A N AT I O N A L PA C E M A K E R AWA R D N E W S PA P E R
Volume 56, Issue 2
theswcsun.com
October 28 - November 16, 2012
Peraza, Stewart win governing board seats By Thomas Baker News Editor
Marshall Murphy/staff
FOUR MORE YEARS — Appointed governing board member Humberto Peraza speaks to supporters after winning a four-year term to Seat #3. William Stewart, in his first stab at elected office, easily won seat #1. Both new board members said they will work hard to protect students and classes from further drastic cuts.
Humberto Peraza and William Stewart won decisive election victories to claim seats on the Southwestern College Governing Board. Peraza easily outdistanced opponent William “Bud” McLeroy for Seat #3. He said he was happy to be elected to a full term, but warned supporters that serious challenges lie ahead. “There’s still a lot of work to be done,” said Peraza. “The perception of the college still needs to continue to be cleaned. There’s still reforms that need to be made. I’m going to continue to ask the tough questions of the administration. I will continue to fight for what I think is the right thing to do.” Peraza was appointed to the SWC Governing Board last summer as a payto-play corruption scandal was coming to light. His primary goal his first year in office was to destroy the pay-to-play culture at SWC, he said.
Peraza said he will continue his work on reform and increasing transparency at the college in order to return forces to the students. “Let’s get back to work, making sure we complete our mission of cleaning up Southwestern College,” he said. San Diego City College Professor William Stewart, a Bonita resident, won decisively over Republican activist Elizabeth Roach for Seat #1. “It looks like my opponent will be filling the seat and I wish him the best of luck,” said Roach. “I think that Southwestern College has a lot of wonderful potential.” Stewart said his supporters are what really started his political machine moving. “Instead of me feeling like I achieved something, I feel like there were a lot of people helping me achieve something,” he said. “It was really an amazing team effort that went into it.” Stewart said what really drove him the please see Elections pg. A8
Prop 30 win Basketball players come from outside district gives SWC leaders new hope for ‘13 By Alexis Dominguez Staff Writer
‘Missed tsunami but still face storm’ says Superintendent Nish By Thomas Baker News Editor
Relieved college leaders said California voters gave the public education system a stay of execution when Proposition 30 was passed Nov. 6. With its passage, along with the failure of competing Proposition 38, California community colleges were spared another round of drastic cuts to their operational funding, having already lost $809 million since fiscal year 2008. Southwestern College avoided an immediate trigger cut of $4.8 million, which would have driven the deficit for FY 2013 to a staggering $11.6 million. An immediate effect of Proposition 30 passing is that the spring and summer 2013 semesters may receive additional classes. Originally the class schedule was contracted in anticipation of the failure of Proposition 30. Administrators warn that SWC is not out of trouble just yet as the temporary 5 percent employee pay cut put in place for FY 2012-13 is set to expire in June. With its expiration, the deficit will grow to $6.8 million, an amount that will not be closed without more discussions among all groups on campus, according to Steven Crow, vice president of Business and Financial Affairs. Superintendent Dr. Melinda Nish said about a third of community college districts had enough money in reserves to survive Proposition 30 cuts for two years, a third would have enough reserve money to finish off this year and a third would not have survived this year had Proposition 30 not passed. “I think we missed the tsunami but we didn’t miss the storm,” said Nish. “The tsunami was Prop. 30 not passing. So we missed that, thank the Lord, but we’ve got the storm to deal with. So please see Proposition 30 pg. A8
In Matthew 13:57 Jesus is quoted as saying “Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor.” Basketball players who went to high school in the boundaries of the Southwestern Community College District may know the feeling. It may be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a Sweetwater Union High School District basketball player to make the team at Southwestern College. There is a good chance an out-of-state transfer is taking the spot on the roster. California community colleges in general have a high rate of out-of-district basketball players, and SWC has one of the highest rates of all over the past seven years, double the state average. In 2007-08, for instance, not a single local player made the SWC roster. Allegations of illegal recruiting by SWC basketball coaches surfaced in February when three players – two of whom were from New York – were declared academically ineligible, causing the Jaguars to forfeit four wins. Former basketball players Keenan Langston and David Warren both said they were actively recruited in New York by SWC associate basketball coach Kyle Colwell. Coach Colwell has refused to speak to The Sun about the charges, but denied them in an interview with a Pacific Coast Athletic Conference (PCAC)
investigator in June. The Sun, invoking the California Public Records Act, acquired a summary of the investigation this fall. Langston, Warren and Langston’s father have stuck to their allegations during recent telephone interviews and insist the two Brooklyn high school players were recruited by Colwell. They signed First Contact statements that they were not illegally recruited, but several months after their New York meeting with Colwell, they both said. A number of other former SWC players have made similar claims of being recruiting, but said they are afraid to speak on the record for fear of reprisals. PCAC Commissioner John Woods said the number of out-of-state athletes in California community college athletics is increasing. “The number of out-of-state athletes in the California community college system is growing each year,” he said. “With the number of California Community Colleges competing in athletics (104) we are a destination for a large number of out-ofstate student athletes. If you look at other California community colleges you will find they participate in nearly every sport. The Southwestern basketball program is not unlike a large number of other men’s and women’s basketball programs statewide.” Over the past seven years, however, Southwestern College has exceeded state
Ernesto Rivera/staff
please see Basketball pg. A8
Student workers take salary reduction By Nickolas Furr Senior Staff Writer
Faculty and staff voted to take a 5 percent pay cut last spring to prevent more class cuts. Student workers on campus also took a pay cut, but never got a chance to vote. Some insist they were never told. There is also confusion about what college records say students are making and what they are actually paid. Students, like employees, are making 5 percent less, but official college payroll records do not reflect the pay reductions. One student, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he had worked at the Academic Success Center (ASC) for years. According to payroll records he is making $11 per hour. In reality, after the cut, he is paid $10.45 an hour. He said the monthly contract he must sign to keep his job
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stipulates he will be paid at his original rate of $11 even though he is actually making $10.45. “Every month we sign our HRTs (Human Resource Transactions), the form which shows how many hours we worked and what our rate of pay is,” he said. “Every month I signed that timesheet at the beginning of the month, and again it said I would be paid $11 per hour.” Andrew Rempt, director of the Academic Success Center, said all the student workers he knows are being treated the same way. “These students have to sign these HRTs to get paid,” he said. “Each HRT shows what they are contracted to be paid. The HRT goes to Payroll and then the college takes off the 5 percent. But that means the students aren’t being paid what the school is contractually bound to pay them.”
A super bowl performance by best SWC football team in a generation Sports, B1
Rempt said he believes the college is in violation of the law. “Because the hourly and student workers aren’t covered by collective bargaining agreements, they did not get a vote [on the pay cut],” he said. “They’re not represented. One interpretation of the law would be that they’re independent contractors, which is what gives the district the leeway to let them go whenever they want. What this means, though, is that when the district enters into a contract with them, it’s binding.” The anonymous student said he wanted people to know what was going on, but because he is an at-will employee the district could fire him without reason. He feared he would lose his job for speaking
Hot singers make for a very cool Jazz Cafe Arts, A9
please see Paycuts pg. A8
Stunning Chilean tapestries cry out for reconcillation and justice Campus, B5
Campus police again take aim at new rifles By Lina Chankar Assistant News Editor
A long-simmering debate about whether or not to purchase long rifles for the Southwestern College campus police is moving back to the front burner following the hiring of a new campus police chief and progress on a college emergency plan. Chief Michael Cash said he is doing an evaluation of the campus police department to determine whether officers need rifles. “I will make recommendations o ff o f w h a t I t h i n k i s s a fe s t for students, faculty and staff,” said Cash. “I take it to heart that when any student or faculty steps on this property their well being is my first priority.” Cash said he wants officers to have what they need. “If I’m going to put my life on the line I want to make sure that our people have the best equipment to stop whatever is going to come across, please see Rifles pg. A8
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Oct. 28 - Nov. 16, 2012, Volume 56, Issue 2
VIEWPOINTS
The Southwestern College Sun
Editorials, Opinions and Letters to the Editor
Opinions expressed in the Viewpoints section are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily represent the views of The Sun Staff, the Editorial Board or Southwestern College.
ANGELA VAN OSTRAN
Disabled folks are a mighty sexy bunch
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Amanda L. Abad PRODUCTION MANAGER
David McVicker SENIOR STAFF
Nickolas Furr Angela Van Ostran NEWS
Thomas Baker, editor Lina Chankar, assistant Christopher Sheaf, assistant VIEWPOINTS
Daniel Guzman, editor Michael Stinson, assistant Erick El Belle, assistant CAMPUS
Albert Fulcher, editor Daphne Jauregui, assistant Kasey Thomas, assistant ARTS
Ana Bahena, editor Ailsa Alipusan, assistant Anna Ven Sobrevinas, assistant SPORTS
Amanda L. Abad, editor David McVicker, assistant ONLINE
Joseph Young, editor Amparo Mendoza, assistant Anna Pryor, assistant PHOTOGRAPHY
Serina Duarte, co-editor Pablo Gandara, co-editor COPY EDITOR
Enrique Raymundo Margie Reese STAFF WRITERS
Paulina Briceño Genesis Canal Alexis Dominguez Shari Dotson Valeria Genel Jose Guzman Kael Heath Nathan Hermanson Ana Ochoa Ernesto Rivera Cecilia Rodriguez Marianna Saponara Georgina Saucedo Jasmin Sherif Steven Uhl CARTOONISTS
Ailsa Alipusan Adrian Martinez Joaquin Junco Michelle Phillips Tommy Todd PHOTOGRAPHERS
Dalia Ildefonso Marshall Murphy Elisa Nunez Angelica Rodriguez Karen Tome BUSINESS MANAGER
Amanda L. Abad DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Ana Bahena Amparo Mendoza ADVISER
Dr. Max Branscomb
Honors
Student Press Law Center College Press Freedom Award, 2011 National Newspaper Association National College Newspaper of the Year, 2004-12 Associated Collegiate Press National College Newspaper of the Year National Newspaper Pacemaker Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012 General Excellence Awards, 2001-12 Best of Show, 2003-12 Columbia University Scholastic Press Association Gold Medal for Journalism Excellence, 2001-12 California Newspaper Publishers Assoc. California College Newspaper of the Year, 2012 Student Newspaper General Excellence, 2002-12 Society of Professional Journalists National Mark of Excellence, 2001-12 First Amendment Award, 2002, 2005 San Diego Press Club Directors Award for Defense of Free Speech, 2012 Excellence in Journalism Awards 1999-2012 California Chicano News Media Assoc. La Pluma Awards Journalism Association of Community Colleges Pacesetter Award 2001-11 General Excellence Awards, 2000-12 San Diego County Fair Media Competition Best of Show 2001-03, 2005-2012 San Diego County Multicultural Heritage Award American Scholastic Press Association Community College Newspaper of the Year
Adrian Martinez/Staff
editorial The Issue: Some ASO leaders and administrators are still using the term “Free Speach Area”
Our Position: SWC needs to rename battleground patio area to honor those who fought to defend our rights
Our entire campus, our whole nation is free speech area
“If thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought.” -- George Orwell After a pitched, four-year battle on the Southwestern College campus to throw off a previous administration’s strangulating “Free Speech Area,” some folks on campus have inexplicably resumed referring to the little patch of concrete west of the cafeteria by the same name. Seriously. When warriors fight and bleed to win freedoms, nothing infuriates them more than having someone else casually give them back. Warriors feel insulted. And why not? They are being insulted. The message is, nothing you did then matters to us now. During the turbulent years of the Chopra regime, “Free Speech Area” was used to describe the covered patio just west of the cafeteria. It was also the way administration segregated students from society and took away their rights. To protest, speak out or register students to vote, we were sent to the “Free Speech Area.” If we wandered away, they would come down on us hard. This is why anyone who believes in students’ rights cannot accept the continued use of this ridiculous, offensive term by some members of the ASO and college administration. Throughout 2009 and 2010 a firestorm of controversy raged across the campus of SWC. Then, as now, classes were being cut and teaching positions reduced. Then, however, those cuts were unnecessary. There was no statewide budget crisis. There were financial shenanigans, malfeasance and abuse in the offices of Chopra and several vice presidents. The Sun, numerous professors and a few other news organizations began to uncover evidence of the administration’s chicanery. It took SWC students to turn smoke into fire. The flashpoint was an October 2009 student protest that left the “Free Speech Area” to march peacefully to Chopra’s office. Blocked by the campus police, the students drifted away and the protest march came to an end after 15 uneventful minutes. The administration responded as if the Watts Riots had just burned down the community. Chopra and disgraced former VP Nick Alioto hit back by suspending four popular professors and accusing
them of instigating a riot. (One of them was not even at the event.) The campus erupted and The Sun covered the events without blinking. Chopra and other corrupt administrators responded by threatening student journalists and their advisor with arrests, expulsion and freezing the funds used to print The Sun. SWC’s journalism professor and a female editor were physically accosted. When Chopra tried to shut down The Sun a national media firestorm hit SWC. Free-speech organizations, the ACLU and elected officials entered the fray. Former Congressman Bob Filner appeared at a free-speech rally on the steps of Mayan Hall to declare his support for the students and faculty. He came to speak to the staff of The Sun. In a blatant act of intimidation, members of Chopra’s staff videotaped the gatherings and the faces of everyone there. The rest of the school fought back. One year after the protest, voters swept out the pro-Chopra board majority. Reformers Norma Hernandez, Tim Nader and Nick Aguilar drove out Chopra, Alioto and a dozen other complicit administrators and directors, including the campus chief of police. Some of these same individuals were later indicted in what San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis called “the worst case of corruption in the history of San Diego County.” SWC has regained its accreditation and much of its reputation. Transparency and honesty have been restored. There are new policies to protect free speech and student journalism. These gains came at great cost, hard work and enormous courage by some. The “Free Speech Area” – ridiculed in the national and local press – had become nothing more than a nice place for a bit of lunch and conversation. Until recently. Call it the dining patio or cafeteria patio or lunch area or Jaguar Glade, but don’t even think of calling it the “Free Speech Area.” It is not the only place we are allowed to speak or protest. Look around. Wherever we sit – that’s the free speech area. Our Constitution guarantees that. We can speak our minds, protest or preach. We cannot break the law on campus any more than we can anywhere else, but speaking up is not breaking the law.
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Letters Policy
The Sun reserves the right to republish web comments in the newspaper and will not consider publishing anonymously posted web comments or comments that are inflammatory or libelous. Post web comments at theswcsun.com.
Send mailed letters to: Editor, Southwestern College Sun, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, CA 91910. Send e-mailed letters to southwestern_sun@yahoo.com. E-mailed letters must include a phone number. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for libel and length and will not consider publishing letters that arrive unsigned.
Sex is the reason we are all here. It is the reason our parents are here, the reason George Washington, Amelia Earheart and Anne Frank ever existed. Sex is the desire and drive that keeps our species, and every species on this earth, in a constant state of growth. Attraction is in the eye of the beholder and we spend billions each year improving what is beheld. Americans have different beauty standards than the rest of the world, but when one’s view is generally focused on derrières and breasts all day, one tends to get a very different perspective on what’s hot and what’s not. I have done many lectures on disability sexuality – coined “gimp sex” by those comfortable enough to discuss it. Surprises abound. Question #1 is, can they do it? Absolutely. One of the biggest barriers to disability sexuality is the concept that people with disabilities are not sexually approachable or attractive. American society focuses on appearances, how we move in the world, and each person with a disability has a unique way of dancing through life, whether relying on crutches, walkers, wheelchairs or a penguin-like waddle. That sexy sashay may be done with the shoulders, a facial expression, or the way a person uses their control straw. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always translate well to the rest of the world. Generally people don’t wander through the bar or a bookstore thinking to themselves, “I need to meet someone who uses a wheelchair.” For most of us, the extra equipment is just part of the charm, but it could also be the barrier that keeps people from even saying hello. In the end, though, self-confidence is one of the sexiest things a person can wear. Humans have an almost inexhaustible supply of sexual preferences, kinks and positions. Whether you tried and liked, or tried and hated, sexuality and sex itself is as fluid and mobile as any two (or more) people can make it. There probably isn’t a position mankind hasn’t figured out how to perfect or improve upon. It is no coincidence that the centuries-old Kama Sutra is an all-time best seller. For a person with a physical disability, that’s only the beginning. Forget just trying to explore another person’s body, imagine discovering a partner’s abilities. That conversation can be awkward or fun, depending on comfortable levels. It can also quell some of those misconceptions about disability sexuality, such as whether a person who is paralyzed can still experience an orgasm or that people with disabilities are all in a lot of pain or feel nothing at all. Each aspect of a person’s disability is as unique as the individual who lives with it and their needs are equally unique. So how does one answer all of these questions about how it’s done? By asking. Sounds like a lot of work? For some it can be. But every partnership requires a healthy dose of communication, desire and trust to succeed. Each scar, muscle twitch and assistive device leads to the same thing that fuels any healthy relationship — communication. Not all disability-related issues are visible or sexy, such as needing to use a catheter or an ostomy bag. Some disabilities are invisible, such as psychological or emotional disabilities. Is it true that a person who is blind is great with their hands? Is it true that a person who is deaf needs to have light on in order to communicate with their partner’s body? Ask them. Open that line of communication. Every human being is a sexual being and each is a book with a different cover. Don’t judge that “book” by its cover, there may be a potent sexual being inside. You can reach Angela by e-mail at angela.vanostran@gmail.com
Oct. 28 - Nov. 16, 2012, Volume 56, Issue 2
viewpoints
The Southwestern College Sun
Rocking a board super majority
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Thinking
Out Loud
What do you expect from SWC now that Proposition 30 has passed?
“We will not lose 100 classes. I’m excited.” Jose Hernandez, 21 Business Management
“There will be more classes in the spring and more important classes in the summer.” Laura Del Castillo, 20 Mathematics
Adrian Martinez/Staff
By Alyssa Simental A Perspective
Humberto Peraza was philosophical before his recent election to the Southwestern College Governing Board. “Yes, I’m running hard to get elected,” he said. “But whoever wins is going to have to deal with a big crap sandwich.” Newly-elected Peraza and William Stewart are now in line at the sandwich counter. Even with the passing of Proposition 30, we are in for stormy weather. We need people who are going to stand by the students in these hard times. We need people who understand the value of getting a degree, but know how hard it is to come up with the money to become educated. California is reforming its onceamazing higher education systems because of shrinking budgets. California
has had to make difficult decisions that affect students pursuing an education and so has SWC. Southwestern had the added burden of repairing massive damage done to it by the incompetent fugitive superintendent Raj Chopra and his cowardly chorus of crooks. Since 2010 we have been cleaning house. Nearly a score of dishonest and incompetent board members and administrators are gone. Reformers Norma Hernandez, Tim Nader and Peraza are augmented by newcomer Stewart, to form a solid 4-1 majority. Chopra-loving Terri Valladolid is outnumbered and should not be able to do too much more damage until the community can turn her out in 2014. Feels like we have our very own SWC Justice League. In August 2011 Peraza came to SWC to help clean up the college’s mess and that is just what he did. In a little
more than a year Peraza, Hernandez and Nader hired a bright and energetic superintendent, Dr. Melinda Nish. They ended the pay-for-play culture of corruption, locked in improvements made during the accreditation push and cut loose a few more low-performing administrators. Peraza has said the biggest challenge facing SWC is the budget and getting Proposition 30 to pass. Now students and faculty can wonder what Peraza’s plans are for the few funds we do have. We hope the board and administration will make classes and access their top priority. Cutting is one way to balance a budget, Peraza says, generating income is another. He has been insisting that SWC do a better job generating its own revenue. Instead of waiting for money to trickle down from Sacramento, he wants to help students by using the
stadium to host local and international events. “We cannot cut our way out of this situation,” he said. “By the time we balance the budget with cuts, their will be nothing left of Southwestern College.” Peraza has also said he wants to roll-out a local hiring process to help companies owned by veterans and disabled-citizens which would create jobs for students and community members instead of shoveling more money to companies that do not reinvest in this community. Chopra and Co. sent tens of millions of SWC district taxpayer funds to companies that did little more than suck us dry. Peraza says, “ya basta!” Like Peraza, Stewart also wants to create a plan for students that works. As a San Diego City College faculty please see Board pg. A5
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” - Martin Luther King Jr. The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act remains a dream, but for some eligible students, they can sleep a little easier. Thwarted by anti-immigrant Republicans as he tried to make the DREAM Act a reality, President Obama decided to take baby steps keeping some of this land’s best and brightest from being shamefully and wastefully deported. If the DREAM Act passes, in a span of 10 years the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would increase by at least $1.5 trillion, according to a Center for American Progress. In June Obama issued an executive order called the Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) as the first step towards immigration reform for young Dreamers. It is a sensible move that keeps legions of outstanding young people raised as Americans in America.
It targets college-educated Latinos and DREAM Act-eligible young people serving in the military. DACA has criteria similar to the DREAM Act. To be eligible young Latinos: were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012. came to the United States before reaching their 16th birthday. have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007. were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012 and at the time of making a request for DACA. entered without inspection before June 15, 2012 or lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012. a re c u r re n t l y i n s c h o o l , h a v e graduated or earned a GED. Active duty or honorably discharged military. no criminal record. There are about 12 million illegal immigrants currently in the U.S. If these immigrants were able to pay income taxes, it would pump millions into the U.S. economy daily. A June 2012 study by the Fiscal Policy Institute concluded that 18 percent of all small businesses in the U.S. are owned by immigrants, creating 4.7 million jobs and generating $776 billion in annual tax revenue. With
Abraham Uribe, 19 philosophy
“There will not be a reduction, but they are still talking budget cuts. We still have a rough road ahead.” Alfred Alvarez, 27 Political Science
GOP shellacking may awaken hope for a new DREAM Act By Pablo Gandara A Perspective
“Every student will have an educational opportunity and a greater opportunity to accomplish goals.”
“It will help the college with budget issues to stop cutting classes, although we still have challenges.” Dawn Taft Student Services Specialist
Compiled By Erick El Belle Joaquin Junco/Staff
1,760,000 potential beneficiaries for the DACA in the U.S. today, future revenue generation could be in the trillions of dollars. Dreamers want to pay taxes. With DACA, Dreamers would have an opportunity to get a Social Security Number and pay taxes as any other American worker. Obama is wisely trying to keep smart, ambitious young people in the country to contribute to our nation’s future. “These young people are going to make extraordinary contributions and are already making contributions to our society,” he said upon signing the order.
The full Dream Act needs to be passed and Obama called it one of his second term goals. This nation, built from immigration, needs to progress. Republican politicians pandering to their conservative, racist base are damaging the future of the U.S. by failing to pass immigration reform that will keep talent here at home, substantially boost our economy and bring millions of innocent young people in from the shadows. Maybe after the shellacking the GOP took in the 2012 election, the rhetoric of the campaign trail can be replaced by the reason of what is best for this nation. One can only dream.
Correction: In issue #1 of the SWC Sun the name of Cecelia Cabico was spelled incorrectly. The Sun apologizes for the error.
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Daniel Guzman, editor
VIEWPOINTS
Oct. 28 - Nov. 16, 2012, Volume 56, Issue 2
Tel: (619) 482-6368 E-mail: viewpoints@theswcsun.com
Time for Selective Service to stand down By Michael Stinson A Perspective
“Only the dead have seen the end of war.” -Plato Class warfare is nothing new in the draft policies of the United States. Many American citizens and immigrants have no comprehension that the Selective Service System can cost them their hopes and dreams. It is a system that birthed draft dodgers and the burning of draft cards. Failure to register has dire consequences, limiting employment opportunities and crushing dreams for college. Part of the reason is the ambiguous name, the Selective Service Act (SSA). Another reason, it only affects males. America’s Selective Service Act was passed during the spring of 1917 in preparation for the First World War. Citizens who fail to register for the Selective Service before their 26th birthday permanently lose certain rights, even though the Army will accept recruits past their 35th birthday if they possess a specialized skill such as a doctor, scientist or dentist. Unregistered citizens would find employment or job training in the federal government impossible, even as a contractor. Migrants who apply for citizenship without registering will be denied if the government determines they were in the United States before their 26th birthday. Prospective students will be denied
federal aid of any kind, including student loans. Immigrants older than 26 seeking financial aid are out of luck. Applicants can try to prove they were older than 26 when they first entered the United States. It is up to the financial aid departments at the schools to pass final judgment. These punishments are intended to coerce males to register for the Selective Service. Penalties affect the middle and lower class disproportionately, but are hardly a determent for the upper class. Class warfare is nothing new in draft policies of the United States. Paid substitutes were a tradition that started in the American Revolution. The poor pay the burden of war. Consequences of war should be shared by people of all classes. The Draft Act of 1863 was looked upon as a socioeconomic draft. If a citizen had $300 he could simply pay his way out of service. A marked change of policy occurred when the first SSA was created. Lawmakers of 1917 strove to create a major distinction from the previous unjust draft laws. By not allowing affluent people an option to buy their way out of military service, the SSA would be different. The Selective Service was created only for war time and was discontinued in 1920. As World War II raged in Europe, the system was brought back in 1940 and terminated again in 1947 following the
conclusion of the war. But a new unofficial war — the Cold War — soon began. Lawmakers used this as a guise to pass the Selective Service Act of 1948, the template for the system used today. Even though the Cold War ended, Selective Service has not. It has undergone some changes that favor the well-to-do. I n 1 9 5 1 , d u r i n g t h e Ko r e a n Conflict, student deferments were added. These modifications benefited mainly white males of the middle and upper classes who could afford college. This scenario was common during the Vietnam War. Philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre described the U.S. draft policy nicely. “When the rich wage war,” he said. “It’s the poor who die.” During the Reagan administration the harsh penalties and prison time were repealed. New consequences for non-registration were enacted, including the denial of federal jobs, job training, financial aid and citizenship. SSA rules disproportionately affect working class immigrants, keeping them in the dark or in the draft system. Non-registered males are hobbled. Some immigrants may not hear of the Selective Service until it is too late. With better education and jobs, they would pay more taxes and contribute to society in a more meaningful way. Most agree that Americans have the
Tommy Todd/Staff
duty to defend their country in the time of war. Every citizen benefits from this great nation and owes it a debt. Nevertheless, there has been no threat of an invasion on United States soil since World War II. At its creation, the Selective Service was used to bolster a very small U.S.
Army. Now the U.S. fields one of the largest volunteer militaries in the world. Circumstances that birthed the Selected Service no longer exist and should be terminated. With no impeding threat, there is no reason for the draft or the anachronistic Selective Service.
Expensive private colleges are not worth the cost
Ailsa Alipusan/Staff
By Steven Uhl A Perspective
C
ollege students come to a crossroads when it comes to transferring. Are public colleges better than private colleges? Admission requirements for public and private systems are significantly different. Letters of recommendation are not required by the CSU system. Students will be accepted with 60 units and one defined Oral Communication, one Life Science, one College Math and one History. A prospective student wishing to attend San Diego Christian College, a private university, must submit two letters of reference. One must be from a spiritual advisor, so if the student does not attend a church that excludes the student from attending. The other letter must be from a professor talking about the student’s academic abilities. This is a requirement of many private colleges. Students who attend private colleges are often expected to sign an honor code, which outlines drinking, smoking and premarital sex as grounds for expulsion. GPA requirement for transfer students is 2.0 at CSU Dominguez Hills in Carson. Grade requirements for transfer students at University of San Diego are 3.0. Privates often do not require academic minimums, only worries about financial requirements.
CSU typically have good social life with fraternities and sororities on campus to participate in. It is important for college students to develop interaction and social skills among their peers when they are in college. Private instuitions govern by a strict honor code and restrictive environment, offer little in terms of a social life. When considering the financial cost, CSU is the best buy. Tuition at CSU Northridge is $6,504 a year. Point Loma Nazarene costs a whopping $28,900 a year. PLNU is a Christian college and requires students to attend chapel twice a week for two hours. Full-time students, even those who are not Christian, are forced to attend chapel services. PLNU requires students to take at least nine units of bible courses. Tuition of bible courses total $10,395 which is wasted money, resources and time that could have been spent on a class related to their major. The cost per unit at PLNU is a whopping $1,155. If a student is expelled or wishes to transfer from a private institution, they are in for a shock. Many units will not transfer. The CSU system is the best option for Southwestern College students. The students will still be saving money and preventing years of paying off college dent. CSU schools provide the social setting that will enrich young peoples lives during their college years and beyond.
Ailsa Alipusan/Staff
Letters To The Editor
Bullfighting is animal cruelty in any culture Dear Editor, The “culturally accepted” sport of bullfighting is nothing more than pure torture of an animal. Bullfighting is animal abuse for the entertainment of ill-educated humans. Bullfighting is illegal in the United States of America, but not in other parts of the world, such as Mexico. This cultural difference poses issues when the bullfighting mentality is brought across the border into America and bleeds (pun intended) over into other animal related sports, such as equestrian. Laws in America protect animals from abuse, torture and neglect. California Penal Code, Animal Welfare Provisions §597, cruelty to Animals reads: Except as provided in subdivision (C) of this section or Section 599c,
every person who maliciously and intentionally maims, mutilates, tortures or wounds a living animal or maliciously and intentionally kills an animal, is guilty of an offense punishable by imprisonment in the state prison or by a fine of not more than $20,000, or by both the fine and imprisonment, or, alternatively, by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or by a fine of not more than $20,000, or by both the fine and imprisonment. So by virtue of reading the above, the previously ill-educated are now brought to enlightenment. I have personally witnessed a horse being tortured by local Mexican cowboys who try to assuage their guilt by declaring “but it’s my culture” and then try to escape criticism by calling
me a racist for pointing out the abuse. There is no excuse for abusing one of God’s creatures. It is against the laws of this land. It is against God’s law. Humans are given dominion over the Earth’s creatures, not domination. Thank you for writing the article so that I may respond. We are all animals and I encourage everyone to treat these “lesser animals” as you would want them to treat you should the roles be reversed. “If we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt.” – from “Black Beauty” by Anna Sewell. Mary Watters
Career Technical Education Specialist Southwestern College
viewpoints
Oct. 28 - Nov. 16, 2012, Volume 56, Issue 2
The Southwestern College Sun
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Crass popular culture pushes gentlemen to brink of extinction By Kasey Thomas A Perspective
When an announcer says, “ladies and gentlemen please have a seat,” men should remain standing, not diving for the open chair. Gentlemen are a critically endangered species. They have almost completely disappeared, vanished off the face of the Earth, leaving behind a trail of swine. That is not to say that there are not any gentlemen left, but swine are reproducing faster. Pigs are not something that any man should aspire to be, so why is it that society today is filled with them? Part of the blame can be attributed to women. When women were fighting to be independent individuals, the population of gentlemen decreased. Women wanted to open their own doors, they could carry their own things and they did not need the help of any man. Their search for independence led to a decline in gentlemen. Michelle Cove, director and producer of “Seeking Happily Ever After,” a documentary focused on women redefining happily ever after. “Maybe men are confused because we women give them mixed messages: we want to be treated as equals, but we want them to carry our groceries and let us go ahead of them in line,” she wrote. “I will be the first to admit it, it’s confusing and it’s probably unfair to expect guys to know how to behave if we don’t set out our expectations for them.” Some women also tolerate rude behavior from men. They allow derogatory terms to be placed on them, which makes men think it is okay to use them on every woman. Comedian Dave Chappelle said women have themselves to blame. “I hear women say this all the time, ‘Chivalry is dead,’ that men are not gentlemen anymore,” he said. “That’s right, chivalry is dead and women killed it.” Some blame goes to the entertainment media. Many athletes and entertainers are teaching young men that making fast money and meeting fast women is the way to go. There are few examples of gentlemen. Why? Sex sells. Entertainment media make men seem manly, muscular and in charge. Our popular entertainment portrays men as rich pimps in competition to see who can have sex with the most women. There are rarely examples of men opening doors for people or helping old ladies cross the street. Gentlemen barely exist in movies or on T.V. Women are portrayed as targets for men. Those women who are “independent” are shown as wanting one type of man, a bad boy. When some men see this example from the entertainment industry they feel the need to be “manly” and may follow the example, live up (or down) to the expectations, and behave in the same crude manner. This superiority stereotype sometimes causes men to lose gentlemanly traits. Ladies should expect better treatment and should never accept anything less then gentlemanly behavior. If nice guys stop finishing last, dogs will change their attitude fast. Chivalry may not be dead, but it is definitely on vacation. If nothing happens to combat the filthy swine, they will take over and gentlemen will go extinct.
Adrian Martinez/Staff
Cyberbullying crackdown is a first step
Adrian Martinez/Staff
By Daphne Jauregui A Perspective
Cowards and bullies have a huge new hangout, the worldwide web. Their destructive power has never been more dangerous. A wave of sorrow recently shook the country with the death of 15-year-old Amanda Todd. She committed suicide after relentless cyberbullying. Her death made national headlines and lit up social media. Facebook pages were created with pictures of Todd with angel wings. Hundreds of
thousands of supporters wrote comments to raise awareness about bullying. Some sickos, unfortunately, did not honor the healing spirit of these pages and used them to spread more hurtful comments. It is bizarre that complete strangers were making it seem as though they knew Todd. Others were also using the page dedicated to her to acquire Facebook likes, cheapening the true purpose of the electronic shrines. A Cyberbullying Research Center report
said tragic endings are becoming more common. “Cyberbullying victims were almost twice as likely to have attempted suicide compared to youth who had not experienced cyberbullying,” it read. Cyberbullying is defined as someone repeatedly harassing, mistreating or making fun of another person online, or while using cell phones or other electronic devices. Todd put herself out on the Internet for others to see. She uploaded a video to YouTube in which she enumerated her struggles with constant and cruel online beat downs. Reports say that before that she was pressured into flashing a man via webcam. Facebook and YouTube pages that are cruel, coercive and dangerous should not be allowed. They give an open hand to others with ill intent. Sympathy and shrine pages are not helpful, either. Better to have pages with professional insight from psychologists and counselors, not gratuitous pages that constantly crave the “likes” of others who may not really care. Pages such as the Cyberbullying Research Center are a rich source of useful information. A 2010 study concluded that 50 percent of students ages 10-18 use the Internet simply to log on to Facebook. Almost 17 percent of those students also used it to go on chat rooms. Females are 25 percent more susceptible to bullying as opposed to 16 percent of males.
In the eight-minute video that Todd uploaded to YouTube, she described how the cyber bullying torture followed her everywhere she went. She moved homes, schools and cities to no avail. She included a picture of her arm, cut and bleeding. Her online cries for help just made things worse. Wolves and monsters moved in for the kill. Suicide is not the only way out. School counselors are here to help. That is the message responsible online communicators need to spread. California is cracking down cyber bullying. Assembly Bill 746 signed into law last year states, “bullying, including bullying committed by means of an electronic act, as defined, is a ground on which suspension or expulsion may be based. This bill would specify that an electronic act for purposes of the act includes a post on a social network Internet website.” Many websites are dedicated to putting an end to cyber bullying. The National Crime Prevention Association (NCPA) website discusses ways to stay “cyber-safe.” It urges people to not pass along the cyber bullying messages, tell friends to stop cyber bullying, block communication with the cyber bullies and report the bullying to a trusted adult. Shutting off the computer and going outside may be the best advice of all. Young people need to learn to just walk away from the cesspool of online cruelty and hate.
Board: Peraza, Stewart give board four strong members Continued from Page A3
member he is the right guy for the job because he knows how much the budget cuts hurt. In his 27 years in community colleges Stewart has seen our state put education on a pedestal then drag it down and cart if off like the Saddam Hussein monuments of Iraq. Stewart said he wants to keep education a priority and encourage young people to earn degrees. He said he wants to make an impact and help keep the fire burning for students who think achieving their dreams and aspirations are no longer possible in the Golden State. Stewart said he is not afraid to make tough decisions in the face of more budget cuts. He said he would rather say no to class cuts and find other ways to save money. Cuts, he said, should be made as far from the classroom as possible. SWC has people with heart and our leaders seem to believe they can get our college back on track. We need to continue raising our voices in the community because the community fueled this revolution. Our voters chose well with people like Stewart, Peraza, Hernandez and Nader. Our voters are watching and they expect Southwestern College to continue its rise from the ashes.
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Thomas Baker, editor
NEWS
Oct. 28 - Nov. 16, 2012—Volume 56, Issue 2
What’s Next
William Stewart wins seat on governing board By Daphne Jauregui Assistant Campus Editor
Marshall Murphy/staff
PHILOSOPHER HAS MUCH TO PONDER — San Diego City College Professsor of Philosophy William Stewart said he is looking forward to joining the SWC Governing Board as it faces challenges in 2013.
William Stewart may be the new kid on the block, but he brings almost three decades of community college experience to his new job as an elected official. Stewart defeated Elizabeth Roach in the race for Southwestern College Governing Board seat No. 1. “I’m really excited about it,” he said. “I thought I would be more nervous about it, but I’m generally more excited. Virtually everyone I’ve met at SWC I’ve enjoyed, so I’m looking forward to it.” Stewart said he recognizes the significance of working to solve a crippling budget problem at SWC. “I’m used to dealing with numbers and dealing with budgets,” he said. “I’d like to be really involved in looking at the details of it to see if we can help SWC. There are things I still want to learn about Southwestern. I think it’s important to try and address the needs of all your students.” With the passage of Proposition 30 SWC avoided drastic trigger mid-year cuts, but still has a $5.8
million gap to fill. “The good news about it passing is that it’s not going to be a bloodbath,” he said. “The bad news is there might still be a little more trimming. Southwestern College has been at a point of needing to retreat and retrench because of the economics.” Stewart said looking at other places that can handle hurtful cuts, instead of classes, would better serve the students. He said he likes to dig into numbers and analyze them. Looking at the budget and seeing real numbers will give him a better sense of where he can utilize this talent, he said. “I’m familiar with the way the budget system works and so that’s why I’m really looking forward to see if I can help,” he said. “I really see it as, the budget can most effectively be done if it’s done collaboratively. I think that can be done here because the morale is still strong enough.” Aside from the budget crisis, Stewart said he wants to work on making the honors programs at the college more successful. He also wants to see higher transfer rates. He said he has four years of hard
work ahead of him. “By the end of my term, Southwestern is really going to be working on its growth plans,” said Stewart. “I think it’s going to be looking at how we best serve our students both in terms of the vocational students and their goals and the students that are going on to transfer to institutions.” Stewar t said Southwestern’s controversial past should not overshadow the strengths of the college. He said the college now has a strong board and the college’s problems are largely in the past. “Now it’s about working on this new future that Southwestern really has in store for it,” he said. “Really letting the community know that Southwestern is a genuine and significant asset. It has a lot to offer to the community.” Stewart said he admires working together as a community to solve issues. “I’m really excited about that aspect of it because the faculty, the staff, the administration and people seem ready to work together,” said Stewart. “It’s easy to work together when it’s working towards growth. I think there’s a lot of promise coming up.”
Tel: (619) 482-6368 E-mail: news@theswcsun.com
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With the elections over and the winners announced, The Sun takes a closer look at the candidates who won seats #1 and #3 on the Southwestern College Governing Board, as well as propositions that will have an impact on the college and its community.
Humberto Peraza wins full term as trustee By Lina Chankar Assistant News Editor
Humberto Peraza was sitting in an easy chair with his son in his lap, but he was not relaxing. Concern creased his normally smiling face as the election returns started to trickle in. Te n s i o n g a v e w a y t o celebration as Peraza racked up 57 percent of the vote in his contest against likeable Imperial Beach fire fighter Bud McLeroy. Peraza admitted to great relief. “It takes a lot of time away from your family,” he said. “I have a five-year-old and an eight-year-old. It’s an intense process to be away from them.” Peraza said going from event to event and being pulled in a million different directions by the campaigns was very stressful, but a great experience. “We walked door to door, we r a i s e d m o n e y a n d we campaigned,” he said. “It was a tough process, but it was all enjoyable and the results are always great when it pays off.”
After ending SWC’s “culture of corruption,” Peraza said he believes SWC is now headed in the right direction. “Perception in the community did not stop after we got a new board,” he said. “It means fixing a lot of issues that happened in the past, making sure they never happen again by creating policies. It’s having an open government, being transparent to the campus, to the community and sharing information. That’s not a simple thing. Mess up just one time and you ruin the perception of you and the community.” Voter approval of Proposition 30 gives reason for hope for SWC’s future. “Now, with Proposition 30, we need to fix those budget problems and start coming up with other revenue sources,” he said. “We cannot be solely reliant on the state for certain programs.” Peraza said the college needs to raise revenue on its own. Using its vast facilities, its
stadium for international soccer games, adult leagues or even concerts are some of his personal ideas. All these, he said, also bring the community back to the campus. After the college handles the budget crisis, Peraza said he wants to return focus to education. “We have to finish Proposition R, finish all of these lawsuits about negativity in the past,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll be done with that next year, but certainly before the end of my term.” Defendants in the pay-forplay corruption scandal are scheduled for trial in January. Former SWC Vice Preisdent Nicholas Alioto, former director John Wilson, former governing board member Yolanda Salcido and current director Arlie Ricasa have been charged by the San Diego County District Attorney with multiple felonies. Former superintendent Raj Chopra is either in hiding or has fled the country.
Amparo Mendoza/staff
WELCOME BACK — SWC Governing Board member Tim Nader (l) congratulates Humberto Peraza on his election to a full four-year term on the board. Peraza was appointed last August to serve the final year of former trustee Nick Aguilar’s term. Peraza pledged to continue routing out corruption and called for a new push for revenue generation.
Propped up / Voted down
REPRESENTATIVES
Proposition 30
Bob Filner
Three propositions critical to SWC
Mayor of San Diego
PASSED
Proposition 30 is a temporary, progressive tax increase on individuals making more than $250,000 a year. It also included a quarter cent sales tax increase. The tax on wealthier Californians will be in place for seven years and the sales tax increase will be in place for four. Its passage means that K-14 will not be the victim of trigger cuts with $6 billion in new revenue coming into the public education system. At Southwestern College this means more courses may be offered in the spring 2013 semester on a case-by-case basis.
Serina Duarte/staff
Serina Duarte/staff
PROUD MOTHER — (l) Isabel Peraza rallies support for her son Humberto Peraza, getting honks from passersby on H Street on election day. (below) Roach and McLeroy campaign posters at La Bella Pizza Garden in Chula Vista. (bottom) San Diego County Election Central at Golden Hall downtown.
Proposition 32 FAILED
Proposition 32 would have prevented unions and corporations from automatically deducting money from employee’s paychecks to use for political purposes. It also would have lowered the amount corporations and unions could contribute to state and local politicians, but loopholes would have given many of the biggest corporations a huge advantage. Since voters rejected the measure, unions retained their most effective fundraising tool.
Proposition 38 FAILED
Proposition 38 was a measure competing with Proposition 30 that was mutually exclusive. If 38 passed with more yes votes than 30, it would be canceled out. Proposition 38 was a progressive tax on all Californians that would have raised about $10 billion in new revenue for the K-12 system. It did not provide funding for higher education, which would have meant a $380 million cut to the California Community College system and an immediate cut of $4.8 million at SWC. Californians soundly rejected Proposition 38 on election night.
Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego) outlasted San Diego Councilman Carl DeMaio to become San Diego’s new mayor. Filner received 51.5 percent of the votes. Only about 10,000 votes separated the candidates. Filner is the first Democratic mayor of San Diego since 1988. He will be inaugurated as San Diego’s 35th mayor on Dec. 3 at Golden Hall.
Marty Block
39th district assemblymember Democratic assemblymember and retired SDSU dean Marty Block became a State Senator for the 39th district when he defeated Republican George Plescia. The influence of SDSU and UCSD voters was thought to have helped Block win by a margin of 57 percent to Plescia’s 42.
Ben Hueso
79th district assemblymember Marshall Murphy/staff
Incumbent Democratic assemblymember Ben Hueso will represent the 79th district for a second term. Republican party leader Derrick W. Roach lost the heavilyDemocratic district by 30 points. Hueso is a member of the Mexico Bi-National Affairs Select Committee, which made an impact on his heavily Hispanic district.
SOME OF THE BIG WINNERS — (top) Supporters of newly-elected Congressman Juan Vargas marched triumphantly into Golden Hall. (above) Former SDSU dean Marty Block moves up from the California Assembly to the State Senate.(r) Advocates of Proposition 35 celebrate tougher sanctions for sex offenders.
Serina Duarte/staff
Marshall Murphy/staff
Pablo Gandara/staff
Susan Davis
53rd congressional district representative Susan A. Davis was elected to represent California’s 53rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. She defeated Nick Popaditch, a retired United States Marine Corp gunnery sergeant with 60 percent of the vote. In 2010 Popaditch ran unsuccessfully against Democrat Bob Filner for California’s 51st Congressional District.
Go to theswcsun.com and search the keyword “election” for full coverage of this historic vote.
Juan Vargas
51st congressional district representative
Compiled by Thomas Baker, Ana Bahena, Elisa Nunez, Steven Uhl, Amparo Mendoza, Pablo Gandara, Serina Duarte, David McVicker, Amanda Abad, Karen Tome, Albert Fulcher, Nickolas Furr, Kasey Thomas, Marshall Murphy, Enrique Raymundo, Anna Sobrevinas and Alexis Dominguez. Pablo Gandara/staff
San Diego native Juan Vargas defeated Michael Crimmins in the race for U.S. Representative of the 51st district with 71.24 percent of the vote. Crimmins is a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam and Iraq. Vargas was a Jesuit seminary student who worked as a youth helping orphaned children and the homeless. He later attended Harvard Law School and was a classmate of President Barack Obama.
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Oct. 28 - Nov. 16, 2012—Volume 56, Issue 2
Thomas Baker, editor
NEWS
Tel: (619) 482-6368 E-mail: news@theswcsun.com
Basketball: PCAC says number of out-of-state players are increasing Continued from Page A1
averages, often doubling or tripling them. Since 2005 only 22 percent of SWC’s men’s basketball players attended high school in the Sweetwater District, according to a California Community College Athletic Association Out-of-State High School Student Athlete Report acquired by The Sun. Out-of-district transfer students made up 78 percent of the SWC teams and outof-state players added up to 34 percent of the teams, twice the state average of 17 percent out-of-state players in 2011-12. SWC’s roster featured 28 percent out-ofstate players last season, which was actually the lowest amount of the past seven years. SWC teams generally consist of half outof-state players or more. Woods said he believed the June investigation was sufficiently thorough and that there was not enough evidence to prove that illegal recruiting took place. SWC Vice President of Academic Affairs Kathy Tyner said she believes it is appropriate to allow the PCAC to investigate charges of illegal recruiting. SWC Superintendent Dr. Melinda Nish said she has spoken to Tyner about the situation, but not Athletic Director Terry Davis. Basketball coaches John Cosentino and Colwell have refused all comment on allegations of recruiting violations. Athletic director Davis has told journalism professor Dr. Max Branscomb that he does not believe the allegations, but he refused to be interviewed for this story by journalism students.
Paycuts: Student workers sign false forms to keep jobs Continued from Page A1
out. Rempt said there could be good reason to fear that. “They can prove their point,” he said, “but that’s about it. Some of the hourly employees worry because they are at-will employees. The college could just decide, gosh you’re pesky, and make them all go away.” In addition to questionable legal issues, the college has apparently failed to notify many hourly employees of the pay cut. Documents acquired by The Sun show that the college gave no notice of the coming cut to employees who received checks in July or September. But employees who did work on-campus in August were notified by a short statement on their monthly pay stub. Many students do not work during the month of July, the
Pablo Gandara/staff
month covered by the checks issued in August. Most students who work in July use direct deposit and did not receive pay stubs. Students must log into a website to view them. As a result, most students The Sun spoke to had no idea that their paychecks were cut. Steve Crow, vice president of business and financial affairs since July, said he was unaware of discrepancies with student pay. “There are no proposed student pay cuts of any kind,” he said. When informed that employees had already had their pay lowered by 5 percent, he expressed surprise and said that another campus vice president had already denied the fact the cuts existed. “Dr. Albert Róman [vice president of human resources] was the one who told me we had not cut anybody,” he said. “You should probably talk to him.” Crow said he was unaware that students signed monthly HRTs. “I recall that probably there was a proportional 5 percent adjustment [to their paychecks],” he said. “But I wasn’t aware that there were contracts.”
Prop. 30: District still needs to find solution to $5.8M deficit
In an email, Róman said that SWC had no plans to shrink the paychecks of its most vulnerable workers. “There is no intent on the college’s part to reduce our student workers’ pay,” he said. “If there is some confusion on this matter we will take the necessary steps to clarify and correct any pay issues to make sure our student workers are kept at the same hourly rate.” Róman said he wanted to make sure correct information got out. “This will help to circulate the right message that students are not in fact being cut,” he said, “and that if there are any discrepancies in pay, they need to be brought to our attention so that we can address them immediately.” During an interview with The Sun Róman refused to let the reporter record the conversation, but stated flatly that SWC was not cutting student pay. The adjustment Crow referred to was not addressed. When provided with documentation of the cut, he said, “If there is a problem, I will fix it.” A few hourly student workers were
we’ve got a problem, it’s a storm, and so now we’re going to get to work and we’re going to come up with strategies on how to solve the problem so that we can enter next year with a balanced budget.” To a d d r e s s t h i s p r o b l e m t h e administration is looking for additional spending reductions. “We have to reduce our ongoing expenses,” said Nish. “Eighty-seven percent of our ongoing expenses are salary and benefits. So that’s got to be a component of the solution.” Voluntary across-the-board pay cuts were agreed upon by both of SWC’s major unions in May as a temporary measure to maintain. This agreement is what has so far prevented SWC from having mid-year lay offs. Albert Roman, vice president of Human Resources, said the only way to reach a balanced budget was to find lasting solutions. “In terms of the permanent solution we are looking for, beyond a negotiated solution, it could potentially involve a reduction of personnel,” he said. “Eightysix to 87 percent of our budget is personnel and if you’re looking for a permanent reduction in your budget, absent of any additional apportionment you have to be able to condense those budgets. But the long-term solution is how can we reduce our budget so that we’re not deficit
spending and that may involve looking at reducing our workforce.” So far reducing operating and supply costs by 10 percent will save $1 million on an ongoing basis, which will be put towards the FY 2012-13 deficit, according to Crow. Another idea called for a hard hiring freeze. Nish said the goal of the school was to not replace any positions that are vacated until July 1, if at all. “Hiring freezes also have consequences, but we’ve been trying to exercise real prudence when hiring,” said Nish. “If we bring a position forward, it’s a position that we need.” Roman said he was against the idea of a hard hiring freeze. “To say that we’re just not going to hire, period, isn’t going to work,” said Roman. “I lived through that in my previous district and it really hurt us in terms of being able to be operational. It just did not work.” Joel Levine, dean of the School of Language and Literature, said a parcel tax could help raise funds for the college. A parcel tax is a tax similar to a property tax, but does not depend on the value of the property. It charges by lot size or a set amount per piece of land. Curriculum change is another method of managing expenditures. Aligning course offerings with student needs for transfer or certificates could save money. “Change is coming and we have to be at the forefront,” said Randy Beach, Academic Senate President. Beach said the four areas that should be heavily invested with Full-Time Equivalent Student (FTES) funding should be the California State University “golden four” areas of math, communications, writing
Elections: Stewart looks forward to new position at SWC
Rifles: Campus police are assessing need for new rifles
Continued from Page A1
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most was the thought of his children. “We have two kids and my wife and we both teach on the college level,” he said. “Our fundamental belief is that if you really want your kids to learn about the idea of participating in your community and community service, you teach them by doing it.” Stewart said his main goals are getting SWC on a solid economic footing by starting from the bottom up and making the board accessible to everyone. He said he wants to make everyone feel like the board is someone they can talk to and wants everyone to have a voice. “A community that goes through a tough time together can come together,” said Stewart. “People that are cohesive make it easier to work.” Stewart will be sworn into his new position in December. Albert Fulcher, Ana Bahena, Daphne Jauregui and Enrique Raymundo contributed to this story.
because if we don’t we’re not of service to anyone here,” he said. Campus police currently use Glock .40 caliber handguns. SWC is the only college police force in the county that does not have rifles or tasers, according to Campus Police Sergeant Robert Sanchez. With handguns officers have to be within 100 yards of a target, Sanchez said, compared to rifles able to shoot from up to 1,000 yards. Larry Lambert, online instructional support specialist, said campus police need long rifles. With the recent series of campus shooters, the rifles could help the police disable suspects from a distance, he said. “The one thing that we’re still very vulnerable for is if we have an active shooter on campus right now,” said Lambert. “Response is quick from local police, but once they’re on campus they need to get organized and find out
Continued from Page A1
willing to talk on the record or provide documentation about the 5 percent cut. “It’s really hard for us because most of us are students who need the money,” said Rubi Guido, a tutor in the ASC. “They buy books, they buy gas, so many things with that check. They’re really affected.” Guido is not a student, but has been an on-campus tutor for 10 years. “I’m really affected, too,” she said. “I help my husband pay our mortgage with this.” Eduardo Villanueva is a math and chemistry tutor and an SWC student. He is working toward an associates’ degree in mathematics. He has worked in the ASC since 2010. It is his only job. “Little by little, this will get tougher,” he said. “That money is what I rely on for my transportation, food, all my needs.” Guido did not work in July, so was never informed that she would be paid less than she budgeted. She was shocked that the college failed to inform her. “Why didn’t they tell us this?” she asked. “Why didn’t they give us some notification? This just happened.” Rempt said he understands why college employees voted for the pay cut, but questions how much the school will gain from a decision that actually harms its students and hourly workers. “The college should be protecting itself and doing the right thing to make sure these people are getting paid,” he said. “We are talking about 12, 12.50 an hour – peanuts. I understand that every penny counts, but however…” Villanueva said the school can rectify this situation with one easy step. “I would really like to get it back to what it was before,” he said. “What I signed up for.” Ernesto Rivera contributed to this story.
Thomas Baker/staff
GET OUT THE VOTE — Governor Jerry Brown rallies last minute support for Propositon 30 at Hoover High School in San Diego the day before the general elections.
and critical thinking. He also said that this does not necessarily mean other courses are not to be offered, but they should not take priority over the core four. To start this curriculum change process, he said, the way scheduling is determined has to change. “We really need to start thinking about scheduling as a zero-based process,” said Beach. “We don’t just roll over schedules, we need to start fresh, we need to imagine if the tsunami hit and we had to rebuild, what would be the most important things we need.” where the shooter is, which takes time.” Sanchez said the cost of rifles, training for officers, bulletproof vests specialized for rifles and helmets could approach $50,000. A number of campus employees have expressed opposition to the plan. “I’m firmly against the purchase of high-powered rifles on this campus,” said Professor of Learning Skills Corina Soto. “When the assessment is done it needs to include the opinion of faculty, staff and students on the campus. It also needs to include input from the community, neighbors from this area and the Chula Vista Police Department. Our police department doesn’t exist in a vacuum. They’re answerable to the community that’s on campus.” Soto said she also thinks it is important for SWC to have an emergency plan in effect before moving forward with purchasing rifles. She said if the priority of campus police is safety then “they should take care of campus safety first, then address high-powered rifles.” “They’re emphasizing a shooter,” she said, “but we’re more in danger of there being an earthquake, or fire, or a hazardous material spill and they’re not taking any of those things seriously.”
Oct. 28 - Nov. 16, 2012 Volume 56, Issue 2
ARTS
The Southwestern College Sun
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Amparo Mendoza/staff
ALL THAT JAZZ — Talented vocal music students come together to perform “I’m Home” as part of a heartwarming production of “Jazz Cafe.” (below left) Eva Flores sings “At Last.” (below right) J.P. Acosta belts out “Sometimes I Cry.”
A hot evening of cool jazz > REVIEW
W
By Ana Bahena, Arts Editor
Photo Illustrations By Amparo Mendoza & Pablo Gandara
hile the wind outside blew a cold sigh, fiery voices brought warmth to a room of music aficionados. Southwestern College’s Jazz Vocal Ensemble was warm and comforting as steaming tea on a gray winter’s day. SWC’s Third Annual Jazz Café featured 23 students performing solos, duets and group numbers. Some performances were under-rehearsed, but jazz honors improvisation and the band and singers mostly enjoyed solid musical conversations. Some singers were very impressive, while others showed potential. Group numbers were fine, but stumbles were easily noticed. Within all the racket, a cadre of talent broke through. After a weak ensemble rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “The Lady is a Tramp,” Eva Flores took the mic and turned things around. Her powerhouse voice did the song “At Last” more than justice. Etta James would have been proud of Flores as she commanded the floor with her spine-tingling high notes. Youthful Flores performed with an old soul that seemed to know the glory days of vocal jazz when Prohibition and flappers dominated the landscape. Flores would have fit right into a smoky basement club singing into a square microphone with a flower pinned behind her left ear. Dulce Perez stepped into the spotlight with her emotional version of Nina Simone’s “I Put a Spell on You.” Her voice had a gritty texture that was compelling. She took control of the room with her comfortable stage presence and put a spell on everyone. David Castel de Oro blew some wicked sax as he traded licks with Perez. Nearing the end of her song, Perez hit a note so impressively that she had people asking if she had ever recorded an album. Maybe she should. Best performance of the night went to J.P. Acosta singing “Sometimes I Cry” by Eric Benet. Comparable to Robin Thicke or Usher, Acosta put his own style into his falsetto performance. His silky voice soared effortlessly through the higher notes and he left the audience lost in reverie. Although the night had some misses, the sweet cancelled the sour. Every number was entertaining and the cozy atmosphere warmed the audience like a hot cup of jazz tea.
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Oct. 28 - Nov. 16, 2012 Volume 56, Issue 2
Ana Bahena, editor
ARTS
Tel: (619) 482-6368 E-mail: arts@theswcsun.com
So. Bay band blends border sound with U2 sensibilities By Paulina Briceno Staff Writer
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orget the bling, drugs and sexism, The Chocolate Revolution is reminding the hip-hop generation that music is about the heart. The Chocolate Revolution may be the world’s first heart-healthy band. “Chocolate is the number one food on Earth most associated with love,” said guitarist Gabe La Blanc. “So essentially, The Chocolate Revolution is also a love revolution. By eating more organic, or ‘raw’ high-quality fair trade chocolate, you contribute to preserving and saving the rainforest and benefiting your health.” If chocolate is the “food of the gods,” The Chocolate Revolution is the soundtrack of divinity. Ski Beach in San Diego hosted the So-Cal Showcase which featured upand-coming local bands. The Chocolate Revolution put on a sweet show. Latin beats from the bongos and organic acoustic guitar revved up the audience. In between each song vocalist David Grant reminded audience members to think with their hearts. Their jams had the “chocolate blend” Grant describes as a rock beat with a reggae hook spiced with hip-hop and rap. “It is universal. It’s diverse,” said Grant. “There is no style and the best style is no style ‘cause every time you put yourself in a category, that’s where you limit yourself.” Grant, 25, is African-American, Caucasian, Latino and Portuguese. La Blanc, 23, is Canadian and Latino. Percussionist Israel Arevalo, 34, is also Latino. “This is where the feel of the whole revolution comes from,” said Grant. “It’s all these different ethnicities coming together and different walks of life coming together through music.” La Blanc said he feels the musical chemistry of the trio is very unique. “Collaborating with David has been fun and easy,” said La Blanc. “Once we
get into our zone, there’s no stopping inspiring. us. That’s how much of a musical “We’re here to serve and that’s all connection the two of us have.” we’re here to do,” he said. “I’m not (just) Grant agreed. telling you, I’m also reminding myself. “We were just good together,” he I forget this a lot ‘cause we’re so selfish. said. “It sounded good because it had To serve, not necessarily to make our the Latin-reggae-jazzy-blues feel to it. lives easier, but to help the next person Arevalo just emphasized it.” whether you know them or you don’t.” Last month The Chocolate Revolution Grant said he is inspired by another had to be patient at The Stage in Tupac statement, “I’m not saying I’m downtown San Diego. There were many gonna change the world, but I guarantee local artists competing for best hip-hop that I will spark the brain that will performance. The chocolate men had change the world.” to perform last because they were the “More than anything, being unselfish only performers that made their own and sacrificing for others is most music with no background technology inspiring,” said Grant. involved. They were pure, real and Grant said when he notices something different from the rest who rapped about bad it inspires him to want to write swag, hoes, bling and clothes. Grant a song and make a change. He urged and company scorched an R&B song, students to listen to their first song, “Down and Out,” a soulful “Knock On My Door” because love letter Grant dedicated at one point in time, he said, to his wife. everyone feels isolated and “More Grant said he believes outcast from society. g o o d m u s i c c o n s i s t s than Studio Capstone in Chula of multitude forms and anything, Vista is where the band records sounds. He described The its music. Childhood friend Chocolate Revolution as being Jose Aguilera said he loves rap artist Tupac’s killuminati unselfish the band’s music, which led philosophy, like a different him to invest his money in a way of living and thinking and fully-stocked recording studio. spiritually, physically and sacrificing Grant said he is surprised of mentally. He said that is for others how fast the band is moving what the band tries to do. along. Grant said La Blanc is is most “We’re blessed,” he said. the one that came up with inspiring.” In just its first year together the band’s concept of being The Chocolate Revolution heart-centered. played 13 per formances. “Heart-centered, to me, David Grant La Blanc said opening for is to get out of your head legendary drummer and Vocalist and move into your heart,” percussionist Sheila E. at 4th said Grant. “(It means) to be and B was the most special kind, more giving and to be of service in and playing at the House of Blues “was any way you can.” very cool.” Grant describes La Blanc as the light The Chocolate Revolution will of the revolution for believing in the continue spreading its sweet concept concept and bringing it to their music. in December at Chula Vista’s annual “I feel like I bring my voice and my Christmas Parade. Le Blanc said he and spirit because I battle a lot of shit,” said attended every year since they were born, Marshall Murphy/staff Grant. “I feel like when I want to, my and now looking forward to performing CHOCOLATE COVERED WISDOM — Chocolate Revolution vocalist David Grant, 25, rocks heart’s bigger than anybody else’s.” at the hometown celebration of peace the house at the Epicenter in Mira Mesa with upbeat and optimistic songs of hope and inspiration. Grant said the band’s concept is and joy. Serendipity dipped in chocolate.
> REVIEW
“Night of The Iguana” still scratches at our souls
Serina Duarte/staff By Nathan Hermanson Staff Writer
LEFT HANGING — Nick Steklov as the embattled preacher Lawrence T. Shannon in the stellar SWC production of Tennessee Williams’ classic “Night of the Iguana.” SWC dramatists staged one of the best mainstage shows in years.
Iguanas generally live 15-20 years in the wild, but the scratching reptile in the Tennessee Williams classic “Night of the Iguana” is frisky and relevant as ever at 50. Director Ruff Yeager and a talented team of theatre artists created a transcendent production of the morality play set in tropical Mexico with universal themes of guilt, expectations and redemption. Williams’ iguana escaped the barbeque at the 11th hour and so did Yeager’s, in one of SWC’s finest theatrical productions in years.
“Night of the Iguana” follows the story of Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon (Nick Steklov), an irreverent reverend locked out of his church and institutionalized for calling God a “senile delinquent” and for having an “inappropriate relationship” with a teacher. After his release, Shannon takes up employment as a tour guide in Mexico. During a trip through Acapulco, Shannon finds himself accused of statutory rape when 17-year-old Charlotte Goddall (Lauren Yowell) seduces him. In an attempt to escape, Shannon forces his group
off the tour path and into the arms of the Costa Verde Hotel, run by his “experienced” friend Maxine Faulk (Jill Drexler). Soon after his arrival, Shannon meets the struggling spinster Hannah Jelkes (Robin Christ) and her feeble grandfather Nonno (George Weingberg-Harter). He quickly and easily creates a bond with Hannah but has little time to enjoy her company as he ends up juggling the restless tour group, Maxine’s sexual advances, two German tourists singing Nazi marching songs, and the possibility of losing his job. It is the relationships between these
characters that move the play along and perpetuate the chaos. Willams’ beautiful script received an equallybeautiful set by assistant professor Michael Buckley and his students. Buckley, a San Diego County design wizard, created an atmosphere that let Williams’ words and Yeager’s actors cast their spell. Williams explores the vulnerable world of human interaction and maintains an alluring darkness in his comedy. He crafted very flawed but very human characters that could be us. SWC’s stage and lighting crew must be commended for both the creation of the gorgeous set and the great use of lighting throughout the play. Set builders perfected the look of an open air tropical hotel. From the cabana-like hotel rooms straight out of Mexico to the hammock hanging in the middle of the stage, the set was Dos Equis commercial meets Margueritaville. Interesting effects embellished the atmosphere, such as water in a scene where a storm was passing through. Lighting was brilliant, with hues of blue and orange augmenting the mood. Buckley’s less-is-more artistry highlighted moments and guided the story through its emotional revelations. Williams’ wisdom was unlocked by a talented cast led by Nick Steklov as Shannon. Steklov channeled an actor plucked straight out of the golden age of movies with his booming voice and pinpoint diction. He made Shannon feel human. Jill Drexler portrayed a woman of “experience” perfectly with her sly movements and laid-back attitude. In direct contrast, Robin Christ played her calm opposite in Hannah Jelkes and her performance really shone in the second act due to her great chemistry with Steklov. Wily old pro George Weinberg-Harter was amazing as the senile grandfather Nonno, mumbling and bumbling his way across the stage. Andrew Woodend and Michell Horne provided some great humor with slightly broad performances as Nazi German tourists Wolfgang and Fahrenkopf. Lauren Yowell had a great moment in a standout scene with Steklov which showcased the naiveté of Charlotte Goddall. Even the auxiliary acting of the cabana boys, John Lopez, Diego Arias, Jonathan Ortiz-Garcia and Roman Rodriguez rollicked as they joked off stage. Problems were minimal. There were a few moments where the actors stepped over each other’s lines and stumbled through a line, but they made that feel even natural and conversational. “Iguana” has shed its skin in countless productions and SWC’s staging had the edginess of a lizard on a window pane.
ARTS
The Southwestern College Sun
Oct. 28 - Nov. 16, 2012 Volume 56, Issue 2
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> REVIEW
Sketch Comedians Seriously funny Story By Cody Yarbro, Staff Writer
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arely is the pricing structure of a comedy show the audience’s first laugh, but the SWC Improv Acting Club’s cheeky poster was the beginning of an evening of inspired silliness. Price for students was $5, according to the poster, price for administrators, $70. No administrators took the bait, leaving an overflow audience in the sweaty Black Box Theater heavily skewed toward students. Five men and one woman made up the student troupe, which was more sketch comedy than straight improv. Each wore blue and yellow V-neck jersey t-shirts that were the foundation of shape-shifting characters built with small wardrobe alterations and large talent. Celebrities, current events and popular culture themed the skits. “Two Worlds” was the best skit of the evening. Giovanni Alva, Jonathan Ortiz and Mitchell Horne combined an office in Japan with an arena from “The Hunger Games” with aim true as an
arrow. Ortiz and Alva portrayed Katniss and Peeta, which was absolutely hilarious. They shared a scene with a passionate kiss that caused laughter in the entire room. The best part of the scene was the ambiguity of the kiss because of the angle. It left the audience wanting more. In “Director Gibberish” Alva and Alex Mortenson tried to interpret what the director, played by Jewell Karinen, is acting out without any words, just gibberish. The director imitated Michael Jackson by egging on little boys and emulated his soft high pitch voice. Impressions throughout the show were spot-on and the writing was inspired. It was a little “Saturday Night Live” and a little “La Pastorela” masked up with some SWC spice. After two hours of laughter, audience members looked like they had just finished an intense work-out routine. It was the best-spent $5 of the season.
Marshall Murphy/staff
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — (l) Gio Alva and Mitchell Hornet won over an SRO crowd with their sketch “Two Worlds.”
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BACKPAGE
Oct. 28, 2012 - Nov. 16, 2012 — Volume 56, Issue. 2
The Southwestern College Sun
Courtesy Photos By Pamela Calore
Targeting the
Albert Fulcher/Staff
War on Drugs
Marcha Migrante VIII crisscrosses America by Albert Fulcher Design by Amanda L. Abad
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exican poet Javier Sicilia lost his 24-year-old son Juan Francisco last year after going into a bar with six of his friends run by a drug cartel. All suffered a violent death. After his son’s murder, Sicilia founded the Movimiento por la Paz con Justicia y Dignidad (Movement for Peace with Justice and Dignity) in Mexico. His crusade swept across borders in Latin America as many victims, like him, joined a movement to end what he called a lost and needless war. Caravan for Peace is a call to action for the governments of the United States and Mexico to find solutions to the War on Drugs. In a bi-national movement, political activists, citizens and 110 victims of violence in the United States and Mexico joined forces in San Diego for a 30-day, 6,000-mile journey to 27 cities and across 17 states to Washington D.C. Sicilia and his caravaneros delivered their message of peace and hope to the White House, calling for an International Day of Action for Peace in Mexico on September 12. Led by Sicilia and Border Angels founder Enrique Morones, the Caravan for Peace with Justice and Dignity/Marcha Migrante VIII kicked off at Friendship Park on August 12, and began its sojourn to the White House. Morones said more than 150 civic organizations
along the way provided food, shelter and care for all and the caravan met hundreds of volunteers, victims and supporters at each stop. Morones said it is vital for people to realize the consequences of the escalating violence on both sides of the border since the two nations declared the War on Drugs. He said the campaign left innocent casualties in its wake, with more victims falling to failed policies and drug violence every day. “Over the past six years the War on Drugs has left more than 70,000 dead and more than 20,000 missing in Mexico alone,” he said. Los caravaneros called on Mexico and the U.S. to enter into a dialogue about alternatives based on evidence and forward-thinking options for drug regulation. Morones said it is essential that the importation of assault weapons into Mexico stops, that concrete steps are taken to combat money laundering, and that both nations re-examine the militarized border and criminalized immigrants. As the activists gathered to begin their journey, California Senator Juan Vargas and U.S. Congressman Bob Filner met the caravan at Friendship Park with Senate and Congressional resolutions declaring August 12 a “Day of Peace” in San Diego County. Filner said he stood with Sicilia to confirm their mutual humanity
and call for new thinking by federal agencies in the U.S. and Mexico. “I have worked in non-violent campaigns in the U.S. and throughout the world,” he said. “It is up to government of America to claim some responsibility here. This is not a Mexican problem. This is our problem.” Dozens gathered for a candlelight vigil later that evening at Chicano Park. After moving a performance of “Misa Azteca” by the Southwestern College Concert Choir, one by one victims of the Drug War spoke of their losses. They hoped their heart-breaking experiences would be the beginning of change. Gretchen Burns Bergman, lead organizer of Moms United to End the War on Drugs campaign, said both countries have suffered senseless tragedies, the erosion of human rights and loss of liberties due to the punitive policies that fuel the violence of the drug cartels. She said her son spent more than a decade “cycling through the criminal justice system” for possession of marijuana. “We are losing our sons and daughters to drug war violence, to accidental overdose death, and to mass arrest and incarceration,” she said. “It is time for families to unite, stand side by side, sister to sister, mother to mother, cross borders to demand no more Drug War for the sake of our children and future generations.” please see Caravan for Peace page B7
Albert Fulcher/staff
LOS CARAVANEROS DICEN ‘YA BASTA’— Ebrilly Gurling joined Enrique Morones (top l) and Sara Gurling in Fort Benning, Georgia to support Border Angels at an art performance protesting casualities of the War on Drugs. Congressman Bob Filner (top r) presented Caravan for Peace organizers Javier Sicilia and Enrique Morones with a congressional resolution for a Day of Peace in San Diego County at Friendship Park. Drug war victims and supporters joined at Friendship Park to launch the 30-day, 6,000 mile trek to Washington D.C. to raise awareness about the brutality of the War on Drugs.
Oct. 31 - Nov. 16, 2012 — Vol. 56, Issue 2
SPORTS
The Southwestern College Sun
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Amanda L. Abad/staff
Proud Amanda L. Abad/staff
to win the
American By Steven Uhl Staff Writer
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dream season by the best Southwestern College football team in a generation looked as if it might end in disappointment. As if. SWC’s irrepressible grid warriors pulled themselves off the shimmering turf of the American Championship Bowl and scored a pair of electrifying touchdowns to tie it. Then came the most memorable pep talk in recent memory. “Our coaches said you don’t want to share your girlfriend, so why would you share the title,” said defensive lineman Jalal Yousofzai. “That’s why we had to win.” Girlfriends can breathe easy following the Jaguars’ 45-31 thumping of Santa Monica City College. SWC scored on its final four possessions to turn a 31-17
deficit into the college’s first bowl victory since 2000. Head coach Ed Carberry said a rigorous off-season training regime paid off. SWC’s better-conditioned players still had plenty of steam in the decisive fourth period. Earlier in the game, however, Carberry admitted he was worried. “Late in the third quarter the score was 26-17 Santa Monica with the lead and there was a time when I remember looking at the scoreboard and thinking we had to score,” he said. Score they did. Replacement quarterback Frank Foster connected with wide receiver Bryant Mitchell for a 56-yard gain setting up a Charles Westbrook score from inside the five-yard line. Offensive heroes were plentiful for the Jaguars. Westbrook scored on a five-yard touchdown run. Starting quarterback Brett Nelson scored on a two-yard run. Backup quarterback Foster threw a 75-
yard touchdown pass to Mitchell, who was filling in for the starter. He said he was immune to any pressure. “It didn’t bother me at all,” said Mitchell. “It was like going back to high school. So I was prepared, but it was a great throw. I give all the credit to Frank.” Foster was named the Most Valuable Player and Westbrook was named the Offensive Player of the Bowl for their outstanding performances. This is the 2nd conference championship in five seasons for SWC under head coach Ed Carberry, who was typically nonplussed. “Putting a championship team together is a community effort,” he said as he proceeded to thank the athletic trainers and custodians Vince Taijeron and Carlos Rodriguez. “Our first goal in this program is student transfer, the next goal is to win.” SWC’s winning football players are halfway there.
Photos By David McVicker/Staff
BOWLING A PERFECT GAME — (Clockwise from middle left) Southwestern College football team gives thanks after an impressive road win over Chaffey College on Nov. 10. Running back Sharif Elomrabi slips through defenders for a big gain. Defensive back Donte Haddock and Rashad Greene team up for a crucial goal-line stand. Defensive Coordinator Dionicio Monarrez gets a celebratory ice shower.
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Oct. 31 - Nov. 16, 2012 — Vol. 56, Issue 2
SPORTS
The Southwestern College Sun
Amanda L. Abad/Staff
Photos By Pablo Gandara
THE CHAMPS ARE HERE — (top) Head Coach Ed Carberry and his Southwestern College football Jags celebrate their American Conference Championship victory over Santa Monica College at Olympian High School. (middle left) Offensive line coach Karl Danielson, kissing the American Conference Championship trophy. (middle right) Bryant Mitchell catches a pass from Quarterback Frank Foster and romps to a 75-yard touchdown. (l) Foster breaks tackles to get closer to the end zone. (a) Mitchell powering to the goal line. David McVicker/Staff
sports
The Southwestern College Sun
Oct. 31 - Nov. 16, 2012 — Vol. 56, Issue 2
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The
Give Go and
DANIEL GUZMAN
Gay athletes start to find footing in pro sports “
Photos by Serina Duarte
LEAP OF FAITH — Freshman guard Devonte Sims gets into the paint and drives for the layup. (l) Freshman shooting Jay Stone sinks a three against Irvine Valley College in the first game of the season.
Young men’s basketball team looks promising By Amanda L. Abad and David McVicker Editor-in-Chief and Assistant Sports Editor
S o u t h w e s t e r n C o l l e g e m e n’s basketball team roared into the seasonopening Fullerton Classic Tournament, but exited quietly with a win and two loses. Coaches and players, however, said they saw lots to like. SWC’s first win came against Los Angeles Southwest College, 71-68 in the second round of the tournament. Freshman shooting guard Jay Stone made the first two shots for the Jags to take a 6-4 lead. LA Southwest lead until Stone and sophomore shooting guard Hassan Farah made back-to-back threes for a 11-9 advantage. Stone and freshman shooting guard Dominique Miller made a majority of SWC’s points, with help from freshman point guard Devonte Sims, freshman shooting guard Robert Perez and Farah. Farah ended the first half with a three and set SWC to the locker room ahead, 42-28.
In the second half, the Jags found their rhythm. With 15:53 to go LA Southwest made six points compared to SWC’s 14. The Jags went scoreless after that, though, until Miller made a layup to make it, 58-38. With less than 12 minutes to go the Jags started to commit a lot of errors. Fouls, turnovers and missed free throws hurt the Jags and allowed LA Southwest to catch up, 59-48. After Perez sunk a three, the Jags were again plagued by fouls and back-to-back turnovers. After another turnover, LA Southwest made a layup, to close to 65-63. The Jags woke up and started to ball, but it was almost too late. The last point earned was from a made free throw by Stone, 71-68. “A win is a win, you have to be happy about that,” said Stone. “We are much more intense when our backs are against the wall. Everyone understood we needed a win real bad. The team effort was there, not just the individual
effort.” With a 74-69 loss to Fullerton College, the Jaguars were placed in the consolation bracket. Both teams were scoreless until Fullerton made a jump shot with a little more than 16 minutes to go in the first half. Freshman point guard Lamar Weston made a jump shot allowing the Jags to be on the scoreboard, 2-2. The rest of the game was close with SWC and Fullerton trading baskets, but with 5:39 left in the first half Fullerton began to pull away. The Jags did not score until Sims made a free throw with 2:16 left until halftime, 28-19. The Jags closed with a three by Miller and trailing behind Fullerton, 34-26. In the second half, Farah opened with a three with 19:02 to go. The Jags didn’t score again until 16:21 to go with a three by freshman shooting guard David Scarafone. The rest of the second half was quiet with a few scattered shots made by the Jags.
With less than 30 seconds left in the game, Farah hit two three-point shots, and Stone made a three and the game ended with a loss for the Jags, 74-69. “We need to play hard the whole game, not just at the end,” said Sims. “Traveling doesn’t affect us at all. It’s our mental toughness. That’s all it is really.” S o u t h w e s t e r n C o l l e g e m e n’s basketball team faced Irvine Valley College in the season home opener. The Jaguars tried to get it going late, but succumbed to IVC’s fierce court presence losing 64-59 SWC played hard but IVC played harder. In the first 10 minutes, the Jaguars held IVC to a three-point lead but slowly gap widened. The Jag defense left IVC players wide open and IVC took full advantage. With more than five minutes left in the half, the Jags were down 17-10. After many missed opened shots the Jags were able to close in on IVC. By the end of the please see Basketball pg. B4
Shorthanded volleyball team struggles at the end By Steven Uhl Staff Writer
Serina Duarte/staff
CHALK A BLOCK — Southwestern’s Brandi Rhone blocks a spike by Imperial Valley College to win a point.
Coach Angela Rock said she liked the volleyball players she had this year. She just didn’t have enough. SWC’s crew was tantalizingly talented and generally started matches strong only to wear down at the end. Rock did not become an Olympian by making excuses, just observations. A tough loss to Imperial Valley College, was in many ways typical of Southwestern’s 6-13 overall record. After a quick start, the Lady Jags won the first set 25-22. Then fatigue set in. With only one overloaded spike specialist in the game SWC’s offense became limited. IVC predicted SWC’s plays and won the second set, 25-17. “We didn’t have any substitutes,” Rock said. “Two girls quit and two others were ineligible because of grades.” IVC had the advantage in terms of substitutes, but the Lady Jags would not go down without a fight. SWC started burying the ball where IVC players weren’t. The Lady Jags started using their three hits and scanned the other side of the court before spiking. SWC mixed their hits between dinks and spikes, and IVC was having a hard time reading the plays. The Lady Jags took the lead 22-20, but IVC went on to score five straight points to win the third set, 25-22. In the fourth and final set IVC played faster and the tired Lady Jags could not keep up. IVC won the game, 25-23 and the match, 3-1. The Lady Jags played San Diego City College during their last home game of the season.
SWC found themselves down early and for most of the set. The Lady Jags figured out a way to use their smaller roster to their advantage and won the set, 25-22. The second set was similar to the first, right down to winning, 25-23. The Lady Jags were playing like conference champions, diving for saves and sending the ball to the empty spots on the other side of the court. Then, once again, fatigue. SWC lost control of the third set, made a series of unforced errors and lost the set, 25-20. But SWC was determined to win. The Lady Jags were behind most of the final set, but found a way to claw back, 25-19. The Lady Jags beat SDC, 3-1. “We were prepared for them,” said Rock. “We prepared both physically and mentally. We had some players rise to the occasion and we really believed in ourselves and finally came together as a team. I am extremely proud because it is hard to have a season like ours, but to finish on a note like that it just turns everything around.” Alejandra Puga agreed that the team did well. “It feels good to win at home and for the sophomores,” she said. “It feels good to be back from my two-game suspension. I’m really proud of all of the girls sticking together in this game.” The Lady Jags lost to San Diego Mesa in the final game of the season, 0-3. “We fought really hard,” said Noelani Napolean. “But we kind of gave up on ourselves the last two matches.” The Lady Jags ended the season with a 6-13 record and a 3-9-conference record.
Aww, hell no! I don’t want any faggots on my team,” said Garrison Hearst, former San Francisco 49ers running back, after Esera Tuaolo, a 10-year National Football League veteran, came out in 2002. Sports reflect culture, popular sports are indicators of a societies’ status. Can the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community coexist in professional sports? Garrison Hearst does not seem to think so. Neither does Jeremy Shockey, Allen Iverson, John Rocker, Todd Jones and Jason Williams, just some of the athletes that have publicly expressed anti-gay views. They are proof that stars can be dim. On deck are a generation of openminded athletes, ready to bat away lingering, ignorant personalities who fan homophobia in men’s sports. Dozens of former and active players for the NFL recently gathered for the press and expressed a refreshing indifference to gay athletes. “I don’t really care,” said San Francisco 49ers running back LaMichael James to Outsports. “As long as they help us win on Saturday and Sunday, what they do between (those days) is their business.” Nike continues to support gay rights and publicly states the idea of endorsing an openly gay athlete when the right one comes along. Ignorance and discrimination has always existed in sports but the stage is set for humanity to push back. “We must respect the choices made by anyone, because, after all, all citizens should have the exact same rights and responsibilities,” said international soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, a Nike spokesperson. “Don’t ask, don’t tell” has always been a locker room mentality. Gay athletes have had to pretend to be something they were not due to homophobia in the steamy dens of masculinity where men strap on their jocks and hit the fields, courts and ice of America’s gladiatorial arenas. Showering, femininity and team chemistry are issues expressed by homophobic figures in sports, but democratic living compells us to collaborate with people from different cultures and wash away the ugly stereotypes pinned on the gay community. Women have been more enlightened about gays in sports. Megan Rapinoe, midfielder for the United States women’s national soccer team, came out before the Olympics. The 27-year-old made headlines, but little ripple. Americans have been slowly embracing their gay brothers and sisters for the last three decades. Orlando Cruz, a celebrated Puerto Rican boxer, recently came out and was received by a loving crowd. Still, the number of openly gay athletes is slim. With the right high-profile athlete change would be at our doorstep. The right athlete could start a powerful movement and make a difference, especially one from the alpha-male sports that dominate the market. It took Fernando Valenzuela’s vicious screwball to give Latinos a powerful presence in baseball. It will take someone greater to give the LGBT community the same presence, and ultimately place in sports. It will be a continuing battle for the LGBT community in sports, as collision with homophobia cannot be avoided those battles will shape the fully integrated and progressive society we strive to live in. The Give & Go can be reached at TheSWCGiveandGo@gmail.com.
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Amanda L. Abad, editor
sports
Oct. 31 - Nov. 16, 2012 — Vol. 56, Issue 2
Tel: (619) 482-6368 E-mail: Sports@theswcsun.com
Men’s water polo scores remarkable turnaround By David McVicker Assistant Sports Editor
Pablo Gandara/staff
HANDS ON EXPERIENCE —Southwestern’s Ian Mulbach (c) deflects a shot attempt by Grossmont College offensive player Covel Garrison. Grossmont won 10-3 to end SWC’s Cinderella season.
There will be no sparkling trophies or championship banners for the 2012 men’s water polo team, but its members could go down in Jaguar athletic lore for pulling off the greatest comeback since Lazerus. Casting aside a 1-24 record two years ago, the 2012 Jags won 15 matches and earned a ranking of 15th in the state. Water polo at SWC has returned from the dead. “I believe we’re changing the image of the program,” said head coach Jorge Ortega. “My first year not many South Bay players came out to SWC. We’re trying to make it a place where kids want to come out and play. With this momentum, kids are coming to me and saying ‘Hey, I want to come play at Southwestern.’ When you go 1-24 like two years ago, it’s difficult.” “Playoff ” and “SWC water polo” have not been used in the same sentence since the Clinton Administration, but this year’s team won a match in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Tournament (a 9-8 nail-biter against Mesa College) and is already looking forward to a return engagement next November. Muhlbach said he was pleased with their commitment and performance. “Our team performed well,” said scoring star Ian Mulbach. “We played a strong season. Our guys committed to playing most of the time every game as we only had three guys on the bench for subs.” Goalie Rhett Pitcock said he is proud of this year’s accomplishments and is looking forward to the offseason to continue building a championship team. “We’re one of the only teams at Southwestern to have a winning season, and we beat Mesa twice in one season, which is a pretty big deal,” he said. “We
need to get better at coming out really hot in the beginning of games rather than rely on third and fourth quarter points to get the win.” Pitcock’s analysis played out in the tournament opener against highly touted Grossmont. The Griffins came into the tournament ranked number one in the conference and 10th in the state. They started the first half strong holding off Jaguar offensive attacks, recovering missed shots and driving the other way on their way to a 10-3 dunking of SWC. Pitcock said the Jags were limited in their ability at substitute players, which exhausted them early, but also had benefits. “We had to work a whole lot harder to be able to compete with the few people we had available,” he said. “But I think it made us a better team. We were more apt to trust our teammates with the ball, rather than passing somewhere else, we had to correct our mistakes.” The Jags came back to Miramar College on the second day of the PCAC tournament and flexed their collective muscle against a deep Mesa team. Three goals by sophomore Muhlbach, three by freshman Justin Patasil and two by freshman Stuart Sokil gave the Jags just enough to edge out Mesa by a score of 9-8 and close out the season on a high note. Ortega was ready to walk on water, but one miracle per season is enough. Muhlbach, the 2012 field player statistical leader in goals, steals, and assists in California, said he is leaving satisfied with his contribution to the team’s improvement. “It feels good to have been a part of the beginning of a program that is only going to continue to grow in size and talent,” he said. “If SWC continues to get good recruits after a season like this, they will soon become the premiere program for community college water polo in the county.”
SWC’s water women go deep into playoffs By David McVicker Assistant Sports Editor
Southwestern College womens water polo team made like flying fish and whipped the sent Miramar College Jets 12-10 in the first round of the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Championship. The Lady Jags began the game in masterful fashion, setting up plays with great offensive strategy. They split the defenders by moving the ball around on the outside of the goal with good passing, then striking with various styles of shots. Freshman driver Kelly Micallef struck first, a high-arching lob that sailed over the goalie’s head for the Lady Jag’s first goal. Defense was the name of the game on both sides. Faced with a one-on-one fast break by a driving Jet, freshman goalie Mariela Rodriguez stood her ground (as best as possible in water). Rodriguez was patient. She counterattacked at the right moment and came away with a crucial save. In the second half the Lady Jag’s defense began to break down. Miramar passed the ball well and was able to score three unanswered goals to tie the game at 6-6. SWC’s offense also lost momentum. Bad passes over the top and into the middle allowed Miramar’s defense to swarm the center and come away with steals. The third quarter ended with the teams tied 7-7. Then the shootout began. SWC defense gained some water traction, but the fourth quarter was all offense. Both teams went back and forth, exchanging possessions and goals. Neither defenses able to do much about it. In the end it was the Lady Jags who were able to capitalize on given opportunities and muster just enough defense to stop the Jets and come away with the win. SWC advanced to the next round of the PCAC championship to face Palomar College, ranked first in the PCAC and ninth in the state. Head coach Jennifer Harper said playing Palomar would be challenging. “The next game we have is harder,” she said. “Hopefully we’ll get a win and come back and play tomorrow.” Coach Harper knew what she what talking about. The Lady Jaguars fell short and were dusted by the Comets, 10-3. Palomar came out fighting with
overwhelming defense and a strong offense produced two goals early in the first period. Comet swimmers dominated the pool, creating turnovers and breaking away for goals. The Lady Jags found themselves deep in a hole by the end of the first half, down 8-1. The second half began in a similar fashion. SWC’s command of the pool from game one was nowhere to be found. Sloppy ball control allowed Palomar easy steals and rupturing SWC’s chance at mounting a comeback. The Lady Jaguars moved into the consolation bracket and matched up against San Diego Mesa College in the final round of the PCAC tournament. Four goals from freshman driver Laura Broyles and one from sophomore Alex Arambula gave SWC a chance, but Mesa overwhelmed the Lady Jaguars and secured the win 10-5. The Lady Jaguars placed fourth in the PCAC with a conference record of 3-6 and 6-23 overall. Despite a soggy record, Harper said she sees a glistening future for SWC’s resurgent water polo program. “As a team they came together really well,” she said. “I think that was the most important aspect of this year because they’re so young, that coming together to build on next year. I think they succeeded well with the parameters that we set.” Freshman Sofie Fialko said she thinks the chemistry the team built over this season will make the team a force to be reckoned with next year. “I think we did really well towards the end of the season because we saw we could come together and win,” she said. “We could become better than where we started the beginning of the season.” Freshman driver Bailey Garcia stressed that the team has to fight for every win and if it does it will come away as champions next season. “I think we had some off games and some games where we were really strong,” she said. “I think if we take the strengths from this season and add it into next season I think we’ll be really good.” Harper said she is proud of the team’s accomplishments thus far, but thinks there is one ingredient missing from this winning recipe. “Conditioning,” she said. “I think that’s the biggest difference between those girls and us. The great news is that we were only one or two goals off the pace so I think to get to that next level we need to train.”
Pablo Gandara/staff
WALLED OFF — Southwestern’s Mariela Rodriguez makes an epic save versus Miramar College in the Lady Jaguars’ 12-10 playoff victory.
Basketball: Jaguars inexperienced roster is seeking chemistry Continued from Page B3
first half the Jags were down 26-21. In the second half the Jags allowed IVC to increase their lead. With 16:46 to go, the Jags were down 35-23. One of the best traits of the Jags is their defense. They played great, aggressive D and pressured IVC, slowing them down and making them work for shots. The Jags created many plays off their full-court press. As the scores grew in difference, the Jag defense looked lost and was slow to find their coverage, but one look at the scoreboard snapped them out of it. “We got tired,” said head basketball coach John Cosentino. “They are well coached and they made an adjustment to our press. When they countered what we were doing, we didn’t have something to give back, but we are working on that.” SWC did not capitalize on the turnovers their defense created. Again the Jags missed wide-open shots and layups. Midway through the second half, the Jags found themselves sixteen points behind at 51-35. The Jags were great at drawing fouls, but struggled at the free-throw line. With 4:08 left in the game, the SWC offense scored three threepoint shots in a row, hyping up everyone on the Jags bench. The Jags were able to keep pace with IVC as both teams scored 38 points in the second half. Time ran out and the Jags lost, 64-59. The Jags played smart, stayed out of foul trouble and were decent rebounders. Cosentino said inexperience hurt the Jag’s chance of winning. “Every single player on team is new, they’re almost all freshman,” he said. “IVC is an experienced team. They’re one of the better teams in the state, so I’m pleased we kept it close. I thought we could’ve done better. If we didn’t shoot at 52 percent from the free-throw line, it would’ve been different. You’re never going to win a game when you shoot 52 percent from the free-throw line, especially at home.” Stone said the team performed admirably considering it was the first game of the season. “We played well, we had good intensity,” he said. “But we needed to be better. We will do better in our next game now that we got all of our pregame jitters out. Coach always stresses to give 110 percent. Our team is a work in progress, considering most of our team is freshmen.” Sims agreed with Stone that the team is a work in progress. “This is our first year of everyone playing together as a team, this is definitely my first year playing with the team,” said Sims. “Once we have that chemistry, then we will be good.” The Jags play a series of tournaments in Palomar Nov. 23– 25, and in Grossmont from Nov. 30–Dec. 2. Their next home game is during the Cuyamaca/Southwestern tournament Dec. 8. “We were playing 16 conference games (last year), and now we are playing fewer conference games,” said Cosentino. “That’s created more travel for us. The conference voted to have fewer conference games amongst each other so that they can increase their power ranking in the state tournament. I wasn’t for it, I wanted to play 16 conference games and play everyone twice. Because they’re all close to us, we wouldn’t be spending so much money. We are the furthest south, and all of the other schools are closer to LA and Orange County. It’s a one-year deal. We are driving back and forth every day, which is going to take its toll.” With three away tournaments in the near future, Stone said the travelling would not affect the Jags on-court performance. “Coach Cos has gotten us prepared physically for the long hard year of basketball,” he said. “Our condition and practices will be harder than any game we play this year, so physically we’ll be just fine. Mentally is the real question. 80 percent of basketball is from the neck up, and only 20 percent is physical. So if we play smart first, along with our athletic ability and skill, we’ll be where we want to be at the end of the three tournaments.”
Oct. 28-Nov. 16, 2012 — Vol. 56, Iss. 2
The Human Chord
CAMPUS
The Southwestern College Sun
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Brutal Chilean history stitched in folk art
ALBERT H. FULCHER
True tolerance comes through self-acceptance
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ithout truly knowing all the origins of my genealogy, I am certain that the blood of many cultures runs through my veins. That is what makes me American. I am a selfcontained mixture, a melting pot of immigrants and Natives blended during our country’s short life. My father was in the military and I was born in Stuttgart, Germany. We returned to my grandparent’s home in Tennessee when I was a toddler. My first recollections of life are from a much simpler place in time. Farm life shaped many of the characteristics that I have carried through life. Even at the age of three there was work to do. Everyone contributed to the home, safety and care of the family. In the beginning I worked with the women in the garden and kitchen. Sometimes my only job was to sit on the washing machine while it was spinning so it would not bounce off the back porch. I learned as I watched my grandfather do his daily routine of tending to the animals in the barn, moving cattle from one pasture to another. He had fields, crops, woods, lakes and many animals during those years. Both of my grandparents influenced a strong family and work ethic that I use every day of my life. I learned that work is hard, but fruitful. My family taught me the joy of many simple things in life. Even though at the time there were many new electronics emerging, we sat around on the porch to listen to stories about our heritage, religion and some good tall tales-or listened to radio and music. My grandfather was a preacher and built a church right down the road from the house so farmers in the area could meet and worship. Most people have work to survive. Life can be wonderful and it can be just as cruel. Principles that I learned as a farm sprout follow me to this day. They are innate. Family, in any form, is one of the only truths in life you can count on. Though I protest religious dogma, faith and hope are a necessity. Another part of me is rebellious, always asking questions folks do want asked. I have the spirit of a wanderer and am not afraid to venture into the unknown, unexpected or the “unacceptable.” My mother often referred to me as a gypsy. When asked who was the black sheep of the family, my two brothers lovingly point to me. “Unacceptable,” I use loosely. What is unacceptable to one person can be a strong passion for another. This has roots in many things, including culture, family upbringing, life experiences and circumstance. All of the traits, even those that I consider weak and dangerous, are the threads that make up the elaborate tapestry of me. I cling to these threads, for without them, my tapestry would unravel. Woven together, the threads of my tapestry struggle against each other, but hold together as a single piece. Though many of them plague me, I learned to embrace the intimate diversity of myself. That constant struggle is the journey of life. Learning to hold to these qualities takes me a step closer to accepting the diversity of the world around us.
The Human Chord can be reached at Thehumanchord@gmail.com.
Photos By Marshall Murphy/staff By Albert H. Fulcher and Amparo Mendoza Senior Staff Writer and Photographer
Chile’s brutal coup d’état left blood on the hands of the American CIA and the multinational corporation IT&T, but it bloodied poor Chileans. It was the poor of Chile that suffered the brutality of the Chilean military’s ousting the democratic Popular Unity government in 1973 and the murder of President Salvador Allende. Professor Cecilia Ubilla, from Curicó, was swept up in the violence. She was thrown in jail, tortured and repeatedly raped by members of the militia before she could escape. Dictator Augusto Pinochet, his military and the elite class of Chilean society crushed the Popular Unity
movement supported by the middle class and the poor. As Chilean democracy unraveled, women told stories of atrocities by weaving arpilleras, colorful tapestries. A common cultural bond between women, arpilleras before the coup were pieces of artistic expressions in miniature tapestries that traditionally recounted family life, social events and cultural expressions. They grew darker during the oppressive Pinochet era, little hand-crafted works of defiance that chronicled the suffering of the Chilean people. “Every time you see embroidery and beautiful things of all kinds of Latin America, ask if there is some pain there and if there is a hidden message about inequality,” said Ubilla. Harassed and abused by Pinochet’s
misogynistic military, Chilean women secretly gathered in churches and homes to stitch the personal stories of atrocities under the rule of a ruthless dictator. Ubilla was abandoned by her own Pinochet-supporting family. She eventually fled Chile and has not returned. “I have fear,” she said. “I also have a big pain that prevents me from going back because my family always supported the military. They were against me and I do not want to see them again. I have lived a lonely life, but at least I am at peace with my conscience.” She carried with her a suitcase full of arpilleras, smuggled out of Chile through the Swiss Embassy in Santiago, to show the world the little-told history of Chilean’s poor through the eyes and hands of its women.
Chile is a democracy now, Ubilla said, and the government is stable, but she is waiting for funding to take these remaining arpilleras to the great museums of Chile, a reminder of the country’s past struggles and inhumanity. “I will not forget and I will not forgive,” she said. “My duty and my job as a human on this planet is to denounce these atrocities.” Ubilla and her invaluable arpilleras came to Southwestern College hosted by the School of Language and Literature. Professor of Spanish Dinorah GuadianaCosta said the presentation by la Profesora Ubilla was like no other she had ever seen. “I did not know anything about these arpilleras,” she said. “What a way of maintaining and telling the history of Chile!”
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Amparo M
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endoza /staff
A HISTORY STITCHED IN TIME — Arrested, tortured and raped before fleeing Chile, resilient Professor Cecilia Ubilla travels the world displaying hand-stitched arpilleras (tapestries) created in secrecy by women who lived through atrocities during Agusto Pinochet’s dictatorship.
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Oct. 28-Nov. 16, 2012 — Vol. 56, Iss. 2
Albert Fulcher, editor
CAMPUS
Tel: (619) 482-6368 E-mail: campus@theswcsun.com
Former top cop an arresting classroom presence Cheerful professor comes from local law enforcement dynasty
Margie Reese/staff
Angelica Rodriguez/staff
EX-COP ON A NEW BEAT — Gary Creason was Southwestern College’s first campus police chief and led a series of innovations that professionalized the department. Today he is happy chairing the administration of justice department. By Shari Dotson Staff Writer
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n the world of good cop-bad cop, Gary Creason is a good cop. He likes kids, is chivalrous and loves dogs. Especially Eric. Creason, professor of administration of justice, keeps two yellowed photos on his uncluttered office counter, one of his police officer dad with a 1940s squad car and the other of him and his canine partner Eric from the 1970s. His eyes smile as he reminisces about those pictures. “I always knew I would go into police work,” Creason said, because he was inspired by his father’s work. He grew up in a rough neighborhood in East San Diego, but has no regrets. His diverse mix of childhood friends gave him an acceptance of multiculturalism, he said. Even as a youngster he rode along with his dad in the patrol car. Creason saw his first autopsy at the tender age of eight and shared his father’s interest in forensics. A self-described terrible student in school, he
Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Essay Competition now Open for Students SWC students who have a grade point average of 2.3 or above and are taking at least six units are eligible to enter the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Essay Contest. Essays must be 500 words and respond to the prompt “What is your philosophy of higher education?” Essays are due by 4 p.m. on December 5. For more information please contact Noreen Maddox at nmaddox@ swccd.edu.
dropped out of high school and enlisted in the army in 1964. He was 17. Discipline suited him and Creason said he thrived in the military. He was selected for the U.S. Army Security Agency, an elite group charged with intelligence gathering. He was sent to Korea and Vietnam on information gathering missions. Honorably discharged at 20, Creason enrolled at Grossmont College. He studied police science and became a campus police officer. He earned his associate’s degree in administration of justice and a certificate in law enforcement. Then his career went to the dogs. As a state Humane Society officer, Creason said he investigated animal cruelty cases. His boss gave him a six-month-old German shepherd puppy named Eric on the condition he obedience train it to the first level. The two became partners and stayed together for 16 1/2 years. Creason joined the El Cajon Police Department in 1970. He became part of the Canine Patrol with Eric, who was then four years old. Eric passed his obedience tests with flying colors and the partners worked together for the next four years. Eric the wonder dog was so good he and
Creason gave obedience demonstrations annually at the Del Mar Fair. Eric retired to become a yard dog at age eight and Creason went on to traffic, where he investigated hit and runs, injuries, fatalities and even a deadly plane crash. After three years he went on to work in burglary, fraud/forgery, homicide and training community relations/ neighborhood watch. During this time he began teaching firearms training and caught the teaching bug. Creason said he came to SWC for the first time while doing background investigations for the El Cajon PD. He was impressed enough to fill out an application, and in April 1986 he was hired as a part-time recruit training officer. In 1994 he became a full-time tenured professor and took command of the SWC Police Academy. When SWC security became a full police department in May of 2000, Creason was named chief of police. He was chief for four years and is credited by college employees with modernizing and professionalizing the campus police. Creason also successfully convinced the governing board to arm the campus officers.
“If it looks like a duck, and walks like a duck, it’s probably a police officer requiring the tools necessary to protect our community,” he told members of the campus staff. Long time friend Andrew Rempt, coordinator of Learning Assistance Services, said Creason professionalized the campus police and lent credibility to the program. “Arming our campus police was a controversial move,” Rempt said. “I was not 100 percent in favor of it, but his background and the respect for the man himself made me feel he would see to it the officers were trained and understood appropriate use of force.” Now back in the relative safety of the classroom, Creason acknowledged that police work can be dangerous, consuming and tough on marriage. Twice divorced, Creason said he has lived the past nine years with the “love of my life.” “Police work really does affect your personal life,” he said. “The biggest obstacle and constant challenge in police work is to keep from becoming cynical from working with the negative aspects of human character. It is easy to think that the only good guys are other cops.” Creason came from a very supportive family and he has continued that pattern with his own son, a Las Vegas Police officer. He said he would support his grandson to enter law enforcement, but offered a word of advice to “be careful, be very careful.” “I would not change my experience for anything, but I would not want to be a cop today,” he said. “Society has changed, laws have changed and it is just a different culture now.” Creason has words of wisdom for his students. “Integrity is everything,” he said. “No matter what field you are in that is the one thing a person must never compromise.”
CAMPUS
The Southwestern College Sun
Oct. 28, 2012 - Nov. 16, 2012 — Volume 56, Issue. 2
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Caravan for Peace urges U.S., Mexico to halt War on Drugs Courtesy Photos By Pamela Calore
‘MURDERERS ARE NOT BORN HERE, THEY ARE MADE HERE’ — (top right) Carrying their message on their back and silently demonstrating the innocent dead and missing, community artists gather at Fort Benning, Georgia to support the Caravan for Peace in its peaceful protest of the War on Drugs. Fort Benning is the site of special warfare training, including soldiers who fight in the War on Drugs in the U.S. and Mexico.
Caravan for Peace Continued from Backpage
Aracely Rodriquez, mother of Luis Ángel León, a federal police officer who refused to cooperate with a drug cartel, was murdered in the state of Michoacán. Rodriquez said the heartbroken people of Mexico found solace and a voice in the heart of Javier Sicilia. “We have walked across this border with you to unite our pain with your pain,” she said. “I believe in my heart with all of the people with us here now that in uniting our pain we can create a change.” Sicilia said he dedicated himself to protesting the War on Drugs and the escalating violence. His crusade travels across many borders of the world now and he said he brings his message for change in peace and love, not hate
and anger. After 40 years of this war declared by President Nixon, “all is left are the dead, the missing loved ones and the innocent that lost their homeland,” said Sicilia. “We are losing our democracy and we are losing our frame of reference of life-that we are human beings,” he said. “The only people that benefit from this are the lords of death, the lords of war and lords of pain.” In Washington Sicilia and los caravaneros spoke to scholars, staff and guests at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, associate director of Latino Affairs and Immigration Julie Chavez Rodriquez, U.S. Mexican Ambassador Anthony Wayne, and members of Congress and the Senate. Sicilia said there has been no reduction in America’s consumption of drugs, only an epidemic of murder
and violence. “We bring our disappeared children that never approached a dealer,” he said. “We bring defenseless orphans and widows. We bring young people, children of misery, because the Mexican government and the other places of Latin America allocate more American money to the promotion of war than to social programs that have found shelter in the crime and have ended up butchered.” Sicilia said he dreams his daughter and my grandson will be able to go back to Mexico some day unafraid that someone will kill them like his son was killed. “I dream that all those who have been displaced by this war and are absolutely defenseless will be able to return to their homes with their families while being assured that nobody will harm them.”
“We are losing our democracy and we are losing our frame of reference of life-that we are human beings. The only people that benefit from this are the lords of death, the lords of war and lords of pain.” Albert Fulcher/staff
CALL FOR PEACE — California State Senator Juan Vargas delivers a Senate Resolution for a day of peace as the Caravan for Peace begins its 30-day journey at Friendship Park. Beside him, María Herrera Magdaleno, from Pajacuarán, Michoacán weeps, her four sons still among the missing in the War on Drugs.
Javier Sicilia Mexican poet and activist
Ukulele building class unstrung by theft By Marshall Murphy and Cody Yarbro Staff Writers
October 16 was the day the music died. A thief entered the Southwestern College Computer Assisted Design and Drafting (CAD) lab and stole 16 ukuleles in various stages of completion. Students had only been working on their instruments for nearly two months. “I came in Tuesday morning, they were gone, all the projects were gone, all of the unfinished necks, all the fret boards, all the molds, and both sets of [concert and tenor ukulele] plans,” said John Smith professor of CAD. “Everything related to the course was gone.” Class was cancelled for the semester and all 16 students will leave empty-handed. Mesa College marine biology major and guitarist Joey Boucree found out about the course via a flier in the mail. “It has been my dream to make a guitar, so I figured (a ukulele) would be a good start,” he said. “I have one ukulele at home, but one
Photos by Marshall Murphy/staff
HANDMADE MUSIC — CAD Professor John Smith wanted to make some music in his design class and ukuleles proved very popular with his students before theives broke in and stole all the parts.
you hand made would be awesome,” Smith said he put a lot of his own money into the non-credit course to make it happen. He bought ukulele kits for each student. They had mahogany for the neck and body, and walnut for the fret board. “In stock alone I spent $400 to $500 in materials that I was going to try to recoup from material fees,” said Smith. “Along with tuners and frets and not really money for my time spent, I have about $1,200 out of my pocket.” Smith said that he thinks it was an inside job because the door was locked when he arrived and the thieves only stole ukulele parts. SWC campus police are investigating. Campus Police Officer David Felix said officers have checked local pawnshops. “It is kind of interesting when somebody steals something like that and nothing else around it like laptop or a TV,” said Felix. “(Thieves usually steal) anything not nailed down, usually they take the whole shebang.” Smith said he sees no reason to dwell on the incident.
“I can speculate all day as to who took it and why they took it, but that certainly torpedoed the class,” said Smith. “It is someone who knew what they are looking for and knew where everything was.” Smith was originally inspired to teach students construct guitars after he attended a workshop in Las Vegas. After doing the math, he concluded, smaller is better. “An ex-student built a ukulele and I could not let that go by, so I had to build my own,” said Smith. “It is a pretty popular instrument, so I wanted to teach a class.” After building his own ukulele he was hooked and wanted to share the joy with his students. Smith and his students may have had their semester die, but the veteran professor has not caught the last train for the coast. Someday, he predicted, SWC will hear the propulsive rhythm of hand-made ukuleles. “I was really bummed out and I still am,” said Smith. “You can’t be bummed out too long, that is self destructive, so I said well here, we’ll start over.”
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Oct. 28 - Nov. 16, 2012 — Vol. 56, Iss. 2
CAMPUS
Albert Fulcher, editor
Tel: (619) 482-6368 E-mail: campus@theswcsun.com
A new home for battle tested Old Glory After year-long tour in Afghanistan, Lt. Cmdr. Luis Nuñez brings home red, white and blue to National City Higher Education Center
Albert Fulcher/staff HOME FROM THE BATTLEFIELD — (above) Lt. Cmdr. Luis Nuñez director of the SWC medical laboratory technician program, presents superintendent Dr. Melinda Nish, an American flag that was flown over Kabul, Afghanistan. The flag is displayed at the National City HEC. (top right) War hero Sgt. Major Bill “Oorah” Paxton salutes wreath for the fallen at the Veterans’ Glen Patio at Southwestern College during Veteran’s Day ceremony. (below) Presenting colors at National City HEC’s first Veteran’s Day Celebration. By Albert H. Fulcher Campus Editor
As the sun set over the dusty Kabul sky in Afghanistan, the red, white and blue symbol of freedom flew above the U.S. forward operating base. In time-honored military fashion, Lt. Cmdr. Luis A. Nuñez Jr., U.S. Navy Reserves, saluted as the color guard started down the flag, knowing its ultimate destination would be Southwestern College. Nuñez, program director of the
Page Design by Kasey Thomas
medical laboratory technician program at the National City Higher Education Center (HEC), said it was significant to him that he chose the flag. He said he wanted to bring home a symbol of his yearlong duty in war-torn Afghanistan where he and his comrades established clinical laboratories. “I chose a flag for the National City Center because the closeness I feel with my team at the college is as strong as the team I served with in Afghanistan,”
Margie Reese/staff
he said. “It was my way of letting them know that while I was away, they were there with me.” As Southwestern celebrated its own time-honored Veteran’s Day ceremonies, Nuñez presented his gift to Superintendent Dr. Melinda Nish. “Receiving a flag from the field is a true honor,” she said. “It is a special symbol of recognition from Lt. Cmdr. Nuñez to all of us at Southwestern. This flag will forever be a symbol of all the contributions of veterans, past and present. On behalf of the entire Southwestern College community, I thank Luis Nuñez for this honor.” In a smaller but emotional ceremony, Nuñez, along with Nish, brought the flag to its final destination. Christine Perri, National City HEC dean, said the first thing that comes to her mind when she looks at the flag is that it is a privilege having Nuñez working there. “Nuñez represents all the things filled with goodness and kindness in the world,” she said. “Through his willingness to protect our liberties and freedom here, I am grateful he is home safely.” In traditional shadowbox fashion the red, white and blue adorns the National City HEC. A reminder that many past, present and future veterans not only serve the nation, but serve the Southwestern College community with as much honor.
Margie Reese/staff
STILL ON GUARD — (above) Veterans of the 82nd Airborne Division, including former
governing board member Nick Aguilar (second from right) stand by. (below) Luis Nuñez takes a moment of silence in remembrance of veterans.
Albert Fulcher/staff