The Guardsman, Vol. 158, Issue 7. City College of San Francisco

THE GUARDSMAN

VOL. 158, ISSUE 7, NOV. 12 - DEC. 2, 2014 | CITY COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO | SINCE 1935 | WWW.THEGUARDSMAN.COM | @SFBREAKINGNEWS | IG: THEGUARDSMAN | FREE

INSIDE

ACCJC to review college’s self-evaluation City College prepares for 27-member visiting team on Nov. 16

By Tom Hsu

@sfbreakingnews tomtom2.0@att.net

Contributor

‘Heaven Can Wait’ College thespians give charming twist to 1938 play about a professional boxer who learns what it takes to be human » Story on page 7

Another chapter in the ongoing accreditation saga facing City College will be written when the a visiting team of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges makes its presence known from Nov. 16 to Nov. 20.

The 27-member team will review the college’s 533-page selfevaluation document titled “The Institutional Self-Evaluation Report in Application for Restoration Status” that was submitted on Oct. 15.

A recommendation on the status of the college will likely be based on the team’s assessment of the document that took 12 weeks to prepare.

The accrediting commission and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits community colleges and other associate degree granting institutions in the Western region of the U.S. They will be evaluating City College to see if the school can maintain its accreditation.

The team is also expected to

ACCJC President Barbara Beno takes the witness stand during Day 2 of the Superior Court trial concerning City College’s accreditation on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014. (Photo by James Fanucchi)

interview college officials, faculty and possibly students about the college’s mission and effectiveness, student learning and programs/ services, college resources and college leadership and governance.

The college’s self-evaluation report is available on the college

website, www.ccsf.edu, for public review.

“The purpose of their visit will be to conduct an examination of the institution’s compliance with standards, eligibility requirements and policies,” Chancellor Arthur Tyler wrote in an Oct. 14

memo to the college community.

“The team will also analyze the college’s demonstrated ability to meet or sustain compliance and whether the college can come into compliance and sustain comVisiting team on page 2

ALEC in cahoots with accrediting commission?

By J.B. Evans

Lack of affordable housing drives up college costs San Francisco State students know too well how Parkmerced development has had a major impact » Story on page 9

Women’s soccer stand-off Under cold, foggy conditions the Rams surged back to salvage a 1-1 tie with Ohlone College as they approach the state playoffs » Story on page 11

@sfbreakingnews beau.evans1101@gmail.com

Contributor

In light of City College’s accreditation crisis, college advocates have questioned whether the regional agency responsible for terminating the school’s accreditation has connections to a controversial think tank known as the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

The council represents a group of legislators and corporate leaders who draft model policies that lawmakers may then use as templates to write bills in their home states.

“Philosophically, it’s clear that ALEC is in alignment with the effort by the ACCJC (Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges) to disaccredit the college,” Fred Glass, communications director of the California Federation of Teachers said. “The potential to then have private education replace public institutions would be right up ALEC’s alley.”

Allegations

In California, advocates allege many of these model policies favor private for-profit educatioal institutions to the detriment of public higher education.

These advocates also suspect that the Accrediting Commis-

sion for Community and Junior Colleges, the agency in charge of evaluating City College’s accreditation, has been using ALEC model-policy language to assess one of the key criteria areas, student learning outcomes.

The phrase “student learning outcomes” appears many times in the accrediting commission’s Accreditation Standards, which sets forth demands that City College must adopt in order to avoid losing accreditation.

That same phrase also shows up frequently in an ALEC model policy called the Collegiate Learning Assessment Act. When asked for clarification on how it views student learning outcomes the accrediting commission referred to a May conference in which representatives from sixteen colleges met to discuss an assessment marker known as the Degree Qualification Profile.

“The conference served as the culmination of college projects related degree-level student learning outcome that were conducted in 2013 and 2014 using the Degree Qualifications Profile,” according to the commission’s summer newsletter.

ACCJC President Barbara Beno, the commission is using the Degree Qualification Profile “to help colleges evaluate degree-level student learning outcomes for increasing student achievement.”

The Degree Qualification Profile was designed and disseminated by

Illustration by Serina Mercado a private funding group known as the Lumina Foundation. Outside of adopting Lumina’s studentassessment standards, from 2012 to 2015 the ACCJC is set to receive $450,000 from Lumina “to explore the use of the Degree Qualifications Profile.”

Lumina’s Billions Lumina also enjoys a $1.3 billion endowment, and to whom Lumina gives its money besides the accrediting has raised eyebrows among City College supporters.

“ALEC and Lumina seem joined at the hip,” said Madeline Mueller, head of the music department. “I expect daily that their connection will become clearer and clearer.”

From 2008 to 2010, accord-

ing to the grants page on Lumina’s website, Lumina donated $300,000 to ALEC for the creation of a “development and communication program to educate state lawmakers about higher education topics.”

ALEC could not be reached for comment on either the “Collegiate Learning Assessment Act” or to clarify what it has done with its Lumina donation. Likewise, the activities of ALEC’s membership occur behind closed doors.

“ALEC is still in the process of being exposed as a secret society,” said Mueller. “It’s very hard to shine a light on ALEC. That’s what makes them so troubling and what makes them so powerful.”

ALEC on page 5

2 | THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | NOV. 12-DEC. 2, 2014

news

Campus Briefs

Fate of college in hands of Judge Karnow Editor-in-Chief Santiago Mejia Managing Editor Alex Lamp News Editor Samantha Dennis Culture Editor Elisabetta Silvestro Sports Editor Patrick Cochran Photo Editor Nathaniel Y. Downes Multimedia Editor Elisa Parrino Production Manager Madeline Collins Online Content Manager Ekevara Kitpowsong Advertising Manager Calindra Revier Design and Layout Santiago Mejia Saiya Yocum Elisa Parrino Staff Writers Patrick Cochran Samantha Dennis Patrick Fitzgerald Charles Innis Calindra Revier Elisabetta Silvestro Staff Photographers Ekevara Kitpowsong Elisa Parrino Khaled Sayed Niko Plagakis Natasha Dangond Illustrators Olivia Wise Serina Mercado Cristina Flores 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 Instgram: theguardsman Facebook: facebook.com/theguardsman Youtube: youtube.com/theguardsmanonline

General contact: news@theguardsman.com California Newspaper Publisher’s Association Journalism Association of Community Colleges

In the hearts and minds of City College students and faculty, the trial of the century is now in the hands of Superior Court Judge Curtis Karnow who will eventually rule if the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges unfairly evaluated the college when it revoked its accreditation on July 1.

But attorneys for San Francisco and the ACCJC must first return to court for closing arguments before Judge Karnow on Dec 9, the San Francisco Examiner reported. At that time he will also consider written and physical evidence concerning the school’s accreditation status.

The trial, from Oct. 27-31,

heard arguments that ACCJC’s evaluation team lacked enough teachers and that commission President Barbara Beno made edits to City College’s evaluation report that led to the decision to revoke the college’s accreditation, according to the Examiner.

Also, testimony surfaced about Beno’s alleged bias, like

her public and written support of statewide college reforms and her husband serving on a team sent to evaluate the college.

In the meantime, the City College’s 74,000 students anxiously await the fate of the college that will celebrate its 80th birthday in spring 2015.

Over $37 million in Middle Class Tuition Assistance still available

priated for the Middle Class Scholarship. However, fewer students than originally anticipated applied for the scholarship this year, Muratsuchi said.

“California is the first state in the nation to recognize that our middle class families need help paying for college,” Muratsuchi said. “The Middle Class Scholarship will give some relief to middle-class families struggling with rising college tuition costs. I have tasked the California Student Aid Commission to improve their outreach efforts so no money is left on the table.”

that it even impacts their decision on where to live, where they get their news, and with whom they associate, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

The findings were based on a nationwide telephone survey of 10,013 randomly selected adults.

nation against the American people,” Obama said at a signing ceremony in the White House East Room. He acknowledged that being gay is still a firing offense in most places in the U.S., the AP reported.

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) needs to improve its outreach efforts to encourage more students to apply for the newly-created Middle Class Scholarship program, according to Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance).

Muratsuchi, who chairs the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, said in a news release that over $37 million of tuition assistance is still available. He co-authored Assembly Bill 94 the new scholarship program that helps undergraduate students with family incomes up to $150,000 pay for tuition and other mandatory student fees.

In its first year of implementation, according to the news release, $107 million was appro-

Visiting team continued from page 1 pliance with each of the standards and commission policies within the two years of Restoration Status.”

He added: “I am confident that our City College will be prepared for the accreditation visit and demonstrate that it can sustain meeting standards, and implementing improvement plans over the next two years to retain our accreditation.”

Currently the college employs 668 full-time and 877 part-time instructors with a student body of 74,000 credit and noncredit students.

Dr. Esther Nzewi, a faculty member in the psychology department, welcomes the visit.

“It’s good; we’re looking forward to it. We carry out our goal to train students and get them ready for degrees and careers...And we think we’ve been very successful.”

She added: “The college and faculty have worked really hard to address all areas, in improvement, so we believe that the outcome should be positive based on the level of work we’ve done in addressing the accrediting body’s concern.”

Student Chris Caceras said, “I think it’s a good idea, sort of a check and balance. It shows at some level that everyone is doing their job.”

A decision on the recommended status of the college is expected by the early Spring 2015 semester.

Ideological divide in U.S. continues to grow

The number of Americans who hold conservative or liberal views has doubled in the last decade, according to a new survey from the Pew Research Center.

The survey found that Americans are so ideologically divided

Harassment is part of Federal LGBT workers online life, study shows get added protections Gay and transgender workers in the federal government and its contracting agencies are assured more workplace protections, thanks to a new executive order recently signed by President Barack Obama.

The action bans anti-LGBT workplace discrimination, the Associated Press reported. It also prevents religious groups with federal contract from discriminating against anyone based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

“America’s federal contracts should not subsidize discrimi-

Harassment is a common reality for online users, according to a Pew Research Center study.

The first-of-a-kind report found that 75 percent of adults who use the Internet have witnessed online harassment, while 40 percent have experienced it themselves, the Associated Press reported.

People aged 18-29 were the most likely age group to see and experience online harassment, according to Pew. Likewise, women 18-24 were the victims of online stalking and sexual harassment, the AP reported.

THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | NOV. 12-DEC. 2, 2014 | 3

news

Marketing Plan Emerges

City College: ‘Standing Tall, Moving Forward’

By Patrick Fitzgerald @sfbreakingnews pfitzgerald@gmail.com

The Guardsman City College debuted its “Standing Tall, Moving Forward” spring 2015 marketing campaign during the week of Nov. 3, with a comprehensive and assertive plan publicizing that the college, despite accreditation issues, is accepting applications and ready to educate students.

“The main message of the campaign is that we are strong, we’re here, and we have unique City College offerings,” Executive Director to the Chancellor and Governmental Affairs Jeff Hamilton said.

City College will spend approximately $400,000 on the spring campaign that has two elements, Hamilton said. One is just mainstream marketing to a general audience. The other is a targeted campaign for chosen demographic groups.

Illustration by Serina Mercado “Yes, I believe it’s imperative to have a campaign for City College.

This is the Mecca of community colleges,“ Audray Rogers, a City College graduate said. “It is the

stepping stone to the future. A lot of programs are very beneficial in today’s workplace.”

The spring campaign is about two and one-half months long,

about one month longer than the last spring campaign.

The purpose of the marketing campaign is to mitigate and stabilize enrollment. Internet clickthrough rates will measure the campaign’s success for reaching targeted groups.

“Last year we surpassed the national average in terms of effectiveness on the click-through rate,” Hamilton said. “That tells

“The main message of the campaign is that we are strong, we’re here and we have unique City College offerings.”

-Jeff Hamilton, executive director to the chancellor and Governmental affairs me that there is interest and that the message is compelling enough to get their attention.”

Advertisements will appear in a wide variety of media including TV, radio, newspaper and on public transportation. More personal promotions consist of time-released, targeted messages, targeted emails, digital messages on Facebook and postcards. “(City College is) moving away from saying ‘open and accredited’ which reminds people of that issue to ‘standing tall, moving forward’ which resonates more with people’s personal aspirations while paralleling the college’s situation of overcoming obstacles,“ Hamilton said.

Specific targeted groups are those who are close to graduating, high school graduates, others who passed their GED, communitycollege dropouts and people who applied but did not register.

“We need more advertisement for those that need to know that City College is open,” student Vivian Chau said. “I would feature more classes, more opportunities

for those students who need to transfer faster.”

Another aspect of the campaign is focusing on a media relations component that mines the campus for stories that showcase students, programs, success rates and unique cultural or historic aspects of the college which are then pitching to the media.

“We found out that the Giants mascot goes around in an electric scooter built and maintained by CCSF automotive technologies,“ Hamilton said. “We have all these amazing assets, strengths and students.”

During the campaign, Superior Court Judge Curtis Karnow will release his ruling on the validity of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges’ decision to pull City College’s accreditation.

There is no predetermined tactic City College intends in responding to the ruling but the Chancellor’s office and the City Attorney’s office will respond pragmatically depending on the ruling.

“We believe and we are confident that we have a way forward in terms of retaining our accreditation,” Hamilton said. “We can make that argument regardless of the ruling.”

Plans for City College’s 80th birthday celebration were not completed in time to synch up with the spring 2015 campaign but Hamilton said the anniversary will be appropriately recognized.

Looking longer term, the Chancellor is trying to create more integration between the admissions and records processes, the website homepage and the marketing effort. The College is also focused on streamlining the enrollment process by looking at it holistically.

City College is facing another significant headwind besides accreditation. The College is competing against a low unemployment rate according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. When people are working, they are less likely to go to school.

4 | THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | NOV. 12-DEC. 2, 2014

news New law to protect democratically-elected trustees

By Dina Boyer

@sfbreakingnews dinaboyer2@gmail.com

Contributor

The education code that enabled the California Community College Board of Governors to remove the democratically elected special trustees has now been amended by Assembly Bill 2087.

According to the language in Assembly Bill 2087, the guidelines are stricter when determining when an elected trustee can be replaced with someone chosen by the California Community College Board of Governors.

Elected trustee president John Rizzo said the College did not meet the current benchmarks in the education code, when they were displaced.

Assembly Bill 2087 now protects any democratically elected trustee from being removed by the accreditation committee unless the college is experiencing a “severe fiscal mismanagement crisis,” or the trustees deliberately go against or do not support the actions of the Board of Governors.

“State officials were taking away the powers of locally elected leaders without having to answer for what they were doing,” Assemblymember Tom Ammiano,

Illustration by Nathaniel Y. Downes D-California said.

Educational code 70901 enabled the California Community Colleges Board of Governors to provide assistance in the case of a severe financial crisis, but according to Ammiano, the laws author, that provision has been abused.

In July 2012 the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges removed democratically elected trustee’s and replaced those persons with one

from the Board of Governors.

Ammiano feared that person may not have the best intentions of the district in heart. He is also hoping AB 2087 will “rein in the abuses,” and force officials to consult with the elected leaders before removing other elected officials.

Rizzo said the elected trustees should be back now, but they have been informed that they will be phased back in in 2015. He said that if AB 2087 was enacted

two years ago the democratically elected trustees would have never been removed.

Special Trustee Robert Agrella, who had his term lengthened until 2015, couldn’t be reached for comment.

Ammiano’s AB 2087 would still allow the Board of Governors to appoint a special trustee if the conditions warrant it, but it also would require a plan for returning control to the elected Board of Trustees and require meaningful

consultation with those trustees.

Rizzo stated next month there will be a meeting to discuss the plan for reinstating the Board of Trustees.

Tim Killikelly, President of the American Federation for Teachers Local 2121 union hopes that AB 2087 will be used as a precedent or “stepping stone” for other laws that will protect City College from being a victim of a corrupt political process again in the future.

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THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | NOV. 12-DEC. 2, 2014| 5

news Four CCSF board of trustees positions filled; but full reinstatement is still up in the air

By Brian Churchwell @sfbreakingnews brian@churchwell.org

The Guardsman The seven-member City College of San Francisco Board of Trustees will have three new members following the Nov. 4 election and current board president John Rizzo was reelected to a four-year term.

The new members are Dr. Amy Bacharach, elected to serve the two remaining years of a four-year term, and Thea Selby and Brigitte Davila, both elected to four-year terms.

The board remains stripped of its powers while Special Trustee Robert Agrella executes all trustee responsibilities.

No timetable has been set for the departure of the Special Trustee and reinstatement of the board.

“I’m cautiously optimistic that the elected board will be reinstated sooner rather than later and that we can start working again to support the students,” Bacharach said.

Bacharach ran on a platform of accessibility to all types of students, availability of classes for students with varying goals and affordabil-

Top left: Amy Bacharach Top right: John Rizzo

Bottom left: Brigitte Davila Bottom right: Thea Selby

ity while highlighting her experience as a researcher and adjunct professor.

“Once we are reinstated, I think it’s important for the board to have

a comprehensive training to discuss its role and purview, and perhaps an orientation or meet and greet with the faculty, staff and students,” Bacharach said.

According to the City and County of San Francisco Department of Elections website, Bacharach received 45.8 percent of the votes cast to fill the two-year term.

Selby will bring her experience as a community college student and service on a number of civic committees, boards and associations to the Board of Trustees.

Selby graduated from UC Berkeley and has a master’s degree from the University of Oregon. Selby received the most votes in the race for the three four-year seats with 18.48 percent of ballots cast.

Davila currently teaches in the Latin American & Latino/a studies department at San Francisco State University. Davila attended community college prior to earning a B.A. in Rhetoric from UC Berkeley and a Juris Doctor from Berkeley Law. Davila received 17.34 percent of the vote in the race for the four-year seats.

John Rizzo was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 2006 and is the current president. In addition to his Board of Trustees experience, Rizzo was the former chair of the Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter and a Commissioner on the Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority. Rizzo received 16.22 percent of the votes for the open four-year terms.

ALEC continued from page 1 ALEC boasts a long membership list that includes hundreds of high-ranking politicians and high-profile corporations, such as AT&T, ExxonMobil, State Farm and the Koch Brothers.

Media outlets have recently reported an exodus of ALECmember companies that include Google, whose chairman stated that joining ALEC was “a mistake.”

Observers have also noted that bad press may have pushed some companies to reconsider their membership, especially following the revelation of how one ALEC model policy served as the basis for Florida’s Stand Your Ground gun law that was invoked during the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin.

‘Model Politics’ Public educators have long worried that “model policies” devised by ALEC’s Student Education Task Force could strengthen private for-profit schools that stand to gain increased enrollment should institutions like City College be forced to close.

Several ALEC “model policies,” such as the “Resolution in Support of Private Sector Colleges and Universities” and the “Indiana Education Reform Package” introduce language to benefit charter schools and private-sector colleges.

“They want to do a corporate overhaul,” Allan Fisher, a member of the American Federation of Teachers Local 2121 and an ESL teacher at City College said.

“Believing in the business model of education, they want to change City College. And, maybe, teach City College a lesson because we have been at the forefront of democratic education for all.”

Regardless of whether or not ALEC has any substantive connection to the ACCJC through “student learning outcomes,” many advocates believe that the Accreditation Standards cited by the ACCJC do not provide a fair assessment of City College’s student performance.

“There’s nothing in state law that says every teacher and every department must have identifiable and measurable student learning outcomes,” said Fisher. “But the ACCJC has made it part of their standards. And they say that you must abide by their standards or they will sanction you.”

In 2013, the ACCJC sanctioned City College to show cause that the school has adopted reforms to meet a set of Accreditation Standards or risk losing accreditation. Many critics have described the accrediting commission as a rogue group operating beyond the oversight of its parent regional agency, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

City College “did better than the statewide average in 10 of the 13 top metrics” for Scorecard evaluations.

The data also noted that City College achieved an overall completion rate well above the statewide average.

6 | THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | NOV. 12-DEC. 2, 2014

culture

CITY STYLE

PHOTOS BY EKEVARA KITPOWSONG • Q&A BY CHARLES INNIS

Dimitrious Philliou, 22, English

Anya Javakush, 19, Undecided

Kaila Stanford, 18, Graphic Design

What was the last thing you ate?Probably some

What was the last thing you ate?

What was the last thing you ate?

What’s your new favorite song right now?

What’s your new favorite song right now?

What’s your new favorite song right now?

tortilla chips with baba ghanoush and hummus.

“Wolf and I” by Oh Land. It’s a beautiful song

What do you think is the ugliest fashion choice one could ever make?

Looking like everybody else.

What’s your favorite quote either philosophical or inspirational or whatever?

“Knowledge is limited but imagination encompasses the world.”

What’s the best advice you could give to anyone about their life?

Treat yourself like you would treat a lover or a baby or someone you really care about. Enjoy life, we only live once I guess until the next life if you believe in reincarnation but why not live it? Why not enjoy life while were here? Why not make the best most beautiful experience out of it?

What’s been your favorite class at City College?

Dance improv.

Some good ass raspberry pastry.

“Tell ‘Em” by Rich Gang. It’s by Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan.

What do you think is the ugliest fashion choice one could ever make?

Fedoras.

What’s your favorite quote either philosophical or inspirational or whatever?

“Just be free.”

What’s the best advice you could give to anyone about their life?

“Just be free and do what you want to do. Fuck the haters.”

What’s been your favorite class at City College?

I don’t think I have one.

Granola.

I like “How About Now” by Drake. It’s his new single.

What do you think is the ugliest fashion choice one could ever make?

Polka dot shirt.

What’s your favorite quote either philosophical or inspirational or whatever?

“We convince ourselves that we know the other person well but do we really know anything really important about anyone?”

What’s the best advice you could give to anyone about their life?

Just kinda do whatever you want for you or whatever.

You can take advice and abide by society’s standards but you should really do what you think is right.

What’s been your favorite class at City College?

My psychology class.

Journalism Department www.ccsf.edu/journal

Spring 2015

City College’s award-winning students

photo by james fanucchi/the guardsman

The staff of The Guardsman critiquing the latest edition as part of the preperation for the planning the upcoming issue.

Professionals share experience with eager journalism majors

Wanted!

T

he journalism department at City College dates back to 1935.

For more than 80 years, hundreds of our students have pursued successful careers in the news media. Many of them got their start on our award-winning campus publications.

Our students consistently do well in statewide journalism competitions, which speaks to the quality of the education that they receive here. The campus newspaper and magazine have won numerous awards for writing, editing, photography and publication design. They have been recognized by the Journalism Association of Community Colleges’ as among the top student publications in the state.

The faculty itself is comprised of professional editors, writers, photographers and designers. They teach from first-hand experience.

News writing and reporting, feature writing, photojournalism, and contemporary news media will be offered this spring, as well as editing and production courses for work on the campus newspaper The Guardsman and Etc. Magazine.

Additionally, introductory courses in public relations (Jour. 26) and another in investigative reporting (Jour. 36) bolster specialized journalistic training.

page

B

3 Frequent questions 3 Department awards

Writers, photographers, cartoonists, layout design artists and ad sales reps. for The Guardsman and Etc. Magazine. You can get 3 units of credit. Sign up for Jour. 25 or 29.

Questions?

Contact Juan Gonzales 415-239-3446

C

page

3 About the faculty 3 Mentoring program

page

D

3 Spring courses 3 Notable graduates

Journalism Department

B

Students receive state’s top recognition for journalism C

urrent and former City College journalism students won 16 awards at the Journalism Association of Community Colleges Norcal Conference on Nov. 8 at Sacramento State University.

Approximately 175 students representing some 20 journalism programs in Northern California attended the regional JACC conference.

The Guardsman and The Guardsman Online captured General Excellence awards.

The Guardsman also captured awards in layout, news features, editorial cartoons, illustrations, news photos, sports photos, feature photos, news stories and several on-the-spot competitions.

“It was a great conference, a lot of learning to be had and topped off by our students performing well in the journalistic competitions,” Journalism Department Chair and Guardsman Advisor Juan Gonzales said. “They brought home General Excellence for both The Guardsman and The Guardsman Online. They certainly did the college proud.”

The conference included a variety of workshops in writing, photography, layout, cartooning, internships, social media, editing, journalism careers and ethics.

The conference also gave students the opportunity to network with professionals and students from other schools.

The regional conference leads up to the JACC State Convention to be held April 9-11 at the DoubleTree hotel in Sacramento.

photo by Juan Gonzales

Journalism students from The Guardsman and Etc. Magazine in Fall 2014 win awards during the Journalism Association of Community Colleges Norcal Conference in Sacramento.

To join The Guardsman, email Juan Gonzales at: accionjg@aol.com To join Etc. Magazine, email Tom Graham at: tg_journalist@comcast.net

Journalism Association of Community Colleges awards THE GUARDSMAN JACC Pacesetter Award

2014 2009

2005 1998

JACC General Excellence

2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006

2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998

Vol. 155, Issue 2, Feb. 6- Feb. 19, 2013

CIty College

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san FranCIsCo |

1935 | theguardsman.Com | @sFbreakIngnews

By Jandean Deocampo THE GUARDSMAN / JDEOCAMPO@THEGUARDSMAN.COM / @BANANAISAFRUIT

The conference room looked more like a war room scene from a movie than the site of a City College Board of Trustees meeting.

Cameramen checked their machines. Soundboard technicians busied themselves over dials and switches.

They were all waiting. Waiting for the hush, the brief silence that would signal Board President John Rizzo to announce the beginning of the Jan. 24th meeting.

A crowd of 20 consisting of spectators, faculty, students and journalists gathered behind the elevated red seats and square tables reserved for the Board and their guest, California Community Colleges Chancellor Brice Harris. Harris attended the meeting for one reason: engaging with local leadership in a conversation on the issue of accreditation.

“Please stand,” said Rizzo, CHANCELLOR: PAGE 2

DR. BRICE W. HARRIS, CHANCELLOR OF THE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGES SHOWED HIS SUPPORT AND WILLINGNESS TO SAVE CITY COLLEGE BY ATTENDING THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY JAN. 24, 2013. “THIS FAVORABLE OUTCOME WILL ONLY COME THROUGH URGENT AND FOCUS ACTION ON YOUR PART” HARRIS TOLD THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. PHOTO BY JUAN PARDO/THE GUARDSMAN.

Students in dark about accreditation Forums held in Ram plaza to educate campus community

By JennVerzosaaand JacksonLLy THE GUARDSMAN / NEWS@THEGUARDSMAN.COM / @SFBREAKINGNEWS

As the deadline for City College’s Show Cause and Closure Report looms, Student Trustee William Walker organized two town hall-style forums Jan. 24 at Ocean Campus’s Ram Plaza to educate a student populace largely in the dark about the facts surrounding the school’s precarious accreditation status.

Around 30 students gathered for the first forum at noon, with the second one drawing a much smaller crowd—less than a dozen— including Walker, Associated Students President Shanell Williams and Vice-President Melanie Ortanez.

The crowd’s size appeared to have no effect on Walker’s appar-

“I don’t know what to believe.

The SF Chronicle is telling us one thing, and our professors are telling us another.”

-student Griffin Robbins ent fervor, who eschewed the traditional question-and-answer format in favor of singling out participants to see what they knew about City College’s accreditation.

“I don’t know what to believe,” second semester student Griffin Robbins said. “The SF Chronicle

Non-resident fees might increase this summer

By Cecilia Ren

THE GUARDSMAN / JCREN@THEGUARDSMAN.COM / @RENCECILIA

and Junior Colleges.

In its evaluation report, the commission made 14 recommendations that detail areas in which the college needs to make improvements.

Not even a month into the new semester, City College has already proposed its plans to increase nonresident fees at the beginning of 2013 summer session.

An open meeting that addressed a possible out-of-state tuition increase was held on Jan. 29 inside the Associated Student Body building.

About thirty students attended the meeting to voice concerns.

Staff members from the International Students Department, as well as the Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, Peter Goldstein, spoke at the event.

“By law, all California commu-

TEACH IN: PAGE 2

FEES: PAGE 2

SHANNELL WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATED STUDENT COUN­ CIL CCSF ANSWERS SEVERAL QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE “SHOW CAUSE REPORT” AND THE SAVE CCSF COALITION DURING THE STUDENT FORUM THAT TOOK PLACE THURSDAY JAN. 24, 2013 AT THE RAM PLAZA. PHOTO BY JUAN PARDO/THE GUARDSMAN.

is telling us one thing, and our professors are telling us another.”

Currently City College is a fully accredited community college, but it was found to be in “substantial noncompliance” with the regulations of the Accreditation Commission for Community

INSIDE: NEWS: How to stay healthy against the flu Pg. 3 NEWS: Construction begins on bus station Pg. 4 NEWS: City Currents will never look the same Pg. 4

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: Grammy nominee Pg. 5 VOICES FROM CCSF’S PAST: Alumni speak up Pgs. 6-7 CULTURE: How to be a good date on St. Valentine’s Pg. 8

OPINION: UC Regent whines over “small” salaries Pg. 10 SPORTS: Baseball season swings into action Pg. 11 SPORTS: A slam dunk for basketball Pg. 12

THE GUARDSMAN ONLINE 2005 2004 2000 1998 1997 1996

ETC. MAGAZINE

JACC General Excellence

http://www.theguardsman.com

NorCal General Excellence

2014 2013 2012 2010 2008 2007 2006

sInCe

State Chancellor optimistic about the future but warns City College is not ‘too big to fail’

JACC Online General Excellence

2014 2011 2009

2005 2003 1999

NorCal Online General Excellence

2014 2012 2010 2008

2004 1998 1996

2014 2013 2011 2010 2009

2008 2007 2006 2005 2001

Frequently asked questions about the journalism program What is so special about City College’s journalism program?

Our program offers a state-of-the-art computer lab, two award-winning publications, instructors who are working journalists, a coaching program for students, internship opportunities and a curriculm that keeps pace with the changing needs of today’s newsroom.

Does the journalism program offer transferable courses?

Yes. Three courses in our program are transferable to four-year institutions. The three courses are Journalism 19 (Contemporary News Media), Journalism 21 (News Writing and Reporting) and Journalism 37 (Introduction to Photojournalism).

Do any of the courses in the department fulfill general education requirements?

Yes. Journalism 19 (Contemporary News Media) meets the GE requirement in humanities.

Can I get a degree or certificate in your program?

Yes. The department offers an AA degree in journalism that takes about two years to complete and leads to transferring to a four-year college. A Certificate of Award in Journalism is also available for those students wishing to gain journalistic skills for possible employment within an 18-month period.

If I complete two years of study in your program and want to transfer to a fouryear college, is that possible?

Yes. It is possible to transfer to a four-year institution. Students in our program have enrolled at San Francisco State University, UC Berkeley, San Jose State University, Humboldt State University, and UC Santa Cruz, to name a few.

Will I encounter any problems enrolling in one of your courses?

No. Enrollment in our deparment is easy.

Class size averages about 20 students per class, which allows for plenty of opportunities to interact with teachers, advisers and fellow students.

What kinds of jobs can I qualify for once I complete your program?

The program prepares students for entrylevel positions in news writing, copy editing, photography, and newspaper design and pagination.

Does the department offer any scholarships?

Yes. The department has a $100 scholarship for continuing students. The application deadline is April 1. The department also makes avaialble information on journalism scholarships offered by local and statewide organizations.

Are internships available to students in the program?

Yes. The department has working relations with numerous neighborhood newspapers

and some alternative publications in the area. Instructors in our department also have connections with the two dailies: the San Francisco Chronicle and the San Francisco Examiner.

Are there any other resources offered through the department?

Yes. The department sponsors a mentoring program, a student press club, a media career fair, and a “Brown Bag” lecture series.

It also has an extensive library of mediarelated books and videos.

If I need to talk to a journalism adviser is there someone I should see?

Yes. You can contact Department Chair Juan Gonzales, who has been with the program since 1985. Call (415) 239-3446.

The Guardsman campus newspaper is available online at: www.theguardsman.com Etc. campus magazine is available online at: www.etc-magazine.com

Journalism Department

Working journalists share skills, experience with students Juan Gonzales Jessica Lifland W ith a career in journalism dating back to 1970 as a reporter and publisher, City College journalism department Chair Juan Gonzales draws upon his varied professional experiences to instruct his students.

As the founder and editor of El Tecolote, a biweekly, bilingual newspaper published since 1970 in San Francisco’s Mission District, he continues to cover the issues that affect the neighborhood.

Gonzales was honored in April 2011 with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism Education by the California Journalism Education Coalition.

Currently, Gonzales is project director of Voices for Justice: The

Tom Graham

Tom Graham, instructor, magazine adviser

I

t took Tom Graham six years to walk every street in San Francisco. All 2,612 of them. He wrote about it for the San Francisco Chronicle, where he worked for 22 years as a feature copy editor.

A former City College student and editor of The Guardsman, Graham has taught journalism part-time here for 25 years.

In addition to serving as student adviser for Etc. Magazine, Graham teaches courses in Contemporary News Media (Jour. 19), Magazine Editing and Production (Jour. 29), and Public Relations (Jour. 26).

At the Chronicle, he edited, designed and paginated the daily Datebook, Pink, Style and Review sections.

He wrote numerous stories for

Juan Gonzales, instructor, department chair

Enduring Legacy of the Latino Press in the United States. The project documents 200 years of Latino journalism through film, a

the Chronicle, including a popular series called “Walking Man” that documented his walk along every street in San Francisco.

Some of his stories appeared in the Outdoor section, including first person pieces about bungee jumping, backpacking the 212-mile-long John Muir Trail, skydiving out of a plane, and rock climbing in Yosemite.

Before joining the Chronicle, Graham was editor for the Pulitzer Prize-winning Point Reyes Light newspaper in West Marin.

He also worked as managing editor for the California Farm Bureau in Sacramento.

Earlier in his career, he was editor of the Mountain Messenger newspaper in Sierra County and worked as a reporter for the Tahoe World in Tahoe City.

In addition to City College, Graham has taught journalism at College of Marin, Solano Community College, the University of San Francisco and San Francisco State University.

He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from San Jose State University.

This semester, he will be teaching a course in Public Relations.

“Public Relations is a subject people love to hate,” Graham says. “Whatever your cause, it’s the method for winning friends and influencing people. We’ll be showing students how to do just that this semester.

companion book and an interactive Web site.

In 2010, El Tecolote celebrated its 40th anniversary. For those years of service, Gonzales was honored by the Society of Professional Journalists with its “Distinguished Service Award.”

Similarly, he received a “Heroes of Excellence” award from KGOTV. In 2009, Gonzales was inducted into the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Hall of Fame. He was also honored by KQED-TV as an “Unsung Hero” in the Latino community. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom also recognized Gonzales as a Latino media leader during Hispanic Heritage Month in

September.

Gonzales serves as adviser to the campus newspaper, The Guardsman.

He is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges, the San Francisco Newspaper Association and the New American Media.

Gonzales possesses an associate degree in journalism from San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, a bachelor’s degree in journalism from San Francisco State University and a master’s degree in mass communications from Stanford University.

He worked as a reporter for the San Francisco bureaus of the United Press International and the Associated Press.

Jessica Lifland, instructor

Jon Rochmis

J Need to get in touch with us? Call us at: Mission campus 415-920-6156 Ocean campus 415-239-3446

Jon Rochmis, instructor

J

on Rochmis has been teaching at City College since 2000.

Among the courses he has taught are News Writing and Reporting, Advanced Reporting, Feature Writing, Copy Editing and Internet Journalism.

In addition, he has been a lecturer at San Francisco State and at Skyline College, where he taught News Writing and Mass Communications.

With more than 25 years of experience in Bay Area journalism, Rochmis has been an editor and reporter in sports, news, business, technology and feature departments.

After graduating with a degree in journalism from UC Berkeley, Rochmis began his career at the Berkeley Gazette/Richmond Independent.

He then covered sports, news and business at the Oakland

Tribune for nine years, with six years as the beat writer for the San Francisco 49ers.

Following his 15-year stint in newspapers, Rochmis was a book/magazine editor for a small publishing house in downtown San Francisco.

In 1995, he jumped online as the first editor at SF Gate.com, where he helped conceive and administer the tone and presentation of one of the first news sites on the World Wide Web. Rochmis also helped launch BayInsider.com as senior content producer, and then worked for three years as content editor and then executive editor at Wired News.

Currently, Rochmis is a marketing writer with a marketing/ communications agency that specializes in high technology.

Mentoring program links students with professional journalists

T

he journalism department’s mentoring program has helped many students network with professional journalists and photographers.

“You look at these mentors and they are top-flight. They’re names in the business,” said journalism instructor and writer Jon Rochmis.

Department Chair Juan Gonzales attributes the success of the program to the support it receives from the Bay Area’s media.

The mentor program encourages students to take advantage of the

Bay Area’s large population of professional journalists. Students learn how to pitch story ideas like a pro and have an opportunity to talk one-on-one with writers, editors, photographers and designers.

Gonzales believes being mentored can improve a student’s ability to get a job.

KGO TV news anchor Cheryl Jennings knows just how hard it is to break into journalism. She was rejected by 19 of the 20 television stations she originally applied to.

“I think the program is an

C

essica Lifland is the founder and director of San Francisco Photonite, a monthly community photography group sponsored by the Bay Area Press Photographers Association and the SF Exposure Gallery.

Lifland has worked as a staff photographer for the Contra Costa Newspaper Group and the Evansville Indiana Courier and Press.

Since returning to the Bay Area in 2002, she has been involved in a variety of projects as both an editor and photographer.

She was a project organizer and photographer for the America 24/7 project.

She has edited and photographed for several book projects, including Extreme Digital Photography and We Do. As a photo journalist, Lifland has shot a variety of assignments for magazines like Newsweek, Fortune, Forbes, Stern and Le Monde.

She works on assignment for newspapers such as the New York Times, USA Today and the San Francisco Chronicle.

Lifland has a BFA in photography and a BA in art history from Cornell University.

She has a Master’s Degree from Ohio University’s School of Visual Communication.

While at Ohio she completed internships at the Daily Camera in Boulder, Colo., The Denver Post and Long Island’s Newsday.

Spring 2015 Advising Hours Meet with Juan Gonzales, journalism department chair, to discuss opportunities in the field of journalism.

Ocean Campus 50 Phelan Ave. Bungalow 615

“It’s an outstanding way to learn the business from the inside.”

Monday and Wednesday 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Tuesday 1 – 2 p.m.

Journalism instructor Tom Graham mentors students. outstanding way to learn about the business from the inside,” Jennings said. “I would highly recommend it. I wish it had been

in place when I attended City College. It makes me re-evaluate what I do every time I explain the business to a student.”

Thursday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

For an appointment, call (415) 239-3446

Journalism Department

D

Spring 2015 Journalism Classes The courses below currently appear in the online schedule.

To register for courses go to www.ccsf.edu/schedule Classes start January 12, 2015.

Jour 19: Contemporary News Media 3.0 units

35826 551 Lec. T R 09:40 - 10:55 a.m.

Multi Use Building/Rm. 180 Graham Introduction to modern mass communication, with an emphasis on development of news media, analysis of the credibility of the media and its impact on daily life. CSU/UC/CAN

Jour 21: News Writing and Reporting 3.0 units

35827 001 Lec. MWF 10:10 - 11:00 a.m.

Bungalow 715 Gonzales 36339 001 Lec. R 06:30 - 09:20 p.m.

Mission Campus/Rm. 217 Rochmis Techniques of newspaper reporting, developing and writing and a news story, training in information gathering and interviewing sources. CSU/CAN

Jour 22: Feature Writing 3.0 units

35828 551 Lec. T 06:30 - 09:20 p.m.

Mission Campus/Rm. 217 Rochmis Fundamentals in feature writing for magazines and newspapers with special emphasis on profile and interpretive news features. Practical experience in interview and in-depth research techniques. Training in how to write a freelance story for publication. CSU

Jour 23: Electronic Copy Editing 3.0 units

35829 551 Lec. W 06:30 - 09:20 p.m.

Mission Campus/Rm. 218 Rochmis This course is for writers, working editors, and those considering a career in editing or copyediting. Students learn to edit newspapers, magazines and web site articles for accuracy, style and organization. The writer-editor relationship, and ways to keep it healthy, is emphasized throughout the course. CSU

Jour 25: Editorial Management 3.0 units

35830 001 L/L MWF 12:10 - 01:00 p.m.

Bungalow 615 Gonzales An advanced journalism course that trains prospective print editors on all aspects of operating a publication, such as developing a publishing schedule, creating story assignments, coordinating a writing staff, designing a page, writing headlines and cutlines, sizing photographs, understanding the business side of print journalism, and working with other editors and printers. CSU

Jour 26: Fundamentals of Public Relations 3.0 units

36340 551 Lec. T R 11:10 - 12:25 a.m.

Multi Use Building/Rm. 180 Graham Prepares students to create an effective public relations campaign which includes writing media releases, “pitch” letters, public service announcements, managing media outlets, coordinating mailings and designing leaflets and posters, as well as setting up news conferences. Special attention given to in-house public relations duties for corporate and non-profit entities.

Jour 29: Magazine Editing & Production 3.0 units

Where have all our graduates gone?

Jennifer Balderama Former Book Editor New York Times

Tim Ball

Designer Washington Post

Johnny Brannan

News Writer Honolulu Advertiser

Tim Brown

Reporter New York Times

Colleen Cummins Photographer The Appeal Democrat

Alex K. Fong

Deputy Design Director San Jose Mercury News

Mario Fortson Page Designer San Francisco Examiner

Glenn Gullmes

Publisher West Portal Monthly

Cheryl Jennings News Anchor KGO-7 News

Paul Kozakizwic

Publisher Richmond Review and Sunset Beacon

31449 551 Lec. T 06:30 - 08:45 p.m.

Mission Campus/Rm. 218 Graham _____ 551 Lab. TBA Mission Campus/Rm. 218 Gonzales Students will study the editorial, business, graphic, and production skills required for publishing a campus magazine. Course is appropriate for students interested in creative writing, graphic and fine arts, photography, business, and journalism. CSU

Sports Writer Contra Costa Times

Jour 31: Internship Experience 2.0 units

Publisher The Ingleside Light

35832 001 Exp. Hours Arranged Prerequisite: Jour. 24 Gonzales Supervised on-campus or off-campus employment in a branch of journalism or a closely allied field to which the student shows him/her self to be best adapted. CSU

Jour 36: Advanced Reporting 3.0 units

35833 551 Lec. M 06:30 - 09:20 p.m.

Mission Campus/Rm. 217 Gonzales The course introduces advanced concepts of news gathering, interviewing and writing with an emphasis on investigative reporting. Extensive research, interviewing, meeting coverage and writing involved. Students will improve and expand their news-gathering and writing skills. CSU

Jour 37: Intro to Photojournalism 3.0 units

36341 551 Lec. TR 09:40 - 10:55 p.m.

Bungalow 615 Lifland 34104 551 Lec. W 06:30 - 09:20 p.m.

Mission Campus/Rm. 217 Lifland Emphasis on concepts of news and feature photography. Must have an SLR camera. Digital SLR preferred. Most assignments involve taking pictures of people, telling stories and conveying information. CSU

Questions? Call Juan Gonzales at 415-239-3446

Orlando Molina

Alex Mullaney

Rob Nagle

Page Designer San Francisco Examiner

Jim Powell

Copy Editor Los Angeles Times

Lubna Takruri Copy Editor Associated Press

Dan Verel

Reporter North Bay Business Journal

THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | NOV. 12-DEC. 2, 2014| 7

culture

Charming Twist

‘Heaven Can Wait’ continues its CCSF debut Story by Elisabetta Silvestro Photos by Natasha Dangond

Jeff Gustavson reviews his lines before the dress rehearsal of ‘This is Heaven’ on Nov. 5.

Above: ‘Heaven Can Wait’ protagonist, Andrew Tinsman, rehearses a scene in stage during the dress rehearsal at Diego Rivera Theatre on Nov. 5.

“Heaven Can Wait,” the last theater play directed by City College veteran teacher Susan Jackson, opened Nov. 7 at the Diego Rivera Theatre and will show for two more weekends.

Reciting from the original scripts from Harry Segall’s 1938 play of the same name, the majority of the 16 theater students who made up the cast were acting in a play for the first time.

Jackson, helped by two co-directing students, Kate Van Houten and Kristina Oreskovich, decided “Heaven Can Wait” to be her last play before retiring at the end of the year, after 30 years of teaching at City College.

“It’s a happy play,” she said. “I wanted to end on a happy note.”

At their dress rehearsals, two days before the opening, the students were ready and excited.

About to act in his biggest role ever, the play’s protagonist, Andrew Tinsman, a fifth-semester theater student, said the whole process has been “exciting and nerve-wracking.”

The story is set in 1938. A professional boxer, Joe Pendleton, is mistakenly taken from earth and about to be brought to the “hereafter.”

When they realize they made a mistake, the heaven workers, recognizable from an “H” embroidered on their blazers, try to make it up to Pendleton by bringing him back to earth, just in another body.

“It’s a play about what it means to be human, what it means to be alive,” Jackson said.

One of the characters’ lines well explains the meaning of the play, “Our time on earth could be a second, it could be a day in the park, it could be a baby.”

Student actor Inta Tahir said he was a little bit anxious, “But we practiced a lot so I think we’ll be good,” he said.

The next shows will be at the Diego Rivera Theatre, on Ocean Campus, Nov. 15 and 21 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 16 and 22 at 2 p.m.

Right: Susan Jackson coordinates actors backstage in Diego Rivera Theatre on Nov. 5.

Susan Jackson, play director and City College instructor, directs students during dress rehearsal for ‘This is Heaven’ on Nov. 5. (Photo by Natasha Dangond)

8 | THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | NOV. 12-DEC. 2, 2014

culture

Guardsman captures General Excellence at annual JACC NorCal conference Photos by Ekevara Kitpowsong and James Fanucchi

— The Guardsman Staff — General Excellence in Newspapers General Excellence in Online Journalism — Sara Bloomberg — 1st Place Enterprise News Story/Stories — Patrick Tomayo — 1st Place On The Spot Copyediting — Sara Bloomberg, Ana Carolina Quintela, Marcelo Petosi — 3rd Place Front Page Layout (Tabloid) — Charles Innis — Honorable Mention On The Spot News Story — Santiago Mejia — 1st Place News Photo Honorable Mention Sports Feature Photo — Elisa Parrino — 3rd Place Feature Photo 3rd Place Sports Feature Photo — James Fanucchi — 3rd Place Spot News Photography — Anthony Mata — 2nd Place Illustration 2nd Place Editorial Cartoon 3rd Place Illustration 3rd Place Editorial Cartoon — Serina del Mercado — Honorable Mention On The Spot Editorial Cartoon

City College students attended the Journalism Association of Community Colleges NorCal Conference at Sacramento State University on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2014. The all-day seminar included a variety of media-related workshops and juried on-thespot competitions in writing, editing, cartooning and photography

THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | NOV. 12-DEC. 2, 2014 | 9

Expensive housing may explain high tuition rates

OPINION

Have Your Say:

Who is your favorite instructor and why?

Yongtong Li, 20 Marketing My favorite is Marlen Vasquez.

She’s an English 1A teacher. She taught us how we can organize our papers and she teaches step-by-steo so I think she’s helpAlvin Lewis, 48 Nursing

Sociology, Mrs. Sabolboro, reason being, she gets you to think about not just yourself but your community and also the other students. She makes sure you realize that we share a lot in common, so its applicable to everyday life.

Erika Calderon, 19

By J.B. Evans

@sfbreakingnews esilvestro@theguardsman.com

The Guardsman

Students lucky and determined enough to pursue higher education must choose from a narrow and paltry variety of financial options, including the rare chance of receiving a scholarship, the demand of taking out exorbitant student loans or the reliance upon their parent to front the bill.

Whichever route students choose, they will find that this road leads to dire, debilitating debt for themselves, their families and their local communities.

Popular opinion tends to blame rising tuition costs as the primary reason most students struggle to pay for college.

Although this opinion has merit, it glazes over the fact that modern affordable housing trends play a major role in driving up college tuition costs.

Look at what San Francisco State University students have to pay for housing.

According to the SFSU website, a student’s 2013-2014 living costs were estimated to total $17,378. Of that amount, $12,756 went toward paying for on or off campus housing.

This is a very high number, especially for students that may barely be able to purchase books.

Of course, this statistic does not address why housing costs so much for SFSU students. Most

Illustration by Serina Mercado

students have no idea that their housing decisions directly impact the communities in which they choose to live and study.

SFSU sits immediately adjacent to a residential neighborhood known as Parkmerced, which remains one of the most original transit-oriented developments in San Francisco. It represents the last of the city’s high-density, open-space, affordable housing developments.

In the 1940s, an architect named Thomas Dolliver Church designed Parkmerced and established communal green-space living as a modern model for affordable housing.

After decades of rotating ownership, a businessman named Robert Rosania took control of Parkmerced in 2010 and sold much of its property to SFSU. Since then, Rosania and SFSU have introduced plans to raise all of the original low-rise townhouse in Parkmerced.

This plan will displace many longtime residents currently living in Parkmerced, as well as disrupt the daily lives of SFSU students.

“This area used to be for the tenant,” Aaron Goodman said, a member of the San Francisco Tomorrow and an expert on Parkmerced. “It was one of the amenities of the community. And by taking it all away, people don’t have the spaces they used to have when they had children here.”

Shockingly, most students do not know that the wheels have already been set in motion that will wipe out their historic neighborhood.

Likewise, do they understand that the proposed new development in Parkmerced will rent at high unaffordable market rates, nor do they have any idea of the extent to which their school has dramatically changed the landscape of Parkmerced.

“They pretty much let it rot,” Goodman said, referring to one of the many undeveloped lots that SFSU purchased from Parkmerced. “SF State has a project proposal for this site, but they’ve turned it into an empty lot until they do their future project.”

Students need to think more about how their housing decisions affect not only the rising costs of tuition, but also the long-term costs of community displacement.

If students become better stewards of their communities and work to preserve low-cost affordable housing, then perhaps they may also discover the best solutions to reducing the tuition costs that are crippling the institution of higher learning in the U.S.

Vasco Morais, 26

Studio Arts

My favorite instructor would probably be Anna Asebedo, she’s chairman of the art department and she’s my printmaking instructor. She’s pretty awesome. She’s super enthusiastic and very nice, even if you’re late.

Stem Cell Certificate I like Golnar Afshar in the biotech program because she makes the lab instructionals very straightforward and easy to comprehend and follow.

Ernest Lardizabal, 20

Industrial Design

I think my favorite instructor is Phillip Tsui. He teaches introduction to sociology. He doesn’t really give homework we just study for quizzes and he’s really friendly too and funny.

Reporting by Charles Innis. Photographs by Nathaniel Downes.

THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | NOV. 12-DEC. 2, 2014 | 10

upcoming events Fri/Oct. 31-Ongoing

Project Survive

Islam with free food provided. Everyone is welcome! If it rains location will be moved to the upper level of Student Union building. For more information contact msaccsf@ gmail.com

Project SURVIVE celebrates its 20th Anniversary with exhibition at Rosenberg Library and Learning Resources Building Check out the second floor central staircase to Fri /14-30 see testimonials, posters, Transcience Exhibit time-line art and artifacts.

Photography DepartFri/14 ment’s Gallery Obscura Photography Lecture hosts new exhibit Transcience by student Rese Photographer Alex Far- Cohen until Nov. 30. The num speaks as a part of Exhibit focuses on abCity College’s Concert stract pieces taken from and Lecture Series. He abandoned buildings. has landed “on-going The gallery is open daily projects for national pub- except Sundays and Holilications, international days. Visit www.ccsfphoagencies, multigenera- to.wordpress.com tional brands, and award winning book projects.” Fri/14-30 Event held in Visual Arts Waterscapes Exhibit Lecture Hall 114 from 6-9:30 p.m. and is to the City College’s Chinapublic. town/North Beach Center Library presents WaFri/14 terscapes, a black and Under the Sun white photography exhibit presented by Yiye Muslim Student As- Teng on the second floor. sociation holds Juma’a Teng used a “unique phoUnder the Sun at the tographic process” to Amphitheater 12-3 p.m. capture “beautiful and There will be a lecture about important points in mysterious images.”

Sat, Sun, Fri, Sat /15, 16, 21, 22

Heaven Can Wait Heaven Can Wait will be performed at City College’s Diego Rivera Theatre. Showings held on the 15th, 18th at 8 p.m. and on the 16th, 22nd at 2 p.m. Tickets for students, seniors, and TBA members cost $10 while general admission is $15.

For reservations or information visit www.ccsf. edu/reservations.

Wed/19 Bake Sale OurStories Club holds a fundraising bake sale at Ram Plaza from 10 a.m.2 p.m. Costs are donation based with $1 minumum.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/ ourstories.

ing, entry for horses and dogs, swimming, fishing permits and entry to Ardenwood Historic Farm all for free!

For more information visit www.ebparks.org/ features/free-3rd-fridays.

Fri, Sat/21-22 Lost in Translation MultiCultural Resource Center, Chinese Student Association, Korean Student Association, and F1 Club present Lost in Translation Event at lower level of City Cafe from 10:30-1:00 a.m.

Tues/25 Delicious Buffet!

Fall Buffet at Pierre Coste Room at Ocean Campus.

Take this opportunity to support our students, support the college, and share in some wonderful food.

Reserve a spot by contactFri/21 ing Chris Johnson at 415Free 3rd Fridays!

239-3438 or cjohnson@ East Bay Regional Park ccsf.edu because seats fill District is celebrating its up very quickly! Seat80th birthday, by offering ings are 11:15 a.m., 11:30, Free 3rd Fridays. Only 11:45 and 12 p.m. Cost is two are left so come for $19.31.

parking,

boat

launch-

Act Now

To submit your upcoming event information for the December calendar, please keep it under 50 words and email accionjg@aol.com

All submissions are due Nov. 28.

No personals, please.

For more information call 415-239-3446

Enjoy t he upcom i n g hol id ay brea k Nov. 27 - 30

Let us help you reach your goals!

ARE YOU NEW TO CITY COLLEGE? Do you want help?

Don’t miss out on Orientation & Counseling!

You still have time to finish your…

• Orientation—online at www.ccsf.edu • English and math Assessment

“City College of San Francisco is committed to serving all students, including many of our most vulnerable students — those that are low-income, first-generation to college, foster youth, homeless, educationally disadvantaged, undocumented, and many others.”

• Counseling and Educational Planning.

Students who participate in the Student Success and Support Program have earlier registration dates.

The following programs continue to be an enormous resource for CCSF students, and CCSF is committed to ensuring academic success through these, and other, student service programs.

GUARDIAN SCHOLARS

is a program for current, and former foster youth, or those in out-of-home placement.

The program provides a range of services including: ■ Academic counseling ■ Transportation support ■ Book support ■ Clothing closet ■ Computer lab ■ Limited housing assistance ■ School supplies

HARTS

The Homeless At Risk Transitional Students Program addresses challenges that homeless, formerly homeless, and those at-risk of being homeless face as they pursue educational goals at CCSF. The program provides the following resources to HARTS students:

SECOND CHANCE

is a program for formerly incarcerated students, on parole or probation, or in recovery from drugs and alcohol.

Some of the vital services include: ■ Academic counseling ■ Book support

■ Transportation passes

■ Transportation support

■ Meal support

■ Educational supplies

■ Housing referral

■ Technology access

■ Computer access

■ Eligibility is contingent upon acceptance to the EOPS program

■ Academic counseling ■ Peer mentoring

What classes are you taking next semester?

Now is the time to get ready for Spring 2015 registration.

Make an appointment to see a counselor.

You and your counselor will develop a plan for graduation, certificates or transfer to a university. Get your ED PLAN soon!

OCEAN CAMPUS ACADEMIC COUNSELING Conlan Hall · Room 205 415-239-3296 MUB 39 · Arts 201 · Cloud 207 415-452-5235

THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | NOV. 12-DEC. 2, 2014 | 11

sports

Ram’s make the best of a gray day

Cassie Stansberry #8 and Brenda Flores #28, jump for the cross late in the 2nd half of Friday’s home game against Ohlone College.

(Photo by Niko Plagakis)

By Patrick Cochran

@sfbreakingnews pcochran@theguardsman.com

The Guardsman

The Rams women’s soccer team salvaged what could have been a gloomy day, and ended up with a 1-1 tie versus Ohlone College on Friday, Nov. 7.

Late afternoon was quickly turning to dusk, and the San Francisco fog was flowing down the hillside. Taking a 1-0 lead before halftime, Ohlone looked like they would have an easy second half with the playing conditions making it very hard to play effective team soccer.

“The darkness and the fog definitely made it harder to see our teammates at times,” Hannah Mikles said, a sophomore midfielder. “But we compensated and made the best of it, and we were able to get the tie today.”

With 30 minutes left in the game, Rams forward Katrina Voris saved the afternoon for her team.

She dribbled the ball fast down the field on a break and baited the

defender towards the right half of the field, and then quickly split down the center to get passed her.

Ohlone’s goalkeeper made a fateful decision to challenge Voris as she shot the ball low to the ground with the perfect amount of touch.

The ball rolled into the back left of the net and her teammates celebrated tying up the game versus tough competition in miserable weather.

“We had a really good team effort,” Voris said. “The weather made it harder for us, but I am really happy we were able to come back from 1-0 and tie the game up.”

The game started at 3:40 p.m. instead of 3 p.m. because one of the referees was late getting to the game. California Community College Athletic Association rules require three referees for all soccer games, so both teams were forced to wait.

A week ago the slight delay wouldn’t have been much of a cause for concern, but with daylight savings time the previous Sunday, the wait was getting

everybody anxious. Luckily the third referee arrived with enough time to get the game in before the sun set.

“We had good ball movement and shots on the net, and we played much better in the second half,”

@sfbreakingnews cochran@theguardsman.com

The Guardsman

A convincing 92-76 victory over Napa Valley College rebounded the Rams men’s basketball team.

Dominating the entire game, it was a night and day difference from their previous evening game when they lost 91-70 to Marin College to start their 2014-15 season.

Hosting a tournament to kick off the season, the Rams needed the weekend’s slate of game to familiarize new players with the

thing about our team. It didn’t begin the best for them, but I am proud they were able to come back,” Saucedo said.

The Rams are now 9-2-5 as they approach state playoffs.

Hannah Mikles #16 and Brenda Flores #28, regain possession of the ball from Ohlone College on Nov. 7 at City College. (Photo by Niko Plagakis)

Rams rebound from night before

By Patrick Cochran

said Head Coach Gabriel Saucedo.

Despite the poor visibility, the Rams put their best foot forward in moving the ball around to teammates on the field.

“That we were able to regroup after being down tells you some-

system and build team chemistry.

“We played more of a team today than yesterday,” said Rams point guard Vincent Golson. “If we are able to play like we did today and all stay on same page we will be good. Last night was our first time playing together. We didn’t even have a full weekend of

practice to mesh together. Some of our guys didn’t even play basketball last year.”

Golson is one of the key returning players for the Rams.

Last year Golson was the back-up point guard but still got significant playing time, serving as a catalyst for the offense.

Despite being small, only 5 feet 8 inches tall, Golson is lightning fast with the ball and has great dribbling prowess.

All afternoon Golson was able to drive to the hoop to draw defenders before kicking out the ball to teammates on the perimeter for uncontested 3-pointers. On the defensive end, Golson was able to force Napa into making turnovers or use his quick hand to get a clutch steal. More often than not Golson made Napa pay for their mistakes by taking the ball down the court

Basketball on page 12

12 | THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | NOV. 12-DEC. 2, 2014

sports

Basketball Continued from page 11

sports calendar FOOTBALL: Nov. 15, 1 p.m. vs College of San Mateo @HOME

SOCCER MEN’S: Nov. 14, 3 p.m. vs Foothill College @HOME Vincent Golson #20, strikes hard to beat a College of Marin defender at City College’s preseason tournament on Nov. 7. (Photo by Niko Plagakis)

VOLLEYBALL: Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m. vs De Anza @HOME Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m. vs Chabot College @AWAY

Jason Smith scores for the Rams during a preseason tournament against Napa Valley College on Nov. 7 at City College. (Photo by Elisa Parrino) for a layup or find a teammate open on the fast break for the easy score.

“We played better today, but we have a long way to go,” Head Coach Justin Labagh said.

With inexperienced players, it’s going to take the Rams time and effort to build chemistry, Labagh added.

Despite the causes for concern,

Labagh does see significant potential on his current roster. “We did a good job of moving the ball for most of the game. We do have guys who will be able to produce.

Julian Harrell had a very good game, I’m hoping for more of that all year,” Labagh said.

Harrell is a sophomore who just transferred from the University of Pennsylvania. The 6-foot-

5 forward, originally from Los Angeles, looked like the most polished player on the floor.

Possessing a balanced overall game, equally comfortable with taking a long jumper as he is driving hard to the hoop, Harrell figures to be a key component for the Rams this season.

“He is going to be the guy. Our glue guy. He has the most basketball experience on this roster.” said Labagh.

Alongside Harrell, the Rams picked up another player who figures to contribute immedi-

ately. Rams 6-foot-2 sophomore point guard Blair Mendy played significant minutes in the game and despite it being his second game with the team already looked comfortable in his role.

He showed off his nice range by drilling multiple long jump shots and deep 3-pointers.

Mendy is a very versatile player, and it is hard to pencil him in at one particular position. Listed as a point guard, his shooting ability and size makes him equally adept at shooting guard. His scoring ability complements Golson’s more traditional style of playing point guard.

When both ball handlers were on the court at the same time it worked to the Ram’s advantage, with Golson driving hard and then kicking it out to an open Mendy.

“We played better today,” said Mendy. “Once we are all used to each other we will be ready for anyone we play.”

Napa did expose some weaknesses in the Ram’s game.

Towards the end, the Rams let their lead slip, giving Napa the slightest hope that they could mount a comeback.

“We need to work on our defense,” said Labagh. “To compete at the end of the season it is ultimately going to come down if we can play good team defense, and we are far from that right now.”

Luckily for the Rams they have four months to build chemistry and play better defense. If the team can meet that challenge, this years squad might have the potential to bring home a banner.

S ave th e date Troy Thompson #34, attempts to jump past a College of Marin defender for a layup during Friday night’s home game at City College on Nov. 7. (Photo by Niko Plagakis)

Next home game Saturday Jan. 1 against the San Jose Jaguars