Oct. 21, 2005

EL VAQUERO Glendale College

www.elvaq.com

Volume 88 Number 3

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2005

IN THIS ISSUE NEWS GCC author Steve Taylor releases first book of short stories.

Photo by Jane Pojawa

Page 4

PHOTO FEATURE

A student displaced by Hurricane Katrina serves his new city.

Pages 10-11 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

“Shaky Peanuts” opens at GCC Gallery

Katrina Refugees Welcomed Here

By NANCY AGBENU EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

hey climb up the broad brick steps to the building — some hesitantly, some skeptically. One small group of adventurous new arrivals enters through the doors of the John A. Davitt Administration Building to begin their studies at Glendale College hoping for a better future, nearly 2,000 miles away from the disaster that upended their lives.

The second week of the semester had already started when David Mince, Catherine Babb, Brandon McIntyre and Jack Sigafuss filed their applications on campus.

Despite their different backgrounds they all had one thing in common: their lives in New Orleans had been torn asunder by Hurricane Katrina and they had ended up starting life anew in Southern California.

Brandon McIntyre and David Mince agreed to be interviewed for this story.

When the home of Brandon McIntyre, a junior at Xavier University in Louisiana, was endangered by the storm, his family moved for safety to a

Photo by Jane Pojawa

Brandon McIntyre of New Orleans is attending GCC until Xavier University, where he is a junior, reopens in January of next year.

hotel on higher ground. But the water continued to rise and they fled New Orleans.

“When we left our home, they told us to take enough with us for two days,” said McIntyre. “And

two days turned into a couple of weeks, so I ended up with only a couple of outfits.” The 21-yearold, wearing dark blue jeans and leisure white T-shirt, stares into space as he talks about his broth-

er and sisters who have been scattered to different parts of Louisiana, Texas and as far as Iowa. “We’re a pretty close family,” said McIntyre. “So we talk on the phone on a daily basis.”

According to the American Council on Education (ACE), an estimated 75,000 to 100,000 students have been displaced by the damage of Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent flooding.

When the catastrophe hit, McIntyre was already registered for 18 units of classes and had attended Xavier University for a month. In the midst of the hurricane, the mass communication major was the only one of his family who was evacuated to Los Angeles. “At first it [the evacuation experience] wasn’t affecting me,” he said. “But now I’m finding myself getting headaches.

It’s getting pretty stressful, not being around my family, the schooling; I have a lot of choices. It’s overwhelming.”

In spite of the trauma, two weeks after he was evacuated McIntyre was one of the first to take the opportunity to register for classes at GCC. Education has always been the “number-one priority” in his See REFUGEES, Page 2

Catholicos Aram I Visits GCC for an Open Forum Photo by Jane Pojawa

By JANE POJAWA EL VAQUERO EDITOR IN CHIEF

Page 13

ASGCC OFFICERS

Student Government Pages 17-18

NEWS........................1-5 FEATURE...................6-13 SPORTS .........................18 ENTERTAINMENT............14 CALENDAR....................19

G

CC students were treated to a special appearance by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, Oct. 13.

Aram I, who is a leading figure of the Armenian Apostolic Church, is in the midst of a world tour, addressing the concerns of members of the global Armenian community. His visit was unprecedented in terms of a religious figure of his stature, speaking at the college.

The title Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia refers to the seat of an administrative branch of the Armenian

Apostolic Churcht that was originally based in Cilicia, a region in Turkey, but after the Armenian Genocide moved to Antelias, a suburb of Beirut, Lebanon.

About 90 percent of Armenians are members of the Armenian Apostolic Church, according to Levon Marashlian, professor of history at Glendale.

The Catholicostate [the church’s terminology for the jurisdiction] of Cilicia acknowledges the primacy of the Catholicostate of all Armenians, which is based in Etchmiadzin, Armenia, but both arms of the church have played key historical roles since their division in

Photo by Jane Pojawa

See ARAM I, Page 5

His Holiness, Aram I, the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia is greeted by a full house at the Student Center.

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Friday, October 21, 2005

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NEWS

Nation Opens Doors to Displaced Students

By NANCY AGBENU EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

I

nstitutions around the country have offered services to Katrina victimes like those offered by Glendale College. A number of colleges around the United States and Canada have offered free or waived fall admission fees and helped displaced students find housing.

A number of colleges also prolonged their admission dates to as late as October. Also, repayment of student loans has been postponed and penalty fees for late payments have been waived.

Some colleges or universities that have taken in students will ask for reimbursement from the institution where the student paid tuition for fall classes. At the University of Wisconsin, President Kevin Reilly announced a tuition waiver for the fall semester, but stipulated

that students who stay to complete their degree in Wisconsin will be charged for all credits they earn.

The federal government has also offered assistance to college students. “Our hearts go out to the victims of this unspeakable tragedy,” said Margaret Spellings, Secretary of Education. “We will work to ensure that federal student aid rules are applied in a way that enables every student displaced

by Hurricane Katrina to continue his or her education.”

So far, the U.S. Department of Education has set up Web sites that provide links to information for displaced students, parents, borrowers, colleges, universities, and financial institutions that participate in the Federal higher education student assistance programs.

Web Sites include http://www.ed.gov/katrina, http://www.nasfaa.org/linklists/k atrina.html and http://www

.globaled.us/studenthelp.

Questions from displaced students can be emailed to KatrinaFSAhelp@ed.gov or they can call (800) 4FEDAID (800) 433-3243).

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives unanimously approved two pieces of emergency legislation in late September focusing on federal student aid for students displaced

by Hurricane Katrina.

The first bill — the Pell Grant Hurricane and Disaster Relief Act (H.R. 3169), introduced by Rep. Ric Keller (R-FL) — gives the Secretary of Education the authority to waive a departmental requirement that compels students who withdraw from college to return a portion of their Pell Grants.

The second bill is the Student Grant Hurricane and Disaster Relief Act (H.R. 3668) sponsored by Rep. Bobby Jindal (R-LA). This legislation would ensure that students who were

New Orleans Refugees Find Home Continued from Page 1 life, said the son of a carpet installer and clinical research worker.

“In our household it wasn’t like ‘I got a headache, so I want to stay at home [from school],’ or if it rained,” he said. “Rather, it was ‘take some medicine and go to school.’”

He remembers that as teenagers, he and his siblings had a curfew of 8 or 9 p.m.

“Though I grew up in a public complex, I wasn’t subject to it,” said McIntyre. “And though I grew up next to drug dealers and winos, my parents provided a safe haven.”

Today he is grateful for his upbringing because it taught him to persevere through tough situations and pursue his goals, he said.

“I’ve always wanted to be a journalist,” McIntyre said with a smile. “I’ve been watching the news since I was 3 years old.”

He’s determined to continue his education and wants to be a role model for younger children.

“Most images of AfricanAmerican men are bad. They are either drug-related, prison-

related or gang-related. I want to show them that they can be somebody.”

McIntyre lives by a strict philosophy: “stay focused on your goals, close to your family and friends and even closer to God.” Every day he wakes up and tries to put these things in focus, said McIntyre.

At GCC, he is able to take his last two lower division classes, Spanish and history, which he needs to finish his general education requirements.

“We’re happy to have [the students from New Orleans] and to help the universities they come from,” said GCC President John Davitt. “They lost everything, so why shouldn’t we help them?” He hopes that the courses they take will be accepted when they go back to Xavier, Loyola, Tulane and other universities. He thinks these students will be at GCC for at least two semesters.

On their first day, McIntyre, and the other students from New Orleans were welcomed with a breakfast and encouraging words

by Steve White, Vice President of Instructional Services, and Sharon Combs, Vice President of

Student Services. McIntyre said he felt welcomed by his teachers and also the students in his classes. “Once they found out where I came from, they all wanted to sit down and talk to me,” he said. “They wanted to know how my family was, and where I’m staying.”

Xavier University is expected to reopen in January. “Hopefully everything is OK and I can stay here and finish the semester and then go home,” he said. “But it depends if they need my help to fix things on the house.”

He misses New Orleans, he said. “New Orleans is a unique city; the downtown buildings, the French Quarter. It has kept its style throughout the years and is a great city to live in. I’m certainly going home. Because home is home. There is no place like home.”

David Mince, another of the students, is a 49-year-old father of seven grown children. He was evacuated from the roof of a friend’s house in New Orleans after the storm and didn’t have

See REFUGEES, Page 3

forced to leave college because of “a major disaster” would not have to return other types of grants that are authorized under the Higher Education Act, which governs most federal student aid programs, including the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) program, the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) program, GEAR UP, and TRIO, all targeted toward low-income and disadvantaged students.

“It is our hope that these bills will be a part of a larger package of aid to our students and campuses that have suffered so much devastation over the past weeks,” said Spellings.

According to Reuters, in midSeptember, the Senate approved $3.5 billion to help hurricane victims pay for housing costs.

More than 1 million people that are thought to have been displaced by the storm and its aftermath. Other potentially costly amendments, including $5.5 billion in aid to displaced students and schools enrolling hurricane refugees, have been delayed, but House Democrats have expressed their desire for more aid.

Along with the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), the governmental department also created a Web site, www.CampusRelief.org, at which colleges can enter their information about programs their campus is offering for displaced students. Its Student Resource section also includes a state-by-state list of institutions offering enrollment to displaced students.

EL VAQUERO Glendale College Newspaper

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3

NEWS

Hurricane Refugee Starts New Life

By VIOLETA ARRAZOLA EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

I

magine being stranded on the roof of a house for two and a half days while the whole neighborhood flooded with more than 8 feet of water, with only Spam and crackers to survive on.

This is what David Mince, who was born and raised in New Orleans, had to go through in order to survive after Hurricane Katrina swept through on Aug. 29, wreaking havoc, flooding the entire city, and killing hundreds of people.

If being stranded on the roof of a home wasn’t bad enough, Mince also witnessed horrors beyond belief. “I saw a lot of bad things,” said the 50-year-old. “I saw dead people, cats, dogs and even a dead cow floating down the streets.

It was horrible.”

Mince and a friend were eventually rescued by the Coast Guard and taken to dry land. “A lot of people thought they took us to some great place or something, but they didn’t,” said Mince. “They just dropped us off in a spot that was dry and thought was safe and flew off to rescue some other people.”

After walking eight hours

to find shelter, Mince and his friend were picked up by a civilian in a Hummer who took them to Baton Rouge, which is northwest of New Orleans and had suffered minimal storm damage.

Mince, who was exhausted and was just trying to find a place where he could stay and sleep, finally found the Istrouma Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, where the American Red Cross had set up shelter for hurricane victims.

On the third day Mince was at the shelter, 10 buses full of people who had been housed at the Superdome in New Orleans, pulled up to the shelter to drop off those who had nowhere to stay.

But the people on the buses were not allowed to exit the buses because the shelter was already packed to full capacity.

Before the buses were directed to Houston, a few people managed to get off, and that’s when Mince found out that the shelter he was staying at was a far cry from what these people had lived through at the Superdome.

“The guys that got off the bus, came to us crying, saying ‘Why didn’t they come get us? Why didn’t they come help us?’ ” said Mince. “They told us atrocious stories of women getting raped and guys getting shot.”

That same night, after hearing

the horror stories, Mince was faced with an opportunity that he could not turn down.

“At about 9:30, a group of guys from the Dream Center walk in and say ‘anyone want go to Los Angeles?’ ” said Mince.

After learning from the group of Dream Center volunteers that they only had eight spots available on the private Learjet that was headed to California, Mince, along with his friend, signed up, were driven to the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport and hopped on the plane with only the clothes on their backs.

Since Sept. 4, Mince has been staying at Dream Center, a church-sponsored facility in Los Angeles that houses people in need, including hundreds of victimes of Hurricane Katrina.

“The Dream Center has the greatest bunch of people I’ve seen,” said Mince, who gets three hot meals a day, and has his own room, bathroom and television. The Dream center also gives hurricane victims staying at the shelter $100 a week and free medical care.

While at the Dream Center, Mince had another opportunity.

A Dream Center volunteer and former GCC student asked the hurricane victims if any of them would be interested in attending college. Mince jumped at the opportunity and is now attending

Photo by Elizabeth Linares David Mince was evacuated from New Orleans and now attends Glendale College on a fee-waiver plan.

Glendale College and taking two computer classes. All fees have been waived by the college.

In a news release on the GCC Web site, President See DAVID MINCE, Page 9

Refugees Find a Home in L.A. and on Campus Continued from Page 2 much time to pack. “I left all my pictures, thinking, ‘no, I’ll be back tomorrow,’” remembers Mince of the day he last saw his house.

The electrical installation engineer with a youthful stride and quick smile only frowns when thinking back to what was lost. “I lost everything,” he says.

“I rented a four-bedroom house.

Everything in the house, I lost it all. All had water damage. I lost two cars, a ’96 Chevrolet and a ’96 Cadillac. I lost my job. The company is out of business.”

When he heard that Glendale welcomed victims of the hurri-

cane, Mince decided to make the best out of a devastating situation.

He has been out of college for 30 years, “but I’ll come back,” laughs Mince confidently. “I’m excited,” he said two days before his first class. “I’ll open books and read a little bit to catch up with the rest of the class.”

For 30 years, Mince had installed radar systems in Navy ships, but lacking computer skills he had always been passed over for promotions. Now he’s trying to fill that gap in his education. “I feel like I’m computer illiterate,” he said. “That’s why I’m so excited to go to this community college.”

Every Monday through Thursday, he now takes a onehour bus ride from the Los Angeles Dream Center, the church in Echo Park that took him and the others in, to take his two computer science classes.

Unlike McIntyre, Mince looks forward to finishing all his classes at GCC and then maybe later obtaining a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

He said he might stay in Los Angeles and apply for a job here.

He would eventually like to design electrical systems rather than install them. “I’m looking forward to sitting behind a desk and having some air conditioning,” he smiles.

To support the evacuees, Glendale College waived nonresident fees and tuition. The college also provides scholarships to cover enrollment and other fees, as well as book vouchers and help with counseling and tutoring.

Also on campus, the honors club Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS), was one of the first groups on campus to initiate projects for the hurricane victims. Right after the hurricane, Ebelio Mondragon, vice president of AGS, “came up to me to ask me what my opinion was on starting fundraisers to collect money for Katrina,” said AGS president Elsa Urquilla. “Very

soon the collections started, and soon different cans were located all throughout school.”

The Admissions Office crafted Katrina ribbons, raising about $5,000 from sales. Most of the proceeds went to the Red Cross, but the organization may also support Dream Center, which houses McIntyre and Mince and other displaced people.

“GCC is very pleased that we’ve been able to offer help to a few people who suffered the trauma of Katrina. We’ll continue to offer help where appropriate,” said Combs.

Nancy Agbenu can be reached at Nancy_Agbenu@elvaq.com

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Friday, October 21, 2005

NEW BOOKS

Professor’s Book Looks at Tests of Manhood

By ALISON GELLER EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

hroughout history, men have devised tests by which to define themselves. Just ask Steve Taylor.

Taylor, a professor of English and humanities, has just published a book of short stories, “Cut Men,” and each of the stories is about how a man tests himself in search of meaning for his life.

The stories are told in different styles: some comedic, others serious, one from a Native American viewpoint.

“Men sort of define themselves by testing themselves in ways they don’t even understand,” said Taylor. “And then a lot of their lives are spent repairing what they cost themselves by testing themselves…I think the world of the male is more muddled then what it used to be. And yet there’s the same drive to test oneself and to define oneself by achievement, by passing those tests. A lot of it is subconscious and a lot of it is unnecessary.”

Taylor admits that now that he has thought about it, when he first began writing after high school it was a test for himself.

“The struggle was to prize, that was worth it.” see if I really was a “Phantom Limb” was “‘writer’,” said Taylor. not the first time “And that means that Taylor’s short stories you’re writing for valihave won him acclaim. dation, you’re writing “A number of years to make sure you can ago, I won the L.A. Arts do this, that you’re Council Literature good enough. Now I Prize,” said Taylor. don’t, I now know that “Three years ago, I was I can write. Now I’m the finalist in the sure that I write for the Katherine Anne Porter sheer agonizing joy of Prize and two years ago, writing…Lets put it I was runner up in the this way, William New Millennium Zinsser said ‘Writing is Awards. All [of them] hard and lonely and are national fiction comseldom fun, but competitions. That usually pletely worth it.’” means that you get about The agonizing has six or seven hundred paid off. Taylor took entries.” first place in the nationThe stories “Phantom wide 2004 Main Street Limb” and “Finding Rag Short Fiction Emily” from “Cut Men” Contest, for his story will be in the “2005 “Phantom Limb.”

MSR Short Fiction Photo by Jane Pojawa He had seen an ad in Steve Taylor’s new book delves into men’s lives and the way they test themselves.

Anthology,” scheduled the Poets and Writers for release Nov. 15. magazine for the competition and invited to submit a full-length 26 years, Francine. Matt, who “Suspension Day” is the story entered three of his short stories. manuscript of stories to be con- will be transferring from that was a finalist for the The editor of the Main Street sidered for publication, because Pasadena Community College to Katherine Anne Porter Prize and Rag called Taylor to tell him that they’re a book publisher,” said a UC school, has read his father’s that was runner-up in the New he was almost given both first Taylor. “And that’s what I did. book.

Millennium Awards competition.

“That was the best thing about It also is in “New Millennium and second place; it didn’t hap- They invited me and I sent it and [“Cut Men”],” said Taylor. “The Writings”, the 2005-2006 issue. pen, but all three of the stories they took it.” ended up in the top five.

He already had all of the sto- other night I went to dinner with Taylor plans to keep writing.

“Part of [this] competition was ries that went into “Cut Men” my wife and my older son, “I’m already working on some that the top two entries would be written prior to the competition. Matt…I was having a beer with more stories, but I’m also Except for one, which he scraped my son and he suddenly turned to halfway through a historical the original story he had written me and he said ‘Hey, by the way, novel. It’s a novel that starts in and wrote a new one, are all six to I just wanted to tell you that I the late Renaissance, but it’s thought ‘Shooting the P.M.’ was a about how a cult comes to be.” ten years old.

After many corrections and really fabulous story, a really fanTaylor started writing after he rewrites to the stories in the col- tastic story that I related to and I “didn’t do to well in high lection, which Taylor said drove think it speaks to my generation.’ school.” He then continued his the editor crazy, “Cut Men” was That made it all worthwhile; I education as a student here at thought if I never got anything GCC. From here he went on to born.

Taylor has two grown sons, else, if I never sold 10 more UCLA, where he got his bacheMatt and Logan, with his wife of books, if I never won another lor’s degree in English and credential in teaching. He went on to Columbia University, which he left for Vermont College, where he got his master’s in Fine Arts.

He earned his master’s in English at Claremont College.

Taylor has been teaching here for the past 24 years and also edited the “Eclipse” literary journal for four years when it was just a campus magazine, before it went national.

To obtain a copy of “Cut Men,” visit the publisher’s web site www.MainStreetRag.com.

Alison Geller can be reached at Alison_Geller@elvaq.com

Friday, October 21, 2005

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NEWS

Armenian Church Leader Visits Campus Continued from Page 1 the 15th century.

In addition to his role as head of the Great House of Cilicia, Aram I is Moderator for the World Council of Churches Central Committee, the highest WCC policy-making unit after the General Assembly. The World Council of Churches encompasses 320 churches from all Christian traditions, and has a worldwide membership of about 400 million people.

His Holiness’ arrival in Los Angeles has been met enthusiastically by the Armenian community, and at the student center, nearly 200 students, faculty and community members turned out for the event, including President John Davitt, Vice President Steve White, Armenian Student Association Advisor Levon Marashlian, Board of Trustees members Armine Hacopian and Vahé Peroomian, and former board member and current Glendale City Councilman Ara Nazarian.

The Armenian Student Association set up tables with display boards to illustrate various aspects of Armenian culture.

Six other student associations helped organize this special student forum: The ARF Shant Student Association, The UCLA Armenian Student Association, the Armenian Youth Federation, The Cal State Los Angeles Armenian Student Association,

Loyola Marymount Armenian Student Association, and the Cal State Northridge Armenian Student Association. Attendees were invited to ask questions in either English or Armenian; His Holiness speaks both fluently.

Aram I arrived with an entourage of Archbishops and priests. He was introduced in

Shant Student Association. He then introduced Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian.

Aram I began a brisk discourse on his theme for the day “Towards the Light of Knowledge.”

“Learning comes before teaching,” he said. He received his master’s in Divinity from the

Photo by Oliver Tan Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia meets President John Davitt, second from right. Also pictured is Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, from left, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Board of Trustees members Armine Hacopian and Vahé Peroomian, and former board member and current Glendale City Councilman Ara Nazarian.

both English and Armenian, including words of welcome from Aris Artunyan, a previous president of the Armenian Students Association, and trustee Hacopian. Introductions were followed by a speech in Armenian by Krikor “Koko” Krikorian of the the ARF

Photoshop Teacher Shocks and Awes

Near East School of Theology, his master’s of Sacred Theology degree jointly from the American University of Beirut and Near East School of Theology, and his doctorate from Fordham University in New York. He has also written more than 20 books on a wide range of topics, large-

ly related to ecumenical (church fellowship) matters.

“Knowledge is the basis of everything we do as rational beings,” he said. “Human beings cannot live without knowledge.”

Aram I places a high value on education and the place of youth in society, exhorting “You are our present – an inseparable part of our community,” and “any attempt at marginalizing our youth is unacceptable.” Ani Daniyelyan, current president of ASA, facilitated questions from members of the audience.

The Catholicos has a very definite directive for his constituents; he believes that a strong youth presence is needed to protect and reinforce Armenian culture. He deftly handled questions about the dangers of assimilation into the dominant culture and scientific knowledge leading to an erosion of faith. He recommended students “live with a sense of accountability,” and to “make values the driving force of your life.”

When questioned about materialism by student Arineh Petrossian, Aram I urged students to not be reactive, but proactive : “Do not take blindly what the world offers us; take from society only what is enriching, constructive, and positive.”

The timing of Aram I’s visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of His Holiness’ election to

Catholicos, the 75th anniversary of the Antelias Seminary, the 1600th anniversary of the Armenian alphabet and the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

“Genocide is a sin against humanity,” he said. “I am not against reconciliation, but reconciliation starts with forgiveness, and forgiveness starts with confession.”

His Holiness closed the meeting with a pressing matter of ecumenical concern, the escalation of religious violence. “Violence is a source of evil. Religion cannot be a source of violence.

Religion must serve peace, justice, reconciliation, and non-violence. We should join forces to combat violence in all forms and expressions.”

Jane Pojawa can be reached at Jane_Pojawa@elvaq.com

Attention Super Models: Our El Vaquero Photographers are looking for fresh talent. If you’re up for a photo session in the second week of November for an upcoming alternative fashion issue, drop us an e-mail. Extreme looks a p p r e c i a t e d . m/f

Oliver_Tan@elvaq.com

Club Raises $1,500 to Combat AIDS

J

oan Watanabe, head of the photography department, presented her Distinguished Faculty lecture, “Shock and Awe: Retouching for the Entertainment Industry,” on Oct. 6 in Kreider Hall.

The Distinguished Faculty Award is sponsored by the GCC Academic Senate following on-campus nominations and a committee selection process. The winner is announced each year during commencement ceremonies and is asked to give a presentation followed by a reception during the fall semester. After the presentation, attendees were invited to lunch in the culinary arts department banquet room.

Photo by Oliver Tan Oliver Tan can be reached at Oliver_Tan@elvaq.com

Photo by Jane Pojawa

The Lambda League, GCC’s Club for students who identify themselves as GLBTQ have had a busy week. On Oct. 12, they set up a booth in Vaquero Plaza for National Coming Out Week. On Sunday, they joined 26,000 other walkers with AIDS Walk Los Angeles to help raise $3.2 million. The Lambda League, which meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month in CR234, raised about $1,500 for the worthy cause. From left: Ryan Olaes, Lilit Grigoryan, Sose Panossian, Ronnie Rivera, and Aaron Hayden.

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Friday, October 21, 2005

F E AT U R E

Tug of War: Taiwan and China

Cultural Diversity Program Highlights Taiwan’s Struggle

By KASIA FAUGHN EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

J

oe Wang, Senior Press Attaché from the Information Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, visited the GCC campus Thursday to discuss Taiwan’s “bitter struggle for independence” with the college audience.

A part of the GCC Cultural Diversity Program, Wang’s speech focused on the history of Taiwan’s relationship with mainland China, the new administration’s pragmatism in foreign relations, and Taiwan’s participation in non-governmental organizations.

Wang’s presence on campus was an expression of the belief that talking to students, faculty members and mainstream social organizations helps “build a friendly bridge between Taiwan and the great country of the United States.”

Southern California seems to be an area of particular importance in Taiwanese struggle for independence and international recognition. Since about 120 flights to Taipei leave weekly from the Los Angeles area, and approximately 550,000 Taiwanese students attend California’s colleges, Wang referred to Southern California as “the gateway to the Pacific.”

With an apparent frustration, Joe Wang spoke about Taiwan’s exclusion from the international diplomatic and political scene.

He assured his listeners that Taiwan’s main goal is re-entering United Nations, which he humorously referred to as “mission impossible.” In September, Taiwan’s proposal to be recognized as a sovereign nation was turned down by the U.N. General Assembly for the thirteenth year in a row. “ As long as China is in United Nations our chances of re-entering as very slight,” he admitted.

Currently there are only 27 countries that recognize Taiwan as something more than just a part of the People’s Republic of China. The U.S. is not one of them, since it withdrew its sup-

port and recognition of Taiwan in 1979. However, Wang said, “The unofficial relations between the two countries have never stopped.” According to him Taiwan and the U.S. have a common vision of “preserving democracy, peace and prosperity around the world.”

Wang’s presentation was preceded by the Oct. 13 screening by the Cultural Diversity Program of the film “Tug of War: the Story of Taiwan.”

The documentary provided an overview of the nature of political and social relationships between Taiwan and mainland China over the last couple of centuries. Taiwan’s struggle to maintain its political and cultural identity was marked by the island’s frequent change of hands. Throughout its tumultuous history Taiwan was under the rule of victorious countries, such as Japan after 1895 and then China after 1945, following armed conflicts.

In the aftermath of World War II, Taiwan became flooded with refugees from mainland China who proceeded to establish the nationalistic government of the Republic of China on the island, in the opposition to the People’s Republic of China on the continent.

Under the nationalistic regime and marshal law in Taiwan, the islanders continued to struggle for their independence and identity. After being forced out of United Nations in 1971, and following the United State’s withdrawal of support for Taiwan, Taiwanese opposition grew stronger and evolved into a number of democratization measures.

Their efforts were rewarded with the lifting of marshal law in 1986 and a number of democratic reforms in following years.

Taiwanese democracy grew from the efforts of a number of opposition and separatist groups.

Although Taiwan and China became closer economically after China encouraged Taiwanese investments on the mainland in 1980s, their political relations remained strained.

In 1996, before the first direct presidential election in Taiwan,

Chinese authorities test-fired guided missiles off the coast of Taiwan, in an attempt to send a warning to the Taiwanese, who were widely discussing issues of independence in the light of the upcoming election. The U.S. prevented further escalation of the conflict.

Today Chinese authorities assert that Taiwan, also known as the Republic of China or ROC, is still a part of the People’s Republic of China.

Taiwan’s continued struggle for independence and identity is reflected in Joe Wang’s assurance that “There are two Chinas.”

Joe Wang concluded his speech with a reference to a traditional Taiwanese saying that “All men are brothers.”

“Taiwan is your brother. So please, be your brother’s keeper,” he pleaded.

Photo by Elizabeth Linares

Kasia Faughn can be reached at Kasia_Faughn@elvaq.com

As a part of the Cultural Diversity Program, Joe Wang was invited to speak on campus about Taiwan’s “bitter struggle for independence.”

Wilmer Valderrama & MTV Present

“YO MOMMA” IT’S RAP UNPLUGGED! IT’S DEF JAM MEETS 8 MILE! We’re looking for the best hard-core, street baggers out there!

Are you an expert at “Yo Momma” jokes? Amazing at quick comebacks? Do you “appear” to be between the ages of 18-22? Do you have a creative, clean, unique and innovative material that’ll blow us away?

If you THINK you can do this, stay home! If you KNOW you can...show us what you’ve got!

Are you game? Come by the Student Center on Wednesday between 10 a.m and 3 p.m.

All aplicants must reside in the greater Los Angeles Area *All participants must be 18 years of age in order to be selected for the show

www.elvaq.com

Friday, October 21, 2005

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F E AT U R E

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By KASIA FAUGHN EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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lthough the majority of the GCC population is never going to be affected by breast cancer, this month is a reminder that the issue must not be taken lightly.

According to the projections published recently by the American Cancer Society, about 211,240 women in the United States will be found to have invasive breast cancer in 2005 and about 40,410 will die from the disease.

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) started in 1985 as a week long campaign with only two founding members onboard. Today many public service organizations, professional associations and government agencies belong to the NBCAM Board of Sponsors, and every October they speak up about the benefits of early detection of breast cancer.

Beast cancer is the second most common cancer among women, skin cancer is first, and a second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer, the American Cancer Society warns. While its definite causes still remain a mystery to be unraveled by doctors and scientists, a number of risk factor have been linked to the disease.

Some of them are lifestylerelated and can be controlled.

For example, not having children, using birth control pills, drinking two to five alcoholic beverages a day, and being overweight have been linked to an increase in breast cancer incidence. Regular exercise and healthy diet are known to reduce the risk of having breast cancer.

There are a number of risk factors which are beyond control, the two greatest of them being age and gender.

According to the National Cancer Institute, a woman’s chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases significantly with age. A woman in her

thirties has a 0.44 percent chance of having to face the disease, while a woman in her 60s has a 3.82 percent chance that she will have to battle breast cancer.

Gender is another great risk factor for breast cancer. Being a woman is a single most crucial risk for breast cancer. However, it is a popular misconception that it is limited solely to women.

While this particular type of cancer is 100 times more common in women than in men, men are also at risk for developing breast cancer.

While a number of risk factors have been identified, some of the patients diagnosed with breast cancer have none of the risk factors, while others who have one or more risk factors never get cancer.

The estimated lifetime breast cancer risk has been gradually increasing in the last three decades. Luckily, so have the survival rates of breast cancer patients. Today, thanks to early detection and treatment, the overall five-year relative sur-

vival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer is 88 percent.

Although mammograms are not recommended for women under the age of 40, self-exams are a crucial factor in detection of breast cancer in young women. “Learning to do breast self-exams is very important,” assures Mary Mirch, Associate Dean of the GCC Health Services.

The Health Center, located in San Rafael building, offers a variety of written materials on breast cancer prevention, detection and treatment. Nurse practitioners are available to teach correct self-examination techniques.

The Health Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to set an appointment, call (818) 551 – 5189.

In celebration of NBCAM, a number of events are held in the community this month.

Verdugo Hills Hospital offers low cost screening mammography at the Dixie Lee Ratliff

Breast Healthcare Center. For more information or to make an appointment, call (818) 952-3557.

Glendale Harley-Davidson will hold the “Ride for The Pink” on Oct. 23 at 10 a.m. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. at Glendale Harley-Davidson, 3717 San Fernando Rd. in Glendale. Lunch and a concert by Cindy Alexander and Melinda Lira will follow at 12 p.m. Registration fees are $35 per rider, $25 per passenger, $10 Concert/lunch only, $1 each for additional raffle tickets. To register online, visit www.ridingforthepink.com, or call (818) 246 – 5618.

For general information on breast cancer, detection, diagnosis and treatment, visit National Cancer Institute at www.cancer.gov American Cancer Society provides breast cancer information on its website at www.cancer.gov More information on the NBCAM is available at www.nbcam.org Kasia Faughn can be reached at Kasia_Faughn@elvaq.com

Disabled Students Hold Open House Science Lecture Series Examines Prostate Cancer

By KASIA FAUGHN

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

By JANE POJAWA EL VAQUERO EDITOR IN CHIEF

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xcluding skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer () among American men.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 220,900 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. every year.

Men over the age of 45 who are in high-risk groups, such as African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer, should have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA), blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE) once every year.

Prostate cancer is becoming more survivable; over the past 20 years, the overall survival rates for all stages of prostate cancer combined have increased from 67 percent to

97 percent. Treatment options include hormonal therapy, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and watchful waiting. Early diagnosis is critical. Metastasis from the prostate to nearby lymph nodes, bones or other organs may be fatal.

“The Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer” will be the subject of the GCC Science Lecture Series on Thursday, Oct. 27, at noon in SB 243. It is free and open to the public.

The presentation will be given by Dr. James Lau, Chief of Urology at Kaiser Permanente Panorama City Medical Center. He is also on the clinical faculty at UCLA Department of Urology. Lau will discuss the causes, natural history, prevention and treatment of prostate cancer in the course of his lecture.

Jane Pojawa can be reached at Jane_Pojawa@elvaq.com

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he college’s Center for Students with Disabilities held an open house Wednesday to educate students and faculty members about the vast array of high-tech and instructional assistance services available to students with learning and physical disabilities.

The Center for Students with Disabilities currently serves about 10 percent of the GCC’s student population, according to the coordinator of the Instructional Assistance Center, Ellen Oppenberg. Many students seek help on their own, while others are referred by members of the faculty or the community.

Four learning specialists, two college-graduate tutors and a proctoring coordinator help students with disabilities succeed in their college courses. Each semester about 50 students are assessed for possible learning disabilities. No student is turned away or asked to wait. “We don’t believe in waiting lists,” says Cindy Daniels, a clinical psy-

chologist and a staff member.

Currently more than 150 students use test proctoring, which involves special accommodations for those who are unable to take tests in a regular classroom setting. About 100 students use

the ISC tutoring services in Math and English.

The High Tech division of the center features 20 computer workstations equipped with various educational aids. Available See DISABILITIES, Page 16

Photo by Jane Pojawa

Gretchen Conejo is a visually-impaired student who uses a computer with screen reader software and a Braille keyboard.

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Friday, October 21, 2005

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F E AT U R E

Importance of Roe v. Wade Cited

Club Plans Halloween Haunt

By JANE POJAWA

By PAULINE GUIUAN EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

“A

bortion is a basic human right,” said Amy Exelby, in a lecture on abortion rights conducted by the Women’s International Liberation League (WILL) at Kreider Hall on Oct. 12.

Abortion has been a controversial issue for years now, often sparking debate between different political groups. With the special election coming up in November and a proposition that concerns abortion, Proposition 73, appearing on the ballot, WILL was motivated to organize a lecture that would increase awareness on this issue among voters on campus.

The lecture, titled “The Future of Roe versus Wade in the New Supreme Court, was given by Exelby, the Political Director and Director of Public Affairs of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles.

According to Exelby, Planned Parenthood is an organization committed to lobbying and campaigning for women’s rights and to ensuring that comprehensive sex education is promoted and maintained. They also promote reproductive health care and offer services such as birth control, STD testing, pregnancy testing and “abortion care.”

Exelby discussed different Supreme Court rulings related to abortion, beginning with the Roe v. Wade case in 1973, which held that a woman’s right to an abortion fell within her right to privacy protected by the 14th Amendment. This was also recognized in an earlier case, Griswold v.

Connecticut (1965). The Roe v. Wade decision, based on the right to privacy between a woman and her doctor, gave a woman total autonomy over the pregnancy during the first three months of gestation.

“Roe versus Wade allowed pre-viability for women to get an abortion,” Exelby explained.

“After viability, the state had the right to regulate.”

Exelby briefly mentioned the Stenberg v. Carthart ruling of 2000 that “upheld health exceptions” for women seeking abortion. She then went into detail about an upcoming case, Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood,

which “has to do with a New Hampshire Law requiring parental consent if a minor wants abortion, but doesn’t have an exception to save the health of a minor,” said Exelby.

“There’s no exception in the law that says that if the girl’s health is in trouble, then she can

attend a very conservative church, and there’s a lot of back and forth about that, especially on the Democratic side.” Exelby also said that Miers being a conservative might be a threat to those who support abortion.

Proposition 73, one of the

Photo by Elizabeth Linares

Amy Exelby discussing abortion issues in a forum on campus.

have an abortion,” Exelby said.

Exelby also gave the student and faculty audience an overview of how the Supreme Court functions. “The Supreme Court decides 100 cases a year,” Exelby said. “Less than five are related to reproductive rights, choice, and access to reproductive health care.”

She discussed the nomination and affirmation of Chief Justice John Roberts after the death of former Chief Justice Rehnquist, who had given the dissenting opinion on the Roe v.

Wade case. Roberts had worked as a law clerk for Rehnquist at the beginning of the former’s legal career, and some senators today fear that Roberts will take the same stand as Rehnquist against abortion.

She then went on with the details of the nomination of Harriet Miers as a replacement for Sandra Day O’Connor, which is an issue among prochoice groups.

She asked the students to randomly call out words that they associate with Miers, and some of the students’ responses included, “rich,” “lawyer,” “religious,” “Republican” and “Bush’s closest ally.”

“There are many questions raised about her ability to be a Supreme Court judge,” Exelby said. “She’s been known to

propositions that will go on the ballot for the Nov. 8 special election, could further exacerbate the dangers posed to a young pregnant girl needing abortion for health reasons, Exelby said. This proposition states that “a parent has to be notified and a minor has to wait 48 hours in order to get an abortion.”

Exelby said that Proposition 73 was “insidious and scary,” and only puts young women in danger.

Many questions were raised among the audience during the discussion. One student, who said she was a mother, argued that as a parent, “my children are my responsibility and I should know what’s going on with them and help them make decisions.”

“It’s true that parents should be involved in their children’s lives and help them make life-changing decisions,” Exelby answered.

“But think of the many young girls you know who can’t talk to their parents…the girls whose parents abuse them, whose fathers may have even raped them and gotten them pregnant. What if their health was in danger and they needed an abortion?”

Another member of the

EL VAQUERO EDITOR IN CHIEF

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lub Anthro, the GCC anthropology Club, is getting into the holiday swing with a bake sale and a field trip to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Oct. 29. The bake sale benefited animal rescue organizations involved in the disaster relief.

In addition to the Latin American tradition of Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, anthropology students are also treated to presentations acknowledging European Pagan traditions.

Strictly speaking, any polytheist (“many gods”) religion is considered “pagan,” while monotheistic (“one god”) religions are variations on Judaism; Christianity and Islam, and perhaps Mithraism. Samhain (pronounced Sow-an, from a Celtic word meaning “summer’s end”) is one of the main Sabbaths, or holidays, for European Pagans.

In this tradition, the God is killed, and the Goddess, in Her aspect of Crone, grieves for his loss for the next 6 weeks, until Yule when the God is reborn and the days lengthen again.

It is a time when the barrier between this world and the afterlife is thin and spirits may pass through. Pagans welcome the spirits of those they have lost, let off a little steam before the harsh times of winter hit, give thanks for autumn’s bounty, and show veneration to the Goddess, now full of the wisdom and power of her Crone aspect.

Pagans, especially Wiccans, are sensitive to the public per-

audience asked Exelby about the scientific findings showing that at three months, the unborn fetus can already feel physical pain.

Exelby responded by saying that these findings “have not yet been proven,” and that research done on this subject “was done by pro-life scientists.” Exelby also said that a mother’s rights over her body outweighed the unborn child’s rights, especially when the mother’s health and well-being is in danger.

In response to a student’s question of whether Planned Parenthood should not encourage abstinence instead of abortion, Exelby said, “Planned Parenthood totally encourages abstinence, but

ception that often labels them as evil doers.

Pagans are not “devil-worshippers,” as they do not believe in a Devil, Satan, or any other malevolent deity.

As this is a time to reminisce about friends and family who have passed from our world, Pagans find that it is also appropriate to remember the young people who have fallen in Iraq, victims of the Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and the Pakistani Earthquake.

Wendy Fonarow, Club Anthro’s faculty adviser and GCC anthropology instructor, will lecture to the Classified Council on Thursday in AD 217 from 12-1 p.m. about the Day of the Dead.

The Dia de los Muertos event at Hollywood Forever is not to be missed. Club Anthro will be meeting at 4 p.m. at the marigold-bedecked fountain near the entrance to cemetery.

Yma Suma, singing sensation of the 50’s, will be performing at 5:15 p.m.

Hollywood Forever is a recently restored historical cemetery that features the graves as such Hollywood luminaries as Cecil B. DeMille, Jayne Mansfield, Rudolph Valentino, and Douglas Fairbanks. Club Anthro meets the first and third Tuesdays at 3 p.m. at Cafe Vaquero.

Hollywood Forever is located at 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood. For more information visit www.hollywoodforever.com Jane Pojawa can be reached at Jane_Pojawa@elvaq.com

we all know that it just doesn’t happen. Our culture is not an abstinent culture…that’s why we have to give our young women more choices.”

Exelby ended by encouraging all the students, staff and faculty present to vote in the Nov. 8 special election and to “say ‘no’ to Proposition 73.”

WILL meets at noon on Mondays in LB 210. Send inquiries regarding future activities to belljar187@yahoo.com

Pauline Guiuan can be reached at Pauline_Guiuan@elvaq.com

Friday, October 21, 2005

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F E AT U R E

Muslims Celebrate Holy Month of Ramadan

By PAULINE GUIUAN EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

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t was the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, the month of Ramadan, in 610 A.D. The prophet Muhammed was sitting alone in the wilderness near Mecca when the angel Gabriel appeared to him. Gabriel commanded Muhammed to read and taught him some verses from the Koran; these holy revelations continued for 10 days. It was on the 27th day of Ramadan when, according to the Koran, Allah (God) revealed His plan for the world for the following year.

This is why Muslims all over the world celebrate Ramadan today. Ramadan is a time of fasting (known to Muslims as “sawm”), worship, charity and contemplation. Its focus is on

self-sacrifice and devotion to Allah. According to www.holidays.net, this is when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on everyday concerns – including food and sexual activity.

Because the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar – meaning that each month begins with the sighting of a new moon and is 11 days shorter than a regular calendar month – Ramadan began on Oct. 5 this year and will end on Nov. 4.

During the Fast of Ramadan, Muslims practice restraints over their own lives. They do not eat or drink during the day, even excluding water, and at night they only eat in small portions and spend time with family and friends. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden dur-

ing the fast. All Muslims above the age of 12 practice fasting, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and this is believed to cleanse their minds and bodies of spiritual impurity and to remind them of the suffering of the poor.

The fast is broken at the end of the day with a meal called the “iftar,” and then the fast is resumed the next morning after families partake of the “suhor,” a meal taken before sunrise. This is in accordance with a passage from the Koran that says, “One may eat and drink at any time during the night, until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the daylight; then keep the fast until night.”

Five things are considered most offensive during the fast: “the telling of a lie, slander,

denouncing someone behind his back, false oath, greed and covetousness (www.holidays.net).”

Muslims believe that all the spiritual benefits acquired from the fast can be destroyed by these five sins.

It is also common for Muslims to visit their mosques, also known as their “masjid,” and spend several hours praying and studying the Koran. In addition to the five daily prayers that they recite, a special prayer called the “Taraweeh” (which means “night prayer”) is also said on Ramadan, and this is usually twice as long as the regular prayer.

On the 27th night, when Muhammed was believed to have first received the Koran from the angel, Muslims hold special rituals, sometimes spend-

ing the entire night in prayer.

This celebration is called the “Laylat-al-Qadr,” or the Night of Power.

The fast ends on the first day of the month of Shawwal on the Muslim calendar. This is celebrated with the holiday of “Id-al Fitr” or the Feast of FastBreaking. Friends and family gather over large meals and exchange gifts. In some cities, huge fairs are held to celebrate this holiday.

At the end of Ramadan, Muslims claim to feel a heightened sense of peace as well as increased kinship with fellow believers.

Pauline Guiuan can be reached at Pauline_Guiuan@elvaq.com

Katarina Refugee Gets New Start on Glendale Cmpus Continued from Page 3 John Davitt said: “We welcome the opportunity to lend assistance to any of the displaced students from our local area.

Additionally we welcome those students who may choose to come to the greater Glendale area.”

According to the California Department of Education, California colleges have taken in more than 500 refugees from Hurricane Katrina and currently there are four students attending GCC that were displaced by the hurricane.

Mince, who eventually plans to get a job as a contract electrician, which is what he did back at home, is thrilled to be in Los Angeles and going to school.

Besides schoolwork, Mince is spending every weekend with a group of Dream Center volunteers at Skid Row, feeding the homeless, reading to them or just spending time with them.

Nancy Agbenu, who is the Dream Center volunteer who told Mince and the other refugees about attending school,

feels Mince is an encouragement to the other hurricane victims at the Dream Center for giving back to the Los Angeles community. “The way he is dealing with everything that has been going on is unique,” said Agbenu.

“He’s full of energy and an encouragement for others. He is very grateful for all the help we give.”

Although he loves being in California and is getting the opportunity to go to school, he does miss New Orleans, especially one thing in particular. “I really miss all the food and the Cajun spices,” said Mince of his hometown, which is known for its gourmet spicy food.

While Mince has no immediate plans to return home, he eventually hopes to return to the city where he was born and raised. “I want to finish school here and get a job,” he said. “When the time is right, I’ll go home.”

Violeta Arrazola can be reached at Violeta_Arrazola@elvaq.com

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Friday, October 21, 2005

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11

NEWS

Hurricane Refugee Looks Toward Brighter Future GCC Computer Courses Give a Fresh Start to Displaced New Orleans Man, Dave Mince, Who Lost Everything; Now He Gives Back to His New City D

avid Mince, a refugee from Hurricane Katrina now lives at the Dream Center in Los Angeles and attends classes at GCC. On weekends he is involved with church activities, including ministering to the homeless of Skid Row. Mince has taken the tragedy of his situation and turned it into a triumph. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, he looks for opportunities to help those who are less fortunate than he is. He is practical, not sentimental. He provides fresh water and candy bars to people in the throes of heroin addiction, satisfying their physical needs before turning attention to their social and spiritual concerns.

Photos by Jane Pojawa and Elizabeth Linares Jane Pojawa can be reached at Jane_Pojawa@elvaq.com Photo by Jane Pojawa Photo by Jane Pojawa

David Mince lost everything in Hurricane Katrina, but he is determined to give back to the community that helped him.

Street cleaning is one of the services that Mince does as a volunteer to help the disenfranchised on Skid Row in Downtown Los Angeles.

Church group members sweep streets, then remove and dispose of the garbage.

Elizabeth Linares can be reached at Elizabeth_Linares@elvaq.com

Photo by Elizabeth Linares

Mince never used a computer before taking classes at GCC. He feels that these classes will help him in his work as an electrician because he often needed to look for instructions or diagrams that were posted on the computer system at his job.

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housands of homeless people live on the streets of Los Angeles. Most of those living on Skid Row have profound physical and mental health problems; drug addiction, alcoholism, AIDS, hepatitis, and staph infections are rampant.

Hope is in short supply.

A census of the homeless done in January by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority found that there are 83,347 homeless people in the city of Los Angeles, with the countywide figure estimated at 91,000. This is the largest number of homeless people in any metropolitan area in the country. Of these, 45 percent have physical disabilities, 33 percent have chronic health problems, 54 percent are alcoholics, 48 percent are drug addicts, 71 percent suffer from depression and 47 percent suffer from other mental illnesses. More information can be found on the Web site of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (www.lahsa.org).

Mince moves through this community with concentration and purpose.

The computer lab is a completely different environment, but Mince throws himself into it with the same high energy that he brings to his work with the homeless. He doesn’t stop and he never gives up.

Photo by Jane Pojawa

Photo by Jane Pojawa

As the bus full of church group volunteers arrives in Downtown Los Angeles, many of those they serve — the poorest of the poor, the vagrants on Skid Row — are seen through the bus window.

The men and women — and sometimes families — who make their homes in the area known as“Heroin Alley,” south of Los Angeles Street, receive services from Dream Center volunteers.

Photo by Elizabeth Linares

David Mince, at work in the computer lab in the San Rafael building, is learning skills that will help him when he returns home and resumes.his career as a marine electrician. He plans to stay at GCC and complete his courses.

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Friday, October 21, 2005

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FEATURE

Fabiola Torres: ‘I Love What I Do’

By OLGA RAMAZ EL VAQUERO

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

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rowing up in the city of Pacoima, Fabiola Torres was not exposed to options, much less opportunity.

“I don’t know if I can even say that I was going to be a teacher,” said Torres. “I grew up expecting to get married and have kids.”

The city of Pacoima, located in the San Fernando Valley, is home to a large, underprivileged Latino population. High school dropout rates for Latino youths rank in the 50th percentile. At some point, Torres found herself questioning her chances of attending a university.

“I thought universities were for rich, white people with English accents,” said Torres.

For Torres, a higher education was something that seemed inaccessible. A self- proclaimed product of Future Scholars, Torres credits different outreach programs for facilitating admission to Cal State Northridge.

“In junior high I was taken to CSUN and I was like, ‘wow, this is cool,’ ” said Torres. “I thought, ‘I could be here, really?’”

Torres calls CSUN her home. She recalls her alma mater with great joy and pride, stating that it was the place where she found her voice and learned how to shout. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northridge in Chicana/Chicano Studies and since 1996 has been a lecturer in the department.

Here at GCC, Torres is a full-time professor teaching several Ethnic Studies courses. Recently, Torres has stepped in as adviser for the Association of Latin American Students (A.L.A.S.). By no means is Torres taking over for founder of A.L.A.S., Carlos Ugalde, because as Torres said, no one ever takes over for Ugalde.

“He [Ugalde] is currently on sabbatical, doing great work in Latin America,” said Torres. “I am basically taking on the responsibility of the organization so that when he comes back it almost feels as if though he didn’t leave.”

Torres divides her time between work and activities outside of campus. She is involved with Smokin’ Mirrors, a production company based in Hollywood which looks to get Chicano productions off the ground through moral support and fundraising. The company hopes to get distribution for a film they just finished.

It’s a coming-of-age story by film maker Diana Perez, which focuses on college life and a young woman who finds her voice through activism.

Among other things, Torres is also involved with the Los Angeles Latino

Photo by Elizabeth Linares

Hailing from the city of Pacoima, professor Fabiola Torres often uses herself as an example to reinforce lectures in her Ethnic Studies Classes.

International Film Festival (L.A.L.I.F.F.), a festival which is dedicated to present the best Latino films made in the United States, Spain, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Torres was recruited to work in the youth program and has been key in developing the Community College Program.

“I’ve always had that persona of, ‘if I can go, why can’t someone else go’,” said Torres. “I have worked really hard to make this happen, and through the help of L.A.L.I.F.F. the community that I am working for, which is GCC, can go and see these films.”

This special event is being held on Oct. 28, at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood.

Students will be admitted for free with a valid school I.D. Attendees will be treated to four short films, one feature film, and a free lunch.

“Hopefully the GCC community can go and see these films and be inspired to maybe want to make a film, or just be inspired to be a better person,” said Torres.

With Torres’s involvement in L.A.L.I.F.F., it is no surprise that she loves to watch films in her spare time. She has cable and claims to have every single channel that exists, which can have its positives and negatives, for Torres has seen both good and bad movies.

Movies play a role in her classroom as well. On several occasions, Fabi, as she

more often than not likes to be referred to as, finds herself using selected scenes from films in order to enhance lessons and generate discussion among her students.

Her trusty Macintosh also plays an important role in the development of her lessons.

About three years ago, Torres was a part of a Mac campaign which focused on people who went from PC to Mac. Mac caught wind of Torres’s success story and asked her to be in one of their commercials. The commercial shows the side of Torres that students and colleagues like Mako Tsuyuki, professor of History and Social Science, have already seen.

“She is very energetic, enthusiastic and motivated in working with students,” said Tsuyuki. “She is also very visual and media oriented which students seem to enjoy.”

Both enthusiastic and passionate, Torres is in love not only with her Mac, but with her job as well.

“I love what I do,” said Torres. “I wake up every morning, I drink my coffee as I sit and watch the news and see all the horrible things that are happening, and I realize that I am the luckiest person on earth ‘cause I get paid to do what I love.”

The drive to succeed and continue to do what she loves comes from her influences, one of them being artist Frida Kahlo.

“She is part of my fuel that keeps my

fire going,” said Torres.

Torres has been known for wearing her hair up in delicately fashioned trenzas, pigtails, similar to those of the revolutionary Mexican artist. Her affection for Kahlo dates back several years, as she once said, long before the movie came out.

“To have her [Kahlo] in my heart is an honor,” said Torres. “I don’t think she would want me to emulate her, I think she would want me to fight for the same ideals she had.”

Kahlo is not the only iconic figure that can be found in Torres’s office. A picture of Ernesto “Che” Guevara can also be found leaning against the sole window in her office. A collection of books with titles consisting of Chicano and minorities among others, sit on shelves next to pictures of such important Chicano figures as Dolores Huerta, Cesar Chavez’s partner in the fight for migrant worker’s rights. And to help her keep up with important dates, a calendar by political cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz, one of Torres’s many acquaintances whom she feels privileged to be friends with.

Like Alcaraz, Torres shares similar political sentiments. And as far as the future of Latinos in the U.S. is concerned, Torres has her own prognosis.

“Two things can happen with Latinos, See TORRES Page13

Friday, October 21, 2005

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F E AT U R E

Torres: Pursuing a Goal for Justice Continued from Page 12 a bad thing and a good thing,” said Torres.

“We can become tokens or become makers of change.”

And in regards to the so-called 15 percent, Torres begs to differ. She claims that Latinos still do not make up 15 percent on T.V., film, and politics.

For Torres, percentages like these are not important. What she does believe to be important is teaching her students about the real issues that concern ethnic minorities day in and day out in this country and in other parts of the world.

Torres also believes that there is still a

lot of work ahead and the lack of voting and mobilization by the Latino community only gets in the way of advancement as a collective group.

“Slaves out numbered their masters and only when they organized were they able to rebel,” said Torres. “But if they were fearful and divided they stayed slaves forever. That is what I think about the 15 percent.”

In 10 years Torres hopes to still be working at GCC, hopefully tenured, and having seen her work flourish through her students.

“I want that person [student] to call me up and say, ‘Fabi I just got my Ph.d., come

to my party.’ That is what I want,” said Torres.

At the end of her long day, Torres does not look for a perfect picture of what it means to be a woman, she looks for that perfect picture of what it means to be a human. She stresses the importance of finding ideals and connecting them to education, according to her, lack of ideals result in the lack of vision and dreams. And for Torres, mistakes do not exist, only learning experiences.

Growing up in Pacoima shaped the person Torres is today and she cannot help but to incorporate her life experiences into her lectures.

“I teach Ethnic Studies, and yet I lived that experience that we read in our books,” said Torres. “I was that kid who wasn’t given the opportunity.”

And now that she has the opportunity, she defines herself as being non-stop, living and breathing a dream of justice for all.

“If I am a true American and I am saying ‘and justice for all,’ I mean justice for all,” said Torres. “For women, people of color, for gay, transgender, confused, for all. We cannot have freedom if someone is left behind, and that is my love. I have an affair with justice, and that is my goal.”

Olga Ramaz can be reached at Olga_Ramaz@elvaq.com

GCC Welcomes ‘Shaky Peanuts’

Photo by Jane Pojawa

“Shaky Peanuts” showcases an array of works produced with elements such as wood, cast plaster and found objects.

U

sing wood, found objects and cast plaster, artists Mason Cooley and Donald Morgan have created a unique ensemble of sculptures that can be found in their current exhibition “Shaky Peanuts” which runs in the GCC Art Gallery through Nov. 12.

The sculptures in this latest exhibition are intended to convey mystification and humor in equal measure.

Cooley and Morgan have exhibited their work in Los Angeles, nationally and internationally for nearly ten years.

With this particular exhibition, Morgan and Cooley intend to foreground the dialogue between their fascinations and working methodoligies.

A reception for the artists willl be held on Nov. 12 from 4-7 p.m.

Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday by appointment only.

For more information visit www.glendale.edu/artgallery

Photo by Jane Pojawa

Egyptian OneEighty by Donald Morgan, one of the many pieces that can be found at the “Shaky Peanuts” exhbition which runs through Nov. 12 at the GCC Art Gallery.

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Friday, October 21, 2005

www.elvaq.com

E N T E RTA I N M E N T

Album Cardigans Button it up With New CD r e v i e w

By OLGA RAMAZ EL VAQUERO

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

N

ot a typical breeding ground for pop music, Sweden is generally known for its Swedish meatballs and one of its greatest pop exports to date, Abba.

But Sweden also gave the world The Cardigans, one of the most successful bands of the ’90s, which follows the curve of its popularity with a strong new release, “Super Extra Gravity.”

Their follow-up to 2003’s “Long Before Daylight” stems from extensive touring throughout Europe where the band played several festivals and small, more intimate club gigs.

Recording sessions started shortly after the completion of the tour when the group finally came together in Gula Studion, a studio in their hometown of Malmö. Splitting their time between the studio and their respective homes, where diaper changing is now on the top of the to-do list for Cardigan Lasse Johansson and Bengt Lagerberg, the band worked feverishly to produce a beautifully written album from beginning to end.

Taking a stab as producer this time around is Tore Johansson, who had lent his services on the groups previous release but was “fired” during the recording of the last album over creative differences. Johansson also produced the band’s 1998 recording, “Gran Turismo.”

Familiar elements, which can be traced back to their previous work, can be found on this album. The strong melodies and vocalist Nina Persson’s sweet, uncanny voice are once again the shinning stars of this latest effort.

However, the difference this time around is a much more unrestricted and unpredictable sound, as opposed to a polished, over-produced album.

The end result is 14 tracks, none of which are alike. Songs full of contempt, revenge, lust and wall-to-wall guitar, guarantee to raise some eyebrows, snap

some fingers, tap some feet – all punctuated by the occasional flying guitar solo.

The first track on the record, “Losing a Friend,” is a melancholy song heavily engulfed by regret and contempt. A tearful guitar opens the song, giving way to Persson’s soft, yet raspy voice as it is accompanied by pounding drums, a barely there organ sound, and sporadic guitar solos.

The delightfully cocky, “I Need Some Fine Wine and You, You Need To Be Nicer” is one of the grittier songs on the album.

Just like on the first track, the song opens up with an electric guitar that not only manages to draw in the listener, but also manages to set a tone for what’s to follow. And what’s to follow is a sassy Persson summoning her lover, who in this song in particular is being personified as a dog, to “sit,” “stay” and “rollover.”

This upbeat track shines for its loose yet precise nature. Peter Svensson, Lagerberg, Magnus Sveningsson, Johansson, drums, bass, and organ respectively, do a great job of interplaying each instrument into one collective piece, creating a balance both musically and lyrically, matching Persson’s inyour-face feistiness.

Rounding off the record is “Slow,” which is without a doubt one of the best songs on the album. Sticking to the basics, the band goes unplugged for this one, whipping out the acoustic guitar and bass.

Thrown into the mix, light drumming and a very faint keyboard which make the song somewhat depressing, yet hopeful at the same time despite its gloomy tone and lyrics.

Throughout the song

there is a ghostly aura, similar to that of the late Johnny Cash.

Whether or not the band looked to Cash as an inspiration, they have unwittingly managed to capture his essence in this fourminute song, a song which would have fit nicely in Cash’s 2002 release, American Recordings IV: The Man Comes Around, an album full of cover songs as well as classic “Man in Black” recordings.

The band has had its share of hits thanks in part to past albums like “Gran” and “First Band on the Moon” (1996). Their major breakthrough came when their single “Lovefool” was included on the “Romeo & Juliet” soundtrack that same year.

Consequently, the band reached platinum status in the United States, and found themselves at the number one spot in the

airplay charts.

In a world full of bad cover bands, cover songs, over-produced records and anal retentive musicians, there is a desperate longing for bands to flip the bird every now and then and go astray from what is expected and create music that they enjoy performing. Something refreshing and different is always welcomed and with this album, the band has earned the embrace of the industry and the listener.

Stripping down to the basics, synthesizers and elaborate studio gadgets aside, these Swedes have accomplished what most bands now a days have trouble doing; making a good record from beginning to end.

If there is one thing that is for sure its that this album has something for everyone, so there really is no need to skip around to

find the better track on the record. However, if skipping does occur, be forewarned, the risk of missing out on impeccable musicianship is very high.

The year is winding down and the chances for another record, similar in flawlessness, are slim to none.

Upbeat, mellow, intricate and plain, the songs on this album are able to satisfy any musical palate with both their dark/feisty/hopeful/lyrics and the array of instrumental talents. This recording promises to be yet another success for the Swedish quintet who have managed to beautifully craft one of the better albums of 2005.

Rating **** out of four

Olga Ramaz can be reached at Olga_Ramaz@elvaq.com

Friday, October 21, 2005

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E D U C AT I O N A L O P P O RT U N I T I E S

An Experience of a Lifetime

By ALISON GELLER EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

ired of going to the same place, surrounded by the same walls everyday to learn from a book? Well that’s not the only way to learn.

Students at GCC may participate in a program called Study Abroad. Through this program students can visit exotic locales, immerse themselves in different cultures, and learn in a hands-on approach that is considered to be an experience of a life time.

“It’s truly a life changing experience,” said Elsa Urquilla, a second-year student who is also Senator of Campus Relations and a Study Abroad Assistant.

The Study Abroad program offers several different trips a year, one in winter and three in summer.

This winter is the New Zealand/Australia excursion; the cut off date to apply for this trip is Nov. 11 and this program has only a handful of vacancies left.

In summer there are three to choose from: the Greece trip, the Prague/Venice trip or the England/ Ireland trip; the cut off dates for these are in the middle of March/April.

Each excursion has about five to six days of on campus learning to get prepared for the trip and to start the classes. The students will then be abroad for about 28 days.

“The way that [the Study Abroad program] enriches [the students] is invaluable,” said Darren Leaver, the Director of the Study Abroad program, geography professor and one of the professors going on the New Zealand/Australia trip. “And it could just be as far as they meet people in business in the future and ‘oh you’ve been to New Zealand too’ and all of a sudden you have a connection with that person.”

Leaver has been to New Zealand many times and has gone on a previous Study Abroad excursion to New Zealand as a guide because he knows the area so well.

All students who wish to

attend one of the programs must complete the Study Abroad Application and Reservation Forms. To qualify to go on one of these trips students must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher, a letter of recommendation from a friend, family member or co-worker and a letter of recommendation from an instructor.

“We’re looking for things that let us know they’d be a good traveler,” said Leaver. “Is this

can go see a place or you can go experience a place. I want them to go experience the place,” said Leaver in regards to how helpful the textbooks are that the students use on these trips.

Students will be using the Lonely Planet guidebooks as textbooks in the International Field Studies course for the New Zealand trip. Each book contains a wealth of knowledge.

Everything from the history of

Students scramble through Fox Glacier with Darren Leaver in 2002’s Study Abroad trip to New Zealand.

student capable of learning under these unusual circumstances?”

All Study Abroad programs usually offer three courses. It is recommended that students take two of the three courses, depending on their needs. The courses are usually transferable to Cal State and UC campuses.

“There are two things, you

each city, maps and facts and information on: the culture, the environment, food and drink.

An example of pertinent information is listed on the inside cover of the New Zealand guidebook. It lists exchange rates, business hours, and some key phrases. “Kia ora,” which means “ Hello”, “I’ll have a handle/seven/twelve,” “I’ll have a

beer,” and “You like rugby?” meaning, ‘Can I bore you to tears with rugby statistics.”

The students going on the Prague and Venice trip will be getting quite a treat. Jiri Holub will be teaching the International Field Studies class in the Prague/Venice trip. Holub is a Professor of Political Science at Charles University in Prague and he will also accompany the students to Venice as well.

“Professor Holub, a Czech professor, was the Czech Republics Ambassador to Italy back in the 1990’s,” said Ted Stern, professor of music and one of the professors going on the Prague/Venice excursion.

“So not only does he know the Czech Republic really well he knows Italy really well.”

Stern has gone on the Prague Study Abroad trip five times.

But don’t think it will be all work and no play. Depending on which of the four programs students go on they may have a lot of free time to go and explore other places besides where they are staying.

“Three and a half days a week you’re a college student,” said John Queen, in regards to the England/Ireland trip. “Three and a half days a week you’re a tourist. Even in the evening and in the afternoons you’re going to have time to poke around in the various cities.”

Queen is a professor of political science and will be one of the professors on the England and Ireland trip. He has gone on the Study Abroad program to Ireland twice before. And this time it’s an England and Ireland trip. The students will be staying in three different cities: London, Dublin, and Galway. “[The Study Abroad program] has given me a love for traveling,” said Urquilla when asked about her Study Abroad trip to Greece last summer. “I never thought [traveling] would be something I would get into.

But now it has become a hobby.”

Urquilla will also be going on this winter’s trip to New Zealand and Australia. There she will be visiting Auckland, Waitomo, Rotoura, Wellington, Christchurch, Franz Josef and Queenstown in New Zealand

then off to Sydney, Australia.

And she isn’t the only student who gained a love of travel and different cultures through this program.

“On several trips we’ve had people actually say: ‘I’m not going to return at this time. I’m willing to forfeit my return ticket. I’m going to look for employment and I’m just going to spend the next year here,’” said Stern in regards to the Prague trip. “And they do just that. They get jobs teaching English or something like that.

Over the last five trips we’ve had three or four students who’ve actually chosen to do that…Prague and Venice are two of the most magical cities in the world…people just fall in love with it.”

“One of the most spectacular and spiritual places that we go to is Sanorini [in Greece],” said Caryl St. Ama, who is a professor of Art, and is one of the professors going on the Greece trip.

“It is amazing geographically, artistically, it’s just awe inspiring.”

St. Ama has been to Greece over seven times Generally 30 to 36 students go on a study abroad trip, accompanied by two or three professors. That’s a very small student to professor ratio. And you make lasting bonds with not only the other students but with the professors as well.

“We go on field trips together…we’re all traveling together,” said Queen. “You develop more of a bond then you would normally get in the classrooms here. We become ‘Uncles’ as well as professors.”

“We’re with the students 24/7”said St. Ama. “We [eat] with them, we travel all the time.

So there’s a real nice bond that happens.”

St. Ama has become good friends with some of the students who have gone on the trips with her. In fact she and her husband, Gordon Alexandre, have recently met up with two students from the 2002 Study Abroad trip.

Alexandre is also a professor political science at GCC and is one of the professors going on See STUDY ABROAD, Page16

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Friday, October 21, 2005

E D U C AT I O N A L O P O RT U N I T I E S

Disabilities

Study Abroad Program

Continued from Page 7

Continued from Page 15

to students with learning or physical disabilities are a Text Enlargement program, speech recognition, text-to-speech, and outlining software, alternative keyboard and height adjustable tables The Instructional Assistance Center is located in San Gabriel building, Room 112. For information, call (818) 240–1000, ext. 5530.

The High Tech Center is located in the San Gabriel building, Room 108. For information, call (818) 240–1000, ext. 5402.

the Greece trip this year.

Stern says that some of the students have become personal friends after the trip. And that sometimes he won’t see a student for a several months to a year but then they’ll stop by “and they always talk about how their life was changed by the trip.”

“I learn as much about my students as they learn about me,” said Leaver.

There are rarely any problems when students go on the Study Abroad programs. The most common issue is homesickness. However there have been a few cases worth noting.

“You know the drinking age here is 21,” said Stern. “Over [in Prague] it’s 18. And so there are always students who say ‘wow I can suddenly drink.’

Course what they forget is that the European attitude for drinking is you may be legally able to drink, but they expect you to drink responsibly.”

According to Stern the one real problem they encounter is students who drink too much and can’t hold their liquor. One student ended up vomiting on a public tram. She offended the passengers so much that the driver stopped the tram and kicked her off, after making her clean up the mess.

In Greece, St. Ama says, they had only one problem when she first went to Athens. Several students were late for the bus and after waiting about 30 minutes, they left the students in Athens while they went and toured the Acropolis and the Archeological museum. The late students were stuck in Athens all day and missed out on the other sites. St. Ama says that after that they had no more problems with late students.

And according to Queen, in England and Ireland students need to learn that they need to look right instead of left first when crossing the street. And that’s the hardest thing to remember that they drive on the other side of the road over there.

But if you do rent a car Queen says you learn real quick which side of the road you’re supposed to be driving on.

All the professors agree that the Study Abroad program is a

Kasia Faughn can be reached at Kasia_Faughn@elvaq.com

Gretchen Conejo and Kobi, at the Instructional Assistance Photo by Jane Pojawa

smart move financially if students want to travel to these locations.

Just flying from LAX to Auckland, New Zealand and then taking a trip to Sydney, Australia round trip from both places costs about $1,960. And that’s just the flight costs; this isn’t including room and board, public transportation, entrance into different exhibits, museums, tour guides and so on.

But by going on the New Zealand/Australia trip students can save a lot of money. For $3,999, not only is air fare included, but also accommodations in 3-star hotels (based on double and at times triple occupancy), a lot of transportation, daily breakfasts, welcome and farewell dinners, and a large amount of sightseeing tours and museums.

And that’s the case in all of the other trips. The prices differ for each program; Greece costs $3,599, Prague/Venice costs $3,499 and England/Ireland costs $3,999. For each program prices are subject to change.

These prices do not include air departure tax, textbooks and class fees.

Financial aid is available for those intereted in attending one of these programs. Contact Dennis Schroeder at (818) 2401000 ext. 5433 for more information.

For more information on the study abroad programs visit the Study Abroad office in the Administration Building, Room 145-C. The phone number is (818) 240-1000 ext. 5718. The program’s Web address is www.glendale.edu/studyabroad and the E-mail is studyabroad@glendale.edu.

Leaver is always looking for ideas for new study abroad trips and is open to suggestions from students.

He looks at travel this way: “Are you going to have stories to tell your grandchildren?”

Alison Geller can be reached at Alison_Geller@elvaq.com

Friday, October 21, 2005

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S T U D E N T O R G A N I Z AT I O N S

Student Officers Participate in Big Way

By PAULINE GUIUAN EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

E

very student at GCC pays a $15 student services fee, along with their tuition fees, at the beginning of each semester.

That amount, added to the money from vending machines, payphones and investment income, goes to the $262,252.72 annual operating budget for the 2005-2006 academic year.

This is then allocated to the different college departments to spend on various services and projects, including the band performances and special events in Plaza Vaquero that most GCC students get to enjoy while having lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as this publi-

cation, the El Vaquero. All this and more is planned and organized by the Associated Students of Glendale Community College (ASGCC).

The ASGCC is the school’s official student organization. Its legislature meets weekly to determine budgetary expenditures, establish and review policies, and coordinate programs and services that benefit students. Campus-wide elections are held every semester to choose 21 student leaders.

“We’re here to represent the students,” says Tina Berberyan, ASGCC’s Senator of Administration. She said that all students are entitled to participate in all events, programs and services financed by the ASGCC because they “pay [student serv-

ices] fees at the beginning of the semester, and a portion of that goes to the budget.” This budget is used for campus activities and programs throughout the semester, including athletics, dance productions, theater, national field studies and the newly established cheer squad.

The ASGCC is divided into six different committees, each with different responsibilities: the administration, which takes care of all the minutes and the organization’s constitution; the finance committee, which manages the budget and all monetary matters; the campus activities committee, which coordinates all special events on campus; the campus relations committee, which administers all cultural relations and recruiting; the cam-

pus organizations committee, which acts as a liaison with all student clubs and organizations; and lastly, the governance committee, which involves faculty and staff who help make decisions and plans with the ASGCC. In addition, there is an executive branch, which oversees all the committees.

“All the committees are different, completely different,” Berberyan says. “Some, like us, have administrative functions.

We focus on the minutes of the meetings and keep the agenda updated. Others are more creative and work with the [campus] clubs.”

“We function as the internal watchdog of the organization,” says Thomas Dryden, Vice President of Administration, when asked about the administration committee’s responsibility. “We also participate in the governance committees, which concerns every aspect of college life.” Dryden explains that the ASGCC members get two votes in the governance committee, a group involving faculty, administrators, classified staff and members of the ASGCC that hold deliberations regarding plans and policies for the college. By voting on behalf of the students in this committee, the organization is able to present the students’ interests.

Being an ASGCC officer is no easy task. “Everyone in the ASGCC is enrolled in [at least] nine units,” Dryden says, in addition to all the projects and activities they plan and organize within the ASGCC. The responsibilities and activities are time-consuming, Berberyan says. “We have to balance them with schoolwork. We need to maintain a 2.0 average.”

But being active in the organization also has a lot of perks.

“It’s the people you meet and work with,” Berberyan says.

“These are diverse people you don’t just meet in the classroom.”

“It’s knowing you can make a difference,” Dryden adds, and this is done by representing the interests of the students in front of the faculty and administration and helping to enrich their college experience by spearheading projects and activities that they enjoy and learn from.

Both officers agree that being in the ASGCC is a rewarding experience, which is what motivated them to run for office in the first place. “I like to be busy,” Berberyan says. “I enjoy maintaining a balance and helping out.” Berberyan says that “helping out” means making sure that GCC students benefit from campus services.

For Dryden, being in the ASGCC is all about making a difference on campus. “I’d like to give back [to the school] what I’ve received.”

The ASGCC is currently very busy in planning and organizing different projects for the semester. One of these, according to Dryden, is finding a replacement for current GCC President John Davitt, who is soon retiring. The ASGCC will represent the students in selecting a new college president during governance committee deliberations on the matter.

The organization’s activities committee plans a variety of events that students can enjoy at the Plaza Vaquero every Tuesday and Thursday at noon. ASGCCsponsored activities for the month of October include a blood drive, a performance by the Immaculate Mess band at the Plaza Vaquero, Athlete Appreciation Day and Art Gallery Day. The blood drive, according to Dryden, was “very successful.” “It was the most units of blood ever collected by the health organization who came [to campus],” he says.

The organization is also working on encouraging the students to increase their awareness and participate in the Nov. 8 special election, which involves several ballot propositions that concern issues like health, abortion and labor.

The ASGCC encourages all students to participate in their programs and activities. “Once you pay your [student services] fees, you’re automatically entitled [to benefit from the programs],” says Dryden. “It’s only a matter of whether you choose to be active or not.”

See OFFICERS, Page 18

Pauline Guiuan can be reached at Pauline_Guiuan@elvaq.com

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Friday, October 21, 2005

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S P O RT S

Bi-Weekly Vaquero Sports Updates Scores Highlights CROSS COUNTRY It was a clean sweep for the men’s and women’s teams as both squads were victorious in the team portion of the Santa Barbara Invitational on Oct. 15. The men won their portion of the meet with 52 points, their third victory in a row, and the women won their team title with 53 points. Luis Castenada led the way for the men over the four-mile course in 20:08.02 to finish fourth overall. Ivan Perez was the next Glendale finisher in ninth place in 20:36.86, Joseph Lopez was 10th in 20:38.40, Preston Richardson was 11th in 20:41.05 and Alberto Ramos was 18th in 20:56.26.

Liliana Hernandez was the top finisher in the women’s 3.1 mile race in 19:31.76 to finish third.

Maribel Cespedes was seventh in 20:43.50 and Maria Castenada was 18th in 20:55.07.

The Vaqueros are off this weekend and will compete next in the Western State Championships Tuesday, Oct. 25 at Allan Hancock College at 3 p.m.

FOOTBALL Glendale ran its winning streak to three games with a 3512 win over Pierce College Oct.15 at Pierce. The inter-divisional win improves the

rushed for 129 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.

Quarterback Steve Martinez threw one touchdown pass to Darion Donnelly and completed 10 of 17 passes for 134 yards.

player of the week Jason Bonwell, who led the team with six tackles, one pass deflection, one running back sack, one quarterback sack and four hurries.

Matt Patterson added 13 tackles.

Photo by Oliver Tan GCC’s Janet De La O, no. 8,.scored 4 goals against L.A. Valley College, on Oct.18. The Vaqs went on to win 5-1.

Vaqueros overall record to 4-2 and they remain 2-1 in the WSC South. Offensively, the team was led by WSC offensive player of the week Jamal Rashad who

Donnelly was the leading receiver with six catches for 79 yards and one score.

Defensively, the Vaqueros were led by WSC defensive

ASGCC Officers for Fall 2005 President — Haik Chilingaryan Vice President of Administration — Thomas Dryden Vice President of Finance — David Arakelyan Vice President of Campus Activities — Artur Karasyov Vice President of Campus Relations — Armineh Dereghishian Vice President of Campus Organizations — Erick Santos

Senators of Administration — Tina Berberyan, Sevanna Hartonians, Nune Sogomonyan Senators of Finance — Mariam Harutyunyan, Sevada Isayan, Aren Manoukian Senators of Campus Activities — Nune Aleksanyan, Edwin Baboomian, Aylin K. Movsesyan Senators of Campus Relations — Narek Begijanyan, Elsa C. Urquilla, Linda Valenzuela Senators of Campus Organizations — Bianca Khachatourian, Abel Martirosyan, James Vega See related story, Page 17

The Vaqueros return home to Sartoris Field tomorrow with an important divisional match up against Citrus College. Game time is at 5:00 p.m.

WOMEN’S SOCCER Glendale continued their dominance as they won 5-1 at home against Valley College on Oct.18. They are now 9-5-1 overall and 3-3 in the WSC. The Vaqueros split a pair of games last week as they fell to Bakersfield 2-0 on Oct. 11 and beat Citrus 2-0 on Oct.14 behind goals by Jennifer Barrientos and Roxana Garcia. The Vaqueros host Oxnard today and begin round two of WSC matches against Santa Monica College on Oct.25 at Sartoris Field.

Both games start at 7:00 p.m.

MEN’S SOCCER The Vaqueros fell to Canyons 2-1 on Oct.18 and to Hancock 1-0 on Oct.1. They are now 2-9-4 overall and 1-33 in WSC. Glendale plays at Santa Barabra on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL The Vaqueros record dropped to 0-10 and 0-4 in WSC after a three-game loss to Canyons on Oct. 18.

Glendale plays at Pierce today at 7 p.m.

Alex leaon can be reached at ext 5764 at ext 5764

Attention MySpacers, Bloggers, Yahoo Groupsters and All! El Vaquero is looking for students and faculty members who have taken a click-and-build Website and made it uniquely their own.

The El Vaquero staff will be evaluating applicants and profiling our hit picks.

E-mail your name, contact information, and web address to: Jane_Pojawa@elvaq.com

Friday, October 21, 2005

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CALENDAR O N C AMPUS EXHIBITIONS “Shaky Peanuts” — The GCC art gallery presents sculptures by Donald Morgan and Mason Cooley in an exhibit titled “Shaky Peanuts,” running through Nov. 12. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturdays are by appointment only. For more information, call Roger Dickes, the newly appointed gallery director, at (818) 240-1000, ext. 5663 or www.glendale.edu/art gallery.

PERFORMANCES “Caterpillar Soup” — The Glendale Community Center for Students with Disabilities presents “Caterpillar Soup” at the Auditorium Mainstage Theater on Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (818) 240 1000, ext. 5449.

“Romeo and Juliet” — The GCC Theater Arts Department presents William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” in the Auditorium Mainstage Theater.

Performamces are at 8 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday and Nov. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12.

Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. on Oct. 30, Nov. 6 and 13.

Admission is $10, $6 for students and seniors, and $4 per person for groups of 10 or more. For information and reservations, call (818) 240-1000, ext.

5618.

“Phanatics” — The Glendale College Dance Department presents its annual fall recital, caalled “Phanatics,” on Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. in the Sierra Nevada dance room. Admission is free and on a first come first serve basis. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext.

5556.

“Last Leaves of Autumn” — The Glendale College Jazz Band will be in concert Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. in the Auditorium Mainstage Theater. Instrumental arrangements of jazz and popular tunes will be performed.

Raymond Burkhart directs.

Admission is $7, and $5 for students and seniors. For more information, call (818) 2401000, ext. 5621, or visit www.glendale.edu/music.

SPORTS GCC Women’s Soccer — • The GCC women play Oxnard at GCC tonight at 7 p.m.

• The GCC team meets Santa Monica at GCC on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

• The GCC Women’s Soccer team plays College of the Canyons at GCC on Friday at 7 p.m.

GCC Men’s Soccer — • The GCC team meets Santa Barbara at Santa Barbara on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

• The GCC men play Oxnard at Oxnard on Friday at 4 p.m.

GCC Women’s Volleyball — • The team faces L.A. Pierce at

L.A. Pierce tonight at 7 p.m.

•The GCC team plays Bakersfield at Bakersfield on Friday at 7 p.m.

• The GCC women’s team meets Citrus at GCC on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.

GCC Football — • The football team plays Citrus at GCC on Saturday at 5 p.m.

• The GCC team meets West L.A. at West L.A. on Oct. 29 at 1 p.m.

Men’s and Women’s Cross Country — Championships at Hancock on Tuesday at 3 p.m.

LECTURES / FILMS Science Lecture Series — Glendale College’s Science Lecture series are presented on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. in Santa Barbara Room 234. The series features: • Kaiser Permanente Director Dr. James Lau presents “The Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer” on Thursday.

• JPL senior systems engineer Trina L. Ray presents “The Cassini Mission” on Nov. 22.

Lectures are free. For information, call coordinator Sid Kolpas at (818) 240-1000, ext. 5378.

Humanities / Social Science Lecture Series — Glendale Community College’s Humanities / Social Science lectures are presented from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursdays in Kreider Hall. The series features: • Norine Dresser, author and former GCC professor, will present

“Multicultural Manners.” Dresser will give advice on how to avoid cultural faux pas in today’s multicultural society. Oct. 27 • A panel of experts will talk about what to expect if a high magnitude earthquake hits Southern California. “The Big One and How To Survive It” will cover the question of what we can do to survive The Big One and its aftermath. Nov. 17.

For more information, call coordinator Mike Eberts at (818) 2401000, ext. 5352.

Jim Dines of the L.A. County Museum of Natural History will give a lecture in conjuction to the current exhibition on display in the Cimmarusti Science Center Exhibit Hall, “Bones: The Hidden Structures of Life.”

The lecture will be held at the Camino Real building in Room 234 on Nov. 20 at 10 a.m.

from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students pay $10, faculty and staff pay $20.

• Mental Health counseling is available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Health Center is located on the first floor of the San Rafael building and hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5909.

TRANSFER NEWS Application Workshops — • CSU representatives will be on campus on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Nov. 1 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• UC representatives will be on campus on Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m

HEALTH CENTER Health Center — • Come into the Health Center for first aid, RN evaluation, over-the-counter medication health literature, hearing tests and vision screenings. TB testing is also available on select dates.

• The Health Center is offering free and anonymous HIV testing on Monday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Nov 8 and 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Nov 30 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• Flu Shots are available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays

OTHER ACTIVITIES Swap Meet/Flea Market — Glendale Community College’s monthly Swap Meet/Flea Market is held the third Sunday of every month on the college’s upper parking lot, on the corner of Mountain Street and the Glendale (2) Freeway. Admission is free.

Dealer spaces are available for $35. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5805 or visit www.glendale.edu.

To submit a listing e-mail calendar@elvaq.com.

A ROUND T OWN EXHIBITIONS Artists’ Market — The Artists’ Market is from noon to dusk on the third Friday of very month at 101 N. Brand Blvd. Local artists display their photography, jewelry, paintings and more. For more information, call (818) 548-2780.

“The Romantic Spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright” — An Exhibition of photography by

Carol Bishop of the architect’s work at the Huntington Library in San Marino through Nov. 6.

Noon to 4:40 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $6 $15.

For information, call (626) 405-2100.

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PERFORMANCES “Bride of Frankenstein” — The Alex Theatre in Glendale

presents the classic horor film “Bride of Frankenstein” with Halloween Spooktacular! Oct. 22 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Admission is $9.50 for adults, $8 for children and seniors, and $7 for AFS members.

“Hekiatn E Kanchum: Once Upon A Time” — The Alex Theatre presents Armenian Fairytales on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Admission is $35, $30 and $25 for orchestra, $25 and $20

for terrace, $20 and $15 for balcony seats.

“Americana Made in the Philippines” — The Alex Theatre presents a musical comedy “Americana Made in the Philippines” on Oct. 29 at 7.30 p.m. Admission is $60 for orchestra, $45 for terrace, $30 for balcony seats.

For Alex Theatre events call, (818) 243 - ALEX daily

from noon to 6 p.m.

“Wicked Tinkers” — Celtic artists from “Wicked Tinkers” and Celtic rock band “Tempest” will perform at the historic Pasadena Scottish Rite Center, 150 N. Madison Avenue, Pasadena, on Nov 5. at 8 p.m.

Admission for adults is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For ticket reservations, call (818) 548 - 4566 or visit online at www.wickedtinkers.co.m.

www.elvaq.com

Friday, October 21, 2005

20

E L VA Q U E R O P H O TO G A L L E RY

His Holiness Aram I Discusses Ecumenical Issues with Students

The Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, His Holiness Aram I, addresses a packed house of more than 200 people, including students, faculty, administrators, and members of the community.

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ram I, a key leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church and Moderator of the World Council of Churches Central Committee, made an unprecedented visit to campus on Oct. 13. Members of seven Armenian youth organizations, including the Armenian Student Association of GCC, welcomed him for an open forum that included students, faculty, and members of the community.

See related article on page 1.

Photos by Oliver Tan EL VAQUERO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Oliver Tan can be reached at Oliver_Tan@elvaq.com

Board of Trustee members VahĂŠ Peroomian and Armine Hacopian, with His Holiness Aram I, Professor Levon Marashlian and Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian enjoy the sunset on campus.

History instructor and ASA faculty advisor Levon Marashlian and Glendale City Councilman Ara Nazarian escort His Holiness Aram I from the forum.