Since 1949
Volume CXVIII, Edition 3
October 7, 2009
Course Cancellation Crisis Budget cuts force administrators to reduce much needed classes by Kimberly Ann Hodges
by Ramiro Gudino
Rampage Reporter
Rampage Reporter It’s frustrating when you are waitlisted for a class. It’s devastating when the class you need isn’t even available because it is cancelled before it makes it to the printed schedule of courses. Class cancellation has become the unpleasant reality at Fresno City College, and the entire campus is feeling the effects. Due to the recent state budget cuts—that have taken a most excruciating toll on education across California—many classes, starting in the current fall semester, were removed from the schedule, resulting in a reduction of the amount of sections offered. According to FCC president Dr. Cynthia Azari, the college’s budget was reduced by 2.5 percent for the 2009/10 academic year, or roughly $1.8 million less than what the operating budget was last year. With less money to support academic programs and pay salaries, FCC’s leaders had no other choice but to cut out anything that isn’t necessary, including a distressing number in a variety of course sections. The reduced budget has forced FCC administration to decrease funding of many different programs and other needs on
Police Respond to Accusations
This illustration does not reflect actual classes cancelled.
Photo Illustration by Jeremiah Henry
See “Class” on Page 3
Responding to accusations of police brutality and excessive force, Lieutenant Richard Gaines, spokesperson for State Center Community College District police, said the reports of police brutality are unfounded. “I do not believe the officers did anything wrong,” Gaines said, despite videos recorded by eyewitnesses alleging that the police officers were unnecessarily rough with the suspects. Gaines said he has contacted individuals with videos of the incident. “I asked some of those individuals to send me copies of the footage. I told them if my staff has done something wrong, I want to see it,” he said. However, the videos, recorded with cell phones, make it difficult to determine exactly what was happening. The accusation of police brutality against the SCCCD police is related to an incident during the NAISA club celebration of Native American Indian Day on Sept. 24. According to several eyewitnesses, Gregory Moultrie was just carrying a skateboard, but police and school representatives stated that he was riding it when officers approached him. Witnesses claim that officers attempted to confiscate the skateboard, but the police report claims See “Arrest” on Page 3
Dr. Chris Villa Focuses on Inclusion and Service by Ramiro Gudino Rampage Reporter
Inside:
When Dean Robert Fox retired in the spring of 2009, many on the Fresno City College campus felt he could not be replaced. That was until the search committee found Dr Christopher Villa who began his tenure as the new vice president of Student Services on Aug. 24. “Villa is focused on management during a stressful time. He is cognizant of morale. He believes in collaboration and made it very obvious that his doors are open,” said FCC Psych Services Coordinator Dr. Brian Olowude. A California native, Villa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social
Ecology from the University of California in Irvine, a Master’s in Public Administration from University of Southern California and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Utah. Villa has held positions as a student-affairs professional for nearly three decades. Villa said that it is his goal to continue enhancing student success and advocate for students to transfer and complete their education. Villa was born to a MexicanAmerican family in East Los Angeles where he was also raised. He said he was strongly influenced by his family, his parents who made huge sacrifices for their children. “My parents valued education highly, and although our family had
modest means as both my parents worked in factories, they sacrificed to send all of their children and me to parochial schools,” he said. His role models are his father, Robert Kennedy, and Gandhi. The lessons he learned from his family and their support prepared Villa for his present position. “My father impressed on me the importance to have respect for other people regardless of their socioeconomic or ethnic/racial background,” Villa said. “This value, combined with a hard-work ethic and the belief that I could do almost anything with my life, prepared me for See “Student Success” on Page 2
Photo by Ramiro Gudino
Vice-president of Student Services, Dr. Christopher Villa
Eurydice: FCC Updates Classic Myth
Opinion: Voices of Our Generation
See page 9
See page 13
FCC vs Santa Rosa: 35-21 See page 16