C I T Y C O L L E G E O F S A N F R A N C I S C O ’ S N E W S PA P E R S I N C E 1 9 3 5
Volume 152, Issue 8
TheGuardsman.com
December 6, 2011
COMMUNITY COLLEGES PROMISE:
WE WILL FIGHT College groups across California condemn the Student Success Task Force’s agenda to dismantle schools
-Special Statewide Editorial-
California’s Fight Against the Task Force
CCSF BOARD SAYS NO TO TASK FORCE City College of San Francisco board of Trustees unanimously denounced Task Force at their Nov. meeting.
AARP DEFENDS ELDERLY STUDENTS The AARP CA office claims the Task Force recommendations are unfair to senior citizen students.
Over a dozen other community college newspapers across the state are publishing similar editorials against the recomendations of the Student Success Task Force between Dec. 1 and Dec. 14. Visit TheGuardsman.com for a full list of our sister newspapers in the fight. The California Community College Student links to private businesses that are questionable to “Success” Task Force is a name that parodies itself. say the least. Ten out of fourteen of Lumina’s board The Task Force, charged with streamlining colleges members have ties to the student loan industry — a across California, has assembled an eighty-page sure sign that they should not be trusted. document that will tear apart the community We cannot let the one percent take away Calicollege system as we know it. fornia’s most accessible means of upward mobility. The Task Force’s report is meant to influence The Task Force is aiming to have all of its Sacramento politicians. The report and the recom- proposals written into legislation by January 2012. mendations within it, unless we say otherwise, will This isn’t just a matter of politics — red versus blue, be taken as the official word of the students and republican versus democrat — or part of some faculty of California’s community colleges on how frivolous bar-room argument on what our values in we want to be funded. We can’t let that happen. education should be. The report recommends eliminating non-credit In as little as a year, the legislation enacted by courses, creating one-size-fits-all placement tests the Task Force recommendations would wreck the for California’s diverse student population, strip- lives of over 200,000 Californian students: your ping local college boards of their power, gouging neighbors, your family, your friends and any Calistudents returning for their second degrees, and fornian who has ever held the dream of a college requiring any student not transferring to a univer- degree. sity within a strict two-year deadline to pay outraNow is the time to take action. geously expensive out-of-state fees. We at The Guardsman want to arm you in this The Task Force recommendations will benefit fight against the one percent: inside this issue we higher-income students more, while students who have a pullout section showing you every proposal attend part-time and work while attending school made by the Task Force, and on the front page is a will be hit hardest. list of phone numbers and emails so that you can let These recommendations would close off higher the government know that you support community education to California’s 99 percent and slam the colleges. door shut in their faces. Join us by calling your government represenThe Student Success Task Force is funded tative, using contact information we’ve provided, almost entirely by private interests, including the between the dates of December 7 and January 30. Lumina Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Find your voice, take a stand, and join the CaliFoundation, and the David and Lucile Packard fornia community college system in the most critiFoundation. cal battle it has ever faced: the battle for the soul of Some of these non-profit foundations have our education.
HOW YOU CAN HELP LA TEACHERS SAY “TRY AGAIN” Los Angeles ESL professors say that the Task Force needs to do a lot more research to get things right. http://youtu. be/7rWhyhbZFFI
POINT FOR POINT CRITIQUE Douglas R. Garrison, EdD. Superintendent/President of Monterey Peninsula College sent out a point for point critique of the Task Force’s recommendations.
EDITED BY BETH LABERGE / COURTESY OF D-MAPS.COM
Make public comment on Task Force recommendations with your Facebook account: http://studentsuccess.ideascale.com/ Sign a petition against the Task Force: http://tinyurl.com/c3aj4kc Tell these politicans that you don’t want California community colleges to become “transfermachines.” Email at least once and together we can make an impact. CC ksaginor@ccsf.edu so she counts your comments. CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE CHANCELLOR JACK SCOTT Through assistant Faye James: fjames@cccco.edu GOVERNOR JERRY BROWN Email: http://govnews.ca.gov/gov39mail/mail.php
SADDLEBACK SPEAKS OUT EOPS students from SoCal colleges speak out against the Task Force recommendations at a town hall meeting at Saddleback College Nov. 8. http://youtu. be/7rWhyhbZFFI
READ THE TASK FORCE REPORT http://tinyurl.com/4ycbn5n More contact information on page 10
Check out our inside center section for further explanation of the Student Success Task Force’s attack on City College students.
2 | December 6 2011 | The Guardsman & TheGuardsman.com
NEWS
VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH ATA 2121 UNION PRESIDENT ATA 2121 Union President Alisa Messer talks about the shortcomings of the Student Success Task Force and draws links between the Occupy movement and cuts in funding for California’s community colleges. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItqMak55Its
Civil rights leader John Carlos speaks in Oakland
Editor-in-Chief Joe Fitzgerald Managing Editor Brian Rinker News Editor Saidy Lauer Culture Editor Catherine Lee Opinion Editor Gary Jay Sports Editor Ryan Kuhn
PHOTO BY RAGINA JOHNSON
John Carlos speaks to an audience at Laney Community College on Nov. 30. Carlos talked about the release of his book The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment That Changed the World, in which he discusses his and Tommie Smith’s Black Power salute on the 1968 Olympic podium, one of the most iconic images of Olympic history and the Black Power movement. Clarence Thomas of the ILWU and Angela Davis were also speakers at the event.
By Alex Schmaus
the Black Panther Party for SelfDefense also spoke. These three veteran activists had plenty to say about the Former Olympic bronzelessons they learned during the medal winner Dr. John Carlos ‘60s, but they were equally interspoke alongside civil rights activested in discussing the promise of ists Clarence Thomas and Dr. today’s Occupy movement. Angela Davis before an electriCarlos has been making it fied crowd at Laney College last a point to visit every Occupy Wednesday. His appearance at the encampment he can during his college was part of a national tour book tour around the country. to promote his new memoir. “I am here for you,” Carlos In the summer of 1968 Carlos said to a crowd of thousands helped define a generation when at Occupy Wall Street in early he and fellow medalist Tommie November. “Why? Because I am Smith both gave a black power you. We’re here 43 years later salute while on the Olympic podibecause there’s a fight still to be um in Mexico City. won. This day is not for us but for The fist-raising track star’s memoir, “The John Carlos Story: our children-to-come.” Clarence Thomas The Sports Moment that Changed Thomas was a leader in the the World,” has a powerful and SF State Black Student Union and simple message: don’t be afraid “of the Third World Liberation Front offending your oppressor.” in 1968, helping to organize the Laney College President Elnolongest student strike in Amerira Webb explained the impact of can history. Carlos’ action in “This her introduction was a strike speech. We’re here 43 years to challenge “I want to later because there’s a the idea that call him someBlack people thing more than fight still to be won. ” and people of John Carlos,” color cannot -Activist John Carlos said Webb. “He learn, and did something that we are that we all know not capable of was the most engaging in a prolonged struggle, ” challenging thing to do at the Thomas said. “I learned we could time. He took a risk that cost him. He did what a lot of us would opt challenge the system and win. not to do because of the fears, and Those on the left need to learn he didn’t let that stop him. People to produce winners, and that is across the globe saw what he did what is happening in the Occupy struggle.” and were overwhelmed.” A third-generation longCourage shoreman, Thomas, along with In a modern context Carlos the International Longshoreman and Smith’s action might not Workers Union (ILWU) recently seem quite so controversial, but in played a critical role in support1968 they faced an terrible public ing Occupy Oakland. backlash. On Nov. 2, as tens of thousands Commentators all over the of people marched in solidarity globe condemned the two athletes with the Occupy movement down for damaging the Olympic to the Port of Oakland, rank-and“brand,” and they were shunned file ILWU members refused to by the sports world. They were cross the community picket line, unable to find steady employment for years and even received multi- shutting down the port. “The thing that makes Occuple death threats. py Oakland different than other However, Carlos never parts of the country is that we had second-guessed himself. an action with labor at the point of “Don’t be one of those individproduction, ” Thomas said. “That uals who looks back with regret,” port is one of the best examples he said. “You think Martin Luther of the power of Wall Street and King Jr. didn’t know he was gonna American Capitalism, but when die? Rosa Parks and John Brown, those folks were 1,000 percent action was taken you can bet WalMart was surprised; the whole committed.” Civil rights heroes Clarence Pacific Rim was affected.” The ILWU is continuing to Thomas and Dr. Angela Davis of support the Occupy Oakland THE GUARDSMAN
Online Editor Jon Bechtol Multimedia Editor Brian Rinker Photo Editors Beth LaBerge Clairvel Fong Production Editor Becca Hoekstra Copy Chief Susan Boeckmann Social Media Editor Peter Hernandez Staff Writers Brian Rinker Anna Shoriak Ryan Kuhn Gary Jay Taylor Clayton Rachael Garcia Lulu Orozco Lucas Pontes de Almeida Peter Hernandez Becca Hoekstra Gianne Nalangan Kevin Brown Sara Bloomberg Staff Photographers Beth Laberge Valerie Ayala Saidy Lauer Clarivel Fong Illustrator/Design Matthew Fung Multimedia Gary Jay Brian Rinker Joe Fitzgerald Saidy Lauer Faculty Adviser Juan Gonzales Contact us! Mail: 50 Phelan Ave Box V-67 San Francisco, CA 94112 Phone: (415) 239-3446 Email: email@theguardsman.com
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PHOTO BY JIM GENSHEIMER / SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS / MCT CAMPUS
In 2005, a 20-foot sculpture was unveiled at San Jose State University honoring the protest by San Jose State alumnis athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos during the 1968 Olympic medal ceremony.
movement, which has faced escalating police repression in recent weeks. They have invited supporters from Vancouver to San Diego to march on their respective ports on Dec. 12 in an effort to shut down the entire West Coast shipping system. “If we really want to challenge the one percent, the only thing they really understand is when you hit them in the pocket book,” said Thomas. “Can you imagine if longshoremen, supported by their communities on the West and East Coasts and the Gulf, and Teamsters and airport workers all shut it down?” Angela Davis “I am so proud of Oakland!” said Angela Davis, a well-known
political activist, author, scholar and prison-system critic. “I spoke at Occupy Philly, Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Berlin, and everyone is talking about Oakland!” In the ‘60s Davis was an active member of the Black Panthers and the Communist Party USA. “I look at the young people who are involved in the Occupy movement, and it allows me to understand that the work we did was so important,” said Davis. “Imagine what the world would be like without these obscene capitalists, the one percent. Revolution is still on the agenda.” email: news@theguardsman.com
News
The Guardsman & TheGuardsman.com | December 6, 2011 | 3
New $145 million City College campus to open in Summer 2012 without books, furniture or supplies By Lulu Orozco THE GUARDSMAN
The new Chinatown/North Beach campus is tentatively set to open for classes in summer of 2012. But campus staff and community supporters are facing an urgent shortage of $400,000 to fully furnish the inside of the building. Without basic supplies students and faculty members won’t be able to perform daily tasks. An open letter printed in the Nov. 16, 2011 issue of City Currents stated that the budget required for purchasing furniture and materials was $5 million, with an original shortfall of $800,000. After that letter was printed the college received a matching donation of $400,000 from former City College student and longtime supporter Lillie Wong. Mrs. Wong is the aunt of college trustee Lawrence Wong. Expensive construction delays have hit the campus hard ever since the groundbreaking back in November 2008. According to The Examiner, the campus original price tag was $4.19 million almost eight years ago. The current cost is estimated at $145 million. That’s more than $100 million over budget. With such a bloated budget, money for basic necessities such as furniture, fixtures, equipment for the computer labs, books for the library and instruments for the science labs is nowhere to be seen. “The state is very clear on how the dollars can be spent, we are trying to make every purchase a wise purchase.” said Joanne Low, Dean of the Chinatown/North Beach campus and Associate Vice Chancellor of International Education. “I originally believed the Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FF&E) funds from the state would cover equipment such as microscopes, but it does not pay for things such as science equipment or books for the Library. The 14-story high-rise and four-story annex is state-of-the-art, a vast improvement over the older and smaller Filbert
BETH LABERGE / THE GUARDSMAN
The site of the new and permanent home of the San Francisco City College Chinatown/North Beach Campus on Dec 4, which will offer language, citizenship and vocational programs for the community.
campus. The number of classrooms and amount of available space will be extensive compared to the old campus’ 20 classrooms
and its various off-site locations. The new location features large expansive windows throughout, art glass panels,
REALIZE YOUR DREAM AT MILLS COLLEGE.
Chinese scholar rocks, and electronic “smart” controls in every room. The new campus will also offer more transfer and degree credit classes. “We are now going to have a floorand-a-half of in-campus library space, a learning assistance center, science labs, credit classes, a resource center for students and an auditorium that will double as a community space,” said Low. “The campus will open up a world of activities that we haven’t been able to offer college students and the community.” “We are going to open our doors,” she added, “but we also want the supplies to run the programs.” The donations needed to furnish the campus will be raised through the community effort of groups such as the Friends of Educational Opportunities in Chinatown, the Asian Coalition, a community fundraising committee chaired by retirees Frances Lee and Mamie How, and the Foundation of City College of San Francisco. The CCSF Foundation members include Trustee Lawrence Wong, Foundation director Genelle Relfe and Dean of Development Kathleen Alioto. In an effort to raise the remaining $400,000 a community fundraising dinner has been planned for Friday, Dec 16 at the Far Eastern Cafe in Chinatown. Small businesses, community supporters and public banks have been asked to become Dinner Patrons and Sponsors donating at levels ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. “Whats really inspiring is the students of City College who have stepped forward, who are limited in English and are still willing to participate in this kind of fundraising action” said Cary Fong, a member of Friends of Educational Opportunities in Chinatown. “Students themselves have raised over $20,000 in cash through donation boxes. One person alone has donated $3,000.” email: gorozco@theguardsman.com
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City College students aid in freeway mural Alemany Boulevard’s new Snake and Butterfly Mural sits underneath the 280 Freeway By Yeahee Jung THE GUARDSMAN
Fostering beauty and neighborhood pride for the Portola district, the snake mural project located under the freeway at Alemany Boulevard was completed on Oct. 9 with the help of City College students. Following a long preparation period, painting of the mural had began just over a month earlier on Sep. 6. The mural is the first part of a 3-phase project, begun over three years ago to preserve the beauty of the local flora and fauna in the neighborhood. Depicted in the mural are two endangered species, the San Francisco garter snake and the Mission Blue butterfly. The mural project’s total cost was under $12,000, funded by a portion of a $45,000 San Francisco Community Challenge Grant award. The mural’s supporters spent $3,300 for rental scaffolding and $4,700 for a consultant. Phase two of the project will be the installation of four-dozen art panels depicting local and natural history. These 48 images of the Portola neighborhood history were compiled during 15 years of research by City College librarian and artist, Katherine Connell, and her artist husband, Oscar Melara. “The art panels will be put on the fences in 2012 and will serve as teaching tool to younger generations and serve to safeguard the history and natural history of the area,” said Lia Smith, City College ESL teacher and long-time neighborhood activist. The third phase will be the
creation of a native plant garden, designed by City College student Davery Yim. “The native garden will serve as a teaching tool and reminder to younger generations to preserve the environment to safeguard the natural ecosystem,” said Smith. Other City College student volunteers include Killian FarrellAlvarado, Christopher Campbell, Jie Wen, Janice Huang, Salome Fanta and Peter Ho. Artist Cory Ferris, now at student at City College, designed the original art work for the mural when she was attending Mission High school. The Alemany Island Beautification project was recognized by the Neighborhood Empowerment Network, receiving its Best Community Challenge Grant Project award. NEN is a mix of city agencies, non-profits and faith-based organizations that contribute to helping neighborhoods become stewards of their community. On the night of the awards ceremony at City Hall on Nov. 16, Lia Smith, the project representative, was called to the stage. While pictures of the mural flashed on stage, Smith stepped on up and accepted the award. The volunteers were jubilant. “I’m very happy to be here. I felt so proud when they showed the Alemany project,” said City College student and volunteer Salome Fanta. “The experience was great, people were nice, and it was very beneficial.”
email: news@theguardsman.com
BETH LABERGE / THE GUARDSMAN
The mural of a Garter Snake and Mission Blue Butterflies is painted on a freeway support under the 280 Freeway across from the Farmers Market on Alemany Boulevard in San Francisco on Nov. 26. It is a 3-part project to be fully unveiled in 2012, the project includes a native garden designed by a City College of San Francisco Horticulture Dept. students and a 48 panel mural painted by Portola residents called Porto-Loteria.
Journalism Schedule for Spring 2012 The spring semester begins January 17. For more information, please call Juan Gonzales at (415) 239-3446
Jour 19: Contemporary News Media (3.0 units) 30181 001 Lec M W F 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. 32649 551 Lec T 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
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Gonzales Graham
Jour 21: News Writing and Reporting (3.0 units) 31867 001 Lec M W F 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. 31529 534 Lec T 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
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Jour 22: Feature Writing (3.0 units) 32869 552 Lec W 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. 32064 551 Lec R 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
1125 Valencia St. Rm. 217 1125 Valencia St. Rm. 218
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Jour 23: Electronic Copy Editing (3.0 units) 31474 551 Lec W 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
1125 Valencia St. Rm. 218
Rochmis
Jour 24: Newspaper Laboratory (3.0 units) 30182 001 L/L M W F 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
BNGL 615
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Jour 29: Magazine Editing & Production (3.0 units) 31449 551 L/L M 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. 1125 Valencia St. Rm. 218
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Jour 31: Internship Experience (2.0 units) 32556 001 Exp Hours Arr
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Gonzales
Jour 37: Intro to Photojournalism (3.0 units) 32065 551 Lec W 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. 34014 552 Lec R 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
1125 Valencia St. Rm. 211 1125 Valencia St. Rm. 217
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The Guardsman & TheGuardsman.com | December 6, 2011 | 5
Fashion students put on runway show at Ocean campus cafeteria By Ashley Lalla THE GUARDSMAN
City College fashion students styled and produced runway shows on Tuesday, Nov. 29, and Thursday, Dec. 1, each taking place in front of a lively audience in the cafeteria. Tuesday’s show, “Almost Famous,” was full of retro looks from the ‘60s and ‘70s. The models walked to upbeat modern music as a crowd of students gathered and cheered them on. “We started out with hippie casual, a more modern look,” said fashion student Sierra Lewis. “Then we went into our more authentic psychedelic ‘60s, and ended with the night life look of what you also might see in the ‘70s.” Some of the looks included vintage fur coats with skinny jeans and modern platforms, short brightly-colored retro dresses with go-go boots, and short jean shorts worn with flowing loose-fit tops and moccasin boots. All of the models wore unique feather headbands made by one of the stylists of the show, Andrea Stefancikova. Besides supplying a creative outlet for students, the fashion department at City College prepares students for the real world of fashion and helps them
to pursue the area they are most interested in. Lewis says her goals are to continue working in the fashion industry and be involved in public relations and communications with designers and runway shows. “I was never driven to do anything within this field until I found out there’s a course here where you can gain credits by getting experience within the fashion business,” Lewis said. “So I tried it and I loved it, and it’s what I want to do now.” On the following Thursday, the fashion designers had another runway show, “Merging Lanes,” which was dramatically different from the last show. With a mixture of many modern styles coming together, the show exhibited an old school hip-hop influence. “I thought of merging lanes,” said Erricka Gerald, the lead stylist, “a mixture of runway and cities merging together. It was a collaboration of high fashion in the streets of Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London and Africa. I love mixing things like dresses and sneakers, just playful. I wanted lots of color.” The highlights included fun dresses worn with hightop sneakers, cute short skirts complimented by casual T-shirts and worn with brightly-colored
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By Lucas Almeida THE GUARDSMAN
VALERIE AYALA / THE GUARDSMAN
Sierra Lewis, fashion student and a stylist in the fashion show, poses in the United Nations Plaza in San Francisco on Dec 2. Lewis plans on continuing working in the fashion industry, aiming to work with designers and runway.
heels, and shiny black leggings worn with a loose-fit tops under a military-style black jacket with bright blue platforms. Some of the models wore retro red lipstick that contrasted with their modern look. The crowd snapped photos on their cellphones and cheered them on as they flaunted their unique styles. “I’m a dancer and I always
Campus Events
Calendar for December 4- December 31
SUN
Faculty holds silent art auction to raise funds
6
Fall Jazz Concert “The Advanced Jazz Band” 8-10 p.m. Diego Rivera Theater Ocean Campus Free
WED
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made my own costumes,” Gerald said. “After realizing I enjoyed designing, I started working on my own clothing line. I’ve been in the fashion department here at City College for about a year and I’m moving to New York in a couple weeks to pursue my career. My goal is to have my own successful fashion line.” email: news@theguardsman.com
Community Events
THU
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Native American Club presents: American Indian Film Festival 1:30-5:30 p.m. Rosenberg R-301 & R-305
Important Dates
FRI
SAT
Open Mic Poetry City Cafe Ocean Campus 1:30-4:30 p.m. Free snacks
Free Concert: Haydn’s “Missa in Augustüs” 3:30 p.m. 610 Vallejo St.
Dance Performance: Strong Pulse dance company presents: “Gimme More” 8 p.m. Wellness Center Ocean Campus $10-$15
CCSF Board of Trustees Meeting Open Session 6:30 p.m. 31 Gough St
10
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Dance Performance: Strong Pulse presents: “Gimme More” 4 p.m. & 8 p.m. Wellness Center Ocean Campus $10-$15 strongcurrent.org Full Moon International Human Rights’ Day
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Free Concert: Haydn’s “Missa in Augustüs” 3:30 p.m. 610 Vallejo St.
TUE
Last Day to Remove an Incomplete Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe
13
Finals Begin Geminids Meteor Shower
WED
14
Associated Student Council Meeting 2:15 p.m. Student Union Room 208
THU
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FRI
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International Day to End Violence Against Women
SAT
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City College’s annual faculty art show is currently on display through Dec.7 in the college’s art gallery located in the Visual Arts building, The exhibition also included a silent auction that gave people the opportunity to bid on their favorite art pieces. “The faculty is asked to donate one piece of art work to the gallery [for the auction] because we need more money to maintain it,” said art department chair Ana Asebedo. “The bidding starts from $20 to $25 dollars and all the funds go to running the gallery.” Asebedo’s art piece on display is a watercolor painting that compares mothers who live in safe environments with other women who live in environments plagued by war and violence, such as Iraq. “I became a mother late in life. I had a child when I was 40, during the onset of the war in Iraq,” she said. “This painting tells the story of the lucky middle-aged woman who becomes a mother, and compares it to [that of] a woman who becomes a mother and develops a family amidst violence.” Other faculty artists include Nancy Elliott, who teaches basic design. Her piece, “Girl From Burma,” is about a poor rural Asian women being lured into prostitution. “I was watching a documentary about prostitution and sex slavery,” Elliott said. “It featured a young Burmese woman who returned from Thailand to die in her village from AIDS. She spoke of what led her to Thailand, that she was promised work as a food vendor. But, of course when she arrived there was no such job. She was told her only option was to sell her body. The artwork is a response to her story.” Elliot’s newest piece is unlike most of her previous work “The majority of my work is autobiographical,” she said. “I’m a visual diarist. Recently I have become bored blabbing about myself. Instead, I wanted to talk about other women’s lives.” email: lalmeida@theguardsman.com By publish date the gallery will be over, but you can check out some of the pieces at: http://www.ccsf.edu/Departments/Art/private/gallery/ gallery_introduction.shtml Pieces from the auction are also on display in the Visual Arts building’s glass cases, marked “auction.”
6 | December 6 2011 | The Guardsman & TheGuardsman.com
OPINIONS
VIDEO: Check out this open video letter to Jack Scott by Venette Cook, an ESL instructor from City College.
http://youtu.be/Ymx-h7iOTjs
Veterans Corner
By Bob Hollingsworth CONTRIBUTING WRITER
BY MATTHEW FUNG/THE GUARDSMAN
Letters to the editor Letters to the editor must be under 250 words and may be edited for content. Send letters to: editor@theguardsman.com
ESL Classes Help Students Learn Important Life Skills
Editor, I’ve been teaching an ESL Literacy class for about 7 years now (out of my 20 years at CCSF). Students who attend this class have either had no or little education in their own countries. They have had no or little exposure to the English language. Many of them are seniors. Often what happens is that their children have been here for years, become citizens and then petition for their parents to join them. As you can imagine, there is a lot of culture shock for them and an often desperate need to learn English so they can function in society (go shopping, take care of medical needs, etc.). Many of them need to learn English so they can communicate with their American grandchildren. Success for my students is quite different than the idealized community college student as envisioned by the SSTF. This past week, I’ve been teaching them how to call 911 in case of an emergency. This includes being able to say in English what the emergency is, what their name is, and what their address and cross streets are. This small skill -- which most of us take for granted -- could someday save a life. Learning these few words is a success for my students. If these students weren’t given a place at CCSF, then how would they learn this crucial life skill as well as so many others? Yes, there are some community organizations out there, but none of them can give the time (10 hours a week for 18 weeks) or experience and professionalism (all ESL instructors at CCSF have master’s degrees) that we offer. And some of these students do continue on to higher levels of non-credit ESL and on into credit. If they didn’t start with us, I can’t imagine that would happen. As you can see, I could go on and on. I feel very passionately about this and I think it’s important for the wider CCSF community to learn about our noncredit students as well as the SSTF, the legislature, the governor, etc. Denise Selleck, ESL Instructor Civic Center Campus
Someone once said, “if you can’t beat them, then join them.” Whoever said that was an idiot. If there is one thing I have learned over the course of my time here at City College it is to fight for my rights and to never give in. Sadly, this will be my last opinion piece. I am moving on to San Francisco State University where I will not be carrying my old torch, but instead will be lighting a new one. If the Veteran’s Corner opinion column is to continue, it will require someone to step from their complacency and fill the gap. This article is the only true voice of the veterans that attend this college. If you are a veteran who will be attending City College next semester, then this message is for you: contact the editor of this paper and write for the Veteran’s Corner next semester. I would like to move on to one last topic concerning veterans. I was walking on the SF State campus the other day and encountered the Occupy SFSU movement. Their spokesman ranted about the evils of both the democrats and republicans. The event ended with the whole group marching off while chanting, “the 99 percent.” Soon after his speech I asked him which percent I fell into, because I don’t fit the “one percent” nor do I fit the “99 percent.” I don’t think he realized how ignorant he was of his math. There are a record number of veterans,
like me, who have already earned their lifetime income and receive a big fat check each month from the government. We don’t pay taxes on that check nor do we live in luxurious habitation. Some of us find it lucky if we can get up in the morning without any pain. Yet here was this kid yapping about things he didn’t understand. What would happen if the Occupy movement were to try and overthrow the current government? Ha. Well it would probably be the shortest civil war in world history. Most of these kids don’t look like they could even shoot a rubber band let alone hit their target. While they are trying to rally all the “99 percent” to their cause I don’t think they realize that there is a group of American citizens who do not fit into their “99 percent” model: United States veterans. If these kids were to attempt to overthrow the current government, which pays a lot of us veterans our monthly compensations, it would not take long for us to put them down quick. In my attempts to get this young man to understand his dilemma I forgot I wasn’t speaking to a rational human being. In his final thoughts to me he said that he didn’t want to work with this current government at all: he wanted a brand new one. I simply told him I was sorry for his frustration and left him with his “99 percent.” email: editor@theguardsman.com
CORRECTIONS The Guardsman strives for accuracy in reporting. If you find an error, please send an email to editor@theguardsman.com In Volume 152 Issue 7, Project CBD was incorrectly referred to as The CBD Project. We regret this error.
SSTF and the ALEC/Lumina Connection
Editor, I’ve been trying to do my part to fight the Student Succes Task Force’s (SSTF) recommendations. I teach at Civic Center Campus and we’ve been discussing this issue a lot. I wanted to let you know about a few things we’ve done. 1. An online petition opposing SSTF. This petition goes to Jerry Brown, Jack Scott (for what that’s worth) and the CA Senate and Assembly. It’s easy to sign. I’d like to see us get 10,000 signatures or more: http://www.change.org/petitions/the-governor-of-ca-oppose-student-success-task-force-recommendations 2. I am a Success: http://www.iamasuccess.tumblr.com This is a takeoff on the We Are the 99% blog - a way of telling our stories. At this point the stories are all from ESL students, many of whom would be deemed “unsuccessful” by measures imposed by the Task Force- success isn’t just a transfer, an AA or a certificate. We provide value in so many ways. I’ve been trying to do some research on the ALEC/Lumina connection. I found some clear links between Nancy Shulock, who is a member of the Task Force, and Lumina. She’s the director of IHELP and has Lumina listed on her resume under “Grants and Contracts”. I also heard that the Task Force has so far racked up 1/2 million dollars in travel and related expenses but none of that is coming from taxpayer money - so it’s all privately funded. Just like the Occupy movement is exposing the big money connection in how our government does not work for us, I believe we need to do the same with this Task Force. Rick Kappra ESL - Civic Center Campus
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C I T Y C O L L E G E O F S A N F R A N C I S C O ’ S N E W S PA P E R S I N C E 1 9 3 5
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TheGuardsman.com
December 6, 2011
COLLAGE MADE MY CLARIVEL FONG / LEFT TOP AND BOTTOM PHOTOS FROM KATIE GELARDI / PHOTOS WITH MICS TAKEN FROM YOUTUBE VIDEO COURTESY OF USER CACOMMUNITYCOLLEGES / PEOPLE WITH SIGNS COURTESY OF IAMASUCCESS.TUMBLR.COM
News Analysis
ATTACK ON CITY COLLEGE By Lance Kramer CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The California Community College Student Success Task Force was formed by California Community College Chancellor Jack Scott for one purpose: to make the difficult choices of how to ration education following a brutal decade of budget cuts across California’s education system. The Task Force produced a document that outlines who they feel should be entitled to California’s education system, and who should be left out. This article highlights the most devastating attacks against California Community Colleges found in the Task Force recommendations. Recommendation 3.2 out of Chapter 3, “Incentivize Successful Student Behaviors,” would require students receiving Board of Governors fee waivers to meet various conditions and requirements. This would strip “financially-needy students” of the BOG fee waiver if their grades fall, if they don’t have an approved educational goal, or if the student has taken more than 110 units. “It would be a backslide of financial aid if we lose the BOG fee waiver,” said City College student and parent Lisa Russell, 26. Older Adults, Immigrants, and Parents Chapter 4, “Align Course Offerings to Meet Student Needs,” will direct community college’s
course offerings and schedules to meet only the needs of students intending to transfer, earn an associate degree, or certificate. All classes not fulfilling these requirements could be cut. “Courses that do not support programs of study and that solely serve an enrichment or recreational purpose should not be subsidized with state funds,” claims the Task Force document. This means state funding would be cut to students and classes veering from a state-approved education plan. Students who take unapproved classes might be required to pay out-of-state tuition fees and lose all BOG waiver privileges. “Students could go from paying very little to $200 a unit if their classes are not on their agenda,” said Karen Saginor, president of City College’s Academic Senate. Closing the Door on the Needy In Chapter 2, titled “Strengthen Support for Entering Students,” recommendation 2.2 would require students to participate in standardized diagnostic assessment, orientation and to develop an educational plan. Recommendation 2.4 would require students showing a lack of “college readiness” to participate in support resources. Many students come to community colleges without the desire to transfer or earn a certificate. Recommendations 2.2 and 2.4 would require all incoming students to complete the full matriculation process at great
additional cost to the colleges, discouraging enrollment for those who need only a few classes to develop specific skills. “This is not just about priority,” said City College student Mike Epley, 28. “Thousands of students will be turned away, people would suffer. The students [the Task Force] will focus on are the ones who have a plan already.” Rationing Education Chapter 7, titled “Enable Statewide Leadership & Increase Coordination among Colleges,” recommendation 7.1 would create a powerful new centralized community college system office in Sacramento. It could result in City College of San Francisco and other colleges being forced to cut those courses developed to meet local needs. Popular classes like “The History of San Francisco” could face the chopping block. Recommendation 7.3 would develop a “student success scorecard.” A type of achievement log called “momentum points” would be recorded for students, and schools which have students with more momentum points would be better funded. Douglas R. Garrison, president of Monterey Peninsula College sees 7.3 as a recommendation that hasn’t been researched enough. “This action... effectively re-engineers the California Community College funding mechanism without adequate examination by the colleges’ chief
business officers, chief instructional officers, and chief executive officers to understand what the impacts will be,” said Garrison in an open email criticizing the Task Force’s findings. Basic Skills and Enrollment Recommendation 3.1 would adopt system-wide enrollment priorities. This would create further restrictions and limit access. “If you fail to make progress, you will lose priority enrollment,” said Lisa Russell. “We are narrowing the pathway to education if the Task Force gets the ‘say so’ on who gets priorities.” Recommendation 3.4 requires students to begin addressing basic skills deficiencies in their first year. Those students who don’t test well would be required to take basic skills courses and nothing else, despite the fact that basic skills courses are already filled past capacity. Students would also have to declare a major by their third semester. Karen Saginor said community colleges should have “contextualized learning,” which would give students the option of “taking different classes so you yourself can determine what you want to do.” Questionable Incentives Recommendation 8.3 claims to promote flexibility and innovation in basic skills through an alternative funding mechanism. It seeks to better-fund colleges that show better testing results. “Faculty have consistently expressed concerns about
incentivized funding impacting academic standards since the institutions would be rewarded by moving students through the college curriculum, creating a potential conflict of interest,” said Monterey Peninsula College President Douglas Garrison. “In fact, several of the current recommendations outline a form of outcomes-based funding without examination of whether outcomes-based funding should ever be implemented,” he said. This creates questions about the Task Force’s motivations. The Lumina Foundation is one of the key supporters of the Task Force, despite — or maybe because of — a major conflict of interest: prior experience in the student loan industry. The student loan industry is well known for fleecing students using high interest rates, and according to an investigative report by AllBusiness.com, 10 out of 14 of Lumina’s board members have prior ties to that industry. Ultimately, the Task Force recommendations are not in the best interests of students, faculty, or anyone connected with community colleges. The recommendations will ration education by taking it away from the poor, people of color, immigrants, older adults, parents, and working class citizens. They redefine the word “success” to mean something entirely different from the mission that community colleges currently endorse. email: news@theguardsman.com
News
8 | December 6 2011 | The Guardsman & TheGuardsman.com
City College students defy Student Suc The Lifelong Student Diamond Dave
feet “Diamond” Dave Whitaker couldn’t walk a few On his way to an Associated Student meeting, g distracted. down the hall of the Student Union without gettin ers and a ragged knitted hat on top of a full head p Wearing a faded flannel shirt, blue jeans, hi-to sneak or nt was either talking politics with his classmates of unkempt hair, the 74-year-old City College stude ing hand lder, A student gently pats Whitaker on the shou stopping to give a paternal hug to a young lady. sugars. him a cup of coffee with a shot of espresso and three us. He is a revered and iconic figure here on camp ss might soon come to an end — if the Student Succe But Whitaker knows his 6-year-run at City College Task Force gets its way. aul the community college system by prioritizing The Task Force is recommending legislation to overh incentives to help streamline this process. transfer students and leveraging state funding as ved educational plan and no desire for transfer, A senior citizen on Social Security, with no appro deems a “successful student.” Whitaker doesn’t fit the mold of what the Task Force or ge the community colleges into junior colleges “These recommendations would essentially chan older be will ges who will be hurt the most by these chan 2-year transfer schools,” said Whitaker. “Those people, single mothers and returning students.” mic and social stability, state administrators often As the state budget crisis continues to threaten econo oyees, ng, increasing tuition fees and downsizing empl look to public higher education. By slashing fundi the state tries to balance the budget deficit. are fees make it difficult to attend college. And jobs But budget cuts and increased tuition and parking or loyed remp 11.5 percent, and that’s not counting unde hard to come by. California unemployment is at underpaid workers. to get better?” asks Whitaker. “Why should we be “Does the Task Force really believe things are going ’t exist?” speeding students through college to a job that doesn , the community and education is for the individual for is For people like Whitaker, community college and both contribute to a higher quality of life. of ,” said Whitaker. “I hope to share my many years “City College is my micro world — my community experience.” ations of an Associated Student senator, Whitaker When he’s not taking classes or fulfilling the oblig py San Francisco or reading poetry at a local café. spends his free time staffing the info desk at Occu Task Force does get its way. Whitaker said he’s not worried about himself if the said. he “I’m flexible. I’ll be doing just fine regardless,” (Brian Rinker) What about the rest of us?
BRIAN RINKER / THE GUARDSMAN
The Part-Time Student Elizabeth Rodriguez
UARDSMAN
ALA / THE G VALERIE AY
The Student Success Task Force claims in section 3.3 that full-time students are more likely achieve their goals. While they pretend to acknowledge that situations may prevent students from attending full time; their recommendations are all geared towards incentivizing students into attending school full time. For part-time City College student Elizabeth Rodriguez, 19, this could push her to take on more classes than she can handle. Rodriguez started taking classes at City College this summer shortly after graduating from Metropolitan Arts and Technology High School, a free college preparatory charter school in Bayview-Hunter’s Point, but still felt unprepared for the work in her classes. For now she is focusing on improving her English and math skills. She will continue taking classes part time next semester, including English 92 in preparation for Psychology 1, a class she really wants to take. “I wanna learn more about how the brain works and how people think,” said Rodriguez. “I like helping people and I feel in that career [psychology] I can do that.” She hopes to transfer to SF State and pursue a degree, but it will probably take more time than the Task Force’s recommendations would allow, potentially affecting her financial aid. On top of work schedules and family obligations preventing them from enrolling full time, many students also find that introductory courses are impacted and hard to get into. This also increases the time a student may be at City College. Luckily, Rodriguez had priority registration, but she witnessed the frenzy in August as many other students clamored to score a last-minute seat in her beginning math class. “I saw a lot of people sitting there on the floor trying to get that class the [first] day of [the semester],” said Rodriguez. People continued scrambling for a spot in the class for the next two weeks. Rodriguez might take longer than the the Task Force would like, but she is focused. (Sara Bloomberg)
TAPE GRAPHICS COURTESY OF STOCK XCHNG / WWW.SXC.HU
News
The Guardsman & TheGuardsman.com | December 6, 2011 | 9
ccesss Task Force’s definition of success We have taken exceprts of student stories from the California Community College Success Stories Facebook page. “Like” the page to support California Community Colleges against the Task Force.
SARA BLOOMBERG / THE GUARDSMAN
Looking to Update to his Education Glen Peckman
BRIAN RINKER / THE GUARDSMAN
to constantly update Professionals in all fields are finding they need oyers, but under section their skills in order to remain desirable to empl t it may become harder for 4.1 of the Student Success Task Force draft repor their needs. people to obtain the certificate that would best meet ersity and 30 years of With a degree in fine arts from Washington Univ an, 54, decided it Peckm experience as a successful textile designer, Glen was time for a career change. enrolled this semesA resident of San Francisco for 20 years, Peckman s of Adobe CS5, basic the ter in an introductory graphic design class to learn Flash. and rator a software package that includes Photoshop, Illust of people are lot a think “Because of the way the economy has been, I on his own ting reflec an, in situations that they never expected,” said Peckm experience. to lose many indeHe explained that as the economy tanked, he began luate his options. reeva to pendent contracts from big clients, forcing him his 15-year-old for ding He was worried not only for himself but about provi daughter Georgia as well. seriously considering This semester, he is only taking one class but is e. However, he may futur pursuing a graphic design certificate in the near own. take next semester off to explore the field on his major, and has no plan to am progr a in led enrol not has an But Peckm ted, he would be required transfer, so if the Task Force’s proposals are adop to pay out-of-state tuition for his classes. in certain ways in “For someone like myself who has all this experience would be good.” away working creatively, I don’t know if another class right Whatever it is, n. catio Then he added, “I am considering maybe some certifi n or digital desig ic graph as it would be on a more artistic kinda thing,” such . skills ble illustration, both highly-creative and highly-marketa first, but has come to He was uncertain about attending City College at appreciate what the school offers. s to be offering a “I’m pretty impressed [with City College]. It seem in light of the even es, diverse array of courses and certifications and degre berg) economy and budget concerns,” he said. (Sara Bloom
The Undeclared Major Jason Cohen
Jason Cohen returned to City College last spring after a 15-year hiatus. According to recommendations from the Student Success Task Force, because Cohen has not declared a major, he may be required to pay out-of-state fees even though he is a California resident. Recommendations 2.2 and 2.4 would require incoming students to participate in a diagnostic assessment and orientation and also develop an educational plan. Additionally, those students who have not chosen a major or are not enrolled in a transfer or certificate program would have to pay out-of-state fees. As will students taking classes out of their declared major. Originally from Philadelphia, Cohen had to pay out-of-state fees during his first semester at City College. He gained California residency as soon as possible, saying “I became a state student because I knew tuition would be cheaper.” In-state enrollment fees are currently at a relatively low $36 per unit, while nonCalifornia residents pay an additional tuition of $187 per unit, on top of the $36 enrollment fee. “It’s easy to just take a class here to ease myself into the process of things,” said Cohen. “I probably wouldn’t take a class if I had to pay out-of-state tuition again.” He said that 15 years ago he was allowed to take one class at a time. If the Task Force had been in effect back then, he would have been required to develop an educational plan, making taking one class at a time would not possible. Hundreds of students come to City College without declaring a major. They enroll in classes based on their interests, using that period of exploration to figure out what they’re truly passionate about and what their careers should be. According to the recommendations, priority enrollment will only be given to those who have chosen a major, and then only for classes within that major. Although Cohen has not yet declared a major, he plans to pursue a degree in English, and is taking personal enrichment classes in art while he prepares for transfer to a four-year university. But if the Task Force recommendations were in effect, Cohen, having declared English as his major, would have to pay out-of state tuition for his art classes. The Task Force declares that they’re making these changes to ensure student success, but their definition of success is very narrow: a quick exit from the community college system. “I didn’t go to college for a long time,” Cohen says. “I’m just excited to be back in school. Success for me is just to be in school.” (Lulu Orozco)
News
10 | December 6 2011 | The Guardsman & TheGuardsman.com
California groups talk Task Force troubles There is no consistent and dedicated enforcement mechanism established to make the recommendations feasible. There is no clear source identified for the substantial increase in funding which would be needed to implement these recommendations. There is a hope that the legislators would provide additional funding, but in these hard economic times, it seems nearly impossible. A highly volatile definition of “student success” as defined by this group does not meet the same definition that many within the community colleges believe to be the most acceptable. Community College Association Official Feedback Regarding Student Success Task Force http://www.ccsf.edu/Organizations/Academic_Senate/CCAFeedbackTFSSRecommendations.pdf
In my first reading of this draft, I found it very telling that the Introduction starts with a story about a new student coming to college for the first time, unsure of her direction for her life and her career, and progressing smoothly along a path towards an AA degree and transfer. I thought, “That’s one of our students, but where are all the others? Where are the veterans, the new immigrants? Where are our working parents seeking opportunity for advancement in their jobs through skill centered evening classes? Where are the students whose progress is not so linear, and who inspire us with their dedication to learning through the various hazards of life.” A high percentage of the people who live in our communities and learn at City College were absent from the limited vision of those who crafted the recommendations. If these recommendations are adopted, many of them will disappear from our community colleges.
Karen Saginor, Academic Senate President http://www.ccsf.edu/Organizations/Academic_Senate/TFSSMemo.pdf
There are also SSTF recommendations that do relate to student success but that we believe are impractical – because they require resources unlikely to be available and/or because they are built upon unrealistic assessments of the capacity of modern technology to perform functions or provide guidance that can only be effectively provided by faculty and staff.
Carl Friedlander, President, The Community College Council of the California Federation of Teachers http://www.ccsf.edu/Organizations/Academic_Senate/CCCCFT_Response.pdf Older Californians have paid taxes their entire life. In fact, it is California’s older adults who envisioned and funded California’s world class system of public higher education. Older adults are a vital and integral part of California’s population. To prioritize them out of the California Community colleges takes us in the wrong direction.
Ernie Powell Manager of Advocacy AARP California Sate Office http://www.ccsf.edu/Organizations/Academic_Senate/AARP_Response.pdf
Join the fight: Email or call the Task Force and CA representatives Selected Task Force Members
California Community College Chancellor Jack Scott Through assistant Faye James: fjames@cccco.edu
More can be found in resources at ccsf.edu/academicsenate
Dr. David Morse, English Professor Long Beach City College 4901 E. Carson St. Long Beach, CA 90808 (562) 938-4458 email: dmorse@lbcc.edu
Governor Jerry Brown Email: http://govnews.ca.gov/gov39mail/ mail.php
Dr. Melinda Nish, President, CCCCIO Executive Board Vice President, Instruction, Orange Coast College 2701 Fairview Road Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 432-5015 email: mnish@occ.cccd.edu Dr. Jane Patton, Past President Academic Senate 555 Capitol Mall, Suite 525 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 445-4753 (916) 323-9867 email: jane_patton@wvm.edu
Fight against the Task Force online:
Dr. Jeannette Mann, President California Community College Trustees Member, Board of Trustees Pasadena Area Community College District 2195 E. Orange Grove Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91104 (626) 585-7202 (626) 797-0307 (Residence) emai: jxmann@earthlink.net Dr. Ted Mitchell, President President and CEO New Schools Venture Fund 9 Stevenson, Suite 575 San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 615-6860 (415) 615-6861 Fax email: tmitchell@newschools.org
Assembly Member Tom Ammiano 13 455 Golden Gate Avenue Suite 14300 San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 557-3013
Assembly Member Fiona Ma 12 455 Golden Gate Avenue Suite 14600 San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 557-2312
State Capitol Room 4005 Sacramento, CA 94249-0013 (916)319-2013
State Capitol Room 3173 Sacramento, CA 94249-0012 (916) 319-2012
Sentaor Leeland Yee 400 S. El Camino Real Suite 630 San Mateo, CA 94402 (650) 340-8840
Senator Mark Leno 03 455 Golden Gate Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 557-1300
08 455 Golden Gate Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 557-7857
State Capitol Sacramento, CA 94248-0001 (916) 651-4003
State Capitol Sacramento, CA 94248-0001 (916) 651-4008
3501 Civic Center Drive Suite 425 San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 479-6612
Sign a petition against the Task Force:
Vote no on Task Force recommendations with your Facebook account!
Support the movement against the Task Force on Facebook:
http://tinyurl.com/c3aj4kc
http://studentsuccess.ideascale.com/
http://tinyurl.com/c4y7lle
CULTURE
The Guardsman & TheGuardsman.com | December 6, 2011 | 11
Handprinted posters are colorful memories of San Francisco concerts By Lulu Orozco THE GUARDSMAN
BETH LABERGE / THE GUARDSMAN
Alison Ruthbarry (right), Poetry Editor of the City College Forum Magazine, reads to a literary crowd at Brainwash Cafe in San Francisco on Nov 20.
“Forum” student magazine invigorates passion for literature By Lulu Orozco THE GUARDSMAN
Forum, the City College literary magazine, hosted an open mic reading at the Brainwash Cafe on Nov. 20. Students from the literary magazine class came together for a reading of new and favorite writing samples that included short stories, poetry and essays. The open mic literary reading was an uncensored event. There were no time restrictions for any individual readers, and authors were free to read whatever they wanted, in any style they felt appropriate. With this open format the readings ranged from those in a loud, soulful rasping voice, a sad melancholy tone, a free-style rap to a shy, yet powerful voice tuned up a notch. No single theme dominated the night and the stories told ranged from those of zombies and tragic Muni-bus rides, heartbreaks and birthday cakes, to a child’s conversation with his father on imagination versus reality. “An open-mic can be excruciating, you have to respect your audience and try not to bore them, although I didn’t try to read anything too risky,” said poetry editor Alison Ruth Barry. Barry read a nonfiction piece and two poems, including one politely titled, “Hot Skins,” that fired up the risqué in her listeners’ imaginations. She ended her reading with a debut piece on bittersweet thoughts of past loves. One reader spontaneously took the stage and performed an ad-lib style flow that expressed his feelings on matters of creativity,
hidden fear and self expression. “Let your creativity flow, get over your inhibitions and shine,” was Ra-Ta Khensu-Ra’s message to the audience. Every reader brought a different kind of force to the stage. They reminded their listeners that the passion for literary journals and books is not dead. It is still manifested by these literary magazine students reading and writing on a winter Sunday night so their voices are shared and heard in the community. Forum Magazine Resurrected The Forum magazine at City College was first established in 1937 and has maintained its tradition of having the entire magazine run by and for students. “Literary magazines are vital, it’s amazing to see the expressions
“Since we’ve revived the
magazine and class, we have always let the students run the magazine.”
-Advisor Jennifer Brych
of the students and staff when they get their hands on a copy of the magazine and see their work published inside,” said creative writing instructor and literary magazine advisor Jennifer Brych. The literary magazine class fell by the wayside a few years ago — abandoned and given little attention by students. But a few years ago it began to make its comeback and has been resurrected once more at City College. “Certain groups bring in different talents and interests,” said professor John Isles, instructor for the Literary Magazine
class. “When they bring this talent to class and to the magazine it becomes a big push.” This semester alone Forum has organized three open mic readings at local San Francisco cafes in the Mission district and SOMA, such as Kaleidoscope, Cafe la Boheme and the Brainwash Cafe. “Since we’ve revived the magazine and class, we have always let the students run the magazine. They choose and edit all of the content, and students in the graphics department do the layout,” said Brych. Since its birth the Forum magazine has had an open submission policy, accepting the many voices of City College students, alumni, faculty and staff. The spotlight is also shared with some of the most influential members of the Bay Area literary community of writers and artists, people such as Benjamin Bac Sierra and Alan Kaufman. Although students are only permitted to take the class a maximum of three times for school credit, they are encouraged to remain a part of Forum magazine and continue on as club members. Forum is accepting submissions for spring 2011 — the next issue — by email at citylitjournal@gmail.com or by U.S. mail to Jen Sullivan Brych, English Department, 50 Phelan Avenue, SF CA 94112. The Literary Magazine class, English 14, is also open for students next semester. The magazine contributors also intermittently maintain a blog page at forumccsf.wordpress. com. email: gorozco@theguardsman.com
The San Francisco Public Library is currently displaying a new collection of concert posters in its Art, Music & Recreation Center Exhibit Space. The exhibit, “High Volume: Rock Art from the Chuck Sperry Archive and Firehouse Goldenvoice Poster Series,” includes over 100 limited edition, handprinted rock art posters designed by Chuck Sperry and other local poster artists. The exhibition is free and on display through Jan. 6, 2012. San Francisco artist and Firehouse Kustom Rockart Company co-owner Sperry donated the series to the library’s Art, Music and Recreation Department in early 2011. The poster archive highlights music performances at the Regency and Warfield theaters in San Francisco from 2008 to present, as well as posters from selected Firehouse-related cultural events throughout the city. Rock concert poster art was once seen everywhere in San Francisco throughout the 1960’s — the high period of the pre-punk, rock and hippie eras — according to Sperry and Firehouse co-owner Ron Donovan. Rock poster art or “gig art” were displayed all over town, in record stores and at rock venues. The posters were collectible and a “must-have” memorabilia of a show, creating a concert-goers gallery of event history proudly displayed on apartment walls. The 1960’s art of creating concert posters has become a modern tradition in the Bay Area and continues with poster artists working with today’s bands. “I try to gear everything towards the band when designing a poster, I want the audience
to feel and see the band,” said Gregg Gordon, a Bay Area artist who contributed to the Hank III poster series under the art direction of Sperry. Bands such as Nick Cave, Phoenix, Marilyn Manson, Bad Religion, Prodigy, Black Keys and Manu Chao all have one thing in common, they represent the music history and live performance archive of San Francisco through their rock art posters. “It’s great that we have the collection here because they reserve a certain Bay Area aesthetic,” said Jason Gibbs, a librarian at the San Francisco Public Library. Each poster in the collection is made up of sixteen or more colors applied as individual layers on a silkscreen making this collection unique for it’s hand-printed technique. The collection is a huge palette of colors and styles: beautiful silhouettes of vibrant women, Japanese nishiki-e wood block style, Austrian Expressionism, punk rock chaos and the famous 1960’s psychedelia style with graceful lettering in loops and swirls. “Sperry and his print house have been doing this for at least 20 years,” said Gretchen Good, a librarian at the San Francisco Public Library. “He’s become the fabric of my music venue experience since I’ve lived in San Francisco.” Concert venues like The Fillmore, which still gives away free gig posters for sold out shows, and stores like Amoeba Records, continue to exhibit more than 20 years of historical art rock posters. Some are even for sale. The Rock Poster Society also presents an annual exhibition in San Francisco of contemporary and historical work. email: gorozco@theguardsman.com
BONNIE EVA CHAN / THE GUARDSMAN
High Volume, an exhibit of archival limited-edition rock posters by Chuck Sperry, displays at the San Francisco Public Library on Nov. 9. This is the library’s first exhibit that can be viewed from all sides of the main atrium, as the hanging poster displays are doublesided.
Culture
12 | December 6 2011 | The Guardsman & TheGuardsman.com
Fun Reading for the Winter Break:
Book Recommendations from Artists, Authors, Librarians and Bloggers By Rachael Garcia, Peter Hernandez, Catherine Lee, and Lulu Orozco THE GUARDSMAN
You Are Not a Gadget: A Manifesto by Jaron Lanier, 2010 “Interesting humanist critique of technology and Facebook from the man who is described as ‘the father of virtual reality.’ He’s a high school dropout who teaches at UC Berkeley. He’s a smart and unconventional man. I just bought a used copy of the book and I’m planning on reading it more thoroughly this winter break,” says Nancy Elliott, City College Art Gallery Coordinator and art department instructor, former Exhibitions Director at Richmond Art Center, and internationally exhibited artist. Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan & Cacilda Jetha, 2010 “Go ahead, let the married couple convince you that humans have evolved to be monogamous. They turn the current (sexist, puritan) narrative about human sexuality on its head,” says Amy, a Booksmith bookstore employee (Haight Street). The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, 2010 This is the compelling true story of medicine and cell therapy which pivots around race, class, ethics and history. It’s a whirlwind story about the first cell contributor, Henrietta Lacks, and her descendants who can’t afford health insurance. The book is recommended by Joao Barretto, who is a City College Friends of the Library Board member, and Rosenberg Acquisitions Librarian and Coordinator of Collection Development. Jesus Hopped the A Train by Stephen Adly Guirgis, premiered 2000 “I suggest any play by Stephen Adly Guirgis. He is the hottest playwright in New York. His play ‘The Motherf**ker With the Hat’ just won raves. He’s contemporary, moving, a man not afraid to use words and passions — his characters are filled with heart juxtaposed with incredible stories,” says Susan Jackson, City College theater instructor, playwright, and stage director. The Little Flower of East Orange by Stephen Adly Guirgis, premiered 2011 Stone Cold Dead Serious by Stephen Adly Guirgis, premiered 2002 Zeitoun by Dave Eggers, 2010 “You may know Eggers, a Bay Area writer, from his writing workshop for kids on Valencia. This book is nonfiction, a true story about a Syrian-American family who lives in New Orleans. When the order to evacuate during Hurricane Katrina came, Zeitoun sent his family away, but he decided to stay to watch his property and to take care of his clients. Eggers shows the aftermath of this decision. It’s a very readable book, one I have recommended to a lot of friends, who always thank me,” says Deanne Spears of City College’s English department, and author of a reading textbook. Sleepwalking in Paradise by Andrew O. Dugas, 2011 Available online only: http://www.scribd.com/doc/53099887/Sleepwalking-in-Paradise “Set in San Francisco & Berkeley, ‘Sleepwalking in Paradise’ is like a magical-realist ‘Tales of the City’ — a lovely tribute to the communities of found friends that make up much of family life in San Francisco,” says Gravity Goldberg, author, founder and editor of literary magazine “Instant City,” Public Programs Manager at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, former Litquake Festival Coordinator, and City College Creative Writing instructor. Culture of Narcissism: American Life in a Time of Diminishing Expectations by Christopher Lasch, 1979 “I bump into it as a reference when I’m reading about politicians, the literature of David Foster Wallace, reality TV shows, and more. Here’s one chapter title: ‘The Banality of Pseudo-Self Awareness: Theatrics of Politics and Everyday Existence.’ Can’t wait to sink my teeth into this and have a better understanding of contemporary American culture,” says Nancy Elliott, City College arts instructor. Ghost Wave: The Discovery of Cortes Bank and the Biggest Wave on Earth by Chris Dixon, 2011 “It’s a nonfiction book with an extreme sports angle. It also features the thorough application of the marine sciences, geography, meteorology, history and human psychology to understanding the physical features of our planet and the people who are drawn to it — like the early indigenous peoples of the western coast of North America, commercial fishers, the U.S. Navy, and very serious surfers looking to ride gigantic, life-threatening waves,” says Matt Duckworth of City College’s English department, book reviewer, and arts blogger.
Ways of Seeing by John Berger, 1972 “It’s an oldie but a goody. It relates to the arts, cognitive psychology, politics and ethics, media/visual literacy, and eases the reader into the principles of deconstruction and its relevance. A thin book but powerful book. You can also watch the corresponding BBC program on YouTube,” says Nancy Elliott, City College Arts Instructor.
These books can be found at San Francisco City College’s Rosenberg Library or the San Francisco Public Library. Looking for an affordable bookstore? Help out the City College libraries: Try the Friends Of The CCSF Library Bookstore at the Ocean Campus 4th Floor - Rosenberg Library, Room 404 Bookstore Hour for Fall, 2011: Tuesday/Thursday: 10am to 3:30pm Wednesday: 8am to 12noon Bookstore Phone: (415) 452-5461
BOOK COVERS COMPILED FROM AUTHOR’S WEBSITES
Culture
The Guardsman & TheGuardsman.com | December 6, 2011 | 13
Gaming artists pioneers in industry By Gary Jay THE GUARDSMAN
Electronic gaming has come a long way since the days of Atari. What used to be the work of high school nerds and garage programmers has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry that employs hundreds of thousands of programmers, designers, technicians, artists, actors, musicians, composers, and testers from around the globe to create works of interactive wonder. However, the designers and graphic artists who contribute the most to the development of these successful projects rarely receive proper credit for their effort. While the general public may know the titles, the franchises and maybe even a few developers, the true conceptual artists are often overlooked. Gaming artist Jason Felix is one of those individuals. For the past decade he has worked in the field using digital and traditional methods to create concepts for the best-selling Starcraft and Dead Space franchises. He has also had a profound impact in shaping the games’ visual development from character and item designs to background environments, yet he is virtually unknown to many of the games biggest fans. In addition to lack of recognition, gaming developers also face the possibility of their work perpetually being stuck in development and never actually being released. Felix was the lead concept artist for Starcraft Ghost which has surpassed Duke Nukem Forever as the longest game in development limbo. “I would love to see the project finished,” said Felix “as there is nothing more frustrating to me than to work on a project only to see it get the axe.”
Another challenge for modern game designers is that they must not only be excellent artists but also excellent computer engineers, which was not expected of early developers. “We would hire people who had absolutely no computer experience at all,” said Castle. “For a while we were running an ad in the paper asking for any artist who had ten years of painting and illustration, minimum, and had computer graphics experience.” As the industry has grown the
development process has changed, and most gaming artists are now freelance contractors who work on several games simultaneously for companies of various sizes. Although this allows them the freedom to work on many projects, it also limits their ability to ensure a finished product. Even the games that are eventually released rarely give appropriate credit to the developers whose hard work supports the entire industry. email: gjay@theguardsman.com
ART BY REBECCA C. HEALY / COURTESY OF GRACE POOL
Grace Pool’s album cover highlights youthful imagery with a soft palette of pastels and features his handwriting with a portrait by Rebecca C. Healy.
Student Profile and Music Review
Peter Hernandez is Grace Pool: a solo musical artist By Rachael Garcia THE GUARDSMAN
JASON FELIX / PUBLIC DOMAIN
Concept piece that Jason Felix illustrated for Starcraft Ghost, between 2001 - 2004.
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that is trying, experimenting, and sounding fantastic.” He’s been making music since he was 15-years-old and started Grace Pool as his newest project in January of 2011. When he first started experimenting with music he said he used to sit under his friend’s Magnolia tree protesting the Bush administration, saying, “This is Peter Hernandez in the studio,” with a bit of snickering into his tape recorder. He still uses that tape recorder. The newly-released eight songs by Grace Pool are online at grace-pool.tumblr.com and the album is $5 at bandcamp.com, which is linked through the same eye-catching blog. The site also has Grace Pool music videos shot in Bernal Heights and the Mission District. The high production values and conceptual visuals give you one of those nice nostalgic feelings that makes you want to go run through a forest. Grace Pool will be performing at Haus Coffee in the Mission district on Dec. 11. With its electronic and upbeat yet personalized sound, Grace Pool is definitely something to be checked out.
Peter Hernandez, 21, is a City College journalism student and Mission district resident with a passion for music. His solo experimental band Grace Pool has released its first full-length album, “Fruits of Earth.” Hernandez describes Grace Pool as “the confrontation of societal expectations and one’s uncertainty through verse, graphic design, typography, and music.” “It is youthful romance as explored through a multiinstrument and genre approach to songwriting that defies any particular time or preconceived sound,” he said. Grace Pool’s sound is inspired by 1980s New Wave bands like The The and by some of today’s experimental electronic music like Caribou and Planningtorock as well as the vocal and guitar progressions of independent rock music, such as that of the Dirty Projectors. “I’m trying to take the genres I like, then blend them together and produce something new,” he said. In addition, Hernandez gets inspiration from “the seasons email: rgarcia@theguardsman.com and my intense feelings regarding love and growth.” His past romances can be seen through his songs and verses which he uses to “capture moments or emotions in a certain time.” Hernandez appreciates the reemergence of the saxophone. He’s been hearing it recently in When: Sunday December 11, commercial and inde2011 8pm - 9pm pendent music. “It’s Where: Haus Coffee, 3085 24th something univerSt. at Folsom, sal, reconstructed San Francisco from the past. I think Free, no reservations required that’s fantastic, so I try to adapt that as well in my music,” he said. “But generally, I just like music
If you go:
14 | December 6 2011 | The Guardsman & TheGuardsman.com
SPORTS
NORCAL CHAMPIONSHIP MULTIMEDIA COVERAGE Read our online exclusive coverage on the football championship game vs. Mt. San Antonio after Dec. 10. http://theguardsman.com/category/sports/
ALISA MARIE OROZCO/ THE GUARDSMAN
Caleb Holley #81 breaks free down the sideline for a 71-yard touchdown against Fresno City College on Nov. 26. Holley caught four touchdowns and accumulated 129 yards in the 57-13 win.
STATE REMATCH GRANTED
City College awaits Mt. San Antonio in state title game for the second straight year after blowout win in NorCal Championship Rams 57, Fresno 13 By Ryan Kuhn THE GUARDSMAN
Sophomore wide receiver Caleb Holley entered the Northern California Championship game with just four touchdown receptions for the season. By the time the game was over he had doubled his total. Holley’s career-high of four touchdown receptions and 126 yards receiving was just a part of City College’s display against Fresno City College as the Ram’s offense carried them to a 57-13 win on Nov. 26. “Caleb played great,” said his quarterback Turner Baty. “He’s always in my ear saying, ‘give me the ball.’ He is one of the best receivers I have ever thrown to.” Baty also finished with a career-high of seven touchdown passes propelling him to 30 touchdown passes for the season. He ended the game with 386 yards passing as well. He said his performance was something he enjoyed, but had some help from his teammates
around him. “I was not on the ground once,” Baty said. “My [offensive] line played their butts off and I was able to go through my reads. It was a lot of fun.” City College started the game with four of Baty’s touchdowns being thrown in the first quarter. After a quick rushing touchdown by Fresno to start off the second, Baty found Desmond Epps and Holley for a fourth time to extend the lead, 43-7. “It was the best half of football we have played all season,” said head coach George Rush. “Our defense played lights out, our offense played great, our special teams were outstanding, it was a real team effort.” With a pair of touchdowns including one final catch for Holley and a 24-yard run by Epps in the third quarter, City College now turns their attention to their next goal, the state championship. For the second straight year, City College will face Southern California champion Mt. San Antonio, who handed them their
only loss last season, 34-7, in the 2010 championship game. Holley was a freshman player last year and still takes that loss to heart. “We remember last year and it hurt us,” Holley said. “Right now we have a chip on our shoulder so we need to play with more intensity like we did [against Fresno.]” Rush said is it rare to have this opportunity to set up a rematch. “We have been waiting a year to play them again and we get the chance,” Rush said. “For both teams it says a lot about the quality of the teams and the players. I”m sure they will be revved up and we will be all revved up too. We’ll see what happens.” The game will be played Dec. 10 at Rams Stadium at 1 p.m.
Check out live radio coverage of the State Championship on KCSF Radio 90.9 FM or steam it online on the free smartphone app “Tune to Radio.”
MATTHEW FUNG/ THE GUARDSMAN
CCCAA Football State Championship Game City College of San Francisco (11-0) vs. Mt. San Antonio College (11-1) Dec 10, 1 p.m. at Rams Stadium
About the Mounties: Mt. San Antonio is going for their third straight state championship after defeating College of San Mateo in 2009 and City College last year. With its only loss coming to Riverside on Sept 24, Mt. SAC is led by sophomore quaterback Cameron Dean that comes in with over 2600 yards passing, and 21 touchdown passes.
Sports
The Guardsman & TheGuardsman.com | December 6, 2011 | 15
Basketball continues season on winning path By Sam Diaz CONTRIBUTING WRITER
yb fuck m alls
Ryan Kuhn’s thoughts on sports, shenanigans, and ways of life... but mostly just sports.
Last words on Rams athletics after two very long years So long and farewell. After 24 issues (26 if you count the two state championship special editions that were published) I am moving on to continue my education in sports journalism. During my time here I have written about bandwagon fans, the stupidity of BYU’s honor code, bashing ESPN, collegiate athletes and covered four state championships. So the question is: now what the hell do I write about? I could rant about Jerry Sandusky but I don’t want to scare children if they accidently read this column. I could take a shot at Mike Vick but ESPN covers football way too much so if you want football, go to espn.com. I could write about the return about the NBA but do people care about the NBA? I know I don’t. Since this will be the last column I will write in a community college newspaper I might as well keep it community college related. While I have been covering community college athletics for the past God knows how many years, there are many great things that can be said about athletic programs (with the exception of Penn State, they are just totally screwed for eternity). Community college athletics
gives student athletes the opportunity to play at a competitive level– and similar to actual classes, these athletic programs are just stepping stones for athletes to reach the next level. Here at City College, many athletes have moved on to the next stage of their career like Green Bay Packers linebacker Desmond Bishop and UCLA shooting guard De’End Parker. City College also offers very good sports events to attend but it is a shame because no one goes. Now I am not saying drive 40 miles to see City College’s basketball team play San Jose City College in an exhibition game but if you are on campus and hear some noise in the gym, take a look. To this day, the best college basketball game I have ever seen live was a City College game. Maybe since I was raised a UCLA basketball fan I have a lot of respect for tradition but here at City College, the Rams have proved they have a tradition that excels with most of their teams. Since 1935, their soccer, basketball, football, and badminton all have been called state champions. I have seen the football team score 29 points in a single quarter, the women’s soccer team turn their program completely around and a softball team that even
though they finished with a losing season in 2010, the program was brought back. And I sincerely hope that the administration appreciates all the hard work these coaches and players have put in to make the department the way it is. Finally, sports are my passion and I have no clue what I would have become without them. Whether it is professional sports, college or even high school, sports have everything you need. There is drama, action and comedy. Ever since I was a young boy I wanted to be on the court or field and I guess in someway my dream came true because even though I am not a part of a team I am just as close to the action. I’d personally like to thank every community college athlete and coach I have come across over the years that I have interviewed and written about. My job is to tell a story and whether you like them or not I try to tell them to the best of my ability. I hope that I have told your story throughout the years but as the sun sets I have to walk away from my seat. My seat, from the bleachers. Email: rkuhn@theguardsman.com
The City College basketball teams have started their 20112012 seasons in a dissimilar matter. Women’s basketball is 8-0 this season winning the Sierra Tournament as they defeated Lassen, Ohlone, host Sierra and finally De Anza in the finals, 69-42. Chiarra Duncan-Perry was a big factor in the game scoring 14 points and eight rebounds with five of them being offensive rebounds. “We feel good, we been playing well and just want to continue to improve,” said head coach Jamie Hayes. The Rams look to take their undefeated record to the Caren Franci Invitational against Feather River Dec. 9 before they return home to host the Golden Gate Classic on Dec. 16. The men’s team has been far from consistent. After loosing in the championship game in the Tip-Off
Tournament to Santa Rosa Junior College, the Rams lost another championship game to Fresno City College who they defeated just weeks prior at the Tip-Off Tournament. Head coach Justin LaBagh was disapointed with his team’s performance. “Individually were not going to beat no one, were only going to beat teams if were on the same page, and were not there yet,” LaBagh said. Despite loosing some previous big games, the Rams came out poised and determined in their game against Hartnell, beating them, 93-68. Jarod Tilman’s performance in the second half really helped the Rams rise above the Panthers to get the win. He was able to collect a steal, block, assist, rebound and score a few baskets in the opening minuets of the second half to create a demanding lead. In their next game will travel to face San Jose City College on Dec 9. Email: sports@theguardsman.com
STEPHEN HERALDO/ THE GUARDSMAN
Ivan Dorsey #3 takes the ball to the rim uncontested against Fresno State on Nov. 11. Dorsey ignited the crowd with timely second half baskets
Upcoming Games Men’s Basketball
Follow The Guardsman on Facebook for online news updates facebook.com/pages/the-guardsman/21243028140
Fri-Sun Dec 8-10 @ SJCC Tourney TBA
Fri-Sun Dec 16-18 @ Delta Tourney TBA
Wed, Dec 28 @ Gavilan 4 p.m.
Fri, Dec 30 vs.Delta 5 p.m.
Wed, Jan 4 vs. Cañada 7 p.m.
Fri-Sun Dec 28-30 @ De Anza Tourney TBA
Wed, Jan 4 vs. San Mateo 5 p.m.
Women’s Basketball Fri-Sun Dec 8-10 @ SRJC Tourney TBA
Fri-Sun Dec 16-18 vs. GG Classic TBA
Thurs, Dec 22 @ Ohlone 5 p.m.
16 | December 6 2011 | The Guardsman & TheGuardsman.com
SPORTS
ROAD TO SACRAMENTO For in-depth playoff coverage on men’s and women’s soccer programs and their journeys to the Final Four state semi-finals. http://theguardsman.com/category/sports/
SOCCER SWEPT AT STATE FINAL FOUR CLARIVEL FONG / THE GUARDSMAN
CLARIVEL FONG / THE GUARDSMAN
Members of the men’s soccer team look disapointed when they lost in the State Semifinals againist Mt. San Antonio College, 2-0 on Dec. 2 at Consumnes River College in Sacramento.
The Women’s soccer team walks over to shake the hands of Santiago Canyon College in their State Semifinal game played at Consumnes River College on Dec. 2.
Men’s team shut out in first First half deficit spells end of ever appearance in semifinals the season for City College Rams 0, Mt. San Antonio 2 By Taylor Clayton THE GUARDSMAN
SACRAMENTO, Calif.– Players put their heart and soul into each season, never wanting it to end, but for the 2011 men’s soccer team, their season ended abruptly, just one game away from playing in the state championship. In a statewide Final Four match against Mt. San Antonio on Dec. 2, City College was shut out, 2-0, for only the second time all season. “Sometimes it’s hard to admit but I think (Mt. San Antonio) is just better than us,” said Rams head coach Adam Lucarelli. “They are the No. 1 team in the state, No. 1 team in the nation. They won back-to-back two years and it shows. Our guys fought hard, gained a lot of experience, but I think at the end of the day we just came up short, playing against a team a little better than us.” City College was just about even with Mt. San Antonio for most of the first half, having two shots on goal to the Mounties’ three until the 34th minute, when the Rams’ leading goal scorer Jamie Barragan was carried off the field. He was diagnosed with a concussion after taking a hit to his temple. “Unfortunately I couldn’t go back in,” Barragan said. “I tried my best, the trainer evaluated me, wouldn’t let me go back in. I respected his decision.” Barragan was tied on the team with six goals this season. “I think that in itself took a lot of wind out of our sails,” Lucarelli said. “That kind of hurt a lot.” Just four minutes after Barragan left the game, the Mounties took advantage,
Rams 0, Santiago Canyon 2
scoring on a lead pass given to sophomore Luis Fuentes, who lobed it into the net over Rams goalkeeper Jaime Zalazar. The Mounties led 1-0 going into halftime. With the momentum against them and their leading goal scorer out for the game, the Rams were unable to recover. Mt. San Antonio added another goal in the 79th minute and dominated ball possession through the second half up until the final whistle. “We were a great team, we gave it our all. Unfortunately we didn’t come up with the win, but there’s a good team next year that will be back here,” Barragan said, who had watched from the sidelines as his team was eliminated. Barragan hopes to play for Notre Dame next season, but for him and other sophomores Friday would be their final game in a City College uniform. After the game, Lucarelli planned to address his team. “I’m going to tell them: don’t forget what we did, this was the first time City College has come to the Final Four and for the sophomores, this is just one little stop in a lifetime of memories,” he said. “After all, this a soccer game, and there are bigger things that they are going to achieve. For the freshman they can learn from this, know what it takes, and know what they need to do for a state championship.” City College finished the season with a 19-5-1 record. Key players coming back include goalkeeper Kevin Gonzalez, who finished third in the state in goals allowed with just four all season, freshman Garcia Arnulfo, who was tied for team lead in goals, and Juan Miguel Perez. Email: tclayton@theguardsman.com
By Ryan Kuhn THE GUARDSMAN
SACRAMENTO, Calif.– Unable to overcome a deficit of two goals during their state semifinal match, City College’s women’s soccer team saw their season end on Dec. 2 as they walked off the field after the final whistle. But even though the scoreboard read that they had lost 0-2 to Santiago Canyon College, their coach Gabe Saucedo had nothing but praise for his team. “This team is definitely the most talented team that I have ever had here at City College,” he said. “We had so many struggles throughout the year in terms of team chemistry, but in the end we got it right and we were playing so hard that we didn’t know how to lose. I’d like to remember this team that worked on things both on and off the field. I thought they did a great job.” From the start of the game Santiago Canyon took control with an early ball possession. Under constant pressure from the Hawks offense, freshmen midfielder Laila Nossier made a defensive stop in the box, but the ball was rebounded right to Santiago Canyon forward Valerie Barrios who scored in the 24th minute. “They were much more faster than a lot of the teams we have played,” said defender Gail Bassett. “They were much more coordinated and they kept coming at us every time.” Seven minutes later the Hawks struck again when freshmen midfielder Jennifer Martin scored on a pass from Jenna Patel. During the second half, the Rams had some opportunities to score but were
unable to take advantage of clear shots toward the goal. Despite their loss, Saucedo said his team still played a tough game. “We kept everything the same way going into every other game,” he said. “We knew it was an important game and I thought we came out strong.” Saucedo has turned the women’s soccer program completely around in just his third year as head coach. Just two years ago the soccer team that Saucedo inherited won only five games all season. Now with back-to-back conference championships and a record of 36-4-7 over his last two seasons, Saucedo is happy to see where the program is going. “I think it is the result of having committed players,” he said. “The coaches put in a lot of work and everyone is real supportive around campus. We are going to build from here and it’s just going to keep getting better.” Part of the team’s success during the last two years came in the form of forward Tera Piserchio. In her two seasons she has led the Rams with 37 goals and 18 assists. While she looks to take her game to the next level, she said that she holds these two years on the field close to her heart. “It was very special. I think the whole team and the relationships are the best part of it,” Piserchio said, as she started to tear up. “We are really close and I think what hurts the most is that it is over.” The Rams, finishing this season 19-2-3 (13-0-2), look forward to next season with both freshmen scorers Antonella Carrera and Stephanie Barragan returning. Email: rkuhn@theguardsman.com