G L E N D A L E C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E C A M P U S N E W S PA P E R
EL VAQUERO May 27 , 2015
Volume 105 | Number 7
Congratulations 2015 Graduates! NEWS
FEATURES
SPORTS
Meet the new student government.
Remembering our fallen heroes.
Glendale holds community Dodger night.
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EL VAQUERO EDITOR IN CHIEF
Agnessa Kasumyan SPORTS EDITOR
Aimee Yeghiayan Beck SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
Anahit Kardzhyan ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Rikard Kohler FEATURE EDITOR
Ally Perkins STAFF Eric Bourse Alin Boughousi Emiliano Chavez Alexandra Duncan Elie Georges Justin Mathay Danielle Nail Anashen Navasartian Ekaterina Nikitina Jane Pojawa Nicolas Rincon Yu Sugita PRODUCTION MANAGER
Sal Polcino DESIGN ADVISER
Charles Eastman FACULTy ADVISER
Sharyn Obsatz sobsatz@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000 ext.5214 ADVERTISING
Jeff Smith jsmith@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000, ext.5493 Send Letters to the Editor El Vaquero accepts story ideas in entertainment from the public. Send an idea or article to the editor at elvaquero.editor@gmail.com or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349. Member of the Journalism Asssociation of Community Colleges
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NEWS
ASGCC Results Offer Possible Change By Anahit Kardzhyan
EL VAQUERO SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
Winners of the spring 2015 student government elections were announced Thursday. Christine Ovasapyan was voted the next ASGCC President. With plans to transfer herself, she said most GCC students aspire to move on to a four-year institution and decided to make that the focus of her term. “I would love to see a one-year schedule implemented, where every summer students will be able to see what classes are going to be offered during the fall and spring semesters, as well as short sessions,” she said. “This way, students can plan accordingly with their Student Education Plan to ensure they [can] transfer within 2-3 years.” Ovasapyan said it would prevent students from looking
to neighboring colleges for necessary classes. “This plan isn’t something than can happen within a year, but something that can be initiated and carried through...To be implemented, this would have to be discussed by the student legislature, then the appropriate steps would be taken,” she said. Gasia Pushian won vice said she wants to look at what the general needs are, while considering the Campus Project Support applications to determine what would “make the life on campus better.” Ilona Mantachian, future vice president of campus activities, said her main goal in the fall is to create events everybody will be interested in. “We have so much diversity at GCC and we should be so proud of that,” she said. “We should
unite all the athletes, musicians, scholars and night students... they all need to be united and appreciated,” she said. Reni Stepanian, who is moving from senator to vice president of campus relations, said they have already begun brainstorming ideas. “My committee’s goal is going to be to help students get involved on campus in any way possible so every student can have a sense of belonging somewhere,” Stepanian said. She hopes their transition from a monthly paper newsletter to an e-newsletter will be effective. Brandon Sevilla, winner of the vice president of campus organizations position, said “being involved on campus creates a closer community by building stronger interpersonal relationships with each other.” GCC was “dreadful” and attributes
that to his lack of involvement on campus. In fall 2014, he took on the representative-at-large position for the Campus Relations Committee. Other winners include: -Vice President of Administration-:Elin Mikaelian -Senators of Administration: Astghik Hakobyan, Mariam Pushian, Izabella Sahakyan -Senators of Finance: Dro Mandani, Rena Mkhitaryan, Nelle Stepanyan -Senators of Campus Activities: Emin Azarian, Patrick Damadian, Hovsep Hovhannisyan -Senators of Campus Relations: Gevorg Hovhannisyan, Ekaterina Nikitina, Deanna Sargsyan -Senators of Campus Organizations: Ella Mokhtarians, Elmira Tofanyan, Anaeis Zaghian. Anahit Kardzhyan can be reached at anahit.elvaq@gmail.com
Letter from the Editor: Forever a Vaquero By Agnessa Kasumyan EL VAQUERO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
lugging my heavy backpack stuffed with thick textbooks, all I wanted was to complete my transfer requirements and hightail it out as soon as possible. Inwardly rolling my eyes at what I assumed was going to be a tedious journey, I walked to my Michael Reed, taking solace in his high scores on Rate my Professor. Growing up in a tight-knit family with an abundance of extended relatives, I had seen my immigrant cousins, aunts and uncles pursue their education at GCC and become successful in their careers, but I was skeptical about it being the right place for me. semester, I awkwardly barged into the newsroom, interrupting a meeting. My excitement dimmed as ten heads turned toward me with raised eyebrows and annoyed expressions. Although I was told I had to take a prerequisite class to write for the paper, I returned with a portfolio of my high school work, hoping to land a freelancing position. Fortunately, it worked. The following semester, I also
joined the Scholars Program — not out of a sense of studious, extracurricular duty, but because it would speed up the transfer process. By the end of the second semester, however, I felt GCC sneak its way into my affections. El Vaquero and Scholars really connected me to the campus and greater Glendale community. Both required spending a lot of my free time at school, often long past midnight, but no matter how late I stayed, I never once felt unsafe. GCC quite literally became my second home. It seared itself permanently into my memories when I had to walk barefoot on a blistering hot day, shoes in hand, because I spilled paint all over my It rattles me to my bones to hear people talk about GCC in a negative capacity, as if it’s a black hole that nobody can ever escape from. Prior to coming here, I
The college allowed me to grow intrinsically, with my Scholars and journalism advisors encouraging me every step of the way. It is up to individual students to make the most out of their experiences here. The college isn’t perfect, but it provides students with plenty of opportunities to succeed in various facets of their lives. Quite a few of my GCC peers and I found ourselves having to decide between our top university choices — the same ones that rejected us out of high school — when acceptance decisions arrived in spring. GCC gave us that. A 2012-2013 Institutional Effectiveness Report states that GCC’s transfer rate was among the highest in its geographical region of 14 colleges. With more than 50 clubs and programs,
ON THE COVER: Amina Touray, an interna-
second high school with secondrate education, because my peers held this stigma about community on, however, my professors have been inspiring, their lectures stimulating and challenging. because they push students beyond their scope of knowledge.
tional student from Sweden,
in photography at the 2014 GCC graduation ceremony. Photo by Kathy Bakowicz
their own niche. I strongly reccomend it. Working on the newspaper has been one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences of my short 21 years. It made me a better writer, better colleague and future employee. The Scholars Program did the same, but it also allowed me to give back to the community and challenge myself as a student and leader. GCC gave me the platform sense of direction, but I’ve also made unexpected friendships with people from all walks of life. For this, I will always be grateful. As the adage goes, “once a Vaquero, always a Vaquero.” Agnessa Kasumyan can be reached at elvaquero.eic@gmail.com
IN THIS ISSUE
News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 3 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 8 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 9 Entertainment. . . . . . . . . . 9 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0 Lifestyles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
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FEATURES
Campus Police Issue Smoking Citations By Rikard Kohler
EL VAQUERO ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
By Emiliano Chavez EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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little more than two years ago, Glendale College passed a resolution that forced smokers on campus out into the streets just outside of the college, with a $100 in the area to prohibit on-campus smoking, for both electronic and regular cigarettes, GCC inspired other campuses, such as Santa Monica College and Pasadena City College, who later adopted similar policies. “We really followed immediately in the footsteps of UCLA and the UC, who said ‘we’re an educational institution, we’re not allowing smoking,’” said psychology professor Jessica Gillooly. “We went to the board of trustees and they said if UCLA can do it, we can do it.” Today, the smoking ban is common knowledge for Glendale College students, but cigarette smoke still fumigates onto campus grounds. “I’ll tell you two things: the smog from the cars are way worse than the smoke, and I hate that the people just leave their trash down here,” said archaeology student Alex Masatryan about the smoking section located on a sidewalk just slightly off campus. Glendale College Police Chief Gary Montecuollo said college police issued 13 citations in March, making it the month with the most citations since the ban was put into place. Montecuollo said 125 citations and 456 warnings have been issued between April 2013 and April 2015, with a mean average monthly. However, police cadets are not allowed to issue smoking citations and it was not until the fall semester of 2013 Montecuollo allowed his tickets. This was a decision made to smoothen the transition for smokers. “Currently, the public sidewalks that surround our campus are areas where people can go smoke,” Montecuollo said. “If you look at the front sidewalk over by Verdugo, where the wall is, starting with that wall and coming up on the property,
that is the prohibited area.” Per the ban’s regulations, smoking on this wall is illegal smokers. However, Montecuollo said that the police do not “typically cite them for sitting on the wall” and issue warnings instead. “I don’t mind it [the ban]. I actually think it’s a good thing,” said smoker Gibson Bachman. To collect the $100 smoking department uses a company called Phoenix Corporation, which is the same company in charge of parking violation collections. This leaves college police outside of the collecting process. “With the smoking cites, we send it to the company to issue a notice to the person,” Montecuollo said. “The person is supposed smoking company can take some civil action or they can send the information to us [the college police] and I will forward that to the student services and they can decide whether they want to put a lien, if you will, or a notice on the person’s registration.” If someone refuses to obey a direct order to put out a cigarette on campus grounds, this could be considered a “failure to obey a lawful order” and could result in the individual’s detainment. “That is an end result that could happen, but we would take effort and steps to try to reason with the person, talk to them, explain to them the reason why and tell them we do not really want to do that [detain a person], but we would if we had to,” Montecuollo said. However, this has never occurred at GCC. Even though smoking is still prevalent on campus, Montecuollo said that smokers have been cooperative toward police, but not always faculty who try to enforce the rules. “It seems there are less smokers,” Gillooly, said. “Maybe they’re deciding it’s more trouble than it’s worth.”
Rikard Kohler can be reached at rikard.kohler@gmail.com Emiliano Chavez can be reached at lanoism@gmail.com
Older Students Find It’s Never Too Late to Learn
By Sal Polcino
EL VAQUERO NEWSROOM MANAGER
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he diversity of students at Glendale College is evidenced every day. Walk across Plaza Vaquero and there are students from all walks of life: international students, students of all ages, and even an octogenarian or two. Since the economic downturn in 2006, many older Americans have returned to the community college system. At Glendale College, the percentage of credit students over 35 years of age has doubled since 2005. This doesn’t include those enrolled in non-credit or career training classes. Actor and musician Andrew Sherman, 45, came back to college in 2012 partly for economic reasons. “I was not having much success in my pursuit of acting get a skill in something [else] I enjoyed,” said Sherman, who has a bachelor’s of arts in theater from Columbia College in Chicago. While at GCC, Sherman studied TV production, new he decided was a good choice for a career path. Adjunct professor of media arts, Ryun Hovind remembers Sherman well. “Andrew was always fun to be around,” said Hovind. “Always in a good mood and quick with a joke.” But Sherman was serious about his work. Hovind said Sherman was quick to pick things up and put them to good use. During his second semester, he landed a job as an editor with the training he recieved, but left school before getting “Being 45 and already having a degree, I didn’t see why I should put off a job offer,” he said. Sherman worked as an editor on the “Chevy Music Showcase” for two years, featuring local bands out of North Texas and Oklahoma City with interviews and videos. His experience as a musician bumped him up to
Photo by Lynette Hartouni
NeW Media TraiNiNg: Glendale College alumnus Andrew Sherman performs with his band the Vehicle at Taix 321 Lounge in Echo Park in January.
band liaison and second assistant director on location shoots. “I got the job because the boss was looking for a musician who didn’t know how to edit,” said Sherman. “He wanted someone who understood editing, but was not set in their ways.” Community college seemed like the best choice for his continued education. to pay for was taxes and books,” he said. “They really want adults to get back to school and get retrained.” Sherman said his wife, Rebecca, was very supportive with his decision to return to school. The “Chevy Music Showcase” has ended for now, but Sherman hopes it will start back up in September. Professionals with successful careers return to college as well Samela Beasom started taking classes at GCC in 2007. Like Sherman, Beasom already had a bachelor’s degree, hers a double major in music and German from Lewis and Clark College. She also earned a master’s of music in vocal performance from USC. “I’m 57, but I feel 37,” said her beaming blue eyes, you can see that young woman hasn’t gone anywhere. She has enjoyed a 30-year career as a classical singer, performing with the Los Angeles Opera and the L.A. Master
Chorale. She has sung on dozens of motion picture soundtracks, including “Fifty Shades of Grey” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.” “I came back to school with a burning desire to study all kinds of art classes,” said Beasom. “I to study art as a young woman.” She has taken classes in ceramics, drawing, design, photography, jewelry, tap and jazz dancing and now music technology and recording. “I’m not exactly positive I know what my end goal will be,” said Beasom. “However, I’ve already been offered some work based on my new knowledge and training I (received) at GCC.” People have purchased her ceramics, paid her to repair jewelry and to Photoshop their headshots. She has even been offered future work in recording live concerts while still learning the craft. “I now have many more possibilities for a second career,” said Beasom. “GCC is the perfect good at and what excites you.” Beasom has been married to a professional classical singer for 28 years. Her two daughters are professional dancers in New York and Los Angeles. “They all think it’s wonderful that I am a life-long learner,” said Beasom.
Sal Polcino can be reached at elvaqed@gmail.com
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FEATURES
Mary Mirch Plans to Retire and Travel the Globe By Rikard Kohler
Michael Ritterbrown.
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to allow Michael and his team to grow and I need to stay out of the way,” Mirch said. With this mindset, Mirch
EL VAQUERO ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
oved and revered in the eyes of co-workers and students, Vice President of Instructional Services Mary Mirch has decided retire after dedicating 30 years to Glendale College. “I think they [at GCC] are loosing a strong leader,” said Sharon Horejsi, an associate nurse at the Health Center. “A role model [who shows] that professional women can climb up the ladder, can be successful and that they can reach it [to the top].” Mirch came to GCC from Los Angeles County Hospital in 1985, with both practical and academic experience. She soon found herself climbing the college’s career ladder. “If somebody had asked me what I would be doing 30 years later when I started here, I do not think I would have said the vice president of instructions,” Mirch said. “Although, this is where I wanted to be, I never wanted to be a president.” She started off teaching nursing. “I knew that that I wanted to teach at some point, but it happened a lot faster than I had anticipated,“ Mirch said. “It is one
Photo by Jonathan Williams
Mary Mirch
of those things where you take advantage of the opportunities that are there and it has taken me on the right path.” Her beginnings in the classroom evolved into lowlevel administrative work for the Health Center in 1995. Mirch said that her work and experience at the center have been vital to her current position. At present, Mirch said she grew tired in the last six years due to tough accreditation work, reductions, which meant dealing with students who “desperately” needed the classes that were cut. Now that the situation has stabilized, Mirch said she feels that she can pass on her duties to her recently announced successor,
months for retirement sleeping to recover from the stress of the past six years, but she also wants to help her father move to the area. Once well rested, Mirch, already an avid voyager, plans to travel to Canada in order to see polar bears and the northern lights, followed by a journey to Asia. Although excited for her retirement, Mirch said that it is going be hard leaving her coworkers and friends. “I will miss a lot of the people,” she said. “I have grown up with them and I hired a whole bunch recently and I would love to see all of the new exciting things they are going to be doing. But [for] the job itself, I am tired.” Those who have worked with her reciprocate these feelings. Horejsi, Mirch’s former student and co-worker, said that Mirch was a brilliant instructor who always took her time with people and pushed them to follow their dreams. Long time co-worker Ronald
Nakasone, who was announced vice president of administrative services around the same time Mirch was promoted to her current position, also praised his colleague and said he always took her advice with the greatest respect. “I do not think there is anyone
in this college that I have enjoyed working with more,” Nakasone said. “I think what people will remember about Mary is her passion for her job, her dedication and her sense of humor.” Rikard Kohler can be reached at rikard.kohler@gmail.com
Scholars Program Director Gives Attention to Detail By Nicolas Rincon
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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ichael Harnett, an English and Humanities professor, entered his second year as the Scholars Program Director with one goal: bringing the Scholars Program to the foreground of the Glendale College community. His commitment to the years at GCC. Harnett began teaching at the college in 1997, but started teaching honors classes for the program in 2000. The more he taught the Scholar students, the more he enjoyed it. “I got more and more involved in the Scholars Program,” he said. “As time went on, I got invited to Scholars events and started sitting in on meetings and here I am.” Despite growing up in a family of teachers, Harnett did not see himself becoming an educator growing up. “I told my father when I was a freshman in college that I was never going to teach for a career,” he said. He attended USC with the intention of becoming an engineer, but quickly realized that that the major was not for him. After considering a degree in music, he decided to major in English. Harnett continued his education at Claremont Graduate University, where he acquired his master’s degree after one year. He followed that up with a doctorate degree in educational psychology from UC Santa Barbara. Following graduate school and during his early years in teaching, he met his future wife and UCLA alumnus, Wasylyna Rebenczuk. Rebenczuk said that despite the rivalry between UCLA and USC, Harnett highly respects
UCLA greats such as John Wooden, the former UCLA head basketball coach — to the point where he implements Wooden’s trademark sock ritual. The ritual entails pulling one’s socks up and ensuring that there are no wrinkles. From the heel to the toes, each sock has to be wrinkle-free. The reasoning behind this is to prevent blistering, which could lead to missed playing time, followed by a loss in a crucial game, and ultimately This meticulous attention to detail translates to Harnett’s classes. He now implements more activities in his curriculum, out. For example, in his English 101 Honors classes, he has students draw a pig. According to Harnett, the drawing can be used to analyze the motivation of each student. Various details in each picture describe the artist. If there are ears in one picture, the artist can be described as a good listener. Activities like this are some of the biggest evolutionary changes that Harnett has seen in his teaching style. He’s also noticed that he takes more class notes and challenges his students more than “The goal is to make them as well prepared as what I hear people need when they are juniors or seniors [in four-year universities],” Harnett said. However, the increased workload is offset by Harnett’s availability. “[Students] text him and email him and he’ll answer them even on weekends,” Rebenczuk said. “It’s very rare that he makes people wait an extended amount of time to answer one of their questions.” His availability is something [See Harnett, page 5]
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FEATURES
Retirees Look Back, Plan Future Harnett Aids Scholars [Harnett, from page 4]
Araz Majnoonian, a GCC scholar student, values. “…He’s always there for his students,” she said. “He is willing to help you in any way with anything. His door is always open.” To her, the fact that he is willing to go beyond the typical lengths of the average professor adds to his overall encouraging nature. His efforts also extend outside of the classroom. “We did a hike to Mt. Wilson and it was open to anyone and
Photos provided by Ann Simon A RETIREE CELEBRATION: President David Viar poses with Jeanette Stirdivant (left) and Patricia Hurley (right) at the GCC Annual Employee Retirement Recognition Luncheon on May 14.
By Aimee Yeghiayan Beck EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR
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chools are only as good as the faculty within them. This year, GCC will lose many faculty members that have been an integral part of the campus community. From professors to administrators, the list of retiring faculty reaches across the board. Clairette Ingles, an instructor of the Non-Credit ESL Division, has 45 years of service under her belt, acquiring many memorable experiences during that time. Her favorite, however, took place on Teacher Appreciation Day. “When class was supposed to start, there was no one there,” she said. “As I went to look for my students, they walked in one at a time and gave me a rose. When in my arms.” After retirement, Ingles plans to move to San Diego to live closer to her daughter, and to enjoy the weather and venues available there. She also hopes to work as a docent in an art museum and travel as much as possible. The GCC Nursing Program will say goodbye to two members, Professor Karen Whalen and Nursing Program Specialist Barbara Artukovich. They have dedicated 14 and 16 years to the college, respectively. Rouben Gasparian, the only member to retire from the Mathematics department, will do
so after 17 years of service. Nancy McLees, Reed Anderson and Guillermo Rios of the Information Technology Services Department already retired earlier this semester after
retire. After 18 years of service, what she will miss most are the students. Students havve reached out to
Rios began his retirement on a high note with a visit to Europe. From the Visual and Performing Arts Department, Kristine Hanna will be retiring
school and made a difference in their academic careers. “There are some students that have said that without their Financial Aid, they would not have gotten through GCC and been able
Armik Gregorian will be leaving the Business Services Department, and has been with Mary Mirch, the Vice President of Instructional Services, will be on her can be found on page 4. and the head coach of the GCC Speech and Debate team, will also retire this semester, much to the dismay of his team. History Professor Gordon Alexandre’s lectures on social protests in the 1960’s will be missed by many students. His protests supplemented the texts, and helped students see the protests from a very real viewpoint. Alexandre retired in teaching that class. This also marks the last semester for Jozef Agoston of the Kinesiology and Theatre Arts Departments. Pat Hurley, chair of the
always nice to hear that what we are doing here in the Financial Aid Interim Dean of Student Services Jeanette Stirdivant will also bid GCC farewell after 37 years. Her favorite memory was having the opportunity to work with former Superintendent and President John Davitt, and still would solve a problem. After retirement, Stirdivant old grandson, Sebastian, and to go on a “Culture Quest.” On this quest, she will visit museums and botanical gardens in the greater Los Angeles area that she did not have time for in the past. In addition, she wants to give back to Glendale. “This place has been good to me,” she said. “Now it is my time to give back to the college and community I love so much.”
Aimee Yeghiayan Beck can be reached at aimeeyeghies@gmail.com
showed up. It was 16 miles, round-trip,” she said. Harnett attributes the student turnout to his overall attitude regarding teaching. “I try to make play with the agenda,” he said. “I want people to feel like I take this seriously but that we can still have fun.” He said that adding humor to his classes keeps students involved. “You can get people into motivation through curiosity and oddly enough humor is very similar to curiosity,” he said. “If you’re laughing, that means you got it.” According to Rebenczuk, his playful nature and optimism are
what attract people. “He’s very much a listener,” she said. “And people can sense that there is something kind in him. They can sense that there is no judgment.” That approach to teaching has resonated with students. In packed with multiple students at a time, with even more lined up outside of his door, waiting to get feedback on their papers or discuss the Scholars Program. “Dr. Harnett always puts others before himself and is always willing to guide you in the right direction, no matter what he’s doing,” Majnoonian said. Last week, during ASGCC’s Most Outstanding Club and Advisor Award event, Harnett took home the Most Outstanding Advisor award for the second time in the row, while the Scholars Program won for Most Outstanding Club for the third time. “This recognition attests to Dr. Harnett’s dedication and endless efforts on behalf of the Scholars Program and the extensive growth in the overall organization,” said Melvin Dilanchian, a Scholars student and IOC representative. “Dr. Harnett approached the program like it is his family, and this has only strengthened it.” Nicolas Rincon can be reached at nicolasrincon@live.com
GCC Names New Dean G lendale College named Robert Hill as its new dean of student services Tuesday, pending trustee approval. Hill served seven years in the U.S. Air Force. He was a student athlete and EOPS student
years of high education experience and earned a USC doctorate in educational leadership. Hill will oversee academic counseling and the assessment, career and transfer centers.
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2013
After tedious efforts, the city of Glendale and the school district passed a memorandum of understanding. The city agreed to cover the demolition costs and provide temporary bleachers for spectators. games. The seats ran along the third-base line, guarded by a short 4-foot fence. This sparked safety concerns, but the city and Vaquero Baseball deemed uninhabited bleachers. The bleachers allowed baseball life to continue at Stengel Field, and many were happy that they were still able to cheer on their favorite teams.
Photo courtesy of Special Collections, Library, Arts & Culture Department
By
EL VAQUERO CONTRIBUTOR
1949
Stengel Field was called the Verdugo Park Municipal Baseball Stadium, serving as a symbol of the community and the city of Glendale. On Nov. 12 1952, the ballpark immortalized one of the greatest Yankee stars of all time, Casey Stengel. “I feel greatly honored to have a ballpark named after me, especially since I’ve been thrown out of so many,” Stengel said in a previous interview. He was a long-time Glendale resident until his death in 1975. For 50 years, Stengel Field hosted high school graduations, movie shoots and thousands of baseball games. From its green-tinted bleachers, Crescenta Valley High School students pitched countless caps through the air at their graduations. Photo by Kathy Bakowicz
2014
Glendale and La Crescenta streets, sidewalks and freeway entrances. Brian Longpre, a former Crescenta Valley Falcon and MLB prospect, wanted to save Stengel and add to its well-known history. “As someone who grew up playing at Stengel Field, it’s going to be heartbreaking to watch our beloved stadium torn down,” Longpre said. “There were so many great ball players who people don’t realize.”
2015
bleachers and clubhouse building will be demolished and rebuilt. Toni Harsh is the great-niece of Casey Stengel and an advisory board member at the the Stengel Field foundation.“The family supports the vision of a rebuilt stadium to host quality sports’ events and that will continue the legacy that has months, and the city decreed there will be no baseball operations during the teardown. Photo by Kathy Bakowicz
2009
The city allocated funds from two park accounts to try to save the
It took about a year to lock up all the paperwork and to demolish the building,
attempt, it simply wasn’t enough. In 2011, Stengel Field was red tagged after 50 years of water damage. The city deemed the clubhouse unsafe and locked it forever. Prior to condemnation, the clubhouse housed the Glendale College Baseball
thought was long overdue. Preliminary plans to build a new clubhouse mark the end of nearly 70-year era in Glendale’s history.
and its coaches operate out of metal containers and rented bungalows.
Jonathan Williams can be reached at haxail.jonathan@gmail.com
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“The purpose is to advocate for veterans, to have a voice so that we can continue to
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said. “That’s what Memorial
EL VAQUERO
honor of veterans and fallen soldiers, gathering in Plaza Vaquero on Thursday. Sponsored by the GCC Veterans Association, the pay respect those who protect and serve the nation. “The main purpose is to recognize veterans who are no longer with us, to celebrate their lives, and to let everyone know that there are people who do not come back from war,” said Anthony Martinez, vice president of the Veterans Association and a Marine Corps veteran. “It’s those people whom we ultimately owe everything to because they’ve given us the opportunity to continue on.” Carol Miranda, an army veteran, was a speaker at the event and led the audience in the Pledge of the Allegiance. The event also featured a Prisoner table,
which symbolizes the strengths and principles of soldiers. It also commemorates the memory of prisoners of war and those who are missing in action. Mark Mark MacCarley, U.S. Army, commanded the audience’s attention, with his opening words resonating across the plaza.
have passed away voice to make that their lives
who a s u r e memory on.” Since 1 9 7 1 , has been held on the last Monday of May. “I live everyday to be the best I can, to show people that
give up a lot, there’s so much we can still provide and give back,” Martinez said. The audience and veterans of the commemoration event saluted the Taps, the military bulge tune, and the Thompson of the U.S. Army and Mauricio Melendez of the U.S. Marine Corps. Michelle Mora, the director of admissions and records, accepted the on behalf of Glendale Community College. The commemoration event also paid tribute and B. Ruiz. “I wanted to send the message out to everyone that it’s part recognize everyone that has passed away because they are our brothers and sisters. Because of them, we are here.”
veterans,” he said. MacCarley urged people to value soldiers’ commitment, with a unanimous chant of the military’s service call.
Justin Mathay can be reached at jmathay951@glendale.student.edu
Photos by Ekaterina Nikitina
MEMORIAL DAY: Cameron Thompson of the U.S. Army and Mauricio Melendez of the U.S. Marine Corps conduct the Flag Folding Ceremony(left) at the commemoration event on Thursday, May 21 in Plaza Vaquero. Retired Major General, Mark MacCarley of the U.S. Army, gives the opening speech(right).
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FEATURES
Understanding Lupus: An Unusual Disease By Justin Mathay
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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y mother, Raquel Mathay, 60, is a grandmother of three and a mother of four. Despite her energetic and blissful attitude, she was diagnosed with lupus in 2008, experiencing side effects such as extreme fatigue, joint pain and common feverish feelings. “Today, I’m home and I couldn’t get out of bed. I get aches in my joints and depression gets to me also,” she said. “Especially here in the Philippines, no one
May 15, Lupus Awareness Day, and I will wear purple. I am sure I will be alone.” The month of May is dedicated to supporting those who have been diagnosed with Lupus. Activists use the color purple to raise awareness and support for the battle against the disease. Lupus is an unusual chronic autoimmune disorder. It can Symptoms vary depending on the genetics, heritage and upbringing of the individual diand body tissue, which can cause
OPINION
Depression Does Not Deserve Social Stigma By Danielle Nail
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
I
depression when I was 18,
college. After numerous events converged simultaneously, I couldn’t sleep and I was overeating. My roommates were awful and uninviting, and I felt many nights crying to myself. I was living on my own 900 miles away from home and I didn’t want to burden my mother with the news that I was failing at my attempt of independence, so I on a brave face. The following year, however, I found myself in the same place I was before. I was sad and alone, but afraid to share my failure with those who had put their faith into my college career. I was failing almost every class Instead
of
sharing
my
for months. I isolated myself exact situation, I made a foolish college. It wasn’t until recently that I discovered I was strugglng with depression. Last month, my doctor relayed the words no one ever anticipates
hearing. I was diagnosed with severe depression on top of my existing anxiety, and prescribed three different antidepressants. The diagnosis was followed by immense feelings of shame, energy. I found myself afraid to open my mouth in class and unable to complete my assignments because there was no way my chemically imbalanced brain could possibly have the right answers. I was embarrassed and ashamed of my life, but then I began to question why. Why do people have to based on the diagnosis of depression? What shame is there in having cancer? Where is the embarrassment in tuberculosis? There isn’t any, so why should depression and anxiety be any different? Depression is often psychological illness, but it is real and it is painful. an attitude adjustment. It is so much more than a bad hair day. It is so much more than missing an important deadline. It is bigger than being blown off. It is more than discouragement. Depression is a restriction, a restriction so severe it affects daily life and the ability to function at full capacity.
[See Depression, page 9]
joint pain, swelling, hair loss, mouth sores and scarring. The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that approximately 1.5 million Americans and at least 5 million people worldwide have lupus. The foundation also estimates that more than 90 percent of people who are diagnosed with lupus are women, mostly between ages 15 to 44. Hormones spethem more suscepPhoto by Justin Mathay tible. While lupus is Raquel Mathay and her newly born grandchildren, Sailor and widespread, it lags Marina, supporting Lupus Awareness Month. behind many illneses when it comes to recognition and Braxton, Teddi King, Lady Gaga, fundraising. The public unfairly scrutinizes and Tim Raines. celebrities who have experienced changes due to the disease, in- was commonly criticized for the son, Flannery O’Connor, Toni sensitivity to sunlight, a common
enemy of lupus. The famous facial scars along the sides of Seal’s face are permanent body scarring due to the disease. The main cause of lupus is role. To date, there is no cure. A multitude of activists, media sources and celebrities participated in the May 15 “Put On Purple” event. Raising awareness of lupus, or any disease for that “To the people unaware of learn more about this disease and you will understand people who are suffering from lupus,” Raquel said. “I usually get comments
not easy to cope. If only they were more aware, they would understand people with lupus more.” Justin Mathay can be reached at jmathay951@glendale.student.edu
www.elvaq.com
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
9
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Film Festival Deadlines Approach By Anahit Kardzhyan
EL VAQUERO SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
T
he Glendale Film Collective invites aspiring
their second annual Student Film Festival later this year.
technology or the environment. Julio Espino, president of the Glendale Film Collective, is expecting more submissions and attendees this time around, including a handful of returning submitters from last year’s festival. “I want everyone to come
Oct. 15 and ends with an award ceremony on Oct.
who are not professionals, but still create
nights are free and open to the public/ During this time, programmers and judges watch and read each of the
Espino said. While the event is held in the fall, Espino recommends students start submitting
Photo by Julio Espino
Take 10: Tomik Ghoukasian on set.
Those who want to attend on Saturday will be provided with refreshments before the winners are announced and must pay a fee. They accept international, addition to web series entries, short shorts, new media animation and other student short or screenplay submissions can include an unusual idea related to science, research,
Early bird submissions are accepted through July 24 with a fee of $15. Regular submissions are welcome July 25 through Sep. 1 with a $25 fee. The late submission deadline is Sep. 21 and costs $35. Espino hopes that participating in this event will encourage advantage of the opportunity. Anahit Kardzhyan can be reached at anahit.elvaq@gmail.com
Personal Account: Depression [Depression, from page 8]
something I can ‘snap out of.’ I have lost count of how many times people have told me it will pass, that better days will come. It is un-
depression is to believe them. Believe that they are suffering, believe that depression is real. Don’t question it, don’t offer advice, just believe them. It goes a long way. from my experience is that there
happy thoughts. The worst part of depression is the agonizing loneliness. I have isolated myself from those who care about me because I don’t am going through. I have been unable to tell people how I really feel, unable to express the anguish screaming inside my soul, because of the fear that feels so real. The culture we live in has created a cloud of stigma around mental truth so much more frightening. It is possible to feel both grateful and depressed. A mood disorder does not prevent gratitude. I am grateful for the life I was given, regardless of the current situation I am in. I am grateful for the people who have chosen to remain a part of my life. The best thing a person can do for someone who suffers from
not and cannot cure depression, but it helps a great deal. There will always be those who question depression, there will always be people who will never understand. But there will always be someone there. Whether it is a parent, a friend, or a counselor, there is someone. I have been in my mother. have to face this inner demon. I I can and will beat it, and I will be stronger because of it. dergoing depression but do not feeling ashamed. There is no shame in getting help. Danielle Nail can be reached at daniellecnail@yahoo.com
‘Gotham’ Ends on High Note
Illustration by Yu Sugita
By Justin Mathay
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
T
is worth viewing over the summer, before the new season arrives this fall. The show incorporates superior cinematography and quality storytelling. crime, thrill and drama. The story revolves around the early days of Commissioner James Gordon (Ben McKenzie), a newcomer to the corrupt-to-itscore Gotham Police Department. It chronicles his development into a prominent detective in the fraudulent Gotham City years Knight and Caped Crusader origin stories of Bruce Wayne/ Batman (David Mazouz), his loyal butler Alfred Pennyworth (Sean Pertwee), and several popular psychopathic and mysterious villains, such as The The Scarecrow, Catwoman, Bane, Poison Ivy, and much more. and history of who the villains were before they became the iconic criminal masterminds that have captured audiences for generations. Although another television series revolving around superheroes and villains may
its cinematic-level production. Season one was a fastpaced, nail-biting experience due to a series of edgy prequel events, its well-cast ensemble
criminal. The unraveling mystrey character of the envious, insecure, twisted villain, soon to Michael Smith), set the tone for the latter part of the season. Smith sears an impression onto the minds of viewers, unleashing his character’s psychopathic, neurotic compulsion to commit crimes.
“Gotham” is undeniably a heart-pumping series, where each episode ends with mind-boggling twists that leave viewers craving for more. of characters, its cinematic bigscreen vision, and the origin stories of iconic, memorable characters. The visual effects, in synergy with the music and the fantastic storytelling, gave the show a healthy, vigorous, and energetic physicality. A multitude of common characters that stood out based on effortless talent and persuadable personalities are and original. Detective (Donal
James
Logue)
Gordon
made
an
Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor) brought his own unique twist to
a heart-pumping series, where each episode ends with mind-boggling twists that leave viewers craving for more.
Most Exciting New Series award from the Critics’ Choice Television Awards, will commence with season two in September. It will introduce new characters and origin stories, focusing mainly on the infamous but widely loved Clown Prince of Justin Mathay can be reached at jmathay951@glendale.student.edu
10
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
www.elvaq.com
SPORTS
Trustees Honor Women’s Tennis By Nicolas Rincon
T
he Lady Vaqs Tennis team was honored at the monthly Board of Trustees meeting on May 19 for winning the college’s
He discussed how the team In the second round, they faced
those issues only made the
tightly contested match that came entire team were on hand as calls here and there that some of their formal wear, the students The Lady Vaqs rattled off Nicolas Rincon can be reached at nicolasrincon@live.com
ACE Awards, Dodger Night Give Back to Glendale led the fourth annual feel a stronger sense lendale residents gathered
student athletes and coaches from
“It’s a great feeling thought our foundation
who are not just good athletes,
small committee and made He added that the coaches
without my teammates, my coaches and the Leon
said
the
Photos provided by Shant Sahakian
WAVE TO THE CAMERA: At Glendale Dodger night, City Council Member Vartan
Gharapetian, Vice President of sponsor Lexus of Glendale Johnny Harrison, Chairman of the Dodger Night Committee Shant Sahakian and Vice President and Founder of Glendale Parks and Recreation Dottie Sharkey wave to the camera.
committee
discounted
and the committee then
Prior to the game, there was announced and the committee He
also
said
community
the character and ethics our team attended the awards ceremony we just need the community to
as much as they want to in terms
Danielle Nail can be reached at daniellecnail@yahoo.com
www.elvaq.com
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
11
Campus Calendar EvENTS Taco Fundraiser — The Alpha Gamma Sigma Honors Society will be selling tacos on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Plaza Vaquero. The funds from the sale goes toward AGS scholarships. Ultimate Frisbee — The GCC Kinesiology Division and the CSUN Kinesiology Outreach Program will host games of ultimate frisbee on Thursday from 12:20 to 1:30 p.m. at Sartoris Field. Free and open to all.
LECTURE Climate Lecture— Humanities and Social Science Lecture series presents “Why Do We Look
Away? Climate Disruption and You” on Thursday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in CS 177. The speaker is Robert Haw, a JPL engineer. Free and open to all.
WORKSHOPS Math Workshop— “Binomial Expansion” will be discussed on Thursday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. AS 103. Learning Center — Learning Center presents a workshop on “Writing Summaries” on Thursday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in AD 232. A workshop on “Timed Writing Assignments” takes place Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Career Center — Undecided/ Undeclared major workshop of-
fered by the Career Center on Thursday at 2 p.m. in SR 221. Register online in MyGCC.
MEETINGS Board of Trustees Meeting — The seventh meeting of the year is on July 21 followed by a meeting on August 18. Both meetings take place at 5 p.m. in Kreider Hall. For more information on previous and future meetings, visit www.glendale.edu/boardoftrustees.
vada Gym. Shows run through today through Saturday at 8 p.m. There will be 12:20 p.m. shows today and Thursday. On Sunday the performance will be at 2 p.m. Free admission and however seats are limited.
perFOrmanCe
Student Showcase — The Theatre Arts Department presents student showcases on Thursday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at the auditorium studio theatre. On Thursday the students will perform “Acting Fundamentals” and on Saturday the students will perform “Voice for the Actor.” Free admission and open to all.
Dance Performance — The Dance Department presents performances by GCC students and choreographers at the Sierra Ne-
Recital — a music recital featuring GCC students and vocalists on Friday at 8 p.m. in the main auditorium.
mOVIes Friday Flix — A screening of the
by Blake Edwards and stars Peter Sellers. Mike Petros will facilitate and drinks are encouraged. Free at 12:30 p.m. in SG 334.
planeTarIum Afternoon with the Stars — Students and staff can attend a free lunchtime program highlighting the planetarium’s features. “Exploding Stars” will be presented on Thursday from 12:30 to 1 p.m. in CS 257. Free admission for all.
FInals sChedule June 3 6:30 to 8:50 a.m. — All classes that start between 6:30 to 7:30am MTWTH or MW. 9:10 to 11:30 a.m. — All classes that start between 9:10 to 10:35am daily, MTWTH, MWF, MTW, or MW OR W only classes that start between 10:45am to 12:10pm. 11:50am to 2:10pm. — All classes that start between 12:20 to 1:30pm daily, MTWTH, MWTHF, MWF, MTW, or MW. 2:30 to 4:50pm — All classes that start between 3:25 to 5:00pm MW, MTW, or W only. 5:10-7:30pm— All classes that start between 5:10 to 6:45pm W 7:50 to 10:10pm — All classes that start between 6:55 to 8:30pm on W only.
June 4 6:30 to 8:50 a.m. — All classes that start between 6:30 to 7:30am TTH OR TH only classes that
classes that start between 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 pm on Friday only.
start between 7:35 to 9:05am. 9:10 to 11:30 a.m. — All classes that start between 9:10 to 10:35 a.m. TTH or TH only. 11:50am to 2:10pm. — All classes that start between 10:45 a.m. to 12:10pm TTH or TH only. 2:30 to 4:50pm — All classes that start between 3:25 to 5:00 p.m. TTH OR TH only classes that start between 1:40 to 3:15pm. 5:10 to 7:30pm— All classes that start between 5:10 to 6:45pm TTH or 3:25 to 6:45pm TH only. 7:50 to 10:10pm — All classes that start between 6:55 to 8:30 p.m. TTH or TH only.
5:10 to 7:30pm— All classes that start between 3:25 to 6:45 p.m . Friday only. 7:50 to 10:10pm — All classes that start between 6:55 to 8:30 p.m. Friday only.
June 6 Assigned Class Time — Finals all day will be according to the assigned class time.
June 8
June 5 6:30 to 8:50 a.m. — All classes that start between 6:30 to 7:30am daily, MTTHF, MWTHF, or MWF. 9:10 to 11:30 a.m. — All classes that start between 7:35 to 10:35 a.m. on Friday only. 11:50am to 2:10pm. —
2:30 to 4:50pm — All classes that start between 1:40 to 3:15 p.m. daily, MWF, or Friday only.
All
6:30 to 8:50 a.m. — All classes that start between 7:35 to 9:05 a.m. daily, MTWTH, MWF, MTW, MW, or M only. 9:10 to 11:30 a.m. — All classes that start between 10:45 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. daily, MTWTH, MWTHF, MTWF, MWF MTW, MW, or M only.
11:50am to 2:10pm. — All classes that start between 1:40 to 3:15 p.m. MTTH, MW or M only. 2:30 to 4:50pm — All classes that start between 3:25 to 5:00 p.m. daily, MTWTH, MWF, or M only. 5:10 to 7:30pm— All classes that start between 5:10 to 6:45 p.m. MTWTH, MWF, MW, or M only. 7:50 to 10:10pm — All classes that start between 6:55 to 8:30 p.m. MW or M
June 9 6:30 to 8:50 a.m. — All classes that start between 6:35 to 8:00 am T only. 9:10 to 11:30 a.m. — All classes that start between 7:35 to 9:05 a.m. TWTHF, TWTH, TTH, or 9:10-10:35am T only. 11:50am to 2:10pm. — All classes that start between 12:20 to 1:30 p.m. TTH, T only, or any 2:30 to 4:50pm — All classes that start between 1:40 to 3:15
p.m. on TTH or a T only. 5:10-7:30pm— All classes that start between 3:25 to 6:45 p.m. T only. 7:50 to 10:10pm — All classes that start between 6:55 to 8:30 p.m. T only.
COmmOn FInal 5:10 to 7:30 p.m. — Math 101, 120, 141, and 146 classes will June 9.
June 10 9:10 to 11:30 a.m. — Make-Up Final Exam (Prior approval by the instructor is necessary) 11:50am to 2:10pm. — All classes that start between 1:40 to 3:15 p.m. MTWTH or W only. 2:30 to 4:50pm — Make-Up Final Exam (Prior approval by the instructor is necessary). 5:10 to 7:30pm — Make-Up Final Exam (Prior approval by the instructor is necessary). Compiled by Eric Bourse
GET YOUR EVENT LISTED t Email details to Elvaqed@gmail.com. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible. on the calendar page t For details call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349. Next issue will arrive in Fall 2015 semester.
12
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
www.elvaq.com
LIFESTYLE
How I Study For Finals
Ilona Mantachian -political science
Mark Mason - math major
Juan Salinas - math major
Jake Mendoza - mUsic major
Dallas Ross - Undecided
Ryan Vargas - Undecided
.�
Compiled by Danielle Nail - Photos by Emiliano Chavez