VOL. 157, ISSUE 6, OCT. 30 - NOV.12, 2013
CITY COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO | SINCE 1935 | THEGUARDSMAN.COM | @SFBREAKINGNEWS | FREE
of s r a e y y n a After m e d i l s s t n e d letting stu ege l l o c e h t , s on fee g, n i y a s w o n is “pay up.”
9,000 Current students Impacted 18,120 Former students Impacted Amount of debt owed by current students
85,000 Total enrollment during the 2012-2013 school year
27,400 Credit Students* during the 2013 fall semester
30,498 Non-credit Students* during the 2013 fall semester
*full-time equivalent average
Story on page 3, by Carlos Silva
Jan
Amount of debt owed by former students
Feb
May Aug
6 to 12 months
Amount of time allowed to repay bill before collection begins Highest individually held debt
Payment plan fee per semester Amount of student debt written off since 1998
4
HAVE YOUR SAY: Should smoking be restricted on campus?
6
Sources: CCSF, Nelnet Business Solutions, sfexaminer.com. Infographic by Sara Bloomberg and Carolina Pimentel
PHOTO STORY: Unity Day brings out club pride
9
CULTURE: Jared Leto talks about his latest film
10
SPORTS: Rams narrowly defeated by Bulldogs
2 | THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | OCT. 30 - NOV. 12, 2013
news
Editor-in-Chief Madeline Collins Advertising Manager Lucas Almeida Photo Editor Juan Pardo Culture Editor Lavinia Pisani Design Director Sara Bloomberg Online Content Manager Santiago Mejia Sports Editor Alexander Tidd Copy Chief Patrick Tamayo Copy Editors Dalton Amador Illustrator Anthony Mata Staff Writers Gina Scialabba Alex Lamp Jackson Ly Tim Maguire Patrick Cochran Daniel Galloway Carlos Silva Evan Johnson Samantha Dennis Calindra Revier Staff Photographers Ekevara Kitpowsong Michelle Arias Sujey Ruiz Faculty Advisor Juan Gonzales Mail: 50 Phelan Ave Box V-67 San Francisco, CA 94112 Phone: (415) 239-3446 Advertising: advertising@theguardsman.com Online: www.theguardsman.com Twitter: @sfbreakingnews Facebook: facebook.com/theguardsman Youtube: youtube.com/theguardsmanonline
General contact: news@theguardsman.com
California Newspaper Publisher’s Association Journalism Association of Community Colleges
World Briefs
Mexico Explosion at candy factory A spokesman for the Chihuahua state attorney general has confirmed that a third person has died from injuries suffered in an explosion at the Dulces Blueberry factory. The Cuidad Juarez location produces a variety of candies that are exported to the United States. Conflicting reports have come out on the cause of the Oct. 24 incident, but officials have advised that the investigation is still ongoing. The blast occurred on the second floor of the building and caused the floor to collapse on workers below. More than half of the injured have been released from local hospitals. (Washington Post) (CNN)(Aljazeera)
Colombia Mother arrested for pimping A 45-year-old mother of 14 has been arrested and charged with carnal abuse of a minor and enforcement of prostitution. Colombian authorities say that the woman sold the virginity
of 12 of her daughters after they turned 12 years old and made them prostitute themselves. She allegedly charged between 300,000 and 400,000 Colombian pesos ($160 to $212) for their virginity. Investigators learned of the abuse after one of the daughters came forward. A 51-year-old man who is believed to be the father of the 14-year-old’s child was also arrested. The jailed mother denies all charges. (CNN)(NBC News) Mexico Power plants attacked Attackers launched an assault on nine electrical power plants in the state of Michoacan. The explosions that occurred just after midnight caused approximately one million people to lose power. No deaths or serious injuries were reported. Assailants followed the attack by lighting several gas stations on fire. Organized crime syndicates are believed to be behind the attacks. The area has been run by the Knights Templar cartel, which formed from the remnants of La Familia cartel.
College Briefs Chancellor Chosen On Oct. 15, Dr. Arthur Tyler was selected as the new City College chancellor. Tyler was one of final three candidates being considered for the position. He will be the first permanent chancellor since spring 2012,
replacing interim Chancellor Thelma Scott-Skillman. Tyler was the vice president of Administration and Finance at Los Angeles City College, president at Sacramento City College and most recently deputy chancellor and chief operating officer
Officials said that hundreds of police officers and military troops would be sent to the area in an attempt to stabilize the violence. (LA Times) Iran Border guards killed An attack on Iranian border guards preceded the hanging of 16 prisoners who had no involvement in the assault but were thought to be members of the same group responsible for the violence. The attack which occurred on the border with Pakistan left 14 Iranian border guards dead. The exact number of guards killed remained unclear as state television reported a different number than international news sources. Officials also reported that six guards had been taken hostage as the attackers escaped back into Pakistan. Iran blamed the separatist group, Jaish Ul Al, for the coordinated attacks. (Aljazeera) Canada Bitcoin ATM’s set to launch The first bitcoin ATM will debut in Vancouver, British Columbia and will be followed by four other machines that will be installed in other areas of the country. Bitcoins are a virtual currency that exist unregulated by any centralized authority. The ATM’s at Houston Community College. He also has experience dealing with schools with accreditation issues. Tyler was the state appointed special trustee to Compton College when it closed and served on the accrediting team that evaluated the Napa Valley Community College District. “Dr. Tyler has experience leading community colleges in Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Houston. This leadership experience, combined with his expertise in fiscal and accreditation matters,
will exchange bitcoins for Canadian dollars allowing anonymous transactions; however, users will still be required to identify themselves through a palm scanner. Bitcoins were invented in 2009 and quickly became the preferred currency of the computer savvy. Bitcoins have recently been in the news after the FBI took down the website Silk Road, where users were able to obtain illegal drugs using bitcoins. (RT News)(CNN) United States Carnival ride tampering A carnival worker was arrested and charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon after investigators discovered that the carnival ride he operated had been intentionally tampered with. The Vortex ride kicked into gear as riders were exiting and dropped some riders at heights estimated at over 20 feet at the North Carolina State Fair. The accident injured five people and three remained hospitalized as of Oct. 27. The state fair has an extremely strict set of regulations and has officials that monitor rides and ride operators daily to ensure the safety of fair goers. The ride operator was being held on a $225,000 bond. (ABC News)
makes him uniquely qualified to lead City College,” special trustee Robert Agrella said in a public announcement. The new chancellor’s power will be limited since Agrella, who was appointed in July, still has full decision-making power at City College due to the accreditation situation. Tyler’s first official day as chancellor will be Nov. 1. (Madeline Collins)
Accreditation
Officials submit new closure report as local colleges prepare for possible transfer students By Samantha Dennis @sfbreakingnews sdennis@theguardsman.com
The Guardsman
A closure report required by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges was submitted Oct. 14 describing how City College would carry out the commission’s course of action if the college were to close. Administrators, faculty, staff and students, along with the help of the community, are dedicated to making sure that the school remains open and continue to spread the word that it remains open and accredited this semester and the 2014 Spring semester. Closure reports are required by any college facing a potential accreditation loss. Colleges are required to prepare this report in case the final decision to close is implemented.
Buttons from a Save CCSF Coalition meeting read, “We are all City College.” The adminstration submitted an updated closure report on Oct. 14, 2013 to the accrediting commission. Photo by Sara Bloomberg/The Guardsman
It is not to say that the school is indeed closing. City College refers to it as a “contingency plan.” The report consists of 104 pages, a far more in-depth report than the 14-page
closure report submitted on March 15 that was rejected. The revised copy includes seven “policy elements” that the college must address. Of the policy elements, City
College was asked to provide students with an opportunity for completion of academic degree and educational programs. The report reads, “CCSF provides students who have completed 75% of an academic degree and education program the opportunity to complete the remainder of the program at CCSF or a receiving institution.” Area colleges that are accessible by public transportation have indicated they would be supportive in assisting City College students. Out of the 21 potential schools, 19 have issued a “letter of intent” confirming their faithfulness to assist students with a transfer plan. “I don’t think City College will close,” student Kevin Smith said. “Everyone is doing their part to fix the problems, so I think we will be fine.”
THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | OCT. 30 - NOV. 12, 2013 | 3
news
Cover Story
Collection of enrollment fees to be enforced as uncollected student debt continues to mount By Carlos Silva
@sfbreakingnews cdasilva@theguardsman.com
The Guardsman
City College will be enforcing its payment policy for nonpayment of fees effective Spring 2014 registration period. The Admissions and Records office will implement this new policy to fight against the huge debt the college has accumulated since 2003. “Effective Spring 2014, City College of San Francisco will be implementing its registration policy. Enrollment fees are due
and payable at the time of registration. City College of San Francisco will be dropping students for non-payment of fees,” City College spokesperson Jennifer Aries said. Students will have the option to sign up for a payment plan and pay off their enrollment fees in installments. ”To assist students not eligible for financial aid and unable to pay in full for their fees, the college has hired Nelnet Business solutions to manage an installment payment program which will be extended to students unable to pay fees in full,” Rebeca Chavez of the Financial and
Administration Office said. Nelnet “provides a full range of federal and private education loans and valuable resources for students and graduates,” according to its website. Financial aid students will not be affected by this new policy. “[There will be] no impact on them [if] they receive a Board of Governors Fee Waiver. For outof-state students, their fees are usually paid with their financial aid funds. If the student still needs a payment plan, they will be able to enroll after registering for the spring ‘14 term,” Chavez said. Aries explained that the
payment plan will benefit students who can’t pay their enrollment fees all at once. “For just $18 they can sign up for a payment plan that will give them the opportunity to pay their fees in multiple installments and not be dropped from their classes,” Aries said. Faculty will be required to provide students with a drop schedule so they know when they are eligible for a full refund when choosing to drop a class. Carla Prates, an international student from Peru, believes that it is going to make it difficult to stay at City College. “Pay it all up-front at the
beginning of the semester seems unreal for me. As everyone knows, our tuition as internationals is very high and I believe that I will reconsider whether [to] stay here or move to another community college,” Prates said. Chavez said about 18,000 former and current students owe about $4 million from summer 2003 to summer 2013 semesters. Most former students owe around $200. City College students who do not pay their fall 2013 registration fees by Nov. 12 will not be able to enroll in spring courses.
Health
College divided on issue of smoking on campus Proposed designated smoking areas to be discussed again By Samantha Dennis @sfbreakingnews sdennis@theguardsman.com
The Guardsman
Converting City College into a smoke-free campus has been a discussion topic for many years, but soon it may become a reality. Campus police have received calls from students and faculty complaining about smoking on campus near doorways, which can lead to cigarette smoke billowing through the hallways and into classrooms. The current smoking regulations state that smoking is prohibited within 20 feet of any doorway, although this regulation has not been strictly enforced or abided by. “There is a push for a smokefree campus,” City College police officer Erica McGlaston said. “It’s only a matter of time until it’s enforced.” Although a draft was composed in 2009 to push the need for a smoke-free campus, no action was taken. The draft focused on solutions to reduce health factors associated with environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), also known as secondhand smoke. According to the draft, ETS contains “more than 4,000 chemicals, many which are toxic and known to cause cancers. ETS has been classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a known human carcinogen.” The purpose of the draft was to provide a healthy environment for students and faculty on campus by designating certain areas on campus as “designated smoking areas.” To some smokers on campus,
the plan seems to be a good idea. “It’s reasonable, as long as areas aren’t a burden to get to,” student Cara Stucker said. “I smoke, but I dont want to disrespect others who don’t.” Oscar Pena, president of Associated Students Council, plans to bring the topic to the agenda at the next participatory governance committee meeting. To enforce a smoke-free campus with designated smoking areas, the plan must be passed on all nine City College locations. Designated smoking areas will also help with the littering problem that has become overwhelming due to cigarettes butts being tossed on the ground all over campus. Special receptacles will need to be put in these areas to maintain a safe environment. There have been instances of students trying to be cleanly by throwing their cigarettes in trash cans, but this has caused fires. “If you want to smoke, knock yourself out, just don’t trash the campus,” Vince Paratore, a nonsmoker and management instructor in the Culinary Department said. “There should definitely be more receptacles put in place to handle the littering problem.” Students, faculty and campus police have all received complaints about smoking on campus. A prominent area that smoking seems to be an issue is in Cloud Hall. The crosswind tends to blow the smoke into doorways that are primarily open throughout the school day. “People complain left and right,” Associated Students Vice President of Administration Deltrice Boyd said. “It is a goal for AS Council to [designate smoking areas] this year.” According to a list by the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation, other nearby colleges have also enforced smoke-free policies including Contra Costa
Illustration by Anthony Mata/The Guardsman
College, Skyline College and San Francisco State University. “We are looking to San Francisco State as a resource for enforcement,” McGlaston said. A Healthy Me, a nutrition and wellness program that targets reaching your health goals, includes workshops on tobacco and smoking cessation which is
useful for students seeking help to quit smoking. Student Health Services is focused on bettering the students health on campus by coordinating such programs and workshops. The Health Center is able to do a test on students to show them the percentage of carbon monoxide levels in their system.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is neither visible or scented. It is produced in car exhaust, a variety of fumes and from tobacco smoke. “Smoking on campus is of importance to Student Health Services,” Department Chair of Student Health Services Paula Cahill said.
4 | THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | OCT. 30 - NOV. 12, 2013
culture
Have Your Say: How do you feel about designated smoking areas on campus?
Jake Sperling, 21 Film “This is an adult campus, not high school. I smoke and I’d like to continue to smoke on campus. I think people would ignore designated smoking areas because it would be an inconvenience.”
Urell Pease, 20 Social and Behavioral Science “I feel it’s a horrible idea. By the time I get to class my cigarette is gone. I don’t have time in between classes to walk to a special area to smoke and still make it to class on time.”
Lucio Jimenez, 19 Undecided “I’m not bothered by the smoke. I don’t smoke but as long as they aren’t being disrespectful and blowing it in peoples faces then I’m not bothered by it. I don’t think people would follow the rules of the smoking areas.”
Discovering Detroit
Photographers find hope in the old industrial heart of the United States By Calindra Revier
@sfbreakingnews crevier@theguardsman.com
The Guardsman
City College students Julia Sperling and Beatriz Escobar traveled to Detroit to explore the blighted city that was once the automotive capital of the world and an industrial mecca. Their goal was to photograph abandoned buildings and houses, but they ended up finding life and hope. “As a photographer, you get inspired by so many things, and I told Beatriz, ‘as soon as we get to Detroit we will be inspired. There is no way we won’t,’” Sperling said. They found inspiration on the first day of their picture hunting. Sperling and Escobar came upon a seemingly abandoned building and found a woman inside. “[She] was our inspiration,” Sperling said. The woman inside, Sander, had created a sanctuary in the decrepit structure, and during their collaborative project, Sperling and Escobar were surprised by Sander’s kindness and hope. “She [has] seen the beauty in that place,” Sperling said. “You just can’t help to see it too.” Sperling reflected on accomplishing her dream of going to Detroit to photograph the city’s abandoned buildings.
Rally March from City College Civic Center location to City Hall to deliver postcards to Mayor Lee telling him to save the school. 3:30 p.m. Free.
“I think it would be better. Two semesters ago I had a class in the bungalows and people would smoke outside the doorways. I have asthma and it was annoying because I felt I couldn’t breathe right. If there were designated smoking areas I would be aware of it and steer clear.”
Sat/2
Free barbeque Weekly free BBQ on an outdoor patio. Lucky 13. 2140 Market St. 4-7 p.m. Free. Beer or cocktail purchase required.
Sun/3 Ismael Escobedo, 22 Video Editing “I feel strongly about designated smoking areas. I feel smokers should have a place to smoke. It shouldn’t be imposing on others. People might have asthma or other health conditions that smoking can affect.”
Photos by Lavinia Pasani. Reporting by Samantha Dennis.
“All the positive thinking really inspired me,” Sperling said. “It’s just amazing how people are there.” As international students in the Bay Area—Escobar from Brazil and Sperling from Germany—are used to a vibrant city. “There are all these jobs [here] and rent [is] rising,” Escobar said. “It is kind of based [on] the industry, the tech industry. Just like Detroit was based [on] the auto industry. What can we learn from that? The city was really a victim of the industry.” Sperling feels that the focus should be on the root of the problem. “Within 5 years or 2 years, it’s [all] gone. Why did that happen? We should focus on that,” Sperling
Events: Oct. 30-Nov. 12 Thurs/31
Veronica Flores, 20 Nursing
City College students Julia Sperling and Beatriz Escobar pose in front of their work at the Gallery Obscura, on Oct. 24, 2013. Photo by Calindra Revier/The Guardsman
said. “Kind of like City College, it is still such a wonderful school and then one year later they tell us they’re going to close it. It’s like what the heck?” However, Detroit is once again becoming popular with artists and entrepreneurs. “You can tell it has to get better. [This] has to be the bottom,” Escobar said. “It can’t get worse so you kinda see hope.” Sander and her building were the peak of the student’s trip. “She just got us thinking,” Escobar said. “If all those buildings … had a person like this building had her, the city could have been different?” The photographers’ powerful black and white images of Detroit’s once-beautiful churches, structures and brick homes have been on display along the walls of Gallery Obscura. Their photographs of abandoned buildings, most left to rot, hang in white frames, which makes the images clear and crisp in contrast with the white walls of the room. The subtle light illuminates the photographs and highlights the emotions within. The gallery, located inside the Visual Arts Building at Ocean campus, has showcased the exhibit since early October. The photos can be viewed through Nov. 6. You can also view the photographers project at www.meanttosave.com.
Free museum day Visit one the largest museums in Western world devoted to Asian art. Asian Art Museum. 200 Larkin St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Mon/4
Comedy show “Misery Index” Dysfunctional Comedy Night. Monthly standup comedy show. The Rite Spot.
2099 Folsom St. 8-9:45 p.m. Free.
Tues/5
Flower exhibit Free admission day. View over 1,700 exotic, rare and endangered plants from 50 different countries. Conservatory of Flowers. 100 John F. Kennedy Dr. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Wed/6
Recycled art
2013 Leap Sandcastle Contest. 30th annual sandcastle competition. Ocean Beach. Great Highway and Balboa. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free.
Sun/10 Record swap
KUSF’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Swap Record Fair. Vendors sell various music related items including vinyl, CD’s, DVD’s, posters, books and more. McLaren Hall at USF. 2130 Fulton St. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $3.
Art Show. 11th Annual Altered Barbie Art Show:Poetry & Jazz Night. Creative reuse art show revolving around Barbie dolls. 50 Shotwell St. 7-10 p.m. Free
Thurs/7
LGBT film screening Homosexuality in Uganda. Showcasing the condemning views in Uganda where homosexuality is illegal. Roxie Theater. 3117 16th St. 7 p.m. Free.
Sat/9
Sandcastle contest
Got an event coming up? Tell us about it! Email the details to: calendar@theguardsman.com
THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | OCT. 30 - NOV. 12, 2013 | 5
culture
Movie Review: “Dallas Buyers Club”
Oscar-worthy performances in AIDS drama By Gina Scialabba
@journalist_gina gscialabba@theguardsman.com
The Guardsman
It’s that time of year again. Movie studios, big and small, hoping to score Oscar recognition from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Oscarbuzz alone generally propels movie ticket sales. This year remember the name “Dallas Buyers Club.” It has all the markings of an Academy Award winner. The movie is a brilliant telling of the fact-based story of Ron Woodroof, an imperfect man fighting for survival during an uncertain time—the Reagan years in Texas. It stars Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, both giving performances of a lifetime. Woodroof (McConaughey) is a down-home, homophobic country boy who, in his leisure time, likes to drink, sniff copious amounts of cocaine, ride bulls and have sex with female prostitutes who have noticeable track marks. One of these extracurricular activities gets him infected with HIV and he’s given 30 days to live. The movie follows his battle against the virus, the Food and Drug Administration and bigpharmaceutical companies. So, what is this “buyers club?”
It’s a rejection of the medical and scientific community. Woodroof uses a motel room as a makeshift dispensary for alternative AIDS treatments, vitamins and minerals. He becomes a modern-day Robin Hood—robbing from the rich and, well, selling to the poor. But his treatment methods are getting better results and people are living longer. McConaughey’s performance is what makes this film brilliant. Both he and Leto completely transform themselves from Hollywood A-List hunks to sickly, heart-wrenching characters. Leto, you know that guy you would drool over in “My So-Called Life,” is anything but a heartthrob here. If McConaughey shines as Ron, Leto is nothing less than phenomenal as transgender drug-user Rayon. Both men lost dangerous amounts of weight to play these memorable characters. They both look like they are headed for a very early death. Leto plays Rayon with truth and honesty, transforming what could have been another “To Wong Foo,” one-sided comic representation, into a real person with feelings and a strong will to live. Rayon isn’t perfect, but she’s also not simply a fun-loving drag
Matthew McConaughey stars as Ron Woodroof in Jean-Marc Vallée’s fact-based drama, “Dallas Buyers Club,” a Focus Features release. Anne Marie Fox/Focus Features
queen for your viewing pleasure. The movie is more than just a look at the AIDS epidemic, homophobia and intolerance. It’s a serious commentary on the role of drug companies in our fractured health care system. The principles reflected in “Dallas Buyers Club” are just as applicable today as they were in 1985. Your friendly, neighborhood drug company is looking to line its pockets at the expense of desperately sick patients hoping for a modern miracle.
Q&A
The Guardsman: How does it feel to be coming off a long acting hiatus and getting Oscar-buzz? Leto: I never imagined in a million years anyone would put my name and Oscar in the same sentence. It’s strange and great. TG: How did you prepare for this role? Particularly playing someone transgendered? Leto: The beginning for me was listening. Meeting with transgender people. Sharing stories, educating myself. Talking about everything from physicality to what its like to tell your parents about who you really are. That was
Jared Leto as Rayon in “Dallas Buyers Club.” Anne Marie Fox/Focus Features
a big part. TG: What about the dramatic weight loss and physical changes you underwent? Leto: I just stopped eating. It’s not fun. It’s amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it. I had very limited amount of time. I lost 30-40 pounds. At a certain
performances of the year. Just make sure to bring Kleenex.
If you go... Running Time: 107 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Directed by: Jean-Marc Vallée
Release Date: Nov. 1, 2013 point it doesn’t matter how much you lose. It’s how it affects you. I’d never do it again though.
Leto talks about his transgender role
We all know Jared Leto as that guy with beautiful eyes and silky brown hair. He’s an actor, a musician and a director. His work as an actor has encompassed a host of intense and transformative performances. Leto took an almost sixyear hiatus from films before his current role as Rayon, a transgender drug user in 1985 Dallas who contracts AIDS. Leto’s performance in “Dallas Buyers Club” is gaining attention far and wide. The Guardsman recently took part in a roundtable interview with him to talk about the movie and his transformation into the year’s most memorable character.
Should you go see this movie? Absolutely. Run, don’t walk, to the theater to see two of the best
TG: Did you stay in character during the filming of the movie? Leto: Yes, staying in character was an obvious thing for me. I couldn’t imagine going back to ‘Hey bro, what’s going on? Oh wait, action!’ I don’t think I would have done a very good job. Staying focused was essential. TG: My favorite scene was when Rayon was spitting up blood and crying out that memorable line, ‘I don’t wanna die.’ Can you tell me about how you prepared for that scene? Leto: Oh, that was an improvised scene. That wasn’t in the
Stars: Matthew McConaughey Jared Leto Jennifer Garner
script. It just came out. TG: What did you hope to convey with your portrayal of Rayon? Leto: I had a very specific idea of how I wanted to play this part. I didn’t want to play a “drag queen” I wanted to play a transgendered person. Someone who wanted to live her life as a woman. It was a key distinction. It wasn’t necessarily that on the page. Someone could have played the role as a transvestite. Making that choice was one of the most important choices as far as process goes. We’ve seen this part represented as a cliché of the drag queen dancing on the table with a boa, running out of the room with a quick one-liner. I thought there was an opportunity to do more.
6 | THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | OCT. 30 - NOV. 12, 2013
culture
Maurice Randolph, Theater Studies major, performs to promote awareness for the City College Cheerleading Team during Unity Day at the Ocean campus Amphitheater on Oct. 23, 2013. Photo by Santiago Mejia/The Guardsman
Associated Student Council members line up and present themselves to the crowd during Unity Day at the Ocean campus Amphitheater on Oct. 23, 2013. Photo by Santiago Mejia/The Guardsman
THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | OCT. 30 - NOV. 12, 2013 | 7
culture
Members of the Biotech Club show off their work on Oct. 23, 2013 during Unity Day at Ocean campus. Photo by Santiago Mejia/The Guardsman
Coko Kuratomi, Peace and Conflict Studies major, performs on Japanese taiko drums to promote the Japanese Culture Club during Unity Day at the Ocean campus Amphitheater on Oct. 23, 2013. Photo by Santiago Mejia/The Guardsman
Clubs show off their spirit Photos and story by Santiago Mejia Hundreds of students attended this year’s Unity Day on Oct. 23 at the Ocean campus Amphitheatre behind the Wellness Center. The Associated Students and the Inter Club Council organized the event. It’s a day when students come together to explore all the different clubs on campus and to sign up for as many as they’d like. This year’s event began in the early morning with San Francisco’s famous fog migrating over campus. KCSF Radio provided upbeat music with an impressive sound system and kept the momentum going throughout the event as students traveled table to table. Many clubs attempted to attract students with unique presentations like the Student Association of Alchemy Club’s interactive dry-ice demonstration, the Gamers Gathering Club’s dual television gaming zone and the Biotech Club’s hands-on experiments. Some clubs gave engaging gifts like the Muslim Student Association’s Quran softcover holy books translated in both English and Spanish. Other clubs performed for
the attendees like the Japanese Culture Club’s taiko drummers, the City College cheerleaders and personal poetry was read by the Poetry Club. Alyssa Photias, Psychology major, hula hoops during Unity Day at the Ocean campus Amphitheater on Oct. 23, 2013. Photo by Santiago Mejia/The Guardsman
Pacific Islanders Athletics Club member and Psychology major Evelyn Pati, right, and others react after Student Association of Alchemy Club member Misha Krasner demonstrates a chemical reaction on Oct. 23, 2013. Photo by Santiago Mejia/The Guardsman
8 | THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | OCT. 30 - NOV. 12, 2013
opinion
Staff editorial
ACCJC trapped in its own web With lawsuits filed against the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges from the California Federation of
Teachers and San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera, it is now the commission’s turn to be put under the microscope.
The U.S. Department of Education will soon be conducting its five-year review of the commission to determine wheth-
er it should maintain its status as California’s accrediting body. The department has said that they have made preliminary findings that the commission is out of compliance in some areas, such as conflict of interest and requirement clarity. The commission, seemingly under pressure, is now seeking support from what some would consider unlikely sources. Commission president Barbara Beno sent a letter to the Association of Chief Business Officials seeking support from the 112 California community colleges the commission oversees. The association is made up of business officials from the state’s community colleges. The letter was addressed to the association’s president Bonnie Dowd. “The 133 colleges that are members of ACCJC have an interest in helping to ensure their accrediting body achieves renewal of federal recognition,” Beno wrote in the letter. With the commission’s decision to revoke City College’s accreditation in July 2014, the letter is understandably controversial.
The commission’s purpose is to judge the institutions it oversees, almost without consequence and some from City College have questioned the motive behind their actions. Its practices have been put into question among faculty, staff, students and community members ever since they put City College on “show cause” in July 2012. The Save CCSF Coalition has organized several rallies since City College was initially put on “show cause.” They believe that the commission is aiming to privatize education, making it less accessible to low-income students. Since last July, City College has been caught in the commission’s web and have had their existence threatened. The school has been helplessly at the mercy of the accrediting commission and forced to meet their standards and recommendations or risk closure. Now with these lawsuits and an upcoming review, it seems the commission itself has become the hunted, hoping to be saved by its former victims.
Bikers need to be more conscious of traffic laws By Madeline Collins
@maddiecollins05 mcollins@theguardsman.com
The Guardsman
Throughout San Francisco you see share the road signs wherever there are bike lanes. The signs are speaking to drivers, telling them to respect bicyclists and treat them as if they are just another vehicle. I will concede that many vehicle drivers are not considerate to bikers and do not look out for them or their safety. However, the concept of share the road needs to go both ways. For their own safety, bikers need to be aware of vehicles behind them who may try to pass, as well as vehicles in front of them who could suddenly turn into the bike lane. As is the case with vehicle drivers, many bikers seem to believe they are exempt from basic traffic laws. Quite frequently, I see bikes fly through stop signs and red lights, turn without a hand signal or ride at night without proper lighting. I am a vehicle driver actually concerned about the safety of
bike riders in the city and around campus. Sometimes I feel as though I am more concerned for their safety than they are. I get frustrated every time I see them put their own safety at risk. I get frustrated when I stop at a stop sign, look both ways and then proceed to be cut off by a bike and have to slam on my brakes to avoid them. I get frustrated when I stop for a pedestrian but the pedestrian has to stop for a bike. How is this fair? They can get cited for traffic violations just as vehicles can and these violations put their safety and the safety of others in danger. Why do we have to watch out for them and assume they aren’t going to follow basic traffic laws? All I know for sure is that as a vehicle owner, I’m scared that a simple mistake could possibly cost them their lives. Despite who is at fault, the driver of the vehicle would not likely be the one who will be injured or the one to lose their life. It would be the biker.
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Don’t be a social zombie I have spoken in my last three columns about the importance of technology in facilitating meaningful connections between cultures. I’d like to clarify that the routes suggested are for global interaction and, in many cases, should exclude the local. By local I mean within a half hour from where you live. At the local scale, social media platforms are useful for coordinating events and making connections with those outside of your friend group. Social networking websites help professionals broaden their business opportunities. However, business and personal relationships on average develop more substantially when established in person. The problem is social media’s effectiveness in removing the individual from physical interaction. Among other factors is its ability to eliminate subtleties in personality most often revealed through non-verbal communication, i.e., body language, and reactionary responses that only come in real-time. This is important to note because although cultural under-
It’s the difference between reading a book in a library versus by a freeway
standing can come from conversations held online, cultural transmission is much more nuanced through the ways we communicate. If you were taking social cues from someone focused on their phone during a physical world interaction you may consider it appropriate to also become lost in the novelty. By novelty I am referring to the many ways in which publicly accessible technology is entertainment endowed with misguided importance, and in some cases, even mistaken for learning tools. Los Angeles Unified School District has distributed iPads to its students, effectively undermining teacher-student interaction and distancing the lesson from the classroom. This can have a damaging effect on what should be considered an opportunity to gain insight from others.
It is similar to the differences between reading a book in a nice quiet library and attempting to achieve the same level of concentration while reading next to a freeway. You are understandably distracted. When you cognitively enter your phone while out with friends, not only do you isolate yourself, but you miss out on an opportunity for growth. Many of the great ideas we learn here at City College have come from people who spent their lives devoted to their fields. But devotion also comes with ability to spot trends and variations in the environment. The only way to grow applicable conclusions about the world is to observe your surroundings and draw conclusions from them. If you are disconnected from the world, as seemingly more people frequently are, then where will those insights of what can be drawn from outside digital interaction come from? Social media generally distracts and for the large majority of people is not used as a means to measure the world. It should mostly be used for connecting ideologies and closing physical distances.
THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | OCT. 30 - NOV. 12, 2013 | 9
opinion
When will we get free Muni passes? By Keith “K.C.” Kimber jawndoe@gmail.com
Contributor
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Three student trustees have promised to have City College subsidize transit passes for us. Will Trustee Shanell Williams pull it off? During all three of their tenures, Jeffrey Fang, William Walker and Williams used the value of having subsidized Muni passes during their campaigns to gain student support. The administrators refused to commit to fighting for the project because they were preoccupied with the accreditation issues and, in order to get the project approved, a member of the administration needed to be willing to negotiate on the behalf of students. Will the new chancellor or the administration be willing to help us out? I would hope that our new Chancellor Arthur Tyler would be willing to take the lead with Trustee Williams on this issue. When Chancellor Tyler previously served as college president at Sacramento City College, he came up with the idea and implemented a universal transit pass that allowed SCC students to utilize mass transit for free in three different counties. Obviously our chancellor knows firsthand the benefits of enacting such a policy. Being able to consistently and reliably get back and forth from school clearly is an important ingredient in the recipe for college success. The students at Folsom Lake College, where Interim Chancellor Thelma Scott-Skillman previously served as college president, enjoyed the benefits of a universal transit pass that allowed students to utilize mass transit for free in three different counties. California Community Colleges Chancellor Brice Harris was the chancellor for the Los Rios Community College District when they implement-
A subsidized Muni pass could also help boost enrollment ed that policy which benefited Thelma Scott-Skillman and her students at Folsom Lake College. If the school implements a service that is available to all students—such as the Universal Transit Pass model at other schools—and that service causes students to be able to get to school easier, it would be helpful in negating the commission’s claim. When I think back to my elementary school days, the student service that benefitted me the most was the buses that were provided by our school district to ensure our attendance. One of the biggest concerns in the fight to retain accreditation is dwindling enrollment. A subsidized Muni pass could also help boost enrollment. So will Student Trustee Williams live up to her campaign promises? Will the current administration actually do something beneficial in terms of providing universal student services? Many students and faculty are distrustful of the administration, and more leery of the appointed special trustee. If the administration and special trustee Robert Agrella want to prove that they care about keeping City College open and accredited, then they would be wise to implement a subsidized transit pass program that benefits all students.
10 | THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | OCT. 30 - NOV. 12, 2013
sports
Football
sports calendar FOOTBALL Nov. 2, 1 p.m. vs. Foothill College Nov. 9, 1 p.m. @ Santa Rosa Junior College
SOCCER MEN:
Nov. 5, 3:30 p.m. @ Evergreen Valley College Nov. 8, 12:30 p.m. @ West Valley College Nov. 12, 12:30 p.m. vs. Skyline College
WOMEN:
Nov. 5, 3 p.m. @ Chabot College Nov. 8, 3 p.m. @ Ohlone College Nov. 12, 12:30 p.m. vs. Las Positas College
VOLLEYBALL Nov. 6, 6:30 p.m @ San Jose College
Nov. 8, 6:30 p.m @ Monterey Peninsula College
San Mateo Bulldogs’ Raeshawn Lee (8) runs for a touchdown on a 55-yard pass reception against the Rams at the College of San Mateo on Oct. 26, 2013. Photo by Santiago Mejia/The Guardsman
Rams suffer tight loss
Top rival Bulldogs eek out narrow victory By Patrick Cochran
@sfbreakingnews pcochran@theguardsman.com
The Guardsman
On a perfect fall day made for football, the City College Rams suffered a disheartening defeat. They faced off against rival San Mateo College and lost in a nailbiter, 30-25, resulting in their first conference loss. Playing at San Mateo’s home field, with its sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, City College had to deal with the undefeated Bulldogs’ relentless defensive pressure. At the same time, the Rams committed some costly mistakes they were unable to recover from. Rams’ quarterback Turner Baty got no relief from San Mateo’s tenacious defense, and was sacked six times. San Mateo’s defense was lead
Rams’ receiver Zach Schuller (17) hits the ground after an incomplete pass against the Bulldogs at the College of San Mateo on Oct. 26, 2013. Photo by Santiago Mejia/The Guardsman
by defensive end Pio Vatuvei, who played at the University of Washington during the 2012 season before being dismissed from the program in July. Vatuvei had four sacks, and the Rams were unable to come up with a way to stop him. All afternoon Baty was forced to roll out of the pocket to avoid the pass rush, often times to the left, where he was forced to make difficult throws across his body
while on the run. Baty showed veteran savvy, opting to dump the ball to running back Daivon Ballard on simple screen passes or throwing the ball out of bounds instead of forcing dangerous passes. Baty finished the day completing 20 of 53 passes for 262 yards with three passing touchdowns and one interception. Despite the unending pass rush, Baty was able to keep the
Rams in the game. With five minutes left in the third quarter, and the Rams down 24-13, Baty was able to lead the team on an 87-yard drive that was capped off by an eight-yard Ballard touchdown run. The City College offense rallied in the fourth quarter but ultimately only managed to exchange touchdowns with San Mateo. Baty connected with tight
THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | OCT. 30 - NOV. 12, 2013 | 11
sports
Rams’ receiver Zach Schuller (17) attempts to catch a pass against the San Mateo Bulldogs at the College of San Mateo on Oct. 26, 2013. Photo by Santiago Mejia/The Guardsman
Rams’ defensive tackle Malakai Tapa’atu (47) reacts after loosing to the Bulldogs on Oct. 26, 2013. Photo by Santiago Mejia/The Guardsman
Rams’ quarterback Turner Baty (7) scrambles out of the pocket against the Bulldogs in San Mateo on Oct. 26, 2013 . Photo by Santiago Mejia/The Guardsman
end Jermaine Berry on a threeyard pass for the Rams final touchdown. Baty craftily avoided the pass rush and threw an offbalance floater that looked as though it could have been intercepted before landing in Berry’s hands in the end zone. The Rams were unsuccessful on the two-point conversion attempt that was intercepted, and the subsequent onside kick also failed.
City College head coach George Rush was disappointed with his team’s tough loss. “We practiced extremely well all week, but we let this game get away from us,” Rush said. The Rams’ secondary was of particular concern to the head coach. “Their performance cost us a lot,” Rush said. “I haven’t felt that underwhelmed about my secondary … in ten years. They didn’t
play the edge well,” Rams’ Safety Shalom Luani agreed that it was a discouraging day. “We could of done a lot better as a unit,” Luani said. “In the first half we didn’t start the game out good and it hurt us.” San Mateo quarterback Casey Wichman completed seven out of 12 passes for 199 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, while running for 73 yards.
Wichman was also able to run an effective option run with his running backs Michael Latu and George Naufahu that caused fits for the Rams’ defense. The fans in the stands at San Mateo were hyped up, giving the contest a big-game feel that City College games often lack. “We were getting ready for San Mateo all week. It’s a big game for us,” Rams’ wide receiver DeAndre Thompson said. “I was
glad I could step up for this big game, even though it was a tough loss.” Thompson finished the game with three receptions for 50 yards and one touchdown. City College is now 5-2 and 1-1 in conference play. The Rams next game is at home Nov. 2, against Foothill College. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.
12 | THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | OCT. 30 - NOV. 12, 2013
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