Clarion 10/9/13

27%

THE BIG NUMBER

Percentage of 19-25 year old’s in America without Health Insurance*

page 7

page 9

OBAMACARE Find out what it’s all about and if you qualify.

VOLLEYBALL Women’s Volleyball enters Western State Conference.

* Source: THE new York Times - Dated September 17, 2013

CLARION CITRUS COLLEGE

A First Amendment Newspaper

ccclarion.com

Declare a major or lose priority registration

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

vol lxX issue 4

Fighting Owls fall to Mounties 33-32

By Jessica Soto

Managing Editor • jsoto@ccclarion.com

G

et to the back of the line.

This is what 22 percent (approx.

2,800) of the currently 13,530 enrolled Citrus College students may be told if they fail to declare a major by Nov. 8.

“All students regardless of whether they are with DSPS, EOPS or veterans . . . will lose priority if they don’t declare an area of study. So it’s universal. It applies to everybody not just some groups.” said Gerald Sequeira, dean of admissions and records.

The Student Success Initiative (SSI) was signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Sept.

27, 2012. The SSI legislation began in order to discover a way to increase student success.

As a result, a 20-person task force was created and comprised of faculty, students and researchers.

This task force created a list of recommendations for colleges to follow in order to help their students succeed.

The Student Success and Support Program was Citrus College’s response to these recommendations.

The objective of Student Success and Support Program is to ensure that Citrus College students are given proper guidance and are assisted in achieving their educational goals.

Students must create an educational plan by the time they have accumulated 15 units or prior to the completion of their third semester, whichever comes first.

Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations states that, “failure to [declare an area of study] may result in a hold on a student’s registration or loss of registration priority.”

By law community colleges must put this regulation into effect by fall 2014. To get the ball rolling Citrus is enacting this policy beginning in winter 2013 to allow students - See Priority, pg. 3

Dillon Cooper Citrus College Clarion

Despite an extremely close contest, the Citrus College Fighting Owls lost the game in the final minutes on a 78-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The Owls would lose the game 33-32. The Owls will host Desert Oct. 19 at 1 p.m.

ASCC president faces accusations of misusing office for trustee election

By Sylvia Aparicio

Staff Writer • saparicio@ccclarion.com

O

ne of the five candidates for the Citrus College Community District Board of Trustees, Area 1 seat has accused the student body president of violating board policies.

In a letter to addressed to Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D., superintendent/president of Citrus College, Shawn Millner claims that Barbara Dickerson, Ph.D., who is also running for the Area 1 seat, has been using ASCC president Tyler Hernandez in campaign materials to promote her candidacy.

“Once I had read the letter, I realized that this is just a candidate’s way of trying to bring herself up while also bringing other candidates down,” said Hernandez.

“It’s not the kind of politics you want to see at a community college, but if that’s her choice, that’s her choice. I honestly have not taken any interest in what she said because I know for a fact there is no foundation for it whatsoever.”

The campaign materials in question are photographs of Dickerson and Hernandez that can be found on Dickerson’s social media pages.

In her letter dated Sept. 24, Millner

said that board policy BP 2716-Political Activity states that “members of the Board shall not use District funds, services, supplies, or equipment to urge the passage or defeat of any ballot measure or candidate, including, but not limited to, any candidate for election to the Board.”

Four photographs of Dickerson and Hernandez can be found on the “Dr. Barbara Dickerson for Citrus College Board of Trustees” Facebook page.

One of the photos, shows Dickerson posing with Hernandez at her campaign kickoff event. The other three photos show Dickerson on the Citrus College campus with Hernandez and various other students.

Hernandez said that while he did take photos with Dickerson, they were taken before he was elected ASCC president and furthermore, he was not endorsing her as a member of ASCC, but that it was his personal decision as a private citizen and voter.

Although Hernandez denies using his position to endorse the candidate, Millner insists that the photos constitute a conflict of interest.

In an email to the Citrus College Clarion, Millner said, “the fact that the ASCC (or the board of trustees) have not voiced any concern or an immediate retraction of the subject material i.e.

Courtesy of ASCC ASCC President Tyler Hernandez political campaign material, from candidate Dickerson’s campaign, raises the issue of whether or not Hernandez’s participation in the campaign was an individual preference or some other cause - a cause which is prohibited by law.”

In a written response to Millner’s allegations, Dickerson addressed a letter to the members of the Citrus College Board of Trustees and Dr. Perri.

“It is disappointing to learn that Ms. Millner is calling into question his (Hernandez’s) right to place his support individually where he chooses to do so,” Dickerson said.

- See ASCC, pg. 3

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Wednesday, October 9, 2013

QUOTE of the

ISSUE “There is no greater impediment to the advancement of knowledge than the ambiguity of words.”

-Thomas Reid

Announcements Hispanic Heritage Day

Renowned civil rights advocate and labor leader Dolores Huerta will be speaking in the Campus Center Oct. 9 at 11:30 a.m.

Anxiety Support Group

Learn to identify and cope with anxiety in a safe and supportive environment, hosted

by Stephen J. Avalos, M.F.T. Located in the Health Center Education Room inside the Student Services Building on Oct. 9 and Oct. 23 from 2:30-3:30 p.m.

For more information call (626) 914-8671.

News briefs

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

Local

State

Colleges fail to report sexual assaults

Legislation allowing non-citizens on juries: vetoed Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed legislation that would have allowed legal immigrants who are not citizens to serve on juries. Had the legislation passed, California would have been the first state in the nation to allow it, however the governor decided it was going too far. Brown has recently passed bills that provide driver’s permits and allows immigrants to practice law, but decided non-citizens on juries was too much. “Jury service, like voting, is quintessentially a prerogative and responsibility of citizenship,” Brown wrote in his veto message. Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont), was disappointed in the governors choice to veto saying, “I don’t see

anything wrong with imposing this civic obligation on immigrants who can spend the rest of their lives in the United States.” Democratic law makers feel that the passing of this legislation would have diversified the juries and allowed non-citizens facing trials to have a jury including their peers.

He also vetoed legislation the would require local city managers and city council members to go through training in financial management saying it would require too much money from the state and believes the cities should pay for it themselves.

Source: Los Angeles Times

National

Source: Los Angeles Times

Fall College Fair

Global

Meet with representatives from CSU’s, UC’s, private and out-of-state Universities.

Located on the Campus Center Mall on Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

U.S. Navy SEALs raid Somalia

College of Completion Fair

Faculty (instruction and counselors) will provide information to students regarding completion of their goals. Oct. 17 in the Campus Center Mall between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. alongside the CTC College Fair.

Great California Shake Out

The campuswide “Drop-Cover-and-Hold” earthquake drill is scheduled to take place on Oct. 17 at 10:18 a.m.

UC Personal Statement Pre-Writing Workshop

Get step-by-step instruction in a friendly group setting. Located in the Writing Cafe in ED 224 on Oct. 18 from 12:30-2:30

Women’s Self Defense Training

Project Sister is hosting a women’s self defense training session on Oct. 17 at 3:30-6 p.m. in AP 110.

Space is limited to 30.

To reserve an appointment, call the Student Health Center at (626)-914-8671.

Photo of the Issue

things Obama wants Boehner to take care of before other negotiations may be made. The federal government is due to hit the debt ceiling around Oct. 17. This would risk the first federal default in modern history. National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling said Obama was open to negotiations if Republican leaders first agreed to remove the threat of default. Boehner wants to attempt to extract budget concessions in return for a debt limit increase.

A failed U.S. Navy SEAL raid in Somalia was targeted at a Kenyan militant who had planned a string of terrorist attacks in East Africa that have been linked to one of the most notorious al-Qaeda operatives according to U.S. and Kenyan officials. The SEALs sought to capture Ikirima, the nom-de-guerre for Abdulkadir Mohamed Abdulkadir. The raid occurred at a beachfront compound in the southern Somali town of Barawa. U.S. forces came under heavy fire and withdrew in order to avoid civilian casualties. Ikrima aided in coordinating foreign fighters for the Somalia militant group, the alShabab. In 2011, he received support from alQaeda’s core leadership to carry out attacks on Kenyans targets and the United Nations office in Nairobi. Kenyan authorities say Ikrima was a senior leader in the Shabab, which claimed responsibility for the attack on a Nairobi shopping mall last month. Kenyans intelligence documents fail to indicate whether Ikirma or his associates were planning attacks outside Kenya. It is unclear why President Obama ordered the raid in Somalia when he did and U.S. officials declined to comment.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Source: Los Angeles Times

Obama confronts Speaker John Boehner about government shutdown During a visit to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Obama disputed Speaker John Boehner’s claim that there are not enough votes in the House to pass legislation that would reopen the government, unless Republicans win concessions from the White House first. “The truth of matter is, there are enough Republican and Democratic votes in the House of Representatives right now to end this shutdown immediately with no partisan strings attached. The House should hold that vote today,” Obama said. Reopening the government and addressing lifting the debt ceiling are the first

THE 1000 BLOCK

INCIDENT REPORTS Possession of Marijuana

Jessica Soto Citrus College Clarion

After a successful surgery and a positive diagnosis of her mother being cancer free, outside hitter for the Citrus volleyball team, Danielle Hundley, gives her mother a bouquet of flowers in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month before the Oct. 4 game against West L.A.

Due to federal investigations of their handling of campus sexual assaults, USC and Occidental College have disclosed that they underreported the number of cases in recent years, violating federal law. USC officials indicated that 13 accounts of sexual assault had not been reported to federal officials for 2010 and 2011. The disclosures could lead to penalties of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, Occidental is under investigation for violations of the Clery Act. USC and Occidental attributed their restated numbers to the mishandling of cases involving those who anonymously reported incidents. At both schools some students and professors are concerned that numbers will continue to be underreported. At USC the campus will no longer list its counseling center as a source of crime statistics. For students who want their sexual assaults included in crime statistics, they will have to inform designated campus safety.

On Sept. 10 at approximately 12:17 p.m. a Campus Safety officer was patrolling the north east side of the Performing Arts and Recording Technology building. While walking, the officer came across two suspects turning the corner in a hurry.

When the officer approached the suspects they became increasingly nervous and one was holding a wooden pipe and a lighter. When asked about what the suspect was holding the suspect stated that they were going to smoke marijuana. Both suspects provided Citrus College ID’s and one suspect stated that the marijuana was his and provided a Medical Marijuana Certificate that expired on Aug. 13 The suspect stated that he was not in possession of anymore marijuana but once told the repercussions of possession on campus the suspect presented excess marijuana he had in his backpack. The Glendora Police Department was contacted to cite the suspect for possession of marijuana. The GPD officer called the medical marijuana doctor’s office and the doctor’s office stated that they had no one with the suspects name on file.

Reports are provided courtesy of the Citrus College Campus Safety Department.

A report is not a statement of guilt.

Hit-and-run in S1 lot damages front end of vehicle

On Sept. 11 a Campus Safety Officer responded to the S1 parking lot regarding a hit-and-run. Upon arrival the officer met with the victim who stated that she had arrived on campus at approximately 8:20 a.m. She said she left her vehicle to go to class without paying attention to the vehicles around her car. When the victim returned to her vehicle at approximately 10:55 a.m. she found the damage done to her car. The damage to the vehicle was to the front bumper, headlights, license plate, and the hood. The hood was pushed up into a crease. A Glendora Police Department officer arrived to assess the damages and to interview the victim. The damage appears to have been caused by a truck or van that either backed into, or front ended the victims vehicle. The officer did not estimate the cost of the damages to the vehicle and there are no surveillance cameras in the S1 lot. There were also no witness to the crime. There is no further information regarding this incident at this time.

news ASCC President accused of misuse of power Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

3

“Nothing in my campaign materials reference the ASCC or Tyler’s role as an officer.”

-Barbara Dickerson

Area 1 Citrus College Board of Trustees candidate

Evan Solano Citrus College Clarion

AREA 1 board of trustee candidate Barbara Dickerson

Evan Solano Citrus College Clarion

Area 1 board of trustee candidate Shawn Millner

-ASCC, from pg. 1

Dickerson said Hernandez has been a family friend for years and has supported her candidacy not in his formal capacity as president of the Associated Students of Citrus College, but as a private individual, as did the other students captured in the pictures.

“Moreover, nothing in my campaign materials reference the ASCC or Tyler’s role as an officer of the ASCC. I have not received any funding from neither Tyler nor any of these students; they are after all students,” she said.

Robert Sammis, director of human resources said “the matter has been looked into and there is no evidence showing that ASCC funds or district funds were used to support the candidate.”

Millner states in her letter that ASCC

is recognized as the official voice for the students in the districts decision-making processes and may conduct activities if approved by the superintendent/president and it is not to conflict with the authority or responsibility of the board of trustees or its officers/employees (under the Education Code section 7054 and 7056 and Government Code section 8314).

According to Millner’s letter, violation of section 7054 can be classified as a misdemeanor or felony punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or by a fine not exceeding $1000, or by both.

“I don’t really expect there to be any results, there’s nothing to really come out of it,” said Hernandez. “Allegations were made, but they’re completely unfounded.”

Additionally, Millner requested clarification on who authorized Hernandez and/or ASCC to publicly support Dickerson and when it was authorized. She also asked for the Citrus College Board of Trustees minutes and/or agenda item checklist wherein Hernandez or ASCC requested to publicly support Dickerson, a complete listing of all activities conducted by Hernandez and/or ASCC in relation to Dickerson’s campaign, and a complete listing of any and all expenses paid by the Citrus College Board of Trustees and ASCC in support of Dickerson.

As for Hernandez, he says he is not worried and remains focused on business as usual.

“There’s really no need to worry about this,” he said.

“She can raise as many bells and whistles as she wants to, there’s really nothing to it.”

Priority registration Low voter turnout

affects local elections

By Scott Lewis

Staff Writer • slewis@ccclarion.com

C -Priority, from pg. 1

ample time to declare a major now or do more research on an area of study they may want to pursue.

The decision on whether to hold student registration or just require a loss of priority came from a workgroup, created by Arvid Spor, vice president of student services, that was comprised of representatives from each group recognized in Title 5.

This workgroup ultimately decided that students losing priority was the better option.

Students who have not declared an area of study will have received notification of this new policy via their Citrus email.

The faculty is taking steps to ensure that students are notified but students also need to take the initiative to check their Citrus emails and take the necessary steps to generate an educational plan.

Students will be urged by faculty and staff to visit the counselors in the Student Services Building, they may also be referred to the Career/Transfer

McClatchy-Tribune

Center where there are workshops to help hone in a students interests to one area of study.

Fears of declaring a major should be put to rest as students can in fact change their majors if they later decide its not the path they would like to take.

Counselors want the students to feel some reassurance. “They can change their minds mid-semester,” Lisa Villa, counselor and president of Academic Senate said. “The biggest urgency is just to get the word out. That’s the biggest priority is just making students aware.”

Students do not have to make an appointment with a counselor to declare a major.

There is only one form to fill out, it can be found online at citruscollege.edu or students can go to the Student Services Building and pick up a hard copy.

With a couple of checkmarks and a signature student can declare a major.

itizens living within Area 1 of the Citrus Community College District will be deciding their representative to fill the governing member seat for the board of trustees this Nov. 5.

Those residing in Azusa and parts of Duarte have five candidates to choose from for this highly contested seat which makes decisions for Citrus College, but time is running out to have a say in who holds the seat for the next four years.

The candidates for the voters to choose from are: • Barbara Ransom Dickerson • Cristina Cruz Madrid • Shawn Millner • Lorenzo Rios • Gary L. Wood The seat has been the focus of controversy this year as evidence has been provided that the incumbent Gary Woods does not actually reside within his constituency area, resulting with the website www.firegarywoods.com up and the California attorney general’s office being asked to investigate further.

It comes as no surprise that four other candidates have sprung up to try to replace the seat that’s been filled by Woods for the past 32 years, but they will have their work cut out for them due to a history low voter turnout in Azusa.

Earlier this year, Azusans were called to vote on a new mayor, treasurer, city council members and clerk with only 8.11 percent of the voting-age population showing up to cast their ballots.

* Source: “Statement of Votes Cast Election Results” --LAVote.net ** Source: “Election Results March 5, 2013” --ci.azusa.ca.us

Voter turnout in 2012 presidential general election shows nearly four times higher than March 2013 local elections for Azusa.

With only one measure being on the ballot this November, candidates and their supporters will need to generate buzz to first get people registered to vote and then to the polls.

Oct. 21 is the cut-off date for voter registration, where they will be sent a sample ballot in the mail with all of the information that will be available on voting day.

To check registration status, update voter information or register, citizens should go to www.LAVote.net.

Paper registration forms can also be picked up at local election offices, libraries, Department of Motor Vehicles offices or U. S. post offices.

Issue 5 of the Clarion will have a comprehensive introduction for each of the candidates in order to inform potential voters prior to their trip to the ballot box.

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

FEATURES

New bill could raise tuition on high demand courses

By Melissa Brooks

Staff Writer • mbrooks@ccclarion.com

T

he California Senate and Assembly have passed bill AB 955, authored

by Assemblyman Das Williams (D). AB 955 would allow California community college districts to offer additional sections of high-demand courses at an increased per-unit rate.

Participation in the proposed five-year pilot program during winter and summer intersessions is supposed to be voluntary.

However many campuses have had to reduce their course offerings in recent years due to budget cuts to the California Community College system.

The six campuses named in the Two-Tier Privatization Bill are: Solano College, College of the Canyons, Oxnard College, Pasadena City College, Crafton Hills College and Long Beach College.

Sponsors of the bill argued that AB 955 may be a way for serious students to access the highdemand classes they need to move on to obtain their degrees.

What this means for students at participating colleges is that during summer and winter sessions, high demand courses such as algebra and English would be offered at the non –resident rate of approximately $200 per unit, as opposed to $46 per unit.

Since these programs must be self-supporting, this fee increase would not be covered by Board of Governors fee waiver or Cal Grants.

It would be the participating community college district’s responsibility to use one third of the fees collected to assist those who would normally qualify for BOG grant money to cover this tuition.

Budget cuts of $809 million, or 12 percent, in the CCC system and reduction in course offerings 420,000 to 334,000 since 2008 are often blamed for the inability of students to complete their degrees in a timely manner.

The two-tier approach would allow participation only by community college districts where enrollment in these courses was at capacity for the preceding two years.

A ready analysis prepared by Jeanice Warden, principal consultant at California State Assembly, points out that researchers have raised concerns about California’s ability to meet workforce needs to sustain its economy.

It says that 3.5 million students will need to earn degrees in the next decade to keep up the pace and the California Community Colleges are key to meeting this need.

According to ASCC president Tyler Hernandez, just a few weeks ago the ASCC passed a resolution in support of AB 955.

“If there are students that are willing and able to pay for these classes at the non-subsidized rates, I think it is fully to their benefit to pass a bill that would create these programs,” Hernandez said.

“I really have no worries about [Citrus College] ever having to

go down that path, but if there are other schools in California that do have this issue, I’m glad it’s being addressed in a way that sustains itself.”

Opposition is strong as well.

Some students have protested saying it will create a two-tiered system of education that provides access for only those who can afford to pay.

Some fear that AB 955 could be the first step in the privatization of the California Community Colleges, which are meant to provide open access to all.

A spokesman for California Community Colleges, Chancellor Brice W. Harris, said that charging students different fees would compromise open access.

The CCC Chancellor’s Office is on record in opposition to AB 955.

California requires that any increase in fees be “gradual, moderate and predictable.”

Opponents to AB 955 argue that this would not be the case if these courses are offered at $200 per unit, when the programs begin in January 2014.

In its March 2013 report, The Public Policy Institute of California offered alternatives to solutions like AB 955.

It proposed that the legislature pursue more local parcel taxes, increase student fees, or charge more to those who can afford to pay more accompanied by aid to hold low-income students harmless.

The PPIC opined that the additional funding would be unlikely to make up for years of cuts.

Coming out day to be celebrated

By Caitlin Mercer

B

Staff Writer • cmercer@ccclarion.com

orn of the Oct. 11, 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, National Coming Out Day is a yearly show of pride for the LGBT community.

Gay Straight Alliance members will celebrate the day with an event on the Campus Center Mall, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “to show the campus how challenging it may be for some people [to come out], to share our stories with one another, and to celebrate the ability to be our complete selves,” said GSA co-president, Sara Acevedo, 25, sociology major.

Members will bear signs stating reasons why they were afraid to come out and why they are glad they did.

“Coming out is not only a terrifying and […] wonderful experience, it is also an ongoing one,” said Tyler Connolly, 21, psychology major and GSA co-president.

“Working with Citrus College GSA, I come out to people I meet on campus every day, but I’m still not out to some of my family.”

Openly lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals may now serve in the U.S. military with the Sept.

11, 2011 repeal of the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy.

One June 26, 2013, two major rulings by the Supreme Court opened pathways for recognition of same-sex marriages. (Repeal of part of DOMA and overturn of California’s “Prop 8.”)

With these advances in civil rights, one may well ask why NCOD is still relevant.

Recently, Stasha Phillips, 23, cosmetology major, and her boyfriend were waiting for the bus when a passing driver shouted a gay slur at them. “She made me feel terrible inside, not for who I am, but because of her ignorance,” said Phillips.

A study by the Center for American Progress found that more than half of all workers in the U.S. work in places where they are not protected from discrimination for sexual preference or gender identity. The recent Municipal Equality Index, (source Human Rights Campaign) reported only 11 cities

Artist Keith Haring

in the United States rate as fully inclusive for LGBT individuals.

For individuals, it’s not just about civil-rights. Family concerns may be more daunting.

“Teenagers are still afraid to come out to their parents for fear of judgment, being kicked out of their homes, or even violence,” said Connolly.

With continued activism by groups such as the GSA, changes are happening.

“I hope that one day my future children can wait for a bus without having a passer-by shout out such a derogatory word,” said Phillips.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

5

International Observe the Moon Night

By Scott Lewis

T

Staff Writer • slewis@ccclarion.com

he event for all humanity to look up and unite across borders and boundaries, known as International Observe the Moon Night or InOMN, falls on Oct. 12 this year.

Though no event will be held on campus of Citrus College, there is a live event in Monrovia by the Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers at the corner of Myrtle and Live streets.

Telescopes will be set up at sunset to allow the public to come by

and see the moon up close. For further details on the club and the local event, visit their site www.

OTastro.org Many resources are available so students can participate in this global event including the Phases of the Moon app by Universe Today.

With this app, users are not only able to see what phase the moon is in, but also what distance from Earth it is, when it rises and sets and how much of it is illuminated.

Phases of the Moon can be found on the Google Play Store or iTunes App Store.

6

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

SPOTLIGHT

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

EMERGING AMERICAN VOICES

From Beanie Babies to the Little Theatre

By Dillion Cooper

I

Sports Editor • dcooper@ccclarion.com

t’s not every day a story from your imagination is put out on display for the world to see, for one screenwriter; this fantasy is set to become reality. Deborah Daniels, 21, has always loved writing and telling stories, whether it be with her Beani Babies or on ink, she’s always had a passion for it.

“I’ve always been a story creator,” Daniels said. “Growing up we never had our own computer or our own TV or video games, we just had stuffed animals and Beanie Babies. I would play all day with them, making characters and creating stories.”

Graduating from Temple City High School in 2010, Daniels has explored all forms of writing from poetry, essays, novels, and now a screenplay.

“I escape whatever is going on in my life with fiction, that’s what I like to write,” Daniels said. “Everyone can relate to fiction.”

Having written a few novels, Daniels likes to dwell into the fantasy genre, creating a fantasy world with “crazy characters.”

When starting out with a screenplay, Daniels starts out with the characters because to her, they are the most important part.

“If your audience isn’t con-

nected with your characters, your story doesn’t really matter.

I have pages upon pages of indepth description of my characters backgrounds, what they look like, and how they relate to each other,” Daniels said.

Someone that has been there throughout the whole writing process of the screenplay is best friend Mercedes DeGuchy, 21.

DeGuchy and Daniels met at the casting of “The Bronze Star,” a production from Emerging American Voices.

“We have a lot of similar interested, when we met at casting, we clicked really fast,” DeGuchy said.

Daniels dedication to her characters and the extreme detail put into her work is easily visible throughout her writing.

“The way she writes is absolutely amazing. It makes you feel like you are in her writing.

The way she writes makes you visualize what is happening right in front of you,” DeGuchy said.

Theatre arts instructor and director of Daniels’ play is Neil Weiss.

Weiss has known Daniels since she first joined his theatre classes in the spring of 2012.

“Deborah’s style is very

creative in a very naturalist and realistic way,” Weiss said. “She has very complex ideas that she is able to make simple and understandable to the reader.”

Daniels is looking forward to seeing her screenplay come to life.

“To see your work be produced, is one of the coolest things ever. I was really jealous when they got chosen last year,” Daniels said.

Another perk of writing your own screenplay is getting to pick the cast.

“I enjoyed picking the cast, I think I hurt some feelings but I had a lot of fun,” said Daniels.

Daniels’ play is titled “Seven Deadly Sins” and will premiere Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 in the Little Theatre.

Athlete turned screenwriter follows new passion

By Jessica Soto

Managing Editor • jsoto@ccclarion.com

F

rom high school running back to college screenwriter, the progression of creativity has not gone unnoticed.

Chris McKinley, 20, is one of three screenwriters chosen from Neil Weiss’ screenwriting class to have his screenplay acted out for Emerging American Voices.

Emerging American Voices debuted two years ago and with its success Cherie Brown, professor of performing arts, decided to bring it back.

“This year I decided why not?

We’ll just do something really kind of guerrilla-esque,” Brown said.

McKinley began his theater career as an actor during his sophomore year at Arcadia High School and by his junior year he was accepted into advanced theater.

“I thought that if I could do this for the rest of my life, I would be a happy dude,” McKinley said.

McKinley’s script, titled “Life Unsettled,” focuses on David who has cancer and the play chronicles his life after his diagnosis until before his death.

McKinley decided to base David’s character on his own life. Growing up McKinley led a sheltered life because his father was a bishop. His experiences as a child growing into adulthood with relationships are integrated into the plot.

As the saying goes: “You write what you know.” With this McKinley created a script that people could enjoy and laugh at.

“When Neil [Weiss] started

reading it, I remember he told me that if I wrote it correctly, that I could get it bought, and that was just money to my ears.” McKinley recalled.

The showcase is not about the costuming or stage direction, it is about the words and the raw emotion that the actors must portray in delivering their lines.

Each screenwriter has their own director, Ann Mateo, 24, is the director for “Life Unsettled.”

“I’ve watched [Chris] act, and I’ve always admired him,” Mateo said “you can see his acting style in his writing. Its just raw, thoughtprovoking and on the money all the time.”

The script has not been completed yet but there is constant progression and McKinley plans to film his movie once the script is complete and take it to the Sundance Film Festival.

“It started out as just an assignment,” McKinley said, “[but] not only is this a stepping stone but I want to take this as far as possible.”

Fortune cookies fortell screenwriter future

By Sarah Cha

Staff Writer • scha@ccclarion.com

F

ollowing advice from a fortune cookie may be a superstitious because the reality is . . . cookies crumble.

That is the premise of “Fortune Cookie,” a student-authored script that has been selected to be performed at the Citrus College Little Theatre on Oct. 30 at 2 p.m.

Alex Pinedo, 20, a child development major, is one of three beginning screenwriters featured in this year’s Emerging American Voices.

The Emerging American Voices is a project organized by the theatre arts program at Citrus that shows the work of student plays and scripts on stage.

Pinedo’s script was inspired by his personal experience, and the encouragement from a friend.

“I was getting lunch with a buddy of mine at a Chinese restaurant when he said ‘C’mon, you’re creative. You can write about anything,’” Pinedo said.

When the waiter came to the table with fortune cookies, his friend suggested writing about them.

“That gave me the idea of why someone would take the advice of fortune cookies, which helped me to write the story,” Pinedo said.

“The setting of the script takes place in my life,” Pinedo said.

It’s about a guy fresh out of college and trying to figure stuff out.”

“I wrote about everything I was afraid of,” Pinedo said. “Through writing about that, it was a little therapeutic. If I can write about this guy and everything turns out

ok for him, maybe things are going to be ok for me in the end.”

Pinedo found his love of writing and theatre through his childhood and education.

Pinedo tells the comical and inspirational story of Charlie, a disorganized, messy, and unlucky 20-year-old college graduate who depends on these cookies to lead him through his life and consequently finds himself in trouble.

Brandon Lozano, 21, plays Charlie.

“I feel really good about this because it’s something different,” Lozano said. “I’ve never done a comedy before, other than sceneacting work.”

Charlie’s witty, fun, and confident love interest Sam will be scripted by Damiane Riggs, 20, a theatre arts major.

“Everyone has had a Charlie moment in their life,” Riggs said.

Pinedo’s humorous script stood out among others to Cherie Brown, theatre arts professor and director of the Little Theatre.

“You don’t get very many romantic comedies from young people,” Brown said.

Brown has worked with the student screenwriters during rehearsals and has seen the students progress.

“This is a very personal script for Alex,” Brown said. “It’s the first time any actor is going to say any of these words, and it’s the first time Alex is going to hear his words, and so it’s a very unique, first-time experience.”

Life’s best or worst moments can happen in an ordinary day, the choice of what we do is up to us.

“You are in control of your own life,” Pinedo said. “Sit down and think about what you want to do instead of listening to what everyone wants you to do.”

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

Obamacare options for you

SPOTLIGHT

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

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By Sylvia Aparicio

Staff Writer • saparicio@ccclarion.com

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nrollment in the historic national healthcare program, commonly referred to as Obamacare, is currently underway across the nation.

In California, the individual health insurance exchange is Covered California, which features 14 private health insurers.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act aims to provide affordable health coverage for everyone. It is the biggest overhaul of the country’s healthcare system since congress passed Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.

The goal of Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange, is to provide reduced coverage costs and give equal access to quality health insurance regardless of one’s income or pre-existing medical conditions.

In order for Covered California, as well as the other 49 state and federal-run health exchanges to work, 18-34 year olds must enroll.

While many young adults may not think they need health insurance or argue that they cannot afford it, state and federal programs provide assistance.

While many young adults may not think they need health insurance or argue that they can’t afford it, state and federal programs provide assistance.

Robert Gudino, 22, math major, was involved in a motorcycle accident earlier this year. With no health insurance his medical bills totaled upwards of $20,000.

Gudino was lucky. Due to his income level the hospital informed him he qualified for a county administered program, Healthy Way LA. Current HWLA recipients will transition to Medi-Cal on Jan. 1, 2014, thanks to another provision of the ACA. “It’s there to help people who can’t afford to pay for their bills […] The program pays for all of the expenses,” Gudino said.

With Obamacare in place, young adults will be able to weigh their plan options and purchase health insurance at a low cost. By getting covered they will be able to seek professional medical attention without the fear of high medical bills.

Shauna Bigby, Student Health Center director, said, “I think it’s great that everyone will have coverage.”

She also stated that the new health care laws do not affect the Student Health Center, as it is funded by student health fees and other sources, not by insurance.

The law has also made it possible for many young adults who are unable to get coverage of their own, to stay on their parents’ plans until the age of 26. An estimated 15 million young adults have enrolled in their parents’ plans, according to the Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit research group.

Hillary Villeno, 19, communications major, is covered under her parents’ insurance, which helped her when she broke one of her toes during her senior year of high school.

“With their health insurance, I was able to cover my medical expenses for crutches and all of the things I needed to get better,” Villeno said.

The bill was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010, and has encountered resistance from conservative Republicans ever since.

Tea Party Republicans contend that the Affordable Health Care act is unconstitutional. However, on June 28, 2012, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that the ACA did in-fact meet constitutional muster and could continue to move forward.

Conservative House Republicans have caused a partial federal government shutdown in an attempt to defund Obamacare.

Opponents maintain that the implementation of the ACA with hurt the overall quality of health car, and result in a $570 billion hike in taxes, and increase in healthcare costs, a rise in insurance premiums, and that it will add over $500 billion to the national debt.

Under the Affordable Health Care Act, insurance companies are no longer able to deny coverage because of pre-existing medical conditions, including mental health conditions.

Obamacare put an end to certain types of coverage cancellations.

For example, if an applicant made an error on the application and later falls ill, his/her coverage cannot be dropped.

“Today [prior to the implementation of the ACA], health insurance companies can deny people if they had asthma, diabetes, cancer,” said Peter Lee, Covered California’s executive director, in an interview with ABC7, San Francisco.

“In this new world, under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies have to take everybody,” he said.

To be eligible for the exchange, one must be a legal resident of California and must not have access to employer-provided medical insurance.

Covered California will also have the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) that is specifically designed for small business owners with 1 to 50 eligible employees.

Under Covered California, applicants are able to purchase health insurance online or over the phone. Individuals can compare different options and make a choice that is right for them.

Individuals will also learn if they are eligible for federal assistance to lower the premium costs. Tax credits, cost-sharing subsidies, and

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Medi-Cal are available for those who qualify.

Medi-Cal is available to those who make $15,856 or less per year.

The cost of health care will depend on the plan chosen and how much coverage one opts for.

Those who pay more monthly will pay less when they need medical care. Those who pay less per month will pay more when they seek medical care.

For example, a 27-year-old student who is healthy, has no dependents and earns an hourly wage of $8.75 while working 40 hours per week may find that a silver or bronze plan.

Under the silver plan the student can choose from various options and can expect an approximate monthly payment of $41. If choosing the bronze plan, the cost can range from $11 to $30 a month.

There are four basic levels of coverage: platinum, gold, silver and bronze. Under platinum coverage, 90 percent of medical expenses will be paid for by the health plan, leaving the patient to pay 10 percent out-of-pocket for medical expenses. For gold coverage, the expense covered decreases to 80 percent and patient responsibility increases to 20 percent.

Those who choose a silver plan will be covered for 70 percent and will be responsible for 30 percent, while those with a bronze plan will

McClatchy Tribune

have 60 percent coverage and a patient responsibility of 40 percent.

According to the Commonwealth Fund, “more than 80 percent of young adults who spent some time uninsured between March 2012 and March 2013 will be eligible for tax credits to offsetpremium costs or may qualify for the Medicaid programs.”

Dec. 21 is the deadline to purchase health insurance for those who wish to have their coverage begin on Jan. 1, 2014, but the open enrollment period lasts until March 1, 2014.

For more information, visit Coveredca.com or call (800) 3001506.

SPORTS

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

Owls open conference play with a win

By Jessica Soto

Managing Editor • jsoto@ccclarion.com

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he Citrus College volleyball team had back-to-back 3-0 wins last week against the Ventura Pirates and the West L.A Wildcats.

The Owls opened up the Western State Conference South Division Friday night not putting out their A-game but got it together to come out on top.

With the late arrival of the Wildcats both teams started the game a little unbalanced.

Nevertheless, the Owls dominated the first set 25-14 and continued the momentum through the second set with a score of 25-11, never letting the Wildcats get any closer than five points.

Leading the Owls in kills was outside hitter Danielle Hundley, freshman, who had 15 kills on 26 total attempts by the end of the night.

Ana Bui, sophomore, another outside hitter, added six more kills.

The Owls showed they had fire in them with 35 kills and 46 digs to seal their first Western Conference victory of the fall 2013 season.

The Wildcats outside hitter, Merclyn Brown, sophomore, put up a

Jessica Soto Citrus College Clarion Yaasmeen Coussey, Wildcats middle blocker, attempts to block a potential Owls kill by outside hitter Danielle Hundley

fight claiming nearly half the kills her team put out during the game (8 of 18).

Kayla Eddings, sophomore, Owls middle blocker, took advantage of her playing time with nine digs followed by Kaylee Johnson, Owls outside hitter, who had seven digs.

Tiphany Moreno, Wildcats freshman outside hitter, got in seven digs.

The Wildcats are playing with a brand new team. The majority of the members are fresh out of high school and the team is still adjusting to each individual’s strengths.

“We played better together than we have at any other game” said Kailah Padgett, captain of the Wildcats, “[Citrus] gave us a run for our money . . . we are gonna play [Citrus] again, so hopefully we get better so when we come back we can show something.”

By the third set the Owls appeared to be losing steam and the Wildcats were putting out their all.

The Wildcats took the lead in the third set for the first time, but the Owls found their rhythm and took the lead yet again, yet the Wildcats made them work to maintain it. “[We] played a little bit lethargic,” Owls coach Shin Jung said. “They did not play up to our level of play, they played down to the other team’s level.”

The Owls will face off against College of the Canyons Cougars, who are 9-2 overall and 1-0 in the Western State Conference, in an away game Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.

“For Canyons we definitely have a different mentality going up there, last time we played them they kind of rattled us a little bit,” Eddings said. “But this is a totally new team and we have a better mindset than we did last year.”

With this win Citrus will go into the Canyons 7-5 overall and 1-0 in the Western State Conference.

Men’s soccer in seventh heaven

By Dillon Cooper

Sports Editor • dcooper@ccclarion.com

T

he men’s soccer team picked up its first home win of the season yesterday with a 7-1 victory over the visiting Allan Hancock Bulldogs.

The Citrus Owls (4-6, 3-3) started off the rout with hat-trick hero Grayson Iwasaki converting a penalty in the 10th minute.

“After the penalty I felt pretty confident,” Iwasaki said. “I felt like we could go out there and show this team how we can play.”

The Bulldogs (1-9, 0-5) pulled the game level in the 22nd minute when a strike by Marcos Uribe hit the back of the Citrus net to make it 1-1.

The Owls would go on to score six unanswered goals on the way to the big victory with Antonio Bernal, Takuro Kawashima and Iwasaki scoring two goals each.

“It feels good to help and contribute to the team,” Iwasaki said. “Last week we beat Santa Barbara and they’re a solid team. We tried to carry off that win.” The Bulldogs caused

Dillon Cooper Citrus College Clarion Grayson Iwasaki, Freshman, scores his third goal of the game against the Allan Hancock Bulldogs. Iwasaki has bagged seven goals for the Owls so far this season. The Owls will host Glendale Oct. 15 at 4 P.M.

some concern for the Owls defense in the first half by heaving balls over the top, but all chances were dealt with.

“We played fairly well, we should’ve capitalized on our earlier chances, but we got our tactics right at half time and we were able to play better,” said head coach Fred Bruce-Oliver The Bulldogs also made an adjustment in the second half by moving central defender Jason Balanzatequi up front causing the Bulldog defense to lose it’s physicality.

“We made some adjustments in the defense that we shouldn’t have,” said Bulldogs head coach Al Garcia. “We

should have stayed the way we were.”

After their adjustment the Bulldogs conceded five goals in the second half.

“We need to stay to our key positions and be a bit more conservative,” said Balanzatequi. “Definitely from this point out we need to mark the main a bit better and stick to the original game plan and work from there.”

The Owls will look to continue their winning streak when they travel to Santa Monica (4-3-3, 3-2-1) on Oct. 11 for another conference match up.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

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Clarion Athletes of the Issue

Starting quarterback Larry Cutbirth, has been one of the many reasons the Owls football team is ranked in the top 10 in the state.

The 6’5, 215lb freshman from Etiwanda High School has wowed fans so far by using his legs, keeping plays alive with his ability to scramble outside the pocket while making accurate passes.

Sophomore Kayla Eddings has been a key player in the Owls season thus far and is looking to build from her solid freshman season.

Winning 1st team AllWSC South honors for her play last season, Kayla Eddings is well on her way to a repeat performance. So far this season, Eddings is leading the team in kills (99) and digs (152).

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A&E

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

Album reviews: Radio Clarion

Touché Amoré “Is Survived By” (Deathwish Inc) ouché Amoré is one of the biggest bands in modern hardcore. Their previous album, 2011’s “Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me,” raised the Los Angeles quintet to a new level of recognition and appreciation from fans and music critics alike.

The band’s new album, “Is Survived By,” finds them taking the strongest

elements of “Parting the Sea…” and expanding upon them, giving the songs more room to breathe and to develop naturally, showing growth not only in subject matter, but in musicianship.

“Is Survived By” is an album as visceral and passionate as “Parting the Sea…” but this time around the band veers toward accessibility.

The songs are noticeably more spacious this time around. The band seems more focused on finding balance. The song “Harbor” has great, catchy riffs that slam head first into a wall of powerfully pensive lyrics.

With 12 tracks clocking in at a mere 29 minutes, this album plays hard on the emotion and leaves little regard for anything else.

The band takes years of pent up frustration and feelings of isolation and jam-packs them into bursts of crafted chaos.

The album’s brevity causes the tracks to lack a bit of individuality at times, but does not take away from the intensity of the music. Tracks like “Praise/Love” and “Blue Angels”

are brilliantly written but could have been allowed more time to really draw the listeners in.

Guitarists Clayton Stevens and Nick Steinhardt beautifully juxtapose quiet and loud, which provides the record’s framework. Their angular guitar tones bend and weave but always maintain their drive between distorted and clean tones, while drummer Elliot Babin hammers the songs forward at full speed on tracks like “Kerosene” and “DNA.” The lyrics serve a large purpose on this album, vocalist Jeremy Bolm shines on this album. His uninhibited passion for every word and introspective honesty make him a powerful force that helps connection the intensity of the music with the listeners.

Not one lyric is misspent and every sentence is both a dissection of mortality and declaration of being and survival.

There are bands that release albums that listeners say they relate to, and there are albums like “Is Survived By” that don’t just speak to listeners, but helps define them.

Haim “Days Are Gone” (Polydor) isters Este, Danielle and Alana Haim are an exciting young band from the greater Los Angeles area.

The siblings have spent the better half of 2012 in the studio, releasing EPs and now have released their unique and electrifying debut album “Days Are Gone.”

The album combines the best elements of ‘80s Top 40 with the

classic timeless feel of ‘70s arena rock.

The band’s style of R&B meets rock is a refreshing take on pop music, and has already won fans across the globe, with “Days Are Gone” already reaching #1 on the UK Billboard charts.

Hayley Williams of Paramore and Bethany Cosentino of LA’s surf pop-rock duo Best Coast are among the band’s high profile fans, and are always their love of the bands music any chance they get, for good reason.

The album kicks off with the Michael Jackson-meets-Pat Benatar inspired track “Falling” where listeners get a first taste of the girls’ signature multi layered vocals, guitars and drums hovering over thick layers of synthesizers and keyboards.

Haim know their strengths and how to flaunt them, making an album abundant in melody and hooks. “If I

Could Change Your Mind” is a great slower track that has masterfully crafted ‘80s sounding synth with an anthemic chorus that is irresistibly danceable.

Not all the tracks are home runs though; songs like “My Song 5” and “The Wire” feel misplaced among the retro sound the band achieves throughout the album.

The stand out track like “Honey & I” is a bluesy song that feels like Tom Petty being covered by Destiny’s Child. “Go Slow,” one of the later tracks on the album is a beautiful slower song where the sisters’ harmonies drive the song home.

Overall, the album is a stunning triumph from a fresh band, the sisters collectively known as Haim have fashioned a hip and vibrant sound that blends pop melodies with synth-emulated rock and have released one of the best albums of 2013.

By Evan Solano

Editor-in-Chief • esolano@ccclarion.com

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S

Old Town Bistro: tasty choices everyday

By Christian Rodriguez

Art Editor • crodriguez@ccclarion.com

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t has been three years since Sunday’s Old Town Bistro opened its doors, since then it has made quite the impression on the residents of Monrovia who have a taste for French and Italian cuisine with an American twist.

Outside the restaurant stands a lifesized chef. This decoration makes a clear statement to all passers-by that this café has panache.

When you step through the front doors you are enveloped in the warm scent of cooking crepes and fresh garlic bread.

If the aromatherapy doesn’t draw you in, then the staff certainty will.

I’ve been to quite a few restaurants, but never have I felt so welcomed.

The customer service is admirable and the food is fantastic. Just the description of their Chocolatier crepe is to die for, and at $9.95, it’s

Christian Rodriguez Citrus College Clarion

Grilled steak with Roasted Peppers Crepe is just one of the many delicious crepes this Bistro serves daily. worth every cent. This multicultural creation features a chocolate crepe filled with Nutella, Ghirardelli and Hershey’s chocolate with Bavarian cream.

While the dessert crepes get most of the attention, Sunday’s Old Town Bistro offers a variety of tasty entrees delicious at any time of the day.

From their wide selection, consider ordering savory crepes, which are crepes filled with meat as opposed

to decadent chocolate and cream.

The Grilled Steak with Roasted Peppers Crepe for $10.95 is beyond compare anywhere in Los Angeles County. It is stuffed with tri-trip steak and roasted peppers that literally burst from it and topped with shredded cheddar cheese and served in velvet Burgundy sauce.

If you ever find yourself in Monrovia, look for the chef and step into Sunday’s Old Town Bistro.

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

OPINION

Wednesday,October 9, 2013

11

Get up, get involved and give a hoot

By Dillon Cooper

Sports Editor • dcooper@ccclarion.com

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s brief as your time at Citrus is, you need to make the most out of it.

The college experience can be much more than just turning in paper after paper.

In 2009 I graduated high school with an average GPA. I, like many of my peers, was forced to enroll in college by my parents.

My first semester was one of the most daunting periods of my life.

I was not ready for it at all.

I somehow made it through my first semester, without passing many classes, by the way. A few weeks into the second semester I was not going to class and lying to my parents. I was extremely unmotivated to even leave my house. I was miserable and depressed.

I made an impulse decision to move to my dad’s house in Lake Elsinore.

Living there, I had nothing; no friends, no money, no job, and I was slowly heading into a pit of despair; a pit that once you are in, is very hard to crawl out of.

Fast forward to 2013. I came back to Glendora, got a job, decided to enroll at Citrus again

and decided to get involved with more than just my classes.

I never thought I would be a member of the Clarion staff. It was an impulse decision to join.

I had no experience to speak of.

What I have found is that it has introduced me to some great people who put their faith in me.

Four years ago, being a professional journalist is something I never thought possible, but now it is my goal.

I tried just doing the bare minimum at a college level. It is not enough. I felt no sense of accomplishment coming home after hours at campus and doing homework. I felt no worth in turning in assignments, just to get more and do nothing else with my time.

Now, between work and school, every minute of my day is valuable, and I am happy because I am a part of something here at Citrus.

More students should get involved in activities on campus. It will make the college experience a much better one if you join a club or activity that is right for you.

Now that I am a part of something, I love coming to school. I enjoy coming into TC 123 and joining in discussions with my

Christian Rodriguez Citrus College Clarion

peers. I look forward to going out and walking around the beautiful Citrus campus to interview students.

Joining an activity at school gives you the opportunity to meet people you would never have met otherwise.

If you are someone who has

been hiding in a shell your whole life, just trying to get by, take a risk and join a club or anything here at Citrus.

Do not go through your time here at Citrus by being a wallflower. Nothing good can come out of it I went my whole life with no

direction until one summer afternoon.

I made an impulse decision and I am really happy with the road I am on. I am going to accomplish great things and I owe it all to getting involved here at Citrus.

I challenge you all to do the same.

Tico blood with an American heart

By Evan Solano

Editor-in-Chief • esolano@ccclarion.com

I

was on the freeway with friend, when we drove passed a billboard that advertised in Spanish. My friend, who was white, made a remark that it was “messed up” companies put up billboards in Spanish, saying “this is America, I guarantee they wouldn’t have a billboard in English in Mexico!”

After my brain recovered from trying to process that statement, we spent the remainder of our drive with me vehemently arguing how misinformed she sounded. To which she responded “Well you’re not from Mexico, and you barely speak Spanish, so I don’t understand why you’re even upset.”

That blunt statement made me stop in my tracks.

I realized that I had become so assimilated to the “American way of life” that to her I no longer even registered as Latino. In her mind, she could make a disparaging remark about Mexicans and, because I am not Mexican, I should not be offended.

My family is from Costa Rica, one of the five countries whose Independence Day falls on Sept.

15 which marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage month. I am first generation American, born in L.A. If I were to go to Costa Rica I would be in trouble as my Spanish speaking ability is elementary at best. Sad to say, I am one of a new minority: the American Latino.

Christian Rodriguez Citrus College Clarion

Having been raised in the U.S. in an upscale, predominantly white neighborhood I related more to the American way of life.

From a young age, I struggled between embracing my Latin roots and trying to fit in with white kids around me.

My mother, who was born in Costa Rica and moved with her family to Los Angeles in the early 1950s, was adamant about me learning Spanish, but I never thought it would benefit me in anyway.

My grandmother never learned to speak much English, so in order for me to even communicate with her I had to speak Spanish.

It was then that I realized how important my heritage was. It wasn’t what we talked about that made me pay attention, but the fact that something as simple as learning a language can help re-

veal so much about my family history.

Hispanics have been searching for an authentic voice in American society for decades.

Latinos who embrace too much of their culture are often stigmatized as being ungrateful to be here, sometimes met with taunts to “go back to Mexico” or told “this is America, learn the language.”

With the new generations of American Latinos, like myself, our cultural identity is not being called into question, but has been repressed by a need to conform to white American values.

This self-realization is not to say I don’t appreciate my Costa Rican heritage and upbringing. I am as American as my billboardloathing friend, but I am also proud of the contributions and sacrifices my family has made to

become citizens of this country.

Hispanic and Latinos nationwide have helped shape this country into what it is today. We have served in the Armed forces, helped build skyscrapers. We are lawyers and doctors, business owners and entertainers. Whether we sit on the Supreme Court, or clean the Citrus campus, we do our job to best of our ability.

Although there has been tremendous growth and acceptance towards the roles of Latinos in American today, we still have a ways to go as far as making people aware of the significance and contribution that Hispanic heritage has made to the American landscape.

The importance of Hispanic Heritage Month is that it is not so much celebrating any one nationality, but rather bringing to light the value our Latino heritage brings to the Ameri-

can way of life.

Hispanic and Latino influences permeate American life and are felt throughout and that is a fact that young Americanized Latinos, like myself, need to recognize and celebrate.

While it is awkward for me at family functions to sit with a blank expression as my aunts and uncles talk to me in Spanish, I still enjoy learning from them.

They are eager to share their stories about growing up as a Latino American in the ‘60s and ‘70s, during a turbulent climate of change for our country.

It is because of them and many others who immigrated here decades ago, that I don’t speak Spanish. That’s not an insult or a bad thing. Because of their struggle and sacrifice, I was able to assimilate and be accepted easier than they had. And now that I am older I am learning about my history through them as well through self-education, and I can appreciate where I came from.

Our histories are synonymous and at our core we cherish the same values: family, pride, and civic duty – because we come from Mexico, Costa Rica or any of the other various Latin countries around the globe does not mean we have no appreciation for where we call home now.

I am very proud of who I am and where I came from. I may not speak perfect Spanish, but cultural and linguistic fluency are very different things. Anyone can learn to speak a language. In my heart, I know who I am: American by birth, Latino by heritage.

EDITORIAL The Affordable Care Act: check it out yourself

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Y

ou know what they always say: don’t believe everything you hear. In the case of the Affordable Care Act, this sage advice could not be more valid.

On Oct. 1. the opening of the health care marketplace is the much-anticipated payload of the ACA. Californians now have access to the state administered exchange, Covered California.

Available in the exchange are private policies, from familiar companies, not from the government. Consumers decide what coverage they need and healthcare decisions remain in the hands of the patient and doctor.

The ACA was enacted by Congress and signed into law by President Obama in 2010, and later upheld by the Supreme Court.

Implementation continues, despite a partial federal shutdown.

Meanwhile, deliberate untruths and manipulations of statistics are being used by obstructionists to persuade young people ages 1834 that they are better off without insurance. The result is that youth may not have developed a clear idea of what’s in it for them.

But the system simply will not work if young people do not enroll.

Young people are vitally important because they tend to utilize economically efficient services.

Think in terms of annual checkups, not too many prescriptions, family planning visits, and the

CLARION CITRUS COLLEGE

A First Amendment Newspaper

Editor-in-Chief Evan Solano Managing Editor Jessica Soto Art Director Christian Rodriguez Photo Editor Jessica Soto typical cold-flu season trips to get the “good cough syrup.” These services are fairly inexpensive for insurers to cover.

Enrolling healthy young people allows insurers to bank more premiums, which makes that capital available to help cover patients with greater medical needs.

Perhaps this sounds unfair, but the net effect is that funds will be there to cover today’s young people as they age and their health needs increase.

In a trend that has been going on for decades, and compounded by the current recession, consumers have found it increasingly difficult to afford basic health care.

For the uninsured, out-of-pocket medical expenses have increased while wages have stagnated or plummeted.

For the insured, with paychecks stretched to the breaking point, there is simply no budget for copays and deductibles.

This simply should not be the case in one of the most prosperous societies in the history of man.

America has enough resources to share. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege.

Those on the lower end of the income spectrum, frequently young people who are more likely to work part-time in entry-level positions, may not have been made aware of options available to them aside from paying full-price for an exchange policy which may still be financially out of reach.

Subsidies and tax credits will offset the cost of the exchange policies for many consumers, often lowering the price to $0.

Coverage under a parent, employer or spouse’s insurance also fulfill the individual mandate requirement of the ACA. Californians are fortunate that the state accepted federal assistance to expand our state Medicaid program.

The UC Berkeley Labor Center

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predicts that 1.4 million Californians will be newly eligible for Medi-Cal. It’s important for every consumer to research their options.

Non-partisan sites created by the Kaiser Family Foundation www. kff.org/health-reform/ and the Christian Science Monitor www. csmonitor.com/USA/Topics/ Obamacare-101 are a good starting point. More questions can be answered at the official federal Affordable Care Act site www. healthcare.gov, as well as the site for Covered California www.coveredca.com.

It’s a brand new world when it comes accessing health coverage information. Throw off the naysayers, the pundits and the crazies.

Do your own research. Make an informed decision. It’s your legal right to take advantage of the new benefit options, in a way that works for you, and doesn’t break the bank.

Don’t complain and vote for change

I

f you qualify to vote in this country, you must register and then exercise that power because every single ballot measure affects your life.

A common mistake many voters make regarding elections is thinking only national elections are important. This simply is not true.

Local elections have the smallest voter pool, meaning that each vote represents more control than in any other political races. It’s simple math. One vote out of 34,000 has more influence than one out of 28 million. In fact that’s more than 850 times more powerful.

These values were chosen because of the upcoming election for The Area 1 seat representing Azusa residents on the Citrus Community College District Board Member of Trustees. According to 2010 census data, there are about 34,000 residents in Azusa of voting age compared to just under 28 million people 18 years or older in the entire state.

Voter turnout for local elections is anemic at best, especially compared to those in general elections. The 2012 presidential election inspired 11,772 Azusa residents to go to the polls and determine who would be president of the United States.

Compare this to the 2,753 votes tallied in the May 2013 election for mayor and city council, and the difference is clear.

Let’s pretend for a moment that citizenship is a class with our final exam determined by the percentage of voter turnout of those of voting age.

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Christian Rodriguez Citrus College Clarion

The voting-age population in this country for the 2012 federal elections was just under 241 million, with 130.2 million people casting ballots. That’s 53.6 percent of the population.

As a nation, we’re failing, but since we are feeling nice, we will grade on a curve and allow that to be the new 100 percent.

Azusa’s 34.7 percent voter turnout for those of voting age now becomes a 64.7 percent in the course.

Azusa fails.

If you live in Azusa or in the Duarte neighborhood, which makes up Area 1 of the Citrus Community College District, then you’re in the hot seat for either bringing about change or reelecting the incumbent.

Regardless of whether we live in the CCCD or not, all of us still need to register to vote. Local elec-

tions happen all the time and unless you’re registered, and actually cast your ballot, others make the decisions that affect you the most.

City councils can pass ordinances at any meeting and you get to participate in deciding who votes on these measures. Don’t like the cost of your water bill? You can elect different members to your local water board.

Inaction leaves us with the status -quo.

Whether it’s to look up information on upcoming elections or actually registering to vote, it can all be done at LAVote.net. Candidate information, ballot measures and election dates are all available here.

Registering to vote is as simple as entering driver license information, address of residence, date of birth and last four digits of your Social

Security number. It really is that easy.

Around two weeks before the election, sample ballots will be mailed out to your residence with all relevant information as well as where to vote.

You can even opt to mail in your ballot if you’re concerned about being available to get to the polls in person.

The cut-off date to register to vote for the Nov. 5 election is Oct. 21.

After that, those who are not registered will be stuck with the decisions that engaged voters make for you.

Maintaining voter registration will ensure that you influence life in your community. You can decide to get a passing grade in citizenship.

Go register to vote and earn your A.

Photo Technician Evan Solano Sports Editor Dillon Cooper A&E Editor Evan Solano Staff Writers Sylvia Aparicio Jordon Lowndes Caitlin Mercer Sarah Cha Scott Lewis Photographers Evan Solano Dillon Cooper Jessica Soto Advisers Margaret O’Neil Stacy K. Long Page Designers Delacey Foster Anne Marie Miranda Melanie Gudino Ryan Salwak Monique Harris Anthony Ahumada Scott Lewis Sarah Cha The Clarion is produced by journalism students and is distributed every other Wednesday during the semester. Ads are not endorsed by the Clarion.

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