Clarion 11/9/11

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Wednesday, November 9, 2011 Vol. 65 Issue 6

Photo Illustration by Clarion Staff Citrus College Clarion

Student leaders violate conduct code, ousted Natalie Miranda Editor in Chief

The president, vice president and a senator on the executive board of student government at Citrus College have been removed from office for violations of the student conduct code.

The three officers from the Associated Students of Citrus College were caught drinking in a hotel room while on a collegesponsored trip. Donald Linneman, 24, former president,

Megan Bruins, 19, former vice president, and Athanasios Kloutsiniotis, 19, former senator, were three of the 10 students representing Citrus College at the annual California Community College Student Affairs Association event from Oct. 21-23 in San Jose.

Members of the CCCSAA committee informed Adrienne Thompson, Citrus College student activities supervisor, that she should check on the students’ hotel room following some suspicion of questionable

activities taking place, said Olivia Wagner, 20, ASCC secretary.

Two other students were also present in the room but were not seen drinking.

Dean of Students Martha McDonald, conducted hearings for each of the students on Oct. 28 to decide the consequences.

“We made a bad decision and that decision was met with an equally bad decision to remove us from our positions,” Linneman said. “So now, it’s not just our reputation being damaged, it

is also the students across campus who are going to suffer.”

On the evening of Oct. 28, Linneman posted his reaction on Facebook: “Good luck ASCC, you’re really, really, really going to need it now.” The post was removed in less than 12 hours. Comments posted by Linneman, Bruins and other users stated that they had been removed from the ASCC executive board and that ASCC was “f---ed.”

Kloutsiniotis expressed remorse that he “violated the con-

tract” he signed.

“I learned so much from this experience and I genuinely believe that it has groomed me into a better leader and person in general,” he said. Kloutsiniotis plans on running for ASCC president in spring 2012.

Bruins declined to comment on the situation.

McDonald said that at the moment she could not comment on the penalties that will be imposed on the former ASCC

[ASCC pg. 3]

Bomb threat temporarily interrupts classes Natalie Miranda Editor in Chief

Courtesy Anthony Vidalas

Students crowded the campus quad on Oct. 27 after being evacuated from all buildings on the Citrus College campus due to a bomb threat call that was made to the campus’ general information line. The all­clear was given Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D., superintendent/president of Citrus once all the buildings had been swept by Campus Safety and the Glendora Police Department.

No arrests have yet been made following a recent bomb threat incident, which caused a campus wide evacuation. An investigation pertaining to the Oct. 27 incident has thus far turned up no leads, according to Lt. Tim Staab of the Glendora Police Department.

The anonymous phone call was received through the campus’ general information line at 2:46 p.m., according to Campus Safety supervisor Tony Giannone. In a muffled voice, a male caller reportedly said, “I have a bomb. I’m going to blow up Citrus College.”

The call was traced to a payphone on Route 66 in Glendora, according to Lt. Robert Lamborghini.

GPD was notified at 3:07 p.m., Azusa Pacific University was notified at 3:54 p.m. and messages

through the Citrus Alert system were sent out at 4:01 p.m., Giannone said.

“It seemed they wanted the campus in an uproar,” he said.

The campus looks to local law enforcement to determine the credibility of threats made to the campus.

“The Glendora Police Department has the resources and expertise to inform and advise the college regarding the appropriate actions to take in any type of threat [that] occurs here on campus,” said Paula Green, public information officer.

Two officers and three detectives from the GPD were dispatched to Citrus to assist Campus Safety teams in the search effort.

“GPD started on the east side and did a sweep in an orderly manner,” Giannone said. “They determined it was a false alarm.”

A backpack was found in an

[BOMB pg. 3]

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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

NEWS Quote of the Day “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in while, you could miss it.”

News Editor Daniel Hernandez dannyclive11@gmail.com

News Briefs LOCAL

Public Redistricting Hearing In the Center for Innovation room 159 Nov. 15 at 4:15 p.m.

The Citrus Community College District will conduct a public hearing to receive input and testimony regarding revisions to the district's trustee area map at the next Board of Trustees Meeting

Foster 2 Famous: Thanksgiving Celebration In the Citrus College Campus Center East Wing Nov. 16 from 4:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

The Foster 2 Famous club will be hosting their 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Dinner celebrating the life and dreams of the foster care family. Free dinner will be served for former and current foster youth. Supporters may attend the dinner as well by making a donation of $15 for a plate. For more information and to RSVP contact Christine Little at 909-267-4509. RSVP by Nov. 11.

Golf Swap Meet Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The Range at Citrus College will host a golf swap meet.

Attendees are encouraged to bring golf equipment to swap or sell.

Other activities planned for the swap meet are free, 15minute lessons with golf pros Jeff Ingraham, Dan Bristol, Rick Rossman and Matthew Saint; a putting contest with prizes, beginning at 10 a.m.; and a barbeque from 11 a.m. until 12 noon. For more information, contact The Range at Citrus at (626) 914-8688.

ASCC Candidates Forum In the Campus Center West Wing Nov. 22 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The Associated Students of Citrus College will be hosting a candidate’s forum open to the students. Come ask questions and be informed about your candidates for ASCC.

Adopt A Family The Citrus College Orfalea Family Children’s Center will be sponsoring their “Adopt a Family” holiday tradition to give families with limited means a lift during the holiday season. Persons interested in participating should contact Emmy Madrid at (626) 914-8501 and let her know you would like to participate in the “HOLIDAY FAMILY” program. This is an anonymous process as families do not know the givers of their holiday cheer and the donors do not know or meet the specific families.

Two suspects attempted to kidnap a female Citrus College foreign exchange student on Nov. 7 at 12:30 a.m. According to Azusa Police Department, the victim was walking west on Alosta Ave. from Barranca Ave. when an unknown male on foot approached her. Police say he and another individual driving a black SUV with tinted windows followed the victim. The male on foot grabbed the victim at Alosta and Calera Ave. The victim was able to break free when the man answered a cell phone call. APD has deemed the incident to be an attempted kidnapping.

The man is described as a black male in his 20s, 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing about 200 pounds. The suspect wore dark clothing and a hooded sweatshirt. Anyone with information is asked to call APD dispatch at (626) 8123241.

Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Two adult males were the victims of a hate crime on Nov. 3 at 12:30 p.m. The two men were near the Azusa Pacific University soccer field on Stein Way and Foothill Blvd. when two male suspects began punching the victims due to their perceived sexual orientation.

Azusa Police Department has deemed the incident a hate crime. The suspects are both described as bald, Hispanic males with no facial hair. The first suspect was wearing a black T-shirt and shorts and stands at 6 feet 1 inch, 200 to 225 pounds. The second suspect was wearing a black baggy T-shirt and jeans and stands at 6 feet 1 inch, 170 to180 pounds. Anyone with information is asked to call APD dispatch at (626) 812-3241. Source: Citrus College Campus Safety Department

Long Beach’s first openly gay pageant contestant

Huntington Beach bans sex offenders from parks

A 25-year-old openly gay woman will hit the runway at Miss Long Beach and Miss Southern California Cities pageant this weekend. She will make history as the first openly lesbian contestant in the competition. Jenelle Hutcherson, a hair artist will be the first to be rocking a Mohawk, tattoos, a pierced nose and small black ear plugins. For the swimwear competition, she will be flaunting her handmade boy shorts and tank top inspired by 1930s men’s and women’s swimwear. For the evening wear, she’s ditching the gown and heels for a royal purple tuxedo.

Source: Los Angeles Times

The Huntington Beach city council will vote on Nov. 14 on a law that will forbid registered sex offenders from entering city parks. Huntington Beach’s ordinance, which takes effect in 30 days, would ban parents who are registered sex offenders from entering city parks with their children, regardless of their type of violation or how long it had been since they committed the offense. This will also apply to employees or contractors who work in city parks and are registered sex offenders from entering city parks, even for work purposes. Offenders would be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and six months in jail.

Source: Los Angeles Times

STATE

NATIONAL Air Force Officials disciplined over misconduct Three senior officials at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware have been disciplined by The United States Air Force for “gross mismanagement” in the handling of human remains, including the lost body parts of service members killed in Afghanistan. The results of an 18-month Air Force investigation was released that showed that although the officials knew about two lost body parts, they did nothing to change procedures at the base mortuary, which is the largest in the nation and an increasingly hectic place as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan sent the remains of thousands of American men and women to Dover.

Source: The New York Times

In 1939, German Nazis launch what was called “Kristallnacht,” or “Night of Broken Glass,” which was an attack against Jews’ homes and businesses throughout Germany and Austria. Approximately 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and sent to concentration camps. About 100 Jews were killed and 7,500 Jewish businesses were damaged and hundreds of synagogues, homes, schools and graveyards were vandalized.

Aftershocks rattle Oklahoma A 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck in Oklahoma on Monday, Nov. 7 at 8:47 p.m. after a larger earthquake with a 5.6 magnitude struck Saturday, Nov. 5. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake struck in a rural area 43 miles east of Kansas City and was felt throughout Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri. Residents are warned that aftershocks from Saturdays quake could continue into the upcoming weeks, or months. According the USGS, Saturday’s 5.6 earthquake is the largest earthquake reported in Oklahoma.

Source: Los Angeles Times

INTERNATIONAL South Korea approves medical aid to North Korea

This Day in History

Hate crime under investigation

Female student escapes attempted kidnapping

—Ferris Bueller

Announcements

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South Korea authorized the World Health Organization to resume the distribution of medical aid to North Korea on Nov. 8, which is financed by the South Korean government. The decision “was based upon our belief that purely humanitarian support for the young and vulnerable in North Korea should continue,” a senior South Korean Unification Ministry official told reporters during a briefing given on the condition of anonymity. In 2009, South Korea donated $13 million for a WHO program to send medicine and medical supplies to the North, but it asked the United Nations agency to suspend the distribution of the money after the March 2010 sinking of a South Korean warship, the Cheonan. On Nov. 8, the Unification Ministry accepted the WHO’s request to distribute the remaining South Korean money, totaling about $7 million, the official said.

Source: The New York Times

Berlusconi offers to resign if Euro reforms pass Cornered by the European Debt Crisis, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy offered a conditional resignation on Nov. 8, agreeing to step down but only after Parliament passes an austerity package demanded by the European Union. Berlusconi had failed to reach a parliamentary majority in a key vote on Nov. 8, increasing the pressure on him to resign as financial markets drove up Italy’s borrowing costs to new records and raised further alarms about economic contagion in Europe. The prime minister met on Nov. 8 with the President of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano. A statement issued by the president’s office said that the prime minister had acknowledged “the implications of the result of the day’s vote in the lower house,” but at the same time had expressed “concerns” about the need to pass the urgent reforms asked by Italy’s European partners.

Source: The New York Times

NEWS

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

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Bomb: students evacuated due to threat [Continued from pg. 1] undisclosed location, Giannone said, but it posed no threat.

According to California penal code section 148.1, it is a felony to report a false bomb threat.

Campus Safety officers were asked to assist GPD because they would know if something was out of place on campus.

Students, faculty and staff were evacuated from buildings and directed to wait in the middle of campus.

Some professors kept their classes together while outside during the evacuation.

“I saw instructors with their classes and instructors making sure their students were out,” Green said.

Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D., superintendent/president of Citrus College, gave the all clear at 4:53 p.m. and normal campus activities resumed.

This is the third bomb threat made against Citrus College in the last 18 months.

On Oct. 19, 2010, a GPD dispatcher received a bomb threat phone call around 7 p.m. directed at the cosmetology center. Campus Safety and GPD responded and no bomb was found.

Six months prior to that there was another anonymous bomb threat phone call for the same location.

To update students and staff, a Campus Safety Forum conducted by the Campus Safety Department, student conduct team and the GPD is scheduled for Nov. 16 from 2:45 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Center for Innovation community room 159.

Topics to be covered include classroom safety, the relationship between Campus Safety and local law enforcement, what to do in the event of an active shooter on campus and results from the all campus Sept.

22 lockdown drill.

Green expects that the bomb threat and subsequent evacuation will be covered in the “context of total safety and what to do, what not to do.”

“Emergency preparedness is on

members, as the hearings are confidential.

“The disciplinary procedure is still in process,” she said.

All students who attend CCCSAA are required to sign an attendance agreement that states: “I am aware that the California State Education Code and the policies of my district prohibit possession or use of alcoholic beverages or any illegal substances during the conference, regardless of attendee’s age, at any time during the conference, including after formal activities, and all hours of the night and morning while I am under the supervision of the college.”

Linneman still plans on remaining active on campus, with the intentions of starting a leadership club.

“This isn’t going to end me, if anything this is more of a lesson, it just goes to show that, you know…watch what you sign. This isn’t the end of me on this campus either,” he said. “I plan on doing big things. We’re

just going to kind of pick up the pieces and keep it all for the students. We’re not happy with the way the administration handled this.”

The trip was paid for by the Student Representation Fee, which was approved by the students of Citrus College in spring 2011 after four attempts by the student government officers to pass it. The fee is a mandatory $1 charge that all students pay at the time of registration to fund lobbying efforts and pay for conferences for ASCC. Linneman was the chair of the Rep Fee committee last semester.

Approximately $5,000 of Rep Fee money was used to pay the expenses of the officers attending the conference, Wagner said.

“We didn't run out and buy booze with the Rep Fee money,” Linneman said. “No student money, no student resources were actually wasted on the trip.”

“It’s a really awkward situation because I was so close with

Incumbents re-elected to the board of trustees Sydney Presley A&E Editor

Courtesy Anthony Vidalas

Campus Safety personnel and members of the Glendora Police Department swept all buildings on campus on Oct. 27 due to a bomb threat call that was made to the campus’ general information line. All buildings on campus were evacuated.

going and practice makes perfect,” she said. “The more people [that] are

involved and informed, the better job we’ll do.”

ASCC: president, board officers removed [Continued from pg. 1]

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“

We made a bad decision and that was met with an equally bad decision to remove us from our positions.

DONALD LINNEMAN FORMER ASCC PRESIDENT

”

the people who were involved in that,” Wagner said.

Wagner and ASCC treasurer Brian Martinez are the only two remaining ASCC executive board members who qualify to take over the president and vice president positions, Garcia said.

“As of right now there doesn’t seem to be anybody who’s capable of stepping up and becoming the president,” Linneman said. “It’ll just take way too long become acclimated to the position. I see this

as taking a huge step back.”

According to the ASCC constitution, the president’s term lasts for a full academic year, while the vice president’s term is one semester.

In Article VI, section two of the ASCC Constitution the vice president is to take over if the president is unable to fulfill their duties and in the event that the vice president is “ineligible or unwilling to succeed, the executive board shall elect to the presidency one of its voting members by a secret ballot.”

For now, the executive board is trying to regain its focus.

“Students are the No. 1 priority,” Wagner said. “We want to keep it that way and make sure we don’t deviate from that.”

The deadline to file for spring 2012 ASCC executive board positions is Nov. 18. Positions that are up for election are vice president, student trustee elect and seven senator positions.

On Nov. 8, voters took to the polls to vote for the three open seats in the Citrus Community College Board of Trustees.

Incumbent Patricia Rasmussen who ran unopposed automatically moved on to serve another four-year term and represent Area four, which covers Glendora, Azusa and San Dimas.

Area two which covers Claremont, parts of Azusa, La Verne and Pomona had 26,298 registered voters and a total of 4,369 voted.

At 11:20 p.m. the results led to a victory win for incumbent Sue Keith with 3,328 votes, 2,287 more than her challenger, Tracy Rickman, with 1,041 given votes.

“At this point, I am very optimistic and very thankful to all of the people who supported me, which included a great team in Claremont, Citrus College and Azusa,” Keith said.

Rickman responded to the election’s results by saying, “Congratulations Sue, the people have spoken.”

Area five voters that cover Monrovia, Bradbury and Duarte had 22,078 registered voters but a mere 2,774 voters cast their ballots.

At 11:40 p.m., the final votes were in with a win for incumbent Joanne Montgomery with 1,704 votes, 634 more than her opponent, Bruce Carter who earned 1,074 votes.

Montgomery was watching the polls closely and said, “I am very excited. I am keeping my fingers crossed, I just hope the trend continues.”

Carter had no comment at the time.

The next Board of Trustees meeting will take place on Nov. 15 at 4:15 p.m. in Center for Innovation room 159. Meetings are open to the public.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

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FEATURES

Features Editor Bre Payton

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Citrus welcomes new vice president of student services Alex Pargas Staff Writer

Community college veteran John Baker, Ph.D., joins Citrus College as the new interim vice president of student services and he has found a new home at Citrus College.

Baker has signed on to fill a vacancy created with the retirement of Jeanne Hamilton, Ph.D., in June 2011 while Citrus continues to search for a permanent vice president.

Baker, 70, said that he continues to push himself in advocating for students and community college education.

He’s learning a few things along the way, he said.

“You can’t get old working at a college. It’s a place where I’m forced to stretch and continue to learn,” Baker said.

Baker has served community colleges for more than 30 years.

He has worked as vice president of student services at San Diego Mesa College, dean of students at the College of Alameda and director of counseling at Ohlone College.

After serving as vice president of student services at Gavalin College for three years, he retired in 2004.

Since then, he has filled in as interim vice president of student services for other California community colleges.

“

Citrus continues to be a great service to the community and I plan to maintain that.

DR JOHN BAKER VICE PRESIDENT OF STUDENT SERVICES

”

Although born in Kauai, Hawaii, Baker spent his high school years in Northern California.

He earned a master of science from San Francisco State in 1971.

He went onto earning a Ph.D. from Nova Southeastern in 1980 in Community College Education/Administration.

He has spent the past six years of his retirement wood-turning during his free time.

He is a father of three children, whom are all educators.

His son, Jeff Baker also serves as interim vice president of student services at Las Positas College in Livermore, Calif.

Alex Pargas Citrus College Clarion

He has now put his degrees to work and stresses the importance of the students at Citrus College.

Geraldine M. Perri., Ph.D., superintendent/president of Citrus College said that she is looking forward to working with Baker.

“Baker has a genuine passion for student success, which he has demonstrated through his lifelong commitment to education,” Perri said.

“He is a caring and compassionate individual who is able to effectively collaborate with others.”

Baker said he especially appreciates the diversity and spirit of tolerance he finds at Citrus College.

“Whether you are gay or straight, a person of color, young or old, there is a place for you on this campus,” he said.

“Dr. Perri has done a great job with administration here. Citrus continues to be a great service to the community and I plan to maintain that,” Baker said.

Citrus is a place where students come to get better at life, he said.

And as vice president of student services, he plans on working closely with vice president of instruction Irene Malmgren, to make that happen.

“When instruction and student services partner to meet the needs of students we come at students from multiple facets,” Malmgren said.

“It takes everyone’s perspective and everyone’s energy to focus on student’s needs. And if we do it together, then we’ll be more successful,” she said.

Seemingly fulfilled by his academic accomplishments, there is one more mountain he is determined to overcome.

He has made it his goal to climb a mountain in every continent.

He has been successful in five, including the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and the Andes in South America.

For an administrator with many years of experience, he is still the new guy at Citrus.

As he puts it “Someone once told me, ‘John, you’re an old guy’ and I said, ‘No I’m just living longer.’”

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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

The Silent Heroes: the courage to be yourself Daniel Hernandez News Editor

Her mantra is to be true to herself and to be open and honest about being a married lesbian with children. Her goal is to provide a safe environment for her students to learn.

Anna Villeneuve, 39, professor of English, was born and raised in a traditional household in the San Fernando Valley where she attended James Monroe High School in North Hills.

“My focus has always been on academics, and social life has always been on the sideline,” Villeneuve said. “I was a booksmart person.”

After high school she did not go directly to a four-year college because she did not feel like taking the SATs, although she knew she could do well.

Instead, she enrolled at Feather River College in Quincy, Calif., specifically for equine studies and rodeo. She got her first horse in fourth grade.

Villeneuve transferred to Humboldt State University and completed her bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1994. She took a year off and completed her master’s in English in 1998.

In between, she spent time trying to figure out where she fit in. In high school, she hung out with the academic group. In community college, she felt she didn’t fit in with the rodeo cowboys.

Her epiphany came the year between her pursuit of her bachelor’s degree and her master’s degree.

“I would say that when I realized I was lesbian, I finally found that there was a group that felt like home to me,” Villeneuve said.

After getting into a relationship, she decided that she wasn’t going to hide her gender preference.

As a professor, she wants her students to feel safe and freely express their viewpoints towards literature without judgment.

“Being a teacher is the best job ever because everybody has different ideas,” Villeneuve said. “They all bring different experiences, and if I can unlock that in students, I learn something new, at least every semester.”

Villeneuve strives to teach her students how to relate to the literature that needs to be covered in class, whether fiction or nonfiction.

Villeneuve joined Citrus as a full-time professor in 2000.

She can recall trying to decide whether to be “out” in class before she achieved tenure because she didn’t know how the Citrus community would respond.

“Every time I’ve tested the waters here at Citrus, I’ve only gotten a positive response,” Villeneuve said. “It became obvious after three or four semesters that [my sexual orientation] plays a role on how I conduct a class.”

She met her wife, Louisa Villeneuve, when her Citrus colleague, Teresa Villeneuve, invited her to a Christmas gathering in 2003.

Teresa’s husband, Pierre Villeneuve, is Louisa Villeneuve’s brother.

Louisa and Anna got together in 2004. In 2008, they got married during the 10-month window of opportunity when gay marriage was legal in California.

Daniel Hernandez Citrus College Clarion

English professor Anna Villeneuve, 39, enjoys spend­ ing time with her wife, Louisa Villeneuve, and three children: Luc, 4, and 18­month­old twins, Jacob and Madeline.

The couple have three children: Luc, 4, and 18-month-old twins, Jacob and Madeleine. They wanted to have a family together, she said.

“I cannot talk about my kids without talking about our family being different than other people’s family,” she said.

The Villeneuves strive to protect their children from criticism by people who don’t support their lifestyle.

They are under much more scrutiny than children who are raised by heterosexual parents.

“I don’t ever want for Luc to say, ‘You guys were just using me,’” Villeneuve said.

“I don’t even want to give him the opportunity to think that I made an agenda out of my kid because my kid is not an agenda, my

kid is my kid.”

Villeneuve said she has achieved balance with her professional and personal lives. She has learned she doesn’t have to multitask, although as a professor she has to grade papers at home. She is comfortable with being a professional at school and a mom at home.

“Luc is a great reminder that we need to stop as a society and just enjoy each other, and I enjoy my kids,” Villeneuve said.

“There’s a fuel to teaching,” Villeneuve said. “All this input of ideas from the students can be very uplifting and exciting.

Kids are just fun, that’s what keeps me inspired at home.”

An important decision that Villeneuve made was to change her name when she got married.

Villeneuve said that Louisa had a stronger attachment to her family name. Villeneuve took Louisa’s last name because she wants people to recognize them as a united family.

Anna said that she has been told that her family is very traditional with the exception of the parents being lesbians.

“We really receive nothing but positive feedback from our community, even though Glendora is conservative,” Villeneuve said.

“I think it is because we live our lives without apology and openly because we project nothing wrong.”

Villeneuve is the adviser for the Gay Straight Alliance at Citrus and has been on and off for the past semesters.

“We have our own culture,” Villeneuve said. “There’s an opportunity for teachers and students to be more aware that a smaller culture is another thing that makes people feel more comfortable on campus to understand one another.”

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

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Counselor impacts students’ lives Sheylla Duran Correspondent

The reason this Career/Transfer Center counselor relates so well to students from historically under-represented backgrounds flows from the fact that his story is so similar to theirs.

Citrus College counselor, Rafael Herrera’s parents came to the United States from Mexico in the 1950s when they were in their early 20s.

They were blue collar workers, who worked hard to provide basic necessities for their family.

Herrera is the only brother to five sisters. He was the first one in his family to attend college.

After graduating from El Monte High School, Herrera was expected to fend for himself.

He attended Mt. San Antonio College and then earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology at Cal State Fullerton, and his Master of Arts in counseling at the University of La Verne.

Like many Citrus College students, Herrera worked many jobs to put himself through school. He also coached football at El Monte and Mountain View high schools and worked as a teacher’s assistant with children with disabilities.

For two years when he was a recruiter for Cal State Fullerton.

He would come to Citrus College to talk to students about transferring.

During that time he met Lucinda Over, Ed.D., dean of counseling. She alerted him when a part-time counselor position

Rafael Herrera

opened up at Citrus. He got the job and later that position became full-time.

“To me, students come first. That’s my philosophy,” Herrera said.

Over said she recognized Herrera as a person who could relate to students.

“The person that I always think makes the best counselor is

Benita Nicholas Citrus College Clarion

Ruben Macias of Telpochcalli Coyolxauhqui, the school of warriors for the goddess of the moon, blows the horn as a way of showing thanks and appreciation to his ancestors during the Dia de los Muertos celebration hosted on Nov. 2 in the Campus Center Mall.

See anything interesting on campus?

Send in your wild art photos to us and see them run in the Clarion.

All photo submissions can be emailed to the editor-in-chief at

mirandanatalie@ymail.com.

the person that has all the information and cares about you,” she said.

Herrera played a major role in the process of applying for the “Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers Today Through Technology” (PT5) grant between Citrus College and the University of La Verne.

The purpose of the grant is to help underrepresented students acquire the technology training needed to teach.

Herrera was a part of the team that put together the grant proposal with the help of a consultant.

“These last 12 months, we haven’t had a grant at all, and all of that fell on him,” said professor Carolyn Perry, acting Curriculum Chair. “He took a real big responsibility and did a good job.”

Santos Bocanegra, 21, mathematics major, said that he was directed to Herrera when he joined the “Teacher Excellence” program, which helps students who aspire to become teachers.

Bocanegra said that Herrera helped him through difficult times in his life and set a positive example for him.

“He does really care about students’ education and future and will do his best to help,” he said.

Herrera is married and has two sons. He lives in Rancho Cucamonga and he teaches track and field at Rancho Cucamonga High School.

Herrera can be found in the Career/Transfer Center located on the second floor of the Student Services Building.

For hours of operation contact the Career/Transfer Center at (626) 914-8639.

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Saluting our vet Shannon Vigil Staff Writer

Citrus College celebrated the 6th annual “Saluting Our Veterans” ceremony on Nov. 3, that featured two former Citrus College students who were active in the campus Veterans Program.

“Saluting Our Veterans” is a ceremony paying tribute to the veterans of today and those who are no longer with us.

Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine and Coast Guard Veterans both young and old, were recognized at the Campus Center Mall with an art display, patriotic music and a 21-gun salute.

Displays were set up on tables around the courtyard mall that included vintage uniforms, a military jeep and “Faces of the Fallen,” portraits of fallen veterans created by the art department at Citrus.

“I’m thankful Citrus recognizes the importance of veteran students and takes the time and resources by putting on events like this,” Frank Turek, an emergency management major said.

The ceremony began with a musical prologue by the Gladstone High School Marching Band directed by Yi Chen.

A short prayer was followed by a moment of silence for deceased veterans, which was then followed by a flag folding ceremony and a five-man 21-gun salute.

Martha McDonald, dean of students, who served in the Marines for eight years, announced the Veteran Honorees of 2011: Citrus College Honoree Arthur Briones of the U.S. Navy; the City of Azusa Honoree, Raymond L. Chivara of the U.S. Army; the City of Glendora Honoree, Rick Leffler of the U.S. Army; and the

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I’m thankful Citrus College recognizes the importance of veteran students and takes the time and resources by putting on events like this.

FRANK TUREK EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT MAJOR

”

APU Honoree Ray McCormick of the U.S. Army.

Professor Bruce Solheim, Veteran’s Program faculty lead recognized students veteran scholarships.

The ceremony was concluded with a musical tribute by Nightshift, a Citrus College student band.

They performed the songs “America the Beautiful” and “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus.

Student veteran, Carla McGraw, a former student of Citrus College who is working to become a high school art teacher, delivered one of the two keynote speeches.

McGraw was a member of the U.S. Army and was in the Military Police for two years and nine months.

“It changes how you function,” McGraw said.

“You’re more motivated.”

She is currently attending Cal State LA and will be graduating with an art degree in spring 2012.

At Citrus she worked toward getting her general

education.

What she has taken from her experience at Citrus is her love of her photography, which led to her passion for art.

As a female, it was difficult for her to earn respect in the military, she said.

In order to earn this much deserved respect, she needed to be tough, she said.

Former student, David Keys was the second keynote speaker and also attended Citrus, clarified that Veterans Day is not just to commemorate fallen veterans but to “commemorate those who are still alive.”

“Don’t be afraid to fail,” Keys said.

Keys now attends UC Berkeley on a full scholarship.

As a veteran and “Man of the Year” in spring 2011, Keys praised the Veterans Program at Citrus.

During his time here, he said the Veterans program was very supportive and helpful toward his education.

In the fall 2011 alone, 240 students are veterans.

The Veterans Center is located on the east side of campus and can be found in front of the Technology Center building.

The hours of the Veterans Center are 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Wednesday through Thursday and 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Fridays.

Celebrate and honor all veterans on Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

To see footage and interviews from the ceremony, visit theclariononline.com Gladstone High School’s marc Veterans” celebration on Nov

Special Recog 2011 Veteran Honorees M Petty Officer Third Class Arthur Briones, U.S. Navy, Citrus College Honoree Petty Officer Third Class Briones was born in Los Angeles, where he became involved in neig borhood gangs at an early age. Frustrated by this, his mother placed him in a group home. Fo lowing high school, he attended Citrus College as a pre-dental major. Due to finances, he droppe out and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1956. At Camp Pendleton, Petty Officer Thi Class Briones attended Dental Technician School and Field Medical School before being assigne to the 3rd Marine Division. Following his discharge in 1959, he returned to Citrus College an then transferred to CSULA to earn bachelor of science and master of science degrees in counseling. Citrus College hired Petty Officer Third Class Briones in 1973 as a counselor—his true passion. He also served as dean of counseling for five years before retiring in 2007. He is now the student veteran counselor in the Veterans Wal-Mart Schola Center.

David Keys, Brian Crowe, Je M Specialist EO Raymond L. Chivara, U.S. Army, City Army Emergency of Azusa Honoree Sarah Riemersm Specialist EO Raymond Chavira was inducted into Commander Gerfen’ the United States Army in 1963 and served in 1/7, 1st Scholarship Calvary division. His division was the first to train for Joseph Billeter, Danya De Le over a year with helicopters, the airmobile division and Leon, Jr., Hector Re heavy weapons before being deployed to Vietnam.They Dr. Bill May Schol traveled by sea for over a month before arriving in VietBrian Crowe nam in1965. Their mission was to search and destroy throughout the jungles of Vietnam. In November 1965, Specialist EO Chivara fought in the Batt of Ia Drang, the first major battle between the United States and the North Vietnamese Arm The battle is known as one of the bloodiest early battles, characterized by bravery and man casualties. Specialist EO Chavira felt spared by God in surviving that day. He has been a residen of the City of Azusa for over sixty years.

2011 Student Scholarship W

Sydney Presley Citrus College Clarion

Shots rang through the campus during the 21­gun salute on Nov. 3 during the 6th annual “Saluting Our Veterans”celebration at Citrus College.

November 9, 2011

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terans Sydney Presley Citrus College Clarion

The “Saluting Our Veterans” event included a display of military uniforms through the decades on Nov. 3.

Sydney Presley Citrus College Clarion

ching band delivered grand sounds at the 6th annual “Saluting Our v. 3 at Citrus College.

gnition

Lauren Emery Citrus College Clarion

On Nov. 3, veterans presented the flag in honor of soldiers who did not get a proper burial at the 6th “Saluting our Veterans” cele­ bration at Citrus College.

M Specialist 4 Rick Leffler, U.S. Army, City of Glendora Honoree Specialist 4 Rick Leffler was inducted into the United States Army in 1969. Following basic gh- training at Fort Ord, California, he was transferred to Fort Sam Houston, Texas for advanced ol- medical field training. Specialist 4 Leffler was then transferred to the 5th Army Medical Battalion ed at Fort Carson, Colorado.There he trained as a combat medic. His unit was classified as “TO&E,” rd or called to go anywhere in the United States and the world within 24 ed hours. Specialist 4 Leffler has been awarded numerous ribbons and nd badges, including presidential and unit citations with two oak leaf clusters and an expert medical badge. Following six years of military service, Specialist 4 Leffler joined the American Legion in 1978 and was proud to hold many officer positions, such as Adjutant and Commander, over the next 14 years.

M Sergeant Ray McCormick, U.S. Army, Azusa Pacific University Honarship oree esse Ramos Sgt. Ray McCormick was inducted into the United States Army in 1967.

Relief Following training as an Armor Intelligence Specialist, he joined the 25th a Infantry Division in War Zone III in the Republic of South Vietnam. There ’s Military he was placed as a machine gunner on an armored personnel carrier near p the Cambodian border. After an ambush decimated his squad, he became eon, Pedro De squad leader and was eventually promoted to sergeant. Sgt. McCormick eyes has been awarded an Army Commendation Medal with “V” device for larship heroism, two Bronze Stars with “V” devices for heroism, and a Purple Heart for wounds received at the hands of a tle hostile force. Following his military service, Sgt. McCormick earned a bachelor’s degree, two my. master’s degrees, and a Ph.D. He has been a faculty member at Azusa Pacific University for 27 ny years.2011 Veteran Honorees nt

Veteran Winners

Lauren Emery Citrus College Clarion

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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

SPORTS

Anthony Banuelos

Sports Editor Natalie Miranda

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Michael Guajardo

Ricky Li

Erica Hall

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Yo Hou

Five athletes named Academic All-State

Patricia Pena Staff Writer

Five runners on the Citrus College cross country team have been recognized for their academic achievements and named to the California Community College Athletic Association Cross Country Academic AllState team.

These student-athletes have contributed to Citrus’ ranking as the community college with the most Academic All-State honorees in the Western State Conference.

Honorees Anthony Banuelos, Michael Guajardo, Ricky Li, Erica Hall and Yo Hou have achieved a 3.2 GPA or higher and earned a minimum of 24 semester units at a California community college.

The student-athletes are enrolled in 15 to 17 units and are required to balance class time, homework, study time, team obligations, and, in the case of Erica Hall, a part-time job at Office Depot.

Hall is a medical biology major who hopes to transfer to Cal State San Bernardino and

continue to medical school to study proctology.

“It’s kind of nice to know that they notice people like that,” Hall said. “It’s something I can look back on and say I did well.”

“It is mostly about time management,” said Guajardo, a sophomore majoring in applied mathematics who is planning to transfer to Stanford University.

“Every part of your day you’re doing something.”

The recipients explained that they apply certain study techniques to help them persevere in

their academics.

“Note taking is a big part of it,” said Banuelos, a sophomore and nursing major. “And memorizing, I’m good at memorizing.”

Others said the keys to academic success are reading the book before class and paying attention to lectures.

Family, coaches and teachers often serve as a support system, but other students rely solely on themselves.

“It’s just me, I’m just focused,” Banuelos said. “No one is really pushing me to do good,

I am just doing it for myself.”

Guajardo credited coaches Nicki Shaw and Sam Unheheir for conducting practice in the early mornings, therefore affording student-athletes time throughout the day to focus on academics.

“I hope that in the everyday grind of practice and development that we all can continue to remember that it is our job to mold these athletes for the betterment of their future and ours,” Shaw said.

SPORTS

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

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11

New soccer star shines this season Chia-chen Hsu Staff Writer

The men’s soccer team has won its first Western State Conference game since 2008 and a new player with years of experience contributed to the victory.

Matt Xiao, 19, the left midfield winger, first started by playing soccer at age nine with his older brother when they were growing up in China.

Seven years ago, the Xiao family moved from Guang Zhou, China, to Temple City, California.

Xiao has played with the Oak Ave Middle School soccer team in Temple City and the Los Angeles Futbol Club Chelsea, which is a youth soccer club located in Pasadena.

This is his first semester at Citrus College.

The most impressive game that Xiao played at Citrus is the one against Moorpark College on Oct.14.

The Citrus Owls defeated Moorpark College by 3-2. Xiao, Jose Garoes, and Bradly Johnson scored the 3 points.

“I’m glad to had a goal and two assists in the game against Moorpark,” Xiao smiled.

“My goal is to become a professional soccer player and get famous,” he said.

“

We can beat the record. It’s challenging, but breakable.

MATT XIAO STUDENT ATHLETE

”

He said he would never postpone his college education because coming back to school is not difficult.

Especially considering the comparatively short career life of an athlete.

Xiao is seeking chances to play in Guang Zhou Evergrande Football Club, the number one ranked professional soccer team in China.

He is ambitious because he knows whom he wants to be.

Arjen Robben and Ryan Giggs are the two of Xiao’s favorite soccer stars.

Robben, a Netherlands-born soccer star, has been active since 2000. He played at Euro 2004, the 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup and is known for several de-

ciding goals at international level games.

Giggs is the legendary football player of Manchester United and the most decorated player in English football history, holding numerous honors.

Xiao sees these two worldwide famous soccer players as his role models.

He spends four hours a day to practicing soccer: two hours of self training in the morning and two hours of team practice with the Owls in the afternoon.

“Matt is a talented player and quite noticeable,” said coach Fred Bruce-Oliver.

“He is good at getting more plays. I hope he can come play next year.”

Assistant coach Eddie Gutierrez is also optimistic about Xiao’s skills.

“He would be able to score if he wants to,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez also said that Xiao knows how to cooperate with team players well.

Xiao has a goal for himself to score 10 points in this league season.

“We can beat the record, which is nine points. It’s challenging, but breakable,” Xiao said.

As of Nov. 4, the team stands at 4-10-5.

Matt Xiao scored 3 goals and 4 assists during this season.

Chia­chen Hsu Citrus College Clarion

Men’s soccer player, Matt Xiao, devotes four hours each day to soccer practice and hopes to one day play in Guang Zhou Evergrande Football Club, the number one professional soccer team in China.

Citrus Home Games Men’s Basketball Nov. 25 East LA 1 p.m.

Nov. 26-27 Neil Edwards Classic Dec. 1 El Camino 7 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Jan. 7 Canyons 5 p.m.

Jan. 18 Bakersfield 5 p.m.

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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

A&E

A&E Editor Sydney Presley sydneypp@gmail.com

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Oscar winner lends guidance to students Sydney Presley A&E Editor

Academy Award winner Cecilia Hall has taken on the task of overseeing the production of Michael Reyes’ “Hard Press” as part of the “Emerging American Voices” showcase taking place in the Haugh Performing Arts Center Nov. 810.

Hall grew up in St. Louis, Mo. where she majored in art history but had friends who attended a film school and had a interest in film editing.

She moved to California and attended California State University of Long Beach for a semester.

Hall then enrolled at Washington University before she moved to London where she took classes at the University of London.

Although she never graduated or earned a degree, Hall attributes what she knows to taking any job she could get, despite not having a formal film instruction.

In 1978, Hall began working at Para-

mount Pictures and became the vice president of post production sound, working on films such as: “Top Gun,” “Terms of Endearment,” and the first three “Star Trek” films.

Later, in 1987, Hall was the first woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for best sound effects editing for her work in “Top Gun.” In 1991, she was nominated again for best sound effects editing, for her work in “The Hunt for Red October,” and won the Oscar.

“The highlight of that whole experience was really that my mom, who is still with me, was there both times,” Hall said.

Hall said her mother, who is a fan of foreign films, is her biggest inspiration.

“She was always a very independent, successful, single working mom,” Hall said.

“She is the ultimate ‘Jill of All Trades.’”

Most recently, over a glass of wine, Hall was asked by professors Neil Weiss and Cherie Brown to be part of the

“

Have values that you have developed so you can decide what to do with your life and how to move forward.

CECILIA HALL

”

“Emerging American Voices” production at Citrus.

“This was a new experience for me.

Even though I’ve been in film for years, doing something on the stage was something new and I’ve learned so much from it,” Hall said.

“The kinds of stuff they are doing here and the projects that they’re developing for the kids is really like graduate school.

I don’t think there is anything like this at an undergraduate program.”

The students have taken well to Hall, who is not an instructor at Citrus.

Brown, director of the Citrus College theater arts program, said, “It’s terrific for the students to work with a professional.”

“They are able to see the next step after Citrus,” she said.

Andrew Cano, 18, who plays “Flaco” in “Hard Press,” said it’s fun working with Hall who “knows what she wants and gives directions by demonstrating it herself.”

“It’s very good to get a different perspective from the directions that our teachers usually give us, because she has worked on different projects,” Cano said.

Hall’s advice to students is that it is “important to have a rounded education so you experience life.”

“Have values that you have developed so you can decide what to do with your life and how to move forward.”

Director, screenwriter helps students find their voices Daniel Hernandez News Editor

Student screenwriters and actors participating in a three-day readers theater festival now underway at Citrus College are being coached by several dedicated professionals.

The man who is pushing them to do their best is professor Neil H. Weiss, who teaches theater arts at Citrus College.

Weiss was raised in a small town in Florida on the Gulf of Mexico and attended the University of Houston in Texas where he received his bachelor’s degree in theater.

“When I was a young kid, before I even got to high school, I was writing plays,” Weiss said. “I continued it in high school, and I got a scholarship and attended college as an actor.”

“Spreading Decline,” one of his plays written after college, is about a family in Florida that owns an orange grove.

After he graduated from college, Weiss moved to Los Angeles where he acted in and directed productions for several years.

Weiss then moved to Chicago where he co-founded the critically acclaimed Cactus Theater. He also acted in and directed a va-

Daniel Hernandez Citrus College Clarion

Neil Weiss, adjunct faculty of theater arts directs student screenwriters and actors for the three­day production of “Emerging American Voices.”

riety of productions including Clifford Odets’ “Golden Boy,” David Rabe’s “Hurlyburly,” Horton Foote’s “Valentine” and the world premiere of Wil Calhoun’s “Call It Clover.”

Weiss then moved back to L.A. and earned his master’s of fine arts in directing degree from UCLA’s School of Film and

Television in 2001.

Weiss then transitioned to teaching and was asked to join the adjunct faculty at Citrus in 2001.

“I feel like there’s a definite need in this country to teach students acting and writing in a specific way that will turn them into successful writers and actors,” Weiss said.

“I wanted my voice to be heard and to contribute to sort of shift the focus in what I think is the right direction, so I was very excited to do that.”

Weiss is working with students on a three-day production titled “Emerging American Voices,” underway in the Haugh Performing Arts Center. It features five student screenwriters, 60 student actors and history professor Dr. Bruce Solheim’s “The Bronze Star.”

Student actor, Edgar Cervantez, 19, is participating in the production of “The Bronze Star,” “Polaroid” by student playwright Jessica Bravo and “Hard Press” by student playwright Michael Reyes.

“He’s really cool and takes his directing very seriously.” Cervantez said. “He is passionate about what he does. He finds a way to keep the mood light, but he wants us to give our best, just as much as he does.”

Weiss said that “Emerging American Voices” initiated in his spring 2011 class when students created screenwriting projects.

In April, Cherie Brown, director of the Citrus College theater arts department, had the idea to take the screenwriting projects and turn them into a theatrical experience, he said.

“I thought it was a very exciting new thing to do and very important thing to do,” Weiss said.

Brown said that working with Weiss is always a creative pleasure and a challenge.

She said that she loves having him in the theater department, as he is an artist.

“He never stops until he gets what he wants. He pushes me, and I push him. We are a really good team,” Brown said. “He is a go-getter and makes things happen fast.”

Weiss said that working with the actors and writers has been enjoyable and productive. He also said that he has learned to become a better listener.

“I hope we reach someone sitting in the audience who has their own story to tell,” he said. “I hope our audience is inspired by it and has a good time.”

A&E

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

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For the love of food: hands off my plate Natalie Miranda Editor in Chief

My relationship with food plays a huge role in the relationships I have with people.

Eating a meal together gives people a chance to get to know each other. Think first date, a lunch with friends or a business breakfast with colleagues.

I use food events to gage others and to decide how our relationships will pan out.

I do have certain friends who I don’t like to eat with, or I purposely sit a little farther a way from them when eating with a group.

For example, I loathe the friends who pick food off my plate without asking.

Going into a meal, I’ve already mentally planned what I will eat first and to disturb that game plan sets me off.

If you want something off my plate, simply ask. Don’t just presume to reach over and grab, or you will get the death stare from across the table.

However, when the situation is reversed, I am a total hypocrite. If I want something off your plate, I will gladly

Sydney Presley Citrus College Clarion

help myself and ask permission as the food enters my mouth. I appreciate the tolerant friends who understand my twisted way of working—but I do get dirty looks from those who disapprove of my habits.

Also, I am a very fast eater. Once the plate hits the table, I say grace and pro-

ceed to shovel everything into my mouth.

Hence, it’s a struggle for me to dine with those who take their time eating. My mom eats very slowly and I sometimes feel guilty about the pressure I put on her to hurry it up. My logic is that I get to experience the tastes faster if I hustle the eating process.

Screenwriter portrays life experiences to the big stage Chris Floch Samantha Lopez Staff Writers

Few 20-somethings have the experience or motivation required to write and develop an original screenplay that deals with gang violence, yet leaves the audience inspired.

Citrus student, Michael Reyes, will add that achievement to his resume when his original screenplay is preformed on Nov. 9 in the Haugh Performing Arts Center.

Reyes’ work was selected along with four Citrus students for the first “Emerging American Voices” production directed by Citrus professors Neil Weiss and Cherie Brown.

His screenplay, “Hard Press,” follows siblings whose lives are headed in opposite directions.

“The characters are so real, it’s a shame were only doing one act,” said Tony Crespo, 19, who plays Randy, a 13 year old who finds himself torn between life and death.

His older sister Espranza works at a community center and discourages Randy from joining a local gang.

The idea for “Hard Press” was hatched in February 2010, when

“

Since it’s set in East L.A., you are able to see struggles and temptations of living in the harsh inner city.

NEIL WEISS THEATER ARTS PROFESSOR

”

Weiss assigned his screenwriting students to write 30 pages of a screenplay.

“I remember Neil telling us that personal issues or things that you are concerned about are always easier to write,” Reyes said.

In the case of any serious writer, Reyes is familiar with the time-consuming and often-grueling writing process.

“I’ve gotten to 70 pages before and thrown it away because I didn’t like it,” he said.

Although he did not set out to convey a message, he hopes that his work provides some food for thought and a sense of community development.

The play is “loosely based off my life in the sense that, although it is completely fiction, some of

the trouble of the characters are similar things that I went through growing up,” The ensemble cast of “Hard Press” is comprised of 21 cast members.

During the casting process, Reyes was paired with professional casting director Cecelia Hall.

Together they decided which actors would best fit the roles.

Citrus professor Neil Weiss described Reyes’ screenplay as an advanced piece of work that is real and gritty.

“Since it’s set in East L.A., you are able to see struggles and temptations of living in the harsh inner city,” he said.

Reyes earned his GED at TriCommunity Adult School and enrolled at Citrus in 2008.

After receiving his AA, he transferred to UCLA, where he intends on receiving his bachelors degree in English.

This inspiring screenwriter chose to tell a story about real life troubles in a fictional perspective.

Come out and enjoy his unique and intense story Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. at the Haugh Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for students/military/senior.

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Now, many people experience shock at this tid-bit of information, but I have yet to land in the dating world. I do know that whomever I end up with needs to be able to handle the fact that I have an appetite like a man. I have no problem cleaning my plate, and yours too.

As much as I brag about my eating abilities, I never want to be the girl who can out eat her date. That situation has awkward written all over it. Rather, I want his appetite to be as big as his heart.

Most recently, I came face-to-face with a situation that was remotely close to a first date during lunch. My nerves quickly took over and played with my hunger, to the point where I couldn’t even finish my fries.

Sudden shock set in since I’ve never lost my appetite under that kind of circumstance. The good thing is that food was the common denominator, so that smoothed things out.

Shared interests and hobbies bring people together and are the building blocks of relationships. That’s what food is for me: something so important to me that I want to share it with those around me.

14 theclariononline.com

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

OP/ED

OP/ED Editor Daniel Hernandez dannyclive11@gmail.com

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Financial Glamour and growing pains: papa don’t preach aid system needs reworking Sydney Presley A&E Editor

As the wise Will “ F r e s h Prince of Bel Air” Smith once said, “Parents just don’t under-

Emily Rios Managing Editor

With college costs rising, everyone is looking for ways to fund their college education.

Financial aid is a main source of paying for college, but the system that is meant to help can also be abused.

In 2008, 66 percent of undergraduates received some type of student aid, according to a 2009 report released by the U.S. Education Department’s National Center for Education Statistics.

While most students who receive aid desperately need to fund their higher education, including myself, there are people who accept the money and use it for nonschool related expenses.

One form of student aid is the Pell Grant, a federal need-based grant awarded to undergraduate students. Students can receive Pell Grants for up to 18 semesters, according to the Department of Education.

Here at Citrus, if a student is eligible, it is possible to receive a $5,000 Pell Grant and chances are a student receiving a Pell Grant will also receive the Board of Governors Fee Waiver that pays for per-unit fees.

If your fees are paid with the BOG, there is no reason why you need that much extra money.

Many argue extra money is needed for books and supplies, but a better way to handle this would be to issue students a credit for their books and the campus bookstore, which also offer textbook rentals at a lower cost. Then, whatever money isn’t used goes back into the Pell Grant pot.

Another argument can be made that people need the extra money to help support themselves and pay rent, especially if they are going to school full time. If that’s the case, there needs to be some way to ensure that the funds are actually being spent to put a roof over someone’s head.

When you struggle financially, it can take longer to complete college, but 18 semesters, which could equal nine years, seems like a long time to offer awards of that amount.

In an economic climate in which states are suffering and making drastic cuts across the board, the financial aid system needs to be revaluated to ensure that aid money is going to people who really need it to pay for school, not for those who want some spending money or a down payment for a car.

stand.”

George and Joelanda Presley married in January 1976, and three years later gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Janine.

Twelve years after, they were surprised to find themselves pregnant again.

I have been giving them a hard time ever since.

Having older parents was always a strange situation to be in.

In elementary school, while my friends got picked up by their 30-something moms, my mom would drive up in her blue 1984 Volvo station wagon.

The twelve-year age gap between my sister and I put a strain on my parents as my sister would tend to step in as a third parent to their 10 year old who was going on 22.

Sydney Presley Citrus College Clarion

My father had always been the laid-back parent.

While my friends made the transition into partying and drinking on the weekend our sophomore year of high school, I looked forward to taking drives and listening to music with “Georgie.”

My mother was always the disciplinary parent and, as expected, this caused conflict. But I always considered her my conscience and bonded with her when she would stay up all night making wacky dresses for my school dances.

However, when I reached my

junior and senior years of high school, my teen angst hit like a ton of bricks and I decided that my parents should just leave me alone with my MySpace and can of Aqua Net. I could not remember the last time I had a conversation with my mom and dad that was longer than two minutes and did not result in a yelling match.

I so desperately wanted to leave the house that I decided to move to San Francisco.

It was then I realized how much my parents did for me.

In high school, my upper lip would instantly sweat when I would see an incoming call from my mother.

As soon as I found myself 400 miles away from home, I would call her every moment, asking questions like what they would be having for dinner that night.

When I returned home, I found myself slightly regretting the decision, as I was reminded of what it was like to have a curfew and be under the watchful supervision of my two parents.

Though their grip has slightly loosened up, I still make sure to make time for movies with my

mom and grilled cheeses with my dad.

Sometimes it takes unfortunate situations to make us realize who we take for granted.

Still, we sometimes let our pride get in the way of admitting that we might not know everything in our adolescence and turn from the people who have been there for us from the beginning.

They have changed our diapers, they loved us even when we were going through our ugly awkward stage and they still stood by us after we slammed the door in their faces.

Sometimes I wish I could take back the scathing things I have said to my parents and the countless eye rolls, but without the bad you might not be able to see the good.

Our parents are our first teachers.

If only I could, I would tell my 16 year old self to quit the heavy sighing and just listen to the people who sacrifice so much for me.

While I was at it, I would probably tell myself to go easy on the hair dye as well.

Occupy Los Angeles: roll up tents, rethink game plan Bre Payton Features Editor

The Occupy movement has reached maximum capacity.

Throughout the country, and parts of the globe, people have lined the streets with tents to voice their concerns.

Our predecessors from the Civil Rights generation demonstrated that change could be achieved through protest.

Somewhere between Jimi Hendrix guitar playing and Lady Gaga, the protest movement has lost its edge.

Protesting itself has become glamorous.

Marching has become a form of self aggrandizement, an opportunity to proclaim “I was there” on one’s Facebook wall.

With recent cultural phenomenons like planking and flash mobbing, the popularity of the Occupy fad has taken off like an ill-fated rocket launch.

The fact that protestors are able to camp out all day without having to attend to any obligations raises the question as to what kind of people the protestors are.

A prolonged camp-out will not resolve any serious, complex issues.

However, a good, old-fashioned organized protest will focus media attention and spark public debate, without the litter-

McClatchy­Tribune Media Services

ing and the feces.

Joining a camping trip with the mantra “Let’s be angry at the rich” will not solve our country’s economic woes.

Living in a democracy affords citizens the right to select who will set public policy and who will enforce these policies.

The Occupy protestors who supposedly represent 99 percent of the U.S. population already have a say in the way government operates – if they vote.

Complaining that they cannot implement change will not bring about any resolution.

As for their grievances against the alleged 1 percent of

the population, our capitalistic society grants individuals the right to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Stealing from the rich to give to the poor through higher taxes and welfare programs will not generate economic growth.

The protestors need to rethink their demands and demand more realistic requests.

While the protestors’ primary concerns surround economic inequality, the Los Angeles Times has reported that the protestors have held signs objecting to the Iraq war, global hunger, and racism.

These protestors need join to-

gether and articulate one common goal.

Advocating for gay rights and legalizing marijuana while rallying for economic equality blurs the lines that define the central issue.

I don’t recall Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. advocating for animal rights while fighting for equality during the March on Washington.

Go home, organize yourselves, then decide on someone to lead the charge.

Think it through. Develop an action plan. Who knows? It might just work.

OP/ED

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

theclariononline.com

Students deserve responsible leaders When taking on a role of power, we must also heed the rules of conduct that come with the responsibility.

Whether it be athletes, student government, or club members, as long as we represent Citrus College in any way, we should remember that our behavior reflects on the rest of our peers.

Community college students are relentlessly labeled as lazy, uneducated, and unmotivated.

Surely, this generalization is not valid, yet, when student leaders fail to uphold a higher set of standards, the stereotype holds true.

If one feels that they cannot conform to what is expected of a leader, they should not take on the position.

Having your name on a plaque or embroidered on a polo shirt is an attractive image but it also comes with scrutiny.

Recently, three ASCC members were caught violating the conduct code when they partook in consuming alcohol during the California Community College Student Affairs Association conference in San Jose.

They have since been stripped of their titles and face other disciplinary action.

Perhaps what is most disappointing is the trip was funded by the Student Representation Fee, voted on and paid for by students.

ASCC is not the first organization to falter in behavioral indiscretion, however, this could be a learning lesson to the rest of us.

We are free to choose an anonymous lifestyle, leaving our weekend escapades to be our own business.

However, when we decide to represent our peers on the field or amongst other schools, we not only sign a contract promising that we will fulfill the said duties, but that we will also serve as an upstanding representative of Citrus College.

We are all of age to make our own choices and consume whatever we please.

However, during school hours and school-

citrus college

clarion Editor in Chief Natalie Miranda

Managing Editor Emily Rios

Online Editor Emily Rios

News Editor Daniel Hernandez

Features Editor Bre Payton

Sports Editor Natalie Miranda

A&E Editor Sydney Presley

OP/ED Editor Daniel Hernandez

Staff Writers

Shannon Vigil Citrus College Clarion

funded activities, we need to remember what it means to act professional.

Furthermore, we need to be cautious of what we publicize.

Technology has given us the gift of being able to relive our lapses in judgment and be a public scrapbook of our lives.

Of course, this is not without our own doing.

Many times we think nothing of expressing ourselves freely through Facebook statuses or tweets, but fail to realize that the things we say online are permanent and therefore can be used against us.

No one is perfect and mistakes are bound to be made, but striving to make conscious decisions when in a position of power is absolutely key.

We cannot forget proper etiquette during times of business and online.

When representatives deviate from their expected conduct, they disappoint their peers, the people who voted for them and supported them.

We should all strive to uphold a highquality representation of Citrus College, especially when given the opportunity to serve as a leader.

Streamlined emergency plan needed Campus Safety personnel responded to a recent bomb threat at Citrus College in a commendable manner.

However, the protocol can and should be improved.

An anonymous phone caller reported a bomb threat to the Citrus College general information line on Oct. 27.

Members of the emergency response team then went through each building telling students and staff to evacuate and get at least 100 feet away from any facility.

Campus officials activated the Citrus Alert program, sending emails and calling houses and cell phones of students and staff.

If you are not registered on Citrus Alert, but would like to, go online and do so.

You must log-in to WingSpan at https://wingspan.citruscollege.edu.

Under the personal tab, you will find the link to update your emergency contact information.

Although subscribing to the Citrus Alert is a good factor, the problem is emails do not tell of specific procedures to follow when there is a threat on campus and they are not timely.

Also, if there had been a bomb, evacuating to the center of the quad adds to the danger.

If a bomb detonates in any of

15

Sydney Presley Citrus College Clarion

the buildings surrounding the quad, there could be flying glass and concrete.

Directing students and staff to the periphery of campus and to the parking lots or the sidewalks along Foothill Boulevard,

Barranca and Citrus avenues would make more sense.

Another problem is that there is no warning sign or signage in place to quickly and effectively alert students and staff of an immediate threat.

The library has an intercom system, but other buildings do not.

Installing an intercom system in all campus facilities so everyone gets the information at the same time would help.

An alternative would be to install digital clocks in every classroom and office.

Under normal circumstances, these clocks would display the time of day.

In extraordinary circumstances, they could be coded to show warning numbers.

Regardless of what security system is currently in place, Citrus needs to take the initiative in installing a security system that works in a timely manner.

Although security systems for the entire 104 acres of Citrus would be expensive, it will be worth it.

We must all be safe on campus.

So far the only form of quick communication is the Citrus Alert.

The Citrus community has learned important lessons from the practice emergency drills conducted at Citrus College.

The recent threatening phone call has provided yet another opportunity to reassure the state of emergency preparedness in our community.

Still, we can do better.

Chris Floch, Chia­Chen Hsu, Patricia Pena, Luis Preciado, Nicholas Baffa, Richard Morales

Correspondents Sheylla Duran, Samantha Lopez

Photographers/ Artists Natalie Miranda, Daniel Her­ nandez, Alex Pargas, Lauren Emery, Sydney Presley, Sheylla Duran

Page Designers Michael Clark, Maryann Malimban, Natalie Miranda, Benita Nicholas, Bre Payton, Luis Precaido Sydney Presley, Emily Rios, Patrick Trujillo

Photo Technician Frank Ram

Instructional Assistant Emily Rios

Lab Supervisors Laura Gordon, Stacy Long

Adviser Margaret O’Neil The Clarion is produced by journalism students and is distributed every other Wednesday during the semester. Ads are not endorsed by the Clarion. Editorials are the opinion of at least 75 percent of the Editorial Board. All other opinion is that of the writer.

Views expressed do not represent those of the adviser, faculty, administration, Associated Students of Citrus College and/or CCCBOT. Libel will not be published. The Clarion welcomes feedback from our readers. If you have any gripes, questions, or comments ... we want to hear from you! All correspondence must include your student ID#, major and signature. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

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theclariononline.com

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Rockin’ geology field trip Students from Dr. George Hathaway’s geology and earth history courses had the chance to take in the scenery of the Eastern Sierra Nevadas through a field trip held from Oct. 21­23.

Story and photos by Natalie Miranda For the last 13 years, students enrolled in the physical geology or earth sciences courses at Citrus College have been given the opportunity to come face-to-face with the rocks and earth formations they study in class and work with in lab.

Dr. George Hathaway, professor at Citrus, is a field geologist and said that students learn more when they experience what they are studying.

It doesn’t hurt that students who attend earn 30 extra credit points.

“People see things a lot clearer when it’s all around you,” he said. “At this level, it’s exciting to see bulbs go off. For a teacher, that keeps me going.”

Hathaway has taken students to Yosemite, Yosemite Valley, Joshua Tree, Channel Islands, Catalina, the Eastern Sierras and the Sequoias.

“Some students have never seen places like the ones they visit and many students say they will never forget the experiences they had on the trips,” Hathaway said.

“I am a visual and hands-on learner,” said Tania Magana, 21, physical geology student.

“Going on the field trip really helped me to understand the material we learned in class and see what different rocks look like.”

Some students, such as Alain Bonus,

“

People see things a lot clearer when it’s all around you. At this level, it’s exciting to see bulbs go off. For a teacher, that keeps me going.

DR. GEORGE HATHAWAY GEOLOGY PROFESSOR

”

Students from Dr. George Hathaway’s geology and earth history class walk through the dried up Owen’s Lake in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas while on a field trip from Oct. 21­23.

Hathaway takes his students on field trips so they can experience what they learn about in lecture and lab and to take in the scenery, which many have never experienced before.

enjoy the escape the scenery offers students.

“The geology field trips are great. Not only do you learn more about the earth, you get to experience it,” said Bonus, 20. “I love applying what we learn in class.”

Bonus and Magana attended the field trip to the Eastern Sierra Nevadas from Oct. 2123.

Hathaway is taking one more group of students out to experience nature in Fossil Falls from Nov. 11-13.

Dr. George Hathaway, (far right) geology professor at Citrus, points out petroglyphs to his students while on a field trip to the Eastern Sierra Nevadas from Oct. 21­23. Hathaway has taken his classes on field trips to study rocks and earth formations for the past 13 years.

Students relax and take in the scenery at Inyo National Park, near the Mt. Whitney trails while on a geology field trip to the Eastern Sierra Nevadas from Oct. 21­23. Dr. George Hathaway, geology professor, has taken his students on field trips for the past 13 years to experience what they learn in the lectures and labs.