SAC CITY TALKS PG. 6
TRACK COACH RETIRING PG. 7
St. Patrick’s Day delectables and festivities SACRAMENTO CITY COLLEGE S STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1922
VOLUME 100 ISSUE 3 MARCH 15, 2016
EDITORIAL
The Great American table
“They all come to look for America.” —Simon and Garfunkel
We celebrate St. Patrick’s Day for the same reason we celebrate Cinco de Mayo: Americans love to drink. But in celebrating the holiday, people walk the fine line between being appropriate and being racist, which results in many falling into racist behavior. It’s all with good intentions, however. People are not sitting around and drinking by themselves. They’re hosting parties with family and friends, cooking massive helpings of boiled food to be consumed with absurd quantities of spirits that go beyond the heart’s content. Through all of the end-of-the-rainbow brouhaha, it’s easy to forget what St. Patrick’s Day is really about. It is said in Christian lore that St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland after they interrupted him during a 40-day fast. But as with many legends, the truth is lost within the romantic. St. Patrick was a Catholic missionary who came to Ireland with the intent of spreading the Gospel, using the shamrock as a symbol for the holy trinity (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit). As a result of his work and the legends about him, he became Ireland’s patron saint. This still does not explain why Americans celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The correct question, though, is why St. Patrick’s Day should be celebrated. It is said in American lore that the Irish — along with countless other ethnic groups — fled their homes to seek a better life in America. The immigrant arriving by boat in New York Harbor is an iconic American image. Along with the wave of Irishmen fleeing the Great Famine came the customs of their homeland. St. Patrick’s Day, naturally, crossed as well. But St. Patrick’s Day should not be just another reason for Americans to party. Instead, it should stand as a symbol of how this country values its people. Since the arrival of those Irish immigrants, their
Editor In Chief Vienna Montague Managing/Sports Editor Justin Valdez News Editor Will Dunne-Phillips Features Editor Zachary FR Anderson Photo Editor Vanessa Nelson Events Editor Ricardo Lopez Copy Editor Robin AF Swan Co-Online Editor In Chief Tyler Heberle, Rosaura de la Cruz Photographers Hector Flores, William Grubb, Julie Jorgensen, Genoria Lundy, Emily Peterson, Barbara Williams, Christopher Williams
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Ma Eliza Caliolio
Staff Writer · ma.caliolio@gmail.com
Why do you think we celebrate St. Patrick s Day?
Illustration by Kathryn Silva · ktmsilva@yahoo.com
descendants have assimilated into the broader American culture. The diaspora has shrunk since the times of the Great Famine, and today, the Irish occupy only a small corner of the Great American table. In the latter half of the 20th century and the start of the 21st, immigration from Europe has been reduced. Instead, much of the new American migration comes from countries to the south and the west of the U.S. It’s time to browse around the rest of the table. According to Voices of America, 77 percent of Americans choose some form of ethnic cuisine when dining out. Of the top 10 most popular cuisines, four of them are from Asian countries — China, India, Japan and Thailand. The Pew Research Center says that Asian-Americans are the fastest growing immigrant group as of 2010, making up 36 percent of immigrants in the past decade. The impact of Asian-Americans in politics, science and the arts have made them great contributors to this country. Take the late Daniel Inouye as an example. He lost an arm as a serviceman in World War II, earning him the Congressional Medal of Honor. He represented Hawaii in the U.S. Senate from 1963 until his death in 2012. During his term, he served as president pro-tempore of the Senate, making him the highest ranked Japanese-American in the country.
Writers Guillermina Bedolla, Elliot Bezdecheck, Ma Caliolio, Paris NunnChavez, Will Coburn, William Grubb, Dean Hyman, Neill Little, Max Morris, Erin Pettitt, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Aisha Shah, Nazia Shah, Reanna Simmons, Pav Singh Co-Design Editor Madeline Holven, Michele Lee Page Designers Malaika Martin, Trevon Norton, Roberto Samayoa, Kathryn Silva, Kevin Solorzano Castillo, Kyron Washington, Christopher Williams, Larry Woolfolk Cover Design Kathryn Silva, Kevin Solorzano Ad Manager Zachary FR Anderson
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Also, let us not also forget the contributions of immigrants from countries to the south. Since the founding of this nation, Hispanics and Latinos have served in every capacity available. The Huffington Post reported that 17 percent of members of Congress are of Hispanic or Latino descent, the highest percentage thus far. The Civil War admiral David Farragut was the first Hispanic admiral in the U.S. Navy. He is also known for his heroism at the Battle of Mobile Bay where, legend has it, he said, “Damn the torpedoes — full speed ahead!” The current United States poet laureate is Mexican-American Juan Felipe Herrera, who also served as the Poet Laureate of California. In 2015, one of the recipients of the MacArthur “Genius” Award was Puerto Rican composer Lin-Manuel Miranda. His groundbreaking work in musical theater has laid a path for actors of color since his debut musical, “In the Heights.” It is these achievements and more that give us reason to celebrate the opportunities that this country has created for its immigrant descendants. It is important to remember the next time you are pinched or drink green beer on March 17 that to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is an act of honoring the diversity that makes our country strong. It’s sharing what’s on the table. ♦
Advisers Randy Allen, Jan Haag, Dianne Heimer, Rachel Leibrock, Marcy Wacker 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 CONTACT US
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Tiese Kemp · Business
“The Irish, I guess? It’s a holiday for the Irish or Ireland. I don’t really know about it. I like St. Patrick’s Day because green is my favorite color, but I don’t really know about it.”
Parm Bir · Computer Engineering “Well, I guess to celebrate the luck of the Irish and just spread luck, I guess.”
Mariam Folorunsho · Business and Fashion “I think it has more to do with celebrating each other. It’s patriotic. I don’t know. That’s pretty much all I can come up with.”
Jay Nori · Kinesiology “I think we celebrate it because it’s one of the cultures we grew up on. I think it has become part of our society, and we celebrate it just like other holidays. We also party that day just like how we party in any other holiday. We also wear green.”
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NEWS
Busy spring term ahead for Student Senate Dodgeball, Sac City Talks, homelessness forum planned for City College Maxfield Morris
Staff Writer · maxfieldmorris.express@gmail.com
The City College Student Associated Council has a number of events and activities planned for this semester, including a March 15 forum on homelessness, as well as Sac City Talks and SAC elections in April. Club and Events Board (CAEB) project coordinator Georgia Sherman said that one of the Student Senate’s concerns is homelessness and students, and interested parties are invited to discuss the issue Tuesday, March 15, from noon–2 p.m. in the Student Center. The event will be hosted by the Rotaract Club. According to Sherman, the original concept for a conversation with students about the issue of homelessness came from City College student Colin Meinrath, who is active in student government. The forum aims to create discussion about the way that society treats the issue of homelessness in California and to be an opportunity for community members to voice their insights, according to Sherman. “We want people to come in,” said Sherman, “and tell them, ‘Here are some resources you can go to.’ Anyone is more than welcome to come.” SAC also hosted a toiletry drive
March 12 in the quad as part of Senior Saturday. The drive, organized by Student Senate President Marianna Sousa, accepted donations of toiletries and clothing. Participants took the collected items into their communities to distribute them to individuals in need, according to Sherman. In addition to assisting those in need, the student government is also promoting inclusivity between City College’s main campus and its outreach campuses through free dodgeball tournaments Friday, April 8, and Friday, April 15, in the South Gym, Sherman said. The suggestion for these tournaments came from Student Senator Raymond Concha, who wanted a fun physical activity for all City College students. “I wanted to bring some of my experiences with spirit to our school,” said Concha. The event will follow National Dodgeball League rules, and teams of six people will compete until a winner is determined, Concha said. According to Sherman, the event would send a positive message to all City College students. “It’s open to all outreach campuses,” Sherman said. “They are a part of our campus, they are a part of our community, and they are welcome here.” The Student Associated Council is
City College student Vice President Ansel Chan (left), Kalaisha Tetty, secretary, and student president Marianna Sousa sat down with fellow students to discuss the spring semester events, at a meeting March 6. ¦ Photo by Vanessa S. Nelson · vanessanelsonexpress@gmail.com
also planning City Talks — a TEDx-style public speaking event — on April 22. According to Student Senate Secretary of Public Relations Melissa Lasell, this event consists of four sessions of speakers each giving an eight-minute speech on a subject they are passionate about. The event will be held in PAC 106.
Lasell says viewers can expect a fun, engaging event that will stimulate their minds. Elections for student government positions for the 2016-2017 academic year will be held April 12-13. Candidates are currently in the process of seeking signatures in support of their campaigns, which are due March 15, said Sherman. ♦
Student arrested for recording in bathroom Victims praised for taking action, making citizen s arrest on campus Vienna J. Montague
Editor-in-Chief · viennajmontagueexpress@gmail.com
A City College student is facing a misdemeanor charge after police said the student allegedly recorded two men using a campus bathroom. According to Los Rios Police, 19-year-old city colleage student Jhamon Venerable walked into the men’s restroom located on the third floor of the library and secretly record with his cellphone two other male students But the two students in the stalls noticed him, and, according to City College Public Information Officer Rick Brewer, took action. “The two students actually brought [Venerable] to our grievance counselor across the hall,” Brewer said. “They’re the ones that realized the action was more than just breaking the student code of conduct, and was a potentially criminal offense.”
Brewer said Los Rios police were called to the office and arrested Venerable after interviewing all three students, but credited the two students making a citizen’s arrest for the suspect’s capture. Los Rios Police Sergeant Jinky-Jay Lampano said because of the nature of most crimes committed on campus, citizen’s arrests are not uncommon, but there are risks students should keep in mind. “I think for anybody that sees that something like this is happening, by law they’re allowed to detain somebody [and make] a citizen’s arrest, especially if it’s going to become a misdemeanor crime,” Lampano said. “But if it may become physical, I think that’s something that students need to think about — how big can this get? What weapon does this person possess?” Brewer also pointed out that the two students’ vigilance helped to address the situation without escalating to violence.
“I felt that it was a very adult and responsible reaction to that situation,” Brewer said. “I think the students should be commended for acting the way they did. Because, let’s be serious, they could have done a lot of other things to that individual… I think it was very brave.” Brewer added that no amount of security can prevent situations like these, and in any situation, it’s important for students to be proactive. “In this age of almost anything goes, it really is incumbent on all of us individually to be aware of our surroundings, and report things if we see potentially hazardous situations,” Brewer said, “or if we actually see violence or unsafe practices, to tell someone.” Though no action on campus has been taken against him, Venerable could face suspension from all Los Rios colleges in the future, Brewer said. ♦
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Jhamon Venerable,19, was arrested on campus for recording two men with a cellphone camera March 2¦ Photo courtesy of Los Rios Police Department
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FEATURES
Tasting the Emerald Isle
A tour of tranditional St. Patrick s Day favorites
Express staff writer Reanna Simmons stopped by O malley s Irish Pub during the St. Paddy s Day food crawl to try the corned beef tacos on March 6. ¦ Photo by Reanna Simmons · rsimmonsexpress@gmail.com
Reanna Simmons
Staff Writer · rsimmonsexpress@gmail.com
As spring comes nearer, so do the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. In celebration, staff writer Reanna Simmons visited four pubs in the area to see how they are honoring — through food and drink—Ireland’s patron saint. de Vere’s Irish Pub 1521 L St., Sacramento 217 E St., Davis (916) 231-9947 De Vere’s Irish Pub is an authentic Irish ale house. This pub is relatively large, and has a welcoming atmosphere. A soccer game playing in the background on a flatscreen tv, as voices from friendly conversation waft, over the sound of announcers calling out plays. The extensive menu includes Irish sandwiches, stew and fish. The selection, along with aesthetically pleasing surroundings, makes the tavern feel especially authentic. The Granny’s Shepherd’s Pie is delectable. Its combination of ground beef, vegetables, rich gravy and toasted mashed potatoes is heavenly — a true comfort food. It all comes together deliciously.
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The fried egg on top is recommended by the staff, and for good reason. The Irish stew could be considered an acquired taste. The Irish whiskey-braised beef gives the stew a smoky flavor, but the beef is a bit chewy, and the vegetables should be more tender — particularly the carrots. Along with the braised beef, the stew includes onions, celery, potatoes, rosemary and thyme, and comes with a slice of Irish brown bread. Overall, de Vere’s Irish Pub is a great place to go for St. Patrick’s Day because it’s more than just a bar — it’s a restaurant. Bonn Lair 3651 J St., Sacramento (916) 455-7155 Bonn Lair is a hole-in-the-wall pub that’s smaller than De Vere’s, but nevertheless delightful. The pub’s decor is a visual feast. There are flags raised on the walls, advertisements for Guinness, a tapestry in the back, and the entire place is dimly lit. The smell of alcohol fills the room and the sound of laughter travels throughout the pub, creating a welcoming air. The menu includes suggested beer and food pairings, helping customers decide which drink would go best with their meals. · · ·
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The top two go-to meals here are the classic fish and chips and the bangers and mash. The delicious fish and chips consists of two huge pieces of cod served on a plate of fries with a side of tartar sauce. However, the fish could be a bit crunchier, since it is fried. The bangers and mash entrée — two sausages with mashed potatoes — is a must-try. This is a common British dish, and the combination of flavors in the bangers and mash here is delightful.
is an unusual blend of Irish and Mexican cuisine that is a thing of beauty. The corned beef is served on a flour tortilla with melted pepper jack cheese, then topped off with a sweet coleslaw. The combination of salty and sweet is just too good to miss.
O’Malley’s Irish Pub 1109 2nd St., Sacramento (916) 492-1230 There’s no way to miss O’Malley’s Irish Pub in Old Sacramento. Their enormous green sign hanging outside the pub catches the eye, and the music blaring from inside can be heard beyond its walls. The patrons in this pub seem to be having a grand time. O’Malley’s has not one, but two corned beef dishes. These are corned beef and cabbage — a staple of St. Patrick’s Day dinner tables — and corned beef tacos. The corned beef and cabbage is tasty, although the cabbage is too salty. Served on the side with the corned beef and cabbage, their grilled mashed potatoes are excellent. O’Malley’s corned beef tacos dish
Streets Pub and Grub is a laid-back pub that is huge inside and has an atmosphere that feels quite calming. The pub is more English-style than Irish, but either way, it’s somewhere to go for St. Patrick’s Day. The food here is just as appetizing as at the other pubs. The menu includes all sorts of fare from the British Isles, such as fish and chips, deep-fried pickles and Scotch eggs. The deep-fried pickles have the crunch of french fries without overpowering the unique flavor profile of the pickle. A Scotch egg is a hardboiled egg wrapped in sausage and covered in bread crumbs. It’s considered more of an appetizer than a meal, but just as filling as an entrée. The Scotch egg may be an unusual adventure for the average American palate. ♦
Streets Pub amd Grub 2200 Lake Washington Blvd., West Sacramento (916) 498-1388
FEATURES
Tap of the mornin
Festive drinks to wet your whistle on St. Patrick s Day Sacramento State University Exchange Show at the Kondos Gallery
Through March 31; Reception March 17 4:30‒6:30 p.m. Kondos Gallery Sacramento State art students will have their work displayed at the Kondos Gallery, while City College art students will have art showcased at the CSUS Witt Gallery.
FBI Information Session Thursday, March 17 noon‒1:30 p.m. Career Center
An FBI agent/recruiter will be at City College to give a presentation on career opportunities with the FBI.
Cosmetology Canned Food Drive Through March 18 Tuesday‒Friday, 7:45 a.m.‒1 p.m. Cosmetology Building
Get a complimentary hair cut or manicure from City College s cosmetology department (under instructor supervision) with a donation of a non-perishable item, canned or boxed food, or hygiene products.
Mini Transfer Wednesday Wednesday, March 30 10 a.m.‒1 p.m. Quad Stage
Illustration by Katie Silva · katiemsilva@yahoo.com
Justin Valdez
Managing Editor · justinvaldezexpress@gmail.com
It’s that time of the year again. Decorations are up, and much of the town is painted green — at least figuratively. St. Patrick’s Day is a major Irish holiday that originated on the Emerald Isle, but, like many other holidays, it has been adopted here in the United States. To celebrate, several pubs in the area turn the occasion into quite the event. Managing Editor Justin Valdez visited four places to see what kind of alcoholic beverages patrons can try out for the occasion. O’Malley’s Irish Pub 1109 2nd St. | (916) 492-1230 Open 10 a.m.–2 a.m O’Malley’s has a somewhat more extensive selection of beer and liquor, for those looking for a wider variety of beverages. The pub features 16 beers on tap and 20 to 30 different brands of whiskey. Manager Matt Carney says O’ Malley’s will also have bagpipers performing throughout the day.
Streets Pub and Grub 1804 J St. | (916) 498-1388 Open 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m. With 18 varieties of beer on tap, this London-inspired pub will feature some St. Patrick’s Day favorites along with not-so typical items. Fans of so-called green beer will be happy to know that Streets will have its own version of the novelty item. Green Pabst Blue Ribbon will be flowing all day. For those looking to have a few Irish Car Bombs, there are 15 different whiskeys from which to choose. According to Streets Pub and Grub Manager Kris Van Taffel, the pub will serve corned beef and cabbage, a special “green fish and chips” and Irish tacos. De Vere’s Irish Pub 1521 J St. | (916) 231-9947 Open 11 a.m.–2 a.m. 217 E St., Davis | (530) 204-5333 Open 11:00 a.m.–12:30 a.m. De Vere’s Irish pub is the place to go for the greatest drink variety. According to
Manager Tori O’Callahan, the pub has over 200 types of whiskeys and 26 beers on tap, including Guinness. This will be the premiere spot to go for anyone looking to drink Irish Car Bombs, Irish coffees, or keep it simple with a ginger ale and Jameson. Brownie’s Lounge & Catering 5858 South Land Park Drive (916) 424-3058 Open 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m. Those looking for the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration should head to Brownie’s. The bar will be throwing its 50th annual St. Patrick’s Day event and will be decked out with green tinsel along with decorations featuring leprechauns and shamrocks. According to Brownie’s owner Clair Brownie, there will be Dixieland dancers and bag pipers performing all day long. They will also serve their famous corned beef and cabbage. Brownie advises that patrons should get there early if they hope to eat because the food usually runs out around 6 p.m. ♦ · · ·
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Mini Transfer days allow students to meet college representatives from various colleges and learn more about how to prepare for their major s eligibility requirements for transfer and application processes.
Secular Student Alliance Guest Speaker Thursday, March 31 6:30‒8:30 p.m. Student Center
Secular Student Alliance presents Atheism: The Next Generation with guest speakers Dr. Ashley F. Miller and David G. McAfee.
Commencement Speaker Auditions Deadline: April 1 SOG 226
The Student Leadership and Development office and commencement committee are seeking a student speaker to address the graduating classes of fall and spring 2016. · · ·
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NEWS
Sac City Talks comes to City College
Student Senate accepting video submissions for talks until March 15 Ma Eliza Caliolio
Staff Writer · ma.caliolio@gmail.com
The City College Student Senate is accepting submissions for Sac City Talks, which will pay homage to 100 years of innovation and milestones at City College. According to the Senate’s secretary of public relations, Melissa Lasell, a half-day celebration of the 1916 founding of City College will feature speakers from the campus, the Sacramento region and non-local communities Friday, April 22, from 3–9 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center 106. “We want it to be a community event,” Lasell said. “Anyone of any age from anywhere [can speak], who has a message — a quality message they can deliver in eight minutes or less — that ties into the theme ‘The Next 100 Years of Progress’.” According to Lasell, the Student Senate wanted to create an event in which members of the community, along with students, can be engaged in a positive way. Lasell said Sac City Talks will run for six hours April 22 and will be divided into four sessions to allow more people to participate as audience members, especially those who are coming from work. Each session will have seven speakers and will be an hour and a half long. A 10-minute Q&A will be held for the audience and speakers at the end of each session, according to Lasell. Videos submitted before March 15 will receive priority consideration, but Lasell said the Senate will continue accepting submissions until all 28 spots are filled.
Where we live has a tremendous impact in our lives. Taking an active role in one s community is an integral part of its success.
Nickolas Tryon
Journalism student
“Some [people] have asked if it can be a poetry slam or performance arts. The answer is absolutely yes,” Lasell said, “as long as it’s thought provoking, engaging and worthy of the stage.” The maximum time for speakers is eight minutes, according to Lasell. “Videos are confidential. They won’t be shared,” Lasell said. “They will only be seen by the screening committee.” Georgia Sherman, project coordinator for the Club and Events Board (CAEB) and president of the Rotaract Club at City
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College, urged students to take advantage of the event. “It’s definitely great for anybody who wants to spread their wings [in public speaking],” Sherman said, “for people to challenge themselves and get out of their comfort zone.” Student Government Senator Raymond Concha said marketing efforts, such as posters and community outreach, are in place to ensure the event is publicized on campus and in the community. “What I’m focused on as a senator is getting the outreach centers more involved [in] our community — our campus — because a lot of them feel they don’t belong here,” Concha said. “Most [students at the Davis Center] didn’t even know our school is turning 100 this year.” Nickolas Tryon, a journalism student, said he heard about Sac City Talks through his public speaking class when it was brought up during a conversation about TEDx Sacramento, which was recently held in town. Tryon said if he was a speaker, he would talk about the issue of education. “Education is in shambles,” Tryon said. “Too many young people carry the attitude into college that it’s just something they have to grind out in order to get a job, rather than taking an active role in their education for the sake of equipping themselves for life.” Tryon added that the greater Sacramento community needs to care about the direction the area is headed in the next 100 years. “Where we live has a tremendous impact in our lives,” Tryon said. “Taking an active role in one’s community is an integral part of its success. If you want Sacramento to be a good place to live, then you ought to get involved in making it a better place in one way or another.” Sac City Talks is a free event. Tickets are available through EventBrite and can be accessed through Sac City Talks’ Facebook page. Lasell encouraged those who plan to attend to reserve tickets only for the sessions they are interested in hearing, because only a limited number of tickets will be available. An official press announcement of keynote speakers will be announced at the beginning of April, according to Lasell. Students have until March 15 to receive priority consideration for their video aditions for Sac City Talks. For more information about submitting audition videos, see the Sac City Talks Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ saccitytalks. ♦ · · ·
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SPORTS
Leaving a lasting legacy
City College women s track and field coach Lisa Baudin will retire this spring
City College track and field coach Lisa Baudin has formed close relationships with student athletes and other coaches. ¦ Photo by Vanessa S. Nelson · vanessanelsonexpress@gmail.com.
Justin Valdez
Sports Editor · justinvaldezexpress@gmail.com
On a rainy Thursday in her office under Hughes Stadium, women’s head track coach Lisa Baudin was scrambling to gather gear in bags for her team’s track invitational the next day in Modesto. “I’m still in mom mode,” said Baudin, who for more than two decades has been in charge of the day-to-day, yearround operations of the track program. After 23 years as the City College women’s head track and field coach, including a stint as an Olympic track coach, Baudin will retire at the end of the spring semester. According to Baudin and City College athletic director Mitch Campbell, her retirement has been in the works for some time. Baudin said things have changed so much from the time she started coaching. “The job has become a completely different beast,” Baudin said. “There’s so [many] more things that are put on a coach’s plate that the coaching piece is not finding much room on that plate.” In fall 1993 Baudin left her assistant coaching position at San Francisco State to become the women’s track and field head
coach at City College, a move she said she wasn’t sure about until she spoke with friends who pushed her to take the job. Even then, she recalled, she didn’t envision a lengthy tenure as the Panthers coach. “In my interview [at City College] I told them I would be here five years. ‘I have aspirations of being an Olympic coach,’ ” Baudin said. “But what happened was relationships and realizing that the relationships I developed here with my student athletes were unlike anything I could get somewhere else.”
Sacramento City College track and field is always going to be a part of my life and my world.
Lisa Baudin
City College women s track and field head coach
One relationship in particular began in 2004 when Rob Dewar, a track coach at UC Davis, reached out to Baudin. According to Dewar, he was looking for advice about applying for the vacant City College
men’s head track coach position. “When this opened up, I called her and asked her what’s it like there, and she said, ‘Yeah, apply. I think you’d do well here,’” Dewar said. Dewar got the job, and Baudin’s and Dewar’s close professional relationship started. She said he has become like a little brother to her, and he jokingly said that Baudin is his “way older sister.” Dewar credited Baudin with helping him transition from a four-year program to a community college. Both say they balance each other perfectly like yin and yang. “I think we respect each other. I get her. I understand her. We’ve worked many years together,” Dewar said. “I’m a little more Type A, and he’s more loose and relaxed. Over the years I think our work marriage has worked pretty well,” Baudin added. Baudin has also formed very close bonds with her student athletes. She said one former athlete even asked her to be her child’s godmother. Tears formed in Baudin’s eyes when she started reflecting on some of these relationships. “Sometimes we get kids in here that are sort of broken, and having the op· · ·
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portunity to help them rebuild and retool themselves is big,” Baudin said. She recalled that she was the first person a former student athlete contacted when the student was date raped at a university. Baudin said she gets invited to countless weddings and has been asked to speak at funerals for several of her former students who died under tragic circumstances. It is these qualities in a coach and professor that will make Baudin hard to replace, according to Campbell. “I think there’s a great respect for the passion that Lisa had,” Campbell said. “That quality — that Lisa cared about the person and not just the athlete — is absolutely required in our discipline to do what we do.” Baudin was part of the coaching staff for the 2000 Olympic medal track team and has traveled all over the world, but she said she will continue to support Dewar. Coaching at City College will always hold a special place in her heart. “Sacramento City College track and field is always going to be a part of my life and my world, but it’s definitely time for me to sit back and be able to reflect,” Baudin said. ♦ March 15, 2016
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SPORTS
Helping change baseball team culture Panthers pitcher Polo Portela brings family philosophy to program William Coburn
Staff Writer · willccoburn@gmail.com
Teamwork and culture have been a major focal point for City College baseball head coach Derek Sullivan, who says he’s always looking for student athletes like 19-year-old Polo Portela to make the team strong. Baseball has been a part of Portela’s life for the last 10 years, and his link to the City College baseball program goes back to his days of playing high school ball. He started receiving independent pitching help from City College’s pitching coach Deskaheh Bomberry, while Portela was still attending Grant High School. Portela believes the help from Bomberry made the transition from playing high school baseball to college baseball much easier. “That throwing program helped me a lot, and when I got here, the throwing program was easy for me. I was prepared,” Portela said. Portela credits his uncle and head coach of the Grant High School baseball team, Danny Chavez, for pushing him into baseball. Chavez played for City College in 1990 and has been coaching Portela since T-ball. “I am really proud of [my nephew],” said Chavez. “It’s a mirror image of how hard [Polo] worked.” Portela said his father is also a driving force, always pushing him and reminding him that he can always do better. He said his father believes transferring to a four-year university is the “big goal.” Portela said he has his eyes on USC or North Carolina, two Division 1 programs. However, the self-proclaimed mama’s boy added that going out of state would be tough for him and his family, that his mom in particular would be sad to see him go. For now his family can watch him play for the Panthers at Union Stadium. Portela said the attention from coach Bomberry and watching the Panthers was a big part of his decision to come to City College. “Portela’s a good player, and he’s always been on our radar,” Sullivan said. He leads the Panthers pitching staff with 26 strikeouts and a 0.98 earned run average. According to CCCAA.org, Portela has the ninth lowest ERA among all California community college pitchers. Those kinds of statistics are what propel athletes to the next level. Sullivan believes that community college athletic programs make good stepping stones before going to four-year schools. Portela is confident that City College is preparing him for the next level by helping him learn to work better as a teammate. He says the “team culture” that City College
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March 15, 2016
Polo Portela, City College freshman, tossed five scoreless innings and picked up the win against Chabot College at Union Stadium Feb. 5. ¦ Photos by Dianne Rose · dianne.rose.express@gmail.com
coaches instill in their student athletes has been a positive influence in his life. “It’s a great experience to see a bunch of guys come together as one team. I was never a part of that,” Portela said. The players compete among themselves by seeing who has the fastest run times and who can lift the most weight. According to Portela, the healthy competition is important to growing as a team. “We’re always pushing each other — that’s for sure — and if you’re doing something wrong, they’ll let you know for sure,” Portela said. Portela, who is majoring in criminal justice, said he finds forensic sciences fascinating. He said his love for criminal justice began in high school and believes that the unity associated with baseball will ultimately help him with a career in criminal justice. “Baseball gives me focus for sure,” Portela said. “Learning to work as a team is important.” Sullivan agreed, adding, “The strength of our team is our flexibility, the commitment for all of our guys. They just want to · · ·
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Polo Portela (second from right) was the starting pitcher in the first game of the double header against Chabot College.
win. They’re willing to do whatever to takes for our group to win. I have not seen much, if any, individualism. They’re here to win, and we need to win, and we are all really happy. That’s been outstanding with this club so far.”
Portela thinks his first season with the Panthers will be one to remember. “The team this year is [going to] be a great team. Hopefully, we can bring home a state championship,” Portela said. “That’s the goal.” ♦