Clarion 4/25/12

Releasing your insta-artist pg. 10

April 25, 2012 Volume LXVI Issue XIII Photo illustration by Sydney Presley

2

News Editor

Sydney Presley

QUOTE

of the

DAY “Bad artists copy. Good artists steal.”

Pablo Picasso

ANNOUNCEMENTS Automotive Technology Open House Students interested in the Citrus Automotive Programs being offered will be given the opportunity to explore their option on May 2, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in TE 114. Registration is required. Call 626-8526401 for more information.

New Collegewide Phone System Installed Installation of the new ShoreTel 230 telephone system began during spring break with substantial phone operations restored by April 23.

Quick reference guides for the telephone and voicemail operations are available from the Tec Services/Footprints on Instranet.

Announcements from TeCS regarding training sessions for the new system are soon to be posted.

Nutrition and Health Workshop The Citrus College Student Health Center has been conducting health education events throughout the semester. The next event covers the topics of obesity, nutrition and wellness, and is scheduled for April 25 at 10 a.m. in the Center for Innovation Room CI-159. For more information, contact the health center at 626-914-8671.

“Pippin” Debuts April 27 at the Haugh The production of “Pippin” directed and acted by Citrus Theater Arts students will showcase on April 27 and 29 at 8 p.m. and April 29 at 2 p.m. at the Haugh Performing Arts Center. The production is the surreal, and at times, comically disturbing tale of a young prince on his search for meaning and significance.

Mature subject matter.

SpringFest 2012 The Associated Students of Citrus College are hosting their annual spring festival with this year’s theme, “Hot in the City.” It is a week of activities provided for students starting April 30 until May 3. Visit the Student Life Office located in the Campus Center for more information regarding the event.

Mother’s Day Family Portraits The photography club will be hosting a family portrait night for Mother’s Day. Students, faculty and staff will be able to take their photos on April 27 and 28 from 5 p.m to 9 p.m. and May 4 and 5 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Technology Center Room 110 and 114. For fee information contact the photography department at 626-914-8754.

theclariononline.com

APRIL 25, 2012

NEWS

News In Minutes LOCAL

Pasadena man convicted of murder freed Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Suzette Clover overturned the 1985 murder conviction of Frank O’Connell, who was released on bail April 20. O’Connell, a former Pasadena resident, was accused of fatally shooting maintenence man Jay French at a Pasadena apartment complex. Clover ruled that O’Connell’s right to a fair trial had been violated after it was revealed sheriff’s detectives failed to disclose evidence pointing to another possible suspect in his first trial. Star witness Daniel Druecker also said his testimony was a result of department pressure.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Proposal would require restaurants to disclose immigration checks The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors considered a proposal April 24 that would require restaurants to inform customers whether they perform immigration background checks on their employees. The measure would color code the A, B, or C health grade cards that restaurants display in their windows. A green card would indicate the restaurant checks its employees eligibility, while a red card would mean the opposite.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Senate to hold hearings on Secret Service sex scandal The Senate Homeland Security Committee will hold public hearings on the Secret Service sex scandal in Colombia. The hearings will investigate the conduct of the off duty agents and if the incident in Colombia was isolated. The scandal includes 12 Secret Service employees and 11 military members who came to Colombia to help secure government buildings. On the night of April 11, as many as 21 women believed to be prostitutes were brought into their hotel rooms.

Six Secret service members have resigned.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Media magnate denies knowledge of phone hacking scandal James Murdoch, CERO of the media conglomerate News Corp., testified that he knew little about the scale of phone hacking by his employees at the British tabloid News of the World. Murdoch was in front of an independent British inquiry into journalistic ethics prompted by the hacking scandal. The scandal has led to dozens of arrests of company employees on suspicion of criminal activity.

Source: CNUT

Whittier parolee arrested in connection with West Covina bank robbery Parolee Jerry Lee Franklin allegedly presented an employee of First Financial Credit Union with a note demanding money shortly after 10 a.m. on April 23, according to police officials. Franklin led West Covina police on a chase for nearly an hour after being spotted in a vehicle similar to one seen at the robbery.

Franklin led officers on a chase into Rosemead and then Whittier. Near Whittier Boulevard and Mar Vista Street, police performed a PIT maneuver on the van, causing Franklin to lose control and stop driving.

Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Two accidents in two days on Foothill and Barranca For the second time in two days, a car was involved in an accident at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Barranca Avenue.

On April 21, five people were involved in a head-on collision when a car containing four women making a left turn onto Barranca collided with a car headed in the other direction.

On April 23, a woman also making a left turn onto Barranca collided with a power box on the west side of Barranca Avenue.

Four were hospitalized in the April 21 crash.

Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Citrus College Clarion

STATE Measure that would end death penalty in California qualifies for ballot A November 2012 ballot measure that qualified on April 23 would commute the sentences of more than 700 people on death row to life without the possibility of parole.

Supporting the measure includes Ron Briggs, who ran a successful 1978 campaign to expand the reach of California’s death penalty and Donald J. Heller, an ex-prosecutor who wrote the 1978 initiative. Only 13 inmates have been executed in the past 23 years.

Source: Los Angeles Times

“Teardrop rapist” strikes again after a decade of inactivity Police sources confirmed that the “teardrop rapist”—a male associated with as many as 28 sexual assaults in South Los Angeles and Koreatown—attacked another victim recently. Authorities did not provide details of the latest attack attributed to the suspect, named thanks to being identified by at least one teardrop-shaped tattoo beneath one of his eyes by previous victims. The suspect was last active from 1999 to 2003.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Wal-Mart stock falls almost 5 percent following alleged bribery scandal A bribery scandal at Wal-Mart de Mexico, the retailer’s Mexican subsidiary, caused the company’s stock to drop nearly 5 percent April 23. A report from the New York Times said that top executives in Bentonville, Ark., shut down the investigation after being informed of the bribes in 2005. Several former and current Wal-Mart executives in Mexico and in the United States were implicated in the bribery accusations or were involved in the subsequent decision not to alert law enforcement authorities.

Source: The New York Times

Florida city commission rejects police chief’s resignation Sanford, Fl. city commissioners voted 32 against the submitted resignation of police chief Bill Lee. Lee, who has handled the probe into the death of teenager Trayvon Martin, has been on paid leave since March 22, a day after the commission expressed a lack of confidence in him because of the case. Capt. Darren Scott continues to serve as acting chief during Lee’s absence. If passed, the resignation would have permanently dismissed Lee from the job and given him a severance package.

Source: CNN

NATIONAL

GLOBAL

Al-Qaeda 2008 plan to bomb Long Island Railroad revealed Confessed American al-Qaeda operative provided details of a plan for a suicide bomber to detonate explosives aboard a Long Island Railroad train in a Brooklyn federal court April 23. The plan, which was hatched in the summer of 2008, was for a suicide bomber to detonate the bomb after the train entered a tunnel on the commuter line to cause maximum damage. Vinas revealed that he suggested the idea of attacking the railroad to al-Qaeda operatives in Pakistan.

Source: CNN

Russian Prime Minister steps down from party post Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin stepped down as chairman of United Russia April 24, handing the reins of the parliamentary majority to President Dmitri Medvedev. United Russia was losing popularity following a vote-rigging scandal at parliamentary elections in December 2011. Medvedev’s political capital was also damaged by his Sept. 2011 announcement that he would step down after one presidential term to allow Putin to return.

Source: New York Times

APRIL 25, 2012

CLARIONnews

theclariononline.com

3

Full-time faculty contract increases payroll

“

David Tate Clarion Sports Editor

If there are any faculty members who are genuinely offended by this agreement, they should feel absolutely free to give this money back to the district if they want to.

A

n unanimous vote by the Citrus College Board of Trustees ratified a two percent wage increase for all full-time faculty members during a meeting April 3, the first raise for the group in six years.

The wage bump—which will cost Citrus around $400,000 annually—comes during harsh financial times for Citrus and educational institutions statewide, following state cuts of more than half a billion dollars in funding to community colleges alone.

It was a day of mixed emotions for Board of Trustees. President Joanne Montgomery commended director of human resources Robert for exercising fiscal responsibility in negotiating the raise, but later choked back tears after the board unanimously voted to suspend operations at the Child Development Center.

However, the move is not an unusual one.

Colleges frequently approve salary increases of up to 10 percent—the incoming presidents of CSUs Long Beach and Fullerton both received pay spikes in that amount.

“Two years ago, I read [that] the average price of gas was $1.89,” said faculty union chief negotiator Bruce Langford. “Clearly, we’re a little north of that. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know the cost of living has increased in the past six years.”

Faculty contracts are negotiated upon the

Bruce Langford FACULTY UNION CHIEF NEGOTIATOR

Bruce Langford

expiration of previous versions.

Negotiations take place via collective bargaining between the faculty union and the school district, usually represented by the head of human resources.

After negotiations are completed between the two, a tentative agreement has to be ratified by a majority vote in both the district— represented by the Board of Trustees—and the faculty union.

The raise was met with some resistance within the faculty union. While the district voted 5-0 in favor of the raise, the faculty union approved their half of the ratification

”

with a 61-39 split.

Among those in opposition was Dave Brown, automotive technology instrucutor and a former chief negotiator for the faculty union. The new contract makes the dean of counseling responsible for assigning work schedules to the other counselors—under the previous contract, counselors were able to construct their own schedules.

“I think a lot of those [counseling] changes were ill-advised,” Brown said. “It has to be pointed out that the counselors asked to have their working conditions revisited, and when you open that can of worms there’s bound to be things that you don’t

like.”

Brown was also against the raise, believing the timing was inappropriate given the current economic downturn.

“I know that the college and other colleges statewide are in a desperate financial situation, the closure of the Child Development Center speaks to that,” Brown said.

“So why in the world is some group of folks getting a raise?”

“I’m a teacher and I will get that raise,” Brown said. “But I just think we shouldn’t get it and I voted against it.”

Langford also acknowledged that it was reasonable to question the motives of the contract, given the economic downturn.

However, he had a different explanation for the reasoning behind the raise. “[The raise] is completely justifiable in the big picture, it is not substantially going to break the bank of the district, it is well within even the diminishing resources,” Langford said. “I interpret [the raise] as a thank you from the board for dealing with difficult times, for working hard, for caring about students [and] for putting the best interest of the institution in the forefront of our lives.”

“If there are any faculty members who are genuinely offended by this agreement, they should feel absolutely free to give this money back to the district if they want to.”

The contract will remain in place until December 2014, but the salary increase will be reopened for negotiation October 2012.

Earth Day festivities provide opportunities for change Nancy Alkana Clarion Staff Writer

I

n observance of Earth Day, Citrus College Earth Club promoted environmental awareness with several booths in the Campus Mall to stress the importance of “going green.”

There was also a designated area where students could drop off electronics to be recycled such as computers, monitors, cell phones, MP3 players and ink cartridges.

“We want people to be more environmentally conscious,” said Norma Saldana, president of Earth Club. “Even if students don’t get to stop by the booth at least it is still bringing awareness that there is a club out there that cares.”

Students could learn how to engage in environmental causes by volunteering in local communities to participate in cleanups and hikes.

“This was my first year celebrating Earth Day,” said Citrus student Christine

Aguirre. “I brought all my old electronics that I don’t use and I plan on making this a frequent thing.”

In addition the eco-minded club encouraged students to switch to a vegan diet to help produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Plant based diets only require one-third of the land and water needed to produce a typical Western diet.

The club shared vegan recipes such as pancakes, chocolate pudding, hummus, French toast and cookies.

Club member Craig Torres said he joined the club to stress the importance of taking care of our planet.

“It is important to spread the message,” Torres said. “Otherwise don’t throw toxic things in the trash because it will come back to eventually hurt us.”

The Earth Club plans on attending the Glendora Earth Day Festival on April 28 at the Glendora City Hall and Public Library.

Nancy Alkana, Citrus College Clarion Citrus College Earth Club collected recyclable electronics in celebraton of Earth Day on April 23.

The festival has special events starting at 8a.m.-3p.m.

The festivities include a community bike ride, several workshops including gardening, solar and irrigation, live ani-

mal show, eco-tour through Glendora, recycling fundraiser for Glendora Schools, compost giveaway and an In-N-Out truck.

The admission is free.

4

CLARIONnews

theclariononline.com

APRIL 25, 2012

Campus telephone system receives overhaul, update Sydney Presley Clarion Editor in Chief

T

File photo: The Citrus College Pop/Salsa Ensemble group, Orquesta de Sazon, performed at SpringFest on May 5, 2011 in the Campus Center Mall. The group comprised of students was taught by Gino Munoz.

SpringFest 2012 set to bring the heat Ryan Gomez Clarion Staff Writer

T

he Associated Students of Citrus College (ASCC) will be hosting the 22 nd Annual SpringFest on April 30 through May 3.

During SpringFest, campus clubs will have booths set up promoting both themselves and this year’s theme: “Hot in the City.”

“SpringFest is one of the biggest events of the year,” ASCC Commissioner of Activities, Brandi Garcia said.

An event that spans over four days—this particular SpringFest features daily interpretations of the theme, “Hot in the City.”

ASCC and the involved clubs will be operating as well as taking part in various activities pertaining to each day’s theme.

“Hot Havana Casino Night,” will be held April 30 and will feature blackjack tables and ‘80s-themed karaoke.

“Miami Vice” will be the event theme on May 1 and will feature an ‘80s-themed costume contest and a laser tag event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., during in which the final hour of the event will be hosted for the club

“

SpringFest is one of the biggest events of the year.

BRANDI GARCIA ASCC COMMISSIONER OF ACTIVITIES

”

representatives.

The following day, “Spring Bash in South Beach,” will feature food trucks from The Summin’ Gourmet, Komodo, No Jodas Kitchen Cuban food and Longboards Ice Cream, as well as club activities, such as a lip syncing contest, booth decorating contest—in the theme of “Iconic Florida”—a Frisbee toss and a whiffle golf driving contest.

On the event’s closing day, “Hispanic Heritage Carnivale” will feature a comedy show, DJ, Carnivale-style “Rio” dancers and a live salsa band.

“Personally, I’ve always found SpringFest to be a very enjoyable experience,” GSA vice president Jaden Hathaway said.

“There are always enticing and fun activities to do and partake in.”

The clubs represented at SpringFest will each also have their own activities for students to participate in.

“This year, GSA is going to be hosting a water balloon toss on April 30, selling pineapple kabobs, May 1, and hosting a shoot-the-can carnival type game on May 2, in which both the water balloon toss and shoot-the-can have prizes for the winners,” Hathaway said.

Various clubs will also be offering a variety of concessions throughout the course of each day, such as: snow cones and candy apples offered by the Anime Club; nachos, cotton candy and popcorn offered by the Psychology Club; and pizza offered by H.O.P.E. “Students should expect a lot of activity and a colorful environment,” ASCC student trustee elect Crescencio Calderon said.

SpringFest takes place April 30-May 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

he campus received 847 new telephones on April 20, following the flooding and damage made to the phone control panel.

Citrus College’s telephone service had been interrupted since April 10, when the basement of the Administration building, currently undergoing a complete remodeling, was flooded, much to the surprise of Pacific West Construction.

Despite the preventative panels previously placed over the basement to protect from the water damage, the roof drains poured water directly onto the telephone panels, according to Jesse Castillo, a general contractor with Pacific West Construction.

This caused a small fire when the water caused the wiring of the system to short out.

“Water and electricity do not get along,” Leigh Buchwald, network and telecom system supervisor, said.

As of April 24, over 400 of the new phones were back in service, and by April 27, the rest of the phones are expected to be functioning with the exception of about 12, Buchwald said.

The buildings that are still waiting for network equipment are: TC, PC, TS, ED, Library and Campus Center buildings.

Carol Horton, vice president of finance and administration services, said the overall cost of the new telephone system is $535,000, which was mostly covered by the construction firm’s insurance.

The remaining costs will be taken out of capital funds given to the campus for the replacement of equipment.

The new telephone system is upgraded from the previous sys-

“

Water and electricity do not get along.

LEIGH BUCHWALD NETWORK AND TELECOM SYSTEM SUPERVISOR

”

tem to a more computer-based system, Linda Welz, chief information services officer said.

The new “voice-over Internet protocol” system uses the same wiring for the telephones used as is used by the computers on campus.

Instead of the computers being plugged in directly to the wall, the computers will be plugged into the phones which will be plugged into the wall.

Therefore, Welz advises faculty to not unplug their phones at any time as it will also disconnect their computer, an incident that has already occurred.

Individuals from both Citrus and the Global CTI Group have been working in a group of 10-15 on getting the system running since the phones were put into place on April 19.

“They are doing what is usually done in six to eight weeks, in 10 days,” Welz said.

“It’s just amazing what they have done to get this phone system up,” Horton said.

A total of 13 sessions will be held to acclimate the faculty to the new system, with tutorials on how to use the basic functions of the phones like voicemail.

Welz said that for the time being the campus is still learning the basics of the features offered from the new system, but will be “extending functionality over time.”

APRIL 25, 2012

CLARIONnews

theclariononline.com

5

Alert system unused during bomb threat Daniel Hernandez Clarion Spotlight Editor

A

bomb threat made on April 4, targeting the Liberal Arts and Business Building, forced Citrus College officials to evacuate campuswide and called for a “Crisis Action Team.”

Students, faculty and staff were evacuated when campus safety received a bomb threat call at approximately 2:37 p.m., halting activities while police searched the campus.

This is the second time in six months a bomb threat directed toward Citrus has been made.

Carol Horton, vice president of finance and administrative services, was the acting incident commander for this particular crisis team and said that they quickly contacted the Glendora Police Department and began the evacuation immediately.

“I think we did great, most everybody cleared the buildings fairly quickly,” Horton said.

Horton said that the Emergency Information Officers for each building who oversee evacuations for their respective buildings and are professionally trained became aware, actively held good communication and helped everything move quickly.

In the event of an imminent emergency, the Citrus Alert is usually activated to send an emergency notification via phone, email and text message to communicate with students and employees to let them know of the incident and when it clears out.

However, Citrus officials decided not to activate the Citrus Alert system in this particular case.

“We don’t use Citrus Alert for everything, and it was a decision not to use the Citrus

Danielle Rodriguez, Citrus College Clarion Students were evacuated campuswide, yet did not receive any notifications from the Citrus Alert system, during the bomb threat on April 4.

Alert,” Horton said. “It wasn’t a long enough incident, we had everybody in and out of the building within 45 minutes.”

Horton said the EIO’s worked carefully with the GPD and even called the Los Angeles Police Department, setting a protocol with them as well.

The main concern was to evacuate first and have police officials check the targeted buildings.

After the all clear was given at around 3:45 p.m. by the EIO’s, classes resumed for the remainder of the day.

Some of the students, who were not on campus during the bomb scare, were unaware of the situation since the Citrus Alert was not activated.

Yet, some students took it upon themselves

to inform their peers of the bomb threat, which caused some to not attend classes.

Student Gabriel Ojeda said he found out about the threat through the social networking site Twitter from two of his friends who immediately tweeted the incident.

The interim vice president of student services, John Baker, sent out an official memo two days after the scare, explaining the situation and describing some of the emergency preparedness protocols to follow.

“I wasn’t on campus when the bomb threat occurred, but found out about it the same day through friends,” said student Irene Gamboa.

“I was surprised Citrus didn’t send out an email like they usually do.”

Paula Green, director of communications, is the appointed official who sends out the Cit-

rus Alerts and said that it was an administrative decision not to send out the alert.

“The intent was that we were going to handle this as quickly as possible, and as efficiently as possible,” Green said. “If the decision had been made to close the campus or cancel classes, then a higher level of information would’ve been initiated.”

Green said the campus officials’ primary concern is to make sure that everyone is safe on campus.

“Part of keeping people safe is not rushing to judgment,” Green said. “Good judgment was exercised in this case.”

Green also said that each emergency is different and the decisions to activate the alert system are based on the conditions, and always with the safety of the students and faculty in mind.

As of now, the fastest way to alert students of an imminent emergency is through the Emergency Operation Commander system and its EIO’s and Citrus Alert.

Green and Baker both said that they would encourage students to register for Citrus Alert and keep it up to date if they have not done so.

Horton advises students to always be aware and follow the commands given by the EIO’s and their professors.

To access detailed information about emergency preparedness, the Emergency Response Procedures flip chart online visit: www.citruscollege.edu/emergency and click on the link for the flip chart under Important Emergency and Safety Related Links.

If you have not registered or need to update your emergency contact information with Citrus Alert visit www.citruscollege.edu/citrusalert.

APRIL 25, 2012

theclariononline.com

Entertainment Editor

SPOTLIGHT

Lauren Emery

7

Promising future cut short for young Azusa resident Martin Cabrera Sydney Presley Clarion Staff Writers

G

lancing at his pictures, you might guess that he was not known for his stature, yet he stood out amongst his peers. According to friends and family, Kendrec Lavelle McDade, 19, was a young man full of promise who excelled in both athletics and academics.

McDade, a former Citrus student and Azusa High School graduate, was shot and killed by Pasadena police officers on March 24.

McDade, who was black, was killed following a 911 call claiming that he and another black man robbed the caller of his backpack. The caller falsely stated that they both had guns.

Neither man was armed.

McDade was born on May 5, 1992, in Hollywood to Anya Slaughter and Kenneth McDade.

He attended Audubon Head Start and Linda Vista Elementary School in Orange and later moved to Azusa, where he enrolled at Azusa High School.

McDade began playing football in 2003 as a two-way player, playing both running back and

cornerback.

His grandfather Alfred McDade said that he would often attend his grandson’s games and still watches those game videos.

He described the experience of watching his grandson play football as “watching poetry in motion.”

“He was a happy-go-lucky kid who was respectful to everybody, because he was raised that way,” Alfred McDade said.

McDade excelled in academics and athletics, playing on the Aztecs varsity football team for three years at Azusa High while maintaining a 3.8 GPA. As a sophomore, McDade received the Offensive Player of The Year award. That year, he also participated in track and field.

He received the “No Guts, No Glory” award for demonstrating uncommon courage for the good of his team. The award remains on display in the Azusa High School gym.

As a senior, McDade scored 15 touch-downs and rushed for 1,300 yards. Azusa finished 112 that 2009-2010 season.

That year he received the 2009-10 California Interscholastic Federation Semi Final Award, Montview League Champ Award, Azusa Unified

School District Certificate of Achievement Award, 1st Team CIF Award and Offense MVP award all before playing in the 31st Annual Hall of Fame game.

He graduated in June of 2010.

In fall 2011, McDade enrolled at Citrus College and joined the football team as a redshirt freshman.

At the time of his death, McDade was not enrolled in any Citrus classes, according to McDade’s cousin, Michelle Cooper, 19, a Citrus student.

Cooper, who saw him for the last time two days before he was killed, said that her cousin was “always kidding around.”

He joked that he was a rapper but he could not finish a rhyme without bursting into laughter, she said.

McDade split his family time between his mother’s house in Azusa and his father’s house in Pasadena, where he was killed by police officers.

In her eulogy delivered at McDade’s funeral services on April 7, Anya Slaughter said that she was thankful for the 19 years that she had with her son, but that she was angry at herself for bringing him to Pasadena that night.

McDade was buried April 7 at Rose Hills cemetery.

Sydney Presley, Citrus College Clarion Kevin McDade, 14, leaves a message for his cousin Kendrec McDade, whose services were held on April 7 at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena.

“I just want to see him smile again, he had the nicest smile,” Cooper said.

The McDade shooting is currently the subject of four investigations by the Pasadena Police, the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office, the county Officer of Review and the FBI. The McDade family filed two civil rights lawsuits – one, a federal lawsuit against Pasadena police, and the other an administrative claim against the city of Pasadena.

The 911 caller, Oscar Carillo, was arrested on suspicion of in-

voluntary manslaughter, but was not charged.

Members of Trayvon Martin’s family, along with civil rights leaders Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, will join members of the McDade family at a three-hour rally to advocate for crime victims and to push for the end of gun violence and racial profiling.

The rally will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on April 26 at West Angeles Church of God in Christ, 3045 S. Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles.

8

theclariononline.com

CLARIONspotlight

APRIL 25, 2012

Club aims to trade backpacks for briefcases Taylor Zepeda Clarion Staff Writer

B

usiness students can connect with likeminded individuals by joining a campus club that offers insight into the workplace and global competition.

The Citrus Business Association engages students in thinking about multiple facets of the business world such as stocks, bonds and entrepreneurship.

“The purpose of the club is to introduce students to the business environment, to expose them to different business opportunities, and to network with other business students while participating in on-campus activities,” said Robert Smolin, faculty adviser to the CBA. Guest speakers come to club meetings to share information and advice with students.

Guest speakers have represented such businesses as Fidelity Investments, the Los Angeles Times, and Proctor & Gamble.

The club recently heard a presentation about regenerative medicine by Jim Olsen who works for the CorMatrix Corporation.

Olsen, who has had a degree in business, stressed that a business degree can lead to careers in many different fields.

Speakers help students envision their fu-

tures, said business major Eduardo Rodriguez, 21, CBA president.

To know people is pretty important in business, Rodriguez said.

“Getting involved makes school a better experience, and most importantly – you make friends,” Rodriguez said.

“It gave me a sense of what a formal organization should be like,” said Said Iram, 24, a business/accounting major and CBA vicepresident.

By hearing the speakers, students develop their own initiative to go out and work, Iram said.

Rodriguez anticipates that the club will undertake fundraising and community service efforts, such as participating in campus cleanups.

The club is open to all Citrus students.

There is no GPA requirement, membership fee, or required service hours.

“This is not an exclusive club - it is an inclusive club,” Smolin said.

The club has eight officers: Eddie Rodriguez, president; Said Iram, vice president; Erik Amador, ICC representative; Nicolas Montiel, treasurer; Kylie Sykes, secretary; and Mark Songer, chairman. Approximately 30 people attend their meetings. Six new members have joined this semester thus far, Rodriguez said.

Taylor Zepeda, Citrus College Clarion The Citrus Business Association Club offers oppurtunities for students to become engaged in multiple facets of the business world as well as to learn networking skills.

This club is all about exposure to the field, and learning to network with other students, Smolin said.

His involvement in an accounting club helped him when he was a student at Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Long Beach, Smolin said. “Students have much to gain from getting to know others through business clubs at vari-

ous universities.”

The CBA meets every third week on Tuesdays from 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in LB 207.

Their next meeting is scheduled for May 15 when the guest speaker will be Tom Maguire, vice president of Mobile Technology from Dolby Sound Laboratories.

“Noche de Cultura” spreads diversity through art, music Daniel Hernandez Clarion Spotlight Editor

A

Daniel Hernandez, Citrus College Clarion President of L.U.S.A Thania Lucero (right) welcomes her guest and intro­ duced the host for the evening Christina Osuna (left) to a night of art, live music, poetry and dance on April 5.

n evening of student talent featuring art and entertainment to encourage diversity in culture was the first of its kind hosted by a Latino club.

The Latinos Unidos Student Association club held its first “Noche de Cultura” event; inviting the Citrus community to a night of art, live music, poetry and dance on April 5.

“We actually borrowed the idea from L.A.S.A., which is the equivalent of L.U.S.A at Azusa Pacific University,” Thania Lucero, president of L.U.S.A. said. “We put on the show for the community and for the students to showcase the different talents within the cultures.”

The club treated their guests to coffee and sweet bread and invited a vendor who donated 10 percent its sales that night to the club.

“Students love it because they get to get involved in the process of the

fundraiser,” said Jaspreet Kaur, the owner of Savvy Looks.

Student Jason Jeong, 23, performed two acoustic cover pieces: “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5 and “Swim Good” by Frank Ocean.

“I respect what L.U.S.A. is doing.

I grew up in a predominantly Latino neighborhood, so I appreciate their culture,” Jeong said.

“When you get to know more about someone else’s culture, I feel one can become less ignorant as a human being.”

Student poets Miguel Villanueva and Joe Billeter both brought different perspectives to the night.

Villanueva read “A.B. 540 Speech” addressing his support for the A.B. 540 students who are undocumented bringing out emotions to some of the guests at the event.

He also read a mellower poem titled “Wisdom’s Worth.”

“It feels good to express yourself and share your thoughts to other people,” Villanueva said. “What-

ever one wants to take out of it, they could take it.”

Also, a student-produced film titled “Princess,” was screened at the event.

Student director Andrew “Vlad” Campbell, 22, described the film as a coming of age story, which featured former Citrus student actor Aly Saeth.

Several artists had their canvas art on display for students to view.

The art’s entire medium consisted of oils and acrylic on canvas.

Artist Christopher Granillo said he loves to capture the wildlife through art and has created his own zoo of animals.

He showcased a painting of a jellyfish and a squid, and said that he gets excited when people become influenced by the art he creates and pick up the passion as their own.

“We try to focus on encompassing everybody and promote general cultural awareness, so we wanted to bring everybody in,” Lucero said.

10 theclariononline.com

CLARIONspotlight

APRIL 25, 2012

‘in Monochromatic painting of Citrus mascot on the wall facing the Art Center courtyard.

A wall mosaic of landscape next to the bathrooms out­ side the music department.

mpu a s R c A T f i l t e r e d Campus photos taken by Chia-Chen Hsu Filtered through picplz.com

The fountain owl statue, in the center of school, extending its wings with its head facing north in the direction of the library and mountains.

A wall mosaic of an ancient calender surrounded by Aztec style painting is displayed in front of the math building.

A silhouette of a foot physical education b

CLARIONspotlight

APRIL 25, 2012

theclariononline.com

nsta’-nt artists

tball player decorates the stairs of the uilding.

Photographers’ take on Instagram Patricia Pena

Clarion Staff Writer

I

nstagram, the recent $1 billion acquisition, describes itself as a fast, beautiful and fun way to share life with friends through a series of photos, and according to photography professor at Citrus, Darrell Carr, “Photography is the universal language.”

The fun little application that gives users the chance to shoot, filter, and share photos has become universally admired, but what do the practiced photographers have to say about it and its opportunities?

“I enjoy having the opportunity to Photoshop on-the-go,” said Haniyah Willliams, 21, photography student at Citrus.

Is the photography department at Citrus adapting to Instagram?

“Personally, it is a form of art,” Carr said.

He explains that it gives people who aren’t photo experienced a chance to be artistic with their pictures, and also impress friends in a very easy way.

Danny Hernandez, 27, member of the Photography Club at Citrus explained that Instagram gives people who are unfamiliar with retouching, and other photo techniques, an opportunity to enhance their images.

“It gives people a chance to take more pictures,” Hernandez said.

Shawna Brady, 18, resident of Sierra Madre and also a member of the Photography

Club at Citrus, has fun with the app, however she thinks people use Instagram to make their images seem as though they are experts in photography.

Instagram photos drown the news feeds of Facebook and other social media sites daily, and more and more users are benefiting from the application, especially now that the previously iPhone exclusive has expanded to Android and its consumers.

“Software companies put out programs. If they are first to market, they will make a lot of money,” Carr said. “Over time they will either improve or die out.”

According to a March 11 report by CNN.com, the subscription rate for the application has reached 27 million users.

With its popularity rising dramatically, it may seem as though everyone will acclimate eventually.

On the application’s webs i t e — i n s t a g r. a m / a b o u t — founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger describe their creation as an inspired combination of old Polaroid film camera images and telegrams, capturing vintage-looking photos and sending them through a wire for others to admire.

“Could we make sharing your life as instant and magic as those first Polaroid pictures have felt?” said the duo.

11

APRIL 25, 2012

theclariononline.com

Sports Editor

David Tate

SPORTS

13

Sophomore Michael Guajardo (at left, green and blue shoes) hur­ dles the water jump during the Mount SAC Relays men’s 3000­meter steeplechase event. Guajardo finished in 22nd place with a time of 10 minutes, 49.41 seconds.

Poetry in motion

Yvonne Nguyen, Citrus College Clarion

Yvonne Nguyen, Citrus College Clarion Sophomore James Francis (right) chases down a San Jose sprinter in the anchor leg of the Mount SAC Relays men’s 4x100 event. The relay team’s time of 43:83 was good enough for 13th overall.

Sophomore Alisha Sear­ gant just manages to clear the bar in the women’s pole vault com­ petion at the Mount SAC Relays. Sear­ gant finished in 11th place, clearing a personal best height of 2.96 meters.

Anthony Vidales, Citrus College Clarion

Freshman Michelle Lopez recov­ ers from land­ ing in the water after her jump in the women’s 3000­meter steeplechase in the Mount SAC Relays.

Lopez finished last, but posted a per­ sonal best of 14 minutes, 53 seconds.

Yvonne Nguyen, Citrus College Clarion Sophomore Alisha Seargant starts her run­up in the women’s pole vault event.

Yvonne Nguyen, Citrus College Clarion

CLARIONsports

14 theclariononline.com

APRIL 25, 2012

Baseball player aspires to carry Mickey’s ‘mantle’ Nancy Alkana Clarion Staff Writer

B

Jacqueline Melendez, Citrus College Clarion Freshman utility fielder Mike Rowland at the plate winding up to swing. In 81 at­bats, Row­ land holds a .259 batting average, one home­ run and 10 runs batted in.

alancing academics with sports is a challenge all college athletes have to master.

As a utility player on the Citrus College baseball team, Mike Rowland successfully manages both.

His teammates and coach describe the 20year-old as an asset both in athleticism and in attitude.

“He is a great player and has a good work ethic,” said first year pitcher Ryan Gasio. “ He is always here after practices even when he is doing good.”

Rowland prepped three varsity seasons at Ayala High School in Chino Hills. He was named All-Sierra League in each of his three varsity seasons and as a senior was also elected to the Ayala Bulldog Hall of Fame.

He stressed the importance of working together to achieve success.

“Putting selfishness aside, having unity and a sense of pride is what makes us a team,” Rowland said.

As a utility player, Rowland switches between playing infield and outfield.

“Rowland is what we call a pure baseball

player,” said assistant coach Chris Amaya. “He is a good athlete and has good baseball instincts on the field.”

In the March 29 game against West L.A, with the Owls down 0-2, Rowland sparked a Citrus comeback in the bottom of the ninth with a clutch single to right field. Home runs by teammates Shane Fraijo and Remington Miller would eventually give the Owls a 3-2 victory.

“He came up with a very big hit for us,” said Steve Gomez, head coach. “Athletically Mike has the tools to be successful for our team.”

Rowland, a psychology major enrolled in 15 units this spring, takes his studies just as seriously as he does his baseball career. His 4.0 GPA last semester is a reflection of the hard work he is doing in the classroom.

“One of the best things I do to find balance between both school and baseball is to maintain structure and try to stay on top of things,” Rowland said.

Taking the time to relax helps him keep a handle on things.

“I am really into music,” Rowland said.“Writing and playing music when I have free time really helps keep me sane. It's all about structure and balance.”

Although his studies are important, baseball is still his first love.

“I will continue to play baseball as long as I can,” Rowland said. “If I can make a career out of it, that would be awesome.”

He follows the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and strives to be like his favorite baseball player, New York Yankee legend Mickey Mantle, whose autobiography he read in high school.

“He believed in just going out and working hard and doing the best that you possibly could, and if it didn't work one day, there was always tomorrow,” Rowland said. “He had a real understanding and savvy for the game, which is something I have tried to emulate within my own play. Plus, he was also one of the greatest players to ever play the game.”

Rowland also acknowledges the effect his parents Tracy Rodriguez and Mike Rowland have had on his life.

“They both are very strong-willed and diligent people, and they have instilled in me a strong sense of perseverance and work ethic,” he said.

The Owls season record is 14-20 overall and 9-10 in conference play. The Owls’ last game is April 25 against L.A Valley at 2:30 p.m.

Upcoming Sports Events - (4/26) Baseball @ LA Valley, 2:30-5:30 p.m.

- (4/27) Track and field @ WSC Finals, 2-6 p.m.

- (5/5) Track and field @ SoCal prelims, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

- (5/7) Men’s Golf @ SoCal Championships 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

- (5/12) Track and field @ SoCal Finals, 3-7 p.m.

For live game updates follow us @clarionsports

theclariononline.com

APRIL 25, 2012

ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment Editor

Martin Cabrera

15

Cosmetology opens house for newcomers Shannon Vigil

Clarion Forum Editor

I

ncoming and current students interested in pursuing cosmetology or esthetician careers were invited to see what Citrus cosmetology has to offer and the opportunities it presents.

The cosmetology department hosted their first open house for incoming students who have an interest in cosmetology and skin care.

“We’re trying to gain students,” said cosmetology major Kaity Harmon. “A recognition and understanding of what we do and who we are [gives us] the opportunity to shine and show off our awesome departments.”

The event was held in the Center of Innovation building on April 11 with 50 students attending. Each attendee received a small gift bag along with a raffle ticket for prizes that would be received at

the end of the event.

Visitors were guided on a tour of the Professional Center Building, where clients come for appointments, in groups of three by cosmetology professors and current students.

Current cosmetology students demonstrated make-up applications and other beauty procedures for onlookers to see.

Attendees also visited the esthetician facilities and watched a video demonstration of what an esthetician does.

Incoming students were given an opportunity to a look at where they will be starting when viewing freshman classrooms.

“I was a student here 13 years ago and always wanted to teach here,” said Maria Morrish, instructor of cosmetology. “It’s just a great program.”

The cosmetology department offers certificates of achievement and associate degrees to students who complete the

Shannon Vigil, Citrus College Clarion Cosmetology students display their talents at the first ever cosmetology open house on April 11.

The next open house is scheduled for May 30 at 6 p.m.

program with a “C” grade or better.

The schedule of classes includes day and evening programs from Monday through Thursday.

Students prepare to test for the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology License

Artist inspired by mother nature Matthew Hutchings Clarion Staff Writer

F

or as long as he can remember Citrus College student Christopher Granillo has been drawn to art.

“When I was 5 I was obsessed with finger painting,” Granillo said. “It’s the only activity I wanted to do. It wasn’t until my freshman year of high school that I got involved and started taking it seriously.”

Granillo grew up in Duarte and graduated from Duarte High School.

At Duarte High, Joel Jimenez was one of his favorite teachers who supported his ambitions.

He took Jimenez’s art classes all four years of high school—from beginners to AP—and took inspiration from his work.

“He painted these dark, detailed pictures of skeletal figures with halos,” Granillo said. “He taught me everything I know. I can’t give you one specific [of how he influenced me] because its pretty much everything. He’s my guide.”

The passion that drives Granillo’s work is the natural world.

One of his favorite subjects is Darwin’s theory of natural selection and how its effects plant and animal structures, a subject he was introduced to by professor Pablo Weaver in one of his biology classes.

Beyond Darwin, Granillo is a fan of animals in general.

“The thing that motivates me is endangered species, and species we haven’t discovered yet,” he said. “I guess my goal is to use my art to further conservation and to draw attention to animals.”

Among his own works, he is partial to his depiction of a sloth-bear which he sold at an Alta Dena art showing called “Gallery at the End of the World,” along with another painting of a meerkat.

For models, he turns to the zoo.

“I love the San Diego Zoo,” Granillo said.

“Some people don’t like zoos and how they keep the animals locked up, but they’re working for a good cause. A lot of them reintroduce animals back into the wild, some of them endangered.”

His preferred mediums are acrylic, conté and nu-pastel.

His inspiration comes from other artists, both contemporary ones like Alex Pardee and Blaine Fontana and more conventional painters like Picasso and Da Vinci.

He’s also found friends at Citrus who support his ambitions as an artist.

Dana Yarbrough met Granillo when he became a host at the Handy Campus Center and has bought one of his pieces, a picture of a panda sur-

Martin Cabrera, Citrus College Clarion Student artist Christopher Granillo holds his painting of a squid. Granillo will display his art at the Citrus Art Walk on May 5 at 200 N. Citrus Ave. in Covina.

rounded by grass.

“He’s just a young artist, doing his thing. I see talent in him,” Yarbrough said.

“If he continues to refine his craft, he could really make it in the art world.”

Matthew Arias is a fellow fine art major and has been Granillo’s friend since high school. He has had the opportunity to watch Granillo’s style evolve.

“At first he was more surrealist,” Arias said.

“Now he focuses more on realism and animals.”

Granillo plans to move to San Diego and attend San Diego State.

He wants to tie together his talent at art and his passion for nature to eventually work for a nonprofit.

“It doesn’t have to be related to animals, I just like charity work in general,” Granillo said.

“I want to somehow get my art into San Diego Zoo, maybe even work for a zoo someday.”

Both Granillo and Arias will have a booth at this month’s Citrus Art Walk, which will be held Sat-

once they have completed the program.

The Cosmetology Department may be reached at (626) 914-8710. The next open house is scheduled for May 30 at 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

16 theclariononline.com

CLARIONentertainment

APRIL 25, 2012

sweeney slices, dices, comes up a hair short

The ensemble piece “Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir” was the highlight of the night, putting a comical twist on the dark play.

By David Tate Clarion Sports Editor

Photos by Shannon Vigil

T

he only problem with a good performance is just that—it isn’t great.

Such was the case of the Musical Theatre Workshop’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”—a good show, but falling just shy of awe-inspiring.

The operetta takes place in London, following barber Sweeney Todd’s quest for revenge after his escape from prison on a trumpedup charge. Todd teams up with piemaker Mrs. Lovett to plan the demise of Judge Turpin and his minion Beadle Bamford, the individuals responsible for his unjust imprisonment.

The musical opened on a high note, with the company’s “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd.”

The ensemble provided the most evocative and strongest vocal performances of the night, with bright spots like “Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir” and “City on Fire!”

Solo performances were solid overall, but lacked the defining moments that constitute a great musical.

Valerie Jasso as Lovett showed excellent range and control in “By the Sea,” but was tempered by Rondrequel McCloud’s nearly unintelligible “The Contest” as Adolfo Pirelli.

Cristopher Nevarez as Todd also displayed good control, but his songs lacked the tormented emotion of the character.

Overall, the show’s performers were able to accentuate their strengths and downplay their weaknesses together, highlighted in Todd and Lovett’s humorous duet “A Little Priest,” and the amorous quartet “Kiss Me,” featuring Kimberly Federoff, Jarred Barnard, Garrison Holder and Stephenson Holder.

Despite the hiccups, “Todd” was a good start to the Spring 2012 production calendar for the Fine and Performing Arts Department.

Sweeney Todd (Cristopher Nevarez) contributes to the finale by singing in the ensemble piece “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd.”

Mrs. Lovett (Valerie Jasso) and Sweeney Todd (Cristopher Nevarez) gaze suspi­ ciously at one of Lovett’s meat pies in their duet “A Little Priest.”

Sweeney Todd (Cristopher Nevarez) concludes the play with a powerful and dramatic pose.

Johanna (Kimberly Federoff) and Anthony Heart (Jarred Barnard) reach for each other after falling in love.

18

Forum Editor

Going green: an easy task Lauren Emery Clarion Staff Writer

M

theclariononline.com

Shannon Vigil

any people say they care about helping the planet, but not many people are actually contributing to the cause they support.

It’s ridiculous seeing “I’m greener than this shirt” and “please recycle” on shirts of people who just threw their soda can in the trash or “plant a tree” bumper stickers on gas guzzling trucks and SUV’s.

Stop the hypocrisy and ignorance. If you say you want to help the planet by going green, then do it. It isn’t as difficult as many assume.

You don’t have to buy an electric car, put solar panels on your home or stop showering to do your part.

Start small, because even a few small changes can help make a big difference.

Throwing recyclables into a recycling bin is a good place to start.

Both plastic and aluminum aren’t biodegradable, which means just throwing it in the trash sends it to a landfill—where it just builds up more garbage.

If plastic somehow does make it to a warm body of water, it releases toxins as it breaks apart. It can also wash up on shore or contaminate wildlife it comes in contact with.

Conserving water is also an easy step you can take to go green.

By turning off water when you aren’t using it, you can save money as well as the planet’s most important resource.

Instead of taking a 30 minute shower, take a 20 minute one.

From there, keep decreasing your water usage until you’re down to a timely fashion.

The average shower uses 2.5 gallons a minute—and by taking five-minute showers you will use only 12.5 gallons of water.

Another thing you can do to help the environment is to carpool.

Instead of driving somewhere alone, try to get other people to go with you.

It reduces the amount you pay for gas by yourself along with your carbon foot print; by everyone chipping in just a few dollars it helps you and the planet.

The negativity from those who think that helping the planet or conserving resources is stupid and inconvenient need to look at the facts. Resources are limited and it doesn’t hurt by doing something extra.

The list of things you can do to help is endless.

APRIL 25, 2012

THE FORUM Blurring the line between writing and art Ryan Gomez Clarion Staff Writer

S

ince the lines defining art and craft often blur, writing is the most undervalued of art forms.

Part of the problem is inherent in the perennial argument as to what is defined as an art and a craft.

Defined as skills inherited through experience, the only trait that differs between the two terms is the use of imagination associated with the production of art.

According to former journalist and author Ernest Hemingway, writing is an expression of self—an individualistic activity within the minds of those who are up to the task of exposing their inner demons.

In fact, Hemingway once said, “There is nothing to writing—all you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”

Writing is an art form that is initially developed through experience with literature—be it in the form of novels, poetry, magazines or newspapers.

Many great American authors learned the “craft” of writing first as journalists who then developed into artists through their experience.

The definition of art lies within the senses of the beholder. A news story would not be considered art any more than a traced drawing would, due to the lack of self-expression.

The crafting of a well-structured and comprehensible sentence is simply that: a craft.

McClatchy-Tribune Media Services

As American poet Charles Bukowski once said, “Genius might be the ability to say a profound thing in a simple way.”

Talent—though occasionally innate—is developed through experience, while beauty derives from perceptions of the senses.

Just as painters, singers, musicians, dancers and composers create physical art, those who express themselves in words do so to distinguish themselves as artistic individuals.

Poetry is a stylistic form of expression that is universally recognized as art.

Many poetic forms require a crafting of structure to suggest differential interpretation to words.

Poetry as an art form stands on its own—just as the individual styles of each poet.

When executed effectively, a poet’s ability to convey meaning through the structures themselves causes the words to evoke emotive responses from the reader.

Edgar Allan Poe claimed that “poetry [has] not been a purpose, but a passion.”

Perhaps the most undervalued of artistic written forms—lyricism—derives from the composition of sonnets—a once-valued art form.

Lyricists are often tied to their work within the music industry, and the validity of music as an art form is hardly ever questioned.

The value of the vocalist overshadows the importance of the gears within the clock. For many singers, there would be no song without a lyricist to compose one for them.

There is an altered perception that occurs when observing the difference between the composition of music and the composition of literature.

The composition of notes in a musical score is just as much a written form as the lyrics subsequent to them on the sheet music.

The art is in the musicians’ translation of those notes into music.

Writing is an art form, just as is music, dance or painting. The beauty of literary art, as well as its significance, is in the interpretation of the reader.

Chia-Chen Hsu, Citrus College Clarion

Campus art: taking a second glance Danielle Rodriguez Clarion Staff Writer

M

ore than 20 paintings and collages dating back to 2002, are displayed inside the Art Center for students to enjoy.

But the question posed is: is it enough to capture the attention as well as the appreciation of students?

A huge mural with only the word “ART” across it has caught the eyes of some students walking by the Art Center recently.

The mural was spray-painted during the last week of March.

Most students only take a

glance while others actually stop to take a longer look.

Only a rare few walk behind to admire the rest of the work that hangs on the walls between classrooms.

Besides the students that are majoring in art, few pay attention to these works made by fellow students as well as Citrus alumni.

Some may dispute that the Art Center isn’t inviting enough.

A possible solution would be to take some paintings out to be placed in an open area that would draw more attention and entice students to take a look inside.

Even with the change of the

art’s location, it is doubtful to be enough for students to take a more in-depth look at the art on campus.

If the art was plastered on Facebook would it receive more views than actually going to see it in person?

It seems as if traditional paint on canvas isn’t enough to capture the attention of students these days.

Computer designed artwork is amazing; graphic design may be the new frontier and shouldn’t be belittled, but what about the work people have done with tangible materials like oil, spray paint, or even a pencil and a canvas?

These approaches should be

appreciated just as much as works made with a mouse on a computer.

Designing on a computer is hard work, but it would be fair to give the same attention to graphic design as to traditional handmade artwork, especially those that are created by Citrus College students.

Besides the art in the Art Center, students also have an opportunity to view the art outside the Haugh Performing Arts Center, in the MA building and in the library.

When a five minute break is needed, students should take a moment to appreciate all the handmade art on campus.

APRIL 25, 2012

CLARIONforum

EDITORIALS

theclariononline.com

19

citrus college

clarion Alert system needs to be used Editor in Chief Sydney Presley

T

he recent bomb threat has left one thing clear: the emergency alert system needs to be used.

On April 4, the Glendora Police Department and campus security forced students and faculty to evacuate with little to no indication of what was wrong.

It wasn't until students and faculty were gathered on the outskirts of campus that they discovered from Emergency Information Officers that a bomb threat was made to the LB building.

In parking lots and on sidewalk curbs, students and faculty seemed at ease as they waited for classes to resume.

Some called their fellow peers to tell them what was happening.

Less than an hour after being evacuated, police officers gave the all clear and campus safety let students return to class.

No alert by email, text message or call was given to any students or faculty.

On April 11, another event tested the colleges readiness for a true emergency.

As the colleges’ staff began their preparation for early morning classes, professors noticed the phones weren’t working.

Managing Editor Martin Cabrera

Online Editor Emily Rios

News Editor Sydney Presley

Spotlight Editor Daniel Hernandez

Sports Editor David Tate

Entertainment Editor Martin Cabrera Shannon Vigil, Citrus College Clarion

Around 10 a.m., three hours after the earliest class started, an email was sent out addressing the telephone outage.

When disaster strikes and telephones aren’t in use, campus officials will have to resort to emails and text messages to inform students and faculty.

This may be pointless to many students who aren’t signed up to receive text messages or emails.

One possibility would be to install sirens on campus or a messaging system in classrooms.

An even greater solution would be for all students to be required to register their numbers and emails so that they can be notified when an emergency happens.

In the case of the bomb threat, students were forced to rely on their peers to stay informed, which caused some students to jump to the conclusion that classes were canceled for the rest of the day.

This could have been prevented by an alert or memo stating that the all clear was given and

classes were back in session.

The Administrative Board and the Glendora Police Department made the decision, however, not to send out an alert concerned that it would cause students to panic.

Even with the risk of panic, an email should have been sent to inform and update students and faculty.

When an emergency happens no matter real or just a threat, the emergency alert system needs to be used.

Tragic but don’t draw conclusions

T

he death of Citrus student Kendrec McDade is a terrible loss for the community. But it is not our place to draw conclusions about how and why these tragic events occurred. We were not there and it is not our place to judge.

Rather, we call for a thorough and speedy investigation to clarify the facts and to ensure justice is served.

Following the McDade shooting, four investigations have been launched by the Pasadena Police, the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office, the county Officer of Independent Review and the FBI. McDade, a resident of Azusa and former standout football player at Azusa High School, died on March 24 when Pasadena police fatally shot him after responding to a 911 call.

Coming in the wake of the Trayvon Martin case, the McDade shooting has drawn some comparisons and sparked some to believe that this is another example of racial profiling by law enforcement.

There are plenty of questions regarding whether or not Pasadena police officers Jeff Newlen and Mathew Griffin followed protocol after a 911 caller told police that two armed robbers had stolen his laptop.

Police officials say the officers did not drive to the scene in emergency response mode with lights and sirens because, according to protocol, they are not to do so if an armed robbery is in progress.

However, some argue that since the alleged robbery took place prior to the 911 call, the police should

Photo illustration by Sydney Presley

have turned on their lights and sirens.

Because the police did not pursue in emergency response mode, there is no video or audio of the incident. The emergency response mode automatically triggers recording devices in the police cruiser.

Whether or not they should have rolled with lights and sirens is a question for the investigators.

Once at the scene, one police officer remained in the patrol car while the other pursued McDade on foot.

Police say the officer in the cruiser sped past McDade to block his path, then fired from inside his vehicle after he saw McDade make a move toward his waistband.

Thinking they were in a gunfight, the other police officer also opened fire, according to police officials.

There were a total of eight shots fired at McDade, a number some consider excessive.

Some question why the police officer fired from the car and whether it is proper police protocol to do so.

A police shooting of an unarmed black man definitely looks bad and automatically raises the suspicion of racial profiling.

However, police are trained to react to a suspected armed robber as one when that is the information they are given.

This was the situation when 911 caller, Oscar Carillo, told police that the two black men who stole his laptop were armed, something he later admitted he lied about.

It is possible the police officer in the patrol car may have felt threatened by McDade.

We don’t know what the police officers were thinking. We were not there, so we cannot judge the situation.

To say that the police violated McDade’s civil rights is premature.

This is by no means an attempt to justify the shooting and actions of the police, but we should not condemn anyone before we know all the facts.

There are still plenty of holes in the story that should not be filled by suspicion or rumor.

What we know is that a man reported an armed robbery; police chased a suspect, shot him and arrested a second suspect.

It is a huge tragedy and we can only hope that a speedy and thorough investigation is completed and that justice is served.

To the McDade family, students and faculty at Azusa High School, and to the Citrus College friends who knew him, the Clarion offers our condolences.

We can only hope for a speedy investigation that leads to the truth.

Until then, let’s reserve judgment.

Forum Editor Shannon Vigil

Staff Writers Nancy Alkana, Lauren Emery, Ryan Gomez, Yvonne Nguyen, Patricia Pena, Danielle Rodriguez

Photographers/ Artists Daniel Hernandez, Frank Ram, Yvonne Nguyen, Sydney Presley, Danielle Rodriguez, Shannon Vigil

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.

CLARION MAILBOX 1000 W. Foothill Blvd.

Glendora, CA 91741-1899 Phone: (626) 914-8586 Fax: (626) 914-8797 Email: ccclarion@hotmail.com