Clarion 5/8/13 by Citrus College Clarion

Illustrated by Cheyne Ellett

Citrus College

Clarion

Summer schedule heating up..........................pg. 3 Softball makes history in playoffs......................pg. 7 Update the emergency alert system........... .pg. 19 Come visit our website.................................................

May 8, 2013 Volume LXVIII Issue 6

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

QUOTE of the

ISSUE “The safest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it in your pocket.” -Kin Hubbard

Announcements Planning to graduate? If you plan to graduate and walk in the ceremony on Saturday, June 15, 2013, you must complete a graduation application with a counselor or advisor by May 17, 2013. If you complete a graduation application after the May 17, 2013 deadline, you will not be eligible to participate in the ceremony, no exceptions. In addition, this is the deadline to have your name printed in the commencement program. To make an appointment to complete a graduation application, stop by the Counseling and Advisement Center, in the Student Services building at the top of the stairs on the 2nd floor, or call (626) 914-8530.

Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS) Members Contact Lisa Villa, AGS counselor or Andrea Mullin in the Counseling Advisement Center for information about AGS by May 17, 2013.

Psi Theta Kappa (PTK) Members Contact Lisa Telesca (626) 914-8774, if you have questions. The PTK membership deadline was May 1.

Psi Beta Members Contact Andrew Kim (626) 914-8865.

NEWS LOCAL

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STATE

CA lawmakers may soon be banning electronic cigarettes

Drinking and driving doesn’t mix, as DUI cost goes sky high

SB 648 proposed by Senator Tom Corbett would ban the use of electronic cigarettes in California in public places, hospitals, indoors, etc. The proposed ban is basically putting ecigs on the same level as cigarettes. Corbett claims that e-cigs are just as harmful, if not more harmful than cigarettes. This is Corbett’s second attempt on passing a bill to ban electronic smokes, with the first attempt being vetoed by former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Many Southern Californian e-cig users argue that the electronic cigarette products have helped them quit smoking actual cigarettes. Users also argue that they are not harmful to the public, do not release toxic smoke, and have little to no smell, but they do release vapors.

Have you ever wanted to pay for a $15,000 cocktail? Probably not. The Automobile Club of Southern California has recently calculated that a first-offense misdemeanor of driving under the influence could set someone back to the tune of as much as $15,649. The amount has risen 29 percent from 2011 and the penalties are even higher for underage drivers (21 and under), upwards of $22,492. AAA calculated that 10 percent of motorists admitted to driving a little tipsily in a recent report. Those numbers do not include the thousands of dollars it may cost you if you go to jail, have to take time off for a criminal trial, or incur vehicle damage fees, which could be thousands more, the Auto Club states. Source: Los Angeles Times

Source: Change.org

NATIONAL

GLOBAL

Unempoyment rate drops, U.S. adds 165,000 jobs

Facebook will soon be utilizing #hashtags

The US Labor Department reported that in April, U.S. employers added 165,000 jobs, dropping the national unemployment rate to only 7.5 percent. Flashback to one year ago and we were looking at an 8.1 percent unemployment rate, so it’s quite a gain for our country. The biggest gains in employment came in professional and business services, which includes jobs in the accounting, tax, legal service and computer design fields. Big jumps in open positions are also due in part to hospitality and leisure sections, which added an average of 25,000 jobs every month over the past 12 months.

Soon enough, people will be able to #trend on Facebook just like they already do on Twitter and Instagram. The preceding hashtag pound symbol in front of certain words connect the users that click that word around a single topic or news event. It’s used the same way as tagging on blogs: to connect users to others who want to read about certain topic or trend. As a matter of fact, it’s called “trending.” Facebook is currently declining to discuss the report that they will start to use hashtags. “We do not comment on rumor or speculation,” a representative of the company said in an emailed statement. The movement will capture even more attention from its 1 billion plus users and advertisers.

Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune

THE 1000 BLOCK: INCIDENT REPORTS

Source: Los Angeles Times

Reports are provided courtesy of the Citrus College Campus Safety Department. A report is not a statement of guilt.

MARIJUANA suspicion

stolen bicycle

On Mar. 26 a student was witnessed smoking a marijuana joint near their vehicle in the S2 parking lot. The student then proceeded onto campus. An officer responded and found the student sitting in a chair near the entrance of the LI building. The suspect admitted to smoking and denied having any marijuana or paraphernalia in their vehicle. The Glendora Police Department was contacted and searched the said vehicle, but nothing was found and the suspect was not cited for possession.

On Mar. 21 an officer responded to the LB building for the report of a stolen bike. The victim stated that they locked and secured a black and white, 24-speed, Schwinn Riverside beach cruiser with a cable lock to the bike racks east of LB. The bicycle, with an estimated value of $200, was missing when the reporting party returned later that evening. The victim declined the assistance of the Glendora Police Department but may file a report at a later time.

hit and run

stolen cell phone

Honors Program Contact Brian Waddington, Honors Program Coordinator (626) 857-4039 office in CI 124.

Mental Health Workshop “Dealing With Difficult People” Wednesday, May 14th 3pm-4pm LL113

Spring Hair Show “Cirque Du Coiffure” Thursday, May 9th 6:30 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. show $10 tickets sold at the door Haugh Performing Arts Center For information, call (626) 914-8710.

Portfolio Workshop Thursday, May 16 12-3 p.m. Campus Center, East Wing Guest Speaker Adriana Martin Students are ENCOURAGED to bring their portfolio, but do not need one to attend. For information, contact the Career/Transfer Center (626) 914-8639

On Mar. 5 a vehicle hit and run was reported in the S6 parking lot. The reporting party stated that they had parked their tan 1998 Mercedes Benz C280 in the lot earlier that morning. Upon returning to the vehicle, they noticed the rear bumper and tire had been damaged. Upon further inspection, white paint transfer was observed where damage had been sustained. The victim stated that the vehicle that had been next to theirs when they parked may have been silver or white and could have caused the damage. The Glendora Police Department was contacted, with a Community Service Officer issuing a report.

hit and run On Mar. 27 a report of a vehicle hit and run was reported in the S6 parking lot. The responding officer met with the reporting party who stated they had parked on campus several hours earlier and returned to find damage on the driver’s side and rear passenger doors of their blue Ford Expedition. Estimated cost of the damage caused by the hit and run is $2000. The Glendora Police Department was contacted along with a Community Services Officer who arrived and issued a report of the incident.

On Mar. 19 an officer responded to the report of a stolen cell phone. The victim stated that they left the phone, a white and pink Apple iPhone 4 with an estimated value of $500.00 in the copy room of the library. Upon noticing they had forgotten their phone, the victim returned to the copy room and found it had been stolen. The individual who picked up the phone had reportedly told two witnesses that they would leave the phone with library staff at the front desk, but never did. The Glendora Police Department was notified of the incident.

stolen permit On Mar. 28 a student reported that their spring 2013 motorcycle parking permit had been stolen. The victim stated that they had arrived on campus and parked their blue Yamaha Vino scooter in the motorcycle parking area of the S8 parking lot. The reporting party returned later that evening to find that the parking permit had been stolen. The officer who was notified of the situation informed the victim to obtain a replacement parking permit from the Cashier office.

CLARIONnews

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Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Heating Up: Citrus College summer session class sections

308 214

2008

2009

250

176

2010

128

125

2011

2012

2013 David Tate

Class sections to double in summer Citrus College will offer 250 classes in the summer 2013 schedule. The increase is attributed to Proposition 30 revenue. David Tate / Editor-in-Chief clarioneic@ccclarion.com

his summer, Citrus College is trying to get students to choose textbooks over the beach. The college will offer 250 class sections in the 2013 summer session compared to the 125 sections that were available in Summer 2012. The move is in line with recent positive economic news coming from the state Capitol and is the first time Citrus has offered 200-plus classes in the summer session since 2009.

Proposition 30—one of the driving forces behind the budget surplus—enrollment percentages decreased in comparison to previous years. Samuel Lee, dean of enrollment management, attributed the shortfall to measures Citrus took against expected midyear cuts in funding. Instead of offering more classes in the fall class schedule and reducing that number in the spring, years of budget cuts prompted campus officials to offer more sections in the spring. That way, the two main semesters would be roughly the same size

“Everybody is really ready to get past the day of having to turn students away.” -Irene Malmgren

Vice president of Academic Affairs State officials are projecting an estimated $4.5 billion budget surplus for California this fiscal year. If the numbers hold true, the state’s K-14 education system stands to come out the big winner. Thanks to Proposition 98, the 1988 voter-approved law, the state must spend at least 40 percent of General Fund revenue on local schools. However, if a college does not meet its enrollment target it loses money in apportionment funding, or the amount the state government pays the school per student. In spring 2013, Citrus College fell short of its target enrollment by 3.7 percent. Though 206 class sections were added to the both the 2013 winter and spring sessions following the passage of

when budget cuts triggered a reduction in spring sections. “We added too many sections to spring with a small fall. Our pipeline was small to begin with, so we just didn’t have enough students in the pipeline to fill up those spring classes,” Lee said. “If we started with more students in the fall, we would’ve been fine . . . we just had to add a disproportionate amount of sections.” Adding extra summer classes will allow the school to meet its enrollment target for this year, Lee said. And campus officials are optimistic that the additional summer sections will fill to capacity. “I think that our summer is smaller than it has been in years previous, even [though] we’re

doubling from 125 to 250 [classes],” Lee said. “They’re all core courses that students need, so I think we’ll be OK there. And I think we’ll get the newly graduated students for high school, so we’ll get them in the pipeline early.” Additionally, new students are not awarded priority registration over continuing students during the summer semester, leaving it a more viable option for sophomores. “If I can get any [summer] classes, I would take them,” said 19-year-old mechanical engineering major Eri Miguel. “The philosophy is that the incoming students are not competing with the continuing students because they’re at different levels in their [studies],” said Irene Malmgren, vice president of Academic Affairs. “If you’ve been here for a year, you’ve taken [101] level English and math, now you’re on to the [103] level. The [incoming] students are coming [in classes] behind you.” Students were able to view their registration dates Monday at wingspan.citruscollege.edu. The list of summer class sections is also available on WingSpan and at http://www.citruscollege.edu/ schedule/sum2013. The first day of registration for summer classes is May 20. “Everybody is really ready to get past the day of having to turn students away,” Malmgren said. “We’ve spent so many years shrinking and closing the door before the line was taken care of. The idea that we can add more students makes everybody happy.”

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CLARIONnews

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

H.O.P.E. for immigration reform Members of Citrus H.O.P.E. show their support at a rally for fair immigration reform. Jo Jamison / A&E Editor jjamison@ccclarion.com

embers of the campus H.O.P.E. Club (Helping Find Opportunities in the Pursuit of Education) recently joined with thousands of union members, immigrants, faith leaders and community advocates in a nationwide Day of Action to support immigration reform. The rally to address comprehensive immigration reform took place in Los Angeles on April 10 in front of Senator Dianne Feinstein’s office. Citrus student Mauricio Gonzalez, 19, was a member of the Citrus H.O.P.E. club eager to show his support at the rally. “It was great seeing a lot of community between the people,” said Gonzalez. “A diverse group gathered at the rally and I feel like this movement evoked the unity that we are trying to inspire. By the end of the day, we all felt that we had made a big impact to show our support for immigration reform.” The Citrus H.O.P.E. club’s primary objective is to create a supportive environment for AB540

students. AB540 represents the undocumented students and their families who qualify for in-state tuition at some public colleges and universities. Members of H.O.P.E. club encourage other undocumented students to be open and unafraid of attending college and living successful lives. Immigration reform legislation has been the focus of intense negotiations on Capitol Hill since November’s presidential election. The last time Congress passed immigration reform was in 1986, when Ronald Reagan was president. A bipartisan “Gang of Eight” senators released their proposal for reform on April 17. If it becomes law, it will include a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million people now living in the country illegally. Under the compromise, a limited number of temporary visas would be issued to foreign workers in low-paid professions. After 10 years, workers with visas would be eligible to apply for a green card. Three years later, they would be able to petition to become American citizens. The California agricultural industry hires half a million farm workers each year, many of whom are here illegally, to harvest fruits and vegetables. Workers’ visas are a critical issue, as the state accounts for the largest percent of the na-

tional sale of crops—$43.5 billion in 2011, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Feinstein is not one of the eight senators who drafted the bill on immigration reform, but she has taken the lead in the effort to support California farm workers. Feinstein hashed out an agreement with the senators that would give agricultural workers the opportunity to work legally with a blue card and qualify within five to seven years for a green card under the agricultural worker proposal. At the end of the day, Feinstein released the following statement: “I strongly support comprehensive immigration reform. I have voted for it in the past. I support the DREAM Act, and I support an agriculture workers’ immigration reform bill with an earned path to citizenship.” “11 million people who aren’t documented want to contribute to this country, as much as any other citizen. They want to get an education and they want to work. I am proud of my H.O.P.E. members and everyone else who has been putting in work to make this cause happen,” said Gonzalez. According to the “Gang of Eight” senators, Congress is expected to vote on immigration reform in June.

Jo Jamison Citrus College Clarion

Thousands gathered outside of Senator Dianne Fienstein’s office (D-Calif.) April 10 in a rally to support immigration reform.

Anticipation builds for Metro Gold Line stop A $735 million rail extension is set to arrive on campus in late 2015. Jo Jamison / A&E Editor jjamison@ccclarion.com

onstruction of the Metro Gold Line extension that will include a train station stop at the northwest corner of Citrus College is finally taking shape. “Students from APU and Citrus said, ‘build it and we will ride it,’ and that’s what I hear all over town,” said Azusa Mayor Joe Rocha. The Foothill Extension will offer students at Citrus College and Azusa Pacific University an alternative to driving on congested roadways, as well as provide environmental benefits and opportunities for economic development. Beginning on June 26, 2010, the project is scheduled for completion by September 2015, when it will be turned over to Metro for testing and pre-revenue service. The Gold Line will extend 11.5 miles with stations in Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte, Azusa, and Irwindale. The $735 million project is being built by an independent agency, the Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority, which is funded by the Measure R sales tax approved by L.A. County voters in 2008. Work on the Citrus-APU section of the track has begun within the railroad corridor between

McClatchy-Tribune Media Services

Citrus College and Azusa Pacific University students are expected to fill the seats on the Metro Gold Line in late 2014. Citrus and Foothill avenues. The crew has been busy clearing the brush along the rail path and leveling the ground. Construction activities—including excavation, bridge construction, underground utilities installation and track work—will continue intermittently until approximately the end of June 2013. The Citrus-APU station will be located to the northwest of the Lutheran church property. “Our construction has been well received by the community and I think part of the reason is because the [Transit] Authority has been working for years to pave the way for us,” said Dan Kulka, community relations

“Students from APU and Citrus said, ‘build it and we will ride it,’ and that’s what I hear all over town.” -Joe Rocha

Azusa City Mayor manager for the Foothill Transit Constructors. “People know we’re coming, they are excited about the train.” Ivan Mercado, physics major at Citrus College, said that the new station would make it easier for him to get to school. “I live in Duarte, and I believe the new station will take the pressure off of parking on campus. Plus it’s fun to ride the train. You can relax;

talk with other people. It is worth it.” Michael Hillman, who teaches ceramics at Citrus College, is an accomplished local artist with an extensive resume of public art projects completed in California. He was selected to design concepts for the upcoming Glendora station. “Glendora Home” oranges were formerly grown and packed

in Glendora. Using this bit of history, Hillman has titled his work for the Glendora station as “Glendora Home: A Slice of Sunshine.” His vision incorporates orange trees, eucalyptus and vinecovered arbors to bring a beautiful aroma complementing the artwork. The station will have a friendly, neighborhood feel. The Citrus/APU station is scheduled to open in 2016. Interactive maps and detailed information can be found on the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension website along with construction activities, road closures, and detours.

CLARIONnews 6 Cosmetology Department lends helping hands Wednesday, May 8, 2013

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Cosmo students display their inner beauty while volunteering for underprivileged youth. Melanie Gudino / Managing Editor mgudino@ccclarion.com

he Citrus College cosmetology program and Rosemead High School teamed up for an Italian-themed “Mi Amore” prom for Rosemead students with disabilities and disadvantages at the Ebell Club in Los Angeles on April 27. Michelle Ban, adviser for Rosemead High, helped organize this event along with instructor Tara Douglas, despite the fact that it hasn’t happened in years. “They did it a long time ago, they just never did it again. I don’t know if it was because of low interest or too much of a hassle but for whatever reason it has come back around,” Ban said. More than 30 cosmetology students were involved this event along with instructors and teacher aid. The count of Rosemead students who attended the “Mi Amore” prom was more than 100, not including their dates. Citrus students used different techniques in hairstyling, make-up and nails to fit the outfits the Rosemead students had chosen. “For a lot of those students it will be their first time getting their hair and make-up done,” Ban said. Justine Caro, 22, cosmetology major, felt honored of the experience to do the hair and make-up for students. “For us to help out other students is a privilege because I know this wasn’t offered at my school. We are able to help out the students who don’t have the funds to feel pretty and to enjoy themselves.” Douglas said, “This is my passion: to help my community and organize these events for three years. We have planned this since February and we do more events like ‘Unity’ in August, which is a big event at the Santa Anita Racetrack where we do back-to-school for underprivileged kids.” Rosemead student Mikayla Aguliar said, “Not a lot of schools offer these kind of events where cosmetology students do our make-up and hair for free. Rosemead has made this event affordable so everyone can come to get their hair and make-up done.” The event at the Ebell Club in downtown Los Angeles offered a top-ofthe-line seated course dinner thanks to fundraising by the class of 2013-14. It was difficult for the Rosemead students to help raise the money. They were selling chocolate bars around Rosemead and hosting car washes with a goal to raise $1,000 a month for this event to happen. This three-year process offered raffle opportunities to make prom dresses, hair and make-up, corsages and photography affordable for the Rosemead students attending this event. Ban’s final note, “We are promising this will be the best night of your lives.”

(Left to RIGHT) Lauren Crone, Alice Yang and professor Tara Douglas create the finishing touches for prom.

Photos courtesy of Ricky Lin and Ferdinand Rosadi

Kesirin Tanwongprasert curls Cindy Valladares‘ hair for prom-themed “Mi Amore” on April 27.

Giti homayonpoor shows Rosemead student Ashley Mang her final make up before her fitting.

Clarion students succeed at state convention

The student publication staff of Citrus College traveled to Sacramento for the experience of a lifetime.

Citrus College Clarion

Members of the Citrus College communications program celebrate after a good showing at the 2013 JACC State Competition. Jo Jamison / A&E Editor jjamison@ccclarion.com

t was an exhilarating three days of workshops, competitions, and awards for Citrus College communication students at the 58th Journalism Association of Community Colleges State Convention in Sacramento. The Clarion delegation, including students and two instructors, arrived at the convention on April 11. The event offered more than 40 workshops, professional advice on career development, networking opportunities, and many on the spot competitions. More than 500 students from 40 community colleges

attended. JACC is a California-based non-profit corporation dedicated to the education of community college journalism students. The organization is comprised of NorCal and SoCal divisions. An elected board of directors represents both students and faculty from around the state. Bring-in category winners from Citrus College included Javier Galaviz, fourth place, and Cole Petersen, honorable mention. Winners in the publications category included David Tate, first place for profile feature, fourth place for profile feature, and fourth place for opinion writing; John Garcia, second place for editorial writing; and

Sydney Presley, fourth place for tabloid layout. In the on-the-spot category, winners included Christopher Floch, honorable mention for broadcast news writing; Christian Rodriguez, second place for editorial cartoon; David Tate, third place for feature writing; and Anne-Marie Miranda, David Tate, and Javier Galaviz, meritorious award for video journalism. “It was a really good experience and it was my first time going,” said Ashley Vawter, who won the team feature competition. “I feel more enthusiastic about journalism now. It was great to be among a community of people who love to do the same thing you do. All the passion from everyone was overwhelming,” Chris Floch agreed. “It was a fantastic trip, one of the best in my life. I learned so much,” he said. “I competed and placed in broadcast news writing, a subject I had never practiced before. It was completely different from feature writing, news writing, or opinion writing. I feel so much closer to the staff and all the people who do communications and journalism at Citrus.” David Tate, editor in chief of the Clarion newspaper, was pleased with the dedication and effort shown at competition. “This was my third time at JACC and my second time at the state convention. It was my best time going out of the three times,” said Tate. “I’ve never been happier or more proud of this group.” “The most gratifying part as the current adviser and instructor is seeing the growth of the students who participated in JACC,” said Meg O’Neil, Clarion Adviser. “Some of the students were in contests for which they had zero preparation. I think this shows courage and if they persevere the results can be quite startling.” Winners from the 2013 State Convention in Sacramento can be found at http://www.jacconline.org/ conferences/state-convention.

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Editor: David Tate clarionEIC@ccclarion.com

SPORTS Softball makes history in win The Citrus softball team is headed to the second round of playoffs for the first time ever. Jo Jamison / A&E Editor jjamison@ccclarion.com

he Owls’ long-awaited triumph over Cypress College during a two-day playoff moved Citrus’ record to 26-12 and advanced the team to the “Super Regionals” for the first time in program history. Led by head coach Jackie Boxley, the team knocked the Chargers out of the postseason with back-to-back victories on May 4 and 5. On May 4, the Owls beat Cypress 107, putting runners on bases in each of the seven innings. In the fourth, Victoria Baltazar doubled up the middle and Kawehi Ephan hit a home run to give Citrus a 6-2 lead. The Chargers came back, scoring

five runs in the bottom of the sixth to take it right back at 7-6. But at the top of the seventh, Citrus held it together, with Gonzalez hitting a home run to left field and Lockett smashing a double for the final lead 10-7. On May 5, the team played even harder, finishing the Chargers off with a 9-0, six-inning win. The Owls scored six runs in the third inning. Kawehi Ephan reached on a fielder’s choice and Victoria Baltazar scored on the catcher’s error. Sara Moore singled to left field and Jessica Gonzalez scored. After Moore, Tellez hit a RBI single that put the Owls up 3-0. Next up, Lockett and Carissa Bender both hit RBI singles. Finally, Arianna Sanchez hit a fly ball that gave the Owls their 6-0 lead. Sanchez completed the shutout to cap off the rout. “We had the momentum the entire time and we just had a great game,” said

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

sophomore outfielder Katie Cunningham. “We were asleep for a while and they woke us up and we’re not done.” “I think the game went very well. Cypress beat us pretty bad in the fall and we had a little bit of revenge,” said freshman infielder Sara Moore. “We came out and got it done so we could move on to the next level for our team.” Boxley thought the Owls played strongly. “They got after it and just crushed them. They knew we had them on their heels, and the girls really played hard.” With their success at Cypress, the Owls will advance to the Super Regionals in Riverside where they will compete in a four team, double elimination tournament. College of the Canyons and Santiago Canyon College will also be in attendance. Citrus will take the first pitch against the Cole Petersen Citrus College Clarion Riverside Tigers at Riverside City College Victoria Baltazar takes a swing in the Owls’ on May 10 at 5:30 p.m. playoff series win against Cypress College May 5.

Disappointing baseball season comes to an end Despite showing early season promise, Owls baseball turned in another losing season. Cristian Manrique / Senior Writer cmanrique@ccclarion.com

Cristian Manrique Citrus College Clarion

Jayson De La Pena walks to his bench after striking out to end the bottom of the 8th inning against the Glendale Vaqueros on April 26. Citrus would lose the game 7-3.

t’s been another tough baseball season for the Fighting Owls. The 2013 campaign finished with a 14-21 overall record and 8-16 record in conference play. This is Citrus’ second straight losing season following last year’s 16-20 record. With a 14-21 record you would think that the Owls never had a chance in the beginning of the season. However, the team started the season winning eight out of their first 11 games including a fivegame winning streak. “With the way we were playing at the beginning of the year, we beat some very good teams,” said sophomore infielder William

Ouellete. “I thought we would easily be a playoff contending team.” But Citrus would go on to accumulate a pair of losing streaks that would derail their season. A four-game losing streak to end the month of February only gave way to a six game losing streak in March. The team would only win two games the entire month. “We didn’t live up to expectations, we all wanted to go to the playoffs,” said freshman outfielder Matthew Reynoso. “We started off pretty well, then we went on a drought.” Although this season didn’t pan out well for Citrus, Reynoso is optimistic for next season going forward. “Next year we’ll be sophomoreheavy, so we’ll have a lot of experience and I think it will translate into good things,” Reynoso said. The team was comprised mostly of freshmen this season, with 22 first-year players on the roster compared to 12 sophomores.

Ouellete, who will sign with Cal State San Bernardino, thinks that these freshmen will take this experience and be a viable contender next season. “I think we learned a lot this year and based with what we learned I think we can take that and get into the playoffs,” said Reynoso. With the disappointing 2013 season over, Citrus is looking towards next season with much anticipation for some fresh new blood. “We’re looking forward for a much better season next year,” said hitting coach Bill Viverto, “We have some real good recruits coming in and hopefully they can change the complex of a losing season.” Head coach Steve Gomez is a little more leery of the incoming freshmen. “Until the season starts, you don’t know what you have,” said Gomez. “It looks promising, but you just don’t know.”

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CLARIONsports

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Men’s golf goes down swinging Coach Trip Horton says the 2013 team is the “most cohesive group” he’s ever coached. Kristen Masters / Staff Writer kmasters@ccclarion.com

he Citrus College Men’s Golf team marks their 2013 season just one spot shy of making the regionals for the California Community Colleges Athletic Association. While up against serious competition in the Western State Conference, the Citrus Owls placed 6th overall at the WSC Championships April 22 at Soule Park Golf Course. The Owls placed 5th out of the 20 community colleges competing. Head coach Julian “Trip” Horton coaches the team with his players competing each week to qualify for the top six spots for each tournament that they compete in.

Kristen Masters Citrus College Clarion

The Men’s Golf team finished 6th in the Western State Conference to end their season with integrity. This year’s team was made up of three sophomores—Daniel Olivas, Jacob Rodriguez and Brett Smith—along with seven freshmen: Alex Cheng, Joshua Davis, John Gaynor, Richard Hunter, Robert Lopez, Matt Nolan, and Homerson So. Horton said the 5th place finish, “Is the highest I have finished in four years, out of the nine years I have been coaching here at Citrus.” Highlighting the season, Citrus had many individual accomplishments. After playing in the WSCC, sophomore Brett Smith was the top finisher for Citrus, placing 16th overall. Daniel Oli-

vas and Jacob Rodriguez tied for 19th. On April 8, the team managed to stay focused while Owls’ host their own tournament at San Dimas Canyon Golf Course, finishing in second place. Horton said preparation for a successful team starts with the qualities that are in the player. “How they handle themselves, that there is really important,” he said. “Staying level. Everybody gets emotional but you got to learn how to control the emotions.” This team has had even more personal accomplishments this season as compared to the 2012 season. This year, Rodriguez shot

the lowest score in two tournaments. However, Horton said the most improved golfer on the Citrus team this year, “would have to be Daniel Olivas . . . he stepped up like an adult.” This year, the coaching experience at Citrus has given Horton more to offer his team. “It’s a learning curve for me,” Horton said. “Being such a young coach in golf, unless you coach high school, is a learning curve. Each year I progress my program a little…having them workout more often, the way they train, how to make them smarter and more prepared for the tourna-

ments.” Having so much talent on the golf course, Jacob Rodriguez and Daniel Olivas became the top two players for the Owls this year, with Brett Smith following right behind. The 2013 most valuable player for the Citrus Owls is returning sophomore Rodriguez, 21 years old. He recalled his most memorable time of the season was “hanging out with the team, getting to know everyone.” Having started golfing at the age of 3, Rodriguez has learned how important the mental part of golfing is and how he can apply the lessons he learns on the course to life,” Rodriguez said. “Mentally there is always learning experiences on the course, learn from your mistakes and try to fix it, just like life.” In response to the placing of 6th place in the WSC this season, Rodriguez explained, “This was one of the best teams we’ve had here. If it was this team two years ago we probably would have easily gotten into conference.” Horton spoke proudly about the matriculation of his program, as he thinks about the future of his players often and how to better help them move on. All three of the sophomores on this team—Rodriguez, Daniel Olivias and Brett Smith, have the options to move on to other schools to continue to play golf. “Jacob Rodriguez has the option for two full rides, (UC Riverside or Holy Names of San Francisco), and also has the chance for the PGA school in San Diego to start a career in becoming a professional golfer, which means he’ll give up that chance to play college golf to start his career,” Horton said. Horton is proud for his team and described the 2013 squad as “A good group of guys, I’m sure they’ll be friends forever. Most cohesive team I’ve had. They were real good but the league was better.” The Citrus Owls had a strong finish as they overcame many challenges and new accomplishments along the way. As Horton wraps up a great season with his team still in his grip; he advises, “The worst round of golf is better than the best day of work.”

CLARIONspotlight 10 Tunes for Less Savvy Spending Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Javier Galaviz

Photo Tech

ne of the best, inexpensive options during the hot summer months, no doubt, is a trip to the beach to bum out in the sand. But, before you know it, that free activity is compounded by a $20-30 gas cost, $6-20 to park, another $5-15 for food, and the expenses that any other indulgences may cost. So, as another alternative for staying frugal in So Cal maybe the next best option for beating the heat this summer is being in a darkly lit, airconditioned room for a matter of hours, and there may be no better place to do that than going to the movies. Now I know this can be a pricey option, but keep listening, because there are definitely ways to keep it cheap. If you’re not already aware of the Regency 10 theaters located in the Citrus Crossing shopping center (South west corner of Citrus & Route 66), here’s your notice. During the day, ticket prices are only $6 until 5 p.m. After that time, prices go up to a still reasonable $8.

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

Sylvia Aparicio

Also with sweet weekly deals are any of the Edwards Theaters located closest to us here in the east San Gabriel Valley. These include the West Covina, La Verne, and El Monte locations where on Tuesdays and Sundays ticket prices are only $6 all day. So hit your favorite bargain store, stuff your friend or girlfriend’s bag full of your favorite snacks and don’t miss out on Hollywood’s blockbusters this summer, just remember to keep it cheap. For the 21+, an offer to satisfy your palate. As many students may already know, Marie Callendar’s is a great place to take grandma & grandpa for a good meal & excellent pie. But for the unassuming passerby, Marie Callendar’s actually happens to house one of the best happy hours in the area, voted best in the San Gabriel Valley by SGV Tribune, two out of the last three years. So at week’s end, after that grueling test, or just to unwind, you can literally walk, don’t drive, down to Marie Callendar’s weekdays between 3-7 p.m. for a two-for-one drink special, that is only made better with a free food option ranging from mini corndogs to Irish nachos and sliders to make-your-own tacos. See you there.

Staff Writer

ired of paying the $10+ fee when buying concert tickets? Save yourself some cash and go to local venues instead. One place in particular that is popular amongst show goers is Chain Reaction in Anaheim.

The venue is a favorite for local bands as it caters to all ages and focuses on the punk, hardcore, rock and alternative genres. Chain Reaction is small enough to create an intimate feel between the audience and the bands, yet big enough to allow stage diving and the necessary at any hardcore show, a pit. If you’re looking for something to do on a Friday or Saturday night, this is a perfect stop. Not only will you be supporting local music, but you’ll be having a good time with your friends while listening to great music. Tickets range from $8-20 and can be purchased online or at the door the day of the show. A show calendar and ticket information can be found on allages. com. Chain Reaction is located n e x t to the 5 freeway at Euclid.

Budget Bargains Katherine Newman

Staff Writer

eing broke is something most college students can relate to. I am not able to put money in your pocket, but I can show you how to stretch your dollar and still have fun on a budget. If you like music or want to catch a live show, numerous free concerts are scheduled during the summer. On June 1, the city of Pasadena will hold an outdoor music festival. KCRW hosts many free shows including events at museums like the Getty or DJ sets in Chinatown. See kcrw.com for the schedule. If you enjoy comedy and are at least 21, you can go to Chatterbox’s Comedy Night. This bar features comedians who will have you laughing so much your sides will hurt. The show is free every Sunday night. Explore your cultural side with trips to museums. Carpool with a couple of friends to Los Angeles and check out the art. California Science Center, Griffith Observatory, and the J. Paul Getty museum are just some of the museums that are free everyday. Then there are museums that are free on certain days like UCLA Hammer Museum which is free every Thursday. Also the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), is free every Thursday from 5 to 8 pm. Check out discoverlosangeles.com for more information on free museum days. So next time you’re scavenging your couch for spare change, just remember it doesn’t take a lot of money to have fun.

Campus Question: What is your favorite thing to do under $20?

Christopher Browner 20 Business “Go to the movies…At Ontario Mills by myself because its under $20.”

Cristina Najarro 19 Undecided “Biking, I actually like going around my city, I do it to relax.”

Diner deals Melissa Manghisi

Staff Writer

ith the margin between the wealthy and the impoverished becoming larger, making ends meet and still being able to have that special anniversary dinner or celebrate a graduation is becoming harder. If you live at or below the poverty line, it’s not realistic to go and spend a hundred dollars on one meal when that same hundred dollars is probably the whole budget for the week. So how do you manage to live and celebrate life while watching every penny? Restaurants.com is a

Stace Woodward 19 Business “Play basketball at the gym, it’s my favorite thing to do because I like getting fit and active.”

website that offers discount cer for a dollar amount that are rede at participating establishments. D quick search including the zip c what kind of food you’re interested connect the consumer with parti restaurants. The purchasing incre example you can purchase a $25 $50 certificate for $20 or a $100 o college student can be very difficul taurants.com lets you enjoy a nigh family without breaking the bank. from Restaurant.com at Spaggi’s in ian restaurant, I would definitely re purchase discount certificates for t

Adam Jones 20 Graphic Arts “Go to Roscoe’s, my favorite thing to order under $20 is the Obama special.”

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CLARIONspotlight

Fresh&Frugal Melanie Gudino

Managing Editor

resh & Easy Neighborhood Market is best known for their non-traditional adaptation of the self-checkout system, great coupons and daily specials. On that note, when it comes to daily specials, Fresh & Easy “marks down” all prices of food items that are expiring that day. Markdown items often include dairy products, snacks and deli items, bread, produce, meat, and ‘to go’ meals. How much do they bring down the price you ask? In the morning, all produce is marked down at 65 percent, while bread and baked goods are marked down 40 percent off of the original price. Around the afternoon, meat, ‘to go’ meals, and deli items are marked down 35 percent. By the evening time, all remaining markdowns undergo a final reduction increase to 65 percent off. The markdown section is usually located at the end of aisle 3 at every Fresh & Easy near the soft drinks and dairy section. All remaining food left unsold at closing time is then

donated to local food banks. Rather than throw away any of their expiring products, Fresh & Easy chooses to provide costumers with same-day deals and all around savings. For college students, this markdown price can help our shrinking wallets and growling stomachs anytime of the day. The markdown procedure at Fresh & Easy has been around for about 4 1/2 years, which is only a few months after stores were first introduced into the states. Although Fresh & Easy is currently under fiscal review, Mecurynews.com stated Fresh & Easy’s parent company, the British-based Tesco, has announced it will exit from the United States, but that doesn’t mean the stores are closing. If this is true, the mark downs will still continue too and in turn, help students and patrons save money. Remember, every penny counts! The nearest Fresh & Easy is located at the intersection of Citrus Ave and Alosta neighboring CVS and The 99 Cent Store.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Purchasing Perks Cole Petersen

Staff Writer

ets face it; no o n e likes footing the bill on groceries. I of all people can’t stand going and buying my groceries at once, I try to only buy what I need and when I need it. I thought that this method was

the smart thing to do until I witnessed someone doing “extreme couponing.” I watched a lady fill two carts of miscellaneous items at a CVS and get paid $7 to walk out with it. I couldn’t believe it! She said that she was donating most of the personal hygiene items to a homeless shelter. This intrigued me since I am on a college student budget, so I

have been trying to master this art. Turns out it is possible because certain stores will allow you to combine offers, and double certain coupons. Only a few stores allow you to do this in California, but it’s still possible. These stores are Albertsons, CVS, Rite-Aid and Target. In this economy it amazes me that this could be possible and so unknown. You would think that everyone would be exploiting this.

Top $$ Trivia David Tate

Editor-in-Chief

f you spent any amount of time with me during 2004, you knew I was liable to do two things at any moment: bust out the A-Town Stomp from Usher’s “Yeah” video (which only got awkward during church) and bring up Ken Jennings’ record-setting Jeopardy streak in unrelated conversations (really awkward during church). My stomps-per-month stats have severely dropped since then, but my love of trivia hasn’t. If you’re like me and love to put your knowledge of almost-useless information to the test, get a team together and visit one of these following places. It’s free to play, restaurants offer house credit as prizes—and you might just give the A-Town Stompers a run for their money.

rtificates eemable Doing a code or d in will icipating ements vary, but for certificate for $10, a one for $40. Being a lt financially and Resht out with friends or After using coupons n Upland, a fine Italecommend others to their next night out.

•The Press Restaurant, 129 Harvard Avenue, Claremont: With a seven-college consortium inside this small city’s borders—Pomona, Harvey Mudd, Scripps, Pitzer, Claremont McKenna, Claremont Graduate University and the Keck Graduate Institute—The Press is the nighttime gathering spot for Claremont’s 21-and-up crowd. Games start later than most, and teams of five or more are recommended. Prizes are modest, but a special 5th round prize is sure to please any winner. Some of the brightest liberal arts and engineering minds in the country are at these games though, so be prepared for some tough questions. (Tuesdays, 9:30 p.m. Prizes: $20, $10, bonus prize)

To find more ways to save from our writers, scan this!

•Buffalo Wild Wings, 2548 East Workman Avenue, West Covina: The go-to wing and watering hole for your above-average sports fan is definitely Buffalo Wild Wings. To cater to its audience, BWWs offers a more casual, toned down version of trivia, sponsored by trivia company Buzztime. Instead of a live DJ, questions are displayed on a TV screen and answered via electronic device. The redeeming feature of Buzztime trivia is the ability to play nationwide. If you log in to Buzztime.com, you can access the schedule of national games. What’s more, you can take your team name and points to any Buzztime location and pick up where you left off. (Daily, see Buzztime.com for prizes) •House of Wings, 2317 D St, La Verne: This one’s for our fans. The Clarion’s very own Javier Galaviz hosts a trivia show at the newest sports bar in La Verne. For the sports nut living east of Glendora, House of Wings offers an easier commute than the above-mentioned BWWs. Questions here fall in the medium category, with a different featured category every week and a good dose of current events questions. The house prizes here are easily the best of the bunch, so if you’re up for a challenge try walking in with no cash, order some food, and let your brain be your wallet. And if that doesn’t work out, I hear the DJ is a pretty cool guy. (Mondays, 7:30 p.m. Prizes: $50, $20, $10)

CLARIONspotlight Retiring math professor will be missed

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

A quarter-century long teaching run for a campus mainstay comes to a end this June. Melissa Manghisi / Staff Writer mmanghisi@ccclarion.com

fter a quarter century of teaching mathematics at Citrus College, this will be the last semester for Alan Tussy. His philosophy on education: “My dad used to tell me this all the time: ‘Get your education because it is something that can never be taken away from you.’” Tussy has been teaching math for 39 years, 14 at Arcadia High School, and 25 years here at Citrus College. He has written nine mathematics books including “Pre-Algebra,” “Elementary Algebra” and “Intermediate Algebra.” These books are nationally recognized and used in many different states, which gives him the chance to travel and speak with math instructors across the country. “I get to contribute to the mathematics field on a national level, which is a real blessing,” Tussy said. He has always loved the classroom and teaching. When he was a child he would make pretend math worksheets for his younger brother to complete at home. He met his wife Liz Tussy on the way to becoming a mathematics teacher at the University of Redlands. The couple now live in Glendora with their three sons Kevin, Glenn and Brandon and

will celebrate their 41st wedding anniversary this June. Citrus College has been like a second home to the Tussy family. Each of them have attended Citrus College at some point by either taking classes or teaching them. Liz Tussy participated in the orchestra, and early on their children were placed in the child development center. Tussy said, “Citrus has been a huge part of our lives.” Over 25 years Citrus College has went through many changes, from the students to the buildings. Tussy recalls his first day at Citrus College and a computer was being placed in front of him. He had no idea how to use this new technology. The most important lesson Tussy want his students to learn is that mathematics is a language. “It’s my mission to teach them to read, write, speak and understand the language of math,” Tussy said. “I teach math as if I was teaching a language.” Keeping the student’s attention is central to educational development now, he said. Finding ways to get through to his students is his goal. Business administration major Matthew Chavez, 21, has had professor Tussy for two semesters. He said that he did not understand math at all until he studied with Tussy, and now he is getting an A

“It’s my mission to teach them to read, write, speak and understand the language of math.” -Alan Tussy

Mathematics professor in math. “I was discouraged with math when I walked in his class the first day, it was fast paced and he gave a lot of homework,” Chavez said. “But now I have an A, and I’m happy I had him his last semester.” Tussy said the most rewarding teaching outcome is the “Eureka!” moment, when the proverbial light bulbs inside the student turns on right before his eyes. His unorthodox methods of teaching get through to his students. For example he requires parts of the math lessons, homework and tests to be written in red pen. This makes an impression on students and they remember. Tussy receives emails from former students saying that they now see algebra as forever red. Mathematics professor Mohamad Trad, a former student now Citrus College fellow faculty member exemplifies what Tussy inspires. Trad remembers not only the use of colors but also

Alan Tussy

board organization and body language from his ‘92-’93 class. He describes Tussy as a leader in the math department. “We hate to lose that leadership, and we will all hate to see him go,” he said. Tussy and his wife have plans to enjoy their cabin up in Big Bear. He will continue to travel discussing mathematics and talking with other instructors. He also would like to volunteer more at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena.

Breanna Barbon, 23, a business administration and accounting major summed it up. “He has made me realize how much a college education means, and I am actually thinking about minoring in math now.” “The math department along with Citrus College as a whole will greatly miss Professor Tussy. He has put in so much time and effort he deserves his retirement,” Barbon said.

Forum addresses Save money with scholarships politics’ importance Students who are truly looking Jo Jamison / A&E Editor

jjamison@ccclarion.com

he annual “Why Politics Matter” forum took place on campus on April 25 and offered students the chance to get involved and learn from the professionals about their experiences in political processes. The guest speakers present at the forum were Tim Shaw, District Coordinator for Senator Bob Huff (RDiamond Bar), and Andi Lane, Legislative Aide for Senator Carol Liu, (D-Glendale). Dave Milbrandt, political science teacher at Citrus College, moderated the discussion and proposed questions for the speakers to discuss. Milbrandt opened the forum by asking the speakers about how they got into politics and what they enjoyed most about working in their professions. Tim Shaw explained how he earned his master’s degree in government from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and how he was elected as the mayor of La Habra. He is currently on the county board of supervisors and he also works as the District Coordinator for Bob Huff. Andi Lane graduated from UCLA with a bachelors degree in psychology. She earned her masters in psychology from Pepperdine University while working as a trauma therapist. In 2008 she was selected as a Senate Fellow in California State

Legislature. Upon completing her fellowship she began working as a Legislative Aide to Senator Carol Liu. She currently works on the Select Committee on Women and Children in the Criminal Justice System and is the project manager for the Pathways to Wellbeing and Economic Prosperity program. Having speakers from such diverse political backgrounds created an inspiring and energetic dialogue. A topic of great interest for those present at the forum was the importance of different sides of politics working together for the good of the people. Andi Lane spoke about how democrats now have a supermajority in both houses and how they will use that power to fix current issues in California. In contrast, Tim Shaw commented about the loss of Republican power in California and what needs to be done in order to make sure the party’s values continue to be a part of the legislative process. Both speakers discussed the importance of representing the issues most valuable to constituents. Students present at the forum benefited from a short discussion on how to begin getting involved in the political process at the community college level. The forum was a success, as the speakers were effective in encouraging the audience to enhance their professional skills and strive for excellence in their own political endeavors.

to save money should start their search on scholarship apps.

Alyssa Bujanda / Staff Writer abujanda@ccclarion.com

eing broke is a daily topic of conversation among students. Too many are unable to afford the expenses of a college education. However, there are so many opportunities available for financial assistance if students will just take the time to apply. Many colleges provide scholarships and grants that give students the opportunity to receive some funding that cover fees, books and registration. Students should not only apply for financial aid that is offered at colleges but should also be persistent in applying for scholarships available through scholarship websites like scholarships.com and fastweb.com. The Citrus College Foundation has scholarships available through 2014. They can be found on the Citrus College website at http://www.citruscollege. edu/foundation/Documents/ScholarshipsAvailable. pdf. Some scholarships have specific requirements that need to be met prior to applying. For example, The Citrus College Faculty Association Scholarship requires applicants to have a 3.5 GPA, to be enrolled in nine units or more and to be transferring to a fouryear college or university. The Maxine King Scholarship is awarded to a student with financial needs transferring to a four-year college. The Gene Dudley Leadership Scholarship requires a student to be actively involved in student government. By being persistent in applying for scholarships and grants, you can increase your chances of standing out compared to first-time applicants. A scholarship can help you pay for fees and books and free up your hard earned cash to pay for rent or food costs. The application process is not difficult and takes little time to complete. The first steps are organiza-

tion and preparation. Applicants need to thoroughly read through requirements before the due dates to ensure they have enough time to gather everything needed. Once this is done, the process is faster, manageable and takes up less of your time. Many application deadlines vary, so be sure to double check before choosing a scholarship. Also, the process does take time and effort. Students need to research scholarships before beginning the application process. Some scholarships require letters of recommendation from your professors or require some essay writing. If this is the case for a scholarship you are applying for, don’t be overwhelmed. There are plenty of tips and support online available to assist you with your scholarship application. Too few students apply for scholarships and grants. Some have suggested that students need to be better informed when scholarships are offered. Others believe that the reason for missed opportunities is the result of procrastination and laziness. But this is not the big picture. There are many reasons why students don’t apply for scholarships. Students may not meet certain criteria for scholarships or simply do not feel they have the information required. Other reasons may include students lacking confidence. Some students struggle with selfdoubt and do not consider themselves scholarshipworthy and therefore self eliminate. Students who do not apply for scholarships and grants leave thousands of free dollars on the table. There is more success in completing a scholarship form than not trying at all. However, if students don’t apply and they fail to help themselves, or if they think self-defeating thoughts, then everyone loses. By moving forward to apply for scholarships and grants students gain the benefit of understanding the process. Therefore they are more prepared for what an application requires and become more of an expert in writing about their achievements and work ethic. So in the end what is there to lose?

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CLARIONspotlight

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Professor honored for dedication to veterans Bruce Solheim’s play “The Bronze Star” receives recognition and hope for all veterans.

Katherine Newman / Staff Writer knewman@ccclarion.com

n advocate for student veterans and nationally recognized playwright, history professor Bruce Solheim has been selected as the distinguished faculty member of 20122013. An Army veteran, Solheim’s experiences have inspired him to help Citrus College’s student veterans adjust to college life. In 2001, Solheim was instrumental in forming a Veterans Club, but he knew this was not enough. At first he worked to create The Navy Program. Applying distance education, sailors at sea were taught through online classes using computers aboard ships on various deployment. Next, Solheim pushed for an on-campus Veteran’s Center, now located in Hayden Hall. “It is a home away from home, a place they can go work together, socialize, and also help each other,” Solheim said. “They’re indoctrinated by the military and military culture and a lot of those things they need to survive are not very helpful in civilian life,” Solheim said. “They’re trained to be very combative and aggressive. I mean, you do that or you die, but you can’t do that all the time.” Solheim’s brother served in the military during the Vietnam War. “He was exposed to a lot of stuff, and he’s very much affected,” Solehim said. “He’s a disabled veteran with PTSD, post traumatic stress syndrome, and was exposed to Agent Orange, which was a powerful herbicide spread in the war but also gets into people’s bloodstreams and gives them cancer and leukemia. Which a lot of our vets have here,” said Solheim.

“After 9/11, I decided someone needed to take care of these people when they came back so they didn’t end up like my brother. I wanted to help these young people coming back, especially when they come to this college.” Student veteran and actor in “The Bronze Star,” Anthony Vidales said of the Vet center, “there’s a brotherhood right there and a sense of welcoming.” Citrus College was named a GI friendly campus after the Veteran Center opened. Other campuses modeled the Citrus effort and created their own Vet centers. While still in the army, Solheim figured out his future plans one night when he was sitting in a history class listening to his professor tell a story. “I thought, ‘Man, if I could only do that for a living.’ I love telling stories. I can’t believe you get paid for that,” Solheim said. “Teaching is a two way street. It helps me; that’s how I learn. That’s part of the reason I love what I do.” Solheim took a sabbatical in spring 2012 to work on “The Bronze Star,” a play he co-wrote with Citrus professor Neil Weiss. It is based on a true story of a gay Vietnam veteran who struggled to find acceptance after the traumatic experience of war. “In order to do it, I had to learn how to write plays. I took classes here, playwriting and screenwriting and read many books.” Solheim said. “I had to tell the story somehow. “I think when you tell a story that means a lot to you personally and you tell it in a certain way, that other people get it and think it’s important too. It wasn’t just a play to entertain people, although I do think it was entertaining, but I wanted them to learn something from it.” The production was performed as part of the Veterans Theater Project, with real veterans working on the show. “It worked out really well. ‘The

Courtesy of Bruce Solheim

Bruce Solheim will be honored as a distinguished faculty member for the 2012-13 school year. Bronze Star’ helped veterans work through a lot of issues that they had in a safe place,” Solheim said. Student veteran, Frank Duran Chavez said, “acting in ‘The Bronze Star’ was very rewarding and I had an opportunity to work with other veterans and students from the Theater Arts department.” Vidales, of working with Solheim said, “He’s a great guy to work with. Him being a veteran as well as myself; we connect on another level. When it comes to what he does he’s very passionate and committed. He’s always looking out for the veterans, if we need any kind of help he’s there for us. It was an honor and a pleasure working with him and I hope that I can do it again someday.” “The Bronze Star” was one of seven nationally recognized plays that was featured in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, which is comprised of student performers from colleges and universities in California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada and Hawaii. “Plays are awesome because I get to use my historical training, my writing, working with people towards a common goal and working with the veterans,” Solheim said. Solheim is now writing another play. This one is set in Norway during World War II. Not only

Forestry program blooms

The program allows students to take part in preserving the environment. Chris Floch / Senior Writer

cfloch@ccclarion.com

Cole Petersen / Staff Writer cpetersen@ccclarion.com

or students who care about preserving our resources and sustaining them, the Wildlife Resources and Forestry program at Citrus College is your answer. The program consists of seven classes ranging from plant identification to wildland fire management. In as little as three semesters students are able to receive a certificate of achievement. Monica Rodriguez, president of the Earth Club and forestry student, 21, believes in the club because, “I want to preserve and conserve what we have. ” After high school Rodriguez was concerned about the earth’s resource problem and thought the solution was as simple as not cutting down trees.

“After taking Robert Goodman’s class, I learned that longterm sustainability is the goal,” she explained. Citrus College is one of the few community colleges to offer this program in California, and the only in southern California. Robert Goodman, who has been teaching the Wildland Resources and Forestry Program for the last 14 years, teaches most of the classes needed to complete the program. These classes are Intro to Forestry, Intro to Forestry Ecology, Plant Identification, Intro to Forest Recreation, Wildland Fire Management, Principles of Wildlife Management and Ecology, and Intro to Geographic Information Systems. After the completion of the program, Goodman hopes, “that my students will move onto a four-year college.” These colleges include Berkeley and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. These colleges are part of

the few universities that offer a forestry program. Christian Velasquez, 22, biology major, is currently trying to complete the program. Velasquez wonders why more aren’t involved with nature. “We live and go to school next to these beautiful foothills, its only natural we should learn about what makes them tick,” said Velasquez. Recently, forestry program students took a camping trip to Rainbow Basin Natural Area. Just minutes from Barstow, they hiked the scenic canyons and explored bat caves. After completing the program, former forestry students have been accepted into the fire academies and the EMT programs. Many students take the program to be more aware, and gain a new appreciation for the environment. If a tree falls in the woods, they’re the ones that hear it.

will Solheim be exploring his Norwegian roots, but he will also be getting veterans from Citrus to work with veterans from Norway. The military is made up of young people. “It’s a shame. I think of all those young people. 8,000 have died in Iraq and Afghanistan and 55,000 have been injured and they’re all in their 20s. They had lives ahead

of them. What could they have done if they had they lived?” “Those kinds of things weigh heavily on me when I think about it, so that motivates me to try to do something,” he said. “I can’t stop war but I can certainly help the people that come back. “ Solheim will be honored at graduation on June 15.

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

Editor: Jo Jamison

jjamison@ccclarion.com

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

arts & entertainment

Explore fine Mediterranean cuisine at Waffa’s Kitchen Food lovers pining for fresh flavor close to campus need look no further than nearby at Waffa’s Kitchen. Sarah Bujanda / Staff Writer sbujanda@ccclarion.com

s your appetite calling for something out of the ordinary? If so, you’re in luck. Less than a mile away you’ll find a taste of the Mediterranean at Waffa’s Kitchen. With all the study abroad fever going around, students may be pleased to discover that their taste buds can explore international cuisine even if stuck on campus. Located in Glendora at 221 W. Foothill Blvd, Waffa’s Kitchen has been in the Citrus neighbor-

hood for five years and is owned and operated by none other than a sweet woman by the name of Waffa Massih. Waffa cooks up a selection of family dishes straight from her native Lebanon. On her menu, Waffa offers a variety of savory Mediterranean style meals and authentic Lebanese appetizers and baked goods. Waffa’s Kitchen is a modest establishment that offers dine-in or ready-to-go options. Menu items range in cost from $8-$12 and are listed as “meal plates,” which come with sides of rice pilaf, salad, house-made hummus and pita bread. Whether you’re a meat lover or vegetarian, Waffa’s Kitchen offers menu choices for both prefer-

ences, which include beef, chicken, shrimp and falafel. For those of you who are unfamiliar with falafels, they’re little fried balls formed out of mashed chickpeas and spices. Opting for variety during my visit to Waffa’s, I decided to try the shrimp kabob plate and the beef shawarma sandwich. Marinated in Mediterranean spices and seasoned to perfection, the shrimp was soft, yet firm with the right amount of crispness in every bite. The beef shawarma sandwich consists of marinated strips of filet mignon and was wrapped in warm pita bread with lettuce, tomato, pickled turnip and a special Mediterranean sauce. The meat was tender, the lettuce crisp, and the

Taylor Zepeda Citrus College Clarion

The Citrus Singers are scheduled to perform May 17 at the Haugh Performing Arts Center.

Citrus Singers across the globe The Citrus Singers prove that hard work and dedication will broaden horizons above and beyond. Katherine Newman / Staff Writer knewman@ccclarion.com

eing a Citrus Singer can be fun. It also requires commitment. Being a member of the Citrus Singers is not a casual experience, being a Citrus Singer is a lifestyle. “They’re extremely busy and extremely commited,” said director Doug Austin. “You cannot do any less than 100 percent.” The conservatory involves four courses, including chamber singers, one-on-one lessons; offered in applied music, and two performance and rehearsal dance classes. Citrus Singers are truly “full-time” committed art students. Singers go through a rigorous audition process and if a member is selected, they are part of the Singers for a yearlong commitment. The entirety of the program lasts three years, during which performers sing at various venues around the world. Since the school does not pay for their travels, they sell tickets to

“They’re extremely busy and extremely commited. You cannot do any less than 100 percent.” -Doug austin

Director of the Citrus Singers their shows and rely on donations. They also fundraise to make the money to travel for their performances. Student director Kevin Gasil, a third year singer, assumes a leadership role in the group. He is the second in the chain of command after director Doug Austin. “It’s a great program because they expect you to commit so much of your life so we’re here at least three to four hours a day. I’m committing a lot to this program so I need to be doing the best that I can do,” Gasil said. “They’re great people. They’re intelligent and developing a passion for their future.” Brittany Tangermann, a second year singer, says that “it’s hard but it’s fun.” She knows a thing or two about commitment. She travels from Torrance, Calif. to Citrus

College everyday. Last year she took the bus everyday for a threehour commute. This year’s focus for the Singers is musical theater. During spring break, the students went to New York to perform classical choral concerts in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, attended Broadway shows, and did workshops with Broadway performers. Next year the focus will be on classical music and the performers will travel to Europe. Last year they went to Italy for two weeks and visited Florence, Rome, and Milan. The third year is pop music. They will contract with one of the five-star resorts in Hawaii and the Singers will perform there. The Citrus Singers are scheduled to perform in the Haugh Performing Arts Center on May 17 at 8 p.m. and May 19 and 20 at 2 p.m. This year, the annual performance by the Singers will include a Grease medley, an 80s medley, a salute to Motown, and an assortment of contemporary hits, including country music artist Josh Turner’s 2007 hit, “Firecracker.” It’s just a good time, a lot of fun,” said choreographer John Vaughan. “It’s two hours of escapism.”

Sarah Bujanda Citrus College Clarion

The shrimp kabob meal plate at Waffa’s Kitchen in Glendora is the prime example of a tasty and nutritious balanced meal. pickled turnip added just the right tang of vinegar, pleasantly offset by the sweetness of the tomatoes. By offering food that is “authentic, healthy, and delicious” according to their slogan, Waffa’s

Kitchen is a perfect choice for a balanced carry-out meal. Waffa’s hours of business are Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

CLARIONspotlight

Shannon Walker (Ginette) and Anthony Caudillo (Pete) compare their relationship to a snowball in the prologue of “Almost Maine.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Ann Mateo (Sandrine) and Ruben Helm (Jimmy) reminisce about their past in Scene 2: SAD AND GLAD.

Amanda Villegas (Glory) and Richard Lozoya (East) meet unexpectedly under the night sky in Scene 1: HER HEART.

Ashley Helm (Marvalyn) and Marquise Williams (Steve) discuss feeling quite literally in Scene 3: THIS HURTS.

When the stars align Melanie Gudino /Managing Editor mgudino@ccclarion.com

Christopher Floch/ Staff Writer cfloch@ccclarion.com

Jessica Bernal (Rhonda) and Nicholas Murphy (Dave) realize that they are more than just friends in Scene 8: SEEING THE THING.

alling snow and the northern lights was a great setting for humor, magic and love on May 3 at the Haugh Performing Arts Center. Citrus College’s theater arts department’s production of “Almost, Maine” was a heartwarming story that reminds everyone that love, in all stages, is a miracle. The play takes place on one Friday night in the territory known as Almost, Maine. A collection of vignettes offer a glimpse of the triumphs and perils of love from different stand points. A rule of acting is to show not tell. For instance Kirbie Puestow, who plays Gayle, leaves giant red bags which represents her love at her boyfriend Lendall’s doorstep. “I’m getting all the love you gave me,

and I’m giving it back to you,” she declared. The play was written by John Cariani, and directed by Citrus professor Cherie Brown. The scene of the night was Her Heart. Glory, as played by Amanda Villegas, must see the northern lights to honor the memory of her dead husband. The chemistry and sporadic energy of Glory and East, as played by Richard Lozoya, raised the stakes, and had us at the edge of our seats as East tries to fix Glory’s broken heart. “Almost, Maine,” which was first produced in Portland, Me., in 2004, and had a short Off Broadway run in New York in 2006, is also characterized by a series of sudden, unexpected first kisses” in a review of The New York Times. The crew and production staff assembled a beautiful starry skyline. Also, the sound effects matched up flawlessly.

Aaron Bess (Randy) and Anthony Garcia (Chad) realize they have a close bond in Scene 5: THEY FELL.

Photos by Cristian Manrique and Cole Petersen

Mey Dimowo (Marci) and Kevin Figueroa (Phil) argue about their relationship in “Almost Maine” Scene 6: WHERE IT WENT.

Kirbie Puestow (Gayle) and Taylor Stone (Lendall) exchange their love in Scene 4: GETTING IT BACK.

Brittany Sanchez (Hope) and Gahren Markarian (Danny) realize they have a history in Scene 7: STORY OF HOPE.

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

Editor: Melanie Gudino mgudino@ccclarion.com

FORUM

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

SEX AS A WEAPON Christian Rodriguez

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is let go. David Tate / Editor-in-Chief clarioneic@ccclarion.com

t was one of the worst feelings I’ve ever had. We had been talking for four months, officially dating for two. I was sprung. Infatuated. In love. Whatever you want to call it. For a while, so was she. Then she started to drift away. I didn’t know what to do. She started talking to other people. An ex. A high school love interest. The end was coming, and soon. I didn’t want to acknowledge it. Not fully, anyway. We separated, we patched things up. Then we went on a “break”—still talking, still sleeping together. We couldn’t have been further apart. I should have ended things then. I tried to, halfheartedly. I started to make myself emotionally unavailable. The hours-long conversations we had every night became shortened and sporadic, the hundreds of text messages exchanged every day dwindled down to single digits. She noticed. She was always observant. “Why can’t we talk like we used to?” she asked one night. “Because we’re not together,” I said. A four-word copout. A lie. “Fine,” she replied. A one-word death knell. The truth. One thing was keeping me around. The thing that cuts deeper than any knife could. The thing that pulls two people together closer than any magnet—and the thing that can repel them even further apart. A week later, I bought a motel room for us for two hours. A week after that, she walked right past me without saying a word. I called her. She said she was leaving me for her ex. I wished her the best, but the usually pleasant-sounding words came out harsh and strained as they navigated their way around the rapidly expanding pit in my stomach. “I hope everything works out for you,” I said, somehow sounding even more disingenuous than I had over the past few weeks. Could she hear teeth grinding as my jaw clenched? The sound of knuckles cracking as my hand balled into a fist? “I don’t think we should talk anymore,” she said. She knew. I hung up. We haven’t said a word since. The hurt that comes with being left has now dulled to the occasional ache, but I don’t think it’ll ever go away. I don’t want it to. I deserve it. It reminds me of what I did wrong. I was using her for sex, and now she was gone.

hen we broke up the first time, I fought to get her back. When things started getting rocky the second time, I took the easy way out. It’s not something I’m proud of. I saved myself some pain by keeping her at arm’s length, and I honestly think that she would have left me anyway. But what I can’t do honestly is look myself in the mirror and say, “David, you did everything right. It’s not your fault.” That hurts more than anything. Still does. At first I tried to forget about what happened, but anybody who remembers a difficult breakup knows how impossible that is. For example, in December she introduced me to the song “Thrift Shop.” Now I wake up every morning hoping this is the day the DJs run Macklemore out of town. (Ryan Lewis can stay). I found myself struggling with the decisions I made; yet I couldn’t find a way to deal with it. The coping found me. At the beginning of April, I interviewed Lisa Wade, the chair of the sociology department at Occidental College. Wade was hosting a workshop titled “The Promises and Perils of Hook-Up Culture.” While I didn’t think it applied to me, Wade said something that forced me to reconsider: “On campuses where there’s a [dormitory] life, there seems to be the idea not that you can have casual sex if you want, but that sex should be casual,” Wade told me for the April 3 edition of the Clarion. “That’s a really new thing.” The statement hit home. “This isn’t just happening to me,” I thought to myself. “This is going on everywhere, and it isn’t good.” I wasn’t so much concerned with the whys and hows this phenomenon was occurring. I just wanted to know how to prevent anybody else from making the same mistakes I had. But it started with me. So when I went to interview Human Sexuality professors Rick Brown and Jim Skalicky for this article, I decided to pay special attention.

ick Brown: The impact that [sex] can have on a relationship can really, really destroy someone. Unintentionally, let’s say some young guy who’s wanting to have some fun ends up destroying a life for someone who viewed a relationship in a different way. It would be for selfish reasons, but [the damage done] is entirely unintentional. Jim Skalicky: That which you try to control, ends up controlling you. RB: You sound like a guru. JS: It is guru material, if I do say so myself. But it is a solid statement . . . because

you can’t control love, you can’t control sex. When you’re trying to use sex as a weapon, you’re obsessed with the person, you’re trying to get the person to do this and that. It just doesn’t work. It depends though. Sometimes you can withhold sex and use that as a weapon, or you can demand too much sex . . . almost like a bartering tool. I’ll give you another clichéd statement that I like to use. Traditionally—this is a stereotype, I know—women use sex to get love, and men use love to get sex . . . but when you’re using sex as a weapon, you’re playing a game. RB: A game you intend to win. JS: But remember, when you play a game, there’s always a winner and a loser. That’s why games shouldn’t be part of a real meaningful relationship. You want to move from game playing to real understanding, [to get to] where you don’t know where one person starts and the other one ends . . . When people first meet, it’s like tit-for-tat, keeping score—you do this and I’ll do that . . . But ultimately, when you’re in a real loving relationship, it’s flowing with things that you do [for your partner] without even thinking about it.

hese guys were good. Too good. I felt like they’d been hiding in my windows. I couldn’t take all the blame for our breakup, but my own blame was inescapable. I had tried to control someone. I tried to manipulate them. And I was the big loser in all of this. She had rebranded herself as a phoenix, a mythological bird that rose from the ashes of fires. Did that make me the ash? No. I wasn’t going to let this happen again. By me, or to me. The best way to do that was to understand why I did what I did, because once I could identify it, I could prevent it. At first, I thought I wasn’t able to let go purely for selfish reasons—that I wanted to hold on to something that wasn’t there anymore. But somewhere along the way, the reasons changed. Skalicky helped me find out why I—and others—have used sex as a weapon. “Your generation suffers from communication problems, so there’s nowhere for intimacy to develop,” Skalicky said. “If the sex becomes just a one-night stand or a commodity, when does [someone] learn how to really communicate and have intimacy?” “The idea of being able to be intimate and being vulnerable to another human being [is good]. I make myself vulnerable to you and you’re vulnerable to me, then we grow and learn within our emotions,”

Skalicky continued. “If it’s just a one-night stand, the sex doesn’t mean anything. It’s no different from looking at pornography. What does that say about the development of that human being? What kind of [parent] is that person going to be?” “You always have to focus on the value of the relationship and what it means. Ask, ‘Am I losing this potential relationship by making it so cheap?’”

rown and Skalicky also agreed that the targets of sexual abuse are more prone to use sex as a manipulative tool. Often, if victims keep quiet, their abusers will give them gifts for their silence. It’s not that much of a jump to see how the psychological effects can carry over into the adult relationships of child abuse victims. “It also has to do with self-esteem,” Brown said. “[Child abuse victims] don’t believe that they can have what they want any other way, which leads them to use sex as a weapon . . . self-esteem issues can almost always be traced back to childhood trauma.” Skalicky mentioned that he hoped the readers of this article would be able to see the signs of sex manipulation in either themselves or their significant others. The sooner one can recognize and stop it, the easier it is to recover from the symptoms, he said. “It’s more important for you to be the right person, than to find the right person,” Skalicky said. That is so essential to your sense of self-worth, to who you are. It means valuing yourself. It doesn’t mean being narcissistic, it means really having a sense of being centered and confident.” Brown agreed, but also observed that one can find self-worth in more than one place. “It goes kind of against common sense, that you have to learn to love yourself before you can love someone else . . . [but] I think you can learn to love yourself through the eyes of another as well,” Brown said. “The foundation of a relationship should be nurturing. That’s just the most important thing,” he said. “Today it doesn’t matter who you are. The nurturing aspect will take the relationship to another [level], and then there’s no room for sex as a weapon. It should never be used as a weapon.” Consider this writer disarmed.

Want to learn more about sex, relationships, and intimacy, or have a question for the WWB? Follow @WWBenefits on Twitter. We might feature your response in our next article.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

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Editor’s Corner: Ban the bombs 2013 Editor’s note: A version of this column ran on the author’s website April 15, 2013. David Tate / Editor-in-Chief clarioneic@ccclarion.com

knew today was going to be an important day before it started—at least for me. It was the first day of spring break, and coming off a five-day conference/spiritwalk I had no plans on stopping. On the work end, today was the day I planned on starting my blog. I’ve had a sort of vendetta against starting one since I thought the open accessibility meant the Internet was going to be full of idiots writing idiot things. But since I’ve started writing, I’ve realized that media credentials do not cure idiocy. Even at the highest level of journalism. And having chosen to make a career in a field that (should) value honesty above all others, I’m not ashamed to admit that sometimes I get caught up in the media cycle of events. As a result, some of my passions and flag-waving over the years have dwindled. It happens to all of us. But some events—the ones that connect with us, the ones that makes us think—those are the events that make me want to get a flag tatted across my chest. “Wow, that could’ve been me.” —those are the events that make me want to get a flag tatted across my chest.

The Boston Marathon bombing is one of those events. It could’ve happened to me at any Laker, Dodger, or Niner game. Though after I first heard the news, my feelings were all buried under an intense, seething layer of frustration. I came to the realization that as humans, we are always going to do this to each other. We’ve been on this planet for thousands of years, evolving and ever changing, yet as a species we will never advance past our baser natures, even when the lives of many innocents are at stake. As we become more and more advanced, there is no evidence in the annals of our history to contradict the fact that we will kill this Earth long before it’s engulfed by our dying Sun in 4 billion years. The frustration came not from this realization, but the fact that I can’t do anything to prevent this. What flag should I ink on the pecs? “Ban the Bombs 2013”? As the day progressed and I had more time to process my thoughts, new perspectives helped me maintain. A friend mentioned that despite the tragedy of the events, if nothing else it brings us all back to reality. We are no better than anyone else. We can all be touched by senseless violence and destruction in any country, at any time. When an isolated bombing by possible foreign terrorists can place such a sense of shock in me, I can only imagine how terrifying sanctioned,

McClatchy-Tribune Media Services

scheduled attacks can be to Middle Eastern civilians. Secondly, a Patton Oswalt quote fleshed out my flag’s design. “This is a giant planet and we’re lucky to live on it but there are prices and penalties incurred for the daily miracle of existence,” Oswalt wrote on Facebook. “One of them is, every once in awhile, the wiring of a tiny sliver of the species gets snarled and they’re pointed towards darkness.” “But the vast majority stands against that darkness and, like white blood cells attacking a virus, they dilute and weaken and eventually wash away the evil doers

and, more importantly, the damage they wreak. This is beyond religion or creed or nation. We would not be here if humanity were inherently evil. We’d have eaten ourselves alive long ago.” While I still think it’s going to be that one idiot with some semblance of power and a stockpile of bombs who turns the planet into a permanent post-apocalypse movie (here’s looking at you Kim the Younger), I know I’m one of the good. I had to mediate one of the most difficult situations I’ve ever been in over the weekend, but that’s also helped me see how easy it is to do wrong and how impor-

tant it is to do good. I will embrace the good and the good people in my life. I will try to make them better. I will appreciate what I have, and I will not be complacent or lazy or ungrateful. I will live. But right now, I’m going to pray, pour up, and pour one out for Boston. After writing this, the frustration is gone. Now I’m just sad.

davidtate.kinja.com

Letters to the editor: Trustee denies accusations Editor’s note: On March 19, Citrus College Faculty Association president John Fincher presented the Board of Trustees with evidence he claimed proved Trustee Gary Woods did not live in Azusa, his city of residence. On May 7, the board voted 3-2 to form a committee to investigate these claims. Woods was one of the dissenting votes. From: Gary L. Woods Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 Subject: May 7, 2013 Citrus Board Meeting

thought you might be interested in my response as to why I voted in favor of the Board obtaining legal counsel regarding my residency at the April 2, 2013 Board meeting, and why I will vote against forming a committee to investigate my residency at the May 7, 2013 Board meeting. In regard to the first issue, I do not agree with spending taxpayer’s dollars in obtaining legal counsel because there are agencies that are in place that handle these matters such as the District Attorney’s Office and the courts, and I do not believe that the board has jurisdiction to pursue this matter. However, I voted in favor of the motion to obtain legal counsel to render an opinion regarding residency since I have nothing to hide in this matter. In regard to the May 7, 2013 Board meeting, I will vote against the motion that authorizes the Board to form an ad-hoc committee to consider the issue of residency, gather facts and prepare a report which may include a recommendation for action because

I do not agree with giving the Board powers that they are not legally entitled to. The members of the Board were elected and given the powers necessary to govern educational and financial matters regarding the Citrus College. They were never given judicial or subpoena powers to be the judge, jury or executioner over another elected official. Azusa is where I live, and I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this wonderful community for 32 years. This is where I receive my mail, I have my telephone, pay my utilities, my driver’s license and car registration is here and I have voted in every election for the past 32 years in Azusa. I have a partnership interest in several properties in Southern California, which has no relevance to where I reside, they are simply investments. At the Citrus Board meeting on April 2, 2013, several people testified that they wanted the Board to hire legal counsel regarding this issue. However, not one of those speaking lived in my trustee area except one, who resides in Azusa, and that person testified that he has known me for the past 32 years, he has telephoned me at my residence many times and discussed Azusa issues with me, and

that I have been an excellent representative for Azusa. He further stated that I have attended several yearly Azusa community events, served on the Oversight board for the City of Azusa, and that I have always attended all the Citrus Board meetings and the Oversight Board meetings. I believe that the accusations are just politicking by the union president, John Fincher, who supports the board majority and the President/Superintendent Geraldine Perri. John Fincher receives thousands of taxpayer dollars in release time to pursue an agenda. A big issue has been the President/ Superintendent’s compensation package. What they are trying to do is to create a smokescreen for the President’s lavish contract. To me, it is just a political ploy, and they are not real happy with my opposition to that compensation package. Geraldine Perri’s four-year compensation package includes a $40,000 yearly moving allowance and 47 vacation days which she is now allowed to cash out at approximately $1,000 per day, or $47,000 per year. In the four-year compensation package, Geraldine will receive a 4% automatic salary

Gary Woods

increase each year for four years, which amounts to approximately $251,000 in the fourth year of her contract plus the yearly moving allowance increase of $40,000 and the $47,000 vacation days for a total of $338,000 annual compensation. If you add fringe benefits to the $338,000, Perri receives a $12,000 annual car allowance, over $12,000 in yearly life-time paid medical insurance, the District and State must put in 13% toward her pension which amounts to over $32,000 per year, and she receives $12,000 per year for general expenses. These fringe benefits amount to approximately $76,000

per year, and if they are combined to the $338,000 it amounts to approximately $414,000 per year. This is more that the President/Superintendent of the largest community college in California receives, and I might add that is more than the Vice President of the United States receives. This is appalling, considering the economic times causing the loss of classes to the detriment of the students, and the faculty receiving a 2% raise for only one year while Perri receives an automatic annual increase of 4% for the next four years. Dr. Gary Woods Trustee, Citrus College

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Wednesday, May 8, 2013

citruscollege

Campus alert system needs an overhaul If safety is a top priority, it’s time to make some changes.

andy Hook, Virginia Tech and Columbine are all members of a club that no school ever wants to join. The ugly truth is that no place is ever fully safe, including our own campus. After every school shooting it is guaranteed that we will hear those five dreaded words: “It could have been prevented.” But, while it’s nearly impossible to keep a deranged, weapon-carrying psychopath from striking, it is possible to reduce the number of casualties with an emergency alert system. In fact, in March of 2012, a jury found Virginia Tech guilty of failing to issue timely warnings to students during the 2007 shooting in which 33 people were killed. The civil suit filed by the parents of two of the deceased victims claimed that had an all-campus warning gone out immediately, instead of two hours after the shooting started, many lives might have been saved. You’re probably thinking right now that sending such an important warning two hours after the event took place is ridiculous. Too bad a similar scenario took place at Citrus College on Feb. 20, the first day of the Spring 2013 semester, albeit this resulted with no real threat to anyone. To recap: the Student Services Building was put on lock down after an Azusa Pacific University student reported seeing a person wearing a hoodie and possibly car-

rying a gun. Nobody matching that description was found. But many of the students and staff on campus at the time had no clue what was happening, and the resulting confusion was a warning sign that the current emergency alert system at Citrus College needs a big fix. The cellphone, text and email notifications went out nearly two hours after the incident took place. Even APU students knew that we were on lockdown before most Citrus students did. Unfortunately, many Citrus students have not bothered to sign up to receive Citrus Alert messages, and those who have often do not get notification until long after the event is over. A quick safeguard comes in the form of a new campus safety app: LiveSafe. Available on smartphones, the app was developed by Virginia Tech shooting survivor, Kristina Anderson. Anderson was a Virginia Tech sophomore when the 2007 mass shooting took place. She suffered two gunshot wounds to the back and one to the foot. Since then, she has dedicated her time to raising awareness for campus safety. The free LiveSafe app, scheduled for release on iTunes in midMay will inform students of on campus emergencies. By connecting the students to campus security, the app will allow information to be shared instantaneously. With the LiveSafe app, students will be able to record crime scene photos, videos and audio and submit them anonymously to public safety officials. Using data or Wi-Fi, push no-

Christian Rodriguez

tifications and emails will be sent directly to campus security. The app will be made available for Apple iOS and for Android operating systems. Additionally, if you take a look around your classes, you’ll notice a fire alarm box located somewhere on the wall. In case of a fire, a strobe light flashes and the box emits an incredibly loud and annoying sound. Since the existing fire alarm system cannot be used as a multifunctional alert system because of fire department regulations, an easy upgrade would entail installing a new alarm box in all classrooms and bathrooms. Picture the second alarm box with a different colored strobe light without the sound that could be activated when the school is ordered to go on lockdown. Much like the current fire alarms in place, this additional system will flash continuously until Campus Safety and

the Glendora Police Department deem the situation to be safe. The most expensive safety measure Citrus should consider is to install surveillance cameras at strategic locations throughout campus. Though some may find the cameras to be invasive, they would be the best way to have eyes on parking lots and neighborhood street boundaries at all times. Surveillance cameras could be aimed at public spaces so as not to intrude on the reasonable expectations of privacy. In case of criminal activity, Campus Safety would be able to look back through the video and release timely news updates as well as information on persons of interest. Schools affected by shootings have taken similar precautions, proving you can never be too safe. Yes, the chances of a shooting taking place on our campus seem pretty slim. But are you willing to bet your life that it won’t happen?

Don’t let MOOCs become the standard Massive online courses could potentially hurt the educational system in several different ways.

assively open online courses have been the new hot topic in education, but their enormity will cause the classes to fail before their potential is fully developed. MOOCs are experimental large-scale online courses aiming at interactive participation and open access through the web. In addition to traditional course materials such as videos, readings, and problem sets, MOOCs provide interactive user forums that help build a community for students, professors, and teacher assistants. Although MOOCs sound great in theory, many problems still need to be addressed. Online classes are for the student who knows how to manage their time. Students need to make their own schedule to study a subject and not fall behind. The problem is most people do not know to handle their time. In Fall 2012, statewide distance education had a success rate of 61 percent while traditional classes

had success rate of 71 percent. All of the small problems that online classes have are increased tenfold when MOOCs are involved. Verification is one of the more challenging aspects of having MOOCs. With thousands of students per course, it’s hard to know if the work being turned in belongs to the enrolled student. A student can pay their smart friend to do their English course for them, the teacher has no basis to know if this is truly someone’s work. Teachers cannot take on thousands of students and expect them to pass. With so many students, how is Mr. Thompson supposed to notice that Becky is falling behind in his class? He doesn’t. The student has to be solely responsible for the course they take. Educators help students when they see them struggling, but you cannot see struggle through a screen. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, out of 35,000 students that were enrolled in a MOOC, only 2,500 students passed the class. Less than 10 percent of students had a passing grade. This statistic shows that MOOCs are not effective. Hybrid classes seem to be getting it right by combining online

Christian Rodriguez

courses with traditional courses. Students get to learn from a tool that has been available most of our lives, while still getting the help and interaction from a teacher. The most promising MOOC so far are the San Jose State pilot programs available for credit that started in January. The courses are open to San Jose students and local high school students. One program has the university working with Udacity, a company co-founded by a Stanford professor. The program has round the clock online tutors that are hired and trained by the company and

hopes to help more students complete three fully online basic math courses. Early signs seem promising, so in the summer, Udacity and San Jose State are expanding the classes to 1,000 students and adding courses in psychology and computer programming. Tuition for courses are $150. MOOCs do not have the proper structure to succeed yet. The idea is there, but nothing is holding it up. Online classes have the potential to be a big portion of our future education, but not until its many problems are fixed.

clarion Editor-in-Chief David Tate Managing Editor Melanie Gudino Design Editor Sasha Winterer Art Director Cheyne Ellett Photo Editor Javier Galaviz Forum Editor Melanie Gudino Spotlight Editor Sasha Winterer A&E Editor Jo Jamison Sports Editor David Tate Senior Writers Chris Floch Cristian Manrique Staff Writers Sylvia Aparico Alyssa Bujanda Melissa Manghisi Katherine Newman Cole Petersen Page Designers Sarah Bujanda Priscilla Dela Cruz Adrianna Noyes Christian Rodriguez Corey Sims Steven Solis Field Reporters Alexandria Quinones Marina Vidrio Instructional Assistants Stacy K. Long Emily Rios Adviser Margaret O’Neil The Clarion is produced by journalism students and is distributed every other Wednesday during the semester. Ads are not endorsed by the Clarion. Editorials are the opinion of at least 75 percent of the Editorial Board. All other opinion is that of the writer. Views expressed do not represent those of the adviser, faculty, administration, Associated Students of Citrus College and/or CCCBOT. Libel will not be published. The Clarion welcomes feedback from our readers. If you have any gripes, questions, or comments ... we want to hear from you! Send your letters in at ccclarion.com/letters. All correspondence must include your student ID#, major and signature. Letters may be edited for content.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Photo Tech: Javier Galaviz jgalaviz@ccclarion.com

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Art Ball, Nina Alas and Anthony Clinton of the Performing Arts Department bust a move during their hip-hop dance showcase.

CITRUS

Hot Shooter Kelly Sands, math major, enjoys craps in the Campus Center on Day 1 of Citrus Palooza.

Photos By Javier Galaviz

Jose Mendez, 29, architecture major, flexes his artistic muscle at a live graffitti exhibition.

PALOOZA Ednuel Band members Eric, Jake, Essence and Josh impress the crowd at the festivities’ opening.

At this year’s annual Springfest celebration, the theme is Citrus Palooza. Highlighting music, dance & art, the Associated Students of Citrus College have gone all out to provide students with fun alternatives to just sitting around between classes. Still left on the week’s agenda are performances by more live DJs, Citrus’ Night Shift band and an extreme gaming truck on Wednesday. “Throwback Thursday” will include food trucks, a cliff hanger, and more live performances. Citrus Palooza is a great opporunity to meet new peers, as well as showcase the many talents of our eclectic community. The best part is, there are still two days left. Be sure to stop by the Campus Center before week’s end.

Citrus Professors Alfie Swan, Brian Waddington, and Denise Kaisler (left to right) join the fun as blackjack dealers during Casino Day in the Campus Center.