Clarion 3/21/12

Citrus College

Clarion theclariononline.com

March 21, 2012 Volume LXVI Issue XI

Going to rehab for

Celebrity Addiction PGS. 10/11

Illustration by Peter Callan

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News Editor

theclariononline.com

Sydney Presley

NEWS

QUOTE

News In Minutes

of the

DAY “We are living in the age where the pursuit of all values other than money, success, fame and glamour, has either been discredited or destroyed.”

-Michael Alig “Party Monster”

ANNOUNCEMENTS CCSSE returns to Citrus The Office of Institutional Research will be administering The Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCCSE). One of your classes maybe chosen to complete the survey. The data obtained is crucial to the college’s planning so your meaningful participation is both needed and appreciated. The exact dates will be announced after spring break into early May.

Disaster Survival Skills Workshops The Classified Development has organized a Disaster Survival Skills Workshop for April 20 from 7:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Campus Center.

Cosmetology and Esthetician Open House Students who enjoy working with hair and make-up and are interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology or as an esthetician are encouraged to attend an informal open house at Citrus on April 11 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Registration is required. Contact the cosmetology department at 626-914-8710 for more information.

Talkin’ Bout My Generation

The Associated Students of Citrus College will be sponsoring a theatrical production addressing issues face by today’s young Americans produced by the Will & Company. The free event is scheduled for March 22 at 10 a.m. in the Haugh Performing Arts Center.

Spanish 201 & 202 return for fall semester Spanish professor Anna McGarry has announced that Spanish 3 and 4 will resume in the fall 2012 semester. Spanish is the second most widely spoken native language on Earth after Chinese. To learn more about the Spanish program at Citrus visit the home website.

MARCH 21, 2012

LOCAL

Fire chief offers new explanation for slow response times Los Angeles Fire Chief Brian Cummings said the L.A. Fire Department used computerized projections to report the time firefighters took to arrive to the scene of fires rather than actual performance data. In a report to the Fire Commission, Cummings said the department used hypothetical models assuming full staffing to show a 79 percent arrival rate within five minutes in 2008, and a 77 percent rate in 2012. According to officials, the department met the five-minute goal only 60 percent of the time in 2012.

Source: Los Angeles Times

U.N. asked to investigate solitary confinement as torture A petition calling the segregated housing and solitary confinement of gang members “torture” was sent to the United Nations on behalf of approximately 400 California prisoners by attorney Peter Schey March 20. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation began reviewing the policy of solitary confinement last year, and also plans to make the process to get out of segregated housing easier and faster.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Unified School District hires social media director LAUSD hired former CBS/KCAL reporter Stephanie Abrams as their new social media director, who will launch Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube sites in an effort to broaden the district’s community outreach.

The Goldhirsh Foundation is paying $87,000 of Abrams’ $93,000 salary, while the district pays the remainder. Abrams will also work to launch and improve websites for individual campuses as well as attempting to build traffic on LAUSD’s main networks.

Source: Los Angeles Times

STATE Cal State system to freeze enrollment California State University officials moved to block incoming students from enrolling in the spring 2013 semester. The move was made in anticipation of an additional $200 million in cuts to the CSU system, barring the passage of Gov. Jerry Brown’s new tax proposal. CSUs Channel Islands, Chico, East Bay, Fullerton, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Bernardino and Sonoma will accept some community college students for the spring 2013 semester.

Source: Los Angeles Times

NATIONAL Health law hearings: Justices plan daily tapes The Supreme Court announced that sameday audio recordings of arguments taking place over the constitutionality of the health care overhaul law, would be released starting Mar. 26. The Supreme Court has made an exception to their routine of releasing recordings at the end of the week because of the public interest in the subject. The recordings will be available on iTunes.

Source: The New York Times

Soldier accused of Afghan massacre to face formal charges The soldier accused of murdering 16 Afghan civilians, Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, will face formal charges from the U.S. Army sometime this week, according to U.S. officials. Bales is believed to have been drinking alcohol before he left Combat Outpost Belamby at 3 a.m. on March 11, before the killings started.

Officials said the initial charges were delayed in order to make the formal charges as complete as possible.

Source: Los Angeles Times

C O M I C

Former Rosemead mayor pleads guilty to bribery Former Rosemead mayor John Tran plead guilty to accepting more than $10,000 in bribes over a two-year period. The guilty plea was part of a plea deal arranged between Tran and the U.S. Attorney’s office.

Tran had already returned $35,000 in bribes and gave back an additional $38,000 as part of the bargain. According to prosecutors, Tran began accepting bribes in 2005 and the amount returned is larger than the amount pled due to a five year statute of limitations.

Tran faces up to 10 years in prison.

Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune

U.S. clarifies policy on birth control for religious groups The Obama administration announced the federal mandate for health insurance covering contraceptives would apply to many Roman Catholic hospitals, universities and social service agencies. This would guarantee free contraceptives to women at these institutions. The administration also established new rules that would allow millions to qualify for Medicaid.

Source: The New York Times

GLOBAL

String of shootings puts France on high alert A teacher and three students were gunned down outside Ozar Hatorah, a Jewish school, in the southwestern region of Toulouse. The shooting was the third in 10 days for the region in which victims were executed by a gunman on a motorcycle who has targeted minorities in the area. French President Nicolas Sarkozy suspended his re-election campaign in light of the tragedy and placed Toulouse under the highest possible security alert level.

Source: CNN

San Francisco sheriff refuses to resign, mayor moves to suspend him San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi will not resign from his position following his conviction for falsely imprisoning his wife on New Year’s Eve. Mayor Edwin Lee said he would move to suspend and remove Mirkarimi for “official misconduct.”

“At this time, I do not plan to resign,” Mirkarimi said. “I do not believe the conduct I have taken responsibility for is official misconduct under the law.”

Source: Los Angeles Times Cadmium intake is linked to breast cancer risk A new study finds that women who ingest higher levels of cadmium are 21 percent more likely to develop breast cancer than women with a lower cadmium intake. Cadmium is a carcinogen that seeps into crops from fertilizers, mostly whole grains, potatoes, other vegetables and shellfish. This can also become a pollutant when fossil fuels are burned. Furthermore, it has been found that environmental chemicals that mimic the effects of estrogen may also increase the risk of certain cancers, including endometrial and breast cancers.

Source: Los Angeles Times Gun battle takes place between rebels and security forces in Syrian capital A three-hour gun battle took place in Damascus between the rebel Free Syrian Army and members of the Syrian security forces March 19. The battle took place in the upscale area of Mezzeh, which is home to foreign embassies, government offices, and senior officials. A spokesman for the Free Syrian Army said the attack was designed to show the capabilities of the Army and to introduce a new brigade in the area.

Source: The Washington Post

Sydney Presley, Citrus College Clarion

C O R N E R

MARCH 21, 2012

CLARIONnews

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Child care to be suspended on campus

“

Sydney Presley Clarion Editor in Chief

We would welcome a good solution. We just don’t have it yet.

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he Child Development Center at Citrus College will be effective until June 15, 2012.

In a letter dated March 1 and signed by Irene Malmgren, Ed.D., vice president of academic affairs, parents of the children in the Orfalea Family Child’s Center were informed that the decision had been made in the wake of declining enrollment and state budget cuts.

“After recently exploring alternative ways to support the Child Development Center, the college finds itself in the untenable position of no longer having adequate funds to continue to subsidize the Child Development Center,” Malmgren wrote in the letter.

During the 2011-2012 fiscal year, funding from the state to Citrus College has declined $5 million, forcing Citrus and all other California community colleges to downsize class schedules, programs and services.

The CDC has been operating for 34 years.

In 2001, Kinko’s founder Paul Orfalea gave the Citrus College foundation $1 million to endow the CDC, the largest donation in Citrus College history.

The endowment is managed by the Citrus College Foundation, a volunteer board of directors that raises funds for awards, scholarships and grants.

Mickey Allen, director of the CDC, declined to comment on the closure beyond what was stated in Malmgren’s letter.

She said 153 children are currently enrolled from about 145 families.

This is a large reduction from seven or eight years ago when there were 400 children from

Irene Malmgren, Ed.D VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Shannon Vigil, Citrus College Clarion The Orfalea Family Child Development Center will be suspending its child care services effective June 15, 2012. The CDC currently serves 153 children.

350 families enrolled.

Carol Horton, vice president of finance and administrative services, said that the closure of the CDC will “reduce the impact on the general fund by more than $600,000 this year.”

The decision for the closure was made following a decision

by Gov. Jerry Brown to fund the “Welfare to Work” program rather than child care for student parents.

Malmgren said even though it received state funding, the CDC had “not been self sustaining for quite a while.”

She said even if Brown’s tax referendum is approved Nov. 6

by California voters, campus revenue will not increase enough to reopen the CDC. Campus officials are looking for options to keep the center open.

However, they have not received any proposals from pri-

”

vate companies to assume responsibility for its operation, she said.

“We understand this is a very real need and huge hit for our student parents, and we’ll do everything we can to facilitate finding alternatives,” Malmgren said. “We would welcome a good solution. We just don’t have it yet.”

The closure of the CDC has put the jobs of its 31 staff members who run the center in jeopardy.

Eight of the staff are teachers, while the remainder are a mix of aides, student workers, and support staff. Some staff members who have specialties in other areas might be reassigned to different departments.

Those who do not will be laid off, Malmgren said.

Child development program classes will still continue.

However, Citrus students enrolled in these classes will have to turn to off-campus child development centers to use as lab sites, of which some classes can require 50 hours.

Meanwhile, the child development centers at Pasadena City College, Glendale Community College and Mt. San Antonio College are remaining open.

Nicki Harmon, director of

PCC’s Child Development Center, said that contrary to the situation at Citrus, the Pasadena Center has had a boom in enrollment as well as a long waiting list.

She said that Citrus students may use Pasadena’s center as a lab site.

With the closure of the CDC, Citrus might lose students who have no other means of child care, forcing them to cut down on the units they are able to take next semester, if any.

Nursing major Eun Jim Kwan, mother of 4-year-old Edward Kim, said she would pay more if that meant child care would still be available on campus.

Currently, the rates for a full day (six hours or more) at the CDC for unsubsidized families is $35 and $26 for a part day.

However, only 3 percent of the 153 families pay that rate.

In fact, 20 percent pay a copay while the state of California covers all costs for the other 77 percent of CDC families.

“It was one of the biggest reasons I came here [Citrus].

But if they close, what can I do?” Kwan said.

Kwan has two more years worth of courses she needs to complete, but is unsure if she will be able to with no one to look after her son.

Citrus student Fatima Lyons, mother of 2-year-old Justin, said that she might have to go to Mt. SAC for child care to continue her education.

“We could’ve been told in a more personal way,” Lyons said.

“The teachers aren’t even talking about it in the classroom.”

Further plans for staff layoffs unclear Daniel Hernandez Clarion Spotlight Editor

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ayoffs have begun at Citrus College.

The state budget crisis is impacting campus programs and is leading to the termination of employees.

The recent announcement by Irene Malmgren, Ed.D., vice president of academic affairs, that the Child Development Center will close on June 15 has raised concerns among college employees about job security.

When the CDC closes on June 15, of the 31 employed, 25 employees will be up for termination or reassignment, 12 of whom are classified and six of them are retiring.

“Other than the CDC, we have not made other decisions to lay off any other employees,” said Robert Sammis, J.D., director of human resources.

The classified staff are college employees who are not re-

quired to hold teaching credentials, such as custodians, secretaries, instructional aides and some management personnel.

There are 268 classified workers at Citrus, according to the human resources department.

“We’re going through a process of identifying where we are going to make cuts, but no decisions have been made yet,” Sammis said.

Sammis said it is going to take a couple of months until clear and concrete decisions are made to put into effect.

Carol Horton, vice president of finance and administrative services, said the childcare has impacted the general fund about $600,000.

“The decision was very difficult for the college, but the mission of the college is the students, and that’s a lot of classes that we are not offering because of helping out the CDC,” Horton said.

The 2012-13 fiscal year is

planning for a $2.65 million reduction in state funding, so reductions in campus resources are likely to happen, she said.

Horton said by the end of this year they are looking at a remaining of $8.5 million in the reserves funding, which went down from $17 million.

“We can’t deficit spend like we did this year,” Horton said.

“Next year our expenses are going to go up, and our revenue is going to go down, and we are already deficit spending, so we’ve got to make cuts, and [closing of the CDC] is one of them.”

Both Sammis and Horton said that they are not looking to lay off any other full-time or part-time classified employees, but that they are not looking to hire anyone either.

Steve Siegel, President of the California School Employees Association, the classified staff union, said every effort is being made to avoid more layoffs.

“We try to see if we can get

“ We’re going through a process of identifying where we are going to make cuts, no decisions have been made yet.

ROBERT SAMMIS, J.D. DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

”

some kind of concessions or assistance made for the people being laid off,” Siegel said. “We might not be successful, but we try every avenue to get help or aid to our people.”

Planning for the next fiscal year’s budget is expected to affect employees, primarily the classified staff.

As far as adjunct faculty layoffs go, the 10 faculty positions being filled will not have an impact in the workload of the current employees because eight faculty members are expected to retire and that will fill their workload, Sammis said.

He said Citrus abides by the 75-25 target, whereby 75 percent of the sections are being taught by full-time faculty and 25 percent by adjunct.

The only concern for the adjunct faculty would be the reduction of the number of sections being offered next year because if they are cut, they will not have anything to teach, resulting in what would be consider a job loss.

“We are trying to do everything we can to make cuts that don’t involve layoffs, but we’re dealing with a budget that is 90 percent personnel, and we’ve got to make $5 million in cuts, so it is difficult not to affect the personnel,” Sammis said.

MARCH 21, 2012

CLARIONnews

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Students exceeding 110 units to register last Martin Cabrera Clarion Managing Editor

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policy proposed by the task force on priority enrollment will push students over 110 units to the back of the line for class registration.

If the policy is passed by the academic senate and board of trustees, students who were dismissed for poor academic performance or returning from discontinuous enrollment for at least two full semesters will also be last to register.

The current priority enrollment order is as follows: Disabled Student Programs and Services and Extended Opportunity Programs and Services students first, then veterans, foster youth, Honors Program students, and student athletes in their second semester. Students then enroll in order from greatest to least number of units completed.

The proposed procedure would have students register in this order: DSPS and EOPS students, veterans, foster youth, Honors Program students, all student athletes, new and continuing students by most units completed, and lastly, students who have been dismissed, are returning or have more than 110 completed units, with the exception of veterans.

New students who complete orientation and take an assess-

Photo illustration by Sydney Presley

ment test will have priority over students who have not completed those tasks.

The policy is intended to help new students “get their foot in the door” and make it easier for them to get classes, according to academic senate president Nicki Shaw.

Students returning from discontinuous enrollment for at least two semesters have to reapply to register. Those students, along with dismissed students, currently enroll by the number of units they have accumulated. “[Currently] you can be a student who decided to take some time off or a student who was dismissed, someone who failed out, and register before new students, and we [task force for pri-

ority enrollment] don’t think that’s fair,” Shaw said.

The policy is also designed to not only get new students, but continuing students as well, to transfer faster, Shaw said.

Shaw says that putting students with excess of 110 units at the end of registration will hopefully encourage students to make early appointments with counselors to figure out what they want to major in and to map out their educational plan.

“Students regularly change their major and that’s fine, but we are in a time where that’s probably not going to work if you expect to finish school faster,” Shaw said.

Liberal arts major Chris Floch, 26, has 115 units and said

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Students regularly change majors and that’s fine, but we are in a time where that’s probably not going to work if you expect to finish school faster.

NICKI SHAW ACADEMIC SENATE PRESIDENT

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that students with more than 110 units are here to move further in their academics and do not hold back other students from achieving their academic goals.

“Students like me come to Citrus College to take classes that go towards our bachelors or masters, and there aren’t very many of us here,” Floch said.

“The economy and job market are down, so some students are taking classes at community colleges to defer payment of their student loans while completing required classes for their masters.”

Continuing student athletes currently register a day before new student athletes, according to dean of athletics Jody Wise.

Under the new policy, all student athletes would register on the same day and time, Wise said.

The athletic departments added requirements in fall 2011 for student-athletes and coaches to ensure that students do not take advantage or misuse the priority enrollment an athlete receives, Wise said.

“If you don’t have at least a 2.0 grade point average you’ll be booted from the team, even if you are our best basketball player,” Wise said. “We also put a cap on the number of players a coach puts on the roster so that not just anyone can be called a student-athlete to get priority registration.”

The policy is still being discussed among the academic senate, Shaw said, but the task force for priority enrollment hopes it will be passed this year.

theclariononline.com

MARCH 21, 2012

Spotlight Editor

Danny Hernandez

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THE SPOTLIGHT Academy debuts, promotes student leadership Chia-Chen Hsu Clarion Staff Writer

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program designed to empower students to become leaders was launched March 14 at Citrus College.

The non-credit, co-curricular Leadership Academy program, funded by The Associated Students of Citrus College, was introduced by Student Life Supervisor Adrienne Thompson.

Brian Lawrence and Dana Yarbrough, second-year graduate students at Azusa Pacific University, are running the academy.

“If ASCC is not able to sustain it financially, which I think they will, I have no problems going outside to seek funding,” Thompson said.

“The whole program is to benefit students at Citrus College. It doesn’t matter where you are from, what you graduate with,” Lawrence said.

“We just want to give the opportunity to students here so they can better themselves, take their leadership and develop their skills to next level.

Everybody has the opportunity to do that.”

“It’s been a dream of mine since I started working here back to 1997, but I was never really given the license and the resources to do it,” Thompson said.

Invited speaker Joshua Fredenburg, author of several books on leadership, addressed a crowd of about 50 student attendees on the importance of self-motivation and urged them to become “the hero generation.”

“I just want them to be prepared to answer the call for leadership and begin to make an impact in our community,” Fredenburg said.

The program consists of four components: core workshops, track options, community service, and a five-to-seven page paper that highlights the Leadership Academy experience.

The six core workshops are: introduction to leadership, diversity, ethical decision making, resolving conflict rationally, group and team dynamics, and job and career advancement.

The three track options include organizational leadership, multiculturalism, and social justice.

Currently, only the organization leadership track will be offered.

In fall 2012, the other two track options will be made available to Citrus students.

The organizational leadership track emphasizes vision and goal setting, communication styles, balanced lifestyle, event planning, and advocacy for community development.

The multiculturalism track builds awareness of cultural diversity. The

Chia-Chen Hsu, Citrus College Clarion Leadership Academy intern Dana Yarbrough gives a speech at the program’s launch on March 14.

workshops include positive and negative stereotypes; understanding diversity; culture and gender roles; LGBT awareness; and leading and managing diverse groups.

The social justice track offers workshops in civic responsibility and citizenship; environmental education; poverty to prosperity; peace and human rights; controversy with civility; and service learning.

Workshops will be scheduled on Wednesday, and repeat the following

Friday.

Students who miss the Wednesday opportunity may choose the Friday session.

Those who complete the series of workshops may earn a certification at the end of a semester.

Unlike most degrees for which students must earn enough credits within a time limitation, there is no year limit or mandatory order to fulfill the requirements which means students have more flexibility to

arrange how and when they plan to complete the entire Academy.

To earn a certification of completion, one must finish the six-core workshops and one of the three track options, which include five or six workshops each.

Also, 15 or more community service hours are required in addition to a final paper that describes the Leadership Academy experience.

A workbook is provided for the participants to keep track of their progress.

Student Jimi Feng, 26, said the opening presentation helped confirm some of his values. “We all need to find more motivations for ourselves because often times society puts us down,” he said.

Although Feng said he does not plan to join the program because of a time conflict, he acknowledged the power of inner motivation and said he believes everyone should find what he or she really wants to do in the future.

The first core workshop, “Developing a Leadership Identity,” is scheduled for March 28.

For further information on Leadership Academy, students may contact the Office of Student Life at (626) 852-6444 or visit: http://www.citruscollege.edu/std ntsrv/studentaffairs/academy

Students to explore opportunities at college fair Patricia Pena Staff Writer

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he Spring College Fair is scheduled for March 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ross L. Handy Campus Center.

Representatives of colleges and universities from California and from out of state will provide information about their campuses and transfer options.

Robert Gamboa, a counselor in the Career and Transfer Center at Citrus, estimates 40 representatives from CSU, UC and private universities will be distributing information.

As a result of the California budget crisis, Citrus has gained a greater participation from out-ofstate universities, so the fair will feature more of them.

Courtesy of the Career and Transfer Center

About nine out-of-state schools have arranged to attend the fair.

“The mission is to expose students to options,” Gamboa said.

Jacqueline Cardinal is a student

intern from Citrus assisting with the fair. She has a bachelor’s degree from Cal State Long Beach in human development and said the College Fair opens up possibilities

and opportunities for students, regardless of their educational goals.

“I absolutely love coordinating this event,” Cardinal said. “It makes my work worthwhile knowing that it is serving its purpose in getting you all connected with the schools you want to go to.”

And that's what's so great about the Spring College Fair. The schools come to you and for you.”

The representatives will address transfer options, financial aid, and admission requirements, so Gamboa suggests that students prepare specific questions before meeting representatives.

“Despite all the budget cuts happening, especially in the California Community Colleges system, students goals and interests are kept at the top, and we want to make sure

they have choices,” Cardinal said.

Gamboa invites all Citrus students to come out and take advantage of the College Fair.

“It’s really put on for you, the students,” he said.

Ezequiel Carmona, a computer science major at Citrus, said he definitely will attend the College Fair since he is ready to begin applying to schools and will do so this upcoming summer.

“Hard work pays off,” Carmona said. “By attending the college fair I’m positive that I will really benefit from it and its opportunities.”

For more information about the fair, contact the Career/Transfer Center at (626) 914 8639 or visit the second floor of the Student Services Building.

MARCH 21, 2012

CLARIONspotlight

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Spanish professor readies to say ‘adÍos’

“

Ryan Gomez Clarion Staff Writer

The saying goes, ‘Do what you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life...the first Spanish class I took was in 8th grade, and I fell in love with it

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inda “Holly” Colville, who has been teaching Spanish for 38 years, will be retiring from Citrus College at the end of the semester.

“The saying goes, ‘Do what you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life,’” Colville said. “The first Spanish class I took was in eighth grade, and I absolutely fell in love with it.”

A passion for the language that reflects the cultures of many Spanish-speaking countries inspired Colville to study Spanish from middle school through her high school years.

Colville earned her bachelor’s and master’s in Spanish at the University of California, Los Angeles.

During her junior year at UCLA, Colville participated in the school’s study abroad program, spending an entire school year studying at the University of Madrid and housing with a

LINDA “HOLLY” COLVILLE SPANISH TEACHER

Courtesy of Linda “Holly” Colville

family native to Madrid, Spain.

“It was very different from anything I’d ever known,” Colville said. “It was so great to see things that I had only read about.”

As a graduate student, Colville was a teaching assistant at UCLA while completing her master’s degree.

Following her undergraduate work at UCLA, Colville taught two years as a full-time Spanish teacher at Mater Dei High

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School in Santa Ana. She continued her career by working part-time at both Fullerton and Cypress colleges, in addition to obtaining full-time employment with the North Orange County Regional Occupational Program, where she trained prospective teacher assistants.

In 1991, Colville was offered a full-time faculty position at Citrus College.

“What she likes to do is engage students in the class and make them really feel like they

can participate and enjoy their experience,” said Citrus professor Anna McGarry, colleague and friend of Colville for the past 13 years. “From the moment class starts, she’s giving 100 percent to the students, so [for me] she, has been somebody that has been an inspiration.”

Former student and aide Veronica Cervantes became inspired by Colville’s “interactive and cooperative” method of teaching, leading her to earn a degree at California State University, Fullerton, and gaining employment at Covina High School as a Spanish teacher, as well as the school’s department coordinator.

In 2006, Colville’s life reached a pivotal turning point when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a disease that afflicts one out of every eight women during their lifetime.

“I was very lucky that it was caught early,” Colville said.

“Fortunately, I had great medical care that was covered by insurance, but most of all, I had a

great support system.”

After returning to Citrus — following a semester of leave for treatment—friends, colleagues and family members of Colville’s encouraged her to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena that year.

That experience led her to form the Citrus team, who will be participating in their sixth annual Race for the Cure event on Saturday, March 24 at Dodger Stadium.

Colville also volunteers at the Expressions Appearance Center, located in the St. Jude Medical Plaza in Fullerton.

“It has been a privilege to fulfill my lifelong dream of teaching Spanish at the community college level as a member of this academic community,” Colville said. “I am truly honored and grateful to have been given the opportunity to make a positive difference in the way my students perceive themselves and the world.”

Celebrating a month of women’s empowerment Jacqueline Melendez Clarion Staff Writer

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he month of March is dedicated to celebrating women’s history and this year the theme is Women’s Education–Women’s Empowerment.

The United States Congress declared March as “Women’s History Month” for the first time in 1987.

March is dedicated to the celebration of women throughout history and throughout the world.

International Women’s Day was March 8 and its focus of celebration varied from each country.

In the countries of Armenia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia, International Women’s Day is a public holiday and all workers get the day off to celebrate.

After 92 years of only having men in the position of superintendent/president, Citrus had its first female leader, Geraldine

M. Perri, Ph.D., as superintendent/president, who was appointed in July 2008.

“As a female and a community college graduate, I am passionate about the education and advancement of women,” Perri said.

Ashley Dalman, 22, health science major is also proud of the advances of women.

“We’re able to vote, we’re able to work, we’re able to be housewives, go to school and do everything at once,” Dalman said.

According to the National Women’s History Project, women outnumber men in American colleges. Last year, 55 percent of the 13,705 Citrus College students were female.

“Education is an opportunity for me, therefore I’m not looking for the paper diploma after a few years in college,” Carlee Dennis, 18, education major said.

“Rather I’m looking at the lessons I can learn on the way

McClatchy Tribune Media Services

that will help shape me as a person and solidify what I want to accomplish in the future.”

“Women throughout America can be thankful for Title IX of the Education Code of the Higher Education Act Amendment, which ensures women of their educational rights in federally funded institutions,” Perri said.

“Education to me is really important because I feel like it’s my

source of credibility,” Caitlin Glade, 19, fine and performing arts major said. “The world is full of people who view males as the bread winners but with my education I will have the ability to make it.”

Throughout history, females are also credited with inventions such as windshield wipers in 1903 by Mary Anderson, the coffee filter in 1908 by Melitta Bentz, the water heater in 1917

by Ida Forbes and the chocolate chip cookie in 1937 by Ruth Wakefield.

Students who want to become more involved with the empowerment of women can visit libguides.citruscollege.edu and check out guide 13, where there is a list of resources to check out at the library and a list of nonprofit organizations to get involved with, like care.org.

“My advice to our female and male student body: do all you do to the highest standards possible – don’t cut corners on your goals, don’t be an amateur at what you do. Set tough standards and expectations for yourself, work hard, and even harder if you don’t succeed at your first few tries” Perri said.

“With each setback comes an opportunity for self reflection, a chance to improve and a chance to excel. Enjoy each success, whether small or large, and then raise the bar for a new and even grander goal.”

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CLARIONspotlight

MARCH 21, 2012

Kicking the habit o

Celebrity obsession: Har Emily Rios Clarion Online Editor

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f you log-on to a news organization’s website or any search engine, chances are the “most read” or “trending now” list will feature several stories about a celebrity. But does that mean we have become a celeb-obsessed culture?

Some would say yes, considering a lot of people—especially young people—could probably name more Kardashians than they could U.S. presidents.

Celebrities are everywhere, from legitimate movie stars to reality starlets banking on their 15 minutes of fame.

But this obsession is not entirely the consumer’s fault.

So-called celebrities are flocking to social media sites to better market themselves and their careers, but

at the same time inviting fans into the nuances of their everyday lives.

Not all celebrity news is bad and sometimes the world of celebrity news collides with more serious, even political, world news.

This was most recently apparent on March 16 when George Clooney was arrested.

While people were quick to click on the story to see an infamous mug shot, they might have been surprised to see Clooney and his father, journalist Nick Clooney, being peacefully arrested by members of the U.S. Secret Service Uniform Division at the Sudanese Embassy in Washington, D.C. for protesting against the country's president Omar Al-Bashir, an alleged war criminal.

This is an example of someone's interest in celebrity news exposing them to a more global issue.

So who is responsible for this

Quiz Yo A campus conducted survey of 100 students ranging from 18-35 years old, shows that more than half of students can identify the most popular celebrities. Students were also asked to identify notable figures both past and present and members of the college’s Board of Trustees.

100 students were randomly selected to take part in the campus-wide survey.

Students were asked to identify six news making figures in the worlds of politics, entertainment and civil rights activism, along with president/superintendent of Citrus College, Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D. The list included the likes of CIA Director Leon Panetta, whom came out with eight votes and Vice President Joseph Biden, who was identified the most with 47.

CLARIONspotlight

MARCH 21, 2012

theclariononline.com

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of celebrity gossip

rmless hobby or escape? shift?

Is the audience demanding celebrity news or are media outlets telling people what they should care about?

It is a mix of both: people crave knowledge on celebrity culture and newspapers sales on the decline these outlets need to cover what sells, even if that means publishing a story about the cast of "Jersey Shore."

Traditional and online publications are not the only ones cashing in on the celebrity news craze.

The Associated Press, CNN and Fox News all cover entertainment news.

These organizations almost have to cover the celebrity realm in order to compete with popular sites such as TMZ and perezhilton.com.

People are flocking to so-called gossip sites because the outlets, especially TMZ, are the ones break-

ing the news. In fact, TMZ was named one of the top 10 news sites of 2010.

TMZ has gained momentum for continuously breaking stories before major mainstream media, as was the case with the deaths of Michael Jackson and actress Brittany Murphy.

Deaths take celebrity fascination to a whole new level, which is why Whitney Houston’s funeral, which was by invitation only, was televised.

Are celebrities held to a level of worship because people value their contributions, or do people gravitate to celebrity news as a way to escape the often harsh realities of what is going on in the world?

It’s fine if you know who Kourtney, Kim and Khloe are, but find balance and be sure you alo know who Zachary Taylor, Grover Cleveland and Herbert Hoover are.

ourself California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer along with Congressmen David Dreier came in with 17 votes.

President/Superintendent Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D. and Citrus Board of Trustee member Joanne Montgomery came in with five votes a piece.

In comparison to their historical counterparts, students were able to identify six celebrities, including Grammy-win-

ners, athletes and reality television stars.

Six-time Grammy winner Adele was recognized 87 times and Lakers captain Kobe Bryant had 82 tallies next to his name, while Kim Kardashian came in with 97, Lindsay Lohan 68, Jennifer Lopez 64 and Chris Brown with 74 votes.

Finally, comedian George Lopez had 88 recognitions.

All photos courtesy of McClatchy-Tribune Media Services, except photo of Dr. Gerraldine M. Perri and Joanne Montgomery courtesy of Roy Labomme

theclariononline.com

MARCH 21, 2012

Sports Editor

David Tate

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SPORTS Quiet leader earns Player of the Year award Nancy Alkana Jacqueline Melendez Clarion Staff Writers

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or the first time in Citrus College history, a member of the men’s basketball team has won the highest award in the state: Player of the Year.

Owls guard James Walker III, 20, who was also the MVP of the Western State Conference, was singled out for the top honor for an individual player by the California Community College Athletic Association.

Walker helped lead his team to the CCCAA Final Four in Sacramento.

Walker credits his basketball success to the support of his faith, family and coach.

The Owls qualified for the Final Four for the third straight year and fourth time in the last five seasons.

In the semifinals, the Owls fell two points short in a heartbreaking 71-69 loss against the Fresno City Rams, the team that would eventually win the state championship.

At 6-feet-3-inches, 180 pounds, Walker downplays his leadership.

“I fell into the role of a leader,” Walker said. “My teammates began coming to me for my advice on the court.”

Head coach Chris Victor, who was named the CCCAA Coach of the Year, agrees.

“A lot of his leading is through his actions and through his toughness,” Victor said.

“He’s not a real vocal guy. He’s a quiet kid, but he shows what it means to be a great player and teammate.”

Each year the CCCAA coaches nominate several players to receive the award.

“It is a great honor and another great accomplishment in my career,” Walker said. “I get to hang another plaque in my mom’s collection of trophies.”

Walker will finish his Citrus career with the school’s second highest all-time scoring average of 19.1 points per game for the 2011-12 season.

Walker played for a year at Utah State before transferring to Citrus.

“I left Utah State because I excel better in an up-tempo offense like the Phoenix Suns,” Walker said.

Walker said he stays humble by praying to God, going to church, and maintaining a relationship with his pastor and family.

Walker attributes much of his success to his father, James Walker II, who played basketball at Bishop Byrne High School in Memphis.

Andrew Bettridge, Citrus College Clarion James Walker III goes up for a layup against San Bernardino Valley. Walker is the first player in Citrus men’s basketball history to win Player of the Year.

The elder Walker recalled an early memory of when his son was only 7 months old.

“He came on the court. I was

thinking he came to congratulate [me],” Walker said. “Instead he went for the basketball. From that point on I have been teaching

him the game.”

Walker said his favorite team is the Los Angeles Lakers and his favorite athlete is Kobe Bryant.

“He is somebody I look up to and I try to incorporate some of his game into my game,” Walker said. “He is a winner and has a crazy work ethic, plus I like to play in his shoes.”

Walker plans to earn a degree in broadcast communications and pursue a professional basketball career.

“I would like to play in the NBA or possibly overseas,” Walker said. “If that does not work out, I want to be a sports announcer.”

Walker said he enjoys watching other sports and talking about them.

“It seems like it would be a fun job to have and that’s something I can see myself doing since I’m always watching and talking about sports.”

The senior Walker expressed that his son has the talent to play in the NBA, but said the proper work ethic and dedication off the court will determine his future basketball career.

Walker, who holds a 3.14 GPA, has multiple transfer options for fall 2012. He is currently deciding between University of San Francisco, Saint Mary’s, TCU, Colorado and Missouri State.

Hoop dreams crushed in Final Four competition David Tate Clarion Sports Editor

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randon Parga was on the floor last year when a tip-in killed his chances at a state championship. When he got his hands on the ball down 2 with 1.3 seconds left, it looked like he was destined to redeem himself after he put the ball through as the buzzer sounded.

Destiny, however, was not on the side of the Owls tonight.

The Fresno City Rams (32-3, 120 CVC) would avenge their 2011 semifinal loss to the Owls (28-2, 120 WSC) in a rematch of last year’s game. The final scoreboard would display a 71-69 victory for the Rams after the referees would determine Parga did not get his potentially game-tying layup off in time.

Tyree Harrison led the Owls with 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Kerry Carter added a game-high 17 points. Tomas Sanchez of Fresno City had a team-high 13 points.

The Owls had three chances to either tie or win on their last possession. Two missed treys by Carter and Parga were followed by a missed putback by Harrison.

Parga grabbed the offensive board off the miss before his bucket was waved off.

“The whole plan was not to give up. [We said] we’re going to come down and win it on this next play.

We’re not going to do this overtime.

We’re going to take what’s ours, we’re going to go for it,” Parga said.

“Unfortunately, I came up short . . . and they waved off [my] basket like

Frank Ram, Citrus College Clarion Sophomore forward Tyree Harrison falls to the floor after Owls guard Brandon Parga’s potential game-tying layup is waved off by referees at the buzzer.

The Owls lost to the Fresno City Rams 69-71 in the 2012 CCCAA Final Four at Cosumnes River College.

they did to me last year.”

Fresno City would go on to defeat Yuba in the state championship game, 77-62.

“We wanted to redeem ourselves.

We had some players on the team from last year,” Rams head coach Ed Madec said. “But you can’t take anything away from Citrus. This is two years in a row now that they’re in the Final Four . . . you have to tip your hat to [Owls head coach Chris Victor].”

The Owls were an equal-opportunity turnover machine, coughing up the rock 24 times while forcing an additional 24 out of the Rams.

“We didn’t take care of the ball,” Victor said. “There’s no real rhyme or reason to it; we just turned it over too much.”

Citrus has been to four CCCAA Final Fours in the past five years, but has not won the state tournament since the school’s first championship in 2008. The past three years, the team has come up short in the final seconds of games, losing three Final Four games by a total of 5 points.

The Owls’ unblemished 12-0 WSC record was enough to secure the team’s fourth conference championship in five years.

The Owls also made history along the way, as Victor and guard James Walker III received the school’s first-ever CCCAA Coach of the Year and Player of the Year awards. Harrison was selected to the All-Tournament Team, while Parga received an All-State Team honorable mention.

Frank Ram, Citrus College Clarion Owls guard Kerry Carter goes for a layup against Rams guard Shailo Leafa in the 69-71 loss to Fresno City College in the 2012 CCCAA Final Four at Cosumnes River College.

For highlights, post-game analysis and exclusive interviews please visit: www.theclariononline.com Also, check out our blog analysis at www.wordpress.com/full_sportspress Follow us on twitter @clarionsports

14 theclariononline.com

CLARIONsports

MARCH 21, 2012

Softball: Fabulous freshmen off to sizzling start David Tate Clarion Sports Editor

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espite sporting a roster with only one sophomore for every five freshmen, the Owls’ softball team (15-9, 4-1 WSC) has high expectations for themselves this year following a 4-1 start to conference play.

Citrus rode the arm of starting freshman pitcher Devin Dean to start the season, which held opposing batters to a meager .187 batting average. Dean has certainly been killing the opposition with her pitching, throwing two shutouts in her 10 wins—one of which a nohitter, the first for Citrus softball since 2010.

However, the Owls dropped three out of four games just prior to the team’s conference opener, a doubleheader against LA Valley.

“We had a group talk, we had some discussions [after the losses] and kind of aired out some things,” said head coach Jackie Boxley.

“It’s really lightened up their load and they’re playing relaxed . . . the last week and half they’ve really dedicated themselves.”

The team talk yielded immediate results.

After scoring only five combined runs in the three losses, the Owls matched that mark in their 5-3 win over Valley, and then followed that performance with a 7-4 win in the second

game of the doubleheader. Citrus would go on to mercy LA Mission in a 9-0 shutout the next game.

Freshman center fielder Angela Aguinaga has been a spark for the Owls, smacking two of her team-high four home runs in the two games against Valley. She continued her hot streak at the plate with a 3-for-3 performance against Mission.

“On my last team, I had to push [my teammates] to want it. These girls, we all want it,” Aguinaga said. “In the beginning, I wasn’t much of a standout. On my other team I didn’t have to be pushed because I was already kind of the star. Here, everyone’s on the same level.”

The Owls rode their three-game win streak into their March 20 doubleheader against the College of the Canyons Cougars, the topranked team in the state. The first game was a classic pitcher’s duel as Dean and the Cougars’ Kimmie Lockhart were both nursing no-hitters headed into the sixth inning.

Dean ended up flinching first, giving up a solo home run and an RBI double allowing the Cougars to take a 2-0 lead. The Owls were able to pull one run back over the next inning and a half, but no more as Canyons secured the 2-1 victory.

In the following game, Carissa Bender se-

cured her fifth win of the season when third baseman Bre Lockett broke a 1-1 deadlock in the bottom of the fifth inning with a two-run bomb over the left field wall to give the Owls a 3-1 lead.

“I wasn’t thinking, and when I don’t think, I tend to do better and actually hit the ball,” Lockett said. “It felt great. I usually don’t swing at high pitches, so to hit a high one [out] it felt good.”

The homer was all the Owls needed to get the split as the scoreboard would display a 31 win for the Owls. Coach Boxley also had an added surprise for her players in their talks after the game.

“We didn’t tell them [the Cougars] were #1 in the state. We told them that they were a good competitor in conference so they would play harder,” Boxley said. “I told them during the talk, ‘You just beat the #1 team in the state,’ and their smiles got so big. It’s just a matter of [the players] believing in themselves a little bit more.”

“They’re young. They’re getting good now, but they’re going to be dirty next year.”

The Owls host back-to-back conference David Tate, Citrus College Clarion games against the Glendale Vaqueros tomorFreshman pitcher Devin Dean starts her windup row and the Cerritos Falcons on Friday. Both in the Owls’ doubleheader against the College games are at 2:30 p.m. of the Canyons on March 20.

Upcoming sporting events -Baseball vs Glendale (3/22/12), 2:30-5:00

-Softball vs Glendale (3/22/12), 2:30-5:00

-Track & Field @ Easter Relays (3/23/12), 9:00-2:00

-Softball vs Cerritos (3/23/12), 2:30 -5:00

-Baseball @ LA Mission (3/24/12), 1:00- 4:00

-Men’s Golf vs WSC Neutral (3/26/12), 10:00-5:00

-Softball @ Bakersfield (DH) (3/27/12), 2:30-7:00

-Baseball vs LA Mission (3/27/12), 2:30-5:00

theclariononline.com

MARCH 21, 2012

Entertainment Editor

ENTERTAINMENT

Sydney Presley

15

Big bands battle it out in ninth round Lauren Emery Cristian Manrique Clarion Staff Writers

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he Blue Note Orchestra from Citrus College and Azusa Pacific’s jazz band and vocalists went head to head and put on a first-class performance on March 16 and 17 in the Haugh Performing Arts Center for the Battle of the Bands: Round Nine.

In Act I, “The Audition,” two judges—Bruce Langford and David Jeremiah—were searching for a band to perform at a concert.

The final two bands competing for the spot were Citrus College’s Blue Note Orchestra and APU jazz ensemble.

APU, directed by David Beatty, performed “Tuning Up.” The music was energetic and vibrant, with Jonathan Wang, Vance Hizon, Dannie Ramirez, Michelle

Lane, Richard Carey and Joe DiFiore performing a solo.

However, APU’s second piece was intentionally cut short by the comical judges, who told them that their songs had “too many notes.”

They were told to get off the stage, and then the judges invited Citrus to take the stage.

The Blue Note Orchestra slowed down with their performance of “All of Me,” with a softer tone and tempo that made it soothing and enjoyable.

According to the judges, Citrus’ performance was terrific, but they shared that “the night is young and the whole thing could still tank in.”

The judges invited APU back on stage for another chance with “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off.” The night got interesting when vocalists Teryn Carter, assistant director of APU’s vocal jazz ensemble and John Proulx, composer and jazz pianist, tried to upstage

Courtesy of the Music Dept.

each other. Eventually their comedic performance led to Carter firing her duet partner, Proulx, and trying to get the jazz ensemble to sing with her instead.

Citrus’ performance of “Satin Doll” was slow at points, but they added an amusing janitor, played

by Citrus music professor Alex Galvan, who swept across stage and even threw in a few dance moves.

The APU jazz choir, directed by Rod Cathey, picked up the show with a peppy performance of “Me and Julio Down by the School Yard.” The ensemble of singers created a enjoyable group number that had some audience members clapping and singing along.

Next, the judges made their way to the stage and decided they should put both bands together, which led straight into intermission.

To sum up the first act, the judges were witty and amusing, the bands were brilliant, and the vocalists were lovely.

The second act began with the curtain rising on both bands on stage dressed to impress, wearing black and white formal wear and looking sharp. In “Dinner With

Friends,” the bands took turns showing up one another.

The Blue Notes Orchestra accompanied students Melanie Pfirrman, Miriah Avilla, Tatiana Sandate and Janize Ablaza, who sang “Candy Man.” Citrus student Sergio Vellatti sang “The Way You Look Tonight.”

Both songs were excellent and got the crowd swaying to the music.

APU finished strong with their last two songs “Oma” and “Four on Six.” Both pieces included very strong performances of solos by Vince Hizon, Dave Brunelle, Gary Lee and Jens Kuross.

A wonderful finale included a mix of the two bands playing one after the other, and as the curtain closed, there was nothing but applause.

The whole performance was brilliant, thanks to the comedy, talented voices and epic solos.

Student choreographs upcoming musical Taylor Zepeda Clarion Staff Writer

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he spring musical to be performed by Citrus students, “Pippin,” is the first choreographed work by one newly aspiring Citrus dancer.

Dylan Pass, 22, music and performing arts major, is deep into his first attempt at creating an entire dance production.

Pass, who has performed in theater productions since his days in middle school, began taking dance classes when he enrolled at Citrus College five years ago.

His three years of experience with the Citrus Singers landed him this job.

“Why not try a new experience?” Pass said, reflecting on his new role of choreographer.

In “Pippin” he is striving for an edgy, “Fosse-inspired,” isolated style.

“Fosse dancing” is imitative of Bob Fosse, who was awarded a Tony for his choreography of “Pippin” on Broadway.

The story of “Pippin” is one about a young French Prince, son

of King Charlemagne, who is trying to find a bigger meaning and purpose in life. The narrator takes the audience on a journey through song and dance, on Pippin’s experiences of love, war, and universal human emotions. “[Dylan] always aims far and above and beyond,” said Deyana Castellanos, 24, his dance co-captain during his time with the Citrus Singers.

Castellanos said that she sees Pass as a visionary.

Pass was recommended as choreographer for the show by the head of the Citrus Dance Department, John Vaughan.

Pass said his past choreography work with “Pop Show” and “Christmas Is…” has provided him with the experience to take on this new opportunity. “[Dylan] looks for a balance,” said Faith Carrion, 22, “Pippin” director. “[He] is very collaborative.”

Carrion, a former Citrus College student, has worked with Pass on previous performances such as “Kiss Me Kate” and has known him for four years.

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ter for the latest updates

Taylor Zepeda, Citrus College Clarion Dylan Pass instructs fellow student dancers in preparation for “Pippin,” the student-choreographed production coming to the Little Theater April 27-29.

“He has his own ideas for the show,” she said.

He is outspoken, Castellanos added, strong-willed and “a gogetter.”

With all effort that goes into a production, those who work behind the scenes anxiously await the audience’s critical reaction.

“You don’t want to just put

something out there,” said Pass, who admitted to being both nervous and excited for his work to be publicly performed.

“The audience’s reaction is going to be the final grade,” Pass said.

Choreographing a production is not easy, he said. “[Audiences] can expect to be taken on a roller coaster ride [through] a completely different world that somehow seems familiar,” Carrion said.

Pass is working to modernize the show from its medieval background to today.

“Charlemagne’s going to end up a CEO at a company,” Pass said.

“Pippin” might prove the test of whether Pass will continue to be inspired to create dance.

“I definitely see him being a choreographer,” Castellanos said.

“Calling the shots is definitely a good place for Dylan.”

The four performances of “Pippin” run April 27-29 in the Citrus College Little Theatre.

Tickets are on sale online at haughpac.com.

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CLARIONentertainment

MARCH 21, 2012

St. Patrick’s Day at the Owl Café Daniel Hernandez Clarion Spotlight Editor

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Daniel Hernandez, Citrus College Clarion Cafeteria supervisor Philomena O’Shea serves her homemade Irish delicacies.

or nearly 15 years, the Owl Café and the Associated Students of Citrus College have given the student body the opportunity to celebrate and experience the Irish holiday, St. Patrick’s Day. ASCC and the Owl Café held their annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration on the Café patio March 15, accompanied by live Irish music, step dancers and Philomena “Mama” O’Shea’s homemade Irish delicacies.

O’Shea, food service supervisor, is a native of Ireland who attended culinary school in London and has been in the food industry for nearly 48 years.

“When I came to Citrus, there wasn’t any St. Patrick’s Day celebration,” O’Shea said.

“I wanted to give the students the opportunity to experience the traditions.”

This year, O’Shea and her staff emerged from a two-day preparation of cooking ovenroasted corned beef served with cabbage, carrots and boiled potatoes, Irish meat pies served with vegetables and Irish soda bread.

O’Shea said they cooked 150 pounds of corn beef, 175 meat pies, 250 pounds of potatoes, 200 pounds of cabbage and 24 large Irish soda breads.

For $7.50, students and faculty could sample the Irish delicacies.

ASCC representatives were present at the event giving away free cookies.

“We passed out cookies to get students engaged, it was more of an ice breaker,” said Brandi Garcia, ASCC commissioner of public relations. “It was a great success and it’s great that we get to utilize that part of campus.”

This year’s band, The McWannabees, played songs in-

cluding “Back Home In Derry” written by Bobby Sands and “Irish Eyes/Whiskey in Jar.” “We play a pretty typical Irish layout,” said band member Bill McClellan.

Also, five Irish dancers from the Painter Larson Academy of Irish Dance from Glendora performed traditional Irish dances like the Reel, Light Jig, Trouble Jig, Hornpipe and St. Patrick’s Day. The dancers also invited students and staff to participate in the St. Patrick’s Day dance.

Student participant Jollene Greendale said it was a lot of fun being able to celebrate St. Patrick’s day on campus and learning how to dance.

“The band and the dancers were great, it was an interesting experience on campus,” Greendale said.

The official St. Patrick’s Day holiday was celebrated nationwide March 17.

Clarion Celebrity

Crushes Editor in Chief Sydney Presley:

Kevin Spacey

Managing Editor Martin Cabrera: Scarlett Johanson

Forum Editor Shannon Vigil:

Adrien Brody

Spotlight Editor Daniel Hernandez:

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Sports Editor David Tate: Oprah Winfrey

MARCH 21, 2012

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Daniel Hernandez, Citrus College Clarion The Citrus College ceramics program, spearheaded by professor Michael Hillman made more than a thousand bowls for the Empty Bowls Benefit, a charity event aimed at raising money to fight hunger. The event took place at the First Christian Church Fine Arts Academy in Glendora on March 9.

Students, professor co-host annual hunger relief benefit Daniel Hernandez Clarion Spotlight Editor

S

tudents from the Citrus College ceramics program created more than a thousand bowls to help raise money to fight hunger relief.

Their creations were filled with soup and sold for $15 at the 10th annual “Empty Bowls Benefit,” co-sponsored by the First Christian Church Fine Arts Academy in Glendora on March 9.

Citrus College ceramics professor Michael Hillman spearheaded the effort.

“All my students had to do it as a part of the curriculum and we all made 10 bowls each to donate,” Hillman said.

“Students are learning about their art, their craft and the idea that what they make is beautiful and it could be cherished by other people.”

Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger.

Potters and other craftspeople, educators and volunteers work with the community to create handcrafted bowls.

Then guests are invited to a simple meal of soup and bread in exchange for a $15 donation.

Guests keep their bowls as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world.

The money raised in 2011 and 2012 was donated to St. Dorothy’s Church, Cold Weather Shelter, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Shepherd’s Pantry and the Glendora Police Department for their food voucher program, Hillman said.

“I want to give back instead of just sitting there making bowls,” Hillman said.

“I wanted to be more part of the community. As part of my upbringing, I was

taught to give back.”

This year 23 restaurants donated soup, bread and water.

Among those local restaurants are The Village Eatery, Village Vault, The Continental Restaurant, Pepper Tree, Chili’s and Kara’s Corner.

Also, Laguna Clay, located in the City of Industry, donated 1000 pounds of clay to make the bowls, Hillman said.

Lynn Hendricks, ceramics lab supervisor and member of the First Christian Church said this annual fundraiser was initiated in 2004, as a collaboration between Hillman and church member and former Glendora Police officer Alan Waddon.

Waddon said he couldn’t recall a year Daniel Hernandez, Citrus College Clarion when the community wasn’t responsive.

Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College attended the 10th annual Empty They have been very lucky to have Bowls Benefit event on March 9. Perri helped serve soup at the event. great turnouts, he said.

“It really has been a wonderfully sup- troop from Upland, and many commuported by the community from the very nity members.

Third semester ceramics student Isbeginning,” Waddon said. “I really enjoy the fact that everybody can participate abel Augur said she helped make 10 and know that their money is going di- bowls, but she also decided to volunteer because she wants to give back to the rectly where they expect it to go.”

Hendricks, who plans the event every community.

“I’m having a lot of fun,” Augur said. year said this year they had 300 more bowls than last year and last year they “It’s nice to see all these people come out and support and tell them about the potmade close to $8,000.

This year she hopes to raise close to tery.”

Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D., superin$10,000. As of press time the collected tendent/president of Citrus College, said amount is unknown.

“This event would not be possible this was her third year attending the without Citrus College,” Hendricks said. event and her second serving soup.

“As the president of Citrus College, it “If we don’t have the bowls, we don’t makes me feel very proud to know not have the event.”

A hundred volunteers were involved only are we educating students, but we including Citrus ceramics students, are also educating students to learn a skill Daniel Hernandez, Citrus College Clarion Azusa Pacific University’s men’s and and give back to the community,” Perri Student Isabel Augur, made 10 bowls to donate women’s soccer teams, the Glendora Po- said. to the Empty Bowls Benefit charity event and lice Department Explorers, a Girl Scout also volunteered.

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Forum Editor

Shannon Vigil

theclariononline.com

MARCH 21, 2012

THE FORUM Education: where high price meets low reward

Joshua Smith Clarion Staff Writer

I

am a new student and familiar with the difficulties getting into classes. I was barely able to scrounge together 11 credits.

However I do not feel it is in the best interest of the college system to grant new students priority over “super sophomores,” or those individuals who have obtained 110 degree applicable units or more.

The new policy proposed would allow all new students regardless of prior academics in high school to be automatically granted higher priority over the continuing or returning super sophomores.

The proposed order of importance would be: DSPS and EOPS students, veterans, foster youth, student athletes, continuing students according to the units completed, students who have completed the components of admission, those students who have not completed the components of admission, and finally the students who have accrued 110 degree applicable units or more.

It is not my objective to dispute the priority of disabled students, veterans, foster youth, student athletes, or continuing students.

However I am firm in my belief that new students may find it in their best interest to only be able to secure six credits or less in their first semester.

McClatchy-Tribune Media Services

This would allow these students to adapt to the changes of college life, whether it be a student’s need to continue in the work force, various family needs and responsibilities in life, or the possible and probable lack of an adequate time budget.

It causes for a rough time when introducing these common obstacles to the newfound freedom and added responsibilities.

Furthermore, super sopho-

mores have already demonstrated an ability to benefit from college life and have thus far properly utilized federal grant money New students on the other hand, have not demonstrated the ability to benefit, or even the ability to adapt to their new surroundings, schedules and responsibilities.

Rather than grant higher priority to new students, we should implement a wait list.

The wait list would allow for students to step in when another student already enrolled in the class is dropped from that class or otherwise cannot attend.

This would not only give new students the opportunity to get the desired amount of units per semester, but would also allow them to get into a class that would otherwise not be available to them their first semester.

By implementing a wait list we can also ensure that the staff

instructors of Citrus College are being properly utilized.

By properly utilizing staff instructors, we are properly utilizing the revenue that is accrued and making it possible for every individual, regardless of economic standing to attend college and obtain higher education.

However, due to the fact that a student would be coming into the class late, we should put into play a policy that only General ED classes are offered on a wait list basis.

This way students only take classes that are appropriate for their level according to their assessment test scores.

To grant higher priority to new students, with the exception to honor students, would not only thwart the efforts of students who have otherwise been role model students, but would also dissolve any form of a reward process we currently partake in.

We need to reconsider this policy and at least place a higher threshold that allows every student to take any course that the individual is interested in regardless of his or her major.

As stated earlier, the ideal course of action is to set into place a wait list, thus ensuring that every student have the opportunity to excel in his or her course of study.

We need change when only 53.6 percent of students transfer, earn a degree or complete a certification program, but will this policy prove counterproductive?

Viral video raises eyebrows, suspicions

Yoshi Inoue

Clarion Staff Writer

O

n March 5, Jason Russel uploaded a 30-minute film onto YouTube about the horrible crimes that have taken place in Uganda by Joseph Kony.

Since then the video has gained 83 million views and extreme popularity across the country.

After doing some intensive research on the Invisible Children’s campaign, I have come to conclude that this organization is not worth my money, especially using their controversial tactics.

Recently, a video was released of Jason Russell, the narrator of the Kony 2012 documentary naked and delusional mid-day banging the sidewalk in the streets of San Diego.

The slowly dying interest of the ubiquitous Invisible Children campaign to capture Joseph Kony is quite tragic.

As a result of the events that took place within weeks of the documentary’s release, the Internet exploded with criticism and backlash.

The documentary was a topnotch video production, but overall I am skeptical.

I have never come across a news

article about the Lord’s Resistance Army and Joseph Kony in Uganda, until the Kony 2012 documentary.

After further research into the IC’s reputation, I came to find their financial reports were questionable.

The 2010-2011 fiscal year statement reported that the IC received $10.3 million in donations, however 32 percent of expenses went to salaries, travel expenses and film production.

Jason Russell received a nice $89,669 check, then he got crazy and was arrested.

Then I ran into an article on the accusation of Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) of rape, trafficking, prostitution, and looting natural resources from Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC’s) jungles during its operation to capture Joseph Kony in December 2011. The LRA members were integrated into UPDF without any reintegration processes, by which one third of the UPDF are ex-LRA members.

The fact that our U.S. troops will be aiding these UPDF/exLRA members makes me nervous about the lives of our troops.

It is obvious that IC is promoting violence and war amongst the

Ugandans and the Congolese.

The ignorance is not blissful in this situation and it worries me about the people, whose intentions are good, but do not realize the potential outcome.

Don’t get me wrong, exposing the world to such a violent military group is a brave and humane act.

However, deceiving the public and manipulating the facts is along the lines of propaganda and exploitation of the Ugandan victims.

It is unfortunate that the public seems to care about injustice being done only when it has become trendy and a shiny sticker is slapped on it.

The Kony 2012 “movement” has brought to light a fine line between activism and slacktivism.

It is doubtful that many individuals will partake in any activism aside from posting about it on Twitter, Facebook or Tumblr.

Hopefully we can all learn from Kony 2012, that just like everything else on the Internet, we must check the sources even for seemingly helpful causes.

Also, to take that motivation for activism outside of our computer screens and make our voices heard for a cause we care about and not just what is trending on our news feed for two weeks.

Sydney Presley, Citrus College Clarion

CLARIONforum Support the Student Success Task Force MARCH 21, 2012

W

e urge California’s state legislators to adopt the Student Success Task Force plan to improve student success. A 20-member committee which included students, worked for a year to create a plan to improve community college success rates and increase the number of transfers, degrees and certificates awarded.

In 2010, Senate Bill 1143 was passed by lawmakers requiring an improved strategic plan.

The California community colleges Board of Governors recently approved the plan’s 22 recommendations. That plan to realign resources for community colleges has been presented to the California legislature for review.

With severe budget cuts to public education, the community college system must be overhauled to better serve incoming and continuing students.

Simply put: the state can no longer afford to support the CCC system whose mantra has historically been to be all things to all people.

The California community college system with 2.6 million students is the largest in the nation. It is comprised of 72 districts and 112 community colleges, as well as 71 off-campus centers. However, only 53.6 percent of community college students successfully complete a certificate program, earn a degree or transfer to a four-year institution within a six-year time frame.

For African-American and Latino students, the rate is much lower, 42 percent and 43 percent respectively.

Implementation of the SSTF plan will ensure that students move faster to achieve their goals.

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citrus college

clarion Editor in Chief Sydney Presley

Managing Editor Martin Cabrera

Online Editor Emily Rios

News Editor Sydney Presley

Spotlight Editor Daniel Hernandez

Sports Editor David Tate

Entertainment Editor Sydney Presley

Forum Editor Shannon Vigil

Staff Writers Peter Callan, Citrus College Clarion

The task force recommends development of common standards with K-12 for college and career readiness. The goal is to decrease the number of incoming students who with little to no understanding of why they are attending college or how to attain their objective.

Diagnostic assessments and orientation would be mandatory.

Students would also be required to develop an educational plan and declare a major by the end of their second semester. Students’ academic progress would be monitored.

Priority would be given to firsttime students who complete the as-

sessment and orientation requirements and to continuing students who are progressing towards their academic goals.

Priority registration will go to goal-focused students as opposed to those who “just want to add the course.”

Opponents of the SSTF plan may argue that the meaning of success is being narrowly redefined and that access to higher education will be greatly restricted.

However, adoption of the plan will make education more accessible for incoming students who really want to go to college move ahead of

those who are just wandering around aimlessly.

We call upon our elected representatives to adopt this plan and to move toward a more focused approach to providing educational opportunities for all Californians.

To access the complete final report with all the recommendations visit: http://californiacommunitycolleges.Cccco.edu/PolicyinAction/StudentSuccessTaskForce.a spx.

Keep up with the news, not the Kardashians

S

top the obsession with the celebrity world and start focusing on what is happening in the world around you.

Constantly people are caught taking more than a glimpse at magazines with a flashy title about another A-list celebrity scandal. Many give in to the temptation by reading tabloid magazines or watching celebrity-based television shows like “TMZ.” Only a few seem to walk past the flashy headlines, luring in readers with their gossip and rumors, it seems the numbers are few in comparison to those who are more intrigued with pop culture than their own culture.

Celebrity gossip may occasionally be a good conversation starter but learning about significant events and educating others about them is more important than knowing what Angelina Jolie wore on the red carpet last weekend.

A study performed by the McCormick Tribune states that 52 percent of Americans can name at least two “Simpsons” characters but only 28 percent can name more than one of their First Amendment rights.

The celebrity obsession among young adults is not uncommon. Knowing insignificant

theclariononline.com

Shannon Vigil, Citrus College Clarion

facts about celebrities lives has become a quality that celebrityobsessed teenagers take pride in.

If star-struck citizens decided to focus their time and energy learning about world news instead of what is happening with their favorite celebrities, the results would be life changing.

Instead of immediately believing what we are told, it’s better to do the research first before putting support in a cause you know little about.

The popular 30-minute video sweeping social media sites,

“Kony 2012” is a video educating its viewers about the abductions that have taken place in Uganda.

The creators of the “Kony 2012” video explained during the 30-minute production that they are spreading the word through 20 celebrities in order for the video to gain popularity.

These celebrities include Angelina Jolie, Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga.

“Celebrities, athletes and billionaires have a loud voice and what they talk about spreads in-

stantly,” the narrator of the Kony 2012 video, Jason Russell said.

The “Kony 2012” video now has more than 80 million views on YouTube. This is enough evidence to prove that when celebrities speak, we listen.

It’s disheartening that many will only hear the words of celebrities; yet words from the professionals and the true policy makers are disregarded and overall, ignored.

The important information we need to keep ourselves educated is at our fingertips. It’s up to us to reach out and grab the information needed to keep ourselves aware of the important events happening in the U.S. and around the globe.

The price of a newspaper is less, if not equal to the amount of a tabloid magazine, making the decision to educate yourself inexpensive. Instead of watching another celebrity-filled television show watch the news.

What you can learn from a single hour may surprise you.

It’s acceptable to take a few minutes to check up on your favorite celebrities, but when your knowledge of the Kardashian family outweighs the knowledge of your own rights it’s time to take a step back and take a look at your priorities.

Lauren Emery, Ryan Gomez, Chia­Chen Hsu, Yoshi Inoye, Cristian Manrique, Jacqueline Melendez, Patricia Pena, Taylor Zepeda

Photographers/ Artists Shannon Vigil, Peter Callan, Sydney Presley, Daniel Hernandez, Frank Ram

Page Designers Martin Cabrera, Daniel Hernandez, Sydney Presley, Shannon Vigil

Photo Technician Frank Ram

Instructional Assistant Emily Rios

Adviser Margaret O’Neil The Clarion is produced by journalism students and is distributed every other Wednesday during the semester. Ads are not endorsed by the Clarion. Editorials are the opinion of at least 75 percent of the Editorial Board. All other opinion is that of the writer. Views expressed do not represent those of the adviser, faculty, administration, Associated Students of Citrus College and/or CCCBOT. Libel will not be published. The Clarion welcomes feedback from our readers.

If you have any gripes, questions, or comments ... we want to hear from you! All correspondence must include your student ID#, major and signature. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

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