Clarion 11/6/13

21.2

THE BIG NUMBER

million veterans in the united states as of 2012

page 10

page 13

FIGHTING OWLS DOMINATE EL CAMINO COLLEGE

“FIDDLER ON THE ROOF” DEBUTS AT THE HPAC

source: 2010-2012 American Community Survey

CITRUS COLLEGE

CLARION A First Amendment Newspaper

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Wednesday, NOVEMBER 6, 2013

vol lxXII issue 6

Security cameras to give peace of mind

By Jessica Soto

Managing Chief • jsoto@ccclarion.com

T Campus wide power outage strikes Evan Solano Clarion

By Sylvia Aparicio

Staff Writer • saparicio@ccclarion.com

T

welve days after a campus-wide power outage shut down all activity at Citrus College, the campus is still evaluating its impact.

The Friday morning blackout forced the cancellation of classes, other scheduled events and disrupted the Wi-Fi across campus.

Students were notified by 8:26 a.m. through emergency alert messages sent by text, email and voicemail, informing them that day and evening classes were cancelled.

Citrus faculty and staff who had arrived for work, were first told that the campus would remain open. However, at approximately 9:30 a.m. Citrus employees were notified that the campus was officially closed for the day.

Wi-Fi had been down in various areas around campus. Leigh Buchwald, network computer system supervisor, said that the connection issues are attributed to the power outage.

“Wi-Fi was down for about a week after the blackout,” he said. “When the power went out, its configuration was corrupted.”

Buchwald said the Wi-Fi connection was back up by last Thursday.

As for the telephone and computer systems they, along with the rest of the power, were fixed by the next day.

The power failure forced the cancellation of Friday’s opening performance of “Fiddler on the Roof” scheduled at the Haugh Performing Arts Center.

John Vaughan, interim director of the HPAC, said that patrons were notified about Friday’s cancellation and were offered replacement tickets for either Saturday evening or the Sunday matinee. Those who were unable to adjust their schedules could request a refund.

“It was a shame that the students didn’t get to do another show, but they were all really understanding, and things like this happen,” Vaughan said.

“You roll with it and go on.”

Third year Citrus Singer, Gayle Jett, 27, one of the performers in “Fiddler on the Roof” agreed.

Christian Rodriguez Clarion because of the campus wide power outage, the Glendora High School homecoming game was moved to Charter Oak High School

“Of course, like many of the other cast members, I was disappointed to hear about the cancellation,” said Jett. “But the performers were not the only ones affected.”

“It affected everyone involved: the performers, production crew, tech crew, sound and lighting crew, and cosmetology. We all worked very hard on the show prior to opening and were very excited to show off our hard work,” Jett said.

The homecoming game between Glendora and Etiwanda high schools that was supposed to take place in the Citrus Stadium was relocated to Charter Oak High School.

“We found out at 10 a.m. and immediately started thinking of schools with no home games that night,” said Rod Tilton, dean/athletic director of the Glendora High School Tartan Football team.

- See Blackout, pg. 3

he Hayden Memorial Library is installing a new set of eyes.

32, to be exact.

A request for new surveillance camera systems was placed in the 2011 budget recommendations.

Installation of the new surveillance system began at the start of this fall semester.

“Its a hybrid [system],” Leigh Buchwald, network computer system supervisor said “[with] analog cameras and a digital recorder.”

The system will be overseen by Campus Safety.

Coincidentally the installation coincided with an assault on Aug. 30 involving a female foreign exchange student and a 26-year-old transient with a history of offenses.

The assailant grabbed the student in the library and put her into a headlock, but when a witness approached he released her and the transient then fled.

There were no charges filed.

The victim left Citrus soon after the assault occurred.

Such incidents are rare on the Citrus College campus.

But the installation of surveillance cameras is meant to deter incidents like this from occurring.

Librarian Sarah Bosler stated the old system was not covering the proper areas.

The old cameras were angled towards the exits, causing the frame to only show the back of individuals’ heads.

The new cameras will be angled towards both the entrances and exits and more of the library will be covered.

- See Cameras, pg. 3

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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

QUOTE of the

ISSUE

News briefs

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

Global

National

“A love for tradition has never weakened a nation, indeed it has strengthened nations in their hour of peril.”

-Winston Churchill

Announcements Saluting Our Veterans

The eighth annual “Saluting Our Veterans” event will feature keynote speakers Ashley Solano and Fernando Salazar Jr. Also present will be military vehicles and displays, the Gladstone High School Marching Band, AMVETS Honor Guard, and Veteran Honorees from Azusa, Glendora, Azusa Pacific University, and Citrus College. Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Campus Center Mall.

Career Planning/Choosing a Major Workshop

Gain the tools to help you choose a major and understand how different majors link to various career paths. No RSVP needed. The workshop will be in the Career and Transfer Center-SS 281 on the following dates and times: Nov. 7 at 4:00 p.m.

Nov. 14 at 9:00 a.m.

Nov. 20 at 9:30 a.m.

Veteran's Day Holiday No classes will be held on Nov. 11.

Resume 101 Workshop

Learn the basics for putting together a resume or improving the one you already have. Held in the Career and Transfer Center-SS281.

Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. and Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m.

McClatchy Tribune

Sandy Hook Elementary School to be demolished

McClatchy Tribune

India prepares for Mars Mission

India’s space agency successfully launched it’s 3,000-pound Mars Orbiter Mission probe on Nov. 5. A video of the probe leaving Earth in a cloud of smoke can be seen on the Los Angeles Times website. The probe will spend the next several weeks until Dec. 1 in orbit around earth. It will then begin it 300-day journey to Mars. If the mission is successful the probe with arrive in Mars’ orbit around Sept. 24. It will make India the first country in Asia to have a spacecraft in orbit around the Red Planet, joining missions launched by the United States, Russia and the European Union.

Japan and China have attempted

missions to Mars but were unsuccessful. The Mars Orbiter Mission has two goals, according to the Indian Space Research Organization.

One is to test India’s technological capabilities and the other is to gather information about Mars’ surface features and atmosphere. The spacecraft is equipped with a color camera, a thermal infrared imaging spectrometer and a methane sensor, among other instruments. The spacecraft is known informally as Mangalyaan, Hindu for “Marscraft.”

Source: Los Angeles Times

Local

An Evening with Paul Reiser

Source: Los Angeles Times

Co-creator and star of the criticallyacclaimed hit series “Mad About You,” actor, writer, musician, and stand-up comedian Paul Reiser will be at the Haugh Performing Arts Center on Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $36 student/senior: $34

State Increase of Latinos enrolled in college, not enough graduating

ASCC Applications Deadline Last day to turn in applications for Spring 2014 student government is Nov. 21.

ASCC Candidates’ Forum

The candidates’ forum will be held Tue, Nov. 26 inside of the Campus Center Mall at 10 a.m.

Leadership: What is it and How Can I Develop it?

Learn how to become a great leader. This workshop will focus on the characteristics that create a leader and will focus on what to look for when selecting a good boss. Held in LL 113.

Nov. 13 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Holiday Stress: Coping With Family by Putting Joy Back into the Holidays Learn different methods to deal with family issues and discuss time saving techniques.

LL 113, Nov. 27 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Sandy Hook Elementary School firehouse is still there, now adorned with 26 bronze stars, one for each victim of the shooting Dec. 14, 2012. The school also remains, but not for long. Gates guard the school, behind them heavy machinery and construction trucks begin work demolishing the campus. Rarely has a major tear-down been conducted in such a hushed manner, but rarely has a project been steeped in such tragedy. Just five months after the shooting the residents and leaders decided the school’s fate at a town meeting. The town has announced that it will conduct official ceremonies marking the massacre’s first anniversary. If all goes well, the demolition will be complete by the December shooting anniversary. The work site is shielded from public view. Every piece of debris, from metal, glass, playground pieces and even the driveway will be pulverized to prevent chunks from becoming souvenirs. The school’s new entrance will be relocated to save people from having to pass the firehouse where parents waited hours before learning their children were dead. If construction proceeds as planned the new school will open in 2016. More than 400 students have been displaced from Sandy Hook to a temporary school in the neighboring town of Monroe. By the time construction is complete those students will be in middle school and not have to spend time in the new school. In the end, the decision reached was the best compromise.

McClatchy Tribune

Shooting death of TSA agent at LAX The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was formed two months after 9/11. The agency’s officers do not carry guns or make arrests.

Their focus is to screen passengers for weapons, bombs and other dangerous materials. But the shooting death of a TSA officer Nov. 2 at Los Angeles International Airport, the first fatality in the agency’s history, could change that. The union representing 45,000 federal security agents is calling for the creation of a class of armed TSA officers with law enforcement training and the authority to arrest people.

TSA agent Gerardo I. Hernandez was killed and at least three others were wounded when a gunman, later identified by police as 23-year-old Paul Anthony Ciancia, opened fire at the

entrance to a security checkpoint.

Ciancia, authorities say, targeted TSA officers and left an anti-government suicide note. Security experts warn the arming TSA officers would be an extremely expensive project that could divert agents from their primary task of screening passengers.

Brian Jenkins, an authority on terrorism and aviation security at the Santa Monica-based Rand Corp., said that arming TSA screeners would dramatically change the public’s perception of them. With 800 million passengers each year that would create “800 million direct encounters between the American public and armed federal authorities,” Jenkins said.

Source: Los Angeles Times

There is an increase in numbers of Latinos attending college, but the percentage actually obtaining degrees is still quite low. Seven out of 10 Latino high school graduates enrolled in college last year.

Approximately 11 percent of Latino adults in California ages 25 or older have at least a bachelor’s degree compared with 30 percent of all Californians. Foreign-born Latinos are more likely to lack a high school diploma. Asians and Pacific Islanders are three times more likely and whites are two times more likely than even native-born Latinos to have a bachelor’s degree according to Census data from 2011. Area business and academic leaders argue that more should be done to help Latino and other minority students succeed in college. More than 80 percent of Latino parents in the state hope their children will earn at least a bachelor’s degree, according to recent surveys from the Public Policy Institute of California. Among recommendations made by the Campaign for College Opportunity is creating a statewide plan for higher education to advance Latino college achievement and offering incentives to institutions to raise competition rates.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

news

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Cameras Power failure New Area 1 trustee to be elected to BOT causes campus installed shutdown in library

3

- Blackout, from pg. 1

- Cameras, from pg. 1

McClatchy Tribune

“We want everyone to feel safe,” Bosler said. “We want [students] to have peace of mind.”

The installation of these cameras is not only to make the students feel safer but also to help librarians enforce library regulations.

“As a student worker I think its an excellent idea because I have to deal with people who don’t follow library regulations,” Thomas Henken, 21, said.

“The sad truth is . . . we have no accountability over some students who might damage materials.”

Henken recalled students vandalizing books, ripping out pages and trying to steal the reserve textbooks.

The completion of installation is estimated to finish by the end of December.

“Charter Oak was actually our first call because we knew they had their homecoming game the night before, so it worked out pretty well.”

Tilton praised Kathleen Wiard, the principal of Charter Oak High School, for allowing the game to be relocated to their stadium as well as waiving the fee to use the field.

Charter Oak allowed the snack bar to open and their custodian stayed on site for the duration of the game.

Fred Diamond, Citrus College director of facilities, said the outage resulted when the main circuit breaker failed.

“The main circuit breaker protects the campus from damage caused by an overload or short circuit . . . some of the electrical relays that had been present for a long time malfunctioned and needed to be replaced,” he said.

Citrus College officials contacted Hampton Tedder, a company of electrical technicians who specialize in high voltage problems, to repair the circuit.

The call went out to the company at around 5:45 a.m. Within an hour and a half, Hampton Tedder had redirected four of its electricians who were originally heading to Long Beach, to the

“Because of what happened, we were able to isolate another problem that occurred at the Campus Center...”

-Fred Diamond

Citrus campus instead.

Diamond said when such an emergency takes place, it allows for other precautionary measures to be taken.

“Because of what happened, we were able to isolate another problem that occurred at the Campus Center with the automatic transfer switch, which takes the power from utility power over to generator power,” he said.

Had this not been detected, the generator would not have provided temporary electrical power if the utility source were to fail.

Diamond said the blackout wasn’t preventable and that it was simply an equipment failure and was one of those things that just happens by chance.

Carol Horton, vice president of facilities, said she has not yet seen the bill for the repairs. But, the total cost will be covered by the Citrus College general fund.

Courtesy of Barbara Dickerson

By Jessica Soto

Managing Editor • jsoto@ccclarion.com

W

inner of the Citrus College Board of Trustees Area 1 seat with 100 percent of the votes counted is current Azusa Unified board member and director of Azusa Homework House Barbara Dickerson with 36 percent of the votes.

Dickerson maintained the lead with a consistent 30 percent or more of the votes. Polls closed at 8 p.m. on Nov. 5. The other candidates were attorney and former Azusa Mayor Cristina

“Revenge Porn” bill passed by governor

By Melissa Brooks

Staff Writer • mbrooks@ccclarion.com

G

ov. Jerry Brown recently signed the SB255 bill that outlaws “revenge porn.”

Criminal law had previously prohibited taking photos with concealed cameras in private locations such as dressing rooms, tanning booths and restrooms. It had provided no protection for victims who had explicit photos posted on the Internet with malicious intent.

SB255 prohibits taking nude or partially nude photos of another adult, and maliciously distributing the image with the intent to cause serious emotional distress.

This misdemeanor is punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a $1000 fine.

“Victims of this cruel act are often so humiliated that they pose a threat to harming themselves, as evidenced by numerous examples of cyber revenge victims who have taken their own lives. Cyber revenge and its ugly consequences should not be tolerated,” said Senator Anthony Cannella (R), who authored the bill.

According to a recent Associated Press study on digital abuse, 33 percent of 18-24 year olds

have sent nude photos of themselves or their sexual partners via cell phone.

Although victims may consider the law to be a step in the right direction, legal experts are less enthusiastic. Many express their concern that the law just doesn’t include enough coverage to actually gain convictions for these offenses.

For example they point out that SB255 does not criminalize photos that are self-taken and shared willingly between partners or spouses, but are posted to the Internet without the subject’s consent.

The law also does not target the numerous revenge porn websites. These sites are immune under the 1996 Federal Communications Decency Act, which absolves site publishers of legal liability regarding third party content.

Eric Goldman, a law professor at Santa Clara University, wrote this comment in his Technology and Marketing Law Blog, “In sum, California’s new revenge porn law only covers one category of involuntary porn. As a result, I would be surprised if we see many convictions under the statute.”

Furthermore, the law covers only the initial posting. “Those million other redistributors are outside the scope of the law,”

Evan Solano Clarion With the upsurge of websites featuring revenge porn, it has become an increasingly predominant phenomenon across the Internet.

Goldman wrote.

One of the reasons it may be difficult to get a conviction under the new law is that it requires prosecutors to prove those posting did so with ‘intention of conflicting serious emotional distress.’”

Another reason is sometimes defendants and victims have different expectations for the photos.

In relationships, consent is usually never given in writing, which can make convictions difficult or impossible.

SB255 was passed by the state senate with a 37 to 1 vote; it is the first law in California to ad-

dress revenge porn.

Senator Leland Yee (D) cast the lone vote against SB255.

“While I appreciate the intent of this legislation I feel it was too broadly drawn and could be used inappropriately to censor free speech,” Yee said.

The first few cases under this statute will be closely watched to see whether they will lead to any actual convictions and relief for revenge victims.

Canella says he intends to work on strengthening the law as early as next year by adding “selfies,” giving even greater protection to more victims.

Madrid with 28 percent of the votes, incumbent Gary Woods with 25 percent of the votes, Azusa Planning Commissioner Shawn Millner with 7 percent of the votes and retired utility worker from Rancho Santiago Community College District in Santa Ana, Lorenzo Rios with 4 percent of the votes.

“I am honored that the residents have found me worthy to serve them,” Dickerson said in a brief statement to the Clarion.

Incumbent Gary Woods will remain in the Area 1 seat until January 2014. Dickerson will then begin her first term on the Citrus College Board of Trustees.

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

FEATURES

Cosmic Owls prepare to take flight

Christian Rodrigeuz Clarion The Cosmic Research team stands together ready to release a bunch of balloons symbolically representing the high altitude helium balloon they hope to release in Alaska during the Aurora Borealis.

By Christian Rodriguez Art Editor • crodriguez@ccclarion.com

T

he Citrus College Cosmic Research team, are a group of STEM students who are planning a trip to Alaska in spring 2014 to record sounds emitted during the Aurora Borealis, a vivid natural phenomenon of flickering light caused by solar winds.

The objective is to determine if the astronomical phenomenon is indeed the source of the sounds that are typically heard during its appearance.

The experiment began with team members conducting background research over the summer and coming up with individual ideas for what experiment could be conducted using a near space balloon.

“They had several research ideas, they were all good. They worked very hard to come up with those ideas, but the most exciting one was the Alaska one,” said professor Lucia Riderer. “They decided

that nobody came up with a scientific evidence that sound is actually emitted by Aurora Borealis.”

The Cosmic Research Team’s trip is expected to cost around $5,000.

To raise the money for their voyage north the team has planned to hold a series of fundraising events.

The most recent fundraiser was the “Blues BBQ & Motown” on Nov. 3.

The Cosmic Research Team presented the guests at the fundraiser with a miniature replica of the weather balloon they plan on releasing.

“This balloon represents our dreams and on behalf of all of us thank you for giving our dreams flight,” Ghebrecristos said.

To explore the relationship between the sound and the Aurora Borealis the Cosmic Research Team plans to send five members of their Cosmic Owls, Yu-Han Chiang, Carina Kaainoa, Andrea Lopez, Merhawi Ghebrecristos, Farihah Chowdhury, and Laura Sandoval.

Two members of the Recording Department Stephan Andrade and Bobby Tacawy will also be joining.

The team plans on traveling to Fairbanks Alaska in order to obtain audio generated during the Aurora Borealis appearance.

They obtain data by sending a payload of recording equipment into the stratosphere using a high altitude helium balloon.

“In our payload we will have a telemetry system consisting of an antenna, GPS receiver, APRS transceiver and battery. This system sends and receives signal to the ground team. This system helps us track and recover our payload. It also measures the velocity and altitude of the payload.

We will have a camera to take photos during the flight. Lastly, we will have an omnidirectional microphone in our payload. This type of microphone records sound with a range around 360 degrees.

This microphone will record sound throughout the entire flight,” Carina Kaainoa said.

After retrieving the balloons, they hope to collect enough data to analyze and prove the Aurora Borealis is indeed capable of producing sound.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

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Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

FEATURES

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

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Clarion staff brings home awards from regional JACC event

By Katie Longren

Staff Writer • klongren@ccclarion.com

T

he Journalism Association of Community Colleges is an opportunity for aspiring journalists to take a hands-on approach to their future career while also being recognized for the hard work they have done.

At JACC SoCal, both student journalists and educators gather together from across Southern California to attend a variety of workshops and compete with their peers.

At the Southern Region Conference which was held at Cal State Fullerton on Oct. 11-12, Team Clarion brought home 16 individual awards as well as General Excellence awards for the Clarion newspaper and website.

Ten students attended the conference: Evan Solano, Jessica Soto, Christian Rodriguez, Dillon Cooper, Aubree Gilbert, Kristen Masters, Caitlin Mercer, Anne Marie Miranda, Michele Parias and Nicole Taylor.

“If you’re nervous about what you’re doing now in college, JACC shows you that it’s worth it,” Christian Rodriguez, art editor stated. “You get to see professionals in the field doing the same thing you want to do.”

Courtesy of Citrus College Clarion “Team Clarion” pictured from left to right: Dillon Cooper, Caitlin Mercer, Evan Solano, Michele Parias, Christian Rodriguez, Jessica Soto, Anne Marie Miranda, Kristen Masters, adviser Stacy Long, Aubree Gilbert, Kyla White, and adviser Meg O’Neil

For the bring-in contests, students bring in advertisements, layouts, written pieces and photos to be judged against those of competing schools, which include community colleges located south of Bakersfield.

Of the ten students who attended this conference, only four had previously participated in a journalism conference with Citrus.

For the remaining six members, this was their first time taking part in such an event where they could see the various facets of journalism in one location.

JACC shows you what you can be. I don’t know anywhere else that does that more than this conference,” Rodriguez said.

The on-the-spot competitions allow rookie journalists to test their skills in real time, and send students to an event like a soccer game, where they must then report and write their story in under an hour to be judged by a panel of professionals.

With a collection of 32 workshops to participate in over the course of two days, 26 speakers led the students and staff

through aspects of journalism and media, such as sport photo tips or rock ‘n’ roll reporting.

“To be in that environment was really inspiring,” Evan Solano, editor-in-chief and first time attendee, said. “Seeing likeminded people and being around professionals that were in my position at one time solidified that this is what I want to do for my career,” said Solano.

While much of the excitement of the conference surrounds the competitions, the workshops are meant to improve the students’

journalistic abilities and teach them ways to implement new concepts and skills to their reporting.

Dillon Cooper, sports editor, said that the conference taught him to, “Step out of your comfort zone.”

“JACC is a wonderful thing,” Solano stated. “It’s all non-profit and very ‘for the journalist, by the journalist.’”

The next journalism conference the Clarion staff will attend will be the state conference in Burbank on April 3-5, 2014.

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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

SPOTLIGHT

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

A SALUTE TO O

Prevailing against the odds

By Jessica Soto

Managing Editor • jsoto@ccclarion.com

O

n any given day the typical Citrus College student rolls out of bed, gets ready for school, arrives on campus and walks to class.

This is not how the average day goes for student veteran Julian Espejo, 23.

On good days Espejo is only able to walk with a cane, on others, he uses a wheelchair.

Espejo has overcome adversities most people couldn’t.

Born on Dec. 19, 1990, Espejo is the middle of five children.

In 1993, when he was 3 years old, Espejo and his siblings were taken away from their biological parents and placed into the foster care system.

“It was scary,” Espejo said, “[my siblings and I] were all separated.”

The first seven years in foster care, Espejo was abused and had to be relocated to 18 different foster homes.

Establishing stable friendships and relationships was nearly impossible. “I never trusted anyone enough,” Espejo said.

In 2000, Espejo was placed with a foster family in Azusa, where he remained for nine years until he enlisted in the United States Army.

During his four-and-a-half year enlistment, Espejo was deployed overseas once. He spent one year in Iraq and three months in Afghanistan.

At first he was certified as a driver of military vehicles.

Then he was promoted to machine gunner for having excellent marksmanship and discipline.

Both positions require the soldier to be on high alert at all times. The driver and machine gunner are the only two in the unit who do not dismount the vehicle during searches.

This is a precaution and requires that both individuals do not fall asleep.

On a mission in Anbar Province, Iraq, Espejo w a s

with his unit on a routine mission.

While the rest of the unit dismounted the Humvee for a search, Espejo and the driver remained in the vehicle.

Suddenly he heard his unit screaming his name and yelling at him to get out of the vehicle.

The Humvee had leaked gasoline and the heat from the still running vehicle caused it to combust. Espejo had no choice but to jump out of the Humvee.

He landed on his feet, but the force from his body weight plus 65 pounds of body armor, a 14-pound machine gun and 49 pounds of magazines causing him to sustain a serious hip injury. Recovery time was two months.

In October 2011 a soldier’s worst fear became Espejo’s reality. While on a search in the Anbar Province the unit hit an im-

provised explosive device.

“The driver made a wrong left turn and boom,” Espejo said. No one in the unit was significantly injured, but Espejo’s hip pain began to increase.

His physicians said that he had merely pulled a groin muscle.

Then in December 2011, his unit hit another IED while driving down a hill and preparing to dismount for a search. The same driver made another wrong left turn and the Humvee tipped, landing on its side.

Espejo was discharged in May 2012. It was only then that a Veterans Administration physician found that he had sustained injuries to his hips consisting of a fractured right hip and torn labrum in both hips.

Walking caused Espejo excruciating pain. It was not until Feb. 28 of this year that he had his first hip surgery and began a recovery process with the help of his wife, Michelle Espejo.

She has stood by him through the deployment as his girlfriend and the after effects as his wife of more than a year.

“It’s hard . . . but he is strong and I know together we will get through it,” Michelle Espejo said.

After the recent government shutdown Espejo was one of the many

Jessic a larion

Soto C

Julian Espejo pictured above with his awards he recieved while serving in the U.S. Army

veterans with delayed pay. This was especially difficult for Espejo because he also had to find a way to provide for his wife, his brother and himself.

Espejo’s brother, Edgar Leon, 21, was homeless until Espejo took him in.

Leon recalls what it was like when his brother returned home after he was discharged.

“It hurts me as much as it hurts him because I know how much he wanted to make it a career,” Leon said.

Although Espejo was going through his own struggles, he made sure to help his family.

“He’s put a roof over my head and was a shoulder when I needed somebody,” Leon said “I love my brother.”

Having a strong support system is important for any veteran, but especially those who come back injured.

Espejo’s best friend, Anthony Torres described Espejo as “the type of guy, no matter how bad something beats him down . . . he still looks out for everyone.”

Espejo struggles with the physical injuries but also the mental trauma of war.

“I still have nightmares,” Espejo said “it’s hard to see me getting better because it hurts so bad.”

Espejo is pursuing a career in psychology to help others who are going through similar experiences.

“I can’t fail. There’s no ‘if’ because it can’t happen, there are too many things wanting me to fail . . . but I’ll always find a way to do the right thing,” Espejo said.

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

SPOTLIGHT

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

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OUR VETERANS Choosing a different path

By Sylvia Aparicio

Staff Writer • saparicio@ccclarion.com

training at Fort Mcclellan, Ala. in 1978 and was then stationed in Fort Eustis, Va in 1979.

Sayre recalls an event during her time in basic training.

Her drill sergeant would ask military related questions while in line at the mess hall. If the answers were wrong, the person would be forced to go to the back of the line.

“One day, I just knew all of the answers and he kept asking me questions in order to get me to go to the end of the line,” she said.

“Eventually, he got tired of asking and just let me go.”

While she originally planned to go into a clerical job within the military, her recruiter told her that she should take a different route and suggested the military police.

She eventually became a part of the Classified 95 Bravo, MP (military police) in Fort Eustis. Here she acted as gate guard, conducted security checks, patrolled, and gave out citations.

Sayre’s company would run everywhere and would restart the run wherever the last person fell off. She said this was her least favorite memory from her time in the Army.

“Sometimes I would have to run twice as fast just to catch up to everyone else,” she said.

After she left the military at the age of 22 to start a family, she joined her husband in Germany, where he was stationed with the Army.

She later returned to the reserves to complete her enlistment in El Monte, where she worked as a clerk, which was her original job choice.

When it comes to receiving the honor, Sayre remained modest and said, “When I was in the military, we weren’t at wartime so I don’t feel like I did anything out of the ordinary, not like the people who are overseas now.”

“My daughter who lives with me is really excited about it. I think she may be more excited than I am,” Sayre said.

Coworker Michelle Orantes, 26, disagrees and said that Sayre completely deserves the recognition.

“I think it’s a great acknowledgement considering she did something that not many would do and many are afraid to go into,” Orantes said.

Adding to that sentiment, coworker Michaleen Rendon, 19, said, “myself and everyone who works here is proud of her and very happy for her.“

Alyssa Bujanda Clarion

During the eighth annual “Saluting Our Veterans” event, Nov. 7 in the Campus Center Mall at 11 a.m., four local veterans will be honored.

One of the veteran honorees is Fontana resident, Specialist 4th Class Rose Sayre, 55. The married mother of three has worked at Citrus College since 1997.

She currently holds the position of evening coordinator in the Owl Bookshop.

Sayre was selected by the Citrus College Planning Committee to receive the honor for serving our country.

“I think it’s awesome that she’s getting recognized.

She deserves it, she helps all of the veterans that come in here and she’s the perfect person to do so,” coworker Jeannette Orantes, 22, said.

After graduating from high school, Sayre said she had no goals or plans and decided to take a break

from school for a year. Deciding to follow in her brother’s footsteps, she enlisted in the United States Army in 1978.

“I don’t regret joining the military,” Sayre said. “I would recommend it, you get to travel and it’s an experience that I don’t think I would have ever gotten otherwise.”

Although she said she did not regret joining the military, she stated that she wouldn’t do it again.

She completed her basic training and advanced physical

Rose Sayre is one of the four local veterans being honored at the eight annual “Saluting Our Veterans” event on Nov. 7 in the Campus Center Mall.

Background photos provided by Sgt. Jorge Lamas, 31, psychology major, from his tour of duty in Iraq while serving as a Chemical Operation Specialist in the Army in 2009.

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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Athletes of the Issue

Charles Ortega, #4, is the Owl’s driver and leading scorer for the men’s water polo team. Ortega is a freshman and attended Charter Oak High School.

Citrus College Sports Information Rebekah Evans, #4, is a forward for the women’s soccer team and leads the team in goals and total points. Evans attended Claremont High School.

Freshman Charles Ortega is just 18 years old and leads the water polo team with 76 goals, 22 assists, and 34 steals. Ortega has led the Owls to a 13-10 overall record.

Rebekah Evans has lived up to her high school honors by leading the Owls with 10 goals and 23 total points.

Evans has led the women’s soccer team to a 10-4-4, 8-1-2 record.

SPORTS

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

Fighting Owls soar over El Camino

Ryan Salwak Clarion

Fighting Owls line up along the wall of the front bleachers for a victory celebration with fans after the game against El Camino College. The Owls are 4-0 at home this season.

By Dillon Cooper

T

Sports Editor • dcooper@ccclarion.com

he Citrus Owls (5-3, 2-2) defeated the El Camino Warriors (5-4, 3-2) 42-28 on Nov. 2 at Citrus Stadium.

Larry Cutbirth continued his excellent play as he threw for 308 yards and four touchdowns, while also running for two touchdowns.

Over the last two games, Cutbirth has thrown for 674 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three rushing touchdowns.

Maurice Dupleasis was back in action against the Warriors as he tallied up four solo tackles and

assisted on five.

But it was the play of defensive back Charles Flowers, #24, that inspired a defense that gave up 51 points just the week before.

Flowers had five tackles, one forced fumble, one interception and broke up two passes.

Over the last two games against Riverside and El Camino, Flowers has taken part in 16 tackles.

In the two games before the game at Riverside, Flowers had just eight tackles.

Has the improved play of the secondary come too late?

With the Owls dropping games to conference powerhouses Riverside and Mt. SAC, it seems highly unlikely Citrus will catch either in the standings.

Where they stand right now, Citrus is in fourth place with a game in hand in the Central Conference.

Citrus will host Long Beach in their last home game of the season on Nov. 9 at 1 P.M. Admission is free with an ASCC sticker. General admission is $6.

National Central Conference Standings Mt. SAC 7-1, 4-0 Riverside 7-1, 4-0 El Camino 5-4, 3-2 Citrus 5-3, 2-2 Long Beach 3-5, 1-3 Desert 1-7, 1-3 LA Harbor 0-9, 0-5

Getting to know your Fighting Owls

By Dillon Cooper

T

Sports Editor • dcooper@ccclarion.com

his volleyball player is the middle blocker for the Citrus volleyball team and her job is to protect her net and block shots.

Cassandra Freitag took some time off from the trenches of the volleyball court to answer some questions.

Dillon Cooper: What is your favorite pregame meal?

Cassandra Freitag: Subway.

I like a turkey sandwich with pickles.

DC: What song do you listen to before a game?

CF: “Yeah” by Usher.

DC: Who is your favorite athlete?

CF: Destiny Hooker DC: If you could play any other sport, what would it be?

CF: Football DC: How would you describe coach Shin Jung?

CF: Intense, he pushes us to the limit.

DC: As a child, what did you want you career to be?

CF: I wanted to be a nurse, actress, or model.

DC: What was your favorite childhood activity?

Evan Solano Clarion

CF: Playing baseball with my neighbors and causing trouble.

DC: As a freshman, do you feel any added pressure?

CF: A little, people expect great things but at the same time, being a freshman alleviates the pressure.

DC: If you could have lunch with three people, alive or dead, who would they be?

CF: My great grandma Grace, Marilyn Monroe and Destiny Hooker.

DC: Who are your heroes?

CF: My great grandma Grace and my parents Chris and Lynette Freitag.

DC: What is your dream col-

lege?

CF: University of Texas.

DC: Who is someone on the volleyball team you look up to?

CF: Kiy Dade. She picks up people and looks to keep me motivated.

DC: What are your career goals?

CF: I want to be around volleyball or a physical trainer.

DC: What is the best moment of your volleyball career?

CF: I shut down Bakersfield’s top hitter. One of the top hitters in the conference.

DC: Who is your favorite actor?

CF: Rachel McAdams.

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

COOP’S CORNER

By Jordon Lowndes

T

I

Sports Editor • dcooper@ccclarion.com

t’s about time I get out of the hole I buried myself in when the Los Angeles Dodgers were effortlessly disposed of in the NLCS by the St. Louis Cardinals.

Time to focus on the next 162 games the boys in the blue will play next year; which will hopefully include relief man and beardbro Brian Wilson.

I never thought in my lifetime I would be writing a column pleading the Dodgers to resign the former Giant, but here I am.

Wilson underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2012 and was surrounded by plenty of question marks when he wanted to return to the big leagues.

After a workout at UCLA, Wilson signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers at the end of July, working his way to the majors on Aug. 22, 2013.

Wilson was dominant in his return to the big leagues. He pitched 13.2 innings during the regular season with a 0.66 ERA, a WHIP of 0.88 and sported a 2-1 record.

Wilson also added flair and entertainment while on the mound and off it with his exuberant celebrations. Did I mention the beard?

If the Dodgers offered Brandon League a three-year, $22.5 million extension, what is the price tag on Wilson?

Pay the man.

Wilson contributes much more than just his dominance on the mound and lively personality. He brings the veteran experience and two World Series rings.

Wilson has been there done that. He has been doubted and casted off by the team he served for seven years.

A team compiled of a “wildhorse” and a young bullpen, Wilson’s competitive mindset and extreme passion for the game can only help the young Dodgers on their quest for their first World Series win since 1988.

A championship contender needs to have a bullpen with that filthy 1-2 punch. With resigning Wilson, the Dodgers 8th and 9th innings are almost certainly a lock.

It’s just a matter of getting them the ball.

Ned Colletti, if you truly have the Dodgers best interest in mind, bring the beard back to LA and make him an offer that he can’t refuse.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

11

Putting the offense on defense Staff Writer • jlowndes@ccclarion.com

By Dillon Cooper

SPORTS

he women’s water polo team at Citrus College has two goalkeepers and they do more to protect their team than just blocking balls.

According to Kierra Wright 19, she and the Fighting Owls’ other goalie, Rose Takeuchi, 18, are in charge of guiding the team.

“We mostly control the game,” Wright said. “We control what the players do, where they’re looking, and we tell them what the time is.”

In water polo, a team can have possession of the ball for a maximum of 30 seconds before the ball is turned over to the other team.

Wright became a water polo goalkeeper back when she was in high school because, ironically enough, she didn’t like swimming.

“I’d rather stay in the goal and block balls than to be the

one shooting,” Wright said.

Despite this, Wright considers water polo to be more intense than all other sports she’s participated in, “I’d put water polo above all of them,” Wright said.

According to the team’s coach, Andrew Silva, Wright has greatly improved in her leg strength and fundamentals throughout the semester.

“She gets out of the water much higher,” Silva said. “Her movement is much better. Her basic strength and technique is 200 percent what it was when we started working together just a few months ago.”

Wright says that the main difference between her and Takeuchi strategically is their height.

“She’s taller so she gets all the high shots,” Wright said. “I’m short so I get all the low ones better.”

While Wright’s height is 5’4’, Takeuchi is

the third tallest player on the team at 5’10’, only two inches shorter than 6-foot-tall Christina Tereszczuk and Kaycie Zinkosky.

According to Takeuchi, her height and long arms are what caused her to pick up water polo in the first place. “I originally wanted to join swim but, because of my height, the coach thought I’d be better in water polo,” Takeuchi said.

For Silva, Takeuchi came to the team already knowing her basics. “What we’ve done with Rose is fine-tuned some of those techniques such as controlling her saves a bit better and anticipating shots from other players,” Silva said.

As a high school freshman, Takeuchi played field but eventually shared Wright’s disdain for swimming. “I didn’t like it,” Takeuchi said.

Takeuchi compared water

polo to volleyball, another sport that she played as a high school student. “Athletically it takes the same mindset but physically it’s completely different,” Takeuchi said.

Takeuchi has spent a considerable time in the water this semester, accumulating 251 blocks and 13 assists throughout the 25 games she’s played.

Wright has played seven games this semester and has blocked 20 goals.

You only have two more chances to see these two in action. The WSC Championships at Santa Monica College will take place on Nov. 8 and 9. Who they’ll be playing against is to be announced.

Rose Takeuchi Kierra Wright

Cross-country athletes go the distance Because cross-country is usually considered to be an individual sport, it was difficult for Longtin to adapt from the usual group dynamic she was used to while playing basketball.

By Katie Longren

Staff Writer • klongren@ccclarion.com

R

olling hills, inclines, off road terrain and long distances are not unfamiliar to Wesley Ewart and Jasmine Longtin. Both are members of the Citrus cross-country team that began the season in September and have since competed in a series of invitationals and previews.

A sophomore, Ewart has been running since the summer before his freshman year in high school, and now serves as team captain for cross-country.

At the Western State Conference Preview on Oct. 6, Ewart placed 75 individually but helped the team with a time of 26:34:60, which placed him within the top 5 times of the day.

When asked, Ewart said that his biggest accomplishment at Citrus would be “dropping time from my freshman year to sophomore year.”

Regarding her choice for team captain, Alicia Longyear, head cross-country coach for Cit-

Jasmine Longtin rus, said that Ewart, “rose to the challenge and I found that I could always count on him.”

She also stated, “Other runners on the team looked to him for guidance.”

Jasmin Longtin, a member of the women’s cross-country team, is newer to this highly individualized sport, but that hasn’t kept her from success.

Having just started running this past summer in order to prepare for her first season of women’s basketball at Citrus, Longtin has a newfound respect for crosscountry that she had not realized before.

“Out of all of the sports that I have ever played, cross-country is probably the hardest,” Longtin said. “It’s a whole mental thing.”

Wesley Ewart “Being on any type of competitive team, there’s an accountability with others. Even if you don’t want to, you have to,” Longtin said. “With cross-country, if you don’t want to push yourself, then no one else can,” Longtin said.

“Her history of basketball led her to being the most encouraging female runner on the team,” Longyear stated. “She would constantly cheer and push her teammates to better themselves.”

Both Ewart and Longtin un-

derstand what it’s like to push themselves. Ewart has recently begun to compete in sprint series triathlons, which are shortdistance triathlons that involve endurance competitions in three disciplines: cycling, swimming and running.

Ewart also hopes to move onto Olympic distance triathlons within the next six months.

For Longtin, she believes that cross-country is preparing her for her upcoming basketball season with the Owls. “It taught me to be a leader by choice, not by force. I wanted it to be more of a team sport, so I could be a motivator and push others to improve,” Longtin said.

Their most recent efforts were at the Western State Conference Championships on Oct. 25, when men’s cross-country team placed 10 out of 12 teams and the women’s team placed 10out of 14 teams.

The final event for the crosscountry season is the Southern California Championships, which will be on Nov. 8 in Santa Clarita.

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A&E

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

Radio Clarion: Lou Reed remembered

By Evan Solano

Editor-in-Chief • esolano@ccclarion.com

T

here are not many figures in American rock ‘n’ roll that have a footprint quite like Lou Reed’s. He was the voice of the New York backstreets, a massively influential and ingenious songwriter whose sound helped shape the roots of punk and changed the landscape of music.

He rose to prominence as the main songwriter and frontman of the Velvet Underground during the late ‘60s; a band whose clout and influence would stretch much farther than just about any group this side of the Beatles.

The Velvets fused street-level earnestness with avant-garde European art-rock. Reed’s insightful and soulfully nihilistic lyrics ranged from drugs, S&M and depression gained notoriety for breaking social norms.

Their self-titled debut album “The Velvet Underground & Nico” was heralded as one of the “most prophetic rock album ever made” by Rolling Stone, which ranked the album number 13 on their “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” feature in 2003.

In the early ‘70s, Reed embarked on a solo career that would span several decades. In 1971 he released the album “Transformer,” produced by Mick Ronson and David Bowie, which would garner praise from critics worldwide.

“Transformer” featured some of Reed’s best-known works, including “Walk On The Wild Side,” “Perfect Day” and “Satellite of Love” and raised his status from cult musician to notable singer/songwriter.

His musical career has seen high and lows, yet Reed has always remained a fixture in the American music scene.

His final album was a noteworthy collaboration with Metallica.

2008’s “Lulu” was a dynamic and interesting mixture of Metallica’s aggressive loud riffs and Reed’s eclectic songwriting. Although metal fans vilified the album, it showed Reed as an established artist who was not afraid to step out his comfort zone and challenge his fan-base with his musical experimentation.

Reed will always be a man whose music spoke to the underdog and took great joy in creating art and defying convention.

He was the thinking man’s Bruce Springsteen and a musician with a grand scope for his musical legacy.

In a 1987 interview with Rolling Stone, about his musical body of work, Reed said, “All through this, I’ve always thought that if you thought of all of it as a book then you have the great American novel, every record as a chapter.”

“They’re in chronological order.

You take the whole thing, stack it and listen to it in order, there’s my great American novel.”

STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images

STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images Reed, center right, with singer Nico and artist Andy Warhol and members of The Velvet Underground.

A nice treat down the street

By Caressa Campbell

A

Staff Writer • ccampbell@ccclarion.com

fter just two years, Kara’s Korner Deli has won nine Reader’s Choice awards that include favorite family restaurant, favorite American cuisine, favorite desserts, and favorite sandwich shop.

This restaurant deserves the praise.

Their menu offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with meals ranging from a Hawaiian omelet to Chinese chicken salad to chickenfried steak. There’s even a ‘waist watchers’ section for those who are looking for delicious, healthy food.

With the $9 Reuben sandwich, every flavor-packed bite is just as good as the first.

The pastrami was cooked to perfection with a tangy sauerkraut topping and toasted sourdough bread to give it the right amount of crunch.

For those of you who always have room left, all of the desserts are homemade and under $5.

The famous turtle brownie sundae will send your taste buds through the roof.

The warm, chocolate brownie is topped with sweet vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, drizzled with caramel and chocolate syrup and sprinkled with chocolate chips and walnuts.

Careesa Campbell Clarion

Kara’s Korner is located at 101 West Football Blvd. Glendora, Calif.

As if the food wasn’t heavenly enough, the customer service is phenomenal. Saying the employees are friendly is an understatement. They exert a true effort to make you feel at home.

It’s a relaxing environment; there is not loud music or 50 televisions playing simultaneously.

The restaurant itself is festive, with tasteful holiday decorations displayed and floral arrangements on each table.

The moment you step into the door, you are greeted and seated with a menu. The food service is quick; within ten minutes of ordering, the food was ready.

Fittingly enough, it is located on the corner of Grand Ave and Foothill Blvd, less than a five-minute drive from our campus.

Kara’s Korner Deli is the perfect place to stop in between classes and get a meal for under $10. It’s a quick drive, fast and friendly service and delicious, inexpensive food. It doesn’t get any better than that. www.karaskorner.com Hours Sun.-Thur. 5:30 A.M. - 8 P.M. Fri.-Sat. 5:30 A.M. - 9 P.M.

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

A&E

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

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Witness the trial of Judas Iscariot

By Jordon Lowndes

Staff Writer • jlowndes@ccclarion.com

D

oes the man who betrayed the Son of God deserve mercy?

The Citrus theatre department will explore this question during their production of “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot.” Despite the title, the play does not focus on the titular character’s last days on earth, but rather his trial in the afterlife.

Aaron Bess, 20, the actor who plays Saint Peter, knew that he wanted a part in the show as soon as he read the play’s description.

“What it was for me was really raw and gritty and something that we’ve never really done here before,” Bess said.

In the Bible, Judas is one of Jesus’ 12 Apostles. Judas betrayed Jesus to the chief priests for 30 pieces of silver, resulting in Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. Judas later regretted the decision and, after failing to return the money, committed suicide by hanging.

“It brings you in as a member of the jury to see if you think whether Judas should go to heaven or hell for helping betray Jesus,” Jamie Hernandez, 19, who plays Mother Theresa, said.

During the case, historical figures ranging from Judas’ fellow disciples to Sigmund Freud are called in to testify either for or against the defendant.

“My initial reaction was that it was going to be very difficult to play because there’s only one know audio recording of [Sigmund Freud],” Brandon Lozano, 21, who plays Sigmund Freud said. “For four pages I have done more research that I have done for any other role.”

Despite the play’s strong language and inherently controversial concept, the script neither demonizes nor praises Christianity.

Instead, it explores the motives of Judas and the figures surrounding his life, explaining and humanizing their motives.

“It’s not preachy at all,” Chris McKinley, 20, who plays Jesus, said. “It’s very down to earth.

It’s like if Jesus were a regular person like you or me—which he was. If you take it from that point, it was very raw and very gritty” McKinley said that the 2008 play was written as an emotional rollercoaster. “The playwright, Stephen Adly Guirgis, is a genius,” McKinley said.

“He wrote this play very specific. I think that’s actually really

Jordon Lowndes Clarion Ann Mateo plays Cunningham the lawyer in defense of Judas who is cross examining Ytsav Astvakra who plays Simon the Zealot with Andrew Garcia as the bailiff and Travis Croushore as Judge Littlefield oversee.

the way he would have wanted it.”

The play will be held on Nov. 17 and then from Nov. 15 – 23 in the Little Theater. It will cost $12 for general admission, students and seniors. The play is recommended for mature audiences only.

“Fiddler” debuts at the HPAC

Kristen Masters Clarion Toasting together the townsmen of Anatevka make a toast to Lazar Wolf on his betrothal to Tzeitel.

By Kristen Masters

Staff Writer • kmasters@ccclarion.com

Citrus students, delighted the Haugh Performing Arts Center audience with their reproduction of the classic musical; “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Guest director, Greg Hinrichsen, musical director, Douglas Austin and choreographer John Vaughan, working together, brought back a love story intertwining with Jewish traditions and revolutionizing Russian history.

The Citrus singers fully executed a breathtaking, three hour performance, making this a musical to remember. The performance presented 16 musical numbers, with short intermissions between act one and two.

The story is set in a Russian village. Special guest stars Randy Hilton, the milkman Tevye Lisa Dyson and his wife Goulde, struggle to raise their five daughters according to the Jewish tradition. Playing the three eldest daughters were Kylie Molnar as Tzeitel; Alexandra Almendarez as Hodel, and Kalin booker as Bielke. Quincey Hinton, the fiddler, along with a full cast of the Citrus performers reenact the times of prearranged marriage.

At the start of the show, Tevye sits alone as he sings to himself the first musical act, “If I were a rich man.”

Captivating the audience’s attention, reoccurring scenes during the show, the actors on stage stand still in time, as the spotlight focuses on Tevy while he expresses his feelings in his personal conversations with God.

Disappointing the wealthy butcher Lazar Wolf, played by Garrison Holder, Tevye is upset when he has to break the deal marrying Tzeitel and share with the town that she already made a vow to marry Motel the Tailor, played by Brandon Jenkins.

Hodel falls in love with the student Perchik, played by Joshua Tangermann, she too upsets her father Tevye, by also going against tradition. Tevye is also upset as he finds out Bielke, chooses to marry Fyedka, a Russian, who share different religious backround.

Going against tradition devastates the town of Anatevka. By order of the mayor, the family is ordered to leave their home and there is no going back.

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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

EDITORIAL

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

Editor-in-Chief Evan Solano

Serve those who sacrificed for us

I

t seems as though after the wars are over the real fight begins.

Americans are so mindful of the ones who give their lives for this country after they have already died. Memorial Day is revered nationwide to remember the fallen soldiers throughout our seemingly endless history of battles.

For those still with us, not much seems to be done. Politicians still see veterans as a photo-op rather than a group of people in need of significant aid and major legislation.

It’s a heartbreaking truth more citizens need to be made aware of.

Veterans Day is a national observance of the sacrifices of Americans who have served us in various branches of the military.

Nearly 30 percent of Vietnam veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of battle. Approximately 15 percent of veterans from the Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan wars are burdened with mental health issues ranging from PTSD, anxiety and panic attacks.

The effects of PTSD are not apparent to those who don’t see

the night sweats, nightmares, insomnia, mood swings and hyper awareness that come from being in a combat zone.

While there are many men and women who return home and are able to assimilate back into society.

There are many veterans who return with debilitating physical and mental ailments and left to fend for themselves.

These mental and physical disorders often result in veterans being discharged less than honorably and denied the benefits that would assist in their transition back to civilian life.

It has only been in recent years that the Veterans Administration has acknowledged long-term mental disorders like PTSD, as legitimate medical disabilities for soldiers The red tape that these service men and women go through to get their benefits and access to doctors, in essence can turn proud soldiers into beggars to their own government.

This demoralizing process not only affects the vets, but their loved ones as well.

The burden of fighting wars is

falling on fewer shoulders and civilians are becoming increasingly unaware of the struggle that returning veterans may face once they return from combat situations.

Less than 1 percent of Americans have served in the post 9/11-era military, compared to the 9 percent who were enlisted at the height of World War II. With a lack of political accountability and public ignorance to the mental and physical toll veterans may face, it is little wonder that they may feel isolated in their own communities.

During the recent government shutdown, the Citrus College Veterans Center stepped up and came to the aid of the student veterans whose checks were delayed.

They along with Young Americans for Liberty and student trustee Mariana Vega sponsored an emergency food drive and gas card donation drive.

This gesture on behalf of student veterans is a truly commendable act of compassion that needs to be amplified throughout communities nationwide.

The Salute to Veterans that is set to take place in the Campus Center

Mall on Nov. 7 is an annual event and long held tradition on campus for students and members of the community to pay respect to men and women of the armed forces.

Being a veteran in America is not an easy road for the ones who need help the most. They fight our wars and come home to see their personal battles lost to bureaucracy and apathy.

Soldiers and their families have made a great commitment and the hardest sacrifice to this country.

The fighting spirit and inspiring courage of our veterans and families cannot be broken by neglect or by lack of accountability; those traits come from the heart and show tremendous character.

Though not all veterans have seen war, a common bond they share is their pledge to defend this nation. All they have asked in return is to be taken care of by the very government who sent them into harm’s way.

No government law can make citizens care, true reform for veterans must come from the community, and it starts with recognizing and respecting their sacrifice.

Timely alert, protect yourself W ith winter approaching the days are getting shorter. The growing of longer nights provides criminals with cover.

Studies show there is a 7 percent increase in crimes once daylight savings time ends.

In order for students to stay safe it is imperative to increase awareness this time of year.

Citrus College Campus Safety is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Unfortunately, they cannot be everywhere all the time.

It is important that we take part in preventing crime on campus.

Citrus College is a safe environment but the potential for danger is undeniable.

If you check your student email, you may have noticed a number of alert messages from Campus Safety regarding recent incidents that have occurred on or near campus.

These crimes range from indecent exposure to a student being robbed at knife point.

Although we do appreciate email alerts, they can do little to prevent these incidents.

Morning is the most challenging time to find parking. It is not uncommon to have to park a distance away. As spaces become available throughout the day, you can move your car in closer between classes, to avoid walking farther.

Unfortunately, crimes can occur anywhere, at anytime, from the restrooms to the library.

Citrus keeps lighting across campus and parking lots to a minimum to reduce costs. But this provides the perfect conditions for criminal activity. Motion detecting lights would be a reasonable compromise.

Motion detectors would be especially helpful on the corners of

buildings and inside long corridors and dark stairwells.

Surveillance cameras should be increased. With the recent assault in the Hayden Memorial Library, Citrus is taking the initiative and installing cameras in the library.

But what about the other 43 buildings on campus? Even just one visible camera in a building may be enough to deter an assailant.

There are many things Citrus can do to improve campus safety, but for immediate action, we can only depend on ourselves.

Walk with a friend whenever possible. Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid dark areas as much as possible and above all, stay alert.

Campus Safety’s phone number is (626) 914-8611. Save it into your cellphone for easy access.

Managing Editor Jessica Soto Art Director Christian Rodriguez Photo Editor Jessica Soto 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 Anthony Ahumada Photographers Evan Solano Dillon Cooper Jessica Soto Ryan Salwak Nicole Taylor Christian Rodriguez Advisers Margaret O’Neil Stacy K. Long Page Designers Delacey Foster Anne Marie Miranda Melanie Gudino Ryan Salwak Monique Harris Anthony Ahumada Scott Lewis Mercedes DeGuchy 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.

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OPINION

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

15

Don’t hit that ‘send’ button yet angry and wants revenge.

If you’ve heard about California’s new “revenge porn” law and you think that you can prosecute someone for posting your nude photo online or sharing it with others, think again.

The new law does not cover photos that you took of yourself, only those taken by someone else, and only if you can prove that you did not agree to have it posted.

Social media sites are well known as forums for people to state their opinions and keep in touch with friends and family.

However, future prospects in the dating world may look up social media sites to determine the character of someone they think they might want to date or marry.

Facebook and Instagram are now also “go to” places for employers to check out back stories and lifestyles of job applicants.

It is time that we stop expecting the law to protect us from our own stupid choices.

It is time that we acknowledge the reality, information posted on the Internet is permanent. This information can harm us now and later.

By Melissa Broooks

Staff Writer • mbrooks@ccclarion.com

N

ext time you are about to send or post a photo of yourself, think first.

Be sure that you want that photo of yourself to forever hangout in cyberspace, and be prepared for anyone, or everyone, to see it.

If you have ever emailed, texted, or posted a photo or video of yourself that you wouldn’t want your parents, transfer counselor or future employer to see, you are not alone.

In a world where the decision to “send” or “delete” happens in a nanosecond, it is easy to forget or to ignore the fact that once we hit “send,” we can never truly “delete.”

Once a photo is hurled into cyberspace, we can never be sure it won’t show up later to haunt us.

We CAN be sure it is out there forever.

If you are about to send a nude, or partly nude photo to someone special –- maybe even someone you love stop. Think about what may happen later if that person is

Nothing comes to those who wait

By Evan Solano

Editor-in-Chief • esolano@ccclarion.com

F

or college students, the struggle to find a job is stressful enough. From an early age we are told to find the job that we love and to follow our dreams and passions However, the things we want most in life never come easy.

As a child I was never really told about the hardships or the struggle that would come with following my passions.

I always looked to my mother as someone who knew what she wanted in life and sought to get it. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be an educator, and worked and sacrificed to eventually become an elementary school principal, where she worked more than 30 years doing a job she loved everyday.

I always felt that sense of purpose and direction must have skipped a generation. Growing up, I couldn’t have been more confused about what I was supposed to be. I never had the passion to become an astronaut or a firefighter.

It wasn’t until I came back to college and started taking journalism classes that a career path started to open up for me, and I found myself not only envisioning a job doing something I loved, but just being at school and applying myself I realized that I am moving towards achieving that goal.

I am 28 years old and it seriously took me all my life to reach this point.

It seems like younger generations of students are raised with a sense of entitlement that the road to a career will be laid out for them.

But students need to be told of the realities of the job market, for a lot of us we will struggle to finally be where we want to be.

There is no success without sacrifice. There is no shortcut or easy way. What separates those who are willing to accept what life offers and those who control their destiny is perseverance.

It is our struggles that define us, that help mold us and shape us. It is typically through moments of hardship that the character and willpower of an individual shows.

If you want it, prove it.

Life is not your friend, it is an apathetic force that will benefit some and cast aside others.

If you want what you feel you truly deserve, it is up to you to achieve it.

We have grown up with the “if you can dream it, you can do it” jargon all our lives. But life happens to all of us, for some we have to balance our passion with our priorities.

When all you have is blind passion for something, it is sometimes hard to figure out how to achieve it.

Sometimes we see other people who we feel have “made it” in life and we often believe that somehow they were born that way, but no one of prominence in any field got to where they are by luck.

It’s the belief that you can do whatever passion is in your heart better than anyone else that dreams come to fruition.

There will be struggle, family and friends will fall by the wayside. You will make some money and lose twice as much. For every step forward, you will take three steps back.

But it is not the prize at the end that really matters. It’s the experience you learn along your journey that makes the prize that much better.

Knowing that you gave it your all makes those moments of desperation and lonely nights worth it. It is what separates those who

work out of love, and those who live for money.

There is an old proverb that says the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

It is not enough to wish for the journey, it is always important to have aspirations and dreams, but we need to do more than just wish.

Go out and find your direction – start stepping.

The Internet is not a safe place where we can express everything about ourselves, including our nude photos, details of our personal lives, and even the route we jog every morning. How many news stories do we need to read about people who have lost elections, scholarships, or their reputations because of the stupid things they have thoughtlessly and impetuously texted or tweeted?

We have all heard and seen enough examples of “what not to do.”

We are adults.

We should be able to learn from the mistakes of others. We should not need to learn the hard way.

The Internet is great technology, a tool that enhances our lives, increases our productivity, and provides endless hours of readily available entertainment.

Computers and smartphones make the internet a tool we can use almost anywhere, anytime.

But we must not forget to use our most useful, readily available, and trustworthy tool of all – our brain.

16

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

CAMPUS

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

FALL FEST TAKES OVER

By Anne Marie Miranda Staff Writer • amiranda@ccclarion.com

F

all Fest 2013 sponsored by the Associated Students of Citrus College featured an array of “fangtastic” festivities in the Campus Center Mall during Oct. 29-31.

The event was not only to capture the spirit of Halloween but also to promote the clubs on campus.

On Oct. 29 the students honored Dia de los Muertos. This significant cultural holiday marks a day to honor and remember friends and family members who have died.

Students, created altars in remembrance of their loved ones as well as the consumption of traditional Mexican food.

Festivities included Aztec dancers, mariachis, face painting and three types of tacos, with churros for dessert. This celebration captured the true spirit of the Day of the Dead and the importance of remembering those we have lost but who are never forgotten.

“I thought Fall Fest was good

but I think we can do better next year. We need to advertise it more and make it a lot bigger than it was,” said ASCC Treasurer Carlos De La Torre, 19, business major.

On Oct. 30, Michael Mezmer captivated the audience with his hypnosis act in which he chose students from the audience and sent them into a trance by completely releasing them from any conscious thought using a hypnotic spiral.

Students danced like Shakira, played pretend instruments and laughed uncontrollably at nothing. When brought back from the trance, students were completely oblivious to their actions.

“I have to say my favorite part of Fall Fest was the Trick-ortreating for the club booths. It helped to bring out the faces of both the students and the clubs, it helps make more of a connection between the two,” said the President of ASCC Tyler Hernandez, 19, political science major.

Following Michael Mezmer was a workshop by Christopher Allan Poe, a fifth generation descendent of the author Edgar Allan Poe, who taught the audi-

ence the five steps of making a story scary. The steps included: making the reader care about the protagonist by creating holes in their lives, making setting a priority, giving the antagonist an evil purpose, to be as unexpected as possible and to take away all the protagonists advantages.

On Halloween day events included trickor-treating, a free photo booth, a D.J, food sales and the Citrus College Cosmetology’s “Cosmos Most Haunted Hair Show” that showed the talents of the cosmetology department.

“My favorite part of Fall Fest was the free candy, everywhere! Its all about that candy,” said student trustee Mariana Vega, 20, political science major.

Thanks to ASCC, Fall Fest was a ghoulishly amusing celebration and captured the essence of Halloween.

Photos by Anne Marie Miranda, Nicole Taylor and Christian Rodriguez