NEW INTERIM PRESIDENT PG. 4
BASKETBALL RECAP PG. 8
SCC ALUM WINS INAUGURAL FACCC AWARD pg. 3 SACRAMENTO CITY COLLEGE S STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1922
VOLUME 101 ISSUE 2 MARCH 9, 2017
EDITORIAL
Womens Rights are Human Rights
Since the founding of the United States, women have historically been treated as second-class citizens. They were not allowed to own property, vote, hold certain jobs, take maternity leave (which meant they lost jobs when they became pregnant), open credit cards on their own or serve in the military. New York City even banned women from smoking publicly in 1908, a law that remained on the books for nearly 20 years. Thankfully by today’s standards, these limitations on the powers and simple indulgences of women are laughable. However, as evidenced last month by the Women’s March on Washington, even today’s women must fight to end gender-based discrimination. They continue to demand equal pay, affordable health and childcare for all, and the right to personal choice and autonomy over their bodies. On March 8 this year, International Women’s Day was designated as a follow-up protest to last month’s Women’s March on Washington. Women were encouraged to strike. Attention to the rights of women has grown over the past century. Before an entire month was dedicated to the contemporary and historical contributions of women, there was Women’s History Week. Before there was a week, women were afforded a single day, International Women’s Day. The day of recognition began in 1909 when the Socialist Party declared February 28 a day to honor the women of the garment strike that has taken place one year before. In 1908 women factory workers had spent the day protesting hazardous and dangerous working conditions in the clothing industry in New York. Once International Women’s Day was established, women used the day symbolically to protest other events. Before World War I, women in Russia and throughout Europe used the day to protest the war or stand with other activists. In 1978, Women’s International History Day was officially celebrated by the United Nations on March 8. Women were encouraged on March 8 to strike from paid and unpaid jobs, wear red in solidarity with the movement and/or
buy from local, women-owned suppliers. The effort aimed to remind the country and current administration of the invaluable contributions made by women in society throughout history. It is difficult to mention both the march and the strike without mentioning today’s political climate and the effect it has had on women. Why is a month dedicated to historical efforts and trials, specifically, so important? Both are a direct result of decisions and comments made by the new president of the United States, Donald Trump. Many women won’t forget that our commander in chief casually commented on his lack of self-control and his desire to force his hands on women without consent. The private conversation in 2005 with Billy Bush was leaked to the media during Trump’s candidacy. The event has now been desensitized with the branding “Pussygate.” “I moved on her like a bitch,” Trump told Bush about Nancy O’Dell, Bush’s “Access Hollywood” cohost. Not only did Trump manage to make such degrading comments to Bush, O’Dell
Design Adviser Michele Lee Assistant Design Editor Trevon Norton Cover Photo Vanessa S. Nelson Cover Design Michele Lee Editor in Chief Neill Little Photo Editor Vanessa S. Nelson Technology Editor Cameron Richtik Photographers Ella Morgan, Jayson Pierce, Sonora Rairdon, Ulysses Ruiz, Pedro Santander Writers Yvette Aghassi, Roland Armstrong, Corey Browning, Casandra Garcia, Geoffrey Kindell, Jayson Price, Sonora Rairdon, Ellyssa Rodriguez, Kip Roegiers, Rose Vega, Vincent Ybarra
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Advisers Randy Allen, Dianne Heimer EDITORIAL POLICIES Views published in the Express do not reflect those of the Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees, the Associate Student Government, City College, Journalism department, administration, student body, or faculty; unless otherwise stated. MEMBERSHIPS Journalism Association of Community Colleges California Newspaper Publishers Association
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was immediately cajoled and encouraged by Bush to hug Trump, a man who only moments ago had made such repugnant remarks, as she approached and greeted them. Then on his TV show, “Celebrity Apprentice”, Trump made an entirely objectifying comment to contestant Brande Roderick after fellow contestant Brett Michaels described how she had gone down on her knees and begged him not to fire her. “Must be a pretty picture, you dropping to your knees,” Trump said. It appears not one man in the production room of “Celebrity Apprentice” thought it necessary to edit the footage and cut Trump’s comments to Roderick from the episode. Instead, they allowed her to be sexualized by her boss on national television. Men are encouraged by other men around them, whether explicitly or not. Casting aside arguments about locker room talk and white, rich male privilege, these are some of the more painful examples to women of how sexist attitudes and predatory male advances are normalized in today’s society. Politically, Trump has vowed to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which mandated that birth control costs be covered by insurance policies. He has also threatened to cut federal funding from Planned Parenthood unless the organization stops performing abortions, despite the fact women fought long and hard to be provided the right to abortion, given in 1973 through Roe v. Wade. All of these actions by Trump against women are fueling the efforts of women today. Despite the gender-based attacks, women are also striking and marching for the rights of the indigenous people of this country, for those affected by police brutality and racial discrimination, for the health of our lands and environment, for members of the LGBTQ community, for those who are disabled, for refugees and religious minorities. Women know women’s rights are never simply and solely about women’s rights. They are about human rights. ♦
IN THIS
EDITION Page 3 - As we enter Women’s History Month, staff writer Elly Rodriguez tells the City College stories of a powerful alumna from a century ago and an inspiring student feminist today. Page 4 - City College students get three presidents this year: new Interim President Whitney Yamamura, his predecessor Michael Poindexter, and a newly appointed president in July. Staff writer Kip Roegiers discusses the transition of power. Page 5 - Sick of parking on campus yet? Staff writer Corey Browning gives a crash course on biking for beginners and introduces you to Sacramento’s unique bike culture. Page 6 - In the midst of divisive anti-immigration action in the U.S., staff writer Rose Vega shares the realities of deportation and the consequences City College student Jesse Najera-Imbault has endured. Page 7 - In guest writer Thomas Herzog’s story of hard work and dedication, ESL professor Shatra Muther shares her journey as an educator and the responsibility she feels for her students. Page 8 - Sports writers Roland Armstrong, Geoff Kindell and Jayson Price bring you up to speed on City College sports.
CONTACT US Let the Express know what you think. Letters should be 300 words or less. Please include contact information. No anonymous letters will be printed. The Express reserves the right to edit or reject any article, advertisement or illustration deemed inappropriate, including letters to the editor. Sacramento City College 3835 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95822 Phone (916) 558-2561 ext. 2562 Fax ( 916) 558-2282 E-mail express@scc.losrios.edu Website saccityexpress.com
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NEWS
Women s rights continue momentum City College reflects on feminist leadership and influences Ellyssa Rodriguez
Staff Writer · erodriguez.express@gmail.com
March is here, and with it is Women’s History Month. The celebration allows us to remember brave women who have taken great strides to stand up and change women’s rights. Although Women’s History Month has only been officially designated for 20 years now, there has been a long history of women who have faced adversity. Many feel there is still a long way to go to protect and advance women’s rights. At City College, Women’s History Month also serves as the perfect time to reflect on the current state of women’s rights today. As the campus celebrates its 100-year anniversary, City College can boast of many great women who graced its past. The history of women from the college’s past is well-preserved in the Special Collections Room on the third floor of the Learning Resource Center. Caroline Harker, the Special Collections librarian, is well-versed on the history of the college and especially on these women’s pasts. “I love Belle (Cooledge),” says Harker, who seems to light up as she speaks of the buoyant woman. “She was a woman before her time.” Cooledge started teaching at City College when it first opened with only seven students in 1916. The first graduating class was entirely female. In 1918, six women graduated. Soon after, the college shut down because most of the males had been drafted to fight in World War I. Coolidge served by nursing returning veterans back to health.
She later returned to campus in 1920 as the dean. Cooledge has been credited with founding the scholarships and financial aid programs that assist so many students today. She went on to become Sacramento’s first female mayor, serving in the 1940s, and was later awarded Sacramento’s Woman of the Year in 1953. Although women have made huge strides in history, many feel that women’s rights are still being threatened to this day. Some of the biggest issues today are equal pay and reproductive rights. Among the many people still fighting for women’s rights is City College student and Feminist Club President Emily Howard, whose major is nursing. “It’s the perfect intersection between social justice and biology,” says Howard of her area of study. Howard thinks there’s a long way to go in women’s rights. “There has been such an attack,” Howard says, “and there has been such an attack on reproductive rights lately. I feel like a year ago, we were in such a good spot with reproductive rights, but lately with the defunding of Planned Parenthood, I feel like that’s taking us a step backward. We could go even more backward depending on the current administration.” Howard continued to explain other issues that she feels need to be addressed “There are so many areas of women’s rights that haven’t even been challenged,” the club president says, “like there haven’t been major strides toward dealing with sexual assault and domestic violence in a long time.” Equal pay for women is another
Dr. Rhonda Rios Kravitz, talks to City College students about her experience participating in the Women s March on Washington in the Multicultural Center, March 8, 2017. Photo by Sonora Rairdon · srairdon.express@gmail.com
concern too. Like Howard, many people feel strongly about these current issues and are looking for ways to get involved. Following the Women’s March on Washington that happened in January, the same group has announced a general strike on International Women’s Day, March 8. Although not a march, the organization called for people to participate in A Day Without A Woman, or the International Women’s Strike. This was not just limited to women. Men got involved too. The group explained its goals for March 8 in the following: “In the same spirit of love and liberation that inspired the Women’s March, together we will mark the day by recog-
Chief justice awarded at FACCC conference
nizing the enormous value that women of all backgrounds add to our socio-economic system--while receiving lower wages and experiencing greater inequities, vulnerability to discrimination, sexual harassment, and job insecurity.” The group called on people who wanted to get involved to do one or more of the following: Take the day off from labor, paid or unpaid, avoid shopping for the day unless it is at a woman-owned or minority-owned small business and wear red to unite with A Day Without a Woman cause. To find other events happening in your area and to fight for like causes, check out the Women’s March website at www.womensmarch.com. ♦
City College alumna wins inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award Neill Little
Editor in chief · Nlittle03@gmail.com
California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, one of City College’s most accomplished graduates, was honored March 3 with the California College Distinguished Alumni Award. “Community colleges are a place to come test your confidence and find out who you are,” said Cantil-Sakauye to an audience at the the Faculty Association of California Community College’s Advocacy and Policy Conference, the group who awarded Cantil-Sakauye the distinction Sunday in Downtown Sacramento.
Cantil-Sakauye is the 28th California Chief Justice, who graduated from City College in 1978 before going to UC Davis. She is the first Asian-Filipina American and the second woman to serve as California’s chief justice “I want to dedicate this award to a community college teacher who changed my life,” said Cantil-Sakauye. “His name was Ken Lynch of SCC. He was the speech and debate professor of the City College team. In his class, and for the first time, I really felt that someone was encouraging me.” The chief justice summed up her experiences at City College in the lines of “My
Shot” from the highly regarded Broadway play “Hamilton”. “I’m just like my country, I’m young, scrappy, hungry and I’m not throwing away my shot!” she recited to the crowd. And then she paralleled the experiences voiced by American immigrants in the play to those of community college students. “Community Colleges are filled with people who are young, scrappy and hungry, like their country, who have come to a community college, so they can get their shot,” Cantil-Sakauye said. “I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that people that go to community colleges are just better adjusted in life.” ♦ · · ·
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City College alum, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, receives California College distinguished alumni award. March 5, 2017. ¦ Photo by
Vanessa S. Nelson · vanessanelsonexpress@gmail.com
March 9, 2017 · Express
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NEWS
City College replaces interim president
15-month search for full time college president continues as Poindexter is replaced Kip Roegiers
Staff Writer · kroegiers.express@gmail.com
City College has a new interim president as of February, replacing former Interim President Michael Poindexter, while the district continues its 15-month search for a permanent president. Whitney Yamamura, vice president of Instruction at Cosumnes River College, has filled the interim position since Feb. 1. Poindexter said he is free to apply for a position he “wouldn’t be able to do in the interim position.” “There may be other opportunities here at Sacramento City College that wouldn’t be available for me if I was still in the interim position,” said Poindexter, who has currently returned to his former position as vice president of Student Services. While the California education code permits interims to serve up to two years, Yamamura said the Los Rios Community College policy limits interim presidents’ stay in office to one year. “They don’t like interims to last,” said Yamamura, referring to the district’s appointment of an interim as a bypass of the shared governance process between administration, faculty, staff and students to appoint a permanent president. “We’re a public institution, there needs to be a public process.” Last year, City College began a nationwide search for a new president when Kathryn Jeffery resigned in 2015 to become president of Santa Monica College. Because he held the interim president position at the time, Poindexter was ineligible to apply, according to a Sacramento Bee article from February 2016.
Whitney Yamamura, former Vice-President of Instruction at Cosumnes River College, has filled the position as Interim President at Sacramento City College on Feb. 1, 2017. ¦ Photos by Pedro Santander · psantander.express@gmail.com
The district chancellor postponed campus wide impressions on the new applicant pool of potential college presidents in fall 2016, but the chancellor eventually chose not to recommend any of the applicants. “Ultimately it’s the chancellor’s choice to recommend to the board a final candidate,” Yamamura said. “And if the chancellor chooses not to, then the chancellor will inform the college and the board.”
Michael Pointdexter stepped down as Interim President at Sacramento City College. Pointdexter remains at City College as Vice-President and is looking for opportunities that he wouldn t be able to do in the Interim position.
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A new nationwide search began in January of this year. Multiple searches are not unheard of. “That’s happened,” said Troy Myers, president of the City College Academic Senate. “ARC went out three times before they got Thomas Green, and they’re very happy with him.” Yamamura said the typical process to appoint a new president begins with a search committee made up of students appointed by the Student Senate, as well as faculty, staff and administrators. The group compiles the strengths and weaknesses of the applicants and measures them according to academic standards. Next, campus members are invited to impressions where they can meet the final applicants and provide their own feedback. All of this information is forwarded to the chancellor. “It’s hard to pick a president,” Yamamura said in explaining the delay. “Los Rios is a very proud college district. It has a deep and strong tradition. You’re looking for someone that has experience managing a large organization, someone that can identify with the work, the staff and faculty, and a focus on [helping students achieve] their goals.Typically the college has more needs than it has money. There has to be one person that SCCEXPRESSNEWS
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has the overall picture of the college and can make those decisions.” The president is the college’s chief academic officer. The office approves non-routine budget issues like grants, makes final hiring recommendations, and reports directly to the district.
It s hard to pick a president. Los Rios is a very proud college district. It has a deep and strong tradition.
Whitney Yamamura
Interim President
Applications for the position closed on Feb. 21, 2017. Applicants are not disclosed to the public until the final candidates are chosen by the hiring committee. The campus community is invited April 7 to meet with the finalists and provide feedback during a series known as Impressions. The schedule and locations for the Impressions Groups will be announced. If a president is appointed, the City College will have a new leader by July 2017, according to the position’s posting on LosRios.edu. ♦ · · ·
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FEATURES
Biking is the new walking
Food truck heaven
Sacramento offers a plethora of options for bike enthusiasts
Weekly event with live music
Corey Browning
Staff Writer · cbrowning.express@gmail.com
Have you ever wanted to start cycling to class, but just needed a little guidance? Or maybe you already bike to school or ride for recreation, but could use a few tips to improve your experience and safety? Sacramento is a great city for cyclists, with plentiful bike lanes and trails, and a rich bike-centered culture. Sacramento is continuously improving its accessibility to cyclists by adding bike lanes and bike parking, including the recent renovation of Freeport Boulevard. The city added bike lanes linking downtown to Land Park, City College, and South Sacramento. In addition, Sacramento boasts a plethora of bike shops. Despite the amenities the city may offer, starting off as a new cyclist can still seem overwhelming. The first concern on many new cyclists’ minds is safety. According to Andron Nogaj, who has been cycling in Sacramento for nearly 10 years, “{Sacramento} is pretty safe, safer than most places.” Nogaj owns Velotrap, a bike shop located at 1712 L St. in the Panhandle district of Midtown Sacramento. “A lot of the main streets have bike lanes, it’s pretty nice,” said Nogaj. “Wherever you are, you have to take precautions.” Although some streets still lack bike lanes, it’s generally not hard to plan around them. It is legal for bikes to “take the lane” on streets without bike lanes, although many drivers are unaware of this which can make the practice dangerous. Riding on the sidewalk is not only not recommended, but illegal in certain areas. “There’s some really busy streets that are a little dangerous to commute on, however it’s still doable. You might be able to do it by taking some side streets or maybe working your way around in a little less direct route,” said Wayne Seigmund, who has been the tech manager at Mike’s Bikes in Sacramento for the past 10 years. If riding at night, California state law requires a front light, as well as front, rear, and side reflectors. Although a rear light is not required, it’s usually a good idea and will keep cops from writing citations if you don’t also have reflectors. “We would recommend getting lights for front and rear,” said Sen Saetern, manager at Velotrap. Besides being safe on the road, keeping your bike safe is another important consideration, especially in Sacramento where bike theft is a big problem.
Corey Browning
Staff Writer · cbrowning.express@gmail.com
Cyclists are biking to campus. It s a cheaper alternative for Sac City Students. Photo by Vanessa Nelson · vanessaneslonexpress@gmail.com
“It’s crazy. Seems like every week we get at least one person coming in saying their bike got stolen,” said Nogaj. A good U-lock is your best bet to ward off thieves. Cable locks can be used to secure wheels but shouldn’t be relied on to secure a whole bike, as they are easily cut. Besides that, keep in mind that bike theft is often a crime of opportunity. Leaving your bike unlocked and unattended for even a minute is all it takes. “You do have to make sure you’re using a lock every time. Even though it seems like you’re just going to step in for a little bit, that’s a lot of times when the theft happens, when you let your guard down,” said Saetern. In addition to plentiful bike racks, City College has about 40 bike lockers, which can be rented for $18 a semester. If you’re planning on buying a bike, here are a few things to consider. First off, you should expect to spend at least $300 for a good working bike. Don’t be tempted by bikes at department stores. Not only are they unsafe and don’t last long. You’re missing out on some very important benefits you will receive by purchasing at your local bike shop. “I’ve seen a lot of people come in with bikes they’ve bought online for really cheap, or Target for really cheap, they’re in pretty poor operating condition. And frankly I’ve seen more than a few even
this year that are dangerous and unsafe to ride,” said Seigmund. “They don’t last long, and often times they’re not completely functional when they’re new,” said Saetern. “Getting a bike from us, you’re also getting a lot of our support in terms of maintenance and such.” Some shops even offer maintenance plans for a little extra on bikes purchased through them. Mike’s Bikes offers free tune-ups and no charge on labor for things such as flat fixes and brake adjustments for five years for a one-time fee of $150. Need to get your bike tuned up? Velotrap offers a comprehensive tune for $50 (possibly less on singlespeed bikes), which includes a 30-day guarantee. Expect to pay a similar price or more at other shops. Mike’s Bikes, being on the pricier end of the spectrum, offers the same service for $100. Want to learn how to work on your own bike? Mike’s Bikes offers free Tuesday night tech clinics at 5 p.m. The Bicycle Kitchen, located at 1915 I St. in Midtown is a do-it-yourself bike shop run by volunteers who can give you some guidance and loan you the proper tools to fix your bike in exchange for a small donation. Check online for their hours before going, as they do change. Express staff writer Corey Browning works at Mike’s Bikes. ♦ · · ·
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If you enjoy good food, a laid-back atmosphere and are free Thursday evenings, Off the Grid’s food truck event in Land Park is the place to be. Even in the pouring rain on a recent February evening, there was a steady trickle of people drawn to the trucks for food. Robert Johnston braved the storm to be able to make it to the trucks. “It’s comforting like comfort food,” says Johnston. The event takes place every Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at 15th Avenue and Land Park Drive, right outside the Sacramento Zoo. Food trucks and live music are featured, weather permitting. Heavy rains this past month have contributed to smaller crowds than usual. A recent rainy Thursday evening saw four trucks, one of which served dessert only. “You’ll probably see six to eight [food trucks] here in peak season,” says Brian Stansberry, owner of the Flavor Face food truck. “In the summer, it looks good, great weather, the zoo’s right here, a lot of joggers, great neighborhood, bicycle riders.” First-timer Eric Hultin ordered Flavor Face’s signature dish: a crab mac and cheese grilled cheese sandwich for $14. “Food trucks generally have a pretty good flavor,” says Hultin, who lives in the neighborhood and made the walk just for the food. “The taste of the mac and cheese is amazing.” Pricing for gourmet food trucks begins with smaller plates priced around $8 and full meals being closer to $15. Off the Grid hosted its first event in San Francisco in 2010, and now coordinates over 50 public marketplaces in the Bay Area and Sacramento. The event at the Sacramento Zoo began in 2016 and will continue year-round. Off the Grid also hosts similar food truck events in Folsom and Rancho Cordova. The selection of trucks is on constant rotation. A calendar listing what trucks will be featured week to week can be found on Off the Grid website: https:// offthegrid.com/event/sacramentozoo/2017-3-2-5pm. ♦ March 9, 2017 · Express
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PROFILE
JESSE NAJERA-IMBAULT
Mother and son reunion paints a beautiful picture Rose Vega
Staff Writer · rvega.express@gmail.com Photos by Rose Vega · rvega.express@gmail.com
There is a lot you can accomplish in 22 years: graduate high school, go to college, get a job, meet the love of your life and so much more. Jesse Najera-Imbault sits just outside the photography room, legs folded beneath him having accomplished all that. However, those 22 years did not fly by, they lingered far too long. While others waited for their favorite sitcom to return, Najera-Imbault waited to be reunited with his mother. Najera-Imbault, 27, has spent nearly 22 years being separated from his mother. At the age of 5, he came home one day to find his mother, Maria Najera, was in jail waiting to be sent back to Mexico. His father had left before he was born and with no other family able to care for him he was a adopted by a couple that was close friends with his mother. The City College photography major worked tirelessly and waited countless years to be with his mom once
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more, and a few months ago his wait was finally over. “Tears. Emotion. Joy. Happiness. It was strange and emotional to see her after 22 years,” said Najera-Imbault, his normally cheerful voice was more subdued and mature as he recalled the emotions that had overcome him when he got to see his mother again. Najera himself did not get his citizenship until two years ago. “Before that I was illegal and it was hard for me to get insurance. It was hard for me to drive. It was hard for me to get a job,” said the now City College photojournalism major. “It was hard for me to get all the same benefits as the others.” He knows that his story is not the only one and that many other Latino families have gone through similar ordeals. “A lot of Latin people work hard. They came here to work hard,” said Najera-Imbault as he talked about deportation. Najera-Imbault has managed to survive what some people could never imagine. But he didn’t just survive it, he overcame it. When talking to him there is such lightness to his presence you can’t · · ·
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quite imagine that he has ever faced such harrowing times. “There is a strength and perseverance inside that has allowed him to overcome those adversities,” said his adopted father, Gary Fenske. “I see a young man, continually struggling to prove, not so much to anyone else, but to himself, his self-worth.”
If I look back and I see my old past it was really, really rough. And right now sometimes I just try to forget all my past and not to go back.
Jesse Najera-Imbault City College Student
While he has accomplished so much, he is still aiming for more. He would love to just travel the world and capture beauty with his lens but for now he is working on getting a degree in photojournalism. R. Andrew Murray is Najera-Imbault’s boss at Storybook Reality. Murray SCCEXPRESSNEWS
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was impressed by Najera-Imbault’s work ethic and said that his organizational skills improved his business greatly. “Fantastic character, overall a great guy,” says Murray about Najera-Imbault. While his busy schedule doesn’t give him much free time he always tries to spend time with his family, especially his husband. Najera-Imbault has been married for two years and has been with his partner for nearly eight. He said it was with the support and love that his husband gave him that he was able to accomplish so much. “At this point I think I already have what I want,” he says. “If I look back and I see my old past it was really, really rough,” he says. “And right now sometimes I just try to forget all my past and not to go back.” Najera-Imbault, who has accomplished so much, is still looking forward to doing so much more. ♦
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PROFILE
SHANTRA MUTHER
From South Korea to City College, English Professor shares her passion for language Thomas Herzog
Guest Writer · thomasherzog2000@yahoo.com Photos by Jason Pierce · jpierce.express@gmail.com
At the front of her classroom, she, without being overbearing, commands attention. Strikingly tall, with medium no-nonsense blond hair and open, frank blue eyes, Shantra Muther is in her special domain. Muther is a professor of the difficult discipline of English as a Second Language. With a diverse classroom of students, identifiable from all parts of the world, they await her every word. It is through her expertise and instruction they know they will truly become citizens of their new nation, the United States. As a professor -- and student -- of the English language, Muther takes great care to find just the right words to describe her background and experiences: How she got interested in and involved with ESL, how she made the exciting and bold commitment to teach for a year in Korea and finally, how she returned to her hometown of Sacramento to work first as an instructor of ESL to adults, then as an adjunct professor, and finally as a full-
time professor in the City College English as a Second Language department. In her mid-40s now, Muther has acquired the wisdom and experience, through years of application and hard work, to rise to the top of her chosen field in a very challenging profession. “I appreciate the fact that community college professors are respected as true professionals and have a voice in instructional decisions made on campus,” Muther says. Muther is admired by her City College colleagues. “Shantra is the ultimate professional,” says professor Sandra Kawamura, an ESL instructor at City College. “She is very responsible.” Muther calls up memories of her past, growing up in Sacramento, her experience teaching in South Korea and her teaching at City College. “I’ve always loved the English language,” Muther says. “It fascinated me even when I was in grade school. Most of the other kids were…” She stops, apparently choosing her words carefully. “Not so interested, to put it diplomatically.”
Muther says she began her career “by chance.” She was offered the opportunity close to 20 years ago to teach English at a “hagwon,” a cram school for South Korean children. “Korean kids are, in general, great to work with,” she says. “They are taught from a very young age to be respectful of adults.” It was a rewarding experience for her. “After that, I never looked back,” Muther says. Muther returned to her hometown after her teaching stint in Korea ended. She took a position teaching ESL to adult students in downtown Sacramento. “I heard there was an adjunct position open for an ESL instructor at Sacramento City College,” she says. “I applied for it and I was hired.” That was in 2002. Six years later, a full-time ESL position opened, she applied and got it. “I love working at City College,” she says. “The student body is diverse and ever-changing. I feel I learn as much from the students as they learn from me, and that really excites me.” · · ·
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Muther’s students and her colleagues respect her. “Shantra is a great officemate,” says her office mate, English professor Danny Romero. “She is courteous, respectful and fun to talk to.” Learning the English language as an adult presents many challenges. It is by no means easy. But the challenge is accepted by the many adults who come to this country seeking a better life for themselves and their families. “I believe in the mission of community college,” Muther says. “Unlike a university, a community college is for all members of the community. We have students here of all ages and backgrounds I think that is something really special.” For the few who come to City College, fewer still among those will have the good fortune to find themselves in Muther’s classroom. There they will have a rich and rewarding experience, benefiting from the care, the expertise and the professionalism of Muther, now at the height of her career and a master of the difficult art of teaching English as a Second Language. ♦ March 9, 2017 · Express
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SPORTS
City College sports
As basketball wraps up its season, spring sports begin their trek towards play offs Roland Armstrong
Staff Writer · rarmstrong.express@gmail.com
Geoff Kindell
Staff Writer · gkindell.express@gmail.com
Jayson Price
Staff Writer · jprice.express@gmail.com
BASKETBALL As basketball season wrapped up at City College, both the women’s and men’s basketball teams made the California Community College Athletic Association playoffs. There, they faced some of the toughest competition in the CCCAA. The women saw striking success in the first round, beating Gavilan College 76-29, while also defending home court. Jessica Lauderdale led the team in the contest with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 5 steals. The Panthers offense caught fire as they shot 53 percent from the field. Julia Allender, 34, runs the City College women’s basketball program . She spoke of the team’s ability to pull away in its first playoff matchup. “My talk to them and my goal with them was to win the first four minutes of that game,” said Allender. “We wanted to come out and really set the tone and let them know that this is our house, this is a playoff game and it’s win or go home.” The second round was not as kind to the women’s team. The College of Sequoias out-rebounded the Panthers, 54-20, and won the game, 77-44. The Panthers started slow, scoring just 16 points in the first half. The Panthers weren’t able to overcome their slow start. Kayley Cravens led the team with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 6 steals and Lauderdale logged 10 points and 4 rebounds. “We play in the toughest conference in the state,” said Allender, while thinking of players who may return. “I think that is even more so the experience that they need (to know) what is expected of us throughout the year.” The women’s basketball team finished the year with a record of 14-16, 6-8 in Big 8 play and a second consecutive trip to the playoffs. The men’s basketball team made a late-season surge that allowed it to see a playoff berth. Andrew Jones, 50, is the head coach for City College. He spoke about the team coming on strong to finish the regular season. “The push that we had was that we won our last seven league games, which means that we beat everybody the second half of league,” said Jones. “We went from being in fifth place to being in second place.”
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Express · March 9, 2017
The Panthers were host as the No. 8 seed, welcoming the No. 9 seed, Butte College. The team found itself on the losing end of the contest, falling to Butte, 78-63. A slow start was behind the early playoff exit for the Panthers, who put up 21 points in the first half, a number they doubled in the second half. Guard Gabe Serna, who’s expected back next season, led the way with 16 points while going 4-8 from the 3-point line. Guard/forward KJ Duronslet also had a strong outing, finishing the contest with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. “Hopefully the guys who are returning will understand what the difference was for that run of seven games and how things changed and how that had lead to that success,” said Jones. The men’s basketball team finished the year with an overall record of 18-11 and finished second in the Big 8 with a 10-4 record. BASEBALL The City College Panthers’ baseball team continued its hot play as it won its fourth straight game against the Santa Rosa Bear Cubs March 7, 7-3. The Panthers improved their undefeated conference record to four wins and zero losses. The Panthers sent out left-handed pitcher Isaiah Nunez, making his fourth start of the season, to the mound against Santa Rosa. Nunez threw seven innings, giving up two earned runs while only allowing five hits. Nunez struck out six and walked one batter. Nunez’s strong outing improved record to three wins and one loss on the season. “We competed very well today against a good team. Santa Rosa won the state championship last year, very happy with our effort,” said head coach Derrick Sullivan. The Panthers’ bats started to get going in the third-inning with an RBI groundout by Jake Guenther. That at-bat set the tone for the rest of the game. Patience was the key. The Panthers were able to get on base by way of five walks against Santa Rosa with eventually having three of them scoring runs for the Panthers. With more runs scored in the fourth and fifth innings, City College took a commanding 7-2 lead late in the fifth inning. City College is tied for first-place with Cosumnes River College in the Big 8 Conference, both with 4-0 records. The Panthers next game will be at Santa Rosa on March 9 when they hope to stay unbeaten in Big 8 Conference play. · · ·
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Sac City forward KJ Duronslet (#42) is defended by Carlos Costa (#41) of Butte College during the Northern California Regional playoffs at City College in the North Gym on Feb. 24. Photo by Jason Pierce · jpierce.express@gmail.com
TENNIS The City College women’s tennis team lost to Reedley Community College, 9-0, on March 3. With a rough 0-3 start, the Panthers will look to bounce back and secure their first win of the season at home against Modesto City College on March 7. SOFTBALL It’s been a busy week for softball as the City College Panthers played three games in five days. City College split its doubleheader on March 4 against division rival American River College. The Panthers won the first game, 9-2, but dropped the second 5-3. Taylor Fratto led an offensive explosion in the second inning of the first game, scoring seven runs. Fratto went 4-of-5 and had four RBIs. Ashley Adamson’s first home run of the season wasn’t enough to get by American River the second time around. The Panthers latest victory came at the expense of Santa Rosa Community College, shutting the Bear Cubs out 6-0. City College stands at 6-5 on the season, ranking fourth in its division. The Panthers next SCCEXPRESSNEWS
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stop is College of the Siskiyous on March 9 for another doubleheader. TRACK & FIELD City College’s women’s track and field team headed to Stanislaus for the weekend to compete in the Kim Duyst Invitational. While no Panthers took first in any events, they still had numerous athletes make the Top 10. Clarissa Sandoval placed eighth in the women’s 800 with a 2:33.28. Monae Newton and Janessa Moses both breached the Top 10 in both shotput and discuss. The Panthers will travel to Davis next for the Aggie Open on March 10. City College’s men’s track and field headed to crosstown rival American River College for the Beaver Relays March 4. With a field of strong competition, the Panthers struggled to place in the top half of any event, with just two faring well. Freshman Josh Jackson placed eighth in shot put, with a 12.34-foot throw, while Emmanuel Martinez placed 15th in the hammer throw with a 36.46 foot-throw. The Panthers head to Sacramento State on March 17 for the Hornet invitational. ♦ · · ·
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