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Citrus College
Clarion
Vote no on 1A, 1B on May 19 see p. 19
A First Amendment Newspaper
May 6, 2009, Volume LXII, Issue 14 www.theclariononline.com
Congressional candidate visits campus 26-year-old Pleitez speaks to students about his run for Congress
By Dustin Call Clarion News Editor
Clarion Staff Writer and Dustin Call Clarion News Editor
T
rying to pull in votes during the last stretch before the May 19 election, congressional candidate Emanuel Pleitez visited Citrus College on May 4 to speak to students about his campaign. Pleitez is one of 12 candidates seeking to fill the 32nd Congressional District seat vacated by U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. If elected, he would be the youngest member of Congress at the age of 26. Aaron Donahue, the president of the Student Activist League, arranged the visit with help from the Associated Students of Citrus College. Pleitez first spoke to a small crowd in the Handy Campus Center, focusing on topics such as education and the economy. “What I want to do in Congress is make sure that the federal government knows what’s going on,” Pleitez said. “There is such an important thing that happens in our high schools that we need to focus and make sure that everyone has access to higher education at any level.” Pleitez is an advocate for education and believes everyone, especially minorities, should have equal access to it. Where the economy is concerned, he believes attention needs to be given toward solving the foreclosure crisis. “I’ll be the youngest congressman in the whole country,” he said. “I’m not too far removed from where you are sitting. I was at a university just a couple years ago,” said Pleitez, who graduated from Stanford University. “Being young doesn’t matter… my experience actually makes the most sense and it has the most relevance to what’s going on right now.” Pleitez’s experience includes working as a financial analyst in the securities industry, working for Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Vil-
See PLEITEZ/page 3
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nited States Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis was honored at an event co-sponsored by the Citrus Community College District at La Puente High School on April 24. A resident of El Monte, Solis was the U.S. Congresswoman representing the 32nd District until President Barrack Obama chose her to serve in his cabinet as the Secretary of Labor, the first ever Latina cabinet secretary in U.S. history Solis attended La Puente High School and later went on to graduate from Cal Poly Pomona. Held on the 50-yard-line of the LPHS football field, the event was meant to honor Solis for her accomplishments over the years, especially what she has accomplished in the face of racial barriers. After several dignitaries delivered speeches honoring her,
U
By Ashley Broussard
Life Pg. 5
Secretary of labor honored at local event
Dustin Call Citrus College Clarion The young Emanuel Pleitez speaks to a group of students in the Handy Campus Center on May 4 about his campaign for the 32nd Congressional District seat. Voters will decide on May 19 who their new representative will be.
See SOLIS/page 3
College officials, students urge funding for transit extension By Emily Rios Clarion Co-Editor In Chief Local students, college officials, and community leaders will gather on May 7 to call Los Angeles County’s transit agency to fund the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension. The rally, which will take place at Citrus College’s campus center mall at 11 a.m., is part of the I Will Ride campaign. The group is calling on Metro, Los Angeles County’s transit agency, to begin funding the line in 2010 with funds from Measure R. Measure R, a half-cent sales tax increase, was approved by Los Angeles County voters in November 2008 and is expected to generate $40 billion dollars over the next 30 years to fund transportation projects and provide traffic relief. Metro is expected to make the decision regarding funding priorities and project timelines during its May or June board meeting. “The Metro board, at its meeting Feb. 26, approved a plan to
Sports Pg. 12
seek federal stimulus package funding that included $150 million for the Gold Line Foothill Extension.” CEO of the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority, Habib Balian wrote in a February posting on the I Will Ride website. “The good news is that the Metro board in a unanimous vote officially supported the project and directed Metro staff to make sure that the Gold Line Foothill Extension is ready to seek federal funding when the money becomes avail-
Image courtesy of www.metrogoldline.org more students to campus since the able.” The extension would bring the station will be across the street.” The extension will be benefiGold Line from Pasadena to Azusa and then in later phases to cial to students throughout the San Montclair/Claremont and eventu- Gabriel Valley because once fully ally to Ontario Airport. completed more than 28,00 stu“It is undoubtedly important dents and 3,500 faculty/staff that we support this process,” As- across 12 campuses will be within sociated Students of Citrus Col- a half-mile radius of stations. “Students and faculty members lege Vice President Abigail Thompson said. “As we progress recognize that connectivity among toward going green, people are these institutions of higher learnthinking about how they can cut ing can create an unmatched acacosts. Also, with the Gold Line we will be able to effectively draw See GOLDLINE/page 3
A&E Pg. 15 Opinions Pg. 18 Editorials Pg. 19 cmyk
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Citrus College Clarion
April 22, 2009
And in other news...
LOCAL: Arrests prevent shooting at Covina High School Two Covina High School students were arrested Wednesday, April 29, on suspicion of planning a shooting to take place during an assembly at their school. Both teenagers admitted guilt after they were arrested. They also admitted to bringing guns to school
three previous times in recent months. The weapons they were intending to use were both hand guns - a .357-caliber revolver and a .40-caliber Glock semi-automatic. Both guns were stolen. West Covina Police Chief Frank
Willis said he does not yet know the boys’ motive for planning the shooting. Both police and Covina High School officials feel that the campus is currently safe. Adapted from Brian Day, SGV Tribune
STATE: UC Proposes 9 percent increase in student fees OAKLAND - The University of California is proposing to increase student fees by 9.3 percent for the coming academic year. The proposal released Wednesday is the latest move by the 10-campus system to help close a $450 million budget deficit. The UC Board of Regents is
scheduled to vote on the proposal when it meets in San Diego next week. Under the plan, UC undergraduate fees for California residents would increase $662 to $7,788 a year, while nonresident tuition would rise 10 percent to about $22,000. Fees for most graduate students
would also increase by 9.3 percent. UC President Mark Yudof says the fee increases will be offset by expanded grants and tax credits for college tuition in the federal stimulus package.
Courtesy SGV Tribune
NATIONAL: Five Congress members arrested in protest Five members of Congress, along with three activists, were arrested on April 27 while protesting in front of the Sudanese embassy in Wahington D.C. Their protest was against the genocide in Darfur. They were arrested on charges of civil disobedience after
crossing a yellow police tape line and refusing to leave the peaceful protest. The Secret Service apprehended the representatives and handed them over to local police who took them to jail. The five members of Congress are Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Jim Mc-
Govern (D-Mass.), Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma), John Lewis (D-Ga.) and Donna Edwards (D-Md.). Each of them paid a $100 fine was released. Adapted from Rebecca Cole, LA Times
INTERNATIONAL: Mexicans return home as swine flu regresses
www.twitter.com/ccclarion Campus
Wire
Schedule goes paperless
For the first time in six years the Owls baseball team has earned a playoff birth. The Owls won their play-in game against Rio Hondo yesterday 21-8. Pitcher Chris Freedman came away with the win in their victory. Their next opponent will be #1 seed Palomar College. They will travel there to play a best-of-three series there this Friday.
Beginning with the summer 2009 semester, the Citrus College class schedule will only be available online at www.citruscollege.edu/ar. By eliminating the printed version of the schedule, the college has increased both cost efficiency and environmental conscientiousness. In addition to saving financial and natural resources, the online class schedule will allow the college to ensure that course informa- tion is current. Class cancellations, changes, or closings will always be reflected online, making the registration process much smoother for students.
Veterans Center to Open
DSP&S Recognition Celebration
The Citrus College Veterans Center will be hosting an open house on Thursday, May 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aspecial ceremony, marking the grand opening of the center, will take place at noon. Stop by ED248 to look around the place and enjoy refreshments. For more information, call 626-852-6421.
Please join Disabled Students Programs and Services for their Sixth Annual Recognition Celebration on Wednesday, May 6 in the Campus Center East Wing. The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature music by The Citrus College Pop Rock Ensemble. For more information, call 626-914-8675.
Baseball make playoffs
Mexican nationals began to return to Mexico City today after being quarantined in China. The swine flu eppidemic that began in Mexico has spread to 22 countries, caused close to 1,900 cases, and claimed 31 lives in Mexico and the U.S. Other countries that reported cases
are El Salvador, Costa Rica, Columbia, Peru, Canada, Ireland, Great Britain, Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Israel, Hong Kong, South Korea, and New Zealand. Only two of the 31 deaths ocurred in the U.S., both of which were in
Texas. Californa reported Monday that there has been a total of 79 confirmed cases, and 120 possible cases in the state.
Adapted from LA Times and Associated Press
got beef?
write to us about it ccclarion@hotmail.com Students and Athletes: Improve Your Performance How? By hypnosis Is there evidence that it works? Yes! Is it expensive? Not really, and if it works for you then it’s worth it
We want to know your inspirational Citrus story. Please take a moment and tell us about how your life has changed as a result of being at Citrus College. We plan to display a selection of stories, along with photos of the writers, on the walls of the Center For Innovation (and elsewhere on campus). We may also contact you if we would like to feature your story in our publications or events. So make us laugh, cry, or cheer — we know there are incredible stories out there!
Please go to www.citr uscollege.edu/mycitr usstor y to enter your inspir ational stories
Students: Raise your test scores and concentration Athletes: Improve your results Is the therapist qualified ? Yep. Let’s talk – no obligation Check the web site: www.cgmft.com What would it cost? $ 120 Call: 626-966-2662 Charles Gustafson, MA Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor Certified Hypnotherapist 599 South Barranca Avenue Covina, CA 91723
News
May 6, 2009
Citrus College Clarion
Goldline: Rally planned to urge extension
Solis: College joins in honoring former local congresswoman
demic atmosphere for the region that encourages an exchange of ideas and having a broader exposure to the other campuses. It is precisely because of the academic community that the I Will Ride campaign was created,” Balian said. Students have been a driving force behind moving this project along. “Students created this campaign because they see the value of the project, and are also willing to fight for their fair share of Measure R dollars so that they can begin to see the benefits as soon as 2013 with the completion of first phase of the extension to Azusa.” Balian said. “The next step is getting the train as far as Claremont, where it will connect with the Claremont Colleges.” In addition to helping local academic institutions, the extension will also benefit local economies, generating more than 30,000 construction-related jobs and thousands of jobs in transit-oriented developments, according to Balian. For more information on the rally or the Gold Line Foothill Extension, visit www.iwillride.org.
Emily Rios can be reached at Rios_EmilyC@yahoo.com
Solis addressed the special guests and the crowd seated in the bleachers that had gathered from the local community. Members of the Citrus College Board of Trustees, and other representatives from Citrus, were among the special guests at the event. Solis spoke about the work she is doing with President Obama to improve labor in the country and to put people back to work, particularly in green jobs and health careers. She specifically encouraged community colleges to provide the means for health career programs to be made available to students. After the main event, Solis
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proceeded into the LPHS gym to view booths set up by local colleges to promote their special programs. Solis stopped to shake hands and talk to the students from Citrus who had set up a booth for programs like Theatre Arts. Later at a special gathering, Sue Keith, president of the Citrus College Board of Trustees, gave a presentation about what Citrus is doing to green its campus and expressed support to extend the Gold Line railway from Pasadena to Glendora.
Dustin Call can be reached at dcall4@gmail.com
Dustin Call Citrus College Clarion Hilda Solis speaks from the 50-yard-line of her alma mater, La Puente High School, on April 24.
Pleitez: Candidate would be youngest member of Congress laraigosa, volunteering for the Sen. John Kerry’s presidential campaign in 2004, working for former Sens. Hillary Clinton and Tom Daschle, and most recently, serving as an economic advisor on President Obama’s Treasury Deptartment transition team, according to Pleitez’s campaign volunteer J.C. Stiassni, who is a community organizer in West Covina. After his short address, Pleitez opened the time for questions from the group of students that had gathered to listen to him speak. Pleitez answered questions
about bi-partisanship, the DREAM Act, better education opportunities for veterans and minorities, gay marriage, and cultural, ethnic, and gender diversity, which he all supports. He also answered a question about California Propositions 1A and 1B, which will on the May 19 ballot, along with his candidacy. Pleitez supports 1B and funding for education, but opposes 1A. “In a recession, you’re not supposed to raise taxes and cut spending. It’s the wrong thing to do,” Pleitez said. Pleitez said that raising taxes hurts everyone and cutting spend-
ing can hurt programs like social services and education. He also added that he thinks it is “sad” that this is the only method California lawmakers have come up with trying to solve the problems the state is facing. Other questions from attendees included matters of finance and the economy. After speaking in the campus center, Pleitez spoke to professor Gerhard Peters’ political science class, where he answered more questions and tried to recruit more voters. Pleitez explained that he grew up in the East Los Angeles area,
which helps him stay grounded, and said he would be the right candidate to vote for because he is a leader. The California 32nd Congressional District stretches from Covina to East Los Angeles and includes Azusa, but not Glendora. The 12 candidates running for the congressional seat include eight Democrats, four Republicans, and one Libertarian.
Ashley Broussard & Dustin Call can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
May 6, 2009
Life
Life Editor Frank Ram - Ram_Frank23@yahoo.com
Citrus College Clarion
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Campus celebrates Cinco de Mayo
Andrew Vasquez Citrus College Clarion Students, faculty, and staff attended the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration at Citrus College. The Latinos Unidos Student Association served food and student singers provided musical entertainment in the Handy Campus Center Mall.
May 6, 2009
Life
Citrus College Clarion
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English professor publishes poetry book By Cheyenne Scharff Clarion Staff Writer At yesterday’s Cinco De Mayo celebration, Citrus College English professor, Luivette Resto, spoke to Citrus students and shared a few of her poems. Audience members heard selections from Resto’s “Unfinished Portrait,” which was recently named one of the best Latino books of 2008. Resto’s poetry is written in the colored ink of culture and with the steady hand of experience. She tells of short interludes between lovers, with imagery that ranges from seductive sand fights on the beach to a passionate affair between two women. She illustrates responsibilities and expectations that befall many women who identify as Hispanic Americans. In “Nightly Prayer to the Unborn Child” she asks an aborted child: “Do you forgive me-or hate me for living without you.” Resto also questions why some would deny bilingualism a place in poetry. She squeezes into this short 64page book the story of a farmer, a streetwalker, and a son mourning the death of his mother. Resto creates an individual in her poems that, as her bilingual stanzas command, is a “quazabara”, or warrior. Most of the collection is carried
Luivette Resto over from her master's thesis said Resto. "I took some poems out of the manuscript and I wrote some new ones when I came to L.A." Those new poems, such as "City Limits," "605 Strawberries," "Adela's Purse" and "Dichos y Refranos of the Sweet Complaint" are newer and fresher than the other ones, she said. One of them, "605 Strawberries", was written when she was still new to the L.A. area. The poem is an interpretation of the strange way she felt sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the 605 freeway while watching farmers pick strawberries in the nearby fields. "I was taken a back by that kind of picturesque scene, and I started jotting things down," she said. Resto, who grew up in the Bronx, has lived in the United
605 Strawberries Sitting in infamous LA traffic on the 605 between Ramona and Valley Boulevard my eyes drift to the hunched over people looking back at me through strawberry fields a row of "ñ's" minus the tildes. Never rising for a break they pick the freshest strawberries later dipped by Beverly Hills chocolatiers, sliced onto fruit platters, placed as a garnish next to the entrée. Scenic views of 80 foot power lines and lottery billboards with the caption "your eyes don't deceive you" loom over the organic while cars sit and stare like a patrón waiting for his quota to be met. From the first rise of stock brokers, actors, TV executives revving their six figure Lamborghinis, to the vertical stretch of muscle and bone massaged by red tinted fingers amalgamated with the sweetness of fruit and the salt of commerce as sustenance and sustenance meet.
States since the summer of 1982 when, at only 4 years old, she left Puerto Rico with her mother and grandmother to come to the U.S. She recalls her first day of kindergarten in the states being especially difficult since she spoke no English. "I remember [ . . .] not being able to communicate with anybody in the classroom, and asking another little girl in the classroom to translate for me," Resto said. Resto went on to finish 10th in her high school graduating class and attended Cornell University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in English literature. Four years later, she received a Master of Fine Arts in poetry and creative writing at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Resto has been teaching English 30, 40, 100 and 101 at Citrus since 2005. She stumbled upon teaching as a profession, she said. She had to find a way to pay for graduate school on her own, and she was able to do that working as a teaching associate. "In the beginning I thought [teaching] was just going to pay my way, but I actually found out that I enjoyed it,” she said. “I enjoy being in an academic environment and listening to peoples' ideas.” “Educating yourself [about something] is the only way. It's good to have a drive but you have
to get yourself into a program of some sort." Resto said that she hopes her students learn from her that being an artist is a profession and, that, "it is an option." "If you’re passionate about something, then you'll find a way to study it and do it for a living,” she said. Resto wants her students to see past stereotypes about poetry. "I want [my students] to know that I can speak in two different languages, and that poetry doesn't have to rhyme," she said. She wants to break a stereotypical image of what a woman sounds like in a love poem, or what she writes about. Resto recalls reading Dorothy
Parker's poem, “Indian summer,” that included the line, "If you do not like me, so then to hell with you." "I remember reading that poem, and that was when I realized, 'Wow, Women can write about love, and it doesn't have to be about the trees and the birds’,” Resto said. She also remembers reading Bernadette Mayer and other poets and says, “I don’t think I would be the same type of writer if I hadn’t read these women.” Resto is already working on her next poetry collection. She hopes that it will be finished within the next two to three years. For the present, she plans to continue teaching Citrus students. Eventually she would like to earn her Ph.D. in creative writing. For now, we can revel in Resto’s work, relating it to ourselves, the people we know, and the people we think we know, while we anticipate what she will offer us next. “Unfinished Portrait,” is available in all major bookstores and also on Amazon.com. Resto recently took some time to sit down with the Clarion and answer questions about her childhood and writing in general.
Cheyenne Scharff can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
Just the ‘write’ words with Luivette Resto Do you remember the first poem you wrote? What was it about? "Yeah, the first poem I wrote was in the 7th grade. It was called “Push." It won a little class contest. I remember it being an emotional kind of poem about me being pushed or feeling pushed by people, not on a physical level but on a metaphorical level. I wrote that when I was 12, I think." Have the things you write about changed, as you’ve gotten older? "Absolutely. I read the collection every so often and some of the poems that are in there are seven years old. I’m writing new poems now and I sound different. I see things differently the older I get, so therefore I describe things differently. I compare my voice to what it was earlier on and sometimes I wonder, “How did I even get chosen to go to school?" Do you resent being a poster girl for feminism, or minority issues? "I don’t resent it. The problem stems from feeling like the representation of all those things whether it is in a classroom or in a social environment. I feel that way when I’m the only woman in an all-male room. When Hillary Clinton was running for president, someone would ask, “Well, what do you think about that, Luivette?” And I [would wonder], "Why do you think that I have an opinion? Is it because I’m a woman?” A lot of assumptions are made just because you are female, because you’re Puerto Rican, because you speak different languages. I feel the load on my shoulders. You want to be a good representation, but [you] don’t have all the answers. It gets very overwhelming. Do you consider yourself a feminist or an advocate for minority rights? "I have been an activist. I was very active in college. I do consider myself a feminist. I tend to become involved or active in not just the minority rights, but also any injustice that is going on. I get involved with my community as much as I can because to me the definition of
community is very fluid. To me, my community is the four walls of my home; my community is here [at Citrus College]; my community is L.A.; my community is in my classroom. What would you consider your greatest muse or inspiration for your writing? I try to channel my anger or my frustration; instead of lashing out I just take it to the page. Some of the poems came from people that I enjoy, like poets, and getting inspired by them. How does your family feel about the success of your book? My family has never read any poems. That’s a side of me that unfortunately they have never seen. I know my mother and grandmother have a copy of the book, [but] my dad is the only person that I’ve talked to about it. He read the book and he called me a couple a months ago from the East Coast. He said, “Are you going to ever ask me about your book?” I said, “No, I don't want to know what you think.” I don’t want to get into what's fiction and what's fact. He said that he never knew that I had such a command of the language. He did admit that some of the poems made him uncomfortable. Some of them made him feel a little bit squeamish because he’s my dad. What does your poetry do for you? For me it’s a form of therapy. I need to write. There is a necessity in my life for it. I have a hunger and I have to satiate that hunger. I always write to music. I cannot write with silence. It so bothers me. My favorite poem is “Faded Lipstick.” Can you tell me what is behind this poem? That one was considered my abstract poem, [it] stems from my thought process. I have a very odd thought process and my poems are the place for the oddities that I think about. I love that poem too; it became one of my favorites. Cheyenne Scharff Citrus College Clarion
May 6, 2009
Life
Citrus College Clarion
Pre-K students hop for a cause By D.K. Heller
Clarion Staff Writer This reporter has discovered a green technology that, if harnessed, could power the entire campus. Eager pre-kindergarten children in the Orfalea Family Children’s Development Center (CDC) at Citrus College hopped for two solid minutes Thursday, April 30, to raise money to fight muscular dystrophy. It was a perfect day for hopping. The air buzzed with anticipation as the pre-K children prepared for the jump-off time of 10:30 a.m. Like professional sports coaches prepping their teams for the big game, CDC teachers Diane Brown and Maura Maldanado directed the children to check their shoelaces. Sue Kennedy, event organizer and CDC teacher, tested the sound system with the song of choice: The Bunny Hop. “Our director was looking at ways that we could reach out to the com-
munity and one of the things that was sent to us was information on the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Hop-a-Thon program,” Kennedy said. “We called, and they sent us a kit.” Just before the music filled the playground, Brown pumped up her volunteer pre-K troops by asking them why they were hopping. “For muscular dystrophy,” shouted the eager children, stumbling over the college-sized words. Brown’s cheer continued: “Keep jumping!” “Don’t ever give up,” the children responded in a united voice. Brown’s classroom would be the first to hop followed by Maldanado’s. The MDA’s “Awareness, Acceptance and Assistance” kit provided books, videos and coloring books that emphasize that nobody is perfect. “The kids learned about muscles of the body and disabilities,” Kennedy said. Dr. Mickie Allen, director of CDC, donned her bunny costume re-
plete with giant stuffed carrot and top hat, and was ready to lead the children in their hopping effort to earn pledge money. The bunny stepped into the center of the throng, nodded to Kennedy to begin the music, and the Hop-a-Thon was on. “For two weeks we would practice hopping fast and slow then hopping to the music,” Brown said. One little voice floated over the crowd: “My legs are getting tired.” Observers urged the children onward. Not a single child gave up. Maldanado beamed as her classroom No. 1 children surrounded the bunny, anticipated the music, and began their hops. Little legs labored to keep rhythm and giggles filled the air while the audience clapped time. The kids were not jumping just for their sticker and water bottles. Each jump earned money for Jerry’s Kids to go to clinic visits, attend adaptive camps, and get power wheelchairs. “The kids had to ask people to
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Emily Rios Citrus College Clarion Pre-K children of the Orfalea Family Children’s Development Center, along with CDC director Dr. Mickie Allen, participate in a Hop-a-Thon to raise awareness and money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Thursday, April 30. sponsor them for flat fee or per hop,” Kennedy said. “We sent out pledge information to all departments on campus, and they donated. In 2008, our kids earned $2,980 for muscular dystrophy.” When music reached the twominute mark, cheers rang out. One precocious little girl said, “Wasn’t that a fun bunny!” The CDC continues collecting do-
nations through Friday. And that green energy technology? Put a storage device under the playground at the CDC. The annual Hop-a-Thon alone would produce enough energy to take Citrus College off the grid.
D.K. Heller can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
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Campus Center May 29, 2009 at 11:00 AM PRIZES Grand: $100.00 Plaque 2nd Place: $25.00 For ages 8+ Under 17 need parental permission Contact: by forum at citruscollegechess.proboards.com or by email at CitrusCollegeChessClub@gmail.com
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Life
Springfest transforms campus into circus Photos by Mitchie Pardilla and Andrew Vasquez
Cosmetology creates crazy hair for Springfest Story and Photo by Cheyenne Scharff Cosmetology students showed off their best hair and make-up skills at last week’s Springfest. Presented by Citrus College’s Cosmetology Department, the theme of the hair show was “Circus.” The show, held on on April 30, featured models sporting tutus, zebra stripes, and an array of circus-themed outfits. The show, which started at 1 p.m., was preceded by a morning of hair and make-up preparation. Volunteer cosmetology students put groups together to work on each individual hairstyle. Some students called it a fashion show as they put togeth-
er themed costumes that complemented each model’s hair, but Katelyn Hottran, vice president of the Cosmetology Department who was also a model in the show, said the main focus was hair. Erica Rodriguez, a cosmetology major, said the show was mainly for fun as she worked on a Monroe-type hairstyle for model and fellow cosmetology student Crystal Facciponti.
Cheyenne Scharff can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
Citrus student Charlene Hickman gets the finishing touches put on for the hair show in the Campus Center Mall on April 30.
Stiltwalker “Starchild” glides gracefully down the Campus Center Mall during “The Freak Show” segment of Club Day on April 29 in the Campus Center Mall.
Pride Alliance member Sheradon Sutton shows her wild side during a lip-synced performance of Britney Spears’ chart-topping “Circus” during “The Freak Show” segment of Club Day during Springfest on April 29. cmyk
Bernadette Estrada struts her stuff as a bearded lady during the Cosmetology Department’s performance of “Circus” by Britney Spears for the lip-sync contest on April 29 during Springfest.
cmyk
Citrus College Clarion
May 6, 2009
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Pride Alliance members Sheradon Sutton, Mia Mason, and Brizeldi Rodriguez turn the stage into a three-ring circus with their lipsynced rendition of Britney Spears’ hit “Circus” during the lip-sync competition on Wednesday, April 29, during Springfest 2009.
Pop/Rock I ensemble singer Brittany Mendiles sings with a fiery passion during the “Cirque de Citrus” on Thursday, April 30, in the Campus Center Mall.
Students were able to take a chance and roll the dice during Casino Day in the Handy Campus Center on April 27, the first day of Springfest 2009.
Stephen Skelton woos Michelle Alfaro for the song “Hearts All Over the World” during the Sexploration Club’s performance medley for the lip-sync competition during Springfest 2009.
Frank Salas and Luis Dominguez of the DJ Club bring down the house with their portion of their club’s medley performance during the lip-sync club competition for Club Day on April 29. cmyk
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Sports
Sports Editor - Irene Davis - ccclarion@hotmail.com
May 6, 2009
Softball player leaves her mark on campus history By Cheyenne Scharff Clarion Staff Writer Number 17 on the Owl softball team, Kelly Martin found herself in tears on April 21, when the Owls lost their last game of the season against LA Mission 4-5. The team finishes the year with a 23-22 win-loss record. "The other team won. It went 9 innings and I pitched. It was an intense game. It’s just sad it's all over for me," Martin said. This season, Martin pitched 227 hits, 118 runs, 74 errors, 54 walks and 52 strike-outs. Martin, who turned 22 on April 11, is a sophomore and physical education major. She has been playing softball for the Owls for two years. She stepped up as pitcher this past season, which was also her last. A lifelong Chino resident, Martin has been playing the game since she was 7 years old but she has always had someone to throw a ball around with. "I would always compete with my brother," Martin said about her childhood. Her brother, Matt who is nearly a year older, played baseball when they were younger.
Kelly Martin She started playing softball in the Chino Girls Fastpitch League. At Chino High School during her sophomore and junior years, she played for the junior varsity team. "High school ball wasn't a big thing for me [because] I always played for my city," she said. After practicing for games and attending classes at Citrus, Martin also works a part-time job at Applebee's in Chino as a server. "There are times when it gets overwhelming and stressful, but it’s always been worth it." Playing softball has kept her busy and focused, she said. "I have made school and softball a priority, which has taught me to live responsibly."
Martin started out playing third base for the team her first year at Citrus, she stepped up as a pitcher this past Spring season. "I figured I could be an addition to our pitchers, and it turned out I became starting pitcher during [the] season," she said. "It has been by far the most exciting season of softball I've ever been a part of." The most memorable game this year was the first game played on the new softball field, Martin said. The $2.8 million facility was dedicated on March 31, after the Owls played College of the Canyons. "I started the game as pitcher, and it made me feel like a part of Citrus history, which was a cool feeling," she said. Martin said there is always some tension between fellow players during a long season, but she has made some great friends. "We're family, so we know how to make things right. Although our season's outcome wasn't the best, we enjoyed playing together," she said. Martin and five other players were named to the all-conference team said Jackie Boxley, head softball coach. Martin is keeping her options
Alonso Ramirez Citrus College Clarion Owls pitcher Kelly Martin finishes her final season with the Owls, pitching 227 hits,118 runs, 74 errors, 54 walks, and 52 strikeouts. as she considers transferring to a four-year university after she graduates from Citrus. She also plans to go into coaching, she said, because she has such a love for the game. She is excited for summer, with trips to the Colorado River and Las Vegas to look forward to.
Martin hopes that Citrus softball continues to grow and that everyone comes out "because we put so much time into the program."
Cheyenne Scharff can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
May 6, 2009
Sports
Citrus College Clarion
Cheyenne Scharff Citrus College Clarion Cynthia Acedo takes off in the women’s 400-meter dash at the SoCal preliminaries.
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Cheyenne Scharff Citrus College Clarion Vanessa Esquivel, second person from the left, runs in the women’s 1500-meter run at the SoCal prelims May 2.
Track sees double qualification for SoCal finals By Cheyenne Sharff Clarion Staff Writer t the Southern California Track and Field preliminaries held on Saturday, May 2, at Mt. San Antonio College, Citrus College had seven athletes attending, two of whom will move on to the SoCal Championship finals. Christopher Pope, represent-
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ing Citrus in the men's high jump, cleared 6 feet, 5 inches, coming in fourth place overall. “I didn’t clear that high in practice,” Pope said just after the event. Daro Johnson came in fourth place in the second flight of the men’s triple jump, and 10th place overall. With a distance of 44 feet, 10.25 inches, he will also move on to the finals, which will be held Saturday, May 10 at Mt. SAC. Also attending the prelimi-
naries were Ashleigh Stover and Nicole Diaz for the hammer throw, coming 21st and 24th place, respectively. Stover threw a distance of 100, 9 inches, and Diaz threw a distance of 80 feet, 6 inches. Cerritos College took the win for the event, throwing a distance of 158 feet, 11 inches. In the women’s 1500-meter run, Owl Vanessa Esquivel finished with a time of 5 minutes, 3.27 seconds. “My personal record is like 5
minutes flat,” she said. Esquivel held strong through the first and second laps, but fell behind toward the end of the race. She ranked eighth in her heat and 16th place overall. The winner of that race, Christine Cortez of Mt.SAC, finished with a time of 4 minutes, 42.8 seconds. Cynthia Acedo ran for the Owl’s in the women’s 400meter dash, and finished in 14th place overall with a time of 1 minute.
First place went to Riverside Community College runner Brittany Manuel with a time of 56.86 seconds. “Everyone performed as I expected,” said track and field coach Nicki Shaw.
Cheyenne Scharff can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
Sports
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May 6, 2009
Citrus College Clarion
Swim team places second at state finals By Mitchie Pardilla Clarion Staff Writer The Citrus College swim teams heated up the waters at the Western State Conference finals and finished in second place, but they failed to take the top honors at the California Community College Athletic Association State Championships. Still, the Owls feel positive about the 2008-09 season. “Everyone tried their best,” swimmer Brittany Orduno said. “A lot of people had their personal best times.” The swim team opened the season at the Mt. San Antonio College Invitational. The Owls had a good opening to the season as they finished 10th at the first scored meet. At the Cuesta College Invitational the men’s team placed eighth while the women’s swim team finished 15th. For the Bakersfield College and LA Valley College dual meet, the men’s team won twice. Peter Smi-
ley, the 2008 Community College All-American in two events, finished the 200-yard freestyle (1:52.22) and 200-yard backstroke (2:02.80); WSC Swimmer of the Year Weston Locatell finished the 200-yard individual medley (2:02.10) and 200-yard butterfly (2:02.80); and Jordan Rivas, 20, finished the 100-yard freestyle (49.71). The women’s team lost to Bakersfield, but beat LA Valley. Tori Geiger won the 1- and 2-meter in the diving event; Laila Elsherif finished third in 100-yard freestyle (13:22.03) and Orduno finished third in 200-yard freestyle (2:13.75). During the meet with Pierce College and College of the Canyons, both the men’s and women’s teams earned first place. Participants included: Locatell in both 200-yard IM and 100-yard fly; Rivas in 50yard and 100-yard freestyle; Smiley in 500-yard freestyle; Charice Gates in 100-yard freestyle; Jennifer Marshall in 50-yard freestyle; and Orduno in 200-yard freestyle.
Sports Trivia 1. If the Los Angeles Dodgers win on May 6, they will break the modern-day Major League Baseball record by winning their 13th consecutive game at home to start a season. Which team currently holds the record? a. 1911 Tigers b. 1927 Yankees c. 2001 Red Sox
2. How many World Series have the Dodgers played in? a. 8 b. 12 c. 18
3. Eric Gagne set the major league record for the most consecutive saves. How many saves did he get? a. 84 b. 88 c. 79
4. Who did the Dodgers play in their last home game at Ebbets Field? a. Milwaukee Braves b. Pittsburgh Pirates c. New York Yankees
5. Which of the following athletes played for both the Dodgers and the Giants? a. Fernando Valenzuela b. Chuck Finley c. Gary Sheffield
The Owls finished first in the combined team score at the Citrus Invitational. Then, at the Santa Monica College Invitational, the men’s swim team took first place in all their events. Anthony Pearson, 20, won in both 50-yard freestyle (23.16) and 200-yard breaststroke (2:28.15) with an exceptional time. The women’s team placed second at the invitational. Participants included: Marshall, in both 50-yard backstroke and 50-yard freestyle; Allison Gonzalez in 100-yard fly; Kimberly Aguilar in 50-yard freestyle; and Orduno in both 100-yard fly and 100-yard IM. The second place WSC rank is the men’s team’s best since 1997 when they teamed with the Cuesta College for first place. The Owls finished sixth overall. Locatell closed the season by placing second in 200-yard fly and finishing just a second behind the first place winner at the CCCAA State Championships. Joining him in relays were Rivas, Brian Smiley,
and Peter Smiley. “I think I finished the season really well,” Locatell said. “I’m happy with my accomplishments on how I ended my season.” During the 2008-09 season, head coach Tim Kyle was honored as the WSC Coach of the Year, and Locatell was named WSC Swimmer of the Year, which makes for a remarkable season. “This was our best season since 1998,” Kyle said. “We came in second in conference, beating out Cuesta, which is a huge achievement. The athletes had the dedication, drive and will to do well.” The team’s goal is to have more than one person participate in an individual event at the state championships, Pearson said. “We’re going to be the best—the best of the best,” Justin Carmody said.
Mitchie Pardilla can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
Speaking SPORTS...
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By Frank Ram
All championshipwinning teams deserve championship banners If you attended a home basketball game during the 200809 season, chances are you saw the conference championship banners of Citrus College’s volleyball team, as well as its men’s and women’s basketball teams. As great as it is to see those teams get a banner so their team can live on in Citrus history, other teams have achieved similar success, and they deserve championship banners as well. The football team won four straight Western State Conference championships from 2003-2006. That is in addition to the 10 other conference championships they have won over the years in several different conferences. The men’s water polo team proved to be a dominant force in the ’80s and early ’90s, winning nine championships. The Owls won two Inland Valley Conference championships in 1982 and 1983 and seven straight Foothill Conference championships from 1988 to 1994. As for baseball, the squad has 26 conference championships throughout its history, and cross-country has had 14 between the men and women’s teams. Men’s golf has earned two and softball has won three. Still, none of these teams have been honored with the same dignity that the basketball teams and volleyball team have received. Those three teams deserve high praise for their accomplishments, and they have brought great pride to the campus community. All championship-winning teams, no matter how long ago they triumphed, deserve to be honored with a championship banner. Wouldn’t it be great to see the east wall of the Owls Nest covered in championship banners to honor Citrus’ past greats and to intimidate the opponents? It’s the right thing to do and the athletic program should take action.
Answers: 1)a, 2)c, 3)a 4)b, 5)a
May 6, 2009
A&E
A & E Editor - Emily Rios- rios_emilyc@yahoo.com
Citrus College Clarion 15
Dancing spurs passion for kinesiology student Clarion Staff Writer e all find what allows us to express ourselves best and what makes us feel alive. It just took Raymond Robert Roybal Jr. a while. Growing up, Roybal was in athletics from the age of five until 14. He played sports such as basketball, baseball and football. Roybal took his first dance class at the age of 10, but it was not until years later that he discovered his true passion for dancing. In 2003, his sophomore year at West Covina High School, his spark for dancing was fully ignited. He joined the all-male dance
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team and performed for the next three years. When he was a senior, he became captain of the all-male squad. After graduating from WCHS, he became the co-ed dance drill and all-male team coach for the high school. He also started to attend Mt. San Antonio College and took dance classes. Two years later, he became an advisor at the high school and remains an advisor to this day. Roybal went through a hardship and ended up putting college on hold. In May 2007, he underwent spine surgery due to an injury at work. The injury halted his dance career and withheld him from college even longer. He had to learn how to walk again and use other leg func-
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Dancing is not just a hobby, it is something I live for and it lives through me.”
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By Jonny Arellano
Raymond R. Roybal Jr. tions. Three months after his spine surgery, he was in a 12-car accident on the 101 Freeway. His car was completely demolished and he was set back even further. He recovered from these incidents and started to work again as well as teach
dance at the high school. In April 2008 he was recruited for Sharp International, a dance competition circuit. Jumping to spring of 2009, Roybal enrolled at Citrus College to continue his aspirations in the field of dance. He aspires to get his dance certificate, which requires that he complete 60 units. He wishes to transfer to Cal State Fullerton eventually to get his degree in kinesiology. He plans to be a dance teacher at a high school once he completes his required units and he also plans to work as a professional dancer. On his first day of attending Citrus College, while he was in his history of dance class, it was announced that there would be an upcoming dance concert.
He auditioned for the dance concert and since then has been rehearsing for the dance performance. He will be in the upcoming performance, “Razors Edge: Dancing on the Verge.” He choreographed his own routine which will be in the second act of the two-act showcase. The performance will be held on May 15 at 8 p.m. and May 16 at 2 p.m. and take place in the Haugh Performing Arts Center.
Jonny Arellano can be reached at Jonnyarellano@aol.com
‘Julius Caesar’: Fast forward to the 21st century By Alonso Ramirez Clarion Correspondent Shakespeare has never been quite so contemporary until the Citrus College’s Shakespeare Production Class performed an adapted version of “Julius Caesar” in the Little Theatre, May 30 and April 2. Director, Brent Keast, rewrote the script and turned Shakespeare’s original story into a modern drama that included knife fights, guitar playing, and even a little comedy. With a $200 budget and only two months to prepare, the student cast developed an in-house
interpretation. It was the work of Citrus College students under the direction of instructors Roschanda Harrison and Keast. Julius Caesar, played by Manny Rosas, was presented as a singer, popular with the masses. His rise to power with his record label is imminent but feared by those who surround him. The senators were replaced by power-hungry CEOs willing to do anything to stop Caesar from becoming even more popular and powerful. Even though Julius Caesar refuses the power he is offered, Cassius, played by Jennifer Wright, feels threatened by the
decisions Caesar might make. Cassius works her way with Brutus, played by Nicholas Pariser, and convinces him that Caesar is ambitious and that his rise to power will bring tyranny and slavery. After meeting with the CEOs, they decide that killing Caesar is the only answer to their problem. After he is stabbed to death, Caesar’s right-hand man, Mark Antony, played by the very talented Chris Aranda, plots revenge against his beloved friend’s murderers, leading a group of his loyal followers into battle against Cassius and Brutus.
After seeing Caesar’s ghost, Brutus and Cassius realize their fate, and they have their own soldiers kill them. From the casual jeans and tshirt wardrobe, choreographed fight scenes, to the pop music that played after every act, all aspects of this magnificent play were produced by students. Rosas did a splendid job singing a short opening pop tune called, “Handlebars” by the Flobots which helped establish why his character was a superstar. The effort and time put into this production by Keast and Harrison, along with their cast of very talented actors, was noticeable throughout every single
act. The students and directors aimed to make an adaptation to new audiences such as the local teens who attended a morning performance. The updated version was a great idea, one which would serve other Citrus productions well. Audiences of all ages are ready for timeless entertainment, something the theatre arts department is ready to deliver.
Alonso Ramirez can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
Follow the Clarion online at www.theclariononline.com or at www.twitter.com/CCClarion
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Citrus College Clarion
May 6, 2009
Book lists top 10s of Los Angeles sports By Frank Ram Clarion Co-Editor In Chief
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f you are an L.A. sports fan, then “The Great Book of Los Angeles Sports Lists” is a book you need to add to your collection. Written by KLAC-AM 570 radio hosts Steve Hartman and Matt “Money” Smith, the book conquers the arguments many sports fans have on a daily basis. Hartman, a weekend sports anchor for KCBS/KCAL, is the one of the co-hosts of KLAC’s “Myers and Hartman Show,” along with Chris Myers and Vic “The Brick” Jacobs. Smith, formally from KROQ, is the co-host of “PMS” on KLAC, along with former USC football player Petros Papadakis. Smith can frequently be seen on the ESPN show “Jim Rome is Burning,” and does voice work for the NFL Network and NFL films. A few of the lists Hartman and Smith compiled include the top 10 Lakers of
all time, the greatest USC running backs of all time, and the top 10 players who made an impact with both the Dodgers and Angels. There’s also a list of the alltime 100 greatest Los Angeles athletes. The book dissects large issues that have made or are still making a major impact on L.A. sports. Hartman and Smith give their reasons why Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant couldn’t work out their differences, why the Dodgers have not won a World Series in 20 years, and why the Angels won the World Series in 2002. One of the best lists in the book is the top 10 “Chickisms,” in honor of legendary Lakers announcer, the late Francis Dale “Chick” Hearn. Some of the famous “Chickisms” that cracked the top 10 include: “They couldn’t beat the Sisters of Mercy,” “Put him in the popcorn machine,” “The mustard came off the hot dog,” and, of course, “It’s in the refrigerator.” A few fun topics are covered such as the top 10 sports movies, sports video
given to every stadium and arena across the country, is the “Top 10 songs I’d prefer to never hear again at a sporting event,” such as “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down and “Rock ‘N’ Roll No. 2” by Gary Glitter. L.A. sports personalities have also submitted lists that are included in the book, including Kobe Bryant, Luc Robitaille, Jeanie Buss, James Worthy, Jimmy Kimmel, Eric Karros, and Eric Dickerson. At $14.95, “The Great Book of Los Angeles Sports Lists” is a great buy. It is sure to start up a few arguments about what the authors got right and what they got wrong. It is a fun read and will be a great joy to all sports fans.
Amazon.com games, sports blogs, and SoCal punk bands you might not know but should. Another fun list, which should be
Frank Ram can be reached at Ram_frank23@yahoo.com
Citrus Alert: Citrus College’s Emergency Notification System Citrus College's emergency notification system, called Citrus Alert, will enable the college to communicate with students and employees quickly in the event of an emergency. A Citrus Alert will be sent only to inform you of an imminent emergency, such as an act of nature (like fire, earthquake, floods), threat of violence, chemical hazard, or other significant events such as a school closing or power outage. The Citrus Alert system will send messages to student-provided e-mail addresses and employees' Citrus e-mail addresses, as well as up to six phone numbers that they wish to provide. The Citrus Alert system can also send a text message to a user's cell phone. Test messages will be sent approximately once a semester. How do I submit my contact information? Login to the WingSpan secure area at wingspan.citruscollege.edu Under the personal tab you will find the link to update your emergency contact information.
May 6, 2009
A&E
Citrus College Clarion
By Emil y Rios Clarion Co-Editor in Chief
I have been an audience member for “Dancing with the Stars” on several occasions, but recently I have been unable to get tickets. Now in its eighth season on ABC, it is one of the highest rated television shows on the air right now. To my surprise, I received an e-mail last week stating that tickets were available for the
May and May 5 tapings. I immmediately went to the website and was able to secure tow tickets, one for me and one for my dad. From the get-go I was excited because I have only attended the results show, but this time I was actually able to attend the Monday night show when all the stars perform. The only drawback was that my fa-
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Keepin’ Seein’ it live it real: vorite contestant, Chuck Wicks, was eliminated last week. Despite the fact that I would not get to see Wicks, going to the taping was definitely worth it. To the surprise of everyone waiting outside to be seated, Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson and her partner Mark Ballas came out and passed out “Vote for Shawn and Mark” bracelets. Eventually my dad and I were seated in the balcony, which was a treat because we’ve always wanted to sit there so we could have an elevated view of the dance floor. Besides standing a foot away from an Olympian, my favorite part of the night was the two performances of some of the eliminated professional dancers and those from previous seasons, including Louis van Amstel, who is by far my favorite professional dancer of all eight
seasons. Since it was down to the final five, each celebrity (Lil’ Kim, Shawn Johnson, Gilles Marini, Ty Murray and Melissa Rycroft) performed two routines; a ballroom dance and a Latin number. Watching them perform live is so different from seeing it on TV. Everyone looked stunning. It is interesting seeing them while their rehearsal segments are airing and that moment right before the cameras cue to them to begin their dance. This season has definitely been one of the closest contests and I honestly cannot even attempt to guess at who might win. Even though I was in the audience, I still went home and watched it on my DVR, and even though I love him and he is the most improved I had Ty Murray as the next star to be eliminated, but boy was I
wrong. This particular week I was working on the Clarion, so I was unable to watch the episode. I did what I usually do and went online to find out who got the boot. I wasn’t expecting it to be a surprise, but it was when I read the headlines and found out that Lil Kim was eliminated. I could not believe it. Although she had several missteps she was by far one of the best celebrity dancers and I though for sure she would make it to the final two. It obviously shows how big a role viewer votes play. Going into next week’s semifinals the competition is wide open.
Emily Rios can be reached at Rios_EmilyC@yahoo.com
Take a nostalgic ride to the drive-in Local drive-ins offer a different movie-going experience. By Emily Rios Clarion Co-Editor In Chief
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o you ever feel nostalgic and wish you could go back to a simpler time in your
life? In an age of increasing dependence on technology, it can be hard to get away from the stresses of everyday life, but there is an entertaining way to escape: going to the movies. I’m not talking about going to the local theater and spending upward of $11 to see a movie. For me, the ultimate movie-watching escape is going to the drivein. I can remember piling into the car with my parents and my sister as a kid and meeting other family members at the drive-in. I can’t recall any of the specific movies, but I do remember the fun of being able to run around a play tag before the movie started and the freedom that came with not being in the traditional movie theater setting. There are a couple of options locally for those wishing to go to the drive-in. The first is the Vineland Drive-In located at 443 N. Vineland Ave. in the City of Industry. I have not been there since I was a child, but for $8 you can see two movies. Children aged 5 to 9 are $1 and those under five
are free. Another option, and my favorite since I frequent it, is the Mission Tiki Drive-In located at 10810 Ramona Ave. in Montclair. For $7 you get a double feature and on the weekends they replay the first movie after the second is over. Children 5 to 9 are $1 and the only drawback is they only accept cash. The tiki theme is evident in how the drive-in is decorated. Driving in, you purchase your tickets from employees working in tiki huts. Personally, I feel the best way to experience the drive-in is with a group of at least 10 people. We find an open spot, and then park our cars around it so we can sit in the middle stretched out in our lawn chairs. The great thing about it is you can bring in your own food, so there is usually a seemingly endless supply of pizza, candy, and soda being passed around the group. I am someone who tends to ask questions during a movie and has an extremely hard time sitting still for more than 7 minutes at a time, so the drive-in is a perfect venue. Where else beside your house could you fidget, move around, and talk freely? Any movie you see seems 10 times better when you see it on the big screen at the drive-in, but I do recommend seeing an action film. Two of my best drive-in experiences were seeing “Transformers” and, most recently,
Emily Rios Citrus College Clarion The Mission Tiki Drive-In in Montclair features four screens that play eight first-run movies on a daily basis. “Wolverine.”There is something about being able to adjust the sound and seeing the film that big that makes action movies seem even better at the drive-in. Information regarding these local drive-ins can be found online at missiontiki.com and
vinelanddriveintheater.com. The drive-in is great for people of any age because it is a looser, carefree environment where you don’t have to worry about sitting still or being quiet. The drive-in experience is what you make it: take a signif-
icant other or go with a group of friends. Either way, you should have a good time.
Emily Rios can be reached at Rios_EmilyC@yahoo.com
18 Citrus College Clarion
Opinions Opinions Editor Frank Ram - Ram_Frank23@yahoo.com
Marijuana is a medicine, let’s keep it that way
Cheyenne Scharff/Jared Nokturne Citrus College Clarion
By Cheyenne Scharff Clarion Staff Writer
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n 1996, California voters passed the Compassionate Use Act, also known as Proposition 215, by a 56 percent “yes” vote. Ever since, California residents with a valid medical marijuana license have been toking it up in the safety of their homes all across the state. It has been 13 years now and medical marijuana has been legalized in 12 other states. In 2006, marijuana reform activist Jon Gettman, who is the leader of the
Coalition for Rescheduling Cannabis, listed it as the largest cash crop in the United States. The average production value of marijuana from 2003-05 was $35.8 billion, according to Gettman. Corn is in second place, behind by approximately $15 billion in his study. This information appears to support claims by proponents of the legalization of marijuana for recreational use that the United States could benefit by decriminalizing marijuana instead of throwing away money in futile eradication efforts. They also argue that through taxation of legalized marijuana, states would be able
to reduce debt and fund infrastructure in their cities. This is simply not true. Licensed sellers would never be able to compete with underground prices. Individuals who smoke marijuana for recreational use will continue to obtain it from the usual places, and free of sin tax. Even if the government was successful at capitalizing on the marijuana industry, someday it would in effect rob marijuana culture of its spirit and individuality. The very accuracy of marijuana’s “biggest cash crop” status is being questioned. “In the paper [Gettman] essentially piles one guesstimate upon another to obtain a number that looks, but isn’t factual,” said, Los Angeles Times columnist, Michael Hiltzik in a recent article addressing Gettman’s research. Another issue that has been significantly over looked by proponents of the legalization is lowered reaction times, a side effect of marijuana consumption. Like alcohol, this drug significantly impairs the ability to drive. As we well know, this fact does not and will not keep everyone from getting behind the wheel, but if marijuana is legalized, how will law enforcement officials prove that a driver is under the influence? There is no way to test levels of marijuana intoxication in order to determine whether someone is above or below “the limit,” as is the case with alcohol. According to Prop 215, for patients to obtain marijuana for medicinal purposes, they must go through a licensed physician, be evaluated, and then provide medical documentation as proof of their ailment.
May 6, 2009
If marijuana is legalized for recreational use, the medical marijuana industry will become obsolete, along with this evaluation process for obtaining the herb. The truth, folks, is that legalizing marijuana is a bad idea for those that want to sell it and those that want to smoke it. Marijuana is a medicinal herb. It’s a painkiller, anti-nauseate, and appetite enhancer. Prop 215 permits the use of this medicinal herb for “any medical symptom that not alleviated may cause serious harm to the patients safety or physical or mental health.” If we decriminalize marijuana for recreational purposes, then why shouldn’t we decriminalize opiates, or any other overthe-counter medicine that has psychoactive side effects? Marijuana is the only effective and allnatural alternative to synthetic medicines on the market today, and is invariably less deadly than almost all “legal” drugs also on the market. If we as the electorate have decided marijuana should be treated as a medication, then let’s keep it that way. We are not a nation of money-hungry drug addicts that have to resort to profiting off the doping up of its citizens in order to keep a balanced budget. Let’s send the right message to the coming generations, and to ourselves. Leave us with our medical marijuana and move on to the crimes that actually have victims.
Cheyenne Scharff can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
State needs spring cleaning By Jonny Arellano Clarion Staff Writer
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ven if California voters approve the six propositions on the May 19 ballot, these attempts to balance California’s budget are bound to fail. If we would just look back in history, we would realize that it is not these propositions or bills that will help solve our states budget crisis. Props to save our budget have been passed before but they all have obviously failed as we are in the same situation year after year. California’s budget shortfall is estimated to be $42 billion over the next two years. It is the people who control of our state’s budget who are the problem. We need to sweep out all these worthless legislators and everyone else who has failed to balance California’s budget. Our state senators and assembly people are the ones to blame. They get paid big bucks to do the peoples business. Yet they fail us time after time. They fail our education, they fail our healthcare system and, worst of all, they fail the children of California. Many different proposals have been made to “fix” our budget problem: from increas-
ing cigarette tax, to raising sales taxes, to cutting spending in social services. None of these have provided the correct fix. We are deep in debt, and all they can do is talk about raising the same taxes even higher. We need to reform the process of structuring California’s budget; if the elected officials cannot do what they are getting paid for, then they need to go. They want to cut education and they want to cut healthcare. This solution is appalling. The most vulnerable Californian’s are the children who need education and those who are ill who need medical care. While our state increases in population we are obviously going to need more schools built. We also have Californian’s who are ill who cannot care for themselves; some live with family while others live on the street. They need funds to help pay for their medication or to help house them in a safe environment until they are stable enough to return to everyday living. It hurts to think about these people in Sacramento who come up with a budget that benefits no one. Are they really so heartless? It takes guts to stay up working day and night to find a way to put California back on track.They just aren’t trying hard enough to find a real
solution. They say that they want to balance the budget but all they have offered us are bad ideas. We need new legislators, new ideas, and a fresh start. We must bring in new people. It might be impossible to balance a budget in a way that makes everyone happy, but there has to be a fair way to balance the budget. I am no senator or legislator, but I am a Californian. I have experienced an over-crowded school system, and I have seen the toll that a failing healthcare system can have on families. These wealthy people up in Sacramento will never know how it really is to live life as an everyday Californian. I honestly believe that many of them do not know what true struggle is. For the ones who do, but who have sold out to special interests, I say shame. I would love to see Californians in office who have had to fight their way through life and overcome adversity so that they understand what other Californian’s truly need. Only they who have been there are able to comprehend the impact of cutting funding to schools or to healthcare. I only hope that today’s children will grow up with the aspirations to run for public office and to make a real change.
Jonny Arellano Citrus College Clarion Younger generations will know pay for the financial mess Calihow it was to learn and succeed fornia is in. So let’s do some in a school system that was un- spring cleaning and get rid of derfunded. They will know how legislators who don’t get it. it is to not be able to see a doctor and buy medication they Jonny Arellano should have. They will know can be reached at what Californians truly need. For now, though, we have to Jonnyarellano@aol.com
May 6, 2009
Editorials Editorials Editor Frank Ram - Ram_Frank23@yahoo.com
Citrus College Clarion 19
Vote no on props 1A, 1B
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Linking the two propositions to pressure voters into passing 1A, along with hiding the idea of more taxes, is unacceptable behavior on the part n a special statewide election of our state government.
scheduled for May 19, California voters will be deciding on six ballot propositions. Voters should vote no on at least two of them: 1A and 1B. The six propositions are compromise proposals for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s state budget plans for 2009-2011. Props 1A and 1B will affect funding for California Community Colleges and also K-12 education. Proposition 1A is a proposed “cap” on state spending and will reallocate money throughout the state budget to create a rainy day fund. But 1A is also a tax increase extension in disguise. On April 1, 2009, state taxes on sales, vehicle licensing, and personal income were all increased, and will, supposedly, remain as they are for two years only. These taxes are intended to help close the $42 billion state budget deficit. Prop 1A would extend those tax increases for up to two additional years, costing California tax payers an additional $16 billion. Proposition 1B is a plan to pay back money that the government owes to K-12 education and community colleges over the next seven
years, a total of $9.3 billion. But Prop 1B would only go in effect if voters pass 1A as well since 1B would be funded by revenues that would be raised by 1A. That is, in this situation, the education community will only be able to receive this reimbursement if they, along with all of the other taxpayers in the state, pay higher taxes for four years. In March, state Sen. Bob Huff, (R-Glendora) told The Clarion that the two propositions were linked on purpose to get the education community to vote for 1A. Also, note that taxes are not even mentioned in 1A’s official ballot title and summary, indicating that lawmakers could be trying to hide the tax portion of the proposition. Thanks to reports released by the Legislative Analyst Office we know that 1A is about taxes. Linking the two propositions to pressure voters into passing 1A, along with hiding the idea of more taxes is unacceptable behavior on the part of our state government, including our governor, who is pushing very hard to get these propositions passed. California lawmakers have been
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toxin that can contaminate the soil and increase the risk of mercury poisoning in humans. Is the energy saved by the CFL light bulbs worth the risk to humans and the environment? President Obama has been acknowledged for trying to get Americans to go green. As part of this effort, he has announced the availability of $2.4 billion in funding that will put Americans to work producing next-generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. He has also stated that he would like Americans to use either hybrid or electrical cars instead of gasoline-powered vehicles. This situation may be beneficial to other parts of the country, but it would have catastrophic effects on Southern California. Our electrical grid can barely handle a hot summer—with its brown-out-inducing use of air conditioning—let alone millions of drivers plugging in their cars. The Clarion encourages you to go green intelligently. For example, the CFL situation could be easily fixed by taking the CFL to proper hazardous waste sites. You can find the nearest recycling center within your area by contacting your waste management provider or by visiting
Clarion
EDITOR
IN
CHIEF
Frank Ram and Emily Rios MANAGING EDITOR Emily Rios NEWS EDITOR Dustin Call Life Editor Frank Ram Sports Editor Irene Davis A&E Editor Emily Rios Opinions/Editorials Editor Frank Ram Online Editor Emily Rios
Jared Nokturne Citrus College Clarion ignoring the needs of education for years. They have underfunded it, and now the only way they will give education the money it deserves is if everyone pays more taxes during this tough economic period. California legislators brought this crisis on us, and they expect us to fix it for them. In the voter information guide, the president of the California Teachers Association David Sanchez has endorsed Prop 1A by writing the argument in favor of it. But just because the teachers union has chosen to endorse the proposition does not mean that we as students have to. Unfortunately, there is no argument in the voter information guide against 1B. However, the argument against 1B lies in 1A. Students, teachers, administra-
tors, faculty, and everyone else should not have to pay more taxes in order to receive the money they deserve to fund public education. California’s government should be more dedicated to its residents, educators, students, and future than to make them trade money they desperately need in order to better fund their own education, which they desperately need even more. Sacramento needs to get its act together and figure out how to better handle its money and take care of its citizens. Taxes should not be the first resort lawmakers run toward. Voters must demand that California lawmakers come up with a better solution to fully reimburse K-12 and community college education, one that will not cost taxpayers any more money. Vote no on propositions 1A and 1B on May 19.
Re-examine your environmental safety t seems that the neo-green movement has picked up a lot of steam in recent years. It could be said that we, as a nation, are taking some good steps in making our world a little bit greener. But are all of these new “green” measures really doing anything for the benefit of our planet? Let’s take a look at the compact fluorescent lamps, otherwise known as CFL light bulbs, which the Environmental Protection Agency is urging every American to use. These products help reduce energy consumption, which would in turn lower the overall carbon footprint of homes, workplaces, and institutions. There is one drawback, however. Each CFL contains mercury, which is a neurotoxin that can affect young children and especially fetuses. If one of these light bulbs breaks within the household, it will “create” what is considered a hazard zone. Anything that comes into contact with the broken bulb must be sealed in plastic bags and taken to a hazardous waste site. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that most people simply throw CFL light bulbs away. The bulbs then break, either in trashcans or dumpsters, releasing the neuro-
Citrus College
Photo Technician Frank Ram Adviser Margaret C. O’Neil Staff Writers Jonny Arellano, Ashley Broussard, Sandra Lopez, Mitchie Pardilla, Cheyenne Scharff, Rebecca Vicino Correspondents Andrew Vasquez Photographers/Artists Jared Nokturne, Alonso Ramirez, Cheyenne Scharff, Andrew Vasquez Page Designers Jonny Arellano, Jared Nokturne, Frank Ram, Emily Rios, Andrew Vasquez 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 the 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 or length.
Cheyenne Scharff/Jared Nokturne Citrus College Clarion the website www.earth911.com. The situation with hybrid cars could also be remedied with entirely new thinking about what we use as fuel. The Honda Clarity is a revolutionary vehicle that runs on liquid hydrogen, which is then converted to electricity and simply emits water vapors through its exhaust. This type of vehicle would significantly reduce greenhouse gases,
lead us away from our dependence on foreign oil, and significantly reduce energy consumption that electrical cars and hybrids would eat up. When deciding to go green, make the right choice by not jumping on the bandwagon, and really give an effort to determine what you can do to help our world in its efforts to become more green.
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Womens Ensemble captivates audience Photos and Story by Andrew Vasquez
By Andrew Vasquez Clarion Photo Editor
Yuki Funakoshi belts out a powerhouse vocal performance of “Hot Stuff”by Donna Summer for the Women’s Ensemble annual showcase in the Citrus College Little Theatre.
From start to finish, audiences at the Citrus College Women’s Ensemble’s annual production were toe-taping and cheering to the spectacle of sight and sound that was before them in the Little Theatre. Titled “Curtain Up!” and performed April 24-26, the show was directed by Keely Milliken, now in her fourth year leading the Women’s Ensemble. The cast performed a variety of songs and show tune medleys from popular artists and musicals both past and present. The audience was transported back in time by a medley titled “Girls of the ’60s and ’70s.” The Motown classic “My Guy,” popularized by Mary Wells and sung by Shannon Villarreal, was a medley highlight, presented on a stage that was bathed in an ever-changing plethora of multicolored lights. Yuki Funakoshi shined in her rendition of the disco anthem “Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer, and Patricia Eredia performed a cover of “Dancing in the Street” that had the crowd “swingin’ ‘n’ swayin’” to the beat. A medley from the popular musical film “Hairspray,” had enough ’60s flavor to make the
audience flash back to the days of the beehive and the split-window coupe. Kim Zolozaba, playing the title character Tracy Turnblad, had the vocals down. She hit all of the right notes and lent herself to the character, as did the rest of the cast, spraying hairspray and executing all of the beloved mannerisms of the characters. It was so spot-on, the Performing Arts Department should consider doing “Hairspray” next year. Other medleys included songs from the productions of “Mamma Mia,” “Rent,” and the hit filmturned-musical “Legally Blonde.” Lauren Smolka as Elle Woods in the “Legally Blonde” segment gave one of the best performances of the show. The crowd cheered especially loud during the song “She’s in Love” from the Broadway musical version of Disney’s classic “The Little Mermaid.” The surprise appearance and stunning vocals of Jason Moore and Alex Mendoza as Flounder the fish, during the performances on April 24 and 25 and 26 respectively were also fan favorites. Stand-alone hits like “Big Spender” from the musical “Sweet Charity” had every male audience member’s blood running hot. “Love Song,” written by Sara Baraeilles and performed by Brit-
tany Sanchez, was an elegant interpretation; Sanchez put her heart into every note she sang. The number “It Sucks To Be Me” from the play “Avenue Q” was not as much about vocals and high notes as it was about character and comedy. The members of the Women’s Ensemble had the audience laughing from first syllable until the last. Jenny Taing, as the loud Japanese therapist with an accent thicker than oil, was without a doubt the main attraction of the number. The most heartfelt performance of the entire showcase was the title song from the Broadway rendition of the novel and classic film “The Color Purple.” Shequita Whiting delivered as the lead vocals, with the entire company. Whiting lead the finale with such an uplifting performance the crowd that the Little Theatre with applause. Milliken and the Women’s Ensemble should be proud of their performance. They gave the audience a performance that was fun, emotionally driven, and spectacular.
Andrew Vasquez can be reached at ccclarion@hotmail.com
Shannon Villarreal sings a saucy version of the hit “Bad Girls” by Donna Summer for the annual Women’s Ensemble performance in the Little Theatre during the weekend of April 24.
Dulce Ramos swings and sways as she sings in unison with the other members of the Women’s Ensemble during its annual performance on the weekend of April 24 in the Little Theatre. cmyk
Alisha Avila and Teresa Circu make the audience laugh and cheer with their rendition of the number “It Sucks To Be Me” from the musical “Avenue Q” during the Women’s Ensemble showcase in the Little Theatre at Citrus College. cmyk