The Guardsman, Vol. 160, Issue 1. City College of San Francisco by The Guardsman

Inmates Learn From Behind Bars

Accreditation Update

ACCJC Not Budging

nomic background, I am able to get a pretty much free college education pfitzgerald@theguardsman.com that’s helpful to many students in OPINION EDITOR my same position,” Meyer said. The standard’s defiUnmoved by fresh evidence, ciencies cited by the accrediting the Accrediting Commission for commission are primarily about Community and Junior Colleges City College’s finances, governing affirmed its 2013 decision to revoke structure and student services. Yet, City College’s accreditation leav- the 2014 Student Success Scoreing the alternative, untested, and card, published by the California possibly more stringent path of Community College Chancellor’s “restoration” the sole recourse for office, declares City College eight retaining accreditation. percent above the statewide aver“While I don’t think this news age for certificate completions and was a surprise, it is deeply disap- transfers to four-year universities. pointing,” Interim Chancellor Susan Lamb wrote in an Aug. 5 A “Holistic” Review email. She acknowledged the sinPreviously, Superior Court cere and significant efforts made Judge Curtis Karnow in The People by the City College community v. ACCJC on Feb. 17, issued a to address the accreditation defi- final injunction. Karnow instructciencies and urged “each of us to ed the accrediting commission to channel our passion and our energy review, clearly identify, and provide into the current restoration process.” evidence as of June 2013 of any deficiencies in a “holistic” written report Alternate Restoration Route during a March 27 hearing. The revocation letter from the Still, Karnow’s use of the word Commission’s President Barbara “holistic” became an area of dispute. Beno dated Aug. 5 has no immediate The college argued it meant proimpact as the alternate restoration viding previously denied evidence, process postpones the commission’s if warranted, given the amended final decision to January 2017. report. The commission interpreted In the meantime, City Col- holistic more narrowly, referring lege must produce a self-evaluation to supplemental information not report by August 2016 and demon- previously included that addressed strate compliance with the standards only 10 additional deficiencies menduring an October 2016 evaluation. tioned in the amended report. There will be no additional In addition, the commission review or repeal granted to City was instructed by Karnow to pro-

By Patrick Fitzgerald

Tamara Washington, 34, has earned one college credit through City College at San Francisco County Jail, and is one of 83 students to complete courses since the program started in July. Friday Aug. 21, 2015. (Photo by Natasha Dangond)

By Marco Siler-Gonzales mgonzales@theguardsman.com OPINION EDITOR

City College is boosting its enrollment by finding new students in an unlikely place: the San Francisco County jail. Since July, Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi said county inmates have been taking advantage of an opportunity to enroll in college courses, thanks to a partnership between City College, Five Keys Charter School and the Sheriff’s Department. “If City College has an enrollment problem, well I’ve got a captive audience,” Mirkarimi said. The program will offer male and female inmates the opportunity to enroll in classes taught by City College instructors in order to obtain college credit. The courses aim to lay a pathway for inmates to enter the workforce or continue their higher education after release. “I thought that once my high school was over, I was done. But this let me realize it wasn’t bad, and I could further my education,” Tamara Washington, an inmate who just completed a child development course, said. Washington, a Vallejo native and mother of three, had obtained her high school diploma through

Bringing the updates to you: College Briefs

Five Keys Charter, and has now earned one college credit through City College. Washington is one of 83 students to complete courses since the program started in July. Washington said the child development course has given her new insight into her experiences with her own children and an incentive to possibly pursue classes outside of custody. “I consider myself an inmate, but a human being first. The class made me want to achieve more. This is that push to get out there and try something,” Washington said. “However life brought you here, there is always hope.” The platform also lays out eight to 12-week courses with career pathways such as drug and alcohol certificates for recovery programs, youth worker certificates, and custodial services. The students may go on to pursue classes at City College’s Southeast center when they are released. “Together with City College, instead from a punitive retribution model, we are doing it through a redemption model, helping people get the kind of exposure to an academic and job training field that they may have never had or stuck with,” Mirkarimi said.

Photo Story: CCSF Trains Next Generation Fireman

An initial invitation to integrate City College into the program occurred in 2013 when the Sheriff’s Department acquired a $500,000 state grant to fund the partnership. However, City College rejected the proposition due to its already outstretched resources during the brunt of the accreditation crisis. “We missed a lot of opportunities at that time. We just haven’t had the capacity to deal with things because we’ve been fighting to survive,” Board of Trustees President Rafael Mandelman said. “But it’s important, it’s a good pathway after they get out of jail as students who we will hope to continue on at City College and get certificates and degrees.” The costs of classes are now funded by Five Keys Charter School. Mirkarimi said the funding to add more classes will be evident once the courts and other agencies recognize City College’s key role in the program, as well as the already successful turnout rate with Five Keys Charter School.

Illustration by Serina Mercado

College during the restoration process. However, the school will have a right to review a draft of the evaluation team’s findings to check factual errors, submit a written response and appear before the commission prior to a final decision.

Quality Education

Lost in translation in these highly complex arguments is a fact expressed by Mike Meyer, a computer science student. “Coming from a low socio-eco-

Photo Story: Mission Mural Honors Local Activists

Floral Design, Extravagent Plants and A Whole Lot Of Winning

vide City College the right to testify before its review meeting. On July 8, Lamb, Academic Senate President Lillian Marrujo-Duck, Board of Trustees President Rafael Mandelman, State Special Trustee Guy Lease and General Counsel Steve Bruckman presented oral and written comments to the accrediting commission in Sacramento.

ACCJC continued on page 2

Introducing A New Column... ‘A Grain Of Salt’

2 | THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | AUG. 26 - SEPT. 8, 2015

news Development Slated for 33 Gough St. Editor-in-Chief Calindra Revier

News Editor

Marco Siler-Gonzales

Copy Editor

Madeline Collins

Sports Editor Khaled Sayed

Opinion Editor Patrick Tamayo

Photo Editor

Natasha Dangond

Design Director James Fanucchi

Online Content Manager Ekevara Kitpowsong

Advertising Manager

In June City College chose two developers, Equity Community Builders and Integral, to replace a seismically-vulnerable structure previously shuttered in January and to develop its 46,000 square foot parcel at 33 Gough St. The property, located on the edge of Civic Center, is near several of San Francisco’s major tech companies consequently making the property very valuable for new housing. Locals remain concerned the property will be used to create more housing for high-income prospects, thus proliferating a gentrification issue already affecting the ability of low and middle-class San Franciscans in finding affordable housing. The developers plan to improve the property and build up to 300 units before returning it back to the

Campus Briefs college. The proposal City College has accepted allows for 30 percent of its residents to have access to units that are priced below market value, while other developers, who offered competing proposals with 50 percent below-market units, were turned down. City College, which is threatened with losing its accreditation, plans to use the earnings from this project for renovations and improvements to its nine other campus buildings. The state -appointed trustee Guy Lease is currently overseeing this process until the City College Board of Trustees resumes power in July 2016, allowing decisions to be made by a state official rather than the locally-elected board. Meanwhile, classes previously offered at 33 Gough St. have resumed for the fall semester at the new Civic Center campus at 1170 Market St.

Administration Changes

Now that the administrative positions of Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Vice Chancellor of Student Development, and Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration are filled, Interim Chancellor Susan Lamb has chosen to reorganize the administration back to a more traditional structure. During discussions amongst constituency groups, Lamb observed discontent within staff and students surrounding the decision for Capital Projects from Buildings and Grounds to report to different senior managers, as well as Student Services splitting into two different areas. Concern was also expressed by faculty members, including deans, that the advancement of the schedule and students’ academic pathways would be compromised due to the split of the school and the Center Deans into two separate areas.

With the goal of a more stable administrative structure, Lamb initiated changes that were effective immediately as of July 16th. The Vice President for Student Services & Equity will now report to the Vice Chancellor of Student Development. Buildings, Grounds, and Police Services will report to the Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration, and the Center Deans will report to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The position of Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Development was filled by Samuel Santos, while Mark Zacovic remains Interim Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration and Joanne Low the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. Former Chancellor Arthur Tyler continues as Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management.

Cara Stucker

Design and Layout Yingbo Qiao

Illustrators

Serina Mercado

Multimedia Director Yessica Prado

Social Media Director Patrick Fitzgerald Mayra Sanchez

Staff Writers

Audrey Garces Otto Pippenger Patrick Cochran Cassie Ordonio Margaret Weir Shannon Cole

Staff Photographers Franchon Smith Otto Pippenger Alysia Thompson Brigid Skiba

Contributor

Patrick Fitzgerald Steven Ho

Faculty Advisor Juan Gonzales

Social Media

@theguardsman #theguardsman facebook.com/theguardsman theguardsmanonline

Online

news@theguardsman.com www.theguardsman.com

Mail:

50 Phelan Ave Box V-67 San Francisco, CA 94112 Bugalow 615

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Advertising:

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Continued from page 1 Interrelated Standards and Noncompliance Lamb argued in written testimony that the standards “in some respects are closely interrelated” and together with new information and previous information submitted should cause the commission to “reconsider and ultimately reverse the termination action.” She acknowledged the college would not have been in complete compliance but the number and severity of outstanding violations would not merit termination. Lamb also noted for the record that the commission had not fulfilled its injunction obligations, to clearly identified deficiencies and provide evidence in support of its conclusion. Nevertheless, the accrediting commission wrote that it was the preponderance of the violations that warranted termination. City College will now work to resolve all outstanding compliance issues with an eye on the August 2016 written self-evaluation report.

Aug. 31 - Sept. 25 MON-FRI/Until Aug. 31 Slavery Photography Exhibit “ENSLAVED”: A Visual Story of Modern Day Slavery” will be on display at the World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., Suite 200. The exhibit will be open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

MON-FRI/Until Sept. 12 Barbie Photography Exhibit The photography exhibit “Barbie” by Suzanne Notario will be on display at Gallery Obscura, located in the Visual Arts Building, until Sept. 12.

WANT YOUR NEXT EVENT IN THE CALENDAR? EMAIL THE NAME, DATE, TIME, LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF YOUR EVENT TO CREVIER@THEGUARDSMAN.COM

THU/Aug. 27 “The Press” Opening The new quick service concept will feature a variety of warm pressed sandwiches. “The Press,” located in the cafeteria, will be open Mon-Thu from 11:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

MON/Aug. 31 The New Chef’s Table Pierre Coste Room will reopen with a new look and menu, but same great service. PCR will be open Mon-Thu from 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Call Chris Johnson at 415-2393438 for reservations.

FRI/Sept. 25 Supporting CCSF Department Chairs The Coalition to support the Department Chairs at CCSF is holding an event to raise funds for legal expenses in new contract negotiation for Department Chairs at the United Irish Cultural Center, 2700 45th Ave. (at Sloat Avenue) from 1-4 p.m. Contact DCC leadership at 415-239-3330 for more information.

THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | AUG. 26 - SEP. 08, 2015 | 3

news

Obituary By Otto Pippenger

opippenger@theguardsman.com FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER

Noted Activist Tom Mayer Passes Away

Tom Mayer (Photo courtesy of www.friendsof1800.org)

Tom Mayer, noted community activist, died in late July from a heart attack. He was 62. Mayer is survived by his partner Luiz Netto. Funeral services were held at Most Holy Redeemer Church at 100 Diamond St. Aug. 21. Mayer, originally of Pittsburg, Pa. was the former co-owner of the historical Roxie Cinema and the host of City College’s festival of the Moving Image. He passed away from a sudden heart attack just moments after delivering articles he wrote on the Jewish Film Festival to the Castro Theatre. Mayer moved to San Francisco after graduating from Boston University. He leaves behind a legacy of 39 years of activism for the film, Mission district, and LGBT com-

munities. Upon his arrival in San Francisco in the 1970’s, Mayer immediately established himself as a community activist and defender of cinematic and local history. He became a prominent leader of the North Mission Association, focusing first to combat the arson attacks on 16th and Valencia, and later advocating for low-cost housing and establishing a local business association. The North Mission Association established a community newspaper, North Mission News. Mayer founded the Friends of 1800, which successfully lobbied to save the historical Fallon Building on Market Street by registering it as a national landmark with the help of Mayor Brown and Senator Mark Leno in 1998. In addition to his stewardship of the Roxie, Mayer was instrumental in preserving the Mission’s Victoria Theater. His writing on film was published throughout his life in print and online. He was a fixture at numerous film festivals and LGBT events throughout the city. He is remembered with great fondness as a benefactor of City College, and champion of the city at large.

5 | THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | AUG. 26 - SEP. 8, 2015

culture

CCSF Prepares Future Firefighters

Fire fighter personal protective equipment lays awaiting the next drill at the live fire training that cumulated the 18 weeks of preparation for 29 fire cadets of City College’s class at South San Francisco Fire Department Station 61 on Saturday, May 16 2015. (All photos by Nathaniel Y. Downes)

By Nathaniel Y. Downes ndownes@theguardsman.com FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER

On May 18, 29 fire cadets from of City College’s Fire Fighter One Academy became the 15th class to graduate and receive the Educational Fire Fighter One Certificate. These graduates are now qualified to test with fire departments all over California. The academy itself is a one semester class spread over 300 hours, divided into two evening class lectures per week and a full day of hands-on training on the weekend. Weekend trainings start out with a heavy dose of physical training and are followed by fire science specific trainings. The diverse faculty comes from fire departments all over the bay area and are either working firefighters or recently retired.

Recent graduates of the academy have taken full-time firefighter jobs all over California in city fire departments, for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management. Other graduates have gone on to take jobs in West Virginia, Texas and the ever illusive Fire Department, City of New York. For more information contact Monica McCarthy at mmccarth@ ccsf.edu or (415) 452-7302 or Jim Connors at jconnors@ccsf.edu or (415) 239-3359. For full story visit theguardsman.com.

City College’s Fire Fighter One Academy’s Class 15 fire cadet Matthew O’brien watches a training video about the proper use of wildland fire shelters at at South San Francisco Fire Department Station.

(RIGHT) A fire cadet uses the self contained breathing apparatus during hose drills at the live fire training at South San Francisco Fire Department Station 61.

Fire cadets practice rescuing a victim using the head tilt chin lift method during a search and rescue drill at the live fire training that cumulated the 18 weeks of preparation for the 29 fire cadets of City College’s Class 15 Fire Fighter One Academy.

THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | AUG. 26 - SEP. 8, 2015 | 6

culture

Muralist Immortalizes Local Leaders

Traditional dancer Blanca Rodriguez of Xiuhcoatl Danza Azteca speaks to the crowd during a celebration of the mural project’s opening, at the corner of 24th and Folsom streets on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015. (All photos by Ekevara Kitpowsong) (BELOW) “This Place,” a mural completed by Precita Eyes Muralists Association and Center, is dedicated to the Mission community.

By Patrick Cochran pcochran@theguardsman.com STAFF WRITER

“See that guy with the shiny white teeth, that’s me!” Juan Gonzales said, gazing upon his portrait. A new mural in the Mission District honors Gonzales, head of the City College journalism department and a founding member of bilingual newspaper El Tecolote, pictured with the paper’s original 1970 staff.

Traditional dancer Sandra Sandoval of Xiuhcoatl Danza Azteca performs a dance to celebrate the opening of “This Place.”

(RIGHT) Founder of El Tecolote newspaper, Juan Gonzales, speaks to the crowd during a celebration of the mural project, created by Precita Eyes Muralists Association and Center at the corner of 24th and Folsom streets.

Painted on the side of Philz Coffee at 24th and Folsom by Precita Eyes Muralists, the artwork is a tribute to local heroes and long-time organizations, said Fred Alvarado, one of the artists. It also features educator Rita Alviar and artist Alfonso Texidor, Mission Skateboards, and the protest after police shot City College student Alex Nieto. In bright orange is “The Cosmic Race,” one interpretation of “La Raza” – the idea that race and nationality can be transcended for the good of humanity.

The dedication was a lively event featuring a traditional Mexican dance performance that wowed the crowd and filled the air with incense. San Francisco supervisor David Campos attended. In a district undergoing rapid change, the mural is a testament to the neighborhood’s history. “We want people to see it and be told a story,” artist Alvarado said. “It shows the roots of the Mission.”

7 | THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | AUG. 26 - SEPT. 08, 2015

culture Horticulture Department

Success Blooms For Horticulture Students By Cassie Ordonio

cordonio@theguardsman.com STAFF WRITER

City College’s floral design students won the Overall School Award of the American Institute of Floral Designers competition for the fourth year in a row in Denver on July 4. The students who competed were Young Joo Pak, Aimee O’Donnell Sauders, Kyung Yun Kim, Hee Joo and So Yeon Kim. “This was my first year competing, but I certainly knew how successful CCSF’s previous teams were and I felt driven to succeed as well,” Sauders said. “You never want to let your team or your school down, especially when they’re reigning national champions.” In previous years, City College’s floral design students competed and

“Points are given for the methodological use of color, depth, line, balance, focal emphasis, unity and proportion,” Tabarracci wrote. won outside of California as well. They competed in Miami in 2012, where they won their first competition, Las Vegas in 2013, and Chicago in 2014. Every year the institute hosts the competition for schools around the region to compete. The competition consisted of 15 colleges throughout the United States and Canada. “The American Institute of

Floral Designers (AIFD) is the floral industry’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to establishing, maintaining and recognizing the highest standard of professional floral design,” Jenny Tabarracci, City College environmental horticulture and floristry department instructor wrote on her blog. The American Institute of Floral Designers’ four competition categories are arrangement, wedding, duplicate and body flowers, to complete within 1 hour each. Each category is critically judged and tallied by points. “Points are given for the methodological use of color, depth, line, balance, focal emphasis, unity and proportion,” Tabarracci wrote. The is a huge accomplishment for our Floral Design students, and it’s a positive representation of City College. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for students in the program to experience competition design and networking with students from other colleges and universities,” Steven Brown, environmental horticulture and floristry department chair, said. The next Student AIFD competition is in Anaheim California at the AIFD National Symposium July 3 - 7, 2016.

So Yeon, left, and Kyung Yun, right, creating Body Flowers Design at the Student AIFD competition in Denver. (Photo courtesy of jennytabarracci.blogspot.com)

THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | AUG. 26 - SEP. 8, 2015 | 8

opinion

Column

A Grain of Salt By Patrick Tamayo

ptamayo@theguardsman.com OPINION EDITOR

write lecture notes while the desk penetrates your upper abdomen as you try not to move to avoid the overused desks from squeaking makes for an awful learning environment. When the dry erase rail in a computer lab is lined up with chair parts that have fallen from the chairs, it might be time to update some of the equipment on campus.

Ludicrous rent

It’s difficult to keep up with the continuous bombardment of information that comes to us from all directions. What’s the truth, what’s real? There is no telling really. Just because it’s on the Internet, or the news said it or it was printed in a magazine or newspaper does not necessarily mean that it’s true. On top of that, we have to think about the possible agenda behind any information we come across. Who are we supposed to believe? There is no definite answer but you shouldn’t fall for anything just because something was printed or said on television. Do your own research. Find out what the other side is saying. Learn who is behind the publications you’re reading. Then, and only then, can you come up with your own conclusion. Until then, take everything with a grain of salt.

Wanted: adult desks

As City College continues to work on keeping and maintaining its accreditation, it’s obvious the desks at Ocean campus and Downtown center have survived another summer break without being upgraded. Anyone who takes or has taken classes at either campus knows the desks are extremely outdated. The kids at Lick-Wilmerding High School across the street from Ocean campus have bigger desks, and in better condition. The feeling you get trying to

There appears to be little relief in sight in regards to apartment rental prices in San Francisco and anyone looking can probably steer clear of the Lower Haight. Just a few weeks ago a one-bedroom was listed for the comical price of $6,500. The listing price turned out to be a mistake and the actual prices turned out to be an affordable $4,980 a month. For those of us not so good at math, that’s almost $60,000 a year for rent alone. The fact that this listing is real does little to give much hope of affordable rental options, but it’s becoming more and more apparent that while the majority can’t afford these exuberant rental rates it doesn’t matter. Properties like this one aren’t meant for you or me.

Shrimpy allegations

As if San Francisco doesn’t have enough on its plate, the fine folks over at the mayor’s office have recently had to deal with allegations of corruption. Alleged Chinatown gangster, Raymond “Shrimp Boy” Chow has accused Mayor Ed Lee of exchanging favors for “substantial bribes.” In Lee’s defense, he did call those making allegations against him “orangutans trying to deflect attention.” As hard as I’ve tried, I’ve been unable to find a suitable time to call anyone an orangutan. No charges have been filed against the mayor or any of his staff. While most have chosen to believe what Lee is selling, let’s not

forget that all this started with antigun advocate and former state Sen. Leland Yee, who is currently awaiting sentencing after taking bribes from undercover federal agents. On top of agreeing to favor certain legislation, Yee also OK’d smuggling guns from the Philippines. For those not paying attention, guns are bad, unless you’re getting bribed to smuggle them in from overseas.

Have Your Say: Are you voting? For whom and why? Michelle McNeil English Tutor

Footlong problem

Losing weight can sometimes make people do funny things, or unfunny. Longtime Subway Restaurants spokesman Jared Fogle, now exspokesman, apparently did some unfunny things before accepting a plea deal for having sex with underage girls and possessing child pornography. There is no way to spin this. His actions are reprehensible and paying his debt to society will likely be extra hard (no pun intended) as crimes against children are highly frowned up where Fogle will be residing soon. What’s the world come to when one can’t even trust an ex-fat guy to sell barely edible sandwiches? As if relations with minors wasn’t enough, Fogle’s foundation for fighting childhood obesity was nothing more than another molestation of justice. The foundation used the majority of their profits to pay its now-jailed director’s salary, the same ex-director also jailed on child pornography charges. Imitation seafood and crab sandwiches will never be the same.

“Yes. The candidate I find most appealing is Bernie Sanders, because he’s very issues orientated and I resonate with a lot of his platform.”

Sally Tang Nursing

“Yes I am … However, I’m still looking around at the candidates right now. I’m not confident about our current candidates.”

Ryley GaulocherBergmann Undeclared

“Yes … I have always been raised democratic; however, I have not done any research yet, so I don’t know which candidate”

***

As ridiculous as things are and as bad as you want to believe everything you see or read, don’t do it. Do your own research. Gather information from more than one source and whatever you do, be sure to take things with a grain of salt.

Christopher Smith International Business

“I plan on voting … I have been a huge fan of Dr. Ben Carson for a long part of my life, so that’s why I’m voting for him.”

Jesse Geist Psychology

“I’m registered to vote … I will vote for the Republican Party.”

9 | THE GUARDSMAN & THEGUARDSMAN.COM | DEC. 09 - DEC. 19, 2014

sports

Rams Season Preview Football

sports calendar FOOTBALL: Sept. 5, 1 p.m. vs. Sierra College @ Sierra Sept. 12, 1 p.m. vs. Laney College @ CCSF

MENS SOCCER:

Sept. 5, 1 p.m. vs. Cypress College @ CCSF Sept. 11, 2 p.m. vs. Delta College @ Consumnes

The Rams practice for their upcoming football season at ram stadium on August 10. (Photo by Khaled Sayed)

By Patrick Cochran pcochran@theguardsman.com STAFF WRITER

Sept. 12, 1 p.m. vs. American River @ Consumnes

WOMENS SOCCER:

Aug. 27, 8 p.m. vs. Ventura College @ Ventura College Aug. 29, 1 p.m. vs. Santa Barbara @ Ventura College Sept. 6, 1:30 p.m. vs. Cypress College @ CCSF

With Collins at helm, Rams hope to continue winning ways This last year has brought a whirlwind of change to City College football, most notably the retirement of long-time coach George Rush, and the promotion of his replacement Jimmy Collins. Collins, only 29 years old, is now at the helm of one of America’s premier junior college football programs, one that hopes to redeem themselves after a difficult loss in the state championship game last year. Despite this being his first year as a head coach, Collins is confident that he and his staff will be up to the task. “I played for this staff, and I know they are the most experienced and talented staff in all of (junior college). They can coach this group of kids and help them improve not only on the field but also in the classroom,” Collins said. Collins played football for the Rams in 2004-05 after having a successful high school career at Marin Catholic. During his sophomore season Collins served as the starting quarterback and finished his college football playing career at Portland State.

Before being promoted to head coach Collins served as the Rams quarterback coach, and was in charge of play calling. “Jimmy has all the qualities to be a great coach,”City College Athletic Director and offensive coordinator Dan Hayes said. “(Collins) has great personal and professional attributes. He cares about his staff, players and City College. This is his dream job. It wouldn’t surprise me if he was here for decades,” Hayes said. His experience with the quarterback position will be extra important this season as the Rams, who are currently in preseason training camp, are having to decide who starts at quarterback, the most important position on the field. The three candidates are redshirt freshman Zach Masoli, younger brother of former Rams/ University of Oregon star quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, Anthony Gordon and Lavell McCullers. “All three of them are good prospects and are trying to learn,” Collins said. When asked about Mosoli’s ability compared to his star older brother, Collins said, “Zach is his own guy, but he has tools and wants to be a great QB. He is in a great place to learn.” Collins was also very fond of Anthony Gordon. “He is a great pocket passer and

The Rams new head coach Jimmy Collins leads practice. (Photo by Khaled Sayed)

has the composure you need for that position,” Collins said. The strongest area for the Rams might be the offensive line where they return two of five starters. A monstrous player who originally hails from Nigeria, Sophomore guard Oge Udeogu said that he and his linemates are ready to go. “We have guys that will go (to) Division 1 and some great young guys,” Udeogu said. “AJ McMullen is great, the real deal.” Udeogu even spoke fondly of his teammates on the other side of the ball, despite the fact they have spent the last few weeks hitting each other. “Khalil Hodge, a linebacker is really talented, has good speed, and

should be a beast,” Udeogu said. Coach Collins thinks that Hodge and the rest of the defense will be up to City College quality. Rams teams under coach Rush typically featured stifling defenses manned by Division 1 transfers, and this year looks to be no different. “Khalil, Deante (Fortenberry a cornerback), and the rest look good. So far in practice they have showed to me and the staff that the defense will be no different than past years,” Collins said While questions linger about the Rams, the players and staff are confident that they can keep up the winning tradition alive.