The Guardsman, Vol. 175, Issue 6, City College of San Francisco

The Guardsman

Student Trustee Addresses ‘Outdated’ Registration System

By Shawn Ree Canin scanin@mail.ccsf.edu

April 10, 2023 marks the first day of registration for summer classes at City College. However, students and faculty face numerous problems with the registration process, and the system has been causing issues for years now.

Tala Justo, a social work student at City College, is one of the many students facing problems with registration. "I had a problem finding Pilipino 2 for Summer. So I emailed the [Philippine Studies] department chair Dr. [Lily Ann] Villaraza. It really annoyed her because it is not her job, she's a faculty, to respond to technical difficulties. Still, she tried her best." Justo added, "to prepare for my registration day, I saved my schedule…so upon registration time, all I had to do was click enroll or register, but lo and behold, it was gone. The Pilipino 2 option was gone. So I emailed Dr. V again, and she reiterated that she is not the one to ask about technical difficulties."

In an interview with Malinalli Villalobos, a student trustee for the San Francisco Community College District, he acknowledged that the registration system needs to be fixed for students.

Every student faces different problems with registration, including adding and dropping courses.

Villalobos asserts that the current registration system is outdated, complicated, and difficult to navigate due to a lack of clear instructions and the system itself.

"I am very aware of the problems with the registration system.

The Guardsman takes on JACC Spring 2023

By Lolie Mahe mahelolie@gmail.com

The Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC) held its annual state convention from Thursday, March 9 to Saturday, March 11 at the Hyatt Regency hotel in San Francisco near the Embarcadero for yet another year of, “various parts of the state bring[ing] together students and faculty from member schools across the state for speakers, workshops, contests, meeting and more” as JACC shares on its website. The event is co-sponsored by the Associated Collegiate Press and the California College Media Association.

Current and former staff of The Guardsman attended, enabling some to leave with awards in the on-the-spot or publication contests. JACC Awards were distributed on March 11 at the hotel and five were awarded to staff of the Guardsman.

For the mail-in contest, in which advisors would send in contents of a publication for competition prior to the date of convention, Sarah Clayson placed both first and third for the Editorial Cartoon, Tyler Lyn Sorrow placed third for the Illustration and Janna Velasquez placed fourth in a tie with Pierce College’s Nancy Corona in the Environmental Portrait. City College’s second-year Sarah Clayson began working for the Guardsman after taking an Illustration class. In the class, Clayson met Juan Gonzales— chair of the Journalism department— where he encouraged students to support the school paper with their gifts in illustration. Clayson has then been a service for the Guardsman, and attended the conference for the first time ever this year at the invitation of Gonzales.

JACC Awards continued on page 2

I have been working with students before my student trustee role. I was working with students through various resource centers. So that's where I have originally heard of the registration problems," Villalobos said. "The system that we use now, we have identified that it's not working for students. It creates a lot of red tape."

Villalobos has raised these concerns to the registration committee and top administrators to address this issue. But ever since, "it hasn't really fixed the system. It seems like there's just bandage over bandage over [the] bandage. This has been going on for quite a few years," he added.

Villalobos revealed an ongoing district-wide vetting of a new registration system to resolve the chronic registration issues. However, its implementation is not expected in the upcoming summer and fall 2023 semesters. With the new registration system, Malinalli hopes that this will alleviate the problems they have been hearing from the students.

Villalobos further stated, "investment for the registration system has to be bigger for it to work. Because if it's not, it's only putting a band-aid on the problem. And we're full of band-aids. We want solutions that make it easier for students to register."

Villalobos added that other ways to help students are forums open to the City College community to hear direct feedback from students.

For assistance with registration, students can visit the Registration Center in-person services at MUB 130 from 9 AM to 5 PM every Monday to Thursday. They also have a virtual help counter from 9 AM to 12 PM every Monday and Wednesday, 1 PM to 4 PM every Tuesday and Thursday, and Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 3 PM.

CCSF Adapting to a New Alternative for Online Classes

By Logan Dang logandang123@gmail.com

Starting this summer, City College of San Francisco will not offer classes on Zoom; however, the administration is considering a new technological approach called HyFlex. Three other colleges–San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE), Pierce College (Los Angeles), and Cañada College (San Mateo)–have implemented this service.

HyFlex, described by Dr. Dayamudra Dennehy, City College’s Distance Education Coordinator and ESL faculty member, offers

Adapting continued on page 3

Illustration by Cindy Chan/Guardsman

HyFlex and OwlCamera: Owl camera appearance. Function: allows 360º view with a camera, mic, and speaker. Photo courtesy of Owl Labs.

At the convention, competing live on-thespot, Franchon Smith won third place in Creative Portrait, in addition to placing third with Casey Michie for the Team Feature.

Awarded for their performance, both Michie and Smith roamed the Ferry Building for the on-the-spot contest. They chatted with various merchants about their business of selling goods and how the pandemic has affected the foot traffic surrounding their establishment.

“There were speakers from very prestigious papers that gave some incredible seminars and talks,” says Michie, “It was great to network and meet people from across the country,

both professionals and administrators and of course, other student journalists as well.”

Michie has been a part of City College’s Journalism program for a total of two years. His first time attending the conference was during the pandemic where the event was held remotely, and his second time this past March.

He shares, “The program at City College has been an extremely, extremely helpful program, everything is about journalism. The foundation and the skills to be able to compete in an on-the-spot contest had much to do with Juan and Alex and staff and City Colleges’ mentorship, teaching and guidance… That being said, I will

say that anyone in the Journalism program who has an opportunity to go to the JACC, I couldn't recommend it enough.”

Smith has been to the convention a number of times and has grown familiar with the nature of its existence, mentioning how the conference occurs, “...to recognize [us] students and further [us] in our path…they are a supportive organization training [us] to be better journalists.”

She knows the setting is perfect for acting the part of being a journalist. Goers have to treat an assignment (in the contest) as if it were their real work in the field of Journalism– learn how to talk to people for getting quotes, take

advantage of opportunities, think outside the box, and know it is not simply about winning, but gaining experience.

With education from City College, the Academy of Arts, and SF State, Smith continues at City College today in full support of the Journalism program.

The photojournalist of the Guardsman highlights the enduring efforts of department chair, Juan Gonzales. “Journalism is a small world. You may not know everybody, but somebody always knows somebody. Juan is the OG in Journalism. He is as authentic as they come; whatever he says, DO IT! He points you in the right direction.”

(L-r) sarah Clayson, Fran smith, Advisor Juan Gonzales, Casey Michi, and (kneeling) Janna Velasquez, awards winners at the 2023 state journalism convention hosted by the Journalism Association of Community Colleges, California College Media Association, and the Associated Collegiate Press held in san Francisco from March 9-11.

Photo by Franchon smith/Guardsman.

JACC Awards continued from page 1

Photo Illustration by Cindy Chan/Guardsman

Adaptingcontinued from page 1

students a hybrid model of learning that promotes flexibility.

Students may choose to participate in person for some activities that include daily online meetings and assignments. Or they may opt for a fully online experience with minimal interaction between instructor and student unless a meeting is scheduled. This mode is termed “asynchronous.”

The Columbia Center for Teaching and Learning (CCTL) showcases some examples of a HyFlex class. As the diagrams illustrate, HyFlex offers versatility and aims to engage all students whether they attend in person or remotely. CCTL noted that “Departments or schools may specify what amount of the three modes (on-site, remote, asynchronous) can count for full participation in a HyFlex class.”

Dr. Dennedy described her own experience from her graduate studies at San Francisco State University where “Pre-COVID, students in our cohort were allowed to join the class by Zoom and a television cart was rolled around the classroom to include them in small group discussions. There were also interactive screens at every table in certain classrooms.”

At SDCCE, the college uses three options dealing with HyFlex. The first is the Meeting Owl Pro Camera, which offers a 360º view of the classroom. The second is the standard laptop with a microphone. The third is a more smart-tech approach with a classroom camera, ceiling microphone, and touch panels, along with other tech.

Pierce College employs a “dual delivery” method using HyFlex with the Owl camera and laptops. However, the college faces challenges with the installation and

maintenance of new equipment in old buildings.

Regarding more details of the implementation of the system at City College, the Office of Instruction did not give a response in time for publication. However, if the system is implemented, the outcomes are as listed on the Office of Online Learning and Educational Technology webpage: https://www.ccsf.edu/sites/default/ files/2023/document/hyflex-pilotspring-2023.pdf

• Assessing the effectiveness in learning outcomes and engagement

• Determining the feasibility of implementation on a larger scale at City College

• Feedback on improvement and making adjustments to the system

• Test technology infrastructure and support needed to effectively deliver HyFlex

• Determine resource requirements for implementation of HyFlex

Most students interviewed at City College said that the system would provide greater flexibility, and most welcomed its implementation; however, there are concerns with the system. Michaela Royer said, “There could be heavy reliance on the online aspect that students may not be as active participants compared to in-person learners. I think in-person classes are more fun when there are more people there.”

Another student, Anna Dang (not related) said, “Asynchronous learning or online learning is really good for individuals who don’t have a hectic home life and are very focused individuals. I personally prefer in-person as I have a big family at home.”

Other students like Henry Drake and Dana Nguyen also

agree that they prefer in-person. However, they did believe that the system would provide greater flexibility although Nguyen noted that “instructors may have more work to do.”

Drake commented that the system “may be more beneficial to certain courses than others.” There were other concerns as well. Royer mentioned, “Some areas

at City College have very weak internet. Students may also have trouble at home with the internet and technology access.”

For more details, visit CCSF’s Enrollment Management Committee page, section 2022-23 agendas.

HyFlex

Camera A able to give perspectives from close, medium, or far-distance views. Camera B allows online students to see their in-person peers. Photo courtesy of Columbia Center for Teaching and Learning

example 1: Demonstration of Lecture setup of an instructor and students.

HyFlex Example 2: An example of a smaller seminar utilizing HyFlex. Photo courtesy of Columbia Center for Teaching and Learning.

Purusha Yoga on Balboa Re-Opens After Pandemic

By Beth Lederer bethlyn2020@gmail.com

A chalkboard easel stands outside of Purusha Yoga Studio in the Richmond District welcoming yoga students back. The beautiful penmanship demands attention: “Purusha OPEN, Happy New Year 2023, Welcome OM.”

Over the last few years during the pandemic, an empty storefront would have greeted a passerby.

Purusha is a holistic yoga studio and yoga training school on the Balboa Street shopping corridor in the Outer Richmond. Purusha closed in March 2020 when the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order was issued. To respond, the teachers immediately pivoted to teaching online.

The studio reopened on New Years Day, 2023, at the same location on Balboa between 38th and 39th avenues bringing smiles, relief and happiness to many former students and teachers who are part of the Purusha community.

Business co-owners and husband and wife team, Joy Ravelli and Eric Sparks expressed their gratitude to supporters.

“The reopening of Purusha Yoga Studio came about through much outpouring and support from the community, “they said.

a brand-new yoga studio in Berkeley in 2018. They were only open for a few months when the pandemic hit.

“When the owners asked them if they were coming back, he told them they could not have in-person classes,” Sparks said.

Subsequently, the owners closed the Berkeley studio. Sparks and Ravelli walked away from their new studio, losing all their investments and deposits.

Ravelli and Sparks filed for personal bankruptcy, and they had to practice under their personal names for one year.

According to Ravelli, Purusha had a thriving school online for teachers to become yoga teachers, advanced yoga teachers and yoga therapists.

Purusha was able to keep its accreditation and students could find them on the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) of Yoga Alliance.

“We had about 300 students who went through the school,” Ravelli said. “A lot of yoga schools did that; many people got their yoga teacher training online. We now have students from all over the world - Spain, Switzerland, Canada, Mexico and all over the East Coast.”

In February, Purusha held at the studio their first training for yoga and advanced yoga teachers. They offered a hybrid session.

“It works well for absenteeism if people need to go to a wedding or have something

Theater Arts Department Play

Coming Soon: “Big Love”

By Emma Pratt espratt98@gmail.com

City College’s theater arts department is putting on a show! “Big Love” isn’t for the faint of heart - the play touches on themes of love, gender politics and domestic violence. Director and City College theater arts department instructor, Patricia Miller, has steered the play toward a more contemporary expression of American playwright Charles L. Mee’s “Big Love.” Mee’s well-known play is based on Aeschylus’s “The Suppliant Women” which was written around 420 BCE. In other words, a long, long time ago.

Actors must be enrolled in one of 3 theater arts department classes - Ensemble Role Classical, Supporting Role Classic, or Principal Role Classic - to participate in the play. Many of the actors are passionate and skilled enough to continue their theater art’s studies at a 4-year institution, or as a professional career, said Miller.

Auditions and rehearsals started in January at the Ocean Campus, in time for the show’s debut in late April. Opening night will be on April 28th at 7:30pm, followed by a Saturday night show on April 29th at 7:30pm, and a matinee show on April 30th at 1pm.

In Big Love’s contemporary pursuit of marriage, love and sex, “50 brides flee 50 grooms to an Italian villa worthy of 'White Lotus.'” The men in hot pursuit jettison in by helicopter and find resistance and submission, love and murder, passionate lovers and a trio of Italian Grandmothers,” writes Miller of the play’s storyline in an official press release. Miller also carefully warns that “Big Love” is for mature audiences only - 16 years and up. Admission is $15 or free with a City College ID!

“Everybody in the neighborhood kept saying, ‘Can you please reopen the studio?”’ For Ravelli it was really hard because it was such a painful end. “Yeah, it took a while for my heart to open again,” she said.

Ravelli opened the doors of Purusha in 2010 on Balboa Street. She had started Purusha in Massachusetts in 1999. The loss of Ravelli”s son Alex in 2009 was a powerful motivation to open the studio.

“I didn’t know what to do with my life after such a big loss,” Ravelli said.

”Purusha yoga studio is a great resource,” said Kathy Gehlken, a long time Ayurveda teacher and Sanskrit scholar.

“I was very sad when they had to close due to the Pandemic and am very excited that they have reopened,” she said. “What makes Purusha so special is their commitment to yoga accessible to everyone and to building a vibrant and loving community around yoga and service to others. I am deeply grateful to be part of that.”

Ravelli and Sparks faced many of the same challenges many business owners were forced to deal with.

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was another factor that affected their decision to reopen. Both Ravelli and Sparks were the only two employees of Purusha. Everyone else were contractors.

“The PPP started to come through for other businesses, though it really didn’t come through for us,” Ravelli said.

Ravelli and Sparks had invested in building

personal, “ Sparks said.

Kari Marble joined the studio in February, teaching prenatal and postnatal yoga. Marble specializes in women’s health in childbearing years and beyond. The studio where she worked for 20 years permanently closed its physical locations as the whole yoga world was struggling.

In December, Marble saw a social media post that Purusha was reopening.

“Every cell of my body said ‘Yes. This is the one. This could be your new yoga home,”’ Marble said.

Ravelli believes in the commitment to service, rehabilitation and valuing humanity. In 2008 she started the Purusha Seva Project, a non-profit that brings yoga to underserved and at-risk populations. They brought yoga to veterans, seniors, shelters and the jails.

“Purusha’s philosophy is to provide a safe, nurturing and healing environment for all our members, all our students,” said Ryan Bach, student admin and tech director. “Empower your true self and connect to the community.”

Ravelli lives by Purusha’s mission to make yoga accessible and to create a studio that is open to all socio-economic groups.

“Eric and I just want to serve the community,” Ravelli said.

Referring to the first months of operation, Ravelli said, “I have no expectations, I feel so much better in here than I ever imagined I would, I feel really good.”

To learn more, go to https://purushayoga. org/.

Z Space, “a multifaceted performance space,” at 450 Florida Street in the Mission district, will host all 3 “Big Love'' performances. City College’s campus theater was unfortunately destroyed during stormy weather, said Miller. Ordinarily, the beloved campus theater would be where performers take the stage and audience members take their seats.

Photo Courtesy of Patricia Miller, Theater Arts Department.

A full class in the Thai yoga Massage training class at Purusha yoga studio on Balboa in the Outer richmond. Purusha just celebrated its grand reopening on New year Day 2023. Photo taken by Joy ravelli.

Illustration by eduardo Morales/Guardsman

Photo Courtesy of Patricia Miller, Theater Arts Department.

Enrollment Jenga registering for classes at City College of san Francisco can feel like a precarious balancing act each semester as low-enrollment and consolidation of sections affect the course schedule.

Have Your Say

How do you feel about in-person classes returning?

By Lolie Mahe mahelolie@gmail.com

IllustrationbyKellieHenning.

The Guardsman asked five City College community members how they feel about in-person classes returning, with a follow up question about their feelings about Zoom classes being terminated.

Gloria Arriola Hernandez - Student, Child Development

I feel so happy because we’re in-person. Distance learning isn’t so great, while in-person classes are much better because you can explore more and socialize with other people. In-person, you can make sure questions about your assignment are answered and if you’re stuck, they help you. I wouldn’t recommend distance learning because there’s a disconnection.

Now, students can go onto Ocean Campus, explore all of the classrooms, and make more friends.

It feels a lot much easier compared to online classes. I’ve been studying online for two years, and it was pretty hard, but now that we’re in-person, it feels a lot much easier. In-person, you have tutors and you have teachers who can help you out finally, at least. I’m taking some hard classes and if I were taking them online, I’d probably not really be doing this, here, at the moment.

Honestly, I’m a little surprised [at the termination of zoom classes next semester] because not all of us can be available in-person. That’s a little unfortunate because it’s flexible for some people who might need it because they can’t be available.

Perenise Fono - Former Student and Current Mentor, Asian Pacific American Student Success

I don’t really care for it, I’m an online person.” I used to take both in-person and online classes, but I didn’t really enjoy in-person classes because I had a full-time job and had to take night classes. For convenience purposes, it’s better for me to be online than in-person. I prefer online, but it has to be asynchronous.

Alex - Student, English

I feel great about in-person classes because it’s more stressful online. I’m just here for studying english. I’ve been here at the school since last year and I feel more confident and comfortable in-person than in online classes.

Ebric - Student, Architecture and Design

In-person classes are much better. Because I major in Architecture and Design, I have more opportunities to learn with the teacher/instructor in-person that I wouldn’t have online. I live in a city called san Leandro, and I heard about the school from some past relationships of mine out here. I took two years of classes online and my first time in-person was last Fall.

Ivan Davila - Student, Engineering

Community College Never Rang So True

A history and future of City College and its community

By Renée Bartlett-Webber rbartle8@mail.ccsf.edu

City College has a long, complicated yet fascinating history as the only community college in San Francisco. For decades, the college has been one of the top community colleges in the state.

After its founding as a junior college in 1935, City College grew quickly and immensely. Its first year brought in 1,417 students. By the 1982-1983 academic year, it reached its peak enrollment of 140,000 students. This was during a significant recession and mass unemployment.

From the beginning, the school struggled with the state for financing to fulfill its goals. Budgetary restrictions have always posed challenges, but they were also consistently overcome due to the dedication of the employees and residents. San Franciscans voted to shift state funds to community colleges in 1988, increase sales tax to fund the city’s schools in 1992 and bond measures to improve and build facilities in 1938, 1997, 2001 and 2005.

However, the fiscal threats have continued to haunt the college. In the early 2000’s the school had to start reducing its class offerings.

In 2012, the school faced the infamous accreditation debacle. Four years later, the San Francisco Superior Court found the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) broke four laws in its illegal attempt

to sanction the school. While the school rose from the ashes because of the persistence of community members, enrollment still began to decline.

As the pandemic ripped through the world, it disproportionately impacted those of lower economic standing, the same type of population City College serves. Between 2020 and 2021 fiscal years, City College’s enrollment decreased by almost 60%, according to the Chancellor's Office Data Mart. Today, the college serves about 38,000 students. With the decrease in enrollment, the administration has rolled-back classes and approved layoffs. This can be a slippery slope because reduced classes could also mean a decrease in student enrollment.

However, there is hope. In its heyday, City College served one in nine San Francisco residents annually. The community has a deep connection to the college, which has supported the college immeasurably. Even today, as the institution faces layoffs, class cuts, lack of heat, one phrase is always consistent: “I love City College.” It’s bones are made up of faculty who have worked at the college since the 80s, students who have “the best instructor they have ever had,” and trustees and chancellors who were once students and now lead the college.

While the success of City College will inevitably come from its many community supporters, Community colleges in general are beholden to social demands locally and nationally. Their successes are dependent on the economy and political climate. Historically, recessions have increased the number of students: As unemployment rose, enrollment increased.

But the changes in the economy have become even more complicated in recent years. Despite mass unemployment in the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, enrollment has continued to decline. Community Colleges across the country are reeling.

California is unique because the state has increased budgets to higher education overall, even though enrollment has not started to recover. For the first time in 25 years, City College has had a clean audit with no flags. There was also a surplus in the last fiscal year. These are very positive financial steps for the institution, but they can be attributed to cuts to employees and classes made over the last two years.

City College is at a pivotal point in its history. It will forge through its challenges, as it always has, but there are a few paths it could take. Its current trajectory does seem to be following the “success-driven” vision of the state chancellor’s office, which prioritizes degree, transfer, or certificate outcomes for full-time students, over other students.

While the state and current administration are focusing on trying to optimize student outcomes through metrics, the community is still focused on serving San Francisco’s unique and dynamic needs to help young high school graduates, business owners, lifelong learners and community advocates. The clash in prioritization between the state’s agendas and those of the city’s residents, may heighten in the coming months/years.

Is a Little Warmth Too Much to Ask?

City College facilities in disarray forcing students and faculty to bare the cold

By Melissa McPeters mmcpeters@ccsf.edu

It is no secret to many that City College facilities are in disarray. In fact, it appears that everything broke at once. However, our buildings and campuses have been slowly degrading over the years with the exacerbation of the pandemic where many were not paying attention to the condition of the facilities. Now school is back in session we can see the disrepair and are learning of new issues. No one seems to know how we got here, and many are unsure when things will be fixed. The truth is that we cannot wait.

Many campuses have had facilities issues since pre-pandemic. The roof at the Evans Center has been leaking for at least 10 years. Flooding at Batmale Hall is common and broken elevators in that building and others are commonplace. The boiler at the Mission Campus has been broken since pre-pandemic as well as in other buildings across the District. Now that we are mostly in-person, we are remembering that these buildings need serious TLC.

I currently teach at the Mission Campus where two space heaters aren’t enough to keep me and my students warm. Students have stopped attending as a result of the cold. Here

it is April, and my students and I are still wearing multiple layers, fingerless gloves, scarves and hats. We have hope that the heat will be fixed by Fall 2023, but we will not feel so hopeful until the construction begins.

Cold facilities are something that many teachers, students and staff are battling. I have visited the Photography studio which is very cold. Since they have specialized equipment, they cannot move to another room or building. The dark room is very cold and the chemicals need to be at 60 - 80 degrees which means the students are unable to develop their photos properly. Some buildings have had water intrusion that lead to mold or power outages. These are just a few examples of the problems we have in our buildings.

get repaired any time soon. What can we do until we are warm? Space heaters are too small for our large rooms. Hand warmers for instructors are not adequate. The students are particularly cold sitting on those frigid, plastic chairs. What can we do?

I do not understand how we let our facilities get so broken down. Is there a way to ensure that the repairs continue, regardless of who is in charge? How can we ensure that everything isn’t broken at once? I would like to see the current repairs happen and a method in place for continued care when there is a vacancy in leadership. Who can help us with this?

I feel hopeful that we will be warm by next winter, but what happens if there are other facilities issues? How can employees

Is there a way to ensure that the repairs continue, regardless of who is in charge?

All of these conditions have made people feel uncared for, ignored and even angry. People feel neglected; a reflection of the buildings that we work and learn in. Some of us have hope that the bids will go through and things will get repaired in a timely manner. Others are angry and do not believe that anything will

and students feel assured that they are in a safe, comfortable building? We remain at City College because we love it, but the facilities have caused people to feel disgruntled and neglected. Let’s bring back the hope in functional, safe buildings.

People feel neglected, a reflection of the buildings that we work and learn

City College Aerial Aug 15, 1948. Westwood Highlands, sunnyside, Westwood Park, City College, Balboa Park, Ocean Avenue. OpensFHistory / wnp31.1948.120

City College site circa 1937. Men grading and preparing land, then Balboa Park. Location of current City College athletic fields, previously the location of the Ingleside Jail, demolished after it closed in 1934. View north-westerly toward homes built between 1923 and 1930 on 300 block of Judson Ave., west of Foerster st. Mt. Davidson in background. OpensFHistory / wnp26.1548

City College circa 1945. statue of ram in front of City College of san Francisco. statue was carved at Golden Gate International exposition by sculptor Dudley Carter from a single redwood log, using primitive tools: double bladed axe and chisels, entitled Big Horn Mountain redwood ram. In background, science Hall designed by architect Timothy Pflueger. OpensFHistory / wnp27.7699

Rams Baseball Team Snaps 11 Game Losing Streak With Dramatic 9Th Inning Win

By Onyx Hunter onyxhunter@gmail.com

After 11 consecutive losses the Rams baseball team scored a thrilling 6-5 victory in a walk-off over Chabot on April 8. Three days later the team’s winning streak ended in a loss to Canada.

The Rams/Chabot game was scoreless until the top of the 4th when Chabot’s Alonzo Guijarro hit a solo home run. At the end of the 5th inning the Rams took the lead with a two-run homer by David Balague.

Chabot regained the lead, 4-3, in the 7th, but the Rams fought back, tying it 4-4 in the 8th, setting up the theatrical finish.

After holding Chabot to one run in the 9th, the Rams needed two for a long awaited victory.

With the bases loaded Ryan Anderson stepped up to bat. Chabot’s pitcher got two strikes and then, perhaps attempting to get Anderson to chase, threw the ball low.

The pitch went under the catcher striking him in the leg and careening far behind the batter, the umpire, and everyone

else for that matter. The runner from third slid headfirst across the plate. Chabot and the Rams were tied at 5. Anderson shot the next pitch into the outfield far from the defense. In the seconds that followed, the final runner and 6th run for the team jogged into home throwing his helmet high into the air.

In all the excitement the whole team ran onto the field roaring and pointing their fingers in the air before tackling one another, forming a circle and pointing at the sky one last time. Three days later the party was over.

With a 7-4 loss to Canada on April 11 the Rams team concluded its winning streak at 1.

CCSF Women’s B dminton Team Readies for State Tournament with an Eye on the State Title

By Gracia Hernandez Rovelo ghern140@mail.ccsf.edu

Facing an intense week of competition, the Rams soundly defeated Skyline College 21-0 as visitors on April 4, followed by a tight win 11-10 over Evergreen Valley on April 6. The Rams stand strong this season with an overall score of 4-4 and progressing to fourth place in conference play.

On Tuesday April 11, the Rams lost 14-7 against Fresno, the second-place team in conference play. Rams Head Coach Tiffany Mariano told the Guardsman, “We

tied the match in the first round to 3-3 and then we lost a doubles match which put us down 5-3; they won 5 out the 6 singles matches.”

Heading to the Coast Conference tournament on May 5 and 6, the Rams gear up with their best players Kelly Yau, Carolyn Nguyen, Kayla Mann, Yuchu Huang with high hopes they will all qualify, challenged to win the CCCAA State Championship happening during May 11 through the 13th. “We are putting four of our women into the Coast Conference and we hope they qualify for the State Tournament and chances are pretty high,” said Mariano.

yuchu Huang moves to strike an incoming birdie while balancing during a game against a Fresno player. Huang has become known for her playing in both singles and doubles matches, doing well in both areas. April, 11, 2023. san Francisco, Calif. Photo by Tyler Lyn sorrow/The Guardsman. CCsF's Badminton team gather for a group photo together before their conference this afternoon against Fresno. April, 11, 2023. san Francisco, Calif. Photo by Tyler Lyn sorrow/The Guardsman.

One unfortunate ram loses his balance going after the ball during morning warm-ups. He recovers just fine and finds humor in the situation. April, 11, 2023. Pacifica, Calif. Photo by Tyler Lyn sorrow/The Guardsman.

Owen Gallegos is the Pitcher for CCsF's Men's Baseball. He's becoming well known for pitching strike-outs. April, 11, 2023. Pacifica, Calif. Photo by Tyler Lyn sorrow/The Guardsman.

shane stanley, #22, looses his protective mask after catching the ball in his bare hand during pre-game warmups. The rams are playing against the Chabot Gladiators at noon. April, 6, 2023. Pacifica, Calif.

(Photo by Tyler Lyn sorrow/The Guardsman.

The high energy can be heard and felt from the team during their customary pre-match cheer. The CCsF Women's Tennis team is ready to play their opponents on their home court. April, 11, 2023. san Francisco, Calif. (Tyler Lyn sorrow for The Guardsman)

Tennis Conference Title in Qualifiying Round Win Against Ohlone

By Xela Vargas xelavargas222@gmail.com

The women’s tennis team celebrated a victory on April 10, winning nine of its 9 matches against Ohlone College. The game was a qualifying conference game, setting the Rams on a great path to the upcoming conference semifinals.

CCSF Rams Lauren Acuna and Ananda Kong teamed up for a doubles match against Ohlone. Kong has an excellent arm and strong serve, sending aces toward Ohlone, giving the Rams the advantage. Acuna was quick on her feet, and when the strongest rallies ensued Acuna was quick to save – firing back at Ohlone and maintaining a fast pace.

Kong and Acuna took the victory in this game, and immediately after Ananda played a singles match – when asked if the back-to-back matches worried her, Kong said she’s adaptable, and this is quite normal.

The tennis season has coincided with a wet and violently windy spring, postponing matches and pushing them into a more compact schedule. This means the women’s tennis team has had to play around 3 matches a week. Kong says the situation is “tough, but the team is adaptable, and is able to push through fatigue.”

On April 11, the following day, the Rams entered the quarterfinals, losing their match against Sierra 8-1. Rams Player Gina Tsui reiterates that she is hopeful about their fate to reach the finals, maintaining faith in their current record of 10-4.

They enter the Coast Conference Tournament playing three matches in a row on April 13, 14 and 15, against Team TBD at a place TBD. Support your women’s tennis team as they push through the finals!

Women's Tennis player Christina Ling appears to float midair while practicing warm-up serves. she's one of the Freshmen players that will be playing sierra College in the Northern California regional quarter finals this afternoon. April, 11, 2023. san Francisco, Calif. (Tyler Lyn sorrow for The Guardsman)

CCsF Women's Tennis team faces off against sierra College in the Northern California regional quarter finals on a particulary windy day. Wind conditions can adversly affect a game where consistency is a significant factor during gameplay. April, 11, 2023. san Francisco, Calif. (Tyler Lyn sorrow for The Guardsman)

Saturday April 22

Thursday April 27

Friday April 28

TBA Northern California Regional Team Tournament

TBA @ Ventura/Ojai CCCAA State Championships

TBA @ Ventura/Ojai CCCAA State Championships

Saturday April 29 TBA @ Ventura/Ojai CCCAA State Championships

Sunday April 30

Men’s Baseball

TBA @ Ventura/Ojai CCCAA State Championships

Thursday April 20, 2:30 p.m. Rams V San Mateo*** at San Francisco State University

Saturday April 22, 1 p.m. Rams at Skyline***

Tuesday April 25, 2:30 p.m. Rams at Chabot***

Thursday April 27, 2:30 p.m. Rams at Canada

Women’s Badminton

Tuesday April 25, 3 p.m. Mission at CCSF Rams***

Thursday April 27, 3 p.m. Rams at De Anza***

Women’s Swimming

Thursday April 20, All-Day Coast Conference Championships @ Ohlone

Friday April 21, All-Day Coast Conference Championships @ Ohlone

Saturday April 22, All-Day Coast Conference Championships @ Ohlone

***CONFERENCE GAMES

Women’s Tennis – ALL TBA, COAST CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT DATES