Opinion
City College
C
Volume 160, Number 2
The number of students
enrolled at LACC for
Spring 2009.
Voters Ignore
L.A. Times
LACCD Trustees Nancy Pearlman and Miguel
Santiago prevail at the polls despite L.A. Times
By Jamie Hong, additional
reporting by Steve La
and Theresa Adams
Two members of the Los
Angeles Com-
munity College
District Board
of Trustees re-
tained their posi-
tions following
last week’s city
elections. Voters
returned Nancy Pearlman, Seat
6 and Miguel Santiago, Seat 7
to the LACCD after both candi-
dates received a thumbs-down
from the Los Angeles Times.
A Times editorial dated Feb.
24, 2009 asked "Where are all
the knowledgeable people with a
passion for bringing higher edu-
cation to the masses?" The voters
seem to feel they are already here
and they remained loyal to the
two incumbents.
Santiago received a major-
Students Join Rally
for Women’s Rights
LACC students gather with others in
solidarity for International Women’s Day
By Ronnie T. Clark
and Hamza Utman
Behind the steady roar of traf-
fic, Los Angeles City College
student activists marched and
performed in honor of women all
over the world during the Inter-
national Women’s Day rally in
Westwood on Saturday.
International Women’s Day
celebrates the economic, political
and social achievements of wom-
en around the world. The Interna-
tional Women’s Day Coalition of
Los Angeles organized the event.
Members of the Feminist Club
and poet, Daniel Morales Leon,
represented LACC at the demon-
stration. Los Angeles bookstore,
Libros Revolucion, Students for
Critical Thinking and other stu-
dent organizations endorsed the
march. Speakers of various eth-
nic backgrounds addressed issues
Arts & Entertainment
It's a 'Narrow Road'
Cries Out
Page 3
Los Angeles
The Student Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929
The total number of
parking spaces in LACC's
parking lot.
ity of more than 111,000 votes to
Lowry’s 91,000. Pearlman won
48% of the votes, defeating her
five challengers by a landslide
with more than 99,000 votes. The
nearest challenger, Robert Naka-
hiro only got 27,000 votes.
Nancy Pearlman serves as
chair of the Infrastructure Com-
mittee that reviews all construc-
tion under Propositions A/AA
and Miguel Santiago works as a
Special Assistant of External Af-
fairs for the Office of the Board
of Equalization.
After three
attempts by the
Collegian to
speak with the
Los Angeles
Times by tele-
phone, the Editor
of Editorials Pages, Jim New-
ton sent an email, in which he
Times and Trustees on page 9
that affect women in their com-
munities with emphasis on Iran,
Afghanistan and Palestine.
"This movement is not against
Islam, but against the fundamen-
talists who want women to wear
veils, and where men can be ex-
ecuted for not wearing a beard,”
said Wendy De La Torre, press
contact for The International
Women's Day Coalition. “It's
the U.S. who is supporting these
forces,” De La Torre told the Col-
legian.
De La Torre said the loca-
tion of the march was strategic.
Demonstrators met on Westwood
and Pico Boulevards, half a mile
from UCLA and close to the heart
of Westwood’s Iranian commu-
nity. Each speaker addressed a
specific issue that pertains to the
women of the community they
Women's Rights on page 9
The amount of money cut
from the CSU and USC
Lady Cubs Redeemed
Cubs guard, Jessica Torres drives around Cypress defender in South
Coast Conference playoffs Feb. 28.
Student Dies from
Heart Complications
Faculty and students called for
emergency assistance after an
18-year-old geography student
passed out in class.
See related story on page 2
By Matthew Lopes and
LaTijera Griffith
Marshall High School alumna
and Los Angeles City College
student, Meggan Pandy, died at
Children's Hospital on Monday
of last week after losing con-
sciousness during a morning ge-
ography class in the Chemistry
Building.
It was just 40 days before her
19th birthday.
Jennifer Setayesh, Princess
Monique and several other class-
mates noticed that Pandy leaned
to the side of her desk several
minutes before class began.
They say she appeared uncon-
scious and they noticed a “faint
twitch”—which waas probably
a pacemaker that was reportedly
implanted in 2008.
When Professor Marla Conti
entered the classroom, students
told her that they thought Pan-
dy was having a seizure. Conti
instructed students to get help
Features
Bar None: Ballet
to City's Theatre
Academy on March 20
Page 8
school system.
Photo by Jordan Angulo/LA Collegian
See full story on page 12
Photo courtesy of Tracie Pandy
Meggan Pandy
while she found department lab
technician, Al Germaine, who
alerted chemistry department
chair, Dr. John Freitas.
L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputy
Richard Pfeiffer told the Colle-
gian that Security Officer Arman-
do Cano was the first to respond
to the emergency.
Several of the students were
first aid certified, but Setayesh
says that they wanted to wait for
authorities to arrive.
Students moved Pandy from
her seat to a ramp on the side of
the room. They placed a sweat-
shirt under her head as a cushion.
Witnesses disagree on the re-
Dancers Move with
Class
Page 7
The total estimated amount
of the Pell Grand funds for
the 2009-2010 school year.
ASO Reorganizes
to Achieve Success
By Derek Villanueva
Students at Los Angeles
City College (LACC) may
have voted for student gov-
ernment candidates Maria
Rivera or Jacob Lohr but no
matter who constituents vot-
ed for in last spring’s elec-
tion, the representatives are
not in office today.
Last semester three peo-
ple were sworn in as presi-
dent of the Associated Stu-
dents Organization (ASO).
Two of the three stepped
down from office during the
fall. Rivera succeeded Arson
Mkrthcyan and remained in
office for a short time before
Vice President-elect, Kim-
berly Davis, stepped into the
role. Davis submitted her
resignation shortly before
the spring semester started.
Before leaving office,
Davis appointed James Ze-
tino as her successor.
“She resigned,” Zetino
sponse time. Monique said that
it took five minutes for sheriffs
to arrive and 15 minutes for the
EMTs. None of the witnesses
however, dispute the mood in
the room. Several people repeat-
ed that everyone in the class felt
helpless.
"We wished she had a brace-
let so we could have known what
was wrong," Conti said. "We
wished there was more we could
do."
Pandy's mother told Conti
that her daughter was a recent
transfer from Pasadena City
College and she liked LACC be-
cause of all the friendly people
on campus. Pandy’s mother also
told Conti that her daughter suf-
fered two previous cardiac ar-
rests.
"It's a very somber thing,”
Germaine said. "Her classmates
are very sensitive about the
whole thing."
Conti is collecting money to
be donated in Meggan Pandy's
name to the Children's Heart Unit
at Children's Hospital. Anyone
interested in helping can reach
Marla Conti at marlaconti@aol.
com, at her office in Chemistry
202 or through the Earth Science
Division staff.
March 11, 2009
said. “There was a hearing not an
actual action.”
A suggestion that academic
responsibility kept Rivera and
Davis from continuing in the
senate resulted in the selection
of Zetino as a replacement for
Rivera.
Student representatives ques-
tioned Zetino’s appointment, as
he was not listed as a candidate
on last year’s ballot and Zetino
denies allegations that college
administrators selected him, an
action that would violate the
ASO senate bylaws.
Linda Tong the current vice
president and a member of the
last administration was also se-
lected vice president. Both say
faculty members did not partici-
pate in the selection of the offi-
cers.
“This is not our administra-
tion but the student’s administra-
tion,” Tong said.
Agreeing with Tong, Zetino
discusses the time and effort one
must dedicate in order to have an
effective administration.
“You have to remember that
above everything, we are stu-
dents,” Zetino said. “It’s a bal-
ancing act. A good leader is
ASO on page 5
INDEX
Greetings from Benin
Daniel Oh, Africa correspondent
reports celebrations with Barack
Obama's elections.
Page 5
Theatre Academy Open 80th
City College Theatre Academy
prepares for 'Narrow Road to
the Deep North,' opens March
20. Page 8
Campus Improvements Cost
New Buildings and construction
projects slow student and fac-
ulty movement around campus.
Page 10
Editorial Page 2
Opinion Pages 3, 4
News Pages 5, 9
Features Pages 6, 7
Arts & Page 8
Entertainment
Campus Page 10
Highlights
Sports Pages 11, 12
 2 Editorial Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Dear Editor:

RE: "Assignment Draws Letters to the Editor

Cinema Needs Bigger Budget I
Censorship Lawsuit"
Dear Editor:

T
'm glad that Mr. Mat-
teson stopped Mr. Lo- his letter will inform believe it should be on the front parking comic, which was
you about my feelings page. The sole reason is that it pretty good.

I
pez from finishing his
f Los Angeles City Col- Some might ask, why speech. about the first issue for is bad publicity for the school. These were the only things
lege (LACC) can afford not just transfer to a four- Let's not forget about the spring semester of the Col- While one can argue that this is that caught my eye when I did
to build a new library year university? No one is the gay and lesbian students legian. My feedback will in- untrue, having a teacher possibly a fairly quick skim through the
with no new books, it could asking for brand new facili- that may have been in that clude some negative as well as being known as a murderer who paper. The other sections I’ve
definitely afford to give some ties. If the department were classroom being subjected some positive comments, but has worked in this school could found to be quite average. I’ve
money to departments that able to receive a little more to hateful and discrimina- mostly it is intended to help generate bad public relations. not found anything to nitpick
need it. money for its budget, a lot of tory words without a choice you to improve the quality and Among other things, I’ve about them and the sports sec-
Both the photography and equipment could be repaired in the matter. thoughtfulness of the articles found the comics section to be tions with the color pages were
cinema departments are in and replaced. Its not just free speech. that mean to inform and enter- quite lackluster. I have found a nice touch.
need of financial assistance. Some students say they Its hate speech. And you tain the attending students of the comics about Tully’s to be I do hope you take these
The cinema budget is so have not seen new equip- seem to be ignoring the Los Angeles City College. random and refreshing, but I’ve criticisms under consideration.
low they can only afford to ment in three years in cin- damage this lawsuit has The first issue that caught found no sense in the comic re- Looking forward to your
buy light bulbs for the sound ema. If you want to keep had on the gay and lesbian my eye is the murder article garding Curious Jorge, and the next issue.
stage’s lights. attracting new students from students attending LACC. posted on the front page. While general artwork of the section
Some students came to abroad, out of state or just It is my hope that all this is tragic news, I do not could be improved, save for the Josh
LACC for the express pur- from the greater Los Ange- teachers would stand up
pose of studying in the cin- les area, you need to offer for equality and stop hate
ema program. them a little more. speech in their classrooms. Dear Collegian Staff:

Not only for the LGBT stu-
dents but also for any mi-
nority group that is a victim
of hate, including religion.
Sincerely,
Travis Wood
Dear Editor:
Response to 'Restless in
the Restroom,' in the
Feb. 25 edition of the
Collegian
I
don’t mean to rain on
your parade, but I did
have a question for
you. Where is your coverage
of the Associated Students Or-
ganization?
As a former student publi-
cation, staff writer, I find that
those students who don’t cov-
er student government should
be able to cover these meet-
ings. Let me take a guess, you
find them boring, yes? Every-
body does, and I should know.
Having been part of the stu-
dent publication Talon Marks
at Cerritos Community Col-
lege for two years I covered its
student government and even
though at times I found the meet-
ing to be boring, or perhaps unin-
formative I know the importance
of these meeting and that they
will be able to help the general
population of LACC.
While the color in the news-
paper is great, there are addition-
al things that the newspaper can
use. Better leads for your stories,
using majors to identify students
and fewer columns about issues
that are unrelated to students, like
your recent column about why
students should attend events to
support its campus teams. How,
exactly, does that affect LACC
students? Absolutely, in no way!
There is someone willing and
able.
Ask for help when you
need it. I am willing to be a
contributor; and this is from
someone who has been here
since last summer. If you want
to be one of the best student
publications in the state of
California, start covering your
student government because
if you don’t then, you will re-
alize why Cerritos College’s
Talon Marks gets General
Excellence Awards during the
Statewide Journalism Confer-
ence.
Norma Palacios

S
tudents, wake up! This
is your campus. Help
keep it clean.
The restrooms are checked
hourly for cleanliness and
Dear Editor:
Earthquake Drill or a Cry for the goal was to give better under- was handled exemplify the
Help standing of the actions needed to school’s bigger issue, a virtu-
ally “wing-it,” approach for

supplies. The staff is com-
mitted to making this the
flagship campus of the dis-
trict.
We cannot do this alone.
Your support is greatly ap-
preciated.
Illustration by Ashley Gonzalez/LA Collegian
Lawrence Busey
Operations Manager
A
fter reading “Students
Shake Off Earthquake
Drill,” by William
Dewitt, I’m inclined to be-
lieve that had there been a real
emergency that day the minor
confusion felt across campus
would have turned into manic
chaos. Referring to the major
lack of communication, lack of
information and complete lack
of uniformity that swept over
faculty and students alike, if
take place during such situations,
I’ll be the first to say, “Mission
failed … miserably.”
The disorder on campus
ranged from classes acting in-
dependently, to aimless students
and clueless faculty, to what I
found perhaps most disturbing:
remote bungalows were outright
neglected. These bungalows re-
ceived no warning from staff,
nor alarms, nor, in the very least,
prior notice of the drill.
The ways in which the drill
dealing with a campus disaster.
We have not yet learned from
the unfortunate series of school
campus tragedies that swept
America in just the last decade.
Does it really take a building
collapse or a shooting rampage
on campus to drive home the
message of urgency when it
comes to safe, effective emer-
gency procedures?
Javier Inzunza

Media Arts Department, Chemistry 208

Los Angeles City College
855 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029
Remembering Meggan
By Tracie Pandy
Editor-in-Chief: Theresa Adams opportunity to do so.

O
Managing Editor: Jamie Hong ur beautiful Meggan She was so happy to at-
News Editors: Tim Carpenter, Steve La, Matthew Lopes,
was born April 14, 1990 tend LACC. She enjoyed the
Hamza Utman fact that everyone was eager
in Apple Valley CA. She
Opinion Editor: Tercius Bufete to learn and took their lives
was born small but mighty. She
Feature Editor: Jamie Hong and goals seriously. Although
had a compassion for life, hu-
Arts & Entertainment Editor: Monica Olofsson her experience at LACC was
man kindness and for the world
Sports Editor: Mars Melnicoff short, I am grateful she had
around her. Her love for music is
Photo Editor: Jorge Ponce the chance. She was patient,
beyond words and I believe mu-
Distribution Manager: Collegian loving and the most gracious
Advertising: Theresa Adams, Tim Carpenter
sic helped her through her hard-
est times. person we have ever had in our
Graphics: Beatrice Alcala, Lilit Atshemyan, Tercius Bufete, lives. She amazed us every day
Esther Castanho, Ashley Gonzalez, Derek Villanueva Her goal was to experience
life to the fullest and wanted a and we can't imagine our lives
Reporters without her. When we said
Theresa Adams, Virginia Bulacio, Tim Carpenter, LaTijera career in art. She could not wait
to be 18 so she could vote in one goodbye, we thanked her for
Griffith, Jamie Hong, Matthew Lopes, Mars Melnicoff, Frances the most beautiful 18 years of
O'Hara, Veronica Reynolds, Danielle Rivera, Jessica Rivera, of the utmost important elections
and I am so grateful she had the our lives.
Victoria Safarian, Hamza Utman
Photographers
Jordan Angulo, Jesse Gantt, Jorge Ponce
Cartoonists Next Issue:
March 25
Lilit Atshemyan, Tercius Bufete, Esther Hirzel, Derek Villanueva
Faculty Adviser: Rhonda Guess Editorial deadline:
March 18
Tell it to the editor, editorials and opinions!
Email: lacollegian@yahoo.com

Email the "Collegian"

Editorial / Advertising offices: (323) 953-4000, ext. 2831 For all submissions including
Monday and Wednesday letters to the editor and
The college newspaper is published as a learning experience, offered under the college journalism
publicity releases.
instructional program. The editorial and advertising materials published herein, including any opinions

LACollegian@yahoo.com
expressed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff. Advertising deadline:
Under appropriate state and federal court decisions, these materials are free from prior restraint by
virtue of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. March 18
Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted
as the position of the Los Angeles Community College District, Los Angeles City College, or any officer or
employee thereof.
© 2003 Collegian. No material may be reprinted without the express written permission of the Collegian. Send materials to Collegian
office: Chemistry 208
Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 Opinion 3

Question: Mark Conta Mattie Moon Horacio Fonseca Galust Mardirussian Phyllis Muldavin
Law Instructor Social Sciences Dept. Chair History Instructor English Instructor Arts Instructor
Do your students have
the same free speech "They can't cross the line "No. The classroom is not a "I allow students to speak "I usually give students uni- "It depends what we do in
rights inside the class- and threaten the president democracy. Certain speech their mind. I defend their versal issues to discuss and class. If there is violence in
room as they do outside of the United States, but if is not acceptable and if I right to say what they students can have any opin- art, I would be concerned.
of it? they want to speak freely, feel that you are going too want, but I think that stu- ion they want to express." If I hear students talk vio-
yes they can." far, you will be stopped." dents should speak with lently about a certain group,
Compiled by: Jessica Rivera their head and not with I would certainly stop it."
Photos by: Lisette Alvarez their heart."

© 2009

GRAPHIC BY ASHLEY GONZALEZ

Chinese's intentional Lunar crash landing

By Lilit Atshemyan
LACC's Slogan - "Build your future, literally"

LACC's Phantom Cheerleaders

By Derek Villanueva
 4 Opinion Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Keep Church
college should think twice: are state needs to be upheld in all its

Tully’s the Great

they expressing their views or forms because students who dis-
are they preaching? agree with those beliefs should

and State People go to college to be-

come educated and have their
not have to feel persecuted in
their own classroom, something

Separate
horizons expanded. Students do they are paying for.
not want to get preached at— A Los Angeles Times articles seen this campus grow over I do have a couple of
reports, “Lopez … the past five years. No, I’m not beefs, however. One is the
is described in the a doctor, lawyer or professor. I location. It’s on the opposite
By Marc Loresto suit as a Christian took a semester of classes back side of campus away from
The separation of church and who considers it a in 2004. half of my classes. Trying to

R
eligion should be kept
out of the classroom,
especially at state insti-
tutions like Los Angeles City
College, where a Christian stu-
dent sued the Los Angeles Com-
munity College District over an
incident in one of his classes.
Jonathan Lopez delivered a
speech against same-sex mar-
riage and the professor, John
state needs to be upheld in all its religious duty to I’ve often wondered if there get that much needed cup o’
would ever be a place where Joe is virtually impossible.
forms because students who dis- share his beliefs, students could congregate, Two, is the music. Don’t
agree with those beliefs should particularly other
with
students.” study, or just chill. I would get me wrong, I’m a fan of
not have to feel persecuted in Lopez needs to like to give kudos to LACC for hip-hop, but it’s nice to go
their own classroom, something Google, “separa- bringing us this fine establish- to a place and hear some-
tion of church and ment. I was really impressed thing other than hip-hop for
they are paying for. when I came back from my five a change.
state,” and then
maybe he will learn year hiatus to see we had a new Maybe we could try
that he should keep place on campus. some variety (i.e: local art-
his views to himself By Andrew Gates I really like Tully’s. It has ists, classic rock, etc.) Just

Matteson, would not let him fin-
ish.
Students should be able to
express themselves freely, es-
pecially in the classroom where
everyone benefits from sharing
each other’s views and opinions.
However, a student who decides
to share religious views in a state
W
even if a student like Lopez is because students were, “deeply a great atmosphere, the staff anything but country, sorry
sharing a speech. What if ev- offended,” said Dean Allison ell it’s about time! seems friendly and the layout is cowboys and girls, I’m not
ery religious person decided to Jones. I’ve been waiting for open. You don’t feel like you’re a fan. All I’m saying is you
write speeches about what their After he Googles that, he a place like this and in a herd of cattle trying to get got a great place; let’s try to
religion tells them? What if a should look up, “holy war re- Tully’s Coffee House is it. I’ve your fix. appeal to a wider audience.
Muslim student who strongly ligious duty,” and see what ex-
believes in jihad shared a speech treme people can do because
supporting those beliefs? they feel like it’s a “duty” to
The separation of church and share their beliefs.

Construction Creates Jungle

Freedom of Speech on School Grounds By Adrienn Overall jumble of fencing that had been would have done had I not been

By Rosemary Giron
place for such a topic; the class-
room should not be one of them.
T
thrown together to lead me safely wearing a skirt and heels) or turn
he ever-present construc- between construction zones. I around and go back to the begin-
opinion. Our school newspa-
tion zone seems to have had a choice to make, “Which ning. I trekked to class through
per has an opinion section;

R
ecently I was in-
formed about the in-
cident that happened
on the LACC campus con-
cerning a Christian student
and a Speech 101 professor
during 2008 Fall semester.
My current position does not
side with the student and his
decision to speak on such a
topic nor do I side with the
way the professor decided to
handle the situation. Without
trying to justify the profes-
sor’s conduct, I believe that
such a topic that intermin-
gles religion with modern
dilemmas, such as same-sex
marriage or just religion all
on its own should be kept
out of the classroom.
There is a time and a
It was clear that the professor
was offended, many of the stu-
dent’s peers may have felt the
same way and chose not to speak
about it, which was probably for
the best. I find such topics diffi-
cult to discuss with close friends
or relatives, I would expect this
discussion to be that more diffi-
cult to be carried on with some-
one I hardly know.
With that said, students
should be aware that their rights
are not taken away upon entering
a public area (LACCD campuses
are public areas). Many students
feel that their rights are lessened
on school grounds; they’re not.
However as students, we must
make sure our actions or words
are appropriate. Know that there
are other ways you can voice you
become a staple of life for route will lead me through this this construction jungle starting,
perhaps you can organize a
most of us. My biggest problem mess and out to the path I need to stopping and turning around the
time for a demonstration or a
with construction zones, besides be on?” This metal mess looked entire way.
peaceful debate. If the class-
catcalls, is that they create a simple enough. Logically, I as- The makeshift mazes are set up
room is where you’d like to
maze full of start, stop and turn- sumed that if I followed the route to direct our movement through
hold this or similar types of
arounds that make me dizzy. a dangerous area. They are
conversation, I think it’s best
In a car one usually has the put up and moved around
to ask the teacher and the
benefit of a bright flashing quickly as the construction
students for their approval.
street sign for guidance, but My biggest problem with zones change. However,
These are strong topics that construction zones, besides
on foot, finding your war little thought seems to be
can quickly get out of hand.
We should all feel free to
around closed sidewalks and catcalls, is that they create a put in to where they are be-
half-demolished buildings ing moved to and more time
voice our opinion. It would maze full of start, stop and
becomes downright frustrat- spent on just getting them
ing. Why is it that construc- turnarounds that make me dizzy. out of the way. Multiple
be ideal if staff would en-
courage students to do so,
tion zones lead you through routes spring up all over
and for the student to take
twists and turns from point when you have construction
the proper measures on how
A to D to E to get you to zones in close proximity to
to carry out such actions. As
point B. The metal mazes each other. It seems to be
for religion in the classroom,
are put in place for our safety, but that appeared to lead around the lack of communication and rush-
I believe it should never be
you must wonder what the logic side of the building to a pathway ing around that creates these con-
discussed. It’s such a touchy
is behind the zigzags and dead I could see was open to pedestri- struction jungles and headaches
subject because it is so per-
ends. It would seem to be safer ans. I figured that this pathway for pedestrians. It is so frustrating
sonal, so let’s keep it that
and more time efficient for ev- would lead me to another path- to come to a dead end and look
way.
eryone to travel along the short- way in the distance that I could over to find that it was the path-
est, simplest route to bypass the see was also open to pedestrians. way to your left that would have
construction hazard. This was not the case! This fenc- lead you out correctly on the first
I started my first class here at ing did in fact lead me around the try. I ask the construction workers

City College Needs a Student Center

By Jamie Sukyoung Hong
I am not asking for fireworks,
where I can find decent food
LACC in February. As I walked side of the building but it came who are responsible for the setup
toward my class I stopped sud- to a dead end on the other side. of these metal mazes, please keep
denly past the Men’s and Wom- I was trapped between a locked the sanity of pedestrians in mind
en’s Gyms. I discovered this end door and a chain-linked wall on when deciding where to erect the
of campus to be under construc- the very edge of the pathway I next fence. And please provide
tion and my clear-cut route to needed to get to class. My options coherent directions to guide us to
class, blocked. I stood facing a were to jump the fence (which I our campus destinations.

S
a bowling alley, a couple of pool with coffee, can bring my lap-
tudents need a place where tables, a mini bar in the back, top and edit my papers, study,

Free Speech or Censorship?

they can choose to unwind
for a couple minutes before
their next class, revamp with cof-
fee, or have a quick study session
in a more relaxed environment;
a student center; a center, which
reflects a study atmosphere in a
conversational surrounding; a
laid-back study area for students.
Campus life at Los Angeles
City College consists of diverse
types, such as extremely busy
full-time students with full-time
jobs, the easygoing scholars and
the workaholics who take classes
for personal interests. Not every
student would use a student cen-
ter, but no one would object to a
student center.
The center can offer the ex-
tremely busy a place on campus
for a quick coffee boost. For
those who commute from far, it
would be an area to rest before
the long drive home, and for
those who have time to kill be-
fore class, a student center would
be a perfect, convenient area to
eat, study and chat before the
next class.
Wii, plush leather sofas and a
wide screen television. All I ask
is for a comfortable, casual study
environment.
Joomi Lee is a full-time stu-
dent who also works. She says,
“I don’t have time to take my car
outside of the campus to a Star-
bucks during the day, and other
small restaurants [walking dis-
tance] are too noisy to study …
I live an hour away from campus
… I have to sleep in my car when
I need a place to rest for 30 min-
utes until my next activity.”
Daniel Lim is also a full-
time student who does not work
and says, “I have maybe two to
three hours in between classes,
I live near campus, but with the
traffic, it doesn’t make sense to
drive home and come back … I
like the idea of the student center
then, I don’t have to keep walk-
ing around campus.”
Instead of studying in the li-
brary, leaving to find food and
another place for coffee, then
coming back to the library to fin-
ish my work, I need one place
then call my friend to com-
plain about studying without
leaving the building, all in one
sitting; a productive student
center.
With the new library, Tul-
lys and the parking lot, LACC
continues making strides to
create a more convenient en-
vironment for students. I am
also taking 19 units with un-
favorable working hours; I
have attended three colleges
and was surprised to find no
student center in LACC with
study tables, a snack bar with
ready made food, a casual
study area where I could un-
wind for 15 minutes before I
continue with the rush of my
demanding life.
Instead of the ‘’cafeteria’’
on campus, put the self-serv-
ing truck inside a relatively
spacious room, add some ta-
bles, a few sofas, one or two
microwaves, air conditioning Photo by Jorge Ponce /LA Collegian
and voila, A humble yet effi- Someone believed they were exercising their First Amendment right to free speech and burned a stack
cient student center. of Collegian newspapers in the kiosk located at the Vermont Ave. entrance of the college. This is not free
speech, rather it is vandalism and an attempt at censorship. It is also against the law.
Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 News 5
N A T I o N A l U N I V e r s I T Y®
City College Wins ACP Award
Transferring?
Finish School
YoUr Way!
© 2009 National University 7388

Photo by LA Collegian Staff

Collegian staff poses with Logan Aimone, ACP Executive Director after the awards ceremony held
in San Diego at the end of February.

National University,
At
we know you can’t sit in class
all day or lock yourself in a
library – you’ve got work, family,
and friends. You’re transferring
because you want to finish your
degree and move on into a new
career. You want help, and at
National University we’ll give it
to you, with. . .
By Tim Carpenter The Collegian competed against from professors and media
A
Guaranteed admission other newspapers from San Di- personnel from across the
>>
t the 25th Associ- ego City College, North Idaho U.S. and Canada.
No enrollment fee
>>
ated Collegiate Press College, Laramie Community Keynote speakers at the con-
(ACP) National Col- College and Southwestern Col- vention included Leslie Ber-
Flexible scheduling
>>
lege Journalism Convention lege nstein and Onell Soto from
held in San Diego last month, Besides the award ceremony, the San Diego Union-Tribune
Unique one-course-per-month
>>
the Los Angeles Collegian students Theresa Adams, Tercius and Jonathan Gold from L.A.
format newspaper placed fifth na- Bufete, Frank Elaridi, Ashley Weekly made presentations
tionally in the two-year on- Gonzalez and Mars Melincoff about the state of media in the
Scholarship programs
>>
the–spot competition. attended workshops and learned U.S.

Redemption from page 12

Los AngeLes CAmpus: good, but the team exceeded his
5245 pacific Concourse Drive, suite 100 expectations.
310.662.2100 The University of Values “I knew we had something,
but if you would have told me
at the beginning of the year that
we’d be 27-5, I would have said
1 . 8 0 0 . N AT. U N I V | g e t in f o . n u . e d u/t ra n s f e r yeah, right,” Jackson said.
Hand posted fliers and word
of mouth were the only last min-
when it became apparent that
LACC would command attention
this year. Other stand out teams
included Pasadena City College,
Cypress College and Fresno City
College.
“We beat some top teams
early,” Jackson said. “We beat
Pasadena who was ranked third
named MVP of the South Coast
North Division Conference.
Guard Jessica Torres and center
Devan Satchel both made first
team all conference. Coach
Jackson walks away from the
sidelines this year with confer-
ence coach of the year honors.
Starting from nothing, the

Looking For We'll Point You ute recruiting tools available

to coach Jackson, and he made
in the state … it really sunk in at
the halfway mark when we were
program now has pride and a
new solid foundation to build on.

The Perfect In The Right them work. It would take more

than getting players in the same
room, however, to take a team to
Career? Direction. the playoffs.
“I employed systems that I’ve
used previously ... different of-
fenses, different defenses,” he
said. “The key thing was just
having them [the team] buy into
it. And they did.”
The season was still young
20-1. I realized that we were in
for having a great season.”
At the beginning of the sea-
White will be off to play in the
Sophomore Showcase in Fresno
on March
son, the excitement started when
the team showed its strength. As
13, doing her best to show off
her stuff to recruiters from four
time went on, the Cubs kept the year
momentum as a team while cer- schools, but Torres and Satch-
tain players also began to shine el will be back with a vengeance
personally. Three in particular as Cubs.
have bragging rights.
Guard Ebony White was

ASO from page 1

someone who is capable of man-
aging their personal responsibili-
ties as well as the responsibilities
that come with the office.”
Today, the ASO has 10 open
seats. Zetino works to meet the
needs of the students with the
limited staff. However, Zetino
has the support of Vice President
Tong and uses words like “trust-
worthy and knowledgeable” to
describe her and said she is some-
one who will be able to perform
his duties in case of his absence.

Join Us At An Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Open House.
We’ll guarantee you’ll have a job,
and we’ll also give you
financial support.*
Does it get any better than that?
Reservations required.
For information and reservations,
contact us at 818-757-4431
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(*Based on eligibility, qualifications
and the Home’s recruiting needs.)
4 – 7 p.m.
4 – 5 p.m. Social Hour.
5 p.m. Presentation by
ASN Director Marie Fagan.
Followed by tours of skills lab,
computer center and classroom.
Refreshments will be served.
Los Angeles Jewish Home
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7150 Tampa Avenue
Reseda, CA 91335
 6 Features
2 5
1 6
S
By Daniel Oh
tudents at Bon Berger Secondary
School in Cotonou, Benin have a new
mantra and a new hero. The entire
student body listened in disbelief to
their principal, Germain Galnlonon,
on a day after the election of the 44th president
of the United States.
“Obama has become America’s first black
President,” Galnlonon said to students. “Who
could have known? He who was poor, as you
are, is now the current president of the United
States! Do you see? If you also work diligently,
you can also raise your dreams. They will become
possible. I hope you remember that you are the
leaders of the future.”
The principal then promised free tuition
for students unable to pay. He said the school
would assist parents who sacrifice to send their
children to be educated.
In a nation where most primary and secondary
education is based on a pay-to-study system, the
students were somewhat taken aback by the
promise. One teenager even muttered cynically
in French: “Cho. Chef, vous étés en train de
voyant la vie en rose,” or “Cho. Boss, you’re
seeing life through rose-colored glasses.” Others
however, went home to inform their parents that
Obama said that Beninoise education was now
completely free (a misconception which led to
several local problems).
Under the Obama craze that hit Africa, events
such as the Galnlonon’s speech at Bon Berger
began sweeping the nation: grand assemblies
preaching hope and change at universities,
impromptu celebrations filled with hundreds
cheering at the Dantokpa Bazaar and clusters of
people in front of the U.S. Consulate, debating
whether or not visas were now free of charge. The
Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
1. University of Abomey
Callavi. Here a surprising
number of students carry
4 copies of Barack Obama's
inaugural speech.
2. Students of Bon Berger
Secondary School will
receive lower tuition pay-
ments.
3. Collegian reporter,
Daniel Oh.
3 4. Dantokpa Market, where
many Africans celebrated
Obama’s rise.
5. An adventurous ride in
the bush.
6. Daniel Oh enjoys a ride
from one of the locals.
7. An Obama poster
at Dantokpa Bazaar in
Cotonou.
8
7
8. This small-town vendor
has never heard of Barack
Obama.
sweeping feeling of pride that a man of African president in a country founded by white people “I believe that Obama’s rise to the presidency
origin had attained the office of President of the is a grand miracle of God. It’s a hope and a is a victory for intellectuals all over the earth, but
United States was overwhelming. For close to a testament to us,” said Nadege Degbo, a secretary I doubt that he can change very much because
full week, every radio in the city was tuned into and mother of two. of the socio-political systems, and the amazingly
news stations, and anyone close to a radio would In universities, President Obama’s inaugural difficult situations he’s been placed in,” said
instantly stop to listen. It created spontaneous speech has almost become a curricular text Vito Koussonou, a father of four and successful
crowds of Beninoise at all manner of locales: of study. Armel Houndeton, a sophomore at businessman with a background of education in
at yam vendors by the red-dust roads, in low the College of Superior Education in Porto- France.
concrete barber-shops with cracked paint, in novo, said he “memorized by heart Obama’s The sentiment of African pride becomes
churches, at the public drinking well, anywhere inaugural speech and speech as Democratic clear every time a citizen of the U.S. is spotted
the name Obama crackled out over the airwaves. Representative.” Dr. Leonard A. Koussouhon, a walking across the road: Men walk by and smile
“O-o-o-o-bama! You graduate of Columbia broadly in greeting, or motorcycle repairmen,
are the prophecy-y, O-o-o- University in New bareback under their labour, suddenly look up
o-bama! Obama, Obama, “Cho. Chef, vous étés en train York, mentioned in from their work and shout “’Ey, yovo! Qui est
Obama, you are the de voyant la vie en rose,” or “Cho. passing that “We enjoy votre président! Il est Africaine, n’est ce pas,”
prophecy.” Boss, you’re seeing life through immensely the fact followed by raucous laughter and waves of
A pop song dedicated
to the president was played
rose-colored glasses,”a teenage that he’s such a great
source of hope to rthe
greeting. Roughly translated from French and
Goong (one of the numerous local languages)
before every news session, muttered from the crowd after students.” the phrase declares “’Ey, white man! Who’s your
excerpts from Martin hearing Obama's speech and Obama has become president? He’s African, not so?”
Luther King’s Dream a bit of a cult figure to For the Beninoise people, despite the
the promise of free tuition for
speech and Obama’s the Beninoise youth. ideological boost and optimism that Obama’s
celebratory address as students in her country. The enthusiasm for election and inauguration brings, the problems
Democratic representative Obama’s views hold in the nation’s economy, rising costs in food, and
mixed in between chanting choruses. such sway that preconceptions, religious views a new Beninoise president’s continuous efforts
“This is an unprecedented event in the and personal preferences are broken and to weed out corruption are still problems that
history of the world, and may mark a great washed away. During an English club meeting, take a larger place of importance to the citizens.
point of change in relations between the African approximately 40 students debated for more Although Obama’s ethnic background resonates
continent and America,” an opinion speaker said than an hour about religious, political and strongly with the African continent, his policies
over the radiowaves. social views, almost exclusively using text from concerning African relations, if not unknown
A Nigerian tire salesman named Cyril Obama’s inaugural speech as a basis of truth. completely, are often taken as promises that may
Achebe laughed out loud when he heard these Obama’s popularity in Africa is or may not be fulfilled. “Africa’s problems are for
words.“You know, perhaps because some people unquestionable, however, his promise Africa,” Koussonou said.
are not educated enough to know, but he’s not of expanding former President Bush’s It might be stated best by an ancient village
African,” Achebe said. “He’s Black-American. comprehensive AIDS program in Africa or his woman selling maize and rice on the highway
Why then should he help Africa?” pledge to aid in ending corruption in Kenyan between the city of Bohicon and Parakou,“Who’s
Contrary to Achebe’s view, most took a more politics and negotiating problems concerning Obama? I’ve never heard of him… I sell rice,
optimistic outlook. Darfur, Zimbabwe, and other hot-spots in Africa maize, and gari here. If he’s not coming to help
“The fact that a black person has become still seem to be doubted by skeptics. me in that, I don’t want to know about him.”
Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Photographer Shoots
His Way to Finals
Hernan Alvarado, photographer
'80s Come Back, Androgyny's the New Black
By Anthony Suncin
H
ipster, Rockabilly, Euro
Trash, Glam, Mod, and
Punk are all words the
fashion industry has made up to
describe particular fashion life-
styles.
From a bold piece of jew-
elry to a screen-printed T-shirt,
clothes can say a lot about an
individual’s personality. Modern
trend followers everywhere con-
tinue to push the envelope with
the latest chic trend.
In an era where nothing can
be too extreme, the androgynous
look has taken over. Cross-dress-
ing with an eccentric twist is the
best way to describe the trend.
First seen on the runways at
fashion week, it was not until re-
cently that this androgynous look
took flight and finally gained ac-
cepted by fashion forward minds.
It’s become such an epidemic
that some men are now scaveng-
ing through the women's depart-
ment for clothes while women
are going as far as rummaging
through their dad's old clothes for
the chic look.
One doesn't have to look very
far to be exposed to trends, for
they are constantly being flashed
Dance Factory Shakes up Women's Gym
By Victoria Safarian
J
ingling of bells fill up the
room as women of all ages
practice rolling their bel-
lies and shaking their hips. Like
a hidden gem, this belly danc-
ing class finds itself out–of-sight
on the second floor of the Wom-
en’s Physical Education build-
ing at Los Angeles City College
(LACC).
Instructor Karin Jansen leads
the session, carefully taking the
girls from the slightest move-
ment of the fingertips to the great
shakes of their bodies. However,
more than belly dancing is offered
at LACC’s dance department.
Flamenco, Tango, Salsa, Bal-
let, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop and
Choreography are just some of
the many courses available for
study. Students can even manage
their stress through dancing tech-
niques with a Stress Management
dance class.
Two extremely spacious stu-
dios, with rows of huge, bright
windows light up the rooms,
making it welcome for even the
least experienced of dancers. Stu- Students shimmy their way across the floor in K.L. Jensen's belly dancing class.
By Tim Carpenter
H
ernan Alvarado, a pho-
tography major at Los
Angeles City College
(LACC) whose photograph
‘Those Who Have and Those
Who Have Not,” is up for a na-
tional award presented by Pho-
tographer Forum Magazine.
Alvarado says his inspiration
came from walking around at
night with his camera in down-
town Los Angeles.
"The [homeless] guy was the in-
spiration for the photo,” Alvara-
do said.
throughout Los Angeles City
College halls.
"I like my clothes to fit a cer-
tain way,” said Jayson Macias,
an English major. “Some men's
cuts just don't work well on my
frame. So I resulted to women's
jeans because I find that they fit
better. I don't see anything wrong
with it. Besides, who said clothes
have to have a gender,"
Clothing companies such as
Kill City, American Apparel, and
Nike have taken advantage of the
androgynous trend by marketing
their clothing lines as asexual.
Many of their ads feature women
combining their femininity with
pieces of masculine apparel. Not
only has their business continued
to thrive, it has also opened up
new markets and attracts a big-
ger demographic.
Celebrities like Samantha
Ronson, Ellen DeGeneres, and
even Reality Show Project Run-
way Winner, Christian Siriano
are the epitome of what the an-
drogynous look is all about. They
each combine their personal flare
with a gender breaking attire.
Other students are inspired
by their own ideas or they look
to celebrities like Ronson for in-
spiration.
Features
Have and Have Not
Photos by Jordan Angulo/LA Collegian
"I've been reading 'Influence' by the Olsen twins.
Their attitude toward fashion inspires me," said
Jayson Macias, English major about his androgy-
nous look. Lydia Woltjer, environmental science major dyed her
jeans and altered her sweater for a more tailored fit.
She describes her look as "Crusty Queer."
dents can also practice in another
smaller, more private room, nes-
tled in-between both studios. The
faculty is as welcoming as the
dance rooms and each staff mem-
ber has many years of experience
making this the perfect environ-
ment to learn how to dance.
“I've been teaching here for
13 years,” says dance instruc-
tor and choreographer Lauri-
enne Singer, “This semester I'm
teaching Stress Management and
Choreography. I find that a lot of
my students in my stress man-
agement class are still in high
school. The class helps them deal
with the pressures of starting col-
lege.”
16-year-old Andrea Pena can
agree with Singer that some of
the students are not even from
LACC, “I’m still in high school.
I came here last year to take yoga
for a physical education credit.
That’s how I heard about the bel-
ly dancing class.”
Even for those students who
would rather take a more theo-
Photo by Jesse Gantt/LA Collegian retical class, during the sum-
mer sessions, they can enroll in
Dance History. The class is three-
7
The photograph was taken be-
tween Wilshire Boulevard and
Figueroa and was selected for
its originality and composition.
“It is a night shot of a home-
less man sitting up against a
parking meter and there are
three women wearing cocktail
dresses passing by and did not
acknowledge him,” Alvarado
said.
The name for his photograph
came from a well-known musi-
cal act.
“They {Photographer Forum
Magazine] chosed what I called
‘Those Who Have and Those
Have Not' and the expression
comes from The Dead Presi-
dents, a famous rap group,” Al-
varado said.
The results of the competition
and awards will be announced
in May.
“I sewed my pants and hood-
ie for a tighter fit,” said Lydia
Woltjer, an environmental sci-
ence major. “I love wearing
oversized shirts with really tight
jeans. I guess you can call my
style Crusty Queer!”
Now that it is stylish for men
to wear women’s jeans or for
a woman to be caught in mens-
wear, it’s only a matter of time
before the next change in trends.
“Trends come and go, but
that doesn’t mean that they don’t
come back around full circle,”
Macias says. “The eighties are
back, neon colors, acid wash
jeans and big hair.”
While most people use maga-
zines and several other media out-
lets to influence their own defini-
tion of what's hot and what's not,
students at LACC continue to set
the bar with the clothing that best
defines them. With spring just
around the corner, students have
lots of floral prints and warm col-
ors to look forward to. Regard-
less of how an article of clothing
is being showcased or designed
for a specific gender, anyone can
wear whatever they want as long
as they have the confidence and
attitude to pull it off.
units and qualifies as a Humani-
ties elective. This class takes the
students on a journey, through
Renaissance dance, to the trials
and tribulations of the famous
ballet dancer Isadora Duncan and
all the current television dance
shows. Instructors also teach
Yoga and Pilates.
Although the department of-
fers all different styles of dance,
it is not yet available for students
to major in the field at LACC.
However with valiant effort, the
department hopes to soon make
Dance available as an Associate
of Arts Degree.
At the end of every semester
the Dance Department puts to-
gether a production which is a
collaboration of all the best piec-
es from every dance class. This
semester, the production will be
performed on May 27, 28 and 29.
If students are interested in
learning more about the dance
courses offered at LACC, they
can refer to the course catalog or
check out the Dance Department
on-line at: www.lacitycollege.
edu/academic/departments/pe/
dance.html.
 8 Arts & Entertainment
Theatre Academy Offers 'Narrow Road' to Enlightenment
By Monica Olofsson a hot new playwright”, according
I
to Los Angeles City College di-
lluminated by a single light, rector, Louie Piday.
two actors rehearse on stage “The world has changed, and
as the stage manager down it has made me look at plays that
below speaks quietly into his are a little older. The play sud-
phone with one hand, while jot- denly speaks to another genera-
ting down notes with the other. tion. It’s comedic and ironic as
Two other actors in the audience well as shocking and brutal,”
gesture wildly while they shout said Piday. She also stated that,
out their lines. Meanwhile, the “It’s a broader story, and there
script supervisor rests his head are consequences to our moral
on a nearby desk, as the weari- attitudes.”
ness of a six-day a week schedule Next week Ernesto Cayabyab
takes its toll. As opening night will take the stage as Matsuo
approaches, the endless days of Basho who scholars consider
rehearsal seem to slow down. one of the finest haiku writers
On March 20, the Theatre Acad- who ever lived. Haiku is a type
emy’s spring season will open of unrhymed poetry that uses few
with a parable play titled “Nar- verses and simple grammar, with
row Road to the Deep North,” the first line usually containing
written by Edward Bond. When five syllables; the second seven
it first debuted in 1968, it was re- and the third line five.Basho,who
ferred to as “a hot new play by lived in the 17th century, nar-
heatre Academy Costumers
Prepare for Spring Show
Edward Bond and directed by
Louie Piday.
LACC students are creating
17th century Japanese costumes
for the academy’s first spring se-
mester performance at the Cami-
no Theatre. Costuming major
Kim Overton is working on the
uniform of the British commo-
dore.
"He makes a huge splash pres-
ence on stage,” Overton said.
Theatre students are crafting
costumes for 41 different char-
acters including everything from
monks and merchants to priests
and peasants. Costuming major
Jolianne Baum is assembling
samurai armor from bamboo and
ribbons.
By Hamza Utman and Fran- “This hard hat will become
ces O’Hara a soldiers helmet,” said Baum.
L
Working under a tight budget,
os Angeles City Col- students draw on a wide variety
lege's Theatre Acad- of materials for the design pro-
emy Costume Depart- cess.
ment is buzzing with activity “Fit it all together and mag-
as students work hard to pre- ic!” said Baum who has been
pare the perfect period cos- nominated to participate in the
tumes for the upcoming pro- 2009 Kennedy Center American
duction of “Narrow Road to College Theatre Festival.
the Deep North,” written by Wig and bald cap specialist
Local Artist Spotlight
By Monica Olofsson
Tiye Peterson, LACC film student, took a moment from a
casting call for his film, “Jeffrey,” to talk to the Collegian
about cinema and how he got started making movies.
Why are you taking classes at my own thing. I started a produc-
LACC? tion company with some friends
I want to get a certificate in ed- called Hope 77 Production. I
iting and I needed to take some don’t want to wait. I’ll do it [all]
editing classes that are afford- myself. I studied everything.
able. I researched and checked
and the cinema department is What would you do if you didn’t
highly recommended, so that’s work in film?
why I’m here. This is my sec- I would probably be writing. I
ond semester. love writing, short stories, poetry.
It’s not too far off.
Do you have any background
in the entertainment busi- Do you have a favorite film?
ness? "Road to Perdition." The cinema-
I have a B.A. in Film Produc- tography is unbelievable!
tion from Hunter N.Y, and a
Masters in Theatre from Yel- Where will you be in five years?
low Spring, Ohio. I don’t want I’ll have two movies of my own.
to do the acting thing, although It doesn’t have to be a big Holly-
I will act in my own movies. wood thing. I don’t need to make
I did a skit on Jimmy Kimmel millions, although it would be
Live and it allowed me to get nice. I just want to make movies
into the union, but I want to do and I’ll be happy.
Ernesto Cayabyab, left, and Kevin Chambers prepare for the first of-
fering of the spring season.
rates this story, which takes place
in Japan “about the 17th, 18th
or 19th century.” Although it is
not Basho’s personal story being
Celina Yun is designing hair-
pieces and latex caps for Japa-
nese monks. The bald caps are
made with extra thick latex
and attached to actors’ heads
with clips. If a character re-
quires an extra hairpiece it can
be attached to the cap.
"Every Asian country has a
special style,“ Yun explained,
“Styles differ between Japa-
nese, Chinese and Korean.”
Yun has worked as a makeup
and special effects artist on
several opera productions in
Korea such as Madame But-
terfly and La Boheme.
All students have a share
in every aspect of production.
Designers and actors work
together in the costume shop
melding their creative visions
to perfect their masterpiece.
Graduates of the Academy
are well versed in all facets of
the theatre.
"All of our students work
on both ends,” said costume
director Diane Sisko whose
past experience includes work
with Universal Studios and
Fox Television.
How about a favorite quote
that you live by?
“This too shall pass.” It’s
something I’ve learned.
Whenever I have a [bad] mo-
ment, I just think this will
pass, it can’t get any worse. I
just “let it be!” I grew up in a
foster family and have faced a
lot of obstacles, a lot of pretty
interesting things have hap-
pened to me but I still man-
aged to get two degrees even
though my life has not been
perfect. Just do your foot-
work. Whatever dreams you
have, you have to hold on to
them because they can hap-
pen. Anything is possible!
Peterson makes his directorial
debut with a scene from "Jef-
frey" for his cinema class.
Photo by Jorge Ponce /LA Collegian
told, he is still the narrator.
“There’s a reason he [Bond]
put him in this play, maybe be-
cause he served as balance, a per-
RAVE
Performers, composers and
Sounds of Praise
Resonates in Music Halls
entertainers chime in harmony
as they get ready for another
busy semester.
By Jamie Hong
M
usic majors bustle from
practice rooms to the
music department of-
fice and their classrooms as they
come together for another semes-
ter of musical experiences at Los
Angeles City College (LACC).
Kevin Polzer plays guitar and
piano, and was so passionate
about the program that he slept in
his car during his first semester to
beat traffic and get to class.
“I look forward to waking up
and learning,” Polzer said, speak-
ing with fervor and admiration.
“I’m always in the first row, blurt-
ing out answers whether they be
right or wrong.”
The students boast about the
program, which has a broad range
of classes and prestigious profes-
sors. Polzer is among around 150
music majors enrolled who ex-
pressed their affinity for the de-
partment.
“Everybody here is a bit of a
cheerleader,” said Manuel Whit-
man, a fourth semester pianist.
“A lot of them [professors] stud-
ied in big schools like Columbia
and Juilliard. They’re really pas-
sionate; everything they think
about is music, music, music.”
Nearly a third of the profes-
sors have doctorates in the field
of music. The program offers stu-
dents high-level theory classes
such as Harmony III, the study
of advanced chromatic harmony
and analysis. This prepares the
students to transfer to other uni-
versities with required training
without emptying their pockets
with expensive tuition.
A jazz class of 16 students
resembles a small concert rather
than a lecture room as they prac-
tice to “Things Ain’t What They
Used to Be,” by Mercer Elling-
ton. The students chuckle but
also remain serious as the class
progresses. There is a lot of
communication in the class and
the instructor offers suggestions
throughout practice. Students say
the friendly environment over-
shadows the competitive atmo-
sphere and everyone encourages
each other’s works.
“[There is] a broad range of
Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
son that brings around change. thing,” said Chambers, a second-
There are moments he [Basho] year theatre student. “My hope is
forsees things that happen in the that people will leave this play
future,” said Cayabyab, second- and it has changed them some-
year student at the academy. how, and that they question their
The playwright realized that own belief.”
he needed humor in order for But before that, Chambers
people to listen, and the play and the rest of the production
carries a mixed tone of feelings team have many days of rehearsal
while at the same time making ahead of them. Everything needs
a bold statement. Bond’s plays to ‘fit like a glove’ on opening
touch on not only the search for night. And for that one moment
knowledge, but also political and when everything is real and the
social criticism, which is always audience is right in their hands;
a current theme in any society. the hard work will pay off and it
Kevin Chambers plays will all be worth it.
“Kiro”, a man searching for per- “Narrow Road to the Deep
sonal enlightment and in essence; North” is performed in the Cami-
searching for himself. On this no Theatre March 20 8 p.m,
journey, he encounters “Shogo March 21 at 2 p.m and 8 p.m,
the Shogun” played by Mark March 25 and 26 at 7;15 p.m,
Skeens, and “Georgina the Mis- March 27 at 8 p.m, March 28 at 2
sionary” played by Reyna Flores. p.m and 8 p.m. For tickets, please
“He is trying to do the right call 323 – 953 4000, ext. 2990.
and write music for
fellow Cinema ma-
jors to creatively
arouse the ambi-
ance of films. They
use their scores to
communicate the
energy and atmo-
sphere of the films
to the viewer’s
imagination and
make it memorable.
A former stu-
dent turned leg-
endary music
composer is John
Williams, a music
director with five
Oscars, 20 Gram-
mys, seven British
Academy Awards,
four Golden Globes
and four Emmys.
He film scored for
Photo by Jorge Ponce /LA Collegian
more than 100 films
Pianist Manuel Whitman and guitarist Kevin
including “Stars
Polzer tune up their musical skills in a practice
room. Wars”, “Harry Pot-
ter” and “Super-
students, different ages, differ- man.”
ent lifestyles,” Whitman said. “It LACC music instructors also
feels like we’re a family, the up- nurtured worldwide electronic
perclassmen always help the un- music artist DJ Irene, who was
derclassmen.” the first female DJ to sell more
As the class ends and students than 600,000 CDs and is one of
pack up their instruments, one the most in-demand DJs in the
musician high-fives the professor club and rave scenes.
and a couple linger outside de-
ciding where to eat lunch.
“I love it here, “ said DJ Irene.
“I think it’s great, very thorough,
“They’re friends, they hang they encourage students, no one’s
out and play together,” said jazz going to be disappointed, every-
instructor and professional trom- one has an opportunity.”
bone player, Dr. Lori Stuntz. There is always a student
“And we work really hard worker who welcomes any-
throughout the semester and get one who needs guidance at the
a really good concert.” music department office where
Music professors remain in there always seems to be activity.
the school all day to spend time Trumpets, saxophones and music
and devote extra attention to each sheets are commonly seen as stu-
individual. A benefit many of the dents come in to check out prac-
music majors say they received tice rooms. A cellist smiles and
at City College is the skill to read drums on his cello as he waits in
music. line.
“I grew up in a poor family … “I’m really grateful for the
,” Whitman said. “Before school teachers here, it’s not a job it’s a
I played by ear, but now I can passion, and they put that passion
read it and that’s amazing.” in you, “ Polzer said. “I’ll never
“It’s [the music department] forget LACC … . It changes you
well rounded, I learned so much. as a person, as a musician, as a
I didn’t know how to read music, composer.”
now I’m composing and writ- Clausen Hall offers free con-
ing songs,” Polzer said. “They certs twice a week every Tues-
[teachers] tune your mind to ap- day and Thursday in Room 247
preciate each second that’s hap- at 12:10 p.m. Students can also
pening in music, when you know tune in to the professor’s concerts
these things you appreciate it in played at the end of the semester,
ways you can’t even imagine.” which music majors say blows
Music majors also collaborate them away.
Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Times and Trustees from page 1
stood by the newspaper's view on
Pearlman and Santiago. Newton
wrote, "Here's a copy of our en-
dorsement. I believe it speaks for
itself."
"Incumbent Nancy Pearlman
openly states that ecological is-
sues, especially green construc-
tion, are her top priority. Envi-
ronmental concerns are fine, but
they are tangential to the main
mission of community colleges:
providing higher education to
people who otherwise could not
afford it," the Times Editorials
Endorsements article stated.
The Times praised Pearlman's
opponent, Jozef Essavi for rais-
ing questions on how efficiently
bond money for construction has
been spent.
"The Times totally misunder-
stands critical issues related to
the environment," Pearlman said
in a telephone interview. She says
she does not see why the Times
cannot understand her platform.
"I am a successful incumbent
supported by all who work on the
staff."
Pearlman says when she first
became a member of the Board
of Trustees, she implemented a
Green sustainability program that
has won 30 awards and received
national recognition.
"I don't agree with the L.A.
Times," said James Lagman a
cinema major at Los Angeles
City College. "There should be
a balance between infrastruc-
ture and environmental issues.
The environment is often over-
looked." Lagman believes of-
ficials who support ecological
issues will give schools a more
positive image.
However, a fellow cinema
major disagrees and sides with
the Times.
"Everyone knows we don't
have the best education system
as it is," Vincent Roque said.
"I think she [Pearlman] should
focus on education. Education
comes first." Roque respects the
Times as a trustworthy newspa-
per and believes their assessment
of Pearlman's professional priori-
ties are accurate.
The Times also opposed San-
tiago, another supporter of "go
green" projects, and said he " ...
Speaks in generic terms about the
district's priorities and has little
in the way of bold ideas or far-
reaching vision."
Records indicate that Santia-
go was appointed last year to fill
in for Warren T. Furutani, a for-
mer Board of Trustees member.
Santiago’s web site states that
he is also an advocate for lower
tuition fees for students and is in-
terested in expanding the work-
force education program. He was
not available for comment.
"I don't understand why the
L.A. Times would not endorse
him," said Executive Vice Presi-
dent of the Associated Students
Police Wire
Compiled by La Tijera Griffith
02/7/09, 10:20 a.m. Electric cart
was found off campus Location:
Virgil and Monroe
2/9/09, 8:15 p.m. Student reported
lost purse. Location: Da Vinci Hall
2/11/09, 1:40 p.m. Student reported
the theft of a textbook. Loss estimate
is $20. Location: not specified
News
Bee-utiful Achievement
To bee or not to bee: Los Angeles Brain Bee welcomed students from all over Los Angeles to the
City College campus at the end of February for a spelling bee. Zohal Ghulam-Jelani (far right)
buzzed her way to victory and a $300 scholarship.
Organization at Los Angeles City
College Linda Tong. " ... Con-
sidering his background with the
Democratic National Commit-
tee."
ASO President James Zetino
had no comment on the issue.
The American Federation
of Teachers supported all four
Trustees in the March election
including Angela Reddock, Kel-
2/11/09, 3:05 p.m. Student reported
a lost cell phone. Location: Quad
2/12/09, 4:30 p.m. Student de-
tained for possession of alcohol.
Student was released into the cus-
tody of relatives. Location: Learn-
ing Resource Center
2/12/09, 8:12 p.m. Four students
were detained for possession of al-
cohol. Location: Student Lounge
ly Candaele, and Pearlman and
Santiago.
“In the worst economic times
in modern history,” said Guild
political director John McDowell
in a recent edition of “Read On.”
“It’s critical to elect trustees who
will put education first and will
make sure whatever cuts we have
to sustain stay as far as possible
from the students and from the
Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Brain Bee
classroom.”
According to the election
results, the majority of voters
believed Pearlman and Santia-
go were model representatives
as both incumbents returned to
their positions.
"Regardless of what the
L.A. Times said, who had a
stronger voice, the L.A. Times
or the people?" Tong said.
9
Women's Rights from page 1
represented.
"Although the march was
centered around Iranian and Af-
ghan women, it didn't seem as
though it was aimed at all women
of color," said Nelly Arciniega,
founder of the LACC Feminist
Club.
The plight of undocument-
ed migrant farmers is an issue
close to home for political sci-
ence major Daniel Morales Leon,
Leon read two poems during the
rally, “Ella Vino Desde Oaxaca”
which translates to “She Came
From Oaxaca” and an ode to his
grandmother “Bracero Blues,”
documenting her disillusionment
following involvement as an or-
ganizer against the exploitation
of undocumented migrant farm-
ers in the 1960s. In 2007 “Brace-
ro Blues” won the LACC Latino
Heritage Competition.
“That's basically what my
grandma had, the blues, the Bra-
cero Blues,” Leon said. “It was
that nomadic structure of mov-
ing from … field to field. It’s her
struggle that brought me here."
 10
Obstructed Paths to Classrooms Pave Way to Future
Detours continue, but 'green
buildings,' and 'smart class-
rooms' will harvest the ben-
efits of sustainability.
By Veronica Reynolds
C
onstruction obstructs the
City College Campus as
noise from machinery
floats into nearby classrooms and
fences block off many walkways,
which force students to take long
detours to get to class.
It is part of a long term plan to
offer students buildings with
"smart" classrooms that utilize
state of the art technology and
certified "Green" buildings that
meet the Leadership Energy En-
vironment and Design (LEED)
standards set by the Green Build-
ing Council.
"I'm looking forward to a projec-
tor for lecture hall," said Megan
Nguyen, general education ma-
jor at Los Angeles City College
(LACC).
Proposition A/AA government
bonds gave the campus a total
Build it,
Scientists
Will Come
By Joe Jackson
S
tudents and scientists will
take their first walk into
the new $42 million Sci-
Campus Highlight
of $241.4 million to use for con-
struction, according to Christo-
pher J. Dunne, Harris and Associ-
ates Project Director for campus
construction projects. The school
has not used any Prop J govern-
ment bond money, which gives
the campus an additional $350
million for new construction
plans. Even so, all the bond mon-
ey will not give the campus ev-
erything on its wish list.
"I look for what's best for the col-
lege as a whole," Dunne said.
It does however, provide a to-
tal of $31 million to demolish
and rebuild the Student Services
Building, currently known as
the Learning Resource Center
(LRC). Of this total, $1.6 mil-
lion includes the cost of moving
students from one building to an-
other and eventually back again
to newly renovated buildings.
Current facilities in Room 112 in
the Chemistry Building are not
adequate for students to make
effective and efficient use of lab
time. The hoods provided for ex-
Photo by Tim Carpenter and Jorge Ponce/LA Collegian
ence and Technology Building
in a little more than six months.
There will be a ribbon-cutting
ceremony for the new facility
next September.
“Most of the buildings for the
periments are outdated and look
more like wooden cabinet space
than a place to host a chemistry
experiment. Two out of four fau-
cets that provide deionized water
required for safely cleaning lab
materials, are completely bro-
ken with one of the two working
faucets in such bad shape that it
literally flows drip by drip. This
makes cleaning equipment ex-
tremely tedious.
"It's old and rusty," Nguyen said.
The old buildings do not meet
current safety codes and regu-
lations. Modifications of these
buildings are under way to meet
the minimum codes and will
temporarily house students from
Holmes Hall and the LRC as they
undergo massive reconstruction.
City College plans to complete
the current construction projects
as early as this summer.
"We're developing a standard for
smart classrooms," said Bruce
Baron, Vice President of Admin-
istration and temporary chair of
the Bond Steering Committee.
"We're trying to get the whole
science majors are old and beat
up,” said John Freitas, Chair of
Chemistry and Earth Sciences.
We’ve been waiting for the new
technology center since March
2002, seven years.”
Harris & Associates, Project
Director, Christopher Dunne says
he has received a lot of positive
feedback about the project.
“It’s going to be great for stu-
dents because everything is state
of the art and brand new,” Dunne
said.
Nursing, dental technology,
engineering and earth and life
campus up to a wireless stan-
dard."
All City Colleges in the Los
Angeles district are com-
mitted to using state of the
art technology to facilitate
different learning styles that
students respond to best.
Projectors with screens
clearly visible to the entire
classroom, computers used
for interactive lesson plans
and wireless Internet access
are first on the agenda.
New classrooms are not
all the college is working
on. Major construction this
spring includes site utility
projects that will modernize
the basic underground power
and water utilities to create a
strong foundation that make
the campus run more effi-
ciently.
The central plant will serve
as the hub to heat and cool
the campus by making ice at
night when power costs less.
The project should be com-
pleted by May of this year.
sciences will all call the new
Technology Building home.
“I look forward to studying
in the new science building, stu-
dents have been waiting for the
facility for years,” said Michael
Schmidt, a physics major and
a third semester student at City
College. “Its about time!”
Students are not the only
people who are excited about the
changes that are happening on
campus.
“All of the science classes that
LACC offers need a strong, per-
manent home,” said Dr. Kathleen
Scholarships
American Institute for Real
Estate Appraisers
Contact: Olivia Correon, 875 N.
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(310)335-4100
www.appraisalinstitute.org
Eligibility: Sophomore students
interested in pursuing a career in
real estate and economics. Con-
tact for additional requirements
and for an application.
Awards: $3,000-graduate;
$2,000-undergraduate
Deadline: March 15
Academy of Television Arts
and Sciences Student In-
ternship Program
Contact: 5220 Lankershim Blvd.,
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 754-2800
www.emmys.tv/foundation/in-
ternships.php
Email: maiden@emmys.org
Eligibility: Undergraduate col-
lege student. The program is
designed to give students in
depth exposure to professional
facilities and practices during an
eight week summer period in LA.
Award: $4,000 stipend w/ $300
spending allowance
Deadline: March 15
California Teachers
Association and Martin
Luther King, JR Memorial
Scholarship
Contact: CTA Human Rights
Dept., P.O. Box 921, Burlingame,
CA. 94011
(650) 552-5370
Email: webmaster@cta.org
Eligibility: for MLK ethnic minor-
ity members of CTA, dependent
children and ethnic minority of
student CTA, pursue degrees
of credentials for teaching-relat-
ed careers in public education.
Award: $2,000
Deadline: March 15
SHELL Legislative
Internship Program
Contact: 500 Citadel Drive, Suite
Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Burke-Kelly, Vice-President of
Academic Affairs at City. “It will
be a wonderful thing to be able
to educate the students in a brand
new state-of-the-art facility, in-
stead of the old building, for ex-
ample, the Chemistry Building.”
Students and faculty will have
to wait until September 2009
to see what the finished facility
looks like.
“I am very excited about the
new technology construction,”
said Mia Long-Johnson, a biolo-
gy major and second year student
at LACC. “It will be a pleasure
120, Los Angeles, CA 90040
(323) 720-1932
www.naleo.org
Eligibility: Undergraduate col-
lege student of a 2 or 4 year in-
stitution and resident of AZ, CA,
CO, FL, IL, NM, NY, or TX of Lati-
no Origin. Participants are offered
a summer internship to work for
a state or federal elected official.
Must demonstrate leadership po-
tential and possess a sense of
commitment to the Latino/a com-
munity. Must be a U.S. citizen or
legal resident.
Award: $1,500
Deadline: March 23
Nashville Association of
Black Journalists Minority
Scholarships
Contact: David Hefner. The Ten-
nessean, 1100 Broadway, Nash-
ville, TN. 37203 (615) 259-8000
www.tennessean.com
Eligibility: Open to minority stu-
dents enrolled in college, major-
ing in the areas of reporting, writ-
ing, media sales, graphic arts,
and public relations. Applicants
must submit a cover letter, list of
honors, extracurricular activities,
awards and recommendations
from a professor or employer.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: March 31
Fund for American Studies
Contact: The Fund for American
Studies, 1706 New Hampshire
Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.
20009 (800) 741-6964
www.tfas.org/
email: info@tfas.org
Eligibility: Undergraduate, pref-
erence is given to sophomores
and juniors majoring in journal-
ism. Annual 8-week summer in-
stitute at Georgetown University
offering courses, internships, for-
eign policy lectures, media dia-
logue series, site briefings, and
career days. Write for details.
Award: varies.
Deadline: March 31
Illustration by Lilit Atshemyan/LA Collegian
to study in a building that has
air conditioning, the old build-
ings don’t have climate control,”
Long-Johnson said.
According to new laws in
California, the technology build-
ing must be accessible to the
handicapped.
The new science facility has
been under construction since
June 2007. There are approxi-
mately 150 construction workers
assigned to the project. Funds for
the project were allocated from
props A/AA.
Health Professionals
Scholarship Program
Contact: VA Regional Office PO
Box 8888, Muskogee, OK 74402-
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Eligibility: Nursing, nurse an-
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physical therapy, physician assis-
tant training & respiratory thera-
py. Must be in third or fourth year
of study.
Award: Tuition fees, book allow-
ance & stipend paid.
Deadline: late March
Chevrolet Prizm
Scholarship in Design
Contact: MANA, A National La-
tina Organization, Attn: Scholar-
ships, 1725 K Street, N.W. Suite
501, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 833-0060, ext.14
Email: herMANA2@aol.com
www.hermana.org
Eligibility: Applicant must be a
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dergraduate or graduate student
at an accredited college or uni-
versity in the United States and
interested in studying design.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: March
Falu Foundation
Scholarship
Contact: Falu Foundation, c/o
Universal Business and Media
School, 220 East 106th Street,
New York, NY 10029
(212) 360-1210
email: cyber info@ubms.edu
http://www.fundsnetservices.
com/2000/finaid06.asp
Eligibility: This scholarship is
open to Hispanic students who
are interested in pursuing a ca-
reer in technology. High school
seniors, high school graduates,
and currently-enrolled college
students may apply.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: March
Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Veronica Alaniz crosses the finish line and Lady Cubs take 2nd place in relay held at the University of Southern California.
City Track and Field Team Chases Lady Trojans
By Mars Melnicoff
I
f a tree falls in the woods, but
there is no one there to hear,
does it make a noise? YES.
If the track and field team at Los
Angeles
City College (LACC) is full
of talent, yet arguably under ac-
knowledged are they still making
marks? YES.
Head coach Sylvia Mosque-
da feels the frustration of hav-
ing a group oftalented girls who
somehow seem to slip through
the cracks. Among these ath-
letes is distance runner Veronica
Alaniz, who at a recent meet
Will They Come? from page 12
mentioning golf, he refers to the
private driving range which is on
leased campus land. But this is a
tangent topic).
So as the situation stands,
we have a soon to be finished
sporting arena which includes
an Olympic-size track, a soccer
field, a softball field and bleach-
ers which seat 900 people, and
will be used for graduations,
women’s track and soccer class-
es. There are no softball classes
out-ran all of the girls who she
competed against last year at the
state championships. She ran 19
seconds flat for the 5,000 meter,
close to her personal record.
"I came here to take this team
to the state championships and
to get these girls scholarships to
four-year schools, which they de-
serve," Mosqueda said.
"But they need recognition.
Without recognition the girls will
not get the opportunities they
deserve. It is a fact in the sports
world." Mosqueda adds that rec-
ognition is important not just to
get scholarships in the future. It
is also important for team mo-
currently scheduled.
Is this a good use of the fruits
from such a huge undertaking?
“With budget cuts and the econ-
omy as we all know it is, adding
any new intercollegiate sports is
bottom priority,” said President
Jamillah Moore.
Our new fiscal year starts on
July 1, and this is when deci-
sions will be made; but has the
possibility of men doing laps in
short-shorts with Cubs insignias
Sports
rale.
In any sport, recognition for
outstanding performance is a
provider of motivation. Running
is especially mental, so this is es-
pecially true.
For now, the team is also in-
ternally challenged to find a true
feeling of closeness, another im-
portant motivator for such a per-
sonal sport. Top distance runner
Mallory Celaya shows concern
for this.
"This is not really a united
team yet," Celaya said. "We are
always in separate cars, off do-
ing our own things. Especially
the sprinters and the distance
already been deep-sixed?
An intercollegiate softball
team is probably not in the cards,
as the school has tried to field
a team in the past and come up
short on interested students. But
as for men’s track and field, the
women’s team has been waiting.
Although many of our Cubs girls
qualify personally to compete in
state championships, this team
has not qualified as a whole. This
is definitely due to the lack of a
11
Chargers Dash Cubs' Dreams
By Jessica Rivera trol of the game. City College
L
closed the gap 55-52 with 7:35
os Angeles City College left in regulation.
(LACC) Lady Cubs lost The Lady Cubs actually had
their playoff game to the a three-point lead 59-56, but Cy-
Cypress College Lady Chargers press tied the game 59-59 with
(CC) in their run for the state 5:19 left and later regained the
Championship 69-65 on Sat. Feb lead and did not look back.
20 at the Women’s Gymnasium. The Chargers crowd cheered,
The Lady Cubs started with a as Lady Cubs’ fans were nowhere
Photo by Jorge Ponce/LA Collegian 16 - 9 lead in the first half thanks to be found. The Chargers had a
to center Devon Satchell and for- 64-59 lead with 2:53 remaining,
ward Jessica Torres scored the however the Lady Cubs closed
first 10 points, however Cypress the gap to 66-63. Cubs star player
tied the game 25-25 with 1:23 Devon Satchell fouled out soon
left in the first half. The Lady afterwards.
Cubs went on a 5-2 run to end the With 15 seconds left, the Lady
runners. It's hard to feel like a half and lead 30-27. Cubs trailed by only two points
team." She added that having At the start of the second half, 67-65, but could not come all the
no home track and no van for the Lady Cubs struggled and way back.
team transportation does not trailed, however Cubs guard Eb- As the Lady Chargers and cel-
help the matter. ony White got the ballclub back ebrated, the Lady Cubs come to
The addition of the new on track. “She took the whole the realization that their dream
sports arena coming this team,” a fan said about White, season was over. The Lady Cubs
spring above the new parking because the Lady Chargers could finish the 2008-2009 with a re-
structure is anxiously awaited not stop her throughout the con- cord of 27 wins and 6 losses, a
by the team. test. remarkable turn around from the
"Yeah, this is a big deal for The Cubs tied the score at 43- year before when they had only
us,” Celaya said. "That's why 43 with 11:59 left in the game, five players left from the 2007-
we were kind of upset when but Cypress started to take con- 2008 campaign.
it got pushed from its original
finish date in January."
Sports Calendar
The team hopes the new Badminton
track will raise their visibility
March 11 Wed El Camino College Away 3 p.m.
and unite them as well.
March 13 Fri Pasadena College Home 2 p.m.
March 17 Wed East L.A. College Away 3 p.m.
men's program. Head track coach Sylvia March 20 Fri El Camino College Home 2 p.m.
Mosqueda emphasizes that, especially in
track, men tend to be easier to recruit in March 25 Wed Pasadena College Away 3 p.m.
the first place and women are easier to re- Baseball
cruit once you have the men. (Go figure). March 12 Thu Pasadena City College Away 2:30 p.m.
When it comes to intercollegiate soc-
March 14 Sat Cerritos College LACC 12 noon
cer, there is a history of interest on cam-
pus. Cubs used to play soccer at Snyder March 17 Tue Long Beach City College Away 2:30 p.m.
Field which was torn down for the new March 19 Thu Long Beach City College LACC 2:30 p.m.
library, Science and Technology Building March 26 Thu Compton College Away 2:30 p.m.
and Child Development Building. If any
Women’s Track and Field
of the three sports might actually fill the
March 13 Fri Oxy Invitational Meet Away
new bleachers, let’s be real, it is soccer.
Occidental College
 12
Sports Bin
If You Build
It, Will They
Come?
By Mars Melnicoff
T
he addition of an Olym-
pic-size track provides
obvious cause for excite-
ment for women’s track and field.
This, along with a soccer and soft-
ball field will be located on top of
the new parking structure. By the
time students fling their gradua-
tion caps into the summer air, the
women’s track team will have a
place to call home. They will no
longer need to practice and host
home events at the University of
Southern California track.
I have no desire to cast a
shadow on this step for the wom-
en’s track team, but still I must
admit, the situation simply raises
questions.
Are the soccer team and soft-
ball team excited about their new
fields? Oh wait, we don’t have a
soccer team or a softball team.
How about the men’s track and
field team? Nope, no men’s track
team either.
“Sports teams should reflect
the facilities on campus,” said
athletic director Mike Miller.
“The addition of men’s track and
men’s and women’s soccer seem
like the obvious next steps to me.
Also golf. I have suggested these
things, but I am not the one who
makes the final decision.” (When
Will They Come? on page 11
Guard Ebony White named MVP of the South Coast North Division Conference.
Basketball
Cubs Come
Close
By Matthew Lopes
A
bitter 13-point road
loss to Mt. San Jacin-
to College ended the
2008-2009 Los Angeles City
College Men’s Basketball sea-
son on Feb. 27 in the second
round of Southern California
Regional Playoffs.
The team played most
games undermanned, yet still
Sports
Photo by Jordan Angulo/LA Collegian
Photo by Jorge Ponce/LA Collegian
Clarence 'CJ' Davis at the free-
throw line in action against Pasa-
dena City College on Feb. 20.
The Lady Cubs finished the 2007-2008 season with heads held low. The
roster had dwindled to the point of leaving them short of a full team, and
even shorter on team spirit. But 2008-2009 would find a hungry new group
rallying around a new coach, who together stood tall and found ...
Redemption
By Mars Melnicoff
L
ast year, the Los Ange-
les City College (LACC)
women’s basketball team
finished the season with only
four players. Some players had
abandoned their team, quitting
throughout the season, and so
had more than one coach. Last
year’s spirit threatened to contin-
ue when head coach to be Labell
Hill resigned, with no reason, the
week before school began. But
the similarities ended there.
Everything started to change
as Derrick Jackson stepped up
from assistant to head coach. He
managed to post a 23-9 overall
and a 7-1 conference record to
capture the South Coast Confer-
ence-North Division title.
Clarence “CJ” Davis, a guard
and psychology major, described
the character of the team.
“Once with eight players we
competed with Fresno [City Col-
lege]—we lost by two in double
overtime—but we knew we
could compete with anybody,”
Davis said.
He remembers the low pre-
dictions that online blogs and
articles set for the Cubs at the be-
ginning of the season. The doubt-
ers seem to have overlooked the
quality of the LACC basketball
Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
immediately took on the task of
not only finding a new assistant-
but of finding a team-a team that
could do more than simply show
up wearing a uniform. The Cubs
haven’t won more than three
games in a season in the last
three years. This year with the
final record of 25-7, the Cubs had
advanced into playoffs and shat-
tered images left from a losing
program.
“I was considering not com-
ing back out this year,” sopho-
more guard Roxanna Rodriguez
said. But she did, and the 2008
“open gym” tryout gave her new
hope. “I was convinced to play
program as a whole.
“Coach Miller didn’t win con-
ference last year, so how would
we win it this year without him?”
Davis asked with a sarcastic
smile on his face. “On the inter-
net they picked us to come last in
our conference.”
The players and coaches have
faith in one another and a broth-
erhood that they say will contin-
ue throughout their lives.
It was a tough end to an over-
all positive season, in which
LACC players held four of the
top six scoring averages in the
conference.
Charles Rothstein, a history
major, attended several games in
again because I could see how
different it was. The coach, and
all the different girls. And there
were a lot more girls.”
Jeneen Simon plays forward.
The freshman showed up at the
tryout and did not look back.
“I didn’t really care about last
year. We had a new coach and
new players,” Simon said.
Jackson picked 12 of the 20
that showed up to try out for the
team, only three of whom had
been part of last year’s roster. He
says he never doubted that this
would be the start of something
Redemption on page 5
the Women’s Gym this year.
“I expected high-ener-
gy basketball every time I
stepped in that arena and I
know that this school will be
adding another championship
banner, sooner rather than
later,” Rothstein said.
Davis is also confident for
next year’s season. He, along
with Jerrett Towns, and SCC-
North leading scorer, Antonio
Owens, are expected to be
back leading the Cub charge.
“We’re going to try to
combine talent with disci-
pline and bring the State
Championship to L.A. City,”
Davis said.