The Guardsman, Vol. 174, Issue 1, City College of San Francisco

The Guardsman

City College Mission Campus Reopens Its Doors

By Karem Rodriguez krodri27@mail.ccsf.edu

City College’s Mission Center welcomed around 100 supporters on Aug. 5 to celebrate its reopening follow ing two years of closure due to the pandemic.

Former and present City College staff along with Mis sion neighbors listened to speeches by California State Senator Scott Wiener, Chancel lor Dr. David Martin, Mission Center Dean JorgeBell, and former Dean of Mission Center Carlota del Portillo praised the return of the center.

Also in attendance were su pervisorial representatives from the office of Hillary Rowen, Myrna Melgar and Ahsha Safai. Other dignitaries included City College trustees Bridgette Davila, JohnRizo, and Malinalli Vil lalobos.

“It’s important that we

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City College Students and Faculty Gather to Demand Answers From Administrators on Recent Round of Cuts

By Emily Margaretten margarettene@gmail.com

In a unanimous vote, the Board of Trustees at City College approved a motion to suspend the Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) program for up to three years at their June meeting.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) accommodated the AMT program on its prem ises for nearly 50 years, but this arrangement ended in December 2020 when the airport refused to extend the college’s lease.

The college proposed to relo cate the AMT program to Evans Center although this plan never was finalized. Chancellor David Martin said that significant facil ity upgrades were needed before the AMT program could be moved to a City College campus.

President Brigitte Davila said that she would like “to see the program back in action again” and proposed that it be housed at Evans Center if SFO was not a possibility. She also said that bond money could fund

building renovations without elaborating on a timeline or how much would be needed for construction.

Trustee Shanell Williams also stated her support for the AMT program to return to City College. She said that San Francisco Supervisor Shamann Walton and the

Bayview-Hunter’s Point commu nity supported the relocation of the program to Evans Center because it offered economic mobility for communities of color.

Bayview-Hunter’s Point community members repeatedly expressed their concerns about environmental pollutants and

urged the board to consider other options than Evans Center at previous meetings.

The trustees and chancellor did not address these concerns directly at the June meeting although the chancellor said that an Environmental Impact Report had been conducted and the college had “clearance” to put

the program at Evans Center.

Trustee Wong asked what would happen to the two fulltime faculty members of the AMT program. The chancel lor responded that they would receive priority hiring if the program was revitalized.

An automatic email reply from the Chair of the Aeronautics Department, Kenny Verbeckmoes, said he had been laid off and directed all inquiries to Dean David Yee. Dean Yee did not respond to a request for a comment for this story.

"This arrangement ended in December when the airport refused to extend the college's lease."

Candelaria Villegas dances to the rhythm of the live music played by a guitar and trumpet duet. San Francisco, California. August 5, 2022. Photo by Karem Rodriguez/The Guardsman

California State Senator Scott Wiener, speaks at the City College Mission Center re-opening ceremony. San Francisco, California. August 5, 2022. Photo by Karem Rodriguez/The Guardsman

Illustration by JohnTaylor Wildfeuer/The Guardsman

sustain and support the Mission Center,” Chancellor Martin said.

“The relationship that this cam pus has to the community and the community to this campus is second to none.

Currently, the center has a student population of 3,000. Be fore the pandemic, the student population was 8,000. “This campus belongs to the com munity,” Dean Bell added. “We seek the restoration of courses and programs.”

During the event, Bell and Del Portillo were presented with a City proclamation recognizing August 5th as Mis sion Campus Day. Bell proposed that every August 5th be a cel ebration honoring the center.

Friday’s reopening was a day to celebrate and also a mo ment of reflection on the impor tance and impact the center has had on the Latino community.

“It took us 34 years to have this building. While other

communities had a campus, it seemed that nobody cared about Latinos, so I thought the only thing left to do was organize ourselves because ‘el pueblo puede’ and because the future is ours,” del Portillo said.

Campus Rally AFT 2121 Continues the Fight About Lack of Transparency and Why There Are More Cuts

By Tyler Lyn Sorrow tsorrow@mail.ccsf.edu

More than 50 City College students, faculty, and staff protested the administration’s cutting of classes and layoffs at a rally, organized by the faculty union AFT 2121, in front of Conlan Hall on Aug. 22.

Frustrated by what many felt was a lack of transparency by the administration, tension was compounded by recent registra tion pile-ups for classes like English 1A where a reported 300 students have been waitlisted.

One speaker said that over 200 students were being crammed into one ESL class when the average was about 20 to 45.

their education plan with several students commenting that the class they had enrolled in had been cut at the last minute. Trent Jones, who was pursuing the motorcycle technician certificate in the automotive technology department, spoke candidly about how class cuts have affected him and others pursuing trade certificates.

“I want to be here just to make people aware that the last class needed to get your motor cycle certificate was cut the day before you're supposed to begin.

One of the excuses was not enough students,” he said. “But that was not true apparently.”

"I absolutely hate what this college, what this administration and this board has done to deci mate that program in the lives of

Emphasizing the signifi cance of this reopening, State Senator Wiener said: “Commu nity colleges create a pathway for everyone to be part of the middle-class. City College is all about giving our students the op portunity to fulfill their dreams. So, it’s important to support the Mission Center.”

After the speeches, the celebration continued with live music and lunch.

The energy was positive overall, but many students spoke about the difficulty of finishing

“And then the entry level course with more than enough students was also cut,” he con tinued. “So as an adult learner, you know, I know that's a big part of this community here and this school and enriching your life and your education, which is something I'm doing and it's just a sad thing." Of the faculty present, several were delegates of AFT 2121, including Mary Bravewoman, the current President, and Anita Martinez, a former president. Martinez, a former ESL teacher at City College is running for the Board of Trustees in the November election

all of our comunity and our im migrant community, and also the people who are coming here as international students,” Martinez said. “It's critical not just because some of the students will come here to City College for credit classes,” Martinez continued.

“People rely on just the dayto-day living, people who are parents who need to be able to communicate with teachers who need to know how to get along in the world, people who need it to work.”

Other topics brought up were the tenured faculty that was laid off, reportedly 38.

English Professor Steven Mayers was primarily concerned about the welfare of his students and said the college was driving potential future students away.

When questioned about how faculty and staff were faring after the cuts, Mayers said, “We fear this is the death of tenure.”

"The entry level course with more than enough students was also cut."

Trenton Jones, a student in City Colleges Motorcycle Technician Certificate Program speaks infront of a crowd infront of Conlan Hall at City College's Ocean Campus on August 22, 2022. A Rally was held infront of Conlon Hall to speak against the recent budget cuts that are affecting class sizes and even registration for students.

Photo by Tyler Lyn Sorrow/ The Guardsman

Students and staff gather infront of Conlan Hall at City College's Ocean Campus on August 22, 2022 to hold a rally against the recent budget cuts. Photo by Tyler Lyn Sorrow/ The Guardsman

Anita Martinez, former AFT2121 president and current candidate for board of trustees, speaks infront of a rally at Conlan Hall at City College's Ocean Campus on August 22, 2022 to voice concerns about recent budget cuts that has affected classes at City College. Photo by Tyler Lyn Sorrow/ The Guardsman

Gregoria Cahill, a student counselor at the Mission Center, speaks during the re-opening of Mission Center. “It’s important to let the community know that we are open, we hope people that are here share this infor mation and the students start to come back,” Cahill said. San Francisco, California. August 5, 2022. Photo by Karem Rodriguez/TheGuardsman

"We fear this is the death of tenure."

"Community colleges create a pathway."

Due South Free Concerts at Jerry Garcia Amphitheater

By Eric Bean bdean6@mail.ccsf.edu

This past weekend the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at Mclaren Park hosted the Due South (dothebay.com/due-south) concert series featuring local bands Deafheaven and Marbled Eye. Produced by Noise POP (noisepop.com) in conjunc tion with SF Parks Alliance the outdoor venue is quite appealing for many reasons, but to top it off, the series, with two shows remaining is free.

Upcoming shows September 17th and October 8th. Sept. 17th features Thao Nguyen, artist, songwriter, touring musician, and producer based in Oakland, California. With special guest Ruby Ibarra, a rapper and spoken word artist from the Bay Area. The final show in the series takes place October 8th and features Ozomatli, winner of 4 Grammys, coins themselves as “young political activists and musicians,'' playing a unique combination of urban-Latino, hip hop and salsa, dancehall, cumbia, samba and funk. With special guest La

Misa Negra, a 7-piece band from Oakland, California, known for their unique blend of Afro-Latin, and cumbia. They bring a highenergy, vintage sound, complete with horn and accordion-driven jams, and a dynamic rhythm section.

With easy access and plenty of options for getting there and enjoying yourself. The amphi theater is located in a forest environment at Mclaren Park, complete with many miles of biking and hiking trails. There is a free bicycle valet next to the main parking lot, with plenty of parking both in the lot and on the street, or there are special drop off lanes for easiest access.

You can count on plenty of food and drink options with vari ous trucks, local restaurants and drink stands. Bring the kids, and bring the dog because this venue is pet and family friendly. You can bring in a cooler with food but alcoholic beverages must be purchased on site. This was an excellent way to spend a day listening to music and enjoying a local San Francisco community.

Deafheaven performing at Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at the Due South concert in San Francisco on August 27, 2022 Photo by Eric Bean/The Guardsman

Local bay area band Marbled Eye live, perform on stage at Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at Due South concert in San Francisco on August 27, 2022. Photo by Eric Bean/The Guardsman

Indian Street Food at Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at the Due South concert in San Francisco on August 27, 2022. Photo by Eric Bean/The Guardsman

A couple watches the band Deafheaven perform at Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at the Due South concert in San Francisco on August 27, 2022. Photo by Eric Bean/The Guardsman

Local Band Marbled Eye on stage at Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at the Due South concert in San Francisco on August 27, 2022. Photo by Eric Bean/The Guardsman

A couple at Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at the Due South concert in San Francisco on August 27, 2022. Photo by Eric Bean/The Guardsman

King of the Streets Car Show Brings Hundreds of Lowriders to the Embarcadero

By Karem Rodriguez espratt8@mail.ccsf.edu

The Embarcadero was the backdrop for the annual King of the Streets Car Show and Hopping Contest organized by the San Francisco Lowrider Council. Hundreds of lowrider cars and fans gathered last Saturday, August 20, at pier 30-32 during a sunny summer day to celebrate culture, commu nity, and history.

This is one of the biggest and most anticipated lowriders gath erings in Norcal where the public can explore different classic car styles, and enjoy a hopping competition where the owners use remote controls to make their cars hop and jump using hydrau lics suspension.

country, so we asked him for permission because that is part of our culture. He gave us his blessing and he was the host of the hopping contest,” Hernandez said.

For Lowrider Council founder, Roberto Hernandez, this happening is an outcome he didn’t anticipate when he started the group 41 years ago. “The goal wasn’t hosting car events, I organized the lowriders because police didn’t allow us to drive in our cars, they were harassing us and giving us tickets, and they even closed Mission street so we couldn’t cruise,” said Hernandez as he speaks about the lawsuit he and his fellows won against the City and the police department to be able to cruise freely.

Nine years have passed since King of the Streets took place for the first time at pier 70, since then it has been held in differ ent places like Fort Mason, Cow Palace, and City College. On this occasion, it was dedicated to Young Hogg who recently passed away. “When we started King of the Streets, Hogg was the one who was doing events for lowrider cars around the

It’s noticeable the care owners put into their cars, and for many of them, this is a great event where they can share their love for their cars with family and friends. “I have always been into cars, it’s something that I like and I can do it with my family,” said Ashley Palomo who accompanied by her kids brought her peach-colored Impala for the first time after three years of working on having it ready.

Typically lowriding is about going low and slow but the main attraction last Saturday was watching the cars bounce and hop as high as possible. Competitors go from first-timers to experienced hopers but all of them work hard to build their cars.

“He put a lot so the car would be ready for today because last week it was having problems”, said Jessica Ponce about her boyfriend Alexander Dominguez who was participat ing in the hopping contest for the first time with his 1962 gold Impala.

While spectators gathered around the pit watching each competitor make their car jump, judges used a giant rule that goes up to 120 inches to measure the bottom of the front wheel of the car when it’s in the air. This year the winner’s hop was 98 inches and was reached by the car of the Majestics Team.

Ashley Palomo from San Jose poses in front of her peach-colored Impala with her daughter Simone and her son Isaac. “Today is its debut, the first time I bring it out,” said Palomo about her car. San Francisco, California. August 20. Photo by Karem Rodriguez

Roberto Hernandez, the founder of the San Francisco Lowrider Council, speaks before the hopping contest. “We wanted today to honor him [Young Hogg] because he truly represents this spirit on a whole another level, and we as Latino practice our ‘tradiciones’ and ‘cultura’, ” said Hernandez as he asked the audience to follow a traditional gratitude prayer. San Francisco, California. August 20. Photo by Karem Rodriguez/The Guardsman

Majestic Snow from Team Majestics, sits on the hood of his car which won the hopping contest with a 98 inches hop. San Francisco, California. August 20, 2022. Photo by Karem Rodriguez/The Guardsman

A 1962 gold Impala is displayed in the pit before the hopping contest. San Francisco, California. August 20, 2022. Photo by Karem Rodriguez/The Guardsman

"They even closed Mission street."

Cars are showcased in the King of the Streets event. San Francisco, California. August 20, 2022. Photo by Karem Rodriguez/The Guardsman

"Hogg was the one who was doing events for lowrider cars around the country."

Swag Madness Pollutes

By Carolina Raciti craciti1@mail.ccsf.edu

Have you been to any of the trade shows that take place at the Moscone Center? Or any other convention center venue?

My personal experience has been mostly attending one huge conference per year that takes place at Moscone. In this event, tech companies participate and so maybe this is why things get so out of hand with the swag extravaganza.

The amount of swag is so incredibly large, it makes me just wonder how this is impacting the world. There are all kinds of items branded with company logos, from t-shirts to keychains, pens, water bottles, stress balls, bottle openers, bags, lip balm, packing cubes, backpacks, note books, socks, mints, thousands of stickers (if not millions), and whatever can be imprinted with a logo. It's like tchotchkes or Knick Knacks galore (as my boss used to say) and of course, most of these items, if not all, come from China. Some are so cheaply made they don't even work prop erly or break easily after one try.

I just cringe at the amount of waste we are generating. A few of the items can be useful, ok, but most of them are not, and also the amounts are so exagger ated to get cheaper prices, that I have seen lots of leftovers that need to be dumped or recycled, because the companies either revamp their branding and change logos, or they simply don't get to use all of it, before they are getting into the new things. It's like fast fashion, but seems to go faster sometimes.

can't believe my eyes when I see all of this normalized madness, and this is just one conference!

If I try to imagine the many events and conferences around the US and other countries that do this, my head might just explode. I know other countries don't go overboard like this with swag, but I am afraid these trends can catch on and spread. Plus I have seen that conferences and trade shows have picked up since the pandemic is now mostly over, and lots of events are returning in full force.

"In 2017, Swag.com gener ated $1.1 million in revenue. In 2018, they grew that to $3 million. In 2019, they did $6.9 million. In 2020, they were on pace for $14 million; however, the pandemic caused their growth to slow. In 2021, they expect to generate $11 million in total revenue"

Per the article, the company got one big order from FB first, but then the one that pushed them to be such a huge business was an order from WeWork, specifically for their t-shirts, which then brought them tons of customers.

During the pandemic, all events were off for this indus try. The business slowed down, although some companies still send swag to new employees that work from home, or custom gift baskets for special holidays, etc.

I would love it if there is a consensus or guidelines on this topic, for example, no more than X amount of swag can be provided by the expositor and the quality of the items needs to have certain standards, or some thing of the sort.

Labor Expectations Are Lowering, But It Shouldn't Be at the Expense Of a Tip

The worst is to see all the waste when companies have to just dump it. As new marketing campaigns come along, not only have they wasted lots of money and time on these items, they are now polluting.

Of course, I think my opinion won't be very popular with the folks that work in Marketing departments, and even less popular with the companies that provide swag as their main service, but coming from an environmental background, I just

Maybe people would also appreciate them more, as they know it is just a limited number of items, and this way maybe they can be really good quality items that will work fine and be useful. It's worrisome to see so much trash in the oceans and the landfills and we as society just keep behaving in this manner, it may seem harmless for some but deep down we are literally trash ing the world with unnecessary stuff.

Hopefully Marketing Faculties in Universities and Marketing experts could take a look at how they are imple menting and teaching marketing campaigns, and can come up with fresh ideas addressing this situation and that can be more in tune with the environment.

By Emma Pratt espratt8@mail.ccsf.edu

I was rightfully disheartened when the customer in front of me at the ice cream shop opted not to leave a tip. Eagerly lean ing over their shoulder, trying to decide on the perfect flavor combination for my double scoop waffle cone, I flinched when they selected the no tip option on a pin pad that gave all the freedom of entering any tip amount. In my astounded state, I exclaimed my disapproval of their choice. My comment went unnoticed amongst the bustling crowd of ice cream goers. I was suddenly reminded that Americans regard the age-old custom of tipping with an ageold mentality.

Customer service workers shouldn’t have to provide excep tional, or even above-average service, to receive a tip. Doing the bare minimum at work is fine, and is even becoming a popular mentality across many fields of labor.

Let’s not get this backward - tipping culture in America is rooted in classism. It comes from attempts to justify unpaid labor. However, the modern fight against tipping is one that pretends to be liberating. It leans

on the dark history of tipping in the wrong ways. It’s argued that if employers paid employees enough, then customers wouldn’t be made to feel as though their tip is patching a hole in a broken system. Customers feel their tips supplement an income that should come from the employer. Sure, the system is broken - but when you don’t tip, you’re making the hole bigger - you’re breaking it even more. By deny ing someone’s ability to earn above minimum wage, you’re dividing the already ginormous gap between customer service workers and the rest of us.

So the sentiment for tippers and non-tippers alike is much the same: we want employees to be paid for their labor. Yet we disagree about the way to get there. If we again fall down the dark tunnel of the history of tipping in this country, we’ll find that tipping is based on the idea of servitude. It can contribute to aristocratic behavior by giving power to one’s ability to judge another’s worthiness of being paid. Gone should be days that we enter a restaurant and decide we’re there to critique the serv er’s performance; after all, we’re there to make a mutual transac tion, not to be hand-fed grapes.

Corporate America is having

success in lowering the bar in terms of workplace expecta tions, without any grievances to a change in salary for employ ees. The same should happen in industries that rely on tips as a large or main part of employee income, hence the need to tip despite how you rate your wait er's ability to perform their job.

From the corporate world to the realm of customer service, we’ve all come to realize that too much has been expected of us. We deserve to be paid without going above and beyond. With this shift in workplace mentality, we can turn a page in the history tipping book and liberate people by tipping them; by disregarding the oppressive frame of mind that once created such an act.

Perhaps my fellow ice cream lover felt they were doing the right thing by leaving no tip for the ice cream scooper. They believe in a future which pays fairly, a future that values labor despite judgment about who’s giving it or how well they’re doing it. I believe in these things too. I trudged through the gloomy woods that is the history of tipping in America, and I came out the other side with some change. That’s why I tip the ice cream scooper.

I cringe at the amount of waste.

"Go Green." Illustration by JohnTaylor Wildfeuer/The Guardsman

"An Honest Wage." Illustration by JohnTaylor Wildfeuer/The Guardsman