Head Coach Phong Pham, who has been with the women’s swim team at City College since 2010. Pham has also coached City College’s women’s water polo since 2015.
This year’s squad is composed of an almost even split between first-years and sophomores, with a handful of returning swimmers from last season. Sophomores Siena Chala, Remy Dizon,
Ezra Serawit, Lian Mar and Sophia Tran have all returned to the pool this spring, with Dizon and Tran serving as captains.
The Rams return after a wildly successful 2024 season. Both Tran and Mar, along with three relay teams, were named to the All-American Community College Swimming Team by the American Swimming Coaches Association after their respective performances in the 3C2A State Championship and Coast Conference Championship.
Pham nodded to the talented returners, knowing their dedication and experiences from last season will provide a solid foundation for this new team. “They all serve as great leaders and work hard. There’s a lot of potential this season,” he said.
Pham also gave notable mention to incoming freshman Samantha Ng. “She’s coming in with a lot of swimming experience from high school. She’ll be a great addition to the program.”
The Rams won four of 11 women’s events at Friday’s meet, placing first with Ng in the women’s 200-yard freestyle (2:16.77); Mar in the 100-yard butterfly (1:04.27); Tran in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:11.82); and the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:53.45) with Ezra, Tran, Mar and Ng.
The Rams also had significant performances from Ezra in the 200-yard individual medley (2:32.59); Dizon in the 50-yard freestyle (28.4); and the 200-yard medley relay (1:59.78) with Ezra, Tran, Mar and Ng in a close finish behind Foothill.
City College will host the two-day San Francisco Invitational on Friday, Feb. 7. The event will begin at 1:30 p.m., and Saturday’s events will begin at 10 a.m.
Rams Baseball Team Looks to Flip the Script on Its Reputation for a Disappointing Season
By Henry Crowell henrycrowell5@gmail.com
PACIFICA—After its first game and loss of the 2025 season against Contra Costa College, the Rams baseball team looks to bounce back, working hard towards a winning season.
Following a late-game comeback by the Comets, City College dropped a close game on Friday, Jan. 24, losing 6–4 at Fairmont Field.
Rams freshman starting pitcher Elijah Heredia was solid, surrendering just one earned run in five innings, striking out eight batters and allowing three hits. However, his control was shaky at times, as he gave up three walks and hit two Comets batters.
Heredia was relieved by freshman pitcher Wyatt Rowland. In four innings of work, Rowland let in two earned runs on four hits, walking four and taking the decision in the loss.
“When you have a loss, you have to learn from it,” Rams coach Mario Mendoza said. “We have to bounce back, we have to learn from our mistakes, we have to eliminate walks, we have to have better approaches in our plate discipline. We just have to play better baseball.”
The Rams' next game is against Gavilan College at 2 p.m. on Feb. 6 at Maloney Field on the San Francisco State campus.
“It’s the first game, and some of these kids—they’re nervous the first game. So hopefully after this game they relax a little bit, and now it’s go-time. Like I told them today, I know it’s
Serawit Ezra competes in the 100-yard backstroke event at the CCSF Tri Meet 2025 on Jan. 31, 2025. (Bob Kinoshita/The Guardsman)
Sophia Tran competes in the 100-yard butterfly event at the CCSF Tri Meet on Jan. 31, 2025. (Bob Kinoshita/The Guardsman)
Veronique Borges (left) and Katia Groffman (right) relax after completing the 500-yard freestyle event at the CCSF Tri Meet on Jan. 31, 2025. (Bob Kinoshita/The Guardsman)
college baseball, but it’s just baseball. Early in the game, they tried to do too much and wanted to be a hero. So I think we calmed down a bit before the end, and I think we’ll be alright.”
The Rams could not capitalize fully on multiple chances to break the game open, including in the eighth inning, when with the bases loaded and two outs, freshman catcher Abraham Duran struck out.
In the following frame, the Comets would score the go-ahead run that would have been an out, if not for a play at the plate that resulted in the ball becoming dislodged from backstop Duran’s glove.
“We have a good group here,” said Rowland. “It was a rough start, but we’re gonna start winning some games.”
Mendoza said his expectations for the season are to be “the hardest-working team, being a team that plays with passion, a team that never gives up, a teams that deals with adversity well, a team that loves each other.”
“If one of us eats, we all eat. That’s my expectation,” he said.
Freshman left fielder Kaden Healy went 2–3 in the game, scoring the go-ahead run in the bottom of the seventh inning after tripling into the right-center gap.
“I want us to have a good season, I want us to have fun, and I want us to flip the table for what City College is known for, and that’s losing,” Healy said. “And I think we have the squad up here to turn things over and open some people’s eyes.
“The camaraderie is there; we just have to learn how to play together a little bit more, and that just comes with time,” he said. “There are a lot of new guys up here, so we just have to get used to each other, and that doesn’t come within two games—that comes
within four or five—and you start understanding how each other plays and getting on the same pitch.”
Mendoza said his focus this season has been on developing his players, making them bigger, stronger, and faster, and teaching them the game.
“A lot of these guys come from programs where they weren’t coached, they didn’t see much competitiveness,” he said. “This level’s cutthroat. If you’re not ready, it’s gonna eat you up.”
Rowland said that he’s been improving his fastball command.
“Our coach is heavy on ‘command your fastball’ before going to changeups or sliders, anything off-speed,” he said. “So I really just need to command my fastball and throw them off with some off-speed pitches.”
Freshman third baseman Gary Ford said he chose City College because of “the opportunity I was given to be able to come here and play baseball. Because where I was last year, I didn’t have the ability to play or get as many at-bats as I’m going to this year.”
Ford, an Idaho native, said, “Idaho in the springtime, during the season, it’s pretty cold, so your arms are hurting when you’re throwing.”
“I’m making sure I’m doing my band work, and making sure I’m getting my arm loose,” he said.
On how the team geared up for the season, Mendoza said, “We’ve just been working, working, working since August—every day, five, six days a week, busting our butts getting ready for the challenge.
“It’s going to be a long year,” Mendoza said. “We put in the work, and now it’s time to execute and get the job done.”
February Community Events Calendar
THU 13
CCSF Information Session (In-Person)
Join to get an overview of City College and learn more about academic opportunities.
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. |Ocean Campus, MUB 39
black History Events: annual black Men on High Free Conference
9:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. | 762 Fulton Street, SF
20
black History Events: Insubordination (Virtual)
Anna Julia Cooper and the Courageous Revolt Against Jim Crow Education Free Webinar
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Paris is burning: 35th anniversary Screening
Free film screening
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | 3301 Lyon Street, SF
TUE 18 SUN 23
Financial literacy Workshop Series for CCSF Employees
Join virtually to discuss the topic of Financial Foundation: A guide to managing your money. Designed by City College’s Professional Development Committee and Office of Student Equity.
12:00 p.m. | Register Online
20
CCSF Information Center (Virtual)
Anyone who is interested in learning more about academic opportunities join the City College team for a virtual discussion. 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Register Online
black History Events: african americans and labor
Join Dr. Steven Pitts in the virtual discussion of “Organizing for Black Freedom means organizing the Black Middle Class.”
11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Register Online http://bit.ly/AAHM2025
out and Proud: around the World and Through the Centuries (Virtual)
Free Zoom session that introduces LGBTQ pioneers throughout history 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm | Register online
25 TUE 25
Mission Center open House
Join the Mission campus to explore support services, connect with resources, and meet new people. Light snacks will be provided.
9:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. | Mission Campus Room 109
black History Events: african americans and labor (Virtual)
Join Dr. Keona K. Ervin virtually to discuss “Black Women Workers and Economic Justice: A Historical Index of the Practice of Emancipation.”
11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Register Online
CCSF aaNHPI Student achievement Program Mental Health Series
Community Altar building and breathing, produced by QILIG and Soundbath by Astralogik. Refreshments and yoga mats will be provided in MUB 140 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | MUB 140 Register Online
WED 26 FRI 28
CCSF unity Day
Join the community for Unity Day on the Ocean Campus at the Amphitheater and Black Student Union for an afterparty. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Rams Plaza
associate Degree to Transfer Deadline
Deadline to petition for an Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T/ AS-T) for students transferring to a CSU in Fall 2025.
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Photo courtesy of City College Athletics