THE MAXIES clubbing through America PG. 10
Mt. San Antonio College, December 3, 2013
mountiewire.com
Volume 81 Issue 4
California to give weed the green light PG. 2
Coaches accused
SEXUAL HARASSMENT, MISCONDUCT PG.3
Sodexo Foods Update How are they doing? PG. 4
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Mountaineer Mt. San Antonio College
2
News
Alex Urquidez/MOUNTAINEER Marijuana is used legally in California for medicinal reasons such as the treatment of cancer or physical pain, but is currently illegal for recreational uses.
California on track to legalize marijuana Lauren Walden, Damion Julien-Rohman Staff Writers When it comes to marijuana, the state of California is practically synonymous with the plant and its use. According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, one-third of the population use it recreationally, with an estimated 1.5 billion grams smoked each day by daily users. The reasons for its wide popularity are varied, one possibly being its low risk, at least when compared to drugs such as cocaine. Despite the acceptance of the drug however, marijuana is still illegal to use, carry and grow in a recreational setting in California. Some use the drug for medical purposes, these ranging from treating physical pain to cancer treatment. Medicinal use is covered by Proposition 215, which was enacted in 1996. According to the California National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws website, the law, also known as the California Compassionate Use Act, makes it legal for patients and those who care for them to keep and grow marijuana for their personal health. This ability is provided by the recommendation or approval of a state-licensed physician. Medicinal marijuana has been said to ease symptoms of certain health complications, and is prescribed by physicians as an additional treatment. A study conducted in 2009 by Complutense University in Spain said that cannabinoids such as THC, the main component of marijuana, have anticancer abilities on brain cancer cells. A poll conducted in February by the New England journal of Medicine stated that 76 percent of doctors would approve the use of medical marijuana to treat women with advanced breast cancer.
Michael Albertson, a medical doctor with the UCLA Medical Center’s Digestive Disease Division, says medicinal marijuana has been shown to be beneficial in alleviating the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, and has been shown to “ameliorate various pain syndromes thus reducing the need for narcotic analgesics. It has also been used in patients with severe anorexia and cachexia (extreme weight loss and debilitation).” Albertson described how a license for medicinal marijuana is procured. “The DEA requires a specific addition to the drug license for physicians to prescribe cannabis,” Albertson said. He also said that he saw no reason not to legalize the drug in California, “so long as there are guidelines concerning driving and the cautions that are reasonable with any drug.” With the recent legalization of marijuana in the states of Washington and Colorado, steps have been taken to do the same here in California. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced in October that they would lead a campaign to legalize the drug, with a possible ballot to be voted on during the November 2014 elections. Supporting Newsom is the ACLU, or the American Civil Liberties Union, who said that he would spend 18 to 24 months studying the laws Washington and Colorado are using, and learn from their results. California has almost legalized the drug in the past. In 2009, Sen. Tom Ammiano, representing San Francisco, introduced the Marijuana Control, Regulation and Education Act, the first of its kind. The act would allow marijuana to be sold and freely taxed to adults aged 21 and older. It was estimated to bring in tax revenue of $1.4 billion dollars to the state, with varying fees applied to growers and sellers. The
fees would pay for drug education, awareness and rehabilitation. The bill failed with the state’s health committee, thus killing it until its 2010 reintroduction. It is still being considered.
However, if legalized, it is currently unknown what changes may take place on campus. Public Safety Sgt. Anthony Kelly said that while he could not comment on what
cont’d. on pg. 12
Mountaineer Mt. San Antonio College
News News Mountaineer
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Mt. San Antonio College Mountaineer
STAFF
Editor in Chief Editor in Chief Albert Serna Albert Serna Editor in Chief—Mountiewire/News Editor Mountiewire EIC Adolfo Tigerino Adolfo Tigerino Managing Editor/Opinion Editor Art Director Sasha Chavez Copyeditor Beatrice Alcala Vanessa Solis News Editor Features Editor Adolfo Jose De Tigerino Castro A&E Editors Features Editor Vanessa Osio, Jamie Rocha Rich Yap Sports Editor Michael Chavez Multiculture Editor Multiculture Editor Brigette Villasenor Brigette Villesenor Opinion College Life Editor Editor Christina Artmanni Vanessa Solis College Life Editor ART AND DESIGN Cooper McHatton LayoutSports and Design Editor Editor Cynthia Schroeder Adolfo Tigerino Design Editor Photo Editor Stephanie Hacha Harmon Huynh Cartoonists Cartoonists Adam Adam Valenzuela Valenzuela Karla Mejia Samantha Hernandez Designers Staff Writers Harmon Huynh Valerie de la Puente Rich Yap Abby AlbertAmbriz Serna
Christina Artmanni MOUNTAINEER/MOUNTIEWIRE Gorge Castaneda STAFF WRITERS Jessica Centeno Sasha Chavez Rich Yap, Vanessa Solis, Dolores AlvarezMichael Chavez Zuniga, Manny Flores Monica Garcia, Damion Julien-Rohman, Julian Rachel Erez Muhr, Gina Vanstratten, Lauren Walden, Reyna Espinal Vanessa Osio, Tamika Adams, Sasha Chavez, Erick Gaona Michael Chavez, Nichole Aguilar, Jessica Arreola, Lorena Flores, Garcia Monserrath Flores, Monica Adolfo Tigerino, Albert Serna, Jose de Castro, Gustavo Gyotoku Christina Artmanni, MisaelLayla Hernandez Brigette Villesenor, Jasco, April Kersh, Brittney Morales, FionTracey Ho Munniks Angelica Olivares, Austin Postovoit, Gabriel Julian Muhr Ramirez, David Ritter, Jamie Rocha, Stephanie Sanchez, Michael Saucedo, Cynthia Bobby Lemus Schroeder, Ana Silva,Macias Amanda Recio, Matthey Fabian Rojano Photographers Hugo Avina, Jose De Castro, Layla Jasco, Anthony Ruybalid Adolfo Tigerino, Urquidez, EstherAlex Solis Jessica Herrera, Beatrice Alcala, Stephanie Marc Wan Hacha, Hazel Rodriguez, Albert Serna, Yvonne Solis, Rich Yap
Photo Editor Beatrice Alcala MULTIMEDIA News Editor Photographers Monica Garcia
Beatrice Alcala Features Kathryn Banks Sterling Knight Adolfo Tigerino Sports Layla Jasco, Jacqueline Lynette Gill, Kat Rich Yu, Yap Naseiro, Rodriguez JoseHazel De Castro Stephanie A&E Hacha
Jamie Rocha, Valerie de la Puente Donald Cudahy, Cornelia Richardson, Albert Public RelationsTeam Serna Tech/Gaming Sucheta Harjai Julian Muhr, Damion Julien-Rohman
Monica Garcia Rachel Erez Bloggers TamikaChristina Adams, Elizabeth Hernandez Artmanni Gustavo Gyotoku PUBLIC RELATIONS/ADVERTISING Erick Gaona Alex Mundo, Michael Saucedo, Cynthia
Schroeder, Brittney Morales, Julian Muhr, Anthony Ruybalid, Samantha Advertising Director Romero, Desarae Gomez, Vanessa Perez, Veronica Grant Esperanza Quezeda, Mariana Rojas, Valerie de la Puente
Adviser Advertising Director Veronica Grant Toni Albertson
Assistant to the Adviser The Mountaineer is a college newspaper Rich Yap published by the students in journalism classes at Mt. San Antonio College. Adviser Toni Albertson The views expressed in this newspaper do not reflect the views of the adviser, Cover Photo Illustration of model Jamie Lynette administration, or the Board of Trustees of Gill by Cynthia Schroeder. Photo by Adolfo the Mt. SAC District. The Mountaineer and Tigerino. mountiewire.com are First Amendment Publications. Phone: 909-594-5611 X6123 Correction: In the November 5th issue of the Mountaineer, the bylineBldg. for the story “New FAX: 909-468-4106 26D, 3220 B road law signed� was not placed. The story was written by Amanda Recio.
Cover Photo of Jasmine Lerma at In-N-Out
The Mountaineer is a college newspaper published by burgers in Covina by Beatrice Alcala. the students in the journalism classes at Mt. San Antonio College. The views expressed in this newspaper do not reflect the views of the adviser, administration or the Board of Trustees of the Mt. SAC district. The Mountaineer and mountiewire.com are First Amendment Publications. Phone 909-594-5611 ext. 6123 FAX: 909-468-4106 Bldg. 26D, 3220B
3 3
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Coaches accused of sexual harrasment, misconduct
Albert Serna, Sasha Chavez, Julian Muhr, Gina Vanstrateen Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, Staff Writers
of these. Vanessa Lopez, a former Mt.
softball interim head coach and Caveness’ ex-wife Rubilena Rojas, women’s soccer coach Melinda Bowen, and former softball coach Kelly Ford. According to the court The Mt. SAC athletics documents, Caveness, the plaintiff, department has long been recognized claims that Rojas falsely reported as a community college sports that he had engaged in sexual powerhouse, but recent lawsuits relations with one or more students. have shed light on controversies Soon after this claim, Mt. SAC and within the department. Mt. SAC’s Caveness entered into a settlement athletics department has been agreement and release. Caveness battling two major lawsuits that then resigned from his position stem from sexual harassment and as a physical education instructor sexual misconduct allegations. Both and men’s head basketball coach. suits involve students and faculty Caveness said the agreement was to members, and have, until now, been remain confidential and any request kept confidential in nature. for a response was to be directed to #! # % "# In the midst of "' " these charges, the District’s Director of Human % & !! %# "& #") %& * ' % & "' % +% ! ' " " # " '(% ! & " & %%+ " % % ' ' ' % " #$ " two coaches have been dismissed" # ' ' & %) '#%+ #" % + + Resources. from their duties. Mt. SAC never Caveness alleges that the explicitly stated that the dismissal confidentiality of the confidentiality of those coaches was due to sexual agreement was breached. He filed harassment claims. SAC track and field athlete, said the a lawsuit in March 2013 against The first suit brought to court athletes were right in filing a suit. Mt. SAC, Bowen, Ford and Rojas. was filed by seven women on the “As the season progressed I In this case his complaints are for track and field team in September felt that some of the girls were breach of contract, violation of 2012. The suit includes allegations of dissatisfied with some of the California Labor Code, intentional Also, beginning interference 2014, there will be a 100-unit The Presidents sexual Advisory Council PAC has proposed sexual harassment, battery, coaches,� Lopez said. “Some girls withalso contractual cap for longtime students. Allende said thatnegligent students a change in the wording of Mt. SAC’s Mission retaliation, false imprisonment and would completely try to avoid some relations, intentional and come to the community college to discover what Statement during its annual review for accreditation discrimination. The case was filed coaches in my opinion.� interference with prospective interests them and in what they want to major in. last year, a move that has caused some controversy against former assistant track and Lopez added that she never economic relations and negligent and “This new requirement will not allow for the amongst students and faculty alike. At the top of the field coach Carlos Moore. Thebehind suit felt uncomfortable, butin the same intentional infliction of emotional exploration manner students have now,� controversy is the meaning thepersonally changes and also names athleticfor director Joe she noted the body language of some distress. said Allende. “These changes mean that we can no what this means students. Jennum coaches Doug Todd, of herreads, teammates andlonger heardserve what the lifelong In his introductory allegations, learner.� The and mission statement which currently Mike and Ernie of wasisbeing that “after suffering Pam Arterburn,Caveness professorstates of English, has been vocal “TheGoff mission of Mt.Gregoire San Antonio College to said. aboutrumors; how she feelsthe and disagrees with the changes welcomesupervision all studentsofand to support them“Iin achieving negligent students, as don’t want to spread loss of his coveted position as to thethe mission their and careerI goals in anto tell about well as personal, negligent educational, hiring, supervision, just want thingsstatement. I Mt. SAC’s head basketball coach, his “To me, statement theend.� heart and soul environment of academic excellence,� and approved by training and retention. The seven saw,� Lopez said. Lopez said as farthe as mission victimization didisnot of our community college and if we change that because the board in 2008, would undergo suggested revisions plaintiffs are asking for unspecified she is concerned, based on what she Caveness claims that Rojas, corporate America thinks we need to be more efficient, to remove the words “personal,� and “career� as well as damages. heard and what she saw, the athletes Bowen and Ford, the defendants, I think we need to examine why we are really here,� replacing “all students� with “students.� According to court documents, were right in bringing forth a case. sought out potential employers Arterburn said. According to Dr. Bill Scroggins, president and the athletes, or plaintiffs, claimed However, according to court and spread false accusations of In first response to hearing about the changes, CEO of Mt. SAC, the reasons for the proposed that Coach sexually harassed documents, Mt. SAC Arterburn hired a private and pending sent an sexual e-mailmisconduct to Scroggins about her changes toMoore “all students,� aside from accreditation them for is a year half. Theof the group investigator and concern for the reasoning behind the changes. review, that and “theamajority felt it was a no substantial plaintiffs allege that the coach was found. The“The case focus on ‘all students’ says we are inclusive; misrepresentation to say that we haveevidence the capacity to retaliated againstwho them for refusing between the seven and even thefield student who skips class is part of the serve everyone comes to the college and desires an track program,� education.� his advances and that they were athletes and Carlos Moore is stillwrote Arterburn. “And it’s our job to reach out to marginal students and help create their In the minutes from thetext PAC meeting on Sept. 12,Goff, it who subsequently harassed with pending. Mike is named in connection to education.� was noted that many on the committee felt that due to messages, inappropriate touching the case, is upset about the damaging agreed and said that she believes the outside constraints, wasthat no longer and beingbudgetary kept against their will. the college effects this case hasAllende had on the removal of the words “personal,� and “educational� to able to serve all students, and that continuing to say After the women made the reputation of coaches involved and be limiting in the way that Mt. SAC serves students. so does not apply because of the proposed changes to allegations against Moore, he the athletes on the team. In the e-mail sent by Scroggins, he also wrote, registration set by the Chancellor’s office. attempted to clear the air by holding “When the incident occurred “students have a variety of goals they hope to achieve “There was concern among representatives on the acouncil meetingabout with the the word entire‘all’ track and I found my nameby listed in the Mt. SAC. Attempting to list or categorize attending under the environment team, which was recorded by one who L.A. and on the eveninggoals is thus limiting.� student that we cannot serve all students comeTimes to us,� said ofScroggins. the athletes. The recording was resources news, Ifrom wanted Hesue,� also wrote that in using the word “educational,� “We don’t have enough theto counter turned over to administrators. 40 years it allows for more inclusiveness: state to offer enough classes to do so.� Goff said. “I did not spend unifying element of student goals is better Because of the proposed shift by theinstate in thetoway “In the recording, I was cussing; education have my “The character represented colleges receive funding, it challenged will be required I community was saying things I shouldn’t have when all those involvedby the more global term, ‘educational.’� Arterburn beginning in Fall 2014 for all students to have a clear been saying,� Moore said in an took immediate action to protect alldisagreed and said that replacing those path to completion, meaning that they will either interview on Oct. 1, 2012 with Justin students involved.� key words and simply using “educational� is limiting. She responded e-mail. complete a degree, a certificate, or transfer. Velasco of the San Gabriel Tribune. Goff added, “My name, as well as to Scroggins’ investigations in order to make sure “I wrote him but he didn’t respond to it; he asked Scroggins added that a majority of the staff is in “The meeting was vulgar, and a Coach Gregoire, Coach Todd, and that his career would be destroyed. for feedback and I responded to each of those points,� agreement and that there needs to be some sort of coach should not be talking to his Joe Jennum, the department dean, In late June, Caveness was offered Arterburn said. change. This change however, is viewed by some as athletes that way.� have been taken off [the suit]. accepted head coaching She added thatand a single worda cannot be as inclusive going against what a community college wasalloriginally According From my understanding, wethree are just position at Gray’s Harbor College in as the combined. created for. to Moore, the next day administrators himthat he was information now.� Aberdeen, Washington. Soonone after “That’s simply wrong, there is no way that word “One of thetold things thefired. majorityproviding of the faculty, Detectives the Los Angeles Goff, is retiring this year, he accepted the position, athletic is more inclusive than three separate termsthe that each not all thefrom faculty, but a majority agree that wewho need to have ahas different I’mGray’s an English teacher, send a Sheriff’s clear message that we can’t serve all students,� County Walnut station added that this experience been definition. director at Harbor College,I know how words can be manipulated and that is not said Scroggins. investigated the allegations made an ugly one. Tyler Gaston, rescinded the offer. true.� Professor of English and Department Chair Kristina by the seven athletes, but they were “While we could have sued, we Caveness alleged that this withdrawal are not the only ones who disagree Allende disagreed, and although unable to speak “never substantiated,� Sgt. Mario she iswould have won nothing,Faculty but we members was made after Rojas, Bowen and with the proposed changes to the mission statement. on behalf of her department, she was unaware that the Estrada told Velasco. would have spent a lot of money Ford called the college and told them Jessica Weber, 25, is concerned about the 100-unit faculty was polled. Estrada also told Velasco that protecting our integrity,� Goff said. about the allegations against him. cap. Weber entered Mt. SAC as an animal science “I know that Dr. Scroggins sent an e-mail to the detectives presented a case to the “When I retire, I as well as my a telephone with major and realized In that wasn’t forconversation her and switched campus community asking for comments about the District Attorney’s Office,“It which involved, so with a clear management. Gaston and aShe Mountaineer reporter to business said it didn’t appeal changes,� said Allende. is a bit of a colleagues stretch though to doover declined filethose charges against self respect.� on Nov. 14, Gaston declined to to her and then went to communications. It wasn’t assume to that who didn’t respond heart failedand to because Moore dueare to lack of evidence. Thethe proposition The issue regarding the reason until reputation she randomlycomment took a horticulture class that that she the they in agreement with [of of protecting plaintiffs that they have text is the center of the second Caveness’ coaching offer was pulled. foundlawsuit her calling. Weber, who works on campus at the changingallege the mission statement.]� messages proving their allegations, brought against Mt. SAC and a Bowen said that she only sought and an audio recording of Moore few of its employees. This most out Gray’s Harbor College. admitting to the accusations. The recent lawsuit involves former men’s cont’d. on pg. 12 plaintiffs have yet to produce either basketball coach Allen Caveness,
“In the recording, I was cussing; I was saying things I shouldn’t have been saying, the meeting was vulgar, and a coach should not be talking to his athletes that way.
�
Moore College on -Carlos a new mission
Faculty, students not on board
“Nothing I said
was untrue, his actions were professionally unethical and harmful to our students. There is a reason why he resigned.
�
-Melinda Bowen
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
42
Mountaineer Mt. San Antonio College
Sodexo fights to improve image despite problems nationally Michael Chavez, Christina Artmanni Sports Edtior, College Life Editor
Hugo Avina/MOUNTAINEER The Mountie Stop located behind student services is one of many Sodexo run shops on campus.
In July of 2011, the multinational company Sodexo took over food services on campus. The company clashed with student clubs in the spring semester who were fundraising in close proximity to Sodexo-operated businesses claiming that the clubs were interfering with their profits. John Milleson, new director of dining services and new general manager for Sodexo at Mt. SAC, said he looks to fix the fissures that have formed between Sodexo and Student Life that originated during his predecessor’s watch. Student organized clubs were urged by Sodexo to move their fundraising away from their shops and tried to limit club fundraising to three days a week. The limitation on fundraising days was shot down, but still the tension was palpable. Student clubs rely heavily on fundraising to fill their coffers as many clubs do not require dues from their members. Milleson is looking to mend their relationships after the criticism Sodexo has received in the past semester. “There are a lot of student groups where they struggle, at least I think they struggle with, is the ability to raise funds for their causes,” Milleson said. Sodexo will work hand-in-hand with student clubs by providing drinks to be sold along with their baked goods. The clubs will get a percentage of the profit from the drinks. “It’s a mutually beneficial thing that we can do where I don’t have the labor costs,” Milleson said. “I take all the risks and they provide me with the labor, then they get the money to support their causes. As long as I’m not taking away from my team members, which I won’t be, it’s great.” While Sodexo is working to reinvent their image on campus, the Sodexo Corporation faces allegations of cutting back employee hours to keep them from qualifying for full benefits under the Affordable Healthcare Act, as reported by the Vermont Cynic, the University of Vermont’s online news site on Sept. 24. Sodexo publicly claims through its online mission statement that it “promotes ethics and compliance on many different levels.” The accusation was presented to Vermont Sen. Philip Baruth, an English professor at the University of Vermont. Baruth wrote a letter to the Vermont Commissioner Annie Noonan to request an investigation of the company. The investigation did not find Sodexo at fault for any unfair labor practices. However, the company was found to have reclassified their definition of a fulltime employee. This will change the status of some full-time employees to part-time employees, consequently stripping them of their benefits. That type of reclassification would affect families who depend on these benefits to survive. According to a 2011 report released by TransAfrica, a Tulane University employee was making $7.42 per hour after working for Sodexo for 40 years. That stands in stark contrast to CEO Michel Landel who in 2011 pulled in over $4 million and was looking to make nearly that same amount in 2012.
News
That total figure also includes the 100 percent bonus Landel received. The labor practices stirred controversy amongst colleges that have contracted Sodexo to manage their food operations. According to Sourcewatch.org, a site published by the Center for Media and Democracy, since 2011, five universities have ended their contracts with the French-based company including Pomona College, Western Washington University, University of Washington, Regis University and Northeastern University. Some Sodexo employees may not come forward because they may fear the possible repercussions if they speak poorly of the company. According to an article posted by Alicia Freese on Vtdigger. org on Sept. 5, a statewide news website and project of the Vermont Journalism Trust, “[Sodexo] plans to ‘retaliate’ against employees who go public with their concerns” about their hours being cut down to 30-hours making them part-time employees. A case manager in Student Services at Mt. SAC who asked to remain anonymous, said she was aware of the troubled reputation of Sodexo. “I don’t think that’s good because you want all employees to be treated fairly and paid fairly and have access to services that they need as employees. But I’m just not sure how they partner with the campus.” A Cal Works specialist in Student Services who asked to remain anonymous was unaware of any problems. “I think that it’s unfair that they practice unfair employment practices. I just hope that they’re not doing that with the employees that are working on our campus here, because that wouldn’t correspond with the mission and values of our school.” Michael Gregoryk, vice president of Administrative Services, is adamant that there are no labor issues taking place on the Mt. SAC campus. “We don’t have that issue here,” Gregoryk said. “I think it goes back to the Mt. SAC family. I think it goes back to how we treat people here. The expectations of the people who work here are high. I don’t anticipate ever having that problem here.” Students on campus care most about the food prices on campus. “I would say that I do look at the price most of the time,” said Isaac Rodriguez, 20, general engineering major. Rodriguez said he has noticed a very small increase in prices. “I have seen a little bit of an increase in some of the prices like the sandwiches and the small snacks. I don’t know if they’ve been drastic changes but I have noticed an increase,” he said. Rodriguez said that he would prefer the prices of the food that is sold on campus to match the prices of local convenient stores. “The prices should be the same, there shouldn’t be this increase in price to locations that are less than a mile away from school,” Rodriguez said. Nonetheless, Milleson said that the company is looking to set a good price for quality food. “First and foremost is to make sure we’re delivering a quality
cont’d. on pg. 12
Mt. San Antonio College Mountaineer
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Opinion
5
Transitioning to equality
Albert Serna Editor-in-Chief Victimizing transgender students and prohibiting them from using the bathroom for the gender with which they identify is unethical and wrong. When asked what gender they are, most people will either answer male or female. In most cases, they will answer the same when asked about their sex. This is not the case when questioning a person who is transgender. The reason is that sex is physical and gender mental. But what happens when the transgender person is a child? A transgender child would not use the word “transgender” to describe his or herself, but have an innate knowledge that their gender and sex are different. Sometimes they break away from stereotypical gender boundaries. A boy might wear a tutu and nail polish and play with little girl’s toys, or a girl might exhibit behavior typical of little boys, and called a tomboy. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s daughter Shiloh is one such child who goes against her perceived gender identities. Shiloh has been reported to wear boy’s clothes and acts as if she is one of the boys, but Jolie and Pitt are okay with that. The same goes for Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rosdale’s son Kingston who has been known to wear makeup and tutus. In a 2011 ad that was considered controversial by many conservative groups, J Crew depicted a little boy getting his nails painted by someone who could be his mother. The outcry from the ad was seen on many platforms, most notably Fox News. Why does it matter that an ad has a little boy with painted nails? How does that affect anyone in any way? It does not. If the boy’s parents don’t have an issue with it, why does anyone else? It’s no one’s business how parents allow their children to dress or express themselves. Some parents are finding ways
Take a tip from me Lauren Walden Staff Writer Some people ask ‘why tip?’ There are some people who do not tip well; some do not tip at all. Not tipping a server is wrong. As a server at Chili’s in Chino Hills, customers have stiffed me, even after I gave them good service. Most people assume that a restaurant tip is given as a reward for good service, which might include good food, fast service, etc. The word TIP stands for “To Insure Promptness,” but promptness is often out of my control. When food does not arrive on time, it has nothing to do with me. It has to do with the cooks or the wait times for
Cartoon by Carla Mejia/MOUNTAINEER
to handle these situations, from encouraging gender expression, to ignoring it, to prohibiting it. In some cases, parents are taking their children to psychotherapists in hopes of curing such behavior out of fear their child may be gay or lesbian. This is terrifying, sad, and flat out wrong. To force a child who may or may not be transgender to conform to certain roles and stereotypes is not only detrimental to the child, but to the way parents aid in the construction of an open and accepting society. California’s Assembly Bill 1266, signed by Governor Jerry Brown, allows transgender students to use their gender-preferred restroom. There were some who were upset over this. The Privacy for All Students Coalition claimed to have reached 600,000 signatures via Facebook to challenge the law as was reported by Christian News Wire. Why does this organization feel the need to strike down a bill that will further the fight for equality? Is it because they would
be forced to accept that children know their own gender identity, or because it would allow open discussion about LGBTQ issues both at home and in schools? Their fear and ignorance in dealing with these issues should not infringe on the rights of students to use the restroom of their preferred gender. Recently, while walking out of Mt. SAC’s library, a petitioner who was asking students to sign a petition that would keep boys restrooms separate approached me. The petition was to keep boys’ and girls’ restrooms separate in schools. I was not shocked to find it was asking people to sign a petition to revoke the law that protected trans students. When I asked him why he was misleading people into signing the petition as opposed to clearly explaining what it would do, he simply continued to talk past my questions and told me he “knew [I was] going to cause problems.” I am not about making people’s lives more difficult, but when you muddle the truth to revoke
a person’s human rights, adult or child, I get bothered. This law is monumental. It is the state acknowledging that even children deserve the same protections under the law as adults. A big claim by opponents is that there will be instances of perversion by transgender people using the restrooms. Not once has this been the case. I am pretty sure these people just want to pee in peace like the rest of us, without hassle or embarrassment. Imagine being told that you cannot use the restroom for some trivial reason. How would that make you feel? In the end, it is not about whether or not you agree with people’s identity or lifestyle, it is about dignity; the dignity to feel comfortable in your own skin, in or out of the restroom. We as a nation, as human beings, need to stop the prejudice and hate towards those who we perceive as different. We must stand together and treat transgender people the same way we ourselves expect to be treated.
food to arrive. It’s a domino effect and the domino often falls on me. I have worked 12-hour double shifts on weekends with hardly any bathroom breaks if it is really busy, and then gotten little or no tip. A tip is actually my only wage for the work I do. I am paid $8 an hour but with taxes taken out, I end up making about $6, far under minimum wage. I work five days a week, six hours a day, while attending college full time. Including tips, I usually take home about $300. This amount varies depending on whether or not my tips are good. I also have to give a portion of my tips to the bartender, bussers and host. Each day I am expected to arrive at work with a smile on my face. I wait tables, serve food, deal with unruly kids, and sometimes upset and rude customers. I never show my frustration but continue to keep that smile on my face. Today, it is most likely a server
is living in poverty. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average server in the United States earned $20,710 last year. A quarter of the servers are over 40 trying to raise a family. In California, the minimum wage is $8 an hour, but in other states, the minimum for working in a restaurant is as low as $2.13 an hour for servers. People in my position rely on tips to supplement the low minimum wage. When guests leave no tip, which happens at least once a night, it makes me angry and frustrated because I take the time to be friendly and keep a good disposition. Sometimes the tip is as low as 5 percent. This often happens when kids under 18 come in. Senior citizens sometimes just leave change. I know servers who work two jobs to pay for their rent and school. I work with a divorced mother of three teenagers who depends on
these earnings to support herself and her children. She works fulltime, bartending and serving, standing on her feet for hours. People should think again when tipping because most of us are struggling. Don’t blame us for things beyond our control. An average tip, for good service is 15 to 18 percent. For exceptional service, the tip is 20 percent or more. This means that if you spend $40, you should tip at least $6 for good service. Bad service, in my opinion, is when a server is rude or completely ignores their customer. In this case, you can send a message that the service was bad by tipping 10 percent. By tipping nothing, the bartenders, the bussers and host get stiffed too. So next time you are in a restaurant and a waitress or waiter smiles and brings you your food, be generous … their livelihood depends on it.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Mountaineer Mt. San Antonio College
6
Opinion
Bachelor’s degrees a good option Michael Chavez Sports Editor I support the proposal to begin offering bachelor’s degrees at Mt. SAC. This type of development would greatly benefit many of the students on campus, as they would be able to continue their education without the usual hang-ups of nontransferable courses or having to repeat courses. Almost every student who has transferred out of Mt. SAC would attest to the difficulties of taking classes that will count toward their chosen major at a four-year university. There would be a seamless transition from underclassmen units or standing to upperclassmen courses. That type of breakdown would allow professors to have the opportunity to become more specialized in the classes they teach instead of being asked to teach a broad range of classes in their respective departments. While the cost of tuition will rise to meet the demand of hiring new staff, there will be more students paying fees to offset this. In addition to the new students, the college will be holding onto the revenue
generated by current students instead of seeing that dollar walk out of the door to another campus. Those current students are also going to be willing to accept a small increase in fees if it means they can stay put and have more classes available to them. So while the prices of classes will go up it will not be nearly as expensive as the fees at a Cal State or a UC. As a direct result of the increase in fees and new tuition payers, there will be more money in the budget for new programs and projects such as parking structures and modernization of buildings. If more students are drawn to the campus, the local businesses will grow as a direct result. There will be more money for the city of Walnut to develop more land and open more businesses. The biggest benefit to both the college and students will be in the athletic department. The largest drawback of a two year college for athletes is they will eventually have to transfer to use up all of their eligibility. A four year college status will allow Mt. SAC to garner the interest of a different type of athlete or keep local prospects close
to home. Although it would force Mt. SAC into a different athletic conference and division, it would help bring the national spotlight to the college. That type of attention will turn into revenue for the college as more and more fans will show up for games and the school will gain sponsors who would like to see a return on their investment. More money in the athletic department also means there is more money for newer, better equipment or more coaches on staff. Opponents of this proposal will probably argue Mt. SAC’s geographical location between both Cal Poly and Cal State Fullerton and say it is not necessary to try and compete with both of those campuses. The truth is both of those campuses are impacted and have more than enough students who are willing to stay local while still obtaining a bachelor’s degree. The Mountaineer stands for truth, knowledge, and educating those who are otherwise in the dark on certain subjects. Being able to continue one’s education in the timeliest, simplest manner seems to work hand in hand with that philosophy.
Play within the system to change it Vanessa Solis Copy Editor As our government becomes an increasingly cartoonish nightmare, culminating in a 16-day partial shutdown, it is tempting to lose all faith in the system. But until a revolution comes, people, especially young people, must participate in the system, if only as voices of dissent. Recently, a BBC Newsnight interview featuring actor and comedian Russell Brand went viral. In it, Brand verbally sparred with English journalist Jeremy Paxman about not voting, democracy’s failures and the inevitability of a revolution. During the interview, Paxman repeatedly questioned Brand’s authority to speak about political matters after Brand’s decision to guest edit “The New Statesman,” a British political magazine, because Brand admitted that he has never voted. Brand defended his decision, claiming that voting within a system that disenfranchises the poor and privileges corporations over people is “tacit complicity” with that system. Brand is earnest and charismatic in the video, spouting statistics and advocating for revolution. It is easy to see why the video has been so widely distributed among young people; Paxman, an interviewer who famously harangues politicians
on Newsnight, is made to look condescending and entrenched in old ideas. Brand, meanwhile, presents an attractive and impassioned argument that to overhaul the system, one must stop complying with it. But if we are to create change, Brand’s example is not one that everyone should follow. Voting is an important hallmark of any democracy, but many young people simply do not do it, whether out of apathy or, like Brand, out of the misguided idea that choosing not to participate is its own political statement. But voting is not just “tacit complicity.” It is a way to show politicians that you are a desirable demographic, and that your needs and wants are just as important as those of other voting groups. If people choose not to vote and then go on to do nothing else to advocate for a better future, those people are tacitly complying with the system more than those who do vote. Brand is right that voting does not give people the right to complain about the system, but it certainly helps. Voting for a party beyond the main ones is a way to show dissent, for example. Lobbying is another way to participate in the system that is highly derided, but it must be done to protect the interests of students. Big corporations and the
rich, who can afford to lobby, sway politicians. But there are groups out there that ostensibly represent the poor and disenfranchised, and students are one demographic that must be given a voice. The Student Aid Alliance, for example, is a coalition of 77 higher education organizations that uses grassroots organizing to contact lawmakers directly to lobby for student aid programs. Simply voting as a student, for whatever party, shows politicians that groups like the SAA lobby on the behalf of students who actually have the power to put them in office. Voting and lobbying are not for everyone who wants to be a revolutionary. But joining a movement is another way to help make changes. Brand gave credit to the Occupy Wall Street movement for introducing the concept of the 1 percent of the wealthy elite versus the 99 percent of Americans. Brand decided to air his ideas by guest editing on a political magazine. Young people can choose platforms that are heard by people in power, too, by starting petitions, letter campaigns or protests. Choosing not to play the game is not a taking the high road. Choosing not to play is choosing to lose. To make real changes, we must work within the system by voting, lobbying and speaking out against the status quo using platforms that will affect change.
Rich Yaps!
Break up, not down! Rich Yap Editor-in-Chief, Substance As a new year looms ahead, I like to reflect on the choices I made this year and what I would like to do differently in the new year. This leads me to my favorite holiday past time: breaking up. There is no better time than the holidays to sever ties and keep warm by the fire of burning bridges. Start off 2014 with a clean slate! Here are some tips on how to go about it: If you are materialistic (like me), break up after Christmas so you can keep the presents, but before New Year’s Eve so you don’t have to kiss them at midnight. If you do not care and absolutely cannot stand the person you are with anymore, break up with them before Christmas. Be kind though, it is the holidays so try not to break up any later than the first of December. The closer it gets to Christmas, the more it will sting. Of course, if you want to make this break up as painful as possible, by all means go for it! Break up with them on Christmas morning or New Year’s Eve! Be mindful of the location—if this break up is to take place on New Year’s Eve, do it at a huge party about an hour before midnight—everyone will be too drunk to notice, the music will be loud so no one can hear all the ugly names and profanities that will be yelled at you, and a replacement can quickly be found for the midnight kiss. Attention must also be paid to your attire when breaking up on Christmas or New Year’s. In both instances drinks can and will be thrown in your face, and your clothes will be a casualty in the assault. Wear dark colors as most stains won’t show up on them, with the exception of eggnog. However, donning the ugly holiday sweater your significant other got you on Christmas morning for the break up will make a great barrier against any stain—because who really needs another ugly holiday sweater anyway?—Not this guy! Happy holidays!
Mt. San Antonio College Mountaineer
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Features Brittney Morales Staff Writer
79
Undocumented student hopes for change and security
I
magine living every day of your life looking over your shoulder, never knowing if you are safe. For Lesly Diaz, 19, psychology major, this way of life is a reality. Diaz is one of the many undocumented students on campus and with that comes something many take for granted; a feeling of security. “We can’t just walk around feeling safe; you never know if the person next to you is getting ready to take you away,” Diaz said. At 9, Diaz left Mexicali with her family for the American dream and settled in Pomona. Diaz came into the country on a visitor’s visa. In high school she was bullied with hurtful comments from her fellow classmates. “Some of the things I had to go through that affected my self-esteem were the negative comments,” Diaz said. Diaz started a student club to raise awareness for undocumented immigrants. “I wanted them to be aware that they do have rights and inform them what those rights are,” Diaz added.
In the three years Diaz ran the club, she raised over $25,000 in scholarships for AB 540 students in the Pomona Unified School District. “Because of my status as undocumented, I am not able to receive any financial assistance for college so I wanted to make it a little bit easier on others who are in my same situation,” Diaz said. Diaz started the club to help others like her, but it caused some backlash. “Some people began joking around about me being undocumented and while I tried my best to hide it, it really hurt me,” Diaz said. Diaz’s friend Kimberly Toledo, 19, marketing major, said that Diaz took those negative comments as motivation. “I’ve noticed that she’s more motivated, being an undocumented student, to get her education and prove stereotypes wrong,” Toledo said. Anabel Perez, Learning Communities coordinator and counselor, said that Diaz is motivated to do well in school. “Her status doesn’t limit her, it motivates her to be here in school,” she said. Perez, who is Diaz’s counselor and professor through
Brittney Morales/MOUNTAINEER Undocumented student, Lesly Diaz, 19, psychology major, studies outside of Building 1A on Monday, Nov. 18.
the Bridge Program, knows that for AB 540 students their legal status is something that is always in the back of their minds. One issue undocumented immigrants have to face is wondering what their future will look like. Diaz received a phone call a few years ago that made her realize the very real possibility of having to leave this country unexpectedly. “I woke up to a 6 a.m. phone call from my friend Monica,” Diaz said. “She was crying because the Immigration and Customs Enforcement was at her door, demanding to take her father away.”
There was nothing Diaz could do for her friend. “It just made me think; I never know if they could be at our door next,” Diaz said. “That’s when I realized what a struggle this is.” Diaz said that, although it is hard, it does not matter what struggles she will face in the future as long as she has her family by her side. They are the ones that give her the strength to keep going. “I know that no matter what I’m going thorough, whatever the struggle is that I’ll have, there’s always someone out there that has it so much worse.”
Professor expands horizons for students
Adolfo Tigerino/MOUNTAINEER Philosophy professor, Charles Merward listens to a student’s question during a discussion in his philosophy class in Building 21 on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Nicole Aguilar Staff Writer
C
harismatic, funny, and intelligent are words that describe professor Charles Merward, a philosophy professor at Mt. SAC. “For me this isn’t like work,” Merward said. “I don’t wake and say, ‘oh, I have to work today,’ for me I just come in and I have regular access to people who are interested in talking about the sorts of things I
talk about anyway.” After high school, Merward, 37, joined the Marine Corps and did two tours in the Middle East and the South Pacific from 1994 to 1998. He attended the University of Massachusetts and majored in philosophy, but he did not like the Boston climate. “I got used to the weather in California, and the tropics,” Merward said. He returned to California and
enrolled at Mt. SAC because he was living in Covina. “I enrolled and absolutely loved Mt. SAC,” he said. “I had the best teachers and it was one of the most influential aspects of my entire education.” He transferred to UCLA and graduated Magnum Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology. He continued studying anthropology and psychiatry but his heart was in philosophy. He remembered a question that his Mt. SAC philosophy professor, Charles McGruder, asked him: “‘If that is what you really want to do, then why aren’t you doing it?’’’ Merward said he did some hard soul searching during that time. “I did not want to leave a life behind that was littered with transient intellectual achievements and incomplete relationships,” Merward said. “I wanted to have a life that was rich and complex with real meaning and significant human relationships, and it was all of that, that lead me to be a philosophy professor.”
He moved on to Claremont Graduate School where he received a master’s degree. His goal was to return to Mt. SAC to teach philosophy and in 2011, he was hired. Merward is a favorite on campus. “I think he teaches what he preaches,” said Jocelyn Segouia, 21, communications major. “He showed me the importance of philosophy and applying it to our interests.” Tamara Gutierrez, 23, political science major, agreed. “I like that he took a genuine interest in helping his students not just learn, but grow as people,” she said. “He wasn’t just teaching us philosophy, he used that as a way of getting us to kind of broaden our thinking and view and consider things in ways we weren’t aware of before, at least in ways I hadn’t considered before. I learned so much each class.” Jordon Garcia, 20, philosophy major, said Merward is inspiring. “I changed my major from political science to philosophy because of Merward,” Garcia said.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Mountaineer Mt. San Antonio College
8
Features Former student inspires through designs
Photo courtesy of Dan Tabar Michelle Hébert, 22, poses on the runway at the Phoenix Fashion Show for Rising Designers in Phoenix, Ariz. on Saturday, Oct. 5.
Amanda Recio Staff Writer
T
he clock strikes 5 a.m. and fashion designer and former Mt. SAC Student Michelle Hébert sits at her sewing machine meticulously creating yet another work of art, a dress made mostly of twigs. Using a unique take on fashion, the young designer’s success proves that it does not take a rude personality or a selfish attitude to make it in the fashion business, only a desire to succeed and a willingness to work hard. To Hébert, 22, fashion is more than a source of income. “I treat fashion as another medium of art,” she said. “I’m constantly at war with different aspects of it.” Creating art and using it as a base for her design, Hébert said that when designing, she tries to express what she thinks is visually intriguing. “Inspiration can come out of the blue. It can be a texture, a color, even foliage,” Hébert said. Hébert’s love for designing began at the age of 10, when she passed the time drawing small comic books and found herself enjoying the creation of the characters’ costumes. “Loving it at such a young age has allowed me to work harder to get where I am today,” Hébert said. Sasha Garcia, 22, a friend said
that although many people struggle to find a career that they will stick with, Hébert’s early love for designing was almost instant. “For her, there was no other choice. The reason her work is so unique, creative, and well made is because she has been practicing art before she even started going to school,” Garcia said. Hébert created her own website, michellehebert.com, and used it to find clients and establish herself as a fashion designer. Alex Stoddard, 20, is one of the many photographers that Hébert has worked with on projects. “Her designs have not only provided a stunning additional visual within the frame, but they have also helped craft a character out of my subjects and have aided in creating a certain harmony of all the elements in the image.” Hébert said that working with fine art photographers completely changed her professional life. “It’s almost like they’re painting a picture, but with a photo,” Hébert said. This opened up more artistic opportunities because it allowed her to be more creative with her designs. Being in the fashion business has also given Hébert the opportunity to create designs for TV personalities such as pop singer and model, Melissa Molinaro, and models Jessica Burciaga and Sarah Stage. “Most people think that people in the entertainment business can
be mean and rude,” Hébert said. “But it’s not true.” Hébert said that positive experiences like these have propelled her forward and opened her up to all the different projects she has designed for. Though her experience with clients has been rewarding and positive, Hébert said that just like in any business, there are always going to be setbacks or hardships. In one instance, Hébert worked with America’s Next Top Model Cycle 19 winner Laura James, and said that the experience was uncomfortable. “She was just a bit unprofessional and immature,” Hébert said. Hébert’s work ethic and professionalism allowed her to look beyond the stroke of bad luck and learn from the experience. “What I would want people to get out of that experience is that you’re going to work with people that you may not get along with,” Hébert said. “But sometimes you just have to deal with it,” Hébert said. Hébert does not attribute her success to mere luck, but that success is not something that happens, it is something that one must work toward. Hébert said that most people prevent themselves from chasing their dreams and it becomes the reason people do not do what they love. “Honestly, the biggest obstacle is yourself,” Hébert said. “You can’t be afraid of scrutiny, because you’re never going to please everyone.” Hébert said that her ability to not limit herself became critical to the projects she has taken part of over the past few years. “Over time, it became more natural to want to open up and actually work with more people,” Hébert said. “You can do so much
more when you’re open to new ideas,” Hébert said. Hébert’s drive to express herself through fashion has not only given her the opportunity to showcase her artistic designs, but also has created a passion for inspiring others to follow their dreams. Hébert said that within the next five years, she hopes to make a difference in people’s lives and inspire them to follow their passions as she did. Elizabeth Oh, 22, a friend, is an example of this. “She has been a supportive voice in my life and a pure example of how hard work and discipline really result in speechless results,” said Oh. Hébert has spoken at local middle school art classes about becoming a fashion designer and following one’s dreams. She said that she was amazed at how many people were interested in a career in designing, and it opened her eyes to the fact that she had the power to evoke change in people and help them accomplish their goals. Hébert also wanted to start an online network where she could share the knowledge she has acquired over the years and teach other aspiring fashion designers the skills needed to make it in the business. “I want to inspire and motivate people,” Hébert said. Hébert recently started a campaign on the crowdfunding site Kickstarter and raised over $10,000, an accomplishment that can only be attributed to the countless hours of marketing that she did online Hébert said. “Social media and marketing is so important,” Hébert said. People say that in this business, 10 percent of the work is spent designing, and 90 percent is everything else, and they are absolutely right.”
Photo courtesy of Gil Cope Laura James models a dress designed by Michelle Hébert in the LA National Forest on Sunday, April 14.
Mt. San Antonio College Mountaineer
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Features
The right man for the job
Rich Yap/MOUNTAINEER John Vitullo teaches persuasive speaking to his class in Building 26A on Wednesday, Nov. 20.
Jamie Rocha A&E Editor
J
ohn Vitullo walks through the door and one cannot help but notice how impeccable he looks: brown dress shoes shined to the nines, pressed grey neutral dress slacks, a blue crisp thin-striped button up shirt perfectly topped off with a colorful but tasteful stripped bowtie, with his files tucked perfectly underneath his arm. His upright posture and smile, accompanied by an infectious laugh exhibits a confidence and presence that demands the attention of everyone occupying the room; a sort of confidence that look like one is ready to hit the stage. Vitullo is quite familiar with this scenario— he has taken the stage many times before. Vitullo has been a professor of communications at Mt. SAC since 2002, and is an award-winning coach for Mt. SAC’s Forensics Team, whom he helped lead to multiple national championships. With one semester under his belt as the new department chair of communications, it seems right for Vitullo to be in the position. His reputation in the department as an organized and dedicated individual, spending almost every free moment contributing to the award-winning department, has earned him a level of respect and admiration one should expect for the chair of the department. But the rise to the top has not always been easy for Vitullo. Vitullo attributes his work ethic to the place where it all started: home. Coming from a very poor background, he is a first generation high school and college graduate. Vitullo gained vital organization, research, and work ethic skills that
he thought he would never possess. With his new found skills, he earned an associates of arts from Western Wyoming Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Southern Utah University, and a master’s from Ball State University in Indiana. Vitullo rose from an uneducated household to complete graduate school, a feat his family, though completely supportive and encouraging, could not really comprehend due to their lack of understanding of higher education. “I remember graduating with a bachelor’s, and said that I was going to get a master’s degree and go back to college,” Vitullo said. “They thought I was being punished for something, they were like ‘what did you do wrong? Why do you have to keep on going?’ They didn’t understand it was a good thing to get an advanced degree.” Though he accomplished a great amount of higher education, Vitullo followed his passion for acting and packed his bags in 2001 and headed to the actor Mecca of the world: New York City. It all changed after just two weeks of arriving in the city, when one of the darkest days in United States history struck the city and Vitullo’s career path. The aftermath of September 11, 2001 not only changed the city, but his direction in life. “That’s when the acting dreams kind of went south,” Vitullo said. “I didn’t even try because there were no auditions, no one was going to theater, no one was even going to New York City at the time.” After a stint in bartending school and working on New York’s famed Broadway, Vitullo received a call from Mt. SAC communication professor and then department chair, Liesel Reinhart, a colleague
9 he has known since their days as college teenagers and competing speech team members, about a job opening at Mt. SAC. “We stayed in touch over the years as each of us coached for different teams across the country and - when we had a job opening at Mt. SAC - I went to a conference just to meet with him and see if we could get him to apply,” Reinhart said. “We were so lucky he did.” Vitullo is now focusing on continuing to adapt and appreciate the growing diversity on campus. His goals of making students feel comfortable in a fashion that is easy to understand but also meeting his high standards has become his highest priority. Joshua Hartwell, 19, communication major and assistant to the speech communication department, credits Vitullo’s work ethic and admired reputation to his fun, witty, and humorous personality, which is a hit among students and faculty. “He’s perfect for this job, he brings the ability to get everyone to work together which is crucial,” Hartwell said. “I think especially in his position, he has an awesome attitude. I don’t think I ever seen him without a smile.” When trying to think of words to describe Vitullo, Hartwell finds that there are not enough words to represent him. “He’s amazing, intelligent ... and I want to say kind, but I feel like kind isn’t enough,” Hartwell said. “He’s funny, he’s got character, he’s very classy, and he’s charismatic. Everything you see in a model
person, that is John Vitullo.” Roger Willis, a professor in his first official semester at Mt. SAC and director of individual events for the communication department, echoed Hartwell’s sentiments and added that Vitullo is a hardworking, focused, and open leader. “It doesn’t feel like one person is making all the rules, it feels like we share the responsibility together and I think that’s a hallmark of a good leader,” Willis said. “Somebody you look up to and respect but also feel like you can go to and make suggestions to.” When he is not in session at Mt. SAC, Vitullo spends his time teaching at Princeton University and Stanford University working with the Junior Statesmen Foundation, that puts on an intense summer program where he teaches debate to advanced placement and influential background high school students who are preparing for a career in politics. In his new position as department chair, Vitullo said hehopes to continue to become better at his job and to have his students leave his classroom with a new sense of confidence. Vitullo said that one thing he wants students to remember from taking his class is that facing the scariest things in life can teach important lessons and provide them with a sense of empowerment. “If you handle the things most fearful to you, then when you face other things in life, it’s going to seem like a lot less,” Vitullo said.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Mountaineer Mt. San Antonio College
10
A&E
From the classroom to the DJ booth Austin Postovoit Staff Writer
Adolfo Tigerino/MOUNTAINEER The Maxies lead the crowd into a prayer parody during their set at the Gable House in Torrance, Calif. on Thursday, Nov. 14.
Loud, abrasive, and
obnoxious!
The Maxies are the next best thing to come out of Greenland!—Wait, what was the first? Adolfo Tigerino News Editor From the depths of dive bars, small clubs, and bowling alley shows comes The Maxies, a confrontational in-your-face pop punk band. Performing in red and white costumes and masks reminiscent of Mexican luchadores with a bipolar bear mascot, the band makes fun of every band they play with. “’You’re an asshole,” front man Matt Leonard said about what a fan told him after a show. “You got up there with Reel Big Fish, they didn’t want you there.” What the fan did not know was that Reel Big Fish and the Maxies are good friends. Although the group is known for their humor, not everyone knows that they are joking. At times they have had some wild responses from fans. Fan reactions whether positive or negative have no effect on the band. “It’s funny either way, if they get mad it just cracks me up,” Leonard said. Brian Klemm, guitarist for ska band Suburban Legends, said that even if the fans don’t get the humor, the bands are in the loop. “[Leonard] made me wear the bipolar bear costume,” said Klemm. “People know that we are good friends, everyone respects them [and] everyone gets the jokes.” The band claims to hail from Greenland, which explains the bipolar bear, red and white leotards, and the reason for a lot of their goofy performances referencing Greenland. “Red and white colors are of Greenland and a maxi pad,”
Leonard said. Members said the masks are to cover their faces because of their good looks. “People liked our boyish looks so we had to cover our faces,” bass player David Alarcón said. The Maxies know how to get a small crowd booming as if it were a wild mob scene. The energy that a small crowd gives off is something that the Maxies love. “I rather play for a small venue, than a big one,” Leonard said. “Playing for 300 people every night would be fun.” Most small venues have a capacity of 400 people, compared to the House of Blues in Hollywood, which holds 1,200 people. The band is lead by the hysterical front man who proactively interacts with the crowd as the show progresses. By the end of the night most of the crowd is singing and interacting with the front man. During all of their shows, Leonard jumps into the audience to dance, insult and insight the group. The Maxies recently debuted a split EP with the Japanese band Kingons, which contains new tracks from both groups. Only slated to do one show together, the two groups ended up doing five. Leonard said the Kingons are one of the best live bands he has ever seen. DC Comics artist, Tim Cochran did the artwork for the split EP pro bono. “Proboner,” Alarcón said. “It was nice of him to do that.” The artwork features Godzilla and the bipolar bear ready to brawl each other as members from both bands run away from the chaos.
“The lead singer looks nothing like he does in the album,” Klemm said. “But his new EP is fucking awesome.” The Maxies will be touring with Reel Big Fish and Suburban Legends across the west coast, which kicks off at the House of Blues in Hollywood on Jan. 2, 2014. “It’s like going on tour with friends,” Leonard said. “It will be a ‘crying at the end’ kind of thing.” Although the band is known for their comedy and abrasiveness, they are the first to help fellow band mates and other bands on tour. “[The Maxies] are good people to have around,” Klemm said. “They may seem like a hassle, but they are the first to go help you.” “I’m literally on tour with all of my best friends … it’s like camp.” Klemm said about the upcoming tour. “You know when the Maxies are there, you are always going to have someone to drink with.” Like the humor in their last album, which featured the song “Maxies are better than your band,” fans can expect the same sense of humor in the Maxies next fulllength album. The Maxies are set to hit stages across the West Coast of the U.S., ready to tackle each new destination with fresh jokes, new tracks and a new attitude but still ending with Leonard’s signature line, “I want to ask everybody one more question. Fuck you!” The Maxies to arrive at each show ready to entertain their audience with a style fans expect. “Our band is like a theater, we are not just playing,” said Leonard. “We are putting on a show.”
Energetic, artistic and focused are three words that describe Ricky Winters, 21, communications major. As a self-described “music mixologist” and disc jockey, AKA DJ Boogawump, has made it his goal to entertain his peers through music. “If there is one of my friends that I know will just impress me every day with his creativity and brilliance, it’s Ricky,” said Carlos Vasquez, a friend of Winters. Winters usually spends his week testing new tracks that will be played during the weekend. “The weekend is my livelihood, it’s when I am able to make some money to fund my art,” Winters said. “I wouldn’t call it a job but more of an opportunity to spread my art.” DJing parties on the weekend for college and high school students has helped Winters reach a larger audience and earn money. As a high school student, Winters found his inspiration to DJ by frequenting concerts that featured hometown musicians. “I would pay five dollars and be able to listen to four sick bands that no one ever heard of and no one ever will,” Winters said. He said that he admired that they were doing what they love, but he wants a wide and appreciative audience. Staying true to his word, Winters has begun to focus much more intensely on his DJing. Last quarter, he temporarily dropped out of Cal Poly Pomona because the schedule was too demanding and distracted him from his true career. He took up a few units at Mt. SAC in order to keep himself from veering away from education. “I know that Ricky is going to be successful no matter what he pursues and I want him to continue with school,” Winters’ father, Rich Winters, said. Winters has made it his job to create new mix tapes for YouTube to spread his art. Winters DJed two high school proms, a commencement ceremony, and several small concerts and weddings. “For him, it really is just step by step, going from a bigger venue to bigger venue until he makes it big,” Vasquez said. In five years’ time, Winters sees himself as a successful DJ who has released his own album with his original tracks, and performing at large concert venues. The one thing Winters doesn’t want to do is wait. “I just can’t sit down in classes and put off my calling in order to get a ‘regular’ job,” Winters said. “I’ve lost family and friends that just died and never got a chance to do what they wanted. I want to live my dream.” Winters said he will be the first to admit that it’s a tough road ahead, but DJ Boogawump is ready for the challenge that lies ahead.
Mt. San Antonio College Mountaineer
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
College Life
11
Chili-sophical
An American classic gets the gourmet treatment Christina Artmanni College Life Editor There is nothing more American on a cold winter night than a hot bowl of chili and the Chili Philosopher gourmet food truck has just the dish to satisfy that chili craving. Owner Alex Kavallierou and his wife, Needah, started the gourmet food truck to showcase what they say is one of America’s greatest dishes. “We wanted to focus on one dish and perfect it, master it, and make the best version of it in the city. Chili is one of America’s dishes,” Kavallierou said. The owners hope to make Chili Philosopher become a national brand that anyone can pick up in their local supermarket by the quart to be enjoyed. “We want to be famous for our chili. We want to be the chili people recommend to someone looking for the best in town,” said Alex Kavallierou. According to Alex, the truck’s
design was influenced from one of his favorite pictures of Charles Darwin staring directly into the camera. The large black and white image that is pictured on the truck is of an older man who is suppose to convey the idea that he himself is in fact a chili philosopher. “I started looking for a rugged old cowboy with a pipe, who look like he could make a mean batch of chili, but has read a lot of books and has a lot of wisdom,” Kavallierou said, The owners tossed around ideas about their philosophy on the dish, and agreed on “Chili Philosopher.” Their inspiration of highlighting chili was a result of the Kavallierou’s realization that there are not many restaurants out there with great chili. The truck does not showcase some grand ancient secret recipe that was handed down by past family generations but rather the result of painstaking experimentation and trial and error. Chili Philosopher sources most
Christina Artmanni/MOUNTAINEER Chili Philosopher serves lunch outside Yahoo! at the Food Truck Alley in Santa Monica, Calif. on Friday, Nov. 15.
of its ingredients from the Grand Central Market in Downtown Los Angeles. Kavallierou traveled across Los Angeles using the truck and selling their chili and said he was freer to take risks and develop what he calls a “purer brand.” The Triple Beef Chili n’ Cornbread, a fan favorite, is served in a brown carton with ingredients that include chunks of
chuck, oxtail, ground chuck chili, with a piece of cornbread that is topped with a bit of sour cream, cheese, avocado and caramelized red onions. Another fan favorite is the Chili Cheese Fries. So the next time you have an insatiable urge for a warm tummy and a full soul check out the Chili Philosopher on Facebook or visit their website at www.chiliphilospher.com.
League of Legends
Pre-season changes and what they mean going into season 4. Julian Muhr Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of watchdogs.ubi.com A screen capture of Aiden Pierce from the upcoming Ubisoft game, Watch_Dogs.
Get on my level
Awaiting the next generation Damion Julien Rohman Staff Writer With the arrival of the new generation of consoles, I can’t help but fall in with the enthusiasm other gamers share. The new consoles, no matter what your opinions may be about them, are certainly a step above what’s been done before. The tech behind Sony and Microsoft’s new endeavors are impressive, and for someone who writes about games and works in a game store surrounded by gamers, it’s been more than tantalizing to save up and grab a new device before the year ends. I’ve got my reasons for waiting a while, though. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not on some weird crusade against the two companies, nor do I think the launch lineup for the two devices is lacking (though I am still a little bitter that Watch_Dogs was delayed). It just a simple two-part thing I’ve got.
First thing is possible hardware failure. When I got my original 360 (all white, sounds like the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier), I read and was told that inevitably, it would incur a red ring and die. Despite my disbelief and my ignorance to the warning signs that my console was firing at me, I was soon forced to send it to Microsoft for repairs. Hence, I’m going to wait a bit to see what possible glitches could happen with these new devices before I dive in. The second part is: I’m still happy with current generation. We’re still seeing games coming out for the PS3 and the 360 that look amazing and fun to play. Not to mention that there are still a ton of older titles that I haven’t dug into, including a backlog that stretches around the world and into Gallifrey. With all this, I’m really in no rush. As I’ve said, the next generation is both exciting and tantalizing. But for right now, I’ve got more than enough to keep me in with what’s already here.
and giving incentives to build item rather than just stagnate as In the past seasons the notion most games went in season three. of map vision and awareness, Riot is making this possible by attached to the consumable items changing the vision game as well. known as vision and sight wards, Now with free items in the was a responsibility placed on the store offering different vision shoulders of the support player on opportunities, and a cap of three any given team. sight wards and one vision ward In season three however, it per player, the vision war has became painfully apparent that changed from a game of who can supports were being hounded cover the map to who has the best for vision, diverting them from strategic positioning. building actual Wards, items with previously all what little invisible to income they the opposing had. team without In one of specific vision the semiitems, are final matches now a limited of the World resource that Championships, the entire Photo courtesy of watchdogs.ubi.com Royal Club team is A screen capture of Aiden Pierce from the upcoming Ubisoft game, Watch_Dogs. Captain and responsible Support for. player Tabe, proves this point to And with the jungle changes, a disturbing degree when at the allowing for more aggressive end of a 30-minute game his items junglers to be viable over pure were as follows: level one boots and tank monsters, the meta-game of wards, while the rest of the team matches is becoming more fast was already in a three complete paced and is focused on more item build if not further. strategically offensive gameplay. With an outcry from All of this in the face of the professional players and war that Riot has taken on experienced players around snowballing, where a single player the world in response to on a team gets ahead and only this happening at World gets exponentially stronger as a Championships, Riot felt the result of this, the game is looking pressure to rework the support to be more balanced and much role. more entertaining to watch as a In the Pre-season Riot will be tournament game. Say goodbye reworking how the support role to your 65-minute turtle fests, make money and how they build in looking at you Team Evil Genius’, items. This is heavily dependent on because this isn’t your mom’s support champion’s abilities being League of Legends. altered by building damage items,
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
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Cont’d from marijuana pg. 2 possible changes may occur, but the possession of marijuana on campus is a punishable offense. He added that medicinal marijuana falls under the same strict policies, in that it isn’t allowed on campus, no matter the use. Marti Whitford, a family nurse practitioner for Mt. SAC’s health center, said that no matter the outcome, if marijuana was legalized and its medicinal use was allowed on campus, the health center would have no part in it. “The student health center manages short term illnesses,” Whitford said. “There is no reason we would be involved with marijuana distribution.” According to Kelly, Mt. SAC is a dry campus, as in there are no drugs or alcohol allowed here at any time. The school’s drug policy states: “The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs prior to, or during any College sponsored activity, on or off-campus
Mountaineer Mt. San Antonio College
by any person attending, regardless of age, is forbidden by state law.” Additionally, the Federal law says that there is no drug use allowed by students, staff or faculty on any campus in the country. The law was mandated on Oct. 1, 1990. Carolyn Keyes of student services said that if a student was found with drugs or other offending substances on campus, they are put through a disciplinary trial. The trial’s panel consists of a faculty member, administrator, and a student, and would hear both sides of the story. The offending students are given time to defend themselves, and afterward a suspension may occur. Sasha Chavez, 21, journalism major and managing editor for the Mountaineer said that both her father and her cousin use medicinal marijuana. “My dad got into a bad car accident ten years ago, and ruptured a disc in his back,” Chavez said. “He had to get back surgery, and was in a lot of pain.”
Cont’d. from harassment pg. 2 has brought forth some issues that “Nothing I said was untrue,” Bowen said. “His actions were professionally unethical and harmful to our students. There is a reason why he resigned.” Similarly, Caveness accepted an offer at Kankakee Community College in Kankakee, Illinois. That employment opportunity was later revoked as well. Morse Taylor, an attorney representing Caveness in the suit, acknowledged on Nov. 19 that the case has in fact been settled. Taylor said that the case was settled sometime within the last 30 days or so. Taylor also said that he did not wish to speak on behalf of his client, but he knows that Caveness is ready to move on. Caveness reaffirmed Taylor’s claim in a statement made Nov. 19, 2013. “I am grateful for my time spent at Mt. SAC,” said Caveness. “I am looking forward to moving forward and I’m glad everyone is also moving forward and doing well.” Although the case is settled, Bowen said she felt highly pressured to sign the confidentiality agreement. “The school settled with Caveness,” Bowen said. “The confidentiality agreement said that if I spoke about the incident again, the college would no longer protect me.” Bowen said she feels that this case
need to be addressed on campus. “We don’t have a women’s center on campus, and there is nowhere for our women to feel comfortable reporting sexual misconduct,” said Bowen. “Young women are being damaged. Students and future students should be protected, not the predator.” Amidst all these allegations and lawsuits, the Mt. SAC athletics department is still committed to upholding the mission of the college and the safety of its athletes. Athletic Director Joe Jennum reassures students that the athletics program will continue to run with the highest ethics involved in it. “We certainly take our student athletes, their safety and their ability to succeed here seriously,” Jennum said. “We want to be respectful of the situation and whatever direction it may lead. We just want to make sure we are following a very thorough process and we are aware of the circumstances within that.” Associate Athletic Director and Associate Dean Deborah Cavion, said the department is there to help students. “Our doors are always open. We take our responsibility here very seriously. [Our athletes] are human beings and we are here to help them with whatever they need. We always
Cont’d. from Sodexo pg. 4
Gregoryk added that students and faculty will see a variety of changes with the upcoming Campus Café. He said that the café would seat about 200 people and will contain indoor and outdoor seating areas similar to a mall’s food court One of the major criticisms that Sodexo faces with many college campuses is the lack of healthy food options they provide. Nevertheless, the company is working to improve in that aspect. “We’re trying to integrate more salads into this Simply-to-Go which we’ve done,” Milleson said. “These are small steps, but they’re small steps that lead to bigger steps later on.” Milleson is looking to dispel the notion that they do not have healthy food choices. “We are trying to deliver to the students and faculty options out of
product at a good price,” Milleson said. Milleson is working hard to make sure that any negative perception of Sodexo is erased on campus. Milleson said he is looking to reengage the food service advisory committee that previously existed. The committee was there to provide the company with positive or negative feedback from the students and faculty to improve their service. “I think the feedback from the groups we are serving is the most important thing we can do,” Milleson said. Milleson is not alone in looking toward a new vision for the food services; Gregoryk also envisions improving the food services on campus. He said that there are plans in the works.
News
Chavez said that he opted for a medical marijuana card in place of using prescription drugs because of addiction issues in the past. “In his eyes it’s safer, than struggling with that addiction again,” Chavez said. Chavez’s 21-year-old cousin has been in and out of the hospital since the age of six, due to a condition that causes tumors to form in her bone marrow. She also had a hip replacement at that age, prompting her to start prescribed medication. “She tried prescription medicine but there were many side effects,” Chavez said. “Her and her mom felt that it was a healthier alternative to use marijuana, especially due to her showing signs with dependency early in her teens.” Marc Armanious, 20, psychology major, uses medicinal marijuana to help his anxiety. He started using when he was 18, and said his panic attacks have disappeared since he started. “I have a recommendation from
my doctor that lasts 12 months before I renew it,” he said. “It’s better to use it medicinally than recreationally; I feel like it’s safer that way.” Armanious said that marijuana should be legalized, as those who smoke medicinally are using it to ease their discomfort. “They’re not really hurting anyone else, it’s just another form of relaxation or therapy,” Armanious said. “Just as if someone was smoking a cigarette on the street, there may be secondhand smoke, but that’s about it.” He says that if marijuana was allowed on school campuses, there should be designated areas to use, much like the smoking areas already in place here. “There are some people who would find the smell offensive, or just be completely be turned off by the idea that it’s legalized,” Armanious said. “I couldn’t see any schools making their campus completely wet right away, but maybe with time.”
want to do things the right way.” According to Mt. SAC President and CEO Dr. Bill Scroggins, the college reached out to the alleged victims of the track case, but they chose not to go through the college. “We interviewed the female track athletes, or attempted to interview the female track athletes and offer them access to our administrative process to resolve the issues they may have had,” Scroggins said. “We did that as a follow up to the testimony they gave in open board meeting, they chose not to participate in the college’s administrative process to resolve the issues.” Scroggins said that in the case involving Caveness, the second suit did not involve the college because it was the coaches that violated their confidentiality agreement. “That [suit] has to do with the things that those faculty did,” said Scroggins. “That has nothing to do with what the college did.” Scroggins added that the Caveness case did not involve students. “There were allegations, and when discussing the matter with the coach, we preceded to a mutual agreement for his separation from the college. So to summarize, in both cases, almost immediately in the determination that there might have been something going on, we pursued
with the permanent staff member that has tenure a negotiation that resulted in his separation. So if you want to know what we did, we immediately separated those individuals from their employment or volunteer work at the college. In neither case was there an official sexual harassment case followed through with my knowledge,” Scroggins said. He added, “Now there might have been something going on at a lower level that didn’t reach me.” In regards to the confidentiality agreement, Scroggins said the agreement was between the college and Caveness. “They may have been asked to do it with their lawyers to get out of their lawsuit” Scroggins said. Scroggins added that the college did not give a good recommendation in the case of Caveness. “We provided public records dealing with his formal evaluations,” Scroggins said. He added that he never saw them personally. Scroggins was asked if the college should have investigated the basketball case further. “There was no evidence, only unsubstantiated allegations that had not been formalized in terms of a complaint. And it was only one of several factors in the termination of the basketball coach,” Scroggins said.
our dining that are more geared toward people that are interested in living a healthier lifestyle or a lifestyle of wellness,” Milleson said. Sodexo has a five-year contract with the school and in the middle of the fourth year they receive an evaluation based on the feedback from the Mt. SAC community that includes the college president, governing board, faculty, and
students. The results of the evaluation will be the deciding factor on renewing the contract. If the results are unsatisfactory, Sodexo is given the opportunity to improve their service within the last year of their contract. “If we’re still not satisfied in the middle of the fifth year, we’ll give notice because we have to give six months notice,” Gregoryk added.
Mt. San Antonio College Mountaineer
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
13
Multiculture
Undocumented students perservere despite hardships
Manny Flores Dolores Alvarez Staff Writers For undocumented students like Mary Rosales, 21, public relations senator for Associated Students and animal science major, the prospect of immigration reform has been so close yet so far. The much sought-after reform will provide these students an opportunity to fulfill their educational goals along with some peace of mind. “It is a fight where everyone has to cooperate to make our voice heard and demand what is necessary for those who need it and for those who have worked for it,” Rosales said. “The immigration reform is a necessary law that must be passed.” In June, a bipartisan immigration bill passed the Senate on a 68 to 32 vote. The bill offers a pathway to citizenship for approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants. It provides them with the opportunity to live, work and travel without the fear of arrest and deportation. The bill further allows deportees from abroad to join their families and creates a more reasonable flow of temporary workers. Since then, the Republican majority in the House of Representatives has not wanted anything to do with a bipartisan bill, according to the New York Times on June 27. Conservative Republicans have been reluctant to cooperate with President Obama’s immigration reform because of their pitiful gains from the two-week shutdown where they claim he failed to negotiate with them. “The president’s attitude and actions over the past few weeks have certainly made getting anything done on immigration considerably harder,” a senior Republican aide said on Oct. 18 in the New York Times. The New York Times reported on Oct. 25 that the Republican Party is divided over immigration proposals and some conservative members have made it clear that they have no interest in advancing a key component of Obama’s agenda. In the meantime, students at institutions of higher education have been able to pursue their educational goals thanks to the benefits of Assembly Bill 540. AB540 was signed to law on Oct. 12, 2001 by former Gov. Gray Davis. It went into effect by January 2002 for the California Community Colleges and California State Universities. The University of California Board of Regents voted on Jan. 24, 2002 to align the UC system with CSU and CCC policy by incorporating AB540. AB540 allows undocumented students to pay resident fees instead of non-resident fees. Edgar Morelos, 22, cross cultural senator for Associated Students and applied mathematics major, has benefited from AB540. “AB540 has allowed me to continue my education after high school. It’s one of the reasons I am here at Mt. SAC and I will hopefully transfer to UCLA next year,” Morelos said. In order for students to be eligible for AB540, they must have
attended a California high school for three or more academic years and graduated or earned a G.E.D. or received a passing mark on the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE). Additionally, they must register or be currently enrolled at an accredited institution of public higher education, file or plan to file an affidavit as required by individual institutions, stating they will apply for legal residency as soon as possible, and not hold a valid non-immigrant visa. “AB540 has brought a certain degree of equality and dignity to an otherwise underprivileged population in our state,” said Kurt ‘Domingo’ Kemp, professor of Spanish in Mt. SAC’s foreign language division. “AB540 simply recognizes this obvious truth and neutralizes an otherwise discriminatory policy.”
“Everyone deserves an education, and your race or status shouldn’t have to define whether or not you should have the proper education,” - Franiel Carranza Undocumented students have further been able to fulfill their career aspirations as a result of the California DREAM Act. “It has allowed many students to pursue higher education by providing financial aid to those who qualify,” Morelos said. “Without it, many students, including myself, would not be able to transfer to four-year universities since the cost is too great.” Rosales shares the same positive perception. “This was a great help for us and a motivation to continue with our studies because it breaks one obstacle out of the way, which is money,” Rosales said. Although she is not an undocumented student, Franiel Carranza, 18, business management major, said that the California DREAM Act is great for her peers. “Everyone deserves an education, and your race or status shouldn’t have to define whether or not you should have the proper education,” Carranza said. The California DREAM Act is divided into two bills. The first of these bills is AB130, signed into state law on Jan. 25, 2011 by Gov. Jerry Brown. It allows students who meet AB540 criteria to apply and receive private scholarships administered by the public colleges and universities. “AB130 … has given undocumented students access to approximately $88 million in private financial aid in the form of scholarships and grants,” Kemp said. AB131, the second of the two bills, allows students who meet AB540 criteria to apply and
Stephanie Hacha/MOUNTAINEER Students Edgar Morelos, 22 and Mary Rosales, 21, speak about their concerns at the Associate Students meeting in the Student Life Center on Nov. 19.
receive institutional grants, such as the UC Grant, State University Grant, Education Opportunity Program (CSU), and Educational Opportunity Program & Services (CCC). It allows them to apply for and receive the Board of Governor’s fee waiver at the California Community Colleges. Additionally, it allows them to apply for and receive state financial aid, including Cal Grants and Chafee Foster Youth Grants for use at eligible public and private institutions. “It has been estimated that AB131 gives undocumented students access to $38 million in financial aid per year previously unavailable to them,” Kemp said. The latest breakthrough for undocumented immigrants occurred on June 15, 2012. The Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the U.S. as children and meet several key criteria may request consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, DACA, for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and would then be eligible for work authorization. Through deferred action, an individual has low priority in being removed from the U.S. The individual is also granted the opportunity to apply for a Work Authorization permit. The permit allows the individual to apply for a Social Security Number. After aqcuiring a Social Security Number, the individual can then apply for a driver’s license depending on the state they reside in. According to Kemp, in order to qualify for DACA, the individual must have been under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012, arrived to the U.S. before turning 16, continuously resided in the U.S. for the last five years, and have been physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, as well as the time requesting deferred action. The individual must be in school at the time of the application or have graduated and obtained a certificate of completion from high school, not been
convicted of a felony or significant misdemeanor or three or more misdemeanors, and not pose a threat to national security or public safety. “The big advantage of obtaining the DACA in California is the ability to drive without fear of having your car confiscated if stopped by the police,” Kemp said. “This action that Obama did definitely benefited most of us, especially by allowing us to drive legally without the fear of getting stopped by a cop,” Rosales said. Kemp understands the psychological relief that comes to those approved for deferred action. “The recipient finally feels less need to hide in the shadows of society, is less prone to feelings of despair, isolation, hopelessness and depression, which before the DACA caused some undocumented students to drop out of college for emotional reasons,” Kemp said. According to Morelos, some students are unaware about these resources. Because of this, they are unable to take advantage of them. “This is why it’s important for schools to have AB540 resource centers so that this information can reach the students and they are able to apply for the California DREAM Act, AB540, and DACA,” Morelos said. Even though Rosales recognizes that being undocumented is a struggle, she calls herself successful because she has not let her status push her back from achieving her goals. “Being an undocumented student has made me a better student,” Morelos said. “It has showed me the true value of an education and made me appreciate it. Stephanie Armenta, 29, is a soon-to-be student who plans to attain an associate degree in communicaitons, and eventually a bachelor’s degree. “I was given the opportunity to get a social security number, a driver’s license, apply for school, to live all together,” said Armenta. “My next step is winter semester, it will be my first semester of college.”
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Mountaineer Mt. San Antonio College
14
Sports SPORTS STAND
Mounties prepare to defend their court Jose De Castro Features Editor
Last season, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams won their respective California Community College Athletic Association Basketball State Championship titles for the first time in CCCAA and Mt. SAC history. It was the men’s first CCCAA state title and first state title appearance since 1955. On the other side, it was the women’s second consecutive CCCAA state title and a record sixth CCCAA state title in 10 years. This season, the men’s team is 4-2 and will try to continue where they left off while the women’s are 3-0 and are on a 43-game winning streak that has lasted two seasons. The Mounties had a first look at the new men’s team as their All-State Tournament Team players Corey Allen and Garret Nevels took their academic and athletic careers to the NCCA Division 1 level. The men’s team went away with
a 2-1 record in the San Francisco Tournament and again in the San Diego City Tournament losing to San Diego City College in the finals, 49-66. “We went up to San Francisco and went 2-1 and at the end of the day that’s a really good situation with two wins and one lose, but the problem is that we didn’t play as well as we’ve liked to played,” said coach Clark Maloney. “In the first game, we took a loss but we did grow up a lot the next two days and [the team] was able to bounce back.” With the tournaments, the team will try to learn and build from the games. As for the women’s, they swept the San Antonio Tip-Off Tournament winning all three games and are currently on a 46game winning streak that started in 2011 and has continued on through this season. “We focus one game at a time, the streak is in the back of our heads. I don’t want to say that we don’t know about the streak but it’s in the back of our heads,” coach
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Bullying- a bygone era?
Michael Chavez Sports Editor
Jose De Castro/MOUNTAINEER Christian Mays punctuates his 2012 season with a huge dunk for the Mounties.
Brian Crichlow said. “Our next opponent is our concern, not the streak. We try to play the game for that game, if we continue the streak than that’s a good thing.” With any new season, teams lose and gain players and for both teams, it’s no exception. The men’s will lose Allen and Nevels while for the women’s side forwards, Cheyanne Wayne-King and guard Shaela Flynn, are the only two players returning from their undefeated season. “It feel’s like a lot of responsibility for us,” said Flynn. “I feel like our losses and wins are all dependent on how I do and how I perform, so it’s pretty heavy.” The Mounties will now have a large target on their backs as the returning state champions. “Most definitely because you would be naive to think it isn’t. The fact of the matter is that we won big last year and we were the hunters and now we’re the hunted,” Maloney said. The women’s team have been preparing this season and are focusing on the bigger picture; winning the state championship again. “These kids come here because they know Mt. SAC has a great rich tradition of excellence and success in basketball and in the classroom,” Crichlow said. “It’s something to be a part of so getting them to play in a high level is always our goal because we do know that we have an X in our back and that’s every year, it’s not a new thing because you have a new team.” With 11 freshmen on the team, the team is rated number one in preseason poll. “If you’re rated number one and you have 11 freshmen on your roster that’s just out of the respect for the program and they haven’t played a game yet,” Crichlow said. “Once these girls really understand who they are as a program, it makes it easier to prepare.”
Being mentally and physically tough is vital to any sports competition. The question becomes how far are a team, coaches or players willing to go to achieve this goal. Anyone can lift weights, get on a training regimen and become physically strong. What is harder and less of a science is becoming mentally tough. Hazing, initiating or even bullying are all tools veteran players can use to harden their younger counterparts. Where is the line drawn though? Where do we as society stand on the issue of locker room bullying? How much of a role does it play in the game? The topic of bullying is at the forefront of American mind right now given the scandal with the Miami Dolphins. With one player leaving the team for feeling as though he was being bullied and the other upset about being suspended for his part in the situation, it reminds us that what these athletes play is still a game. This is a not child’s game and these full grown men should act that way. Bullying should be below them, relegated to the playground during recess. It shouldn’t be on the minds and tongues of adults, especially when they are on the same team. There is a deeper issue here than just the bullying though. We as society have decided this type of behavior is just part of what goes on behind the scenes. We take it as just part of the game, as a team building experience. We acknowledge rookies are hazed and we believe veteran teammates have every right to do it. What does that say about what we believe? That only reinforces the idea that new things need to be broken in; they need to be adapted to their new environments. The dominant types of behaviors we see in sports only serve one purpose: helping to shy new players away from them. Kids who are bullied will not come back to the game and then where will we be? You will be less entertained, and I will be out of a job.
Mt. San Antonio College Mountaineer
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Sports
The Mountaineer’s Top Fall Selections
15
Michael Chavez | Sports Editor
Gridiron MVP: Kaelin Clay WR Football
Field General: Rocky Moore QB Football
Spark plug: Stefanie Catone F Soccer
Galloping German: Christoph Uphues Cross Country
Clay has been the homerun threat for the Mounties all season long. His 18 touchdowns lead all non-quarterbacks. Let’s face it, without his game clinching scores, game breaking speed or sure hands, the Mounties would have had a rough time this year. Mountie football fans should look for him to blow it up at the next level. If he keeps on track playing on Sundays aren’t unreal.
After winning the starting quarterback job during the season, Moore took no mercy on opposing defenses. With 23 touchdowns and only seven interceptions, Moore cut up defenses with 210 yards passing per game and a 64-completion percentage. He also sports the best beard of any of our athletes. No wonder he’s been nicknamed “deadliest catch.”
From her forward position, Catone leads the Mountie charge. Whether she’s scoring goals or passing the ball to set up other scoring opportunities, she’s a fearless team leader. Her speed and vision make her a valuable asset to any team. It’s no wonder she earned a starting spot on the team and rarely leaves the field.
Hailing from Germany, Uphues arrived on the Mt. SAC campus with a ton of hype behind him. When he arrived he was all business. That business is running. Uphues has that long gait that only the smoothest of runners possess. That running style helped lead Mt. SAC to a South Coast Cross Country Championship and a nice farewell to Head Coach Mike Goff.
Now Mt. SAC students can ride clean, green Foothill Transit buses for free! Pick up your new Class Pass at the SacBookRac. For details, visit foothilltransit.org/mtsac.
CLASS PASS M T . Â S A C
Going Good Places